Friday, September 14, 2012

John 12:24

Here is a short post on the Everyday Emmanuel today. I find it very relevant to my situation now because currently I am preparing for my second test on next week. Lately, I haven't been very submissive. I have been pushing myself to study very hard for this test out of fear that I might fail again. And because of this worldly knowledge, I have been drawn away from God. I had two unpleasant dreams last night, leaving me waking up in fear today. I have been holding on to too many fears and worldly values in me and its really time to die to myself. So, I prayed and God prepared this message for me.
The Power of the Holy Spirit Unravel When We Submit Till The End. 
Do you know what is the main motive of God when He first called us? He wants us to die. Dying here refers to dying to ourselves and submit to Him completely. The Chinese character used in the video is 顺从. Google translate gave me many definitions of this word : submissiveness, obedience, humbleness,meekness , etc. ( I rely on Google translate a lot because I am not Chinese educated so that explains everything). I find this translation very accurate in a way that submitting to God, requires obedience and one has to be very humble. And the most beautiful and accurate serving is all about dying to ourselves. This is clearly demonstrated by Jesus in His lifetime. Everybody live to live but He came to die. And His death has drawn many to God. 
If you have time, please read John 12:23-26 ,32-33. The bible verse that was highlighted is Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24
There are many believers who are ready to serve God, evangelize and so on. But they are unwilling to die to themselves.
 For example, some wants to evangelize to a thousand people but what if God just want them to love those around them, are they willing?
Maybe you want to save many souls on earth, but what if God just want you to live happily each day, find joy in working, helping those around you, wash their feet, are you willing?
Perhaps, you want to earn a lot of money to build God's kingdom but what if God wants you to give those around you who are in need? Are you willing?
The emphasis here is submission. God wants us to follow the steps of Jesus Christ, who of course is most submissive and obedient even to the point of death. 
Today, whatever is it that God wants you to do, you just have to simply obey. Whatever position, situation that God has put you in, you just have to play your part in submitting to Him. Some might complain about the simple task that God has assigned them or the lowly position they hold, so they asked, " What can I accomplish ?" It is not for us to ask God such question because that is God's matter. The only thing you have to do is submit to Him. 
In the Bible, there are many "small" characters: Peter, who is a failed fisherman. Mary an adulterer. But Peter obeyed God and became a great apostle. Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus's  feet and this was recorded in the Bible. Their submission has influenced many people. Jesus even to the point of death is submissive and obedient. Those who saw the death of Jesus on the cross are unable to forget it and became compel to spread the gospel.

Question of the day: So how God wants you to die today? Do not look down on even the simplest task that God wants you to do because it is our part to be submissive while His part is on accomplishing the task.

This message reminds me of what a Reverend told us, that is we have to die to ourselves every single day.
I may have stray away from God for awhile, been stubborn for awhile, unwilling to be submissive for awhile but the good thing about God is, whenever I run back to Him, He welcomes me with His open arms regardless of my disobedience.
After listening to this video, I asked God what He wants me to do today. He wants me to write this post. God bless!


ps: For this post, I merely translate what was shared in this video. The translation may not be very accurate, so let me apologize in advance. I also included some of my thoughts in it. Of course, its better for you to watch the video yourself if you understand mandarin.