If Now We See-Jesse Tracy
Scroll to read a recap of Jesse’s sermon from May 3, 2026
Let’s Break it Down
Serving God requires embracing the servant's heart that Jesus modeled, living not for ourselves but for Him. Waiting for Christ's return gives weight to our choices, hope to our struggles, and purpose to our service, as His appearing means resurrection, accountability, and reward for faithful stewardship.
Key Takeaways
True spiritual sight comes through faith in Christ, demonstrated by believing in Him and worshiping Him
The Christian life is summarized as turning from idols to serve the living God while waiting for Christ's return from heaven
We can fear God while still serving idols by drawing our own moral boundaries instead of fully surrendering to God's holiness
Both obvious sins and 'too many good things' can become idols that draw our strength away from our God-given purpose
Christ's second coming should be our blessed hope and primary motivation for faithful service, not an escape from current responsibilities
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5-Day Devotional
Day 1: From Darkness to Light
Devotional
Imagine living your entire life in darkness, then suddenly seeing light for the first time. This was the reality for the blind man Jesus healed, but his physical healing pointed to something far greater - spiritual sight. When Jesus found him again, the man's response was immediate and transformative: "Lord, I believe." These three simple words marked his transition from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. True spiritual sight isn't about perfect understanding or having all the answers. It begins with faith - a simple declaration of belief in Christ. This moment of faith becomes our first step out of spiritual blindness into the light of God's truth. The blind man didn't hesitate; he believed and immediately worshiped Jesus. Perhaps you've been walking in spiritual darkness, unsure of God's presence or purpose for your life. The invitation is the same today as it was for that blind man. Jesus is still opening eyes and transforming hearts. Your journey from darkness to light can begin with those same three words: "Lord, I believe."
Bible Verse
"Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, 'Do you believe in the Son of Man?' 'Who is he, sir?' the man asked. 'Tell me so that I may believe in him.' Jesus said, 'You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.' Then the man said, 'Lord, I believe,' and he worshiped him." - John 9:35-39
Reflection Question
What areas of your life still feel like they're in darkness, and how might declaring "Lord, I believe" bring light to those places?
Quote
Lord, I believe. And he worshiped him. It's his first step out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of God, the light of the world.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for opening our spiritual eyes to see Your truth. Help us to walk confidently in Your light, trusting in Your goodness even when we don't understand everything.
Day 2: Turning from What Competes
Devotional
The Thessalonian believers experienced a radical transformation that became a model for all Christians. They turned to God from idols - but what does this really mean for us today? Most of us don't bow down to golden statues, yet idolatry remains one of our greatest challenges. Modern idols are often good things that become ultimate things. They're the pursuits, relationships, or achievements we believe will finally make us happy. Career success, family approval, financial security, or even ministry accomplishments can become idols when they compete with our devotion to God. The dangerous middle ground many believers occupy is fearing God while still serving these competing loyalties. The space between God's standards and our personal boundaries often becomes fertile soil for idolatry. We draw lines around what we'll never do, but fail to recognize the subtle competitors for our heart's affection. True transformation requires honest examination of what draws our energy, attention, and hope away from complete trust in God. What good things in your life might be growing so close to your relationship with God that they're actually drawing strength from it?
Bible Verse
"They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." - 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
Reflection Question
What good things in your life might be competing with your devotion to God, and how can you realign your priorities?
Quote
The space between my line and his lines is idolatry. Fertile soil and the things we plant in it are going to bear fruit.
Prayer
Father, reveal to us the subtle idols in our lives that compete for our hearts. Give us courage to turn fully to You, trusting that You alone satisfy our deepest needs.
Day 3: The Servant's Towel
Devotional
Jesus, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, did something shocking before His crucifixion. He wrapped a towel around His waist and washed His disciples' feet - the job of the lowest servant. Then He said something even more remarkable: "If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." This wasn't just a nice gesture; it was a kingdom principle. In God's kingdom, the uniform of authority is a servant's towel. Whether you're leading a ministry, managing a team, or raising children, the call remains the same - serve others as Christ served you. This challenges our natural desire for recognition and position. Serving the living God means embracing this servant's heart in every area of life. It's no longer about living for ourselves but for Christ. When we truly understand that we've been crucified with Christ and He now lives through us, serving others becomes our joy, not our burden. The servant's towel becomes a badge of honor, not humiliation, because we're following in the footsteps of our King.
Bible Verse
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20
Reflection Question
In what relationships or situations is God calling you to pick up the servant's towel and serve others as Christ served you?
Quote
If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, here he is, the Lord of Lord and King of Kings. Before his crucifixion, he puts on the servant's towel to wash the feet of his disciples. And he says, if I've done it, you do it.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for showing us what true leadership looks like through Your servant's heart. Help us to serve others with joy, following Your example of humble love.
Day 4: Living with Eternal Perspective
Devotional
Every time we take communion, we're making a profound declaration: "We proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." This simple phrase captures the tension of Christian living - we remember what Christ has done while eagerly anticipating what He will do. We're not waiting for our disappearing but for His appearing. Christ's return isn't just a distant theological concept; it's mentioned over 300 times in the New Testament because it should shape how we live today. His return means resurrection for believers, accountability for how we've lived, and rewards for faithful stewardship. This hope should motivate us toward zealous good works and wise choices. When we truly grasp that Jesus is coming back, it changes everything. Our daily decisions, relationships, and priorities all take on eternal significance. We're not just passing time until heaven; we're actively preparing for His return through faithful living. This perspective transforms mundane moments into opportunities for kingdom impact and gives meaning to every act of service, every word of encouragement, and every choice to follow Christ rather than our own desires.
Bible Verse
"For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." - 1 Corinthians 11:26
Reflection Question
How would your daily choices change if you truly believed Jesus could return at any moment?
Quote
So we're looking for his appearing, not our disappearing. And if you think about it, they're really two different things.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to live each day with the reality of Your return in mind. May this hope motivate us to faithful service and zealous good works for Your glory.
Day 5: The Complete Gospel Life
Devotional
The Thessalonian believers lived out a beautiful summary of the Christian life: they turned to God from idols, served the living and true God, and waited for His Son from heaven. These three elements work together to create a complete picture of gospel transformation that should characterize every believer's journey. This isn't just a one-time conversion experience but a daily lifestyle. Each day we choose to turn from the things that compete with God, serve Him with our whole hearts, and live in light of Christ's return. When these three elements are present, they create a powerful testimony that impacts not just our own lives but the lives of those around us. Perhaps you've been feeling like your Christian life lacks clarity or direction. These three simple truths provide a framework for evaluating where you are and where God is calling you. Are there idols you need to turn from? How can you serve God more faithfully today? Are you living with the hope and expectation of Christ's return? When we align our lives with these gospel realities, we discover the joy and purpose God intended for His children.
Bible Verse
"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." - Titus 2:11-13
Reflection Question
Which of these three elements - turning from idols, serving God, or waiting for Christ's return - do you most need to focus on in this season of your life?
Quote
This passage provides such simple clarity regarding my life here on earth. What happens? The gospel, what's happening? We turn to God from idols to serve him and we wait for what's going to happen. His Son of God returning.
Prayer
Father, help us to live out the complete gospel life - turning from idols, serving You faithfully, and eagerly awaiting Christ's return. Transform us into the people You've called us to be.