Returning to God

Read: John 13: 3-5

“For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.” – John 3:34

Jesus came from God and He looked forward to returning to God. He knew that His Father put all things under His power. Even so, He wanted to give His disciples one last lesson; so he washed their feet. He showed them how to use humility to prefer and to serve one another (John 13:3-5). He gave them an object lesson by His actions. He did not have to say a word.

Jesus showed the disciples that although we have power and authority from God, we do not have to act superior to others, insist upon our own way or demean anyone else. Jesus called people to a surrendered life, but He never forced anyone to submit to Him and He made no demands upon their lives. If someone chose not to follow Him, He willingly let them go.

God freely gives us His limitless Spirit and calls upon us to serve in this same manner that Jesus did. We are to use humility and to prefer and serve one another. Paul learned this lesson as well, and told us not to use our freedom to indulge our sinful nature; but to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). Jesus wants followers who love Him with all of our thoughts, actions, emotions and strength (Mark 12:30), and then to submit to one another out of our worship for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).

Things of this world grow dim when we compare them to the eternal glories of heaven. We will spend eternity with the Trinity, the angels and every believer who ever lived. This thought should provoke in us the same eternal mindset Jesus exhibited. We do this by keeping our focus on Him and allowing His Spirit to lead us each moment of the day as we care for the needs of others (Philippians 2:3-4). Even Peter instructs us to use our gifts from God to serve others (1 Peter 2:16; 4:10).

By praying without ceasing, we fellowship with our Father all day long (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We follow the example Jesus set (Acts 10:38). We are guided and counseled by God’s Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25). This gives us the confidence to reach out to others and to share with them what God gives to us.

Once we repent of our sins and surrender our life completely to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we are assured of a place in the Heavenly Kingdom as the bride of Christ. We have the entire power of the full godhead – the Father, Son and Spirit – residing in our spirit through Christ (Colossians 1:19). We are saved to serve and free to enjoy the blessings of the Body of Christ (Luke 1:74).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You gave us your Spirit, and all of your power and authority. You desire that we love You first and love our neighbor as our self (Mark 12:33). This is more important to You than all the sacrifices and offerings we could ever make to You. I surrender to You my thoughts, will and emotions. I give my body as a living sacrifice to You as my Lord and my God (Romans 12:1). Into your hands I also commit my spirit (Psalm 31:5). Use all of me to do Your will for eternity.

Thought for the Day:

Love the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. – Luke 10:27




Thank you, Zoe Novak, for the use of your photo.