Why Follow Jesus?
Day One — April 24, 2017
Day Two — April 25, 2017
In Whose Image?
The Word
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” ~ Colossians 1:15 ~
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” ~ John 1:1 ~
Here at First Southern Baptist of Prescott Valley, we just completed three weeks looking at the final hours of Jesus’ life. We also watched The Jesus Film over two Sunday evenings. Every time I watch a film version of Jesus life — I am amazed at how handsome Jesus is. Seems movie producers always cast Jesus as the best-looking guy in the crowd. So, what did Jesus look like? The simple answer — no one knows today. But one thing for sure, there was nothing about Jesus appearance that caused people to drop everything and follow Him. And yet that is exactly what happened! “... He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” ~ Isaiah 53:2 ~
It is also a reality of our human nature to see Jesus as looking like us — or maybe I should personalize that a little more — I see Jesus looking like me! Don’t snicker, you see Jesus looking a lot like you! Of course, none of that is true. People all over the world have their own cultural ideas of how Jesus looked. In reality, He was born of Hebrew parents — and looked very Hebrew. It is not His looks that should attract us to Him. It is His nature that does that. It is the refection of the eternal God seen in Jesus that draws us.
1. What are 2 or 3 Godly characteristics of Jesus that invite you into a deeper relationship with Him today?
No one ever has (or will) accuse me of being an automobile mechanic. However, there was the day when I owned the “ugly car” in the words of my kids. It was a ’69 Chevy Malibu. It needed an engine overhaul and that meant rebuilding the carburetor as well. With a friend’s help, I was able to stumble through the rebuild and the car ran once again. The Apostle John tells us that Jesus is the Word. The Greek word he uses for “Word” is logos. A hard word to comprehend with our limited abilities. But what would be the advantage of having a God who we could completely figure out — much like a carburetor rebuild? The Logos. The Word. The Creator. God Himself. John is telling us that Jesus always was. Jesus is God! “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” ~ John 1:14 ~
1. What are some things about Jesus that make you simply stop what you are doing and say, “Wow!” — Things that make you say, “Jesus, You are more awesome than I can even begin to comprehend.”?
2. How does the written word of God help you appreciate the living Word?
Day Three — April 26, 2017
Day Four — April 27, 2017
Creator
Jesus
“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” ~ John 1:3 ~
“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.” ~ Luke 2:21 ~
Within a month of when I am writing this, Barbara and I will become grandparents for the eighth time. Yikes! Our tribe just keeps increasing. I’m pretty sure that our new grandson is not the result of some great cosmic accident or happenstance. John tells us that everything — including every person — was made by Jesus.
What’s in a name? It turns out, that most people want to know! At least, they want to know what their own name means. New parents get concerned about that when naming their new baby! What new parent hasn’t searched endless lists of names online to find just the right one?
When we want to see God, we can see Him in His Word, but we also see Him in His creation. God the Father is Spirit and is therefore invisible. Jesus — for 33 ½ years, was very visible as He lived among us. At the same time, He was also very God. Everything was created by Him and for His purpose. Everything — including you I — are created by and for Jesus.
Mary and Joseph didn’t have to worry about that. The name of this new baby was decided in advance for them. The angel informed Joseph:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” ~ Colossians 1:15-16 ~
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” ~ Matthew 1:21 ~
Feeling unappreciated or unloved? Feeling like you’ve lost your way? — then turn to — or turn back to Jesus once again. He has a purpose for you today.
Someone has counted more than 700 names and titles for Jesus in the Bible — but none is held more highly by Christians than the name “Jesus.” Mary might have “googled” the name Jesus and found out it was one the most popular names for a Hebrew boy in her day. It was tied to the Old Testament name “Joshua.” The root meaning was that Jehovah (the Lord) is Salvation. When applied to the son of Mary, it meant that this baby was and is Jehovah the Savior!
1. List some of the works of creation that ignite your passion for Jesus.
It’s really no wonder this is our favorite name to use when referring to our Savior and Lord — because that is exactly what His name means and who He is.
2. Take time today to express your awe and devotion to the creator.
1. What do you think of when you hear the name Jesus? 2. Today, sing or listen to some of your favorite songs about Jesus, and let the words dwell in your memory.
Day Five — April 28, 2017
Day Six — April 29, 2017
Son of Man
Fully Alive
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” ~ Luke 19:10 ~
“... I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” ~ John 10:10 (ESV) ~
So, the name Jesus was popular 2,000 years ago in Israel, and for Christians, it’s our favorite name for Jesus today. However, was it the favorite name that Jesus used? The answer is simply “no.” Jesus only referred to Himself by that name when He appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, and then again fifty years later to the Apostle John as recorded in Revelation 22:16.
Remember the days when the only map you could get for a long trip was that “Gas Station” map, that when opened, stretched across the front seat of your car and blocked the whole windshield? Aren’t you glad we now have GPS available? However, we still used those maps. Why? Because they got us where we needed to go.
Jesus seems to have preferred the name “Son of Man.” More than eighty times He used this name. By far His favorite, yet no one else referred to Him by that name during His earthly ministry.
We follow maps, diet and exercise plans, financial gurus — you name it — because we believe (or hope) they will get us where we need to go. So, why follow Jesus today? Because He can and will get you to where you want to go — and no one or nothing else will!
Why? Because this name identified Him with humanity. “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven — the Son of Man.” ~ John 3:13 ~
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” ~ Philippians 3:10-11 ~
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He acquired something He had never possessed before — a human nature. Although He remained completely God, He became completely man that day as well. He knew that would be necessary for Him to be the salvation of the world. No other way would do.
Jesus is our GPS — God’s Plan of Salvation. His plan is the only plan that will work, and He has done all of the work for you. Jesus simply invites us to a life of faith and a life of following. And man, the reward is worth it!
1. In what ways can the fact that Jesus — the Son of Man — was fully human and yet was without sin, give you strength today in the battle with your old, sin nature?
1. If you have never made the decision to follow Jesus by faith, why not do so right now? Admit that you are a sinner. Believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son. Then Confess Jesus as Savior and Lord.
2. Begin a list of the struggles with sin you are facing and take time each day to go over the list — asking Jesus to apply His saving power to those battles.
2. Why is it important that a Christian become like Jesus?
A Man for the People
Day Seven — May 1, 2017
Day Eight — May 2, 2017
Superstar vs. Servant
Humility and the Common Life
“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.’” ~ Matthew 20:25-27 ~
“… the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” ~ Luke 2:6-7 ~
Colonel James Irving is a former astronaut who was part of the crew that made a successful moonwalk. He experienced the thrill connected with leaving this planet and seeing it shrink in size. He watched earth rise one day and thought how privileged he was to be a member of that unique crew. Then he began to realize the route back home and how many would consider him as a superstar, for sure an international celebrity. But he was humbled by the awesome goodness of God and he made this observation. “As I was returning to earth I realized I was a servant, not a celebrity. So I’m here as God’s servant on planet Earth to share what I’ve experienced that others might know the glory of God.”
The year before I graduated from High School (you don’t need to know what year that was!) I spent some time with cousins in Eastern Tennessee. My parents came out later and we drove to a place outside of Bristol, TN to the see the house where my father was born. It was just a very little house in a mountain hollow. Not much to look at all. Then I read about the birth of Jesus. Born not in a hospital. Not in a large city. Not in a nice house — not even in a house at all. Born is a stable. A grotto. No silver spoon in His mouth. No fancy bassinette — just an animal feeding trough for a bed. Talk about humility.
We have an unhealthy fascination with “Superstars” — anyone who seems to have some celebrity status. We watch T.V. shows about them — read magazines stories about their exploits — and spend countless hours on YouTube, learning all we can about their daily lives. Yet none of that makes any positive eternal impact on our lives. Jesus understood the difference between a “Superstar and a “Servant.” He came to be a servant.
If anyone ever had the right to say: “This is my day. I am the King. I am the King of Glory.” — it was Jesus. Yet He chose the common life. He chose humility — not only in His birth, but throughout His life and in His death.
1. Make two lists today. On the first, list attributes of a person with celebrity status. On the second, list attributes of a person with a servant’s status. Which list most describes Jesus and why?
1. What are some of the traps and snares of prestige and fame that we can fall prey to in our culture?
2. Ask Jesus to help you choose to be like Him today, choosing “not” celebrity.
The trapping of prestige in life can be just that — traps! Jesus calls His followers to avoid the traps and snares.
2. How could being trapped in those snares hinder ministry and service to others?
Day Nine — May 3, 2017
Day Ten — May 4, 2017
Served — Never Used
High Price of Following
“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you don’t tell anyone.’” ~ Matthew 8:2-4 ~
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” ~ Luke 9:23-24 ~
If Jesus had used a Public Relations firm during His earthly ministry, they would have called this a really big missed opportunity. Just think of all the free publicity Jesus was missing out on! “Don’t tell anyone.” Really? Why not? This was not the only time that Jesus performed a miracle and gave the same basic instructions. We are never given a definitive reason for this choice, but there is sure a lot of speculation about it! My feeling is that Jesus never wavered from His mission. He knew His purpose, and becoming a celebrity was not it. He came to serve — and He did. He came to serve the broken and downcast — and He did. He came to love people — and He did. He came to serve — but never to use people. Loving people and using people can never walk hand-in-hand!
1. Do you tend to wait for someone to come along and meet your needs, or do you look for others whom you can serve?
Only where there is input can we expect an output. Only when we deposit, can we expect return. Don’t participate, don’t expect. No pain, no gain. Those and many other similar sayings express the reality that we get out of something in relation to what we put in. On one of the ancient cathedrals in Europe is engraved a picture where an apostle stands between an altar and a plough, the symbols of dying and serving, with the inscription, “READY FOR EITHER.” This rule of sacrificially giving of ourselves that we might prepare the way of the Lord, is like the case in all the experiences of life. It is a common-sense rule that applies to all the situations of life: Without serving that which we need to achieve, we simply can’t achieve it. Life is a series of giving that we might gain. Being a Jesus follower comes at a high cost by human standards. Jesus paid the price of the penalty of your sins. Once you are a Christian, your costs come in the form of your emotions — your attitudes — your family and friends — your time — your dreams and expectations — your everything. But that’s what a servant does. They give everything for the one being served. By serving others, we find ourselves serving our Savior.
2. If you never received public recognition, would you still serve others as you do now? 1. What does the cross you are called to carry right now look like? Does it involve service to others? 3. Today, praise Jesus for how He has ministered to you. Name them one-by-one as the old hymn says. 2. Ask Jesus if there are opportunities of servanthood which you are failing to notice — then ask for guidance to move forward.
Day Eleven — May 5, 2017
Day Twelve — May 6, 2017
A Life of Purpose
It’s All about Attitude
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.” ~ Philippians 1:21-22 ~
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!” ~ Philippians 2:5-8 ~
It would be easy for two-time MVP and soon to be Hall of Fame quarterback Curt Warner to give a “stay with it and pull yourself up by your own boot straps like I did” speech, but he doesn’t. According to Warner, much of the credit for his remarkable turnaround/Hall of Fame career goes to his wife Brenda, and his relationship to Jesus Christ. At a Billy Graham event during the fall of 1999, Warner told the crowd, “It [his success] has nothing to do with how I work out in the off-season, or my diet. The secret of my success is simply Jesus Christ.” For Jesus, life was about fruitful ministry all the way to the cross. For the apostle Paul, life was about fruitful ministry all the way to the grave. What is life about for us? Hopefully, we find our life purpose in fruitful ministry. But watch out for the paradox of life and death. We think that death comes from life — but actually, life comes from death for the Christian. When we are willing to die daily to our old nature, we are able to live the life of purpose that Jesus has created us for.
1. Take some time to add up some of what it cost Jesus to live out His purpose here on earth. Take time to show Him your appreciation.
2. Now take some time to reflect on what He accomplished by living out His life purpose. What could He enable you to do if you were willing to live out your life purpose?
I’m told that on a wall near the main entrance to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a portrait of a man with this inscription underneath. “James Butler Bonham — no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who died for freedom.” As we discovered last week, no literal portrait of Jesus exists either. But the likeness of the One who died to set all men free can be seen in the lives of those who truly follow Him. If we are truly following Christ others will see it in our appearance, our attitudes, and our associations. They will see that we have truly been with Christ.
1. Jesus came as a servant, a man, humble and willing to give everything for others. Does that begin to describe your life? Why or why not?
2. What are some attitudes that may need to change in you before people will definitely begin to see Jesus in your life? What can you do today to begin to change at least one of those attitudes?
The Greatest Teacher
Day Thirteen — May 8, 2017
Day Fourteen — May 9, 2017
A Good Story
I Can Remember That
“His usual method of teaching was to tell the people stories…” ~ Mark 4:2 (TLB) ~
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” ~ Luke 6:31 ~
Who doesn’t love a good story? Seems, most everyone does these days. One of the new internet web sites that is capturing the attention of millennials and baby boomers alike, is providing a place to tell your story by posting your own videos. Some want others to know what is going on in their lives — while others want to be able to leave the story of what did go on in their lives. Either way, the stories are being told. Storytelling is as old a time. Every culture has an oral tradition. Storytelling has the ability to touch the deepest parts of our spirit. It’s no wonder that Jesus spent much of His public ministry storytelling. The truth is, Jesus never wrote a book — but He was an awesome storyteller! Many of His stories immediately touched His hearers right where they lived. Other stories made those listening stop and think. This week, we will be looking at some of the stories of the world’s Greatest Teacher. However, let’s not settle with saying: “Yes, I’ve read or heard that one before.” This time, let’s really listen, as many of those who first heard these stories right from Jesus’ own mouth did. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit apply them to our spirits.
1. Continue reading today in Mark 4. There you will read four parables (or stories) that Jesus spoke. Some were easy for those listening to understand — others not so much. Which of the four made you say: “Yes, I get it” and which made you wonder? 2. Today as you read, notice the care that Jesus showed for the crowds that followed Him? Be sure to thank Him for the same care that He still gives to you.
To this day I remember my elementary school classrooms having the Golden Rule hanging on the walls. As I was learning to read, I was doing so while reading a saying that Jesus spoke — and this was a California public school, no less! The Golden Rule is so well known that it has its own dictionary definition. Merriam-Webster defines it as: 1. a rule of ethical conduct referring to Mt 7:12 and Lk 6:31: do to others as you would have them do to you 2. a guiding principle Many times as Jesus was teaching, He would share a memorable saying. These were short sayings that were not only easy to remember, but also got right to the point. As you read the gospels, you may not only be surprised at how often He did this, but by how many you already know by heart. You may not have remembered the scripture location of “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — but most of you at least knew it as the Golden Rule. 1. The real issue right now it not that you already know it — but rather, is it a guiding principle for your life today? How would it change how you treat that one person you have issues with it you lived by this rule?
2. Two more memorable saying are found in Matthew 7:1 and 23:12. Name one or two ways each of these have made an impact on your life. 2. How would you know if your life is built on sand or the rock?
Day Fifteen — May 10, 2017
Day Sixteen — May 11, 2017
Stop Right There
Sometimes It’s About Me!
“Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” ~ Matthew 8:22 ~
“… God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” ~ Luke 18:13 ~
Some of the things Jesus said were hard to understand — at least they can seem that way to us. With our 21st century understanding we can miss what was being said in the 1st century without a little time to study and pray. The good news is that the answers can be found if we are persistent and willing to put in a little effort.
Remember those good stories that we like so well? One thing that they tend to have in common is that they apply to someone else. They apply to our heroes, to politicians, celebrities or villains. Many times, they are about our culture — but they are not about me! That is, unless the storyteller is Jesus.
Take for example the instruction in Matthew 8:22. Jesus wasn’t saying that dead people can and should bury dead people. That seems a little credulous. Rather, Jesus was responding to a man claiming to want to follow Christ, but he still had living parents. So his request was for permission to wait until they died — someday in the future — before beginning the journey of discipleship.
Jesus had a way of weaving a great story that many times was aimed like an arrow right at the heart of His hearers. Such is the case in the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. In case you’re wondering, the heart aimed at here is that of the Pharisee. By this time in Jesus’ ministry, the Pharisee were not very amused by Him.
It’s like when someone mentioned how hard it was to understand the Bible. Mark Twain was quick to reply: “It’s not the parts that I don’t understand that bother me but the parts I do understand.” We need to make sure that we are not feigning ignorance or inability to understand when what we really mean is that we’re not sure we want to follow something we perceive will be hard or uncomfortable to do.
You will notice that Jesus finishes this story with one of His favorite memorable sayings — in fact it is one that He used in a completely different context in Matthew 23 — where we saw it this past Tuesday in our reading.
On our journey of Knowing Jesus we will find that He is never hesitant to challenge His followers to greater commitment. We need to make sure that our foot rests more on the gas pedal than on the brake pedal.
1. Read John 6:30-65. What are one or two things that you find out about Jesus in this passage that surprised to you? 2. Take some time to praise Jesus that He is indeed the Bread of Life that we need.
1. Read this parable in its entirety in Luke 18:9-14. Imagine all of the different types of people who may have heard this story as Jesus told it. Pharisees, tax collectors, priests, the poor, regular work-a-day laborers, foreigner and Jesus followers, to name a few. Who would have been likely to try to apply it to someone else’s heart rather than their own?
2. We have already discovered that Jesus came to us meek, lowly and humble. Why is this type of lifestyle so difficult for most of us to submit to? Have you cried out today: “God, have mercy on me a sinner?”
Day Seventeen — May 12, 2017
Day Eighteen — May 13, 2017
No FYI Sermons Here
How to Live
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” ~ Matthew 7:21 ~
“I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.” ~ Luke 6:47-48 ~
“FYI” — an acronym meaning “FOR YOUR INFORMATION.” According to Wikipedia, “‘FYI’ is commonly used in e-mail, instant messaging… typically in the message subject, to flag the message as an informational message, with the intent to communicate to the receiver that he/she may be interested in the topic, but is not required to perform any action.” “Not required to perform any action.” For information only, but you don’t have to do anything with it. Does that in any way sound like the life Jesus lived for 33 years here on earth? You will be hard pressed to find that message from Jesus anywhere in the Gospels. Yet we really like the “FYI” lifestyle. In fact, there is a whole television network with that very title. If we are not careful, we can become information hoarders. Like a sponge, we are prone to sop up Biblical information — but seldom if ever act on it. Jesus did not say: “only he who knows the will of My Father” or “who memorizes” or “who understands.” He says very clearly, we must “DO” the will His Father in order to truly claim Jesus as Lord.
Several years ago, I was driving from Reno to Fallon Nevada to work as the Base Chaplain of NAS Fallon for my Navy Reserve commitment. About half way in-between was a small town that I had been hearing about. Many of the homes had been built in a dry river wash. Floods had come and many homes had major damage. Our SBC Disaster Relief teams were there helping to rid the homes of mud. Unfortunately, some of the homes had just washed away. Jesus is the greatest teacher who ever lived. Not because His stories are merely interesting or because His sayings are merely clever, but because they’re powerful. When you build your life on the teachings of Jesus, your life works. It’s as simple as that. Jesus came not only to die on the cross for our sins, but also to teach us how to live. You can build your life on the teachings of Jesus, because he taught lessons that anyone can learn, anyone can understand, and anyone can do — from the youngest child to the most experienced adult. And that includes you.
1. Read James 2:14-17 and compare what James said with the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21.
When you build your life on the teachings of Jesus, you’re building your life on solid rock.
2. What are some actions that Jesus is challenging you to do this week? Are you being obedient to follow through — or have you just accepted the challenge as “FYI”?
1. Read this whole story which Jesus told in Luke 6:46-49.
Son of Mary
Day Nineteen — May 15, 2017
Day Twenty — May 16, 2017
No Crying — Really?
The Responsible Adult
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” ~ Luke 2:6-7 ~
“When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.” ~ Luke 2:39 ~
Away in a Manger (verse 2)
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes; I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. People have been singing this beautiful little Christmas carol every year since 1885. However, for all that is good in its message, there is one glaring mistake. Have you ever encountered a baby who doesn’t cry? In fact, we would be really concerned if we did! Why? Because babies do cry. They need to cry. Two myths keep going around about Jesus. One is that He was not a human being at all. That’s the gnostic idea that Jesus was really just some spiritual emanation from God — and couldn’t be really flesh, because the flesh is evil and God is obviously holy. The second myth is that Jesus was some sort of human super baby and later a super kid. That belief has led to really strange ideas of how Jesus grew up — including the idea that He had magical type powers that He was prone to use even as a child. So, did baby Jesus cry? Did you cry as a baby? Do you cry now? Jesus was every bit as human as you are. And we needed Him to be.
1. Do you struggle with the limitations of a human body? Can you trust Jesus to understand and help?
George Barna in his book “Revolutionary Parenting” gives us the bad news about the family today — especially many Christian families. What does God measure? In other words, how does God evaluate what is a healthy family and an unhealthy family? Barna states: “What does God measure? Our hearts. He created us to love, serve, and obey Him. So he studies the indicators of our devotion to Him. As parents, then, our job is to raise spiritual champions. That does not mean we are supposed to ignore the significance of developing our children’s intellectual, emotional, and physical dimensions. But it suggests that we have to see the bigger picture of God’s priorities and raise our children in light of His standards, not ours or society’s.”' Joseph and Mary raised Jesus according to God’s design for all parents. They didn’t expect anyone else to do what can best be done by parents — including the spiritual development of the child. Too many parents are willing to give that task over to the church, or to whoever, rather than to take it on themselves. The spiritual development of any child means that the parents must become the role models. The church — ours included — stands ready to assist. However, parents, you are the responsible adult when it comes to your kids.
1. Parents, in what ways do you sense the need of help in raising your child(ren) in the ways of the Lord? 2. Church, take time to pray for our young parents, and ask God how you might come alongside of them to help.
Day Twenty-One — May 17, 2017
Day Twenty-Two — May 18, 2017
Amazed!
Obedience
“… Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished…” ~ Luke 2:47-48 ~
“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them…” ~ Luke 2:51 ~
The other day I was stopped at traffic light behind a large SUV. It had two identical bumper stickers that took me back to when my kids were in elementary school. The bumper stickers said essentially that the child(ren) of the driver had been the Student of the Month at a certain local school. I remember the days of having those stickers on our minivan. I also remember the knock-off stickers that said: “My kid beat-up the student of the month.” I guess every parent wants to be proud of their kid. I do — and I hope you do as well. From what we read in the Gospel of Luke, Joseph and Mary had a lot to be proud of when it came to Jesus. It’s easy to make that statement if we assume it was because of His miraculous birth and that He was the Son of God. But that would be missing the point. Jesus, at age 12, was sitting in the temple to learn. He had to learn just like every other child does. In the process, His understanding amazed the leaders in the temple — and astonished His parents. All of our children are unique. They develop at different rates and grow in understanding in different areas. Much of this is how God created them. After all, it would be a boring world if we were all exactly the same. The one thing that we can do as parents, grandparents, church parents or friends of parents — is to find ways to be amazed and astonished with the kids in our lives.
1. Read this whole story found in Luke 2:14-50. What are some of the things that might have astonished Joseph and Mary? 2. Pray for your child(ren) every day, and look for astonishing things about them.
Arabian horses go through rigorous training in the deserts of the Middle East. The trainers require absolute obedience from the horses, and test them to see if they are completely trained. The final test is almost beyond the endurance of any living thing. The trainers force the horses to do without water for many days. Then he turns them loose and of course they start running toward the water, but just as they get to the edge, ready to plunge in and drink, the trainer blows his whistle. The horses who have been completely trained and who have learned perfect obedience, stop. They turn around and come pacing back to the trainer. They stand there quivering, wanting water, but they wait in perfect obedience. When the trainer is sure that he has their obedience he gives them a signal to go back to drink. Jesus learned obedience. He learned to be obedient to His parents. In so doing, He was open to being obedient to His Heavenly Father as well. That obedience was no easier for Jesus to learn than for us. Notice how Jesus learned obedience to God the Father: “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” ~ Hebrews 5:8 ~
We are all called to a life of obedience. Sometimes, the lessons will be hard — but those lessons, once mastered — pay great dividends.
1. Read Hebrews 5:1-14. List several ways that Jesus developed in His obedience. 2. What are ways that you need to develop in obedience today?
Day Twenty-Three — May 19, 2017
Day Twenty-Four — May 20, 2017
Mother Knows Best
Long-term Care
“His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’” ~ John 2:5 ~
“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” ~ John 19:26-27 ~
Like many of you, one of my favorite television shows growing up was “Father Knows Best.” At least I seem to remember it was a favorite — or maybe it was that we didn’t have hundreds of other choices like we do today! In any case, here was a father who was always looking out for his children. That seems to be a pretty good job description for any parent. As Jesus moved into His public ministry when He was 30 years old, we never read about Joseph any longer. The assumption is that he has now died — but Mary is still present. Soon after His baptism and 40 days of fasting in the desert, Jesus shows up at a wedding feast in Cana with His first five followers. The host runs out of wine — a major blunder! But not to worry, Mary knows Jesus is there. However, Jesus’ doesn’t seem too anxious to engage the situation. “‘Dear woman, why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My time has not yet come.’” ~ John 2:4 ~
Note that Mary does not respond directly to Jesus. Rather, she addressed the servants. “Just do what He is going to tell you to do.” Essentially Mary was telling her son, “Yes, your time has come.” — and Jesus listened to His mother!
1. Read the whole story in John 2:1-11. What was the ultimate outcome of Jesus first miracle? 2. If your parents are still alive, do you still honor them by listening to them? What can you expect to gain when you do?
Christian financial expert, Dave Ramsey of Financial Peace University gives this advice concerning Long-term Health Insurance: Until you are 60 years old, don’t buy it. The odds of using it before that age are very minimal. However, buy it on your 60th birthday. Your odds of needing it after that day just went up! Expensive? Yes — but much less expensive than needing that type of care without any insurance! Jesus was concerned about Long-term care for His mother, Mary. First of all, He was concerned about her physical care. As Jesus was on the cross — He knew that even after His resurrection, He would not be here on earth very long. He would ascend back to Heaven, so who would provide the care He desired for her? The Apostle John — the disciple that Jesus loved. His closest disciple. He gave charge of Mary’s care to John that day. Secondly, Jesus was concerned about her Long-term spiritual care. He addressed her not as “mother” from the cross, but as “woman.” This was not an insult. It was a recognition that Mary also would need to respond to Jesus as Savior and Lord. Jesus desired to have Mary spend eternity with Him in heaven.
1. As you read this account, what are some ways you see Jesus acting in very practical ways as the human that He still was? 2. If you do not have plans for taking care of yourself and your family long-term, ask Jesus to give you wisdom in beginning to make those plans now.
Miracle Worker
Day Twenty-Five — May 22, 2017
Day Twenty-Six — May 23, 2017
Miracles
The Promotion Issue
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” ~ Hebrews 13:8 ~
“Then Jesus… went… into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, ‘Ephphatha!’ (which means, ‘Be opened!’). At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone...” ~ Mark 7:31-36 ~
“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.” — C.S. Lewis “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ― Albert Einstein We live today where the predominate worldview is a nontheistic concept of the universe — meaning no God or gods exists to have created or intervened in our history. The people of the Bible did not face this problem. The biblical perspective on the universe is that it is created, sustained, and providentially governed by God. The Bible shows God working providentially in the natural events of creation and working miraculously in striking ways to call attention to His purposes. So much of what we know about Jesus falls in the realm of the miraculous — He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe — His virgin birth — 35 recorded miracles during His public ministry — His resurrection and ascension. In Jesus we are reminded of the words of the angel to the young Mary: “Nothing is impossible with God.” ~ Luke 1:37 ~
Charlatan or miracle worker? We have to decide just as those in the Decapolis did when Jesus came to their region. A charlatan would only be looking out for himself. He would have a “What’s in it for me?” motivation. Jesus never demonstrated that attitude in His ministry. Instead, he took just the opposite tact. Jesus never hauled people up on stage to heal them before the masses. He never performed miracles as a means of selfpromotion. He never performed miracles to advertise His ministry. In fact, He had a decidedly low-key approach to His healing ministry. Many times, when He healed people, He gave them specific orders: Don’t tell anyone about this — and this was one of those occasions. Why minister in this way. I believe the primary reason is that Jesus simply was not willing to use people to build up His ministry. Instead, He used His ministry to build up people. So, His motive in working miracles never was self-promotion.
1. Read about one of the earliest miracles of Jesus ministry in Luke 4:31-37. List some things you learn about Jesus from this event.
1. Read Mark 7:24-37. What do these two miracles tell us about how Jesus saw His public ministry.
2. Define your worldview when it comes to how God interacts with the universe. Does your view allow for the miraculous?
2. In what ways are you “overwhelmed with amazement” at all that you see Jesus doing well today?
Day Twenty-Seven — May 24, 2017
Day Twenty-Eight — May 25, 2017
Risky Business
Teachable Moments
“Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name.” ~ John 2:23 ~
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” ~ Mark 2:5 ~
Ministry is — and always has been — risky business. In 1952, missionaries Pete Fleming and Jim Elliot left their young wives at home in America, to travel to Ecuador. Their intention was to reach the Aucas Indians with the Gospel. The first missionary they knew to have entered this area was Pedro Suarez, a Jesuit priest, in 1667. He had been killed by the natives with spears.
Beth Lewis, on the website ThoughtCo, talks about teachable moments. She shares from a teacher’s viewpoint: “A teachable moment is an unplanned opportunity that arises in the classroom where a teacher has an ideal chance to offer insight to his or her students. A teachable moment is not something that you can plan for; rather, it is a fleeting opportunity that must be sensed and seized by the teacher. Often it will require a brief digression that temporarily sidetracks the original lesson plan so that the teacher can explain a concept that has inadvertently captured the students’ collective interest.”
If you know the story as told by Jim’s wife, Elizabeth, in her book: “Through Gates of Splendor” — you know that the same fate awaited these two missionaries as well. Ministry was no different for Jesus 2000 years ago. The miracles He did brought much attention, even though we have seen that He went out of His way to avoid it. His ministry also brought great risks. The next verses in John tell us: “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.” ~ John 2:24-25 ~
There was the risk of people seeing only a miracle worker and missing the Messiah. Being willing to settle for food and missing the Savior. Then there was the risk that each miracle further called Jesus to the attention of the religious leaders who would plot His death. So, what do you do if you are Jesus? You heal the sick, raise the dead, feed the poor and hungry. You accept the risks. 1. Read John 6:22-42. What was the real “work of God” that Jesus wanted people to see?
Jesus was a master at creating or recognizing teachable moments. Quite often, He did so by His use of miracles. Such was the case when four friends cut a hole in the roof of the house where Jesus was at. He forgave the sins of their paralytic friend. That caused the teachable moment: “Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…’ He said to the paralytic, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.’” ~ Mark 2:9-11 ~
Compassion for the paralytic — certainly. Validation for the love of four friends — without a doubt. Teaching about His authority over sin — right on the bull’s eye! 1. Read Mark 2:1-12. What were the results of this teachable moment? 2. When has Jesus used a teachable moment in your life? How did it change you?
Day Twenty-Nine — May 26, 2017
Day Thirty — May 27, 2017
Heart of Compassion
Seeing the Big Picture
“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” ~ Matthew 15:32 ~
“I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” ~ John 6:26-27 ~
Corrie Ten Boom tells of a time when in the German death camp Ravensbruk during WWII. She had smuggled her Bible and a small bottle of liquid vitamins into her barracks. Her sister Betsie was sick and growing sicker but she demanded that Corrie first give a dose of vitamins to all the other sick in their barracks before she would accept any. Corrie went on to describe how the group of women receiving the vitamins grew to twenty-five and how hard is was to give to so many while her sister was so weak. “There was a woman in the Bible,” Betsie said, “whose oil jar was never empty.” She turned to it in the Book of Kings, the story of Zarephath who gave Elijah a room in her home: “The jar of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the works of Jehovah which he spoke by Elijah.” “Well — but — wonderful things happen all through the Bible. It was one thing to believe that such things were possible thousands of years ago, another to have it happen now, to us, this very day. And yet it happened this day, and the next, and the next, until an awed little group of spectators stood around watching the drops fall onto the daily rations of bread… ‘Maybe,’ I whispered to Betsie, ‘only a molecule or two really gets through that little pinhole – and then in the air it expands!’... “Don’t try too hard to explain it, Corrie, just accept it as a surprise from a Father who loves you.”
Miracles aren’t meant to last forever — because nothing in this life is meant to last forever. That’s why Jesus gave the admonition about what we should really see as important in John 6. We often see life only in terms of the present moment, only in terms of what is urgent today: I need this bill paid. I need to be healed. I need help in my marriage. I need a job. And on and on. Jesus, however, sees our lives in the context of the big picture — not just this moment, but all eternity. For this reason, His perspective on what really matters is so much greater than ours. Our challenge then, is to learn to see life from His perspective. So, what about Jesus working miracles in our lives today? He still does. And when we understand His Big Picture perspective, it becomes easier to recognize how He is at work in our lives. Miracles have a very short life span; our need for them comes and quickly goes. But I want you to know that the miracle is not the climax of the story. It’s the opening scene. The miracle Jesus can send your way is not Act III, it’s Act I. The miracle that you experience is just the beginning of the story. What matters most is what happens next.
1. Read Mark 6:32-44.
1. Since Jesus is still in the miracle working ministry, don’t hesitate to lay your requests at His feet. You can be sure that He cares about you.
2. Thank Jesus for the ways He has demonstrated His compassion to you recently.
2. When asked in faith, you can also be sure that He will respond to your requests according to His will.
Lamb of God
Day Thirty-One — May 29, 2017
Day Thirty-Two — May 30, 2017
The Dayspring
The Lamb of God
“For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” ~ Luke 1:76-79 (NKJV) ~
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” ~ John 1:29 (ESV) ~
One summer we visited Calaveras Caverns in California. Once our group had descended deep into the cave, our guide turned off all of the lights. I have never experienced such utter darkness. There was absolutely no hint of light. Nothing could be seen. In the darkness, we were lost with no possibility of finding our way out. Needless to say, we were all very happy when the lights came back on! When Zacharias prophesied at the birth of his son John, he said that John’s focus would be on “the Dayspring from on high.” The word “Dayspring” comes from the Greek word which means “a rising light” or “sunrise.” This Dayspring would “give light to those who sit in darkness.” Zacharias is describing the darkest part of the night — the time right before the dawn of sunrise. Jesus came to us who were sitting in absolute darkness — the darkness of sin — with no possible way out on our own. He came exposing sin, revitalizing our hope in the midst of sorrow and in His light, redirecting our steps. Jesus came to save us from our sin!
1. Read the entire prophecy of Zachariah in John 1:68-79. What does this passage tell you about God’s purposes?
2. When has the light of Jesus helped to guide you out of the darkness of sin? Thank Him for His light today.
A prison chaplain writes of a study in which he talked with twelve inmates in the penitentiary. He asked each “Why are you here?” The answers were instructive: “I was framed.” “They ganged up on me.” “It was a case of mistaken identity.” “The police had it in for me.” Not one said he was guilty of something. They were all innocent. An insurance adjuster said that he would estimate 90 percent of the people involved in automobile accidents see themselves as blameless. The truth is that there is no one who is without sin because we have all sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” ~ Romans 3:23 ~
There is only one who is without sin because He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John the Baptist is the only person who ever referred to Jesus by the title — The Lamb of God — and he did so two days in a row. Undoubtedly, John was making reference to the substitutionary sacrifice, which only one person could make for our sins — and His name is Jesus Christ!
1. Read Revelation 5:1-14. Who is the Lamb being magnified? 2. Find ways to give reverence and glory to the Lamb of God — He deserves it!
Day Thirty-Three — May 31, 2017
Day Thirty-Four — June 1, 2017
Our Passover
The Sacrificial Lamb
“Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast — as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” ~ 1 Corinthians 5:7 ~
“… the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.” ~ Revelation 13:8 ~
Lambing: A shepherd tells of how they get an orphaned lamb to be adopted. Two ewes gave birth — one ewe dies giving birth — while the other gives birth to a stillborn lamb. The ewe that survives will not accept the surviving orphaned lamb. The shepherds take the wool off the dead lamb and cover the orphaned lamb with that wool. The surviving ewe will smell the wool and accept the orphaned lamb as her own — even after she has realized it is not really hers. So it is with God. Covered in the blood of the Lamb of God, the Father does not see us, He sees His Son, Jesus. By coming in contact with or being covered with His blood, we are forgiven and adopted into the Family of God. All this takes us back to the Passover, recorded in Exodus 12. “Take a lamb… without defect… The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” ~ Exodus 12:3, 5, 13 ~
Jesus Christ, our Passover lamb — Jesus (The Lord is Salvation) — made our new life possible! “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” ~ Matthew 1:21 ~
Jesus, the Lamb of God, our Passover and the Lamb slain from the creation of the world. Why? For one reason only — to take away the sin of the world! At least ten times Scripture speaks about the taking away of sin: When the Lamb of God Takes Away Sin Before the foundation of the world — Revelation 13:8 At the fall of man — Genesis 3:15 With the offering of a sacrifice — Genesis 4:7 On the Day of Atonement — Leviticus 16:34 At the time of national repentance — 2 Chronicles 7:14 During the public ministry of Jesus — John 1:29 On the cross — 1 Peter 2:24 At conversion — Romans 6:6-7 At the Second Coming — Romans 8:18-23 At the end of the millennium — Revelation 21:6-7
1. Read Exodus 12 to remember what was accomplished on Passover. How does it relate to us as Christians today?
1. Take time to read some of these verses to help understand the eternal redemptive plan of God of which Jesus is the central figure.
2. Does our Communion service relate to Christ, our Passover?
2. Praise Jesus for His sacrifice that you might be saved.
Day Thirty-Five — June 2, 2017
Day Thirty-Six — June 3, 2017
Our Righteousness
The Lamb is God
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:30 ~
“‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’” ~ John 8:58 ~
The Chinese character for “righteousness” is most interesting. It is composed of two separate characters — one standing for a lamb — the other for me. When “lamb” is placed directly above “me,” a new character “righteousness” is formed. This is a helpful picture of the grace of God. Between me, the sinner, and God, the Holy One, there is interposed by faith the Lamb of God. By virtue of His sacrifice, He has received me on the ground of faith, and I have become righteous in His sight. We have no righteousness — God’s standard of goodness — on our own. There is no way that we can measure up to God’s standard. We are already lost and undone. But God has made a new covenant — the blood of the Lamb of God would cover our sins. Today Christian, you stand before God covered in the white robes of Jesus’ righteousness. You are made holy in Him. All of this came with a price. You have been bought and paid for with the very blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is your redemption. Because of Him, you get to live in God’s righteousness, making it your own. You get to be holy, as He is holy. Praise God, we’ve been redeemed!
Mary Had a Little Lamb Mary had the little Lamb, who lived before His birth; Self-existent Son of God, from Heaven He came to Earth. (Micah 5:2)
Mary had the little Lamb; see Him in yonder stall — Virgin-born Son of God, to save man from the Fall. (Isaiah 7:14) Mary had the little Lamb, obedient Son of God; Everywhere the Father led, His feet were sure to trod. (John 6:38) Mary had the little Lamb, crucified on the tree — The rejected Son of God, He died to set men free. (1 Peter 1:18) Mary had the little Lamb — men placed Him in the grave, Thinking they were done with Him; to death He was no slave! (Matthew 28:6)
Mary had the little Lamb, ascended now is He; All work on Earth is ended, our Advocate to be. (Hebrews 4:14-16) Mary had the little Lamb — mystery to behold! From the Lamb of Calvary, a Lion will unfold. (Revelation 5: 5, 6) When the Day Star comes again, of this be very sure: It won’t be Lamb-like silence, but with the Lion’s roar. (Psalm 2:12; Revelation 19:11-16)
1. Make a list of attributes that should be found in a person who is reflecting the righteousness and holiness of Jesus. 2. Praise Jesus for His redeeming love.
— Marv & Marbeth Rosenthal 1. Praise God that when Jesus comes again it will be as the Lion.
He Is Here!
Day Thirty-Seven — June 5, 2017
Day Thirty-Eight — June 6, 2017
The Fullness of God
The Spirit of Christ
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” ~ Colossians 2:9 ~
“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” ~ Romans 8:9 ~
The English word “image” in the Greek is like our word icon. Now you know from your computer that an icon is a little picture that represents a larger program. In the same way, Jesus is a man who represents the fullness of God. He not only represents God, He is God. In a verse we looked at in the first week of our journey, we read that Jesus… “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” ~ Colossians 1:15 ~
Another way the word “image” was used in biblical days was as a written detailed description of someone’s appearance. Today we do this by putting pictures on things like driver’s licenses, passports, student IDs, whatever. But then, a legal document might include a section where a person was described in terms of height, size, hair and eye color and other distinguishing marks. Paul is saying that everything we see in Jesus is what and who God is. Jesus told us the very same thing: “… Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father…” ~ John 14:9 ~
We never miss out on anything that God the Father has for us when we know Jesus in a personal relationship.
Jesus knew that He would ascend to the Father in Heaven — and He did just that forty days after His resurrection. What would His leaving do to His disciples? What of those who would follow for centuries to come? He would not leave us as orphans. He promised to be with us through the Holy Spirit — The Spirit of Christ — The Spirit of God — the third person of the Trinity — God Himself now lives in us. “… when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.” ~ John 15:26-27 (ESV) ~
He is our Helper — our Counselor — our Comforter — our Guide. He is The Spirit of Power — The Spirit of Truth — The Spirit of Holiness — The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding — The Spirit of Adoption — and He is the Guarantee, the Seal of our Eternity. We are not alone. Our Savior did not desert us! His promise to us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~ Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) ~
We encounter Christ every day of our lives as disciples because Christ lives in us. He is Here!
1. Read John 14:5-12. How can a person know the Father?
1. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. List some of the ways your salvation and life today are the work of the Trinity.
2. Express your personal devotion to Jesus today by prayer, singing or telling someone else about Him.
2. In need of power over sin today? Just ask.
Day Thirty-Nine — June 7, 2017
Day Forty — June 8, 2017
The Bridegroom and His Bride
Our Serving Savior
“The one who has the bride is the bridegroom…” ~ John 3:29 (ESV) ~
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~ Matthew 20:28 ~
I’ll admit, like most men, I’ve heard of them, but I’ve never been to one. One what, you ask? — A Bridal Fair! I’ve been a part of many weddings over the past 42 years of being a pastor, but fortunately, I get to skip the Bridal Fairs. They are however, big business. Even in the 21st century, weddings and marriage are important. Marriage, established by God, has always been the foundation of society. Jesus knew that another marriage would be the foundation of His Kingdom — His marriage to His Bride — the church. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” ~ Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV) ~
We cannot encounter our Savior on the intimate level He desires with us, outside of the church. Want to know where to encounter Jesus? — Show up at church sometime. He hangs out with His Bride! That is true for this life — and it will be true for eternity. “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure — for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.” ~ Revelation 19:7-8 (ESV) ~
1. Read Revelation 19:9. Will you be invited to the Wedding Supper? You will if you know the Bridegroom. 2. Spend some special one-to-one time with the Bridegroom today.
Imagine with me for a moment that you are a fly on the wall of the upper room. You know, the room where Jesus has arranged to meet with His apostles for the Passover Meal on that Thursday night, just before His crucifixion the next morning. They all arrive — twelve of them. Their feet are dirty from the dusty roads they have walked on to get there. Before any of them realize what is happening, Jesus has removed His outer tunic and has wrapped Himself in a towel. He is actually beginning to wash each of their feet. Twenty-four dirty feet! These were not easy men to serve that evening. By the next morning — one will have betrayed Him — one will have denied Him — and all will have deserted Him. Yet, Jesus washed each of their dirty feet. The job of a servant — but then, that’s why He came — to serve! Let me wrap up our FORTY DAY JOURNEY: KNOWING JESUS with this quote from Richard Foster: “Service that is duty-motivated breaths death. Service that flows out of our inward person is life, and joy and peace. The risen Christ beckons us to the ministry of the towel. Perhaps you would like to begin by experimenting with a prayer that a number of us have used. Begin the day by praying, ‘Lord Jesus, I would so appreciate it if You would bring me someone today whom I can serve.’” 1. Read John 13:1-20. Jesus says: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” — How do you respond?