LookingtoJesus

So Incredibly Blessed!

Bible Reading: Ephesians 1

Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”

You’ve no doubt seen the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  Recall in the plot how George Bailey has so many problems that he is thinking of ending it all—at Christmas time, no less!  As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence – who then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all his good deeds over the years.  In the end, George is incredibly blessed in the discovery that he has so many friends who are more than willing to come to his aid.  It’s a feel-good story with a happy ending!  It likely brought tears to your eyes.  And while the theology is suspect, there is a lesson we can draw from the story.  It’s possible for any of us, like fictional George, to walk unawares of the blessings we possess! And the resources God has provisioned to us in Christ.

Our passage speaks of how the believer is immeasurably blessed in Christ.  These blessings are possessed by every believer, whether he feels so or not.  They have come his way totally undeserved as a result of his being “in Christ.”  They are his in his good times and bad, in his poverty or wealth, and in his sickness or health.  Life can be very challenging.  It’s possible for any of us to meet with hard times.  But no matter our situation, the fact is that we incredibly blessed!

In his Systematic Theology, Lewis Sperry Chafer writes of the blessings possessed by every believer in Christ, saying: “The Scriptures reveal 33 stupendous works of God which together comprise the salvation of the soul. They are wrought by God instantaneously, are grounded on the merit of Christ, and are eternal. Accordingly, each member of the human family is either perfectly saved or entirely lost. All 33 elements comprise the riches of grace which a Christian receives in salvation.”

Ephesians 1:3 speaks to this, and the rest of the chapter proceeds to describe many of these blessings.  All three persons of the Triune God have a part in bestowing them.  Each is acknowledged, noting that the work is to “the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14).  The believer in Christ has been chosen and adopted by the Father (Ephesians 1:4-6).  He has been redeemed, forgiven, enlightened, and enriched by the Son (Ephesians 1:7-12).  He has been sealed and secured by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). 

If you are a believer in Christ, then you possess the “unsearchable riches” Paul risked his life to speak about (Ephesians 3:8).  You received them the instant you trusted in Jesus, and you’ve possessed them ever since.  In Jesus, you possess them all, overflowing your earthen vessel in your relationship with Him (2 Corinthians 4:7).  Jesus impoverished Himself, so that you might be enriched this way (2 Corinthians 8:9)!  It’s all come your way by grace.  Because God is a God who is rich in grace and mercy, and it is all to the “praise of the glory of His grace” (Ephesians 1:6)!  Your glass is more than half full. In lavishing His grace upon you, it is overflowing (Ephesians 1:8; Romans 5:5; Psalm 23:5b)!  Like fictional George, you will undoubtedly face unexpected hardships, but amidst them all, don’t lose sight of how incredibly blessed you are in Christ!

A CHILD OF THE KING

My Father is rich in houses and land,
He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands!
Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold,
His coffers are full, He has riches untold.

Refrain:
I’m a child of the King,
A child of the King,
With Jesus my Savior,
I’m a child of the King.

My Father’s own Son, the Savior of men,
Once wandered on earth as the poorest of them;
But now He is reigning for ever on high,
And will give me a home in heav’n by and by. [Refrain]

I once was an outcast stranger on earth,
A sinner by choice and an alien by birth;
But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down,
An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown. [Refrain]

A tent or a cottage, why should I care?
They’re building a palace for me over there;
Though exiled from home, yet still may I sing:
All glory to God, I’m a child of the King. [Refrain]

Go and Tell

Bible Reading: Luke 2

While shepherds were “keeping watch over their flock by night” an angel brought a message of good news to them: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).  A multitude of the heavenly host then joined the angel in praising God (Luke 2:13-14).  God was pleased to reveal glorious truths in glorious fashion to lowly shepherds. 

The angel instructed them to go and witness, for themselves, the birth of the Savior.  They traveled “with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16).  Those ordinary men, who had likely shepherded thousands of ordinary lambs, were privileged to behold THE “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).  They saw Him for themselves.

The shepherds returned to their family and friends and shared what they had seen and heard: “They made known the saying that had been told them concerning the child” (Luke 2:17).  The term translated “made known” means “to publish abroad, make known thoroughly.”  The King James Version translates it “they made known abroad.”  They literally told anybody and everybody who would listen.

They heard and saw and went and told.  That’s the way it is supposed to work.  Andrew found the Messiah and went and told his brother (John 1:40-41).  The woman at the well heard Jesus speak, and went and told others about Him (John 4:28-30).  The demoniac was delivered from his demons and went forth to declare “how much Jesus had done for him” (Mark 5:20).  Peter and John witnessed the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  They could not stop speaking of what they had seen and heard, despite opposition and threats (Acts 4:20).  You have heard and received the good news, God would have you to go and tell others.

When the war of 1812 came to a close a treaty was signed, ending the war on Christmas Eve, 1814.  But the news traveled slowly by ship and was not delivered to New York City until a Saturday afternoon in February.  No sooner had some men heard the news than they rushed in breathless haste into the city to repeat it to their friends, shouting as they ran through the streets, “Peace, Peace, Peace!”  Everyone who heard the news repeated it.  From house to house, from street to street, the news spread.  Men bearing lighted torches ran to and fro shouting “Peace, Peace, and Peace!”  Only one thought occupied the minds of citizens that night.  In the days that followed, every person became a herald of the news and soon every man, woman, and child in the entire city was evangelized with the message.  Those New Yorkers excitedly and readily shared a message of peace achieved that Christmas Eve, a peace that had reconciled two great nations.  Good news is meant to be shared with a sense of urgency.

The message we have been given to share is of greater import.  It is the absolute best of news.  “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).  It is a glorious message of a glorious Savior who offers to sinners a glorious salvation.  It is a “word of reconciliation” regarding the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through which rebel sinners can be reconciled to God (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:19).  Paul was burdened to share the message: “the love of Christ controls us,” he said (2 Corinthians 5:14). 

As believers we are witnesses to something worth telling.  Like those shepherds of old let publish abroad the news of Christ’s death for sins and resurrection from the dead.  Good news is worth sharing!  “I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.”

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

Refrain:
Go tell it on the mountain,
over the hills, and ev’rywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching
o’er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. [Refrain]

The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo, above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Savior’s birth. [Refrain]

Down in a lowly manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation
that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain]

The God of the Impossible

Bible Reading: Luke 1

Luke 1:37, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Too often we think of things merely in the human plane – to where our senses and suppositions and experiences lead us.  We fail in our vision of what God can do because we fail to apply the truth of who God is to the practical matters of our lives.  We believe God is all-powerful, all-wise, and full of grace and mercy.  Yet, in matters pertaining to our own lives, our faith falters. 

Mary has provided us with such a wonderful example.  The angel Gabriel told Mary that God was about to do something that was humanly impossible.  Human reason would argue against the possibility of a virgin giving birth to a child.  It was something that had not happened and does not happen.  Yet God had told her it was soon to take place.

When God speaks of doing the impossible, then that matter is no longer absurd.  Faith takes God at His word.  Faith trumps all doubts and rationalizations and excuses.  It looks to God, the One who created all things out of nothing, and deems Him able (Jeremiah 32:17). 

In faith, she availed herself as a servant to God’s plan, saying, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).  Was she aware of the troubles that she would soon be confronted with?  Joseph’s reaction!  The scandal of it all!  A sudden dash to Egypt!  She was no doubt henceforth encouraged through all such challenges, knowing that she had been called by God to bear His Son. Even as she responded by faith in worship (Luke 1:46-55).

Henry Blackaby has commented on this, “God wanted to bring salvation to all of humanity. It is critical that Mary not only believed God could perform a miracle but also adjusted her life to the awesome work He planned to do through her. The difference between a Christian and a moral person is the divine. The difference between a church and a social club is the miraculous. Some can duplicate the morality of a Christian, but no one can reproduce the miraculous that should be a part of the Christian experience. Do you believe that nothing is impossible for God?”

It’s Christmas Eve, a great time to take Mary’s example of faith and apply it to your own life.  God has already worked a miracle in your life–causing you to be born again of the Spirit.  What other miracle might he do in and through you?  Be encouraged by this admonition from James Smith, “No, nothing is too hard for the Lord! Therefore, cheer up, press on, take up your cross or burden afresh — and bear it after Jesus. Let this precious truth feed and strengthen your faith — that you may be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Let it excite and animate your hope — that you may expect great things from God. Let it stimulate you in prayer — that you may ask largely of God, and ask with confidence too. Let it crush your fears — that you may press boldly on, until you reach the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let it stir you up to exertion — for as nothing shall be impossible to God, so nothing shall be impossible to you, which you undertake with His sanction, and with a view to His glory. Let it encourage and call forth praise — for how grateful and thankful we should be, that our God can do all things, and therefore will do for us, all that is necessary both in life and death. Let us keep this sweet truth always in mind, and when cast down — chide our fears and excite our hopes, saying, ‘With God, nothing shall be impossible!’”

MARY, DID YOU KNOW?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new;
This Child that you delivered
Will soon deliver you?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod,
And when you kiss your little baby
You’ve kissed the face of God?
Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear,
The dead will live again,
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb!

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Was Heaven’s perfect Lamb,
And the sleeping Child you’re holding
Is the great, the Great I AM?
Oh, Mary, Mary, did you know?

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Wise Worshippers

Bible Reading: Matthew 2

Matthew 2:1-2, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

We were created to worship our creator.  It is in worship of Him we fulfill the purpose for our existence and find true meaning in life.  The obstacle to worship is sin and the rebellious estate we have inherited as a result of the fall of man.  But God has been working ever since to transform rebels into worshippers and we find a great example of this in Matthew chapter 2.

The chapter focuses on the account of the “magi from the east” (Matthew 2:1) who came from afar to worship the newborn King of the Jews.  Who were these men?  The NASB provides this note regarding them: “Pronounced may-ji, a caste of wise men specializing in astrology, medicine, and natural science.”  In this respect, their role was akin to that to which Daniel was appointed centuries beforehand.  It is possible and likely that their predecessors first learned of a coming King of the Jews through him.

They were not kings, but Babylonian “king-makers.”  It is amazing that God would call these Gentiles from that faraway place to acknowledge the birth of the newborn King!  There were undoubtedly more than three, since when the king heard of their presence in Jerusalem, “he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3).  The thought of three is but a tradition likely rooted in the three-fold gifts.

They came to worship the King of the Jews, but how were they to find Him?  Their journey transversed hundreds of miles—through “field and fountain, moor and mountain.”  They had no knowledge of His exact whereabouts and no GPS to direct them.  But God provided for them a star.  It was no ordinary star.  They saw it “in the east” (Matthew 2:2).  As they sought out the baby Jesus in Jerusalem, the star “went on before them, until it came stood over where the Child was” (Matthew 2:9).  That star led them to Jesus.

Any would be worshiper in this age is likewise dependent on God’s help in the matter of worship.  No one ventures on that journey apart from God’s intervention.  True worship demands a change of heart and an unveiling of the truth.  The Holy Spirit is the worship leader—He is the “star” that leads us to the Savior.  His ministry is to open the eyes of lost sinners to the glory of the Savior and His gospel (John 16:8-11, 14; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6).  He changes hearts and then fills and overflows them with praise and thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:18-21).

The worship of the magi involved extraordinary sacrifice.  They left their comfortable homes.  They endured a dangerous and arduous journey.  They were alone in what they were doing.  The apathetic religious leaders knew of the birthplace of Jesus but shared no desire to worship (Matthew 2:4-6).  They faced the threat of a wicked king.  King Herod feigned worship but plotted the Newborn’s death (Matthew 2:8, 16-18).  They sacrificed by imparting splendid gifts to Jesus.  “They fell down and worshiped Him; and opened their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).  Their gifts acknowledged His identity as God (frankincense; Matthew 1:23), King (gold; Matthew 2:2), and Savior (myrrh; Matthew 1:21).

True worship involves sacrifice.  God calls upon the recipients of His mercies to “present (their) bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 4:14-15; 8:5).  We can learn a lot from these wise men.  They “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” when they saw the star and were led to the Savior (Matthew 2:10).  True, Spirit-led, worship leads us to do the same (1 Peter 1:8b).

WE THREE KINGS

We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.

Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign. [Refrain]

Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshiping God on high. [Refrain]

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. [Refrain]

Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies. [Refrain]

You Shall Call His Name Jesus

Bible Reading: Matthew 1

Matthew 1:20-21, “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

What’s in a name?  Generally, the term “name,” as it is used in Scripture, represents not just one’s identity, but the total person—their character, authority, rank, power, etc.  And names were frequently given by God not merely to identify a person, but to identify them in their office or specific role in relationship to God.

The name Jesus is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name “Joshua.”  It was a common name up to the second century.  The term itself means “Jehovah saves.”  That’s the meaning of the name.  It is a name which expresses Christ’s humanity.  Now if we are going to appreciate the meaning of His name, “Jehovah saves,” we need to do a little background study.

The name “Jehovah” occurs over 6000 times and in every period of biblical Hebrew.  Because it was written without vowels, there is some debate regarding its exact pronunciation.  Sometimes you will hear it as “Jehovah” and sometimes as “Yahweh.”  It is the name by which God revealed Himself to Moses.  Exodus 3:13-14, “Then Moses said to God, ‘Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I shall say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?”  And God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.”  The NASB has a note regarding this expression, “I am,” which says: “Related to the name of God, YHWH, rendered LORD, which is derived from the verb HAYAH, to be.”  So that’s where “Jehovah” or “Yahweh” comes from.  The name speaks to God’s self-existence and, therefore, His identity as our Creator God. 

Now, Jehovah hears of the troubles of Israel, enslaved in Egypt as they were.  And He sends forth Moses as a deliverer.  And through God’s mighty hand the people are redeemed from Egypt.  They responded by singing a song to the Lord. Exodus 15:2 records this part of their response, “The Lord (Jehovah) is my strength and song and He has become by salvation.”  Jehovah, the self-existent One (the creator), is also our Savior.  He has worked to redeem us from slavery in Egypt and to set us free to serve Him.

As God had chosen His people.  And worked to bring them into the promised land, He prescribed to them certain laws regarding the temple, the priesthood, and sacrifices, etc.  And these all are a part of His plan and pointed to His future provision of a redeemer, the Messiah of Israel.  The phrase, “The Lord has become my salvation,” speaks to all of this.  The phrase is repeated elsewhere: For example, in Psalm 18:2, “The Lord (Jehovah) is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” and in Isaiah 12:2, “For the Lord God (Jehovah) is my strength and song, and He has become by salvation.”

Remember that the name “Jesus” means “Jehovah saves.”  And the name Jehovah is the name by which God disclosed Himself to His people.  A Name which speaks to His self-existence and therefore His identity as the Creator.  And we should note that Jesus repeatedly used that expression, “I Am,” in referring to Himself.  In fact, on one occasion—during his arrest—He asked the arresting mob, “Whom do you seek?”  They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”  And then Jesus said, “I am” (John 18:5).  The English text adds the word “He” in italics, but it’s not in the original.  He said literally “I Am.”  And do you know what happened when Jesus the Nazarene—who was purposing to go the cross to die for our sins—said “I Am” to that group of people?  “Where therefore He said to them, ‘I Am,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” 

But when Jesus was born, we are told something about His name that is very important.  We read of it in Matthew 1:18-23.  The angel’s instructions were explicit.  The baby was to be given a particular name.  A name which was in keeping with His particular office and purpose.  Jesus means “Jehovah saves.” Embodied in that name is the nature and character of God.  The types and prophecies of the Old Testament.  The purposed work of Jesus in dying in the cross.  The finished work of Jesus.  His death, resurrection, and ascension.  And His return.  In the beginning of our Bible, we read of the One who would come and bruise the head of Satan.  In the end of our Bible, we read about the Lamb who was slain and who purchased for God men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.  And central to it all is this truth which we read about in Matthew 1:21: the virgin born Son came into the world to save sinners.

I’ve said before that you could summarize the message of the Bible in four words — “Man sins; God saves.”  And the name “Jesus” embodies these truths — “Jehovah saves.”  The main message of the entirety of your Bible is summed up in that one word—that one name—Jesus.  So, keep that in mind as you think of the baby in the manger.  The One who CREATED all things was once laid in a CRADLE.  Later He died on a CROSS.  But one day, He will be CROWNED with glory and honor as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Indeed, He possesses “the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9), and is fully deserving of our heartfelt worship!

THOU DIDST LEAVE THY THRONE

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest
In the shade of the forest tree;
But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,
In the deserts of Galilee.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying “Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee.”
My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.

Power to Restore

Bible Reading: John 21

John 21:3, “Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.”

I’ve got something in common with the Apostle Peter.  We’ve both been “skunked” fishing.  I’ve got something else in common with Peter.  We’ve both needed restoration and then found it in the patience and mercy of the Lord Jesus.

A lot of water passed under the boat between Peter’s call to be a disciple and the events spoken of in this chapter. When Peter first met Jesus, Jesus changed his name from Simon to Peter (i.e., “Rock;” John 1:42).  On a subsequent meeting, Jesus changed Peter’s occupation.  He was an ordinary fisherman by trade when Jesus called him.  Jesus had just finished speaking to the crowds when He instructed Peter to “put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4).  Peter did so but only after reminding Jesus of the futility of the previous night’s efforts (Luke 5:5).  He and his friends let down their nets.  The catch was so great that the nets began to break.  Other boats came to help.

Peter witnessed that miracle and was amazed.  He saw something of the glory of Jesus.  He was drawn to Him.  But, at the same time, the glory of Jesus revealed truths about himself, and so he said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8).  Jesus didn’t heed Peter’s request.  He did not depart from Peter.  Quite the contrary, He bid Peter to follow (Luke 5:10), and that’s what Peter did.  He left everything—his boat, his fish, his old life—and followed Him.

Peter’s life as a disciple was full of ups and downs.  Jesus had prophetically re-named him “Rock,” but he was anything but “rock-like.”  He was commended when he confessed Jesus to be the Christ, only to be rebuked minutes later (Matthew 16:16-23).  By faith, Peter walked on water, but then became fearful and began to sink (Matthew 14:29-31).  His walk with Jesus was like that of us all, full of ups and downs.  But no previous failure rivaled that of his thrice-repeated denial of Jesus.  He had asserted to Jesus his absolute unwavering devotion.  “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” he promised (Matthew 26:33).  But when the time came, Peter denied Him, just as Jesus had warned.  He denied Him, not once, but three times.  He denied Him, not before leaders or soldiers, but before bystanders and servant-girls.  He denied Jesus repeatedly, emphatically, finally.  He had utterly failed in his commitment.  The rooster crowed.  Jesus “turned and looked at Peter” and Peter “went out and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:60-62).

Then Jesus died and rose again.  Peter saw the tomb empty and went home marveling (Luke 24:6).  Jesus manifested Himself to Peter and the disciples (John 21:1-2).  Peter loved Jesus still but was burdened by his previous failure to stand by His Master.   How could he continue?  What was he to do?  What hope could there be for anyone who had so hopelessly failed?  What to do when things go awry?  Go back to the things you know.  The tendency of sin is to pull us back to our old paths and old ways—to find comfort in that which is familiar.  That’s what happened with Peter.  Defeated and discouraged, Peter decided to go fishing.

And so, in this chapter, we find Peter in a similar state and situation as when he was called.  He had gone fishing.  His fishing trip, as with the one previous, was unsuccessful — “that night they caught nothing” (John 21:3).  He got ‘skunked’ (to use the modern vernacular).  And then Jesus came to them and gave instructions and just like before, they caught such a great number of fish that “they were not able to haul it in” (John 21:6).

It was déjà-vu.  The circumstances of Peter’s restoration were as in his call.  Jesus came to him and sought him out and did for Peter what he himself could never do.  Isn’t that the way it is with salvation and restoration?  It would not be salvation or restoration if it was something that we could do.  Both experiences held the same message — “Peter, I know that you are a sinner, but I love you and am able and willing to save you”—and Peter was “saved.”  The restoration was by the same means — “Peter I know that you have failed me, but I still love you”—and Peter was “restored.”  Jesus had a conversation with Peter.  His thrice-repeated question, “Do you love me?” was not an interrogation, but a loving invitation to which Peter responded (John 21:15-19).  On the other side of Peter’s restoration lay a ministry filled with unimagined Spirit-led victories (Acts chapter 1-10).  With “rock-like” faith and devotion, he would faithfully serve in a foundational role in the new-borne church.  Peter had given up on himself, but Jesus never gave up on Peter.  From his first meeting, through his failures, and to the end of his life, Jesus never stopped loving him (1 Corinthians 13:7).  Peter went fishing, but in love, Jesus sought him out.  How precious is the deep and abiding love of Jesus!  Perhaps you’ve failed Jesus somehow?  Take heart.  Though you may fail Him, He will never fail you.  His patience and mercy know no limits! He stands ready to forgive and restore and use you in unimaginable ways (1 John 1:9). 

JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL

Jesus, lover of my soul,
let me to thy bosom fly,
while the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high;
hide me, O my Savior, hide,
till the storm of life is past;
safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last!

Other refuge have I none;
hangs my helpless soul on thee;
leave, ah! leave me not alone,
still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed,
all my help from thee I bring;
cover my defenseless head
with the shadow of thy wing.

Plenteous grace with thee is found,
grace to cover all my sin;
let the healing streams abound;
make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art;
freely let me take of thee;
spring thou up within my heart,
rise to all eternity.

Why He Wrote

Bible Reading: John 20

John 20:30-31, “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.”

We are given in these two verses the purpose unto which the Apostle John wrote his gospel account.  It was written near the end of his life, most scholars assigning it a date around AD 90.  John was a disciple of Jesus and walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry (1 John 1:1-2).  He was a witness to Jesus Christ’s resurrection (Acts 1:1-3).  Following Christ’s ascension into heaven (Acts 1:9) he served in a foundational role in the church’s establishment (Acts 3:1; 4:19).  John faithfully served as a leader in the church for the rest of his life and suffered persecution for the witness he maintained (Revelation 1:9).

Why did John devote his life to serving Jesus Christ and bearing witness of Him?  In his gospel, he wrote, “And the Word (i.e., Jesus Christ) 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 the glory of His person and character.  He witnessed the many and remarkable miracles that Jesus did.  John understood that Jesus alone, through His death and resurrection, can save lost sinners (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).  He devoted himself to proclaiming the gospel—the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.  He yearned for others to experience the salvation he himself had received in Jesus.  That’s why he wrote!

The gospel account revolves around seven miracles, each of which attests to the true identity of Jesus as the divine Son of God.  It’d be impossible for any of us to relive John’s experience in beholding the glory of Jesus in the miracles he performed, but we have his reliable testimony.  The One who turned water into wine, healed from disease, fed the multitudes, walked on water, gave sight to the blind man, and raised Lazarus from the dead is none else but the eternal Son of God, the One through whom all things were made (John 1:3).

Behold the glory of Jesus!  The eternal Son of God was born of a virgin and dwelt among men (John 1:14).  John walked with Him.  He heard Him speak as no man had ever spoken.  He saw Him do things that no mere man could ever do.  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 even now to open blind eyes to the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4-6).  There will come a day, upon His return, when 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 eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:9).  But for others, on that day, He will be “marveled at among all who believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:10).  They will all behold His glory.  Will you be amongst them?  John wrote his gospel that you might believe and in believing receive eternal life.  Have you trusted in Him for salvation?

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]

It Is Finished

Bible Reading: John 19

John 19:30, “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

“It is finished!”  Through the annals of history have three more precious words ever been uttered.  As a hospice chaplain, I’ve heard on occasion the last words of someone who was soon to die.  Have there ever been more significant “dying words?”  In a mere three words, Jesus founded a message of hope in the forgiveness of sins, which has resounded through the centuries.  

Charles Spurgeon once wrote concerning this matter: “The Son of God has been made man.  He had lived a life of perfect virtue and total self-denial.  He has been all that lifelong despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  His enemies have been legion; His friends have been few, and those few faithless. 

He is at last arrested while in the act of prayer; He is arraigned before both the spiritual and temporal courts.  He is robed in mockery, and then unrobed in shame.  He is set upon His throne in scorn, and then tied to the pillar in cruelty.  He is declared innocent, and yet He is delivered up by the judge who ought to have preserved Him from His persecutors.  He is dragged through the streets of Jerusalem which had killed the prophets and would now crimson itself with the blood of the prophets’ Master.  He is brought to the cross; He is nailed fast to the cruel wood.  The sun burns Him.  His cruel wounds increase the fever.  God forsakes Him.  ‘My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?’ contains the concentrated anguish of the world. 

While He hangs there in mortal conflict with sin and Satan, His heart is broken, His limbs are dislocated.  Heaven fails Him, for the sun is veiled in darkness.  Earth forsake Him, for ‘his disciples forsook Him and fled.’  He looks everywhere, and there is none to help; He casts His eye around, and there is no man that can share His toil.  He treads the winepress alone; and of the people there is none with Him.  On, on, He goes, steadily determined to drink the last dreg of the cup which must not pass from Him if His Father’s will be done.  At last He cries — ‘It is finished,’ and He gives up the ghost.  Hear it, Christians, hear this shout of triumph as it rings today with all the freshness and force which it had centuries ago!  Hear it from the Sacred Word, and from the Savior’s lips, and may the Spirit of God open your ears that you may hear as the learned and understand what you hear!”  (Charles Spurgeon, “Christ’s Words from the Cross”).

What did Jesus mean by what He said?  What was “finished?”  Monumental things: 1) The Old Testament Scriptures include many types, promises and that spoke of Him.  They looked forward to the fulfillment in Him of all that was beforehand set forth (Luke 24:44).  In His death, He fulfilled all that which was promised.  2) The Old Testament sacrifices looked forward to a more perfect “once for all” sacrifice.  He finished that work (Hebrews 10:1-10).  3) Jesus came to do the Father’s will.  It was the Father’s will that He should serve and suffer and die for sins.  He perfectly subjected Himself to the Father’s will and finished the work which the Father had sent Him to do (John 17:4).  4) He came as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29).  Isaiah prophesied that “the iniquity of us all” would be “laid upon Him” and that He would be “crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:6, 5).  He Himself has said that He had come “to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).  In dying on the cross Jesus died “once for all” for sins (Romans 6:10; Hebrews 7:27, 9:12, 10:10; 1 Peter 3:18).  5) Jesus came and took on human flesh that He might “destroy the one who has the power of death, that is the devil” (Hebrews 2:14).  In dying for sin, Jesus utterly destroyed the power of Satan, sin, and death.  He triumphed over them all (Colossians 2:15).

According to Matthew’s gospel, upon His saying, “It is finished,” “the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:5-51).  God dramatically demonstrated for us the practical benefit derived from that which Christ spoke of.  The curtain of the temple was symbolic of restricted access to God restricted because of sin.  But “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).  He finished His sin-bearing work that we might gain access to God through His sin-cleansing power (Hebrews 10:19-22).  Jesus finished His work so that sin-rebels might be transformed into glad-hearted worshippers.  An enduring message of hope is bound up in those three precious words!

HALLELUJAH, WHAT A SAVIOR!

Man of sorrows what a name
for the Son of God, who came
ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
in my place condemned he stood,
sealed my pardon with his blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Guilty, helpless, lost were we;
blameless Lamb of God was he,
sacrificed to set us free:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

He was lifted up to die;
“It is finished” was his cry;
now in heaven exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

When he comes, our glorious King,
all his ransomed home to bring,
then anew this song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Divine Acquiescence

Bible Reading: John 18

John 18:1-6, “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, ‘Whom do you seek?’ They answered him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am he.’ Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.”

What you think about the cross matters!  The preaching of “Christ crucified” is a “stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, both Jews and Greeks (it represents) the power of God and wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24).  Key to a right perspective of the cross is the realization that Christ’s death was no accident, it was God’s purpose from the beginning.

Jesus was well aware of “all that would happen to him” (John 18:5).  He had repeatedly warned His disciples of His pending sufferings (Mark 8:31).  He had known about and predicted Judas’ betrayal before it happened (John 13:11, 19).  He had spoken before of the “cup” He would drink (Mark 10:38), a cup the Father had given to him.  He had earlier labored, sorrowful of soul, in prayer concerning it, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).

The events recorded in John chapter 18 were not matters of mere happenstance.  They were not accidental occurrences that worked to bring about an unforeseen calamity or “supposed” premature end to a “good man’s” life.  The death of the divine Son of God was according to the predetermined plan of God (Acts 2:23).  God had purposed all along to send His only begotten Son to suffer and die for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).  In His cross—and in all that led up to it—Jesus fully and willingly submitted Himself to the Father’s will (John 17:4).

A company of Judas-led men came “with lanterns and torches and weapons” to arrest Him (John 18:3).  It was no small group and included “a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees” (John 18:3).  They came with torches to search for him, but He did not hide.  They came with weapons to overcome any resistance, but He did not resist.  The mere affirmation of His identity, “I am He,” caused them all to draw back and fall to the ground (John 18:6), but He voluntarily gave Himself up and was bound by them.  Had He chosen to resist, all the armies of the world could not have worked to arrest and bind Him, but He had already bound Himself to the will of the Father and that bond would ultimately work to bind Him to the cross.

Despite having been forewarned, Peter did not understand the events that were transpiring.  His response?  “He drew (his sword) and struck the priest’s servant and cut off his right ear” (John 18:10).  What was his plan?  Defeat the enemies of Christ “one ear at a time?”  Matthew’s gospel includes the rest of Jesus’ response to Peter’s ill-advised effort: “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place.  For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.  Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?  But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so” (Matthew 26:52-54)?

Jesus could have called “twelve legions of angels” to rescue Him, but He did not.  He purposed instead to subject Himself to the Father’s will, thus fulfilling countless specific and centuries-old prophecies.  The words “fulfill” and “fulfilled” are used repeatedly in the passion account to describe His obedient response.

Even in His arrest, His divine identity was clearly attested to, being made evident by His miraculous works.  By His Word, “I am He,” they all fell to the ground.  Peter cut off the servant’s ear, but Jesus “touched his ear and healed him” (Luke 22:15).  Despite these obvious miracles, they remained hard-hearted and refused to believe. 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son” (John 3:16).  The Son purposed to die in subjection to the Father’s will.  The cross testifies to the power, wisdom, and love of God!  “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16).  No one took His life from Him. He laid it down of His “own accord” (John 10:18). The cross was no accident, it was God’s plan all along.  The Father gave Jesus a cup to drink. For our sake, He purposed to fully partake of it.  For that we should be eternally grateful!  “He loved me and gave himself for me” is the joyous testimony of all who have believed (Galatians 2:20)!

JESUS LOVES EVEN ME

I am so glad that our Father in heaven
Tells of His love in the Book He has given;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see,
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

Refrain:
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me;
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.

Though I forget Him and wander away,
Still He follows wherever I stray;
Back to His dear loving arms would I flee,
When I remember that Jesus loves me. [Refrain]

O, if there’s only one song I can sing,
When in His beauty I see the great King,
This shall my song in eternity be:
O, what a wonder that Jesus loves me! [Refrain]

A Prayer for the Ages

Bible Reading: John 17

How are we to make sense of this upside-down, topsy-turvy world we live in?  I’ve thought that they should begin each news program by playing the introduction from the Twilight Zone (remember that show from long ago).  Amidst all the confusion, it’s good to turn our attention to Jesus!  Do you want to know what’s in the heart of Jesus?  Do you want to know of his plan for the ages?  Then you’ve come to the right place in reading through this wonderful chapter!

In his devotional study on the Gospel of John, John G. Mitchell shares these thoughts regarding Jesus’ magnificent prayer, “Now He brings us right within the holiest of all, and we are permitted to sit down in the presence of God.  We are allowed to sit there and witness this fellowship, this communion, this bond, this oneness, this equality between the Father and the Son.  How much do we really know about coming within the veil of the holiest of all, and being perfectly at home in the presence of the Father and the Son?”  From the depths of the very heart of Jesus, this prayer invites us to listen in to the loftiest of all prayers.  We are herein privileged to hear of God’s plan for the ages, whereby His glory is unveiled to all through His redemptive work.

So, what do we find Jesus praying about?  Note the prayer is divided into three parts.  In the first five verses, Jesus prays for Himself.  Then in verses 6 through 19, Jesus prays for the apostles who were with Him.  In the remaining verses of the chapter, He prays for all His people throughout history.  There is a common theme running through the entire chapter.  In verse one, He prays, “glorify your Son that the Son may glorify You.”  In verse 10, He prays regarding His apostles, “I am glorified in them.”  And again, in verse 22, He prays over every believer throughout time, “The glory You have given me I have given to them.” 

Jesus came not just to save sinners, but that He might be glorified in them.  In His prayer, Jesus prayed regarding the restoration of lost sinners to the fellowship and worship we were created for. All that He has done is unto His glory. 

It would be impossible to plumb the depths, or explore the vast reaches of this transcendent prayer, but there are several things we can focus on, things which instruct us in what we should pray about: 1) He prayed we would know Him.  In fact, eternal life equates to knowing “the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom (He) has sent.”  Nothing matters more than this.  So, we pray to know Him better and for others to know Him, too.  2) He prayed we would grow in Him.  Our sanctification is a recurrent theme in this prayer (John 17:16-19).  As God’s children we are out of place in this world, having been set apart for Him.  We’ve been called to holiness and more than anything else, it is the truth of the Word that works to transform us.  So, we pray to love the truth and walk in it.  It is also through the pursuit of the truth that we preserve the unity He has established in His body and experience the “oneness” for which He prayed.  3) He prayed we would share the truth with others (John 17:18).  And so, as we share the Gospel, we pray for ourselves, that others will come to know Him. 4) He prayed we would be where He is in order “to see (His) glory” (John 17:24).  That’s our destiny, and our hearts yearn for the day when we shall be with Him.  Our prayers should likewise be governed by this heavenward focus in the desire to see Him as He is (1 John 3:2).

There is another main thought to be understood through Jesus’ prayer for us.  John MacArthur commented on this: “He gives us the most magnificent example of our need for prayer. If the Son of God who controls all things, who is the ruler over all things, who is sovereign over all things, if the Son of God who knows all things, who has all power depends upon God to fulfill all His words, how much more are we dependent on God?”

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

To God be the glory, great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
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!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
and give him the glory, great things he has done!

Great things he has taught us, great things he has done,
and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son,
but purer and higher and greater will be
our joy and our wonder, when Jesus we see. [Refrain]