The Fruit of Enjoying Jesus

Luke 10:38-42
Listen
Martha, was so diligent to serve, which seems like the opportune thing to do. On the other hand, Mary who simply sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching, was told by Jesus that she chose a good portion that would not be taken away from her. We are commanded to love and serve others, but if it is a distraction from listening to the teachings of Jesus, I must check my heart and nurture that first. Love God first and most, even more than working for Him, and the outpour of that will magnify Him. In contrast, service without that close intimacy with Him leads to distraction and anxiety. Examine my heart.

John 12:1-8
Purity
Martha served (which is great, but…), Lazarus reclined with Jesus at the table, and Mary anointed His feet with perfume (the second two really seemed to enjoy His presence). Judas Iscariot questions and rebukes Mary for using her perfume for Jesus’ feet. Judas Iscariot was a disciple who ended up betraying Jesus. He seemed to have lacked intimacy, and as a result of that he put on a façade that appeared as though he cared for the poor and would rather use money for the poor versus a perfume for Jesus’ feet. Jesus, knowing the heart knowing the heart of man knew that Judas Iscariot’s true intentions were to pocket the money for himself. Jesus ends the passage with, “The poor you will always have with you, but you do not always have me.” I want to cling all the more closely to Jesus, because I do not want to fall to such wickedness that starts in the mind if I am not hiding God’s Word in my heart and enjoying Him. Jesus knew that Mary’s intentions with the perfume were pure. Reminders: 1. I cannot hide my heart from Jesus, He knows it better than I do. 2. It is about pleasing God, not about pleasing man. 3. I will be more focused on pleasing God, if I am walking closely with Him. Examine my heart.

Matthew 17:5
Know
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain, so that they could see Jesus in a different form and know that He was different than all other men. These three men were blessed to be chosen by God to see Jesus’ purity and hear God’s voice. God tells them, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” I know God’s Word is complete and that He will not appear to me in that way on this side of heaven. However, His son is still beloved, and today we know that He fulfilled the ten commandments, which I could not, He became sin for me by dying on the cross so I can have eternal life, and I am to LISTEN and enjoy Him, because with that will come greater intimacy and OBEDIENCE. I am so thankful God gave me His Word so I can get to know Him better. Those I spend the most time with, I become more like. I want to spend a consuming amount of time with Jesus and become most like Him. Examine my heart.

Read God’s Word (Know Him), Apply God’s Word by being obedient (Listen, Rely & Trust Him), and have greater intimacy with God (Purity before Him; Mat. 5:8). Disobey God’s Word and be Far away, Which one do I want? I am always having to remind myself of these truths! …makes me oh-so-thankful for, Jesus! Because of God's great grace, I do not have to work to get to heaven, but I sure am tired of this sin that separates me from Him. Lord, I need you to carry me through!