There is No Greater Love

We'll be coming to a close on this month's study in a few days and I have to say that, for me, this was an amazing study! I have learned so much from Jesus about being His branch and I hope you have too. Let's keep moving, then we'll wrap it up on Friday.

I also wanted to thank you all for reading this month. I know you're out there and I wanted to tell you I love you and love serving you this way.

Now, about that picture. Let's just get to the passage and you might get an idea as to why I chose it.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

I've been reading a book called "The Heavenly Man" and the main character/real person let himself be beaten almost to death so he could protect those he loved. I sat stunned at what he endured to ensure that his friends, his brothers and sisters, would be protected.

Not unlike Christ. I've sat stunned at what He endured to ensure that I would not die in my sin. He went through torture and shame and pain to make sure that the enemy, The Enemy, would not hold my name captive any longer.

And now, because of our love and obedience to Christ we are called His friends. We have been let in on the mysteries of the heavenlies. We have had the secrets of God whispered in our ears to shout from the mountaintops! We have been brought into the greatest elite circle in the universe and in that we are servants, and yet...friends to a Most Holy God.

Again, I am stunned at the wonder of it all.

Jesus even goes on to say that those who obey Him have now been let in on what God knows! He already made that clear in regard to the Spirit. Slide over to 1 Corinthians 2:7. Here, I'll show you.

No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him,' but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

The things of God are revealed by the Spirit of Christ, showing us Jesus in all His glory. Paraphrasing Beth Moore, we can know things we don't know! Amazing!

We must position ourselves close to the Vine. Be willing to be pruned and learn from Him. Learn from others that have traveled harder roads. Learn from other Christ Friends that have taken the road of suffering. Honor them. And honor Him with your obedience and love.

We have no greater friend.