The Verse of the Day

-September 6, 2020-

Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,

-Love, Obedience, And Fellowship With God-

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him.’”

(John 14:23).

The words of our text follow a question that Judas, not Iscariot, asked Jesus in John 14:22, “…Lord, how is it that You manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” Judas, like the other disciples, wondered why Jesus did not manifest Himself to the world as the Messiah and rule according to the Scriptures. Jesus first coming was to die on the cross to make salvation available to all those who believe.

The disciples were privileged to be with Jesus for three years, to follow Him, to hear His words and teachings, and to witness healings and His other miracles. Now He is about to go to the cross and die for the sins of the world, rise again, and ascend back to the Father in heaven. His Second Coming will usher in His reign over the whole world.

Jesus did not answer Judas’ question directly; instead He spoke of love, obedience, and fellowship with God. The disciples were blessed with a close, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We today have this same privilege as well. Jesus tells of three privileges we have in Him.

Love and obedience go together – “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” Jesus had just said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” We show our love for Christ by being obedient to Him. Consequently, we cannot say we love Him if we do not keep His commandments. He is our Lord and Master. We must do His will in all things.

The Father will love us – Jesus said, “My Father will love him.” The Father loves the Son and whoever loves and follows Him. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God loves everyone in the world, but He has a special love for His children.

God makes a home with His people – Our Lord proclaimed, “And We will come to him and make our home with him.” What a tremendous blessing that the God of the universe wants to make His home with us and have a close fellowship with us. He desires to talk with us through His Word, and for us to talk to Him in prayer. Our future with the Lord is assured in John 14:2 Jesus said in My Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” For now we see Him just by faith, but in the future face to face.

May the Lord help us to realize how blessed we are to be saved and have fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3 says, “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.” There is a definite link between love, obedience, and fellowship. Let us love Him and obey Him and walk in close fellowship with Him.

Have a blessed day in the Lord and with the Lord. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean