Uncommon Faith (Part 2)

Introduction

Tomorrow we celebrate Memorial Day. We shared last week that Memorial Day (originally called “Decoration Day) was established near the end of the Civil War to honor those who had given their lives in one of America’s most costly wars ever!

Every conflict we’ve ever been involved in has had its share of casualties of both sons and daughters lost. Many times, lives are lost because of the unusual bravery those in our military often displayed in the midst of combat.

Every once in a while, during those horrific conflicts, something happens, a soldier does something, which is so out-of-the ordinary that Congress acknowledges that person’s efforts by awarding them the “Medal of Honor.” This award is presented to someone who distinguishes himself by gallantry at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The deed performed must have been one of self-sacrifice that is so conspicuous that the action clearly distinguishes the individual above his or her comrades. Furthermore, the act must have involved risk of life. Thus, the Medal of Honor is given to individuals who sacrifice themselves for the greater good of others. Perhaps that’s the reason that more often than not, the Medal of Honor is given posthumously.

Douglas Albert Munro

One such individual was Douglas Albert Munro. The Medal of Honor was awarded to Petty Officer Munro as a result of his actions on September 27, 1942.

Munro, was in charge of a group of 24 Higgins boats. Their mission was to evacuate a battalion of marines trapped by enemy Japanese forces at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal.

After making preliminary plans for the evacuation of nearly 500 beleaguered marines, Munro, under constant shooting by enemy machine-guns on the island, and at great risk of his life, daringly led 5 of his small craft toward the shore. As he closed the beach, he signaled the other boats to land, and then in order to draw the enemy's fire and protect the heavily loaded boats, he valiantly placed his craft with its 2 small guns in position to shield the beachhead from enemy machine-gun fire and protect those who were evacuating the beachhead.

When the perilous task of evacuation was nearly completed, Munro was killed by enemy fire, but his crew carried on until the last boat was loaded and had cleared the beach. This was done despite Munro’s death and the fact that two other crew members were badly wounded.

By his outstanding leadership, expert planning, and dauntless devotion to duty, he and his courageous comrades undoubtedly saved the lives of many who otherwise would have perished that day. He gallantly gave his life for those men trapped on the beachhead, and for his country.

Greater Love

The night that Jesus was betrayed, and headed to the cross, He closed out His time with the men who had been with Him for nearly three and one-half years. During the “Upper Room Discourse,” recorded for us in John 13, 14, 15, and 16, Jesus reminds us of the greatest sacrifice that a person can make.

The Command

If you have your Bibles, I want to encourage you to turn with me to John chapter 15. In verse 12 Jesus says,

John 15:12 NIV

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Jesus reminds us that one of His primary commands is that we love each other!

As you might guess, the Greek word that is translated “love” is “agapao” which is an unconditional love.

That means that we are to love others without expecting ANYTHING in return!

The Example

Jesus goes on in verse 13 to give us an example of this kind of love.

John 15:13 NIV

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Agape love in action is seen when someone lays down his/her life for one of their friends.

In fact, Jesus says this is the greatest example of human love!

Little do the disciples know or understand that Jesus is about to demonstrate this kind of love when He will go to the cross in just a matter of hours!

Jesus alludes to this in the next verse.

John 15:14 (NIV)

You are my friends if you do what I command.

Let’s read that verse again!

One of the things that I believe we often miss is this simple fact. Jesus calls us “Friends!” But our friendship hinges on our obedience! James echos this thought in James 4:4.

James 4:4 NIV

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

Throughout Paul’s writings, there is an emphasis on being a servant of Jesus, and while this is true, I want you to see what Jesus says to His disciples.

Friend Not Servant!

John 15:15 NIV

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Using His day’s idea of slave/master relationship, Jesus tells His close followers that they have moved from servant status to friendship status.

We know we have moved from servant to friend because Jesus reveals His “business,” His actions to us.

He says everything He learned from God the Father Jesus shared with his disciples!

Next Jesus tells them that they did NOTHING to deserve this privileged position.

Not Your Choice

John 15:16 NIV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

First, Jesus reminds His disciples that they didn’t choose Him, but that He chose them! The same is true of us today!

Second, Jesus reminds them of their purpose—to bear fruit. This seems to return us to the vine and branch motif that Jesus began with in the first part of chapter 15.

At the same time we are not producing just the run-of-the-mill fruit. We are to produce fruit that will last (Gk. remain, endure, continue to exist, abide.

NOTE: this is the same word that is used at the end of verse 4. John 15:4 “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” )

So, the reason we obey is so that when we ask God the Father for something, God will act on our behalf. Now, if we use deductive reason, without obedience we cannot expect God to work on our behalf!

Repeat the Command

To make sure there is no misunderstanding, Jesus repeats the original command. Look at verse 17.

John 15:17 NIV

This is my command: Love each other.

Jesus closes with a restatement of His command—we need to love each other!

So What?

John 15 is part of the Upper Room Discourse. It was Jesus’ last chance to interact with His disciples before He is crucified. Jesus know what was coming, so He takes advantage of His last “teaching” time with them. When you come to chapter 15, Jesus reminds His disciples of six key characteristics. And these are characteristics that we need to remember and live out through our everyday lives.

Jesus is the true vine—the one-and-only source of truth!

Abiding—or remaining—in Jesus will cause us to bear fruit—He calls it fruit that will last.

Jesus reminds us that bearing this kind of fruit only happens when we OBEY—when we do what He commands!

We must ALWAYS remember that we were chosen! We didn’t do the choosing, but rather Jesus chose us!

One key command is that we exercise unconditional love toward one another!

And our obedience, our love for others, moves us from enemy status to Friendship status!

What areas of your life is Jesus wanting you to give to Him in obedience? Who is He wanting you to love? And for whom would you be willing to give your life?