As we get ready to welcome in another year, We all look back and reflect on the past year and our life in general. The new year always comes with hope and a chance for a fresh start. Perhaps more than any other year, we are looking to turn the page and say goodbye to 2020. This year has tested our faith. Many times I wonder how do people without Jesus cope with all that is happening around us. The world is in chaos. People are anxious, and fear has gripped their hearts. And so, as we look at the current conditions, we as Christians have a solution to the world’s crisis. God has created a perfect situation for us to fulfill the great commission. People are searching for an answer, and it is our responsibility, our mission, to direct them to Jesus. But, before we do that, let us examine ourselves and get right with God. My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, today, I want you to join me as we enter into the Holy ground.
How do we draw people to Jesus? For that, let us look at the blueprint Jesus gave us in John Chapter 17.
This chapter, Commonly known as “Priestly Prayer,” we enter into the Holy of Holies. We approach with our Christ the very throne of God as He prays to the Father for Himself, then for Apostles, and then for all of us. In doing so, He shows eight essential points as the foundations of His success.
1) Praying: Jesus spoke these things, and raising His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father,
Starting from Chapter 13-16, He talked to disciples about the Father and comforter as well promise of eternal life, but now He talks to Father about them. He promised them peace, joy, answered prayers, power, fellowship, intimacy, Holy Spirit, tribulation. But in the end, He guaranteed victory. As we share with people, even personally, when we read scriptures, prayer is the trigger for fulfilling those promises. Jesus is saying to us, “To mold the proclaimed victory into reality requires the action of God. Things don’t just happen because God says they will; they happen because He makes them happen.”
2) Surrender: the hour has come; glorify Your Son, so that the Son may glorify You.
What is He saying here? He is referring to the cross. Jesus is not asking the Father to change circumstances but instead praying for strength to do God’s will on earth. Your life will change completely when we stop directing God to do things our way; instead, surrender to Him, trust Him. Even today, many skeptics question why would God kill His Son on the cross. However, you see Jesus allowing the Father to be glorified through His crucifixion ultimately gave birth to the church and eternal life for us all.
3)Give God Glory: I glorified You on the earth
In all you do, whose glory are you seeking? Jesus had a way of working where every time He performed a miracle, people saw it and glorified God. How about you? Matthew 5: 16 tells us, Let your light so shine among men that they might see your good work and glorify the Father in heaven. As we work for God, let us be mindful of this. Our walk should draw people to Jesus, not to our churches or praise for us. Be aware praise is a weapon Satan uses to make us fall.
4) Finish: I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.
How many people are going to make resolutions today? Sadly most will be broken by Valentine’s day, if not earlier. We start with good intentions; I will read the bible, attend bible study regularly, pray, Etc. But do you finish? Sometimes we look at others and see how God is using them and say if I had that kind of knowledge or faith, I would do so much for God. Let me ask you, did you finish the last thing God gave you to do? What if Noah stopped after a few years? Many of us want to preach/teach to a large crowd but are you sharing with five people in your family faithfully? Do you pray when you promise someone you will? Jesus finished the work. Whatever you decide this new year, finish it.
5) God’s work: Which You have given Me to do.
Who is directing your path? Are you seeking God and praying before taking action? Jesus worked on a divine timetable, and He was doing Father’s work. If you are walking in obedience and going where God is leading, you will never fail. Jesus moved with peace even though multitudes were following Him. He was never rushed or busy. Whatever ministry you are involved in, is it where God directed you, or Did you decide and involved God later? Do what God has given you. Not all of us are meant to preach. Not all of us are called to be pastors. Perhaps, your ministry is to be in a room on your knees, interceding for people. Maybe, God wants you to teach children or be a good listener. Yes, Finish but make sure it is work that God gave you.
6) Example: “I have [c]manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world.
The word manifest literally means to “Shine forth.” In other words, It is not so much you preach it, but do you demonstrate it through your life. Does your walk match your talk? Jesus didn’t just preach the word; He lived it. Do you preach faith, but like Elijah, the first sign of trouble and you are running in the jungle all worried and fearful? You can preach the most beautiful sermons, but they will not believe unless people see Jesus in your daily dealings. How do you manifest Him? When Mose came down from the mountain, he was glowing. Jesus regularly spent time in prayer. If you spend time in the presence of the Father like Moses and Jesus, you will be able to manifest Him perfectly.
7) Share the word: For I have given to them the words which You have given Me.
The word translated “words” here is “Rhema,” Not the written word but the right words at the right time. Jesus has promised us that the Holy Spirit will give you what to say or what not to say. As you share with people, are you following the leading of the Holy Spirit? Sometimes we have to rebuke, and sometimes we have to encourage. Jesus spoke differently to Jewish leaders and the crowd. Speak the words Father gives you.
8) Preach the scripture: I have given them Your word;
The word here is ‘logos,” the written word. Jesus gave them scripture, and they passed it on to us. The word has the power to transform. The word of God is living. Jews never had an issue with the works of Jesus but with the words of Jesus. It is divine in origin. The word gives us joy and inner strength to overcome. Paul tells us, “faith comes from hearing and hearing the word of God .” We must share the scripture boldly. We find strength from the scripture in our daily life.
As we ring in the new year, let us be mindful of our walk with Christ. We are surrounded by people who need Jesus. Let us make it our mission in 2021 to share the blessing we have received. And if we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we too can say we have proclaimed your name; we have finished the work you gave us, Father.
I wish all of you and your family a very happy, healthy, and blessed New year. Harvest is plentiful, and laborers are few. Let us manifest Jesus through our lives in the coming year.
only savior jesus 