Come and See: Light in the Midst of Ruin

Introduction:

Today's sermon, shared by Pastor Elisha, is titled "Come and See: Light in the Midst of Rain". He invites us to come and see Jesus, not just as a distant figure or a religious symbol, but as the living, transformative Savior. The world we live in is broken, filled with injustice, suffering, and unrest. We see headlines that make our hearts heavy and leave us questioning, "Where is God in all of this?" But Jesus invites us to see with His eyes—eyes that not only see the darkness but also see the possibility of redemption and healing. He calls us to step into the story of transformation, to allow His truth to confront us, and to respond with action.

Key Points:

• The Darkness of the World:

  • We live in a world filled with violence, injustice, and moral failure. The news headlines are full of tragic events—crimes, abuse, bullying, wars, and more. These situations can make us angry, upset, and disillusioned, but Jesus invites us to look at these problems through His eyes.

  • As we see the brokenness around us, we must ask ourselves: What are we doing about it? Are we just condemning others, or are we actively participating in bringing about change?

• The Invitation to See Through Jesus’ Eyes:

  • Jesus does not call us to passive observation. He calls us to see the world through His perspective: as the healer and justifier (Mark 2:17), the redeemer of broken lives. In the midst of the darkness, we are called to bring healing, not just judgment.

  • Seeing the world through Jesus’ eyes means responding with compassion and action. We are to be salt and light, actively engaging in the healing of our communities, families, and workplaces.

• The Call to Stop Living for Ourselves:

  • Many of us live with a mindset of self-preservation—seeking comfort, avoiding conflict, and prioritizing our own needs. But the message of the cross calls us to something greater. We cannot remain complacent, living in pride, self-righteousness, or spiritual apathy.

  • Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” is not just a call to observe; it’s a call to transformation. We are called to live differently, to take action, and to actively participate in the redemption of the world around us.

• Jesus as the Answer to Our Brokenness:

  • The darkness and suffering in the world are overwhelming, but Jesus brings the answer. In John 16:33, Jesus promises, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This is not a passive statement—it is a declaration of victory. Jesus has already conquered the power of sin, death, and evil, and He invites us to live in that victory.

  • As we encounter Jesus, He empowers us to confront the brokenness of the world, not with judgment or hopelessness, but with the hope of redemption and the power to make a difference.

• Living Out the Gospel in a Broken World:

  • To truly follow Jesus, we must live out His teachings and the gospel message in our daily lives. This means not just attending church or offering empty prayers, but actively engaging with the world around us—whether it's in our families, workplaces, or communities.

  • The gospel calls us to pursue justice, show mercy, and work towards healing. We are called to confront our own sin and pride, to stop living self-centered lives, and to be agents of change in the world.

• The Importance of Surrender and Action:

  • Jesus doesn’t just want our words; He wants our hearts and our actions. When we come to Him, we are invited to surrender our own agendas and desires. This means turning aside from our distractions, repenting of our complacency, and seeking His will above all else.

  • This is a call to action: to participate in the work of God, to bring His kingdom to earth through our lives, and to be bold in proclaiming His message of hope and healing to a broken world.

Conclusion:

Jesus invites us to come and see—to encounter Him not just as a figure in history but as the living Savior who transforms lives. In a world filled with suffering and darkness, He calls us to see through His eyes and respond with compassion and action. The question is: will we continue to live for ourselves, or will we heed His call to be salt and light in a hurting world? As we reflect on the brokenness around us, let us not remain passive or complacent. Instead, let us respond to the invitation of Jesus, surrendering our lives to His mission and participating in the redemption of the world. This is not just a message; it’s a call to action, to live out the gospel and to be part of the change that Jesus brings.

As we close, let us ask ourselves: What are we doing about the brokenness we see around us? Jesus has overcome the world, and He calls us to live in that victory, to bring healing, and to offer hope. Let this be a turning point in our hearts—today, let us make the decision to follow Jesus fully, surrendering our lives to Him and His mission.