Jesus, Hold me Together

Fairly recently, I heard a message illustrating Christ's cohesive nature as the protein molecule Laminin. In simplicity it is the fundamental protein created to hold most cells, tissue, and organs together. It is much like cellular glue. It's chemical makeup resembles a cross. Louie Giglio used it to illustrate the function of Jesus in unifying believers, but also in simply holding together creation. He came under criticism by Dr. Purdom with Answers in Genesis. I understand her criticism. She believes it to be demeaning to God, the Creator, for believers to use something created to express His divine nature. While this seems rational, I strongly disagree with her statement. Truthfully, I believe the spirit behind her statement was that of contention.

Louie Giglio's message has been well accepted, and in fact changed lives, and brought the truth of the Gospel near hearts. While I respect the work of Answers in Genesis it is my firm belief that edifying and building up the body through encouraging "competing" ministries would be much more beneficial for spreading the pure Gospel.

Now that I have opened a can of worms, I would like to share something that has absolutely nothing to do with Laminin, Louie Giglio, or Answers in Genesis. I just wanted to bore you to death by sounding like I knew something clever. I, in fact, know nothing at all! All I know is 'Jesus Crucified', and He is alive. Do I really care about what Dr. Purdom or Answers in Genesis has to say about others in the body of Christ? Not at all. Truthfully, the laminin molecule is pretty neat. I did get goose bumps listening to Louie's message. God is above all things, and will use all things. I do not discredit what Louie shared. I think it was fabulous. His point was simple, Jesus not only has the whole world in His hands. Jesus, the Gospel holds all of creation together. I get excited when I think about that. But why? Because Jesus holds me together. That is why I do not care to hear Dr. Purdom's criticism of his message and ideas. Yes, she is entitled to her own opinion. But believe me, Dr. Purdom, with all due respect, I do think Jesus, God Himself is quite big enough to not take offense to Louie's illustration. I know my personal Jesus would honestly think Louie's idea to be incredibly neat.

"Jesus, hold me together!" Last night I had a conversation with a sweet friend about the pure essence of the Gospel, Jesus. Jesus is the Gospel. It is the Gospel which holds me together, keeps my heart steady. Jesus holds me together. Without the pure essence of the Gospel, the Word of God, Jesus, I would be falling apart. It is a complete mystery that I am where I am in my life and doing as well as I am at this moment. I am a single mother of six fantastic children under the age of 9. Not only are we surviving, we are thriving! My Jesus is holding me together. Not only are we breathing we are singing! My Jesus is holding me together. Not only are we moving we are dancing! Because, why? My Jesus is holding me together. Without His Word in my life, without the Gospel in my life I would be dead. To me death is surviving, barely breathing, and simply moving when I could be dancing! My Jesus is holding me together.

One of my favorite Psalms is 73. I was reminded of verses 23-28.

25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish;
You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,
That I may declare all Your works.

Without my Jesus, I would perish. Without the Gospel, I would starve to death. Jesus speaks the truth when He said, "Eat of me. For I am the bread of life." The Gospel is the LIFE of Christ. The Gospel is the very bread of LIFE. The Gospel is Jesus. He is my portion. He holds me together, and sustains my life. He strengthens me. Without Him, I would be dead. I am a single mother of six under age nine. I would be perishing, starving, dying.

I cry, "Jesus, hold me together." Does my Jesus have an answer? Does the Gospel give any riposte? His comeback is always, "Trust me." Is the Man wrapped in the Gospel trustworthy? I have found Him to be more than faithful because He has held me together with His everlasting kindness and love. There is no other hope but the Gospel Man, Jesus.

Psalms 33:18-22

18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope in His mercy,
19 To deliver their soul from death,
And to keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name.
22 Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.

Dear friends, it is a mystery that the children and I are doing well. Simply, Jesus holds me together. Dr. Purdom, with all due respect, I completely disagree with your heart felt criticism. If God can use a little molecule to illustrate His life giving nature, sustaining grace, who are we to argue with Him?

If you are interested, this is a clip from Louie's message.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4