Receive & Yield
Genuine spiritual transformation begins as we recognize and embrace our purpose as those in whom the glory of God dwells, and then express his presence through our calling to love as we have been loved. We have the privilege of manifesting God's glory in the same manner that Jesus did—by receiving the Father's revelation and yielding to it.
From Relational Discipleship by David Ferguson
Within us as believers are both the Father's revealing love and the Son's yielding love. The Son yielded to the Father as he was "sent out" on our behalf. Christ was empowered by the Spirit to perfectly yield to his Father's revealing love. We also have been sent out: "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you"' (John 20:21). And because the Holy Spirit abides in us, he empowers both our ability to hear God and what he reveals as well as our ability to yield to him.
Spiritual Transformation Requires Receiving What God Reveals
The Father demonstrates his love by revealing Himself to us. The Father reveals himself through sharing his Son, speaking through his Word, and ministering through his people. In order to be transformed into his image "from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV), we need to take full advantage of these three sources of God's revealing light. The true disciple longs to receive from God through:
The light of his Son: "l am the light of the world" (John 8:12).
The light of his Word: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105 NASB).
The light of his people: "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14).
As God's children abundantly receive from his Son, his Word, and his people, they are enabled to more clearly hear him.
Spiritual Transformation Requires Yielding to What God Reveals
Through the gracious work of the Holy Spirit, the hearts of those who have experienced God's transforming love are inclined to yield, yearning to please the one who has revealed himself to us, longing to express and extend God's glory and express his love. The follower of Christ longs to testify, as Christ did in his final hours; "l have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do" (John 17:4).
We have been brought into the same love relationship as that of Jesus and the Father. Fully devoted followers of Christ are not transformed by knowledge acquired, activities engaged in, or events attended. Spiritual transformation—the process of being shaped into the likeness of Jesus— is brought about by hearing what God reveals and yielding to it. But is there anything else we can observe about Jesus' commitment to yield to his Father's will?
Recall Jesus' anguished prayer at Gethsemane. That night he prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me" (Matthew 26:39). But consider his next words: "Yet not as I will, but as you will." Herein lies the secret to spiritual transformation: Jesus was committed to yield even before he really understood what he was yielding to. And once the Father's will was made clear, Jesus was determined to obey, as illustrated by his words to Peter: "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me" (John 18:11)?
In our own self-focus, we often want to know first, so we can make an informed decision about whether we want to yield. But true disciples who are eager to experience the transforming love of God will embrace a different approach:
First, we commit to yield by faith, relying on the Holy Spirit.
We then listen, seeking to hear God's voice and discern his will through our intimate walk with his Son, his Word and his people.
As we come to know clearly what God reveals, we uphold our commitment to yield by following God's direction.
Finally, we are sent out to reveal what we have received, in order that others may in turn yield to the Father.
A Spirit-empowered disciple regularly talks to and listens to God in prayer for daily decisions and direction for life.
Much love and prayers,
Pastor Mike.
PS Mike would like to visit with you, preferably at home sometime, just to connect, listen and pray together. You can set up an appointment yourself by clicking here and choosing a day/time.