Yesterday the world lost a truly innovative inventor, leader, and visionary. For those of you who love Apple products, you know who I'm talking about, Steve Jobs. When I saw the paper announcing his death this morning my heart sank for two reasons. First, I worry about whether Apple will be able to continue to create excellent and innovative products with Steve Jobs gone. Second, and more importantly, my heart hoped that Steve Jobs knew Jesus Christ when he died. Upon reading the article on his death, I discovered that he in fact was not a Christian but a Buddhist. My flesh mourned for the loss of a man who has transformed the digital world we live in and my soul mourned for another lost soul for the kingdom.
In the next few days, weeks, months, and possibly years the world will lift up the many accomplishments and innovations that Steve Jobs amassed in his lifetime. He will be remembered as the father of Apple, the father of the iPod, the Father of iTunes, a corporate hero, the modern day Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, and much more. Unfortunately though, He will not be remembered as a follower of Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." By Jesus' own words, none of Steve Jobs accomplishments will matter one iota at the doorstep of Heaven. The only thing that will matter is whether Jesus knew and had an intimate relationship with Steve.
The only reason I am writing this blog is because we have to remember each day that no matter how many accomplishments a man has amassed in this world, he can never walk through the gates of heaven without knowing Jesus. We want so badly for the good and nice people around us to somehow make it into heaven without us necessarily having to tell them. Many of us secretly hope we are wrong and that buddhist, muslims, hindus, and everyone else will make it into heaven anyways for just believing in something. The unfortunate and sobering truth is that Jesus professed only one way for someone to get to heaven and that is faith in Him.
We all are human. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We all are unable to save ourself's and there is no way we can ever do enough good to tip the scales in our favor at the Kingdom gate. We all need Jesus, every single one of us. We, who are followers of Jesus, have the one and only truth. We know the Bible supports this claim. We must begin to share our Savior with the world. Peter says in Acts 10:34-35, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right."
We are surrounded by a world who is dying without Jesus Christ. Many have not heard. Many who reject Him are being put on pedestals by the world. Many do not care to know Him. Many have never truly been offered the truth about who He is and what He can do.
We should pray for the family of Steve Jobs. We should pray that they will be comforted and be able to grieve this tragic loss. Most importantly, we should pray that they would learn of the saving grace of Jesus and find full peace in Him. We should pray that the world would realize that the greatest accomplishments of Apple are nothing in comparison to the works of our Savior and God. We should pray that somehow many people could come to know Jesus even through an event such as this. We should pray that Christians hearts would be broken everywhere for the tragedy of another lost soul for Christ and that we will each be compelled to live our lives brightly so no others would fall away without having the opportunity to hear and know Jesus intimately.
We hold the light. We are the salt. We are His beloved. Let's boldly share Him today amidst another loss for the kingdom of Christ!
Blessings,
Greg
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