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5 Powerful Truths From Jesus Calling February 17: The Risen One Who Shines Always

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The message of Jesus Calling for February 17 centers on a revolutionary concept: the constant, shining presence of the Risen Christ in the life of the believer. It is a powerful reminder, especially as we move through the current date of December 24, 2025, that our faith is not in a historical figure or a distant deity, but in a "living Deity" who actively engages with us today. This particular devotional challenges readers to shed "idolatrous, man-made image[s]" and embrace a dynamic, personal relationship with Jesus.

The passage, which begins with the words, "I am the Risen One who shines upon you always," serves as a crucial mid-winter spiritual reset. It encourages a shift in focus from clinging to old, familiar religious routines to experiencing the vibrant, ever-present life of the resurrected Savior. This deep call to intimacy is the heart of the devotional series penned by the late Sarah Young, whose powerful legacy continues to impact millions worldwide.

Sarah Young: Biography and Enduring Legacy of the Bestselling Author

The profound impact of the Jesus Calling devotional series is intrinsically linked to the life and spiritual journey of its author, Sarah Young. Her work has become a global phenomenon, offering comfort and daily guidance to countless readers. Understanding her background provides essential context for the messages she channeled, including the one for February 17.

  • Full Name: Sarah Young (née Sarah Jane Kelly)
  • Born: March 15, 1946, in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
  • Died: August 31, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
  • Education: Attended Wellesley College, received a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Central Arkansas, and a master’s degree in counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis.
  • Career: Initially a teacher and counselor. Her primary ministry became devotional writing after the publication of Jesus Calling.
  • Spouse: Stephen Young, a missionary with Mission to the World (MTW).
  • Missionary Work: Sarah and Stephen served as missionaries in Japan, China, and Australia, giving her a global perspective on faith.
  • Bestselling Work: Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (2004), which has sold over 45 million copies worldwide.
  • Writing Style: Wrote the devotionals in the first person, as if Jesus Christ were speaking directly to the reader, based on her own practice of writing in a prayer journal.
  • Recent Legacy Note: Sarah Young passed away in 2023 after a long period of chronic illness, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of faith and comfort through her writings.

The February 17 Devotional: A Call to the Risen Life

The core message of the February 17 passage is an invitation to experience the reality of the resurrection in the present moment. It moves the concept of the Risen Christ from a historical fact celebrated only at Easter to a daily, personal truth. The devotional text is a powerful declaration of Christ’s enduring presence and power.

The central affirmation—"I am the Risen One who shines upon you always"—is more than a comforting thought; it is a foundational theological statement. The light that shines upon the reader is the glory and life of the resurrected Savior, which is meant to permeate every aspect of their existence. This theme provides a strong counterpoint to the spiritual stagnation that can occur when faith becomes merely a set of rules or traditions.

1. Rejecting the "Idolatrous, Man-Made Image"

One of the most challenging and critical parts of this devotional is the contrast it draws between a "living Deity" and an "idolatrous, man-made image." This is not just a warning against literal idols, but a subtle yet profound critique of how we often perceive and relate to God. The "man-made image" can take many forms:

  • God as a Judge: A rigid, distant figure focused only on punishment, rather than a loving Father.
  • God as a Rule-Book: Reducing faith to a checklist of dos and don'ts, missing the heart of the relationship.
  • God as a Genie: Viewing God as a means to an end, only there to grant wishes and solve problems.
  • God of the Past: Clinging to an old, familiar way of relating to God that is no longer fresh or alive.

The February 17 message urges the reader to dismantle these self-constructed images and encounter the true, dynamic, and living God who is constantly shining on them. This act of spiritual deconstruction is necessary to move into a deeper, more authentic faith experience.

2. The Priority of a Living Relationship

The devotional explicitly states that "Your relationship with Me is meant to be..." This phrase underscores the intentionality of God in seeking a personal, intimate connection. The word "relationship" itself is a key entity in understanding the *Jesus Calling* approach. It moves beyond institutional religion to emphasize daily communion, *personal reflection*, and a continuous dialogue with the divine.

This living relationship is characterized by several key elements:

  • Continuous Communication: Not just formal prayer, but a moment-by-moment awareness of God's presence.
  • Mutual Trust: Relying on the *Risen One* for strength and guidance in all circumstances.
  • Spiritual Growth: The relationship is not static; it is meant to evolve and deepen over time, moving the believer away from spiritual immaturity and into the fullness of Christ.

Practical Steps to Embrace the February 17 Message

How can a reader practically apply the powerful truths of the February 17 devotional? The message of the *Risen One* requires an active response, a shift in daily habits and mental focus. This is where the concept of *topical authority* in the Christian life—the mastery of spiritual disciplines—comes into play.

3. Focusing on the Risen One's Light, Not Your Shadow

When the devotional says "I am the Risen One who shines upon you always," it provides a profound metaphor for overcoming personal darkness, fear, and doubt. The light of Christ is constant, even when the reader feels they are walking through a shadow. The human tendency is to focus on the shadow—the anxiety, the past failure, the current struggle—instead of the light source.

The practical application is a conscious choice to redirect focus. When anxiety or fear arises, the reader is encouraged to immediately recall the truth of the *Risen One's* constant light. This technique, often used in *daily devotional* practice, helps to re-wire destructive thought patterns and replace them with the assurance of God's presence and victory.

4. Daily Engagement with the Corresponding Bible Verses

While *Jesus Calling* is written in the voice of Christ, Sarah Young always linked her messages to specific Scripture passages to ensure biblical grounding. Although the exact *Bible verses* are not always printed with the devotional, they are an essential part of the message's *topical authority*. Common themes related to "The Risen One" and "living relationship" often point to New Testament entities such as:

  • John 14:6: Jesus as "the way, the truth, and the life," emphasizing the living nature of the relationship.
  • Romans 8:11: The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwelling in the believer.
  • Colossians 3:1-2: Setting our hearts on things above, where Christ is, reflecting the Risen Life.
  • 1 John 4:16: God is love, and those who live in love live in God, and God in them.

To deepen the experience of the February 17 message, readers are encouraged to look up and meditate on the *Scripture references* provided in their specific edition of the *Jesus Calling* book.

5. Embracing the New Life Over the Old Ways

The message of the *Risen One* is inherently about newness and transformation. It is a powerful antidote to spiritual weariness. The devotional subtly encourages the reader to let go of "old ways" of thinking, praying, and living that no longer serve the purpose of a *living relationship*. This involves a willingness to be continuously renewed by the Holy Spirit.

The legacy of Sarah Young, who dedicated her life to sharing this message of deep, personal connection, serves as a testament to its power. The February 17 message is a yearly invitation to step out of the shadow of a rigid, *man-made image* of faith and into the brilliant, life-giving light of the *Risen One* who shines upon you always.

jesus calling february 17
jesus calling february 17

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