To accompany Jesus
by Pastor Mark Gierus
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Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me (John 12:26).
Read John 12:20–26
Sometimes, it is easy to do things by yourself, especially when you want to get it done quickly. It can be frustrating when you have others wanting to do something you can do in half the time. Especially when they usually don’t do it to the standard you do.
So, as Christians, it is good that Jesus doesn’t get frustrated with us because it takes us much longer to do things than he could. Jesus certainly would do a much better job than you or me.
Think about the work you are called to do by God through Jesus: to share God’s love with the world, proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ to everyone, make disciples of all nations in Jesus’ name and never get tired of doing good, walking in the good works God prepared in advance for you. Yet it is our Lord who calls us to participate in his work – the redemptive work of Jesus in the world.
What an honour to be called and then to follow Jesus and serve him day by day in his strength so others may come to know him and be saved. But notice where you will be if you are a servant of Jesus.
Jesus says whoever serves him will follow him. Not a few steps or even lots of steps behind but with Jesus. Walking with him, accompanying him along the road of this life and eternity.
What a gift to be called a child of God by faith. As a child of God, you are set apart or made holy to do the very work of God, and what a joy it is to know that where Jesus is, so too are his servants. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you in your call and mine to serve him and accompany or follow him in all things. What a great comfort this is to go and do the work of the Lord together with the Lord of the harvest.
Jesus, here I am. Help me follow you as I serve you day by day. Give me your wisdom and strength, and fill me with your love to boldly share with those I meet today. Help me to know that I am never alone in the work you have called me to do. Be with me as I go to serve you, walking beside you in all I do and say today. Amen.
Pastor Mark Gierus currently serves as a Lutheran pastor in Redcliffe, Queensland. He has three beautiful girls aged 7, 10 and 19 and enjoys hiking with them, looking after their pets as a family and going on road trips. Mark prays that God will continue to bless you as you grow in him and come to know him more and more through his life-giving eternal word.
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