November 5, 2020 -- John 13:12 -- Contend for faithful understanding

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you?”

John 13:12 English Standard Version

The answer is “no”! No, the disciples did not understand what Jesus had done for them nor would they understand what He was about to do—to be traded for 30 pieces of silver—the price of a slave. He was abandoned by disciples who’d walked with Him for three years, who had watched the miracles, listened to the teaching and heard of the glory yet to be. Jesus faced His crucifixion knowing His closest followers had no idea what He was doing. It was so then, and it is so today.

Do you understand what Jesus has done for you? Your sins have been punished on His Person at the cross. You don’t have to carry them anymore. Even as Jesus’ first followers failed Him and abandoned Him so you too know you have not been faithful to Jesus. The more you tried to more you can see how weak and intermittent is your obedience. Do you understand Jesus gave Himself for you because He knew your obedience and your life would never measure up?

Jesus has resumed His place—He is seated at the right hand of the Father. At this place Jesus speaks for you, prays for you. The Father and the Son have poured out the Spirit so that you can read the Bible and understand and believe and believing have a relationship with God—a relationship freed from the nagging fears that perhaps you are not enough.

Understand this: Jesus has paid it all. Your sins are forgiven. The hold of the darkness has been broken by the Light of Jesus’ presence and grace. Because of Jesus work at the cross, His victory over death and the grave the Father now rejoices over you with singing! Spend time thinking about Jesus. Read the Bible and consider all He has done for you. Realize the Mighty One of Heaven knows you by name and has reconciled you to Himself by the accomplished work of Jesus and He is guarding you in this delicious freedom and wonderful new life through the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit Who lives in you.

Father in heaven—we confess we do not understand what Jesus has done for us. We have an inkling and a small taste of it and then our doubts can rush in to overwhelm us. Thank You, Spirit of God, for the fact that You are God. You are greater than our fears and doubts. You delight to teach of Jesus’ accomplished work so that we know intellectually and receive into our hearts a deep-rooted conviction that Jesus is the One Sacrifice Who has made us right with our Father in heaven. Triune God blessed are You! Great and glorious is the song of salvation that stretches from Eden to the New Jerusalem! Amen.

November 4, 2020 -- John 13:3-5 -- An army of worshipers

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

John 13:3-5 English Standard Version

Why would you show any kindness to your enemy? You likely don’t want to show any weakness, knowing an enemy can take you apart when he knowns where to hit you. In this world you see politicians posturing and haranguing and threatening. It is what the weak must do.

Notice the power of Jesus Christ. He has all authority. The Father in heaven has blessed Him and empowered Jesus for service. He cannot be moved. He cannot be diverted from the path of righteousness. He cannot be manipulated from carrying out His obedient love to the Father which involves saving lost and ruined sinners from the judgment of God which would cast them into hell.

That is why Jesus washes Judas’ feet—the very one who would betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

Jesus was secure enough to wash Peter’s feet—the man would would deny Him three times.

Jesus washed the feet of every one of His disciples—Jesus was secure in His place as one loved by His Father in heaven so much so He was confident and bold to humble Himself and wash the feet of those who needed to know the depths of redeeming love.

It was an act of unimaginable power for Jesus to stoop down and wash the disciples feet—He was not afraid of being misunderstood nor questioned nor mocked.

Jesus’ redeeming work reaches to every place in your life that needed or needs cleansing. He is powerful enough to bring His cleansing. He is secure in the Father’s love to the extent that while you were still a sinner, He died for you and all whom the Father had given Him. He rose unto the complete salvation of all who name Him as Lord and rose up in terrible judgment and condemnation against all who refuse Him.

Corona virus and the responses of governments and despots, fear-mongering prognosticators or sincere officials cannot turn aside the purposes of our God revealed in Jesus. Live for the King of Glory with great confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit so that your witness and obedience is exactly what those around you need.

Whether or not Trump regained the White House matters very little in the grand scheme of things. Jesus reigned in victory through-out all of history. He is in charge. If Trudeau’s minority government continues to limp from one scandal to another for some time yet, the Kingship of Jesus and His holiness is not in any way compromised. Jesus knows the victory He will show at the moment history ends and all things mysterious to the world now, will be revealed. Jesus the Captain of Salvation will have proved Himself again faithful and powerful in all things bringing radiant glory to the Father in heaven, and the Spirit will illuminate every dull heart and blind eye so that the victory of Jesus will drive all people to their knees in wonder before Him.

Walk with the confident assurance of one washed by Jesus, loved to the full extent of His power, who is, therefore, enabled to bear witness to the world around you. Whether or not anyone listens to you the Son enthroned in heaven is aware of Your dedication and fearlessness and His Spirit guards you and blesses you in the Scripture-assurance-filled promise that in Christ you are a deeply loved son or daughter of God the Father.

Father of Splendor and Power—Your people Israel went out into battle led by singers who praised You saying, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His steadfast love endures forever”! It is foolishness in the eyes of the world and evidence that what man deems as foolish is wisdom beyond human imagining. Spirit of God, move believers as the army of worshipers and singers who praise the Father declaring His love shown so perfectly and fully in Jesus Christ. Spirit of God if your people, entrusted to you in Christ, are exalted or humbled, used powerfully or set aside in Your reserves for a season, continue to teach all in the wisdom of Jesus and His dedicated, obedient love so that the world will see the Unspeakable majesty and purposes of God the Father. Amen.

November 3, 2020 -- John 13:1 -- Love that is real; Love that is strong.

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

John 13:1 English Standard Version

In a few hours Jesus would be betrayed into the hands of Jewish leaders, Roman soldiers and Jesus’ own disciples would run away. All would be scattered, all would abandon Him, none would come to His defense. More even than this, Isaiah tells us it was the Father’s will to crush Him (Isaiah 53:10)—that is, to put onto Jesus Christ the punishment for all our sins. He would face torment and anguish unspeakable and indescribable. Yet the declaration inspired by the Holy Spirit and given to the Gospel-writer is this: He, Jesus, loved them to the end.

Jesus was confident of the Father’s purposes in salvation so Jesus walked the road of suffering.

Jesus was confident in the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain His human flesh and blood during this trial and anguish and torment—the valley of the shadow of death.

Jesus was confident that His suffering would bring glory to the Father, and be the propitiation—the sacrifice which removed the perfectly just and appropriate wrath of God against sin.

Therefore Jesus loved, demonstrated His love for His disciples though they misunderstood Him.

Therefore Jesus loved, enduring their self-centredness, knowing unless He died and rose and broke the hold of sin, their stubborn rebellious hearts could never be freed.

Therefore Jesus loved, aware that this salvation would bring many sons and daughters to the full awareness of the Father’s determined, unshakable, and greater-than-the-sun intensity love for them.

Maybe you are aware of your sins today. Jesus’ love is great.

Maybe you realize you are unworthy of love. You are right. Yet Jesus loves you and loves you to the end so that you will know the love of the Father, demonstrated in the perfection by Jesus, through the power of the Spirit who lives in you.

Maybe you think, God can’t possibly love me after all I’ve done. I Corinthians 6 reminds us that we were: sexually immoral, idol-worshipers, adulterers, homosexual and transgender practicing, corrupted people, thieves, drunkards, angrily insulting of all that is good, exploitative manipulators (just to name a few sins, all of which are broken by the next, beautiful and powerful words pointing to Jesus) and “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and this is continually applied to you by the Spirit of our God” (adapted from I Corinthians 6:9b-10).

Truly, He loved them, and He loves you, and He loves ,all who will believe—He loved them to the end—to the complete satisfaction of God the Holy One Jesus working by His Spirit has effected complete cleansing, making holy so that it is spoken over us “Not guilty!” Hallelujah! What a Savior!

With the Psalmist what can we do but lift up our eyes to the hills and to the heavens—our Help is from You! You have preserved us, Father in heaven, despite our willfulness and inclination toward every sin. What was promised has been accomplished in Jesus: “The LORD will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life.” Praise and honour, blessing and exultation belong to You, Jesus. Blessed are You, Spirit of God as You keep us in the ordinary rhythms of our life—our going out to do and work and our coming home again—all this until our life is ended and eternity is ours in the Presence of the Triune Majesty, Who is forever blessed and glorious. Amen.

November 2, 2020 -- John 12:50 -- Carrying the Name and Reputation

And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.

John 12:50 English Standard Version

The Fall weather is significantly colder now and I am back to wearing a winter coat, well, minus the warm inner lining which can be zipped in or taken out. The winter coat has the name of the car company I used to work for emblazoned on it: “Enterprise”. When I was hired I was told I must follow company policy. I am required to follow traffic laws. It was emphasized—”You are wearing the company hat and shirt and coat—wherever you are, you represent the company, act in such a way that you do not discredit the company". If a car company desires its employees to act in such a way as not to discredit its name and reputation, how much more, infinitely more, ought you, as a Christian to strive to bring honour and credit to the Name of the Father in heaven?!

Jesus did so perfectly. He perfectly obeyed the Father—from the moment His life began until His dying Jesus was without any imperfections in His obedience. He declared the wonder and the blessing, the joy and the adventurous enthusiasm for total dedication to the Father in heaven.

You will fail. You will strive and try and fall. But eternal life is knowing Jesus Christ and believing His perfect life is credited to you even as His punishment at the cross cleared your account of any punishment owing. You are completely set free. This is why knowing and living out the commandment of the Father is eternal life—you do not earn this, you show by your life you are bought by the blood of Jesus Christ and set free for delighted obedience, thankful obedience for all that is now yours.

Therefore shout out this Good News to any and all you meet. New life has taken hold of you in Christ. The Spirit of God has lifted you up from death to life according to the glory of Christ decreed to be yours by the Father in heaven. Live up to the Name and the Reputation of God the Blessed: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When you stumble and mess up, declare all over again—how great is the LOVE of God the Compassionate, that this sin too is fully covered and you are freed to leave it and walk in newness of life.

O LORD, You are the Good Shepherd! Jesus You have restored our souls. Spirit of the Living God, lead us, forgiven and freed, into the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. Triune God, You have prepared a table before us in the presence of our enemies, You have anointed us with oil; our cups filled with Your blessings overflow! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life and we shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever! Amen.

October 31, 2020 -- John 12:36-43 -- Terrible Glory

When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. 37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

“Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,
    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,

40 “He has blinded their eyes
    and hardened their heart,
lest they see with their eyes,
    and understand with their heart, and turn,
    and I would heal them.”

41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

John 12:36-43 English Standard Version

This is a passage longer than I’d usually use for these devotions. The reason for doing this is that the passage is difficult to understand and breaking it up into smaller portions would lop off the explanation contained in it. Why would Jesus hide Himself from the crowds? Why would the LORD blind the hearts of people, harden their hearts and prevent them from being healed?

Isaiah the prophet saw a vision of the glory of the LORD. The utter holiness of the LORD wrecked Isaiah. He felt like he was disintegrating before the holiness of God. Isaiah confessed his sinfulness and received cleansing from the LORD. Isaiah was then strengthened to serve God no matter what reaction rebellious kings or prophets, disbelieving people or priests spoke against him. Isaiah loved the glory of God and desired to reflect back to God glory rather than receive glory and praise from people—which would last only as long as you stick to their ever-changing, ever-increasing-in-wickedness agendas.

The people in Jesus’ day were happy to see Jesus as a miracle worker. They realized how awesome it’d be to have a wandering healer in their midst, but they were not prepared to follow Him when religious authorities or family members and friends turned against Him or against them. The vacillating crowd wanted ease, wanted healing and wanted the people around them to like them. They were not prepared to follow Jesus when it became difficult. That’s the heart of it—Jesus is not begging and pleading: “Oh please, OH PLEEEZ follow ME!”. Understand this, Jesus is the Lord of Glory—to know Him is the greatest treasure. It is worth it if all people curse you and misunderstand you, as long as you have Jesus. To start on the pathway of knowing Jesus and then to abandon ship is to invite greater condemnation and wrath from God.

Know this—when you take hold of Jesus, you will undertake the greatest adventure of your life. Be prepared for the fact that people will critique. They will hate you. They will question you and mock you. Even others who seem like Christians will fight against you. Do not give up. Fix your eyes on Jesus and know this: the glory that comes from man and the world is useless—in a minute or two fashions will change and you’ll fall into great disgrace. The glory that comes from God moves from glory to ever greater heights of glory. God is infinite and the adventure of following Him, is like no other glory and no other adventure.

The prayer today is based on Psalm 124:6-8

Blessed be the LORD Who has not given us as prey into the teeth of fickle crowds and lawless leaders. Blessed be the LORD Who has caused us to escape like birds in flight; in the great Name of Jesus Christ we have escaped the nets set by the wicked and we have shaken off the foolish desire for the praises of men, the desire for the glory of people. Spirit of the Living God You have taught us to declare with ever growing, confident faith: “Our help is in the Name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth!” Amen.

October 30, 2020 -- John 12:36 -- Jesus the Light

While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.

John 12:36 English Standard Version

A few chapters ago we read Jesus’ words: “I AM the Light of the World” (John 8:12). The world walks in the darkness of sin, of addictions, of fears, and is rushing headlong to death and hell. Jesus declared to all who’d listen that He is the Light.

Jesus shows the wicked their destructive path. Jesus reveals to the broken their only source of healing and help—Jesus Himself. Jesus illuminates the destructive work of the devil and the impact of sin on your life. When the Light of Jesus shines on you, you are confronted with the choice—walk in the Light or stay shrouded in darkness.

To have the Light is to acknowledge Jesus. To have the light is to read His Word. To have the light is putting into practice the things He teaches you.

To believe in the Light is choosing to put your life, your faith and your confidence in Jesus. To believe in the Light is to decide your confidence is not in government, nor in yourself, nor in any other philosophy or worldview. To believe in the Light is to leave your sinful practices and habits. To believe in Jesus Christ means getting connected with a Jesus-preaching and Jesus obeying Church. You will need to have other believers encourage you in believing in the Light Who is Jesus. You will need new associations and new influences in your life who can help direct you in all that is associated with the Light that is Jesus.

To be sons of the Light means you will inherit the blessings of the Father. Jesus gains for you a place as a dearly loved son or daughter of the Most High God—He Who lives in Splendour. To live as a son or daughter of the light means people around you will see Jesus in you. They will see the changes you are making and know these changes are made in your life by the power presence of God Himself. It is true, sons and daughters of the Light are given the Holy Spirit Who guards you in Jesus, Who teaches You through Biblical preaching in church and your Bible reading so that you will understand the rich blessings that are yours already in Jesus Christ and the wonderful blessings of eternity in the Light of God’s glorious presence.

Faithful Jesus, thank You for making Yourself known to those You walked among two thousand years ago. Thank You Jesus that Your Spirit continues to shine the Light, teaching Who You Are and why living in the Light matters so much. Father in heaven, make Your Name great—let the Light of Jesus shine brightly from the pages of Scripture, from the life of believers, from the magnificence of creation. Father in heaven let believers shine the Light of Jesus with such devotion that many will be drawn to Jesus Christ. Amen.

October 28, 2020 -- John 12:30 -- Deeply reassured of the Father's love

Jesus answered, “The voice has come for your sake, not mine.”

John 12:30 English Standard Version

This is Jesus’ last speech which He gave before crowds prior to His trial and crucifixion. After this chapter there will be several chapters of Jesus’ farewell address to His disciples. The context here is important—Jesus has crowds of people in front of Him, some love Him, some hate, some are confused, some are detractors scorning and wondering Who He really Is. The Father in heaven spoke to Jesus. It was a majestic, thundering voice. Some in the crowd just heard thunder. Others heard the word of the Father, the affirmation of the Father. Yet, consider Jesus’ simple explanation, “The voice has come for your sake, not mine.”

Think how often you need affirmation. You can become completely deflated if someone doesn’t say thank you. If your boss criticizes you for something you left undone while ignoring all the things and times you went above and beyond what was required. So much of your sense of equilibrium is based on approval given or approval withheld.

Jesus is not like you in this way. He was not seeking approbation from the crowd. Jesus walked in the deep reassurance that His Father in heaven loved Him and approved His work. Through-out His life, Jesus was rejected by His own people, family, disciples and hated by the religious authorities. How did Jesus cope? He trusted the Word of God—the Old Testament—the assurance He is the beloved one of God. He leaned into the Spirit of God—given to Him without measure—not seeking His worth in fickle human kudos. He was confident in the approval of His Father in heaven.

Dearly loved children of God—how easy it is for you to look for approval from people. You are hungering after the wrong sustenance. You are made by God the Father—fearfully and wonderfully He made you in the womb (Psalm 139). You are valuable because of your origins. You are valuable because healthy or sick, rich or poor, famous or infamous you are intimately known by God. That is your greatest treasure to belong to Him by the accomplished work of Jesus and kept as His workmanship, loved children not based on what you do or don’t do, you are dearly children who are saved by grace alone through faith alone by Christ alone by Scripture alone for the glory of God alone so that you don’t boast in yourselves, but your boast all the day is in the Triune God of Glory!

Blessed Jesus, thank You for the rescue story You have given us. Father in heaven, blessed are You and we thank You for rescuing us from the kingdom of death and darkness and bringing us to the kingdom of Light, the Kingdom of the Son You love. Spirit of God, rescuer of the lost, keeper of the wayward, apply all these rich and extravagant blessings so that our insecurities melt away in the light of the radiance of Jesus Christ and whether we are love by the world or hated, we will have the bold courage and peaceful security to live for Jesus. Amen.

October 27, 2020 -- John 12:28 -- The Father's Glory on Display!

“Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

John 12:28 English Standard Version

Jesus is now just a few hours away from His betrayal and death. He had entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, a sign of Kingship according to the prophecy of Zechariah. The people are expecting an earthly glory, a Kingdom that will overthrow Roman. They were not thinking in broad and large enough terms! The glory of the Father is such that He sent the Son to conquer sin, earthly kingdoms, rebellious hearts, tyrannical despots, unchain the creation from the effects of Adam and Eve’s sin and the sins of all subsequent generations, and defeat death, the grave and hell. That is the glory of the Father. How is this glory accomplished? The fullness of the glory of God is. From eternity to eternity God is great and glorious. In Jesus Christ the Father’s glory is revealed, manifested unto people. Here’s how.

The glory already given:

~the Prophets who declared the unmerited mercy of God in withholding death and punishment until the time of the Messiah

~the Kings who were supposed to rule as under shepherds of the LORD of Glory

~the Priests who by making sacrifices and praying for the people showed the coming Messiah would be the full and final sacrifice who takes away the sin of the world

~Jesus was born—fully human and fully God—His incarnation means that the glory of the LORD lives among the people of God

The glory the Father will bring in Jesus:

~the Prophet Who is God’s final word and the radiance of His glory; this is why the Bible is not still being written. It is a closed book—Jesus is the Final Word. He is the “Amen”.

~the King Whose reign will never end—Jesus is on the throne, Covid-19 is not unseating Him, wars and despots don’t thwart His purposes—He is bringing history to its full and final conclusion

~the Priest who offered His body in our place so that our sins are forgiven and He is praying for us at our Father’s right hand in heaven

~He was lifted up on the cross and as He was bearing the punishment for our sins, He prayed for the soldiers who were gambling for His clothes, He forgave the criminal crucified next to Him who’d been taunting Him and who suddenly, in view of Jesus’ glory and peace even on the cross then realized Jesus really is the glory of the Father—even His humiliation could not erase the traces of His great majesty.

~Now He is risen from the dead, ascended to the Father’s right hand—watch and see how much more Jesus will be glorified by the Father and make the Father’s Name and glory greater because of His dedicated love for and obedience to the Father’s will which ensures none of the people elect unto eternal life should be lost.

Spirit of the Living God, broaden our vision, increase our capacity to see the accomplished work of Jesus with the eyes of faith and an imagination that is being made holy and whole. Jesus, by the testimony of Your Spirit vivifying our hearts and the Bible teaching us by the Spirit’s power, let the weight of Your glory bring us to know our Father in heaven more dearly and truly. Triune God, as the fullness of Your presence, Your holiness, Your justice and righteousness are made know to us, enable our head and heart and hands praise You in every area of our lives. Great God of Eternal and Terrible Splendour all honour and power, dominion and praise are Yours now and forever—Amen.

October 26, 2020 -- John 12:27 -- Suffering and Glory

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.”

John 12:27 English Standard Version

The book of John is broadly divided into two parts: the book of signs and the book of glory. The first twelve chapters have many miracles, or signs, which verify Jesus is Who He says He Is. He is fully God from all eternity and He is become incarnate—fully human. Chapter Thirteen onwards is the book of glory. He is now near the day of His betrayal, crucifixion and death. It will seem He has, unwillingly, been defeated. His flesh will suffer greatly. He Is the Lamb of God, by Whose suffering, crushing death our sins are fully atoned for. It is the hour for which He has come into the world—the Father is glorified in bringing many sons and daughters to salvation by Jesus’ sacrifice. Jesus’ obedience brings glory to the Father. The Spirit, given to Jesus without measure, is proved to be the Spirit of Glory Who is the strength of the people of God. The Spirit of God Who sustained Jesus in His humanity through this crisis and trial is the same Spirit Who sustains you and me.

What trial or suffering are you enduring now? Perhaps your finances have been rocked by Covid-19. Perhaps you are facing marital crisis. Maybe your addictions are raging because you are denying yourself the alcohol (or insert here the addiction of choice) you’ve freely ingested before but now, in view of Jesus, you have chosen to live clean. Maybe you are dealing with coworkers who hate your faith. It might be your family does not understand your devotion to the cause of Jesus. Your life might be nearing its end and laying down your mortal flesh and the pains of illness or age which ravage you are so heavy to bear. The suffering of Jesus Christ is instructive.

1. The Spirit of God will sustain you. Pray and ask for the help of the Spirit because you cannot endure suffering in your own strength. Nor are you meant to.

2. Know that Jesus suffered and our if Master endured suffering we as His servants (who, according to John 15:14 are now not just slave-servants, but are called friends) will also suffer because we claim Him as our King.

3. The Father in heaven is glorified—He has chosen you, believe He will use every instance of suffering, every trial to build your faith, cleanse you of sinful corruptions and build in you a greater capacity for the Spirit to work so that your devoted love to Jesus is enlarged thus making even more perfect your witness to Jesus.

Great are You Lord Jesus, our Master and Friend! Blessed Spirit guide us in the right paths, especially now as our suffering is intense and bewildering. Father in heaven, remind us, by Your Spirit’s presence and the full glory of Jesus’ life displayed in the open pages of Scripture, of Your love that will never fade nor will You ever be bored with Your people. Let the purposes for which Jesus came into the world be accomplished—build up Christians in our faith, in community with one another and let the Light of Christ shining in and through us be a brilliant testimony to this world. Triune God, through our witness, bring many sons and daughters to the glory of knowing Your fulsome salvation. Amen.

October 23, 2020 -- John 12:26 -- Must Follow

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.

John 12:25 English Standard Version

Those who belong to Jesus follow Jesus. That truth seems basic enough, until you unpack it. Consider the movies you watch. Think about the commercials you linger over. Review recent purchases. Ask yourself how you treated the nincompoop waitress who messed up your order again because the facemask she is wearing apparently interferes with her hearing. Wait, it is tempting to strike that last example. Seriously, review your day and ask yourself: am I following Jesus?

To follow Jesus means to discipline your life so that you are in conformity with His. This is not done in order that you may be saved. Consider this illustration. If you are on an airplane, you are headed where the plane is going. Salvation is like that—you are saved—Jesus is bringing you on the plane of salvation to His Father in heaven. As His servant, how you behave on that flight, how you speak and where you choose to keep silent shows you truly are His. When you act with disrespect and in ways that dishonour your Master, confess it. As soon as the Spirit of God brings this infraction to your attention. You do so for the joy of your salvation and in view of the humble honour of joining Him journeying to the Father.

These are especially difficult days to live as a Christian. To be honest, each age and every era has its own unique challenges for Christians. Jesus noted to be one who serves Him means you MUST follow Him. Jesus loved the hated tax collectors, visiting them and calling them to faithfulness. Jesus ministered to the widow and orphan. Jesus touched lepers (I remember when Princess Diana visited an AIDS patient. Then it was still a mysterious, horrifying disease not well understood. On April 19, 1987 Princess Diana removed her glove and touched an AIDS patient. It was electric. This was carried by the media all around the world. That is the kind of impact it would have when Jesus touched a leper-Matthew 8:3). Where is Jesus calling you to move past your comfort zone and follow Him in holy service? Where is Jesus calling you to confess wrong-doing?

May the Spirit of God give you all grace and help in order to serve Jesus wherever He has placed you, all unto the glory of the Father.

Mighty Spirit of God, establish the work of our hands where we have sought to be blameless in our dedication to Christ. Holy Spirit bring to mind all that needs to be confessed so that our hearts will not be clouded and therefore hindered in service to Jesus. Spirit of God, let the beauty of Jesus and the Splendour of His radiancy which You reveal by the Word and Your Presence within us, move us to exuberant service so that our Father is honoured and praised. Amen.

October 22, 2020 -- John 12:23-25 -- The Weight of Glory Unfolding

The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 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. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this work will keep it for eternal life.

John 12:23-25 English Standard Version

Some non-Jewish people approached Philip and Andrew and asked to see Jesus. Our text today is Jesus’ response. A strange response it is indeed. Jesus is the healer. He is the Man Who taught with authority. He cast out demons. He shows His authority over nature. Was He just a magician? Was He just a miracle worker? Would He suitable for a First Century version of Israel has Talent?! This is why Jesus answered as He did. He spoke of His impending death.

Why did Jesus have to die? He compared Himself to wheat. Put a kernel of wheat into the ground and it appears dead. Yet it will sprout and bear 40, 60 or 100% fruitfulness. Jesus had to die so that the penalty of sin would be fully paid for. Jesus had to die in order that the full family of God would be brought into the household of God. So His death resulted in tremendous fruitfulness.

Why do the followers of Jesus have to die to themselves? We follow Jesus to death. We die to ourselves now. We die to our imaginings of who or what we expected Jesus to be. We die to our sinful inclinations in order that in Christ we can rise in newness of life. What is the benefit of this? All what we have here we cannot keep. When we die, all our hopes, plans, and our vain thoughts that we are invaluable come to an abrupt halt. When we die now for Jesus Christ, we lose all things here on earth, things we can’t keep anyways, in order to inherit from Jesus life that never ends, security in the presence of our Father—as our sins are fully covered and we are called righteous through Jesus. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain in Christ!

Most importantly, this means the request of the non-Jewish people who approached Phillip and Andrew, is answered. They see Jesus clearly when they see Him as He has revealed Himself to be: the Savior of the World Who died for our sins and rises to newness of life. Surely that is evidence of His glory.

Covid-19 has shown us how quickly we can lose all things. How quickly a government can become tyrannical, ruling and commanding hapless people in areas not under its mandate. Covid-19 shows us how quickly the voodoo Baal doctors, who masquerade as scientists while instead making godless philosophical and theological statements, can become the strongest voices our world listens to. We need to die to these fears. We need to consider Jesus Christ as the Lord of Glory and the King Who directs our lives. We need to die to the world, its measures and visions and rise to life in Jesus. In Him alone will our lives have tremendous fruitfulness.

King Jesus, Your words and Your life, declare the the glory of God our Father. Blessed are You. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever—how vast the benefits divine which we in Christ possess. Spirit of the Living God how precious are Your works, to guard and keep believers in these rich blessings of Jesus—as You help us to die to ourselves in You we then rise up to new life in Jesus. Your words and Your rules are true and altogether righteous and more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold! Amen.

October 20, 2020 -- John 12:12-13 -- Triumph in our King

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

John 12:12-13 English Standard Version

This same crowd shouting “Hosanna” would a few days later shout “Crucify!” One day they are declaring Jesus saves! Then a few days later they call for His death. Jesus foretold of His crucifixion—unless He died in the place of sinners—the guiltless one for guilty—no one could see God. The greatness of our sins would preclude the possibility of entering the Father’s holy presence.

Even so, the crowd was right in this one thing, Jesus was and remains the King! He is the Deliverer. Though His strategy was hidden from the crowds, it has been declared and celebrated through-out history ever since. It is a critical lesson for us today. Though this Covid-19 pandemic seems to have gripped the world with feverish fears, and many people wonder “Where is God?” The simple answer is He is working out His kingly purposes through-out this trying time.

Human faith is placed in a vaccine. Human faith is placed in government hand-outs. Human faith is placed in big pharma. Human faith always looks to snake oils and quick fixes without reference to God Who alone is the Help of the helpless.

True faith is placed in Christ Who has taken away the sin of the world. True faith is anchored in the Kingship of Jesus Who is leading His people in victory no matter what temporary governments do. True faith is living now as a citizen of the Eternal Kingdom, irrespective of government dictates and fear mongering. Believers will gather, pray and praise the Living King. “Our help is in the Name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8).

The eyes of faith see Jesus, seated at the Father’s right hand and do not fear for ourselves—instead, armed with the knowledge that all who oppose our Lord and King will one day be cast into hell, we pray urgently for our leaders, for prime ministers and premiers, for mayors and officials of all sorts, for our family and neighbours that they will know the Lord and rejoice in His salvation.

Our prayer this morning is taken from Psalm 118—what a confident prayer-song the Spirit of God has given to believers for all the centuries to stir the hearts of saints in every time and age of distress! One day we shall sing this song in the Presence of the Triune God, forever blessed!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;

for His steadfast love endures forever!

Out of my distress I called on the LORD;

the LORD answered me and set me free.

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

“The LORD is on my side as my helper;

I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in man.

Psalm 118:1,5-8 ESV

October 19, 2020 -- John 12:9-11 -- Exposing the Lies

When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

John 12:9-11 English Standard Version

Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. It was dramatic proof, a sign that Jesus is Who He said He Is. Jesus is the Son of God in power and the Son of Man—sent to break the chains of sin and brings many sons and daughters to the glory of knowing God the Father. Evil hates anything good. The chief priest, the very person appointed to be the religious leader directing the people of God to pray for and prepare for the coming Messiah (Who is Jesus, the anointed One) refused Jesus. The chief priest wanted to hold on to power and his position.

The Jewish leadership’s refusal to accept Jesus was tragic. It is also classic, sin is never content with a small portion. It will always grow. The Lord of the Rings author Tolkien captured this well with the character of Denethor II, the Steward of Gondor. Denethor refused to acknowledge his overlord, Aragorn who was the rightful Heir of Isildur and therefore rightful claimant to the vacant throne. Denethor would rather pull down the defenses of the kingdom of Gondor than allow Aragorn to return in power and claim his throne.

It is similar to the sinfulness of our current situation. Two weeks of lockdowns have morphed. We are now at the point where we have suffered more than 200 days of lockdowns. The government cannot acknowledge it has over-reached. Rather than admit their faulty policies they are propagating a lie and adding to it. What is incredibly unfortunate, shameful even, is that the general population is going along with this lie. This is not about “saving one life” because abortions continue. Hospitals have been cleared in case Covid-19 cases increase—so that cancer patients, heart patients and those who would normally go to hospitals with health concerns remain undiagnosed and are suffering greatly. When a lie is allowed to take root and go unchallenged the consequences are dire.

Thanks be to God He is in charge. Jesus knew the days of His crucifixion were near. He did not shrink from going to Jerusalem and becoming the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus’ enemies were not able to overturn the work of our Savior-King. We can be sure today as well, though the Denethors of the world do not acknowledge our King, He will be triumphant. Christians are called to be faithful. Gather and pray. Worship and trust. Expose the lies that are being perpetuated—our government is not following “science”, in fact, it has a voodoo-science it follows and its agenda is wholly pagan. Expect there will be repercussions but we will serve the King until His reign is fully revealed and those who endured for His Name’s sake will be rewarded.

What can I, as an ordinary citizen do?

Write your government officials—provincial M.P.P. and federal M.P. and respectfully call for the lockdowns to be ended.

Write Corrections Service Canada and appeal for prisoners to have religious visitors. Incarcerated men and women have been denied long enough. There are “on-site” chaplains, but they cannot see enough people. Those in prison have been denied access to basic rights for so long. When these men and women will eventually be paroled the unjust treatment of our prisoners will have consequences. There are many religious leaders desirous to return to the prisons to offer spiritual care!

Pray. Pray for our government that the lies will be exposed and the government will finally act with integrity.

Ask God to give courage to our Christian leaders across this land who have been timid when courage and boldness is called for. Certainly we can see the mishandling of Covid-19 and the lies which surround it are more exposed than ever, it is not science our government is following, but an agenda of evil and manipulation. Christian leaders are to call this out.

Live with the full assurance we do not need to anxious. Jesus our King has not been caught off guard by these machinations and the devil’s scheming. Jesus will bring history to its culmination, when He returns. Therefore, we as believers, live for Him in defiance of the nonsensical things swirling around us.

Blessed Father, You have instructed us by Your Word and Spirit to test the spirits of the age. We are to call out false prophets and leaders who are acting in ways that are contrary to the rule of Your great Son. The time is short and when You, Jesus, return in all Your glory, Jesus Radiance of the Father’s splendour, it is our longing that governments leaders and neighbours, judges and family members will by then know You. Give us holy courage, as Christian citizens to trust the fact that You, Jesus, have overcome the world. Spirit of Truth move us to live and speak in such a way that the spirit of error, so rooted and dominant in this age, will be exposed. Prepare us, Captain of Salvation, to suffer and endure for Your great Name’s sake so that fellow citizens will forsake the lies of our age and follow You, Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit for the glory of the Father. Amen.

October 17, 2020 -- ENOUGH Covid Nonsense led by the Voodoo-Baal priesthood of "science"

Enough!

I have had enough of the Covid-19 lies.

First and foremost, we are breaking the commandments of God. You shall have no other gods before Me—Exodus 20:3. Right now Christians are listening to to the Voodoo Baal priests, rather than listening to God. Using the generic term “scientists” to endorse all the pandemic related policies is wrong. There are so many branches of science: epidemiologists, virologists, medical doctors and so on. There is no one branch of “science” that covers it all. More importantly, invoking the nebulous term “scientists” is being allowed to answer questions of theology. Theology asks us: “what is the meaning of my life?” Simply put, the chief aim of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This is not in view for our government. This is not in view for our Voodoo Baal priest scientists. Christians, speak the truth.

You shall not bow down to them…the second commandment—you shall not bow down to a carved image or likeness of anything. God alone is worthy of our worship and adoration and praise. In our world today the image is being worshiped by “science” and these Voodoo Baal priests in government is a Covid free life. It is godless. TB continues to take lives, but it is not being lifted as the carved image. Our government is aborting children at an alarming rate while mouthing the tired, slogan they don’t believe saying every life matters. Our government is lining up patients in hospital hallways to kill them, but saying the only deaths that matter are Covid deaths. It is an image of the world that I don’t subscribe to. My life is dedicated to God—the Triune—no matter if there is Covid or no Covid. I am TIRED of my own cowardice, the cowardice of my denomination, of my fellow citizens and of our government. For shame. We must repent in ashes before our God!

Third—we are taking the Lord’s Name in vain! We are violating the third commandment, claiming our dedication to the Majesty of God while allowing an open lie to continue. Governments stated: we are going to flatten the curve, for 15 days. It is 200 plus days later. Christian leaders have been denying our people the LORD’s mandated command or meeting together. Our Christian leaders disobey the Word of the LORD, in so doing deny our people their obligation to gather and worship and do so in the name of obeying a Voodoo Baal priest-led government. This is violating the commandment not to take the Lord’s Name in vain. Now the sacred cow of our Voodoo Baal priesthood medical professionals and government is when a vaccine is ready then life may continue. I deeply and heartily apologize for not being bolder sooner and maintaining what I knew to be right. Enough. No more lies! No more carrot and stick. No more

The Sabbath day is violated. The government has been treating us like children—ignorant children. If you behave well, you might be allowed to celebrate Christmas. For shame! Enough. Sundays belong to the LORD. We are not following science, but a Voodoo Baal version of science. Before you react, tell me you have listened to the posts by eminent epidemiologists, the world’s best—and then respond. It is not “science” that is imposing on us. It is Voodoo Baal priesthood of medics who are leading the government demanding Christians stop worshiping. Enough! If the LORD is God, then obey Him.

We are not honouring our parents. Parents are cooped up in nursing homes. They are denied basic human rights. Living in a room, having a heart-beat, but having no human contact is not a full life. We are not honouring our parents by these measures. This same government has hospitals continuing with Medically Assistance in Death! We are NOT honouring our parents. We are lying and allowing a lie to continue by the Voodoo-Baal priesthood in charge of our country.

We are allowing murder to continue. The voodoo priesthood of government and “science” has stopped fertility practices from taking on new couples. The voodoo Baal government of B.C. is going after a hospice for not endorsing M.A.I.D. For shame—why is there no outcry?! There is no interest in life and certainly no interest in honouring our parents, and most importantly that which underlies this commandment, no interest in honouring the glory of our King!

Our Voodoo Baal government has lied. It is lying. It is not following science—they are following fear. You can find all kinds of opinions for and against—however, the government officials and Voodoo Baal priests and priestesses are not looking at collateral damage. They are not considering economics, quality of life, deaths coming like a tsunami because of starvation as workers can’t be found to harvest fields, food distribution networks have collapsed. In the video below it is estimated 130 million people will die because of pandemic lockdowns! Our Voodoo Baal government and her pandemic priesthood are not theologically oriented towards the LORD of Heaven and Earth. Enough of allowing their lies to continue unanswered and unchallenged.

How do we respond?

1. Gather for church. If you church is too timid to hold worship services, have people come to your home and worship together

2. Write your church leaders and challenge them on their stance of allowing the voodoo priests of Baal to dictate their theology.

3. Write your government at all levels—enough! This pandemic has disproportionately affected the poor and marginalized and institutionalized. The privileged classes are fine. Working from home. Able to buy and secure masks. If a mask costs a dollar and you are worried about food, it is wrong. There is no conclusive evidence masks are useful. Prisoners are denied spiritual care and visits. Those in nursing homes are basically incarcerated against their will—what if a senior is okay with having family visits, taking a measured Covid risk and perhaps dying with a rich life of family, hugs and life affirmed? There are many working poor people who have to go to minimum wage jobs, with no hope of relief, because missing a pay cheque will spiral their lives out of control. There are children’s aid cases languishing, families remaining hopelessly divided while rich lawyers, social workers not in fear of their pay cheque or jobs, ruthlessly rule the lives of those who are near poverty and cannot defend themselves nor their families.

4. Pray. We need to pray.

5. Obey the LORD.

6. Allow for discussions. I have been explosive in my words because anything less is immediately shouted down. I believe we need to recover real, deep conversation on this. Our churches do not allow the government to spout lies about evolution. Bible believing Christians strongly affirm the world was created in six 24-hours days and God created the blessing and gift of rest on the Sabbath day. We do not allow our Voodoo-Baal culture and pseudo-scientists to reinterpret what is so clearly spelled out in Scripture. Nor should we allow our godless culture to dictate our theology and philosophy of life based on lies. Let’s talk! Let’s call out lies. Let us seek the LORD while He may be found.

Respectfully submitted in His service~Shalom: Richard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz_Z7Gf1aRE&fbclid=IwAR1H4XaKW9cTASsw560vUgKPuPC6p8sI4jKWag4uY95jQ0L2mhO7IzNlWjs

October 17, 2020 -- John 12:8 -- Real Poverty Addressed

For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.

John 12:8 English Standard Version

What an odd statement. When I was growing up and this was read in family devotions, I remember how my mom struggled with these words. Why would Jesus say this? Jesus said this because He was present among His people for a short time. He was six days away from His crucifixion and death. It is appropriate that Mary should anoint Jesus with costly perfume. When someone, like Mary, gives herself 100% to Jesus, the result will be that the poor will be cared for as a consequence of her renewed, dedicated love to the Savior.

Of course, the poor we will always have with us for several reasons. There are people who will give themselves over to addictions to the point that they lose everything. There are people who will take risks with investments and for these reasons will become poor. There are swindlers and snake oil salesmen who will rip people off so that they lose all they have. There are Christians, disciples of Jesus Christ, who will lose everything in order to offer up their lives for Jesus.

Is poverty the worst thing a person can suffer? Not by a long stretch! The very worst thing anyone can suffer is a life lived in defiance to Jesus. Those worst, wasted life is one where a person knit together in his mother’s womb, living in the blessings of creation and drawing breath from the Creator, refuses to acknowledge the Lord of Life and wholeheartedly submit to Him.

It is not either or, for example: either I offer worship and praise to the Lord of Glory, or I give sacrificially to those in need. In fact the truth is, one leads to the other. One who is dedicated to Lord, in worship and living in view of His majesty will therefore give time, talents, resources, in service to those who are in need—whatever that need is.

Blessed Jesus, in view of the extravagant gift of Your life, lived in devoted obedience to our Father in heaven, for His glory and the salvation of the elect, empower us by Your Spirit to live for You. Amen.

October 16, 2020 -- John 12:3 -- Are you all-in?

Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

John 12:3 English Standard Version

This expensive ointment, nard, is described as valuable as a year’s wages. That is an incredible sum to pour out on Jesus. Some scholars believe that is her dowry, it is that valuable. And she gifts it wholly to Jesus, her bridegroom, the Lord of the church. Mary anointed Jesus’ head (according to Matthew and Mark) and His feet and wiped his feet with her hair. It shows Mary is 100% dedicated to Jesus.

How many of us are prepared to honour Jesus with 75% of ourselves? Or even 95%? What is the problem with this? I was preaching this text at Harvest House yesterday and one of the men observed one soft and rotting potato will soon make the whole bag worthless. So it is with our hearts. Unless we are 100% all in for Jesus, that small portion, however insignificant it seems, that we hold back, will infest and infect the rest of our soul and life.

What are you keeping back from Jesus? You give Jesus your public life, but in private you watch things that are inappropriate. Not pornography, but movies that are celebratory of godless themes and an offense to His holiness. Is this a new legalism? Is this laying on people burdens that are too much? No! Jesus is your full joy. There is no other Person in whom or thing in which you can delight. All other pleasures will betray you and fail you. Jesus alone is the Great Reward of your soul and life, your thoughts and emotions. Remember the text referred to a couple of days ago:

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,

to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.

II Chronicles 16:9 ESV

Blessed Jesus, purify our hearts by Your Word and Spirit so that we will be wholeheartedly devoted to You. Forgive us the times we would foolishly keep back a tawdry bauble for ourselves—when the treasures of heaven are spread out before us. Blessed are You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in our words and in all our lives be glorified. Amen.

October 14, 2020 -- John 11:53-54 -- Strongly Supported

So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.

Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with his disciples.

John 11:53-54 English Standard Version

Because Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the leaders of the people wanted to put Jesus to death. Jesus was convincing more and more people of the truthfulness of His message. He was unmasking the schemes of the wicked. Jesus was sent to seek and save the lost. Those who are lost will be rebellious in heart. They will fight against Him until they die and are cast into the lake of fire, or they will fight against Him until the Spirit of God conquers their hearts and draws them from the kingdom of death and darkness to the kingdom of light, the kingdom of the Son.

Know this, Jesus was not running scared. He continued to carry out the will of His Father. There is an Old Testament passage that is so relevant:

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.” II Chronicles 16:9 ESV

Jesus received strong support from His Father in heaven all through His earthly ministry. The Spirit of the LORD was given to Jesus without measure so that He was strongly supported in all His work and ministry. Jesus knew He had come to be the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. He knew He would face suffering and hardship. He willingly endured so that the Father in heaven would receive the glory due His Name, the Son would be glorified in giving His life as a ransom for many and the Spirit would be glorified as the real and present strength of God given to all who believe.

Do you face trials today? Is your heart near busting with frustration, wounds, temptations, anguish and troubles? Know this: the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole whole to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him. Perhaps you are saying, that is exactly the problem—my heart is NOT blameless toward Him! Know this—Jesus Christ has come, He has died, He is risen. All who believe in Him have had their sins cleansed. I urge you, believe in Him and be counted as righteous—blameless because of His perfection. Believe on the Lord Jesus and know He has taken your sins and been punished for them and He has given you a blameless heart.

That is the reason believers rejoice and bless God. Believers know the former darkness and rebelliousness of their hearts and marvel, praising God for the Great Exchange—the sinfulness of their lives given in exchange for the perfections of Jesus! The treasure of a blameless heart results in the enthusiastic praise of Jesus’ Name! The Spirit of God gives strong support to those who seek Him and desire the perfections of Jesus. The Spirit is the Spirit of Power and this Spirit Who directed and blessed and kept Jesus throughout all the troubles of His life will direct you and bless you and keep you through the storms and trials of your life until you see Jesus face to face and you realize—these light and momentary troubles are forgotten because of the weight of glory which is an eternity in His presence!

Blessed are You, God the Father of Your people. Worthy of all praise and honour are You, King Jesus—triumphant over sin and death, the grave and hell. Blessed Spirit of Strength, renew the minds of all who believe and bring deep and confident hope to the hearts of all who believe in Jesus. Let believers rejoice in all Jesus has accomplished and faith for all that is being brought to bear in the believer’s life so that salvation will be fully accomplished unto the glory and praise, honour and blessing of Your Name—Triune and Radiant God! Amen.

October 13, 2020 -- John 11:45-46 -- Miss or Well Placed Faith

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

John 11:45-46 English Standard Version

Is it enough just to have faith? Certainly the world is okay with the word “faith”. The question is, in what or in whom do you place this faith? If your faith is misplaced, no matter how strong it is, it will not carry you to eternal life in the exalted presence of God.

Here is a wonderful illustration about faith. Michael Kruger noted he could have strong faith that the Twin Engine Cessna he’s flying could take him from Moncton, NB, to London, UK. He is sure of it. So he tanks it up and at 640km, or just around 15% of the total distance to London, he crashes into the ocean. His faith, though strong, was misplaced. If Kruger, though he is frightened and nervous sits in a Boeing 747, though he is unsure and wavering, but fights his fears and stays on the plane it will carry him the full 4600km and he will land safely in London, Heathrow. Why? Because his faith though weak, was placed in the right object. The Boeing 747 can easily carry him to that destination.

Many Jews saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. Other Jews saw Jesus raise Lazarus and they kept their misplaced faith in the Pharisees, thinking people were in charge. They’re going to crash into the ocean of misplaced faith. The Jews who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead and placed their faith in Him, had put their faith in Him Who alone can carry them through the turbulence of this life to the joy of our Father in heaven.

Your confidence is not in your faith—your confidence is in Jesus Christ—the Captain of Salvation. He has washed away your sins. He has sent His Spirit to guard you in His perfect salvation. He has caused you to be named daughter or son of the Most-High God. He will bring all His beloved people safe through the turbulence of this life—so they can bear witness to His goodness all the while His protecting trajectory brings all His people safe to the eternal shore.

Lord Jesus Christ—You are the resting place for true faith. Spirit of God, increase the faith of Your people. There are days it is hard to hold on, but remind Your people that they are encapsulated in the great work of Jesus and He will bear them safe to the Father. Jesus, let Your Word and Spirit bring increase in the steadfastness of this sure and well-placed faith. Amen.

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

October 12, 2020 -- John 11:40b-44 -- Resuscitation vs Resurrection and Thanksgiving!

And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

John 11:41b-44 English Standard Version

Do you know the difference between a resuscitation and the resurrection? This is an important point. Jesus is called the “Firstfruit from the dead” (I Corinthians 15:20 and Revelation 1:5 the firstborn from the dead). Though others were raised from death to life—the widow of Nain’s son (Luke 7:11-17) and the little girl of Mark 5:41—these people would die once again. Jesus, when He walked out of that tomb, left His grave clothes behind! He was raised to life with new the resurrection body never to die again. Never to know in His flesh and mind the temptation of Satan—which at every step He’d resisted perfectly—even the possibility of Satan approaching to tempt Jesus is completely done. That is why He is the Firstfruit, the Firstborn from the dead because death no longer has power over Him! He is raised in power and by His resurrection death is defeated.

Jesus is the Firstfruit from the dead—when He rose to new life He had the glorified body prophesied in Psalm 16 and Isaiah 53:10 of one raised to new, eternal life. The grave clothes were left in place because Jesus’ body rose up through them. There was no need for anyone to unbind him from them. His body was raised in glory. His corruptible flesh was now incorruptible, a spiritual body.

This is why we, as Christians, have the greatest reason for thanksgiving—in Jesus Christ we are already now those who have glorious hope for new life—the resurrection body which can never die, never be subjected to temptation and evil. And, even more glorious and wondrous, we shall have the capacity to enjoy the Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit as we ought. More than this, when sin’s corrupting power is fully broken it is our delight to worship God and celebrate Him.

This is the beginning, the foretaste of what is ahead. Christians realize the splendor of God the Blessed and Glorious and we want to worship Him. Our minds are drawn to Him. Yes, sin still clings to us like burrs and terrible distractions, but the heart is directed towards thanksgiving and praise and joy in His presence. Ah, what a glorious thanksgiving celebration we can enjoy today and forever.

Today’s prayer is the versification of Psalm 16B “I’ll Bless the LORD Who Counsels Me” If you wish to hear the tune played as you read this prayer-Psalm, the link is included below.

Verse 6

I’ll bless the LORD who counsels me,

That I may know what’s right;

Indeed, my mind has given me

Instruction in the night.

Verse 7

I’ve set the LORD before my face

That Him I’ll always see.

Because He is at my right hand,

Unshaken I will be.

Verse 8

Because of this my heart is glad,

My glory celebrates;

Indeed, my body even now

In hope securely waits,

Verse 9

Because You will not leave my soul

Consigned to depths below;

Corruption You will not allow

Your Godly One to know.

Verse 10

The path of life You’ll show to me;

With You is joy untold.

And pleasures that will have no end,

In Your right hand You hold.

https://psalter.org/sing/psalter?psalter_in=arp

October 11, 2020 -- John 11:33-35 -- Many Reasons for Thanksgiving

 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.  And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.

John 11:33-35 English Standard Version

Jesus wept. We know this to be the shortest verse in the Bible (John 11:35). When Jesus saw the sister of Lazarus weeping at Lazarus’ death, when Jesus took in the effects of the sin which caused Mary’s weeping and was the reason why His work as Savior was needed—Jesus wept.

This Thanksgiving be thankful:

~for your Savior’s tears. He is not distant and cold. He is the Lord of Glory Who is moved by your pains

~for your Savior Who comforts those who mourn

~for your Savior Who is patient with your failings and directs you to life that never ends

~for your Savior’s resurrection which guarantees all believers will rise to newness of life

~for your Savior Who goes and prepares a place for you all who believe, a place in the new heavens and the new earth where tears and mourning shall be no more

~for your Savior Who brings you into the great company of saints who rejoice in Him—you are not alone as you work with all your might to apply this gift of salvation to every part of your mind, your life, your heart and your actions.

There is none like You, Jesus! From the Father’s great compassion and mercy, grace and love, You have been sent to seek and find lost and wandering sheep. Thank You Father in heaven for Your unstoppable love. Thank You, Jesus, for Your love and righteousness. Thank You Spirit of God for Your presence, gifted to men and women so that they should know Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. Thousand, thousand thanks Jesus. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmJtef10DWw