Welcome to our conversation with God! I love listening to his word and letting him speak into my life and reshape my heart. Let's follow Jesus a little further into his hours on the cross. Read with me John 19:23-24. Just two verses.
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. . . . they said to one another, "Let's decide by lot who will get it." (v. 24)
Is it just me, or is this a wierd scene? I mean, who fights over somebody else's used undergarments? But there is a stark irony here. Jesus is hanging there dying to satisfy God’s sense of justice for all the sins and evils that we’ve all committed. He’s there offering eternal life and hope and meaning and purpose and ultimate healing to a broken world. This is the pivotal moment of human history. And here are these guys. They remind me of the two British guards in the Pirates of the Carribean movies that were always comedically standing their post missing everything important that was happening around them.
These four Roman soldiers are standing there up close to Jesus, right at the foot of his cross. They could literally reach out and touch him. And what are they doing? They’re fighting over his dirty, used clothes! Okay, it would be kind of cool to have a piece of clothing Jesus’ wore. But what were they thinking?
They remind me of a lot of people around today--people so focused on Jesus’ “clothing” that they essentially overlook the essence of the man himself. It’s so easy to focus on the wrong things, the religious arguments, the externals and incidentals, and become a disciple who scarcely resembles his Teacher. We can fight over Jesus' clothes and miss the essence of his life and mission. These men focused on Jesus’ clothing laying there on the ground, and their eyes never really turned upward to take in the Man himself hanging there for them, for everyone.
I turned my eyes up to Jesus as a pre-teen. I just wanted to love him and trust him and learn to be like him. And then after I was baptized, voices in my life started pointing me to his clothing. It was almost like they were saying, “Look, it’s not really Jesus that you need to know. It’s his clothing that’s really important.” They introduced me to the fight going on at the foot of the cross for Jesus’ robe. And they started equipping me with all these arguments so that I could jump into the fray and be on the side that comes away with the robe.
It wasn’t until years later that I rediscovered Jesus, the Man himself, and turned my eyes back on the One hanging on the cross for me and for the world, the one who humbly loved and healed and courageously challenged the broken systems of this world, who called his followers to be one as they simply followed him.
Just this past week I listened to a pastor speak to a group of other pastors, and he strongly asserted that he would "die" defending his position on the details of Christ's return. He wouldn't let anyone be a member of his church that didn't hold the same position. I couldn't help but think, "Really? Does Jesus really want you to die for that? Maybe he wants you to die defending the cause of the helpless. Maybe he wants you to die fighting off the modern day Pharisees who still pile up legalistic burdens on the backs of everyday people who just want to know God. Maybe he would have you die proclaiming his Lordship in a closed, Muslim country. But does he really want you to go to your death scrapping with other believers over the details of his second coming?"
The clothes don't make the man. I'll let others fight over his clothes. All I want is Jesus.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Strangest Throne Ever
Hey everyone! This week is quickly winding down! And today as we enter into a conversation with God through his Word, we've arrived at the darkest part of the story of the Bible, the point at which everything seems lost. Let's step into the story as onlookers in John 19:16-22. It won't take you but a minute to read. Ask God to impress on your heart what he wants you to see and hear. It could change your life.
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. (v. 19)
The implication of the notice was to say that this is what happens to men who would challenge Caesar's right to rule. "This is what we do with 'kings' other than the emporer around here." Jesus didn't look very kingly stripped and hanging from nails in his wrists, bloodied and bruised. In the minds of his enemies and those who had no regard for him, this was the ultimate humiliation of someone who dared insinuate that he was greater than they.
Pilate wrote the notice the way he did, rather than saying that Jesus "claimed" to be king, out of spite for the Jews that had manipulated him into crucifying him. It was a little humiliating for them, too, for Rome to rub in their face the fact that they were an occupied nation under foreign domination.
I think John saw a different significance to the notice, though. He recorded the conversation because he wanted you and me to see the irony of the truth. Jesus transformed the instrument of his death into his throne. What was meant to shame him ended up bringing him the glory of a thousand kings. And why? Because he went there out of ultimate love for the world, for people like me, willingly, to turn the tables on evil and sin and human depravity, defeating them with pure goodness and grace. He suffered and died for others. He laid down his rights to free the enslaved.
In that was his glory. And it was a glory that could not and cannot ever be taken from him. When they tried to get Pilate to change the inscription, he declared:
"What I have written, I have written." (v. 22)
Jesus is King. And he will show himself to be King. Nothing can change that. No one can stop him from claiming his Kingdom. He is the King whose throne was a brutal cross. It took his life but, in doing so, gave Life to everyone who puts their trust and hope in him.
What I hear him saying to me is, "Am I really your King? Keep showing me your allegience by your choices. Carry out my will. Be devoted to the mission I've given you. Obey my commands. Have I not proven that your well-being is my first and foremost concern?" Yes, you have, Jesus. And I will, by your help and grace. You are my King.
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. (v. 19)
The implication of the notice was to say that this is what happens to men who would challenge Caesar's right to rule. "This is what we do with 'kings' other than the emporer around here." Jesus didn't look very kingly stripped and hanging from nails in his wrists, bloodied and bruised. In the minds of his enemies and those who had no regard for him, this was the ultimate humiliation of someone who dared insinuate that he was greater than they.
Pilate wrote the notice the way he did, rather than saying that Jesus "claimed" to be king, out of spite for the Jews that had manipulated him into crucifying him. It was a little humiliating for them, too, for Rome to rub in their face the fact that they were an occupied nation under foreign domination.
I think John saw a different significance to the notice, though. He recorded the conversation because he wanted you and me to see the irony of the truth. Jesus transformed the instrument of his death into his throne. What was meant to shame him ended up bringing him the glory of a thousand kings. And why? Because he went there out of ultimate love for the world, for people like me, willingly, to turn the tables on evil and sin and human depravity, defeating them with pure goodness and grace. He suffered and died for others. He laid down his rights to free the enslaved.
In that was his glory. And it was a glory that could not and cannot ever be taken from him. When they tried to get Pilate to change the inscription, he declared:
"What I have written, I have written." (v. 22)
Jesus is King. And he will show himself to be King. Nothing can change that. No one can stop him from claiming his Kingdom. He is the King whose throne was a brutal cross. It took his life but, in doing so, gave Life to everyone who puts their trust and hope in him.
What I hear him saying to me is, "Am I really your King? Keep showing me your allegience by your choices. Carry out my will. Be devoted to the mission I've given you. Obey my commands. Have I not proven that your well-being is my first and foremost concern?" Yes, you have, Jesus. And I will, by your help and grace. You are my King.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Pitiful Pilate
Good morning to all of you! This is Michele with you today and we are moving into Chapter 19 of John verses 1-16. Yesterday, Chris wrote about Jesus' trial in front of Pilate and today we will move a bit further into the things that happened before his crucifixion. As I read this text, I am very disappointed in Pilate and the way he caved to peer pressure. Both in 19:1 and again in 19:16, Pilate made decisions based on his inability to withstand the desires of those around him.
Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. (v.1)
In the verses that preceded this, Pilate states that Jesus is not guilty of any crime. Pilate knows that Jesus is innocent but he decides it may be easier for himself if he orders some sort of punishment for him. After all, the people are so strong in their passion to have this man killed. Pilate doesn't do what's right because he doesn't have the backbone to stand for what he knows is right. He gives in. He can't handle being the only one who seems to care about Jesus' innocence. Pilate becomes just one of the crowd. Have you ever done something like this before? Have you ever singled someone else out because you don't want to stand alone and defend the underdog? Something like this is easy to identify in children. So many times there is one child who is targeted and picked on by the rest of the class. If you were to ask the other children why this is occurring, they would most likely not know how to answer. Don't be fooled, this happens in adult settings also. Obviously, since we are studying such a scenario in today's reading. Sad, isn't it?
I think the thing that speaks so loudly to my heart in this text is Jesus' lack of reaction to the wrongdoing that occurred. The only retort he has for Pilate is to remind him that he has no power outside of the power given him by God. ".....You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin." (v. 11) Very calmly. Very matter-of-fact. He could have stopped it all right then and there....but, he didn't. He had so much faith in his Father's plan, he accepted what was happening because he realized the end result would be well worth the price he had to pay.
This perspective is a great one to carry with us in all areas of life. When I feel like certain people are ganging up on me. When I feel hopeless. When my reaction to a situation is less than desirable or godly. I want to always remember that nobody has any power over me unless it is given to them by God. I don't have to be victim to other people's behavior or choices. I also have a choice to make. I will choose to have faith, to trust that God has me covered and guarded. I don't want to be like Pilate and give in to what I know is wrong just because others are trying to persuade me into doing what they want. I trust that God's plan is worth taking a stand for!
And, yet again, Pilate gives in to the torment of others:
Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified." (v. 16)
Wow! I bet that was a hard decision to live with.
Lord, help me to stand for you. Help me to stand for what I know is right. Give me a clear mind so that I can see through the fog of certain circumstances and keep my mind focused on you. Help me not to give into the pressures of this world and the wickedness that so many don't even see in their own lives. I want to be free to live and move and breathe for you!! Dear Lord, I am yours! Guide me and help me to rest in your arms. Amen
Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. (v.1)
In the verses that preceded this, Pilate states that Jesus is not guilty of any crime. Pilate knows that Jesus is innocent but he decides it may be easier for himself if he orders some sort of punishment for him. After all, the people are so strong in their passion to have this man killed. Pilate doesn't do what's right because he doesn't have the backbone to stand for what he knows is right. He gives in. He can't handle being the only one who seems to care about Jesus' innocence. Pilate becomes just one of the crowd. Have you ever done something like this before? Have you ever singled someone else out because you don't want to stand alone and defend the underdog? Something like this is easy to identify in children. So many times there is one child who is targeted and picked on by the rest of the class. If you were to ask the other children why this is occurring, they would most likely not know how to answer. Don't be fooled, this happens in adult settings also. Obviously, since we are studying such a scenario in today's reading. Sad, isn't it?
I think the thing that speaks so loudly to my heart in this text is Jesus' lack of reaction to the wrongdoing that occurred. The only retort he has for Pilate is to remind him that he has no power outside of the power given him by God. ".....You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin." (v. 11) Very calmly. Very matter-of-fact. He could have stopped it all right then and there....but, he didn't. He had so much faith in his Father's plan, he accepted what was happening because he realized the end result would be well worth the price he had to pay.
This perspective is a great one to carry with us in all areas of life. When I feel like certain people are ganging up on me. When I feel hopeless. When my reaction to a situation is less than desirable or godly. I want to always remember that nobody has any power over me unless it is given to them by God. I don't have to be victim to other people's behavior or choices. I also have a choice to make. I will choose to have faith, to trust that God has me covered and guarded. I don't want to be like Pilate and give in to what I know is wrong just because others are trying to persuade me into doing what they want. I trust that God's plan is worth taking a stand for!
And, yet again, Pilate gives in to the torment of others:
Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified." (v. 16)
Wow! I bet that was a hard decision to live with.
Lord, help me to stand for you. Help me to stand for what I know is right. Give me a clear mind so that I can see through the fog of certain circumstances and keep my mind focused on you. Help me not to give into the pressures of this world and the wickedness that so many don't even see in their own lives. I want to be free to live and move and breathe for you!! Dear Lord, I am yours! Guide me and help me to rest in your arms. Amen
Monday, October 24, 2011
Off the Fence
Here in Pearland it's a gorgeous day! God has shown me his goodness in several ways already today. I've been prayed for by two people, one in person and one over the phone. That's pretty cool when you get to hear others pray for you. Think about who you could pray for today--via phone, text message or in person. You'll be giving them a huge blessing, and you'll get one in return!
I'm taking this ongoing conversation with God to the next page of this story of Jesus' arrest and trials. I'm reading the rest of chapter 18 today, starting with verse 28. Why don't you join in?
Pilate is back and forth, in and out, flustered and torn within. Jesus, on the other hand, is calm, cool and collected. Who’s on trial here, anyway? Who do you feel more sympathetic to: Pilate or the religious leaders? The religious leaders are foaming at the mouth. They’re violently against Jesus and make no bones about it. Pilate is uncertain, torn between justice and what will best serve his career. In his heart, he knows Jesus is innocent, a good man, but he is unwilling to commit to him because it will put him in a disadvantageous position politically.
Know any Pilate’s? (Not the kind that fly airplanes.) There are plenty of people who will side with what best protects their place in the world over what is true. I see other Pilate's around me that are similarly indecisive about Jesus, running in and out of the church, back and forth, stuck in this awful position of being pulled and tugged from both sides, confused and anxious. It's not a good place to be.
In the final frame, Pilate just as surely rejects Jesus as do the Jewish leaders, even though he isn’t nearly as hostile to Jesus as they are. To stay stuck in neutral about Jesus is to reject him.
Jesus: "Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (v. 37)
That invitation to come to him as the source of truth is met by a predictable sarcasm:
"What is truth?" (v. 38)
For all of us, as for Pilate, there is the truth Jesus speaks of—what is right and good and noble and just and ultimately meaningful. And then there is the truth of the way things are, the reality that we live with in this social vise, squeezed between the way of the world and the Way of Christ. And we sometimes wonder which should we choose? Is either really truth? Is there even such a thing? Everybody puts their own spin on things, right?
Pilate stands as a representative of all of us, it seems. He was really the one on trial here, not Jesus. And so are we. Will we leave our empty shadowlands and embrace the Light, even when it threatens our place in the world that we've worked so hard to construct and protect? Jesus stands tall and confident, as can we who choose him. Truth and justice will rise to the top. Light will overcome darkness, even though it may look at times like just the opposite is happening. As long as we stand in God’s grace, living under his reign, we have nothing to fear.
I'm hearing you, Jesus. And right now, today, I choose Truth, the reality of who you are. And I'll sacrifice whatever I have to to have you and the Life you alone can give.
I'd love to hear your own heart's impressions of what Jesus is saying to you here. You can comment below anonymously (choose that option in the "Comment As" box) or by name (by signing in first). Click the Facebook icon (f) below to share this post with your friends who may still be on the fence.
I'm taking this ongoing conversation with God to the next page of this story of Jesus' arrest and trials. I'm reading the rest of chapter 18 today, starting with verse 28. Why don't you join in?
Pilate is back and forth, in and out, flustered and torn within. Jesus, on the other hand, is calm, cool and collected. Who’s on trial here, anyway? Who do you feel more sympathetic to: Pilate or the religious leaders? The religious leaders are foaming at the mouth. They’re violently against Jesus and make no bones about it. Pilate is uncertain, torn between justice and what will best serve his career. In his heart, he knows Jesus is innocent, a good man, but he is unwilling to commit to him because it will put him in a disadvantageous position politically.
Know any Pilate’s? (Not the kind that fly airplanes.) There are plenty of people who will side with what best protects their place in the world over what is true. I see other Pilate's around me that are similarly indecisive about Jesus, running in and out of the church, back and forth, stuck in this awful position of being pulled and tugged from both sides, confused and anxious. It's not a good place to be.
In the final frame, Pilate just as surely rejects Jesus as do the Jewish leaders, even though he isn’t nearly as hostile to Jesus as they are. To stay stuck in neutral about Jesus is to reject him.
Jesus: "Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (v. 37)
That invitation to come to him as the source of truth is met by a predictable sarcasm:
"What is truth?" (v. 38)
For all of us, as for Pilate, there is the truth Jesus speaks of—what is right and good and noble and just and ultimately meaningful. And then there is the truth of the way things are, the reality that we live with in this social vise, squeezed between the way of the world and the Way of Christ. And we sometimes wonder which should we choose? Is either really truth? Is there even such a thing? Everybody puts their own spin on things, right?
Pilate stands as a representative of all of us, it seems. He was really the one on trial here, not Jesus. And so are we. Will we leave our empty shadowlands and embrace the Light, even when it threatens our place in the world that we've worked so hard to construct and protect? Jesus stands tall and confident, as can we who choose him. Truth and justice will rise to the top. Light will overcome darkness, even though it may look at times like just the opposite is happening. As long as we stand in God’s grace, living under his reign, we have nothing to fear.
I'm hearing you, Jesus. And right now, today, I choose Truth, the reality of who you are. And I'll sacrifice whatever I have to to have you and the Life you alone can give.
I'd love to hear your own heart's impressions of what Jesus is saying to you here. You can comment below anonymously (choose that option in the "Comment As" box) or by name (by signing in first). Click the Facebook icon (f) below to share this post with your friends who may still be on the fence.
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Dread Rooster
Welcome to your weekend! I'm glad you want to hear from God as you kick it off. So do I, so let's gather up and blend into the crowd of onlookers in John 18:12-27. It's a dark and ominous night, and the darkness is making its best attempt to engulf the Light of the world. What do you see or hear? I can't read this without putting myself in Peter's sandals.
He was there at the place of the first mock trial for one reason. He was deeply concerned about Jesus and what might happen to him. He wanted to stay close by and witness what took place. All but two of the disciples had scattered. But as he tries his best to blend in with the other onlookers, people just won't leave him alone. "You're not his follower, are you?" "You're not one of his crew, are you?" "I remember seeing you with him."
He replied, "I am not."
He denied it, saying, "I am not."
Again Peter denied it... (v. 17, 25, 27)
Oh, the pressure! I can imagine it building, pressing down on Peter. Sometimes our best intentions go awry. Have you ever done the one thing you never thought you'd do? For Peter, this was it. He had adamantly promised that he would stand by Jesus and even go to his death with him. Even when Jesus predicted just an hour or two earlier that Peter would deny him three times before dawn, there was no way Peter could believe that about himself. He was sold out to Jesus, in it to the end.
But not now. He had gone and done it. The sound of that rooster crowing must have been thunderous in Peter's ears. Failure. Guilt. Shame. The haunting question: "How could I have done this?" There is no lonelier place on earth. It's amazing how far we can fall even when we have the best intentions in the world.
My takeaway from this hauntingly familiar scene is that I can never imagine myself to be exempt from human brokenness and temptation. We feel betrayed when our heroes fall. But that's only because we see our own failure in them--people we thought were above us. But I see something else here. The absolute epitome of failure doesn't have to be fatal. This could have been the end of the story for Peter. He could have checked out like Judas did. But I know that he didn't. This is the same man who got to be the first to proclaim to the masses the fact of Jesus' resurrection and call them to faith in him. While I would never want to stand where Peter stood again and hear the rooster's crow in my own life, there is grace and there is mercy and God is a God of second chances...even when we've done the one thing we never thought we would do. Thank you, Jesus!
Please share your thoughts below! I'd love to hear them. And if you wouldn't mind, share this post with your Facebook friends (click the "f" icon below). It's an easy way to spread the Good News!
He was there at the place of the first mock trial for one reason. He was deeply concerned about Jesus and what might happen to him. He wanted to stay close by and witness what took place. All but two of the disciples had scattered. But as he tries his best to blend in with the other onlookers, people just won't leave him alone. "You're not his follower, are you?" "You're not one of his crew, are you?" "I remember seeing you with him."
He replied, "I am not."
He denied it, saying, "I am not."
Again Peter denied it... (v. 17, 25, 27)
Oh, the pressure! I can imagine it building, pressing down on Peter. Sometimes our best intentions go awry. Have you ever done the one thing you never thought you'd do? For Peter, this was it. He had adamantly promised that he would stand by Jesus and even go to his death with him. Even when Jesus predicted just an hour or two earlier that Peter would deny him three times before dawn, there was no way Peter could believe that about himself. He was sold out to Jesus, in it to the end.
But not now. He had gone and done it. The sound of that rooster crowing must have been thunderous in Peter's ears. Failure. Guilt. Shame. The haunting question: "How could I have done this?" There is no lonelier place on earth. It's amazing how far we can fall even when we have the best intentions in the world.
My takeaway from this hauntingly familiar scene is that I can never imagine myself to be exempt from human brokenness and temptation. We feel betrayed when our heroes fall. But that's only because we see our own failure in them--people we thought were above us. But I see something else here. The absolute epitome of failure doesn't have to be fatal. This could have been the end of the story for Peter. He could have checked out like Judas did. But I know that he didn't. This is the same man who got to be the first to proclaim to the masses the fact of Jesus' resurrection and call them to faith in him. While I would never want to stand where Peter stood again and hear the rooster's crow in my own life, there is grace and there is mercy and God is a God of second chances...even when we've done the one thing we never thought we would do. Thank you, Jesus!
Please share your thoughts below! I'd love to hear them. And if you wouldn't mind, share this post with your Facebook friends (click the "f" icon below). It's an easy way to spread the Good News!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Once Upon an Eventful Evening
Hello everybody! God has blessed us here in Texas with a gorgeous Fall day and cooler temps. Each day He makes His world renewed as the seasons come and go, and we have the joy of witnessing this repeating miracle of life! God is Good!
This is Katrinka writing today. The passage we are reading together is John 18:1-11. As I read I am struck by how much is stuffed into this very short passage! Scripture is amazingly rich and each time we read we grasp more and see new aspects that we missed before. Be sure and take time to read it for yourself and be blessed in that reading from God's Word.
First, I noticed something about Jesus' daily routine while here on this planet Earth. He had a favorite spot that gave Him peace and rest.
On the other side there was an olive grove.... Jesus had often met there with his disciples. (v. 1-2)
On this monumental night just before His crucifixion, Jesus went to the olive grove where he often met with his disciples. He did not go to a "church building" or synagogue, he did not seek bright lights and city attractions, instead he took refuge in the beauty and peace of nature--of a world He created! I have several spots where I love to go and take in God's creation. Not a day goes by that I don't enjoy the trees and the grass and the sky. This ever-changing evidence of God comfort my soul and bring renewed strength to my life. Do you have such a place?
I have been to that very spot where this passage takes place - the Garden of Gethsemane. It is located just outside the walls of old Jerusalem. Olive trees are still standing that were present when Jesus was there! Amazing! We do not have to see in person to believe but, somehow, standing in Bible places brings the Bible even more alive to my mind. The Bible account of Jesus' life are fact, not fiction. History supports its claims as well as archealogical research. We have every reason to trust and believe the Bible. It IS the word of God.
Second, I am given a glimpse at the amazing Presence of our Lord Jesus. When the soldiers came to arrest Him, they came prepared for a fight. And yet, when they approached, the first thing they met was a civil question instead of resistance: "Who is it you want?" Jesus asked. The soldiers answered: "Jesus of Nazareth."
When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground." (v. 6)
Now what is so scary about that answer? Obviously there was something majestic, something powerful, something Awesome about Jesus. He did not need to brandish a sword or threaten them by a powerful show of force. No, he simply answered and offered Himself into their hands. What is pathetic is that a short while later, we read in verse 12 that they bound Him! A little late for that if Jesus wanted to get away, right?
Third and last, Jesus takes care of His own.
"If you are looking for me, then let these men go." (v. 8)
His only concern was for the safety and release of His disciples, not for Himself. He laid down His life for us willingly. Nobody took Him by force and made Him go through the crucifixion against His will. No, on the contrary, knowing what was coming, Jesus our Lord went peacefully, encouraging his captors to let his friends go in freedom.
The sad thing is that they did go. Only a few hung around to see what was going to happen. Why is it that we humans are so often scared enough by something to abandon our good intentions and plans and resort to cowardice in the face of opposition to our faith? I guess we can't say anything against the disciples because we still do the same thing sometimes in our own lives.
Jesus, the sweetest name I know! When we see Him, we see the Father, he taught. We are told that God is LOVE, and in this great time of sacrifice in the life of our beloved Lord, if we see nothing else--we see LOVE.
It is my prayer, dear Lord, that you will keep your Love shining in this dark world. Please give us courage and conviction to stand up for your beautiful Name, and never be frightened into running away or denying you. Thank you for you beautiful example of Love -- laying down your life for not only your friends, but for your enemies!
In Jesus' precious name we pray,
Amen
Comments, please! It would be so great if you would please write a comment and share in this conversation we have here each day. I always look to see what you have written. Your thoughts matter! We love to know them. God bless you!
This is Katrinka writing today. The passage we are reading together is John 18:1-11. As I read I am struck by how much is stuffed into this very short passage! Scripture is amazingly rich and each time we read we grasp more and see new aspects that we missed before. Be sure and take time to read it for yourself and be blessed in that reading from God's Word.
First, I noticed something about Jesus' daily routine while here on this planet Earth. He had a favorite spot that gave Him peace and rest.
On the other side there was an olive grove.... Jesus had often met there with his disciples. (v. 1-2)
On this monumental night just before His crucifixion, Jesus went to the olive grove where he often met with his disciples. He did not go to a "church building" or synagogue, he did not seek bright lights and city attractions, instead he took refuge in the beauty and peace of nature--of a world He created! I have several spots where I love to go and take in God's creation. Not a day goes by that I don't enjoy the trees and the grass and the sky. This ever-changing evidence of God comfort my soul and bring renewed strength to my life. Do you have such a place?
I have been to that very spot where this passage takes place - the Garden of Gethsemane. It is located just outside the walls of old Jerusalem. Olive trees are still standing that were present when Jesus was there! Amazing! We do not have to see in person to believe but, somehow, standing in Bible places brings the Bible even more alive to my mind. The Bible account of Jesus' life are fact, not fiction. History supports its claims as well as archealogical research. We have every reason to trust and believe the Bible. It IS the word of God.
Second, I am given a glimpse at the amazing Presence of our Lord Jesus. When the soldiers came to arrest Him, they came prepared for a fight. And yet, when they approached, the first thing they met was a civil question instead of resistance: "Who is it you want?" Jesus asked. The soldiers answered: "Jesus of Nazareth."
When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground." (v. 6)
Now what is so scary about that answer? Obviously there was something majestic, something powerful, something Awesome about Jesus. He did not need to brandish a sword or threaten them by a powerful show of force. No, he simply answered and offered Himself into their hands. What is pathetic is that a short while later, we read in verse 12 that they bound Him! A little late for that if Jesus wanted to get away, right?
Third and last, Jesus takes care of His own.
"If you are looking for me, then let these men go." (v. 8)
His only concern was for the safety and release of His disciples, not for Himself. He laid down His life for us willingly. Nobody took Him by force and made Him go through the crucifixion against His will. No, on the contrary, knowing what was coming, Jesus our Lord went peacefully, encouraging his captors to let his friends go in freedom.
The sad thing is that they did go. Only a few hung around to see what was going to happen. Why is it that we humans are so often scared enough by something to abandon our good intentions and plans and resort to cowardice in the face of opposition to our faith? I guess we can't say anything against the disciples because we still do the same thing sometimes in our own lives.
Jesus, the sweetest name I know! When we see Him, we see the Father, he taught. We are told that God is LOVE, and in this great time of sacrifice in the life of our beloved Lord, if we see nothing else--we see LOVE.
It is my prayer, dear Lord, that you will keep your Love shining in this dark world. Please give us courage and conviction to stand up for your beautiful Name, and never be frightened into running away or denying you. Thank you for you beautiful example of Love -- laying down your life for not only your friends, but for your enemies!
In Jesus' precious name we pray,
Amen
Comments, please! It would be so great if you would please write a comment and share in this conversation we have here each day. I always look to see what you have written. Your thoughts matter! We love to know them. God bless you!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Who's In Who?
Blessings, everyone! Jesus has some waiting on us today. And the best one is something he prayed about for us so long ago, on the night before he was crucified. Let's listen in on his conversation with God the Father in John 17:20-26. Read it out of your own Bible. There's just no substitute for that. Did you catch it? He's praying for some amazing blessings for us! One is glory. Glory we share in already (v. 22) as we live a life of love and harmony with other believers. Yet an even greater glory lies ahead!
Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory..." (v. 24)
Now that sounds like something to look forward to! Jesus wants me to be with him. He wants to bring me to heaven and engulf me in his glory! And because it's God's eternal glory, it will never get old or grow dim. I am going there now. That is, it's coming down the road I'm now traveling. It's where I'm headed. And one day, I'll arrive! I'll be with Jesus. It reminds me that people so dear to me who also trusted in him and who have died and left this world have already arrived. How good for them!
And as much as I anticipate that, there is another blessing even more profound that Jesus prays for me:
"...that I myself may be in them" (v. 26, also v. 23)
This one's a little harder to grasp, isn't it? I can get going some place to be with Jesus. But having Jesus, the Son of God, living in me--now that's almost incomprehensible. Yet that's precisely what he prayed for you and me twice in this prayer. "I in them." I am not God (sorry, Shirley McLain), but God lives in me. Jesus lives in me through the Holy Spirit he sent into every believer. But he said, "I myself will be in them." It's the mystery of the Trinity. They are distinct yet so truly unified and one in nature and purpose and character that to have the Holy Spirit in me is to have Jesus in me and to have the Father in me. And what's more, I'm in them!
"May they also be in us..." (v. 21)
I've become so one with God through my faith in Jesus that I'm in God and God is in me. Jesus has a crazy dream. It’s a dream in which drastically different people sit together and worship and break bread together and take care of each other, and serve side by side in helping others, when the only thing they have in common is that Jesus lives in them, and they in him.
Everywhere I go, there he is not just with me but within me. I don't always feel it, but he's there. It's not about feelings; it's about faith. The reality is that he's there! I just want to be more aware of his presence. Because I can't think of a greater blessing than that. Not only is he going to welcome me into his home, he's made his home in me! I hope he feels at home there.
Do you, Lord? Is there anything in me that you want to clean out to make yourself feel more welcome? Show me if there is. And you have my full cooperation to clean me out. Take away all desire in me to do anything evil that now tempts me. Just remove the desire altogether and make me clean and whole. And thank you for the honor that you have chosen to live in me. I will gladly live in you today. Amen.
Please share whatever Jesus has put on your heart in this conversation. Comment below. (Either choose Anonymous in the "Comment as" box or sign in first at the top right corner).
Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory..." (v. 24)
Now that sounds like something to look forward to! Jesus wants me to be with him. He wants to bring me to heaven and engulf me in his glory! And because it's God's eternal glory, it will never get old or grow dim. I am going there now. That is, it's coming down the road I'm now traveling. It's where I'm headed. And one day, I'll arrive! I'll be with Jesus. It reminds me that people so dear to me who also trusted in him and who have died and left this world have already arrived. How good for them!
And as much as I anticipate that, there is another blessing even more profound that Jesus prays for me:
"...that I myself may be in them" (v. 26, also v. 23)
This one's a little harder to grasp, isn't it? I can get going some place to be with Jesus. But having Jesus, the Son of God, living in me--now that's almost incomprehensible. Yet that's precisely what he prayed for you and me twice in this prayer. "I in them." I am not God (sorry, Shirley McLain), but God lives in me. Jesus lives in me through the Holy Spirit he sent into every believer. But he said, "I myself will be in them." It's the mystery of the Trinity. They are distinct yet so truly unified and one in nature and purpose and character that to have the Holy Spirit in me is to have Jesus in me and to have the Father in me. And what's more, I'm in them!
"May they also be in us..." (v. 21)
I've become so one with God through my faith in Jesus that I'm in God and God is in me. Jesus has a crazy dream. It’s a dream in which drastically different people sit together and worship and break bread together and take care of each other, and serve side by side in helping others, when the only thing they have in common is that Jesus lives in them, and they in him.
Everywhere I go, there he is not just with me but within me. I don't always feel it, but he's there. It's not about feelings; it's about faith. The reality is that he's there! I just want to be more aware of his presence. Because I can't think of a greater blessing than that. Not only is he going to welcome me into his home, he's made his home in me! I hope he feels at home there.
Do you, Lord? Is there anything in me that you want to clean out to make yourself feel more welcome? Show me if there is. And you have my full cooperation to clean me out. Take away all desire in me to do anything evil that now tempts me. Just remove the desire altogether and make me clean and whole. And thank you for the honor that you have chosen to live in me. I will gladly live in you today. Amen.
Please share whatever Jesus has put on your heart in this conversation. Comment below. (Either choose Anonymous in the "Comment as" box or sign in first at the top right corner).
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