“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself;

he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.

For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does.

Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these.”

John 5:19 (Jesus’ reply to a question)

            Isn’t it amazing that over a long-term relationship like marriage how two people can anticipate what the other is going to do or say while the statement or activity has just begun? We all know people who have been married for over fifty years and have become “one” in their mannerism, appearance, and focus.  Isn’t that same physical relationship a mirror image of the type of spiritual relationship that Jesus taught and managed to maintain with His Father?

Jesus was on a mission.  His entire focus was to complete and to fulfill scripture. In the process, He relied on following the lead of His Father. His personal ambitions were set aside (Luke 4:1:13) after the desert test. He denied Himself and followed the path of the cross towards His destiny.

Many local churches should find this encouraging that their mission is not to become a “great church” in the eyes of the world or community, but to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.  Many times this may deny them of new buildings, programs or worldly goals, but in return, the Holy Spirit will lead them to serve unselfishly, humbly, without fanfare or worldly recognition as Christ did in His time.

Most recently in my own life I had a Jonah experience.  I was being led to except a new job assignment within an organization that operates in a Hindu culture. Like Jonah, I knew God wanted His message delivered but I didn’t want to be the person to deliver it. Instead, I made every excuse possible to avoid the situation.  The bottom line though, God has a way to accomplish His will and in His love and patience will work with the individuals involved.  Like Jonah, I finally made the decision to fulfill my part of delivering God’s word to people He has chosen. Life is much simpler when we step aside; seek God’s direction as He leads us and follow His work rather than build for our glory and image.  When the work is His, we will be truly amazed at what can be accomplished.

What is our Heavenly Father showing you at this time in your life that you may be fighting him to pursue?

Dr. Mike