The Christian holiday of Pentecost, which is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles( Acts 2:1-31).
Definition of Success
John 17:1-11
Jesus redefines success for us. To Jesus, the measure of success has to do with doing God’s will. If we were to compare Jesus’ life with our modern definition of success, he would fall far short. He did not have many earthly possessions. He had no place to lay his head. Many of his friends left him. And yet, Jesus is the definition of a success. He completed the work that God gave him to do. He could say that he accomplished all of the goals set for him. How many people can say that about themselves? Jesus finished the work that God gave him to do. He did not do what others wanted him to do. As hard as they tried, he never let others take his eyes off of the work that God gave him to complete. Jesus did not do what others wanted, but what his Father wanted.
First, Jesus said, “I have revealed you” (V. 6). Jesus’ work included revelation. He revealed who God truly was. He took the world beyond the definition of God given to the people by the religion of his day. He presented God as one who “so loved the world” Jesus said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father”. He revealed God’s true character to humankind.
Second, Jesus said, “I gave them the words you gave me” (v. 8). The Word that was made flesh brought the words of God to us. With both authority and compassion, Jesus changed the world with his words. His words instructed, comforted, convicted, and guided.
As he prayed, Jesus was living in the midst of his final work. Ultimately, his final work was completed on the cross when he exclaimed, “It is finished”.
The question arises, what if Jesus had not completed the work that God gave him to do? What if any part of the work had been left unfinished? The significance of that question brings on new meaning when we ask. What are the consequences of tasks that we have left unfinished?
Hope to see you in church soon!
Rev. Coy
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