As we come near to the conclusion of our fasting journey, and with the fact that the church’s reading schedule is in the gospel of John, I thought it would be appropriate to focus on John’s gospel.
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He tries to help them get their head around the concept of dwelling and abiding. The church often talks about this, but few walk in the kind of relationship that is the kind Jesus talks about. He is revealing one that is so intimate and personal.
John 8:14-12. Jesus & Father Are One
Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip?
He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.
[11] “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.
[12] “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.
So many believers want the power to do miracles, but I tend to believe that few really want to make this kind of investment. This intimacy that Jesus is talking about is what is required for such power.
Let’s be honest. Intimacy takes time and energy. It takes both great quantities and great qualities of time. I think we want to invest, but often we fall short of reaching the goal of intimacy over the long haul. Don’t get me wrong. We get those moments where the Holy Spirit brings us into special times, but all to often they are short-lived.
John 14:18-21. Not Orphans
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. “After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also
[20] “In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.
“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”
This is one of my favorite portions of scripture. God does not desire to leave us as hired hands or as orphans. He wants us to know and feel like “Family”. Too many Christians live like they are orphans, distant and disconnected. If this fast should have done anything for us, it should have opened our souls to the truth that we are “Loved” by the Father and are sons and daughters of the most high God! If you have not understood this truth more now during our fasting, ask the Holy Spirit right now, to reveal the Father’s love for you.
Jesus finishes this portion of Scripture by drawing attention to what intimacy should do in people.
Jesus says if we “Love” Him we will keep His commandments. Love seeks to honor. When we have the heart and will to honor the Lord, He says He will “DISCLOSE” Himself to us.
So if you want to be more intimate with God, you need to honor Him with your time, energy, loyalty and love. His promise is true, and He will become more intimate with you and me more than we ever dreamed possible.
Love seeking God together with you all!
Pastor Dale
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