"Hold Me Jesus"

Our faith tells us that Alison has now been healed.

Our faith tells us that the war that raged inside her body for so many years is now over, and she is at peace. But what about her friends and her family, who must go on living? Now, more than ever, they are in need of rest. Now, more than ever, they are now in need of comfort. Now, more than ever, they are now in need of the gentle yoke of Jesus Christ. Now, more than ever, their weary souls need peace. Now more than ever, they need to utter the words of Rich Mullins, “Hold me Jesus, for I’m shaking like a leaf, you have been king of my glory, won’t you be my prince of peace.”

What mountain are you staring at? What mountain are you in the midst of climbing but don’t have the energy? What’s taking place in your life where you need to sit down and say, “Hold me Jesus, for I’m shaking like a leaf, you have been king of my glory, won’t you be my prince of peace.”

What is that makes us so self-sufficient that we refuse to cry out to God and ask him to hold us? What is that makes us so prideful that we refuse to admit we need God’s help? What is it that makes us so stubborn that we refuse to accept the gentle yoke of Jesus Christ?

There’s a story told of the one-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world, Muhammad Ali, flying to one of his engagements. During the flight the aircraft ran into foul weather, and mild to moderate turbulence began to toss it about. The passengers were accordingly instructed to fasten their seatbelts immediately. Everyone complied but Ali. Noticing this, the flight attendant approached him and requested that he observe the captain’s order, only to hear Ali audaciously respond, “Superman don’t need no seatbelt.” The flight attendant didn’t miss a beat and replied, “Superman don’t need no airplane either.”

Too often we take the same approach and the same attitude. I don’t need any help. I can do it on my own. I’m just fine. There were many who lived during the days of Jesus Christ who thought the same thing. They understood how to relate to God. They didn’t want to hear about a new covenant. They already knew about “truth.”

When we’re in the midst of pain and suffering, so much of what causes us hurt, is not understanding. Many times the question we ask is “Why?” The Duprey family has asked that very same question. At a time when their daughter should have been enjoying some of the best years of her life, she was being ushered in and out of hospitals looking for a cure. Why? Alison was dealing with chemotherapy at a time when a young lady should be gaining her independence and loving life. Why? Looking around this room, I doubt anyone here has not felt the painful echo of asking why.

Searching for the truth and seeking answers can be exhausting, which is why Christ beckons each one of us, “Come unto me all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens. I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.”

Children have never been bashful about coming up to mom or dad and saying, “I’m tired, hold me.” Our children teach us a great lesson when they crawl up in our laps, seeking the refuge that comes from being cradled in mom’s arms. We should learn from them, “Hold me Jesus, for I’m shaking like a leaf. You have been king of my glory, won’t you be my prince of peace.”