the cost and the wonders of following Jesus

John 15,16

There was much Jesus had to tell his disciples before he left them. Much of what he told them was a little disturbing like his instruction; "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."John 15:18

Those aren't very encouraging words. It's not encouraging to know that the world would be against them but this is the cost of discipleship. Jesus reminded them, "No servant is greater then his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." And why? because they bear his name and proclaim his name. They would be light in a dark world and just as the world did not like Jesus light they would not like there light for they were the body of Christ. If you read through the book of Acts you will see evidence that Jesus words did indeed come true.

But it wasn't just the words about persecution that came true. His words about the power of the Holy Spirit working through them also came true. We remember that Jesus told them about this as well. Back in John 14:12 Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

These words seem to be for the first Century Christians that is for sure. They obeyed him, they accepted the pruning and the persecution, and they abided and loved him and they loved each other. As a result great things happened.

I wonder are Jesus world in John 15 and 16 for us today as well? You might say, "But I don't see that kind of open persecution in my life" and you might say "I don't see that kind of power in my life."

Could it be if we truly proclaimed the message of Christ we might see the good and the bad. If we truly loved him and each other would we see great miracles and feel the sting of Satan working in the world to extinguish that light? I wonder. Are we living in a time of compromise. Are we living that way to avoid the pain? If we are do we know what we are really missing when it comes to seeing the Holy Spirit move through our lives?

"No pain no gain." I wonder. I wonder if when we start becoming really devoted to the Lord and he starts to prune us so we will bear more fruit; will we simply turn away? Do we turn around? Do we assume something is wrong if we start to struggle?

I believe Jesus invites us to look once again at his instruction in John 14,15,16 and 17. I think it is time for us to learn to abide and to rely upon the Holy Spirit. I think it is time for us to really love each other and the world around us.

I have to confess that I really don't like the thought of persecution but I sure do love the thought of producing "Much fruit" for the Lord. I also love the thought of experiencing the peace that passes all understanding.

Why did Jesus tell his disciples these things. It wasn't so they would be fearful. It wasn't so they would be filled with pride when they did the miracles. Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!I have overcome the world."

My thought for the day is this. He has overcome the world. Will we join him and find true peace.

Just some thought to think about along the journey.