Jesus

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THE RIGHT GLUE

  (Jesus prays for us in John 17:26) “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

(John 15:17) This is my command: love each other.

 As a woodworker, I have found that when connecting pieces of wood together, the glue is important.  Screws and nails can be removed, but the right glue never lets go.  Selecting the right glue then, is important.

When people get together, there is only one glue that produces a permanent bond.  That glue is Love.  Jesus prays that the love that bonds him and the Father would be the love that joins us to them.  Now that’s the right glue.  Our permanent bond with our God is love.  God first loved us that we might return that love to him.  The love that Jesus brought into the world can now make a strong connection between us and our creator.

The bonding qualities of love grow stronger over time to the point that love overflow to others.  In other words, sharing love with God gives us the ability to follow Jesus’ command to love each other.  I’m encouraged to keep this in mind as our Christmas Celebration continues, first to worship and commune with my Heavenly Father building a stronger love connection, and then to share that love with others.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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  CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

With the advent of Christmas, we celebrate the greatest event that ever happened on the earth:  God entering time and taking on human flesh.  He spent time as one of us.  He walked beside us, and with his eventual death and resurrection, brought new and eternal life for all who would receive him.  This is worthy of celebration.  No other event on earth has stirred the hearts of men to such joyous celebration.  People all-over the earth celebrate this wondrous occasion.

Our Joining in celebration helps us to focus on something bigger than our individual lives; something more real than the temporal.  Celebration sets a mood of happiness and oneness.  I remember singing in a community choir.  The usual human difficulties were present during rehearsals, but when the performance came, we were a unit of celebration.  Our hearts were lifted.  We experienced a oneness of joy and delight.

God delights when we enter into celebration.  The angels celebrated that first night when Jesus was born, and we have ever since celebrated with them.  Let us continue the celebration of Jesus’ birth and the wonder of God’s plan for our salvation begun that glorious night.

                   A promise has been fulfilled.

                   A reclamation for all the earth

                   A virgin has brought forth child.

                   A most miraculous birth

                   A prophesy from ancient times

                   A hope that’s now achieved.

                   A salvation to be realized

                   A redemption for Adam’s seed.

God bless you and have a Merry Christmas celebration!

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MINISTRY – FOR GOD OR WITH GOD

(Matthew 11:28-30) Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

(John 15:5) I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

People often ask, “What are you doing for God?”  Perhaps the proper response to this question would be, “Do you mean what am I doing with God?”  Doing something for God puts us in charge, and the full wait is then on our shoulders.  We like to be in charge, but that’s not how it works with God.  He gives us a ministry and leads us through the daily fulfilling of that ministry.  He doesn’t expect us to do it on our own.  John reminds us that Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

Months ago one of my beloved granddaughters and her fiancé came to me and asked if I would perform their wedding ceremony.  I was honored by their request and delighted to do it.  However, as the day approached, the weight of performing this wedding ceremony began to weigh heavy on my shoulders.  The importance of the marriage ceremony, and its significance in this young couple’s life loomed heavily before me.  I became overly stressed.  It wasn’t until the wedding day came that, through desperate prayer, I finally realized that Jesus and I would be doing this together.  Oh, how this lightened the load.  Jesus and I did a fine job, and the ceremony went well.

Looking back, I recognize how I had let the responsibility of the task almost steel the joy of the moment.  Jesus had to rescue me, again.  You’d think I’d learn.  There is unmeasurable value in the words of Jesus.  This is a truth I know so well, yet I can all too easily forget this in the process of daily life. 

So, I am again reminded that whatever the task we face, Jesus is right beside us; we are yoked together, sharing the load, doing it with God.

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THE UNSEARCHABLE MIND OF GOD

(Romans 11:33-36) Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!  How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out!  Who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has been his counselor?  Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?  For from him and through him and for him are all things.  To him be the glory forever! Amen.

As we read this statement made by the Apostle Paul, we are given the opportunity to stand in awe of the God we serve, and to recognize how far he surpasses our understanding.  Paul gives us a clear perception of our God.  

When I address God in prayer, I sometimes think I’m being too familiar.  I know God wants to be personal with his children, yet I’m talking to the creator of the universe.  This passage helps me to gain a better perspective and be in a more reverent place as I speak to God.

When people say things like, “why did God let this happen to me?”  I have only one answer, “I don’t know”.  Who can explain all that God does, or what God allows?  The scriptures lead us to know that he has an overall plan to bring about an eternal kingdom for those who love him and are called according to his purpose.  How the individual events of our lives are part of this is unknown to us. Only God knows.  His ways are not our ways. 

What God is doing far exceeds our ability to understand.  We surrender our way of thinking to his infinite wisdom and knowledge.  In some ways this is comforting.  Who would want to serve a god who didn’t know more than they themselves?  Our comfort rests in our faith – faith that trusts in his love for us.    To him be the glory forever!

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LIGHT

(Genesis 1:1-4)  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.  And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

The first thing God brought to the earth was light.  Light, as the scientists tell us, is a combination of waves of energy and particles called photons.  This combination of energy waves and particles is still somewhat of a mystery.  God, who spoke light into existence, could easily explain it, but science is still working on it.

The word light is used 232 times across both the old and new testaments.  It is used to describe illumination and metaphorically to contrast with the darkness in our souls.  In 1 Timothy 6:16 we are told that God lives in unapproachable light.  The Apostle Paul was called to be a light to the non-Jewish gentiles (Acts 13:47), and we, God’s children, are called to be a light to those around us, and collectively we are called to be light to the world (Matthew 5:15&16).

The Apostle John in the first chapter of his gospel uses the idea of light to describe Jesus’ advent as the light sent to bring light to the world.  (John 1:4&5) In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  Jesus brought us life and clarity by shining light on sin, and then he died that we might have the victory over sin and no longer live in darkness.

(Revelation 22:5)  There will be no more night.  They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.  And they will reign for ever and ever.

 In the beginning light was given, and at the conclusion of the first creation, we will move on to the new heaven and new earth and live in God’s eternal light forever.  The darkness will be gone.  Our future will always be filled with light.   

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FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT

(1 John 4:15&16) If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

The Bible tells us why we are here and how we came about.  God created us.  God is presented to us in the scriptures as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God with three aspects or parts.  God created the entire physical realm in which we exist.  He is all powerful, all knowing, and omnipresent.  We are the crown of His creation, given charge to take care of the earth.  Yet, how do we relate to this amazing being.  

As Father, God takes on the position of authority.  He is the head.  He is our provider and protector.  God the Father is who we look to for help in our time of need.  With love and mercy, He corrects us and turns us to the right path.  Sometimes, He allows the consequences of our choices to teach us.  He is the perfect father.  The scriptures point out that God is slow to anger and abounding in love.  I’m glad that my Father has these two attributes. 

God the son came to earth and became one of us.  He walked through this life as we do.  He taught us many lessons to show us how we should live.  He lived as we live and suffered as we suffer.  The Son was given the name Jesus meaning God saves, and He did just that.  He gave his life to redeem us.  Through his death and resurrection, he purchased for us eternal life.  Jesus is our oldest brother, and He loves us. He is now in heaven interceding for us.

The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, indwells those of us who have believed in Jesus and accepted his redemption.  The Holy Spirit lives within us and counsels us, teaches us, and leads us in righteousness.  The fact that the Holy Spirit lives in us amazes me.  No other relationship is more personal.

I believe God has shown us exactly how He wants us to relate to him Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I think God is more complex than the three aspects he shares with us, but these aspects present the most personal interaction we can understand.  He takes care of us as our Father, loves us as our Brother, and through the Holy Spirit connects with us on a deep spiritual level.  God created us to love us.   His underlying characteristic is love.

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BEING AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS

(Philippians 4:9) Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.

Acts 9:1-19 tells the story of Saul’s conversion.  From there, he went on to bring the words of Jesus to many lost souls. Thousands were drawn into the kingdom of God.  After many years of ministry, he wound up a prisoner in Rome for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, as he became known, was able to confidently say these words to the people of the church he started in Philippi.  Here we are two thousand years later reading these words that give us direction and a distinct challenge.

As a Christian, when I read this verse it sends me into reflection.  The obvious questions I ask myself, “Could I say these words to anybody; should I be able to say these words to anybody?”  I have the New Testament which reveals to me the teaching of Jesus, what he said I should do, and how I should live out my life as a child of God, yet I know my life still falls short of fully following his teachings.  Paul not only knew Jesus’ teaching, but he also knew the battle that we wage against our sinful nature.  (See Romans chapter 7)

In Philippians chapter 3 verses 10-12 Paul makes this statement, “I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining the resurrection from the dead.  Not that I have already attained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

Jesus has taught me to love others, to forgive them, and be patient with them.  Trusting him and being content with his provision makes me a kinder more relaxed person.  However, I have not followed these lessons completely. The writers of the Bible have done their jobs in leading me to Jesus and teaching me his ways to the point that living in the Spirit is my heart’s desire, but the sinful nature is always waiting to trip me up.  Fortunately, the Holy Spirit gives me power to resist temptation, and my love for Jesus strengthens me. 

I’m ever improving as I follow Jesus.  I believe all of God’s children fit into the ever improving but not yet perfected category.  I guess we are all the not yet perfected examples of what it’s like to be a child of God.

 Could I say the words that Paul said to the Philippians?  Well, I’d rather just walk side by side as a brother in Christ, then to say follow my example.  Nonetheless, if someone wants to follow me, they will find me seeking the ways of Jesus, because that’s my goal. 

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PRAYING WITH OUR BROTHER JESUS

(Matthew 6:9-13) Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

When Jesus came to earth to save us, his prayers were always addressed to his Father.  When he taught his disciples to pray, he started them with “Our Father”.  In that prayer there is an intimacy in the word “our” that I hadn’t noticed before.  When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we are praying to our Father with our brother Jesus.

Paul tells us in Romans 8:29, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first born among many brothers and sisters.”  Our savior is also our oldest brother.  We are God’s children.  When we pray “Our Father” we are praying with our Brother Jesus who taught us to pray.

We are not abandoned; we are included. We belong to an eternal family with God as our Father and Jesus our brother.  There is a closeness available to us through Jesus that is offered by our Father because he loves us, and he has chosen us to be his. 

On the day we go to be with our Father God and our Brother Jesus, our place within the family will be fully understood.  I don’t think we can completely comprehend this now, but be of good cheer knowing that we are included.  Our prayers are supported and encouraged by Jesus the one who taught us to pray “Our Father”.

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THE SOLUTION FOR OUR SINS

(1 John 1:8-10 and 2:1-2) If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.  My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

As one who has been walking with the Lord for some time, I find myself often falling short of the glory of God, which is sin.  I also find myself much more aware of my short comings as I get closer to the Lord.  Any actions which are not loving, patient, or kind are sins, since they fall short of the Glory of God.  Unfortunately, these are actions which often occur in my daily life.  What hope would I have if not for Jesus and the grace he paid such a dear price to provide for me?

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus instructs us to ask Our Father to forgive us of our sins (see Mathew 6:8-13).  I need to pray this prayer daily.  There are times when my sin is more willful and obvious.  Then my prayer is more specific, and my heart more deeply repentant.

 I love my Father, and he loves me.  He has, through his grace, provided me with this relationship, and it is in the context of this relationship that I can deal with sin.

In this life, sin is something with which we must constantly contend.  As God’s children we have been forgiven for our past sins, and we are being continually forgiven for our present and future sins because God is faithful.  All we have to do is ask.

We needed a way to overcome our sins.  Jesus came, and he gave us the solution for our sins by becoming the ransom for our sins.  He covered all the sins that have been and will be committed by all people from the beginning of the world to the end.   Those who receive him are granted his gift of forgiveness, and they will be set free from their debt of sin, declared righteous, and granted eternal life.  God’s love for us is amazingly wonderful.

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JESUS – HUMBLE SAVIOR, MIGHTY WARRIOR

 (Matthew 28:18) Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

In Revelations chapter 5, Jesus is called the Lamb of God, and he is also called the Lion of the tribe of Judah.  Now a lamb is a humble defenseless animal, whereas the lion is a ferocious king of the beasts. We have these two examples because God created them that we might understand the various aspects of his Son. 

When Jesus came to earth some two thousand years ago, he healed the sick, raised the dead, walked on water, casted out demons, and gave many other supernatural signs.  He taught the people and cared for them.  He did not wipe out all evil with a mighty hand.  He came as the Lamb of God and humbled himself allowing men to take his life on the cross.  Then God raised him from the dead.  His death and resurrection fulfilled his purpose for coming.  He paid the debt we all owed for our sins and set us free from the law of sin and death.

Jesus is coming back. This time he will come with a different purpose.  At his second coming, he will come as the Lion.  In Revelations chapter 19, we can read what that will be like.  Jesus will bring the long awaited for and patiently withheld judgement of God.  Those who have put their trust in Jesus and received his redemption will go on to eternal life. Those who have continued to indulge evil will be judged for their sins.  At that time Satin and his followers will be handed their final defeat.

Jesus the Lamb of God and Humble Savior came to spread God’s love and mercy to his created ones.  Jesus the Lion of the tribe of Judah and Mighty Warrior will come to bring God’s judgement to those who have rejected his love and mercy.  We shouldn’t take Jesus too lightly.  He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  It’s not too late to accept the offer of salvation he brought to us as our Humble Savior.  For those who have chosen to reject his offer, they will face him as the Mighty Warrior.