In May of 2023, the United States Surgeon General issued a report describing the “loneliness epidemic.” It is an epidemic that has affected young people, middle aged adults, and senior adults. It is a struggle for many because we were hard-wired by God for human connections.
Last week we introduced the theme for 2025: Just Jesus.
Jesus is just what we need for the challenges and situations that we will experience this year. Jesus is the answer to our loneliness.
In Mark 10, at the very end of the chapter, we read about a man named Bartimaeus who knew what it was like to be lonely. He was a blind beggar. When he heard Jesus was walking by, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Jesus healed him of his vision, and Bartimaeus began to follow Jesus.
But as he began to follow Jesus, he also joined Jesus’ community of followers. His life was changed by the supremacy of Jesus, and his life was also changed by the community of Jesus.
If you are experiencing loneliness, what you need is Jesus. And with Jesus, you will receive a family as well.
