(November 30, 2024) Robert and Maureen McQuillan share servanthood principles…

John 15:5 tells of Jesus’ desire for all who would be His followers— ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’

Oh… Jesus had many followers:

• The crowds— those who were easily swayed.
• The religious— those wouldn’t see, those who couldn’t see.
• The true disciples— those who trusted Him and gave up all to follow Him.

Reflection
Which group do you belong in? Maureen and I trust that by God’s grace we’ll always be in that third category, despite whatever comes against us!

For a branch to live and bear fruit, it must remain connected to the vine.  Not drawing on the strength and nourishment and power of the vine means no life or fruit. It’s the same in respect of following Jesus— to enjoy life to the full and be fruitful in the kingdom, our relationship with Him must be deep and strong daily, indeed going from strength to strength!

Back in July, we celebrated our 63^rd wedding anniversary. Over the years we’ve gone from strength to strength, depth to depth through commitment, caring, preferring, honouring each other, overcoming this and that, trusting the Lord and deepening our relationship each other… and especially with Him!

And now, although we’re in what’s known as aged seniors’ era, we intend going further in life and in Jesus!

Relationship
If you too wish to serve Jesus— whatever age you may be— build your relationship with God through Jesus! Know you’re chosen and called…  just as Paul knew (Galatians 1:15-16). Know the privilege we have… that before we were born, God choose us— which led to our salvation from sin and brought us into a trinity friendship with Him, His Son and the Holy Spirit.

As verse 16 says we were called to follow Jesus, although in those early years of our marriage and then ‘the ministry’ we didn’t where nor what would be involved! Trusting is a vital part of a meaningful relationship with each other… and with Jesus.

Regarding our relationship with Jesus, to be called is great in itself… but to be effective we must be faithful and obedient to His commands even if we don’t fully know what’s ahead.  And… sometimes that involves going the extra mile (Matthew 5:41).

Extra miles? Back to marriages… how precious wives go extra miles for their husbands! I’m so aware of the many extra miles Maureen has gone, is going for me, especially now that I can’t lift or carry even the grocery bags!

Remember those ‘old-fashioned’ wedding vows— ‘… to have and to hold, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey…’ May we always be loyal to our master, Jesus— He will enable us— it’s part of this incredible relationship.

Responsibility
The great commission (Matthew 28:18-20) will always be at the heart of whatever we do for Jesus. We should always be ready to share with family, friends, workmates, strangers as the Spirit gives opportunity. And, as directed, support missions and missionaries with prayer and finance. In other words— walk the talk!

Be accountable to Jesus and develop in your Christian walk, ministry and whatever leadership roles He may give you. Let’s all help build the universal church, as well as our own local one.  One day we’ll hear our Lord’s blessed Matthew 25:21 ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’

And— isn’t it great that although Jesus went back to heaven, He didn’t leave His disciples alone to ‘fend for themselves’ in sharing the gospel and expanding the early church! Praise God for the blessing of the all-powerful Holy Spirit who work wonders! We can share the gospel in supernatural power (John 14:16-18; Luke 10:19; Acts 1:8)

Resistance
But … note that our enemy, Satan, isn’t pleased that we’re following Jesus! Certain times will involve spiritual warfare. Don’t be afraid, don’t run from the enemy! Stand your ground and in Jesus’ name and the Spirit’s assistance refuse Satan’s trickery and cunning lying (eg Genesis 3:1) Under the covering of our Saviour’s blood, you attack him with and in the name of Jesus.You can!

Family and friends may not understand what you have in Christ, or why you’re doing. Even some Christians! We can remember some friends many years ago asking, ‘But why are you giving so much away here to move away over there…?’

We should always follow the Holy Spirit’s leading even if we don’t have all the answers… as we do so things become clearer in time. Beware too that even today the church can some pharisaic-type Christians who insist that ‘things should be done their way, by manmade regulations’ (See Wayne Swift’s article). Resist the enemy and everything that would distract you from moving ahead!

Remember too that even in the early days of church growth, some people were afraid to join because the Holy Spirit would reveal things (Acts 5:13a). Nevertheless those brave first Christians who were in relationship with their leader were highly respected and more people did join in following Jesus (v13b-14)!

Focus on Jesus— life and truth, not rubbish, the enemy’s deceptions causing fear to hinder you moving in faith.  There will always be critics when you dare to be different. Embrace Jesus’ peace. Faith requires focusing on truth, the vision and moving forward wherever, whatever, however. 

Residence
John 15:4 plainly advises that we must reside in Jesus if we’re to bear fruit ie: producing whatever the master requires of us!

Successful residing close to Jesus lies in talking to Him. And what is this? Prayer of course! Not just one’s normal first-up morning prayer time but anytime, anywhere! That’s the blessing of prayer, our means of communicating with the Almighty… we can chat briefly at any moment to our Lord.

Actually Paul comes in heavy here. 1Thessalonians 5:17 says we are to pray without ceasing. In other words have an attitude of ‘If something comes up that we need help with, we can chat to Jesus right away, We don’t wait till the next day!

While here on earth Jesus counted on prayer as a source of strength that equipped Him to carry out a partnership His Father. It’s been acknowledged that scripture tells of some 25 incidents of Jesus praying… praying was His habit and doubtless He prayed countless times that are not recorded. We particularly note that He prayed while it was still dark (Mark 1:35), prayed in Gethsemane, and even as He died on the cross!

Let’s reside in Jesus, close by Him, talking to Him… and through the Holy Spirit hear Him talk with us. A marriage grows strong through communication— prayer is strong communication with the Godhead!

Resources
(i) Jesus!
He’s the true vine (John 15:1). Other Bibles such as GNB read ‘Real.’ True is alethinos … truthful. We can rely on our truthful Lord: He knows only truth and would never lie to us. And when He says, ‘Remain in me, as I also remain in you’ (v4) we can rely on His word.

We like how the CJB (Complete Jewish Bible) puts it— ‘Stay united with me, as I will with you.’ A marriage built on this principle will be a strong one and can overcome many challenges. Same with our relationship with Jesus. Isn’t it just great that we have the Lord on our side?

(ii) Prayer
As mentioned above prayer is a fantastic resource…

(iii) Scripture
Never neglect God’s word! Oh the assurances Maureen and I keep discovering each new morning!

(iv) The Spirit
Receiving the Holy Spirit on salvation we move into a spiritual intimacy with Jesus, and a revelation of the Spirit Himself as well as a hunger for God’s word. We learn that on special occasions we can clearly hear His soft gentle voice guiding, directing, revealing matters, even about the future.

And… as He is in us, we have His 1Corinthains 12 supernatural power gifts available to us to use as we witness (or preach and pray for gatherers if called to so minister).

(v) Commitment
Incidentally, relationship begins with commitment— as in marriage— develops through shared experiences, activities, mistakes and successes, communication and determination to win. It’s great that in our relationship with Jesus we have the blessed Holy Spirit and His power gifts to assist us (Acts 1:8; 10:38).

(vi) Friends
There’s also praying and caring friends, including brothers and sisters in the local church!

Overall residing in Jesus leads to benefits and blessings, a good life, ministry in power for Jesus and recognition that we’ve been with Him, are walking with Him.

(vii) ‘Dr’ Google
Nothing beats reading your own Bible… but we can gain by wisely availing from good Christian sources on our computers! Note the word ‘wisely’… some writings need to be double-checked, queried (Example: This month’s Question 1).

Results
The fruit of the Spirit (whatever the Lord would have us do, be, develops from following Jesus intimately (Galatians 5:22-23). One’s character often reveals who one you spend quality time with… we trust that it’s Jesus and God’s word.

Get a Life! is still often quoted. As a Jesus follower and kingdom servant, enjoy life to the full (John 10:10b). Don’t let Satan rob you of joy (fruit), ministry and life.  Beware of depression, bondage and misery.

Live and walk in victory. Jesus is Lord over every situation— know it and trust Him. Attitude is important so focus on Him. He lives in victory, therefore we live in victory too. Die to self, be alive to Jesus.  Allow Him to handle what you can’t. You’ll win. 

Eight times Revelation talks about the rewards of overcoming. Faith, not fear always cause you to conquer—dare to walk on the water and glorify Jesus.

Whatever role you play is important. When decades ago I, Robert, first offered my services to a new pastor, he put a brush in my hand and said, ‘Clean the toilets: they haven’t been cleaned for weeks! And the church!’ I could have responded, ‘Hey, do you know who and what I’ve been… manager of an international company…’ But I humbly said ‘Yes, sir.’ Little did I know what the Spirit would teach me as I belittled myself— and where God would lead me (and Maureen who’s had similar experiences) and the ministry responsibilities He would give us.

Recognition
We’re required to honour Jesus. Remain faithful to Him, your church and its vision— marriage doesn’t work if you’re running around with someone else, neither does a relationship with Jesus or your church! Hebrews 13:4 is a rather stern warning!

Hunger and thirst for the kingdom whatever age you are— the Spirit will help you. Expect to be used daily (even writing an email, or making a phone call). Flow with divine guidance and Holy Spirit promptings— like ‘Yes, Lord’ Ananias, unaware of the significant role he would play in the kingdom! (Acts 9:10-18).

‘You too recognise Jesus for who and what He is— Lord and boss as well as Saviour!

Don’t have Jesus shock you as He did Philip (John 14:9). Know Him intimately now!  Remember Peter’s declaration: ‘You are the Christ!’ (Matthew 16:16).

Remember Paul’s exclamation in Acts 9:5… firstly, ‘Who are you…’, then ‘Lord.’  Paul was to become a totally different person! When we recognise who Jesus really is and that He has a sovereign right over our lives, things change— we become more like Him, more open to Him and serve Him more. We also enjoy life.

So, dear readers… where are you in relation to and recognition of Jesus? As mentioned—

• It all begins with commitment.
• Then a determination to follow Him.
• And… acknowledging the all-powerful Holy Spirit who will help us.

Perhaps Dr Richard Winters’ Jesus followers article will also encourage you.
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Dr Robert and Pastor Maureen McQuillan’s links: OnlinerConnect@gmail.com / Facebook / Breaking Manmade Religious Rules / 5 First Lessons for Jesus Followers / Opinion Please
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