The Way of Jesus
Author: Mark Greenelsh
Date: 2014-01-19T08:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Religion & Spirituality

Copyright

Light Runner Ministries is an evangelical Christian group focused on glorifying God by growing in our love for Jesus Christ and sharing him with others.

Copyright © 2013 Mark Greenelsh. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-1-304-30199-4. Revised January 2014. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from Light Runner Ministries. http://www.lightrunner.org.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from The World English Bible (WEB) which is a Public Domain (no copyright) Modern English translation of the Holy Bible, based on the American Standard Version of the Holy Bible first published in 1901, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. Further information on the World English Bible is available at http://www.worldenglishbible.org.

Scripture quotations denoted NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Cover adapted from photos by ichello and Krappweis courtesy stock.xchng.

Introduction

A disciple, or follower, of Jesus is with him, becomes like him, and does what he does. “If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26). This book looks at the method of Jesus—principle ways he ministered here on earth so the reader can do likewise through the power of the Holy Spirit. It complements another book by Light Runner Ministries called The Words of Jesus which captures the essence of Jesus’ message. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life no one comes to God except through him (John 14:6). Understanding and applying the message and method of Jesus transforms us into his image, reaches others with God’s salvation, prepares us for kingly service, and brings glory to God. What more worthwhile activity could we be involved? The apostle Paul expressed it this way, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love” (Gal 5:6 NIV). Where else would you want to be than with Jesus doing what he does? No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him (1Cor 2:9; Isa 64:4).

So journey with Jesus today. He is calling all people and preparing those who respond to reign with him forever. Let him show you how to be one with God like him. Seek the lost. Share the truth. Serve others even though it involves sacrifice and suffering. God wants to use you to save others. Delight in the journey rather than despair from duty. Thank God for opportunities rather than operate out of obligation. Like the apostle Peter recognize that all you need for abundant life and liberty now and forever is found in trusting Jesus.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2Pet 1:3-11 NIV).

Deny yourself. Humbly depend on Jesus like a branch in the vine (John 15). Jesus is calling you, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30). Sit at the feet of Jesus and learn his way. Then carry out what he shows you in his strength. Your steps with Jesus today influence the rest of your journey for eternity.

Set Apart

Overview

God has always existed. He always was and always will be. He is the creator of all. There is none like him. He is holy—set apart in character and purpose. Out of love he made humankind and had a wonderful personal relationship with the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. However they severed that relationship by disobeying him. All people since have inherited that selfish, sinful rebellion which separates us from God and the life he gives. Left to ourselves all will die from our sin. But God did not give up on Adam and Eve nor us. His just yet merciful nature compelled him to find a way to redeem and restore. He did so by sending his Son in the form of a man to live the life we should have lived and pay the penalty of death that we deserve. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Likewise God has called and set apart people from all nations to follow Jesus which includes sending them to participate in his saving of others.

Jesus Is the Son of God and the Way to God

Being God, Jesus is set apart in his character and purpose. He is God the Son, the second person of the triune Godhead along with God the Father and God the Spirit. Yet his role is special. As God the Son he lovingly carries out God the Father’s will. He faithfully represents the Father. The love the Father has for the Son he has shared with us by creating and then saving humankind.

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel” (Col 1:15-23 NIV).

We experience salvation initiated by God the Father and made possible by the humble, obedient sacrifice of God the Son through faith by God the Spirit living in us. Jesus is the expression of God’s nature. You can see it in his truthful words and his mighty, loving works. You come to know God through trusting Jesus. He explained this to his disciples before he returned to heaven,

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him.’

“Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”

“Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. How do you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works’ sake’” (John 14:6-11).

After Jesus’ death for us, God the Father raised him from the dead and exalted him to his rightful place in heaven where he intercedes for his people and awaits the Father’s timing to return and consummate his kingdom.

“God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Heb 1:1-3).

Jesus Pleased and Glorified God by Embracing His Calling

After God created Adam and Eve it didn’t take long for them to disobey him and rebel, bringing death to all humankind. However, despite their failure and rebellion and ours God always accomplishes his purpose. Out of love and mercy, God gave them another chance to obey and have a relationship with him. He extends this same opportunity to people today. Even though we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God he provides a way of salvation in Jesus (Rom 3:21-26, Isa 53:6, John 14:6). God foretold his plan for centuries before Jesus stepped down from heaven and became a man to die for our sins.

God spoke of an anointed one, or Messiah, who would reign universally and bless those who trust him (Ps 2:6-7, Mic 5:2-5, Isa 9:6). God established a nation and leaders like prophets, priests, servants and kings as foreshadows of a single, quintessential leader who would fulfill the roles necessary to prepare a kingdom of saints to reign with him forever to the glory of God. The Messiah would fulfill the purpose of the law of God and the foretelling of the prophets in leading people to God and his righteousness (Isa 61:1-3). He would complete the intercessory role of all priests to bring peace and wholeness (Heb 7:23-28, 9:15). He would save through serving even though it meant suffering (Isa 53:1-12). He would be a just, merciful, compassionate king of all kings—a light to the nations (Isa 42:1-7).

God the Father chose Jesus to be the Messiah as spoken of by the prophet Isaiah centuries before Jesus came to earth.

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit on him. He will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not strive, nor shout; neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a smoking flax, until he leads justice to victory. In his name, the nations will hope” (Matt 12:18-21).

Out of love for his Father Jesus humbly submitted to his Father’s will and obediently carried out his plan for the Messiah. The very name of Jesus means the Lord saves (Matt 1:21). Even at the age of twelve, Jesus was about his heavenly Father’s business to the surprise of his earthly parents (Luke 2:42-52). Jesus’ acceptance of his mission helped him resist the devil’s temptation to exert his own authority outside of God’s design and timing (Matt 4:1-11).

As the Word of God (John 1:1-3), Jesus understood how he fulfilled scripture. To the Jews in his hometown Jesus read in the synagogue.

“The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,

“‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.’

“He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began to tell them, ‘Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing’” (Luke 4:16-21).

To the crowds on the mountainside Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matt 5:17).

Jesus’ statements consistently declared his divine mission. “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work” (John 4:34). “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason” (Mark 1:38). “Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise. For the Father has affection for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does” (John 5:19-20). “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me” (John 7:16). “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, I say these things. He who sent me is with me. The Father hasn’t let me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him” (John 8:28-29). “I came into this world for judgment, that those who don’t see may see; and that those who see may become blind” (John 9:39). “The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:10-11). “For the Son of Man didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” (Luke 9:56). “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:23-24). “Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:26-28).

God confirmed Jesus’ ministry through miracles and giving the disciples a glimpse of his glory.

“After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.

“Peter answered, and said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’

“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him’” (Matt 17:1-5).

Even under extreme anguish in facing separation from his Father and becoming sin for the world Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). “I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do. Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed.” (John 17:4-5). “I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:26).

God the Father exalted Jesus for his humble obedience.

“Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:5-11).

For the joy of pleasing and glorifying his Father and restoring many people to wholeness Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame, and accepted his sole, rightful, well deserved place alongside his Father as he had in eternity past (Heb 12:2).

God Sets People Apart to Save Others Through Jesus

Throughout God’s salvation plan he uses people in the process. This is his primary method of transforming us into the likeness of Jesus. A disciple is a disciple-maker. A follower of Christ brings others along. Andrew brought his brother, Peter. Philip brought his friend, Nathaniel. Jesus sent the disciples as his ambassadors to surrounding villages to proclaim his kingdom, to heal, to subdue evil, and to restore. After he died to save the world and was resurrected, Jesus appeared to his disciples with a commission.

“When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be to you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus therefore said to them again, ‘Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’” (John 20:19-21).

Before returning to heaven he reminded them of their duty to co-labor with him to reach the world. “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:18-20).

Fortunately believers are not alone in this task. God has given his Holy Spirit to empower his disciples to carry out his will as part of restoring his kingdom. Jesus reminded his followers of this gift before ascending.

“Being assembled together with them, he commanded them, ‘Don’t depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ Therefore when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It isn’t for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.’ When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.

“While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing, who also said, ‘You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky’” (Acts 1:4-11).

Followers of Jesus don’t live for themselves anymore; they are set apart in character and purpose for the One who gave his life for them. “Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Rom 12:1-2). “Therefore prepare your minds for action, be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ—as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance, but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy; for I am holy’” (1Pet 1:13-16). “Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance (Eph 5:1-2). To the church in Corinth Paul expressed it this way,

“For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again. Therefore we know no one after the flesh from now on. Even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation. We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2Cor 5:14-21).

Peter also writes about being set apart, “You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: who in time past were no people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy” (1Pet 2:5, 9-10).

Being Set Apart

The writer of Hebrews implores believers to make every effort to be holy for without holiness no one will see the Lord (Heb 12:14). You please God by becoming like Jesus in his character and mission. Fortunately you don’t accomplish this on your own. God does it and you participate in his gracious work through faith. Like a branch you bear fruit by abiding in the vine and yielding to the gardener (John 15:1-8). Following are a few points to discuss, consider or do. May they help you follow the way of Jesus in being set apart for God.

Recognize you are loved and called by God.

Throughout history God has called ordinary people to love and serve him. Take some time to study and learn from these people. Dozens of them are spotlighted throughout the Bible, like Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, Elijah, Daniel, Isaiah, John the Baptizer, Peter, Paul, and many, many others.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” (Eph 1:3-14 NIV).

You have the awesome opportunity to be a child of God by trusting in Jesus. When you trust him you choose God’s life instead of yours. Like John the Baptizer said, “He [Jesus] must increase and I must decrease” (John 3:30). You experience salvation when you honor and exalt the Savior. Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15). Paul wrote, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1Cor 6:20). Following Jesus is real life.

Also know that even though you are set apart you are not alone. God works through community. You see this in the triune Godhead of Father, Son, and Spirit and you see it in the church who are God’s people. They are the body of Christ each with various personalities, spiritual gifts, and roles, but all working together as one under the headship of Jesus. Regularly worship and serve with other believers. God has given us each other to love and be loved as we carry out his calling.

Praise God, pray, and repent.

“Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever” (Ps 107:1). “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. Don’t quench the Spirit” (1Thess 5:16-19). Thanksgiving helps you view and respond to people and circumstances the way Jesus would. God’s Spirit living inside believers develops this. He counsels, comforts, and corrects. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s help. Jesus advised, “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened” (Matt 7:7-8). John the Baptizer observed, “God gives the Spirit without measure” (John 3:34). As the Holy Spirit guides and empowers you, turn from goals, interests, relationships, responsibilities, thoughts, attitudes, actions, worries, transgressions, and vices which keep you from being wholly set apart for God. As you give up and give in, God will fill the void with more of himself.

Live eternally now.

Our mortal life is short. We need to effectively use the time, talents, and treasure God has given us for his glory. Currently we are in training to learn how to live in God’s family and kingdom like Jesus so we can joyfully serve God throughout eternity. Jesus said, “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:19-21). Jesus reveals a kingdom truth in the phrase “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” We see that what we do now impacts eternity for ourselves and others. He also taught to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first and to be about his Father’s business until he returns to consummate the kingdom (Matt 6:33, Matt 24:36-51, Matt 25:1-30). Paul wrote, “If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory” (Col 3:1-4).

Expect opposition.

Being set apart pits you against this world system and Satan who steals, kills, destroys, and seeks to devour believers (John 10:10, 1Pet 5:8). Jesus said, “In the world you will have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Find peace in the fact that amidst the difficulty of following Jesus God will sustain you. You will experience the sufficient grace and sweet intimacy with him that Jesus enjoyed on earth. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news” (Isa 52:7, Rom 10:15). Breaking through this present evil age with the reality of God’s kingdom was costly for Jesus and it will be for you. But it is worth it for it opens up life to those who are perishing and brings glory to God. “He [Jesus] was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed” (Isa 53:5).

Before dying to save the world, Jesus told his followers, “Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love. I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. You didn’t choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you” (John 15:9-16).

Paul wrote, “For we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake; seeing it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you” (2Cor 4:5-12).

“Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2Cor 4:16-18).

Walk humbly and do what’s right and good out of love for God and others.

Jesus’ precious fellowship with his Father flowed from love, humility and obedience. Through Jesus we can share this same unity with God. Jesus taught, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven…Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt 5:3, 8). To follow Jesus requires brokenness and emptiness so he can restore us and fill us with himself. Again Jesus spoke, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it” (Luke 9:23-24). “Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:24-26).

God uses our self-denial, submission, and weakness to manifest his greatness. You see this truth throughout the Bible like with David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, Joseph and Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, the boy who gave his food to Jesus, Paul and Caesar. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble…Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:6, 10) “For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble; but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong; and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are: that no flesh should boast before God” (1Cor 1:26-29). Jesus said, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it” (Mark 10:14-15). The apostle John encouraged the early church, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9).

Offer your sins, failures, inadequacies and weaknesses to God for him to work with and through. The apostle Paul experienced this when he pleaded with God to remove a “thorn” in his flesh. God replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2Cor 12:9) Paul’s response can be your response, “Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me” (2Cor 12:9).

Be set apart for God. Love him and depend on him by submitting to his will and obeying his commands (John 14:15). Christian pastor and author, John Piper, puts it this way, “Find your greatest pleasure in pleasing God.” Then freely give to others the love, grace, and mercy he lavishes on you. The prophet Micah summed up how to be set apart for God, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic 6:8).

Reflection Questions

• How can you bring glory to God?

• What is your purpose in life?

• What has God set you apart to do?

• Do you find your greatest pleasure in pleasing God?

• Specifically what tends to get in the way of you being holy like God?

• How can you give your body as a living sacrifice?

•How can you renew your mind?

Seek

Overview

God is a missionary God. He seeks people out. He meets them at their point of need and draws them to be with him. He adopts them as children. He restores them and trains them to be like him. He sends them to do what he does, especially to seek others. Our response is to thirst for God like a deer pants for water (Ps 42:1). Then out of love for God and others we go to people in God’s power to share with them his truth, grace, and salvation that we’ve come to know.

God Seeks to Correct, Restore, and Commission

Our selfish human nature does not seek God. “All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has turned to his own way” (Isa 53:6). Fortunately God seeks us. In fact Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father unless the Spirit draws him” Out of love God doesn’t leave us to our waywardness which leads to death. He graciously, patiently seeks to save and correct us. We see this pattern in numerous relationships God has with people. For instance, in Genesis 3 we read of Adam and Eve who enjoyed a beautiful, harmonious unity with God daily walking with him in the cool of the evenings in the Garden of Eden. But after they disobeyed and ate forbidden fruit they hid from him in shame. God sought them asking, “Where are you?” God tracked Jonah down when Jonah defiantly sailed away instead of obediently calling out to the evil Ninevites (Jonah 1:1-17). God confronted king David after committing adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband (2Sam 12:1-13). In blinding light God intercepted Saul on his way to persecute followers of the Way in Damascus (Acts 9:1-6). In each case, God disciplined, but did not give up on them. Numerous times over centuries God sent prophets to his people, the Israelites, to turn their hearts back to him. This is typified in God’s charge to Hosea to marry, redeem, and faithfully love promiscuous Gomer (Hos 3:1-5). At the end of the age God will designate two prophets, three mighty angels, and perhaps others to urge people all over the world to turn to God before it is too late (Rev 11:3-13; 14:6-11). Even today God calls people to himself through the counsel and conviction of his Holy Spirit (John 16:7-15). In dealing with people, God’s justice and mercy are perfectly balanced holding us accountable, yet giving us multiple opportunities to humbly yield to his way which is for our best.

God also seeks to build up the weak, the oppressed, the hurt, and the brokenhearted. He restores us so we can be all he designed us to be. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2Chr 16:9 NIV). God lovingly but firmly reproves Job who searched for answers to his suffering (Job 38-41). He saved outcast Hagar and her son, Ishmael, when they had given up hope of surviving alone in the desert (Gen 21:14-21). What Joseph’s brothers meant for harm in selling him into slavery, God used for good to humble him, save his family, and provide for the world during famine (Gen 50:20). God encouraged the prophet Elijah who hid alone in despair after a death threat from wicked queen Jezebel (1Kgs 19:1-18). An angel (or perhaps even Jesus) stood alongside Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego preserving them in the fiery furnace after they refused to bow in worship to an outraged king Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 3:8-30). God sent the angel Gabriel to strengthen Daniel who had been pleading for mercy for Israel exiled in foreign captivity. Gabriel delivered the skill to understand God’s vision of the future (Dan 10). During a frustrating ministry marked by continual persecution and rejection the prophet Jeremiah frequently received courage and reassurance when he cried out to God (Jer 1:17-19). God spoke to disheartened Joseph of Nazareth in a dream not to divorce his fiancé, Mary, because of her mysterious pregnancy, for she had conceived from God (Matt 1:18-21). God sent Ananias to restore Saul’s sight and bestow the Holy Spirit after Saul’s life-changing encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:10-22). God understands our weakness, hurt, and need. “For we don’t have a high priest [Jesus] who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15). As the great “I AM” God alone is your answer. Like David if the Lord is your shepherd you shall lack nothing (Ps 23:1). Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30). Even though living rightly goes against our ungodly world system you can be encouraged in Christ as Peter wrote, “May the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1Pet 5:10).

God seeks individuals to declare his glory. He instructed Noah to build an ark as a way of salvation for all who would enter to escape God’s judgment flood (Gen 6:5-22). God chose Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to found the Hebrew nation through whom he would bless all nations (Gen 12:3, 17:1-8, 26:1-6, 35:9-12). God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and sent him to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian oppression (Ex 3:1-10). God had Moses select twelve leaders including Joshua and Caleb to explore Canaan prior to God delivering it into the homeless hands of Israel. By faith Joshua and Caleb reported favorably while the other explorers fearfully influenced the assembly to doubt and grumble (Num 13:1-16, 13:26-33, 14:1-25). From the weakest tribe of Israel and the least in his family God made Gideon a mighty warrior to deliver his people from Midianite torment (Jud 6:7-16). When the blasphemous sons of Eli, the priest, had no regard for the Lord God raised up faithful Samuel to replace them (1Sam 2:27-36, 3:10-21). After king Saul rebelled, God rejected him and anointed an unlikely shepherd boy, David, to become king (1Sam 16:1-13). During a critical transition in Israel’s leadership God appeared to Isaiah and asked, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah replied, “Here am I. Send me!” and he became God’s prophet (Isa 6:1-13). Many of the prophets have similar stories. God appointed Jeremiah to be a prophet from conception (Jer 1:4-10). In a spectacular vision God recommissioned Ezekiel from priest to prophet (Ezek 2:1-8). The apostle Peter and God-fearing Cornelius also received visions. These visions illuminated God’s plan to pour out his Spirit on Gentiles in addition to Jews (Acts 10:1-48). In an answer to prayer God opened the womb of elderly Elizabeth to give birth to John. After living in the wilderness and becoming strong in God’s Spirit John the Baptizer broke 400 years of silence from God by calling for people to repent and make way for God’s anointed savior (Luke 1:5-17, 1:57-80; John 1:23).

Jesus Showcases the Seeking of God

The sending of the savior, Jesus, epitomizes God’s seeking. Jesus is God the Son who became a man a to live the life people should have and die the death we all deserve. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Rom 10:4). “For him [Jesus] who knew no sin he [God the Father] made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2Cor 5:21). Jesus is the goal and method of God’s seeking. God the Father yearns to share the love he has with his Son as expressed through the Spirit by adopting people into his family. He uses Jesus to do this (Rom 8:1-39).

As God the Son, Jesus follows his Father’s footsteps in seeking to correct, restore, and train. Jesus told his disciples, “My food is to do the will of of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work” (John 4:34). Throughout his earthly ministry Jesus clarified, corrected, cautioned, countered, questioned, and commanded. He called people to repent and challenged them to kingdom living. In Capernaum people wanted Jesus to stay locally and teach, but he replied, “I must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other cities also. For this reason I have been sent” (Luke 4:43). In his sermon on the mount Jesus taught the crowds that life with God is radically deeper than the religious traditions they practiced. To truly know God required worship and holiness beyond their ability. People needed a savior and he was it (Matt 5:1-7:28). Jesus condemned the hypocrisy of the ruling religious leaders. Their actions pushed people from God instead of pointing them to God (Matt 23). Jesus corrected common misconceptions. For instance, he taught that not all suffering is a result of sin, riches aren’t necessarily a sign of God’s blessing, the Messiah will first conquer by suffering and serving not by physically overthrowing the government, the least is the greatest, the first shall be last, narrow is the road that leads to life and few find it, one must lose his life to save it, one should put no limit on forgiveness, women are just as equal and valuable to God as men, treat others the way you want to be treated, and loving God is shown by humility and serving others not by religious rituals. After his death, resurrection and return to heaven Jesus continues to seek to correct through the ministry of his Holy Spirit who lives inside believers. Jesus told his followers,

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; about sin, because they don’t believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more; about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged. I have yet many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming. He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine, and will declare it to you” (John 16:7-14).

Jesus also appeared in a vision to John to warn seven churches in Asia Minor to stay faithful and overcome until he returns. Jesus told them not to forsake their love for God, not to be afraid of suffering, not to follow false doctrine, to live out the life they are called to, to persevere, and not to be lukewarm (Rev 1:9-3:22).

Jesus, the King of kings, not only showed the tough love of correction but also the tender love of compassion. His character compelled him to bring justice and extend mercy to the least of his kingdom—the sick, poor, outcast, lost, needy, and humble. To restore people Jesus tore down personal, cultural and religious barriers. He deliberately crossed into the disdained land of half-breed Samaritans and spoke to an adulterous woman living in rejection and shame. She would never be the same. That day at the well Jesus poured his living water into her thirsty soul. Many from her town also became new and whole because of that encounter (John 4:1-42). Jesus healed a man born blind by putting mud on his eyes and having him wash. Jealous of Jesus, the Pharisees angrily ostracized the newly sighted man. Jesus came alongside him again and this time opened his spiritual eyes to see that if he believed he is accepted by God (John 9:1-41). After inviting himself to dinner with Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). He fraternized with tax collectors and sinners because “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17 NIV). Jesus went out of his way into Gentile territory to deliver two demon-possessed men (Matt 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39). In the parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the lost son Jesus highlighted the persistent, seeking love of God and the rejoicing that takes place in heaven over a sinner who repents (Luke 15:1-32). Even though Jesus knew God would be glorified by the passing away of his friend, Lazarus, he deeply empathized with the mourning of his sisters, Mary and Martha. He imparted hopeful truth to comfort Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). When he met Mary he was moved, troubled, and wept with her. Then he prayed and commanded Lazarus to rise from the dead. Lazarus lived again and all who experienced God’s glory that day grew in faith. Jesus buried the distress and fear his disciples suffered after his death by resurrecting and appearing to them just as he had predicted (John 20:19-31; Luke 24:1-49). At a campfire on the beach, Jesus warmly reinstated Peter who had coldly betrayed and denied him over a fire just a few days before (John 21:4-19).

Jesus always responded to and encouraged the faith people showed.

“It happened, while he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and begged him, saying, ‘Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.’ He stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, ‘I want to. Be made clean.’ Immediately the leprosy left him” (Luke 5:12-13).

Seeing a man who was lame for thirty-eight years, Jesus asked him, “Do you want to be made well?” The man said he didn’t have anyone to help him. Jesus said to him, “Arise, take up your mat and walk.” The man obeyed and was cured (John 5:5-9). Four clever friends of a paralytic succeeded in getting through the crowd surrounding Jesus by removing the roof of the house where Jesus was speaking and lowered their friend on a mat. When Jesus saw the faith of the friends he forgave the sins of the invalid and then told him to rise and walk (Mark 2:3-12). A Greek woman pleaded with Jesus to cast the demon out of her daughter. Testing her Jesus said, “‘Let the children be filled first, for it is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ He said to her, ‘For this saying, go your way. The demon has gone out of your daughter’” (Mark 7:27-29). While in route to help the sickly daughter of Jairus who desperately begged for Jesus’ help, the rescue party received news that the girl died. Jesus reassured Jairus, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.” When they reached his daughter, Jesus gently raised her to life (Mark 5:21-43). Another father asked Jesus to help his child. His son had a mute spirit which seized him, threw him down and wasted him away. “‘If you can do anything, take compassion on us and help us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you can?’, all thing are possible to him who believes. Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, ‘I believe. Help my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:22-23). Jesus commanded the evil spirit to come out of the boy. Afterward his disciples asked why they weren’t successful in casting out the demon. Jesus said, “Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matt 17:20). Jesus encouraged people to, “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened” (Matt 7:7-8). At the end of this age Jesus will return to seek out all who believe in him to inherit his kingdom and reign with him forever (John 14:1-3; Matt 24:31; Matt 13:24-30, 36-43; 1Thess 4:16-18; Rev 14:14-16).

Sometimes Jesus limited his seeking, because people didn’t respond in humble faith. In the parable of the prodigal son, the Father lets his son rebel and leave but the Father diligently watches hoping the son will return and rejoices when he does (Luke 15:11-32). A rich, young ruler came to Jesus asking how to earn eternal life, but left disheartened. He wasn’t willing to do what Jesus answered which was to sell his possessions and give to the poor, then follow Jesus. Jesus loved him, but let him go (Mark 10:17-27). Some people aren’t willing to listen or change. People from Jesus’ hometown attempted to throw him off a cliff when he claimed to be the Messiah (Luke 4:14-30). Thus he wasn’t able to do much in Nazareth. When Jesus sent his disciples out to proclaim the kingdom and to heal, he instructed them,

“Whoever doesn’t receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet. Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matt 10:14-16).

With regard to enemies of the gospel Jesus advised, “Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matt 7:6). That’s why Jesus said nothing to Herod when he was interrogated before his crucifixion (Luke 23:8-11). “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt 5:3). The pride of people like the religious leaders prevented Jesus from being able to do much to help them.

“He [Jesus] spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted’” (Luke 18:9-14).

To reach many, Jesus sought to train a few. He proclaimed the truth to the crowds, taught those who listened, and trained those who responded. He told Pilate, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37). “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). He chose twelve from among his followers to personally train how to become fishers of people for the glory of God (Matt 4:19). During his short public ministry he invested his life in these men for a multiplication effect where they would reach and teach others to follow who would in turn do the same.

“You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. You didn’t choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you” (John 15:14-16).

Jesus continues to teach his followers today through his Holy Spirit. “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you” (John 14:26).

Jesus sought kingdom moments. From the above examples hopefully you can see that throughout his time on earth, Jesus sought or designed opportunities where God’s kingly rule broke into this present evil age opening a gateway for people to experience his reality, character, truth and power. Jesus not only sought these kingdom moments but he lived in such a way that he himself is the gateway between our dead world and true life in God’s kingdom. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all” (1Tim 2:5-6). The apostle Paul explains this,

“For in him [Jesus] all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily, and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power; in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Col 2:9-15).

Jesus confirms his role as the gateway using multiple metaphors. He is the bread of life. People no longer need to starve spiritually (John 6:35). He is the light of the world. People no longer need to walk in darkness (John 8:12, 10:9-10). He is the good shepherd. People have a loving counselor, guide and master who laid down his life for them (John 10:14-16; Ps 23:1). He is the resurrection and the life. People can be saved from their death in sin (John 11:21-27). He is the way, the truth, and the life. Apart from Jesus people won’t ever find purpose, hope, meaning, joy, love, blessing or eternal life with God (John 14:6). He is the true vine. People can be a branch in Christ drawing life from him and bearing fruit because of him. Apart from him people can do nothing (John 15:5-8). Jesus taught his disciples,

“Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly” (John 10:7-10).

“Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it” (Matt 7:13-14).

Jesus is the only avenue to know and please God.

Seeking Like Jesus

Jesus searched for people who might respond to him in faith. He made himself available to stop, listen, pray, spend time, address key issues, alter his agenda, change directions, take advantage of object lessons, and maximize every opportunity. You can and should do the same as he makes it possible. To his followers Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you” (John 20:21).

Humbly depend on God.

Through Jesus’ humble obedience God conquered sin, Satan, and death to restore people and all creation (Phil 2:5-11). Likewise for you to be involved in God’s salvation plan you first need to seek Jesus in humility which is desperate abandonment to his wisdom, authority, and power. “Behold, Yahweh’s eye is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his loving kindness; to deliver their soul from death, to keep them alive in famine. Our soul has waited for Yahweh. He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let your loving kindness be on us, Yahweh, since we have hoped in you” (Ps 33:18-22). Have you come to trust Jesus as your savior? If so, continue to grow in relationship with him. If not, ask him to save you from your rebellious, sinful ways and he will. Get to know God deeper by studying his word to you, the Bible. Put yourself in situations that you must rely on God in faith rather than your own abilities or resources.

Pray.

Jesus prayed frequently. You too need to pray. By talking and listening to God you can know when, where, how and whom you should seek. Prayer aligns your will to God’s will. God works through prayer to open people’s imprisoned hearts to his liberating reality.

Go.

As God answers you must boldly go. Join with other believers as a part of God’s church. The church is Jesus’ body at work in this world. We are his ambassadors of reconciliation (2Cor 5:15-20). This year consider going in two specific ways: Reach the least reached in the world by participating in a short term mission and look to start spiritually training someone who is less mature than you in Christ.

While going look for opportunities. See like God sees. Let his Spirit guide you. Be faithful, available, and teachable to identify kingdom moments. They occur most readily among the sick, poor, outcast, lost, and needy. God’s kingdom is advancing all around you and Jesus calls people of action to co-labor with him to bring others in (Matt 11:12-15; Luke 10:2; John 4:34-38).

Reflection Questions

• Do you regularly thank God for seeking you?

• Is God seeking to correct pride or anything else in you?

• Do you associate with the least, the last, the lost, and the lonely?

• Are you involved with other believers to seek people for Christ?

• Who can you seek to show the truth?

• Who can you seek to encourage?

• Who can you seek to train or mentor?

Speak the Truth

Overview

Jesus is the word of God—his express nature to us (John 1:1-4). “God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have” (Heb 1:1-4). When Jesus speaks through words and actions he enacts and reveals God’s will and character—his kingly rule. As followers of Jesus we can speak with authority of the truth of God’s kingdom so people who are dead and deceived are finally able to see and experience reality, which is life with God.

Jesus Speaks with Authority

Jesus’ words are powerful. They bring joy, peace, freedom and life. Their power emanates from the character and content of his words rather than skilled oration or clever phrasing. Jesus speaks with authority because he is God. He is the everlasting creator, sustainer, redeemer and restorer.

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Col 1:16-20 NIV).

Daniel witnessed this in a vision centuries before Jesus came to earth. “I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed” (Dan 7:13-14). Jesus demonstrated this authority while ministering on earth. He created wine from water and food for thousands from a single lunch. He healed the sick, diseased, crippled, deaf, mute, and blind. He commanded wind and waves to be still. He called Lazarus and Jairus’ daughter back from the dead. He cast evil spirits out of people. He forgave sins. He could summon an army of angels. He conversed directly with God the Father.

Jesus also taught with authority because he is the truth (John 14:6). He is the author and perfecter of faith (Heb 12:2). He is the light of the world (John 8:12, 9:5). “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2Cor 4:6 NIV). When Jesus stepped down from heaven and became a man he shined this light before our eyes in tangible, identifiable ways. People no longer had to hear about God from a priest; they could hear God directly. Jesus said, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me” (John 7:16). On another occasion he said, “The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works” (John 14:10). People including religious leaders marveled at Jesus’ extraordinary teaching and actions because they supremely surpassed what they were naturally accustomed (Mark 1:21-2:13; 6:2). Jesus words have the ultimate authority to save. He said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).

Jesus Speaks the Whole Truth

God never changes (Jas 1:17; Ps 55:19). His word never changes or fades (1Pet 1:23-25; Luke 1:37). Thus Jesus, God the Son, who is also the Word of God never changes (Heb 13:8). When he speaks it happens. “For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesn’t return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing I sent it to do” (Isa 55:10-11). Jesus said, “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished” (Matt 5:17). In fact Jesus fulfills all the roles of prophet, priest, judge and king that God set up as foreshadows of how he relates with his people. Jesus, the King of kings, bring people face to face with the fullness of the reality of God’s kingdom.

Before Jesus came as a man, people received glimpses of God’s kingly rule. But Jesus revealed its glory in humble yet intense display. Being truth himself, the very character of Jesus encompasses all truth. He speaks the whole of God’s reality. He doesn’t just state a few facts or steer clear of lying. Jesus openly presents the truth to all. Many times he did this through parables which served as a statement of judgment to those who rejected Jesus, but to those with open hearts they liberated (Mark 4:12). In the parable of the lamp he spotlights this, “For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light” (Mark 4:22). With all types of people he strategically cuts right to the core of an issue and tells it like it is in order to liberate, set right, and heal. For instance, in his sermon on the mount, Jesus contrasted the prevailing distorted worldview and the real kingdom view. He repeatedly taught, “You have heard...but I truly tell you...” (Matt 5-7).

This dramatically counters how people and Satan operate. Our human nature is to seek and speak only the truth that serves our selfish pride, pleasure, greed, comfort, convenience or security. Satan’s dark nature is to conceal. Without Jesus’ truth people live in a false reality by choice or blindness.

“Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, ‘If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’

“They answered him, ‘We are Abraham’s seed, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, ‘You will be made free?’

“Jesus answered them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin. A bondservant doesn’t live in the house forever. A son remains forever. If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s seed, yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. I say the things which I have seen with my Father; and you also do the things which you have seen with your father.’

“They answered him, ‘Our father is Abraham.’

“Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham didn’t do this. You do the works of your father.’

“They said to him, ‘We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father, God.’

“Therefore Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your father, you would love me, for I came out and have come from God. For I haven’t come of myself, but he sent me. Why don’t you understand my speech? Because you can’t hear my word. You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn’t stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and its father. But because I tell the truth, you don’t believe me. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? He who is of God hears the words of God. For this cause you don’t hear, because you are not of God’” (John 8:31-47).

Satan offers only part of the truth or twists the truth in order to steal, kill, and destroy. Ever since Adam and Eve he has dealt with people this way. In the garden he misrepresented God’s word and seduced Eve and Adam into disobeying it. He boasted that eating the forbidden fruit would taste delicious, increase their knowledge and make them like God. He stated the truth but he slyly omitted the dire consequences. Doing so would steal their innocence and authority, kill them spiritually, destroy their relationship with God, degrade the relationship between each other, bring pain and suffering to all creation and ban them from the glorious garden. Satan tempted Jesus by twisting God’s word for his own agenda. But Jesus successfully countered by using God’s word rightly (Luke 4:1-13). Although Satan masquerades as an angel of light, the truth is not in him. God hates lying (Prov 6:16-19). Just as Satan has become restricted in his access to heaven and will eventually be cast from God’s presence, those who don’t speak and act in truth have no place in the kingdom of God (1Cor 6:8-10; Gal 5:19-21).

Only those who worship God in spirit and in truth really live (John 4:23-24). The whole truth that Jesus speaks enables that. “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God’” (Matt 4:4). “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall” (Matt 7:24-27).

Jesus Speaks the Truth in Love and Action

God looks at people with a vision of what he wants them to become. The way Jesus spoke matters. When Jesus interacted with people he spoke with tender love to the humble and hurting and with tough love to the proud. He tactfully cut to the core issue, wisely asked provocative questions and resolutely pulled people from complacency to points of decision. His goal was to redeem and restore people to reality—a right relationship with God. The apostle John explains this,

“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

“(John [the Baptizer] testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known” (John 1:9-18 NIV).

Jesus sowed the seed of truth among all types of soil (Matt 13:1-50). He proclaimed to everyone, taught those who listened and trained those who responded. He effectively reached the world by broadcasting the truth and then investing himself in the few who took it to heart. He trained them to do the same, creating a multiplication effect that still impacts our world today and will continue until he returns to finalize his kingdom.

Although many rejected and opposed Jesus he included and accepted people. Although people ridiculed him, lied about him, betrayed him and had him killed Jesus spoke the truth, loved them and bought life for them with his death. Jesus lived out his teaching to “love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful” (Luke 6:35-36). Even as he was crucified he cried out to God to forgive his executioners and even saved a repentant criminal hanging with him (Luke 23:33-43).

Jesus’ actions reinforced his words and his words gave meaning to his actions. Speaking eloquently without love is worthless and ineffective. Paul wrote,

“If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing. If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it profits me nothing.

“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails” (1Cor 13:1-8).

Truth by nature is exclusive and intolerant. Yet Jesus was able to speak the truth in loving, inclusive action. He corrected, engaged, challenged, encouraged, forgave and inspired to woo people into a saving relationship with God.

Speaking the Truth

Our world is dying, yet people think they are living. Many leaders lack vision, answers and dedication because they have no solid foundation. People everywhere need Jesus—a righteous rock, powerful king, committed savior, and servant leader. He created us and he is the answer to our every need. Adam and Eve used to have authority to govern the world in loving harmony with God. But they abdicated that government and their lives to Satan when they disobeyed God in the garden. Thankfully Jesus conquered Satan, sin and death by giving his innocent life as a ransom for us. Thus anyone who trusts Jesus can be saved.

Be salt and light.

Jesus continues this saving ministry through his followers. To save all who will believe, Jesus has given his followers the authority to speak and act as he did. “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:18-20). After people trust Jesus to be their savior he chooses not remove them from this world, but rather to keep them here so he can train them and influence others. You are here to be salt and light so people can come to know him (Matt 5:13-16). Salt seasons and preserves from the distaste and decay of sin. Light illuminates reality and truth eliminating uncertainty, confusion, doubt and deceit. Without the salt and light of the truth Satan veils people’s hearts. But just as God condemned the false prophets deceiving Israel in the days of Ezekiel he won’t tolerate Satan’s deception.

“Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds. I will tear off your veils and save my people from your hands, and they will no longer fall prey to your power. Then you will know that I am the Lord. Because you disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives, therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the Lord’” (Ezek 3:20-23 NIV).

As he prophesied to Adam and Eve he has sent Jesus who crushed Satan’s head even though Satan struck his heel (Gen 3:15). Jesus confirmed this when divinely inspired Peter claimed that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus replied that on this proclamation of his true identity the church would be based and the gates of Hell would not prevail against it (Matt 16:13-20). As the body of believers proclaim God’s truth he rips off the diabolical veil that blinds people to his radiant reality. Jesus’ words set people free. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). As you speak and act in truth God saves others. Furthermore, he utilizes this ministry of reconciliation to enrich your salvation and deepen your bond with him by transforming you into the likeness of Jesus.

Know God’s word.

In our age of widespread naturalism, materialism, atheism, relativism, universalism and numerous ungodly religions we must know God’s word to declare it fully and wisely. Study the Bible, meditate on it, memorize it, and surrender to its authority. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you” (1Pet 3:15). “Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth” (2Tim 2:15). God’s word is an offensive and defensive blade in battling against Satan (Eph 6:10-17). “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb 4:12). “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2Tim 3:16-17).

Boldly proclaim with Jesus’ authority.

When you proclaim the glorious message and mission of Jesus, God saves people. “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). Paul wrote, “‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” (Romans 10:13-15). Like David may you recognize how vital God’s word is for you and others, “Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Ps 19:8). “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path” (Ps 119:105).

You shouldn’t water down the truth, shrink back from boldly declaring it, or misunderstand judgment. You are surrounded by people who reject the truth.

“But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also. For some of these are people who creep into houses, and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also oppose the truth; men corrupted in mind, who concerning the faith, are rejected. But they will proceed no further. For their folly will be evident to all men, as theirs also came to be” (2Tim 3:1-9).

But among those who spurn are those who will listen. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to them. Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith” (Rom 1:16-17). Don’t let the fear of rejection or persecution dim your witness. Jesus warned his disciples that they will be hated like he was but he also reassured them, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Paul encouraged the believers in Corinth along this line,

“For we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake; seeing it is God who said, ‘Light will shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2Cor 4:5-10).

Some people don’t speak the truth because Jesus said not to judge others (Matt 7:1). However speaking the truth differs from judging. The judging Jesus spoke of has to do with comparing and exalting yourself based on finding faults in others. In contrast, speaking the truth exalts the righteousness and goodness of God then lovingly points people to their need for a savior in order to know him. God is pleased for you to witness valiantly and truthfully. “Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place. For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God, in those who are saved” (2Cor 2:14-15). “As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters” (Prov 25:13).

Truly love.

In addition to the gospel all the words you speak must be true and loving to give credibility to your witness. Believers need to be authentic Christians to be effective. If you exalt Jesus from one side of your mouth but lie, slander or gossip from the other side you do more damage than good. James wrote, “If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless” (Jas 1:26). God detests lying (Prov 6:16-19). The worldly way of lying, swearing, cursing, arguing, complaining, cutting down, coarse joking or gossiping has no place in God’s kingdom (Eph 4:29-5:10; Jas 5:12). Instead followers of Jesus need to let his Spirit guide them to be people of integrity, honesty, humility, openness, transparency, accountability, dependability, encouragement, and blessing. Jesus said, “Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27). “Do all things without murmurings and disputes, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, holding up the word of life” (Phil 2:14-16).

Even if your words are true they won’t matter if you don’t speak them in love. Your walk needs to match your talk. James wrote, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you tells them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled”; and yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself” (Jas 2:14-17). Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:14-16). “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV).

In the time you’ve been given follow the advice Paul gave Timothy, “Preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables” (2Tim 4:2-4). In the love of Christ, boldly speak and show his truth—the reality of God and his kingdom.

Reflection Questions

• Are you willing for Jesus to powerfully use you to save others?

• Like Isaiah do you need God to cleanse your mouth so it can be used for his glory?

• Can people count on you to keep your word?

• Are you honest, trustworthy, gracious, encouraging, sincere, transparent, dependable, punctual, accountable, and above reproach?

• Does your life exhibit servant kingdom living or self-centered worldly living?

• Can you communicate the gospel including verses from the Bible?

• What is your testimony? Who were you before Jesus? How did you meet Jesus? What is your life like since?

• Do you express your faith in love?

Strengthen & Subdue

Overview

Every day a spiritual battle rages to turn people and prevent people from worshipping God–the singular being worthy of praise. Fortunately the war has been won and the victor is Almighty God who created everything and gave his life in Jesus Christ to save and restore all of his creation. Through his crucifixion and resurrection Jesus defeated Satan, death, and slavery to sin. Because Jesus lives people can be free from Satan and the grip of sin. They can escape death and live abundantly with God as he originally designed. However, for a limited time God allows Satan to continue his evil schemes. So followers of Jesus are in a battle to live under the authority of God’s Spirit rather than listening to Satan or the desires of their old selfish nature. They are also in a battle to rescue the souls of others from eternal damnation that they face as a result of their rebellion against God. While we await the consummation of God’s kingdom when he will bring everything under the headship of Jesus, those who trust in Jesus have his strength and authority to subdue evil and save people.

The Source of Our Struggle

People struggle because of pride and defiance. Satan and his demons prey on this to exasperate our doom. This struggle ends in death. The only solution to our proud and defiant nature is to trust Jesus through humility and obedience.

We don’t have the full story of all that takes place in heavenly realms, but the Bible gives us some clues to understanding the battle we face. Before time, space, or matter God existed (Psa 93:2). He is the Alpha and Omega who always was and always will be (Rev 1:8, 21:6, 22:13). God is one God expressed in three distinct persons–the Father, the Son, and the Spirit (Gen 1:1; Deut 6:4; Mark 12:29; Matt 3:16-17; Matt 28:19). God created angels to worship him and carry out his will. At some point one of the archangels, a morning star, arrogantly desired for himself the glory reserved for God (Isa 14:12-14; Ezek 28:12-18; 1Tim 3:6). He persuaded a third of the angels to pay tribute to him. In response God limited these angels’ access to heaven (Rev 12:3-5). At the end of this age he will cast them from heaven completely (Rev 12:7-13). At Jesus’ second coming they will be bound and then eventually banished to the eternal lake of tormenting fire (Rev 20). For now even though we don’t completely understand why, God sovereignly allows Satan and his demons to accuse, lie, tempt, steal, kill, and destroy. A few dark angels are bound in Hades until God releases them during the Great tribulation at the end of this age (Rev 9:13-21).

When God created Adam and Eve, the first humans, he designed them differently than all his other creatures. Out of the love between the Father and Son expressed through the Spirit, God desired to create people in his image to share in his joyful, triune relationship. He made people with a body, soul (mind, emotions, will), and spirit. He breathed his life into them. He gave them dominion over all the earth and commissioned them to care for it and subdue it (Gen 1:26-28). Tragically Adam and Eve rebelled against God and in so doing gave this authority over to Satan who then became the prince of the earth and the air. In a cunning coup Satan stole humankind’s authority through temptation and deceit the day Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden of Eden. They abdicated their earthly rule and cut off their spiritual life line with God in a desire to be like God. Ever since all people suffer from this corrupt nature to live for their own desires and not God’s—to be their own gods instead of worshipping the one and only God. All have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23).

People have no hope of ever knowing God again if Jesus had not brought about reconciliation through his death and resurrection for those who trust him. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). Anyone who trusts Jesus to save him receives God’s Spirit of life. But a struggle still remains because his body and soul have not been trained to yield to the Spirit’s authority and direction. Their old nature resists the Holy Spirit and at times through his free will he chooses to disobey rather than obey. In addition to a believer’s old nature resisting the Holy Spirit, Satan wages war against the Holy Spirit by tempting and trying to seduce the body and soul to sin. He prowls like a lion seeking to devour believers (1Pet 5:8).

Fortunately in a believer Satan has no power over the Spirit. God’s Spirit in him is far greater than Satan’s influence (1John 4:4; John 10:27-30). Upon trusting Jesus a believer receives forgiveness and becomes a new creation in Christ, yet the old nature is still present. The difference is that when someone trusts in Jesus he has wonderful freedom and power over sin and Satan whereas before he was a helpless and hopeless slave to sin (Rom 8:1-10). Despite a believer’s victorious new life in Christ, Satan doesn’t give up on trying to destroy him. He preys on his soul and body to incite them to rebel against the Spirit. He gains oppressive footholds through the garbage left from past habits, addictions, abuse, stubbornness, rebellion, victimization, emotional scars, and generational sin that occurred before becoming a Christian. Even after someone becomes a Christian, when he sins Satan tries to use that against him to ruin his relationship with God. Satan also attempts to exploit the damaging actions of fallen people and disastrous afflictions of our cursed world to persecute believers. But remember God is in control.

Peter encourages believers beleaguered by suffering with these words, “Withstand him [Satan] steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1Pet 5:9-10). Your power to overcome your selfish will and Satan’s schemes is found in daily staying desperate and dependent on Christ through humble brokenness and loving obedience. He alone is your victor, savior and Lord.

The Son Draws on His Father’s Strength

Although Jesus is God, when he became a man to live among us he subjected himself to human weakness. Thus Jesus relied on God’s strength to live righteously and to combat evil. God’s power was free to flow through Jesus because of his humility and obedience. Humility is utter abandonment to self and drawing one’s value, purpose, and resources from someone greater. Jesus did nothing and said nothing on his own. “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work” (John 4:34). “I only speak the words my Father tells me.” “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me” (John 7:16). “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, I say these things. He who sent me is with me. The Father hasn’t left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him” (John 8:28-29).

As we have seen in previous chapters Jesus exercised God’s power and authority to subdue creation, disease, death and demons. To face the challenges of temptation and ministry, Jesus had to be sure of God’s love for him. God directly affirmed Jesus at his baptism before his public ministry. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt 3:17). He did so again on the mount of transfiguration (Mark 9:7). From this foundation of love Jesus renewed his strength through intimate communion with God by prayer, fasting, thanksgiving, rest and solitude. Continually we see Jesus getting away from the crowds and even from his disciples to spend time alone with God. He rested. He sang hymns. He talked with and listened to God receiving wisdom, direction, encouragement, and power. For instance, to prepare for ministry God took Jesus to the wilderness for testing by Satan. Through 40 days of fasting and relying on God’s word, Jesus prevailed. Then God sent angels to strengthen him (Matt 4:1-11). Before many miracles Jesus prayed to, praised or thanked God. At other times he just acted in alignment with God’s will. God responded with granting him dominion over evil and creation to bring justice, peace, deliverance, healing, and love.

Jesus’ reliance on his Father was not only for his benefit, but also for others. Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus thanked God that he would be glorified through his Son and that others would believe in Jesus.

“Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’

“Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, ‘Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.’

Jesus said to her, ‘Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory?’

“So they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you listened to me. I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude that stands around I said this, that they may believe that you sent me.’

“When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Free him, and let him go.’ Therefore many of the Jews, who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in him” (John 11:39-45).

Jesus relayed God’s power and authority to the disciples before sending them out in pairs to preach, cast out demons, and heal (Matt 10:1-42; Mark 6:6-13; Luke 9:1-9, 10:1-24). He sought God’s power in prayer for Peter to keep him from being sifted like wheat by Satan (Luke 22:31-32). He asked for forgiveness for the soldiers who killed him (Luke 23:34).

Jesus sought wisdom and strength to make hard decisions like choosing the twelve disciples (Luke 6:12-16). Before his crucifixion Jesus pleaded with God for another way to save the world that didn’t involve intense suffering and being forsaken by his Father. But more important than his will, he prayed for God’s will to be done. God dispatched angels to strengthen him for the atoning death he would endure. In contrast, his disciples slept instead of praying. Consequently they had no power to stand with Jesus when he was arrested (Luke 22:39-46; Mark 14:26-40).

Jesus followed God’s example of resting. After God created the universe and everything in it he reflected on how good it was and he rested. God made people with the need to rest physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. After working in the garden Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the evenings. He commanded Israel to observe a day of rest each week, seven special feast days each year, sabbath years, and a year of jubilee (Exod 16:21-26, Lev 23, 25). These times celebrate God’s grace, providence, redemption and restoration. Jesus recognized the value of resting and reflecting and consistently worshiped God through it. Furthermore and much deeper, Jesus fulfilled the purpose behind these rituals. Jesus himself is mankind’s rest, salvation, and completeness (2Cor 1:20).

Out of love Jesus’ goal is God’s will, God’s glory, and the salvation of others. As the quintessential son, Jesus found his greatest pleasure in pleasing his Father through humility and obedience. We get a glimpse of this when Jesus prayed to his Father in the garden despite the unimaginable suffering he imminently faced in bearing the sin of the world. “I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do. Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed. I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world…The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me” (John 17:4-6, 22-23). For the joy of pleasing his Father and saving others Jesus willingly endured the cross, despised its shame, and received his honorable place at the Father’s right hand of rule (Heb 12:2). Through Jesus’ humility and obedience God saved and exalted Jesus and others. Likewise through our faithful response to his grace shown in our humility and obedience God saves and exalts us and others.

“Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure” (Phil 2:5-13).

Jesus Strengthens Others

As seen in the chapter on Seeking, Jesus strengthened others by encouraging their faith. In fact Jesus enabled their faith too. If it wasn’t for his truth and grace no one would see God. He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb 12:1). Our selfish sinful nature weakens us from being able to live righteously. “As it is written, ‘There is no one righteous; no, not one. There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God. They have all turned aside. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, no, not, so much as one” (Rom 3:10-12). Thankfully through Jesus’ brokenness we can be made whole.

“For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no good looks or majesty. When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised, and rejected by men; a man of suffering, and acquainted with disease. He was despised as one from whom men hide their face; and we didn’t respect him. Surely he has borne our sickness, and carried our suffering; yet we considered him plagued, struck by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has turned to his own way; and Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa 53:2-6).

Jesus is God’s anointed one to redeem and restore creation. “The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of Yahweh’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to appoint to those who mourn in Zion, to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that he may be glorified” (Isa 61:1-3). Daniel envisioned Jesus as a glorious son of man who was given an everlasting dominion and whom the Ancient of Days commissioned to prepare saints to inherit his kingdom (Dan 7).

Jesus has not fulfilled all of this mission yet. For a time creation is still cursed, death still collects its dues and the devil still wreaks havoc. But Jesus has begun renewal for all who believe. Our return to wholeness is both an instant and ongoing process. As mentioned earlier when we trust Jesus as our Savior he gives us his Spirit and we become a new creation in Christ. However this salvation continues through sanctification of our soul and body until our whole being becomes set apart for Christ and becomes like Christ. Our restoration will reach its completion when Jesus returns to earth.

In addition to his Spirit Jesus strengthens us through each other. Working with and for others is a vital part of our becoming whole. A key way Jesus builds people up is through others. God is a perfect community: Father, Son and Spirit. He uses community to help us become like him and do what he does.

Jesus proclaimed to everyone, taught those who listened, and trained those who responded. He intentionally strengthened a group of twelve men who would in turn train groups to reach the world. Jesus’ group of apostles comprised ordinary, mostly uneducated men with diverse personalities. One was a zealot, one came from noble birth, one used to exploit his fellow Jews as a tax collector, one stole from the apostles’ meager purse, others jockeyed for prominent positions of power in Jesus’ kingdom. All doubted, continually misunderstood, and eventually abandoned Jesus at his arrest. They huddled in foreboding after his death. From worldly standards they were not an ideal team. Yet Jesus transformed them from renegades to radical believers, from fearful to faithful, from self-centered to sacrificial servants. After his resurrection and ascension, Jesus empowered them, as well as, all believers with his Spirit. He gave them authority, commissioned them to disciple all nations and promised to always be with them (Matt 28:18-20). His followers become his body, the church, with him at the head (Eph 1:15-23; 1Cor 12:12-27; Rom 12:4-5; Eph 4:4-16).

Though we are different members with varying roles and abilities believers work together, support each other, and strategically make disciples to the glory of God. Like most of the first apostles many endure persecution and even brutal martyrdom because of joyful obedience to Jesus. Fortunately God’s grace strengthens believers like it did for Paul. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2Cor 12:10). The book of Acts highlights the powerful and effective movement of God in and through his church. This communal movement continues today among all who believe. God designed us to enjoy life as a family, to depend on his strength and to help each other.

Jesus continues to train and strengthen us in faith so we can carry out the wondrous plans he has yet to come. “But as it is written, ‘Things which an eye didn’t see, and an ear didn’t hear, which didn’t enter into the heart of man, these God has prepared for those who love him’” (1Cor 2:9). Like Paul wrote to the Philippians you can be confident “that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6).

Strengthening and Subduing

Like the combat of Jesus’ ministry your battle is not against flesh and blood. “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:10-12). “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2Cor 10:3-5 NIV). You need to engage the fight of faith as a soldier totally dependent on God.

Rely on God’s strength.

You cannot prevail against your sinful nature or the devil without God. He is your strength. His power is made perfect in your weakness (2Cor 12:9-10). Like a sheep you need his love, guidance, providence, and protection.

“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever” (Ps 23).

Jesus fulfills the role of a shepherd in your life. “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own…My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:14, 27-28). “The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe” (Prov 18:10). “Hear my cry, God. Listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth, I will call to you, when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will dwell in your tent forever. I will take refuge in the shelter of your wings” (Ps 61:1-4).

God loves you (Ps 136). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). In his unconditional love he confronts your rebellion with a deep desire to save you. “But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). You are his priceless child and he wants you to call him Abba Father (Gal 4:4-7). The very hairs on your head are numbered. As he cares for the world he cares even more for you (Matt 6:25-34). “How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you” (Ps 139:17-18). Whether good or bad, present or absent we all have a father. However, try to look beyond the shortcomings of any earthly example to see how awesome your heavenly Father is. Draw strength from knowing that he accepts you, supports you, cheers for you, admires you, and has your best interest in mind. Your greatest mission in life is to love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:29-30). Yield to him, find all that you need in him, learn from him, and rest in him.

Alone you have little if any strength to do what’s right. When you sin it further weakens you. But through surrendering your body and soul to God’s Spirit living in you, you can have victory over sin and Satan. The Spirit counsels, comforts, convicts, guides, and teaches. Jesus told his disciples about the Spirit,

“When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; about sin, because they don’t believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more; about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged. I have yet many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming. He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine, and will declare it to you” (John 16:7-14).

Paul explained the Spirit to the early church,

“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments” (1Cor 2:10-15 NIV).

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace” (Rom 8:5-6).

Several times Paul writes of your critical dependence on the Spirit. “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God” (Rom 8:12-14). “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of you minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:22-24 NIV). “Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Rom 12:1-2). “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Gal 5:16-18). The Spirit builds you up as shown by his results in our life. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).

Putting on God’s armor enables you to battle.

“Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Eph 6:13-20).

God goes before you in kingdom living as he did for Joshua in leading Israel to defeat their enemies who occupied the land God promised them as an inheritance. “Be strong and courageous: for you shall go with this people into the land which Yahweh has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it. Yahweh, he it is who does go before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you, neither forsake you: don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed” (Deut 31:7-8). God acts upon your faith like young David when God enabled him to defeat Goliath and the entire Philistine army who defied God (1Sam 17:10-53). Against all obstacles God leads you to victory as he led Gideon to victory over Midianites and other eastern peoples although outnumbered 400 to 1 (Judg 7:1-8:21).

Each day you can rely on God in humility and obedience. Peter wrote, “If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1Pet 4:11). He helps you confess, repent, conquer, forgive, heal and love. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Phil 4:13). “Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him. Yahweh is their strength. He is a stronghold of salvation to his anointed. Save your people, and bless your inheritance. Be their shepherd also, and bear them up forever” (Ps 28:7-9).

Count on God’s word.

The strength of God also pours forth from his word. Throughout history the people of God faithfully take him at his word. They look to his commands and promises in order to live. Against all odds of having children Abraham believed God’s promise to make him a father of many nations. “Yet, looking to the promise of God, he didn’t waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was also able to perform. Therefore it also was ‘reckoned to him for righteousness’” (Rom 4:20-22). To enable Joshua to lead Israel into the promised land God told him,

“Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go’” (Josh 1:6-9).

Psalm 1 echoes that, “Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper” (Ps 1:1-3). Hebrews chapter 11 lists other key examples. In the longest psalm of the Bible, David records 176 verses of how vital God’s word is (Ps 119). Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God’” (Luke 4:4).

In addition to the Bible, God speaks to and strengthens you through prayer. With Jesus as your mediator you can freely approach God directly with your joys and concerns (1Tim 2:5; Heb 9:15, 12:24). He hears you and responds. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1John 5:14-15 NIV). Jesus even gave his disciples a model for prayer,

“Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen” (Matt 6:9-13).

From this model we learn that prayer includes adoring God, affirming his authority, confessing to him, thanking him, seeking his help, and aligning one’s will to his with an intent to act on it.

When you pray you can draw strength from the fact that God fulfills his promises. Like the psalmists you can remind him to stay true to his word. His pure, faithful nature obligates him to do so. God always does what he says and will eventually make everything right through Christ. In contrast, Satan, the father of lies, twists God’s truth and degrades his character. He tries to make you think that God is not good or fair or loving or concerned. Don’t fall for that. When you are hurt by others or circumstances of life run to God for solace and resolution. Let go of any anger, resentment and striving to bring about justice and righteousness on your own terms. “‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph 4:26-27 NIV). Guard against the seeds of bitterness that Satan sows and let God bear the fruit of mercy and forgiveness in you and through you. Harboring any hatred hinders your prayers and intimacy with God as well as healing with others. It’s not worth it. Give it over to God.

Jesus told his disciples “Have faith in God. For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions” (Mark 11:22-26).

Forgiveness is not forgetting that something happened. It is not saying that something is alright or not a problem. It is not claiming that it doesn’t hurt. Nor is it condoning an offense. Rather, forgiveness is no longer blaming or holding something against someone. The choice to forgive is proactive not reactive. It springs from God’s grace, rather than waiting to respond to someone being sorry, making a change, or promising not to cause further hurt. (However, an apology and repentance from an offender certainly aids the process). Through forgiveness you gracefully take the initiative to bring about healing like God did for you (Rom 5:8). This is not easy or natural, but it is necessary for growth. With God’s help you can do it. Finally realize forgiveness doesn’t mean everything will be like it used to be as if nothing ever happened. In our fallen world that is rarely possible. But it is a catalyst for reconciliation and a foundation for new beginnings.

At times prayer should also include personal or corporate fasting which involves abstaining from food or certain activities for a period. Throughout scripture followers of God fasted like Samuel, Daniel, Esther, Moses, Elijah, Anna, Jesus, Paul, and the church. In their lives we see God using it to humble in order to incline them to his voice and then lift them up through renewal and reformation to carry out his purposes. It also helps believers break sinful strongholds and have victory over Satan. Begin to fast with the Holy Spirit as your guide. But do so privately with a sincere, humble desire to know God’s will and power for ministry not as a way to impress or manipulate God or gain accolades from people (Matt 6:16-18). “The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective” (James 5:16).

Paul encouraged believers to pray, “In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7). “Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (Heb 13:20-21).

Rest and persevere.

Every soldier needs to rest and reflect in order to continue to fight. “‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.’ Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge” (Ps 46:10). Just as your physical body needs rest so does your soul and spirit. In relating to mankind God has posted countless signs to recall his virtuous character and gracious salvation. For example, his law written on stone and the tablets of our hearts, the Passover lamb, the temple, the rainbow, creation, and miracles. All these pictures point to his greatest tribute in Jesus who is called Immanuel—God among us. “As God has said, ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people’” (2Cor 6:16). We need a change of pace and a change of place to remember, reflect, and be rejuvenated in this glorious gift. Without attending to the truth of Christ in you the callousness the devil creates, the persecution that pursuing the truth causes, the worries of life, and the deceitfulness of riches can render your faith fruitless (Matt 13:3-23).

On life’s journey you shouldn’t always drive. Walking or biking with frequent stops allow for a healthy change in focus, perspective, and experience. Along the way giving special names to people or places can serve to commemorate milestones of spiritual significance as it did in biblical times. For instance, Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, Jacob became Israel, Hoshea became Joshua, Saul became Paul, Simon became Peter, and God called Solomon Jedediah. After 400 years of Egyptian oppression and 40 years of wandering in the wilderness because of disbelief Israel approached the threshold of their promised land. Joshua told them, “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow Yahweh will do wonders among you” (Josh 3:5). God parted the formidable Jordan river and they entered into their blessing. “Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man. Joshua said to them, ‘Pass over before the ark of Yahweh your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you pick up a stone and put it on your shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; that this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do you mean by these stones?’ then you shall tell them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever’” (Josh 4:4-7). Similarly after repentance from idolatry God granted thunderous victory to Israel over the Philistines. Samuel set up an Ebenezer stone to remind them of the past, present and future help of God (1Sam 7:2-17). Another beneficial practice to capture and process what God is teaching you is to journal. Over time this becomes a powerful testament to his personal faithfulness, spurring you to carry on.

Actively resting in Christ builds your faith. Through humble obedience to his Father Jesus received all power and authority. Following Jesus, which means living in his kingdom, sometimes requires waiting for him to act or direct. Other times it means waiting upon him through serving. Both forms of rest require dependence through faith which is comprised of hope, loyalty, trust and obedience. Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). Isaiah wrote, “He [God] gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might. Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young men utterly fall; But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint” (Isa 40:29-31). Like a muscle faith gets stronger as it is exercised. Wait in Christ, for Christ, and upon Christ.

Abiding in Christ, waiting for him and upon him, enables you to overcome as a minister in this present evil age. “Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life…But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body” (2Cor 3:3-5, 4:7-11). Jesus knew his followers would have trouble in this world, but he enables and exhorts his church to overcome (John 16:33, Rev 2-4). In Christ you are more than a conqueror.

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword Even as it is written, ‘For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:31-39).

Jesus is your rest. “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30). “You [God] will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal” (Isa 26:3-4 NIV). “Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will make your righteousness go forth as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun. Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret, it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh shall inherit the land. For yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more. Yes, though you look for his place, he isn’t there. But the humble shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (Ps 37:5-11). “Our soul has waited for Yahweh. He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let your loving kindness be on us, Yahweh, since we have hoped in you” (Ps 33:20-22).

Rejoice in God.

Through temptation, accusation, and deceit Satan works hard to disparage believers and distance them from God. You can counter that with joy and thanksgiving. Jesus said, “I came that they [my sheep] may have life, and may have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, ‘Rejoice!’” (Phil 4:4). The psalmist exhorted, “Rejoice in Yahweh, you righteous! Praise is fitting for the upright. Give thanks to Yahweh with the lyre. Sing praises to him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to him a new song. Play skillfully with a shout of joy! For the word of Yahweh is right. All his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice. The earth is full of the loving kindness of Yahweh” (Ps 33:1-5).

Furthermore, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him” (Col 3:16-17). “Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ” (Eph 5:18-21). “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you” (1Thess 5:16-18). “Through him [Jesus], then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name” (Heb 13:15). “Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him” (Ps 28:7).

Strengthen others.

We need God. We also need each other. The walk of faith is fostered by our heavenly Father and forged in fraternity. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov 27:17 NIV). “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone? If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Eccl 4:9-12).

We are Christ’s body united to carry on his mission of love and reconciliation (2Cor 5:17-21).

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all. But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Therefore he says, ‘When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.’ Now this, ‘He ascended,’ what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love” (Eph 4:4-16).

“For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit…When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (1Cor 12:12-13, 26-27). “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Heb 13:3).

“In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.’ Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:10-21).

Jesus commanded us, “But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don’t withhold your coat also. Give to everyone who asks you, and don’t ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. ‘Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful’” (Luke 6:27-36).

As you work with believers to love God and others, recall Jesus’ words on reaching the lost. He said to go, heal, deliver, baptize, and teach them to follow and obey him. “He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them forth to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:1-2). Later he sent out seventy of his disciples.

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’

“He said to them, ‘I saw Satan having fallen like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you. Nevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’

“In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, ‘I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.’

“Turning to the disciples, he said, ‘All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son, and he to whomever the Son desires to reveal him.’

“Turning to the disciples, he said privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and didn’t hear them’” (Luke 10:17-24).

Before he returned to heaven Jesus told his disciples, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:18-20). In Christ you have the power and authority to subdue Satan so people can be redeemed and restored.

Paul exhorted, “So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word” (2Thess 2:15-17). Like Paul, may we pray this for each other:

“For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Eph 3:14-21).

Conclusion

In summary, recognize God’s limitless love for you. Rejoice in him. Believe his word. Fix your eyes on him and not yourself or your circumstances. Forgive others. Build them up. Throw off anything that hinders you. Desperately depend on Jesus to run the race of faith for his glory.

Reflection Questions

• Are you satisfied with Jesus?

• Do you desire for God to rule every area of your life?

• In what ways can you be more humble and obedient?

• Is there any garbage in your life that Satan feeds on to keep you from living a victorious, joyful life glorifying God?

• Do you find your greatest pleasure in pleasing God?

• Do you consistently spend time alone with God studying his word, praying, fasting, and reflecting on his instruction?

• Are you regularly participating with fellow believers in joyfully loving Jesus and making disciples?

• How is the Holy Spirit gifting you to edify the church and to reach the lost?

• Do you believe that as the Holy Spirit leads and empowers you have his authority to proclaim the truth of the kingdom, heal sickness, raise the dead and drive out demons just like the early disciples?

Serve, Sacrifice, Suffer & Save

Overview

Since people are captive to sin and Satan, followers of Jesus will face opposition and persecution when trying to liberate them. Paul recognized this and wrote to Timothy, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2Tim 3:12 NIV). Fortunately, it’s worth it. Jesus said, “In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Blessing blossoms from it. We can find joy and peace in serving and even suffering because Jesus goes before us and with us. By laying down his life, Jesus has paid our ransom and set us free to live. Now he goes with us. In Christ as we serve and suffer for others we are changed into his likeness, people are saved, we are trained for eternal service, and God is glorified.

God Works Differently

God, being holy, operates in a unique, complete, and perfect way. Apart from the help of his Spirit, peoples’ finite, broken minds and our fallen world struggle to grasp his kingly rule. “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ says Yahweh. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isa 55:8-9). People pridefully seek comfort, security and self-pleasure. God seeks humility, righteousness, faithfulness and self-denial. People generally disdain death and avoid difficulty. God brings life through death and utilizes hardship to develop character required to know him and reign with him. Contrary to deist beliefs, he is neither oblivious nor callous toward wickedness. Several biblical books documenting God’s personal intervention and multiple psalms testify to this truth. To immediately eliminate all evil and suffering in our present world would mean to destroy Satan, crush humankind’s rebellion, and cleanse our cursed creation. People want the benefits of such judgment, but not the accountability. People desire blessing without responsibility, freedom without consequence. When people are offended they quickly demand God’s justice. However when they offend they flee responsibility and plead for God’s mercy when caught. Don’t be deceived or disillusioned; God is not mocked. People will reap what they sow (Gal 6:7). God will eventually bring justice when Jesus returns to consummate his kingdom. But now he extends mercy. For a season God allows evil and Satan to exist but still works through it. His patience provides many people a chance to trust Jesus for salvation and for believers to mature in Jesus (2Pet 3:9). Jesus described God’s method in a parable,

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while people slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel weeds also among the wheat, and went away. But when the blade sprang up and brought forth fruit, then the darnel weeds appeared also.

“The servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did this darnel come from?’

“He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them up?’

“But he said, ‘No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, ‘First, gather up the darnel weeds, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn’” (Matt 13:24-30).

In his time God sovereignly accomplishes his eternal purposes and lovingly provides the best for his children. Even though we only partly understand him some of the time we can fully trust him all of the time. Paul wrote to believers in Rome,

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified. What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Even as it is written, ‘For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:28-39).

Jesus Saves through Sacrifice

Jesus is the Messiah (or “Christ” in Greek), God’s chosen one to save the world (John 10:22-42). God revealed what the Messiah would be like centuries before sending Jesus to earth. He would be a suffering servant and a conquering king. The prophet Isaiah foretold of this suffering servant.

“Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. Like as many were astonished at you (his appearance was marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men), so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they understand.

“Who has believed our message? To whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed? For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no good looks or majesty. When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised, and rejected by men; a man of suffering, and acquainted with disease. He was despised as one from whom men hide their face; and we didn’t respect him.

“Surely he has borne our sickness, and carried our suffering; yet we considered him plagued, struck by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has turned to his own way; and Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

“He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he didn’t open his mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he didn’t open his mouth. He was taken away by oppression and judgment; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living and stricken for the disobedience of my people? They made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

“Yet it pleased Yahweh to bruise him. He has caused him to suffer. When you make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed. He shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Yahweh shall prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light and be satisfied. My righteous servant will justify many by the knowledge of himself; and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the plunder with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (Isa 52:13-53:12).

In addition God foretold of a humble, righteous, conquering king who would come from the line of king David to save the world and whose rule would never end.

God said to Daniel in a vision:

“I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed” (Dan 7:13-14).

God said to the serpent after he deceived Eve and Adam in the garden of Eden:

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel” (Gen 3:15).

God said to Abraham who would become father of the Israel, the Hebrew nation:

“Your seed will be as the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed” (Gen 28:14).

“Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He doesn’t say, ‘To seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘To your seed,’ which is Christ” (Gal 3:16).

God said to David, king of Israel:

“Yahweh has sworn to David in truth. He will not turn from it: ‘I will set the fruit of your body on your throne’” (Ps 132:11).

God said to the prophet Jeremiah:

“Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name by which he shall be called: Yahweh our righteousness” (Jer 23:5-6).

God said to the prophet Isaiah:

“A shoot will come out of the stock of Jesse [David’s father], and a branch out of his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of Yahweh will rest on him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Yahweh. His delight will be in the fear of Yahweh. He will not judge by the sight of his eyes, neither decide by the hearing of his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the poor, and decide with equity for the humble of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips he will kill the wicked. Righteousness will be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his waist” (Isa 11:1-5).

“For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this” (Isa 9:6-8).

“‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.’ Thus says Yahweh, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despises, to him whom the nation abhors, to a servant of rulers: ‘Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of Yahweh who is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you’” (Isa 49:6-7).

“The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of Yahweh’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to appoint to those who mourn in Zion, to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that he may be glorified” (Isa 61:1-3).

God said to the prophet Zechariah:

“Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you! He is righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zech 9:9).

The two roles of Messiah seemed so disparate that Jews looked for two people to fulfill them. Even John the Baptizer, Jesus’ cousin, who recognized from the Holy Spirit that Jesus was the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world wasn’t quite sure at one time (John 1:32-36). After John was unjustly imprisoned for confronting Herod’s flagrant adultery he sent messengers to ask if Jesus would fulfill all of what he expected of the Messiah.

“Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?’

“Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me’” (Matt 11:2-6).

Jesus eases John’s doubts by showing his actions match what the Messiah would do even though it may not be in a way people expect. Some people struggle with that, but Jesus says blessed are those who don’t stumble with the fact that he is the Messiah. Most first-century Jews including religious leaders expected Messiah to be a conquering king who would physically liberate Israel, put an end to Roman oppression and establish a righteous rule. But Jesus came as a weak baby, born to humble, working class parents. He grew up in obscurity and ministered to the poor, lowly, needy, and outcast. He shunned the attempts of man and Satan to exalt him on their terms. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a lowly donkey rather than a majestic warhorse. Though innocent he died a humiliating criminal’s crucifixion. The hope of many who followed Jesus died with him on the cross. Their king who was supposed to conquer hung in defeat. But all was not lost. During the dark few days that followed the crucifixion God was at work. He is always accomplishing his purpose. In their limited, natural understanding the disciples feared, spurned, and mourned the suffering of the cross. In contrast, Jesus embraced the cross because of the glory it brought his Father and the salvation it brought for all his creation.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them. The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn’t care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own; even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, which are not of this fold.I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father” (John 10:11-18).

“Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2).

Jesus understood that in God’s kingdom sacrifice leads to salvation. From his suffering God raised Jesus to life. Realize that the Messiah is not fulfilled in two different people. The Messiah is not fulfilled distinctly in two phases either. (Although clearly Jesus’ first coming aligns with the role of suffering servant and we look forward to his second coming aligning with the role of conquering king.) Rather Jesus has fulfilled both aspects of Messiah now and he will complete it upon his return with the consummation of his kingdom. They go hand in hand. Conquering comes from serving and sacrifice. Through humility and obedience Jesus laid down his life in loving service to his Father, therefore God exalted him.

“Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:5-11).

By dying in our place Jesus gained victory over Satan, sin, decay, and death and secured people’s redemption. He substituted his life for ours. In his death he satisfied God’s holy justice and wrath for our rebellion. In his resurrection he satisfied God’s holy mission of making a people in his image by enabling those who believe to be with him, to be like him and to do what he does. “Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit” (1Pet 3:18). “You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He [Christ] made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Col 2:13-15). “For Christ hasn’t entered into holy places made with hands, which are representations of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place year by year with blood not his own, or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this, judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for him for salvation” (Heb 9:24-28). “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby. He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near. For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph 2:13-18). “For him [Christ] who knew no sin he [God] made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2Cor 5:21).

Before raising Lazarus from the dead Jesus told his sister, Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25) After his own resurrection Jesus told his followers, “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19). Paul reassured Christians in Corinth, “But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive” (1Cor 15:20-22).

When his disciples sought to promote themselves Jesus explained that life in his kingdom doesn’t work like that, “If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). “…whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:44-46).

The glorious truth of the Messiah is that God brings life out of death. He brings victory because of serving and sacrifice along with any suffering that might accompany it. As we encounter trials and undergo discipline Jesus is with us, sustaining us, saving us, and transforming us into his likeness. Through this process he also saves others. Only God could accomplish such an awesome feat. To him belongs all glory.

Jesus Saves as We Serve, Sacrifice and Suffer

To follow Jesus is to let go of your life and find new life in him. “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). As God worked through Jesus’ humble obedience he works through your faithful service to save others. Toward the end of his public ministry Jesus told his disciples, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:23-26).

Lay down your life.

True servanthood involves the sacrifice of laying down your life. With that comes suffering many times. But if you look with the eyes of God you see it is worth it. When you follow Jesus into battle he shoulders the burden of the lost, the lonely, the last, and the least through us. Jesus bridged the unfathomable chasm between man and God by outstretching his arms on the cross. After Jesus ascended he established the church to be his body; believers are his hands, his feet, his voice. Like in Ezekiel’s day God is looking for faithful leaders to stand in the gap on behalf of the unsaved (Ezek 22:30). Through servanthood you become like Jesus and others are saved. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, who did not sin, ‘neither was deceit found in his mouth.’ Who, when he was cursed, didn’t curse back. When he suffered, didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously; who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed” (1Pet 2:21-24).

If you want to be with Jesus, if you want to know Jesus you must serve as he did. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). The apostles understood this. John wrote, “By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers” (1John 3:16). Paul wrote, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly; of which I was made a servant, according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints, to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily” (Col 1:24-29).

Serving like Jesus involves loving the unlovely too. Jesus taught,

“But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don’t withhold your coat also. Give to everyone who asks you, and don’t ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again.

“As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.

“Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful. Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free.

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:27-36).

Before his arrest Jesus enjoined his disciples to serve by giving them an influential object lesson. Although he knew that one of his followers would betray him, that one would deny him, and that all would desert him he still served them out of love.

“Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

“During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and was going to God, arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, ‘Lord, do you wash my feet?’

“Jesus answered him, ‘You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.’

“Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet!’

“Jesus answered him, ‘If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.’

“Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!’

“Jesus said to him, ‘Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.’ For he knew him who would betray him, therefore he said, ‘You are not all clean.’

“So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them’” (John 13:1-17).

Paul encouraged the Ephesians, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you” (Eph 4:32). In contrast to rampant empty religious ritual, legalism, and hypocrisy the love, care, grace, and freedom of our servanthood testifies to the authenticity and desirability of Jesus. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

Realize that your striving doesn’t make you a better servant; trusting and actively resting in the sufficiency of Jesus does. Like a branch abides in a vine or a child relies on his parent (John 15:4-5; Luke 18:17). Paul wrote to those in Corinth who believed when he brought them the Gospel, “You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being revealed that you are a letter of Christ, served by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tablets of stone, but in tablets that are hearts of flesh. Such confidence we have through Christ toward God; not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; who also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2Cor 3:2-6).

God was pleased and glorified by his son’s servanthood. He is also pleased and glorified by yours for in it you are changed and others are saved. “Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit” (2Cor 3:17-18). “Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place. For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God, in those who are saved, and in those who perish; to the one a stench from death to death; to the other a sweet aroma from life to life” (2Cor 2:14-16). May you fulfill your duty as effective steward of all God has entrusted you so when Jesus returns he will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matt 25:21).

Redeem suffering.

The path of servanthood is marked by suffering and paved with hardship. When you stand as salt and light in a decaying and dark world you will get beat up. No one in their right mind wants to suffer. It deeply hurts. But it becomes worthwhile if you focus on living out your calling being content to let God, the master potter, mold you by whatever suffering may come. Jesus warned but also reassured his followers,

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do to you for my name’s sake, because they don’t know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me, hates my Father also. If I hadn’t done among them the works which no one else did, they wouldn’t have had sin. But now have they seen and also hated both me and my Father…These things I have spoken to you, so that you wouldn’t be caused to stumble…I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world” (John 15:18-24, 16:1, 16:33).

Although suffering is difficult and painful let God redeem it. Jesus proclaimed, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:10-16). James and Paul experienced how trials develop character. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Jas 1:2-4). “We also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom 5:3-5).

As you mature you lack nothing. You are able to identify with others in order to draw them closer to God. You are being fitted for eternal service with God in his glorious kingdom. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen” (1Pet 5:6-11).

Servanthood isn’t the only occasion for suffering. At times the curse of this fallen world like natural disaster or disease inflicts collateral damage. Other times the consequences of people’s sin or Satan’s destructive rule victimizes the innocent. In either case guard against becoming bitter. “No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1Cor 10:13). Don’t be like the wife of Job who advised him to curse God and die after his livestock and children were killed and he was stricken with painful sores (Job 2:9). Don’t be like Job’s “friends” who demanded an explanation and tried to blame Job.

Sometimes God tests your faith. Usually to prepare you for service or display his glory. For instance, God allowed Satan to persecute Job who was blameless (Job 1:6-12). God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, who God had promised to make into a great nation (Gen 22:1-13). Abraham trusted and obeyed, therefore God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. God allowed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be thrown alive into a fiery furnace for righteously refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. However amidst the flames he preserved them; not a hair was singed (Dan 3). God sustained Paul through many dangers to preach the Good News. “Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been a night and a day in the deep. I have been in travels often, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from my countrymen, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the wilderness, perils in the sea, perils among false brothers; in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness. Besides those things that are outside, there is that which presses on me daily, anxiety for all the assemblies. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble, and I don’t burn with indignation?” (2Cor 2:11). Though you may not see it from your finite perspective, God consistently acts wisely, justly and mercifully. He rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked.

“Don’t fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb.

“Trust in Yahweh, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture. Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

“Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will make your righteousness go forth as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun.

“Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen.

“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret, it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh shall inherit the land.

“For yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more. Yes, though you look for his place, he isn’t there. But the humble shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

“The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord will laugh at him, for he sees that his day is coming.

“The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to kill those who are upright on the path. Their sword shall enter into their own heart. Their bows shall be broken.

“Better is a little that the righteous has, than the abundance of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but Yahweh upholds the righteous.

“Yahweh knows the days of the perfect. Their inheritance shall be forever. They shall not be disappointed in the time of evil. In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

“But the wicked shall perish. The enemies of Yahweh shall be like the beauty of the fields. They will vanish— vanish like smoke.

The wicked borrow, and don’t pay back, but the righteous give generously. For such as are blessed by him shall inherit the land. Those who are cursed by him shall be cut off.

“A man’s goings are established by Yahweh. He delights in his way. Though he stumble, he shall not fall, for Yahweh holds him up with his hand” (Ps 37:1-24).

When difficulty comes don’t blame God. Don’t push him away. Don’t demand to know why. Instead redeem the suffering by drawing near to God and he will draw near to you (Jas 4:8). It’s not easy, but may you respond like Job who said, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15 NIV).

Another cause of suffering is due to your own waywardness. God is loving and merciful, but when you rebel against his providence and protection through disobedience you subject yourself to the consequences of that harmful behavior. Fortunately all is not lost when you sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9). Learn from selfish mistakes and don’t repeat them. Also realize that adverse effects from your foolish sin may still remain. God is gracious to deliver you amidst those consequences even if he doesn’t deliver you from them. Don’t let Satan condemn and demoralize you about something that Jesus has forgiven you. Leave any guilt at the foot of the cross and move on in obedience by the authority and power of Christ.

Finally out of tough love God uses hardship to discipline so you are trained in righteousness to reign with him.

“My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives.

“It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with children, for what son is there whom his father doesn’t discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not children. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby

“Therefore lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that which is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.” (Heb 12:5-13).

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit…In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples” (John 1:1-2, 8). Like David may your prayer be, “Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Ps 139:23-24).

Despite the cause of difficulty God’s sovereignty and sufficiency overcomes. When Paul begged for removal of a “thorn in the flesh” God denied his request saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2Cor 12:9) So Paul acquiesced, “Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong” (2Cor 12:9-10). Peter exhorted believers to trust God during suffering,

“Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified. For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men’s matters. But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don’t obey the Good News of God? ‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?’ Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator” (1Pet 4:12-19).

“Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession. For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need” (Heb 4:10-16).

God is accomplishing a greater good than what is readily apparent.

“For we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake; seeing it is God who said, ‘Light will shine out of darkness,’ who has shown in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

“But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you.

“But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, “I believed, and therefore I spoke.” We also believe, and therefore also we speak; knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

“For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2Cor 4:5-18).

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us” (Rom 8:16-18). “For we don’t have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come. Through him, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name. But don’t forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb 13:14-16). “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy became our father again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1Pet 1:3-7).

Like Paul may you see with God’s eyes that suffering through servanthood unites you with your loving Lord and gracious savior. “Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News; and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God. Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf, having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.” (Phil 1:27-30). “However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death; if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:7-14).

Reflection Questions

• Is God fair? If so, why does God allow suffering?

• How do you react when you suffer? When others suffer?

• Can someone be a Christian and not follow Jesus?

• How have you experienced the blessing of laying down your life?

• In what ways should you deny yourself and take up your cross in order to follow Jesus?

Sovereignly Rule

Overview

Jesus is our example in all things noble. Out of love he brought glory to his Father by living the life people should live, dying the death that we deserve, and rising again victoriously to reunite with his Father. Currently he sits at the right hand of his Father as the King of kings. He will return soon to gather believers to be with him as a groom receives his bride. He will judge unbelievers, crush Satan, death and evil, restore creation and consummate his kingdom. Unbelievers will be condemned to the torment of eternal separation from God for rejecting Jesus. Believers are absolved of sin’s penalty by trusting in Jesus’ righteousness. They will be rewarded for their service and will joyfully reign with Jesus for a thousand years and into eternity to the glory of God. What we do now trains us to serve and reign with Christ when he returns.

Jesus Is the Son of God and the Son of Man

Although Jesus, the Son of God, always was and always will be by transcending time and space as the creator of all, he also has become the Son of Man by stepping into time and becoming God’s appointed man to save humankind. “The Word [Jesus] became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). “As many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12).

Being both God and man Jesus can unite man with God. “No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven” (John 3:13). “‘He himself bore our sin’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed’” (1Pet 2:24 NIV). “For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life. Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (Rom 5:10-11). “He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses” (Col 2:13). Jesus put it this way in praying to his Father, “For their sakes [his disciples] I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me” (John 17:19-23).

The Son of Man Is the Representative Man Preparing Saints to Inherit the Kingdom of God

Jesus calls himself the Son of Man often. Although at times it is used as a generic term it can also speak to a unique character and mission spoken of by Daniel and Ezekiel. Like the role of Messiah the Son of Man combines aspects of humiliation and exaltation. Jesus told his disciples, “Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:28). “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up” (Matt 20:18). The writer of Hebrews describes the special nature and mission of Jesus as being exalted above the angels and being made lower than the angels.

“For to which of the angels did he say at any time, ‘You are my Son. Today have I become your father?’ and again, ‘I will be to him a Father, and he will be to me a Son?’

“Again, when he brings in the firstborn into the world he says, ‘Let all the angels of God worship him.’

“Of the angels he says, ‘Who makes his angels winds, and his servants a flame of fire.’

“But of the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.’ And, ‘You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands. They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old like a garment does. You will roll them up like a mantle, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years will not fail.’

“But which of the angels has he told at any time, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?’” (Heb 1:5-13).

“For he didn’t subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels.

“But one has somewhere testified, saying, ‘What is man, that you think of him? Or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.’

“For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don’t see all things subjected to him, yet. But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.

“For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, ‘I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.’

“Again, ‘I will put my trust in him.’ Again, ‘Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me.’

“Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For most certainly, he doesn’t give help to angels, but he gives help to the seed of Abraham. Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people” (Heb 2:5-17).

A key reason Jesus calls himself the Son of Man is to declare his divine nature and messianic mission of preparing people to inherit the kingdom given to him. The term connects him with the prophecy given to Daniel in a vision from God.

“I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed…But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever…The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High: his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him” (Dan 7:13-14, 18, 27).

The Son of Man restores God’s original design for people—to be with him, to be like him and to do what he does. The first man, Adam, disobeyed and forsook God’s plan. Jesus, representing the last Adam, fulfills that role through humble, perfect obedience to his Father. The Son of Man, the prototype man, became the role model and way for all mankind to be with God and live in his kingdom.

“Death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins weren’t like Adam’s disobedience, who is a foreshadowing of him who was to come. But the free gift isn’t like the trespass. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many” (Rom 5:14-15). “But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ’s, at his coming. Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For, ‘He put all things in subjection under his feet.’ But when he says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that he is excepted who subjected all things to him. When all things have been subjected to him, then the Son will also himself be subjected to him who subjected all things to him, that God may be all in all” (1Cor 15:20-28).

To completely bring restoration The Son of Man must have power, authority and judgment. Jesus’ words and actions testified to his title. “For as the Father has life in himself, even so he gave to the Son also to have life in himself. He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man” (John 5:26-27). Although through his crucifixion and resurrection Jesus has won the victory over sin, death and Satan not all the battles are ended. The Son of Man will fully exercise his authority when he returns as King and judge to consummate his kingdom. At the trial before his crucifixion the high priest asked Jesus, “I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God” (Matt 26:63) Jesus confirmed his divinity and spoke of his returning in power, “You have said it. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky” (Matt 26:64). In answering his disciples’ questions about the end of this age, Jesus said he will return in glory and power,

“For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For wherever the carcass is, there is where the vultures gather together. But immediately after the oppression of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other” (Matt 24:27-31).

He went on to describe one of his judgments between sheep and goats,

“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

“Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…

“Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt 25:31-34, 41).

After ascending to heaven Jesus appeared to John in a vision. Jesus confirmed his Son of Man role to prepare a people to rule with him in his kingdom. John writes,

“I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. And among the lampstands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last, and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.” (Rev 1:12-18).

“I saw, in the right hand of him [God] who sat on the throne, a book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals. I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?’ No one in heaven above, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book, or to look in it.

“And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look in it. One of the elders said to me, ‘Don’t weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome; he who opens the book and its seven seals.’

“I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. Then he came, and he took it out of the right hand of him who sat on the throne.

“Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sang a new song, saying, ‘You are worthy to take the book, and to open its seals: for you were killed, and bought us for God with your blood, out of every tribe, language, people, and nation, and made us kings and priests to our God, and we will reign on earth’” (Rev 5:4-10).

After Ascending to Heaven Jesus Continues to Rule by Serving

As mentioned earlier with the Messiah, the Son of Man’s ministry on earth has two phases. His first coming enabled salvation. His second coming completes it. When Jesus’ first part of his ministry on earth was done he ascended to heaven to rule at the right hand of his Father. “Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2). “Jesus Christ has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him (1Pet 3:22 NIV). In heaven he serves us through his Holy Spirit. Jesus told his disciples, “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you” (John 14:26). He intercedes for us. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1Tim 2:5). “He is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance” (Heb 9:15). “If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous” (1John 2:1). David wrote, “I will give great thanks to Yahweh with my mouth. Yes, I will praise him among the multitude. For he will stand at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those who judge his soul” (Ps 109:30-31).

He is making preparations for us and in his Father’s timing, the Son will be sent back to earth as reigning King to complete his ministry. At the last supper before his death and resurrection Jesus told his disciples, “In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me” (John 14:2-3, 6). “He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, ‘All of you drink it, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins. But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s Kingdom’” (Matt 26:27-29). At his ascension the disciples saw him taken up into the clouds. “While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing, who also said, ‘You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky’” (Acts 1:9-11).

Like Paul may you embrace God’s glorious plan for all who believe,

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way” (Eph 1:19-23 NIV).

Jesus Will Return Like a Groom Coming for His Bride

The saints Jesus is preparing to inherit his kingdom is the church whom the Bible pictures as the heavenly bride of Christ. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Eph 5:25-27). In Jewish tradition after a couple gets engaged the groom goes to his Father’s house and prepares a room for the couple to live after being married. In his time the Father tells his son when all is ready then he can go, marry and live with his bride. The bride during this time prepares for marriage and remains faithful to her betrothed. In Revelation John describes a vision of a glorious voice describing the wedding, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns! Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.’ It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. He said to me, ‘Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb’” (Rev 19:7-9). In Revelation chapters 21 and 22 John writes of the saints of the New Jerusalem, the redeemed of the Lord, as the wife of the Lamb.

“I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

“I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.’

“He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new’” (Rev 21:2-5).

What a beautiful picture of believers’ future in Christ. God is bringing everything under the headship of Christ for his glory and to their benefit.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ; even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love; having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire, to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely bestowed favor on us in the Beloved, in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him to an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, in him; in whom also we were assigned an inheritance, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his will; to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: in whom you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory” (Eph 1:3-14).

Jesus Will Judge Unbelievers and Reward Believers

The one who was judged at his first coming will be the judge at his second coming. Unbelievers by definition reject Jesus and therefore forfeit the blessing of his salvation, fellowship, and inheritance. But this is not God’s will. Jesus exhorted people to turn from their sin and believe in him. “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News” (Mark 1:15). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God” (John 3:16-18). “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt 7:21). “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet, that was cast into the sea, and gathered some fish of every kind, which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach. They sat down, and gathered the good into containers, but the bad they threw away. So will it be in the end of the world. The angels will come forth, and separate the wicked from among the righteous, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth” (Matt 13:47-50). “You are from beneath. I am from above. You are of this world. I am not of this world. I said therefore to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am he [the Son of God], you will die in your sins” (John 8:23-24). “Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matt 10:32-33).

Paul warned of those who habitually practice sin, “Or don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God” (1Cor 6:9-10). “Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-21). “Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God” (Eph 5:5).

Believers trust in Jesus’ righteousness to save them from the death penalty of their sin and live accordingly by his grace. “And he [Jesus] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world” (1John 2:2). “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death” (Rom 8:1-2).

Believers will give an account for their lives but not in regard to entering God’s kingdom. For salvation is freely given by God’s grace and received by faith. Rather we will be judged in regard to rewards and roles within the kingdom. “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, ‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.’ So then each one of us will give account of himself to God” (Rom 14:10-12). Paul warned the Corinthians to focus on serving and following Christ solely, “For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is. If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire” (1Cor 3:11-15). “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2Cor 5:9-10).

Although Jesus may offer many rewards, five crowns for specific conduct and service are mentioned in Scripture: an incorruptible crown (1Cor 9:24-27), a crown of righteousness (2Tim 4:8), a crown of life (Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10), a crown of rejoicing (1Thess 2:19-20; Dan 12:3), and a crown of glory (1Pet 5:1-4).

While any reward is a blessed hope your main motivation should not be to gain reward, but to serve out of gratitude for being in a loving relationship with a glorious Lord. In Revelation Jesus showed John a vision of a throne in heaven where living creatures and 24 elders on lesser thrones are gathered. The elders have crowns of gold but they don’t keep them. “The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!’ When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One, to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed, and were created!’” (Rev 4:8-11). I think believers will have the same reaction in the presence of Jesus, their creator, savior, and Lord.

Jesus told a parable of a faithful steward who diligently worked in order to give something to God rather than to get something from him.

“He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.’

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord’” (Matt 25:20-21).

Jesus exhorts believers, “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city” (Rev 22:12-14).

Millennial Reign, a New Heaven and a New Earth

Jesus is coming back to reign, but God has chosen not to tell us exactly when. Jesus gave his disciples an idea of the birth pains the world will experience before he comes back. False Christs and false prophets will arise and deceive many. Christians will be hated and killed. There will be wars, rumors of wars and conflict between nations. Famines, pestilences and earthquakes will occur. Lawlessness, immorality, and a lack of love will abound (Matt 24:4-14, 23-25). Also the man of lawlessness will stand in the holy place and cause an abomination that makes desolate as prophesied by Daniel (Matt 24:15; Dan 9:27, 11:31, 12:11). Some interpret this as already fulfilled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king, who desecrated the temple and set up an idol to the greek god, Zeus. Others think that it was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when Titus, son of Roman emperor Vespasian, destroyed Jerusalem, killing over a million Jews and leveling the temple. These may be a partial fulfillment of the prophecy but I feel they are foreshadows of the man of sin who has yet to appear and will set himself up in the temple of God and declare himself to be God as spoken of by Paul and referred to in Revelation (2Thess 3-12; Rev 13:11-18).

A study of all that takes place at the end of this age is beyond the scope of this book. There are four or five popular views on how the Bible explains this topic. They mostly differ on the identity or nature of the Antichrist, the timing of Jesus’ return (the second coming), when believers will be either be raptured or reunited with Jesus, and the literal or symbolic nature of Jesus’ one thousand year reign on this earth (the millennium). In any case, all believe the Bible is clear that Jesus will return at some point. When he does he will reward believers and punish unbelievers. I believe Jesus could return soon and when he does he will establish a literal kingdom on earth. It is worthwhile to study the end times yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you.

Be encouraged that believers place their confidence in Christ and not their circumstances. No matter what difficulties we face now or however much of the end times turmoil we experience, do not lose heart. God is in control. He has a purpose. He goes before us and sustains us (Jude 1:24-25). His grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect in our weakness (2Cor 12:9-10). His love endures forever (Ps 136). No matter how or when God brings this present age to an end, we have the blessed opportunity each day to joyfully praise, trust and obey Jesus. He advises us to be aware and alert of end time events. He encourages us to await eagerly for his return. He calls and empowers us to actively love and glorify God by following him in seeking and saving the lost and teaching them to obey him.

At the end of this age tremendous distress and suffering takes place as creation and mankind reap the results of sin, as Satan persecutes believers, and as God pours out his wrath in judgment of wickedness. During this time Jesus will come in the clouds and set foot at the Mount of Olives splitting it in two (Matt 24:29-31; Zech 14:3-4). He will defeat his enemies in the battle of Armaggedon (Rev 19:11-21). He will throw the beast and the false prophet who are aligned with Satan into the lake of fire (Rev 19:18-20). Jesus will then rule from Jerusalem for 1,000 years as he restores creation, fulfills his promises to Israel and allows unbelievers a chance to trust him as their savior. Satan will be bound during this time (Rev 20:1-3). Believers will govern with Jesus carrying out his will, continuing to reach any unsaved and training new believers (Rev 20:4-6).

Numerous scriptures describe the wonderful millennial reign of Christ. Here are a few characteristics:

• It will be a time of peace and righteousness with assurances for the poor and judgment of evil
(Mic 4:3; Isa 2:4, 11:3-5, 32:1; Jer 23:5-6; Ps 2:10-12, 72:1-4).

• Judges will be restored in Israel
(Isa 1:26; Matt 19:28).

• The temple will be restored. Sacrifices will be reinstated as an opportunity for obedience and in rememberance of Jesus’ perfect and complete sacrifice
(Ezek 40-44).

• People and nations will seek the Lord (Zech 8:20-23) especially at the Feast of Tabernacles. Nations that don’t will not receive rain
(Zech 14:16-19).

• It will be a time of productivity and prosperity
(Isa 62:8-9, 65:21-23; Jer 31:5; Ezek 48:18-19; Isa 4:1, 35:1-2, 35:7, 30:23-25, 62:8-9; Jer 31:5-12; Ezek 34:26, 36:29-30; Joel 2:21-27; Amos 9:13-14; Mic 4:1-4; Zech 8:11-12, 9:16-17).

• Animals will become peaceful
(Isa 11:6-9).

• Israel will become fertile and fruitful
(Isa 29:17, 32:15, 35:1, 51:3).

• Streams of living water will flow from Jerusalem
(Zech 13:1, 14:8; Ezek 47:1-7).

• Healing will abound
(Isa 29:17-19, 33:24, 35:3-6, 61:1-2; Jer 31:8, 30:17; Mic 4:6-7; Zeph 3:19; Ezek 34:16).

• Life spans will increase
(Isa 65:20-25).

At the end of the 1,000 years Satan will be released and will gather unrighteous people to attack Jesus, but God will squelch the rebellion with fire from heaven (Rev 20:7-10). Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire to be tormented forever. At the great white throne judgment anyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life is also thrown into the lake of fire along with Death and Hades (Rev 20:11-15). God presents a new heaven and and a new earth [with a new holy city] because the first heaven and earth have passed away.

“The city has no need for the sun, neither of the moon, to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk in its light. The kings of the earth bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. Its gates will in no way be shut by day (for there will be no night there), and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it so that they may enter. There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

“He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no night, and they need no lamp light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever” (Rev 21:23-27, 22:1-5).

We don’t know much about life on the new earth except that it will be awesome because believers will be with Jesus and like Jesus joyfully serving him. “‘Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: He who believes in him will not be disappointed.’” (1Pet 2:6) There will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain for the former things have passed away (Rev 21:4-5). “‘Things which an eye didn’t see, and an ear didn’t hear, which didn’t enter into the heart of man, these God has prepared for those who love him’” (1Cor 2:9-10). “Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is. Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure” (1John 3:1-3). “But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them” (Eph 2:4-10).

Preparing to Rule with Christ

The purpose of this book has been to show the greatness of Jesus and how his example enables and inspires you to live for him. He is your destiny and inheritance. What you do matters. By God’s grace live for eternity now. Worship and desire Christ. Use your time, talents and treasure for God’s glory. View opportunities and experiences as training for kingdom life. Exercise the gifts from the Holy Spirit to reach, serve, and build others up (Rom 12:6-8; 1Cor 12:4-11, 28-31; Eph 4:7-13; 1Pet 4:10). “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds” (Matt 16:24-27). Paul encourages the church in Corinth that their lives should become more and more like Christ. “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known. But now faith, hope, and love remain—these three. The greatest of these is love” (1Cor 13:9-13). “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2Cor 3:18 NIV).

In speaking of the end times and being ready for his return Jesus advised his disciples to be watchful, prepared, faithful, and fruitful like a bride for her groom.

Be watchful and prepared.

Believers need to be aware and alert. Jesus instructed his disciples, “Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come” (Matt 24:42-44). His parable of the ten virgins also relates to this.

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

“But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’

“Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’

“But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’

“While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.

“Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’

“But he answered, ‘Most certainly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

“Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matt 25:1-13).

“Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don’t know when the time is. It is like a man, traveling to another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch. Watch therefore, for you don’t know when the lord of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he might find you sleeping. What I tell you, I tell all: Watch” (Mark 13:33-36).

“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves; men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.’ He told them a parable. ‘See the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near. Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:25-31).

Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, “But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. For when they are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape. But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness, so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation” (1Thess 5:1-8). Peter advised, “But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer” (1Pet 4:7).

Believers should await eagerly and expectantly. Jesus told his disciples to pray for God’s kingdom to come. “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth” (Matt 6:9-10). He encouraged them to be prepared.

“Let your waist be dressed and your lamps burning. Be like men watching for their lord, when he returns from the marriage feast; that, when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you, that he will dress himself, and make them recline, and will come and serve them. They will be blessed if he comes in the second or third watch, and finds them so. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you don’t expect him” (Luke 12:35-40).

David encourages us to pray for Jerusalem which plays an important role in God’s kingdom. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you will prosper” (Ps 122:6).

Live holy and don’t lose hope. “We ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees? But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience” (Rom 8:23-25). “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Phil 3:20-21). “For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens. For most certainly in this we groan, longing to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven; if so be that being clothed we will not be found naked. For indeed we who are in this tent do groan, being burdened; not that we desire to be unclothed, but that we desire to be clothed, that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now he who made us for this very thing is God, who also gave to us the down payment of the Spirit” (2Cor 5:1-5).

“The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without blemish and blameless in his sight” (2Pet 3:9-14).

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works” (1Tit 2:11-14).

Be faithful.

Jesus told the multitudes that following him is costly and they should take that under consideration because ineffective commitment is worthless.

“If anyone comes to me, and doesn’t disregard his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can’t be my disciple. Whoever doesn’t bear his own cross, and come after me, can’t be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build, and wasn’t able to finish.’ Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an envoy, and asks for conditions of peace. So therefore whoever of you who doesn’t renounce all that he has, he can’t be my disciple.

“Salt is good, but if the salt becomes flat and tasteless, with what do you season it? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 14:26-35).

As Jesus traveled with his disciples a man said to him,

“‘I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord.’

“Jesus said to him, ‘The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’

“He said to another, ‘Follow me!’ But he said, ‘Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.’

“But Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce the Kingdom of God.’

“Another also said, ‘I want to follow you, Lord, but first allow me to say good-bye to those who are at my house.’

“But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God’” (Luke 9:57-62).

After a young ruler chose his possessions over following Jesus, Peter said, “‘Look, we have left everything, and followed you.’

“He [Jesus] said to them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the Kingdom of God’s sake, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the world to come, eternal life’” (Luke 18:28-30).

Jesus taught the crowds not to worry about food or clothes but to seek God’s kingdom first and make a treasure in heaven (Luke 12:22-34). He emphasized the need for humility. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt 5:3). “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt 18:2-3).

He encouraged his followers to work like him. “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). “If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26). Paul exhorted people to work as unto Jesus. “Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free” (Eph 6:5-8). “And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col 3:23-24).

Follow through with what Jesus has shown you. It is important. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes. Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has. But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards, the lord of that servant will come in a day when he doesn’t expect it, and in an hour when he doesn’t know it, and will cut him in pieces, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. There is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be” (Matt 24:45-51).

Being faithful is worth it, despite difficulty and opposition. “Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up” (Gal 6:7-9) Jesus told the crowds, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt 5:10). Paul wrote, “This saying is faithful: ‘For if we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us’” (2Tim 2:11-12). “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him” (Rom 8:16-17).

Through a vision to John Jesus encouraged seven churches to overcome. He instructed them to return to their first love, to not fear tribulation and imprisonment, to oppose idolatry, sexual immorality and heresies, to repent, and to become stronger and more zealous in faith. Those who overcome Jesus promises: the tree of life, the crown of life, rulership over nations, honor, white clothing, hidden manna signifying intimacy and sustenance for co-ruling with Christ, a new name, a white victory stone, a place in God’s presence, the New Jerusalem, and the sharing of Christ’s throne (Rev 2:1-29, 3:1-22). In a subsequent vision John records God saying, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to him who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son” (Rev 21:6-7).

Be fruitful.

Believers actively reach the unreached with the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. Be like the good soil who are those with a noble and good heart, who hear God’s kingdom truth, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop a 100 times what was sown (Luke 8). Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father” (John 14:12). The parable of the minas relates to this.

“A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’

“But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’

“He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.

“The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’

“‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’

“The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’

“His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’

“Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’

“His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’

“Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’

“‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’

“He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’” (Luke 19:12-27 NIV).

Jesus taught, “To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). After reaching out to a woman in Samaria Jesus told his disciples, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work. Don’t you say, ‘There are yet four months until the harvest?’ Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest already. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit to eternal life; that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.” (John 4:34-36).

Paul wrote, “For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again” (2Cor 15:14-15). John taught, “This is how we know that we are in him [Jesus]: he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked” (1John 2:5-6). Peter encouraged believers, “As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1Pet 4:10-11).

Bearing fruit requires abiding in Jesus like a branch in the vine.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.

“Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love. I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:1-11).

Before ascending Jesus commissioned his disciples. “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:18-20).

Your waiting on Jesus is joyful, hopeful, faithful action so that many more people can come to know him as you have before his return. Through this ministry of reconciliation Jesus transforms you into his likeness, prepares you to sovereignly rule with him, and brings glory to his Father.

Conclusion

God wants people to be with him, to be like him and to do what he does. Jesus is the way.

Because he was raised, believers will be raised. “But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive” (1Cor 15:20-22).

Because he lives, you can live. Jesus taught, “This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).

Because he is the Son of God you can be a child of God. “But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name” (John 1:12). You love because he first loved you (1John 4:19).

Because he is complete, you can be restored. “Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing” (Ps 23:1) “For him [Jesus] who knew no sin he [God] made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2Cor 5:21).

Because he is holy you can be holy. “‘You shall be holy; for I am holy’” (1Pet 1:16). You bear fruit because he is the vine and you are a branch. (John 15:4).

Because he is one with his Father you can be united with God. “The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one” (John 17:22).

Because he has all authority you have authority over Satan and demons. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them [ungodly spirits]; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world” (1John 4:4).

Because he reigns you will reign. “‘You [Jesus] are worthy to take the book, and to open its seals: for you were killed, and bought us for God with your blood, out of every tribe, language, people, and nation, and made us kings and priests to our God, and we will reign on earth’” (Rev 5:9-10).

Be set apart like Jesus. Follow him in seeking, speaking the truth, strengthening, subduing, serving, sacrificing, suffering, saving and preparing others to rule.

Paul’s prayer for believers in Colosse applies to you too, “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col 1:9-14 NIV).

Reflection Questions

• In what ways are you living for eternity now?

• Do you expect Jesus to return soon?

• For life in the kingdom what qualities do you need God’s help in developing like hope, loyalty, trust, obedience, humility, faithfulnesss, love, sacrifice, and servant leadership?

• Do you seek wisdom in learning the most from opportunities, challenges, and trials?

• Have you experienced reaping what you sow?

• What do you need to overcome?

• Are you developing a love for and dependence on Christ that will enable you to overcome?

Bible Book Abbreviations

Old Testament
Genesis | Gen
Exodus | Exod
Leviticus | Lev
Numbers | Num
Deuteronomy | Deut
Joshua | Josh
Judges | Judg
Ruth | Ruth
1 Samuel | 1Sam
2 Samuel | 2Sam
1 Kings | 1Kgs
2 Kings | 2Kgs
1 Chronicles | 1Chr
2 Chronicles | 2Chr
Ezra | Ezra
Nehemiah | Neh
Esther | Esth
Job | Job
Psalms | Ps
Proverbs | Prov
Ecclesiastes | Eccl
Song of Songs | Song
Isaiah | Isa
Jeremiah | Jer
Lamentations | Lam
Ezekiel | Ezek
Daniel | Dan
Hosea | Hos
Joel | Joel
Amos | Amos
Obadiah | Obad
Jonah | Jonah
Micah | Mic
Nahum | Nah
Habakkuk | Hab
Zephaniah | Zeph
Haggai | Hag
Zechariah | Zech
Malachi | Mal

New Testament
Matthew | Matt
Mark | Mark
Luke | Luke
John | John
Acts | Acts
Romans | Rom
1 Corinthians | 1Cor
2 Corinthians | 2Cor
Galatians | Gal
Ephesians | Eph
Philippians | Phil
Colossians | Col
1 Thessalonians | 1Thess
2 Thessalonians | 2Thess
1 Timothy | 1Tim
2 Timothy | 2Tim
Titus | Titus
Philemon | Phlm
Hebrews | Heb
James | Jas
1 Peter | 1Pet
2 Peter | 2Pet
1 John | 1John
2 John | 2John
3 John | 3John
Jude | Jude
Revelation | Rev

The Words of Jesus

The Words of Jesus

The book you just read, The Way of Jesus, highlights his method in raising up saints to inherit his kingdom to the glory of his Father. We’ve written a complementary book called The Words of Jesus which explores his message.

What you experience changes you. It shapes your character and perspective, your decisions and your destiny. People who encounter Jesus are never the same. They are forced to answer is he a prophet? Is he a great teacher? Is he the Son of God? Are his words true? Are they relevant? Does he care about me?

The Words of Jesus highlights the message and mission of Jesus by compiling the majority of his direct quotes as given in the Bible in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, and Revelation.

Listen to Jesus. Walk with him as he explains who he is, why he lived on earth, died and rose again and what his kingdom is like. Consider his call to come and follow; to give up your way of life for his abundant life. Be challenged to trust Jesus as your savior and serve him as your Lord. Live in him to help others discover a relationship with God. Know that his words never pass away and his promises always come true. Expect him to return soon for those who believe to reign with him forever.

You can download a free copy of The Words of Jesus or order a printed copy by visiting the Light Runner website at http://www.lightrunner.org.

Footsteps

Now that you’ve listened to to the words of Jesus, walk with him. To help you we’ve developed the Footsteps School of Discipleship which is a free, practical one-year interactive Bible study course you may be interested in taking with a small group or friend.

Who Is It For?

Footsteps is designed for new and young Christians who believe in Jesus to save them from their sin and want to be trained through the Holy Spirit to carry out God’s will. If you are not a Christian but are seeking the truth, the introduction and first course will introduce you to God and how to have a relationship with him. If you have been following Christ for a while Footsteps will teach you principles for making disciples of others.

How Does It Work?

Students use an inductive approach to study a book of the Bible individually and then share what they discover one-on-one or in a small group. Each course takes roughly eight to twelve weeks and highlights foundations of faith to learn, character to change, spiritual disciplines to develop, and practical actions to take.

If you are interested, you can learn more about Footsteps, view video introductions to the five courses, and even download the free study guide. Just visit the Light Runner website at http://www.lightrunner.org.

About

Light Runner Ministries is an evangelical Christian group dedicated to glorifying God by challenging and equipping people, especially youth and young adults, to joyfully grow in him and carry the light, truth, and love of Jesus to the world.

We develop dynamic resources that help people follow Jesus and aid them in teaching others how to follow him. A prime example of this is the Footsteps School of Discipleship, a flexible, adaptable turnkey program that believers can implement one-on-one or in small groups. We pray that others will experience the reality of loving and living with Jesus in his kingdom and pass it on. For more information visit our web site, http://www.lightrunner.org.

About the Author

Mark is one of three brothers who grew up with a love for God, for people, and the great outdoors. His father was ordained as a Nazarene pastor and their family planted New Testament-style home churches in California, Alaska, and Oregon. Mark is married to his wonderful wife, Rhonda, and currently resides in central California with their three children. In addition to training people in discipleship, Mark teaches high school and produces educational training materials. By God’s grace his passion is to know Christ and to make him known to all nations.

Table of Contents

- Copyright
- Introduction
- Set Apart
- Seek
- Speak the Truth
- Strengthen & Subdue
- Serve, Sacrifice, Suffer & Save
- Sovereignly Rule
- Bible Book Abbreviations
- The Words of Jesus
- Footsteps
- About