Looking Unto Jesus

Mar 29, 2024 | by Diana Wade

There is a song that I wrote in 1976. At that time, I was working as a counselor in Juvenile Court. I was also expecting a baby, and some things in the world around me did not look promising. It’s called “A Song About Peace”, and following are some of the lyrics:

          “Everyday I hear people speak of wars and hate and strife

          And they tell me there’s no peace in this life.

          Well I’m acquainted with a Man, He’s the Man from Galilee,

          and His words keep ringing out eternally…

          He said, ‘My peace I leave you, your burdens I will bear,

          just cast your care on Me day by day.

          I’ll be your Saviour, your Healer, your soon coming King,

          And yesterday, and today, tomorrow, and all the way,

          Forever, My Word will be the same.’”

That was 48 years ago, and we don’t have to look far to see there is still war, hate, and strife in this world. Have you ever been rejected, humiliated, lied about, or abandoned? Have you ever had a “friend” who was with you for years, and one day they just didn’t return your calls? Many of those things have happened to me. It hurts when you have done things with integrity, and people spread rumors and gossip about you. (I am not referring to any of you—these are long ago happenings in my life).

Let’s look to Jesus. One day He was praying over Jerusalem, and He said this,

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!”

Jesus is our example in all things. Hebrews 12:2 tells us we are “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the JOY that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

If we have made Jesus the Lord of our lives, we are part of that joy—part of a great family. All the things Jesus endured make it easier to understand what Peter meant in I Peter 5:7 when he said, “Casting the whole of your care [all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” Amplified Classic That’s part of the Good News of the cross!

Learning that there are many types of people in your life is a good thing. There are genuine people, and there can be those who are not. John 16:13 tells us that the Holy Spirit will “guide you into all truth, for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to come”. It’s all part of walking in faith and listening to God’s voice.

Matthew 26 tells us what was in the heart of Judas and that Jesus knew it. Judas had walked with Jesus, heard Him teach, seen great miracles, eaten the Passover meal with Him and let Him wash his feet, but evil entered his heart. Even with all that followed his betrayal, Jesus still prayed, “…Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

Today is Good Friday, and this weekend we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and all He provided for us on the cross. What Good News He gave to the generations that followed His life on earth!!! You and I are part of that and, when people disappoint us, we can cast our care on the One who understands every disappointment, hurt, and loss in our lives. Remember: HE IS RISEN!

Have a tremendously blessed day IN HIM! He loves you with a great love.

I love you too,

Pastor Diana