Advent 2020: The Bethlehem Candle: FAITH
Advent 2020: The Prophet Candle—Hope
On Sunday, Lead Pastor Isaac exhorted us to follow after the ONE TRUE KING. He elaborated on how difficult this can be for us because we do not live in a world of kings. Fidelity is a word that comes close to describing true, pervasive commitment that every Jesus follower should aspire to. Assisting Pastor Andrea Larson has written two devotions this week that help us.
Fidelity to The King
Andrea Larson, Assisting Pastor
Having grown up in the 60’s, I recall that one of the classic items of that era was the “Hi-Fi” console. “Hi-Fi” was the nickname for an oft-coveted piece of furniture that usually included a record player, a radio and speakers. As a child, I understood that this meant good sounding music, but I was completely unaware that “Hi-Fi” actually stood for “High Fidelity”. Children of today may be likewise oblivious to the fact that a “VR” headset is attempting to represent “Virtual Reality”. They just know it provides a really cool experience that is more true to life.
Fidelity, in one of its meanings, signifies “the degree of exactness with which something is copied or reproduced.” In this sense, fidelity to Jesus takes on a whole new and potentially intimidating meaning. Are we, in our apprenticeship to Jesus, attempting to copy him with VR exactness?
HELP!
That sounds impossible for even a minute!
Fortunately, we have the examples of apprentices who have gone before us to whom we can look for guidance. One of my favorite biblical apprentices is Peter, precisely because he is so very human, so very flawed, so much more like I am. Yet, when Jesus comes walking on water towards the disciples, it is the very imperfect Peter who calls out: “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” Peter then CHOOSES to step out of the boat in faith and does the “impossible” – he walks on water too!
We can just imagine how exhilarated Peter must have been… right up until the moment when his fear gets the better of him and he starts to sink. Again, he cries out to Jesus who rescues him. Good call, Peter. ALWAYS turn to Jesus – you can’t go wrong, whether you’re walking on water or falling. But you can’t walk on water on your own and Peter gets that. Let’s take a look at what other apprentices have said about imitating Christ in our lives.
John tells us:
“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”
1 John 2:6 NLT
Paul tell us:
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Philippians 2:5 NLT
Peter tell us:
“ For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”
I Peter 2:2 NLT
But HOW do we follow in his steps with fidelity?
Jesus himself gives us the answer:
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do NOTHING.”
John 15:5 NLT
And further instruction:
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
John 14:26 NLT
Isn’t it amazing that Jesus never asks anything of us without providing a way to be obedient and faithful?
NEXT STEPS:
1. Read John 15. Think about what actions you are taking to stay close to the Lord so you can follow him in fidelity daily.
2. Pray right now to ask the Holy Spirit to assist you with a hard task, a difficult relationship or overwhelming fear. Expect to be met with insight, peace and supernatural power.
3. Connect to the link at inewhope.org to put in a prayer request so that we may join with you in your walk of fidelity with Jesus.
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