“Jesus was captivated by one idea—to do the will of His Father.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 23, 2022
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. John 14:21
For many years when asked if I played golf I would enthusiastically say, yes! But what I really meant was, I’m excited about the idea of playing golf, but my reality was I did not have the skills, time or money to play golf. Though I liked being outdoors, walking on beautifully landscaped courses laughing with friends, after years of posing as a golfer I finally was honest with myself and others: Boyd, you are not a golfer, but you can still drive the golf cart! Ha! This experience reminds me of those who say they love the Lord, but do not obey the Lord. Maybe they like the idea of following Jesus but the effort and expense are not worth the lifestyle change.
Jesus was very clear with His disciples, knowing His commands and keeping His commands meant Jesus was in command of their lives. And as these believers in training embraced the love of Jesus, they were invited into the expanded communion of being loved by the Father and the Spirit. What? Yes indeed, the loving intimacy of the Trinity empowers and emboldens Jesus followers to follow through with their commitments. To be Christlike. As we grow in our knowledge of His commands and obey—the Lord says He will show Himself to us. This is love. This is the ultimate intimacy. Being one with the Son, as He is with the Father—unity in love!
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:22-23).
Exhaustion is the fruit of not being your true self. The sideways energy of striving in your own strength. Posers eventually give up and go back to their old ways, convinced the new way is not achievable. What do I mean by true self? Being who the Lord made you to be, your core being, the essence of you. A beloved child of God in whom He is well pleased. When you abide in Christ His love elevates your energy level, you are able to serve. His commands are clear as you joyfully obey. Not without effort, but in some divine way walking in the Spirit is effortless.
Jesus was captivated by one idea—to do the will of His Father, “Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?” (Luke 2:49). His singlemindedness to serve and love His Father was His single most effective way to defeat the enemy. In His 40-day desert storm with the devil, Jesus quoted from His heart the commands in Scripture. The best tool in discovering the beauty of your true self and learning obedience is the Word of God. Hide scripture in your heart by memorization, then release it from your heart in love and obedience. Accept your true self. Enjoy added energy from not posing. Delightfully, as you love the Lord—you joyfully obey the Lord!
“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to obey you when others betray you, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Application
What commands of Christ do I need to obey as an expression of my true love for Jesus?
Related Reading
Joshua 22:5; Psalm 119:127; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 2:3
Worship Resource
Jehovah Shalom Acapella (African Edition): Trust and Obey
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