Looking through the Gospel of John, I focused on chapters 13, 14 and 15 to show how we find Jesus giving heartfelt final instructions to His loved ones before his death, to keep them safe and well.
It is from this perspective that I would suggest you consider the weight of our second Congregational Memory Verse,
John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches; If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
The J.B. Phillips New Testament says it this way, "You must go on growing in me and I will grow in you. For just as the branch cannot bear any fruit unless it shares the life of the vine, so you can produce nothing unless you go on growing in me. I am the vine itself, you are the branches. It is the man who shares my life and whose life I share who proves fruitful. For the plain fact is that apart from me you can do nothing at all. The man who does not share my life is like a branch that is broken off and withers away. He becomes just like the dry sticks that men pick up and use for the firewood. But if you live your life in me, and my words live in your hearts, you can ask for whatever you like and it will come true for you. This is how my Father will be glorified—in your becoming fruitful and being my disciples."
Recently, I was extremely angry with someone who is part of my life. I was going over it in my mind and was astounded at the burst of anger that came from deep within myself. As this rage surfaced, I immediately felt a check in my spirit - I knew it was an un-Godly attitude. Quickly I attempted to analyze my tangled feelings.
Being too much work to sort out, as well as completely ungratifying, I prayed, "Lord, take this. Just take it - you've already dealt with it. You already know it all and You've paid for it all - please, help me to see this the way You want me to." Then I dropped it, I just let it go. I went on with my morning walk and before I knew it, I was back to thinking about the same person and situation. But this time, with no conscious effort at all, I saw this person as being remarkably like myself. I saw that many of his faults were nothing worse than my own, and to be honest it was likely they were not even as bad as mine.
I recalled how God had come into my life and rescued me from the ugly path I used to be on. I am well aware that I had not deserved nor earned any of the kindnesses that He so graciously lavished on me.
Questions formed in my mind... Did I really feel okay with begrudging His grace upon another, who also did not earn or deserve it?
How can I humbly depend on God's grace to cover my tremendous failings, but think He won't or can't or shouldn't cover someone else's?
And why would I think it's sensible for God's grace to have rescued me while I was still in the pit, but then think that this other person needed to get out of the pit before he is would be worth saving?
I know undoubtedly, that Jesus Himself changed my mind and gave me His perspective. His Light shone in on my darkness.
This is what He does when we abide...remain...live in Him.
Today I pray that my "friend" will be freed from the chains that hold him back. I pray that he too will marvel over the amazing Grace that saved him when he didn't deserve it.
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When I sit on my high horse and loftily look down at that "pathetic fool", God is not with me. He is against me. God opposes the proud (see James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). But when I come to my Heavenly Father and sincerely, lovingly ask Him to reveal Himself to this other one, as He did to me, He gives grace.
There's much to learn about humility, grace and the love of God, Please consider joining us as we begin our online book study. Read or re-read the first chapter of Humility, True Greatness and watch the Living Water Cafe Blog, Facebook or email for discussion as soon as this Newsletter is out.
May you find your way in the loving presence of Jesus,
