What Was Jesus’ Vision for Us?
Good Morning Friends,
Yesterday at 5:41 a.m. our power went out. I had just finished my devotional and had sent it out anticipating I would not have much time before the oncoming storm. The message was on the joy of the third day. But today with the power returned I am contemplating a yard full of topped trees and broken branches and a hot shower, but also a more complete answer to my question of several days ago as I anticipated Martin Luther King Jr. Day…today. And that brings us to today’s question. For Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream based on a Biblical vision for our future. But today we do not ask about a dream of sleep but an awakened vision. What Was Jesus’ Vision for Us?
Scripture: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’
Luke 4:18-21
Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, . . . and to the ends of the earth.”
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. “Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
John 17:20-26 (NRSV)
Message: What is your image of the power of God in His Church? Is it winning souls, changing lives and impacting the communities in which we live? On Pentecost the Holy Spirit came so that the Church could be Jesus’ presence in his absence. He came to set us free but was rejected and now we have a choice and an internal storm to face. When the disciples could no longer follow an earthly Jesus, Jesus sent them and us something to bind us together in Christian love. Something to convict and to comfort us in the experience of life. He sent us the Holy Spirit so we would have the advantage and ability collectively to show the world the vision of Jesus for us. For Jesus knows the power of love and that there is a miracle that lies within each of us that empowers, equips and enables us to receive this power of real life. In love we have the power for living, the power to witness, the power to pray and even the power to perform miracles. What it amounts to, when in unity with other lovers, is the power to be like Jesus in this world. The Holy Spirit gives us capacity individually but more importantly collectively. Indeed we are to know and to rely on the love God has for us individually but collectively as well. We are to witness by and through the power of the Holy Spirit in which we move, live and have our very being. Friends, we need to live in the power of the Spirit here on earth until we get to our heavenly home that Jesus has prepared for us. We need to rejoice because Jesus has interceded for us to protect, sanctify and bring unity to us all through love for His church. When we look at these goals and the places they have in our lives we might ask, “What is the ultimate goal in my life?” or “What do I want to do with my life?” or “Why am I here in this world?” Jesus gives us some very foundational teachings that help us answer these questions and either renew, reinforce or establish the fundamental goal we all share in life – life itself. That is why we seek first the Kingdom of God for it describes God’s vison and plan for the world and for each of us. We have been created for a purpose and that purpose is to love. Being united to Christ Jesus and seeking to live in him and according to his way is our participation in the Kingdom of God. This is the primary goal of our lives. This is the life of love and mercy.
Pray that when we move we move with God. Pray we have the courage to follow the leaning of the Holy Spirit. Pray we thank God for the companions along the way. Pray we move in unity of Spirit. Pray the called out assembly in this place lives to emulate Him. Pray we learn to love creatively with faith in the power God to do great things in and through us. Pray we have the power to live for Jesus. Pray we individually and collectively are in the unity of God’s love. Pray we have the power to believe and the power to have faith. Pray we realize the power of the Holy Spirit is for a purpose. Pray we conform to Christ-likeness. Pray we receive the gift of the Father through the Son. Pray we share what we have received in Christian love. Pray that the streams of Holy History converge into one, of Christ transforming every area of human experience washing over and transforming culture in the power, revelation, and revival of His presence with us. Pray we remember those who have loved. Pray we seek the Kingdom of God and lean into the love of life for God and others as ourselves.
Pray that even though we live in a world of disunity we can rejoice in the reality that Jesus prayed for our unity. Pray that we desire to be one with His love…one with other disciples as a visible manifestation of His glory.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 