Let it Die

[imported_rachel]

During the three short years of Jesus' earthly ministry, He performed
many miracles and preached to crowds large and small. But the moment
of greatest acceptance came the week before Jesus was crucified as He
entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. A large number had gathered
from all over Israel in preparation of the Passover: "They took palm
branches and went out to meet Him, shouting 'Hosanna! Blessed is He
who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!'"
(John 12:13).

Many would view this as the high point of Jesus' ministry. He had
gained a great following and the people even hailed Him as the new
King of Israel. But Jesus knew this was not His Father's
will. Jesus came for a much greater purpose than to be a temporary
king; He came for an eternal glory which required His death.

John 12:24
"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground
and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces
many seeds."

Jesus spoke these words in reference to His sacrifice on the cross
which would occur in a few short days, but His message of death was
also intended for us today. Obviously He's not saying we should all
be physically crucified, but Jesus IS saying we must experience a
death; "whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever
loses his life for Me will find it" (Matthew 16:25). Paul explains
this even more directly; "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs
to your earthly nature" (Colossians 3:5).

Our earthly nature is home to all our sinful desires, but it's also
the source of all the ambitions and dreams not formed by God. When
we tightly hold to our dreams and are driven (or drive others) by our
own ambitions, we choke what God desires to accomplish and never see
the full potential of Christ - never see the abundant life God
desires us to live.

We have a tendency to dream and make plans, and then spend our time
and energy pursuing the dream rather than truly pursuing Christ. Our
dream may even appear very Godly - we may strive for a dynamic
ministry or children who love and follow God - but until we allow
EVERYTHING within us to die and be replaced by the love of God, we
will never experience His very best nor witness His most beautiful
fruit; "and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).

Let's allow the plans of Christ to reign absolutely supreme. We were
created for so much more than we can imagine! Let's cast off all sin
and leave ALL we hold dear at His feet. He will raise up what He
desires to use for the glory of His name, but first we must resolve
to let it die.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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