04/16/2021
Do we abide, or remain, in Jesus even in the most trying of times? If so isn’t it amazing how we can bear fruit for God despite the trouble and distraction that we find ourselves in the midst of? No matter the trial or tribulation we are enduring, our dedication to abiding in Jesus will not only bring us His peace, but will make our lives witnesses for Him, and will allow others to see what an amazing life in Him looks like.
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”
John 15:4 NLT
Have we ever considered how Jesus continued to save lives from the cross? Scripture tells us of many men who saw Him for who He was, and had their lives changed at Calvary. A life in Jesus draws people to Him. In this most intense day of persecution Jesus not only maintained His faith, but continued to draw lost souls to Him. As He hung on the cross, His demeanor, aura of faith, and miracles at the moment of His death, saved not one, but many souls. All of this done as He fulfilled the will of God by redeeming us of sin, and conquering death. The first lost man mentioned is a criminal that was hanging beside Him; listen...
“But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.””
Luke 23:40-43 NLT
Leading a righteous life, one in which our faith is on quietly on display for all to see, will draw others to God through our Christlike behavior. This is what happened on the cross as a criminal found himself believing that Jesus was truly the Son of God, and His kingdom was indeed in heaven.
Some might argue that this man never made a proper confession of sin, or asked for forgiveness, but which is more powerful... to tell others how much we believe, or to live out our faith, and righteousness, in a demonstration that speaks the words through a revealed life of action? I am not talking about keeping our faith secret, or simply pursuing a moral life, but in quietly living a life of faith as we believe, and do, those things that God’s Word commands us. It is good to profess one’s faith, but the proof of that faith is in a quiet righteousness, and relationship with God, a faith that is alive within us.
““When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:5-6 NLT
The other souls whose lives scripture specifically tells us were changed on Calvary that day were the Roman Centurions who stood guard there. When they saw the manner in which Jesus died, heard His final words, and witnessed the miracles that transpired, they spoke these words of belief...
“The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!””
Matthew 27:54 NLT
There was no sermon, or loud shout of warning, only a steadfastness of faith, a life well lived, quotes from Psalms uttered to God His Father, forgiveness for those who had done this to Him, and miracles at the moment of His death. Not once did Jesus curse, or convict, those who drove the nails into His hands or gambled for His clothes. His only mention of them was in a prayer for their forgiveness.
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
Luke 23:34 NLT
So, when we are living our lives, and the hard times come upon us, are we able to be like Jesus? Do we humbly live our faith and offer our lives for all to see? Are our actions and works meant to demonstrate our love for God, and our neighbors, in a manner that is more than a proud or pompous act of religion? Can we forgive those that most men would call unforgivable? Will we obey the will of God when the pain of that moment brings us to the point of unconsciousness, and angels must strengthen us? In such times as this will we continue to draw souls to God... to bear fruit?
“Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,”
Colossians 1:10-11 NLT
Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving us an inward peace, humility, and pronouncement of faith, that will bear much fruit for you. Thank you for the times we spend in an outward walk we have with you, but most of all thank you for the quiet private walks that allow all glory to be yours, and keeps our words from distracting from yours. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you whose Son Jesus leads us in worshiping you, and bearing much fruit for your table. Praised be your name Father for every soft and quiet step we take with you. Praised be your name as men come to you through Jesus, and to Him by the example of His humble transformation of us. Mighty are you Lord who defends us, and gives us strength to withstand the suffering and temptation we face in the world. Merciful are you who lifts us from the mire of sin that seeks to engulf us, and amazing is the grace by which we are able to walk through the valley of death without fear... knowing you are with us, and presenting ourselves to others as your children so that they can see your glory radiating from us, and come to believe. Wash us daily in the blood of your Son Jesus so that we remain pure, and free of sin. Never let our feet slip from the path as we walk the narrow way of your will, and call us worthy on the day of our judgement. Let our reward be an eternity with you Father, and not considered of this world.
“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”
Matthew 5:10-12 NLT
Rich Forbes