A Spectacle Of Glory #312

Read: John 12:24–25, NLT

Greg, a missionary to Africa, wore a bright polo shirt with an odd logo that read, “LIVE DEAD.” But how can you live—be alive—when you’re dead? As you might expect, Greg had a ready answer from today’s Scripture: “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.” Greg explained that we Christians are called to die to self each day—and that it’s only by losing our lives for the sake of Christ that God increases His kingdom. But more than that—when we yield our self-centered desires for the sake of Jesus and His people, we begin to recognize that we’re living the life we’ve always longed for but could never find.

Lord, it seems I have to learn and relearn this truth again and again. When I pursue what I want, what I desire, I end up with a handful of ashes. But when I deliberately yield what I want, seeking to follow Your desires, I end up with the best and sweetest times of my life.