Stay in the Father’s love

John 1:38-39 And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when Jesus and the two disciples encountered one another. When Jesus saw them following Him, He went right to the heart. “What are you seeking?” They probably wanted to know where Jesus was staying so they could plan the rest of their day, but certainly they were interested in more than where Jesus stayed. The follow-up question might have been, “Why do you want to know where I’m staying?” We don’t know anything else about what happened. We may assume they followed Jesus to where He was staying and hung out with Him to discover who He was for themselves. What do we seek from following Jesus? Do you know where He stays? The word translated “stay” in this verse is the same word translated “abide” in John 15:10, where Jesus said, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” Jesus abides in the Father’s love. How would you like to stay where Jesus stays? Jesus came so that we might stay where He stays—in the Father’s love. He is the way to the Father. Let’s turn to John 15:5-9 and substitute the word “stay” for the word “abide.” I am the vine, you are the branches; he who stays in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not stay in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you stay in Me, and My words stay in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; stay in My love. I want to encourage us today to stay where Jesus stays. If we are true followers of Christ, we will stay where Jesus stays—in the Father’s love. Therein is life and fruitfulness. Abide in Jesus today, and let Him disciple you so that you can carry His fruit for the glory of the Father and Jesus Christ. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.