“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the
ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He
that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world
shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and
where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my
Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save
me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify
thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both
glorified it, and will glorify it again.” (John 12:24-28 KJV)
Have you ever sought advice from a
revered friend or mentor and discovered that you might have come at the wrong
time? Perhaps those Greek worshippers (see verse 20) thought they had.
revered friend or mentor and discovered that you might have come at the wrong
time? Perhaps those Greek worshippers (see verse 20) thought they had.
They wanted to meet the one to whom
“the world is gone after.” But Jesus was troubled in his soul about his earthly
work. Evidently, he explained to them the ramifications of being his disciples.
“the world is gone after.” But Jesus was troubled in his soul about his earthly
work. Evidently, he explained to them the ramifications of being his disciples.
His disciples would have to
sacrifice themselves in order to give life to their ministries. They would have
to “follow” his example of giving life to mankind. His disciples would have to
risk everything in order to accomplish anything. If his disciples follow his
example of serving God’s will, they will enjoy his presence and the Father’s
honor.
sacrifice themselves in order to give life to their ministries. They would have
to “follow” his example of giving life to mankind. His disciples would have to
risk everything in order to accomplish anything. If his disciples follow his
example of serving God’s will, they will enjoy his presence and the Father’s
honor.
Then Jesus shows us his humanity.
Exhorting them brings the reality of his own service to God’s will into vivid
focus. Now should he ask to be delivered from it? Well, if he would have, then
God would have had to go to Plan B. But, Jesus submitted his humanity to the
will of God and said, “It is for this time that I came here” (v. 27). God’s
will is why he came into this world. God’s will is why he is going to Calvary’s
cross. And God glorified him because he glorified God’s name!
Exhorting them brings the reality of his own service to God’s will into vivid
focus. Now should he ask to be delivered from it? Well, if he would have, then
God would have had to go to Plan B. But, Jesus submitted his humanity to the
will of God and said, “It is for this time that I came here” (v. 27). God’s
will is why he came into this world. God’s will is why he is going to Calvary’s
cross. And God glorified him because he glorified God’s name!
God’s will is why we are where we
are. Should we ask to be delivered from his will? I think not. God’s will is
why we are here at this time and in this place. Let God’s name be glorified in
us!
are. Should we ask to be delivered from his will? I think not. God’s will is
why we are here at this time and in this place. Let God’s name be glorified in
us!
Dear Father, thank you for
calling me and placing me in your will. Now glorify your name in me. I humbly
pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
calling me and placing me in your will. Now glorify your name in me. I humbly
pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and courageous today faithful to the
will of God,