Friends not Fans

S - "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples. “Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. … My commandment is this – to love one another just as I have loved you. … You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that remains, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. This I command you – to love one another. (John 15:7-10, 12, 16, 17 NET)

O - Asking anything with the hope of receiving is not the variable with Jesus. The variable is a "remaining" which is directly connected to other humans on earth. The asking and the remaining in Jesus (and his love and words) is inseparably tied to an obedience which expresses itself in loving unconditionally his other followers … all of them. The Lord of all is not content to be loved in isolation/exclusively. He will not allow his followers to disconnect heaven from earth or his person from his followers.He's really not interested in fans, just friends, brothers and sisters together in him, his love, his words and his commands.

A - Jesus isn't offering a series of options for me to consider. He knows the virtual impossibility of his insistent instruction. In fact, it is impossible on my own and he never wants me in that condition (i.e. alone). Instead, what is impossible for humans is always possible with God. He wants me to choose to engage and he stands ready to make it very possible. Hmmm…the first (not the last) anything should be this remaining. Will I embrace his instruction? Will I choose this day and every day to ask? I will!

P - Lord,

I have some big things I want to ask you for … big. But this first one is your desire for me and I thank you for it. I ask that I will live each day in the remaining you prescribe. I don't want to deceive myself by thinking that I can disconnect heaven from earth or you from all who follow. I say yes to you, your words, your love and to loving all. Yes!

In Jesus' Name,

Steve