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The Sacrifice For a Saviour Si

Our Quote for Today:

"My problem is not that I don't know how to live. My problem is that I don't know how to die!"


Good Morning. The book of John records an equation that answers the question on what it takes for us, or for anyone else for that matter to SEE JESUS.

I don't know about you, but I need to see Jesus more often than I allow myself that privilege. In John 12 we see that some Greeks came to worship Jesus and enquired of Philip that he might gain them the necessary access to "see Him". When it was requested of Jesus, he agreed the timing was right for Him to "be seen". But not in the way they were requesting. Not just an answered prayer or a healed sickness. But in a way in which they would make a great sacrifice in order to "see Jesus" and from that point forward Jesus would also be seen IN them!

That is what we all need. Not only to "see Jesus", but for Jesus to be seen in us as a result of that sighting. NO matter how short that sighting may seem, others should benefit from our "sighting of the Savior".

Remember when Moses saw the image of the Lord in the burning bush? His countenance was unbearable to behold for it shone "so bright from His light". He needed a veil to cover the Shikinah Glory of God!

That image of the Lord is available for us to see. But, herein is the equation for the "Savior Sighting and our subsequent lighting": "The same came therefore to Philip . . . and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus . . . And Jesus answered them, saying, the hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."

Jesus was telling Andrew, on Phillip's behalf, that the timing was perfect for "a Savior Sighting". So here is what Jesus required of those looking for a "peek at His Perfection"

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone". There will be no "Savior Sighting" without a willingness on our part to die. But not to die that we may never enjoy our life. But to die that we may experience His life.

Most of us struggle to remember, if even to recognize that what Christ considers life, many of us consider some sort of death. When in reality, what we often consider to be life is not even worth dying for! It's meaningless. A corn of wheat will never be useful unless it gives up its desire to remain but a kernel! It has far more value than its measly existence is realizing. It can grow into a living organism that will feed many from its fruit, if it will but die. As a matter of fact Jesus even said "but IF it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."

The equation then defines it's actual calculations in order to experience this death that brings forth much fruit and a subsequent "Savior Sighting". "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."

We don't have to give up life. Life is something we will receive; not lose! What we have to be willing to give up is THIS life. This life is OUR life IN THIS WORLD!

When we tell ourselves we need God to adapt to this world and our many needs therein, we will see our "Savior Sightings" will be at a minimum. But when "our life in this world" is detested, we will see our Savior in a different light. We will see Him as our true Savior from our miserable life and the giver of His new life. But this exchanged life does not have to wait till our entrance into Glory. For His glory has been revealed and is now. We can have the Christ life right now! The equation continues as it tells us how to die to this life and to experience the life that IS Christ.

"If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor (promote).

At the time that Jesus said this to Andrew, he became troubled and asked God to save him from this approaching hour (of His crucifixion). Jesus then asked that God to be glorified in all He was willing to do on God's behalf and a voice boomed from heaven and said "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."

Jesus calmly replied. "This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."

Herein lies the equation: Jesus sightings are available for those who die (sacrifice) to the "desires created by this word" that He may plant our dead bodies, water them with His Spirit that they may come alive. Then the "Son can be seen" and that Savior Sighting will shine upon our new life as we break through the darkness of our death. And then, as we approach a position where we may be considered a small growing resource for Him, He will painfully prune us that we might be plucked up as fruit for OTHERS!

He said "if any man will serve me, let him follow me?" "OK, I will follow. Where you headed?" is my curious response to His request. "Over there, to die" was his reply! What we say next determines whether or not we will experience a "Savior Sighting" and see Jesus.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY: "Dear Father, please forgive my petty problems in life that prove to you that I am more than caught up with this world and not nearly as committed to your life as I ought to be. Help me to recognize the complete uselessness I am to you when I refuse to die that you might live through me and produce fruit. More than anything Lord, please give me a heart to sacrifice this life for you life for others. Help me to do so as you empower me today through your Spirit of Wisdom for I love you and I pray this in the blood stained name of Jesus, Amen!"

A QUESTION FOR TODAY'S MEDITATION: "How many unsaved people within my circle of influence came to Christ this month? How many within my circle of influence came to church with me? Is there any correlation?"


Have a wonderful day IN the Lord,

Steven Curington

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