Tag: John

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Show Us the Father

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John 14:6-14

Jesus was disappointed. He had been working and walking, eating and drinking with His disciples for three years. They were His intimate friends. As such He expected them to know Him very well, yet here was Philip asking Him to show them the Father. Why did that matter?

Jesus had talked about God the Father continuously throughout His ministry, primarily to identify Himself with His Father in heaven. He even taught His disciples to pray to God as “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). Now, in the present moment Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure to God the Father. The crucial message He was leaving with them was that no one could get to God in heaven unless they followed the Way, the Truth and the Life, new names He gave Himself (John 14:6).

In the face of Philip’s question Jesus patiently explained again that “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (14:9). John the Baptist had already prepared the way, years before, by preaching that “No one has ever seen God [in His invisible Spirit-being], but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known” (John 1:18). Jesus declared to Philip and the other disciples: “It is the Father, living in Me, who is doing His work” (14:10). The mystery of how He is in the Father and the Father is in Him needed explanation once again, since Jesus’ purpose was to bring glory to God the Father.

Let’s consider briefly the life of Jesus. In His ministry He was often prophetic about His immediate future, things fulfilled in His life-time, as well as events to which we still look forward (i.e. John 6:62). He demonstrated His foreknowledge when He saw Nathanael under the fig tree, prior to speaking with him. Jesus declared God to be a loving Father, challenging His followers to love one another as a sign they were Christ-followers (John 13:34-35).

Jesus Himself was an emotional being, weeping at the grave of Lazarus, angry with the moneychangers in the temple, compassionate towards sinners, loving people who didn’t always respond to Him such as the rich young ruler. If nothing else, Jesus showed us the Father is a relational Being. Created to be like God, people need to be secure in relationship with Him. Within that significance and security, all our relationships benefit.

Then there were the miracles which He often used to illustrate His Divinity. He healed the sick, raised the dead, fed thousands with few resources, made the blind to see, lepers clean, and the lame walked. His disciples witnessed how the winds and waves were subject to His voice, this One who is also Creator God. He escaped out of crowds who sought to kill him and walked on water. God doesn’t call us to walk on water; He just calls us to love! Perhaps the greatest miracle of all was the forgiveness He freely expounded towards the very folks who nailed Him to the cross.

If in three years of talking about His Father the disciples still didn’t ‘get it’, its impossible for us to exhaust the riches of scripture, in our search for understanding of an Omniscient, Almighty, Eternal, Omnipresent, and Infinite God. Do we still ask “Show us the Father” when doing our daily devotions? Shouldn’t that be our prayer? It will take eternity for us to fathom the riches of His grace and mercy, to see clearly the mind of God in all its justice, and to interpret His wisdom.

Reflection:

Since man was made in the image of God its important to understand God’s heart and mind. How often did Jesus talk about doing the will of His Father? Are we challenged to do the will of “Our Father”?

Perhaps the greatest demonstration of the heart of God was when Jesus wept over Jerusalem. If He is in the Father and we are in Him, do we weep over our Jerusalem? Where has God planted us? Why, how and when do our lives, yours and mine, reveal the Father to these dear people?

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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)

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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

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Thy Kingdom Come

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Matthew 6:10

In the prayer we call “the Lord’s Prayer” which Jesus taught His disciples, He makes reference to the Kingdom of God….a kingdom that belongs to Him “Thy Kingdom” (Matthew 6:10). This little phrase carries great meaning for it recognizes not only God’s ownership but the glory that ownership bestows on His kingdom! Forever! This kingdom will never end, according to Luke 1:33.

Moses wrote some rather detailed instructions about God’s kingdom (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). Until Samuel died God was revered as the King of Israel but when he was old the Israelites asked Samuel to appoint a king over them. Clearly they wanted a visible leader. Knowing Samuel wouldn’t live forever, caused them concern.

Their request displeased Samuel who had leaned heavily on the Lord to lead this unpredictable nation. 1 Samuel 8:4-6. The Lord explained it to Samuel: “It is not you they have rejected; but they have rejected Me as their king” (1 Samuel 8:7).

Hundreds of years later Jesus taught His disciples to pray that God’s kingdom would come. During His life-time the nation was under Roman rule. They had a puppet king in Herod, who thought little of the careful instructions God had given to Moses. In actual fact those details were ignored as early as the reign of Solomon! Solomon was rich, with many horses. He also had many wives some of whom had come from foreign countries including Egypt, a nation specified by God as a danger to their spiritual well-being.

Comparing the kingdom of God in Samuel’s time with the kingdom Jesus taught His followers to pray for, we recognize a significant similarity – it is a spiritual kingdom, one that follows the leadership of the invisible King, God. Does Jesus want to take them back to the “good old days”? Of course not – those days were not without their challenges and disasters when people failed to follow God.

The angel, announcing the birth of Jesus to Mary, specified her baby would be king. “The Lord will give Him the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32). With His birth the Kingdom came, but there is a present tense today, as well as future. John wrote of his revelation:

”Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ’ “ (Revelation 12:10).

Jesus was looking ahead. He had in mind the Kingship of God would be stabilized in the hearts of repentant and surrendered individuals through the power of the indwelling Spirit of God – a significant difference from the old ways. “And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1:33). His Kingdom began at the resurrection. Jesus told His disciples at the last supper He would not share a meal with them until they were in His Father’s Kingdom (Matthew 26:29) Note how that took place on the shores of Galilee after a post-resurrection fishing miracle (John 21:13).

Reflection:

What do you know about the Kingdom of God?

Where is the Kingdom of God?

What part in the Kingdom of God do you play?

Are you thankful to be a part of the Kingdom?

Written by Maryilyn Daniels.

http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Once I Was Blind

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John 9:13-25

In today’s scripture reading Jesus has just healed a blind man. The Pharisees found fault, as usual. After all, Jesus had healed this man on the Sabbath and keeping the regulations seemed to be more important than caring for a suffering human being. My uncle was totally blind for the last 30 years of his life. Fortunately he had a very positive temperament and enjoyed the memories of all he had seen during the first 65 years of his life, but I can just imagine how wonderful it would have been for him to have had his sight restored.

The man Jesus healed was born blind. He had no memories of flowers and sunsets. He had not even seen the faces of his parents! Jesus was not restoring his sight; He was giving him sight for the first time. Imagine how thrilling that would have been! Shut your eyes and listen to sounds that you can identify because you have sight. All the sounds with which this blind man was familiar would take on new meaning – bird songs, crickets, footsteps fast or slow, bubbling water. Now he could put faces and voices together! Would the Pharisees have denied him all this? Isn’t the love of Jesus something wonderful?!!

Jesus once called the Pharisees blind. Why? Read Matthew 23:13-19. He called them sons of hell (:15), blind fools (:17). Why was this so tragic? Because they were the spiritual leaders of that day….”blind guides” (:16, 24). Jesus referred to a spiritual blindness that was leading the nation away from God by putting too much emphasis on rules, and not enough on the spirit of those laws. This was indeed a woeful situation, individually and nationally.

This was one of Jesus’ most powerful sermons. “Brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?” (Matthew 23:33). Passionately Jesus grieved over Jerusalem in His concluding remarks. “How often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (:37). Blind as their spiritual leaders, these unbelieving Jews were bound for hell. This was not God’s will for His chosen people.

Who are God’s chosen people? God promised Abraham He would bless the nations through him….and Jesus is that promised One. Gentiles too are blind, without Christ, but God loved the world enough to send His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him has eternal life” (John 3:16).

Jesus promises that those who recognize His deity saying “blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” will see Him. Paul prayed that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance” (Ephesians 1:18). God is not willing that any should perish.

Reflection:

Spiritual vision gives us insight. When we see Jesus, our minds are enlightened by truth. This opens up a whole new world. Instead of being bogged down in the darkness of evil, we become children of light! …people who shed light into a world darkened by sin (1 Thessalonians 5:5). Praise the Lord!

Can you say with the man John writes about: “Once I was blind but now I can see” (John 9:25)?

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John’s Joy!

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John 1:1-7

The Apostle John is excited! His joy overflows as he writes. All the way down through the history of the Church, even into the twenty-first century, we recognize the source of John’s enthusiasm, from his introductory words.

He is writing to his “dear children” (2:1)…..children of the faith who have responded to the message that he declares in verses 5-7. It is a message about light. Jesus Himself claimed to be “the light” (John 8:12) in a world darkened by sin.

Turning back to John’s introduction: This specific “Light” existed from the beginning. Yet John had seen the Light with his own eyes. He had walked and talked with this man famous for preaching, teaching and healing. Did he recognize the challenges Jesus would send into the faith community of John’s day?

Standing at the foot of the cross, seeing all of his hopes for future ministry with Jesus nailed to a cross, what were John’s thoughts? Now his perspective has obviously changed! The “Life” had appeared! Jesus claimed to be the “Life” (John 14:6). John describes a distinguishing factor about that “life”….it is eternal (1 John 1:2). That phrase “eternal life” wasn’t familiar to Jewish worshipers. In the Old Testament God is described as eternal (Genesis 21:33); His love is an eternal blessing(Psalm 21:6-7). Daniel even makes reference to God’s eternal kingdom (4:3) but what that meant was rather vague.

Twice John’s excitement causes him to proclaim that which he is intimately acquainted with. He knew Jesus, the man, but now the resurrection revealed His glorious deity! All that the disciples had seen and heard must be preached “so that you also may have fellowship with us” (:3). Imagine – our identity as believers means we are in fellowship with those very disciples who walked and talked with Jesus.

Listen to Jesus’ prayer, recorded by John: “My prayer is not for them alone (the disciples of his day). I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message (you and me), that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You have Sent Me” (John 17:20-21). This is the Kingdom of God in all its reality, formed through centuries of time! No wonder John is excited! Eternal life, in Jesus Christ our Lord, is as present today as it was 2000 years ago, making us one in the body of Christ.

Reflection:

Meditate on Jesus’ words:

“In Him (Jesus) was life and that life was the light of men” John 1:4)

Does your heart resonate with John’s joy?

by Marilyn Daniels. http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Love Begets Love

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1 John 4

So many people today seem to be starving for love. How many men and women will go to almost any lengths to generate a love relationship? Sadly they are often motivated by a desire to have their felt needs met, in order to feel complete. This imposes the impossible on other people. Only God can fill this void. When we know Him we have a new self-image because we recognize all the potential He has created. Though some fear this looks like pride, in reality this celebrates the love with which He created us. Jesus understood this necessity when He instructed His listeners to “love your neighbour as [much as you love] yourself” (Mark 12:31).

The apostle John had seen this type of love in action, had witnessed the remarkable love of Jesus for people of every station in life, the poor and marginalized, those who were oppressed, those who were socially unclean, physically challenged, demon possessed, the rich and famous. Jesus’ loving spirit, His compassionate nature reached out to draw people to Him. People followed Him in droves all over the countryside. They even forgot they were hungry as they gathered on the hillsides to listen to Him. Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles alike sought Jesus for His wisdom, coming to Him by day or by night.

When our needs drive our passions, values we believe in can quickly erode away. There are a dangers in making such personal sacrifices while trying to make someone love you. Jesus was devoid of any such personal agenda. His ministry was for the people whose lives He touched. He didn’t fear what people thought, but rather was committed to doing the will of God, day by day, person to person. His motivation for coming to earth was love. Paul describes it as humble obedience, servant-like (Philippians 2).

Look around you at those people who have a lot of quality friendships. Why have they been so blessed? What is lacking in lives that are virtually friendless and desperately lonely. How often have I heard people complaining about the church as a cold and uncaring place? In reality that perspective is often held by those who find it difficult to love themselves. Without a confidence in who they are, people often find it difficult to reach out to others, or when they do they only talk about themselves.

Love is interested in what makes another tick. For most, this is the essence of Mother-love. Moms want to understand what things their kids will enjoy? In Church we show interest in where people come from? What are some highlights of their lives, or is there anything they find challenging, need prayer for? Can you relate – laugh and cry together? Do you have a positive outlook on life that attracts others, because of what God is doing in your life? Has the love of God overwhelmed you with its purity and peace?

We can learn from the Apostle who writes that love is from God (1 John 4:16). He saw love teaching in the synagogue, challenging the heresies of that day, feeding 5,000, healing lepers, hanging on a cross. Perhaps you have never seen the love of God. When you do, you will understand how love begets love!

Reflection:

In our world today people crave attention and value the number of friends they have on social media. In the light of our discussion today, what would help them to resolve this tremendous “felt need”?

Vist Marilyn at http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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The Gardener

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John 15:1-6

Spring is the time of year when we focus on our gardens, isn’t it? In the words of our Lord Jesus, Himself, our heavenly Father is “the gardener”. He was speaking in regards to Himself being “the vine” off of which children of God grow as “the branches”.

“No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine” (John 15:4b)

What is the purpose of this unique garden?

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour”

(Isaiah 61:3).

This righteous person is like a tree planted by rivers of life-giving water (Psalm 1:3).

”You who are rooted and established in love may have power, together with all the saints to grasp

how wide and long, how high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses

knowledge” (Ephesians 3:17b-19a).

Rooted….God planted each person in an environment perfectly suited to their needs. In sandy soil, in arid ground, some seeds produce better fruit in a humid environment….He knows why He has specifically put us into the homes, families, and culture where we find ourselves. That is one thing over which we have absolutely no control, but yield to the will of our Sovereign God, who planted us there for His purposes. Not only is this for our best growth and development, but that we also may impact the area around us. A mighty oak tree provides shade and nuts. ….etc.

When we are firmly rooted, spiritually, we become like the Gardener – established in love. We have mentioned before how God’s character is the essence of love! In a world which often distorts the very concept of love, how reassuring it is to know that God is infinite and unchanging in His love. “Love does what is for another’s ultimate good”! Therefore the Gardener lovingly prunes the branches (:2) so they will bear more fruit. Discipline may be endured for the moment, if we realize that ultimately we will show God’s glorious character described by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5 as the (fruit of the Spirit”).

Not only does God water His garden but life-giving nourishment comes from the Word of God planted in the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit (James 1:21). There are weeds of course to be dealt with. Jesus told His disciples that every plant not planted by the Father, would be pulled up by the roots (Matthew 15:13). In spite of the weeds, God faithfully tends the plants in His garden. His mercies are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Reflection:

Can you recognize the Divine Gardener had your best interests at heart when He planted you?

How have you endured the process of Divine pruning?

Let us ask ourselves: What impact are we making on our present environment?

By Marilyn Daniels. http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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My Gentle Shepherd

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Isaiah 40:1-5, 10-11

Many years ago the Gaithers wrote beautiful lyrics addressing the need people have of a Shepherd. They perceived a need for strength, provision and guidance that comes from God alone. Like Martin Luther, they recognized there was no other that we can turn to for answers to the problems in our lives today. This Shepherd, they knew from scripture would be gentle.

 

Isaiah makes an astonishing contrast as he describes God’s power. “See the Sovereign Lord comes with power and His arm rules for Him” (40:10). Then, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah also describes God as a Shepherd, One who gathers the lambs in His arms and carried them close to His heart. What a tender picture! This Shepherd also “gently leads” (40:11).

 

Isaiah chapter 40 is described as one of consolation, reviewing the greatness of God. We do not often equate gentleness with greatness, but here it is. Paul also tells us the fruit of the Holy Spirit living within each believer, produces gentleness, among a host of other qualities derived from the greatness of God’s character. Isaiah begins the chapter with an injunction from God to “comfort My people” (:1), to “speak tenderly to Jerusalem” (:2).

 

There are hints of salvation as God’s voice calls “prepare the way for the Lord” (:3). Whatever did that mean? Matthew enlightens us in his gospel. John the Baptist, hundreds of year after Isaiah’s prophecy, was identified as the one who came to prepare the way for the Messiah. How did he accomplish this? By preaching repentance (Matthew 3:8).

 

Jacob was the first person who called God his Shepherd. As he blessed his sons on his deathbed he told them “God has been my Shepherd all my life to this day” (Genesis 48:15). Centuries later King David is famous for saying “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). The Magi, visiting baby Jesus identified Him as the fulfillment of prophecy “who will be the Shepherd of My people Israel” (Matthew 2:6).

Jesus confirmed that “I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). “No one can snatch them out of My hand” (10:28). “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them and they follow Me” (10:27). Mark records Jesus’ rebuke when the disciples wanted to shoo little children away, thinking He would be too busy for kids. “He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them”(Mark 10:16) What a sweet picture of my Gentle Shepherd!

Reflection:

Do you need a Shepherd in your life? Why or why not?

“Dear Father, What a comfort it is to be held close to Your heart. Thank You for loving me as only God can love, unconditionally. Thank You for forgiving me for all my failures and wrong choices. I pray that You will strengthen my faith as day by day I learn to lean on You for guidance. Help me to discern Your will for my life, day by day. Thank You for Your Holy Word that nourishes my soul! Thank You for protecting me from evil, as I follow Jesus day by day. May my life be pleasing in Your sight. Thank You for being such a gentle Shepherd”

Visit Marilyn Daniels. http://www.marilyndaniels.net