John 5
Absolute Dependence on Jesus!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, June 10.
It’s not a common image anymore, but it was a common sight in the times of Jesus, up to not very long ago even here in rural Indiana. Two animals united by a yoke in order to share the burden of the work by going 2 x 2 into the fields. This ag image is one of my favorite concepts of following Jesus—not just for ministry work, but for everyday life.
Listen to Jesus discuss His life and ministry in the yoke of His Father. From John 5:19-20, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these.”
Jesus is giving glory to the Father after He heals a great many people. But what did Jesus do: He points people to the source and inspiration of all of His works—His relationship with the Father!
God’s heart for each of us is to be yoked with Christ so that His word can direct our steps and the Holy Spirit can bear fruit in our lives, all for the glory of the Father! All that we can think to do or have the power to do flows out of our intimate union with Christ. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. It was the same for Jesus!
Seize the moment and submit your day to Jesus by getting in His yoke every morning through prayer, scripture reading, and times of invitation to His presence. Don’t go into the fields by yourself. It is only in absolute dependence on God that we can do the works that God has for us to do. Just like Jesus!
If you need any practical assistance or would like to receive a personal phone call, please dial the phone number below and someone from FBC will call you soon.