Tag: Bible Study

Devotional

Egypt’s Shade

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Isaiah 30:1-5

In a day and age where folks seem determined to chart their own destiny, where does one go for help?

The Israelites, we read, had gone to Egypt for help, centuries ago. The Lord addressed them as His obstinate children (30:1). Starting with “Woe!” we must look closely to discover what it is that has so displeased the Almighty God!

Apparently the nation has gone down to Egypt for Pharaoh’s protection, without consulting God. What could Pharaoh do? Many times in the Old Testament God had warned Israel not to trust in Egypt’s horses and strength. Here we find them resting in “Egypt’s shade” (:2 & 3).

Resting! David had previously written “Blessed are those who walk not in the counsel of the ungodly” Wouldn’t that apply to the Egyptians whose religious idols were prolific? Were the Israelites not sitting in the seat of those who scorned their monotheistic God? (Psalm 1:1) Where did God’s people now put their trust?

The problem was ego…people wanting to form their own plans without asking “Thy will be done”, forming alliances without God’s Spirit directing the whole process (Isaiah 30:1). Before we become too judgmental, do we not often practice the same trend? How often do we make plans without asking for God’s direction? Or…. perhaps we ask God to approve our plans without any idea that His might differ. Sometimes we even try to dictate to the Almighty how He should help us.

What then could Israel expect from Egypt? At that time Egypt was a declining power. Assyria was on the rise. Their protection could only bring shame and disgrace (:3 & 5). God viewed Egypt as useless, powerless to bring help, or to put them at an advantage. Did they trust this all-seeing God? No! They chose to put their trust in Egypt.

The question for us today is “Where do we put our trust”? Do we sit in the shade of our own Egypt? Do we trust in science, in intellectualism – knowledge that at best is only seeing through a glass darkly? (1 Corinthians 13:12). Do we seek help from fortune tellers, astrology, wizards? Do we rely on alcohol and drugs to ease our emotional or physical pain? How do we deal with our spiritual emptiness and darkness?

Rebelliousness is deceitful, blind, evil – it cannot look on the Holiness of God. (30:9-10). Yet through it all God offers truth: “In quietness and trust is your strength” (30:15). Listen to God’s heart – “The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion, for the Lord is a God of justice” (30:18). Have you ever been loved with such intensity? Has anyone else ever pursued you with active compassion?

Reflection:

How does God view our waywardness?

Does His faithfulness and patience set us an example?

Will you rise from the shade of your Egypt, to respond to God’s obvious love?

Devotional

She Shall Be Called Woman

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Genesis 2:18

Woman refers to an adult female human according to the dictionary, usually associated with qualities of femininity. In Hebrew the word ishshah reflects on the fact that woman was derived from man, Ryrie tells us. Scripture tells us that God formed all the beasts of the field out of the ground – a discussion for another day perhaps. However, this woman was unique. She possessed the DNA of Adam; taken from his “rib” or “side” she was part of his very being. This meant something special to Adam, giving them a kinship he did not experience with any other animal. “This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh!” (2:23).

God’s purpose for woman is clearly stated. “It is not good for man to live alone” (Genesis 2:18). One must conclude that woman was created for companionship, someone for Adam to talk with heart to heart. Why then did God not create another man? Men do not speak easily from their hearts, man to man. Perhaps a woman’s perspective is needed to help a man express his emotions. We are not told details about their relationship, but we do know that in the eyes of God, man needed a helper (2:18). May we assume that Eve was a strong and vibrant young woman?

Some will argue that woman is lost in the male-dominated culture recorded in the Bible. However, we see astonishing examples of women who were strong. I doubt that Noah and his lads could have accomplished the building of the ark and their journey on it with a boat full of animals, without the strength and support of their Missus! Sarah, revered and loved by her husband, was someone Abraham listened to in matters of import, some which reach into our world today; read about Hagar, in that family (Genesis 16). Deborah was a judge in an era of male domination in Israel. Rehab was pivotal in saving the male Israelite spies. Naomi’s loyalty to her husband allowed them to travel into Moab as a family, where her son married the Moabitess Ruth, who became a progenitor of Jesus…..and the list goes on.

Just as God had a plan for these women, so He has a plan for every woman born on earth. Spurgeon relied on the prayers of an old, and perhaps insignificant woman; her faithful prayer life lifted his spirits when he was discouraged and gave him insights into the Word of God that blessed his world. I met women in Africa who endured through unbelievable pain and deprivation in the strength of the Lord, believing they were part of His magnificent plan, whether or not they could see the end from the beginning. Few of us can, whether men or women.

Womanhood is to be celebrated! Why? Simply because He [God] called her “woman.” It was a woman who first talked with Jesus after His resurrection – He chose to reveal Himself to Mary Magdalene. Listed among women of the Bible are nameless women, referred to by the role they played, such as ‘the crippled woman’, ‘the Samaritan woman’, ‘the woman who lost her coin’. Each of these had a role to play in the plan of God, which would bring Him glory and honour. Woman does that so well!

Reflection:

Count the women who have impacted your life significantly and thank God for each contribution they made to the person you are today.

Devotional

The Badge

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1 Corinthians 13

Many years ago God placed me in a rich community in Toronto, to visit homes where I would normally not have gone inside the door. As the community nurse I dressed in uniform and wore a badge identifying who I was, in order to gain admittance. It was a very great privilege to serve these dear people who found, so often, that all their great wealth could not buy health.

As I pondered this experience I was thinking about the “badge” that will get us into heaven. What does it look like? Well – first of all we will be in uniform, all of us clothed the same. Did you know that? Paul wrote to the Galatians “For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ!” (Galatians 3:27). Job remembered the days of God’s favour when he “put on righteousness as my clothing” (Job 29:17).

God cares enough for us to give us the breastplate of righteousness to protect our hearts (Ephesians 6:14). Human hearts are so terribly vulnerable; Paul warns believers that we need this armour of God to protect us against the fiery darts of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). So our clothing is hugely important. Not only are we clothed with righteousness (Romans 13:14) that is a gift from God, but we are also clothed with compassion (Colossians 3:12) and humility (1 Peter 5:5). The belt of truth holds it altogether (Ephesians 6:14).

The Apostle Paul has just instructed the Ephesian Church on how to maintain good family relationships. We are all familiar with the fact children should honour their fathers and mothers, by obedient behaviour. Our attitude is hugely important – not grudgingly, but with a willing spirit, we are to give God His due. This is what our heavenly Father expects when His children meet with Him to worship, and to give of their tithes and offerings. There is to be joy in the offering! Obedience is often demanded of children, but do we forget the following injunction which requires something of our earthly fathers?

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 2:4). The privilege of parenthood is to show children the way…to model for them all that God requires as our heavenly Father. Harsh punishment as well as unreasonable expectations are not acceptable. How often do we see unjust criticism or neglect building walls of resentment?

The badge of honour worn by a loving, Godly father respects the individuality of his children, accepting them as God accepts each of us, His children. How thrilling it is to see their accomplishments increasing under words of praise, as their strengths are valued! Expressions of love mean nothing if not followed up with respect and celebration of the child’s unique gifts. This is not just for little children, but is a recipe for successful relationships with adult children as well. Some fathers think it is their duty to shape their children through a list of do’s and don’ts, without recognizing

how much the badge of genuine appreciation attracts the right spirit.

Reflection:

Do our children see us wearing the badge of Godliness, coloured red by sacrifice? Do we demand repayment for all we have done? Genuine caring never mocks, because it is kind. It is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Every parent must learn to lean on God to ultimately shape the character we are trying, however imperfectly to model, in hopes that our children will resemble God the Father as we ourselves try to emulate His goodness and love. Do we were the badge of Christ-like righteousness?

by Marilyn daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Faith or Fear?

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1 Corinthians 10:13

The question arose in our Bible study: “What if I ask God for something that isn’t good for me and He gives it to me?”*1 Such a question gives rise to more. “Is God the author of evil?”*2 “Does God ever test us?”*3

The second question requires an answer first. Is God the author of evil? Scripture holds answers for us. James 1:13 tells us “God cannot be tempted by evil and He, Himself, does not tempt anyone”. Jesus’ temptation in the desert was clearly from Satan (Matthew 4). When God’s judgment [calamity, disaster] falls, many would call that an evil, but it is not morally wrong to punish sin. To understand the moral nature of God, we need to know that sin is not a created thing, but rather our response to circumstance, the lack of moral perfection in a fallen creature.

How would it be possible to trust a God who is the author of confusion, One who wavers from one decision to another, One who possibly lies? Paul assures us “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33). The arch-enemy of God is known to be the Father of lies. Jesus gives us a bio on the devil – a murderer from the beginning, in whom there is no truth (John 8:44). On the other hand scripture defines the character of God. “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and then not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19). Perhaps we should consider – if God warned of judgment for sin and did not perform it, could we trust His word?

This gives rise to another question. “Does God mean what He says?” We know Adam and Eve fell from grace when they questioned God’s word. Satan helped them: “Did God really say….?” (Genesis 3:1). We need to be careful as we read scripture not to question what God has said. That attitude determines if we are indeed people of faith.

Another question that sometimes gives rise to fear is “Does God ever test us?” Of course He does. The Psalmist prayed: “Test me, O Lord, and try me; examine my heart and my mind” (Psalm 26:2). Perhaps that seems like quite a bold prayer. That creates a transparent relationship between us and God so that we can/will keep short accounts when we sin. Most of us have things in our lives we wouldn’t want spread across the news, but God Almighty already knows these things. Does that strike fear into our innermost being, or do we trust His mercy and His grace? Job knew what it meant to be tested and praised God that “When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).

Back to our first question. Will God give us things that are not good for us? It may seem so on the surface, but underneath are the Everlasting Arms. Do we trust Him completely to bring good out of difficult situations. What determines whether something is good for us – our comfort, our convenience, our success?…and the list goes on. What are the lessons we learn during those times of testing? Would we have learned to trust Him under happier circumstances? In the end we can trust God to give us what we need.

What exquisite joy – knowing He never leaves us or forsakes us! And – we have His promise for those times when we may even be tempted: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man”. Is there any comfort in knowing others have gone through similar circumstances and come out on the other side glorifying God?….Paul continues “And God is faithful! He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Reflection:

Faith or fear? Which defines your earthly pilgrimage? “There is no fear in love – perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). However, there is another implication in the word fear. People who truly fear God [respect, honour, glorify God] know His Holy Word is to be trusted. They know they are accepted by His loving heart, warts and all. People who live in fear of judgment don’t understand the amazing character of our Sovereign Lord. Even in failure, God gives us hope. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9). His faithfulness is the cornerstone of our Christian faith, and casts out fear. When things get tough do we have the right to accuse God of bringing evil into our lives?*2 Are we afraid we may not pass the test?*3 Or, will we celebrate the goodness of God, which equips us for victory?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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Songs in the Night

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Acts 16:16-30

How often have you been awakened in the night with the strongest impression God wants to speak to you? Samuel and others are Biblical examples of such an experience. Job’s friend Elihu thought he knew the answer to Job’s problems, reminding him that God our Maker is the one who gives songs in the night (Job 35:10). What experience he was drawing upon we do not know, but I know what it is like to sing praises to God in the middle of the night. Do you?

Two thousand years ago, at midnight, though a strange choice of hour to sing praises to God, Paul and Silas were doing just that from a most unlikely place. They were in prison, but that did not stop them from glorifying the Lord their God. In the quiet of night, without officials rushing about and the clamour of daylight hours, it was a testimony to other prisoners at the very least. Imagine! God heard them and responded. He sent a violent earthquake which released them from their chains.

What chains bind us in the night? Are our hearts free from oppressive thoughts, resentment, disappointment or despair? What is it that keeps us awake at night? Do our hearts fail us for fear? Do we regret succumbing to temptation? Have we hurt someone we love, immeasurably? Do we care that we have displeased God? Does our faith waver?

Or – are our hearts overflowing with joy in the faithfulness of our mighty Saviour? Slowly dawning in the silence of night, spiritual truths take shape with spectacular joy as we meditate on our glorious Lord. Haven’t we heard the voice of God responding to our cries? Haven’t we felt the touch of His loving hand through the physical presence of a brother or sister in Christ? Hasn’t God’s Holy Spirit suddenly enlightened our understanding on a scripture with which we have been long familiar?

What marvellous sights have we seen, or sounds have we heard, that draw us to worship the Creator of all things? What thanksgiving replaces sorrow and loss! What hope pierces the darkness! Hallelujah!

Reflection:

It is often in the darkness of night that my spirit burns within as I see the Light of God, and listen to His voice. Whatever my cries may have been, healing comes in the sweetness of His presence. Thank God for the mercies of victory in Jesus that is only understood when all other distractions have been taken away!

“Why are you downcast, O my soul?….by day the Lord directs His love; at night His song is with me”

(Psalm 42:5a & 8a)

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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How Big is Your God?

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Isaiah 40:25-26

In my early morning prayer my imagination was smitten by the reality of God’s amazing design for our world and stretching beyond – the universes mankind is just discovering! I awoke to the gorgeous purity of freshly fallen snow! Imagine! God creates each flake different from another; is it because His creative genius delights in intrigue, as well as in beauty? Imagine the same attention to detail, included in creating the Milky Way!

I enjoy nature programs on TV because they bring me so much closer to the Creator of all things. Fascinating! Colours and shapes, as well as function, never cease to amaze me. But then there is the majesty of mountains, contrasting with the depths of fiords and seas Why? we might ask; man does ask that question and spends much time and energy to find out the answers. Sadly many scientific minds put their own spin on the reasons behind creation….and God answers back with His own questions.

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand?” (40:12). Through the prophet Isaiah, God reveals Himself as “the Sovereign Lord [who] comes with power” (40:10). He reminds Israel “…Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket or weighed the mountains on the scales….”? (:12). “Who has understood the mind of the Lord?” (:13).

Job expressed awe of God “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted” (5:9). “He moves mountains…..He shakes the earth from its place and makes its pillars tremble. He speaks to the sun and it does not shine….. He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south (9:5-7, 9). “Who can say to Him [the Lord] – ‘What are you doing?’ “ (9:12) Job is surprised that such a God would be mindful of a mere human being (7:17).

Recently I was reminded that children of God have a great treasure in nature. It stretches our imagination to explore the creative handiwork of God, in which His majesty and might are very clearly seen! In that nature excites our pious thoughts and increases our devotion to God, it might be said to be sacramental. Let your imagination roam! How big is your God?

Reflection:

Limited by time and space, as we humans are, it is very hard to imagine the extent of God who is not confined by either time or space. If we cannot physically see Him, what then are His thoughts? How privileged we are to live after He revealed Himself through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! Since Jesus walked the earth, we have been able to understand the very heart of God, who loves His created beings with an everlasting love. Every detail of His creation is for a purpose, from those things which are invisible to the naked eye as well as in the spectacle of a starry night stretching beyond the beyond.

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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There is None Like You

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Exodus 20:1-7

A popular song today describes the uniqueness of the Christian God.

There is none like You,
No one else can touch my heart like You do,
I can search for all eternity Lord
And find, there is none like You.

Your mercy flows like a river so wide,
And healing comes from Your hand.
Suffering children are safe in Your arms,
There is none like You.

In a world threatened by political instability, one might ask where can we find security? What is truth? Who can we believe, rely on? Then suddenly the words of this simple song spring to mind and we know! God is our Rock! (Isaiah 26:4). He never wavers (Psalm 110:4). His word is truth (John 17:17) and it endures forever (Hebrews 13:8). There is none like YOU!

Just imagine the condemnation our world faces because it has ignored or rebelled against the will of God. Yet His mercy continues to flow. Today He is saving people from every tribe and nation, sometimes through the reading of His most Holy Word. By sending visions, or sometimes sending missionaries to share about His mercy and His love, the Holy Spirit is moving to draw men, women and children to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 KJV).

Indeed He is the only one who can touch hearts with His incredible love. What other god declares He is love? Did you know there are 18 Bible verses that reassure us of God’s unconditional love? What is that like? It means He loves us while we are still sinners (Romans 5:8). We did nothing, nor can we do anything to earn God’s love – faith is a free gift, born of God’s love (Ephesians 2:8-9). We just need to receive and believe (John 1:12-13).

As we, God’s children, suffer anxious thoughts about the conditions in our world, we are reminded that God’s love is eternal….that He is faithful to His covenant love, so we are safe in His arms. That is eternal security, not physical. Bad things happen. People get sick in our fallen world, but believers know that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. The most important healing of all is cleansing of our souls from evil. This only God can do, through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

Reflection:

Do you believe “there is none like YOU”? How is that demonstrated in your daily walk? Does God know your faith wavers? Do others see you stable and secure in His love? Would others envy the security and peace you bring into situations that would rock their boats?

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Favorite Scriptures

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1 John 4:7-19

If you were asked to give your favourite scripture verse or verses, what might they be? Would they be focused on the comfort of your faith, or the greatness of your God? There is no right or wrong answer to that question. However, the answer does demonstrate where you are on your faith journey, doesn’t it? Faith begins with our vision of God. The Psalmist wrote “The Lord is my light and my salvation! Of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 KJV) “The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (NIV)

Some of my all-time favourite verses are 1 John 1:7-9. As long as I live in this mortal body I will need to come before God in a spirit of repentance, knowing that He, in His amazing love will cleanse me from all unrighteousness. “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us….” What great reassurance this is of His faithfulness and His fairness!

Along the way so many verses have spoken at my point of need. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). In fact that whole chapter has spoken to me since I was a young teen. Listen to this: “The mind of sinful man/woman is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (:6). “The Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (:26). “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…” (:28).

Who is this God? “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God” (1 John 3:1). He has given us His Holy Word, so that we can know Him. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:11, 105). Jesus, God’s only begotten Son is “…the light of the world” (John 8:12). “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:17). Do we understand the sacrificial nature of God’s great love?

Job describes Him: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth, and after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I will see Him with my own eyes….How my heart yearns within me!” (19:25-27).

Then of course we all have favourite promises…”Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles [what a word picture!}; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Now in my senior years I agree with King David – “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord” (Psalm 27:4).

Reflection:

It is encouraging to look back to verses that impacted our lives in younger years. As a teen I read the book “In His Steps” based on 1 Peter 2:21. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you and example, that you should follow in His steps”. Jesus Himself encourages us to fulfill the will of God, as He did in His life. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matthew 5:6).

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Convicted!

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John 3:16-17

I’m having a sleepless night! I have just discovered I’m not always fair in my assessment of folks, especially those I don’t like. Does that mean I’m judgmental? Yes! Prejudiced? Yes! But worst of all I am denying the power of God to correct a wrong, to perform a miracle. By looking at people, I’ve taken my eyes off of Almighty God.

We just celebrated the end of the Holocaust 75 years ago. Millions perished in a tragedy of epic proportions! We pray that this will never happen again. But – another people group is perishing right now – today! ….by the millions. Are we shocked? As believers we should be. What are we doing about it? Criticizing the agent God has chosen to use?

The Bible tells me God used a pagan king, Cyrus, to relieve the suffering of His chosen people, to return them to the land He had given to them. Our God is able – we like to sing that song when it means our own health and happiness, but what about the lives of others who are helpless to defend themselves. What about the unborn children who die by thousands, daily, in a civilized world?

I’m shocked that I actually believed for them it is too late. Legislation has gone too far to turn back. Somehow it no longer matters. Is that true? Of course not. Was I actually in denial of their human rights? Thankfully God’s arm is not too short to save, even those. God so loved the world…their world. Imagine!

No wonder Jesus warned His disciples not to judge. Our judgment is limited by what we know, or think we know. Do we know the mind of God? Not always, I must confess. He sees the bigger picture. He uses whom He will to accomplish His purposes. Dear God forgive me for failing to worship You for all You are doing in our world today. Today You are showing that You truly care about every person, born or unborn.

Thank You Father that You care enough to show me when my attitude would hinder the work You are doing. Instead of being critical I need to remember the power of prayer, the privilege of praying for everyone, especially those You have placed in positions of authority. May they make decisions that are pleasing in Your sight. May they be used to protect the vulnerable, the abused, the helpless. May they do it for Jesus’ sake.

Reflection:

When I think of how he came so far from glory,
Came and dwelled among the lonely such as I,
To suffer shame and such disgrace on Mount Calvary took my place,
Then I ask myself this question: Who am I?

Chorus:
Who am I that a king would bleed and die for,
Who am I that he would pray not my will, thine Lord,
The answer I may never know why he ever loved me so,
And to an old rugged cross he’d go for who am I.

The Bible tells us: “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him”. (John 3:17)

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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The Gospel of John

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As I prepared to study the Gospel of John I realized my approach has always been to use it as a tool for evangelism. So many verses from John’s gospel have been committed to memory, perhaps the best known being “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). What is the thrust of that verse? God’s character, His love. The world is secondary, though it is very important to know His love encompasses everyone – the whole world! Suddenly I am reading this well-known gospel with fresh eyes. Jesus, who is God incarnate [in the flesh] reveals to us the heart and mind of God, as John records His life and ministry, His prayers and His passion.

 

What does this mean for us 2,000 years later? God’s love forms the foundation for all that I am as a Christian. His love is supernatural, sacrificial, and strong. God’s love really defies description, so we needed the only begotten Son to demonstrate the purity, and purposefulness of Divine love. More than any other of the gospels this one reveals the deity of Christ; John’s starting point takes us back to before Creation! There was the WORD who is God, the Creator of all things, the giver of life, both physical and spiritual. Awesome!

 

Ryrie reminds us that Jesus’ deity is asserted “in the series of “I AM…” claims which Jesus made (6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 9, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5).[P. 1615 Ryrie Study Bible]. John’s purpose in writing as he did was “…these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). In his epistle John again refers to the importance of knowing that we have eternal life, because we trust God’s revelation through His Son (1 John 5:13).

 

“New birth” is one of John’s themes. John 3:6 is not as well known as verse 16, but clearly is key in Jesus’ teaching. John quotes Jesus “…no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (3:5-6). Prefaced by “I tell you the truth” Jesus thunders down through the ages this truth which still stands today “You must be born again” (3:7).

 

Babies who are born and neglected, sometimes die. John’s gospel perpetuates themes that nurture the growth of spiritual infants. For example we are completely dependant on the Holy Spirit. This member of the Trinity is often ignored. How is that possible when He is the source of all comfort, the One who guides us in our decision-making, and teaches us the meaning of all that scripture records?

 

Jesus’ dependency upon God His Father is an example to us. “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does” (5:19). Should you and I call ourselves children of God if we do not follow His example? At the end of the day will our Heavenly Father say “This is My son/daughter in whom I am well pleased”? (Matthew 17:5). John identifies sufficient of Jesus’ works for us to grasp the idea of what God reasonably expects. However, Paul expands that concept “ I urge you…..to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your reasonable service” (Romans 1:1-2).

 

John did not call Jesus the “Word” carelessly. Jesus said “Just as the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me….the words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:57, 63). Nurturing babes in Christ was important to Jesus. Three times He told Peter to “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15,16,17).

 

Reflection:

Are we listening to the truth of scripture, of Jesus’ words?

Does it matter that our lives are pleasing to our Father in heaven?

What motivates us to feast on the Bread of Life? (John 6:35)

What happens to babies who are not fed?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net