| | Risky LoveFrom my hubby:
Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man. (John 2:23-25)
Jesus didn't entrust himself to men, and He didn't worry about what they were going to say about Him, including His followers. (Rachel here: OH, to be like Jesus!)
In fact, because He knew what was in man, He knew that all men would betray Him; that when things were most difficult He would stand alone. Yet consider that no man has ever loved or served more than Jesus. And we are called to be like Him, to keep loving and serving people who keep betraying us. How do we do that?
"Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." (John 16:32) Love by definition is vulnerable. Each time we love we risk pain, and if we try to guard ourselves from pain, we can't really love. The only solution is the same one Jesus had - His connection with the Father.
We love men and are hurt, we are loved by Jesus and are healed, again and again. We don't have to trust men. But we have to keep loving and serving them. In this easily offended generation we can be different, un-offendable. We can keep taking hits and coming back with love, but only by His Spirit. It's a supernatural response. That's why it's so impressive. And that's how anyone can be a bright light in the midst of darkness.
By the way, while this is a great witness to unbelievers, the verses above are about believers. We have to do this in the church too, and sometimes that is more difficult.
|
| | Posted 9/13/2007 11:50 AM - 0 comments
- recommend
  - recs0
- give stars
- votes0
- email
 - sent0
|
