John 14:15 – “Loving Me empowers you to obey My commands.”

Sometimes, you read something in Scripture that rocks your world and changes your perspective on everything!  Today, as I read the Word, my heart overflowed with awe for God.   I was convicted and, at the same time, encouraged as the veil was lifted regarding several truths.

John 13 is an event in which Jesus demonstrated an often misunderstood act of humility by washing the feet of the twelve. Some have made a doctrine and meaningless ritual out of physical foot washing.  Love and service were the focus, not just the physical act. It was prophetic of the fullness of the New Covenant. It was a revelation that life in the New Covenant would demonstrate love through service and humility.

John 13:1b – “And now He (Jesus) longed to show them (the 12) the full measure of His love.”

His declaration in John 14:15 gives incredible insight.  Do we grasp the full weight of that declaration?  

• Love is the power to be who God says we are!  
• Love is the power to live!  Love is the power to serve!  
• Love is the energy and driving force in the New Covenant and what releases God’s Glory and Power!

Jesus repeated and expanded that statement in John 14:23. As a result, the Father’s demonstrated and revealed love accompanies our loving obedience. Perfect union with Jesus and the Father flows from loving obedience.

How can we live a life of loving obedience? We cannot through human willpower. It is only by the help of the Comforter Jesus who was sent to guide, teach, empower, and cover us.   The Holy Spirit gives us the knowledge, strength, faith, and anointing to reject fear and confusion and live courageously. It’s not us, it’s Him!

If we make John 14:27 our anchor, we will prevail. “I leave the gift of peace with you – MY PEACE. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but My PERFECT PEACE.”  Because of that indwelling Peace, we have courage; in that courage, we discover the power of love to overcome!

The Holy Spirit has come to reveal Jesus to us fully.  It is as we see Him that we are able to love Him. In that state, we are enabled to obey Him and reveal Him to the world.   Love is the power to be! Receive that love and be that love.

I pray that God’s overflowing Love fills your heart and your day.