In John 12:23-26 Christ speaks of His glorification, which one would normally associate with being honored, but then follows that with the example of the kernel of wheat which must die to produce much fruit and continues on to extend that to His followers. While the lessons here are endless, I have but one focus for myself today: dying to self.
Christ’s glorification could come only after He surrendered His personal, human will to that of His Father, completing the task for which He came to earth (John 12:27-28), that of sacrificing Himself for our sins. Only then could come the resurrection, bringing new life for us and setting the stage for His return to glory in Heaven at the right hand of the Father.
In proportion as I submit my personal, human will to the Father, I live my life in Christ (Galatians 2:20), taking on the likeness of His personality, emotions, and will. Only as I yield my will to the Father’s, dying to self, can He mold me into the likeness of Christ and use me to complete the tasks for which He created me.
Do I truly surrender myself to His will on a daily—hourly—minute-by-minute--basis? Am I resisting when He uses people (perhaps those I might not like) and circumstances (perhaps uncomfortable or even hurtful ones) to bring out the life of Christ that is hidden in me? Is my refusal to yield, to become the dying kernel of wheat, keeping my life from being fruitful for the Kingdom? I fear it is so, but it does not have to continue to be so. I have a choice.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for seeking my own will without regard for Your perfect will for me. Honor my desire to please You and to be wholly and completely Yours. Use my life as an instrument of Your love and grace to those you place in my path today. Help me to set self aside, to be ready and willing to take risks for You. I thank You for Your love which sustains me and for Your grace and mercy which free me. Amen.
Showing posts with label John. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John. Show all posts
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
John 11:4
By the time Jesus learned of Lazarus sickness, Lazarus had already died (John 11:14). Yet Jesus spoke and sent a messsge to Mary saying "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (John 11:40 imples that these words were not only spoken, but sent to Mary.) The result would be a revelation of Jesus divine power and God's character, and would bless all who beheld it.
Do I look to God when one of life's trials presents itself, trusting Him to use it so that I might grow and see His glory in some new way (see also Romans 5:3, 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18; James 1:4), understanding that His working and my faith might provide a blessing to someone else, possibly even bringing one to His throne of grace (see also 2 Corinthians 2:14, Philippians 1:12, 13)? Or, forgetting about God's control over all the circumstances of my life, do I grumble and complain, wondering "why me?" Do I fail to trust Him and miss some blessing He has planned for me and others so that someone else receives it?
Lord, ever draw me to You. Forgive me for those times when I complain instead of trusting your care. Give me more faith in You, in your divine omnipotence. I want to trust you with everything and everyone in my life. Help me to look for your glory in every situation. Help me to see the lessons you have for me. Show me how and where I can use circumstances to point others to you, and give me the burning desire and boldness to do so.
Do I look to God when one of life's trials presents itself, trusting Him to use it so that I might grow and see His glory in some new way (see also Romans 5:3, 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18; James 1:4), understanding that His working and my faith might provide a blessing to someone else, possibly even bringing one to His throne of grace (see also 2 Corinthians 2:14, Philippians 1:12, 13)? Or, forgetting about God's control over all the circumstances of my life, do I grumble and complain, wondering "why me?" Do I fail to trust Him and miss some blessing He has planned for me and others so that someone else receives it?
Lord, ever draw me to You. Forgive me for those times when I complain instead of trusting your care. Give me more faith in You, in your divine omnipotence. I want to trust you with everything and everyone in my life. Help me to look for your glory in every situation. Help me to see the lessons you have for me. Show me how and where I can use circumstances to point others to you, and give me the burning desire and boldness to do so.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
John 9. Christ's Compassion for the Man Born Blind
Lesson 1
How compassionate is our Lord. As he leaves the turmoil of the temple (John 8, esp. John 8:59), He sees a man blind from birth..."sees" him...and stops to heal him. His disciples are concerned with theological specilations, but Christ is concerned with the man--his condition and needs--and with meeting his needs and doing His Father's will. He gives the man a physical touch, such a simple thing, but so important, even in the context of giving (not returning) sight. Thank you, Lord, that I am important to you, that you are never too busy for me. You know my hurts and my needs and are always there, reaching out to me.
Do I "see" those around me in need? Do I look to see what the Father would have me do? Or do I go on my way, concerned with my own situation, oblivious to the work I have been given? Oh, I can't meet all needs, but I can and should meet those the Father has prepared me to address in His name. Lord, make me more aware. Open my eyes that are often blind, and give me clear direction, and give me the discipline to act on your behalf. Steer me away from the "good" things I could do that are the enemies of the "best" that you have for me to do (Eph 2:10).
Lesson 2
The man, as would a new Christian be, has little knowledge of who Jesus actually is. As the Pharisees keep questioning him, he tells what he does know, and as he does so is given more knowledge until he boldly stands up to their irrational fury. At that point, he is cast out of the temple, which would leave him ostracized and practically alone in that culture. Jesus learns of this, comes to find him, and reveals Himself to him as "the Son of Man." Christ will always be there for one who testifies; in the midst of any trials, He will provide comfort and encouragement and growth to the one who acknowledges him, and He will "openly acknowledge that person in the presence of God's angels" (Luke 12:8). Thank you, Lord, for your love for us and for your promise to never leave us alone. Thank you for your blessings in times of trial.
The man born blind who was healed did not fear the Pharisees, though they had the power to make his life miserable from an earthly standpoint. He stood his ground and testified to what he knew. The result was more spiritual insight and a closer relationship with Christ. How often have I said nothing when I could have spoken up for my Lord? Father, let me fear failing You more than I fear men. Let me seek to please You rather than those of this world. Again, open my eyes to opportunities to testify of You, and then open my mouth to speak boldly the words Your Spirit will give me. I want to make a difference for You. I want to do Your work. I want my work to last (I Cor. 3:11-15).
How compassionate is our Lord. As he leaves the turmoil of the temple (John 8, esp. John 8:59), He sees a man blind from birth..."sees" him...and stops to heal him. His disciples are concerned with theological specilations, but Christ is concerned with the man--his condition and needs--and with meeting his needs and doing His Father's will. He gives the man a physical touch, such a simple thing, but so important, even in the context of giving (not returning) sight. Thank you, Lord, that I am important to you, that you are never too busy for me. You know my hurts and my needs and are always there, reaching out to me.
Do I "see" those around me in need? Do I look to see what the Father would have me do? Or do I go on my way, concerned with my own situation, oblivious to the work I have been given? Oh, I can't meet all needs, but I can and should meet those the Father has prepared me to address in His name. Lord, make me more aware. Open my eyes that are often blind, and give me clear direction, and give me the discipline to act on your behalf. Steer me away from the "good" things I could do that are the enemies of the "best" that you have for me to do (Eph 2:10).
Lesson 2
The man, as would a new Christian be, has little knowledge of who Jesus actually is. As the Pharisees keep questioning him, he tells what he does know, and as he does so is given more knowledge until he boldly stands up to their irrational fury. At that point, he is cast out of the temple, which would leave him ostracized and practically alone in that culture. Jesus learns of this, comes to find him, and reveals Himself to him as "the Son of Man." Christ will always be there for one who testifies; in the midst of any trials, He will provide comfort and encouragement and growth to the one who acknowledges him, and He will "openly acknowledge that person in the presence of God's angels" (Luke 12:8). Thank you, Lord, for your love for us and for your promise to never leave us alone. Thank you for your blessings in times of trial.
The man born blind who was healed did not fear the Pharisees, though they had the power to make his life miserable from an earthly standpoint. He stood his ground and testified to what he knew. The result was more spiritual insight and a closer relationship with Christ. How often have I said nothing when I could have spoken up for my Lord? Father, let me fear failing You more than I fear men. Let me seek to please You rather than those of this world. Again, open my eyes to opportunities to testify of You, and then open my mouth to speak boldly the words Your Spirit will give me. I want to make a difference for You. I want to do Your work. I want my work to last (I Cor. 3:11-15).
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