Author: looking2jesus13

The Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John near the end of his life.  Most scholars assign a date of about A.D. 90 to its writing.  John was a disciple of Jesus and a witness of His death and resurrection (1 John 1:1-2; Acts 1:1-3).  Following Christ’s ascension into heaven (Acts 1:9) John served in a foundational role in the establishment of the church (Acts 3:1; 4:19).  He faithfully served as a leader in the church for the remainder of his life and suffered persecution for the witness he maintained (Revelation 1:9).

What motivated John to devote his life to serving Jesus Christ and bearing witness of Him?  No doubt it was his love for the One who had so loved him, but rooted in that love was his understanding of the truth about Jesus.  He had personally walked with Jesus.  He had personally witnessed the truth about Him. In his gospel, he wrote, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).  John beheld Jesus.  He saw for Himself the glory of the person of Jesus Christ.  But what did John mean when he said, “We beheld His glory.”?  The term “glory” is a “weighty” word, reserved for extraordinary things.  We use it in describing such things as a beautiful sunrise or sunset, or a majestic mountain, or of the birth of a newborn baby. The Greek term forms the first part of our word “doxology,” and means, according to Vine’s Expository Dictionary, “the honor resulting from a good opinion.”  But then Vine’s goes on to explain how the term also speaks to “what God essentially is and does, as exhibited in whatever way he reveals Himself in these respects, and particularly in the person of Jesus Christ.”

God is “glorious” in who He is and whatever He does.  He is glorious in His nature and in all His ways.  Whenever we see God unveiled to us, in whatever way, we behold His glory.  In this respect, He is transcendent and extraordinary, for mere men all fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23).  But God is always glorious, for that is who He is. 

So John’s inspired testimony was that he and his companions, beheld in Jesus, the glory which is intrinsic to the person of God Himself.  His glory manifested Him to be the “only Son from the Father” (John 1:14), unveiling the truth of which the hymn speaks, “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate deity, pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel” (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”).  The immediate context focuses on Jesus’ character (John 1:14-18), but His glory was unveiled to John in other ways too.

John beheld the glory of Jesus’ person and character. He was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). John and his companions received from Jesus “grace upon grace” (John 1:16). In contrast to the law given by Moses, “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:18). The term “grace” speaks to “graciousness, loving-kindness, goodwill” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary). God is a God who is rich in grace and mercy. Jesus unveiled this aspect of God’s essential nature to us. When Jesus appeared it was as if the “grace of God” and the “goodness and loving kindness of God” appeared, because they did (Titus 2:11, 3:4). These characteristics of God, intrinsic to His very nature, were unveiled to man in Jesus. And so that is what John saw in the life of Jesus. He was full of truth, embodying truth itself, but He was full of grace, “grace upon grace,” too. He was always gracious, always kind, always putting the needs of others ahead of His own. He was never selfish or demanding. So gracious in His ways that He willingly gave up His own life for us (2 Corinthians 8:9). And even while dying on the cross He would only speak gracious words. Jesus was glorious in His grace and glorious in every other virtuous way. But of sin He had neither part nor practice. Never, either before or after, has the world witnessed anyone like Him!

John witnessed the numerous and remarkable miracles that attested to Jesus’ glory.  While Jesus performed countless miracles (Cf. John 21:25), John focused on seven in his gospel account: Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-12); healed a nobleman’s son (John 4:46-54); healed a lame man (John 5:1-17); fed the 5000 (John 6:1-14); walked on water (John 6:15-21); healed the man born blind (John 9:1-41); and raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:17-45).  These miracles attested to the truth about Jesus’ identity as the Divine Son of God.  The miracle of turning the water into wine “manifested his glory” (John 2:11).  Likewise, the resurrection of Lazarus was described as an opportunity to “see the glory of God” (John 11:40).  His miracles all attested to the truth of who Jesus is.  John’s very purpose in writing the gospel was to speak to this: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which were not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have eternal life in his name” (John 20:30-31).  John beheld the glory of Jesus in the miracles that Jesus did! 

John beheld the glory of Jesus in another way too.  He was there, with Peter and James, when Jesus was suddenly gloriously transfigured on the mountain, His garments becoming white as light (Cf. Matthew 17:1-2).  The event left a deep impression on Peter, who later wrote of the experience, saying, “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice of was borne to him by the Majestic Glory,’ ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we ourselves heard this very voice from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain” (2 Peter 1:16-18).  Notably, Peter spoke to his readers of how they possessed, in the Word of God, something of even greater value—for it speaks to us from God, leading us through this dark place onward to the future unveiling of the glory of Jesus in our very hearts (2 Peter 1:20-21).  But as with Peter, the experience undoubtedly left a deep and lasting impression on John

He also beheld Jesus’ glory as it was unveiled in His willing sacrifice for sins and resurrection from the dead.  He stood with Jesus’ mother when Jesus hung on a cross and later beheld Him after He rose from the dead (John 19:26; Matthew 28:8-9). The glory of God was unveiled to mankind in Jesus in those events.  It was the “Lord of glory” that was crucified and who rose again (1 Corinthians 2:9).  The “power of God and the wisdom of God” was revealed (1 Corinthians 1:24).  As was His love, grace, and mercy (Titus 2:11; 3:4-5).  A strong case could be made that all of the attributes of God were put on display for all to see in Christ’s death and resurrection.  The death of Christ for sins and resurrection from the dead also constitute “the gospel of the glory of the blessed God,” the good news of the salvation provided when “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:11,15).  The Apostle John saw the message unfold, was commissioned to spread it, and devoted his life to it.  The message itself speaks to the glory of God and of the Son who died and rose again.

Behold His glory!  The eternal Son of God was born of a virgin and dwelt among men (John 1:14).  The disciples walked with Him.  They heard Him speak as no man had ever spoke before.  They saw Him do things that no mere man could ever do.  His miraculous deeds testified to His true identity (John 20:30-31).  He was full of grace and truth and empty of sin.  In His love, and to fulfill the Father’s will, He purposed to die on a cross for our sins.  Though He had done nothing wrong, He was tried and convicted and then nailed to a cruel and pain- inflicting cross.  The Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world bore our sins on Calvary (John 1:29; 1 Peter 3:18).  Death could not hold Him; He rose from the grave (Acts 2:24).  Having made payment for sin, He won the victory over sin and death and the Devil (Colossians 2:13-15; Hebrews 2:14-15).  He appeared to His disciples and others (1 Corinthians 15:5-8) and commissioned them to share the good news of His death and resurrection (Acts 1:8).  That message, His glorious gospel, is the truth of salvation by grace through faith in Him (1 Timothy 1:11; Ephesians 2:8-9).

He is a glorious Savior and His gospel is a glorious truth.  His disciples beheld His glory when He walked with them, but the Spirit is able to open blind eyes, in salvation, to the truth of it still (2 Corinthians 4:4-6). The Spirit works henceforth to progressively unveil the glory of Jesus to His own (2 Corinthians 3:18; John 16:14).  In His first advent He came in humility, but in His second it will be in glory–for all to see.  Every knee will bow to Him and every tongue will confess Him as Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).  Some, having never trusted in Him, will be banished from His presence to an eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:9).  But on that day, He will be “marveled at among all who believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:10).  They will all behold His glory, face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12; John 3:2).  Will you be amongst them?

“More about Jesus would I know,

More of His grace to others show,

More of His saving fullness see,

More of His love who died for me.

More about Jesus on His throne,

Riches in glory all His own,

More of His kingdom’s sure increase,

More of His coming—Prince of Peace.“

“More About Jesus”; Text: Eliza E. Hewitt; Music: John R. Sweney

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June 1st, 1990. The date is forever etched in my memory. We had earlier gotten a call from a man named Vic in Astoria, regarding the need for someone to fill the pulpit at his church. In a thick Norwegian accent he used two messages on the message machine to relay the details. I called him back and agreed to be there the upcoming Sunday.

On that particular Sunday we loaded our three kids in the car and made the two hour trip from Columbia City to Astoria. Upon our arrival I noted that the previous pastor was at the parsonage, packing up his vehicles to move away. I would later learn that he was one of four pastors that had served in the precious decade, and that the church had a reputation for being a “difficult” ministry for pastors.

We made our way to the sanctuary…that huge sanctuary…and found the place mostly empty. There were a dozen people there. They greeted us. We sang some songs and I preached way too fast from Colossians chapter one on the supremacy of Christ.

A couple of things are stuck in my memory from that day. There was some sadness in the air. Another pastor was leaving the place. A new pastor has come. The people were no doubt thinking, “How long will this one last?”

In addition to that, one couldn’t help but notice that the building wasn’t yet finished, though it had been built in 1974, and that the building and yards looked uncared for. Later we would face the reality of trying to care for that place with a monthly budget of about $1000 per month.

All that being said, I did not doubt as we left on that day that God had called us to serve at Lewis and Clark Bible Church. Two months later we were called by the church to serve. And we stayed there for 27 and 1/2 years.

So what happened? God, the One who is the very best at fixing things, turned things around. Those folks, discouraged as they were on that first Sunday, became so incredibly dear to us. Bickering and strife gave way to unity and cooperation and teamwork. That woefully deficient budget, gave way to God’s plentiful provision. Especially once we began to expend ourselves in service to our good friends in Uganda. God used a big storm, which ultimately cost $900,000 in insurance repairs, to finish and remodel that church building. And when I retired, in 2018, we left behind a wonderful church family, possessing much love for Jesus and for one another.

How did it happen? I could speak to various things like commitment to the Word, or the quality of the leadership, or the servant-mindedness of the people, etc., but the bottom line and the truth of the matter is, it happened by grace, God’s grace. His grace was more than abundant.

Before that June 1st Sunday, two men, Vic Albertsen and Jim Thompson, had met to pray. They feared they would have to close the church, but they didn’t want to do that. So they prayed that God would somehow intervene. And He did. And that’s the rest of the story. The Bible says “God gives grace to the humble, ” and so He did. And so He does!

This book is the true story of a Navy Seal by the name of Adam Brown.  Adam grew up in small town Arkansas.  He played football for his high school team, and was a fierce competitor.  He had a lot of friends.  He graduated from high school and headed off to college.  But found he didn’t have much appetite for academics.  He came back home and worked for his Dad who had an electrical company.  But then he met a girl.  And this girl had a drug problem.  And she drug Adam right along into it.  He was doing all kinds of drugs, including Meth.  He would be gone overnight and sometimes for days.  His drug habit got real expensive, so he stole from his Dad’s company.  On one occasion he ran off with the company’s van.  And this went on for some time.  And his Mom and Dad loved him, as did his twin-sister and older-brother, but there was seemingly nothing they could do to stop Adam from his downward spiral.  They feared for his life.  Adam was totally given over to his sinful pursuits.  And he didn’t care at all about anyone else.  It mattered not the he was breaking the hearts of his parents.  His twin sister loved him, but he was oblivious to her concerns.  He was completely self-absorbed and utterly lost.

Then Mom and Dad decided to go to church. And they talked to the pastor. And they were saved. And they began praying for their son. They called the sheriff—there was a warrant for Adam’s arrest—and had Adam arrested. The pastor went and visited him. And the court made a deal with Adam—go to a Christian treatment program, for a year, and you won’t have to stay in jail. And so he did. And somewhere along the way, Adam trusted in Jesus. But that wasn’t the end of his drug issues. Meth is especially hard to stay away from. And he sometimes went back to it. He met a young lady. A Christian young lady. And she began to pray for him. And she got to know him. And she would intervene whenever he was tempted to go back to drugs. They got married. And Adam decided to join the Navy. He had seen the movie “Navy Seals” as a boy and had ever since carried that thought of being a seal. A friend’s Dad, a Navy man, worked to get some waivers approved. And Adam joined the Navy to become a Navy Seal. And he passed all of the rigorous training. And by this time, Adam has grown in his walk with Christ. He is a loving husband. A child comes along. And then another. He is a loving father. Despite some serious injuries, Adam excels as a seal and is counted among an elite group in the top one percent of all of the seals. He serves in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is known for his willingness to put himself in harm’s way for the sake of his fellow soldiers. When he’s in Afghanistan he sees that there are many children without shoes. So he calls his pastor in the US, and they ship hundreds of shoes to Adam. When his fellows walked with him, they carried weapons, he carried shoes—and he would give them away to children who didn’t have any. He would also carry MREs with him, and would give them away to hungry children.

It was about time for his Navy career to be over.  He had one last mission he was called to perform.  His task force was called to enter into a particularly dangerous and mountainous region.  They were going after a man who had led a team of Taliban rebels who had been responsible for the death of many Americans.  The team arrived at his holdout.  And much shooting ensued.  And there came a point where someone had to go to a particular spot where a man was firing from a window at the team.  Adam volunteered.  He put himself in harm’s way to protect his teammates.  And he was mortally wounded.  And Adam died.  He had been asked, before that day, how he was able to approach such situations with such fearlessness.  You know what his response was?  It was his faith in the Risen Christ that made the difference for him.  Adam walked with Jesus.  And as he did, he lived that kind of life.  I read that book and cried.  And I also rejoiced.  I rejoiced in the truth of what Jesus Christ did in that man’s life.  He rescued him from his sinful and selfish and bankrupt existence, and made something very beautiful of his life.  It should come as no surprise to you that Adam’s example worked to encourage other Seals to put their faith in Jesus Christ.

The book tells a great story of how God intervened in the life of a troubled and needy soul and saved him and set his life on a better course.  There is much encouragement here for the drug addicted and those who pray for them.  I highly recommend it.