A Time to Die
READ: John 12:20-33
Every farmer and gardener knows from personal experience what happens when you plant a single seed in the ground. The seed gives life to a new plant, which in turn, produces many more seeds. But in order to give life to the plant, the seed itself first has to die. And so it was with our Savior. His death was necessary for our eternal life. Before anyone could follow Jesus into eternal life, He first had to suffer and die for their sins.
By God's grace, we are privileged to be a part of a spiritual harvest of souls. We too have been called by the Holy Spirit as servants of Christ who want to follow out Savior through this life and into eternal life. In order to do so, Jesus reminds us that we need to give Him first place in our hearts and lives. Since Jesus willingly died for us, we willingly live our lives for Him. "To hate one's life in this world," doesn't mean that we are to despise the many blessings God has given us in this world. It does mean we will make hard choices restricting our sinful nature.
"Where I am, my servant also will be. My father will honor the one who serves me." Here Jesus personally gives us His solemn promise that we too will be with Him in paradise. There is no doubt about it, thanks to His sacrifice for our sins. Everyone who trusts in Christ and follows Him in this life will be honored by His heavenly Father with the gift of eternal life.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How can I show and tell others that I'm living my life for Christ? How can I help others to become part of this spiritual harvest of souls?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask for help to live for Jesus now and until the day when we join Him in heaven. Thank the Lord for dying to give me grace. Ask to be kept in an active Christian faith.