In good times and bad times where do you draw your strength, security, and significance? In my last note, I wrote about receiving life through Jesus each day. I want to explore that further with you. The apostle, John, who was a close friend of Jesus described him as savior, source, shepherd, and life. Think about what each of those terms mean. Have you come to receive Jesus in those same ways? The sons of Korah captured this theme musically in Psalm 42, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:6).
Jesus used a parable to emphasize the abiding fellowship we can have with him.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful…I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:1-2, 5-14).
You are special and your life matters. This truth may not have come alive in you yet because your sin deceives and blinds you, this world beats you and rejects you, your plans fail, or your circumstances choke you. But life with God triumphs over living for yourself in a harsh and broken world. God is calling you to himself where life flows in abundance. Like a branch in the vine will your draw all you need from him? He gives so you can receive. He offers rest so you don’t have to worry. He is almighty and acts in your best interest so you don’t have to strive. You can rely on him. He prunes and strips away what holds you back from being your best and from effectively helping others. Let go of any thing or any relationship that hinders you from growing in Jesus. Only with Jesus and through Jesus can you do what is truly lasting and worthwhile. You don’t have to wither from stagnation, wander without purpose, or wish for fulfillment. When you trust and obey Jesus you experience his love, joy, power, and providence. Don’t lose your life trying to save it, instead draw your life from Jesus. He is the only way to know God who made you, who loves you, and who wants to forgive and restore you.
This pandemic has been difficult for many people and we will probably continue to face challenges. During seasons of trial and blessing lean on and learn from Jesus. While running for his life as an innocent fugitive, David wrote in Psalm 63, “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). May we each be like David in this way and let Jesus be our savior, source, shepherd, and life.
One practical way to grow in this is to read the book of John in the Bible. It is only 21 chapters. You could read a chapter a day and just write down one significant truth each day, especially related to Jesus as your savior, source, shepherd, and life. Ask God to teach you and change you. Then share what you are learning with someone. I’d be happy to hear what you are learning also. Just email me at the lightrunner.org website.