I’ll Do It My Way – 10 Minas
Jesus is on his way to entering Jerusalem, and knows his physical time on earth is nearing an end. One of his primary concerns is making sure his followers understand that he requires them to be fruitful in their efforts. In essence, he is saying, “I want results. Don’t just tell me how hard things are, and don’t just walk around without purpose. Bring back some fruit. I have entrusted you with my teaching and you are well equipped. Do not squander what I have given you.”
Scripture:
“He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away’.” – Luke 19-26
Observation/Application:
Think about this for a minute. How does this apply to us today? Heb 13:8 says Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Heb 13:9 says, “Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings;…” He is saying go be fruitful, and don’t forget what I told you. He is saying “My way works. I expect you to be by-products of me. Do it like I did it, and get it done. No excuses. If you do it my way, you will succeed.”
At one time in my life, this was a really hard lesson for me to fully understand. We like to think we can do it our way. There’s even a song about that, “I did it my way”, first made famous by Frank Sinatra, and also recorded by other artists like Elvis Presley, and the Sex Pistols. But God is saying here, “that is not how to do it friends.” God is in control. Jesus is saying “that is why I was sent… to show you the way… and then to die on the cross, so that you might be saved.”
Image courtesy of: Thomas Hawk
Most of us have probably heard the song “My Way”, made famous by Frank Sinatra. But one of the ironic thing about the song was that it was written by Paul Anka, so it was not really Frank’s way. and truth be told it was not really a Paul Anka, but an adaptation from a French song co-composed and co-written (with Jacques Revaux) and performed in 1967 by Claude Francois. The song was originally titled, “Comme d’habitude”. And the best part of all, is the lyrics, translated, are not “I’ll do it my way”, but “As Usual”. The lyrics have absolutely nothing to do with, “My Way” but of desperate love. It’s about something totally different. (See video on YouTube here: Claude François Comme d’habitude)
Now we love Sinatra’s music, his voice was no doubt a gift from God. But as I really reflect on this, I can’t help but laugh hysterically. God no doubt has the greatest sense of humor. God uses Sinatra’s fame, to sing about His way, for a song that he didn’t write, by someone who took the melody from a French song, about a totally different topic. I think God really makes His point loud and clear. Do it my way! It’s not Sinatra’s way, our way, our neighbor’s way… we need to do it God’s way… the way Jesus done it yo! And to make sure that we do not lose sight of Him. (Col 3:2; Psalm 16:8; Hebrews 12:2) We are talented, loved, equipped, healthy, blessed, anointed, peaceful, powerful, children of the Most High God. God does expect us to be fruitful. And as we are successful, let us not lose sight of Him.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ and showing us the Way. You are the way, the truth, and the light. Humble us before you Lord, and empower us to be fruitful. Help us to use the gifts that you have given us Lord, to not take them for granted, and to live a life worthy of the breath that you have given us. We receive these gifts through the mighty name of your Son, Jesus Christ, and give you all the honor and glory and praise. Amen.
Photo By Thomas Hawk