20100228
Some Greeks came to the disciple Andrew with a request, “We would like to see Jesus”. If they had expected some deep philosophy, some grand intellectual answers by way of Greek culture, the answer they heard from Jesus was even more profound. Jesus’ response was probably not what they expected. Listening to Jesus, the Greeks heard that life according to God’s way is entirely the reverse of the world’s standards. It is the spiritual values and not the actions that define a person. The way to be first is to be last. The key to living is dying. The teaching probably “blew their minds”.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, 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” (Jn. 12:24). The analogy of the seed being buried in the soil speaks of denying self-centredness, pride and boasting. To live a Christ-centred life requires a re-ordering of values and priorities. Upholding God’s glory becomes central rather than our own success plan. If we care to admit it, many a time, we want to receive God’s promises but we don’t want to pay the price; we want to be Spirit-filled but we don’t want to surrender to God. We want to experience sanctification in the Holy Spirit but no cross bearing for us, no dying to self. And in such a state, our un-crucified flesh will rob us of the purity of purpose, Christ-likeness of character, spiritual insight, and fruitfulness.
Jesus speaks of the yielded life which is evidenced by bearing much fruit. This refers to many lives that turn to Jesus Christ on account of that one life. When we put aside our own selfish ambitions and agendas, our seed of singleness of purpose becomes a vessel for the Lord’s purpose to produce a mighty, fruitful harvest for the Kingdom of God.
How does the single seed die? How do we individually die? When we are motivated by God’s Plan and Purpose, we desire much more for His Presence than the Programmes in our lives; our plans and resources are open for Him to direct/redirect. The outcome is always the same – God alone is praised.
But now the LORD declares: “…those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disdained.” (1 Sam 2:30b)
