Energizing
There’s a buzz that comes with living inside the will of God. It’s the helper’s high. It’s joy in serving Jesus. It’s energizing even if you get tired. In John 4, Jesus took His initial team on a little cross-cultural training trip to Samaria. At Jacob’s well, the boys encounter a Samaritan woman. One good look at her and they think, “Her, a divine appointment? You have to be kidding.” Why mess with the mission field on a mission trip, right? Besides, their stomachs are growling and it’s lunchtime.
The disciples go into town while Jesus has a spiritual feast with this lowly, empty lady whose soul longs for living water. Eventually the disciples return totally oblivious to the movement of God that is afoot, a harvest being picked. In the meantime, the disciples say, “‘Rabbi, eat.’ But He said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you do not know about.’ The disciples therefore were saying to one another, ‘No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?’” (John 4:31-34) Can’t you hear Jesus sighing right here? I’m guessing it’s Peter doing the talking. They don’t get it. Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work” (John 4:31-34).
Jesus was making a profound statement that went right over the disciples’ heads, and maybe yours and mine also. You could substitute the word “energy” for food. The right food gives energy. The right food is entering into the will of God. Jesus just had a 7-course meal.
What is your food? What makes you feel most alive? What gives you the highest buzz? Jesus says there is nothing like entering the redemptive drama, living the spiritual adventure through obeying God. It is the ride of a lifetime. It’s pure energy.”
Periodically, when speaking to a group, I’ll try to gauge whether they personally own these truths with a diagnostic question. “How many of you are in full-time service for Jesus Christ?” I ask. People look at me and the wheels start to turn mentally. The pastor and missionary types in the room immediately put up their hands, then a few committed laypeople. Many look confused about whether to raise their hands. Then I clarify: “I didn’t say how many of you are in full-time vocational Christian ministry, but how many of you are full-time for Jesus Christ?” People smile. The light comes on. Many more put their hands in the air.
I want to blow up the myth that only a few pastor types are full time for Jesus Christ. The day you trusted Christ, you got a full-time ministry contract for Jesus. You are “a plain clothes agent in the Jesus Revolution – the only revolution that will ultimately be successful.” Royal blood flows through your veins, and you have an inheritance that makes Bill Gates’ money look like petty cash. You are a kingdom player, pulsating with the life of the Spirit. Fasten your seatbelts and live.
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