Friends!

Friends!

No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends. John 15:13 AMPC

The Inspiration:

As Jesus came to the end of his earthly ministry, He took time out to teach his disciples some principles and practices of His kingdom. For all who want to be a part of the new dispensation that Jesus births and sustains, there are rules of engagement, and policies, practices and procedures that govern that relationship. It is not a free-for-all where I get to do as I please, when I please or how and if I please, but I am under an obligation to align with the rules of engagement. This is the first lesson here, that the words of Jesus here are for disciples, not the crowd. You cannot demand allegiance from someone who is not a citizen of your country. He may dwell there temporarily, but if he has the power to leave as and when he pleases, he has no long-term commitment. For those who have attached themselves to the kingdom of Christ, they have sworn allegiance to Christ, given up all old connections, and are now making efforts to live by the dictates of the country of new allegiance. I have to truthfully answer the question about my current citizenship: who I am, and where do I belong? 

The Contention:

The reason why I have to answer the question about citizenship is because of what it will demand and require of me. First, before God places a demand, he makes an offer, and then he backs up that offer with appropriate action. He knows I am weak and cannot save myself from the power of sin, so He sent his one and only Son to die on the cross to save me. The one without sin paid the price for sin, and not just past and current sin, but even for those who are yet unborn. That is the power of the sacrifice made for me. You would then wonder why God would pay such a huge price for people He could not guarantee their total or permanent allegiance. Why go all out for people who may reject you to the end? Why kill yourself for people who would not even life a finger to defend you? This is what makes Jesus unique: he wasn't waiting for me to be worthy, but His nature of love made it difficult for him to sit by and watch the devil destroy my life. His heart of love would not sit idly by and watch lives He created for his glory living for pleasure of self. This is the one definition of love that is real and personal, because it provides evidence I can hold on to.

The Conclusion:

Of course, the power of choice given to me by God is both personal and consequential. I get to choose how to respond to the gift of love I have received. God does not force Himself on anyone, but for all He has done, he will demand a response from me, one way or another. For all that God does and demands, there is no fence for non-committal. You cannot pick both sides at the same time, as it is not possible to please God and the devil at the same time. These are two authorities so different from each other; one has eternal life to give, and the other will be cast into the lake of fire for everlasting torment. There is no fence or middle ground here. Everyday is an opportunity to take a stand for who I will obey, and as the verse above makes quite clear, obedience is a sign that I appreciate what I have received from God. No enemy will do what He did, and he has proven to be a dear friend. Now that I know what He has done, how do I intend to respond? Would I also give up my life to Him in full appreciation of what he has done? Or would I hold on to my own life to the end, and risk eternal separation from God? The choice is mine to make. God's time of favour is here.