Give God Room to be With You
Rev. Enoch Thompson | July 23, 2024 | John 14:22-24
KEY VERSE:
Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him._ John 14:23 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Repetition, they say, is the mother of instruction. In other words, when a matter is of great importance and must be conveyed effectively, it calls for repeated mention. This is one of the principles of understanding the Bible. In our last reflection on John 14:15-21, we indicated the fact that obedience to the teachings of Christ promises access to God and fellowship with God.
In our reflection for today, the Lord Jesus continues that thought and in answer to Judas (not Iscariot), "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" John 14:22 (NIV), He replies "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. John 14:23-24 (NIV). I wonder if any person needs anything more than the love of God, and the companionship of God. The assurance of the presence of God in life not only ensures the scaring away of the forces of evil and the challenges of life but also gives the believer the power to face up to and overcome the presence of pain, affliction, oppression and all the challenges of human existence. Joseph withstood the trials and opposition to his dream of greatness because “God was with Joseph.” It is when we choose to obey God that God brings us closer and lives with us.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
The realization of the promises of God in the lives of people is not accidental or coincidental; we must decide to be on the side of God so that God will decide to be on our side. Please make up your mind, and covenant with God in prayer.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus, I am awed by your rich promise, together with the Heavenly Father to love me, to come to me and to stay with me. Please help me to truly love you and obey you, so that you will find the space to dwell with me. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
Daily word study: OUR HOME The phrase "our home" in Greek is "μονὴν" (monēn), which is derived from "μένω" (menō), meaning "to remain," "to stay," or "to abide." "Monēn" signifies a dwelling place or an abode. It implies a settled residence, emphasizing permanence and stability. In John 14:23, Jesus extends a promise of intimate fellowship to those who love Him and obey His teachings. The promise that He and the Father will make their home with the believer conveys the idea of a permanent and divine presence within the believer's life. This verse not only reassures the disciples of Jesus' continual presence but also invites all believers to experience the fullness of God's indwelling through loving obedience. Reflections Understanding that our obedience to Jesus' teachings invites the indwelling presence of God can inspire a more intentional and loving adherence to His commands. How can you create a more welcoming space in your heart and life for God's continual presence through love and obedience?
Comments