Let's slow down. There are such treasures to be gleaned from the remaining chapters in this book and I don't want to feel like we are flying through them. I want us to have time to savor the flavors, to reflect on the truths and how they impact our lives, and to be still so that God can speak to our spirits. So ... we are not going to read John in 8 weeks (which was the stated plan in the introduction of our study). We are going to take more time than that. Keep your journal or notebook close by ... and stay ready to "hear a word from the Lord" ...
Today read John 15: 1 - 17
Remember the context of our passage. Jesus has moved into the last week of His life on earth ... and He knows it. Therefore He is sharing His final words with His followers. What would yours be? If you knew this was to be your last week on earth ... who would you want to talk to? What would you want to tell them? Wisdom would tell us to get on with it! Are there important things you want your children to know? Let them know ... now (age appropriate of course!) Your spouse ... your parent ... your friend? Jesus is taking the opportunity to speak of the "most important things" to those that He loves before He leaves. So remember that as we read ... these are the "most important things" ...
First, Jesus wants His disciples to know that they MUST remain in Him. It is not optional. It is the only place for life and growth. It is the only way to have a fruitful life. The Greek word translated "remain" in the NIV and "abide" in the NASB has everything to do with "staying put, clinging to." One interesting slant on the word is that it also means "to nest". I love that image! We women love to make our nests. When we move, the first thing we want to do is get the nest set up. Then we can go on to other things. Jesus is telling us in this passage that we must make our nest, our home, in Him ... first. When we do that ... we can always be "at home" ... regardless where life takes us.
I love turtles ... they are funny-looking, interesting creatures. One of the things that I love the most is the fact that their home goes with them wherever they go. That is the image that comes to mind when I read these verses in John 15. When I remain in the Lord ... my nest goes with me wherever I go. I am NEVER away from home. Is the Lord your "home"? Father, help us know how to 'stay home' with you every day, through every circumstance.
The second thing Jesus tells His disciples they MUST do is ... love each other. How can that be so simple to say, so simple to write ... and so difficult to do! And it cannot be like the world loves - loving those individuals who love me back or who are lovable in my eyes - it must be like He loves. I just can't do it! Wait ... if I am remaining in Christ ... that means my nest is in Him ... so I can just curl up in Him and He can do the loving. After all, He's really good at it! Can we allow Jesus to love others through us? I think it will require getting big "self" out of the way ... Father, help us get our own egos out of the way so that You can love people through us. And as we submit to that, Lord, begin to put the desire to love in our spirits.
And then, my friends ... fruit comes! I don't have to work so hard to develop the fruit of the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22 - 23) because fruit is the natural overflow of the vine. I don't have to stress out about 'evangelism' because my life becomes a testimony to the love of God. And fruit comes ...
May you see fruit in your life this day ... fruit that lasts ... fruit that comes from the Source ...
March 1, 2011
February 25, 2011
Life Source - Week 6 - Day 3 ** John 14
Have you ever felt totally confused by a conversation that you are a part of? I mean, you hear the words ... but you cannot grasp the meaning. It is so frustrating! That is exactly the scene in John 13 that we have read this week. There is so much confusion in the room. Jesus washes their feet and then says - now you do it, too. When? Right now? Jesus keeps talking about leaving and they can't go. Why not? They have been everywhere with Him for 3 years. One of them is going to betray Him? Surely not! Who in the world? Judas gets up and leaves and no one knows why. And then Jesus even tells Peter that he will deny knowing Him or having any kind of relationship with Him. Peter? No way! Their world seems to be spinning out of control.
VERY TROUBLING, INDEED!
Read John 14.
I suspect your world has troubling things in it as well. Do you feel at times as if your world, as well, is spinning out of control? We all have times like that - times we would rather crawl in a hole than face the day. Times when we wonder ... "what's the point?"
Jesus steps into the swirling confusion with gentle encouragement. And it is encouragement that you and I can claim as well. Warren Wiersbe notices 6 assurances in this chapter to claim when you are tempted to loose yourself in troubling, anxious thoughts.
1. You are going to heaven. There is a place for you there. History is not random. It is going someplace ... and you are a part of that destiny. And, believe it or not, you even know the way there. It is Jesus Himself. He is the Way! He is the path. Don't forget ...
2. You can know the Father right now. Mankind has a longing to know God. And Jesus tells you that you can know God. You can see Him. All you have to do is look at Jesus. God is the perfect Father. Some of you reading may have had tremendous dads ... and others may have had horrific ones. Some of you may have had no dad at all. But all of that falls away in the face of the knowledge of the perfect Father that wants me as His child. When you are secure in the arms of that Father ... He will handle the troubling things!
3. You have the privilege of prayer. And a precious privilege it is. It must be in faith - believing. It must be in obedience. And it must be in the character and the will of the Lord Himself. That's what it means to be "in Jesus' name". The Lord is allowing you the privilege of "using His name" as you approach the throne of grace. Carry that privilege carefully!
4. You have the Holy Spirit. Translations of verse 16 are interesting. The King James uses the word "comforter". New American Standard uses "helper". NIV uses "counselor". The Greek word is parakletos and is hard to translate. It literally means "one called in to help". The Holy Spirit provides the strength when you are weak. He provides wisdom when you feel at a loss. He provides the courage when you are afraid. You have Him ... He has been "called in" to help you!
5. You have the Father's love. This goes deeper than the knowing of the Father. He actually loves you. Even when you see yourself as a bit of a mess! He loves you ... and will not stop.
6. You have His gift of peace. This peace is deep within the heart. It is like the Hebrew word, shalom. It has everything to do with wholeness - with well being - will a settled spirit. It has everything to do with the best for you. The world strives after peace ... and usually fails. The child of God receives this incredible quality as a gift. You can be at peace.
In particularly troubling times ... you may need to remind yourself of these assurances quite often. You may even need to repeat them to yourself every morning before you face the day. But when you do ... when these anchors of the soul are secure in your own mind and heart ... then ..
Let not your heart be troubled ...
February 24, 2011
Life Source - Week 6 - Day 2 ** John 13: 18 - 38
Let's finish John 13 today. Read John 13: 18 - 38.
I am amazed by the way Jesus treated Judas. And we see Him trying to break through Judas' cold heart in this passage. Jesus loved Judas. There is no greater test of agape love than the way you treat your enemies.
Picture this scene ... the disciples gathered around a meal together. William Barclay describes the custom of the day.
Have you ever been there - knowing that God could do something - but did not do it? What do you do with those disappointments? It is in those times of bitter disappointment that our faith is tested the hardest. It is in those times of bitter disappointment that we are faced with a core question: Can God be trusted, or not? Judas chose not. I pray that you and I will choose trust. God is God ... and there is no other. God is love ... and there is no deeper. God is wise ... and there is none wiser. So when I am disappointed in the outcome of something, a healing not happening, a circumstance not resolving like I wanted it to ... I stand in the same place as Judas ... Judas chose darkness.
I choose trust. And you?
It is only after Judas departs that Jesus begins His final discourse with His disciples. There are no more precious words in all of scripture than the next 4 chapters. I am praying for you ... that God will minister to your heart as we read them.
I am amazed by the way Jesus treated Judas. And we see Him trying to break through Judas' cold heart in this passage. Jesus loved Judas. There is no greater test of agape love than the way you treat your enemies.
Picture this scene ... the disciples gathered around a meal together. William Barclay describes the custom of the day.
The Jews did not sit at table; they reclined. The table was a low solid block, with couches round it. It was shaped like a U and the place of the host was in the center. They reclined on their left side, resting on the left elbow, thus leaving the right hand free to deal with the food. Sitting in such a way, a man's head was literally in the breast of the person reclining on his left. Jesus would be sitting in the place of the host, at the center of the single side of the low table. The disciple whom Jesus loved must have been sitting his right, for as he lent on his elbow at the table, his head was in Jesus' breast. It is quite clear that Jesus could speak to Judas privately without the others overhearing. If that be so, there is only one place Judas could have been occupying. He must have been on Jesus' left, so that, just as John's head was in Jesus' breast, Jesus's head was in Judas'. The revealing think is that the place on the left of the host was the place of highest honor, kept for the most intimate friend.Jesus evidently placed Judas close so that He could talk with him without the others hearing. What a gracious protection for Judas. I wonder what Peter would have done had he realized Judas' plan. Then there is the piece of bread mentioned in verse 26. For the host to offer a tid-bit personally to one of the guests was a sign of special friendship. Time after time Jesus appeals to Judas ... and time after time Judas ignores the appeal. Why? I think it was because Jesus was not the kind of Messiah that Judas wanted. He was disappointed in Jesus. He wanted political power. He wanted Rome gone. Jesus could have accomplished that ... but Jesus did not accomplish that ... and Judas was horrifically disappointed.
Have you ever been there - knowing that God could do something - but did not do it? What do you do with those disappointments? It is in those times of bitter disappointment that our faith is tested the hardest. It is in those times of bitter disappointment that we are faced with a core question: Can God be trusted, or not? Judas chose not. I pray that you and I will choose trust. God is God ... and there is no other. God is love ... and there is no deeper. God is wise ... and there is none wiser. So when I am disappointed in the outcome of something, a healing not happening, a circumstance not resolving like I wanted it to ... I stand in the same place as Judas ... Judas chose darkness.
I choose trust. And you?
It is only after Judas departs that Jesus begins His final discourse with His disciples. There are no more precious words in all of scripture than the next 4 chapters. I am praying for you ... that God will minister to your heart as we read them.
February 21, 2011
Life Source - Week 6 - Day 1 ** John 13: 1 - 17
Today we are considering one of the precious pictures in Christianity ... a well known event to those who have experience with church and Bible study. If you are new to scripture ... prepare to be amazed! It is remarkable in its simplicity ... and remarkable in its profundity!
Read John 13: 1 - 17.
Some observations ...
First, look again at verse 1. "Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love." Love behaves. Love does something. Yes, it is a choice ... and, yes, there can be deep emotion. But love also shows itself ... it is not invisible. And we observe Jesus, Son of God, demonstrating His love by what He does. It is an action word. If someone were to ask you, "Whom do you love?" Which individuals come immediately to mind? Now ... for those dear ones ... how do you show it? What do you do to "demonstrate the full extent of your love?" That is an important question for those of us who are Christ-disciples. Are you more concerned about how others demonstrate love toward you than you are about your own demonstrations? Perhaps there is room for growth in this area for us! Perhaps, this week, we could each focus more on the giving than on the receiving. It's a challenge! Will you take it?
Secondly, this encounter is all about humility vs. pride. We see startling examples from both Jesus and Peter. Consider Jesus. He is the central character. Since this meal could not have been in His home (because He did not have a house of His own on this earth), He was obviously a guest. It was the responsibility of the host to provide water for foot-washing to remove the dust and dirt of the road from the guests' feet. It was a servant's job. Don't miss that ... it was a servant's job. And we watch the Lord ... Messiah ... Son of God ... Lion of Judah ... just do the task because it needed doing ... and it allowed Him to "demonstrate His love". Where does such humility come from? Where does the willingness to serve other people come from?
I suggest to you that it comes directly from knowing who you are. It comes from being completely secure in your own identity and self. It comes from being free from the tyranny of self-consciousness. Jesus KNEW ... 1) His position, 2) where He had come from, and 3) where He was going. (verse 3) If we are knowledgeable of the same things ... we, too, can be free from self-tyranny. We, too, can be secure enough to demonstrate our love for others. We, too, can serve other people. If you are still struggling with doubts about those things, you may want to pursue these passages ...
The passage is clear about our Lord's desire that we follow this example. We are to be willing, even pleased, to have opportunities to serve other people. It is a mind-set ... and heart condition. And ... it is counter-cultural.
Several years ago when I was teaching school, we had a particularly difficult 8th grade boy. He was incredibly smart, intellectually. But he was difficult - no motivation, no interactions, no involvement - except for trouble-making. I made a statement at one faculty meeting that I just could not figure out how best to serve him. One of my friends and colleagues nearly came out of her chair with these words, "I'm not here to SERVE him!" The whole idea was repulsive and offensive to her. It was then that I began to realize just how counter-cultural Jesus' words and examples toward others really are. But it is clear ... there is no "wiggle room" with interpretations. Jesus said, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." And so, my friends, we are servants. And it takes genuine humility.
In this scene we also observe dear Peter ... outgoing, passionate, open Peter. He is too proud to allow his Lord to perform this humble task for him. No way! His pride is so dominant in him right now that he even tells Jesus what He can do and what He will not do! (verse 6 - 8) Ever been there? In your own prayers ... have you ever told God exactly what He needs to do and what He must not do? That's pride. I don't doubt Peter's intention ... it is his wisdom that fails here. And there is a lesson for me. I hear the words of James in James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and HE will lift you up."
However, when Jesus reprimands him, Peter jumps in 100%! We will observe Peter's continuing battle with pride as we read further in John. It is such a pertinent, relevant, continuing struggle. And one that you and I must battle on a daily basis. Stay in the fight! It is a battle worth fighting.
Read John 13: 1 - 17.
Some observations ...
First, look again at verse 1. "Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love." Love behaves. Love does something. Yes, it is a choice ... and, yes, there can be deep emotion. But love also shows itself ... it is not invisible. And we observe Jesus, Son of God, demonstrating His love by what He does. It is an action word. If someone were to ask you, "Whom do you love?" Which individuals come immediately to mind? Now ... for those dear ones ... how do you show it? What do you do to "demonstrate the full extent of your love?" That is an important question for those of us who are Christ-disciples. Are you more concerned about how others demonstrate love toward you than you are about your own demonstrations? Perhaps there is room for growth in this area for us! Perhaps, this week, we could each focus more on the giving than on the receiving. It's a challenge! Will you take it?
Secondly, this encounter is all about humility vs. pride. We see startling examples from both Jesus and Peter. Consider Jesus. He is the central character. Since this meal could not have been in His home (because He did not have a house of His own on this earth), He was obviously a guest. It was the responsibility of the host to provide water for foot-washing to remove the dust and dirt of the road from the guests' feet. It was a servant's job. Don't miss that ... it was a servant's job. And we watch the Lord ... Messiah ... Son of God ... Lion of Judah ... just do the task because it needed doing ... and it allowed Him to "demonstrate His love". Where does such humility come from? Where does the willingness to serve other people come from?
I suggest to you that it comes directly from knowing who you are. It comes from being completely secure in your own identity and self. It comes from being free from the tyranny of self-consciousness. Jesus KNEW ... 1) His position, 2) where He had come from, and 3) where He was going. (verse 3) If we are knowledgeable of the same things ... we, too, can be free from self-tyranny. We, too, can be secure enough to demonstrate our love for others. We, too, can serve other people. If you are still struggling with doubts about those things, you may want to pursue these passages ...
- my position ... read Ephesians 1: 3 - 14
- where I came from ... read Psalm 139: 13 - 16
- where I am going ... read John 14: 1 - 3 (we will get there later this week)
The passage is clear about our Lord's desire that we follow this example. We are to be willing, even pleased, to have opportunities to serve other people. It is a mind-set ... and heart condition. And ... it is counter-cultural.
Several years ago when I was teaching school, we had a particularly difficult 8th grade boy. He was incredibly smart, intellectually. But he was difficult - no motivation, no interactions, no involvement - except for trouble-making. I made a statement at one faculty meeting that I just could not figure out how best to serve him. One of my friends and colleagues nearly came out of her chair with these words, "I'm not here to SERVE him!" The whole idea was repulsive and offensive to her. It was then that I began to realize just how counter-cultural Jesus' words and examples toward others really are. But it is clear ... there is no "wiggle room" with interpretations. Jesus said, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." And so, my friends, we are servants. And it takes genuine humility.
In this scene we also observe dear Peter ... outgoing, passionate, open Peter. He is too proud to allow his Lord to perform this humble task for him. No way! His pride is so dominant in him right now that he even tells Jesus what He can do and what He will not do! (verse 6 - 8) Ever been there? In your own prayers ... have you ever told God exactly what He needs to do and what He must not do? That's pride. I don't doubt Peter's intention ... it is his wisdom that fails here. And there is a lesson for me. I hear the words of James in James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and HE will lift you up."
However, when Jesus reprimands him, Peter jumps in 100%! We will observe Peter's continuing battle with pride as we read further in John. It is such a pertinent, relevant, continuing struggle. And one that you and I must battle on a daily basis. Stay in the fight! It is a battle worth fighting.
Lord, how we long to be Your servant first ... and then be willing to be used by You to serve others in our own circles and world. Give us eyes to see opportunities. Give us hearts that desire to follow Your example. Give us the courage to 'just do it'!
February 18, 2011
Life Source - Week 5 - Day 3 ** John 12: 12 - 50
The "hour" has come and Jesus is heading into Jerusalem. Before you do the reading for today, there is some historical information that has been helpful to me as I read.
First, consider the way Rome governed its outlying provinces. At this time, Rome is the world power that has conquered the major part of the known world. Politically, Rome was THE power. For the outlying provinces, there was a governor over a region who answered to the Caesar. Within the individual countries (such as Judah) the local authorities were allowed to carry on the government AS LONG AS THERE WAS NO UNREST! As soon as some sort of civil disorder or uprising appeared, Rome would sweep in with her power and might and do away with the local, failed government. That helps me understand the dramatic opposition the Jewish leaders had to Jesus and the masses of people wanting to see and hear Him. And remember, it's Passover, so the population of Jerusalem has swelled considerably ... an environment ripe for uprisings!
Secondly, the date palm was plentiful in Judea. And during the Maccabaen period when the Jewish resistance movement was victorious, the palm became a symbol of Jewish nationalism. It was even stamped into the coinage used by the resistance. So this "waving of palm branches" carries all sorts of symbolism.
Third, the word "hosanna" literally means, "save now". It is the exact equivalent to crying out "God save the King".
With that bit of information ... read John 12: 12 - 50.
How desperately these people wanted Jesus to rise up as their king ... their ruler ... reestablish Judea as a national presence to be dealt with ... drive the Romans out. I am reminded of a scene in "Fiddler on the Roof" when the Russians are exercising their power over their Jewish neighbors. Another pogrom is about to happen ... the Jews are being driven from their homes. One of the characters in the movie says, "Rabbi, we have been waiting for Messiah all our lives. Wouldn't now be a good time?" I suspect so many Jews in Jerusalem that day felt the same way. "Wouldn't now be a good time for Messiah?" They just did not understand all the prophesies about the suffering that must take place for redemption to happen. They wanted it all about earthly things ... earthly kingdoms ... earthly prosperity and rule. Have you ever been guilty of that kind of thinking? Have you ever been guilty of wanting Jesus to behave just exactly like you want Him to? I mean, you know what you want ... you know what would seem 'good' to you ... so Jesus, perform! How do you respond when He does not behave as you would have Him behave? Would you be one of the crowd ... crying 'Hosanna' one day and 'Crucify' the next?
Lord ... keep us steady and faithful. Grow in us the absolute certainty that Your ways are not only good, but are the best. Yes, we cry 'Hosanna' ... and we submit again to Your rule in our lives ... You are our King!
Jesus entered Jerusalem on a young donkey. In the Roman world, the conqueror would ride into a city on a horse ... a symbol of war. In the Hebrew world, riding into a city on a donkey was a symbol of peace. As Jesus fulfills the prophecy that He would indeed ride on a donkey, He is also making a statement as to the kind of king He was to be at this point. King Jesus ... Prince of Peace. In our Tuesday class, one of our class members said, "But when He comes back, it will be on a horse!" She is exactly right!
Revelation 19: 11 - 16
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him ... On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Chapter 12 closes the public ministry of Jesus. He is going to focus His final teachings on His own disciples. He has given the signs of His deity to the crowds ... He has taught the crowds ... He has used the Old Testament scriptures to confirm His identity ... He has brought light ... some choose belief ... others do not. One of His final cries to the crowd is found in verse 46: I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." And in verse 50: I know that His command leads to eternal life.
Remember with me the way John began this gospel. In that magnificent prologue John said in 1:5 "The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." Indeed, we are watching the darkness gathering ... and the misunderstanding taking center stage. But, thanks be to God ... we do not have to be in the dark. Believe ...
First, consider the way Rome governed its outlying provinces. At this time, Rome is the world power that has conquered the major part of the known world. Politically, Rome was THE power. For the outlying provinces, there was a governor over a region who answered to the Caesar. Within the individual countries (such as Judah) the local authorities were allowed to carry on the government AS LONG AS THERE WAS NO UNREST! As soon as some sort of civil disorder or uprising appeared, Rome would sweep in with her power and might and do away with the local, failed government. That helps me understand the dramatic opposition the Jewish leaders had to Jesus and the masses of people wanting to see and hear Him. And remember, it's Passover, so the population of Jerusalem has swelled considerably ... an environment ripe for uprisings!
Secondly, the date palm was plentiful in Judea. And during the Maccabaen period when the Jewish resistance movement was victorious, the palm became a symbol of Jewish nationalism. It was even stamped into the coinage used by the resistance. So this "waving of palm branches" carries all sorts of symbolism.
Third, the word "hosanna" literally means, "save now". It is the exact equivalent to crying out "God save the King".
With that bit of information ... read John 12: 12 - 50.
How desperately these people wanted Jesus to rise up as their king ... their ruler ... reestablish Judea as a national presence to be dealt with ... drive the Romans out. I am reminded of a scene in "Fiddler on the Roof" when the Russians are exercising their power over their Jewish neighbors. Another pogrom is about to happen ... the Jews are being driven from their homes. One of the characters in the movie says, "Rabbi, we have been waiting for Messiah all our lives. Wouldn't now be a good time?" I suspect so many Jews in Jerusalem that day felt the same way. "Wouldn't now be a good time for Messiah?" They just did not understand all the prophesies about the suffering that must take place for redemption to happen. They wanted it all about earthly things ... earthly kingdoms ... earthly prosperity and rule. Have you ever been guilty of that kind of thinking? Have you ever been guilty of wanting Jesus to behave just exactly like you want Him to? I mean, you know what you want ... you know what would seem 'good' to you ... so Jesus, perform! How do you respond when He does not behave as you would have Him behave? Would you be one of the crowd ... crying 'Hosanna' one day and 'Crucify' the next?
Lord ... keep us steady and faithful. Grow in us the absolute certainty that Your ways are not only good, but are the best. Yes, we cry 'Hosanna' ... and we submit again to Your rule in our lives ... You are our King!
Jesus entered Jerusalem on a young donkey. In the Roman world, the conqueror would ride into a city on a horse ... a symbol of war. In the Hebrew world, riding into a city on a donkey was a symbol of peace. As Jesus fulfills the prophecy that He would indeed ride on a donkey, He is also making a statement as to the kind of king He was to be at this point. King Jesus ... Prince of Peace. In our Tuesday class, one of our class members said, "But when He comes back, it will be on a horse!" She is exactly right!
Revelation 19: 11 - 16
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him ... On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Chapter 12 closes the public ministry of Jesus. He is going to focus His final teachings on His own disciples. He has given the signs of His deity to the crowds ... He has taught the crowds ... He has used the Old Testament scriptures to confirm His identity ... He has brought light ... some choose belief ... others do not. One of His final cries to the crowd is found in verse 46: I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." And in verse 50: I know that His command leads to eternal life.
Remember with me the way John began this gospel. In that magnificent prologue John said in 1:5 "The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." Indeed, we are watching the darkness gathering ... and the misunderstanding taking center stage. But, thanks be to God ... we do not have to be in the dark. Believe ...
Lord, we do believe. Help our unbelief. We choose faith. We choose to walk in light ... to walk in You. May we, also, bring glory to Your Name by the way we live our lives.
February 16, 2011
Life Source - Week 5 - Day 2 ** John 12: 1 - 11
Our reading today is John 12: 1 - 11. This may be a familiar story ... but as you read this time, do it slowly ... savoring the emotion, the sensations, the aromas of the scene. After you read, come back and we will consider each of these 3 friends of Jesus and what we can learn from them.
It is nearing Passover and Jesus is heading back to Jerusalem. The "hour" has come. Before entering the city, Jesus stops in Bethany where His dear friends gather with him for supper. See His humanity. What a wonderful, peaceful moment for Jesus before the trauma of the next week hits. Jesus is in a comfortable place. He is with His friends.
There are three siblings in this scene - Mary, Martha and Lazarus (back from the dead, remember!) We read first of Martha in verse 2. She was serving ... she was using her particular set of gifts to serve her Lord. We read of Martha also in Luke 10: 38 - 42. She was serving a meal at that time as well. A key element in the Luke story is in verse 40: "But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, 'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?'"
Martha has grown in her relationship with the Lord. I think the revelations she received from Jesus in chapter 11 have grown her up. He is truly the "Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world." And now watch what is happening in chapter 12 ... Martha is still serving a meal ... she is still using her considerable gifts ... but the complaining is gone! I think, perhaps, she now counts it a privilege to serve the Lord ... not a duty or a burden. How I want to be like that!!
Using her God-given gifts and abilities ... her work ... as a service to the Lord. What a privilege.
We also see Lazarus in verse 2. All we know is that he was there, at the table. People were coming to see him. DUH!! They want to hear the story first hand. I would to! They want to see him and hear him. We don't know of Lazarus' words at that dinner table ... but my imagination can piece together the buzz and conversation going on. Lazarus telling ... over and over ... the walking out of that tomb ... seeing light ... seeing his sisters ... seeing his Lord! Telling the story is "bearing witness to the work of God in his life." That's what it means to "witness" - tell your story. Tell how Jesus has come to you ... what He has done for you ... why you love Him.
Telling your story with God ... for the glory of God ... being a witness. What a privilege.
The third sibling is Mary. I think she may have been about the only one who took Jesus' predictions about His necessary death to heart. She believed Him about that ... and knew it was soon. I see Mary so overcome with the desire to worship and adore her Lord ... that she anointed Him with the perfume. It most likely was his entire body, not just His feet. (see Matthew 26: 6 - 13 and Mark 14: 3 - 9 for parallel accounts of the event) Can you imagine the aroma? Can you feel the silence that must have descended in the room? Would you have been embarrassed watching it? After all, Mary untied her hair ... custom required women to only let their hair down in the privacy of their own bedrooms. This is a pure act of adoration, devotion and worship. There are some things to notice about this action of Mary:
Have you ever criticized someone else's worship? Called it "undignified" or "showing off"? This story screams to me that such criticism is unacceptable! You do not know the heart of anyone ... we even struggle with knowing our own hearts. How dare we presume that we can pass judgement on someones worship ... someones devotion and adoration of their God?
My challenge for us ... stop it! When the temptation looms in your heart ... divert your eyes ... refocus on your own, personal heart worship ... ask God to forgive your spirit of criticism ... think of Mary.
Worshiping the Lord your God ... with ALL ... expressing your complete devotion to Him. What a privilege.
The three elements that we see illustrated by the friends of Jesus in this passage can represent for us the elements that we would do well to emulate. There is our work, illustrated by Martha. Is your work done for the glory of God? There is our witness, illustrated by Lazarus. Do you give glory to God by telling your story to anyone? And there is our worship, illustrated by Mary. Do you pour out your heart and devotion to God through worship or are you going through the motions?
Warren Wiersbe says, "Actually, the Christian life ought to be a beautiful balance of worship, work, and witness."
It is nearing Passover and Jesus is heading back to Jerusalem. The "hour" has come. Before entering the city, Jesus stops in Bethany where His dear friends gather with him for supper. See His humanity. What a wonderful, peaceful moment for Jesus before the trauma of the next week hits. Jesus is in a comfortable place. He is with His friends.
There are three siblings in this scene - Mary, Martha and Lazarus (back from the dead, remember!) We read first of Martha in verse 2. She was serving ... she was using her particular set of gifts to serve her Lord. We read of Martha also in Luke 10: 38 - 42. She was serving a meal at that time as well. A key element in the Luke story is in verse 40: "But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, 'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?'"
Martha has grown in her relationship with the Lord. I think the revelations she received from Jesus in chapter 11 have grown her up. He is truly the "Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world." And now watch what is happening in chapter 12 ... Martha is still serving a meal ... she is still using her considerable gifts ... but the complaining is gone! I think, perhaps, she now counts it a privilege to serve the Lord ... not a duty or a burden. How I want to be like that!!
Using her God-given gifts and abilities ... her work ... as a service to the Lord. What a privilege.
We also see Lazarus in verse 2. All we know is that he was there, at the table. People were coming to see him. DUH!! They want to hear the story first hand. I would to! They want to see him and hear him. We don't know of Lazarus' words at that dinner table ... but my imagination can piece together the buzz and conversation going on. Lazarus telling ... over and over ... the walking out of that tomb ... seeing light ... seeing his sisters ... seeing his Lord! Telling the story is "bearing witness to the work of God in his life." That's what it means to "witness" - tell your story. Tell how Jesus has come to you ... what He has done for you ... why you love Him.
Telling your story with God ... for the glory of God ... being a witness. What a privilege.
The third sibling is Mary. I think she may have been about the only one who took Jesus' predictions about His necessary death to heart. She believed Him about that ... and knew it was soon. I see Mary so overcome with the desire to worship and adore her Lord ... that she anointed Him with the perfume. It most likely was his entire body, not just His feet. (see Matthew 26: 6 - 13 and Mark 14: 3 - 9 for parallel accounts of the event) Can you imagine the aroma? Can you feel the silence that must have descended in the room? Would you have been embarrassed watching it? After all, Mary untied her hair ... custom required women to only let their hair down in the privacy of their own bedrooms. This is a pure act of adoration, devotion and worship. There are some things to notice about this action of Mary:
- It was public
- It was spontaneous
- It was sacrificial
- It was lavish
- It was personal
- It was un-embarrassed
- Others misunderstood and criticized
Have you ever criticized someone else's worship? Called it "undignified" or "showing off"? This story screams to me that such criticism is unacceptable! You do not know the heart of anyone ... we even struggle with knowing our own hearts. How dare we presume that we can pass judgement on someones worship ... someones devotion and adoration of their God?
My challenge for us ... stop it! When the temptation looms in your heart ... divert your eyes ... refocus on your own, personal heart worship ... ask God to forgive your spirit of criticism ... think of Mary.
Worshiping the Lord your God ... with ALL ... expressing your complete devotion to Him. What a privilege.
The three elements that we see illustrated by the friends of Jesus in this passage can represent for us the elements that we would do well to emulate. There is our work, illustrated by Martha. Is your work done for the glory of God? There is our witness, illustrated by Lazarus. Do you give glory to God by telling your story to anyone? And there is our worship, illustrated by Mary. Do you pour out your heart and devotion to God through worship or are you going through the motions?
Warren Wiersbe says, "Actually, the Christian life ought to be a beautiful balance of worship, work, and witness."
Lord, we seek that balance this week. Give each of us an opportunity to speak to someone this week about Your part in our lives. May we work without complaining this week ... knowing that, actually, we work for You. And may we worship with the kind of lavish abandon that Mary demonstrated for us so beautifully. May you smell that sweet aroma from our hearts as well.
February 14, 2011
Life Source - Week 5 - Day 1 ** John 11
Read John 11 today.
There are so many dramatic highlights in this chapter. The most obvious is Jesus' next "I AM" statement. He says it to Martha: I AM the resurrection and the life. (verse 25).
Did you know that there is a plant whose colloquial name is resurrection plant?
According to biologist Dr. T. Ombello:
"When the soil is moist after infrequent rains, a Resurrection Plant absorbs water and grows rapidly, producing a flat rosette of scaly stems up to one foot across. As the soil dries, it cannot store water like its succulent neighbors, so it folds up its stems into a tight ball as it desiccates and goes into a state of dormancy. The folded plant has a limited surface area, and what little internal moisture is present is conserved. All metabolic functions are reduced to a bare minimum and it appears to be dead. The plant can remain in this dormant condition for years. When the rains return, the plant's cells rehydrate. The stems unfold, metabolism increases, and growth resumes. Even dead Resurrection plants will unfold if given water, since rehydrated cells expand even if there is no living protoplasm in them."Have you ever felt like you were in a dormant stage spiritually? Have you ever felt "dead"? Lazarus was ... and to have life again ... he required the Lord, Jesus. So do you. There is no other way ... no other place to go ... no other source.
Jesus was so deeply moved by the pain and the loss and the suffering at this scene. He could not hold back the tears - even knowing what He was about to do. You see, it is the pain that death causes those left behind that is worthy of tears. One who has trusted their life to the Savior does not see death. But those standing around his/her bed ... they see it ... and the agony of separation and loss washes in like a tidal wave. I can well remember standing by the casket of my dad - with an ache so deep that I have no words to describe it. He did not see death ... but I felt its blow. It was at that moment that I began to get a sense of the seriousness, the horror, of sin. Death was not part of God's original plan for His precious creation. It came in on the heels of rebellion and sin. Paul tells us in the book of Romans that the "all sin and fall short of the glory of God" and that the "wages of sin is death". But he does not stop there. He goes on to shout in Romans 8:1-2 ... "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Yes ... Jesus brings life. He is the source. Jesus IS the resurrection and the life. Do you know Him? Are you free from the law of sin and death?
One other thing I want you to notice in this chapter. Watch Martha. Can you identify both elements of doubt and elements of faith in this friend of our Lord?
- verse 21 ... "if You had been here" ... ever felt that way? Lord, if you had been with me this would not have happened ... little faith, doubting the wisdom of the Lord!
- verse 24 ... Martha states her theology ... she verbalizes her religious belief ... but it falls short in the face of the death of her brother ... I feel a little "so what" in her statement ... little faith!
- verse 22 ... I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask ... great faith!
- verse 27 ... I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God" ... pinnacle of faith!
I refreshes me no end to see this fluctuation in Martha! Why? Because I see it so often in me. How about you? There are times when my faith stands so firm ... and times when it seems so weak and fragile that I wonder how it is alive. It is at those times that we must remember ... the resurrection plant!
Remember in previous chapters how the Lord has cried out ... "If anyone is thirsty, come to me". He is the water. When His very presence is applied to our lives ... we, too, begin to unfold and grow and gain strength.
Jesus called for Mary ... and she was able to get up from her debilitating grief.
Jesus touched Martha ... and she was able to make the greatest statement of faith of all times
Jesus called for Lazarus ... and he walked free from death.
He calls you as well. He would touch you. He would give you life ...
Are you listening?
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