LookingtoJesus

February 13

Bible Reading: John 7:10-13

John 7:12-13, “And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, ‘He is a good man,’ others said, ‘No, he is leading the people astray.’ Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.”

John 7:40-43, “When they heard these words, some of the people said, ‘This really is the Prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Christ.’ But some said, ‘Is the Christ to come from Galilee?  Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?’ So there was a division among the people over him.”

I recently received information about some upcoming hospice-related training that included this truism: “Patients’ religious beliefs are as varied as the ships on the sea. There are people that have deeply held, culturally significant convictions. Some don’t believe in anything. And there’s everything in between.”

As much as things change in this world, some things remain the same.  Soon after Jesus’ birth, Simeon declared to Mary, “Behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35).  The words which Simeon had spoken decades earlier were here being fulfilled!

The people debated amongst themselves, some saying he was a good man, others saying that he was leading people astray.  Later in this chapter we read of how some were calling him “the Prophet” and others were saying that he was “the Christ” and sill others were doubting that (John 7:40-44).  The debate revolved around the most important of matters, as there is no more important question than what Jesus once asked, “But who do you say that I am” (Matthew 16:15)?

Make note of the fact that the debate has not stopped. No person is more honored and loved by some, than Jesus. And, at the same time, Jesus is the one many folks curse when things go awry. He is simultaneously the most loved and most hated personage of all! Some might suppose that they can stay out of the debate and remain neutral, but Jesus hasn’t left us with that option. He’s coming again and every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Him to be Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). The purpose of John’s gospel was to give evidence of the truth regarding Jesus, leading then to eternal life (John 20:30-31). On what side of the debate do you stand?

“Such is the corruption of human nature, that Christ is the cause of division among men, wherever He is preached.” — J C Ryle

SOFTLY AND TENDERLY
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling—
Calling for you and for me;
Patiently Jesus is waiting and watching—
Watching for you and for me!

Refrain:
Come home! come home!
Ye who are weary, come home!
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading—
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies—
Mercies for you and for me? [Refrain]

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing—
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, death-beds are coming—
Coming for you and for me! [Refrain]

Oh, for the wonderful love He has promised—
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon—
Pardon for you and for me! [Refrain]

February 12

Bible Reading: John 7:1-9

John 7:5, “For not even his brothers believed in him.”

Mark 3:21, “And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, ‘He is out of his mind.’”

A common concern runs through the many prayers I’ve heard over the years–the concern for the salvation of unsaved family members.  Be they parents or children or siblings, it is both natural and understandable that the believer in Christ should yearn for their salvation.  Our text reminds us that there is good reason to remain hopeful.

At this point in his ministry, Jesus’ own brothers were not believing.  In fact, on one occasion, the family tried to intervene because they thought him to be crazy.  Imagine that!  They’d spent more time with him than anyone else.  They’d grown up with him, heard him speak, and watched him do amazing things, but still they were unbelieving.  They could not have had a better witness than Jesus himself, having walked with truth embodied, but still they were not saved.

Their experience reminds us of an important truth.  Faith cannot be conjured up, figured out, or passed from person to person.  Saving faith is a gift of God (2 Peter 1:1; Ephesians 2:8).  It is as Jesus elsewhere explained, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:43).  It is very possible to grow up in a Christian home and go to church every week, and even know a lot about Jesus, without possessing saving faith.  But the Spirit is ever able to convict of sin and open blind eyes to the truth of the gospel!

As John Piper explains, there is good reason for hope: “The story of Jesus’ brothers can actually give us hope for our loved ones. At the time his brothers claimed that Jesus was ‘out of his mind’ (Mark 3:21), it must have appeared very unlikely that they would ever become his disciples. But eventually they did! And not only followers, but leaders and martyrs in the early church.  The God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ shone in their hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of their brother, Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:6).  So take heart! Don’t give up praying for unbelieving family members. Don’t take their resistance as the final word. They may yet believe and be used significantly in the kingdom!”

John Piper

No amount of religious advantages or privilege can substitute for the convicting and regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.

I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
to me he hath made known,
nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
redeemed me for his own.

Refrain:
But “I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I’ve committed
unto him against that day.”

I know not how this saving faith
to me he did impart,
nor how believing in his word
wrought peace within my heart. [Refrain]

I know not how the Spirit moves,
convincing us of sin,
revealing Jesus through the Word,
creating faith in him. [Refrain]

I know not when my Lord may come,
at night or noon-day fair,
nor if I’ll walk the vale with him,
or meet him in the air. [Refrain]

February 9

Bible Reading: John 6:60-71

John 6:66-68, “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.  So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

My coworker and I were visiting a hospice family.  The family had come from California years before.  They shared with us about their past family reunions and how they’d always cook beans.  But no ordinary beans, mind you.  These were a variety called “California Round Beans.”  On one visit, they cooked some up for us—they were yummy!  You can’t find those beans just anywhere.  It only grows in that region.  In fact, the University of California can’t match it with any other known bean!  If you want those beans, they need to come from there!  That’s the only way to get them.  Our passage speaks to another “only one way” dynamic.

The people did not respond well to Jesus’ message about eating his flesh and drinking his blood (John 6:53).  It was too difficult for them (John 6:60-61).  Many of His disciples withdrew and turned away (John 6:65).  “Jesus said therefore to the twelve, ‘You do not want to go away, do you?” (John 6:67).  “Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). 

Peter had it right.  If you want eternal life, you’ve nowhere else to go.  Jesus is the one person who can provide that for you.  Salvation is not like shopping in a supermarket where you might find all kinds of different options.  Jesus is the only way!

Remember the old Evangelism Explosion question, “Suppose that you were to die today and stand before God and he were to say to you, ‘Why should I let you into my heaven?’ what would you say?”?  People have responded to the question with a host of varied answers.  But there is only one right response because there is only one way of salvation. 

Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Peter 3:18).  As 1 Timothy 2:5 explained, “There is One god, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”  There is One God, only One, and we’ve all sinned against Him (Romans 3:23).  There is One Mediator, only One, who can intercede on our behalf.  There is One Salvation, only One, and it is a salvation secured only on the merit of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. 

God sets the terms when it comes to salvation.  Here are His terms — “believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31; John 1:12-13).  Believing, not with mere intellectual faith, for even the demons have that.  No, what is necessary is a sincere, heart-level faith that relies solely on His work and receives Him as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9).  He is the Only Way (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

If it’s eternal life you are seeking for, there’s nowhere else to go but to Jesus!

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY
Jesus is the only way
Unto peace and rest;
Why not come to Him today,
And be saved and blest?

Refrain:
Come, O come to Jesus,
He’s the only way;
Turn from sin and seek His face
and His Word obey;
Tho’ your sins be many and vile.
He’ll forgive today.

Jesus is the only way
Unto God and light;
Turn, O turn from sin and pray,
He will set you right. [Refrain]

Vain upon your works to trust,
They cannot avail;
Trust in Jesus Christ we must,
Else our hopes will fail. [Refrain]

Jesus is the only way
To life’s very best;
Jesus is our guide by day,
And at night our rest. [Refrain]

Jesus is God’s gift to man,
Cast Him not away;
Bow to God’s almighty plan,
And be saved today. [Refrain]

February 8

Bible Reading: John 6:41-59

John 6:51, “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread also which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

Laura baked a loaf of bread the other day.  It smelled so wonderful when it was baking.  And it tasted so good when it was still warm out of the oven.  Bread is a food staple, but there weren’t so many kinds to choose from when I was a child—white, whole wheat, rye, and a few others.  A loaf of bread cost about 20 cents back then.  My, how things have changed! Walk down any bread aisle in a supermarket and you will find countless varieties of bread, in various shapes and made from many different kinds of grain.  But what you won’t find is any kind of bread that can make you “live forever” if you eat it (John 6:51).  Jesus is the Bread of Life.  He alone can make that happen.

The multitudes sought after Jesus after he miraculously fed them, wanting to make Him their king.  His response is what is commonly referred to as “the Bread of Life” discourse (John 6:25-59).  Instead of being preoccupied with food which perishes, He said they should seek after the food which endures (John 6:27). Prominent in the discourse are the words “life,” “live,” and “living.”  I count eighteen occurrences of these terms.  I’m reminded of that which was stated in the beginning of the gospel account — “In Him was life” (John 1:4).  He is the bread of life which came down from heaven (John 6:32, 41, 51, 67).  He came to give Himself for the life of the world (John 6:33, 35, 50-51, 53-54, 57-58).  He died so that you might live.

Many varieties of bread are available at the local supermarket, but no bread on earth can impart true life to the spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1).  And while people often focus their concern and effort on obtaining physical bread (food), every person has a greater and deeper need for the true bread that can impart life, eternal and abundant.  He is the bread of life.  Have you partaken of this bread?  To eat His flesh and drink His blood (John 6:53) is to receive Him by faith (John 1:12, 6:36).  His promise?  “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).  True life, eternal and abundant, is to be had in Christ alone. 

C. S. Lewis and spoken to this: “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

C. S. Lewis

Only the “food which endures to eternal life” can satisfy your soul’s hunger! – John 6:27).

LOVE DIVINE, ALL LOVE EXCELLING
Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heav’n to earth come down,
fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
all Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love Thou art;
visit us with Thy salvation;
enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit,
let us find the promised rest.
Take away our love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty to deliver;
let us all Thy life receive;
suddenly return and never,
nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve Thee as Thy hosts above;
pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish then, Thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see Thy great salvation
perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before Thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.

February 7

Bible Reading: John 6:22-40

John 6:15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

John 6:26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.

With five loaves and two fishes, Jesus fed the multitude.  Their response was to want to make him king.  One can imagine what they were thinking.  They labored for their daily meals and hated that they were subject to the harsh tyranny of the Roman Empire.  They envisioned Jesus as their king, who could keep their bellies full and overthrow the Romans. 

Jesus would have none of that.  He came not to provide physical bread that would fill our bellies, but to be the Bread of Life to satiate the hunger of our souls.  We all have a desperate need of Him. The question is to what extent do we realize that?  Though He can easily provide for our earthbound needs (Philippians 4:19) our needs transcend the physical.  Surpassing all others is the need for the eternal and abundant life that He alone can provide through a personal relationship with Him (John 17:3, 10:10).

Why are you seeking Him?  A newborn baby needs its mother.  In response to hunger or a soiled diaper, the baby expresses its need with loud cries that are impossible to ignore.  As a baby matures, it grows to know and appreciate his mother as a person and the virtues she bears.  At the root of faith is the awareness of the need for a Savior.  But then it is a work of the Spirit to unveil the beauty of Christ.  We are too much like the misguided crowd or a newborn baby if our prayers ascend no higher than “Jesus give me!”  Why do you seek after Jesus?  A spirit born longing for Jesus is one that fills the heart with true understanding, appreciation, and love for Him for who He and all He’s done!

John Piper said it well, “(Jesus) did not come to be useful, but to be precious. Oh, how many Christians receive him as useful. Or another way to put it is: Jesus Christ did not come into the world to assist you in meeting desires you already had before you were born again. He came into the world to change your desires so that he is the main one.”

John Piper

“Jesus did not come to be useful, but to be precious.” – John Piper

YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all

Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all

[Chorus]
Jesus Lamb of God
Worthy is your name
Jesus Lamb of God
Worthy is your name

Taking my sin my cross my shame
Rising again I bless your name
You are my all in all

When I fall down you pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all

February 6

Bible Reading: John 6:16-21

John 6:16-21, “When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.  When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.  But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”

At a recent family gathering, my uncle was retelling a repeated story about the time I jumped in the river to chase after a big steelhead. It was a long time ago, but I can still remember. It was in the cold of winter, along the banks of the beautiful Salmonberry River. I was fishing with my uncles and dad. I had hooked the fish just above a set of rapids. It was a big fish, and it headed quickly downstream. There was no riverbank, only steep rocks, so I had no choice but to follow. I waded in and was soon up to my waist in that cold January stream. It was a little scary floating down that rushing river, but my dad was waiting about one hundred yards downstream, and together we corralled that big fish! It would have been far easier if only I’d been able to walk on water!

The laws of gravity and surface tension work to prohibit a man from walking on water.  But as the creator, Jesus is not bound by such laws.  Jesus walked on water, and what they saw frightened the disciples.  The other gospel accounts fill in some other details of what happened that night.  By faith, Peter also walked on water.  Only to sink when he looked away!  Then, when Peter and Jesus got into the boat, the wind suddenly stopped.  The disciples “worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).  Not only did Jesus stop the wind, but He also brought the boat instantly to shore.  These miracles all spoke to Jesus’ power and to His authority over His creation.  The laws of gravity and other forces are all subject to the One who brought creation into existence (John 1:3).  Truly, He is the Son of God!

J. C. Ryle has commented on this event: “Many of the things which now frighten Christians and fill them with anxiety, would cease to frighten them if they would endeavor to see the Lord Jesus in all, ordering every providence, and overruling everything, so that not a hair falls to the ground without Him. They are happy who can hear His voice through the thickest clouds and darkness, and above the loudest winds and storms, saying, ‘It is I; be not afraid.’”

J. C. Ryle

When you feel as if you’re sinking, look to the One who walked on water and calmed the seas!

LOVE LIFTED ME
I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me–
Now safe am I.

Refrain:
Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me;
Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.

All my heart to Him I give,
Ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs. [Refrain]

Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be–
Be saved today. [Refrain]

February 5

Bible Reading: John 6:1-15

John 6:8-11, “One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.  Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.”

This past year some friends and I worked to establish a senior meal program here in Heppner. We formed a non-profit corporation and received some grants. After establishing a board of directors, we hired a cook and assistant. We recruited volunteers to help (from nine different churches who serve on a rotating basis). Each week, our cook shops for the food supplies, prepares, and, together with her assistant, cooks the meal. Since July 2023, we’ve been feeding on average about seventy older adults. It’s been an exciting project to be a part of, but it takes a lot of money, time, and effort to feed that many people. Miraculously, with but five loaves and two fishes, Jesus fed a multitude 7 and ½ times the size of our community (some estimate the size of the crowd to be 15,000, if you include the women and children).

A great multitude followed Jesus and gathered to Him in a desolate place.  “He felt compassion for them and healed their sick” (Matthew 14:14).  It got late. The people were getting hungry.  Things were different for the people of Jesus’ day.  There were no supermarkets from which they could go to purchase items and no fast-food restaurants to drive thru.  The disciples were perplexed about how to provide food for the people (John 6:5-7).

Jesus took five loaves and two fishes from a lad and fed the five thousand.  He miraculously multiplied the loaves and the fishes such that every person was “satisfied” (Matthew 14:20).  There were even some left over. How did He do that?  Remember that Jesus is the creator of all things (John 1:3).  He easily turned water into wine and just as easily turned five loaves and two fishes into enough food to feed that great multitude.  The miracle declared Jesus to be the Divine Son of God (John 20:30-31), but the people did not understand that truth about Jesus (John 6:14). 

As we see later in the “Bread of Life” discourse, Jesus revealed Himself to be the bread of life who can do far more than just fill our bellies.  He came to satisfy the deepest longings of our soul.  Are you hungry for a soul-satisfying relationship with God?  Jesus came to fill that need!  He who turned five loaves and two fishes into a feast for thousands, can provide for you a “food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27)!  That’s the purpose for which He came.

We always have enough when God is our supply!

BREAK THOU THE BREAD OF LIFE
Break now the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
as once you broke the loaves beside the sea.
Beyond the sacred page I seek you, Lord;
my spirit waits for you, O living Word.

Bless your own word of truth, dear Lord, to me,
as when you blessed the bread by Galilee.
Then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall;
and I shall find my peace, my All in all!

You are the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
Your holy word the truth that rescues me.
Give me to eat and live with you above;
Teach me to love your truth, for you are love.

O send your Spirit now, dear Lord, to me,
that he may touch my eyes and make me see.
Show me the truth made plain within your Word,
for in your book revealed I see you, Lord.

February 2

Bible Reading: John 5:39

John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”

The Jews of Jesus’ day had the sacred writings of the Old Testament.  The religious leaders, to whom Jesus was speaking, were well-versed in the Scriptures to the extent that they could readily refer to those which spoke of the coming Messiah (see Matthew 2:4, for example).  But they were blind to the fact that Jesus, who was the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets (Luke 24:44), stood right there in their midst.

It is a good thing to devote ourselves to reading and studying the Scriptures.  In fact, it is imperative that we do that, as believers, that we might grow (1 Peter 2:2).  But it is possible for us to lose track of our aim.  The purpose of Bible study is not simply to better know our Bibles, but to better know our Jesus of whom the Bible speaks (Acts 8:35). 

Every book of the Bible speaks of Jesus…

• In Genesis, Jesus Christ is the Seed of the woman.
• In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb.
• In Leviticus, He is our High Priest.
• In Numbers, He is the Pillar of cloud by day and the Pillar of fire by night.
• In Deuteronomy, He is the Prophet like unto Moses.
• In Joshua, He is the Commander of the Lord’s army.
• In Judges, He is our Judge and Lawgiver.
• In Ruth, He is our Kinsman Redeemer.
• In 1st and 2nd Samuel, He is the Seed of David.
• In Kings and Chronicles, He is our reigning King.
• In Ezra, He is our faithful Scribe.
• In Nehemiah, He is the Rebuilder of everything broken.
• In Esther, He is our Mordecai, our Advocate.
• In Job, He is our ever-living Redeemer.
• In Psalms, He is our Shepherd.
• In Proverbs, He is our Wisdom.
• In Ecclesiastes, He is our meaning for life.
• In the Song of Solomon, He is the loving Bridegroom.
• In Isaiah, He is the Prince of peace.
• In Jeremiah and Lamentations, He is our weeping Prophet.
• In Ezekiel, the Glorious Lord.
• In Daniel, He is the fourth Man in the “fiery furnace.”
• In Hosea, He is the faithful Husband.
• In Joel, He is the Outpourer of the Holy Spirit.
• In Amos, He is our Burden-bearer.
• In Obadiah, He is our Judge and Savior.
• In Jonah, He is the risen Prophet.
• In Micah, He is the Ruler of the world from Bethlehem.
• In Nahum, He is our Stronghold.
• In Habakkuk, he is the Watchman.
• In Zephaniah, He is the Mighty to save.
• In Haggai, He is the Restorer.
• In Zechariah, He is the branch of David; the One pierced for us.
• In Malachi, He is the Son of Righteousness.
• In Matthew, He is King of the Jews.
• In Mark, He is the divine Servant.
• In Luke, He is the perfect Man.
• In John, He is the Son of God.
• In Acts, He is the Savior of the world and Ascended Lord.
• In Romans, He is the Justifier.
• In I Corinthians, He is the Resurrection.
• In II Corinthians, He is our Comfort.
• In Galatians, He is our Liberty.
• In Ephesians, He is Head of the Church.
• In Philippians, He is our Joy.
• In Colossians, He is our Completeness and Sufficiency.
• In 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, He is the Coming King.
• In I & II Timothy, He is our Mediator.
• In Philemon, He is our Benefactor.
• In Titus, He is the Blessed Hope.
• In Hebrews, He is our Perfection.
• In James, He is the Power behind our faith.
• In I, II Peter, He is our Chief Shepherd and Chief Cornerstone.
• In I, II, III John, He is our Truth and Everlasting Life.
• In Jude, He is the Foundation of our faith. Our security.
• In Revelation, He is The King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Make this your prayer as you read and study: “Spirit of God, my teacher be, showing the things of Christ to me!”

MORE ABOUT JESUS
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.

Refrain:
More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.

More about Jesus let me learn,
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me. [Refrain]

More about Jesus in His Word,
Holding communion with my Lord;
Hearing His voice in ev’ry line,
Making each faithful saying mine. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

February 1

Bible Reading: John 5:30-47

John 5:30-32, “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true.”

It’s as if Jesus was on trial!  The Jews were seeking to kill Jesus, because he was “making himself equal with God (John 5:18).”  The audacity of it all—that He, the creator of the heavens and the earth (John 1:3), should have to defend Himself before them!  In the great mystery of the incarnation, He, to whom all judgment was given (John 5:22), humbled Himself before a bunch of hard-hearted, unbelieving religious leaders.

So, Jesus brought forth His witnesses to the stand.  Five well-qualified and unimpeachable witnesses that could each vouch for His true identity as the Divine Son of God.  Witness #1: John the Baptist.  What did he have to say?  “And I have seen and born witness that this is the Son of God (John 1:34)!”  Witness #2: Jesus’ miracles.  What did they prove?  “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are 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 life in his name (John 20-30-31).”  Witness #3: The Father.  What did He say?  “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him (Matthew 17:5).”  Witness #4: The Scriptures.  What do they say?  “Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled’ (Luke 24:44).”  Witness #5: Moses.  What did he say?  “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen (Deuteronomy 18:15).”

There you have it!  Case closed.  If you choose to deny the existence of God, then you’ve the witness of creation itself to deal with.  If you choose to deny the truth about Jesus, you need to reject the testimony of John the Baptist, the miracles of Jesus, God the Father, the Scriptures, and Moses.  They all pointed to Jesus, and their unified message is clear—believe in Him unto eternal life!  Jesus was on trial, but his aim in putting forth witnesses was not to save himself, but the souls of others.  Have you placed your faith in Jesus?  He alone can save us from our sins!

No one needs to take a blind leap of faith.  Ample testimony has been given to the truth about Jesus!

TELL ME THE STORY OF JESUS
Tell me the story of Jesus,
write on my heart every word;
tell me the story most precious,
sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels, in chorus,
sang as they welcomed His birth,
“Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good tidings to earth.”

Refrain:
Tell me the story of Jesus,
write on my heart every word;
tell me the story most precious,
sweetest that ever was heard.

Fasting alone in the desert,
tell of the days that are past;
how for our sins He was tempted,
yet was triumphant at last.
Tell of the years of His labor,
tell of the sorrow He bore;
He was despised and afflicted,
homeless, rejected, and poor. [Refrain]

Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,
writhing in anguish and pain;
tell of the grave where they laid Him,
tell how He liveth again.
Love in that story so tender,
clearer than ever I see:
stay, let me weep while you whisper,
love paid the ransom for me. [Refrain]

January 31

Bible Reading: John 5:18-29

John 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”

In my job as a hospice chaplain, I’ve witnessed a lot of dying in recent years. But dying is nothing new. Adam and Eve sinned and brought death into this world. Plants die. Animals die. People die. We all “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4). As we get older, the reality and finality of that prospect looms over us. I well remember the words of a former patient, “I’m dying, Jerry!” Physically speaking, that’s true of all of us.

Death is separation. A physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. Spiritual death, which is of greater significance, is the separation of the soul from God (Ephesians 2:1). Eternal death equates to the separation of a person from God for eternity (2 Thessalonians 1:9).  Physical life is a gift from God to be cherished, from the moment of conception to one’s final breath.  Therefore, we want to avoid physical death.  But our verse speaks to another kind of death which is to be averted at all costs, the eternal death that will result if we refuse to trust in Jesus.  The promise of our verse is to those who believe.

At the moment of saving faith, a wonderful exchange takes place, in which a person crosses over from death to life.  He leaves behind one country, where the power of the devil and death and sorrow loom, and enters another country where life, eternal and abundant, is provisioned through a personal relationship with Jesus.  The verb is in the past tense, showing that the promise stands from the moment when a person believes.  

What a promise! It is as Charles Spurgeon has said: “If we truly believe the word of Christ, and trust in Him Who sent His Son into the world, we have at this moment everlasting life. What a grand verse this is! It is worthy to be written in letters of gold at every street corner; would that we all knew the fullness of its meaning by heartfelt experience!”

Charles Spurgeon

“The vilest offender who truly believes that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.”

TO GOD BE THE GLORY
To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life our redemption to win,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice;
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives. [Refrain]

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see. [Refrain]