The Way

Today’s reading:  John 14

Do you have a good sense of direction? Some people have an uncanny way of being able to navigate their way around even when it’s their first visit to a specific location.  I wish this was me, but it is not.  Not knowing where I am or how to get where I’m going, and not having a good sense to figure it out can cause me great stress at times.  (How did I ever survive without GPS?)  This is especially true when the stakes are high.  If I have to be somewhere new first thing in the morning, it isn’t uncommon for me to do a “test run” the night before so I can avoid being late and/or starting off in a high stress mode because I’ve had difficulty finding my way there.

When I read the first six verses of John 14, I sense the disciples were in stress mode because they didn’t know where they were going.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going.”  Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:1-6).

This passage is the beginning chapter of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse – his guidance to the eleven disciples (sans Judas) after the last supper, before his crucifixion.  Even though he was preparing to leave them, he was trying to give them confidence that he was going to take care of them. Because the disciples didn’t completely understand his plan, didn’t know exactly where they were going and how to get there, they were anxious.  Think about it.  These eleven men left everything to follow Jesus, and now he was talking about leaving.  They literally had nothing to go back to.  If I had been in their situation, I think describing me as anxious might have been an understatement.

Take a look at Jesus’ response. He didn’t try and get the disciples on board by providing more information on where or how.  Rather, his words of comfort were simply about who.  The disciples didn’t need directions, they need a reminder that trusting Jesus was the way.  He was all they needed.

Regardless of how well we find our way from place to place, we are all lost. So I ask again – how good is your direction sense?  Does it point you to Jesus?  He is still the way.  He is still all we need.

JOHN 13

Today’s reading is from John 13.

Wow, what an amazing chapter in the Bible!  I know that we have read it before and we concentrate on Judas and Jesus washing feet.  However, I would like to make this writing short…but your thought and reading elongated.  I would like to point to John 13:3:  “Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.”  This verse took me back to a hymn as a child that I really loved.  Please excuse me if I miss quote…going from memory:  “He could have called ten thousand angels, to destroy the world and set him free.  He could have called ten thousand angels, but he died alone…for you and me.”  Jesus was given all authority, but chose to be beaten (look up ‘flogged’…see descriptions of this in other gospels), belittled, and dozens of other things that none of us would have gone through…for anyone.  He didn’t HAVE to endure any of it, but he chose to…because he loved us that much…so that he could take the place of sin and we could be connected with the Father.

Please consider his love for us this Thanksgiving week…and give thanks that Jesus loved us this much.  AMEN!

MT

10, 000 angels hymn – https://youtu.be/mP563vwmQB0

Planted for Harvest

Good Morning Biblejournal family! Happy Tuesday.

Today’s Reading focuses on the words of Jesus in John 12.

As I tried to narrow a focus on John 12 to look at today it was very hard. At first, we read about true devotion shown by Martha toward Jesus and His affirmation for her actions.  True Devotion! Then reading about seeing Lazarus raised from the dead, “Wow!” in addition to our King riding into Jerusalem with everyone shouting “Hosanna!” Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” How awesome! So here we go, Planted for Harvest.

24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

The words spoken by Jesus in verses 24-26 are three powerful verses and reminders for us.  Last week I asked the question, What are you discussing? In all transparency these last two weeks have not all been conversations I planned to focus on or around.  In sad actuality, I’m sure many of these focused on me and my personal desires.  Today, we read about a reminder of our self-centeredness. That our need to fill our personal desires can keep us from just letting go and trusting in God’s plan for us.

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

Reflecting on this single seed dying, makes me wonder what does my dying to this earth look like?  How can I do this better than what I do now? All these earthly rewards can often be for this single seed (myself). That as we (I) give more of our lives, thoughts, and conversations to Him; wheat will be produced, fruit will be produced.

How do we produce this? Look at verses 25-26. Where is our life in the essence of this world? Does it revolve around the worldly things that can keep us occupied from sun up to sun down?  Is it about status or achievements? What does our life like? What a perfect time a year to die to ourselves, I couldn’t think of a better week to put our focus on others.

25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Am I willing to let go of the materialistic world that gives short term satisfaction and false happiness in exchange for a joy-filled eternal life?

What would it look like to submit to Jesus? To submit our lives to His words and lower ourselves trusting that we don’t know what is best for our lives, He does.  How can I have a life marked by God and not by the current life where I run around trying to prove myself to others?

26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

Will you serve today? Will you follow?

Dear Lord,

I pray you help us to always turn our eyes to you.  That as this world fills us with superficial and short-term promises you have an eternal promise that is greater than anything else.  Help me to die to my earthly desires and live a life that dies to myself and turns to you.  We love you, and thank you for sending your son to die for us, so that we can have eternal life. Amen

Have a great Thanksgiving. Enjoy the Harvest.

 

 

Wait for it

Today’s Reading John 11

As we are preparing for the feast of thanks this week throughout the city, state, and nation here at my house the children are asking “When is it Christmas?”  This is somewhat due to the Christmas carols playing on the radio and television.  Somewhat due to the commercials of winter themed items and toys.  Somewhat due to the several dozen of catalogs that come to the house daily.  But the true questions started to come last Thursday when several inches of snow covered the streets, cars, and everything.  They are waiting on the coming of Christmas, but they want it to be here NOW.   I know that many parents are experiencing this anticipation and have been for several weeks post-Halloween.  While reading and reflecting on the chapter for today, I find peace in the waiting on Christ.  In Chapter 11 we can find several tokens of peace in waiting:  Waiting can be challenging, waiting can be productive, waiting allows God’s glory to be revealed.

 

In John 11, we have a truly significant story: The Resurrection of Lazarus.  In the beginning of the chapter, John tells us that Lazarus is sick. John also tells us the connection of the family with Jesus.  John tells us in Chapter 11, the woman whom loved Jesus an anointed him for his passion is the same Mary, that is the sister of Lazarus.  The sisters sent word to Jesus and he acknowledged the sickness, but didn’t rush to his friend’s immediate rescue.  Jesus stays in the place for 2 additional days.  Then he began his return to see his friend. When he arrived at the town of Bethany, Martha first and then Mary greets him.  The body of Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days.  When Jesus saw the family and the tomb, Jesus wept. Then Jesus instructed the tomb to be opened and he summoned Lazarus out of the tomb.  Lazarus was restored and able to be with Jesus and his family during the coming Passover.

 

John makes several references to the timing of this sickness, burial and resurrection to show significance of human timing and Divine timing.   1.) Lazarus is sick: This is not shown with a reference time.  We do not know the time span that Lazarus has been ill before his death i.e., one day, three weeks, a couple of months, we know that he is close to death and that Martha and Mary are expecting a miracle of health and healing.  2.) Once Jesus is informed of the sickness, he stays for 2 additional days.  Jesus knows outcome of the illness, before it has been completed.  He knows that this illness will result in death.  He knows the circumstances that we are in before we are experiences these situations.  3.) When he arrives Lazarus has been in the tomb for 4 days.  This passage of time is not shown either. We know that Jesus was summoned, he stayed where he was for an additional 2 days, but we do not know how long the journey was for him to get to Bethany.  We know that Lazarus was sick, died, had a funeral, was buried in a tomb, and now 4 days plus Jesus comes to Bethany.

The significance of the four days is profound because of the ancient traditions and the area of the world this takes place.  The regular funeral rites of the ancient Jewish people are to bury the body with in the 24 hours of the death.  Once the body is buried, the decomposition of the body in this region happens rapidly.  Due to the inability to embalm or prepare the body as in modern times, the body would start to decompose within 2 days of being buried.  The entire body would change and the figure that once was the person that as buried no longer resembled the living body.  Lazarus was dead for 4 days, and Jesus was either visiting on day 4 or 5, which means that he was completely dead and only the grace and glory of God would be able to restore him.   The full picture of Lazarus is seen after his resurrection while he is eating with Jesus, Mary, Martha, and the apostles for Passover.  Lazarus is not a half-living individual, but a fully functional person.  Christ has given life to the dead, and will fully restore all of the vitality and function to the decomposed body that once was, Christ is the resurrection and the life.

 

In this chapter we find lessons in waiting:

  • Waiting is a challenge and can be difficult. – Ask anyone that is waiting of results of classroom examinations, blood test, or diagnostic exams.  This can be some of the most terrify and difficult times that you experience.
  • Waiting can be productive. – In many instances waiting is the process that we can anticipate and reflect on something exciting.  Examples are waiting for the bread to rise after kneading or waiting for the flower to blossom after the long winter.  These are times that new growth and expectations blossom our spirit and our resolve.
  • Waiting to allow God’s Glory to be revealed. – In the chapter Jesus makes mention that he could have saved his friend several times over, but the ultimate purpose was not to give Jesus glory, but to give God the glory not only over health and sickness, but also over undeniable death.He has the final say.

 

Lord,

Thank you for not being on human time, but on your on time.  Thank you for being over all things in heaven and earth.  We praise you that you created all things, including life and time and you are the keeper of all things.  Lord, allow us to be in tune with you and allow us to wait on you for your will and glory to be shown. Amen

We Are His Sheep

I am a visual learner.  Give me pictures, videos, or word pictures and you have my attention.  In todays reading of John 10 we get a picture of sheep.  The first 21 verses in this chapter are titled, The Good Shepherd and His Sheep.  For some reason I have always had a fascination with sheep.  I remember as a young child watching sheep being sheered either on Sesame Street or Mr Rodgers.  It was amazing how all of that wool comes off of them and they are completely transformed!  

Why does Jesus refer to us as sheep?  There are hundreds of references to sheep in the Bible.  God chose to use the word sheep to identify His followers. 

According to answers.com, here are some characteristics of sheep:

1. timid, fearful, easily packed 2. dumb, stupid, gullible 3. very vulnerable to fear, frustration, pests, hunger 4. easily influenced by a leader, by the shepherd 5. stampede easily, vulnerable to mob psychology 6. little or no means of self-defense 7. easily killed by enemies 8. the shepherd is most effective, calming influence 9. jealous, competitive for dominance 10. constantly need fresh water, fresh pasture 11. have very little discernment in choosing food or water 12. best water source is early morning dew 13. perverse, stubborn – will insist on their own way 14. easily “cast” or flipped over on their back, unable to right themselves will die of starvation if not turned over by the shepherd; helpless 15. frequently look for easy places to rest 16. don’t like to be sheered, cleaned 17. too much wool can cause sheep to be easily “cast” 18. creatures of habit; get into “ruts” 19. need the most care of all livestock 20. need to be “on the move”;need a pre-determined plan, pattern of grazing 21. totally dependent of shepherd for every need 22. need “rod and staff” guidance.

Wow!  That is quite a list.  Read through it again and see if any of those characteristics can apply to you.  I have to admit, I see myself in quite a few of those descriptions.  These are ALL the reasons why WE NEED A SHEPHERD!!

Sheep are simpleminded and totally dependent upon the shepherd who tends to them with care and compassion.  Shepherds are the providers, guides, protectors and constant companions of sheep.  

Sheep respond immediately to the care of their shepherd – and only their shepherd.  Jesus said, “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him.  He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  After he has gathered his own flock, he was ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:3-4 NLT).

The sheep have a security and direction because they know their shepherd and respond to his commands.

We have so many similarities to sheep.  There are so many things in this world that can trip us up.  But we have a shepherd who we can turn to and will guide us.  Do you know Your shepherd?  Do you seek His voice daily?  Thank you God for directing our lives!

*If you are fascinated with sheep like I am, check out Ray Carmen on Facebook.  He has a page called Enjoy the Shepherd and he has short daily devotions pertaining to his sheep.  I enjoy them!

Our shepherd is Jesus and He is leading the way.

What Will You See?

Today’s Reading: John 9

He probably blamed himself.  Can you picture him?  The blind beggar, sitting, all alone.  Cold, hungry, and lonely.  He could hear people talking as they passed by.  They questioned what was wrong.  They mocked him.  They made up stories. Every conversation reminded him that he was useless.  Every remark reinforced his belief that he was bad.  For a while, the blind man fought it.  He wondered what he could have possibly done wrong.  Why, did he deserve this?  

In the moments that others engaged him in conversation, the answer was always the same.  “you must have done something” they would say.  “Think hard.  You dont remember doing anything sinful?”  As the blind man searched his heart, he would cry out, “no, nothing.”  “Well,” they retorted, “if not you, then it must have been your father.  Clearly, you are paying for someone’s sin.”

Most of the time, he was just alone.  Alone with his thoughts and heavy heart.  His hope for a normal life, productive and useful, was gone.  He would never be like everyone else.  Over time, he decided, they are right.  I’ll just accept what I have.  “There is no sense in trying harder, no benefit to leaning in.”  

I wonder if that is real for all of us.  The blind man had an ailment that kept him from experiencing a full and meaningful life.  It was something that he could not overcome.  Nobody else could help him either.   Like the blind beggar, we are unable to view the thoughts and actions that shape our lives objectively.  When we look closely, we will develop reasons why it just wont work for us.  Ironically, those reasons, become exactly what keeps us from moving forward.  They are the things that keep us from becoming who God created us to be.

Just like the blind man, we cannot find comfort or assistance from other people. We definitely cannot find it inside of ourselves.  We need someone to believe in us.  Actually, we need something more than belief.  We need someone that knows us, intimately, just like Jesus knew the blind man.  Jesus stopped and provided exactly what was needed.

I wonder, if the blind man knew what sight would bring him.  Maybe he thought about new and amazing opportunities, or maybe that it would open the door to love and companionship.  It could be that comfort and ease of life were enough for him.  Whatever it was, I wonder if he was surprised at what he got.  He didn’t get any of those.  Instead, he got Jesus, telling him to be a witness.  To tell the world of his experience.  It didn’t make sense.  Of course he would tell the world.  In fact, he wanted to shout it from the mountaintops. He would make sure that everyone knew it was Jesus Christ that healed him.  He is why he sees.

What the blind beggar didn’t know and didn’t think about was that this is who he was created to be.  Full of passion, full of love, hope and joy.  These were the fruits that had been hidden away for so long.  This is what Jesus unlocked in his life.  For the first time, he could see.

What do you want to see?  What will you use your sight for?  

The Truth

Today’s reading is John 8.

Jesus says in John 8:44, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Even Christians, often have trouble acknowledging the Devil’s presence in our lives and in the world. However, the Bible does not. In fact, the Devil or Satan is mentioned 90 times in the Bible. Jesus calls him the “father of lies” here which makes complete sense due the fact that the first sin started with his lie in Genesis 3:5 when he told Adam and Eve they would be like God if they ate the fruit. This is the first lie that Satan still tells us today…you are God.

This may seem silly, but when you take a step back it’s not too difficult to see in our own life and in the world today by what is found to be socially acceptable. Primarily it rears its ugly head when God tells us to do whatever “feels good” and that others should be able to do the same. We trade temporary satisfaction for joy and peace which God knows will come from following Him and restraining from what He calls a sin in the BIble. The “father of lies” also then furthers this lie by others telling us (which we then believe to be true ourselves) that we are judging others when we call what God calls a sin a sin and “that is not the Christian thing to do.” When we call a sin a sin and at the same time acknowledge that we ourselves are sinners as well needing forgiveness and that one sin is not worse than another sin (except for blaspheming the Holy Spirit) and all sin separates us from God, that is not judging..it’s speaking the truth.

The 2nd lie Satan tells us is God does not love you. Even when we acknowledge God exists and know that He sent His Son to die on the cross for us, this lie can subtly bind us from experiencing joy and most importantly keep us from truly being at peace through complete understanding God’s love . Up until the last few years, I found myself wondering at times if something didn’t go my way if it was because of a entirely unrelated sin I committed recently. While sin does have consequences in our lives and God often doesn’t stop the consequences, God does not make bad things happen to you because of something you did. Romans 8:1 says, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:31 then says, “…If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us, will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” God is not against us. He does not punish us for sins. He says here in John 8:11, “Neither do I condemn you.” He does also then say,” …go and from now on sin no more.” He came with both grace and truth.

Jesus says in John 8:12…”I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in the darkness, but have the light of life.” We all seek truth. That is what the world is looking for…truth. We find truth in the Word. John 1 refers to Him as the Word, and here in John 8:31 He says, “….If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Acting on how we we “feel” and the world telling us its ok for others to do the same will not set us free. This is what the “father of lies” tells us. But, Jesus tells us in John 8:34, “..Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” Sin (which is what God tells us is sin in the Bible..not the world) does not set us free as Satan tells us…it imprisons us. Jesus says again in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free in deed.” Read the Word. Run to His loving arms and be free. There you will find what we all need to have peace and joy…you will find truth and love.

 

The Feast of the Tabernacles

John 7

Today’s chapter is not easy.  I read and read it several times deciding on how to best break it down.  It is like a four part mini-series!

Part 1:  Jesus goes to the Feast of the Tabernacles

When we hear the word “festival” or “feast”, we often think of a carnival, a party or a celebration.  This festival was different than our current day festivals.  The Feast or Festivals of the Tabernacles was also called Booths.  It was held on the 15th of September.  I think of the booths they used at this festival to be what has evolved into our booths at things like the Sugar Creek Arts festival (a bit of a stretch I know).  Back then they were made of branches and thatches roofs (unlike tarps over metal contraptions of today).   These booths were like tents where people stayed for seven days to offer sacrifices to God.  This festival is said to have coincided with the autumn equinox which of course we just experienced here not that long ago (before this snow!)  This festival was known for “light” and also had a component of “water” asking that everyone in attendance prayer for rain to replenish the ground and the people.

All males were expected to attend this festival.  As Jesus’ brothers were trying to leave for the Festival, they asked an prodded Jesus to go with them.  His response:  6 Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do.7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. 8 You go to the festival. I am not[b] going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.”  It is an interesting back and forth, with Jesus obviously not wanting to go and feeling uncomfortable, if not at risk in this crowd.  This story made me think about how in our house we have a similar bantering.  Two people are always up for a festival, party, or social event and two are not in the mode of rushing out.  I’m sometimes with the latter camp, wanting to see how things go before rushing into what I know could be a crowded and uncomfortable situation.

In today’s lesson, Jesus let’s his brothers go on ahead.  They do not know that he will eventually attend.  We are told festival attendees are looking for him, some in a positive light and some not so positive.

Part 2:  Jesus Teaches at the Festival

Part 1 reveals that Jesus really didn’t want to go, but once there, he sees a platform for teaching.  We are not told what prompted him to start teaching but he determines it is the right place and time.  As he starts to speak, some in the crowd question where he learned this information and why he thinks he can or should be the messenger.  He reads the crowd well and replies: 16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. 17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. 

His response elicits more questions from the crowd and more people challenge him on the information he shares.  It appears to be getting contention with a crowd of people not believing him.  He continues to share the word.

Part 3:  Division over who Jesus is

The scene is one of conflict.  Some in the crowd question who Jesus is and some do not believe.

28 Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, 29 but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.”

Jesus tells them that he is only here for a short time, foreshadowing his own death and resurrection.  Does the crowd believe him?  No, they start to question where he would go that they could not come or follow him?

My favorite part of the entire chapter:

37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”[c] 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Whoever believes in him will have living water flowing within them.  Admit you are thirsty, not just for water, but thirsty for the word, for healing, for help for salvation, and come forward.  How awesome for us!

We are told the crowd starts to question whether he is a prophet.  Is he the Messiah?  Disbelief abounds (instead of our reaction today of wanting to receiving this living water).

Part 4:  Unbelief of the Jewish Leaders

The Jewish leaders then become contentious.  They do not believe his teachings and want him captured.

47 “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. 48 “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.”

The crowd is turning against Jesus, thus why he may not have wanted to attend in the first place.  We know the story from here on out.  The crowd of disbelievers grows.  Jesus knows he must be careful yet he also knows his time is coming.  An interesting balance.  He took a risk going to the festival knowing it could charge up the crowd and it did.  We know this event was not a party or a celebration; it was a step in the process leading to Jesus’ crucifixion.

As I walk away from this long story, I am thankful for Jesus taking the “risk” to attend and for using this platform to teach the crowd and us about coming to him when we are most thirsty to receive his living water.  Will you attend Jesus’ feast?


 

 

 

 

John 6

This past weekend was rough for me. I’ve been sick for two weeks, and was looking forward to rest. In the middle the day on Friday I received a message that I would be entertaining houseguests and that they would be at my house before I even got home from work that day. Then, three of four kids got sick over Saturday night with fevers and stomach virus symptoms. Not only was I tired and sick myself, I was now up through the night nursing sick babies and cleaning up the symptoms from beds, carpet, etc. Having to prepare food and be hospitable in the middle of everything (especially when this was an unplanned visit) was not an easy task for me. On top of all of that, it has been decided that I am to host a Thanksgiving meal next week as well. Instead of looking forward to the holiday, I’m dreading it. I’ll be working long hours straight up until the night before the holiday. Finances are tight, and trying to squeeze extra groceries out of the budget to host people here is making me feel very stressed. And, as commercials and marketing media are constantly reminding me, Christmas is right around the corner. Yet another holiday for me to spend working, cooking, cleaning, and trying to find a way to squeeze gifts for everyone out of a budget that is stretched to the max.

I cannot stop asking myself, “HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS?”

I am well aware how whiny and self-indulgent these thoughts are. But they’re real and they’re my current struggles.

So, reading John 6, here’s how the Holy Spirit spoke to me in my self-pity mode.

This crowd of 5,000 people has gathered to listen to Jesus. We don’t really know where they all came from, or why they all ended up there being unprepared to feed themselves, but for whatever reason that was the situation. The disciples – who have been watching Jesus heal the sick and perform countless other miracles – start getting all worked up about how they were going to feed this crowd. Jesus just has them get all the people sat down and commands that the five loaves and two fish be broken and distributed.

Can you even imagine this scene? 5k+ people and 5 loaves of bread with 3 fishes.

But after the food was passed around, there were leftovers.

He provided.

The people in the crowd, having eaten their fill of this miraculous meal, tracked Jesus down the next day. Jesus admonished them saying,

Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Why is it that I continue to doubt God’s faithfulness? Why do I wonder how we will eat, or how we will make it through another rough time? Hasn’t he shown me over and over again that he provides for us? Haven’t I seen miracles in my own life and in my family’s lives over and over again?

Lord, thank you for providing our daily needs. Thank you for your abundant grace. Forgive my doubt and worry. Turn my focus to the food that endures and never perishes. Let me desire the bread of life more than I desire material things. Thank you for your words in scripture and for brothers and sisters in Christ constantly encouraging and praying with me.

Our Messiah

Today’s Reading: John 5

Good morning friends. I’m writing to you this week from my kitchen table as I watch snow flakes fall and the wind blow. The change of season is such a powerful reminder for me of God’s presence in our world. I’m appreciative of the quiet beauty as I study! Today’s scripture from John 5 has two major themes. First, we have the healing of a lame man, which is further evidence that John provides to show that Jesus is the true Messiah. The second major theme is Jesus’ claim to be the son of God. We begin with Jesus in Jerusalem for a Jewish festival. There he finds a man lying on the ground who has been disabled for 38 years. When Jesus sees him lying there he says,

“Do you want to get well?”

“Sir, the invalid replied, I have no one to get me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me!” John, 5:6-7

After 38 long years, the man’s problem had become a way of life for him. He was left with no hope of being healed as no one had ever offered to help him. How often do we decide that our situation is permanent? Do we give up hope when faced with hardship or continued defeat? No matter how trapped we may feel, God can minister to our specific need. When Jesus asks the man if he wants to be well, we expect him to respond with a resounding “Yes!” but he doesn’t. Instead he complains to Jesus that no one has helped him. When I read that, I was quick to judge the man. But when I really thought about it, I realized that I certainly have this kind of pessimism in my nature. It is often difficult to accept help even when you know that you need it. Are there moments in my day that Jesus is present and offering help? Are there times that I feel hopeless and helpless and Jesus is standing there ready to intervene? It’s tempting to think that God’s healing depends upon the quality of our faith. But the man whom Jesus heals showed no outward sign of faith. He was still worthy of a miracle.

Later, Jesus encounters the healed man in the temple. The man shares that it was Jesus that healed him and the Jewish authorities are enraged. When Jesus tells them that he is simply doing the work of his Father, it makes matters worse. Jesus was identifying himself with God. Although the Pharisees also called God their Father, they realized that Jesus was claiming the distinction of being equal with God. Jesus says:

“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out-those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing, I judge only as I hear, and my judgement is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” John 5:28-30

With these words, Jesus establishes his true identity despite the inherent risk of persecution and what he knows will result in his eventual death. The Old Testament identifies three signs of the coming Messiah. John shows that Jesus has fulfilled all three signs in this chapter:

  • All power and authority are given to him as the Son of Man
  • The lame and the sick are healed
  • The dead are raised to life

Jesus is quite simply saying that to accept him is life and to reject him is death. He’s inviting us to enter in to a new relationship with Him in which we are obedient. It means that we accept a way of life that may be difficult at times and require sacrifice but will end in eternal life. As I prepare for a new week, I’m aware that I am often more like the man at the pool than I am a fearless and obedient Christ follower. I love that today’s scripture brings us the solid evidence that Jesus is the Messiah. He is our Messiah. I hope His words bring you joy and hope as you re-commit yourself to Him. Have a great week!