I want to reach out with the same heart that my Master has for the lost and hurting and lonely and outcast.
I want it to be obvious to Whom I belong.
Today is the day on the church calendar when we pause and reflect on the Last Supper, and the last words of Jesus to His disciples.
A year’s worth of sermons is contained in John 13-17 but this week I have been drawn to just one verse:
[Jesus said] “Now I am giving you a new command—love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you must love one another. This is how all men will know that you are my disciples, because you have such love for one another.” John 13:34 PHILLIPS
The Israelites were given circumcision as the sign of the covenant. The shedding of blood as the mark of belonging.
But Jesus knew His blood would be the final and complete sacrifice required for sin. He knew the debt would be fully paid. And blood would no longer be required.
So a new mark is given, a new seal is declared: LOVE will be the designation by which others know who belongs to the Father through Christ, His Son.
I look around, and see how far we have fallen from the example and standard Jesus set for those of us who follow Him.
Read the rest here: Maundy Thursday
thelifeididntchoose 