Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 9, 2014
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:26
Following Jesus is much more than just an obedient servant following his master. It is also a rewarding companionship that with time, grows into intimate friendship. The infinite relational scope of our Lord is able to both lead us and walk with us. He doesn’t just tell us what to do. He shows us what to do. Yes, we are needy children of our heavenly Father, but like mature adult children relate to their parents as friends, so as we grow–we become companions of Christ.
Not unlike strong marriages, Christ’s companionship adds an everyday level of enjoyment and commitment. We want to be around those whose company we enjoy. So our journey with Jesus may vary from day to day, week to week, month to month or year to year. In one season He may serve as a seasoned guide who uses His ice pick up our precipitous glacier of pain, providing us one steady step at a time. Other times He walks with us as a confidant, as He helps us process our questions, doubts and fears. Divinely, He can both lead and walk with us at once.
“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).
How does our companionship with Christ influence our friendships? Indeed, the overflow of our friendship with Jesus becomes a conduit for close friendships. When two people who work together both endeavor to seek eternal business outcomes, their bond becomes stronger. They may agree to initiate service projects within the community so team members have a convenient opportunity to radically love people. Or perhaps, work groups are given paid time off, so they can travel overseas to build homes for the poor and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Moreover, how does companionship with Christ invite honor from our heavenly Father? Much like a nation’s commander-in-chief who bestows medals of honor for a serviceman’s bravery, so our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ, honors heroic soldiers of grace. Our companionship with Christ rewards us in this life and in the life to come. He may give us favor with those who hold Christians in contempt. Or, we may enjoy the blessings of good health and a supportive family. Since God honors those who honor His son, we are wise to be comrades of Christ!
“Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit; so he who patiently and faithfully guards and heeds his master shall be honored” (Proverbs 27:18). The Amplified Bible
Prayer: Heavenly Father, what a joy and commitment to be a companion of Your son Jesus and to receive Your honor and blessing.
Related Readings: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 22:5; Luke 19:12-27; 1 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 2:20;
Post/Tweet today: The overflow of our friendship with Jesus becomes a conduit for our close friendships. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: A helpful article on choosing friends: http://abt.cm/1o99wN7
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© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved. www.wisdomhunters.com
