Good Monday morning! Is everything right in your life today? No sin, none of the bitter thoughts about past wrongs done to you, no adulterous fantasies, no thoughts of revenge, perfect in all your habits and holy in all that you say and do? Probably not. If you believe in Jesus, I can come up with a few things that I know about you... and I don't even have to know your name. I know that you were a sinner and still feel the lusts of the flesh. I know that all is not perfect in your life. I know that you still face trials. I also know that Jesus has sent his Holy Spirit into your heart when you came to believe in Him. I also know that God is still working to repair and regenerate the wonderful creation that is you and me. This is not news to you but we are always glad to hear or read it one more time. Today, you will be tempted in some way. Again, you already know this. All of us are called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. You may not have the opportunity to speak any words of witness today. You may go home to be with Jesus today. Praise God if you are called home today. We are now in the area of things that may happen to any of us, but may not happen to all of us today. Your example of Christ's work in your life may not be perfect today. Repent, ask forgiveness, and join your brothers and sisters in Christ who will most likely be doing the same thing at some point today.
I'm not quite sure where I left off on the verses, so we'll just look at this one today.
Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work." John 4:34
Now that we have gone over how weak we all are when trying to do God's will in our own strength, we read about this fellow who was so good at doing God's will that he ate it up like food every day. Of course, we know that Jesus is our perfect example. As the woman is running around Sychar telling the good news about Jesus, we can imagine him enjoying the will of God like we would a fine turkey dinner. How does that sustain his human body? I have no idea. If I could do the will of God perfectly as Jesus did, I would probably understand. Is there any hope for us as imperfect, fallen, human creatures? Jesus promised to send his Holy Spirit into us after he departed this earth. The Spirit has his own duties to perform in fulfilling the will of God. The Spirit comforts us and reminds us of the commands and words of Jesus. The Spirit cleanses us and makes us more like Jesus with each passing day. You and I may not realize just how far we have come from that first sinful state.
James and John wanted to call down some Old Testament destruction on a town; Peter tried to stop Jesus from fulfilling God's will; and Paul held a bunch of coats so that the stoners could get better shots at the first martyr. Yet, each of these disciples and apostles became great in the faith. We read their Spirit-inspired words in our Bibles and glorify God as we learn. Most people are indifferent to the Good News of Jesus Christ; Paul went a bit further in his previous life as Saul and actively tried to destroy the followers of Jesus. Though Paul had a different perspective on how far the Spirit had brought him, we can read how he struggled with temptation and the lust of the flesh. Of course we don't look at these men to excuse our wrong actions, but to learn that God chooses who he wills, in whatever state he finds us, and begins his work in us from there. Trust in the Spirit's perfecting work in us; you might be surprised just how far the Spirit will take you!
Have a great week in Christ!
Bucky
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