Following Jesus
by Rosemary ~ March 31st, 2007And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in the world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Faither will honor him.”
I’ve read this verse and heard it read countless times, and each time, it pierces me, as well it should. This morning was no different. Our wills are not naturally bent towards dying; or hating and losing our life in this world. Yet this is exactly what Jesus calls us to do, and soon after he said these words to his disciples (including us), he gave us an example to follow. His willingness to be obedient to the Father was evident in his moment by moment walk toward Jerusalem knowing that he was headed toward unimaginable spiritual and physical agony.
Are we willing follow him; to walk with him, die with him? Will we lose our lives by laying them down and dying to our good ideas and intentions and plans for our lives? Will we endure humility and unrecognition and being taken advantage of for the service of Jesus? It depends on where our focus is. “Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus, I’ve lost sight of all beside. So enchained my spirit’s vision, looking at the Crucified. All for Jesus, all for Jesus; all my days and all my hours. All for Jesus, all for Jesus, all my days and all my hours.”
March 31st, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Will we endure … being taken advantage of for the service of Jesus? It depends on where our focus is.
This is an interesting thought
March 31st, 2007 at 1:26 pm
So true and beautifully stated….may we live for Jesus–following Him,Walking with Him and dying with Him….all for Him.
Thank you!
Kim
March 31st, 2007 at 1:42 pm
I was discussing this concept with a friend today. We so often think we are deserving of something because of our good actions(ex. treating an ungrateful spouse or child continually with kindness). Yet, as we remember the verse you have shared, we can once again be reminded of the importance that it IS NOT about us but about our wonderful Jesus. We deserve the wrath of God yet with his mercy and grace he has saved us. May we be challenged to live for him and serve him in obedience at all costs!
Thanks again Rosemary! God’s word is so powerful.
March 31st, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Your post reminds me what I’ve been reading about lately at the Christian Post site about the country of Burma (Myanamar). Only about 8% of the country is Christian, and the government has basically decided to wipe them out. How unreal this seems to me. Apparently the military has been given full reign to get rid of them anyway they see fit. We need to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ there, and in the many other countries where there is active persecution.
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Will I be about me…or about Him? To say YES, no matter the call, no matter the cost, no matter the risk, no matter my reputation! Yes, and amen!