Scripture
John 12: 24-26 “The truth is, a kernel of wheat must be planted in the soil. Unless it dies it will be alone- a single seed. But its death will produce many new kernels- a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who despise their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. All those who want to be my disciples must come and follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And if they follow me, the Father will honor them.”
Observation
This is one of the tough sayings of Jesus. When I read it, I am tempted to make it say something other than what it does. I am tempted to water it down and make it easier to believe and follow but I must not do that. I must take Jesus’ words at face value. I do not adjust the Word to fit me, I adjust to fit it. Let’s look at what Jesus said.
1) Jesus is speaking of his death. When he died it produced a plentiful harvest of new lives. His death and resurrection produced new life in me and millions more.
2) I must die to myself. I must crucify pride, selfish ambition, and the desire for power and control. I must lose the life my flesh wants. I crucify the flesh. I walk in the Spirit. This is the key to discipleship. It is my choice. I can do it.
3) This does not mean that we are not to enjoy life or do anything pleasurable. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. God wants us to be full of joy. In fact living a joyless life is sin. Jesus said he wanted our joy to be complete. Jesus said he came that we may be fully alive.
4) The key to being fully alive is allowing Jesus to live His life through us. Here is the point of the teaching. If we live the life our flesh craves, it will end in disaster, disappointment, and hurt. If we allow Jesus to live His life through us, our lives will exhibit joy, life, peace, love, etc.
5) So I must lose the fleshly life and live by the spirit. When I do that the Father will honor me with His life.
Application
This is backward from the way the world teaches me to live. The world says get all you can, run over others to get to the top, do it your way, look out for yourself above others, etc. Jesus said to serve others, lose your life, allow the Holy Spirit to control you, give and it shall be given, etc. The Christian life is a backwards life. It is anti-establishment. It is cutting edge. I must live my life backwards from the way the world teaches.
Prayer
Father I ask that you live through me. I die to the way the world lives. I crucify my flesh and its worldly cravings. I want to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. I want to walk in the Spirit. I want to live a spirit filled, led, and empowered life. I want to be full of joy, peace, and love. I want to know you and please you above all. I love you. In Jesus
name.
