Our home phone system is a landline (Definition: “A non-mobile unit that only allows people to talk with one another, often relegated to senior citizens.”). It features a voicemail system with my prerecorded greeting. After the usual apology for not being available, I quote John 14:6: “The Lord Jesus Christ said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes unto the Father but by me.’” Then cometh the beep.
Serious callers wait for the beep and leave their message. We can tell when a caller is not serious or eager to talk with us because at the mention of “the Lord Jesus Christ,” the line goes dead. Someone has hung up on Jesus.
We have just exited the only holiday that actually has Christ’s name attached to it. It is the most popular of Western holidays, whose purpose is to celebrate the birth of the Messiah. From behind the sales, Santas, snowmen, and sleigh bells, the Birthday Boy calls to each of us. Holiday reveler, will you hang up on Jesus?
Jesus calls to people who weary themselves with religious rituals and efforts to please God but find no satisfaction or relief from the guilt of sin. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, ESV). Laborer, will you hang up on Jesus?
Jesus was often at odds with the religious leaders of his day, who thought they were righteous enough for God. They criticized Christ for hanging around with sinners. His answer summed up his mission: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31–32, ESV). Sinner, please don’t hang up on Jesus! Heed his call to repentance!
To what does Jesus call? Hear Peter at Pentecost: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:38–39, ESV). Jesus calls sinners to receive forgiveness and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Listener, please don’t hang up on Jesus!
One of our phone’s luxury features is caller ID. We can see who is calling or who has called, which determines if and when we answer or return the call. Of course, modern technology enables fraudulent callers to conceal their true identities for nefarious purposes. It can be hard to identify the one who calls in truth. How do we know it’s Jesus calling?
When Jesus asked if his disciples would desert him, “Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’” (John 6:68, ESV). Jesus alone offers eternal life. Jesus was affirmed by God Himself: “‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him’” (Matthew 17:5, ESV).
If you have answered the call of Jesus, you are called to follow him. “‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me’” (John 10:27, ESV). Christian, stay on the line and follow the Good Shepherd closely!
Jesus will never hang up on you! “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13, KJV). “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37, ESV).
Listen in on the party line: “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price” (Revelation 22:17, ESV).
Why would you want to hang up on Jesus? Listen to the entire message today, and get hung up on Jesus!
This is a contributed opinion columns. Alan Allegra is a freelance devotional and Bible study author, and L.I.F.E. Group Coordinator for First Baptist Church, Allentown. He and his wife, Lynda, reside in Hanover Township, Northampton County. alan.allegra@gmail.com
