Read: John 15:5–17
In Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights, a cantankerous
man who often quotes the Bible to criticize others is memorably
described as “the wearisomest self-righteous Pharisee that ever
ransacked a Bible to rake [apply] the promises to himself and fling the
curses to his neighbours.”
It’s a funny line; and it may even bring particular people to mind. But aren’t we all a bit like this—prone to condemn others’ failures while excusing our own?
In Scripture some people amazingly did the exact opposite; they were willing to give up God’s promises for them and even be cursed if it would save others. Consider Moses, who said he’d rather be blotted out of God’s book than see the Israelites unforgiven (Exodus 32:32). Or Paul, who said he’d choose to be “cut off from Christ” if it meant his people would find Him (Romans 9:3).
As self-righteous as we naturally are, Scripture highlights those who love others more than themselves.
Because ultimately such love points to Jesus. “Greater love has no one than this,” Jesus taught, than “to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Even before we knew Him, Jesus loved us “to the end” (13:1)—choosing death to give us life.
Now we are invited into the family of God, to love and be loved like this (15:9–12). And as we pour into others Christ’s unimaginable love, the world will catch a glimpse of Him.
It’s a funny line; and it may even bring particular people to mind. But aren’t we all a bit like this—prone to condemn others’ failures while excusing our own?
In Scripture some people amazingly did the exact opposite; they were willing to give up God’s promises for them and even be cursed if it would save others. Consider Moses, who said he’d rather be blotted out of God’s book than see the Israelites unforgiven (Exodus 32:32). Or Paul, who said he’d choose to be “cut off from Christ” if it meant his people would find Him (Romans 9:3).
As self-righteous as we naturally are, Scripture highlights those who love others more than themselves.
Because ultimately such love points to Jesus. “Greater love has no one than this,” Jesus taught, than “to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Even before we knew Him, Jesus loved us “to the end” (13:1)—choosing death to give us life.
Now we are invited into the family of God, to love and be loved like this (15:9–12). And as we pour into others Christ’s unimaginable love, the world will catch a glimpse of Him.
Lord, thank You for showing us what it means to love. Help us to love like You.
When we love Christ, we love others.
The Vine and the branches aptly illustrates the necessity of being connected to the vine and that we are branches. Apart from the vine, we are a dead branch. A little off the point but I believe still applicable. String players in orchestra have an expression in describing a player who is no longer producing anything on their instrument (losing their playing ability or simply faking) as dead wood. An instrument can only be made alive by the player. As instruments of God, music can only flow through us if we allow him to be the musician in charge and allow him to play by being a willing instrument in his hands.
ReplyDeleteScott, your comments are so insightful! The imagery is perfect and illustrates how every action, thought and word should be tied to our source of wisdom and strength. In the summer, the cows got into the front yard and the bull scratched his head on several of the bushes and trees. They now lie broken and dead on the ground, or just half hanging on. It is such a wonderful illustration of what happens to our lives when we disconnect from God's source of peace and power.
ReplyDeleteFor Our Friends:
ReplyDeleteA bit of a theme in my world both in the classroom and at home is “lip Service.” What I mean by that is I say a lot of things, but what I do really defines my convictions and where I’m at. Humbling to think about for a chunk of time. What am I not doing? What actions should I be doing? What has God called me to do? Am I doing that/those things?
What is it to lay down my life and pick up the cross and follow Him? Am I doing this? Those are the weighty implications of this devo for me.
Mike Jones
This is a great reminder, because we live in a hard World where people don't like one another. Please don't treat each-other with love ad respect. This verse is a wonderful reminder to see that the Lord asks us to lay down our lives for one another, to sacrifice for others around you. We need to remember everyone around us is brothers and sisters in Christ. "To lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13)
ReplyDeleteWow! Using the Bible to criticize people. That's backward. Also a wake-up call. Where is our heart when we respond to other people? We need to be vigilant.
ReplyDelete