July 13, 2020 -- John 5:3-6 -- Just One

In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”

John 5:3-6 English Standard Version

Don’t you get overwhelmed by the needs that are “out there”? Neighbours who need to hear the Gospel. Those who are now sick with Covid-19. People in your town who are hungry. People in your community who need help with drug or alcohol addictions? It brings to mind the multitude of invalids sheltered in the five colonnades near the pool of Bethesda. So many people in great and urgent need. Did you notice that despite the fact there were a multitude of invalids, Jesus approached and healed only one?

Jesus’ work is to do the will of His Father (John 4:34). Led by the Holy Spirit, Whom had been given to Jesus without measure (John 3:34), Jesus did not worry about all the people who were laying there, He concerned Himself with the one person whom the Spirit directed Him to speak with and heal.

Who has God’s Spirit placed on your heart this day? Who needs your unique gifts and talents so that God’s grace and love will be administered to a specific person by the exercise of your gifts? It is okay to pass by a multitude of invalids, even groups of needy people, if you are being faithful to the LORD our God and serving the one His Spirit has prompted you to care for in the Name of Jesus. Act in accord with what you know the Spirit is calling you to do today. Write that encouraging email. Call the person you know is struggling. Give that gift of money. Visit that lonely person. Donate your time. Repair that thing you know someone needs help with to fix. Mentor. Tutor. Embark on a weight loss program with someone who needs your witness. As varied as your gifts and interests, talents and abilities are, so varied are the ways in which you can bless and serve others in the glorious Name of Jesus.

Blessed are You, God our Father. What an honour it is to know we are Your workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do the good You have prepared in advance for us to do. Thank You for Your Spirit, living in us, exciting in us the possibilities of helping and blessing others in the Name of Jesus. Forgive us for fields unwon. Forgive us for work undone. Renew in us this day, a holy zeal and great passion to use the gifts and abilities You have given us for the expansion of Your Kingdom. Amen.

July 12, 2020 -- John 5:1-2 -- Don't skip over it

After this there was a feast of the Jews,

and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethseda,

which has five roofed colonnades.

John 5:2 English Standard Version

This is a passage I have read many times. Usually I skip over it because there is an exciting story just a bit further down the page. But these few words are brimming with important information. The feasts of the Jews celebrate the work of the LORD—their Promise-Keeping God. You can read about them in Leviticus 23. Each of these feasts celebrates the saving work of God—pointing to His full and perfect expression of salvation found in Jesus Christ alone. So, the Person Who is the reason for the feasts is there in Jerusalem, wandering unrecognized.

He is near the Sheep Gate. How poetic. Jesus is the Great Shepherd come to seek and save His lost sheep. Jesus is the Shepherd Who lays down His life for His sheep. In fact, He will be led like a lamb to the slaughter, religious and secular leaders will condemn Him, an innocent man, to death. It is the death that will atone for the sins of all who believe.

And the pool is named as well—the translation of the Aramaic is: House of Grace. Interestingly, the first chapter of John describes Jesus as the One from Whom we have all received grace upon grace (John 1:16). Jesus is the fullest evidence of the Father’s grace poured out on our lives. Grace is the steadfast love of God which set aside the punishment for our sins until Jesus came and bore the weight of them. Grace is the Perfect Son of God offering Himself up in our place so that we would be set free.

Little wonder then that we sing: “Jesus, Name above all Names”.

Thank You Jesus for the beauty of the Word. Thank You Spirit for making the Bible open and plain to us, showing us Jesus’ glorious work. Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be exalted this Sunday as Your people gather in homes and churches, in mission fields and chapels to praise You. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0NjVgkVDy4

July 11, 2020 -- I Samuel 30:6b -- Strengthened in the LORD

But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

I Samuel 30:6b

It was one of those “really, LORD?!” moments. David had long ago been anointed King of Israel by the prophet Samuel. But David had to wait until the time appointed by the Promise-Keeping God. He waited years, in fact. King Saul, David’s father-in-law tried to kill him, more than once. David had a rag-tag army of malcontents and tax evaders who had gathered around him. He was learning the hard lessons of leadership through their grumbling willfulness. Now these men had turned solidly against him. The context of our verse is this: David and his army returned to their camp to find their women, children, cattle and possessions stolen in a raid by their enemies.

It was a low point after a series of low points. The men wept to exhaustion. David wept. In fact it says in I Samuel 30:4 they all wept until they had no more strength to weep. Now anger was creeping in. The men wanted to kill David. They were picking up rocks preparing to stone him to death because they were bitter in soul. No doubt as we read this we can image David crying out to God in anger or frustration or shaking his fists to the heavens. Not so.

David strengthened himself in the LORD. He spoke with God His Lord, the High King of Heaven. David placed his trust in the Living God. He fought against the usual emotions we’d expect. He mastered himself. No matter how dire the circumstances, he placed his hope for that moment in the hands of God Who alone is faithful and true. It is a profound moment in David’s life. It is a why David is described as “a man after God’s own heart” I Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).

David was far from perfect. He was as sinful as you and me. What distinguished him was his iron-clad will to be fully submitted to the Living God. When David’s plans failed and collapsed around him, he renewed his decision to follow the commandments of God. When his sins were pointed out to him, he didn’t justify himself or try to squirm away from acknowledging them, he confessed them freely and renewed his vow to serve the LORD.

Teach me, Spirit of God, to strengthen myself in Christ the King so that my will and my ways may be pleasing to our Father in heaven. Guide me, Spirit of Truth, in the way everlasting. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT4n1hGjDDg

July 9, 2020 -- John 4:43 -- Striations and faith

After the two days he departed for Galilee.

John 4:43 English Standard Version

Once the Samaritans—remember these people were considered to be unclean because they’d married outside of the tribes of Israel and they did not hold to the Old Testament—recognized Jesus they asked Him to stay. Jesus did. He did not consider them unworthy of His attention, or teaching or His love. It is dramatic and a beautiful testimony to our Savior. Because He remained, the twelve disciples had to stay with Him also. Even so, Peter would not fully appreciate what Jesus was demonstrating or the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in believers to send them to reach beyond the Jewish people until Acts 10 (cf: Acts 10:9-34 and especially verse 34).

What happened in those two days? Here is what I think might have happened in these days. Consider this: Jesus taught them Who He Is. He answered their basic questions. Jesus showed them the Old Testament and explained to them how to find Him in the Bible. Jesus taught them elemental truth so that they could live as His followers: be accountable to one another for their walk with God and walking in community. He stayed long enough so that these new Christ-followers would be able to sustain themselves in our precious faith. The disciples learned disciple-ship practices. The disciples learned their Savior had no prejudice against Samaritans (nor any other people group for that matter)!

One of my favorites among the berries is: black currant. They are very tart and high in vitamin C. In order to propagate them the seeds need striation. That is the seeds need to be subjected to some stress (what works well for currants is temperatures of near freezing, like refrigeration, for 3 - 4 months) in order to break the seeds’ hard coating and allow germination. Interestingly, I think Jesus’ brief stay among the Samaritans could have caused stress. They realized how much more He had to teach. They realized how precious His work and His Words. When He left they knew they’d have to overcome stresses and challenges in order to cling to Jesus. Remembering Him and rehearsing Who He Is would take on particular urgency among them. Jesus knew these stresses would allow their faith to germinate and add urgency to their desire to propagate our precious faith.

Father in heaven, thank You for Your tremendous love shown most beautifully in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the seeds of faith thrown far and wide in our sin-darkened world. Thank You Father for the Spirit of God Who uses the Word and all the circumstances of our life to bring such seeds to fruit-bearing in our lives. Spirit of God, sustain us in the storms of our life so that we will be found faithful to Jesus Christ and trust Him alone for every good thing. Spirit of God, cause us to be faithful witnesses to Jesus, in times of joy and in times of trial, in the stresses of our life and in the times we have experienced Your mercy. Triune God, bring many sons and daughters to the glory of knowing You! Amen.

July 8, 2020 -- John 4:42 -- Not knowing about but knowing deeply

They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

John 4:42 English Standard Version

Notice the beautiful transition that has taken place. A woman called out to the townspeople, her neighbours: “Come and meet Jesus!” They are moved to meet Jesus because of her enthusiasm, because of her testimony, because they know her reputation as an immoral woman and realize something big has happened in her life. Then as people spend time in Jesus’ presence they acknowledge Him as the Savior of the World. Isn’t it interesting that it is non-Jewish people who first openly praise Jesus in this way. John 1 foreshadowed this: “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12-13).

Notice it is not gimmicks, not fancy stages, smoke machines, and big bands that will convert the world. It is a living encounter with Jesus Christ. The only way in which we can be changed: is to meet Jesus. When people meet Him everything changes. He is not entertainment, He is the Person Who reveals God our Father. He is the One in Whom we have life.

Perhaps it is challenging for us to witness about Him to others because we know Him so little. We have opinions on all kinds of things, even opinions about faith and religion. But the question that confronts us today is this: have you met Jesus? Do you believe because you have heard for yourself? And by hearing, do you obey Him in what you say and do?

Spirit of Truth, lead us to Jesus. Help us to find people who know Jesus and make Him known to us. Help us to meet Jesus in the Bible in a real and living way. Help us, from the strength of knowing Jesus, to tell others Who He is. Spirit, Whom Jesus named “the Helper”, deepen our knowledge of and obedience to Jesus so that we will seek and find people hungry to know Him. Amen.

July 7, 2020 -- John 4:39 -- Tell others

Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony,

“He told me all I ever did.”

John 4:39 English Standard Version

What keeps you from sharing your faith in Jesus Christ? We have all kinds of excuses which really don’t make much sense in view of what happened with this sinful woman. She was known as the town’s immoral woman and yet she was a powerful witness to Jesus’ work. Think of how this passage defeats our excuses:

“I don’t know enough yet”. This woman had just met Jesus and she was already telling others about Him.

“What if someone asks me something I don’t know?” This woman brought the townsfolk to Jesus to have their questions answered.

When the powerful work of Jesus’s saving love touches our mind and our heart we are set on fire. We cannot help but tell others. We are curious. We are willing to ask questions to learn more. We want others to know the joy we have found.

Perhaps we are hesitant to witness because Jesus points out our sin. We limp along expecting nothing will ever change. The woman realized Jesus told her everything she’d ever done. He exposed her sins. And it was mercy, because the sins exposed and confessed are sins which are wholly covered by the work of Jesus Christ. We do not have to be dragged down by them anymore. He had set this Samaritan woman free. No wonder she was such a powerful witness.

Do you live in the joy-filled freedom of knowing your sins are forgiven? Having confessed your sin, do you hate it and turn from it? What freedom you will find! Does this knowledge compel you to go and speak with others so that they too will know such joy unspeakable that is filled with glory?!

Jesus thank You for Your Spirit and Your Word given so that our sins can be revealed and thrown down from our lives. Thank You for the powerful gift of Your glorious salvation. In our lives Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be glorified. Give us holy boldness to share our faith far and wide. Jesus, give us the gladness of telling others about You such that they too become Your followers. Amen.

July 5, 2020 -- John 4:35 -- The Most Unlikely Convert-Evangelist

Do you not say, “There are yet four months then comes the harvest? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.”

John 4:35 English Standard Version

This statement is oft-quoted among Christians. What we forget is the context where Jesus said these words. A hated Samaritan woman had returned to her town. She was an outcast. She was known as an immoral woman, yet after her encounter with Jesus she had to go and tell everyone about Jesus. What an interesting witness—what glorious evidence that Jesus has come to seek and save lost sinners!

Even as Jesus was speaking these words to His disciples about the fields being white for harvest, see the fields are white for harvest, the people of Sychar were emptying the town by coming to Jesus in the noon-day heat in order to find out Who He Is. Here is the harvest, souls hungry for the Truth of Jesus. Notice how Jesus used a fallen woman as an evangelist—the bringer of Good News.

The disciples might object, as much as we do:

These people are fit for the kingdom?

The Samaritans only believed the Torah, the first 5 books of the Old Testament, rather than the whole. What do we have in common with them? Should we associate with them?

Okay, they may be ready for the Gospel, but I am tired, hungry, thirsty, busy, not ready, don’t know enough to instruct them.

Notice not one of these excuses withstands the fact that God the Father has prepared a harvest. Christ is the seed of Truth Who has died, been buried three days and rose to new life—the firstfruits of the great harvest to come. The Spirit of God will use you, yes, even you, despite your objections, fears, your sense of being inadequate so that many will be saved by the glorious work of Jesus Christ. If Jesus could use the Samaritan woman, seemingly disqualified in all the ways she was, He will certainly use you and me! The Spirit will give you the words to speak—as sure as there is spring-time and harvest, so sure will the Gospel bear fruit. Be prepared for how God is using you.

Mighty God of Covenant Faithfulness, Your Gospel yields a faithful harvest year in and year out! Thank You for the unlikely people You used by Your Spirit to bring us to the saving knowledge of and joyful obedience to Jesus Christ. Spirit of God, sweep away all our own objections and help us to bring Good News to the harvest of people You have appointed for life in Jesus Christ. Forgive us for fields unwon and work undone and renew in us a holy zeal to be faithful harvesters. Amen.

July 4, 2020 -- John 4:34 -- Consumed with concentration on Christ

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”

John 4:34 English Standard Version

What is it that can so absorb your attention that you forget to eat or drink? For some people it might be a good book. You say to yourself, “Okay, I’ll just read one more page and I’ll turn out the light and go to sleep”…only to find an hour later you are still unable to put the book away. Others might find they delight in whatever their hobby is. They have to be called once, twice and more to the supper table because they are so consumed with interest in the task at hand.

Jesus had in view His Father’s will. The Father came to seek and save the lost. Jesus was so delighted to tell any and all who would hear Him—the Father in heaven knows you, has overcome your sin and is bringing you to Himself in love. This is Jesus’ food. This is the task that absorbed Him beyond every other.

Maybe you are an avid fisherman, invite others and share your faith and love for God as you see Him in nature and the wonderful way creation hangs together.

Maybe you are someone who loves to BBQ—bring in a neighbour or a friend or two and talk about the goodness of God in providing you with enough to eat.

Maybe you are good at crafting—making cards. Wonderful, invite a few friends and as you put those cards together share with your friends how Jesus has put your life together in wonderful ways.

Fill my vision, O Lord of my heart. You have captured my life and my attention, drawing me from death to life through the glorious work of Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I have been living for myself and my own pleasures rather than denying myself, taking up my cross and following You. Spirit of God, with the talents and gifts You have given me, help me to use these for the glory of God my Father, for the education of others in the way of Jesus and His salvation. And as I serve You, Triune God, forever blessed, increase my holy joy in You and rule my heart as the sole Sovereign worthy of all honour and praise. Amen.

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6OgZCCoXWc

July 2, 2020 -- John 4:27 -- Running with Good News

Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

John 4:27 English Standard Version

The disciples did the wisest thing possible—they were silent. There is a proverb which states: “It is better to be silent and have people think you a fool, than for you to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Had the disciples voiced their questioning disapproval, they would have interfered with Jesus’ testimony. They were betraying the fact that man looks to the outside, but God looks to the heart.

The disciples surveyed the situation and in a quick glance or two had summarized the scene in this way. There is a woman out in the noon day sun at the well. Based on her words and outfit, she is a despised Samaritan. Worse, she must be a woman of ill repute otherwise she’d show up at the cool of the day. In milliseconds they had determined she is hardly worth the Master’s attention.

Isn’t that ever so easy for us as well.? We are altogether too quick and we are foolish in our assessment of people. We do not see others with the eyes of faith which would lead us to consider every person we meet as one created in the image of God and worthy of hearing the Best News Ever—being introduced to Jesus Himself.

What was Jesus' seeking? He was seeking His Father’s glory. Jesus was sent by the Father in order that people might believe on Him and by believing have eternal life.

Why was Jesus speaking with her? Isaiah 52:7 was being fulfilled: “How beautiful are the feet of them that bring good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the good news that the God of Israel reigns.”

Thank You, God our Father, for the men and women who led us to Jesus Christ. Thank You for those who showed they have beautiful feet which led them to declare to us the wonderful news that God, You reign. Cause us, Spirit of God, to go boldly to men and to women, to neighbours and coworkers, to whomever You give us so that we declare to them the glory of Jesus. Amen.

July 1, 2020 -- John 4:25-26 -- Jesus The Messiah

The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus told her, “I who speak to you am he.”

John 4:25-26 ESV

What a powerful conversation has taken place. When you have a few minutes, read it through—John 4:1-26. Jesus showed this Samaritan woman her sins (she’d had five husbands and the man she was living with was not her husband). Having called out her sins, showing her the urgent thirst for meaning in her life and the false ways in which she was trying to satisfy them, He taught her how people should worship. Not on Mt. Gerazim, as the Samaritans taught. Nor should worship be in the form of offerings on the Temple Mount—but the Father is seeking worshipers who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Now she is intrigued. The Father’s anointed prophet is not just for Jewish people, nor Samaritans, but for all, for any who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

You can see the thirst of the woman exposed. Jesus had taught in this passage: those who turn to Him will find their thirst exposed. They will realize all the ways in which they’d been chasing love in all the wrong places. This thirst has been addressed by living water. No more do seekers have to try to fill the longing of their hearts with sex, with relationships, with food, with booze, with drugs, with anything other than the Living God revealed in Jesus. Eagerly the woman asked about the identity of the Messiah, God’s anointed and promised prophet this Living Water. She wanted to meet Him, Who will reveal all things.

Jesus makes the staggering declaration: I AM He! Jesus made Himself equal with God. He stated He is the anticipated Messiah, the Prophet who would perfectly reveal God. He is our soul’s desire. He is the one Who can answer the cries of our heart. He is Living Water that wells up in us again and again, ever and always. He is the One Who is The Way, the Truth, and the Life.

How can I drink deeply of this Living Water? How can you? Read the Bible. Pursue this claim to its conclusion. Ask the Spirit (Who leads us in all truth) to make Jesus known to you. Find a Christian whose walk with God you admire and study the bible together. Get your questions answered. Believe in Jesus and live out this great faith.

A dear friend gave me a small book called: Divine Service Book For The Armed Forces. It was distributed by the Canadian Government (!)—issued under the authority of the Minister of National Defence in 1950—and given to all in the Army. As this is Canada Day, it made sense to use this lovely resource. (There are some definitions included at the end of the prayer).

Be mindful, O Lord, of thy people bowed before thee, and of those who are absent through age, sickness, or infirmity. Care for the infants, guide the young, support the aged, encourage the fainthearted, collect the scattered, and bring the wandering to thy fold. Travel with the voyagers, defend the widows, shield the orphans, deliver the captives, heal the sick. Succour all who are in tribulation, necessity, or distress. Remember for good all those that love us, and those that hate us, and those that have desired us, unworthy as we are, to pray for them. And those whom we have forgotten, do thou, O Lord, remember. For thou art the Helper of the helpless, the Saviour of the lost, the Refuge of the wandered, the Healer of the sick. Thou, who knowest each man’s need, and hast heard his prayer, grant unto each according to thy merciful loving kindness and thy eternal love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thy and Thee are old English, formal ways of addressing God: thy = Your; thee = You; thou = You when speaking directly to

Fainthearted: timid, lacking courage,

Fold—a safe place for sheep, an illustration to help us understand God as our protection, safe place

Succour: give assistance, support, aid

Thou art— You are

who knowest—who knows, who is aware of

hast heard—have heard

grant—give, supply

June 30, 2020 -- John 4:10 -- Jesus Living Water

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”

John 4:10 ESV

What was it about Jesus that allowed Him to speak to the woman at the well in this way? She is a Samaritan. The Samaritan people were those Jewish people who had returned from exile and intermarried with various foreign people. No doubt there were all kinds of insults that the Jewish people and the Samaritan people leveled at one another. Jesus spoke directly to this woman. He asked her questions which if anyone else had asked would most likely have evoked an angry response.

The Samaritans knew the Law—they believed the first five books of the Old Testament. They had their own interpretation of it. Jesus was getting right to the heart of what the Samaritans—even a Samaritan woman considered an outcast among her own people—believed. But He caught her attention. No doubt she was confused: what is this Living Water?

Jesus is Living Water—our deepest longings are satisfied when we are in relationship with Him. We are enabled to sacrifice our own needs and serve others from the place of contentment and fullness because Jesus Himself is our soul’s joy. He is Living Water, as we serve others and bless them in Jesus’ Name we cannot run dry—His Spirit wells up within us. His Spirit is ever replenishing our souls in Jesus, the Living Water, so that we can serve in His strength. Jesus is Living Water—in Him Name our sins are washed away completely and we are confirmed as deeply loved sons and daughters of the Most High God!

You, Jesus, are the fountain of every blessing! Fill us to overflowing with the awareness of Your goodness, Your victory over sin, death and hell. Spirit of Truth, direct us by the Word, to know Jesus more fully and deeply and to find in Him our soul’s reward. Many of us confess how weary we are, how dry and overdrawn we feel. As we confess our need Spirit of God fill us with the knowledge of Jesus, cause us to love Him and be loved by Him, Jesus—Living Water. From that place of plenty help us so that we both hear and obey Jesus in all things. Father in heaven, be honoured and praised as Your children are refreshed in Jesus, Your Son, our Savior—Amen.

June 29, 2020 -- John 4:8 -- Conversation Starters

A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”

John 4:7 English Standard Version

It was the sixth hour. That means it was the hottest part of the day—noon. Jesus was speaking to a woman who went to draw water from the well when she sure no one else would be there. She had a lot to hide. A lot of shame. Jesus did not avoid difficult conversations. Nor did Jesus pass by people who needed Him. He was prepared to speak and to listen in order to bring Good News.

Notice how simple the start of the conversation is. They are at a well. She had a way to get water from the well. Jesus did not. He was in need. It was a simple and beautiful opening. There are far too many campaigns and gimmicks and evangelism programs out there in the ether.

Simply put, we are to be aware of how others can help us. There is something God our Creator has placed in us that makes us desirous of helping others. There is, once a need has been expressed, an opportunity to engage in real conversation that is meaningful. Trust that the Spirit of God has given you circumstances, abundance or needs, so that in community you can talk about your daily life and ordinary concerns in such a way that God is honoured and needs are met.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen.

June 24, 2020 -- John 3:31 -- Do you see it?

He who comes from above is above all.

He who is of the earth belongs to the earth

and speaks in an earthly way.

He who comes from heaven is above all.

John 3:31 English Standard Version

Did you see it? What a common expression that is. When the Comet Hale-Bopp made its appearance in 1997 I roused one our children from his sleep so that he could see it in the night sky. It was really cool to watch. I asked him, did you see it? Could you distinguish it from the other bright things in the sky? I am not even sure if he remembers this event from 23 year ago!

Jesus comes from above. He has seen the splendors of heaven. He knows the glory of the Father. He has the power of the Holy Spirit given to Him without measure so that what He knows from above He is able to bring to us as a credible witness. By way of sharp contrast those from the earth, who belong to the earth and who refuse the things of God—they cannot distinguish the simplest things because they are earthbound and therefore speak in an earthly way. Such earth-bound people have not seen what Jesus saw, sees and would see. So their limited perspective makes them unworthy witnesses. It is a most damning statement pronounced against the pretenders who set themselves up against the lofty knowledge of the Lord our God.

The LORD our God is glorious! His words are altogether trustworthy and true. His ways lead us in ever-lasting life. He gives to us hope for this world. It is hope that is anchored in the knowledge that Christ Jesus our Savior-King has conquered sin and the grave and in Him is life that is everlasting. Have you seen Him? Do you know His glory? Read the word. Pray. Speak with other Christians so that your heart is trained to seek Him Who is above all.

Spirit of the Living God, open my eyes that I may see Jesus. In view of the glory of knowing Jesus may the earth-bound prophets of our age lose their lustre. Spirit of God keep my heart true to Jesus all for the honour and praise of the Father in heaven. Amen.

June 23, 2020 -- John 3:30 -- Jesus must increase

He must increase, but I must decrease.

John 3:30 English Standard Version

These are words spoken by the prophet John the Baptist about Jesus and Jesus’ ministry. John’s desire was that Jesus would be ever more evident in his words, more evident in his preaching, more evident in his baptizing of people and that Jesus would shine out more clearly in every part of his life. Interestingly, Jesus said of his cousin: “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28). Why is this so?

John the Baptist’s place in history helps us understand Jesus’ words. John did not live to see Jesus’ crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. John the Baptist was the last Old Testament prophet in the sense that his ministry anticipated the work of Jesus. That means we who are Christians today have a greater understanding of Jesus’ ministry and work. We have a fuller picture of the work Jesus set out to accomplish. We are empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus will explain the work of the Holy Spirit very clearly in John 14—He is the Helper Who helps us know Jesus, obey Jesus, and follow Jesus in loving, grateful devotion.

With John the Baptist, our plea and prayer is this: Jesus increase in our lives. The evidence of Your work must be apparent in ever greater measure. The way we treat others must show Your life Jesus. The way in which we live out our marriage vows must show an increasing love for You, Jesus. The way in which those among us who are single live for Your glory, Jesus must show an increasing love for You and willingness to be different than all others in the world around us. The way in which we raise our families, work, play, participate in entertainment, spend our money, donate our time—in fact, every area and facet of our lives must show increasing devotion to You, Jesus, and greater willingness to deny ourselves and our worldly pleasures.

When love for Jesus increases in us, then all other areas of our life give evidence of His beauty, His glory, His worthiness, His excellence and His love. It is the Spirit of God Who lives in us Who fuels this growing and glowing brightness of dedication to Jesus. In fact, John 15:5 & 16 teach us that those who are grafted into Jesus, the True Vine, cannot help but bear fruit—our lives are fed by the life of Christ so that we will reflect His glory. He will be increasingly evident in every area of our lives—so the longing-prayer of John the Baptist is answered in the lives of believers.

Jesus as Your cousin, John the Baptist, prayed so long ago we too, are praying: You must increase and we must decrease. Help us by Your Word and Spirit to remain firmly connected to You, our lives fueled by Your Living Presence in us. Triune God, be honoured and glorified in our words and living, in our joys and in our sufferings as You sustain us guarding us for the day of glory when we will see You face to face. Amen.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=all+for+Jesus&view=detail&mid=0B5D155D5BB4DF9BC3670B5D155D5BB4DF9BC367&FORM=VIRE0&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dall%2bfor%2bJesus%26cvid%3d0b59e72ebe3c4ee9b85f627566e44463%26FORM%3dANNTA1%26PC%3dASTS

June 22, 2020 -- John 3:16-17 -- Heeding the Bible's most familiar verse

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

that whosoever believes in him should not perish

but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world

but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:16-17 ESV

This is perhaps the most familiar passage in all the Bible. But what does it mean? It is actually a beautiful promise and a stern warning. The beautiful promise is that all who believe in Jesus—who turn away from their sins and follow Jesus have new life. This new life begins now and stretches to eternity.

The stern warning is this: those who refuse Jesus will perish. In the New Testament we understand to perish means to experience hell and torment in eternity. It is dreadful and fearful. Again, this warning is that Jesus was not sent into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world would be saved through Him. That is, our sins, our addictions, our old nature would perish, be put to death, so that the things of God would be a delight for us. Then following Jesus would not be a chore, but would be what we are drawn towards. The warning is refusing Jesus means one will spend eternity carrying the full weight of God’s just anger against sin and rebellion against His holiness.

This is why the Gospel is Good News. The Good News is that all who believe in Jesus have such sins fall off of them. Those who believe in Jesus are transformed so that sin is defeated and already now they rise to new life. The result is this: in Jesus Christ we have joy. Sins lose their appeal. In Jesus Christ we have peace. We follow Him instead of living in the tumult and toxicity of chasing sins which in fact are killing us. In Jesus Christ we realize we have a Father in heaven Who loves us. Our hearts long for such love. It is what we were created for: to worship God and enjoy Him forever. The Spirit of God transforms us so that our tastes change, our desires change, our whole life’s orientation is towards to Jesus, the One Who is our rescue story.

Father in heaven, let the words of this text be more than a motto we read on signs at sporting events. Let Your love so transform us in Jesus that hating our sins we run to Him, holding on to Him for dear life…and life that is dear. Spirit of God, lift us up from death to fullness of life. Spirit of God, help us as Christians, Jesus-followers, to speak, invite and welcome many others to the joy of following Jesus. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yr48Berkqc

June 19, 2020 -- John 3:5 -- Where are you quenching your thirst?

Jesus answered , “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

John 3:5 English Standard Version

Before Jesus spoke these words the question could be asked: how could someone enter the Kingdom of God? You see, Jesus was speaking with the religious leader Nicodemus. Jesus had told him a man must be born again—born of water and of the Spirit. If this were a new teaching, then before Jesus entered the scene no one could have been saved. But Jesus rebuked Nicodemus for being a teacher and yet not understanding the basic teaching of Scripture.

The Old Testament prophet Isaiah brought the word of the LORD to the people of God saying:

For I will pour water on the thirsty land,

and streams on the dry ground;

I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,

and my blessing upon your descendants.

Isaiah 44:3 ESV

The imagery is pretty powerful. Land that is parched and thirsty needs water otherwise it becomes desert sands where nothing can grow. In the same way, our souls need the Spirit of God, or else we are desert wastelands where no good thing can take hold. The Spirit of God brings us life and vitality by bringing us into relationship with the Living God.

No wonder companies spend tens of millions of dollars on advertising. They recognize people are thirsty and searching out soul-refreshing. They throw money at any new thing offered to them, drinking at these cesspools because their need is so urgent. I urge you, stop drinking from the world’s overflowing toilets. No matter how attractively they are decorated and adorned—don’t try to quench your thirst there.

Nicodemus, a religious leader, was driven to overcome his fears and concerns about the consequences his spiteful peers might bring down on him to go to Jesus, secretly at night, and search out clean, pure streams of water that would satisfy his soul. Nothing has been changed in the intervening centuries. Jesus, Who with the Father, created the heavens and the earth, the lands and the seas, the creatures of the air and land and seas and all people, He alone knows what will satisfy our souls. He Himself is our soul’s richest and best desire. He is the only One Who gives new life and new birth—soul-reviving living waters with the Spirit’s glorious presence.

Jesus, thank You for Your glorious, loving patience. You taught men and women showing them the way of salvation. You cause us to be born of water and the Spirit so that we can grow into this new life filled with wonder and joy. Faithful Savior, guard our new life by Your Word and Spirit so that we will pleasing sons and daughters of our Father in heaven. Jesus, Living Water, cause us desert wilderness travelers in this life, to be enthusiastic guides leading others to the oasis of Your presence. Amen.

June 18, 2020 -- John 2:23 -- Renewed appetite

Now when he [Jesus] was at the Passover Feast,

many believed in his name when they saw the signs he was doing.

John 2:23 English Standard Version

For the moment the signs, the miracles, which the people saw were enough to convince them Jesus is great and good. How long would that last? It is likely that some people who were at this Passover Feast were at another one, where they shouted: “Crucify Him!” How can followers of Jesus slide so far down, falling so far away from the Lord of Glory?

John Piper offers some insight.

The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie.

It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven,

but endless nibbling at the table of the world.

It is not the X-rated video, but the prime-time dribble of triviality

we drink in every night…

For when these replace an appetite for God himself,

the idolatry is scarcely recognizable, and almost incurable.

John Piper, quoted in Growing Up Christian, Karl Graustein, page 63

What is filling your appetite? How are you satiating the hunger of your soul for the presence of the Divine, the King of Glory Who stooped down to our need in Christ Jesus? How are you relying on the Holy Spirit so that the things of God—such as reading the Bible, prayer, and gathering to hear the Word preached—remain vital activities in your life and keep your hunger for God sharp and pure?

Dearest Jesus, chiefest desire of every longing heart, apart from You I have no good thing. Spirit of God block the false pleasures of the world, those things that once had hijacked any desire I’d had for what is good, noble, true, and praise-worthy. Spirit of Truth restore my appetite for God Himself and Him alone. Renew my mind so that I will be prepared for the banquet of heaven, the marriage feast of the Lamb to His dear Bride, the Church. Amen.

June 16, 2020 -- John 2:18 -- The Only Sign We'll Ever Need

So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

John 2:18 English Standard Version

You can hear the wheedling of a child, can’t you? The Jews say to Jesus, “Just show us a sign”. Hmm. The Gospel of John opens with the fact that Jesus is the co-creator with the Father. Is that enough of a sign? We recall from the Gospel of Matthew when Magi came to worship Jesus a search was made of Scripture and it was determined that the child would be born in Bethlehem. And this was proven true. Is that enough of a sign? John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Messiah and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). What sign would be enough? Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding feast of Cana. Is that sign enough?

Do you see the problem. What sign would ever be enough? Even when Jesus performed a sign, proving He is the emissary sent from the Father, proving He is the Desired of All Nations—the Jews who have a short memory, immediately ask for another sign.

For the moment a sign is wonderful. People applaud. But a day later, or perhaps a week later, the question lingers, did I see that right? Sure, he did a sign last week, but can He perform a sign today? Our emotions are fickle. Our eyes are easily impressed but our imagination and our worries equally easily overwhelm us and we start looking for another sign instead of fully trusting Him.

The sign that stands true through all history is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His body is the temple that He spoke of. His rising from the dead is the proof He is the Son of God and the Son of Man. His rising from the dead is the once-for-all declaration that our sins have been punished and those who believe in Jesus, joyfully following His will and His ways are those who are marked as His forever. We place our trust in Him. Such trust is confirmed by His Spirit Who lives in us. And the Spirit of God takes the Word and makes it living for us, true and heart-stirring. The Spirit sustains us in our joys and sorrows, the Spirit guards us against the sweeping tumults of upheavals which life and circumstances throw at us. Jesus Himself is the Sign Who never leaves nor forsakes us. He is our lasting Peace.

Forgive me, King Jesus, for all the times I am tempted to test You. Forgive me for the times I would say, if only You do this or that and then I’ll believe forever…except forever believing never comes. Spirit of the Living God, keep my mind fixed on Jesus so that I will be guarded in the perfect peace He alone brings. Triune God, forever blessed and true, I believe, help me overcome my unbelief so that faith drills down ever deeper into You, the LORD God, an everlasting Rock. Amen.

If you have a moment, listen to the hymn: “Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus”

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=tis+so+sweet+to+trust+in+Jesus&docid=608000788592395958&mid=66090083F5CF7385808B66090083F5CF7385808B&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

June 12, 2020 -- John 2:13-17 -- Jesus cleanses the temple

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.  In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

John 2:13-17 English Standard Version

As a child this passage used to trouble me. Did Jesus sin? Was His anger appropriate? As I am leading a series of chapel services on the Gospel of John I was confronted with this passage and some echoes of those question lingered in me.

In the first place there is one Old Testament quotation that helps explain it: “Zeal for your house will consume me” (Psalm 69:9). In that Psalm a righteous man is seeking to be faithful to God while living among people who are far from Him. This man who strives to please God sees others who are negligent in terms of worship, obedience and faithfulness. So that passage brings me to a partial answer: was Jesus sinful in His anger?

This morning the Reformation Study Bible footnote at verse 15 really helped illuminate a second, fuller answer for me. The background to this particular passage is: “He will purify the sons of Levi”. If you have a few minutes turn to the Old Testament prophet Malachi 3:1-4. In this prophecy it is noted the One in Whom the Delights will come suddenly to the temple and purify the sons of Levi.

The sons of Levi were the people of God who were supposed to lead Israel in covenant faithfulness. They failed. The temple become a market. The people lost their zeal for the LORD. The leadership had lost direction in calling the people to worship, to covenant faithfulness, to expectant longing for the love of the Father to be poured out.

Jesus’ prophesied appearance and this cleansing of the temple should have signaled to true believers that the messenger of the covenant was here. Something important happened. The spiritual leaders could have consulted Malachi 3:1-4. Interesting to me also is the fact that Jesus was not arrested. He was not charged with a crime for doing these things. The religious leaders knew something important happened, they turned to Jesus to have Him explain it.

I realized today how I need to know the Old Testament better and more thoroughly. In the Old Testament one reads of the Love of the Father which delayed His wrath until the Son of God appeared Who would bear this wrath in place of sinful man. Jesus, the Lamb of God, would be zealous for God and zealous that the people of God should be restored to full and deep relationship with the Father Whom He knows and loves. The Spirit of God directs us as believers today to read and know the Bible so that we will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God, the tender and persistent love of God and the beauty of all He has in store for us as His children who believe.

Father of Love, thank You for the grand and beautiful story of Your faithful love written large on every page of the Bible. Thank You Jesus, that You are the final and most beautiful example of the Father’s love. Thank You Jesus for tearing down the power of and the lies of Satan and disarming him at the cross. Thank You Jesus, even death itself is now captive led. Thank You Spirit of God that the Bible is made clear because You live in the heart and minds of those who read it, who savor it and who long to be obedient to God by its teaching. Great are You, LORD, Triune and Blessed, and exuberant and peace-filled are all Who walk in Your ways. Amen.

Here is a simple, beautiful hymn: “Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhdl4N-_HIU

June 10, 2020 -- John 2:5 -- Do whatever Jesus tells you

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

John 2:5 English Standard Version

Jesus and His disciples are attending a wedding feast in Cana. Jesus’ mother was there as well. She is aware that the banquet steward is facing a crisis: they have nearly run out of wine. So Mary asks Jesus to intervene. It is simple and profound what she tells the servants: “Do whatever he tells you”. The servants are told to fills six stone jars with water and dip out some of the water and bring it to the master of the banquet. That seems crazy. You can imagine there’d be all kinds of objections. No wonder Mary had urged them “Do whatever he tells you”!

Isn’t that the way with us? We have a clear instruction from the LORD and we have objections. We can think of reasons why this does not apply to me. We can think of excuses why this would apply to others but I am strong enough, or wise enough so that this won’t affect me. So we do not instead of doing whatever He tells us.

Time and time again I have spoken with Christians who know they should only date Christians. However, they believe in their case they’ll be able to stand strong in their faith. Rather than doing whatever Jesus tells them, they do their own thing, to their great detriment. What about times when we go to worship even though we are harboring bitterness or resentment against a brother or sister? We have been told to leave our gift on the altar and make amends with our brother or sister. Here we do not do whatever Jesus tells us. We have churches where people have not spoken with one another for months or even years!

Ah beloved of Jesus, today we are invited to make it right. We are to do whatever He tells us. He knows the end from the beginning. He knows His commandments are unlike anything the world offers or commands. Our hearts are not automatically inclined towards obedience to the God of Glory. We buck against all sound reason, striving to return to the manure-filled stalls of our disobedience.

However, when we face the commandments of Jesus and in faith do whatever He tells us, we are given a peace that the world cannot explain. There is joy in His service filled with glory. Our circumstances may be difficult. We may face ridicule or discontentment from people around us precisely because we are following Jesus. Those around us who do not know the commandments of Jesus, will react, but it is exactly at that moment where they experience dissonance that we can express our confident faith in Jesus. Perhaps it is fellow Christians who will react and push back. It is precisely at that moment that we place our confident faith in Jesus and His commandments rather than accommodating the wrong we think might be the pathway to peaceful co-existence.

Simple words “Do whatever He tells you”. Know this: life-long adventure and challenge flow from it. You will experience the grace of our Lord and fruit of faithful living. If you have questions, ask a believer whose faith you admire and learn of Jesus.

King Jesus, one faithful theologian noted Christianity has not been tried and found hard it has been deemed hard and left untried. Forgive us, O Suffering Servant, for the times we have been unwilling to endure even the least inconvenience in our service to You. By Your Spirit renew in us the will and the strength to do all You command. May our lives bring honour and praise to our Father in heaven and in doing all You command Jesus, may we win many souls to join us in doing all You command. Amen.