In my house, there is an undeniable truth: the dogs belong to me. Everyone in the house cares for our dogs, but they are “my dogs.” I don’t say this negatively; it is merely a statement of fact. If you need the dogs to do something, I am the one that can make it happen. Amanda can call for them, and they probably listen 75% of the time; the boys can summon them at about a 15% success rate, but I have an almost guaranteed recall with both of them. They are my dogs.
There are reasons for this situation. I engage with them more than everyone else; I feed them most of the time. I bathe, comb, and pet them more often… and perhaps more importantly, I spoil them with treats more than anyone else. I enjoy the arrangement. I have always liked dogs, and therefore, I appreciate the symbiotic relationship. I take care of them, and they are loyal to me. One added benefit is that our dogs will follow me wherever I go. If I am sitting by myself in a room, they are there with me. If I go outside, they want to be there too. They are my dogs, and I am their master… for us, it works.
It reminds me of a passage from the Gospel of John during the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He is in Jerusalem, and some Gentiles have come to see Jesus. What comes next is a beautiful piece of scripture.
John 12:20-26 – “Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”
These gentiles gathered for the Passover, demonstrating their hearts as they observed the holy days of God’s people. Individuals who were seeking the truth and wanting to be near them. Jesus affirms that many more will be drawn to him through his impending crucifixion. These God-fearing gentiles are only the beginning of a transformation of God’s kingdom.
As great as this is, I want to focus on this last phrase that Jesus relates to these events. He states that Servants naturally gravitate to their Master. In this world, we all make the decision to either love the things of this world or serve Jesus. It is impossible to do both. You will either want to be with Jesus, or you will want to hang onto the things of this world. Jesus informs his disciples that our earthly lives are dispensable in relation to eternity. Are we willing to trade one for the other?
Reflecting on my furry companions from earlier. They want to be near me, only for the desire to be with me. I am not always showering them with food and praise. They want to be with their master.
This is where we make our decisions. Do we hang on to the words of our Master? Do we follow him closely wherever he may go? Do we only listen 70% of the time? Are we closer to 15%? Or do we listen whenever he calls? Servants want to serve- they are always ready and available to serve their Master.