www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
John 12:20-26
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Humanity to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Heavenly Parent will honor.
John's Jesus speaks in riddles to his followers. He turns the world upside down. In order to save one's life, one must be willing to lose it. Jesus denounces fear; his words confound the wise. When we are willing to give ourselves completely then God can transform us. When we concern ourselves with being cautious, or constricted then God cannot use us as we are to be used. I'm not suggesting that we exhibit poor judgment; we are, however, called to do great things for and with God. We are called to be bold in our faith, risking everything to follow God's call. When we are willing to get out of God's way in our lives and truly live as Christ's hands in the world; we can have all of the blessings that God has in store or us.
We speak often in our church about abundant life. How many of us really can lay fear aside and live as if God's provision for us will never run dry? In these tough economic times we are called to share our resources, our daily lives and everything that God has blessed us with: our money, our compassion, our abilities, talents, gifts, and our labor so that all people will live with enough. To get to the kingdom of heaven a rich person is supposed to be willing to part with goods of this world. We can live in an amazing world where all bellies have enjoyed the earth's bounty, all minds and hearts have mastered compassionate thought and all spirits soar to follow God's plan. rsy
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