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 John 13:18-14:21 - Serve Humbly

        Jesus wanted His men to believe.  He told the disciples that He would die after He was betrayed and that He was going away.  They would soon find out that was so cruelly true.  The Romans were as good at executions as the Jewish leaders were at deception.

        God speaks to each of us today.  It’s true.  God wants us to use our God-given volition, reason, and will to truly believe Jesus is the Messiah.  He is the Rescuer who takes away our sins and gives us new life.  You may say, ‘Yawn, I don’t care.'  But God persuades for a reason.  He loves us and wants to make His home with us.  He desires to do life with us.  It’s God's way.

        Jesus in this famous parting scene with His men deliberately washed their feet.  And He solemnly challenged and encouraged them.  He said, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.  Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35).  That’s our commandment as well!

It’s okay.  God knows we have doubts.  God is so good that He graciously calls us to Him daily for love, grace, comfort, friendship, and family responsibilities.  If you know the Son you know the Father; and He is the loving Father.

Jesus is not here.  He is in heaven reigning, ruling, preparing, and doing what only God can do.  With trepidation and reverent fear, I'm looking forward to eternity.

        Today is a day for Kingdom building.  Jesus didn’t leave His children as orphans.  We shall not wander aimlessly with no love and no guidance.  On the contrary, we have a clear command from God to love each other and prove to the world through the guidance and grace of the Advocate that we are His disciples.

Believe in Jesus today.  If you’ve tasted His goodness, grace, and forgiveness then believe.  Believe because you’ve seen His goodness in what He has created and you’ve heard of His promise of life to come.

Humbly believe that God means it when he says this, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” (14:12-14).

It is a glorious day to be a Christian.  A time for responsibility.  You tell me.  Is this not the best and toughest truth of our faith: “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them” (14:21).  This is clearly not ‘easy Christianese.’  It is certainly not legalism nor celebrity cult worship where the so-called pastor is the ‘main attraction.’  God forgive us for the idols we’ve made and the monsters we’ve suffered.  Jesus calls us to know Him and love Him.  

So what to do?  Accept Jesus' commandments.  Obey Jesus's commandments.  When we love each other, being churchmen rather than being worldy, it is then we bring glory to the Father through the Son.

        If we do not love God in faith and obedient action God will not make His home with us (14:23).  We lead with humility because of our fear of God and our confidence in Him.  Jesus alone opens and closes doors, teaches, gives, disciplines, reveals, and graciously restores.  I pray this morning that Jesus blesses you beyond measure.  I hope and pray you are encouraged and motivated to love God more and to serve Him well.

Let Jesus’ commands be our mindset today.  He sees all and knows all.  We are good fibbers, but not so good that God doesn’t know our every thought and motive.  Jesus wants us to succeed.  He alone is the one who can say “Well done my good and faithful servants.”  That is not for me to say.  Nor you.  But we can encourage each other that God yearns to have a deep relationship with us and to say 'well done' to us on the day of His return.

Believe.  Truly believe in Jesus.

Jesus, may we hear You clearly today, understand Your commands, and humbly serve.  All praise and glory to You alone.  Amen.


Sam fishing in the James.

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