Waste Not, Want Not (2)
Friday April 14, 2017
Our experience of love and satisfaction in life is tied directly to being obedient to the ways of God. Jesus described that way for us in these words: If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. (Luke 9:23-24 NLT).
During His life on earth Jesus said many times that He came to do the will of His Father. His prayer of commitment, the night before he went to the cross over 2000 years ago was, “Not my will but Yours be done.” Jesus’ words and actions through His trial, suffering and death on the cross, confirm His surrender to complete the work He came to do. When times are tough for us, we can be confident that, as surely as God raised Jesus from the dead, He will be with us. He will never leave nor forsake us. We, like Jesus, need to surrender to God’s way no matter how difficult it might be. This is the gift of Jesus to us. Let’s not waste it.
Jesus explained: My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (John 4:34, Ephesians 6:6, Romans 12:2 NLT)
Jesus laid all His rights down so the plan of God could be fulfilled for you and me. Will we be followers of Jesus and lay down whatever God asks of us? If we are willing to do so, we will experience a satisfying life here on earth, and eternal life in Heaven with Him. Let’s not waste what Jesus did on our behalf.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am forever grateful for what You did to free me from the bondage of sin. Please help me to follow You in all my ways so that I may know Your good, pleasing and perfect will for my life. Amen
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