Wholly Spent

And I will very gladly spend and be [wholly] spent for your souls.
(2 Corinthians 12:15 NKJV, amplified)

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13 NKJV)

Then Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you." (1 Samuel 23:16-17 NKJV)

A good parent would not hesitate to save a child even at the cost of one’s own life. Most of us would willingly forfeit our lives for loved ones if necessary to save theirs. Yet how often do we in fact lay down our lives, day to day, as Jonathan willingly forfeited his future crown to David?

Are we willing to lay down our lives and wills—be wholly spent—for the sake of another? Will we lay down pet peeves for the sake of harmony? Will we lay down ego for the sake of restored relationship? Do we fancy ourselves noble enough for the heroic but too highly value trifles?

Jesus laid down His life for us, and calls us to do likewise. Martyrdom is alive and well in the 21st century, and we must stand ready to shed our blood in affirmation of trust in Jesus. In the meantime, will we this day shed personal will in affirmation of trust in His will?

Lord Jesus, we are spoiled, used to picking and choosing as suits us. Please help us to so value Your will that we have no will of our own. Please use us as suits You and brings You glory. Please enable us to love neighbor as self by valuing will of neighbor as much as our own.

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Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy