Can I serve without following? Five Minutes on Friday with the LPD

Good Friday morning from the LPD,                                                                                                         

Greetings on this Friday morning.

We often quote that God’s Word is both active and alive (Hebrews 4:12) and find that it speaks to us freshly in different seasons and circumstances.

Travelling on the ferry to meet with Island folk last weekend, I was enjoying some time in the Gospel of John, chapter 12, and I was struck anew by verse 26. It reads simply, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (John 12:26).

One can literally translate this, “If anyone would keep on serving me, he or she must keep on following me. Where I am my servant will also be. My Father will (in the future) honour the one who serves me.”

Over this week, I have been taken by this simple, yet profound word from our Lord. The context is the Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem, where it appears that the whole world has turned to Jesus. Jesus, however, knows that his hour is coming, and speaks of a kernel of wheat needing to fall to the ground and die before it can produce fruit. Eternal life is for those who, in contrast to the hope of heaven, “hate” their life in this world.

Jesus, continuing to speak to his disciples, simply says, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

Some challenging and encouraging thoughts stay with me.

1. I have been in vocational ministry long enough to know that there is a difference between “serving Christ” and “following Christ.” The two are not in contrast or competition. It is simply that one can be employed in “God’s service” or volunteer for “God’s service,” but not be a true, obedient and consistent follower of Christ. We talk the talk – do we also walk the walk? Our world is looking for those who do
2. I have seen many who “serve” be shown to not also follow. Over time, their inconsistency has led to their downfall.

• We never “arrive.” Serving and following are never achievements that are completed. They involve day by day decisions, priorities and motivations. May I faithfully carry on day by day so that one day it can be said of me, “He walked with God and practiced what he preached.”

1. We have the honour of Christ’s presence daily. We endure nothing without him, and we are inseparable from him (Romans 8).
2. “God keeps the books.” God will honour those who serve our Lord. Might not seem like it sometimes. Others might seem to get the credit, accolades and attention. Nothing misses God’s eye, and He knows our actions, words and perhaps more sobering, our motives.

As we begin this Advent season, may we be encouraged and also rekindled in our service for our Lord. May we be serving and following in readiness for our Master’s return, and may we be known to both talk the talk and walk the walk.

May God bless and keep you as you serve him, follow him and tell the wonderful news!

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Please see the attached Five Minutes on Friday, with news and prayer items from the LPD, and also see the attachment featuring Johnston Heights Church, our LPD Church of the Week.

Upcoming Events:

• Kringles – a Gift Worth Giving. Dec. 2-6 at Johnston Heights Church. This is the 26^th annual musical theatre Christmas production. Plan to attend this event (tickets are free) and also bring friends. It is a special and fun time – and the gospel will be introduced. For info and tickets, please see here. 

• Please mark your calendars for March 4,5 – 2016 – LPD Conference on the theme Coaching and Mentoring.

May God bless and keep you as you look to the Lord, and trust him for his good work through the week ahead.

In Jesus,

Rob                                     

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This year, as our Lower Pacific District assists in the birth and revitalization of churches, we also step out in faith with local churches through providing financial support and seed money.  To this end, we appreciate the gifts of many district churches and also of individuals.  You can participate through both cheques and online through PayPal at our website. See LPD website for more info.