John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

In thinking about this verse, that the Lord has indicated to me is the theme verse for the year for this church, I’ve been thinking about all that Jesus did. We are all aware of the miracles, from healing the sick and raising the dead to multiplying food and walking on water, but what Jesus proclaimed for Himself is in Luke 4:18-19. Whereas there were physical manifestations in doing those things, they were and are fundamentally spiritual. However, two other things come to me. They are certainly intertwined with the things in Luke 4, but they are distinct in themselves. Those are, speaking the Father’s words in love, (John 12:49-50) and forgiving. (Luke 23:34) It is abundantly clear that those who know Christ are called to be His witnesses, (Acts 1:8) and that calls for speaking. However, we aren’t to just go spouting off, but rather say what God wants us to, when and how He wants us to. However, it’s the last point of forgiveness where we are most prone to trip up, and since it is so fundamental, failure to “do Jesus’ works” in this area can nullify everything else we do. Nothing destroys a church faster than failing to follow Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Sometimes that forgiveness is nothing short of miraculous, as in the young wife just recently who is publicly forgiving those who shot and killed her husband as he was out jogging in Benghazi, just because he was a Christian American. That’s on the scale of what Jesus did from the cross! However, most of the forgiveness we are called to give isn’t so dramatic, so we are far more likely to be tripped up by it, not asking God to enable us to forgive. Things as small as forgiving the driver who cuts us off, or the one who slows down our lane of traffic, can rob us of the peace and joy God intends for us, not to mention negatively affecting how we come across to others as representatives of Christ. In “doing Jesus’ works” we need to start with the basics, and let Him take it from there.

I write from personal experience here, particularly when it comes to driving! I desire to see everyone in this church be vibrant, effective representatives of Christ, so I need to lead the way. I need to cast the vision so they can catch it, but I need to be a living demonstration of it as well. Words alone certainly aren’t going to do the job! I desire, for myself and for them, the full spectrum of what Jesus was talking about in this verse, but I’ve got to start with the basics, for myself and in teaching them, if we are to progress to the “greater works” that He talked about.

Father, it’s exciting that You’ve given us this verse for this year. Last night’s Watch Night Service was a good start, with genuine openness to You and what You are doing in our hearts and lives. Help us indeed walk humbly with You (Micah 6:8) each day, each moment of this year, so that we may be and do all that You desire, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!