When Jesus gathered with His closest friends shortly before His betrayal and arrest, He says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 16.13; ESV)
While most know the verse, it is important to realize the background of His words. The background is simple, yet chilling.
Jesus was getting ready to die, and He knew it. As one might say, “His time had come.” He knew that shortly one of his closest followers would betray him for money, that another would deny him three times and still all the others would disappear for a while. He would be left alone. It would be difficult.
Jesus taught many lessons throughout His brief time on Earth, but one of the greatest lessons He taught was service. Even though He knew His friends would leave Him, He still stood firm and served them so their lives could be greater.
Jesus’ interests were clearly in the lives of those around Him. He knew His purpose (Luke 19.10) and His purpose was not of His own, but that of the Father. (John 6.38) Even in His prayer in John 17, one can see the actions of Jesus were to glorify the Father (John 17.1-5). As Jesus prays for Himself, He does not forget His friends (John 17.20-26)
Are you interested in the people?
Jesus found an interest in people because they needed someone to lead them to a better life. Earlier in His ministry, Matthew records that Jesus “…had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9.35-38)
Are you sharing the story of Jesus’ interest in people?
Remember, Jesus is interested in you.
Just a thought,
The Wall Street Journal (WJS, 1/27/18)reported on a study published in the December 2017 Journal of Happiness Studies and suggested “getting married is one of the best ways to cement a couple’s long-term happiness.”
Using research spanning the past two decades and over 300,000 people, the study sought to discover if marriage causes happiness or if happy people are more likely to get married and stay that way.
The simple conclusion is “a close marital bond spurs long-term happiness.”
The WSJ reporter noted, “That level of commitment, formalized by a ritual and a legal document, may be one reason why the advantages of marriage trump those of just living together.” The article was appropriately titled, “For Happiness That Lasts, Take Those Vows.”
The Bible speaks to the value of the marriage relationship and the strength of the marriage commitment:
- “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
- “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:9)
- “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” (Proverbs 31:10-11)
- “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:31-33)
There are more verses that could be mentioned, but the commitment of a marriage is strong and even stronger when God is present. God’s plan is always best.
Which one do you want? Like by people or loved by God?
Well, I know the answer already. You choose to be loved by God over being liked by people; each of us does. However, is that how you live?
In some way, each of us wants people to like us. We live at a time when we can write things online and people “Like” or “make it a favorite.”
Do you remember Ananias and Sapphira?
I am sure we remember how Ananias lied to the apostles regarding the money given and how he immediately died. We remember Sapphira arriving shortly afterward and lying to the apostles, as she agreed with her husband. We remember how she died too. (Acts 5.1-11)
However, why would they agree to lie? Did they think more people would like them because of their actions?
I am going out on a limb and say that Ananias and Sapphira saw something you and I might forget; they saw Barnabas. Acts chapter 4 closes with the account of Barnabas and his heart of true giving. Barnabas, the son of encouragement, sold a field and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4.36-37)
Following the account of the generosity of Barnabas is the deathly account of Ananias and Sapphira. As Barnabas did a great thing, Ananias and Sapphira chose to sin. Did Ananias and Sapphira choose to lie because they wanted to be liked as well as Barnabas?
The world may never know. However, do you choose to be liked by men or loved by God?
Just a thought,
The New Testament speaks of growing churches differently than men. A quick reading of Paul’s letters shows the emphasis of growth on the spiritual matters of the congregation more than the physical numbers. Consider passages such as Romans 1.8,
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.”
Paul was thankful because of their faith, not their physical numbers. Paul knew the faith of the congregation in Rome was the #1 factor he could hear about their works. I could mention the same of several other congregations to whom Paul wrote. It was their faith being mentioned, not numbers.
The faith of a congregation comes down to the individual level. Simply put, if a congregation has faithful members, then the likelihood of it being a faithful congregation is great. Congregations are a family who depend on each other to build each other up (Hebrews 3.13; 1 Thessalonians 5.11). As each member builds their faith, it becomes an encouragement to all to keep pressing on and to not grow weary. (Philippians 3.13-4; Galatians 6.9)
How are you building your faith today?
Just some thoughts,
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