Scripture
Our verse for today comes from John 15:20, “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”
Background
The company I work for is a family-owned company. The man who started it back in 1964 is still actively involved in the daily activities even in his early 80’s. His two children, a son-in-law, and a nephew lead the management of the organization, and one grandson works here as well. But the odds are stacked against them.
Research shows that only 10% of companies survive into the third generation, and a mere 3% make it to the fourth. If we consider the average generation length to be about 40 years, then we are 50 generations removed from when Jesus started His church. But His second generation of leaders had to carry on after a brief three years with their founder. He was not around for 40 years to provide a lifetime’s worth of leadership, instruction and wisdom. He was not around to offer advice and counseling as they began making decisions that would affect the generations to come. But He made them an amazing promise. He told them that there would not be a drop-off in effectiveness as they continued the ministry He had birthed. He said that those who kept His word would also keep theirs. And that promise is multi-faceted.
Application
First, Jesus guaranteed that those who were faithful to follow His word would remain faithful to it. The true saints would persevere to the end. Also, He charged His followers to rely solely on His words to lead and instruct His flock. The words of His disciples would be heeded if they were true to the message of Christ. No future generation need fear extinction or obsolescence if they firmly held to the teachings of the Son of God. And such is the promise and commission for us today. God’s word alone has the power to save and change, and as His followers, we must rely on nothing more, and nothing less. No clever gimmicks will grow His kingdom, and no strict adherence to His word will drive away one true believer. If we keep His word, people will come.
Charge
As we seek Him today, align your day with the words and heart of the Word of God, and then walk in His success.
Rich Holt / Originally Published on : BCWorldview.org
Also published on : Medium.com.
