Today's Bible reading is the 3rd chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3&version=NASB
In addition to containing "John 3:16", arguably the most well known Bible verse in the world, this third chapter of John's gospel includes the well known encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus and some last words spoken by John the Baptist about Jesus. The first 21 verses of the chapter deal with the interaction that is had between Nicodemus, described as "a man of the Pharisees", and "a ruler of the Jews". Their interaction is interesting to consider. It begins with Nicodemus addressing Jesus as "Rabbi" and acknowledging that they know He has come from God as a teacher because of the signs He has performed. Someone might say that Nicodemus didn't begin to really "know" why Jesus had came as he may have thought. That Jesus had "come from God" would have been an accurate assessment. To say that He had come "as a teacher" would have fallen well short of His reason for having come from God. I suppose it may have been a bit startling for Nicodemus to have heard Jesus' response to his acknowledgement of who He was. Jesus replied as if Nicodemus had posed a question to Him when He said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God". There is clearly no indication that Nicodemus had asked any question of Jesus at this point, including a question as to what might be necessary to see the kingdom of God. But as Jesus goes on to explain to him the necessity of being born again, Nicodemus expresses an interest in understanding what He is saying. So although we do not have a record of Nicodemus asking Jesus a question at the beginning of their interaction, is it possible that it was a question unasked? The all-knowing divine Son of God surely could have known the question that may have only been on Nicodemus' heart and in his mind but not on his lips. One last thought about today's chapter would be the attitude expressed by John the Baptist when John records him speaking of Jesus as the bridegroom and himself as the friend of the bridegroom and saying the friend stands and hears the bridegroom and rejoices because of the bridegroom's voice. John the Baptist then says, "So this joy of mine has been made full. He must increase, but I must decrease." What a great perspective John expresses on his relationship with Jesus and his part in God's plan and ministry.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 2nd chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2&version=NASB
In what John's Gospel calls His first miracle, today's chapter includes the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Whether or not He attended other weddings is an interesting thought but I suppose insignificant in the bigger picture. But at this wedding, the bridegroom was quite fortunate to have had Jesus included on the list of invited guests. Lacking wine at some point in the celebration, Jesus would miraculously turn six waterpots filled with water "to the brim" into wine. The text tells us that each waterpot held between twenty and thirty gallons each. In a moment in time Jesus had made between one hundred and twenty and one hundred and eighty gallons of wine! And the text tells us the wine was distinguished by the "headwaiter" to be "good wine". He certainly does "all things well".
In this chapter of John's Gospel we also see an example of a truth that John would later write of in chapter 14. Recording the words of Jesus, John would write, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." In this chapter, speaking to the Jews, Jesus said, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews had thought He was talking about the temple building that had taken forty-six years to build but He was speaking of "the temple of His body". The text then tells us that after Jesus had been raised from the dead His disciples remembered that Jesus had said this about "the temple", "and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken." The Helper, the Holy Spirit had indeed brought this saying to their remembrance and had taught them its meaning. Praise God for Jesus' request and the Father's gift of the Helper! He continues to bring us to remembrance and continues to teach us "all things".
In what John's Gospel calls His first miracle, today's chapter includes the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Whether or not He attended other weddings is an interesting thought but I suppose insignificant in the bigger picture. But at this wedding, the bridegroom was quite fortunate to have had Jesus included on the list of invited guests. Lacking wine at some point in the celebration, Jesus would miraculously turn six waterpots filled with water "to the brim" into wine. The text tells us that each waterpot held between twenty and thirty gallons each. In a moment in time Jesus had made between one hundred and twenty and one hundred and eighty gallons of wine! And the text tells us the wine was distinguished by the "headwaiter" to be "good wine". He certainly does "all things well".
In this chapter of John's Gospel we also see an example of a truth that John would later write of in chapter 14. Recording the words of Jesus, John would write, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." In this chapter, speaking to the Jews, Jesus said, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews had thought He was talking about the temple building that had taken forty-six years to build but He was speaking of "the temple of His body". The text then tells us that after Jesus had been raised from the dead His disciples remembered that Jesus had said this about "the temple", "and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken." The Helper, the Holy Spirit had indeed brought this saying to their remembrance and had taught them its meaning. Praise God for Jesus' request and the Father's gift of the Helper! He continues to bring us to remembrance and continues to teach us "all things".
Monday, April 7, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 1st chapter of the Book of John. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1&version=NASB
As we continue reading through the New Testament, today we find ourselves in the first chapter of the beloved Apostle John's Gospel. The Book begins with those famous words, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Inspired by God, John begins to set before us the wondrous truth regarding the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. I suppose that there has been an untold number of things that have been written by men as they have studied the first fifty-one verses of John's Gospel contained in this chapter. In my hope to write just a few short thoughts, I do not discount the wealth of material contained here.
The apostle writes of John the Baptist, saying that he "was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light". Let us consider how it was that John the Baptist "testified" of Jesus, the Light of the World. Speaking of Him, John said, "He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me." He is recorded as repeating this truth a second time with almost the same words when he said, "After me comes a man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me. Scripture teaches us that Jesus and John's mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, were cousins. We know that John was actually born before Jesus by approximately six months. John's statement that Jesus existed before him is an affirmation of the deity of Christ. He was simply proclaiming the truth spoken of by the apostle himself. He existed "before" John as He was "with God" and He "was God" in the beginning. This is also indicative of the "higher rank" He possesses. It is the higher rank of His being the Sovereign Creator God. As such, John would humbly proclaim that he was "not worthy to untie" the thong of the sandals Jesus wore upon His feet.
Twice we read that John proclaimed that Jesus was "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." And although John himself was baptizing with water, when God revealed Jesus to him by the Spirit descending "as a dove out of heaven" and remaining upon Him, God would speak to him saying, "this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit". And lastly, having seen Him with his own eyes, John would say of Him, "this is the Son of God." No, John was not the light but he did indeed testify of the Light.
As we continue reading through the New Testament, today we find ourselves in the first chapter of the beloved Apostle John's Gospel. The Book begins with those famous words, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Inspired by God, John begins to set before us the wondrous truth regarding the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. I suppose that there has been an untold number of things that have been written by men as they have studied the first fifty-one verses of John's Gospel contained in this chapter. In my hope to write just a few short thoughts, I do not discount the wealth of material contained here.
The apostle writes of John the Baptist, saying that he "was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light". Let us consider how it was that John the Baptist "testified" of Jesus, the Light of the World. Speaking of Him, John said, "He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me." He is recorded as repeating this truth a second time with almost the same words when he said, "After me comes a man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me. Scripture teaches us that Jesus and John's mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, were cousins. We know that John was actually born before Jesus by approximately six months. John's statement that Jesus existed before him is an affirmation of the deity of Christ. He was simply proclaiming the truth spoken of by the apostle himself. He existed "before" John as He was "with God" and He "was God" in the beginning. This is also indicative of the "higher rank" He possesses. It is the higher rank of His being the Sovereign Creator God. As such, John would humbly proclaim that he was "not worthy to untie" the thong of the sandals Jesus wore upon His feet.
Twice we read that John proclaimed that Jesus was "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." And although John himself was baptizing with water, when God revealed Jesus to him by the Spirit descending "as a dove out of heaven" and remaining upon Him, God would speak to him saying, "this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit". And lastly, having seen Him with his own eyes, John would say of Him, "this is the Son of God." No, John was not the light but he did indeed testify of the Light.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 24th chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024&version=NASB
It was a day filled with various thoughts and emotions. Luke's Gospel account tells us that those who were first to visit the tomb after Jesus had risen were "perplexed" when they found His body not there. These women, as they are identified, are then "terrified" and bow their faces to the ground as two men "stand near them in dazzling clothing". Arguably some of the greatest words ever heard are then spoken to the women by these "two men". "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen." It could be argued that herein lies the heart of the Christian's hope. An empty tomb and and a risen Christ. The women then return and report what they had seen and heard to the 11 apostles and "the rest". The majority of those hearing their report appear to think the news nonsensical. We then see Peter, with apparent excitement and anticipation, get up and run to the tomb to do his own investigation of the matter. Peter also witnesses an empty tomb and upon seeing only the linen wrappings left behind, he returns to his home "marveling at what had happened". As Luke's account continues we see Jesus appearing to the two men traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The text tells us that Jesus began walking with the two men, His identity kept from them, and that He asks them of that which they had been discussing when He approached them. We read that the two men stood there "looking sad" and that they were surprised that this man, unknown to them to be the One they were talking about, appeared to be unaware of the events that had transpired in Jerusalem that were the basis of their sadness. Later, their sadness would turn to joy when Jesus revealed Himself to them "in the breaking of the bread" and they would return to Jerusalem to report their experience to the eleven apostles and the others gathered together. While giving their testimony to the group, Jesus appears in their midst, prompting some to be startled, frightened, troubled and doubting. As He proceeds to reveal Himself to them, showing them His hands and feet, we read that they struggled to believe Him because of their joy and amazement. As the chapter comes to a close we see the resurrected Christ opening their minds to understand the scriptures that spoke of Him. After having followed Him out of the city to Bethany and worshiping Him, following His ascension, they return to Jerusalem with great joy. Men still experience a host of emotions when they consider the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Perplexity, terrified, nonsensical, excitement, anticipation, marvel, sadness, startled, frightened, troubled, doubts and amazement. And those who come to know Him through divine revelation continue, as the first did, to feel great joy. Praise God for the joy of knowing the truth of Christ and His resurrection.
It was a day filled with various thoughts and emotions. Luke's Gospel account tells us that those who were first to visit the tomb after Jesus had risen were "perplexed" when they found His body not there. These women, as they are identified, are then "terrified" and bow their faces to the ground as two men "stand near them in dazzling clothing". Arguably some of the greatest words ever heard are then spoken to the women by these "two men". "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen." It could be argued that herein lies the heart of the Christian's hope. An empty tomb and and a risen Christ. The women then return and report what they had seen and heard to the 11 apostles and "the rest". The majority of those hearing their report appear to think the news nonsensical. We then see Peter, with apparent excitement and anticipation, get up and run to the tomb to do his own investigation of the matter. Peter also witnesses an empty tomb and upon seeing only the linen wrappings left behind, he returns to his home "marveling at what had happened". As Luke's account continues we see Jesus appearing to the two men traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The text tells us that Jesus began walking with the two men, His identity kept from them, and that He asks them of that which they had been discussing when He approached them. We read that the two men stood there "looking sad" and that they were surprised that this man, unknown to them to be the One they were talking about, appeared to be unaware of the events that had transpired in Jerusalem that were the basis of their sadness. Later, their sadness would turn to joy when Jesus revealed Himself to them "in the breaking of the bread" and they would return to Jerusalem to report their experience to the eleven apostles and the others gathered together. While giving their testimony to the group, Jesus appears in their midst, prompting some to be startled, frightened, troubled and doubting. As He proceeds to reveal Himself to them, showing them His hands and feet, we read that they struggled to believe Him because of their joy and amazement. As the chapter comes to a close we see the resurrected Christ opening their minds to understand the scriptures that spoke of Him. After having followed Him out of the city to Bethany and worshiping Him, following His ascension, they return to Jerusalem with great joy. Men still experience a host of emotions when they consider the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Perplexity, terrified, nonsensical, excitement, anticipation, marvel, sadness, startled, frightened, troubled, doubts and amazement. And those who come to know Him through divine revelation continue, as the first did, to feel great joy. Praise God for the joy of knowing the truth of Christ and His resurrection.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 23rd chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23&version=NASB
Pilate was the first to declare it. "I find no guilt in this man" he said as he addressed the chief priests and the crowd of people regarding Jesus. Learning that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction Pilate then sent Jesus to be questioned by him. Later Pilate says a second time that he finds no guilt in Jesus and asserts that neither had Herod. The text tells us that Herod and Pilate became friends that day although they had previously been enemies. It is at least implied that what brought them together was their mutual finding that in Jesus their was no guilt. Contrary to His accusers, Pilate proclaimed that Jesus had done nothing worthy of the death sentence they desired. Although Pilate would soon succumb to the wishes of the people as they cried out for His crucifixion, his assertions were quite accurate. He had found no guilt in Jesus because there was simply no guilt to be found. Not just a guilt that might be worthy of death but no guilt at all. As His crucifixion plays out, this truth continues to be seen. One of the two thieves being crucified with Jesus also speaks of it when he tells the other thief that the two of them were suffering justly for their deeds "but this man has done nothing wrong". And while observing Jesus breath His last breath before "giving" His life a ransom for many, the centurion overseeing the crucifixion proclaimed, "Certainly this man was innocent." Yes, the Son of Man was innocent and had done nothing worthy of death. There was no guilt found in Him. But unknown to Pilate, Herod, the thief and the centurion, was another truth. The One who had no guilt in Himself would bear all of my guilt and all of theirs. Yes, Pilate would succumb to the will of men but they would all succumb to the will of God.
Pilate was the first to declare it. "I find no guilt in this man" he said as he addressed the chief priests and the crowd of people regarding Jesus. Learning that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction Pilate then sent Jesus to be questioned by him. Later Pilate says a second time that he finds no guilt in Jesus and asserts that neither had Herod. The text tells us that Herod and Pilate became friends that day although they had previously been enemies. It is at least implied that what brought them together was their mutual finding that in Jesus their was no guilt. Contrary to His accusers, Pilate proclaimed that Jesus had done nothing worthy of the death sentence they desired. Although Pilate would soon succumb to the wishes of the people as they cried out for His crucifixion, his assertions were quite accurate. He had found no guilt in Jesus because there was simply no guilt to be found. Not just a guilt that might be worthy of death but no guilt at all. As His crucifixion plays out, this truth continues to be seen. One of the two thieves being crucified with Jesus also speaks of it when he tells the other thief that the two of them were suffering justly for their deeds "but this man has done nothing wrong". And while observing Jesus breath His last breath before "giving" His life a ransom for many, the centurion overseeing the crucifixion proclaimed, "Certainly this man was innocent." Yes, the Son of Man was innocent and had done nothing worthy of death. There was no guilt found in Him. But unknown to Pilate, Herod, the thief and the centurion, was another truth. The One who had no guilt in Himself would bear all of my guilt and all of theirs. Yes, Pilate would succumb to the will of men but they would all succumb to the will of God.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 22nd chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22&version=NASB
The grace that we find in the resurrected Christ is a wonder and truth that believers glory in and stand in awe of. As I read today's chapter I was struck by the graciousness displayed by the Lord Jesus as He met with His disciples to partake of the last Passover meal with them before His crucifixion. Rightfully so, we often concentrate our thoughts on how much Jesus meant to His disciples. But relationships are two-way and I think His disciples meant much to Him. We read today that Jesus "earnestly desired" to eat the Passover with the apostles before He suffered. They were special to Him. He had spent hours upon hours with them. He taught them. He spoke with them. He prayed with them. He listened to them. He ate with them, He walked miles together with them. He ministered alongside them. In both His deity and His humanity they had come to mean much to Him. He knew that within a few hours they would all fall away from Him and that Peter would deny that he even knew Him. And yet he earnestly desired to eat the Passover meal with them. He would wash their feet we read in John's Gospel and then He would take them away to pray with Him. Luke records this gracious comment made by the Lord to His apostles this same night. "You are those who have stood by Me in My trials". I found this incredible. Despite His knowledge of the past and future shortcomings of each of them, He would acknowledge them as having been those who had stood by Him in His trials. I don't know that any of them would have known their importance to Him at those times of trial, but He had. I suppose that we can learn a great lesson from this as we remember that each one that the Father has given Him are precious to Him.
The grace that we find in the resurrected Christ is a wonder and truth that believers glory in and stand in awe of. As I read today's chapter I was struck by the graciousness displayed by the Lord Jesus as He met with His disciples to partake of the last Passover meal with them before His crucifixion. Rightfully so, we often concentrate our thoughts on how much Jesus meant to His disciples. But relationships are two-way and I think His disciples meant much to Him. We read today that Jesus "earnestly desired" to eat the Passover with the apostles before He suffered. They were special to Him. He had spent hours upon hours with them. He taught them. He spoke with them. He prayed with them. He listened to them. He ate with them, He walked miles together with them. He ministered alongside them. In both His deity and His humanity they had come to mean much to Him. He knew that within a few hours they would all fall away from Him and that Peter would deny that he even knew Him. And yet he earnestly desired to eat the Passover meal with them. He would wash their feet we read in John's Gospel and then He would take them away to pray with Him. Luke records this gracious comment made by the Lord to His apostles this same night. "You are those who have stood by Me in My trials". I found this incredible. Despite His knowledge of the past and future shortcomings of each of them, He would acknowledge them as having been those who had stood by Him in His trials. I don't know that any of them would have known their importance to Him at those times of trial, but He had. I suppose that we can learn a great lesson from this as we remember that each one that the Father has given Him are precious to Him.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 21st chapter of the Book of Luke. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+21&version=NASB
As I read the 21st chapter of Luke's Gospel today I could not help but think of how blessed I am, that by "His doing", I am "in Christ". As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have so much to be thankful for. As the recipients of His lavished grace we have been forgiven of our sins. We have been made to be the children of God, joint heirs with Jesus, members of His body, the Church and members, one of another with a heavenly promise. Yes, to be granted to know the mystery of the Lord Jesus Christ is a wondrous thing! In knowing Him and being secure in Him we need not fear the future events that Jesus speaks of in today's chapter in Luke. Starting in verse 25 we see Jesus foretelling a time when, "There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Safe and secure in our Savior, the body of Christ will not experience the "dismay among the nations", not be "in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and waves" and their will be no "fainting from fear" for the believer in Christ. As the song says, "Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! Oh glorious victory, that overcomes the world".
As I read the 21st chapter of Luke's Gospel today I could not help but think of how blessed I am, that by "His doing", I am "in Christ". As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have so much to be thankful for. As the recipients of His lavished grace we have been forgiven of our sins. We have been made to be the children of God, joint heirs with Jesus, members of His body, the Church and members, one of another with a heavenly promise. Yes, to be granted to know the mystery of the Lord Jesus Christ is a wondrous thing! In knowing Him and being secure in Him we need not fear the future events that Jesus speaks of in today's chapter in Luke. Starting in verse 25 we see Jesus foretelling a time when, "There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Safe and secure in our Savior, the body of Christ will not experience the "dismay among the nations", not be "in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and waves" and their will be no "fainting from fear" for the believer in Christ. As the song says, "Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! Oh glorious victory, that overcomes the world".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)