What would be the positive results in your life if you chose to leave it behind you today?

Sosoma Jr

JF-Expert Member
Aug 7, 2020
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L E A V E.
"Immediately they left their nets and followed Him."
Matthew 4:20.

Clothes torn, her long hair disheveled, she waits in terror at the Teacher's feet. Why had she not screened her last client? Why had she trusted someone who was now betraying her?

The local leaders had stalked her and caught her at the worst time. They let the man go free. They dragged her to the Teacher. They would use her as bait to trap the Teacher in His judgement of her. The law of their people said she should be stoned. The law of Rome said the Jews could not execute someone without their permission. Whatever He said, they could accuse the Teacher of violating a law.

She was good at her profession. Men were drawn by her beauty and paid dearly for an evening with her. She felt in control. She made good money. She was on the fast lane to her idea of success. She always told herself she would leave this kind of life tomorrow, but the knock at the door, the whispered promises of money always tempted her. "Now," she thought, "I will pay with my life."

The Teacher looked at the trembling woman at His feet. He carefully took in the whole scene. The self righteous faces of the leaders. The hatred in their eyes for Him. Their utter callousness toward the woman.

He knelt in the dust and started writing with His finger. Curious, the leaders crowded around, eager for the kill. When they saw what He wrote, they saw themselves as they had never seen themselves before.
The accusers became the accused.

The rocks slipped from their hands as they walked away.

In a few moments the Teacher stood alone with the woman. "I do not condemn you. Go and sin no more," He said.

There would be many more struggles for her soul in the days ahead as she wrestled with the possibility of whether to leave all she knew. The Teacher loved her like no one had ever loved her. He valued her as a person, a daughter of the King. He gave her what no one had even given her self respect. So she walked away from her past. She left everything behind to follow a Man who would never turn His back on her.

MENTORING MOMENTS.
1. Think of a time when you benefited from leaving something behind. Why did you leave it?

2. Read John 8:1-11. What was Jesus inviting the woman to leave behind? Read Matthew 16:24-26. What expectations does Jesus have of His disciples?

3. How do you leave something harmful that you love? Here are some practical step:

(a). Read 1 John v1:9. Admit to God and to your friends that you have done wrong and you want to change. Receive God's forgiveness and the forgiveness of others if needed.

(b). Read Ezekiel 36:26, 27. Ask God to give you a new heart and to send the Holy Spirit to give you the power to desire the right things. Surrender to God.

(c). Read Acts 2:38. Turn away from what you know to be wrong.

(d). Invite a trusted friend to be your prayer partner and to hold you accountable each day to be true to your decision. See Galatians 6:2.

(e). Claim God's promises. See Philippians 4:6, 7, 13, 19.

Stay away from the friends and environments that encouraged you in the wrong path. Replace the wrong with something life giving from God. See 2 Timothy 2:22.

4. Think of something in your life that is keeping you from Jesus. What would be the positive results in your life if you chose to leave it behind you today? Take the first step.
 
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