HIS

There was a song in the late 60s called, “My Way” that was recorded by Frank Sinatra. The gist of the song may be summed up in this line, “I did it my way.”

The 60s brought about changes that were aimed at throwing God out of society. The two major blows were the legalization of abortion and taking prayer out of the schools. There was an increased interest in Eastern mystical religions and respect for authority reached an all-time low. And through it all, each person could say “I did it my way.”

Those of us who claim Christ as Savior are not to partake in the things of this world.

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. ¹⁷The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15 - 17 (NASB)

Our thoughts concerning “self” and doing it “our own way” are to be like the words of Paul in Galatians 2:20 (NASB),

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

So, the next time you feel like “stomping your foot” and saying, “I want it my way,” think about Christ, who did it the Father’s way.

He is the same one who said “Follow Me!” to His disciples…and they did (Matthew 4:19, 9:9).

He is the author of the Word which says to “think of others as better than ourselves” (Philippians 2:3) and to respect those who “have authority over us” (Romans 13).

May our song be, “I did it His Way” for we were “bought with a price,” (1 Corinthians 7:23) the life of Christ.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

REDEMPTION

Everybody is different. We are all unique. There are certain traits that we do share with others. I want to revisit Mary and Martha, but this time in the Gospel of John just after Lazarus had died.

Jesus had delayed going to see his sick friend Lazarus. When he and his disciples arrived, Lazarus had already been dead for a few days.

I want you to notice the different reactions from Lazarus’ sister, Mary and Martha. I also want you to notice the compassion Jesus had for Martha, the second chance, if you will, that was given to her. Remember on Jesus’ earlier visit (Luke 10:38 – 42), Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to his every word, while Martha was in the kitchen making preparations to feed her visitors.

Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32 (NKJV)

Even in her grief over her dead brother, Mary’s belief in Christ’s power did not falter.

Now look at Martha’s reaction. She was actually the first one to run out to see Jesus, rather than being busy cleaning house for the guests…

Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. ²¹Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. ²²But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” ²³Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” ²⁴Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” ²⁵Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” ²⁷She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:20 - 27 (NKJV)

It’s almost as if Martha is saying,

Jesus, I know I wasn’t paying attention the first time you came and I’m sorry for that. But, I really do believe you are the Messiah and have the power to save my brother.

Isn’t it nice that Jesus loves us so much, that when we blow it the first time, He gives us another chance….

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD