“Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” John 21:23-25
Today ends our devotions on the passion of Christ and resurrection from the Gospel of John.
and John were led down very different paths, as are we. A faithful Sunday School teacher who loves and prays for her children will be completing her devotion as well as Billy Graham who sought to do what the Lord wanted to do in his life. The widow who gave her two mites was praised far more than the high priest in the temple with all his religious power and influence. As one song says, “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. He is coming again. John is doing all he can to be that witness to the world. “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31. These are the events of Jesus while on earth. This is the way it happened as John knew the Lord intimately. Jesus wins. He is coming again. There is blessing evermore. It is worth our lives, our money, our families, our devotion and our service.
John was faithful until the Lord took him home. He was exiled on the island of Patmos and wrote the experience of his revelation. The Lord opened his eyes to the unseen world. He saw someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
John continues to testify in Revelations, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” Rev 1:13-19
Jesus was the culmination of John’s service. I’m glad he finished his earthly assignment and wrote what Jesus told him to write.
The reason God chose not to take me home last month is there is more He has for me to do. What about you?
Application: Loving God and loving others is the call to service.
Here I am Lord. Guide me in the path of service You have chosen and enable me, through your indwelling Holy Spirit, to follow You not the world.
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