I know a man who says It is his life purpose. He views it as the goal of his life. He feels that everything he says and does should revolve around this great purpose.
"Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." ( John 12:20-21 )
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Is there anything greater that any of us could aspire to but that people see Jesus in us? Could there be any more persuasive argument for His true character, nature and message than His fullness within? His presence within will declare His radical kingdom message and perfectly reflect His Father.
Perhaps the need of the hour is not for a more persuasive argument but for a more compelling example. In my zeal to defend and declare the person and message of Jesus I can easily negate my words with a less-than-Christ-like attitude. And if others hear about Jesus but don't see Him within they will not likely sit up and notice and be changed.
If others are to see Jesus in us they will see us dying to ourselves so that Christ can live within: "unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." ( John 12:24 ). They will see us taking seriously His call: "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." ( John 12:26 ).
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Will sincere seekers find Him individually and collectively within us today? Will they hear His kingdom message through us? Will they see His compassion and deeds of mercy in and through us? As an old song goes, "you're the only Jesus that some will ever see". May all we encounter today easily mistake our identity for Jesus'.
Steve
"Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." ( John 12:20-21 )
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Is there anything greater that any of us could aspire to but that people see Jesus in us? Could there be any more persuasive argument for His true character, nature and message than His fullness within? His presence within will declare His radical kingdom message and perfectly reflect His Father.
Perhaps the need of the hour is not for a more persuasive argument but for a more compelling example. In my zeal to defend and declare the person and message of Jesus I can easily negate my words with a less-than-Christ-like attitude. And if others hear about Jesus but don't see Him within they will not likely sit up and notice and be changed.
If others are to see Jesus in us they will see us dying to ourselves so that Christ can live within: "unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." ( John 12:24 ). They will see us taking seriously His call: "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." ( John 12:26 ).
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Will sincere seekers find Him individually and collectively within us today? Will they hear His kingdom message through us? Will they see His compassion and deeds of mercy in and through us? As an old song goes, "you're the only Jesus that some will ever see". May all we encounter today easily mistake our identity for Jesus'.
Steve
posted by steve @ 9:12 AM
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