12/17/2020
Sometimes we get caught up in one of Satan’s most devious snares that comes disguised as spirituality, but in reality draws us away from following Jesus as we should. Have you ever been so concerned about how God, or Jesus, is treating someone else that it nearly becomes an obsession with you? Have you boldly asked Jesus why He is behaving a certain way, either positive, or negatively, towards someone?
“Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!””
John 21:22 ESV
After Jesus told His disciples that one of them would betray Him, He went for a walk with Peter, who asked Him about one of the other disciples who was following behind them... John, a man that Jesus loved, and who Peter had seen leaning against Jesus during supper. At this Jesus told Peter that he should be more concerned about himself, and “follow me!” It is interesting that Jesus had already told Peter to feed His sheep, and yet here he was still being concerned about another’s calling.
“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
John 21:17 ESV
When we are called to pick up our cross and follow Jesus do we behave like Peter? Do we busily compare our cross with those of others instead of simply following Jesus as He has instructed us? How many Saints who have been called to serve God in some manner that the world considers lowly, begin looking at a wealthy believer and ask God “why not me?” How many pastors, called to lead a tiny church, look at others like a Billy Graham, and ask “why not me Lord?” We think that by striving to do more, and be more, we are pleasing God more... when in fact we are being disobedient, and straying from His Will for us. Peter, who was to become the rock on which Jesus would build His church was still looking to be more, and looking around at the callings of others.
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.””
Matthew 16:18-19 ESV
So if the mighty men of God, like Peter, do this, then isn’t it more than likely that those of us called to what we feel are lesser stations would also do this? In our opening verse today we learn a lesson along with the Apostle Peter... be content and obedient to what we are called to do, and follow Jesus in that way.
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Matthew 16:24-25 ESV
So whether we are a bishop, a simple pastor, or the saint that cleans the restrooms, if that is our calling we should obey God’s Will for us. We will all suffer in some way, and yet despite that suffering we will find peace in our faith if we obey, and follow Him. We will be content if we will be concerned about what God would have us do, and follow Jesus as God’s will leads us.
“Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first, and the first last.””
Matthew 20:14-16 ESV
I was looking at a large scallop shell, and as I did so it dawned on me that the shell itself symbolized Jesus, and the rays which radiate from a point at the head of the shell could be interpreted as God’s light shining outward towards each of us, but as I thought about this more it suddenly occurred to me that although the shell was indeed Christ, perhaps I had my view reversed, and that each ray was a route that lead someone from where they were in their Faith to God... each one a separate route, but all of them flowing through Jesus, and terminating in a single point... God; salvation/eternity/righteousness.
In keeping with our lesson today, and looking at the rays of a scallop shell, ask yourself... which one of these rays is greater than the others? Some may be longer, or shorter, but they all either shine God’s glory to where we are, or lead us towards where He awaits us. So it is that whether we are tasked to clean the restrooms, or serve as the rock of the church, we travel through Jesus, and arrive at the exact same destination; the same glory of God shining, and emanating from there onto each of us.
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.””
John 14:6-7 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for loving us all the same whether we are viewed by earthly standards as being great, or the least. Thank you Holy Father for sending your Son Jesus to redeem us from wherever we are found in the world. He leads us from the worst of sins, and situations, by transforming us, and he leads us from lives of faith in the same transforming way. Regardless of the path we are on, your glory shines on us as we struggle to follow Him towards you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose will for us is perfect, and who makes our path straight as we obey, and come to your voice. Praised be your name for the journey we travel towards you, and for your glory that shines as if from a lighthouse, drawing and guiding us safely to where you are waiting. You are merciful Father, and lead us around many traps, and nourish us as we grow weak along the way. You wash us in the blood of your Son Jesus, and pour your grace from Him upon our heads... anointing us, and forgiving us. Hear today our prayers, and let nothing lead us astray as we serve you in the will you have laid before each of us. Hear us coming closer Lord, and be pleased at our arrival... seating us with Jesus at your table forevermore.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
Philippians 2:12-16 ESV
Rich Forbes