John 14
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Is Jesus for everyone? The word, “inclusive” is one of the popular terms of our day. We do everything we can to make our schools, our workplaces and culture a place where everyone is embraced. These words of Jesus appear to stand in definite contrast to the society we are trying to build here in the western world. “No one comes to the Father except through me.”
In southwestern Ontario, if a person were to ask the way from London to Toronto, no doubt the response would be the Highway 401. Thomas asks how to go where Jesus was going. There is no road, no shipping lane, airport, or teleporting device to get him or any of us to where Jesus is. In very clear terms, Jesus tells Thomas that He Himself is that way, and that no one can come to the Father except through Him.
Yes. I suppose in a way that is exclusive. Well, it is and it isn’t. I find we can generally handle most truths so long as they aren’t linked to God. Imagine that my phone number is 111-111-1111. What will happen if you dial 111-111-1112? A couple of things could happen. You might end up with a recording explaining that the number you have dialed is not in service. Or you might reach someone else only to find that you have the wrong number. You will NOT however reach me.
It is imperative that you have the right number and that you dial it properly if you want to reach me. We can all handle that truth, can’t we? Is it exclusive? Not really. Anyone who has my number can call me. Still, somehow when we start talking about God we completely lose our heads. We can handle the phone number thing, but, start talking about only one way to the Father, and our minds have a meltdown.
Jesus really is for everyone. It’s also fair to say that not everyone is for Jesus. And you know what? They don’t have to be. That’s how it works. God is busy building a nation of people who actually want to be a part of that nation. He is not building a kingdom for people who don’t want to be a part of His kingdom.
Oddly enough, even this is tough for us to comprehend. We like to complain about our government and our leaders. We often talk about how other countries do things better – places like Holland. I was watching a video tonight that highlighted a specific people group who refused to stand for their national anthem at a public gathering. The Kingdom of Heaven isn’t that kind of kingdom. It is expressly for those who really want to be a part of it and who aren’t too stubborn to dial the right number.
Jesus is the way to the Father. If you don’t want to go there, I understand if you choose to take another path. Jesus went to prepare a place for those who want to be with Him. Where do you suppose you will stay otherwise?
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Friday, January 20, 2017
Thursday, January 19, 2017
"It's Not My Job"
John 13
"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
Do you understand?
I'm not completely sure that I do. I don't think it's entirely about washing feet. The kind of service He demonstrated among His disciples was to be a way of life for His followers, not a religious ritual for them to observe. I didn't live in first century Judea, but let me take my best stab at what's going on here. Jesus was meeting a very really and practical need for His disciples.
Life then wasn't as it is now. By what we gather, these men weren't driving around in their personal automobiles or taking the bus. They walked pretty much everywhere. Even if they had bathed recently, their feet would typically be rather dirty. Imagine if you can, not only the Passover feast, but any gathering where you have dirty sweaty stinky exposed feet. Foot washing was normally the kind of thing that would have been done by a household servant.
Jesus did this in spite of the fact that He was their Teacher and Lord. The King of the Universe bent down to wash the feet of these grown men, one of whom He knew would soon betray Him. He tells us quite plainly that He did so in order to give us an example to follow.
So much about life is about us. With His example in mind, if we even consider ourselves to be one of His, we can't live as if we are the center of the universe. That's why I don't get it when people think that if they get right with God that it will eventually make this life better for them. I've had those thoughts myself, so maybe I do get it just a little bit. Yet if we look not only here, but the very pattern of his life - we aren't following a Person with a big bank account and an easy lifestyle who spent winters in Florida. He generously offered His life consistently and even in these final hours to other people. So if you're reading my writings and maybe thinking of starting at a church hoping that God will get you a girl or make your issues go away, then look again.
As we gain authority or position in life, it can be tempting to think that we no longer need to do those dirty little jobs. We really don't wash feet any more, but what about when you see trash in your workplace? Is it someone else's job? Even if there is a person hired for that purpose, would it be beneath you to stoop down and pick it up? None of us are too good to do anything. We never become so valuable that the needs of those around us cease to be our obligation. Jesus the Teacher, Jesus as Lord, the Judge of both the living and the dead; wrapped a towel around Himself and bent down to do the filthiest job at hand.
I guess if you don't want to follow Jesus, then you're free to live for yourself and have as much fun as you can before you die. Even so....Isn't there something right about Jesus?
"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
Do you understand?
I'm not completely sure that I do. I don't think it's entirely about washing feet. The kind of service He demonstrated among His disciples was to be a way of life for His followers, not a religious ritual for them to observe. I didn't live in first century Judea, but let me take my best stab at what's going on here. Jesus was meeting a very really and practical need for His disciples.
Life then wasn't as it is now. By what we gather, these men weren't driving around in their personal automobiles or taking the bus. They walked pretty much everywhere. Even if they had bathed recently, their feet would typically be rather dirty. Imagine if you can, not only the Passover feast, but any gathering where you have dirty sweaty stinky exposed feet. Foot washing was normally the kind of thing that would have been done by a household servant.
Jesus did this in spite of the fact that He was their Teacher and Lord. The King of the Universe bent down to wash the feet of these grown men, one of whom He knew would soon betray Him. He tells us quite plainly that He did so in order to give us an example to follow.
So much about life is about us. With His example in mind, if we even consider ourselves to be one of His, we can't live as if we are the center of the universe. That's why I don't get it when people think that if they get right with God that it will eventually make this life better for them. I've had those thoughts myself, so maybe I do get it just a little bit. Yet if we look not only here, but the very pattern of his life - we aren't following a Person with a big bank account and an easy lifestyle who spent winters in Florida. He generously offered His life consistently and even in these final hours to other people. So if you're reading my writings and maybe thinking of starting at a church hoping that God will get you a girl or make your issues go away, then look again.
As we gain authority or position in life, it can be tempting to think that we no longer need to do those dirty little jobs. We really don't wash feet any more, but what about when you see trash in your workplace? Is it someone else's job? Even if there is a person hired for that purpose, would it be beneath you to stoop down and pick it up? None of us are too good to do anything. We never become so valuable that the needs of those around us cease to be our obligation. Jesus the Teacher, Jesus as Lord, the Judge of both the living and the dead; wrapped a towel around Himself and bent down to do the filthiest job at hand.
I guess if you don't want to follow Jesus, then you're free to live for yourself and have as much fun as you can before you die. Even so....Isn't there something right about Jesus?
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Feeling Our Way Through Life
John 12:27-50
“So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” John 12:35-36
Without giving you too much detail, sometimes in the middle of the night I have to go to the bathroom. I know I’m not alone in that. When I do, I often wrestle with deciding whether or not to turn on the light. I normally decide against it. I prefer to believe that I can find my way around the house after living in it for the past 20 years. I should know how many steps I need to take to the living area, how far to head right towards the hall and how long before I reach the door. I usually do succeed. There are others times that I hurt myself, either stubbing my toe or stepping on something hard.
Jesus claims that He is the light. He tells us to walk in His light so that the darkness would not overtake us. What does that sound like it means to you? The people I think could most relate to what it feels like to live in darkness might be those who struggle with anxiety, depression or mental illness. At least, those have been what I would call the darkest times in my life. So is that it? Come to Jesus and He’ll take the mental demons away. I don’t believe so.
My pride is what compels me to walk in the dark. I should be able to picture the house in my mind by now and navigate by memory. Instead, I stick out my hands and try to ‘feel’ my way around. Likewise, it’s equally insulting, if not more so, to be told that we need Jesus if we are to navigate through life without stubbing our toe or stepping on the LEGO.
Christians aren’t the only people who think they’ve bee enlightened. In fact, I believe most of us walk with a sense that we’re surrounded by people who JUST DON’T GET IT!!!! At least, that is the impression I get behind a lot of what is posted on social media. Some atheists I know tell me their minds have been opened. I’m sure people of the world’s religions believe they have reached a sort of enlightenment.
So what do you think of Jesus’ claim to being the light? Here in North America, we have less to do with Jesus over time. As a believer myself, I cannot be convinced that we are becoming more enlightened. There is nothing about our political landscape, how we treat the environment, or mental fitness which would suggest to me that we are progressing. Instead, our culture reminds me of how I navigate the halls of my home in the dark - By Feel
Feelings are everything to us. The entertainment we consume is contrived largely to impact our emotions; fear, love, sexual arousal or joy. We enter into and exit out of relationships largely because of how we feel about the person. You can even sue someone if they hurt your feelings bad enough. We vote for politicians just because we don’t like the other candidate.
You might be okay with charting a course through life by sticking out your hands and feeling your way, hoping you won’t step in anything. Or maybe you’re sick of it and are happy to hear that there is another way to live and it’s a life lived with eyes wide open. Walk in the light. Follow Jesus.
“So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” John 12:35-36
Without giving you too much detail, sometimes in the middle of the night I have to go to the bathroom. I know I’m not alone in that. When I do, I often wrestle with deciding whether or not to turn on the light. I normally decide against it. I prefer to believe that I can find my way around the house after living in it for the past 20 years. I should know how many steps I need to take to the living area, how far to head right towards the hall and how long before I reach the door. I usually do succeed. There are others times that I hurt myself, either stubbing my toe or stepping on something hard.
Jesus claims that He is the light. He tells us to walk in His light so that the darkness would not overtake us. What does that sound like it means to you? The people I think could most relate to what it feels like to live in darkness might be those who struggle with anxiety, depression or mental illness. At least, those have been what I would call the darkest times in my life. So is that it? Come to Jesus and He’ll take the mental demons away. I don’t believe so.
My pride is what compels me to walk in the dark. I should be able to picture the house in my mind by now and navigate by memory. Instead, I stick out my hands and try to ‘feel’ my way around. Likewise, it’s equally insulting, if not more so, to be told that we need Jesus if we are to navigate through life without stubbing our toe or stepping on the LEGO.
Christians aren’t the only people who think they’ve bee enlightened. In fact, I believe most of us walk with a sense that we’re surrounded by people who JUST DON’T GET IT!!!! At least, that is the impression I get behind a lot of what is posted on social media. Some atheists I know tell me their minds have been opened. I’m sure people of the world’s religions believe they have reached a sort of enlightenment.
So what do you think of Jesus’ claim to being the light? Here in North America, we have less to do with Jesus over time. As a believer myself, I cannot be convinced that we are becoming more enlightened. There is nothing about our political landscape, how we treat the environment, or mental fitness which would suggest to me that we are progressing. Instead, our culture reminds me of how I navigate the halls of my home in the dark - By Feel
Feelings are everything to us. The entertainment we consume is contrived largely to impact our emotions; fear, love, sexual arousal or joy. We enter into and exit out of relationships largely because of how we feel about the person. You can even sue someone if they hurt your feelings bad enough. We vote for politicians just because we don’t like the other candidate.
You might be okay with charting a course through life by sticking out your hands and feeling your way, hoping you won’t step in anything. Or maybe you’re sick of it and are happy to hear that there is another way to live and it’s a life lived with eyes wide open. Walk in the light. Follow Jesus.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
What Do You Worship?
John 12:1-26
“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 her perfume.” John 12:3
As we picture Mary anointing Jesus’ feet, we capture a beautiful moment of what Christians refer to as worship. Of the many ways I have heard worship defined, I know of no more concise an explanation that the one offered to me by the pastor who led me to Jesus.
Worship is the expression of love and adoration for our God.
When we speak of worship in church-world, we generally use the term to describe our time spent in music or song. I’m not about to pronounce judgment on the cave dwellers who seem to use the term primarily within the context of music, mostly because I often do so myself.
Worship isn’t an exclusively Christian thing; rather I propose that we all worship something. We were created to be a people of worship and have continued to be so throughout human history. Left to our own we are predisposed to worship anything I believe, BUT God. We are a species having substituted our affection for God for the trappings of His created world.
We love money, so we do what we can to get as much as we can, keep all we can and then sit on the can. That is our worship. We love sex and romance. That’s why we love to listen to music or watch movies which scratch that itch. That is worship. We love our sports. Our affection might prompt us to wear team swag, buy season/single game tickets and maybe even paint our faces. This is worship.
There may be a part of worship that can be summoned or inspired, and we desperately try to accomplish this in our church settings on a Sunday morning. Yet I am of the opinion that worship simply comes out of who we really are and what we truly value. This is what we see in the lady Mary. We see a woman who is immensely grateful for what Jesus has done in her life. Jesus had brought her brother back from death itself. To put her offering into context, a denari is worth about a day’s wages. If you take a couple of weeks off per year for holidays, her gift would amount to approximately one year’s wages.
Our love for God is expressed in virtually all we do in relationship to Jesus. We worship when we listen to His word. We express our love as we walk in obedience. We live out our adoration when we tell others about what He has done for us.
If you want to know what your life truly worships, just track the money. Our heart is where our treasure is. Maybe it’s in your house, garage, your closet, the bank or even your belly. I won’t be one more Jesus guy to try and get you to give your money to my cause. Keep your cash if it’s so precious to you. I will ask you this;
As she dumps a full year’s wages on to the feet of her saviour, do you suppose she’s wondering if it’s tax deductable?
“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 her perfume.” John 12:3
As we picture Mary anointing Jesus’ feet, we capture a beautiful moment of what Christians refer to as worship. Of the many ways I have heard worship defined, I know of no more concise an explanation that the one offered to me by the pastor who led me to Jesus.
Worship is the expression of love and adoration for our God.
When we speak of worship in church-world, we generally use the term to describe our time spent in music or song. I’m not about to pronounce judgment on the cave dwellers who seem to use the term primarily within the context of music, mostly because I often do so myself.
Worship isn’t an exclusively Christian thing; rather I propose that we all worship something. We were created to be a people of worship and have continued to be so throughout human history. Left to our own we are predisposed to worship anything I believe, BUT God. We are a species having substituted our affection for God for the trappings of His created world.
We love money, so we do what we can to get as much as we can, keep all we can and then sit on the can. That is our worship. We love sex and romance. That’s why we love to listen to music or watch movies which scratch that itch. That is worship. We love our sports. Our affection might prompt us to wear team swag, buy season/single game tickets and maybe even paint our faces. This is worship.
There may be a part of worship that can be summoned or inspired, and we desperately try to accomplish this in our church settings on a Sunday morning. Yet I am of the opinion that worship simply comes out of who we really are and what we truly value. This is what we see in the lady Mary. We see a woman who is immensely grateful for what Jesus has done in her life. Jesus had brought her brother back from death itself. To put her offering into context, a denari is worth about a day’s wages. If you take a couple of weeks off per year for holidays, her gift would amount to approximately one year’s wages.
Our love for God is expressed in virtually all we do in relationship to Jesus. We worship when we listen to His word. We express our love as we walk in obedience. We live out our adoration when we tell others about what He has done for us.
If you want to know what your life truly worships, just track the money. Our heart is where our treasure is. Maybe it’s in your house, garage, your closet, the bank or even your belly. I won’t be one more Jesus guy to try and get you to give your money to my cause. Keep your cash if it’s so precious to you. I will ask you this;
As she dumps a full year’s wages on to the feet of her saviour, do you suppose she’s wondering if it’s tax deductable?
Monday, January 16, 2017
Seeing Isn't Believing
John 11:28-57
"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
We would have the right to question The Bible’s legitimacy were we to make different observations about life and faith in the lives we live, than what we see as we read the account of Jesus as written by the people who lived in His day. We do not find such a discrepancy between the writing of John and the human response to the works of Christ in 2017. Seeing is NOT necessarily believing.
I've heard people say that they could believe in Jesus if only they saw some kind of miracle or something. If you've ever said or though something similar, know that faith does not automatically follow having observed His work. We see this principle clearly at work through the raising of Lazarus.
Many did in fact believe. Many others did not. There is nearly always a way to find an explanation that reinforces what you already believe. I suppose the easiest way around this account in its day would have been to write it off as a hoax. These Jesus followers must have contrived an elaborate scheme. The Christians have tried to sell the world a tall tale.
This is bigger than an issue of worldview. It would seem that these people who went to tell the Pharisees actually thought the event to be legitimate; their opposition to Christ being completely independent of whether or not Jesus really raised the man. He had been dead four days, the matter being a very public affair. Their resistance reveals something significantly greater than worldview, or personal observation. It isn't about those things. It is about allegiance. They just don't want Jesus to be who His works testify Him to be.
For all of the discussions we have today surrounding God - whether He's real, whether or not something is a miracle - I am convinced that this is truly what lies at the heart of the debate. Our resistance has less to do with reason, research, philosophy or observation, but infinitely more about if we really want Jesus to be the One sent by God to make humanity right with Himself.
The temptation is there for me to spend some time telling you about the people I know who have been healed from cancer, or the crippled man who was healed while on a trip to Israel. I know both by experience and the reality of Lazarus's story that going there wouldn't be what it takes for you to cross the line. Whether you trust John's story or even me has everything to do with what is going on in your own heart.
If you're fighting this I ask you to consider what motive a guy like me or a fellow like John would have in contriving such a great conspiracy. I have no money to gain if you sign on. I am not a politician soliciting your vote or a celebrity trying to gain a following. John's faith cost his own freedom, ending up in exile for his beliefs.
You may not have seen or recognized Christ's work in the world today. I assume you have the humility to recognize that just because you haven't observed something does not mean it didn't happen. I simply ask that you wouldn't be naive enough to think that seeing His work is necessarily what it would take to believe. If you're looking for a story and you trust me, leave a comment. I'll try to find the time to give you a story or two. (or maybe I’ll try to sell you a book)
"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
We would have the right to question The Bible’s legitimacy were we to make different observations about life and faith in the lives we live, than what we see as we read the account of Jesus as written by the people who lived in His day. We do not find such a discrepancy between the writing of John and the human response to the works of Christ in 2017. Seeing is NOT necessarily believing.
I've heard people say that they could believe in Jesus if only they saw some kind of miracle or something. If you've ever said or though something similar, know that faith does not automatically follow having observed His work. We see this principle clearly at work through the raising of Lazarus.
Many did in fact believe. Many others did not. There is nearly always a way to find an explanation that reinforces what you already believe. I suppose the easiest way around this account in its day would have been to write it off as a hoax. These Jesus followers must have contrived an elaborate scheme. The Christians have tried to sell the world a tall tale.
This is bigger than an issue of worldview. It would seem that these people who went to tell the Pharisees actually thought the event to be legitimate; their opposition to Christ being completely independent of whether or not Jesus really raised the man. He had been dead four days, the matter being a very public affair. Their resistance reveals something significantly greater than worldview, or personal observation. It isn't about those things. It is about allegiance. They just don't want Jesus to be who His works testify Him to be.
For all of the discussions we have today surrounding God - whether He's real, whether or not something is a miracle - I am convinced that this is truly what lies at the heart of the debate. Our resistance has less to do with reason, research, philosophy or observation, but infinitely more about if we really want Jesus to be the One sent by God to make humanity right with Himself.
The temptation is there for me to spend some time telling you about the people I know who have been healed from cancer, or the crippled man who was healed while on a trip to Israel. I know both by experience and the reality of Lazarus's story that going there wouldn't be what it takes for you to cross the line. Whether you trust John's story or even me has everything to do with what is going on in your own heart.
If you're fighting this I ask you to consider what motive a guy like me or a fellow like John would have in contriving such a great conspiracy. I have no money to gain if you sign on. I am not a politician soliciting your vote or a celebrity trying to gain a following. John's faith cost his own freedom, ending up in exile for his beliefs.
You may not have seen or recognized Christ's work in the world today. I assume you have the humility to recognize that just because you haven't observed something does not mean it didn't happen. I simply ask that you wouldn't be naive enough to think that seeing His work is necessarily what it would take to believe. If you're looking for a story and you trust me, leave a comment. I'll try to find the time to give you a story or two. (or maybe I’ll try to sell you a book)
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Jesus Is...
John 11:1-37
"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26
In the first few chapters of our time in John, I spent a significant amount of intentional effort saying that Jesus isn't someone we turn to because He can do wonderful things for us. I made sure we all knew that believers still get sick and die. We still have the normal problems of life here on earth, while having the added benefit of being alienated from the world.
We see that truth rather clearly in the story of Lazarus. Lazarus knew Jesus. He really did. Sometimes within our current setting, we wonder if we really know Jesus; if our relationship is actually real or not. In Lazarus's case however, there was no ambiguity about their mutual connection. As his sisters sent word to Jesus, they described their brother as 'he whom you love'. So as we look at this unfold, there is no room to question whether or not Lazarus knew Christ.
In spite of this, he died anyway. It happens. Have you ever prayed hard for something, only for God to say no? Deathly ill, Lazarus's sisters sent word, directly to Jesus Himself. Still he perished. It can be difficult when God does that. We see here in the Bible the Son of Man - the God who can bend heaven and earth with but a word. It is tempting to think that being right with such a God would allow us the privilege of having a free pass through at least some of life's trials. Death comes, and came regardless.
If it were you, would you ask why? Do you suppose knowing why would be good enough? Although Christ didn't give a 50 verse monologue on why He let Lazarus die, in this case He did indicate that it was for the disciples benefit, and likely ours. They needed as do we, to see and to know something imperative about who He is and what we can count on in Him.
He is the life and the resurrection.
When we say that one shouldn't seek after Christ expecting Him to solve life's ills, that is not to say there are not benefits to knowing Him, or nothing we can count on by our association with Him. If you're hoping that Jesus will make you healthy and wealthy, I have no idea of what Jesus will do with that. Some people who turn to God do get healed. God also seems to bless others financially sometimes. I will NOT waste my time writing about that. If money is so important to us, then there are numerous financial advisors we can turn to for help.
Here in the life, death and new life of Lazarus, we find that which we can bank on as it lies at the core of what Christ came to do. He is life itself. He came that we too might have life in Him. Although we see death all around us, He is not a God of death. In fact it grieves Him.
I can, you can, and indeed WE can all bank on this in knowing Christ: That even though we die, we will live. As great as it that Lazarus was brought to life, I don't think the life He's ultimately referring to is merely longer life here on earth. It is not more of the same, but true life, abundant life, glorious life, a forever life spent in real relationship with Him. That excites me. You?
"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26
In the first few chapters of our time in John, I spent a significant amount of intentional effort saying that Jesus isn't someone we turn to because He can do wonderful things for us. I made sure we all knew that believers still get sick and die. We still have the normal problems of life here on earth, while having the added benefit of being alienated from the world.
We see that truth rather clearly in the story of Lazarus. Lazarus knew Jesus. He really did. Sometimes within our current setting, we wonder if we really know Jesus; if our relationship is actually real or not. In Lazarus's case however, there was no ambiguity about their mutual connection. As his sisters sent word to Jesus, they described their brother as 'he whom you love'. So as we look at this unfold, there is no room to question whether or not Lazarus knew Christ.
In spite of this, he died anyway. It happens. Have you ever prayed hard for something, only for God to say no? Deathly ill, Lazarus's sisters sent word, directly to Jesus Himself. Still he perished. It can be difficult when God does that. We see here in the Bible the Son of Man - the God who can bend heaven and earth with but a word. It is tempting to think that being right with such a God would allow us the privilege of having a free pass through at least some of life's trials. Death comes, and came regardless.
If it were you, would you ask why? Do you suppose knowing why would be good enough? Although Christ didn't give a 50 verse monologue on why He let Lazarus die, in this case He did indicate that it was for the disciples benefit, and likely ours. They needed as do we, to see and to know something imperative about who He is and what we can count on in Him.
He is the life and the resurrection.
When we say that one shouldn't seek after Christ expecting Him to solve life's ills, that is not to say there are not benefits to knowing Him, or nothing we can count on by our association with Him. If you're hoping that Jesus will make you healthy and wealthy, I have no idea of what Jesus will do with that. Some people who turn to God do get healed. God also seems to bless others financially sometimes. I will NOT waste my time writing about that. If money is so important to us, then there are numerous financial advisors we can turn to for help.
Here in the life, death and new life of Lazarus, we find that which we can bank on as it lies at the core of what Christ came to do. He is life itself. He came that we too might have life in Him. Although we see death all around us, He is not a God of death. In fact it grieves Him.
I can, you can, and indeed WE can all bank on this in knowing Christ: That even though we die, we will live. As great as it that Lazarus was brought to life, I don't think the life He's ultimately referring to is merely longer life here on earth. It is not more of the same, but true life, abundant life, glorious life, a forever life spent in real relationship with Him. That excites me. You?
Saturday, January 14, 2017
"What do you want from me?"
John 10
“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.” John 10
What does the world want from you?
Your answer to that question will likely vary greatly depending on who you are, your place in the world or even your gender. As for me, I’m a balding, middle aged working class male. From my vantage point, it feels like the world wants me to work so it can take my money. There is never any shortage of companies, groups or individuals holding out their hand. “The government” wants me to work so that I can pay taxes. Don’t ask me to account for where it all goes from there. The tech world keeps inventing new gadgets to catch my attention in order to grab their piece of the pie. There are also many other real needs and charities in the world vying for my attention. My employer wants me to be productive and useful. I even have people show up at my door, or call me on the phone to try and scam me.
So how about you? Maybe you are an attractive 20 something young lady and every guy that walks past you on the street thinks he has the freedom to look you over. You’re a teenager whose parents and teachers feel that you owe it to them to get straight A’s or lead your volleyball team to win the championship. You’re a mom and everyone expects you to do everything, from cooking, cleaning, washing, driving around the kids, and that’s after a full work day. Whoever you are, it can seem like there is no shortage of people who want your time, your money, your support, body, mind and even your vote.
This world has conditioned us to take all we can, protect what we’ve acquired and give back as little as possible. It comes as little surprise then how we have a difficult time understanding and receiving Jesus. In a world where everything is built to take from us, how difficult it is to process a man who came to lay down His life for our benefit. One might think He would have been a refreshment come into a parched land. Yet the taste of Him was, and is it seems, so alien that we are too apprehensive to consume. He is the ultimate outcast, resembling nothing of what we have observed in this life.
As we read through John, we have yet to arrive at the place where Jesus lays down His life. He tells us here in John 10 that this is exactly why He came, and it is for this very reason that the Father loves Him. It should compel us to love Him as well.
If you are to look at Jesus for who He is, why do you suppose any person could be so reviled by Him? We have much cause to be disappointed in other people here and now, be it within or outside of the church. There is little room for accusation towards a man who came to give His life as a ransom for many. .
The world has not been so kind to you and I as to deserve the level of devotion it demands of us. He said that His sheep recognize His voice. - What do you hear when He speaks?
“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.” John 10
What does the world want from you?
Your answer to that question will likely vary greatly depending on who you are, your place in the world or even your gender. As for me, I’m a balding, middle aged working class male. From my vantage point, it feels like the world wants me to work so it can take my money. There is never any shortage of companies, groups or individuals holding out their hand. “The government” wants me to work so that I can pay taxes. Don’t ask me to account for where it all goes from there. The tech world keeps inventing new gadgets to catch my attention in order to grab their piece of the pie. There are also many other real needs and charities in the world vying for my attention. My employer wants me to be productive and useful. I even have people show up at my door, or call me on the phone to try and scam me.
So how about you? Maybe you are an attractive 20 something young lady and every guy that walks past you on the street thinks he has the freedom to look you over. You’re a teenager whose parents and teachers feel that you owe it to them to get straight A’s or lead your volleyball team to win the championship. You’re a mom and everyone expects you to do everything, from cooking, cleaning, washing, driving around the kids, and that’s after a full work day. Whoever you are, it can seem like there is no shortage of people who want your time, your money, your support, body, mind and even your vote.
This world has conditioned us to take all we can, protect what we’ve acquired and give back as little as possible. It comes as little surprise then how we have a difficult time understanding and receiving Jesus. In a world where everything is built to take from us, how difficult it is to process a man who came to lay down His life for our benefit. One might think He would have been a refreshment come into a parched land. Yet the taste of Him was, and is it seems, so alien that we are too apprehensive to consume. He is the ultimate outcast, resembling nothing of what we have observed in this life.
As we read through John, we have yet to arrive at the place where Jesus lays down His life. He tells us here in John 10 that this is exactly why He came, and it is for this very reason that the Father loves Him. It should compel us to love Him as well.
If you are to look at Jesus for who He is, why do you suppose any person could be so reviled by Him? We have much cause to be disappointed in other people here and now, be it within or outside of the church. There is little room for accusation towards a man who came to give His life as a ransom for many. .
The world has not been so kind to you and I as to deserve the level of devotion it demands of us. He said that His sheep recognize His voice. - What do you hear when He speaks?
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