Why Do You Do What You Do?
Posted on April 21, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
“Took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out…” – John 12:13a
Remember the phrase “if everyone jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge would you follow?” It was a question to determine “why you do what you do.” Every year as we recognize the work at the cross that our Savior Jesus did to make a way to reconcile the world to Himself, I come away with a fresh perspective.
This year it challenged me to ask myself “why do I do what I do?” The account of the entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday made me realize there were people engaging in a couple things that were out of the ordinary. First, laying down their cloaks and pulling branches off of trees to lay down for Jesus. Second, crying out
“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’
“The King of Israel!”
It appears to me that there were a mixed multitude there that day, those that followed Him because they put their faith in Him, others who were there for no reason except they were compelled by the moment and heard about His miracles, and then there might have been those who just wanted to be a part of what everyone else is doing. Then, finally, there were the religious leaders that, with folded arms and shaking heads, condemned the event.
So, I wondered where I am in the crowd. Why do I do what I do? Two things have come out of this self-inventory. One is an experience of renewed devotion to my God and the other is a way to focus on my walk and not of those who seem to be following Jesus because it’s the “in thing” to do. I would hope that I would be one of those that, even though things didn’t work the way I wanted or it’s just not “fun” anymore I would be found worshiping at the cross of my crucified Savior.
I find that a deep devotion for a God who is able to meet my deepest need of a broken and contrite spirit has to be my motivation. I know myself well enough to know that if I’m hanging around for the latest events of the day or because I’m being entertained and well, everyone else is doing it, it will soon enough fade away as I seek the next best thing.
My prayer for you and I is that as we are moving towards a very busy time of the year with so many added responsibilities and distractions that the convictions of your heart that causes you to bow a knee to Jesus will be paramount and that the devotion of your life will be what causes you to “Do what you Do”. Amen!
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
The Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 12-16| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “The righteous do good and forget about having done it! The unrighteous however, keep a mental record of all the good that they have done.” – Zac Poonen
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17