A New Covenant Revealed
Or
A Love One Another Command
Sunday Jan. 29, 2023
Scripture To Consider:
“And when Judas had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, “Where I am going, you cannot come,” so now I say to you. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.’”
“Simon Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, where are You going?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.’” John 13.31-38
Something To Consider:
This was indeed an amazing event in the life of Jesus. Judas having ignored every opportunity to repent, went out from among those of whom he had been numbered with for more than three years. Having sealed his own fate for all of history, Judas left the light of Jesus’ friendship and stepped out into the outer darkness of Satan’s domain of death and deceit.
But Jesus spoke not a single evil word against the man who had walked alongside Him as an imposter. In the midst of betrayal, deception, and willful rebellion Jesus spoke lovingly to those who remained. A good lesson to learn as we approach end time events spoken of by Jesus and others. End times will be difficult! Therefore, we must never allow our love for others or for God to grow cold.
According to Philippians 2.5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” What kind of a mind was it that was in Christ Jesus? He was a very good example of loving others. Paul also wrote in 1 Timothy 4.12, “Be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation [or in our lifestyles], in charity [or in love], in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Something Else To Consider:
Jesus addressed the eleven disciples that were left as little children, a term of endearing care and concern. After the hateful act of Judas, Jesus announced, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” And in time, when the disciples realized what Judas had done and that Jesus had been aware of it, they would better understand more perfectly the love of Christ for them and Judas unto the end.
Colossians 3.13 admonishes us by declaring, “Even as Christ forgave you, so also do you.” Trust me when I proclaim, as mentioned above, that there are extremely difficult days coming as we near the end of man’s rule upon planet earth. Just look around! Law and order is breaking down in most major cities in this country and around the world. When the Antichrist arrives on the scene, life as we know it will cease!
And yet, even as many decide to run for the hills, or to stand their ground and fight in order to defend and to protect those they are responsible for, we must let the peace of God rule in our hearts and minds. Otherwise, we become as those willing to betray those closest to us. And that we cannot let happen!
We must allow the Word of Christ to dwell richly in all wisdom that we must know when to fight and when to love others as Christ loved us. When roaming criminal gangs bent on destruction, rape, and murder; I will choose to stand and fight. You will need to make your own decision. Make your decision today while you are able to do so not out of anger but out of responsibility.
And yet, even in the midst of end times chaos, betrayal, and killing, when a starving family is in need of food, water, and shelter; our door will be open if at all possible. I hope you come to the same loving conclusion as well, thereby fulfilling Christ’s command to love one another!
Something More To Consider:
Paul writing to the Thessalonians in his first letter in verse 9 of chapter 4, confirmed; “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.” If the disciples learned no other lesson, they would eventually learn to love one another. But what about us? Have we, or will we learn this lesson of a lifetime concerning love?
What about our loving those who mistreat us, persecute us, take advantage of us, and say all manner of evil against us? Do we react out of anger or revenge? Do we seek to get even by retaliating with similar actions of hatred, bitterness, or silence? Or do we hear the echo of the words of Jesus ringing loud and clear over the fleshly desire to do evil; “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
And how did He love us? He loved us while we were yet sinners, alienated from Him by our evil actions. He loved us even unto the end of His life! These are difficult things to consider, but now is the time to make them something more to consider, while the peace of God freely reigns in our hearts and minds. If we live to experience the end of this age, life will become very difficult to say the least!
A Few Final Words:
Let us begin the rest of our lives today! “And whatever you [we] do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Thereby, allowing the peace of God to truly rule in our hearts and minds even in the midst of end time chaos and confusion.
We have discussed much today. But these decisions should be made before the Antichrist comes to power while we are not physically fighting for our survival. Are we prepared for what is coming? Have we made peace with God in and through Jesus Christ and by way of the repentance of our sin. And if you are like me, that sometimes becomes an everyday occurrence. But thank God we have an advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord and soon coming King of kings praying on our behalf!
As spiritual leaders or leaders in training, living without loving one another is like living life as an imposter, or a wolf in sheep’s clothing. According to Jesus, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” How are we doing with this command of Jesus?
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, may we learn the lesson of a lifetime of loving others, just as you have loved us, even while we were so undeserving. Teach us to be prepared both spiritually and physically for the coming of end times which will bring great turmoil as according to Jesus. In Him Always, Amen!
According to Jesus 