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Welcome to my journey as I read the Word, other books and live life ...

Showing posts with label obey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obey. Show all posts

Friday, August 13, 2010

If you love Me ...

A short and simple response as Jesus tries to get the message through to the disciples that His time was coming to an end, and that the way to the Father is through Him. They have all sorts of problems comprehending what He is saying. It just does not gel in their minds. And then this verse:

John 14:15 (New Living Translation)
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

15 “If you love me, obey my commandments.
 
This stands out for me because we often experience a turn around in the statement. If you give me this, I will do this for you in return. We tend to want something in return. Jesus says, if you love Me, show it by doing what I've told you (Eugene Peterson - The Message). Show it by your actions. Back it up with a heart that is obedient.
 
Well I know I am challenged. It certainly leaves me much to contemplate.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Do what you're told ...

When we are young children we do well to tune into the voice of our parents and to follow the instructions they give us. Sometimes this assists us to remain safe (when crossing the road without watching and they call "stop", in time for us to not be knocked over). At other times it serves us well with wisdom (putting money aside for a rainy day - when something might go wrong or not as planned and we suddenly need funds to fix it). Or for instruction (how to drive a car safely, or the benefits of reading the Scriptures and being in prayer and following Christian disciplines in our lives).

In the account that follows, the mother of Jesus gives some wise instruction to the servants at the wedding feast - “Do whatever he tells you.” Have a read -

John 2:1-12 (New Living Translation)
The Wedding at Cana
1 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” 4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” 5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. 9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” 11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. 12 After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples.

It is good instruction for us as followers of Jesus. When He speaks to you and I, we will do well to listen to what His instruction is and follow it. It is wise and beneficial to do so for we know Jesus always and only wants the best for us. He loves us. We can trust Him. So - “Do whatever he tells you,” and I reckon you will find much benefit from this advice.