The Black Hole

Sin is a nebulous thing. We know it exists. There is evidence all around us but often we cannot see it - at least in ourselves. It is just a part of who we are and what we do. But it is in us to be sure; it's biggest proponent, Satan, likes to lurk in the shadows. Sin is like a black hole; a whirlpool of death where things go in but they never come out.

Black holes are thought to "eat" everything around them. They consume entire stars as they get sucked into their murky depths. They destroy.  They literally ARE darkness. Nothing good happens if you get caught in the grip of its pull.

Look at the picture above. Do you see how this black hole looks like a whirlpool? The stars at the outer edges barely know they are in danger. The pull is weak but it is still there. The stars closer to the center are as good as dead. There rapidly increasing journey into darkness is happening quickly. Soon they will be totally dead. Without hope. Without chance of rescue. They are eternally lost; consumed by the darkness that surrounds it. Sad.

Now, let me tell you to Jesus. He is the opposite of a black hole.

"5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." - 1 John 1:5

As I began writing this I was reminded of the story where Jesus walks on the water. Let's read it together and then, as we do so, I will point out a few things that are ALWAYS good to remember.

"22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

"28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus."

Did you catch that? PETER actually walked on water too! But then, just like we ALL do in our "perfect" little lives, we took our eyes of Jesus. And then guess what happens . . .to all of us. We begin to sink.

"30 But when he (Peter) saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

Christians believe in one God, existing in three separate parts - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus WAS a man but He also was fully God at the same time. When Peter began to sink into the depths of the sea Jesus could easily have lifted His hand and placed Peter in the boat through His supernatural power. Yet, Jesus chose to grab Peter physically. Why? To make a point - a better mental image perhaps of someone actually in the act of physically saving someone else.

"31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” = Matthew 14:22-33

Are you sinking in a whirlpool of darkness right now? Are you caught in the grips of the deep, dark, black hole of sin? I am. We ALL are. So how can anyone of us be saved? Well, we must first do what Peter did. Verse 30. When Peter began to sink, "he cried out, 'Lord, save me."

Have you cried out to Jesus? Have you surrendered your life to Him? Or are you going to keep trying to handle things all by yourself? Guess what. You're going to sink into the darkness just like Peter did. And he was one of the disciples!

Jesus has promised to save us. If we would only cry out. We have to ask. Please, ask Him today. Even if you already believe, ask Him again. Please, cry out to Jesus.

Cry Out To Jesus - Third Day