Jn 13:14-15 "I Have Set You an Example"

Jn 13:14-15 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (NIV)

This is the only time Jesus specifically states to his disciples that he is setting them an example. Jesus washing feet was a reversal of normal practice and no doubt such a radical act as to stun the disciples and cause amazement to those who first heard of it. How can we follow Jesus example today. John Stott the great Christian leader of the 20C used to clean the shoes of his guests. We must seek to find different ways to humbly serve others. What is important is not just the act itself but our attitude. Am I truly humble, not worried about having my needs met so much as seeking to serve those around me. Jesus more than any other who has ever lived deserved to be called Lord and Teacher and to be highly respected and yet he saw his position as something which could be laid down. Are we willing to lay down any recognition, position or privilege we may have? 

Lord help me not to have an inflated opinion of myself but see myself as you see me. May I be willing to lay down anything I have so I can truly serve you in humility.

Mark 1:17 Jesus said, "Follow Me"

Mark 1:17  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (NIV)

What does Jesus invitation to the first disciples mean for us today? How can we follow Jesus? Following has to do with knowing Jesus personally as well as knowing his teaching and obeying him. How can we know Jesus personally and become a disciple? We have to accept why Jesus came to earth and died. He died in our place as a sacrifice on our behalf as we accept this and his authority over us we begin a life of faith. Our wrong doing and thinking and being is forgiven. Being a disciple –the word means both learner and follower, is about submitting to living a life in accordance with the pattern of life he laid down. The marks of Jesus life were loving, sacrificial service. Jesus specifically told his disciples they must stop being self centred and embrace a life sacrificial service. This service must include reaching out to others with Jesus invitation to know Him personally. If it doesn't his death was in vain. Lord help me to follow you wholeheartedly, ever grateful for your death on my behalf, Amen

 

   

Ephesians 5:1-2 Follow God's Example

Ephesians 5:1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Following God’s example may seem quite impossible but at least he became human so we can identify better with him. Paul in the passage indicates that we should love our heavenly father by being Christ like he gave his life in loving sacrifice. Is there an act of loving service we can do for someone this week? Can we show someone that we really want the best for them? 

Loving Father help me to be sensitive to the opportunities you provide to express your love in helping others.

Genesis 1:27 Made in His Image

Gen 1:27   So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.(NIV)

We have the clear imprint of God on us. The fact that God created us with this element which seems to be missing from the rest of creation is both the greatest honour and a huge responsibility. We are created with the purpose of reflecting God’s nature, of imitating his character, in short, God made us to be like Him. This was his intention from the beginning, that we should behave in a God like way. Which aspects shall we try to emulate? His creativity? His justice? His compassion? His holiness? His righteous anger?  His forgiveness? From the beginning God has shown his loving concern for all he has made, should we not also care?

Father, which part of your being do you want me to develop in my life?

Mtt 28:19 A Great Investment

Matt 28:19 “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near in this way of life...” (Msg)

A great investment, people with money may be wondering what to invest in at the moment, most bank accounts can’t keep up with inflation, is gold, wine, or artwork a good investment? What about property or shares? For many of us this isn’t a burning issue but if we have no money can we still invest? We all have time. Jesus spoke of our need to invest in training people. We need to be trained throughout our lives and give training. Life is one long training course. I have come back to these last words of Jesus for a second time today  as I will be preaching this Sunday on this passage. Will my investment in others have eternal value? Will others be touched, strengthened and caused to reflect by what I do and say and how I listen to them? Training others can take up a great deal of time, I have spent six and half hours this week with two guys individually listening, praying and reflecting but could I have spent that time any better? I doubt it.         

Lk 9:22-24 Mission and Suffering

Luke 9:22-24 And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. (NLT)
Jesus suffered at times throughout his life; as a young boy he was taken to Egypt to escape death, he faced direct opposition from Satan from the start of his ministry to the end, his own family misunderstood him. He faced constant, fierce opposition from the religious leaders and attempts were made to intimidate, silence and kill him well before he was arrested, flogged and crucified. Jesus knew he would need to lay down his life and purposefully called his disciples to follow his example. Our mission –to make disciples is a call to suffering, not that we should inflict pain on ourselves but that when difficulties come we should embrace them as God sent them to help us be better disciples. Lord, help me to embrace suffering in the right way.

Acts 14:22 The Promise of Hard Times

Acts 14:22 (MSG)

After proclaiming the Message in Derbe and establishing a strong core of disciples, they retraced their steps to Lystra, then Iconium, and then Antioch, putting muscle and sinew in the lives of the disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn't be easy: "Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times."

God has given us many precious promises in his word, ones which give us comfort, encouragement and peace in times of difficulty. One promise most of us would like to forget is the often repeated one that hardship, difficulties and suffering are an important part of being a growing disciple. If we want to grow we have to be willing to go through hard times. Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times is not a popular message. In the Western world we don’t cope well with suffering, most of us demand instant relief. When someone is sick we may instinctively pray for healing, when things are difficult we pray God would smooth things over. Perhaps it would be better to ask God how he might use pain of whatever kind for our benefit or the benefit of others.

Lord, give me discernment to see clearly what you are doing in and through suffering.