Come and See

April 3, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 1:35-39

Jesus continually astonished people by knowing their thoughts. Simon who didn’t give Him water to wash His feet when Jesus was a dinner guest in His house, was critical about the woman Jesus allowed to wash His feet with her tears. “Didn’t He know she was “a sinner?”….?” Jesus answered his unspoken question by publicly declaring what the woman had done was an act of worship (Luke 7:39-47).

In another instance Nathanael belittled the idea that the Messiah could come out of Nazareth, the town which Jesus called home. Jesus recognized Nathanael, when Philip introduced them, as “a true Israelite in whom there is nothing false” and went on to prove how He knew that by telling Nathanael He had seen Him worshiping under a fig tree. Awestruck Nathanael then declared Jesus to be “the Son of God, you are the King of Israel” (John 1:49).

In our reading today two of John’s disciples heard John declare “Look! The Lamb of God” (1:36). If nothing else this would have aroused their curiosity. When Jesus noticed them standing there with their mouths open, He asked what they wanted. Unsure of what to say, they blurted out “where do You stay?” Jesus invitation resounds down through the ages “Come and see”.

John’s gospel is very intimate. He shows us how much Jesus wanted to be known personally. In an act of +Jewish hospitality, He invited these two unnamed men home for coffee. How thrilling it must have been to be noticed by this great man and then to be invited to spend more time with Him!

Have you been noticed by the King of kings? Did you respond when He invited you to “Taste and see that the Lord is good”? David, in the Old Testament, knew God personally. He knew, from experience, that the man or woman who took refuge in the Lord would find blessing (Psalm 34:8).

I just love watching Poirot on TV. What does that have to do with our study? David Suchet, who plays Poirot, is a converted Jew. I watched him interviewed by the Rev David Hoyle in Westminster Abbey in the Jerusalem room – lots of history there. They were reviewing the impact of the Gospel of John on their lives – fascinating how our God works!

David Hoyle pointed out the importance of seeing Jesus and how, near the beginning of John’s Gospel, Jesus invited the men following Him to “Come and see”. Then the book ends with Thomas crying out “Unless I see….I will not believe”. For sure seeing grows us in our faith, but for most of us “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Reflection:

What is it that stirs your heart in those intimate moments with Jesus, which excite your devotion? Thinking back on your spiritual journey, did it start when you actually saw the Lord high and lifted up – King of kings crucified so that you would not pay the penalty for your sins? Would you wash His feet with your tears? Do you cry out “My Lord and my God!”?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Glory of God

March 28, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 1:14

Have you ever seen the glory of God? Often when breath-taking scenery makes us gasp, we may think of things that are glorious. Then when we hear about heroic acts, such as a bus driver rescuing seniors stuck in their car on tracks where a train is thundering down on them, we are awed by his bravery.

However, the glory of God is beyond description. You may remember that after speaking with God, Moses’ face was so radiant he had to cover it with a veil. How many of us can describe the glories of heaven. Reading the book of Revelation stretches our human imaginations, doesn’t it? What does the word “glory” mean to you?

The glory of God: John, in his gospel declares “We have seen His glory”. What does John mean? This was not a singular experience, because John speaks for all the disciples. “We” have seen… Written two thousand years ago, his words still stir our spirits with anticipation as we hope to also see “His glory, the glory of the One and Only , who came from the Father” (John 1:14), some day. Imagine what it will be like to see our Lord Jesus Christ, face to face! This is something worth meditating on.

John goes on to describe Jesus, God in a human body, as full of grace and truth. In our world today we could value those qualities! What is truth? Without absolutes, truths are hard to determine. Unless we appreciate God’s own Holy Word, we are lost. He is the “Only” truth worth trusting. Jesus’ voice thunders down through the ages – “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life! How glorious would it be to live in a world governed by Truth!

Reflection:

As I ponder this scripture a prayer arose in my heart. Let this start with me. Perhaps my life could show forth the glory of God if I yield to the Spirit of Truth. As a Christ-follower, do I present truth in the place God has put me? The truth is – I had nothing to do with the parents God gave to me, nor the siblings, nor the race to which I belong. I am who I am by God’s grace, as each one of us is – created for a Divine purpose. Is that purpose to bear “Truth” to the glory of God?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

A Message from the Lord

March 20, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 1

How often do we complicate the simple message of the gospel? We add rules and regulations to it, and sometimes even require a person to shape up before God will call them His children. What is true?

We used to sing a simple gospel hymn:

I’ve a message from the Lord, Hallelujah!
The message unto you I’ll give.
’Tis recorded in His Word, Hallelujah!
It is only that you “look and live.”

Refrain:
“Look and live,” my brother, live.
Look to Jesus now and live.
’Tis recorded in His Word, Hallelujah!
It is only that you “look and live.”

Perhaps some of the problem stems from a misunderstanding of scripture. We think we can bring souls to Jesus. He clearly told the Jews “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them” (John 6:44). God the Holy Spirit offers us salvation. If we reject His offer we cannot have eternal life, that for which Jesus paid with His blood. “Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him, comes to Me” (6:45). If we do not listen to the Spirit of God who speaks to us “heart to heart” we are guilty of unforgivable sin (Mark 12:29). “Blasphemy against the Spirit—the unforgivable sin—is ongoing hardening of your heart against the Holy Spirit who is trying to lead you to repent of sin and believe in Christ.” Kenneth Berding, Biola University

John introduces us to Jesus as the source of both light and life; the Holy Spirit enlightens us as to the Deity of Messiah/Christ so that we can receive and believe our sins have been dealt with by One who died and rose again! What a miraculous gospel! What glory! Such joy!

In a nutshell “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (1:17). John records the message of John the Baptist because he too had “seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father” (1:14). Children of God will be identified by the way they live, as Jesus lived, abundant in mercy and love.

So this message from the Lord impacts not only what I say I believe but how I live it out in my day-to-day life. “Look and live!” In the One we follow there is light which will shine God’s message into hearts that are darkened by sin, folks who need relief because they know they’ve been forgiven. This might mean we have to sit on the curbside on a rainy day, holding the hand of a person who feels hopeless. What we do there means more than cleaning them up to go to church. In the silence of acceptance, as we hold someone’s hand on the rough road of life, there may be light if our love is genuine.

Reflection:

Look and live! Remember we may be the only Jesus someone sees. How do we represent the One who said “I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). The message from the Lord may be spoken by the gift of our presence, the gift of true love.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Jesus Loves Me

March 6, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 3:16

An email went around some time ago that bears repeating.

“A church in Atlanta was honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at the age of 92. After a warm welcome, as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself. Quietly and slowly he began to speak. “When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials.

The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break, and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me… the only thing that would comfort was this verse…

‘Jesus loves me this I know.

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong,

We are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me…

The Bible tells me so’.”

When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his footsteps as he shuffled back to his chair. Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at all.

JESUS LOVES ME (for Seniors)

Jesus loves me, this I know,

Though my hair is white as snow

Though my sight is growing dim,

Still He bids me trust in Him.

Chorus: Though my steps are oh, so slow,

With my hand in His I’ll go

On through life, let come what may,

He’ll be there to lead the way.

When the nights are dark and long,

In my heart He puts a song.

Telling me in words so clear,

“Have no fear, for I am near.”

When my work on earth is done,

And life’s victories have been won.

He will take me to my home above,

Then I’ll understand His love.

I love Jesus, does He know?

Have I ever told Him so?

Jesus loves to hear me say,

That I love Him every day.

Reflection:

As the days and years go by can you say your relationship with Jesus is sweeter than the day before? Focusing on Jesus removes feelings of desperation as we face bumps in the path. Telling Him every day how much He means to us reverses those negative thoughts which spoil our joy. Wherever you are on your journey through life will you let the love of God sustain you? The exquisite peace of being led by the One who loves us sooo much cannot be matched by anything on earth. Thank you Jesus!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Down From His Glory

December 22, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Pexels.com

John 17:20-23

Struggling for the right words in my devotional prayer, suddenly a wonderful old song came to mind! It is the gospel in a nutshell. It is also very appropriate for Christmas time, although not generally known as a Christmas Carol. Down from His glory.

Ever living story,

My God and Saviour came,

And Jesus was His name!

Born in a manger,

To His own a stranger,

A man of sorrows, tears and agony.

There is so much theology (the study of God) in these words. Jesus is God. He gave up His glory in heaven to become a man; not just any man, but the One who fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy in His sufferings (Isaiah 53:3). His sufferings were not just physical, but were also emotional and spiritual. He was ridiculed and rejected by the people God called His chosen children, to whom He was sent. His death on the cross caused a morbid separation between Him and the Father; it was something like dividing soul and spirit of the man who was uniquely God-man! This separation was necessary in order to bring together God and mankind, whom He created for a unique fellowship.

The lyricist knew Jesus personally as “My God and Saviour”. God’s saving grace had drawn him into the family of God. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, it is possible for Gentiles to be adopted into God’s Holy family, when they believe and receive the Lordship of Christ (John 1:12-13). Down through centuries of time people have responded to this remarkable “condescension, bringing us redemption”. The Creator God “laid aside His splendor, stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul” according to the second verse of this incredible praise song!

The Christmas association comes with the reflection that this babe, “born in a manger, to His own a stranger” ….”took the form of man, revealed the hidden plan”. From the moment of creation, God knew mankind would be unable to cope with the great gift of choice. Having been made in the image of God we have a will. How often does your will and mine conflict with the will of our Heavenly Father? So God’s plan of creation included a plan of redemption, and here we see it: “all God’s fulness dwelleth in Him”. What does that mean?

“Without reluctance, flesh and blood His substance, He took the form of man”. Paul wrote about this to the Philippian Church. “Christ Jesus Who being in very nature God….made Himself nothing, …..humbled Himself and became obedient unto death (Philippians 2:5-8). He died in your place and mine. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours (wrote the Jewish Apostle), but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). This is the glorious mystery revealed in the man Christ Jesus!

Reflection:

There will always be a response to the life of Christ. The lyricist wrote:

“O how I love Him! How I adore Him!

My breath, my sunshine, my all in all!”

….and now I know Thou art the great “I AM.”

Sadly there are those who reject Jesus for innumerable reasons. Satan is quick to give any excuse for not following Him, this One who was born to die that man might live eternally with Him in heaven. This is “the reason for the season” is it not?

Remember Jesus’ prayer recorded by the Apostle John (17:20-23) “I have given them the glory that You gave me, that they may be one as we are one” (:22).

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Paraclete

November 7, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

John 3:6-8

Paraclete is defined as an advocate; one called to aid or support; hence, the consoler, comforter or intercessor, a term applied to the Holy Spirit, who is invisible. In the world of the supernatural there are forces we contend with, some of which draw folks into the realm of fear. These fears might be dispelled if we have a true understanding of the supernatural. Wikipedia helps us with that term: The supernatural is phenomena or entities that are not subject to the laws of nature. Isn’t it amazing to think that they are under the laws of the great Creator, God! This also loosely describes the Holy Spirit who is the unseen “wind” which “blows wherever it [He] pleases” (John 3:8).

First we must note there are three forces which govern the supernatural. All other “beings” whether angelic, Satanic or otherwise, are created beings, designed by one God who is represented in three persons (Colossians 1:16). Most of us are familiar with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one in substance, but three in function. NB. Satan and his angels were created perfect by God who is holy, but they chose to challenge God and became His enemies. As created beings, the devil and his followers are still subject to the will of God (Job 1 & 2).

For our purposes today let us consider the Holy Spirit, One who cannot be seen and therefore falls into the category of the supernatural. Though we cannot see Him, but we know He is there, actually the source of all comfort, power and spiritual understanding, our Paraclete! Recently I heard a sermon which gloriously simplified what often we make complex. In His last words to His disciples, Jesus instructed them to wait for “the gift” promised by the Father and about whom He had frequently spoken as He prepared them for His absence (Acts 1:4). This gift could not be earned nor was it deserved; it is given only to those who received and believed Jesus, as Saviour and Lord.

When the Holy Spirit enters the life of a believer, we are actually receiving the Divine person and will. Now that is powerful! We are compelled to seek God’s will day by day because our lives are being transformed into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are gifted with grace to love. We’re energized to enter into spiritual battle. This supernatural phenomenon is named the Holy Spirit. If we thought about it seriously, it almost defies imagination that part of the Godhead lives within us, shaping us into the image of Christ. What a gift!

We, as believers, are sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). This gives us security. We are baptised by the Spirit into one body, of which Christ is the head (Colossians 1:18). This gives us community! God’s Sovereignty is at play when we see the working of the Holy Spirit. This gives us purity. As He did in the Old Testament, God sends the Holy Spirit specifically to accomplish His purposes today. Our goal is to live out each day in the fulness of what we have been given, by yielding all that we are and have to the control of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes we pray as if we thought God was out there to serve “me” and to supply “my” needs. In the broader picture, life is not all about me, but the Holy Spirit widens our scope and gives us opportunity to serve, to give of ourselves to others as Jesus gave of Himself, in His daily ministry. It is for this we are empowered! Whether we are sitting in a wheelchair or capable of great fetes of physical strength, the power is the same gift, given so that we might “be” what God wants us to be.

Reflection:

Have we ever thought of the Holy Spirit as a gift? Let us welcome the work of the Holy Spirit, listening to His voice as we yield ourselves into God’s service. We have the choice to believe and receive all that our Lord Jesus Christ has planned for us, but it must be done His way. The Paraclete waits to guide us day by day. Think of how the world was changed by 12 ordinary men who yielded their lives to the power of the Paraclete. Do we have the faith to believe this could happen again if we are totally committed to using the gifts given by the gift Himself?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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Victimized

May 10, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

The little child who was worshiped by Kings from the east, became a man. In the intervening years it had not been easy to be parents of the Christ-child. They had to endure public opinion about Mary’s unexpected pregnancy. Then at the tender age of two Jesus was seen to be a threat; sought by Herod the King after the Magi came looking for a new baby king. Led by God, they fled to Egypt to keep this precious child safe. We might recall the tragedy that befell innocent babies in Ramah (Matthew 2:1-2, 16), as this wicked king sought to extinguish the Son of God.

Herod died, so the family returned home. For nearly thirty years Jesus lived quietly at home in Nazareth. What were His thoughts as He learned His earthly father’s trade? What sort of life did He have with the question of His paternity hanging over His head? We sense that within the home things were not always easy. What was it like for His siblings to live with the eldest child, who had a history of being worshiped as King?

One commentator labels Matthew Chapter 10 as “The Program of the King; the Program announced”. Chapter 13 becomes “The Program Altered”, then “The Program Attacked”. Here we see the community in which Jesus grew up, explodes! Jesus had been going “through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness” (Matthew 13:35). Coming back to His hometown, He began teaching in the synagogue where amazement quickly turned into indignation. “Where did this man get the wisdom and these miraculous powers?” and “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” Suspicion grew! “Isn’t His mother’s name Mary?” and they went on to list His brothers by name, attempting to destroy His reputation, as a child sent by God (Matthew 13:53-57).

His ministry became perhaps the greatest example of human fickleness, because so many people followed Him for all the wrong reasons. Human nature is hard to change. Crowds followed Him for what they could get – healing and hope. They longed to be free from Roman oppression; surely this miracle-worker would engineer the ultimate miracle for their oppressed nation. Consider the burden this expectation put on Jesus, who described “My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).

Most of us experience problems with sibling rivalry or criticism, jealousies or competition during our life time. As we have seen, Jesus was not immune to these human inconsistencies. However, the real test came at the end of His ministry when the “religious right” decided the time had come to get rid of this maverick teacher. They became passionate to extinguish what they saw as blasphemy, making Himself equal with God (John 3:34-35). After all, how many times had Jesus called God His Father? And now He was forgiving sins? (Mark 2:5-7).

Jesus became the ultimate victim of a religion whose leadership had lost the concept of a personal relationship with God. Their abuses were heaped onto the people they were given the privilege of leading spiritually, in the form of rules and regulations which were almost impossible to keep. What was one more injury to add to the list, and so we find their consciences seared. Crucifying the Christ was nothing to so many who needed to know the God they said they worshiped, is a God faithful to His promises.

Reflection:

In the end an abuser reaps what he sows. Sadly in the eternal scheme of things, those who victimize the Christ, are eternal losers.

by Marilyn Daniels (marilyndaniels.net)

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Validate

May 2, 2022May 2, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

John 1:29-34

The crucifixion took place by people who vilified the “Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Since His ascension into heaven, His sacrifice is validated by worship of “the Lamb who was slain”, by heavenly hosts gathered around God’s throne! (Revelation 5:9-10, 12).

Returning to His earthly experience, let us first note that the baby in the manger was announced by angels who proclaimed “Today, in the town of David, as Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord”. The shepherds then went into Bethlehem to check it out, and found Jesus lying in the hay (Luke 2:10-11, 16). At the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry John made the proclamation, just as we read, that the Lamb had come from God to remove the sin in their wicked world.

Of course we remember that prophecy was clearly fulfilled when the Magi appeared on the scene to worship the “King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:1-2). For Jews who knew their scripture, this was their ultimate hope and so we read that two elderly folk recognized Jesus as the child “destined to cause the falling and rising of man in Israel” through whom “the thoughts of many will be revealed” (Simeon – Matthew 2:34-35). Anna proclaimed to all who were gathered in the Temple that God had given this Child “to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Israel” (Matthew 2:38). And Mary treasured all these things, validating her precious son, in her heart!

After John baptised Jesus, a remarkable thing happened. John heard the voice of God confirming Jesus’ identity “This is My beloved Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This was witnessed by crowds of folks who had repented, and were being baptised by John (Luke 3:21-22). How thrilling the moment would have been to hear the actual voice of God, as a dove sent from heaven, landed on Jesus! Think of it – the scripture tells us this was the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. How would that minister to the spirit of the man, Jesus? Here His Divinity was authorized, miraculously and publicly, so that people could rejoice in what God was doing. Here was God’s Son – the promised Messiah! This is heavenly validation indeed!

Jesus called a group of men to work together with Him; His intention was to train then to carry on His ministry. It was crucial that they understood what He said about Himself: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6). No one but God could make such a claim. Thankfully Peter recognized the truth, and spoke for the others when he declared “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” (Matthew 16:16).

The “Truth”, which Jesus claimed to be inherently, (John 14:6), was also recognized as He hung dying, on the cross. One thief vilified Him, but the other validated Jesus when he asked Him to “remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 24:42). Oh that folks today would recognize the “Way” into the kingdom of God* , and the “Way” into heaven eventually, is through believing and receiving Jesus Christ our Lord! (John 1:12-13).

At the moment of Jesus’ death there was an earthquake, causing a Roman soldier to gasp “Surely He was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54). The cross was a travesty of injustice, but our Lord carried on, proving the glory of God!

Reflection:

Many people, down through the ages have questioned the veracity of Jesus’ Divinity. If He was simply a man who died, our faith is also dead. But He rose from the dead, was seen by many who validated He lives! (Acts 1:3). We do not worship a dead person but the Giver of True Life, eternal life! The question is: Does your life and mine validate the reality of Jesus Christ, as Lord?

*The kingdom of God is here in the hearts of Jesus’ followers. We do not wait to go to heaven to be blessed, but are members of His Kingdom here on earth, now! ? Because our Sovereign Lord reigns in our hearts. Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

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Vilify, Validate, Victimize, Victorious!

April 25, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

What do all those words have in common? These words describe the life of our Lord Jesus Christ!

As we go into the Easter season, it is customary to reflect on our Lord Jesus Christ. Just how well do we know Him? It is sometimes hard for us to wrap our minds around the fact that Jesus is fully human and fully God at the same time. When He began His earthly ministry, it is curious to read that the Spirit led Him into the desert to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). Why was that an important part of His human experience? For one thing it helps Him to identify with us in our moments of temptation. In fact He taught us to pray “Lead us not into temptation” because He knew the powerful impact, the desperate energy it takes, to resist the devil.

Vilify: “To speak about in an abusively disparaging manner”.

Jesus’ life began under the shadow of illegitimacy. God chose a virgin to bear His Holy Son so there would be no question about His Divinity. Some folks, refusing to believe God’s miracle, vilify Mary to this day. To be sure there was no stain on Jesus’ name, a prophecy was given hundreds of years before His birth: “The Lord Himself will give you a sign. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call His name “Immanuel” [meaning God with us] (Isaiah 7:14). And so the “Virgin Birth” became a cardinal doctrine of the Christian faith!

Before His ministry began, the Holy Spirit took Jesus into the desert for the specific purpose of facing temptation.

After 40 days and nights of fasting, most of us would be pretty weak. When we are tired or hungry, when our felt needs are not met, we become impatient, grumpy, and even fearful and angry. It is interesting to note that right at that time Satan tried to take advantage of Jesus’ weakened physical state. He taunted Him:
“If you are the Son of God….” (Matthew 4:3). Because we know Jesus is God, we sometimes pass over the impact this would have had on a physically weak person. Bread? What would He have given for a piece of bread? We know, from His later miracles, that He could produce bread miraculously, but He would not do it to satisfy the cravings of His own mortal body. Certainly He would not give the devil the satisfaction of weakening His resolve – to use this time of fasting to draw strength from His heavenly Father, for all that lay ahead. He knew the battle that His humanity would face, and this was just the beginning! Twice in the desert the devil questioned His authenticity, demanding He prove His unique Sonship. Failing that, Satan used many folks throughout Jesus’ ministry to ridicule Him as the Son of God. We find the Pharisees, folks trained in the scriptures and prophecy, who ought to have recognized who Jesus was, questioning Jesus’ identity, and then of course crucifying Him on the grounds of blasphemy, for making Himself equal with God (John 5:18).

What a rollercoaster of emotion existed in Jesus’ life. Crowds of folks celebrated the man they thought was their deliverer from Roman persecution! His miracles produced entertainment for the multitudes. However, when He was taken prisoner, the chant changed to “Crucify Him”! What made the difference? Ignorance mingled with unrealistic expectations, led them astray. Let us not forget the intensity of Jesus’ feelings when He was vilified. How did Jesus respond?

Consider: how painful was this to the heart of the gentle Saviour who so loved the world that He came to sacrifice Himself for each person’s sin? It was apparently enough to make Him weep over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37). We humans all need to feel appreciated. Knowing what we now understand from scripture about God’s purposes, how easy is it for you and for me to yield to the Father’s will? Would we deny Jesus what is due the supreme effort He made to subjugate His humanity to the will of His Father?

Reflection:

The important thing is that Jesus didn’t ever feel He had to prove to anyone who He is. We might take a page from His story to consider that as God’s children, neither do we need to prove who we are. If we are living as God wants us to live, what is that to anyone else? Jesus questioned James’ and John’s desire. A verse worth meditating on reflects Jesus’ attitude towards you and me. Nothing else matters. We may be vilified, but Jesus says: “You must follow Me” (John 21:22).

by Marilyn Daniels (marilyndaniels.net)

Devotional

The Three F’s

December 13, 2021 AdminLeave a comment

1 John 1:8-10

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to free [purify] us from all unrighteousness”.

Who is writing this? The author identifies himself: “We have seen and heard”. This is an eye witness account from one of the followers of Jesus Christ, the Apostle John. His goal is for his readers to enjoy fellowship which is “with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). Knowing his message will make a difference in the lives of those who accept it, will make his joy complete (:4).

Let’s unpack John’s proclamation. He is talking about his first-hand experience walking and working and listening to the “Word of life” for a period of three years. This “Word” means a lot to John – he wrote about Him in his gospel. Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of a promise made to Abraham (Genesis 12:3) appeared in person to folks living in Israel, but alas! ….the very nation to whom He offered Himself as a sacrifice for sins, rejected Him (John 1:11). Thankfully Jesus’ offer of eternal life extended then to “…all those who received Him, to those who believed in His name”. To these, down through centuries of time Jesus gives “the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

What we see here in just a few short verses challenges you and me to receive and believe God’s eternal plan of salvation. All of us have sinned. No one has been able to measure up to God’s glory by doing good works. Neither can salvation be inherited. It is quite simply a personal acceptance of God’s gift, born out of His faithfulness to a promise made so very long ago! “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you” God told Abraham (Genesis 12:3).

From the beginning of time God was aware of how fragile the humanity He created, is. Adam failed to live up to His standards, disbelieving the truth of what God had said. What a sad rejection of our loving heavenly Father! Only a few short generations of time elapsed before the wickedness in the then-known world was so great that God was forced to begin again, saving Noah and his sons, the only people left on earth to remain true to God by following Him.

Millenia later God sent His only begotten Son – incarnate God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ, to save His people from their sins (1 Timothy 1:15). Surely this act of kindness demonstrates the love God yearns to share with mankind. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God”! (1 John 3:1). Jesus travelled throughout Judea “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3”:3). It isn’t enough to regret when we have done wrong, but repentance requires a turning away from those sins which so easily best us.

God knows the sincerity of our hearts and what motivates us to try harder to please Him. Knowing our weaknesses, God’s great love sets us free (John 8:36) from the bondage we naturally have – that terrible affinity to sin! He knows the battle we are in and provides us with the support we cannot live without. The indwelling Holy Spirit guides children of God into paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3), thus restoring our souls!

Reflection:

Have you received forgiveness and freedom because you believed Jesus was sent by our faithful God? What does that make you? (…a child of God). What do you enjoy as a result? (freedom from bondage to sin, fellowship with the Father, fruitfulness and purpose, fearlessness as we war against evil).PTL!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)