Love: Acts of Obedience, Movement of God

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not the world?” (John 14:21-24 NIV)

Motivating Monday!

Exciting! As we step into the middle of Jesus’ teaching with his disciples; Judas- not Judas who betrayed Jesus, is asking a very sensible question. Why did Jesus only intend to show himself to those who obey God’s commands and not the world? Amazed to consider how many households have a Bible, and never open. Countries where Christians have to hide Bibles and times when they have been murdered or imprisoned, Americans take freedoms for granted- especially Bibles.

Love

Jesus was either teaching or praying. He replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own, they belong to the Father who sent me.” Jesus offered thoughts straight from God. Jesus, the Messenger- The Messiah, being clear on who sent Him.

Commands

Following God’s commands is critical to Spiritual maturity/journeys. Every journey has a starting point and end point. Paths determine final destination. God’s Spirit permeates, although, He will only show Himself to those who follow His commands. A sermon I heard a few weeks ago, powerful- stated how Jesus begins as our Salvation- like a judge telling us right from wrong. As we mature, willing to follow God’s commands, Jesus no longer seems like a Judge, He becomes a friend. As Jesus intercedes for us, sitting at the right hand of God, The Father, He knows when we obey or not.

Promises

The promise of Jesus, revealing Himself to us- those who obey God’s commands, is to be held sacred. The God of this universe, maker of Heaven and Earth…sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for you and me…pure love. Through The Holy Spirit, living within us, Jesus delivers revelation and so much more. Following God’s commands allow peace and joy to become staples in our lives. Thankfully, we’re all works in progress, yielding to be the vessel God created us to be…all beginning with obeying God’s commands.

Be encouraged!