John 12:24-26
“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.“
To understand this better, let us follow a literal interpretation of what Jesus said. Here are the two main points:
- Christ’s servants follow Him: Although He indeed sends us, the truth is that He goes before us. He has not retired from work only to leave us to labour by ourselves. We must follow Him to where He sends us. He does not leave us to go and work for Him, He leads and guides us into the work and to do His work. Unless we follow Him, we cannot be true servants. Therefore, we watch and pray to see where He is at work and we join Him. It means where Jesus goes, His servant will go; where He is, there His servant will be found. The most important question in Gospel endeavors is “Where is Christ or the Holy Spirit at work around me?” “Is the LORD in this initiative?” For where the LORD is at work there His servant must be.
- Christ’s servants will be honoured: Our labours are never in vain. Even before we receive the Heavenly rewards, there is a way the LORD honours His servants here in this world. He confirms the words of His servants. He does not put His servants to shame. He never disappoints those who obey Him. Even in their sufferings, God does not leave His servants without the assurances that they are His. And then in glory, they shall receive their great, eternal and permanent rewards.
Application Questions
- What needs to change in the way you serve the LORD in order to align with this truth?
- How does the hope of God’s reward motivate you in Kingdom work?