The Purpose of Unlimited Power

S - "After Jesus had finished speaking, he looked up toward heaven and said: Father, the time has come for you to bring honor to your Son, in order that he may bring honor to you. And you gave him power over all people, so he would give eternal life to everyone you give him. This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent." John 17:1-3

 

O - In this conversation with the Father, Jesus affirms the surprising purpose of unlimited authority. It is not to exert a forced compliance on others but to enable them to a relationship which is eternal life; a vibrant and irrepressible life. This humble and loving use of such power demonstrates God’s relentless love and his desire for ongoing relationship with the human race, individually and eternally.  

 

A - The Kingdom of God is relationships not theological conclusions or religious rituals. There is no one unreachable or "too far gone" to make eternal life impossible.  Without the direct involvement of Jesus and this power none of us will be able to engage the relationship which is eternal life.  It requires a miracle for each one to enter and remain in this eternal dynamic.   

 

P - Father of Jesus and Father of us,

You are not only amazing in your limitless power but in the way you choose to wield it.  This great dignity of choice and the relational dynamic which is your kingdom is mind blowing and heart melting.  I am intensely grateful that the possessor and dispenser of this authority is Jesus!  I admit the impossibility without him and so enjoy the knowing made possible by him.  We are completely and unconditionally loved and I love you back!

Steve 

The Essential Metric for Effectiveness

S - "You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. So I command you to love each other." John 15:16-17 TJB

 

O - Four sentences which continue to underscore the relational nature of the Kingdom of God which is near.  We are given the great dignity of choosing back the one who chose us.  

·       Our understanding and participation in the reality of God's Kingdom is never the result of our own intellectual or spiritual prowess.  

·       Producing anything that will last has only one starting place - love.  Without love whatever we're working on or hoping for cannot and will not last.  It must be our starting place each day, circumstance and activity.  We choose where we start.

·       In our metrics of assessment in all facets of life, if love is not the first and most important we've missed big.  I can actually know if I'm choosing and pursuing love … even if those around me don't think I am.  

·       The only direct command of Jesus is that we love each other.  Fruitful living and praying are directly connected to our engaging this instruction.

 

A - The beginning of all worthwhile activities is the same, love. My capacity to miss, drift from or refuse this reality is always present. Nevertheless, it’s something I can choose do to regardless of my current emotional state or opinion. Culture wants me to work longer, think deeper, study harder and acquire more as the way to successful and useful living.  Heaven wants me to love.  In fact, the Scriptures are clear on this point: without love it all becomes noise and nothing. Not only do I admit Jesus' command, I will embrace and engage it.      

 

P - Our Father, 

Thank you for the great dignity of choice and of choosing you back; of choosing where I start and what I will embrace as my primary metric of assessment.  An open heart, open heaven and open future are all connected to this always simple but not always easy reality.  I say yes to you, to love and the nearness of your Kingdom.  Am so very grateful that love and all its relentless benefits are only a decision away.

Grateful for the command and coaching of Jesus,

Steve