MOVING TOWARDS THE DIVINE – A LIFETIME JOURNEY OF FAITH

23rd MARCH 2023

“Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teachings. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone 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” – John 14: 23 – 24

Jesus Christ is the Master, Author, and finisher of your faith. Therefore, notwithstanding any circumstances you find yourself in, you must endeavor to follow in His footsteps. To be born again and to give one’s life to Jesus means to obey His commands and follow His teachings at all times, no matter how vague they may seem to our mortal minds. 

Step by step with Jesus is a journey towards the divine – a journey towards Godliness and eternity. The journey to the divine is made by Faith in Christ – your ability or readiness to follow His teachings by FAITH, believing that NO HARM WOULD COME UPON YOU, JUST BECAUSE YOU CHOSE TO DO HIS WILL OR FOLLOW HIS TEACHINGS. Therefore, when confronted with issues, especially the knotty issues of life, you must first ask yourself, “how would the Lord respond to these issues”? Jesus taught us to live like His Father in heaven, and He actually gave a series of examples of what life in Christ should be.

Breaking off from the old and embracing new teaching in Christ is the only task confronting the world today. This is because not many are ready to make any sacrifice in whatever form for the sake of the kingdom of God, not even the sacrifice of losing one’s identity in other to save a friend’s life or that of a neighbor. To follow Jesus is to begin a life of commitment and sacrifice to serve the Glory of God here on earth.

 Today’s word calls us to follow the Lord’s footsteps and teachings in other for God to dwell with us in His fullness. Only those who truly practice His teachings will see God and have God dwell under their roofs. What does that translate to in our daily lives? Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” This means that what the Lord did or taught 2000 years ago remains His way and teachings today, notwithstanding religion, politics, cultures, ideologies etc., 2000 years ago.

The Lord stood for 1. sincerity and uprightness, and avoided sins. (1 Peter 2:22). Therefore, become a man of integrity.2. Jesus Loved everyone and was kind to all. He was driven by compassion to serve humanity with utmost commitment and sacrifice. (MAT 9:35-38). Therefore, live for the glory of God by serving the need of others to the best of your abilities. 3. Jesus lived above the flesh. He subdued His flesh, and that makes Him to live above temptations (Mat.4:1-11). Therefore, begin to subdue your appetite and start to live within your means, and ask God to expand your coast by some genuine means (1 COR 10:13). 4.  Jesus taught tolerance, love for our enemies, forgiveness and peace to all humanity. Therefore, start to love, not just your friends, but your enemies as well. Forgive genuinely and be at peace with the world (Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 18:22; Matthew 5:39)

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ; let me experience your presence, power, and anointing henceforth so that my Faith shall not be in vain.  Strengthen my faith and abilities to respond to the travails of life. Whenever I fall, lift me up. Lord, serving your glory here on earth is all I live for.  I overcome every opposing force against my destiny and identity in Christ Jesus by your power and Grace. AMEN,

FURTHER READING: John 14:15-31