Scripture: John 17:6-11
Observation: Jesus now prays more specifically for His disciples. These men have proven themselves faithful - they have kept God's word (v.6). They also believe in Jesus, believe He is the Messiah sent by God, and have received Him. Though there is much they don't know yet, including what is to come (death and resurrection), still they have faith and obey their Lord. Jesus prays for these who have accepted Him, not for the world who have rejected Him, because He knows they need God's protection. Jesus will soon leave, but these, His disciples, must stay in the world.
Application: These words should be an encouragement to believers today. Even without knowing what was to come, these disciples put their faith in Jesus because they realized He was the Christ, and that was all they needed to know at that moment. Because of their faith Jesus accepted them as His own, given to Him by His Father. We too are given to Christ by our Heavenly Father when we accept Him as our personal Savior, recognizing Jesus as the Only way to the Father, sent by the Father and One with the Father. We don't need to know everything to be accepted, just this basic truth. Jesus continues to reveal Himself once we take that first step.
Prayer: Father, it is wonderful to know Jesus, and to know You have given us a Savior who prayed for His disciples. It's a gift to us! The greatest moment of my life has been recognizing Jesus as the Truth, and the Only way to You. I know my life doesn't always reflect that knowledge because I let the day-to-day distractions get to me, but I do know one thing for certain: Jesus is Alive, He died for me, and He is the Only way to salvation. As long as I keep focused on that truth, I will always find my way to You. Thank You for Jesus. It is in my Savior's Mighty Name I pray, Amen.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
John 17, Part 1
Scripture: John 17:1-5
Observation: John 17 is Jesus' prayer before being taken away to be crucified. The first part of His prayer is a petition that the Father be glorified and that He also be glorified. This glory will be revealed in Jesus' death, which is the ultimate love, laying down His life. By this glorification the Son now has authority over all people to give eternal life. Eternal life to the Jewish population meant life in the age to come, through a restored relationship with God. Jesus is telling them that relationship is possible by knowing the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It's not about just knowledge of God but also faith in Jesus Christ that this promise is given. Jesus then asks to return to the glory He had before the world even existed, now that His work (ministry) is complete.
Application: Even in this prayer Jesus is teaching something important. The way to eternal life is by knowing God and Christ. The Father sent the Son to reveal Himself and His love. We come to know God through Jesus. But just knowing isn't enough. We must believe. Knowledge without faith is useless. It's empty, hollow. We must believe that Christ is the One sent of God, that He is God, and only through Him can we receive forgiveness of our sins, and salvation.
Prayer: Father, You have been glorified by the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Your Word gives me the basis to believe, but I also know in my heart that You sent Your Son to die for my sins. May my life reflect that faith. If it doesn't, it isn't true faith. I don't want to simply render lip service to You. I want to be a walking advertisement of a life dedicated to following You, the Only True God. Shine Your light through me, Lord. I want to shine for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: John 17 is Jesus' prayer before being taken away to be crucified. The first part of His prayer is a petition that the Father be glorified and that He also be glorified. This glory will be revealed in Jesus' death, which is the ultimate love, laying down His life. By this glorification the Son now has authority over all people to give eternal life. Eternal life to the Jewish population meant life in the age to come, through a restored relationship with God. Jesus is telling them that relationship is possible by knowing the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It's not about just knowledge of God but also faith in Jesus Christ that this promise is given. Jesus then asks to return to the glory He had before the world even existed, now that His work (ministry) is complete.
Application: Even in this prayer Jesus is teaching something important. The way to eternal life is by knowing God and Christ. The Father sent the Son to reveal Himself and His love. We come to know God through Jesus. But just knowing isn't enough. We must believe. Knowledge without faith is useless. It's empty, hollow. We must believe that Christ is the One sent of God, that He is God, and only through Him can we receive forgiveness of our sins, and salvation.
Prayer: Father, You have been glorified by the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Your Word gives me the basis to believe, but I also know in my heart that You sent Your Son to die for my sins. May my life reflect that faith. If it doesn't, it isn't true faith. I don't want to simply render lip service to You. I want to be a walking advertisement of a life dedicated to following You, the Only True God. Shine Your light through me, Lord. I want to shine for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, May 2, 2011
John 16, Part 5
Scripture: John 16:29-33
Observation: Jesus' disciples now affirm their faith (v.29-30). They believe He has come from God, and they think they fully understand Him. But there's more to come that they aren't aware of. Their faith will be further tested in the coming days, and they will scatter, leaving Him (v.32). Still, Jesus doesn't end on a negative note. He tells them there will be troubles, trials, persecution, but also gives them hope, as He Himself has overcome the world.
Application: Plenty of times I think I understand the Lord and what He's doing, only to be amazed at what He continues to reveal to me. The disciples thought they had Jesus all figured out, but the greatest miracle was yet to come. Jesus did give them one comforting word, that He was giving them His peace. Even in the darkest hours, even during the most confusing times, we can be assured of Christ's peace and that He has overcome the world.
Prayer: Father, I don't know everything. I don't even fully know the things I think I know! I know that You are Almighty God, but my brain cannot fathom all You have planned for me. I pray that I will bend to Your will in complete trust, knowing one thing for certain: You are faithful and trustworthy. You are with me wherever I go, and You have overcome death. I have nothing to fear. Thank You Lord, for Your presence in my life and for Your peace. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Observation: Jesus' disciples now affirm their faith (v.29-30). They believe He has come from God, and they think they fully understand Him. But there's more to come that they aren't aware of. Their faith will be further tested in the coming days, and they will scatter, leaving Him (v.32). Still, Jesus doesn't end on a negative note. He tells them there will be troubles, trials, persecution, but also gives them hope, as He Himself has overcome the world.
Application: Plenty of times I think I understand the Lord and what He's doing, only to be amazed at what He continues to reveal to me. The disciples thought they had Jesus all figured out, but the greatest miracle was yet to come. Jesus did give them one comforting word, that He was giving them His peace. Even in the darkest hours, even during the most confusing times, we can be assured of Christ's peace and that He has overcome the world.
Prayer: Father, I don't know everything. I don't even fully know the things I think I know! I know that You are Almighty God, but my brain cannot fathom all You have planned for me. I pray that I will bend to Your will in complete trust, knowing one thing for certain: You are faithful and trustworthy. You are with me wherever I go, and You have overcome death. I have nothing to fear. Thank You Lord, for Your presence in my life and for Your peace. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
John 16, Part 4
Scripture: John 16:22-28
Observation: Jesus promises joy to His disciples, a joy that cannot be taken from them regardless of their circumstances. When that day comes their questions will cease; they will understand all Jesus is telling them now. To make their joy complete, Jesus tells them they have only to ask the Father in His name and receive. He is preparing them for a new kind of relationship with Him. They will be guided by the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself will dwell in them. Jesus explains this new relationship He will have with His disciples. There is a connection between God and man thru Jesus - those that love and believe in Christ receive God's love, and by believing in Christ can now petition God thru Jesus and receive an answer.
Application: God loves all mankind. This is shown in 1 John 4:19 - "He loved us first." But when we accept Christ as our Savior, that love is fulfilled. To have a right relationship with God we must have a right understanding of who Jesus is, and we must love Him and believe in Him. It's not enough to believe Jesus existed and He was a good man, a prophet, and righteous. We must believe that He came from the Father and returned to His rightful place with the Father.
Prayer: There was a time I didn't understand who You are, Lord. I was told and taught many things, few of which were correct. As I begin to see You more clearly, and I say begin because I know You a little more each day, I realize I was in the dark about You. You are more than a man, even though You became man to save man. You are fully man and fully God, able to understand my needs and also fulfill them. I am so grateful for Your revelations, and I ask for even more of them, to know You more. In Your Mighty and Powerful Name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus promises joy to His disciples, a joy that cannot be taken from them regardless of their circumstances. When that day comes their questions will cease; they will understand all Jesus is telling them now. To make their joy complete, Jesus tells them they have only to ask the Father in His name and receive. He is preparing them for a new kind of relationship with Him. They will be guided by the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself will dwell in them. Jesus explains this new relationship He will have with His disciples. There is a connection between God and man thru Jesus - those that love and believe in Christ receive God's love, and by believing in Christ can now petition God thru Jesus and receive an answer.
Application: God loves all mankind. This is shown in 1 John 4:19 - "He loved us first." But when we accept Christ as our Savior, that love is fulfilled. To have a right relationship with God we must have a right understanding of who Jesus is, and we must love Him and believe in Him. It's not enough to believe Jesus existed and He was a good man, a prophet, and righteous. We must believe that He came from the Father and returned to His rightful place with the Father.
Prayer: There was a time I didn't understand who You are, Lord. I was told and taught many things, few of which were correct. As I begin to see You more clearly, and I say begin because I know You a little more each day, I realize I was in the dark about You. You are more than a man, even though You became man to save man. You are fully man and fully God, able to understand my needs and also fulfill them. I am so grateful for Your revelations, and I ask for even more of them, to know You more. In Your Mighty and Powerful Name I pray, Amen.
Monday, April 18, 2011
John 16, Part 3
Scripture: John 16:16-21
Observation: Jesus told His disciples about a time of mourning, of upcoming trials and persecution. Now He is telling them this will only be for a little while, and then they will experience joy. The disciples begin to question amongst themselves what Jesus' words mean. They realize this message is important, but they're confused about Jesus going away for a little while and coming back for a little while. Jesus explains there will be mourning (as in a death ) and worldwide rejoicing (in the belief that their enemy is gone), but this grief will be short-lived and will be turned into joy. Jesus uses the pains of labor and childbirth as a picture of what they will experience. After great pain and suffering, the birth of a child makes a woman forget her anguish. So will the disciples also experience the joy of new life.
Application: What a beautiful promise to read and absorb during Holy Week! Jesus is explaining something profound that His disciples can't yet understand. But we know what He's talking about: His death and resurrection. Like labor pains, which at the moment seem to last forever, the suffering is short and the prize enough to make us forget. Even this life we lead now is short compared to eternity. Any suffering we go through now is worth the eternal gift of salvation, thanks to our Savior.
Prayer: Father, these are words I need to meditate on this day that starts Holy Week. Knowing what was coming You promised joy in the end. And what great joy it is! Our Savior is Risen, He is Alive! We have great hope because of this. I pray that I will remember these words in times of trouble and anguish. Anything we experience now is short-lived. I need to trust in Your promise and not sweat the little things. You are in control. Thank You Father for the greatest gift of all - salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. It is in His name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus told His disciples about a time of mourning, of upcoming trials and persecution. Now He is telling them this will only be for a little while, and then they will experience joy. The disciples begin to question amongst themselves what Jesus' words mean. They realize this message is important, but they're confused about Jesus going away for a little while and coming back for a little while. Jesus explains there will be mourning (as in a death ) and worldwide rejoicing (in the belief that their enemy is gone), but this grief will be short-lived and will be turned into joy. Jesus uses the pains of labor and childbirth as a picture of what they will experience. After great pain and suffering, the birth of a child makes a woman forget her anguish. So will the disciples also experience the joy of new life.
Application: What a beautiful promise to read and absorb during Holy Week! Jesus is explaining something profound that His disciples can't yet understand. But we know what He's talking about: His death and resurrection. Like labor pains, which at the moment seem to last forever, the suffering is short and the prize enough to make us forget. Even this life we lead now is short compared to eternity. Any suffering we go through now is worth the eternal gift of salvation, thanks to our Savior.
Prayer: Father, these are words I need to meditate on this day that starts Holy Week. Knowing what was coming You promised joy in the end. And what great joy it is! Our Savior is Risen, He is Alive! We have great hope because of this. I pray that I will remember these words in times of trouble and anguish. Anything we experience now is short-lived. I need to trust in Your promise and not sweat the little things. You are in control. Thank You Father for the greatest gift of all - salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. It is in His name I pray, Amen.
Friday, April 15, 2011
John 16, Part 2
Scripture: John 16:4b-15
Observation: Jesus goes into detail about the coming of the Counselor. Jesus has been preparing His disciples for ministry without Him, and now the time has come for His departure. Jesus explains that it is necessary for Him to return to the Father before the disciples can receive the blessing of the Spirit. It is to their advantage (and ours as well) that Jesus complete the task that awaits Him, for their salvation and also so that the Counselor can lead them into a more complete understanding of Christ's glorification. There is another three-fold purpose for the coming of the Holy Spirit: to convict the world of their sin of disbelief in Jesus, to show that the world is wrong about righteousness (or justice) as they condemn Him, and that the world is wrong about judgment, since the evil one is condemned by Jesus' glorification.
Application: Timing is everything. Many of the things Jesus spoke of made no sense to the disciples at this point, but in time the full truth would be revealed, through the Holy Spirit. Today, life has all kinds of twists and turns, and we await a promise without fully knowing all that will happen. Just as the disciples chose to believe and have faith in Jesus even though they didn't know what He was talking about, so we also must trust in the Lord and in His Word even when the answers seem unclear.
Prayer: Father, trust is a very important part of my relationship with You. I can't see into the future, nor can I say what will happen tomorrow, or next week, month or year. But You know all, and You're in control. When the world says I'm crazy for believing, I must still trust in You. When I don't understand and can't explain what's going on, I will still trust in You. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus goes into detail about the coming of the Counselor. Jesus has been preparing His disciples for ministry without Him, and now the time has come for His departure. Jesus explains that it is necessary for Him to return to the Father before the disciples can receive the blessing of the Spirit. It is to their advantage (and ours as well) that Jesus complete the task that awaits Him, for their salvation and also so that the Counselor can lead them into a more complete understanding of Christ's glorification. There is another three-fold purpose for the coming of the Holy Spirit: to convict the world of their sin of disbelief in Jesus, to show that the world is wrong about righteousness (or justice) as they condemn Him, and that the world is wrong about judgment, since the evil one is condemned by Jesus' glorification.
Application: Timing is everything. Many of the things Jesus spoke of made no sense to the disciples at this point, but in time the full truth would be revealed, through the Holy Spirit. Today, life has all kinds of twists and turns, and we await a promise without fully knowing all that will happen. Just as the disciples chose to believe and have faith in Jesus even though they didn't know what He was talking about, so we also must trust in the Lord and in His Word even when the answers seem unclear.
Prayer: Father, trust is a very important part of my relationship with You. I can't see into the future, nor can I say what will happen tomorrow, or next week, month or year. But You know all, and You're in control. When the world says I'm crazy for believing, I must still trust in You. When I don't understand and can't explain what's going on, I will still trust in You. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
John 16, Part 1
Scripture: John 16:1-4
Observation: Jesus warns His disciples of the upcoming persecution. They will be expelled from the synagogues and even killed. Their persecutors will do this just as they will do to Him, believing they are worshiping God in doing so. This opposition will serve to show how far they are from God. Jesus explains the opposition comes from those who do not know the Father or Him (v. 3). Jesus wants His disciples to know these things so that, when they happen, they will remember His words.
Application: Even among evangelicals today, we hear teachings that are not in line with Scripture, but give the listeners a "good feeling", which they find attractive. When the teachings are challenged in light of Scripture, offense is taken and many Christians find themselves being called "extremists" and "radicals". But isn't that what we're called to be? I don't want to be a "feel good" Christian. I want to be an extreme radical for Christ. He wants my full devotion, not part-time love.
Prayer: Father, You continue to show me the kind of Christian I'm called to be. I don't want to be lukewarm. I want to be on fire for You. I realize this won't win me any popularity contests here on earth. Does it matter? I'm only passing through this life. It's not my permanent home. I want to be focused on eternity and on Your opinion of me. I want to be that good and faithful servant. Forgive me for the times I take my eyes off the prize. Help me to stay focused at all times on You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus warns His disciples of the upcoming persecution. They will be expelled from the synagogues and even killed. Their persecutors will do this just as they will do to Him, believing they are worshiping God in doing so. This opposition will serve to show how far they are from God. Jesus explains the opposition comes from those who do not know the Father or Him (v. 3). Jesus wants His disciples to know these things so that, when they happen, they will remember His words.
Application: Even among evangelicals today, we hear teachings that are not in line with Scripture, but give the listeners a "good feeling", which they find attractive. When the teachings are challenged in light of Scripture, offense is taken and many Christians find themselves being called "extremists" and "radicals". But isn't that what we're called to be? I don't want to be a "feel good" Christian. I want to be an extreme radical for Christ. He wants my full devotion, not part-time love.
Prayer: Father, You continue to show me the kind of Christian I'm called to be. I don't want to be lukewarm. I want to be on fire for You. I realize this won't win me any popularity contests here on earth. Does it matter? I'm only passing through this life. It's not my permanent home. I want to be focused on eternity and on Your opinion of me. I want to be that good and faithful servant. Forgive me for the times I take my eyes off the prize. Help me to stay focused at all times on You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
John Chapter 15 Part 4
Scripture: John 15:26-27
Observation: Jesus promises the disciples that He will send an Advocate, a Counselor, a Helper, which is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth. The Helper comes to bear witness to Jesus, as the disciples are to do as well. They are eyewitnesses from the beginning, and they, together with the Holy Spirit, must testify of the truth of Christ Jesus.
Application: There is only one Gospel, one truth, and that truth is Christ crucified and resurrected. This is what Scripture calls us to give witness to. We are all to proclaim this truth. Unlike the early disciples, we aren't eyewitnesses to Jesus' miracles, but we are witnesses to what He has done for us today. And just as the disciples were given the Spirit of truth, we too have the Holy Spirit to guide us, counsel us, and help us to proclaim His truth.
Prayer: Father, many years have passed since Christ walked this earth, yet the truth remains: we have a Redeemer, Christ, who rose from the dead, and we have a Helper, the Holy Spirit, given to us to help us proclaim this greatest of all miracles. I don't need to fear because I haven't been given a spirit of fear. I must proclaim truth because I have received the Spirit of truth in me. Yet at times I let my fears blur my vision. Holy Spirit, take away any doubts I may have of Your presence in my life. Allow me to see You and be changed by You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Observation: Jesus promises the disciples that He will send an Advocate, a Counselor, a Helper, which is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth. The Helper comes to bear witness to Jesus, as the disciples are to do as well. They are eyewitnesses from the beginning, and they, together with the Holy Spirit, must testify of the truth of Christ Jesus.
Application: There is only one Gospel, one truth, and that truth is Christ crucified and resurrected. This is what Scripture calls us to give witness to. We are all to proclaim this truth. Unlike the early disciples, we aren't eyewitnesses to Jesus' miracles, but we are witnesses to what He has done for us today. And just as the disciples were given the Spirit of truth, we too have the Holy Spirit to guide us, counsel us, and help us to proclaim His truth.
Prayer: Father, many years have passed since Christ walked this earth, yet the truth remains: we have a Redeemer, Christ, who rose from the dead, and we have a Helper, the Holy Spirit, given to us to help us proclaim this greatest of all miracles. I don't need to fear because I haven't been given a spirit of fear. I must proclaim truth because I have received the Spirit of truth in me. Yet at times I let my fears blur my vision. Holy Spirit, take away any doubts I may have of Your presence in my life. Allow me to see You and be changed by You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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