May 20, 2013
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:1-5
OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION
Here we have an anticipation of what is to come, from two different perspectives.
Jesus has a sense of destiny, what He must do to maximize God’s purpose; the religious leaders have a sense of selfishness, what they must do to minimize trouble.
Jesus is thinking about God’s agenda, the religious leaders have their own agenda in mind.
Whose agenda do I have in mind… am I doing what I do each day to preserve and protect myself, or am I focused on doing what advances God’s purpose?
If my focus I’d on being comfortable, staying safe, living for my own ambition, then I am not a follower of Jesus Christ.
Jesus not only speaks about His own cross, but urges us to take up our cross too.
The cross symbolizes dying to selfish ambition, giving up myself for the same of God and others, living (and dying) to bless and help others.
I sense the Lord challenging me on my agenda, on my hesitation to make sacrifices for the sake of others.
Jesus was prepared to take up His cross for me, am I prepared to take up my cross for Him, for others?
Or will I be like the religious leaders, doing whatever it takes to cover my butt?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I want to be like You, but if I’m honest I often behave more like the religious leaders, doing whatever I must to keep my life safe, comfortable.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observation:
Once again, Jesus tells His followers of what was to happen in the future. And the religious leaders were planning His future, to get rid of their competition because of His great following.
Application:
Where am I going? is a question that needs to be answered. I ask this of my students and as I close this school year, where am I? What’s the plan? If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.
Christ knew what would happen to Him in the coming days. The religious leaders thought they knew what was to happen in the coming days. But only God’s plan is a surety and needs to be my reality. Why am I here?
To be a Kingdom worker – living for Jesus. I must be in tune with the Creator of the universe – a willing worker in His vineyard. ‘Your will be done.” Open my eyes Lord that I may see how I can serve You in the days ahead – the next chapter of my life – being a footwasher – an instrument of Your peace – doing Your will in my life.
Today God Is First as He is every day.
Prayer:
Help me daily Lord to do Your will. Help me to LiveStrong always for my King.
All for Jesus, all for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed powers:
All my thoughts and words and doings,
All my days and all my hours.
Refrain
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours;
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.
Let my hands perform His bidding,
Let my feet run in His ways;
Let my eyes see Jesus only,
Let my lips speak forth His praise.
Refrain
Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
Cling to gilded toys of dust,
Boast of wealth and fame and pleasure;
Only Jesus will I trust.
Refrain
Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
So enchained my spirit’s vision,
Looking at the Crucified.
Refrain
Oh, what wonder! how amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
Deigns to call me His belovèd,
Lets me rest beneath His wings