Follow The Light! - John 8: 12,24,26,28
Follow The Light! - John 8: 12,24,26,28
Welcome to the 2nd Season of Healing Waters – The Podcast!
I am LaDonna Sanders, your Host!
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Go to Amazon and type my name Ladonna Sanders - Healing Waters, to get your copy today! Now let's see what good news our creator has to say today on Healing Waters - The Podcast!
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Follow the Light
John 8: 12- Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness.
John 8: 24 – Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."
John 8: 26- I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true, and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him."
John 8:28 –Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.
Mercy has won, prejudice has been stomped, and the Pharisee's plot to discredit Jesus and harm the woman has failed. Then Jesus says to them, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness." Jesus says I am your path to purpose. If you choose to follow me, love, salvation, and a better way of living are yours. You will never be left alone, and you have the light, Jesus, on the inside to help you maneuver and gain victory in this dark and evil world. Following Jesus is a choice, we can choose to play trial and error or follow Jesus, the light of the world.
In verse 26, He says there are many things I could say and even judge concerning you, but I speak only those things I hear from my Father. Jesus understands His position and assignment, and He is submitted to the authority and guidance of God. So, friends, we too must remember that we are vessels, instruments, tools to be used when and how God chooses. So, when you begin to experience some degree of success or effectiveness, do not open the door to pride and arrogance. Don't forget that the grace, ability, intellect, and skill to accomplish those specific tasks, are all derived from God. Acts 17:28 says, for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'
In verse 28, Jesus says, "I speak only what I hear the Father say, I go where He sends me, and I do only what the Father has taught me!" Is this level of submission necessary? Yes, I believe it is, especially if we want to spend eternity in Heaven and live fruitful lives while we are here on earth. Jesus is giving us light in this section of scripture; He is unfolding the strategy! First, He says, remember you are the vessel, and the outcome depends on your submission to the Father. He says allow me to light your path, believe in me, repent of your sins, and follow my example. Understand that God's presence in your life, your relationship with the Lord - your willingness to communicate with Him and then follow His lead is of the utmost importance. Obedience will lead to fruitfulness!
John 15:4-8 says, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides (holds to, obeys, follows) in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered, and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
Secondly, He says, don't forget the goal. The goal is to please God, the Father! In the later part of verse 28, Jesus says, "I always do those things that please Him (the Father)."
Following Jesus and pleasing God should be our highest pursuit. Jesus has given us a picture of true submission, and now He says follow me, I am the light of the world! I want to help you escape the darkness and corruption of this world. I want to give you a new nature. I have a better way of life for you! A fruitful life. The message of Jesus has not changed. He is still saying, listen, I know what the Father requires and His plans for your life. When you follow God's directives, He is pleased!
Friends, today, let us purpose to spend more time in God's presence and His Word and then follow His lead. Let us allow His Holy Spirit to change us and help us on this journey. Let us learn to say what He says, go where He says go and do what He has taught us in His Word. Let us purpose to always do those things that please Him!
Let's pray,
Lord, I thank you! I thank you for another chance to say yes! Thank you for your example of true submission, and I thank you for the strategy. You, Lord Jesus, are the light of the world, you have provided a path out of darkness and corruption, and that path begins with submission and obedience to the Father. That path starts with following you! Give me a heart, O Lord, that follow you completely! Teach me your Word and your way of doing things. Please help me to follow your example, Jesus! Help me, by Your Holy Spirit, obey God and follow His directives. Lord, I understand that you are not obligated to cosign on anything else. So, help me say what you tell me to say, help me do what you have asked and taught me in your Holy Word, and help me be obedient in going where you have requested. I, too, want to please you, Lord! Lord, I thank you for this day and for this opportunity to follow you, and I pray for your help in all these things, in Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen!
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Thank you for listening, and remember that God loves you, and he wants you well, in your mind, body, soul, and spirit. God Bless!