Devo, John

Unwavering Devotion

Unwavering Devotion

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SCRIPTURE WALLET

When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. — John 12:9-11

The Jesus effect is interesting. On the one hand, He attracts the masses, resulting in belief. On the other hand, He attracts a few who hate Him and want to kill Him, along with anyone involved — even the miracle of Lazarus.

This is the effect of Jesus. While believing in and following Him yields moral and righteous outcomes, the immoral and unrighteous cannot tolerate it. This is because it exposes them and their unrighteousness. Therefore, they will act hatefully, even to the point of destroying our lives, dismantling our reputation, and devising plans to kill us.

This is one of the things most people don't tell you when you choose to follow Jesus. The effect of biblical obedience can conflict with the culture's position on morality. Acts of righteousness, according to the Bible, may sometimes contradict a company's values. Beliefs rooted in the Bible may disagree with culturally accepted norms, thereby straining friendships. And all of this might result in such hatred from the opposition that they conspire against us, legislate against us, terminate our employment, and seek to cancel us.

Even so, this remains our duty.

Just as Jesus faced hatred and evil plots, you, too, will encounter the same resistance. But do not be discouraged, for you are not alone. The same power that raised Lazarus from the dead resides within you, empowering you to overcome the resistance. When the world seeks to silence you, speak out boldly about Jesus. When forces conspire against you, love fervently and forgive relentlessly, just as Jesus did. When your faith is tested, remain steadfast, knowing that your reward and purpose are greater than the temporary battles you face.

ASK THIS:

  1. How does the story of Lazarus and the opposition faced by Jesus and His followers challenge your understanding of the cost and impact of following Jesus in today's world?
  2. In what ways have you experienced or witnessed the tension between biblical obedience and cultural values? How do you navigate this tension, and what lessons can you learn from the example of Jesus and His unwavering commitment to righteousness?

DO THIS: Act righteous and expect resistance.

PRAY THIS: God, strengthen my resolve and give me the courage to faithfully follow You, even in the face of opposition and adversity, knowing that Your power and purpose far outweigh any temporary battles I may encounter. May Your love and truth shine through me, impacting those around me and drawing them closer to You. Amen.

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12 thoughts on “Unwavering Devotion”

  1. Eddie Ackerman says:

    Jesus is the Light of the World, the enemies of the light want darkness to reign, but light illuminates the darkness, exposing the wickedness of people content to live in the shadows. This kind of compassionate help is not going to be received well by the opposition because they just don’t WANT it. We are in the world, but not OF the world, as Jesus’ ambassadors. Like ambassadors only have a small plot of land in a larger country, that is how we are in the world, we live in a small patch of land, compared to the entire planet, but are called to bring diplomacy and life giving rules and choices on other nations and religions, even to our neighbors near and far. Simultaneously, we are to speak up when those rules are not being followed by our neighbors in other countries, religions, and even our neighbors that are next to or in our native homeland, wherever that might be for each and every Brother in Christ. Also, as ambassadors, we are Christ’s representative to the world, near, far, and in between, so we need to always strive to represent Him properly at all times, and admit to anyone that asks when we make a mistake, so as to not, by omission of denying wrong, agree with wrong doing in our lives or in others’ lives.

  2. Dean says:

    So good Vince! Loved it all, but this thought stood out “The same power that raised Lazarus from the dead resides within you, empowering you to overcome the resistance”. Greetings from New Zealand.

  3. gonzalo correa says:

    Amen brother! Thanks for the challenge at the beginning of the devo.

    Your first question… I spoke of this in my men’s small group from the verse “… as the Father has sent me, I am sending you in the world..” (paraphrased)
    Being Jesus’ believers, followers, servants, warriors.. etc. we will face opposition from anyone that does not want to humble him/her self to the Lord.

    I pray strength and courage for you brother Vince to keep teaching us and leading us men in the Truth from the Lord Jesus! and for us learning and applying this in our lives on the daily basis to show the world we belong to the Lord.

  5. Sheldon says:

    That their is a cost associated with identifying with Christ and as believers we should expect this treatment from the world.
    The culture is telling me to accept this form of life living today as normal and the word of God condemns it we are told in scripture that when culture clashes with the word of God we are to obey God. Love the sinner but hate the sin.

  6. Chris Caliguire says:

    Lazarus dying twice brings more heed to my Aunts near death experience….. My Dad would tell her, whatever “dream” led you to Christ is great, but you probably don’t have a ton of Church friends because of your death claims so cool out on that story! But she can’t, she still talks of that experience 25 yrs later….So I’m with my Dad on “whatever leads you to Christ”, yet I don’t hammer home the “appointed one to die” verse. I just let her smile and be happy. Any action on getting the comment overlap corrected?? 😝

  7. Ted Bichsel says:

    Wow wow wow Preach it so we hear it my brother. That woke me up better than the coffee!

  8. Todd Hansen says:

    “Love fervently and forgive relentlessly, just as Jesus did.”
    Amazing. Beautiful.
    God, grant us Holy Spirit power to do through us what we can’t even imagine on our own.
    Thank you, Vince.

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