Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 9, 2013
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
Fans of Jesus stay a safe distance away as observers. Followers of Jesus engage up close as servants. Fans have fun at a Christian concert, but go on living for this life. Followers have fun at a Christian concert, but go on living for the life to come. Fans obsess over anxious thoughts. What if I lose my job? What if I lose my health? What if I lose my house? Followers rest in being with Jesus. They remain faithful where the Lord calls them to serve. They follow by faith.
A fan of Jesus is emotionally whiplashed by life’s ups and downs. Their joy and peace rises and falls like the peaks and valleys of a stock market pricing chart. Similar to the double minded they are unstable in their faith commitment. If things go well, they are well. If things go bad, they are bad. Their spiritual voice grows hoarse cheering on other Christ followers who sacrifice all, but they don’t plan to give up very much for God. Fans are comfortable as spectators not servants.
If you care for your orchard, you’ll enjoy its fruit; if you honor your boss, you’ll be honored. Proverbs 27:18, The Message
As a follower of Jesus you see Him as your Savior and Master. You don’t passively watch Him work like you would an entertaining show, rather you actively roll up your sleeves and serve with Him as the Spirit leads. Beautifully and generously, the Lord invites you to enjoy the fruit of your labor. Years of sowing Biblical teaching into the heart of your child will grow a harvest of humility, love and laughter. What you give up for God, you get back bountifully from God.
Furthermore, your Heavenly Father honors you when you follow and serve Him. Your fidelity of faith in Jesus is not mist on a mirror that quickly melts away. Instead, it is the continual flow of living water from your heart that bubbles out of your love relationship with the Lord. Your Heavenly Father honors those who honor Him with His abundant grace. He owns you, because He bought you with the blood of His son Jesus. The One who gave His all deserves your all!
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. Revelation 17:14
Prayer: Heavenly Father, my heart’s desire is to be an engaged follower of Yours who serves where You want me to serve.
Related Readings: Matthew 10:39; Mark 8:35; Luke 19:12-27; John 17:24; Colossians 3:1-2
Post/Tweet this today: What you give up for God you get back bountifully from God. #fanorfollower
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