Thought for Friday, 18 November 2022

 John 14:6

New International Version

⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 

I read this little poem

recently that did not have an author listed:

“I cannot work my soul to save,

For that my Lord hath done;

But I will work like a slave,

For the love of God’s dear Son.”                            (Ravenhill, “Why Revival Tarries”)

 

We serve Jesus because we love Him, not because we can buy our way into heaven. We see in today’s verse that Jesus is the only way to reach heaven. He bought our home in heaven with His blood and only if we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus, God’s beloved Son, will we ever be able to claim this inheritance.

The only string attached to this gift is belief but if we don’t act on our belief by serving others in Jesus’ name we are not doing as Jesus taught. Even although Jesus set the example when He washed the feet of the disciples some people even today think all they need to do is tied up with belief.

When Peter argued about getting his feet washed by his Saviour Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” You can understand that Peter was quickly in agreement then. Jesus showed how we are to serve God, not just by words but by actions.

I was called on to help with cardmaking this afternoon. I didn’t realise what I had let myself in for. By the time I had got to the hobbies room I needed to sit down and chose a seat that was wet and stood for the rest of the time. I was not a happy bunny at first, but accidents happen all the time in a place like this and by the time they were finished there was another wet seat to be reported.  There was coffee and tea everywhere and nobody admitted to being responsible.

The first thing I had to do was change into dry clothes but the last thing I was told was to make sure I went to the toilet before I helped again. They all thought it was a great laugh.

My point is that I wasn’t happy at first because I felt uncomfortable at first but when I think about the way they all were laughing by the end of the time it was worth it. They were all happy, which is what was intended after all. We must all be willing to help when needed, even if it causes riotous wise cracks and hilarity. I’m sure Jesus had a quiet giggle at my discomfort too.

 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are our precious Saviour who endured more than a little discomfort on the wooden cross. Give us the ability to laugh at ourselves when necessary and to be able to cope when there is pain or grief involved. People may turn to one of us to help in times of sadness or worry as well as share the joyous times. We ask that You will work through us at these times so that Father, Son and Holy Spirit may be glorified by our efforts. We ask these things in Your own precious name, amen