SCRIPTURE: John 15:18-27
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.” (John 15:19)
When Jesus refers to ‘the world’, He means sinful humanity in general.
As a whole, sinful humans are characterized by self love and self interest.
When Jesus challenges this ‘worldly way’, He is ridiculed and rejected.
He is going against the normal flow of sinful human nature.
Love your enemy, forgive those who hurt you, accept the unacceptable, be a servant?
Jesus was perceived as weak and foolish, as was anyone who followed Him.
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)
The word ‘hate’ means to renounce one choice in favour of another.
Jesus’ message of selfless love is rejected in favour of self love and self service.
If we sacrificed and served like Jesus did, people would think we were crazy too.
Some people might admire us, but most would not want to join in.
Still today, by His Spirit, Jesus asks us to choose between the two.
Living selflessly for others – the God-like (or godly) way.
Living selfishly for ourselves – the world-like (or worldly) way.
If you had to choose between either of these as the GOAL and THEME of your life…
Which one would you choose, which one would you renounce?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I admire Your selfless love, I admit that it is the superior way to live. But I’m still caught by the impulse of selfishness. My goal is selflessness, but I need Your help to get there!
Observation/Application
Being in His service is being in His service. God is first in all things. We are in the world but not of the world. Our friend is Jesus Christ and not the world. We/I have a living example as how to live and that example is Christ Jesus. I must live for Jesus each day and this will separate me from the world. He i my friend Who also empowers me along the Way by His Spirit given to encourage me always.
Focus.
Focus on that which is real.
Focus on the Light which directs and lights the Way.
LightShine the SonShine.
Stand up for Jesus always for He has empowered me to do this .
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.