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About this post: This blog post is part of a series of daily devotionals where we are exploring Jesus' life through the book of John. To sign up to receive text notification of these posts, text zpcdevo to 39970. We welcome your comments and questions each day.

About the author: Donna Bahler has served on the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ International/Cru for 45 years, both in the U.S. and internationally. Since 2002, she has focused on training adults in personal witness and multiplying discipleship. At ZPC, she assists with Heart to Heart Discipleship.

Scripture: John 5

As I meet with people for discipleship, I find that there are fewer days where they run faster and feel more stressed than December. Ironically, considering the season, we can all recognize a greater challenge to keep an undistracted focus on the Savior. So many things compete.

John 5 offers some thoughts on perspective and priority that speak to us during the days of Advent. Jesus said to his critics, The Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son does in like manner….I can do nothing on My own initiative….I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me (John 5:19, 30; NASB). 

What works of the Father did Jesus also do? How should those priorities affect what we do as we seek to follow Jesus? The scriptures reveal many wide-reaching thoughts on that, including these few:

• Jesus worked in fellowship with the Father. We cannot know God’s purposes, power, or direction unless we make time to be with him. As we do, he may show us adjustments we need to make for less stress and pressure—even some good things we need to cut back on or let go.
• Jesus worked according to the Father’s eternal purposes. The context of chapter 5 includes the multiple witnesses to the truth about God, particularly the Son. Those around us desperately need to know the truth about him and the abundant and eternal life that Jesus came to make possible for us. This season offers special opportunities to tell others about that good news.
• He worked in the Spirit’s power (Luke 4:1). These busy days, as in all, we need to be intentionally yielded to the Spirit’s filling and leading.
• Today, Jesus seeks to live his life through each one who knows and follows him. Working through us, he wants to do what truly matters for eternity. 

Those yield an ongoing challenge for us all to honestly consider: How free is the Lord to accomplish his purposes through me every "today?" Whatever the season or the hour, yielding to him minute by minute to live through us is our calling, our privilege and our joy.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for revealing to us what is true about you, the Father and the Spirit. As I seek to follow you today, help me to walk yielded to the Spirit’s power and your presence in my life. Please help me be alert to opportunities to be your hands, feet, and even voice to those I meet.
Amen.

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