The C Word - Part II

What does it mean to be fully committed to God? I've been asking myself that question for the past few days. I don't have an answer yet on the ministry struggle I posted about last time (though I sense I'm getting closer). Still, Jesus keeps speaking to my heart.

"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

~John 17:24 (Emphasis mine)

In order to be fully committed to Him, first and foremost, I must be with Him. I cannot be fully committed and not be in relationship with Him. Those days I've been sleeping in lately, offering every plausible excuse I can think of, have spoken more of my relationship with God than any words I utter or actions I perform. If I am in a true relationship with Him, I will want to be with Him where He is. At first, I thought Jesus was asking God that all believers be with Him in Heaven; however, He didn't need to ask that, because it's a fait accompli. Those of us who have repented from our sin and confessed Him as Lord have the guaranty of Heaven.

Jesus asked God that we be with Him where He is...present tense. He wants us to come alongside Him in His work. We are to seek Him out and join Him. A fully committed heart will do just that, and He will, in turn, strengthen that heart to accomplish the work (see 2 Chronicles 16:9).

This truth came to life for me when I read John 18:1-8

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him,went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"

"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.

"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"

And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered.

~John 18:1-8 (Emphasis mine)

I had never noticed before that, although Judas and the soldiers came part of the way to look for Jesus, He actually went out to meet them. When He identified Himself, they fell back, afraid. He pressed them by asking again who they wanted. He didn't flee from God's will when He had the chance. On the contrary, He pursued it even when His enemies might have backed down and skulked away.

That is the picture of being fully committed. Dear friends, may it be so for us.