BE BLESSED BY FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLES OF JESUS FOR HIS FOLLOWERS

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. 
(John 13:17)

MEDITATION:
Would you agree that no matter what is going on in our lives, 
we can find comfort in knowing we are receiving God’s blessings?
One thing we need to remember is that when we believe in, 
and are followers of the Lord, we become His disciples.

Why is that important?
Because whenever Jesus is speaking to His disciples 
in the scriptures, He is also speaking to us.
In John 13, He tells them 
that when they do what they know to do, they will be blessed.

What ‘things’ was Jesus talking about?
He had just finished washing the feet of His disciples.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes 
and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done 
for you?” he asked them. (John 13:12)

He wanted them to understand at least a couple of things.
Jesus showed them what it means to have a servant attitude.
To be willing to inconvenience oneself in order to do something for others.
He came to serve and not to be served.

Secondly, He wanted them to develop humility in their lives.
They had an argument about which one of them was the greatest and Jesus wanted 
them to understand that greatness in God’s eyes is equated to humbleness. 
Jesus showed His humility by doing the task of a slave – washing their feet.

His disciples were no better than Jesus, and neither are we.
If He humbled Himself to do things for others, then so should we.
Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, 
nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. (John 13:16)

Jesus told His disciples (including us) that we should be willing to become 
humble servants in the same manner that He had just demonstrated to them.
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, 
you also should wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14)

He goes on to explain that what He did was an example that they (and we) 
should follow to prove that we have become humble servants.
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 
(John 13:15)
When is the last time you sacrificed in order to do something for someone else?
If we are truly humble and unselfish, 
then we will gladly do things for others expecting nothing in return. 
				
I became friends with a former professional football player who was runner-up 
to the famous quarterback Joe Namath for the award of AFL Rookie of the year.
His name is John Bramlett and he lived a wild life that was all about himself.
However, when he chose to follow Jesus, he became a humble servant of the Lord.
At the Fellowship of Christian Athlete breakfasts, John would deliver 
the plates of food to everyone in attendance before he would get his own.

ACTION:
Jesus set the example for you to follow if you want to be blessed.
It is up to you to decide how you will respond to His example.
Are you willing to exchange your selfishness for selflessness 
in order to become a humble servant of God?

If so, then practice doing things for others without being asked 
and without expecting anything in return.
As a starting point, show interest in others 
and say things that will lift their spirits.
Trade gossip for encouragement.

There are many pastors, missionaries and teachers whom you can encourage 
by expressing your gratitude for their dedication and commitment to the Lord.
Send a card, make a call, text them, or send an email 
to express your appreciation for their efforts and let them know 
you are praying for them, their family and their ministry (do it often). 

Pray,
“Heavenly Father I want to receive Your blessings in my life. I pray 
that You will help me to follow the example of humility and 
servanthood shown by Your Son, Jesus. Forgive me for my selfishness 
and help me to change my thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions as 
I strive to develop the mindset of Jesus. Teach me how to look for 
opportunities to encourage others even when I need encouragement 
in my own life.”

BLOG: utvolwoody.wordpress.com