April 25, 2023 - John 12:32
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”” John 12:32 NIV
Lord, this is such a wonderful promise. It takes so much pressure off us. You have called us to be fishers of men, the harvesters of your great harvest. But it isn’t our job to make men turn to you. We are called to lift your name up. We need to live a life that brings you glory. If we walk in obedience and throw our nets out when and where you tell us, you will draw the fish into the nets. And you grow the harvest and get it ready to be harvested. We play a part in the process, but it is you that does the work in people’s hearts and draws them to you. We don’t have to “force” people to come to you and somehow make them draw closer to you. No, we just need to live to glorify you. Jesus, help us live like you lived. Help us make you and giving you glory a priority in our lives. Help us align everything about how we live our lives to your kingdom ways. Even when it is hard and goes against all our pride and selfish ways; even when we are judged and stand out as different; even when the price is extremely high, let us choose to walk in your ways. Help us stand strong as a humble lighthouse to the world around us, shining your glorious light brightly into the darkness around us.
Lord, we ask that as we do that, please do what you promised and draw people to you through our actions. We are so excited about spending eternity with you in heaven but help us not to be content with just making it there ourselves. Give us your heart for the lost. Let it overwhelm us to the point that we must be active in casting our nets. Teach us to see others and lean into your guiding on tending your fields and helping to get them ready for harvest. We praise you that as we do our part in following your lead that you will do your part and draw people to you.
In Jesus name, amen.
