John 15:9-17 is the lectionary Gospel text for Sunday, May 9.
Jesus owned it. We are called to live in it.
We are commanded (an imperative) to "abide in MY love (Agape)."
"IF you keep MY commandments, you will abide in MY love (Agape)."
"This is MY commandment, that you AGAPE one another as I have AGAPED you."
Jesus owns it. Jesus is fulfiller of the Law and Prophets, Redeemer, Savior and Lord of our lives. Jesus owns this Agape Love as the foundation of our relationship with God. If we would be faithful to Jesus, we will live this Agape Love with one another. If we would be right with God, we will follow Jesus' examples on how to actively commit to one another for the well-being of one another. Jesus reached out to strangers, advocated on behalf of sinners and enemies and provided sustenance, healing and community for the most vulnerable. Want to follow Jesus? Follow Jesus' lead... follow Jesus' Way.
Jesus sacrificed self for the sake of the other - in Jesus' case, ALL OTHERS. Jesus taught a better way economically, politically, socially and spiritually - a faithful way to God and Neighbor - God's Way. Jesus resisted the evil ways of empire that divide and destroy. Jesus showed a better way in uniting and building up the lives of the children of God. Jesus commanded us to live in that way, to live within Him and His love with one another as He taught, commanded and modeled for us. If we would live within Jesus in that part of the Kingdom, then, we must live within Jesus and Jesus' Agape Love within THIS PART OF THE KINGDOM, HERE AND NOW.
We can spend the rest of our lives perfecting the living of Agape with Neighbor and thus, with God. Let's get on with it. Actively commit to the well-being of Neighbor, who Jesus defines as stranger, enemy and the most vulnerable among us (Luke 10:25-37).
Want to be a friend of Jesus? Do what Jesus commands you to do. Live what Jesus commands you to live. Want to live within Jesus in heaven? Live within Jesus by living the Agape Love of Jesus, here and now. Jesus owns it. Want to follow Jesus? Follow Jesus.
Pastor Jamie
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