Following the Example of Jesus
Visions of fame and fortune danced in my head. Well, maybe not fame and fortune, but certainly a cross was not what I pictured this morning when I read: "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will me. My Father will honor the one who serves me" —John 12:26.
By itself, the whole experience sounds quite palatable. I serve God, I seek to live at the center of His will. He will honor me for my service. I can expect His "well done" but He always seems to come up with other fringe benefits to obedience. Sounds good to me.
Then I read the context of the verse (23-28). Jesus is talking about the cross, about His death, about the ultimate submission of everything to God, even life itself.
The Lord then asks the question: "…what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" —John 12:27-28.
The most amazing thing happens at that moment. A voice from heaven speaks and says: "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
I ask myself if bringing glory to God by submitting to even the most challenging aspects of His will for my life, is my goal. That's were Jesus was, and that's where He calls for His servants to be.
By itself, the whole experience sounds quite palatable. I serve God, I seek to live at the center of His will. He will honor me for my service. I can expect His "well done" but He always seems to come up with other fringe benefits to obedience. Sounds good to me.
Then I read the context of the verse (23-28). Jesus is talking about the cross, about His death, about the ultimate submission of everything to God, even life itself.
The Lord then asks the question: "…what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" —John 12:27-28.
The most amazing thing happens at that moment. A voice from heaven speaks and says: "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
I ask myself if bringing glory to God by submitting to even the most challenging aspects of His will for my life, is my goal. That's were Jesus was, and that's where He calls for His servants to be.
Oh - wow. I had never noticed the context of that verse either, Lynda! What an excellent reminder for me today (especially!).
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