John 12 Six days before Passover when the Lamb of God would be sacrificed. Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey's colt. He is fulfilling every prophecy. Completing every command of His Father. Seeking to glorify the Name of His Father in this final week on earth.
And the Father is pleased. "I have glorified it ( His Name) before, and I will glorify it again!"
Jesus announces that the time has come. He repeats the important teachings, emphasizing the vital truths:
"He who loves his life loses it, but he who hates his life in this world will keep it safe right on into the eternal life!"
"If someone is serving me, let him follow me; wherever I am, my servant will be there too."
"The light will be with you only a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, or the dark will overtake you; he who walks in the dark doesn't know where he is going. While you have the light, put your trust in the light, so that you become people of light."
"Those who put their trust in me are trusting not merely in me, but in the One who sent me. I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who trusts in me might not remain in the dark."
"For I have not spoken on my own initiative but the Father who sent me has given me a command, namely, what to say and how to say it. And I know the his command is eternal life. So what I say is simply what the Father has told me to say."
Jesus calls us to walk as He walked. To walk in the light. To know where we are going. To follow Him so closely that where He leads we go. As He obeyed the Father's commands we are called to trust and obey Him.
Father in heaven, we want to walk in the Light and to glorify Your Name also. We desire to become people of light by trusting in the One and only Light of the world. Shine in us and through us. Fill us with the fulness that is in Jesus Christ our Lord that we might be forever with You eternally. amen.
Friday, February 28, 2020
Thursday, February 27, 2020
John 11 Jesus is the "Resurrection and the Life!" The death of Lazarus was for a purpose, Jesus said, ".. it is for God's glory, so that the Son of God may receive glory through it." As Jesus prayed, He again confirmed this, ".. so that they may believe that you have sent me." And many did believe.
But, the religious leaders refused to believe even this miracle. They were afraid that everyone would follow Jesus and that the Romans would come in and destroy the Temple and the nation. They missed out on the fact that the One who could raise the dead could also keep them from falling.
The high priest was given a prophesy.. "You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that one man should die for the people that the whole nation should not perish. " John adds, "Now this he did not say on his own initiative; but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad."
That's us! Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life.. the Gate.. the Good Shepherd.. leads us into eternal Life. This commentary says it like this.. "He declared that he is the door to the next world." Hallelujah!
Jesus promised Martha that "Whoever puts his trust in me will live, even if he dies; and everyone living and trusting in me will never die." Martha believed this. Yet when Jesus commanded that the stone be rolled away from Lazarus' tomb.. she hesitated. ".. Keep trusting" Jesus says. ".. you will see the glory of God.."
Life and death. In some ways we ignore the reality of death. We sort of prepare for it by drawing up wills and buying gravesites.. but, we are not really prepared. As impossible as it is for us to imagine eternity with no end.. it almost as hard to imagine the end of this life in the flesh. Charles Spurgeon wrote, " Dying is but going home. Indeed, there is no dying for the saints." Speaking of a dear friend's death, he wrote, " He drew up his feet and smiled. Likewise you and I will depart. He had borne his testimony in the light even when blind. He had cheered us all , though he was the greatest sufferer of us all. And now the film has gone from the eyes, the anguish is gone from the heart, and he is with Jesus. He smiled. What a sight was that which caused that smile!" (Emphasis mine)
Will we believe? Is Jesus our Resurrection ? When that day comes will we leave this world with a smile and enter the next with glory? I pray so! Let's keep trusting so that we will see His glory!
Father, You are our God and we entrust ourselves into Your loving Hands through Jesus Christ our Savior and only Hope. We choose to trust You with all the matters of life and of death. Your will be done and Your Kingdom come! Amen and amen.
But, the religious leaders refused to believe even this miracle. They were afraid that everyone would follow Jesus and that the Romans would come in and destroy the Temple and the nation. They missed out on the fact that the One who could raise the dead could also keep them from falling.
The high priest was given a prophesy.. "You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that one man should die for the people that the whole nation should not perish. " John adds, "Now this he did not say on his own initiative; but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad."
That's us! Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life.. the Gate.. the Good Shepherd.. leads us into eternal Life. This commentary says it like this.. "He declared that he is the door to the next world." Hallelujah!
Jesus promised Martha that "Whoever puts his trust in me will live, even if he dies; and everyone living and trusting in me will never die." Martha believed this. Yet when Jesus commanded that the stone be rolled away from Lazarus' tomb.. she hesitated. ".. Keep trusting" Jesus says. ".. you will see the glory of God.."
Life and death. In some ways we ignore the reality of death. We sort of prepare for it by drawing up wills and buying gravesites.. but, we are not really prepared. As impossible as it is for us to imagine eternity with no end.. it almost as hard to imagine the end of this life in the flesh. Charles Spurgeon wrote, " Dying is but going home. Indeed, there is no dying for the saints." Speaking of a dear friend's death, he wrote, " He drew up his feet and smiled. Likewise you and I will depart. He had borne his testimony in the light even when blind. He had cheered us all , though he was the greatest sufferer of us all. And now the film has gone from the eyes, the anguish is gone from the heart, and he is with Jesus. He smiled. What a sight was that which caused that smile!" (Emphasis mine)
Will we believe? Is Jesus our Resurrection ? When that day comes will we leave this world with a smile and enter the next with glory? I pray so! Let's keep trusting so that we will see His glory!
Father, You are our God and we entrust ourselves into Your loving Hands through Jesus Christ our Savior and only Hope. We choose to trust You with all the matters of life and of death. Your will be done and Your Kingdom come! Amen and amen.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
John 10
John has written that Jesus is:
The Word
God's Lamb
The unique Son
The One sent by the Father to do what the Father says.
The Bread of Life.
The Living water
The Light of the world
And now, the gate for the sheep and the good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep.
As the Gate - Jesus proclaims that He is the only legitimate way into the fold... into the Kingdom.
As the Shepherd - Jesus tells us that He calls His sheep by name; He leads them out; they follow Him; they recognize His voice. He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him.
Jesus lays down His life for His sheep. He came "so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure." The Father commanded Jesus to lay down His life and to take it up again. Everything that the Father asks.. Jesus does. Every deed "reflects my Father's power" Jesus tells the Jews.
Trust the deeds... even if you don't trust Jesus, He urges them.
But, they are not His sheep. They don't listen to His voice. They won't follow Him. All they want to do is get rid of Him and keep walking in their own ways.
Jesus gives His sheep eternal life. "They will absolutely never be destroyed, and no one will snatch them from my hands. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them from the Father's hands. I and the Father are one." (v28-29) What precious promises!
Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your One and only Son to be our Good Shepherd. He has called us by name. He leads us. He knows us. By grace we have heard Him call and have followed Him. We do trust Him and remain in Him. Thank You. May we walk in the Light, drink the Living water, take of the Bread of life, and abide in Jesus every moment of every day.. as wait for that final day when we will be in Your Presence forever more. Amen.
John has written that Jesus is:
The Word
God's Lamb
The unique Son
The One sent by the Father to do what the Father says.
The Bread of Life.
The Living water
The Light of the world
And now, the gate for the sheep and the good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep.
As the Gate - Jesus proclaims that He is the only legitimate way into the fold... into the Kingdom.
As the Shepherd - Jesus tells us that He calls His sheep by name; He leads them out; they follow Him; they recognize His voice. He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him.
Jesus lays down His life for His sheep. He came "so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure." The Father commanded Jesus to lay down His life and to take it up again. Everything that the Father asks.. Jesus does. Every deed "reflects my Father's power" Jesus tells the Jews.
Trust the deeds... even if you don't trust Jesus, He urges them.
But, they are not His sheep. They don't listen to His voice. They won't follow Him. All they want to do is get rid of Him and keep walking in their own ways.
Jesus gives His sheep eternal life. "They will absolutely never be destroyed, and no one will snatch them from my hands. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them from the Father's hands. I and the Father are one." (v28-29) What precious promises!
Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your One and only Son to be our Good Shepherd. He has called us by name. He leads us. He knows us. By grace we have heard Him call and have followed Him. We do trust Him and remain in Him. Thank You. May we walk in the Light, drink the Living water, take of the Bread of life, and abide in Jesus every moment of every day.. as wait for that final day when we will be in Your Presence forever more. Amen.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
John 9 What a wonderful story of healing and truth we read in this account by John. It starts with an innocent question by the disciples, who had been taught a lie. "Rabbi, who sinned - this man or his parents- to cause him to be born blind?"
The truth, Jesus says, is " His blindness is due neither to his sin nor to that of his parents; it happened so that God's power might be seen at work in him." We are not told how old this man is, but he must have been at least a teenager. Young enough that his parents are called in to answer questions, but old enough that they tell the Pharisees that he can speak for himself. The family must have been poor, that the young man had to resort to begging. But, this young man was bright and confident in his answers to the Pharisees.
Jesus repeats His proclamation that He is "the light of the world." In the light, He says, " .. we must keep doing the work of the One who sent me..." In this healing, Jesus does something different than He did in previous healings... He makes mud out of dirt and spit, puts it on the man's eyes, and then sends him to wash in the pool of Shiloach - the pool of "sent". "So he went and washed and came away seeing!"
The man repeats his testimony to the neighbors and then to the Pharisees and to the Judeans. Everyone asks the same questions and he gives them the same answer... " I was blind and now I see."
His answers are straight forth and honest. But, he does a get a little feisty.. "What a strange thing... that you don't know where He's from - considering that he opened my eyes! We know that God doesn't listen to sinners; but if anyone fears God and does his will, God does listen to him. In all history no one has ever heard of someone's opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he couldn't do a thing!" Truth!!!!
But, they just threw him out of the synagogue.
Jesus found the man and asked him a question, " Do you trust in the Son of Man?" The answer is immediate, " Sir.. tell me who he is , so that I can trust in him." The man was not only healed from physical blindness but now received spiritual sight... "Lord, I trust!"
Jesus came to judge, He says... "so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind." What an interesting and challenging statement. We are all born blind.. spiritually and we must come to the Light and be touched by Him in order to see.. to believe.. to be saved and made new. But, the Pharisees, who denied that they were blind.. who believed that they saw better than everyone else.. were blinded to the truth of who Jesus really was.
Paul addressed this in II Corinthians 3: 14-16 " But their minds were hardened; for until this very day .. the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ.... but whenever a man turns to the Lord , the veil is taken away. " And 4:3-4 "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
The Jews considered themselves a "guide to the blind, a light to those in darkness..." Romans 2:19 But, they were still behind the veil.. still blind theirselves. In Matthew 15 :14 Jesus said this about the Pharisees, " Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit."
Father in heaven, open the eyes of our hearts, Lord.. we want to see You. High and Lifted up.. Shining like a light in Your glory! Thank You for giving us eyes to see and hearts to receive Jesus Christ, the True Light of the World. May we walk in the Light and shine Your glory wherever we go. Amen.
The truth, Jesus says, is " His blindness is due neither to his sin nor to that of his parents; it happened so that God's power might be seen at work in him." We are not told how old this man is, but he must have been at least a teenager. Young enough that his parents are called in to answer questions, but old enough that they tell the Pharisees that he can speak for himself. The family must have been poor, that the young man had to resort to begging. But, this young man was bright and confident in his answers to the Pharisees.
Jesus repeats His proclamation that He is "the light of the world." In the light, He says, " .. we must keep doing the work of the One who sent me..." In this healing, Jesus does something different than He did in previous healings... He makes mud out of dirt and spit, puts it on the man's eyes, and then sends him to wash in the pool of Shiloach - the pool of "sent". "So he went and washed and came away seeing!"
The man repeats his testimony to the neighbors and then to the Pharisees and to the Judeans. Everyone asks the same questions and he gives them the same answer... " I was blind and now I see."
His answers are straight forth and honest. But, he does a get a little feisty.. "What a strange thing... that you don't know where He's from - considering that he opened my eyes! We know that God doesn't listen to sinners; but if anyone fears God and does his will, God does listen to him. In all history no one has ever heard of someone's opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he couldn't do a thing!" Truth!!!!
But, they just threw him out of the synagogue.
Jesus found the man and asked him a question, " Do you trust in the Son of Man?" The answer is immediate, " Sir.. tell me who he is , so that I can trust in him." The man was not only healed from physical blindness but now received spiritual sight... "Lord, I trust!"
Jesus came to judge, He says... "so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind." What an interesting and challenging statement. We are all born blind.. spiritually and we must come to the Light and be touched by Him in order to see.. to believe.. to be saved and made new. But, the Pharisees, who denied that they were blind.. who believed that they saw better than everyone else.. were blinded to the truth of who Jesus really was.
Paul addressed this in II Corinthians 3: 14-16 " But their minds were hardened; for until this very day .. the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ.... but whenever a man turns to the Lord , the veil is taken away. " And 4:3-4 "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
The Jews considered themselves a "guide to the blind, a light to those in darkness..." Romans 2:19 But, they were still behind the veil.. still blind theirselves. In Matthew 15 :14 Jesus said this about the Pharisees, " Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit."
Father in heaven, open the eyes of our hearts, Lord.. we want to see You. High and Lifted up.. Shining like a light in Your glory! Thank You for giving us eyes to see and hearts to receive Jesus Christ, the True Light of the World. May we walk in the Light and shine Your glory wherever we go. Amen.
Monday, February 24, 2020
John 8 Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light which gives life." ( v12) The Jews accuse Him of testifying about Himself, but He tells them that it is the Father that testifies of Him and that even if He testifies about Himself it is valid. Included in His testimony are these facts:
v19 "if you knew me, you would know the Father too.."
v23 "for if you do not trust that I AM (who I say I am), you will die in your sins."
v26 "the One who sent me is true; so I say in the world only what I have heard from him."
v31 "If you obey what I say; then you are really my disciples, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
v36 "So if the Son frees you, you will really be free!"
v38"I say what my Father has shown me; you do what your father has told you."
v42 "If God were your Father, you would love me; because I came out from God; and now I have arrived here. I did not come on my own; he sent me."
v47 "Whoever belongs to God listens to what God says; the reason you don't listen is that you don't belong to God."
v48 " I am honoring my Father;"
v50 " there is One who is seeking it ( praise) and he is the judge. Yes indeed! I tell you that whoever obeys my teaching will never see death."
v54 "The One who is praising me is my Father, the very one about whom you are saying, 'He is our God' "
The Light of the world that gives life comes from God, honors God the Father, receives praise from God the Father, obeys God the Father, and is so united with the Father that to know one is to know the other. This is the Truth that Jesus reveals.. the truth that sets those who will believe.. free from slavery to sin... free from bondage to the lies of Satan... free from darkness.. and free from death.
Father in heaven, glorious and majestic and altogether holy, we come to praise You for the truth that sets us free. We will follow Jesus. We desire to be always walking in His Light and Salvation. Strengthen our faith and our love in Your Strength so the that we might stand firm, resist evil, and bring glory to Your Name. You are our hope, our joy, and our rock. Thank You for being our all in all, Jesus. In Your name we pray. Amen.
v19 "if you knew me, you would know the Father too.."
v23 "for if you do not trust that I AM (who I say I am), you will die in your sins."
v26 "the One who sent me is true; so I say in the world only what I have heard from him."
v31 "If you obey what I say; then you are really my disciples, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
v36 "So if the Son frees you, you will really be free!"
v38"I say what my Father has shown me; you do what your father has told you."
v42 "If God were your Father, you would love me; because I came out from God; and now I have arrived here. I did not come on my own; he sent me."
v47 "Whoever belongs to God listens to what God says; the reason you don't listen is that you don't belong to God."
v48 " I am honoring my Father;"
v50 " there is One who is seeking it ( praise) and he is the judge. Yes indeed! I tell you that whoever obeys my teaching will never see death."
v54 "The One who is praising me is my Father, the very one about whom you are saying, 'He is our God' "
The Light of the world that gives life comes from God, honors God the Father, receives praise from God the Father, obeys God the Father, and is so united with the Father that to know one is to know the other. This is the Truth that Jesus reveals.. the truth that sets those who will believe.. free from slavery to sin... free from bondage to the lies of Satan... free from darkness.. and free from death.
Father in heaven, glorious and majestic and altogether holy, we come to praise You for the truth that sets us free. We will follow Jesus. We desire to be always walking in His Light and Salvation. Strengthen our faith and our love in Your Strength so the that we might stand firm, resist evil, and bring glory to Your Name. You are our hope, our joy, and our rock. Thank You for being our all in all, Jesus. In Your name we pray. Amen.
Friday, February 21, 2020
John 7 This chapter shows us the great amount of confusion and controversy about Jesus. His own brothers did not believe in Him and challenged Him to go to Jerusalems where they knew He was in danger. The people were divided in their opinions, some saying He was the Messiah and some judging Him falsely. Jesus is not surprised or concerned about the opinions of any one.
He has one focus.. to speak the Words of the Father.
Jesus has already proclaimed that He is the Bread of Life. Now, He makes another profound statement - " If anyone is thirsty, let him keep coming to Me and drinking! Whoever puts his trust in Me.. rivers of living water will flow from his inmost being!"
The invitation is clear - come eat.. come drink.. come receive Jesus.
John 1:16 "for of His fulness we have all received, and grace upon grace."
Ephesians 1:22-23 " And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all."
Ephesians 3:19 " .. and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God."
Colossians 1:19 "For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him."
Colossians 2:9 " For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form."
Fulness - filled up; complete; replete; absolutely and totally filled.
In a devotional by Andrew Murray I read this about the statement in John 1:16, " Read these words until you are gripped by the transcendent fullness of Christ. Let the Spirit lead you into worship appropriate to the One in whom all fulness dwells." Do we live like paupers, Murray writes, or have we come to know the Christ in whom "all fulness dwells" ? It is God's will and plan for us that Christ should fill us.. completely.
Come eat. Come drink. Come receive from His fulness. It's an open invitation. But, it does require total commitment... keep coming.. keep drinking.. keep abiding. Like Paul the apostle we must learn that everything else is rubbish.. ( Phil. 3:8)
Father God, You alone are holy and worthy of praise. You are the Creator and our Sovereign King. You have declared the fulness of Christ and have made it possible for us to receive life from Him. To be filled by Him and with Him. You have given us, who have trusted Jesus, Your Holy Spirit.. living water that flows from our inmost being . Everything is in Christ. He is all we need. May we hear this Truth and receive it into our hearts and minds.. transform us through the power of Your love and grace in Jesus Christ the Lord. Grip us with the wonder of the fulness of Christ.. who fills us.
Fill us.. all in all.. we pray. Amen.
He has one focus.. to speak the Words of the Father.
Jesus has already proclaimed that He is the Bread of Life. Now, He makes another profound statement - " If anyone is thirsty, let him keep coming to Me and drinking! Whoever puts his trust in Me.. rivers of living water will flow from his inmost being!"
The invitation is clear - come eat.. come drink.. come receive Jesus.
John 1:16 "for of His fulness we have all received, and grace upon grace."
Ephesians 1:22-23 " And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all."
Ephesians 3:19 " .. and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God."
Colossians 1:19 "For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him."
Colossians 2:9 " For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form."
Fulness - filled up; complete; replete; absolutely and totally filled.
In a devotional by Andrew Murray I read this about the statement in John 1:16, " Read these words until you are gripped by the transcendent fullness of Christ. Let the Spirit lead you into worship appropriate to the One in whom all fulness dwells." Do we live like paupers, Murray writes, or have we come to know the Christ in whom "all fulness dwells" ? It is God's will and plan for us that Christ should fill us.. completely.
Come eat. Come drink. Come receive from His fulness. It's an open invitation. But, it does require total commitment... keep coming.. keep drinking.. keep abiding. Like Paul the apostle we must learn that everything else is rubbish.. ( Phil. 3:8)
Father God, You alone are holy and worthy of praise. You are the Creator and our Sovereign King. You have declared the fulness of Christ and have made it possible for us to receive life from Him. To be filled by Him and with Him. You have given us, who have trusted Jesus, Your Holy Spirit.. living water that flows from our inmost being . Everything is in Christ. He is all we need. May we hear this Truth and receive it into our hearts and minds.. transform us through the power of Your love and grace in Jesus Christ the Lord. Grip us with the wonder of the fulness of Christ.. who fills us.
Fill us.. all in all.. we pray. Amen.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
John 6 Jesus feeds the 5000 " as much as they wanted". How many of those people had never had enough? There were probably many poor and needy that were looking to Jesus because He brought hope. Then, to see Him take a few loaves of bread and fish.. and multiply it so that there were 12 baskets left over! No wonder they wanted to make Him king...
But, that was not what He came to do. He came to do the Father's will. He came to be the Living Bread. He came to be broken and poured out for them... and for us.
Jesus makes it clear that everyone who comes to Him and puts their trust in Him.. does so by the work of the Father.
"But, my Father is giving you the genuine bread from heaven; for God's bread is the one who comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world." v32b
"Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will certainly not turn away." v37
" .. And this is the will of the One who sent me: that I should not lose any of all those he has given me but should raise them up on the Last Day." v39
"No one can come to me unless the Father - the One who sent me - draws him." v44
"Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me." v45
The Father - gave the Bread of Life.
The Father - gives those who trust - to Jesus.
The Father - wills that Jesus lose none but raise them/ us up on the last day.
The Father - draws us to Jesus.
The Father - speaks and we listen and learn so that we can come to Jesus.
The Father - "has made it possible" for us to come to Jesus.. to take and eat the Bread of Life.. so that we might live in Him and He is us.
The question is this... will we trust Him?
Judas did not.
Peter did... "You have the word of eternal life. We have trusted, and we know that you are the Holy One of God!"
Truly.. " Lord to who would we go?" There is none other, but Jesus.
Father in Heaven, again we thank You for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ the Son. Thank You for sending Him to be the living bread. Thank you for drawing us to Him so that we might abide in Him and He in us. It is all Your work and your will. We will trust and listen and learn.. so that we will not be lost but raised up on the last day. In Christ we live and pray. Amen.
But, that was not what He came to do. He came to do the Father's will. He came to be the Living Bread. He came to be broken and poured out for them... and for us.
Jesus makes it clear that everyone who comes to Him and puts their trust in Him.. does so by the work of the Father.
"But, my Father is giving you the genuine bread from heaven; for God's bread is the one who comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world." v32b
"Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will certainly not turn away." v37
" .. And this is the will of the One who sent me: that I should not lose any of all those he has given me but should raise them up on the Last Day." v39
"No one can come to me unless the Father - the One who sent me - draws him." v44
"Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me." v45
The Father - gave the Bread of Life.
The Father - gives those who trust - to Jesus.
The Father - wills that Jesus lose none but raise them/ us up on the last day.
The Father - draws us to Jesus.
The Father - speaks and we listen and learn so that we can come to Jesus.
The Father - "has made it possible" for us to come to Jesus.. to take and eat the Bread of Life.. so that we might live in Him and He is us.
The question is this... will we trust Him?
Judas did not.
Peter did... "You have the word of eternal life. We have trusted, and we know that you are the Holy One of God!"
Truly.. " Lord to who would we go?" There is none other, but Jesus.
Father in Heaven, again we thank You for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ the Son. Thank You for sending Him to be the living bread. Thank you for drawing us to Him so that we might abide in Him and He in us. It is all Your work and your will. We will trust and listen and learn.. so that we will not be lost but raised up on the last day. In Christ we live and pray. Amen.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
John 5 Jesus heals a man who has sat by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years. When the Jews saw the man carrying his mat.. they condemned him for breaking their law, and completely missed the miracle! When they found out that it was Jesus who healed the man and told him to pick up his mat.. they started harassing Him for healing on the Sabbath. What follows is a wonderful revelation of Jesus' relationship with the Father and of the truth of who Jesus is...
V. 17 "My Father has been working until now, and I too am working." Jesus tells the Jews. They immediately accuse Him of claiming equality with God, on top of the crime of breaking their Sabbath rules. Jesus tells us He is the same as the Father..
V19 He only does what He sees the Father doing.
V20 He tells them that "the Father loves the Son and shows Him everything He does."
V21 Jesus will raise the dead just as the Father does.
V22 The Father has given Jesus the authority of all judgement.
v23 Honoring Jesus is honoring the Father. Not honoring Jesus is not honoring the Father.
V24 Trusting Jesus is trusting the Father who sent Him and leads to eternal life.
V25 Listening to Jesus brings life.
V26 The Father has life in Himself and has given the Son life in Himself.
V27 The Father has given the Son authority to "execute judgement".
When the time of resurrection comes, it will be Jesus who will judge those who have "done good" and those who have "done evil." He will judge rightly according to the Father's will.
Jesus also tells us that He came to do the things the Father gave Him to do. The Father sent Him. The Father testifies for Him. The Scriptures bear witness to Him. And Moses even wrote about Him.
Those who seek God in Truth will listen and believe.
But, the Jews would not believe or accept what Jesus said or did.
Jesus reveals three problems that they have:
First, they had no love for God in them.
Secondly, they were so focused on receiving praise from each other that they never even thought about "seeking praise from God only."
Thirdly, they didn't really believe the words of Moses, "the very one you have counted on!" so how could they believe Jesus?
Father in heaven, You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory. Hallowed be Your Name. May the name of Jesus Christ the Lord be exalted and honored in all the earth! We are listening to His voice so that we might have life.. eternal life as He has revealed. This world is still focused on all the wrong things.. especially on receiving praise from others. Teach us what it means to seek praise from You only. In Jesus' name we ask this. Amen.
V. 17 "My Father has been working until now, and I too am working." Jesus tells the Jews. They immediately accuse Him of claiming equality with God, on top of the crime of breaking their Sabbath rules. Jesus tells us He is the same as the Father..
V19 He only does what He sees the Father doing.
V20 He tells them that "the Father loves the Son and shows Him everything He does."
V21 Jesus will raise the dead just as the Father does.
V22 The Father has given Jesus the authority of all judgement.
v23 Honoring Jesus is honoring the Father. Not honoring Jesus is not honoring the Father.
V24 Trusting Jesus is trusting the Father who sent Him and leads to eternal life.
V25 Listening to Jesus brings life.
V26 The Father has life in Himself and has given the Son life in Himself.
V27 The Father has given the Son authority to "execute judgement".
When the time of resurrection comes, it will be Jesus who will judge those who have "done good" and those who have "done evil." He will judge rightly according to the Father's will.
Jesus also tells us that He came to do the things the Father gave Him to do. The Father sent Him. The Father testifies for Him. The Scriptures bear witness to Him. And Moses even wrote about Him.
Those who seek God in Truth will listen and believe.
But, the Jews would not believe or accept what Jesus said or did.
Jesus reveals three problems that they have:
First, they had no love for God in them.
Secondly, they were so focused on receiving praise from each other that they never even thought about "seeking praise from God only."
Thirdly, they didn't really believe the words of Moses, "the very one you have counted on!" so how could they believe Jesus?
Father in heaven, You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory. Hallowed be Your Name. May the name of Jesus Christ the Lord be exalted and honored in all the earth! We are listening to His voice so that we might have life.. eternal life as He has revealed. This world is still focused on all the wrong things.. especially on receiving praise from others. Teach us what it means to seek praise from You only. In Jesus' name we ask this. Amen.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
John 4: 25-42
Jesus reveals His true identity to the Samaritan woman. He is the Messiah, the One who was anointed. She immediately goes back to town and calls out to all who will listen.. " Come see.. "
The disciples return from town with food and urge Jesus to eat. But, He is not hungry. " I have food to eat that you don't know about... My food is to do what the one who sent me wants and to bring his work to completion."
Matthew records the time that Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days and was tempted by Satan to make stones into bread.. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of Adonai." ( Matt. 4:4) The context of this verse found in Deuteronomy is a reminder to Israel as they prepare to enter the promised land. They are commanded to remember that God provided everything for them during the 40 years in the wilderness - including manna - something that no one had ever seen, heard of, or tasted ever on the earth. Verse 3 says, "He humbled you, allowing you to become hungry, and then fed you manna... to make you understand that a person does not live on food alone but on everything that comes form the mouth of Adonai."
Later on Jesus will take the 5 loaves and 2 fish and feed 5000 men. He will also proclaim that He is the "Bread of Life".
In John, it appears that Jesus is not hungry for bread, but for the salvation of lost people. He tells His disciples to look, for the fields are "already ripe for harvest". The sower and the reaper will rejoice together... for there is a harvest coming.. The towns people arrive to hear Jesus for themselves. They also believe and trust in Him.. "We know indeed that this man really is the Savior of the world."
Father in heaven, thank You for the Bread of Life, for Jesus Christ our Savior and King. Thank You for the testimony of many who have come to proclaim to us the truth.. to tell us to " Come see!" Jesus. Thank You for the Word of God that teaches us the Truth and brings us into Your Kingdom forever and ever. "Give us our daily bread" we pray. We understand that everything comes from You and we live by Your will. Bring to completion in each of us what You have purposed, we pray. In Jesus' name. amen.
Jesus reveals His true identity to the Samaritan woman. He is the Messiah, the One who was anointed. She immediately goes back to town and calls out to all who will listen.. " Come see.. "
The disciples return from town with food and urge Jesus to eat. But, He is not hungry. " I have food to eat that you don't know about... My food is to do what the one who sent me wants and to bring his work to completion."
Matthew records the time that Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days and was tempted by Satan to make stones into bread.. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of Adonai." ( Matt. 4:4) The context of this verse found in Deuteronomy is a reminder to Israel as they prepare to enter the promised land. They are commanded to remember that God provided everything for them during the 40 years in the wilderness - including manna - something that no one had ever seen, heard of, or tasted ever on the earth. Verse 3 says, "He humbled you, allowing you to become hungry, and then fed you manna... to make you understand that a person does not live on food alone but on everything that comes form the mouth of Adonai."
Later on Jesus will take the 5 loaves and 2 fish and feed 5000 men. He will also proclaim that He is the "Bread of Life".
In John, it appears that Jesus is not hungry for bread, but for the salvation of lost people. He tells His disciples to look, for the fields are "already ripe for harvest". The sower and the reaper will rejoice together... for there is a harvest coming.. The towns people arrive to hear Jesus for themselves. They also believe and trust in Him.. "We know indeed that this man really is the Savior of the world."
Father in heaven, thank You for the Bread of Life, for Jesus Christ our Savior and King. Thank You for the testimony of many who have come to proclaim to us the truth.. to tell us to " Come see!" Jesus. Thank You for the Word of God that teaches us the Truth and brings us into Your Kingdom forever and ever. "Give us our daily bread" we pray. We understand that everything comes from You and we live by Your will. Bring to completion in each of us what You have purposed, we pray. In Jesus' name. amen.
Monday, February 17, 2020
John 4:1-24
I love how Jesus takes the time to have this conversation with the Samaritan woman. He is tired from their journey and sat down by the well. It is interesting that all the disciples went to get food. It took all 12 of them? But, that was meant to be, wasn't it?
When Jesus asks for a drink of water, the woman is surprised. She must have been surprised to find him sitting there in the first place. A stranger. A Jew. A man. His request was simple and perhaps put her at ease enough to speak back. Then he offers her "living water". Water that does not come from a well. Water that doesn't have to be drawn again and again. Water that is better than the water from Jacob's well. Water that brings "eternal life".
We want this water. Spiritual... supernatural water that wells up inside us so that we are never thirsty again.
The conversation turns to the issue of worship. Jesus teaches that true worship is not about a place, but about a relationship.. " true worshippers will worship the Father spiritually and truly, for these are the kind of people the Father wants worshiping him. God is spirit; and worshippers must worship him spiritually and truly." ( v23-24)
True worship is not about legal perfection or performance. It is about real, soul-deep interaction with God. The word translated as truth means that which is not concealed or hidden. Reality. Truth. Jesus.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary says this, " With the advent of the Messiah, the time had come for a new order of worship. True worshipers are those who realize that Jesus is the Truth of God and the one and only Way to the Father. To worship in truth is to worship God through Jesus. To worship in Spirit is to worship in the new realm which God has revealed to people. The Father is seeking true worshipers because He wants people to live in reality, not in falsehood. Everybody is a worshiper, but because of sin many are blind and constantly put their trust in worthless objects. "
Father in heaven, we come to You in the name of Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We hear His voice calling us to worship You in spirit and in truth. We seek You and find You in Christ Jesus,the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior who gives us living water... that wells up inside us into eternal life. May we grasp these truths and bind them around us like a belt.. that we might stand firm and be strengthened in Your strength. In Jesus' name. amen.
I love how Jesus takes the time to have this conversation with the Samaritan woman. He is tired from their journey and sat down by the well. It is interesting that all the disciples went to get food. It took all 12 of them? But, that was meant to be, wasn't it?
When Jesus asks for a drink of water, the woman is surprised. She must have been surprised to find him sitting there in the first place. A stranger. A Jew. A man. His request was simple and perhaps put her at ease enough to speak back. Then he offers her "living water". Water that does not come from a well. Water that doesn't have to be drawn again and again. Water that is better than the water from Jacob's well. Water that brings "eternal life".
We want this water. Spiritual... supernatural water that wells up inside us so that we are never thirsty again.
The conversation turns to the issue of worship. Jesus teaches that true worship is not about a place, but about a relationship.. " true worshippers will worship the Father spiritually and truly, for these are the kind of people the Father wants worshiping him. God is spirit; and worshippers must worship him spiritually and truly." ( v23-24)
True worship is not about legal perfection or performance. It is about real, soul-deep interaction with God. The word translated as truth means that which is not concealed or hidden. Reality. Truth. Jesus.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary says this, " With the advent of the Messiah, the time had come for a new order of worship. True worshipers are those who realize that Jesus is the Truth of God and the one and only Way to the Father. To worship in truth is to worship God through Jesus. To worship in Spirit is to worship in the new realm which God has revealed to people. The Father is seeking true worshipers because He wants people to live in reality, not in falsehood. Everybody is a worshiper, but because of sin many are blind and constantly put their trust in worthless objects. "
Father in heaven, we come to You in the name of Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We hear His voice calling us to worship You in spirit and in truth. We seek You and find You in Christ Jesus,the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior who gives us living water... that wells up inside us into eternal life. May we grasp these truths and bind them around us like a belt.. that we might stand firm and be strengthened in Your strength. In Jesus' name. amen.
Friday, February 14, 2020
John 3 This conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus gives us so much.. truth.. encouragement.. hope.. love.. This teacher of Israel came at night to search out Jesus.. to find out the essential words for life. Nicodemus recognized that Jesus came from God because of the miracles He did. But, he needed new life.. to be born of the Spirit.. so that he could see the Kingdom of God.
Jesus answered Nicodemus's questions and teaches us all the plan of salvation.
We each need to be reborn.. a spiritual birth.
We each need to hear what Jesus says and accept His word as truth.
We need to know that Jesus is the only One who came FROM heaven to proclaim God's ways.
We need to know that Jesus came to be lifted up on a cross.. so that we could have life.
We need to know that God the Father sent His Son "so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life."
We need to know that those who will not accept this, who won't look to Jesus for salvation, will perish.
Why won't people believe? Why won't they trust Jesus?
Because He is light and they love darkness.
They don't want their sins exposed.
They won't accept the truth... about Jesus or about themselves.
May God have mercy and bring them to the truth.
Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your one and only Son. Thank You for bringing us to believe in Him and to accept all that He has said. Help us to continue to trust Him and to live every moment in the Light. May our every action be done in the light so that others may see You in us. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit we pray, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Jesus answered Nicodemus's questions and teaches us all the plan of salvation.
We each need to be reborn.. a spiritual birth.
We each need to hear what Jesus says and accept His word as truth.
We need to know that Jesus is the only One who came FROM heaven to proclaim God's ways.
We need to know that Jesus came to be lifted up on a cross.. so that we could have life.
We need to know that God the Father sent His Son "so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life."
We need to know that those who will not accept this, who won't look to Jesus for salvation, will perish.
Why won't people believe? Why won't they trust Jesus?
Because He is light and they love darkness.
They don't want their sins exposed.
They won't accept the truth... about Jesus or about themselves.
May God have mercy and bring them to the truth.
Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your one and only Son. Thank You for bringing us to believe in Him and to accept all that He has said. Help us to continue to trust Him and to live every moment in the Light. May our every action be done in the light so that others may see You in us. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit we pray, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
John 2 Two events are recorded in this chapter - the turning of the water into wine and the cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem.
We are told that the first miracle of Jesus happened because of Mary's request. Even though Jesus says that His time had not yet come and the problem was not their concern, He did what His mother requested. The result was miraculous and we are told that His disciples began to "trust in him" as His glory was manifested.
Jesus went up to Jerusalem for the Passover. The first thing He sees are the merchants on the Temple grounds. "Zeal for your house will devour me." is a quote from Psalm 69. The rest of that verse says, " .. and on me are falling the insults of those insulting you." For God's temple to be treated as a market with animals and money-changers, perhaps defrauding or cheating the people as well - is a great insult and reproach against God.
Going back to Leviticus, still fresh on my mind, I think of how such detailed instructions were given to preserve the holiness of the tabernacle. None of those laws or procedures were being followed in the time of Jesus. No wonder Israel was in the state it was.. under Roman rule and no longer receiving God's blessings.
What can we learn from this? The glory of Jesus has been manifested to us... perhaps not as it was to the disciples.. but through His Word. We can trust Him with every need. We need to be better at asking...
Also, Jesus still calls His people to holy living. We don't have a tabernacle or temple, but we have His Word, His church, and His body. We are commanded to be holy and that command still stands. We find holiness in believing in and receiving the holiness of Christ our Lord. May we pray and ask the Lord to help us, filling us continually with His Holy Spirit.
Father, we surrender our lives to You. Come and lead us in righteous paths, moment by moment and day by day. We ask You for daily bread and for daily forgiveness of our transgressions. We pray for deliverance from temptations and from the evil one. We seek to live in Your ways and pray for Your power to do so. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
We are told that the first miracle of Jesus happened because of Mary's request. Even though Jesus says that His time had not yet come and the problem was not their concern, He did what His mother requested. The result was miraculous and we are told that His disciples began to "trust in him" as His glory was manifested.
Jesus went up to Jerusalem for the Passover. The first thing He sees are the merchants on the Temple grounds. "Zeal for your house will devour me." is a quote from Psalm 69. The rest of that verse says, " .. and on me are falling the insults of those insulting you." For God's temple to be treated as a market with animals and money-changers, perhaps defrauding or cheating the people as well - is a great insult and reproach against God.
Going back to Leviticus, still fresh on my mind, I think of how such detailed instructions were given to preserve the holiness of the tabernacle. None of those laws or procedures were being followed in the time of Jesus. No wonder Israel was in the state it was.. under Roman rule and no longer receiving God's blessings.
What can we learn from this? The glory of Jesus has been manifested to us... perhaps not as it was to the disciples.. but through His Word. We can trust Him with every need. We need to be better at asking...
Also, Jesus still calls His people to holy living. We don't have a tabernacle or temple, but we have His Word, His church, and His body. We are commanded to be holy and that command still stands. We find holiness in believing in and receiving the holiness of Christ our Lord. May we pray and ask the Lord to help us, filling us continually with His Holy Spirit.
Father, we surrender our lives to You. Come and lead us in righteous paths, moment by moment and day by day. We ask You for daily bread and for daily forgiveness of our transgressions. We pray for deliverance from temptations and from the evil one. We seek to live in Your ways and pray for Your power to do so. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
John 1
It is always interesting to read Scripture in a new translation from what you are used to... reading from this Complete Jewish Bible is very enlightening. Lots of footnotes and added commentary adds to what I have read many, many times.. and as always the Lord speaks through His Word.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God." God spoke creation into being.. "This expressing, this speaking , this 'Word' is God." the commentary says. The Word - the speaking of God has always existed... but "the Word became flesh" Jesus, Yeshua, was God, giving up His glory he had with the Father, emptying Himself.. to become a man.
John says, "The Word became a human being and lived with us, and we saw his Sh'khinah, " His glory, "the Sh'khinah of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth."
The Sh'khinah glory - that filled the tabernacle - God's Presence in the middle of Israel, as we read in Leviticus - in the center of their uncleanness - "The Sh'khinah is brought to its fulness with the incarnation of Yeshua in John 1:14"
"But to as many as did receive him, to those who put their trust in his person and power, he gave the right to become children of God, not because of bloodline, physical impulse or human intention, but because of God." ( v12-13)
John recognized and bore witness that this man, who walked on the river's edge, "is the Son of God".
He saw the Holy Spirit come upon Jesus. He knew that Jesus was "God's lamb." He proclaimed that Jesus was above his rank.. that He came after but was before him.. He recognized his own smallness, proclaiming "I'm not good enough even to untie His sandal.. " And, he watched as his own followers turned and followed Jesus.
Father in heaven, what an amazing Truth that we read and ponder.. in awe! God's Son.. the Word of God, became flesh and dwelt here on earth. We believe the testimony of John and the apostles. We receive Jesus and put our trust in Him. He is our salvation and we are so thankful. Keep us walking in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ we pray, in His name, Amen.
It is always interesting to read Scripture in a new translation from what you are used to... reading from this Complete Jewish Bible is very enlightening. Lots of footnotes and added commentary adds to what I have read many, many times.. and as always the Lord speaks through His Word.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God." God spoke creation into being.. "This expressing, this speaking , this 'Word' is God." the commentary says. The Word - the speaking of God has always existed... but "the Word became flesh" Jesus, Yeshua, was God, giving up His glory he had with the Father, emptying Himself.. to become a man.
John says, "The Word became a human being and lived with us, and we saw his Sh'khinah, " His glory, "the Sh'khinah of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth."
The Sh'khinah glory - that filled the tabernacle - God's Presence in the middle of Israel, as we read in Leviticus - in the center of their uncleanness - "The Sh'khinah is brought to its fulness with the incarnation of Yeshua in John 1:14"
"But to as many as did receive him, to those who put their trust in his person and power, he gave the right to become children of God, not because of bloodline, physical impulse or human intention, but because of God." ( v12-13)
John recognized and bore witness that this man, who walked on the river's edge, "is the Son of God".
He saw the Holy Spirit come upon Jesus. He knew that Jesus was "God's lamb." He proclaimed that Jesus was above his rank.. that He came after but was before him.. He recognized his own smallness, proclaiming "I'm not good enough even to untie His sandal.. " And, he watched as his own followers turned and followed Jesus.
Father in heaven, what an amazing Truth that we read and ponder.. in awe! God's Son.. the Word of God, became flesh and dwelt here on earth. We believe the testimony of John and the apostles. We receive Jesus and put our trust in Him. He is our salvation and we are so thankful. Keep us walking in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ we pray, in His name, Amen.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Leviticus 24:1-9 The Lord told Moses to order the people to "bring you pure oil from crushed olives for the light, to keep lamps burning always." This strikes me anew - pure oil; crushed olives; light continually. Oil was used for anointing and for burning. The light was to be kept burning all through the night. Did God need light? No... but He ordained that the lamp be kept - "always" in order. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world". He was "crushed for our iniquities". His Light will rise and on that day we will no longer need the sun or the moon.. for He will be our Light forever. May His Kingdom come!
Verses 10-23 tell of a young man who got into a fight in the camp and used the Lord's name as a curse. The consequence for this offense was death. Jesus taught us to pray to the Father "..hallowed be Your Name.." In a world that has no respect for the holiness of our God's name, may we understand more fully the gravity of this offense against Him. This young man was taken out of the camp and stoned to death. Think about that...
Chapter 25 teaches the law about resting the land on the 7th year and about the year of jubilee - the 50th year. The Lord says.. " the land belongs to me - you are only foreigners and temporary residents with me" (verse 23) Because of this, the Lord instructed His people to follow His instructions and expect His provisions. If only they had... What a great reminder that all we have and all we are belongs to Him. We are also foreigners and sojourners with Him. Lord, let Your will be done in our lives and land.
Chapter 26
God's promises for obedience are phenomenal - the land will produce, the trees will be fruitful, the rains will be sufficient..the people will eat all they want, have secure borders, and have peace. God would walk among them and they would be the righteous people of God. Peace, prosperity, and perfect fellowship with Adonai...
But, the consequences for disobedience are also spelled out - war; disease; famine; exile;
We know that this is what happened in Israel, over and over again. But, God still gives them an option: " But if their uncircumcised hearts will grow humble, and they are paid the punishment of their misdeeds; then I will remember my covenant.. "
Chapter 27 seems tacked on at the end of theses laws and regulations. It establishes the rules for redemption - of people, land, or animals.
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. May we learn more of You that we may grasp the great holiness of Your Name and may we be obedient to Your Word. Thank You for establishing these truths for Your people and to teach us Your ways. Your ways are perfect. We are not. But, we are so thankful for the One who came to redeem us! Praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we come before You and humbly confess our sins and seek Your blessings according to Your holy word. Lead us in Your righteous paths and deliver us from all evil, we pray. Amen.
Verses 10-23 tell of a young man who got into a fight in the camp and used the Lord's name as a curse. The consequence for this offense was death. Jesus taught us to pray to the Father "..hallowed be Your Name.." In a world that has no respect for the holiness of our God's name, may we understand more fully the gravity of this offense against Him. This young man was taken out of the camp and stoned to death. Think about that...
Chapter 25 teaches the law about resting the land on the 7th year and about the year of jubilee - the 50th year. The Lord says.. " the land belongs to me - you are only foreigners and temporary residents with me" (verse 23) Because of this, the Lord instructed His people to follow His instructions and expect His provisions. If only they had... What a great reminder that all we have and all we are belongs to Him. We are also foreigners and sojourners with Him. Lord, let Your will be done in our lives and land.
Chapter 26
God's promises for obedience are phenomenal - the land will produce, the trees will be fruitful, the rains will be sufficient..the people will eat all they want, have secure borders, and have peace. God would walk among them and they would be the righteous people of God. Peace, prosperity, and perfect fellowship with Adonai...
But, the consequences for disobedience are also spelled out - war; disease; famine; exile;
We know that this is what happened in Israel, over and over again. But, God still gives them an option: " But if their uncircumcised hearts will grow humble, and they are paid the punishment of their misdeeds; then I will remember my covenant.. "
Chapter 27 seems tacked on at the end of theses laws and regulations. It establishes the rules for redemption - of people, land, or animals.
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. May we learn more of You that we may grasp the great holiness of Your Name and may we be obedient to Your Word. Thank You for establishing these truths for Your people and to teach us Your ways. Your ways are perfect. We are not. But, we are so thankful for the One who came to redeem us! Praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we come before You and humbly confess our sins and seek Your blessings according to Your holy word. Lead us in Your righteous paths and deliver us from all evil, we pray. Amen.
Friday, February 7, 2020
Leviticus 21 - Adonai gave specific instructions for the priests. They were held to a higher standard because of the greater importance of their responsibilities. They were "set apart as holy". These instructions included how they lived, who they married, how they cut their hair and beards, and whose funerals they could attend. Everything was governed by the fact that God made them holy.
Leviticus 22 continued this emphasis on holiness, teaching that even the things they touched were subject to whether the thing was holy or unclean. There are also instructions here about the nature of the sacrifices, especially that they were perfect and acceptable.. " I am to be regarded as holy among the people of Israel; I am Adonai, who makes you holy....."
Leviticus 23 includes the instructions for the Sabbath and the Holy feasts and ceremonies that Israel would observe. These days are God's "designated times" according to the Complete Jewish Bible.
There was the celebration of Firstfruits,- a spring celebration of the barley harvest;
Pentecost- 50 days later would celebrate the first-fruits of the wheat harvest.
Rosh-Hashanah was set apart for remembering and regathering, a day for repentance and self-evaluation; leading up to -
Yom Kippur - The day set aside for atonement- the most holy day.
When the temple was destroyed in 70 AD, there was a change in how the people of Israel could observe these designated times of Adonai. Yet, there is still a yearning and hope for the rebuilding of the Temple one day. Holy vessels and priest's garments have been prepared. That day will come. Maybe soon.
Father in heaven, we give thanks to You for all that You provide. You give the rain and sunshine that food may grow and be harvested. You give to us daily bread and we thank You. Thank You for the Living Bread, for Jesus Christ who is the One who makes us holy as He lives in us who believe in Him. Teach us to take time to remember, to regather, to repent, and to find renewal in You day by day. We long for the day when we will see You face to face and truly understand what holiness really means. Thank you for the truth of Your Word that teaches us so much about who You are. We give all praise and honor to You. In Jesus' name. amen.
Leviticus 22 continued this emphasis on holiness, teaching that even the things they touched were subject to whether the thing was holy or unclean. There are also instructions here about the nature of the sacrifices, especially that they were perfect and acceptable.. " I am to be regarded as holy among the people of Israel; I am Adonai, who makes you holy....."
Leviticus 23 includes the instructions for the Sabbath and the Holy feasts and ceremonies that Israel would observe. These days are God's "designated times" according to the Complete Jewish Bible.
There was the celebration of Firstfruits,- a spring celebration of the barley harvest;
Pentecost- 50 days later would celebrate the first-fruits of the wheat harvest.
Rosh-Hashanah was set apart for remembering and regathering, a day for repentance and self-evaluation; leading up to -
Yom Kippur - The day set aside for atonement- the most holy day.
When the temple was destroyed in 70 AD, there was a change in how the people of Israel could observe these designated times of Adonai. Yet, there is still a yearning and hope for the rebuilding of the Temple one day. Holy vessels and priest's garments have been prepared. That day will come. Maybe soon.
Father in heaven, we give thanks to You for all that You provide. You give the rain and sunshine that food may grow and be harvested. You give to us daily bread and we thank You. Thank You for the Living Bread, for Jesus Christ who is the One who makes us holy as He lives in us who believe in Him. Teach us to take time to remember, to regather, to repent, and to find renewal in You day by day. We long for the day when we will see You face to face and truly understand what holiness really means. Thank you for the truth of Your Word that teaches us so much about who You are. We give all praise and honor to You. In Jesus' name. amen.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Leviticus 19-20 Over and over again the message is clear - God is holy and He demands that His people be holy. Every law and every regulation given to Israel was for the express purpose of teaching them what God considers holy and what He considers unclean or sinful.
Chapter 19 spells out these truths for God's people:
They are to respect and revere their parents.
They are to keep the Sabbath.
They are to offer the sacrifices "in a way that will make [them] accepted."
They are to leave some of the fruit or harvest for the poor.
They must not steal, defraud, oppress, or rob their neighbors.
They must practice justice without prejudice .
They are to love their neighbors as themselves.
They are to love foreigners who come to live with them, as themselves also.
They are to use honest business practices and measures.
Chapter 20 teaches the consequence for offering a child to Molekh, or for sexual immorality or for sorcery of any kind - and it is death. The people of God were meant to be consecrated and set apart for the One who is their God - Adonai.
The person who did these sins would be sentenced to death. It was the responsibility of the whole community to see that judgement would be carried out. Adonai said, "... I have set you apart from the other peoples so that you can belong to me. " ( v26b)
This is God's desire for all of us - to belong to Him. He has not changed the requirements - He still demands holiness for His people. The regulations given here are still important, even though we know that keeping them is not what saves us, for we are saved by believing in and receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior. His blood washes us clean and His Spirit in us makes us holy. We still have a responsibility to live pure lives, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to walk in righteousness.
The old testament covenant was broken by the people of Israel , but we have a new covenant through Jesus Christ. "This is the covenant which I will make with them after those days, says Adonai: I will put my Torah on their hearts, and write it on their minds... and their sins and their wickednesses I will remember no more." ( Hebrews 10:15-17)
Father in heaven, we love You and honor Your holy name. We want to please You by walking in faith and in obedience. We desire to honor You, our Holy God. Thank You for the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ our Lord. May all glory and honor and praise be given to You! Help us in our weaknesses and doubts and fears.. to know Your strength and power and goodness. Draw us deeper and deeper into Your grace and love we pray.. in Jesus' name. Amen.
Chapter 19 spells out these truths for God's people:
They are to respect and revere their parents.
They are to keep the Sabbath.
They are to offer the sacrifices "in a way that will make [them] accepted."
They are to leave some of the fruit or harvest for the poor.
They must not steal, defraud, oppress, or rob their neighbors.
They must practice justice without prejudice .
They are to love their neighbors as themselves.
They are to love foreigners who come to live with them, as themselves also.
They are to use honest business practices and measures.
Chapter 20 teaches the consequence for offering a child to Molekh, or for sexual immorality or for sorcery of any kind - and it is death. The people of God were meant to be consecrated and set apart for the One who is their God - Adonai.
The person who did these sins would be sentenced to death. It was the responsibility of the whole community to see that judgement would be carried out. Adonai said, "... I have set you apart from the other peoples so that you can belong to me. " ( v26b)
This is God's desire for all of us - to belong to Him. He has not changed the requirements - He still demands holiness for His people. The regulations given here are still important, even though we know that keeping them is not what saves us, for we are saved by believing in and receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior. His blood washes us clean and His Spirit in us makes us holy. We still have a responsibility to live pure lives, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to walk in righteousness.
The old testament covenant was broken by the people of Israel , but we have a new covenant through Jesus Christ. "This is the covenant which I will make with them after those days, says Adonai: I will put my Torah on their hearts, and write it on their minds... and their sins and their wickednesses I will remember no more." ( Hebrews 10:15-17)
Father in heaven, we love You and honor Your holy name. We want to please You by walking in faith and in obedience. We desire to honor You, our Holy God. Thank You for the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ our Lord. May all glory and honor and praise be given to You! Help us in our weaknesses and doubts and fears.. to know Your strength and power and goodness. Draw us deeper and deeper into Your grace and love we pray.. in Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Leviticus 17 This short chapter explains the reason that the Israelites were not to make sacrifices anywhere besides the altar at the tent of meeting. It also explains that they should never eat the blood of any animal, because ".. the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for yourselves; for it is the blood that makes atonement because of the life."
Chapter 18 teaches the Lord's boundaries for sexual relationships. It is quite detailed.. which makes me think that the nations of Egypt and Canaan must have been incredibly immoral. Adonai tells Moses to tell the people, " You are not to engage in the activities found in the land of Egypt, where you used to live; and you are not to engage in the activities found in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you..." The Lord Himself calls these activities "disgusting"... and the reason that He is expelling them from the land. ".. the land itself will vomit out its inhabitants.. "
God says, " So keep my charge not to follow any of these abominable customs that others before you have followed and thus defile yourselves by doing them. I am Adonai your God."
Israel had been stuck in Egypt for hundreds of years. Who knows the depth of sin and immorality that was all around them there. Canaan, the land ahead, was also filled with sin and perversions. From the detailed list that God gives Israel, warning about relations with just anyone.. or anything ; this was the "custom" in Canaan. And, sadly, this makes what is happening in our own country the beginning of the same shameful and sinful fall into being an abomination to God.
Like Israel, we must keep God's charge to "not engage in the activities" of Egypt or Canaan.. or America. Like Israel, the worldly customs are behind us and ahead of us. Like Israel, Adonai calls us to find life in His law and rulings. Not that we are under the Law, but because in Christ we are to do His will.
Father in heaven, we see the uncleanness of our land and know that there is a day of judgement coming to America. We want to keep Your charge and heed Your voice. We pray for a spirit of revival and healing for our land and for Your church. Too many have turned back to the world's ways and made excuses and exceptions for what You have called disgusting and abominable. Forgive us, Lord. Open the eyes of Your people and give us boldness to speak the truth in love even when it brands us as evil or unfair. May Christ in us.. Your people who call upon Your name.. pray as we should so that You will heal our land. Only by the power of Your name can there be healing such as this. But, we know that nothing is impossible for You, so we pray, asking for mercy, in Jesus' name.. Amen.
Chapter 18 teaches the Lord's boundaries for sexual relationships. It is quite detailed.. which makes me think that the nations of Egypt and Canaan must have been incredibly immoral. Adonai tells Moses to tell the people, " You are not to engage in the activities found in the land of Egypt, where you used to live; and you are not to engage in the activities found in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you..." The Lord Himself calls these activities "disgusting"... and the reason that He is expelling them from the land. ".. the land itself will vomit out its inhabitants.. "
God says, " So keep my charge not to follow any of these abominable customs that others before you have followed and thus defile yourselves by doing them. I am Adonai your God."
Israel had been stuck in Egypt for hundreds of years. Who knows the depth of sin and immorality that was all around them there. Canaan, the land ahead, was also filled with sin and perversions. From the detailed list that God gives Israel, warning about relations with just anyone.. or anything ; this was the "custom" in Canaan. And, sadly, this makes what is happening in our own country the beginning of the same shameful and sinful fall into being an abomination to God.
Like Israel, we must keep God's charge to "not engage in the activities" of Egypt or Canaan.. or America. Like Israel, the worldly customs are behind us and ahead of us. Like Israel, Adonai calls us to find life in His law and rulings. Not that we are under the Law, but because in Christ we are to do His will.
Father in heaven, we see the uncleanness of our land and know that there is a day of judgement coming to America. We want to keep Your charge and heed Your voice. We pray for a spirit of revival and healing for our land and for Your church. Too many have turned back to the world's ways and made excuses and exceptions for what You have called disgusting and abominable. Forgive us, Lord. Open the eyes of Your people and give us boldness to speak the truth in love even when it brands us as evil or unfair. May Christ in us.. Your people who call upon Your name.. pray as we should so that You will heal our land. Only by the power of Your name can there be healing such as this. But, we know that nothing is impossible for You, so we pray, asking for mercy, in Jesus' name.. Amen.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Leviticus 16 The Lord gives instructions to Moses about the day of atonement, a yearly event. Aaron, or whoever was the high priest, could only enter the Holy of Holies one time each year. This required strict obedience to the Lord's directions.
Aaron would wash himself and dress in the special linen clothes, bring the sacrifices, burn incense and enter inside the curtain. Then atonement was made for himself and his family, the people, the altar and the tent also. " He will make atonement for the Holy Place because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions - all their sins; and he is to do the same for the tent of meeting which is there with them right in the middle of their uncleannesses."
There He is - God Himself - "in the cloud over the ark-cover" - in the tent which sits right in the middle of Israel - "in the middle of their uncleannesses". Only the offerings for atonement, offered in obedience to God's Word, would keep Aaron from dying, there in front of God.
Why are we not more often in awe of the fact that we can come into God's presence, just as we are - without special clothing, special washing, special sacrifices - because our atonement has been made through Christ Jesus our High Priest, our atonement offering... the One who's sacrifice caused the veil to be torn in two? Like the tent of meeting - Jesus is right here with us.. in the middle of our uncleannesses...
He has cleansed us from all unrighteousness .
He has covered us with Himself, clothing us with His righteousness.
He has made the perfect atonement for all our sins.
He has brought us to the Throne of grace.
And, amazingly - He has come to live in us!
I have been meditating on this truth - Christ lives in me.
I read a devotional by Andrew Murray that emphasized this statement by Paul - " I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." We understand that Jesus died "for" us - which Murray calls the foundation of our faith. But, he says the "'in me' speaks of our life source." He states that if we only think about Christ "for us" but never progress to know Christ "in us" - we will live "an impoverished spiritual life". Murray goes on to say later, " The full gospel is contained in these words: Christ lives in me."
When we forget this we become powerless - " The primary reason for the powerlessness of the church lies in the fact that Christians no longer have, nor exult in, the knowledge that almighty God, in the person of His son, Jesus Christ, has taken up residence within them. Real revival in the church of Christ depends on our knowing, explaining, and testifying to this truth."
Father in heaven, You desire to dwell in the midst of Your people. You came to the tent of meeting and appeared above the mercy seat. You received their offerings and gave them a way for atonement of their sins. But, You had a greater plan.. for You sent Jesus Christ, the only Begotten of the Father, to make atonement once for all - to all who will believe in Him. Yes, Hallelujah, He died "for me"!
But, that was not all - for He rose again, He ascended into Heaven to sit at Your right hand, and You sent Your Holy Spirit, so that Christ lives "in me"! Help us, Lord God, to believe this, receive this, and to live this... Christ lives in me. I ask this in His Name. Amen.
Aaron would wash himself and dress in the special linen clothes, bring the sacrifices, burn incense and enter inside the curtain. Then atonement was made for himself and his family, the people, the altar and the tent also. " He will make atonement for the Holy Place because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions - all their sins; and he is to do the same for the tent of meeting which is there with them right in the middle of their uncleannesses."
There He is - God Himself - "in the cloud over the ark-cover" - in the tent which sits right in the middle of Israel - "in the middle of their uncleannesses". Only the offerings for atonement, offered in obedience to God's Word, would keep Aaron from dying, there in front of God.
Why are we not more often in awe of the fact that we can come into God's presence, just as we are - without special clothing, special washing, special sacrifices - because our atonement has been made through Christ Jesus our High Priest, our atonement offering... the One who's sacrifice caused the veil to be torn in two? Like the tent of meeting - Jesus is right here with us.. in the middle of our uncleannesses...
He has cleansed us from all unrighteousness .
He has covered us with Himself, clothing us with His righteousness.
He has made the perfect atonement for all our sins.
He has brought us to the Throne of grace.
And, amazingly - He has come to live in us!
I have been meditating on this truth - Christ lives in me.
I read a devotional by Andrew Murray that emphasized this statement by Paul - " I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." We understand that Jesus died "for" us - which Murray calls the foundation of our faith. But, he says the "'in me' speaks of our life source." He states that if we only think about Christ "for us" but never progress to know Christ "in us" - we will live "an impoverished spiritual life". Murray goes on to say later, " The full gospel is contained in these words: Christ lives in me."
When we forget this we become powerless - " The primary reason for the powerlessness of the church lies in the fact that Christians no longer have, nor exult in, the knowledge that almighty God, in the person of His son, Jesus Christ, has taken up residence within them. Real revival in the church of Christ depends on our knowing, explaining, and testifying to this truth."
Father in heaven, You desire to dwell in the midst of Your people. You came to the tent of meeting and appeared above the mercy seat. You received their offerings and gave them a way for atonement of their sins. But, You had a greater plan.. for You sent Jesus Christ, the only Begotten of the Father, to make atonement once for all - to all who will believe in Him. Yes, Hallelujah, He died "for me"!
But, that was not all - for He rose again, He ascended into Heaven to sit at Your right hand, and You sent Your Holy Spirit, so that Christ lives "in me"! Help us, Lord God, to believe this, receive this, and to live this... Christ lives in me. I ask this in His Name. Amen.
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