John 1:1-51 Read today's scripture here "Connections that Count"
Today is the first day of our corporate consecration. We're putting in the hard work of getting on one accord, by fasting, praying and studying the scriptures together. Each day, I'll post an evening devotion in reflection to the day's scripture reading. I hope that you will take advantage of this daily resource, to help you develop as a disciple. I know that this 21 days of consecration is a sacrifice and a struggle. That's the point! Deprive your flesh with the intent of developing your spirit. It's going to be hard, but with God's help all things are possible!
Jesus is God's son; Jesus and John are first cousins; Andrew and Simon are brothers; Philip and Nathanael are close friends. Family and friends is what's highlighted in John chapter 1. What's even more interesting is that there's one person that's their common interest. Jesus!
There's no greater bond on the entire planet, than to be connected to others because of Jesus! The first 4 disciples were connected as family (Andrew & Simon) and as friends (Philip & Nathanael). Pease receive this principle, evangelism starts there! Andrew met Jesus and brought his brother to meet him to! Philip met Jesus and ensured that he told his close friend, that we've been searching for a fulfilment to our life's void and Jesus is the answer! Put in the hard work of having conversations about Jesus. Friends and family is the place to start and they're waiting on you to tell them what Jesus has done for you.
John (Jesus' first cousin) promotes and preaches Jesus. When you're in the family of Jesus, you ought not be able to keep quiet about him! I'd even dare to say that it's your job to pave the way for people to have a personal encounter with Jesus. John didn't take it offensively that he wasn't the light. It was the greatest honor of John's life, to tell the world about his cousin. There shouldn't be a reason in the world, that we're not the most vocal family in history! Let's cry loud, that Jesus is the lamb of God!
Early in John 1, Jesus' position is firmly fixed as the messiah, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He became flesh to die for us (the world), so that we can live. That's the most important connection of all! Jesus' descent to die for our sins, is what I call a conquering connection, that gives us the ability to live without the fear of eternal death.
Connections that count can be summed up in these words by Jesus in Luke 8:21 “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.” God be praised for connections that count!
Check back here tomorrow at 5 p.m. for the evening devotion from John 2:1-25. Happy fasting!!!
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