IT’S A GOD THING!

IT’S A GOD THING!

John 15:17-23

17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

          If you have a Red Letter Edition of the New Testament you know that all of John 15 is in red which means Jesus is the speaker. Jesus was marching steadfastly toward the cross and He was earnestly preparing his followers for a life without him. Let’s listen in on what he says in these verses.

          First and foremost there must be mutual love between the disciples. It was not a suggestion but a command which would be, at times, difficult to follow. A quick click of the mouse tells us that the word love in verse 17 is the word agapao, love in its highest form which often manifests itself in service and looks like uncommon courtesy. It goes the extra mile when necessary so that relationships might remain not only pleasant but productive. This kind of love is described in First Corinthians chapter thirteen. It seeketh not her own and is not easily provoked. It doesn’t imagine evil in its partner and presumes a good intent even when bad things happen between them. It is not natural and requires constant care and maintenance.

          Next, there must be a thoughtful understanding of the persecution they would soon endure. They must not take it so personally. It’s not about them at all. It’s a God thing! If they were to represent God they were to be a lightening rod for criticism. Jesus said it simply; if they love God they will love you and if they hate God don’t expect anything other than hatred. The reason is simple but not always obvious; you are no longer “of the world.” You no longer belong here! Your very presence in the world will remind both the heavenly minded and the hell bent of their destiny. You will polarize people without much effort at all.

          Ah, but when the Comforter is come! Verse 26 and 27 tells us that help in the form of the Holy Spirit was on the way. He will make all things possible. He will make all things bearable. He will make all things fruitful. Sweet Holy Spirit! How worthless and burdensome we would be without Him!

          As we move into chapter 16 Jesus reminds us that we are not to be offended either by one another or by the painful world in which we labor. Again a quick click and we learn that the word “offended” is the Greek word skandalizo, literally “to scandalize” but here it means “to entrap, to trip up or to entice to sin.” How easy it is to give up on God and our mission when brethren offend us or when the work becomes hard because of resistance from those we are trying to help. Don’t be scandalized! Don’t be tripped up!

The Holy Spirit helps yesterday’s failures to fade, today’s challenges to seem smaller and tomorrow’s rewards sweeter.  

2 Cor 4:16

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Dear Lord, it is a new day and I need new forgiveness and new power to meet new challenges. Thank you for giving me all I need. AMEN