Main Point and Overview:
“Being in the building doesn’t make you a part of the team!” Remember, that was Judas. He professed Jesus, but his heart was far from Kingdom of God priorities. Jesus in some of his most impactful words, on the verge of sacrificing his life, gave a pointed challenge about authenticity. In fact, he used the imagery of Israel’s most prized symbol to make his point. The vine was a symbol of power and prosperity in Israel. Its commerce, connections, and community were directly impacted by it. Jesus used it as an illustration of himself. He is the center of life and purpose. He wanted his disciples to grasp this reality, especially for when the pressure would mount against them. It’s especially true that when a professing disciple of Jesus encounters pushback, he or she must be connected to an unshakable foundation. What is also true is that many professing disciples choose comfort over commitment when the “going gets tough.” Jesus made it clear that type of decision is only exposing a person for possessing a shallow faith that in most cases is no faith at all. The key to avoiding such a superficial faith is spelled out in one word…remain! The idea of remaining in Christ is also explained as “abiding in Christ!” This is an everyday experience impacting our choices, priorities, and desires. So many people are looking for a “silver bullet” when it comes to dealing with life’s issues. They are looking in all of the wrong places with the wrong motives. The simple test of our authenticity as a disciple is whether or not we are “remaining” in Christ! Jesus made it clear that defining evidence of remaining in him is the “production of fruit” grounded in selfless love out of obedience. If you want longevity as a disciple, you must have a connection that leads to production!
“Being in the building doesn’t make you a part of the team!” Remember, that was Judas. He professed Jesus, but his heart was far from Kingdom of God priorities. Jesus in some of his most impactful words, on the verge of sacrificing his life, gave a pointed challenge about authenticity. In fact, he used the imagery of Israel’s most prized symbol to make his point. The vine was a symbol of power and prosperity in Israel. Its commerce, connections, and community were directly impacted by it. Jesus used it as an illustration of himself. He is the center of life and purpose. He wanted his disciples to grasp this reality, especially for when the pressure would mount against them. It’s especially true that when a professing disciple of Jesus encounters pushback, he or she must be connected to an unshakable foundation. What is also true is that many professing disciples choose comfort over commitment when the “going gets tough.” Jesus made it clear that type of decision is only exposing a person for possessing a shallow faith that in most cases is no faith at all. The key to avoiding such a superficial faith is spelled out in one word…remain! The idea of remaining in Christ is also explained as “abiding in Christ!” This is an everyday experience impacting our choices, priorities, and desires. So many people are looking for a “silver bullet” when it comes to dealing with life’s issues. They are looking in all of the wrong places with the wrong motives. The simple test of our authenticity as a disciple is whether or not we are “remaining” in Christ! Jesus made it clear that defining evidence of remaining in him is the “production of fruit” grounded in selfless love out of obedience. If you want longevity as a disciple, you must have a connection that leads to production!
Posted in Devotional