August 8, 2020 -- John 5:46-47 -- Beauty

For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?

John 5:46-47 English Standard Version

How old is the earth? Approximately 5780 years old. Count up the genealogies in the Old Testament and major historical events by their dates and this is what you arrive at.

When did cancer and sickness and death enter creation? God made the heavens and the earth and all of creation was declared good. When Adam and Eve rebelled against God then they brought death and judgment into the world. So, there was no cancer, no death before the Fall into sin

Dinosaur bones have marks of cancer on them, didn’t the dinosaurs live millions of years before Adam and Eve? No they did not. Dinosaurs, along with all land-dwelling creatures were created on the sixth day of creation. Dinosaurs and humans walked together on the earth. Dinosaur bones show signs of cancer because of the Fall.

All of us, as we examine the world around us, have a frame of reference, a point of view, or a bias against which we weigh all the information we take in. Jesus clearly gave to His followers His frame of reference: God created the heavens and the earth in six days and on the seventh day He created the Sabbath as a delight and a day of rest. This is what Moses wrote in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. If we believe Moses, what Moses wrote in the Pentateuch we have the same frame of reference as Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of God inspired Moses to write the first five books of the Bible. The Son of God was there, at creation, and it is recorded that by Him and through Him all things were created. Jesus the Incarnate One, testified if anyone believes the writings of Moses, then they will believe in Jesus Christ—Who is the confirmation and the fulfillment of those writings. Jesus was not ignorant of science. He was not a backwards bumpkin unaware of the intricacies of God’s handiwork. He affirmed creation. He knew the smallest atom and the greatest nurseries of stars are God’s handiwork. It is the glory of God to conceal things and the glory of kings to seek them out (Proverbs 25:2). What a glorious God we serve!

When we contemplate the marvels of creation and the beauty God has packed into this world, it makes sense we break out into a hymn of praise. Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote the poem “Pied Beauty”. It is quoted below. There are some odd words, I have included a definition for some of them. There are accents, which we are not used to seeing in our language, which are used for emphasis when reading out loud. This particular poem was likely written in 1877 or so, but not published until 1918, about 20 years after his death. Enjoy.

Glory be to God for dappled things –

   For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;

      For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;

Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;

   Landscape plotted and pieced – fold, fallow, and plough;

      And áll trádes, their gear and tackle and trim.

All things counter, original, spare, strange;

   Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)

      With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;

He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:

                                Praise him.

dappled means spotted or having patches

brinded means patchy or streaked patterns

stipple means with dots and specks

The heavens declare Your glory, O God. The earth is filled with Your majesty, God of Mighty Power. Who will not praise You, O King of kings and LORD of Lords?! Thank You for revealing Yourself in Your Word—the written word and the Living Word Jesus our Savior. Thank You, God of splendor, for the work of Your Spirit Who reveals You to us so that our hearts sing, our minds have much to contemplate and our souls find their richest comfort and reward in knowing and serving You. Let the knowledge of Your Name reach to the ends of the earth, draw many sons and daughters to Yourself in love so that Your praises will echo and rebound across the earth. Amen.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Let+all+things+now+living&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dLet%2ball%2bthings%2bnow%2bliving%26qs%3dn%26form%3dQBRE%26sp%3d-1%26pq%3dlet%2ball%2bthings%2bnow%2b%26sc%3d6-19%26sk%3d%26cvid%3d3C390F02C6A34D1DB247E6F5FD863B06&view=detail&mid=5E382570FA23F1234A005E382570FA23F1234A00&&FORM=VDRVRV

August 7, 2020 -- Joshua 24:15 -- Setting the Course

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15 English Standard Version

Choose this day whom you will serve. As your feet hit the floor, reconfirm the decision to honour God by your words and your actions, the way you treat others and the response you give when others mistreat you. Set the course of your day every morning and make adjustments through-out the day to confirm your commitment to serve the LORD, to honor Him in all things.

We are infected by the culture around us. How many of us welcome strangers into our homes (Hebrews 13:2) as was commanded? How many of us are advocating for prisoners, who through this whole Covid-19 have been denied basic human rights: family visits, spiritual care, even in some cases access to mail sent to them?! If not advocating for prisoners, how about remembering them—in urgent prayer as Hebrews 13:3 commands. Is the marriage bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). Adultery is common in our culture. Celebrated even. How sad. So many of our churches have been torn apart by unfaithfulness. Are you guarding your eyes and examining your heart so that you continually choose to serve the LORD in all your thoughts and actions? This current crisis has led to the government giving away billions and billions of dollars in Covid-19 relief. And now it is evident many people have taken this money who were not eligible for it. No doubt many Christians who were not eligible for this money have also taken it. We are called to keep our lives free from the love of money (Hebrews 13:5). How many Christians spend vast amounts of time dreaming about retirement or hoarding money, or buying up lottery tickets, rather than giving generously for the work of Jesus as is the command of the Word?

If we, with Joshua and many saints through-out the ages, declare but as for me and my house we will serve the LORD how often do we examine our own commitments to Him? The church is not a sanctuary for saints who never sin, it is a hospital for hopeful people who knowing their great sinfulness turn to Jesus Christ again and again. Broken, weary, ruined, wounded Christians who re-affirm their desire to serve Jesus turn to Him again and again and find in Him their great reward. When we, together, affirm this day me and my household will serve the LORD, the healing of Jesus Christ rolls like an incoming tide across our parched land.

John Newton, who near the end of his life penned the well-loved hymn “Amazing Grace” wrote:

Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly:

I am a great sinner and

Christ is a great Savior.

Indeed, when we daily commit to declaring As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD we are setting the course of our days and the whole direction of our lives in Jesus Christ Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Spirit of the Living God, show us where our lives are swerving from dedicated and true service to the LORD. Spirit of God, strengthen us to confess it, to confront our patterns and to commitment ourselves anew in our declaration as for me and my house we will serve the LORD. Thank You, King Jesus, for Your great saving work. Thank You Jesus, our Savior and LORD, for disarming the devil and his accusations and giving us life. Thank You, Father in heaven, that it was Your great and glorious purpose to seek and save those who were lost. Triune God, blessed and mighty, great is your grace and vast is Your love. Honor and glory, praise and dominion belong to You now and forever more. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx6hGFIEjz8

August 6, 2020 -- John 5:45-46 -- Proficiency in The Word

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.

John 5:45-46 English Standard Version

One thing is becoming clear to me as I learn French-there is a great distinction between hearing and understanding versus forming sentences and speaking in such a way as to make yourself understood. One, the former, is more passive. The other is active and requires a good vocabulary, an ability to seamlessly blend grammar rules and correct verb forms and noun and pronoun agreements as well as still pronouncing the words correctly and not slipping into English pronunciation of French words. To gain proficiency in French requires work. One must constantly read. One must constantly rehearse. One must constantly practice.

It seems the Jewish people of Jesus’s day knew the Old Testament passively. They knew the words. But they did not constantly practice them. They did not rehearse them with the expectation of seeing the One Who would be the fulfilment of them. When Jesus appeared, they were unprepared. Though they held Moses in high regard—the completely missed the point of Moses’ message—to recognize the final Prophet—Jesus Christ. The whole Old Testament refers to Him.

In your study of the Bible, are you becoming proficient in recognizing Jesus Christ? Are you learning Who He is and articulating His greatness, explaining why you believe so that others understand? We are called to believe in Jesus Christ and we are to declare Him. Moses wrote of Jesus. The disciples, followers of Jesus told of Him. We are Christians called to hear and obey Him. We hold out Good News to a world that is Covid-19 panicked, lost in its unbelief and unable to save itself.

Are you constantly reading the Bible in order to know Jesus better? Are you constantly rehearsing His promises and living with the expectation that Jesus will soon appear with all His holy ones? Are you explaining to the people around you, especially in these confusing Covid-19 times, why you are following Jesus and have every confidence for the future which is bound up in Him? Are you constantly practicing what Jesus commanded so that what you believe is being worked into every part of your life and evil has no foothold?

Blessed Jesus, the Living Word, You are Great and Beautiful to contemplate. By the presence of Your Spirit in us, help us to know You better. Spirit of Truth, let the written word burn into our hearts a vibrant and glorious understanding of Jesus, the Living Word. Prompt us to seize every opportunity to speak of Him, defend Him before this world—a world of people who have so many false ideas of Him. Give us a holy and joy-filled fluency in speaking of You Jesus! Father in heaven, may Your purposes for us be accomplished as we bless and honour Your Name by serving Jesus, Whom You sent as Your Interpreter and Radiance of Your Glory. Amen.

August 5, 2020 -- John 5:37-40 -- Stuttering or Fluent Faith

And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

John 5:37-40 English Standard Version

One of the common questions around here, in New Brunswick where I live, is this Do you speak French? When I was in High School in Ontario, I took French classes. For some reason I thought my French would be ready to spring into action the moment I needed it. Yeah, no. When I mention to people around here that I am being tutored in French, they speak the one or two sentences they know in French. It is the upper limit of their ability to express themselves. When confronted with a man who speaks French, my inadequacy in the language is immediately apparent. Embarrassingly, when I respond to someone who claims to speak French and their ability to speak French is even less than mine, there is an immediate awkwardness. The proof, or lack thereof, is in the speaking.

Jesus is making this point with regards to our knowledge of Him. The people in front of Him claim to be spiritual. They claim to search the Bible. They claim they know God. Yet, when Jesus, Who is God and was sent by the Father, stood before them they had no clue as to His identity. They were unable to understand the message, the Word from heaven! Jesus was with the Father from eternity (John 1:18). Jesus was sent by the Father (John 3:16). Jesus was the long-promised One, Whom the Old Testament writers, inspired by the Spirit of God spoke of, promised, prophesied concerning and longed for. If the people in front of Jesus were really as proficient in the Bible as they claimed, they would be receiving Jesus, delighting in Him and blessing their Father in heaven.

It is the same today. There are lots of people who claim to know the language of heaven. They claim they know the Bible. But their inadequacies are expressed and obvious the moment they are questioned in any way about Who Jesus Is. He is the Word of God. He is the One Who has eternal life. He is the One Who makes the Father known. He is the One in Whom we find our soul’s greatest joy.

Our prayer today is from Jeremiah

Learn not the way of the nations,

nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens

because the nations are dismayed at them,

for the customs of the peoples are vanity.

A tree from the forest is cut down

and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman.

They decorate it with silver and gold;

they fasten it with hammer and nails

so that it cannot move.

Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field,

and they cannot speak;

they have to be carried,

for they cannot walk.

Do not be afraid of them,

for they cannot do evil,

neither can they do good.

There is none like you, O LORD;

You are great and Your Name is great in might.

Who would not fear You, O King of the nations?

For this is Your due;

for among all the wise of the nations

and in all their kingdoms

there is none like You. Amen.

Jeremiah 10:1b-7 English Standard Version

August 4, 2020 -- John 5:35-36b -- White hot service all for Jesus

He [John the Baptist] was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John.

John 5:35-36a English Standard Version

Who is it that “makes your liver quiver”? Perhaps you are a fan of David Platt and his sermons. Maybe you like the dynamism of Paul Washer and the way you leave his preaching, worn out and convicted. Voddie Baucham, from whom I draw the expression “makes your liver quiver” might be the mellifluous preacher of your choice. It is so easy to chase after this preacher or that speaker or want to drink in all the teachings of another missionary-evangelist. Note carefully the compliment Jesus gave concerning His cousin John and the qualifier.

Jesus acknowledged the powerful preaching of John the Baptist. What a great description: a burning and shining lamp. He was white hot and bright in his preaching. People flocked to him. They traveled a great distance to bask in his light. Remember well, the earlier teaching of the Gospel of John. John the Baptist, when Jesus was gaining popularity, greater than his own, rejoiced and said: “He must increase, I must decrease.” It was for this reason Jesus affirmed the work of John. John the Baptist knew his work was to point people to Jesus Christ.

The qualifier Jesus gave is the testimony I have is great than that of John. Fickle as we are, too often we just want a preacher to tickle our ears and make us tingle for a while. We are all about the experience. John the Baptist pointed people to Jesus. John the Baptist pointed people to the one who is greater, in Whom there is forgiveness—remember he declared: “Look, [there is Jesus] the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). John the Baptist declared he rejoiced to hear the Bridegroom’s voice, that is, Jesus’s voice.

The testimony of Jesus is greater because He is the Only One in Whom there is forgiveness of sins.

The testimony of Jesus is greater because He is the Only One Who reveals the Father perfectly.

The testimony of Jesus is greater because He is Only Way, Truth and Life—no one can reach the One True God without Him.

The testimony of Jesus is greater than all because the Father sent Him, the Spirit bears continual witness to Him and the Bible speaks of Him alone as the Interpreter of Who God Is.

If the preacher, teacher, leader, evangelist, speaker or missionary you are listening to does not leave you with a greater love for Jesus and a deeper desire to follow Him—then run. Go find a real burning and shining lamp—one whose only desire is to make Jesus known.

Blessed Jesus, as You taught "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” help us to live, grow, learn that glorious truth and invite others into relationship with You. Blessed Jesus, thank You that You bring us into relationship with our Father in heaven. Blessed Jesus, thank You for the Spirit poured out Who leads us into greater understanding of the Bible and deeper, fervent, shining love for You. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhhYIZJj6rk

August 2, 2020 -- John 5:28-29 -- Resurrection Life Now

Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

John 5:28 English Standard Version

What is the good that we must do? What is the good that demonstrates we are those who will rise up in Christ to resurrection life that will stretch into eternity? The greatest good we must do is this: believe Jesus is the Son sent by the Father. Our work is to believe in Him. There is an immediate result that will happen in consequence of that decision. The one who believes in Jesus will be led by the Spirit to love God with all we have and all we are and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.

Can anyone do this perfectly? No. We are aware that even our best works and sweetest intentions are tainted with evil. However, it is the accomplished work of Jesus Christ applied to us which lifts us from doing evil works that will be judged to becoming those whose works are credited to Jesus’s account.

Recently I was watching someone explain to her friends she was on a diet. She was counting calories and intended to lose a lot of weight. As she went back to the buffet for a third helping, the raised eyebrows of her friends prompted her to note, okay, today at the buffet I’ve used up my calories count for every day into next week. It is a sad joke with a poignant point. That woman wanted to be slimmer, but she did not believe she would ever be slimmer. What she did flowed from her commitment to remaining heavy.

What we do flows out of us based on what we think. If we believe ourselves to be children of the Lord of Heaven and Earth, then our actions, our words and the ways we restrain ourselves in obedience to Jesus will reflect our deep commitment to Him. Those are the commitments and the actions of believers who do good.

Blessed Jesus we honour You and praise You as the One Who perfectly revealed the Father. We bless You, Father in heaven, for Your persistent grace and love. We bless You, Spirit of Truth, for leading us in the way of Jesus Christ. Triune God, transform our will and our thoughts so that we will find all our delight in glorifying You and delighting in Your forever. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0gu0nOaFsI

August 1, 2020 -- John 5:25 -- Jesus the Firstfruit of the Great Harvest

Truly, truly, I say to you an hour is coming and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

John 5:25 English Standard Version

When you read through John’s Gospel, you will see the expression “the hour” quite frequently. It is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. Already before there was a creation it was the design of our Father in heaven to seek and save sinners (Ephesians 1:3-5). Just stop and think about that for a minute. The hour is the unfolding of that salvation plan, fulfilled when at the cross Jesus declared: “it is finished”! No more could our sins be held against us by the devil. We have a Redeemer-King Who triumphed over the devil, over sin, over the grave and even over death itself.

The resurrection of Jesus Himself is proof enough that Jesus is trustworthy and true. However, He added another sign—the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. This was fulfilled in part when at Jesus’ death, “…behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs were also opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. (Matthew 27:51-53). Can you imagine, hearing Jesus was raised from the dead, rumours of His great resurrection, and then seeing your father, who had died, standing there raised from the dead?!

Jesus is the firstfruits—He is the sign of a great harvest of believers raised from the dead and brought to life (I Corinthians 15:23). By the way, this is why those raised from the dead did not appear until Jesus Himself appeared raised from dead—they were those who were proof and evidence of His resurrection, the confirmation of His glory and the fulfilment of sign promised in our text today. Even more than this, they are the evidence that in Jesus’ victory over sin, death and the grave would be applied to saints through successive ages and generations until Jesus Himself appears at the Day of Judgment.

Today, all who hear the voice of Jesus through the reading of the bible and believe because of the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, we are made alive. We are brought already now from death to life. We do not fear death or the grave because Jesus Christ is our life and our resurrection—and in His glorious Name we have a Father in heaven Who keeps us safe. It is our joy and our song to serve God with all we have and all we are.

Blessed Jesus at Your Word, at the sound of Your voice, we are gathered all to hear You. Let our hearts and souls be stirred. You are the joy of our souls and the sure hope anchoring our lives to all that is good and holy. Spirit of the Living God, lead us in the way everlasting. Blessed are You, Triune God, forever blessed and glorious. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhbTXFHv5Uc

July 19, 2020 -- John 5:21 -- The Holy Spirit: the permanent guest

For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.

John 5:21 English Standard Version

Perhaps you have heard this old saying, which is credited to Benjamin Franklin: Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days. Hearing this we might chuckle awkwardly and self-consciously, because we have both been guests and have had guests over to our homes. Basically we can be kind and patient for a limited amount of time and then we are ready to cut loose and be ourselves and when our guests tap-dance on our last nerve we get frayed and snap at them.

Notice what Jesus is promising here. When the Father raises the dead—which He does in Jesus Christ—the Son will raise the dead and give life. In we rise from the deadness of our sin and rise up as a new creation, forgiven and free from the punishment that our sins deserved. Such sins have been fully punished in and on the Person Jesus Christ. So that life He gives us is the very presence of the Holy Spirit.

The very presence of God lives not in our home, but in our most intimate inner self. We can’t keep up appearances with the Spirit. Instead, we will very soon show our weaknesses, our flaws and our defects and our great need for His presence. That is the point. When the Son of God gives us new life, we will see in ourselves all the things that are leading us back to sin, back to the arms of the devil and the gaping maw of hell.

The Spirit of God is not afraid or intimidated or too weak. The Spirit of God is given precisely because we need His help. In order for us to live full-out in salvation, we need to have the worst of ourselves exposed, brought to the healing presence of the Spirit Who cleanses us, every part, from the inside out.

Jesus, Resurrection Power and Life, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We confess how much we want to hide and hold onto our old selves—forgetting that we were on the express trip to sin, hell and heart-ache, and death. Thank You for the new life You bring and guard in us by Your Spirit, the Helper. Blessed are You, Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E

July 18, 2020 - John 5:19 -- Sabbath Delight

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing.

John 5:19 English Standard Version

When taking separately a small strand of scripture, such as this verse, it is easy to forget the context. The broader context is Jesus defending the work of healing a man who had been an invalid for 38 years healing him on the Sabbath. The Jewish leadership was accusing Jesus of working on the Sabbath and so breaking the commandments. If Jesus broke the commandments, then He could not be the Lamb without blemish, the One Who would take away the sin of the world.

In responding to this accusation, we need to understand how Jesus answered. First, Jesus limited Himself to doing exactly what the Father did on the Sabbath. Babies are born on the Sabbath. God brings life, even on the Sabbath. Even as a man who had suffered for 38 years is now experiencing new life, so Jesus does the work He sees His Father doing, giving new life, even on or perhaps especially on the Sabbath.

The Father calls on people to exercise their faith on the Sabbath. This man had to believe Jesus and take Him at His word, trusting that Jesus had truly healed him, whether or not he felt the healing first. Believing in Jesus and believing himself to be healed, he had to get on his feet on his own for the first time in 38 years. The Sabbath is very much like that. We trust our Father in heaven has forgiven us in Christ. We trust our lives are not our own but belong fully to Jesus. By the power of the Spirit we are called to exercise our faith in view of all Jesus has done for us.

The Father is demanding that man’s allegiance is first, last and always to Him. We are not to be bound by regulations which violate our walk with God. We are not to honour culture, taboos and man-made laws where they are in violation of God the Father’s work of bringing new life. The Sabbath was created as a sanctuary in time where believers renew their delight in the Living God.

Blessed Jesus, thank You for Your mighty healing work. Spirit thank You for awakening our faith to all that our Father in heaven has given us in Christ—the Father’s beloved Son, our Saviour. Spirit of God may our lives be lived within the glorious boundary lines of doing only what we know our Father commands us to do. Strengthen us for service in Jesus’ powerful Name and direct us into such service for the sake of bringing to Jesus the glory due Him. Amen.

July 15, 2020 -- John 5:18 -- Knowing King Jesus above the counterfeits

This is why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

John 5:18 English Standard Version

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to know our bible very well and constantly internalize its Truth. A statement such as this disarms so much of the false teaching of our age. Consider for example: Muslims and Jehovah Witnesses—both of these heretical groups blaspheme the glorious Person of Jesus Christ.

Muslims are taught, in the Qu’ran (also written as Koran), that the Gospels are good and worthy for instruction. The Qu’ran states people of the Book (that is what Muslims call Jewish people and Christians) must believe what their book teaches. Great, then their own Qu’ran is internally inconsistent with regards to Who Jesus Is. We need not fear what they teach for the Word of the LORD stands forever. In fact, in conversation with Muslims, Christians can use this point of contact to share our exalted view of Jesus, Who is all-glorious and magnificent.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are grossly inconsistent. They believe God, Jehovah alone is God. Then they have this crazy translation in John 1 that the word was with God and the word was a god. Wait. This means they acknowledge two gods. They are required to twist Scripture in bizarre ways in order to make their false doctrines fit their own translation of Scripture. Isaiah 45:5 states: I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God. So, the question a Christian needs to ask the JW is this: How can there be two gods? Either God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit One Being expressed in Three Persons or you are faced with something inconsistent like the JW’s believe that there is God and a god vying for divinity.

Why does this matter? As believers we read Genesis to Revelation and we believe in God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit as He reveals Himself. We are people of the Book, that is we are guided and directed by the Spirit of Truth Who moved men to write Scripture so that we would know the God of radiant splendour Who makes Himself known in its pages. The more we read and learn, the more wonderful to our minds and souls is the Truth of Who Jesus Is. How He, by His atoning work, brings us as dearly loved sons and daughters to our Father in heaven.

Mighty God of Wisdom and Truth, by the powerful Presence of Your Spirit within us, let Your Word become more dear and precious to us day by day. Spirit of Truth, guide us in all truth so that we will go out with boldness and tell others of Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our Confession. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05jKxv8ApuI&list=RDGMEMMib4QpREwENw3_jAc0YgNwVMUV8bv4QuDtM&index=5

July 14, 2020 -- John 5:6 -- Freedom

When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”

John 5:6 English Standard Version

What a strange question. The man had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. Our natural response might be to snort and say, well of course this man wanted to be healed. Who wouldn’t want to be healed and whole once again? But the question is correctly shows us the wickedness of the human heart.

Imagine Jesus looking at you and asking, “Do you want to be healed?” As a woman who struggles against gluttony and overeating—do you really want to be healed? Are you prepared to battle this addiction in your heart and life? As a man who struggles with pornography, do you want to be healed? Will you ensure that your heart, mind and eyes are engaged in the necessary battle to stay pure and safeguards are in place on your electronic devices?

Do you want to be healed? Think about a sin that might have a stronghold in your life: anger, jealousy, sexual promiscuity, alcohol, lying, stealing, drub abuse, laziness, discontent, or whatever sin it is that tears at your relationship with God and with others. Many of us have been wallowing in our sins for a long time unprepared to hear the healing word of Jesus and get up and walk into newness of life. Worse yet, having been healed, how many of us go back to our sins, toying with them, acting again and again as if victory over our sins is beyond our grasp.

After a car accident I was afraid to drive the highways. It was debilitating. This lasted years. Many times I prayed that the LORD our God would give me the courage and grace I needed to drive on highways, rather than bound in fear always having to stay on secondary roads and secondary highways. Once, after such a prayer for healing, the Spirit impressed on me this question: “How will you know you are healed unless you drive the highway, exactly as you’ve prayed to be able to do?!” Thanks be to God He healed me and I was able to travel without fear. How many of us live in strongholds of sin, even though the Spirit, the Helper, has opened the doors to freedom and given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ?!

Father in heaven, thank You for giving us Jesus Christ-Who not only took on Himself the punishment for our sins, He gives us victory over them. Thank You, Lord Jesus for Your healing grace. Father in heaven and Sovereign King Jesus, thank You for the Spirit of God given to us in great measure. Thank You for the Spirit, the Helper, Who opens prisons doors and sets those captive to sin free! Break the chains of our sins and where such chains are broken help us to walk freely in newness of life. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGYjKR69M6U

July 13, 2020 -- John 5:3-6 -- Just One

In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”

John 5:3-6 English Standard Version

Don’t you get overwhelmed by the needs that are “out there”? Neighbours who need to hear the Gospel. Those who are now sick with Covid-19. People in your town who are hungry. People in your community who need help with drug or alcohol addictions? It brings to mind the multitude of invalids sheltered in the five colonnades near the pool of Bethesda. So many people in great and urgent need. Did you notice that despite the fact there were a multitude of invalids, Jesus approached and healed only one?

Jesus’ work is to do the will of His Father (John 4:34). Led by the Holy Spirit, Whom had been given to Jesus without measure (John 3:34), Jesus did not worry about all the people who were laying there, He concerned Himself with the one person whom the Spirit directed Him to speak with and heal.

Who has God’s Spirit placed on your heart this day? Who needs your unique gifts and talents so that God’s grace and love will be administered to a specific person by the exercise of your gifts? It is okay to pass by a multitude of invalids, even groups of needy people, if you are being faithful to the LORD our God and serving the one His Spirit has prompted you to care for in the Name of Jesus. Act in accord with what you know the Spirit is calling you to do today. Write that encouraging email. Call the person you know is struggling. Give that gift of money. Visit that lonely person. Donate your time. Repair that thing you know someone needs help with to fix. Mentor. Tutor. Embark on a weight loss program with someone who needs your witness. As varied as your gifts and interests, talents and abilities are, so varied are the ways in which you can bless and serve others in the glorious Name of Jesus.

Blessed are You, God our Father. What an honour it is to know we are Your workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do the good You have prepared in advance for us to do. Thank You for Your Spirit, living in us, exciting in us the possibilities of helping and blessing others in the Name of Jesus. Forgive us for fields unwon. Forgive us for work undone. Renew in us this day, a holy zeal and great passion to use the gifts and abilities You have given us for the expansion of Your Kingdom. Amen.

July 12, 2020 -- John 5:1-2 -- Don't skip over it

After this there was a feast of the Jews,

and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethseda,

which has five roofed colonnades.

John 5:2 English Standard Version

This is a passage I have read many times. Usually I skip over it because there is an exciting story just a bit further down the page. But these few words are brimming with important information. The feasts of the Jews celebrate the work of the LORD—their Promise-Keeping God. You can read about them in Leviticus 23. Each of these feasts celebrates the saving work of God—pointing to His full and perfect expression of salvation found in Jesus Christ alone. So, the Person Who is the reason for the feasts is there in Jerusalem, wandering unrecognized.

He is near the Sheep Gate. How poetic. Jesus is the Great Shepherd come to seek and save His lost sheep. Jesus is the Shepherd Who lays down His life for His sheep. In fact, He will be led like a lamb to the slaughter, religious and secular leaders will condemn Him, an innocent man, to death. It is the death that will atone for the sins of all who believe.

And the pool is named as well—the translation of the Aramaic is: House of Grace. Interestingly, the first chapter of John describes Jesus as the One from Whom we have all received grace upon grace (John 1:16). Jesus is the fullest evidence of the Father’s grace poured out on our lives. Grace is the steadfast love of God which set aside the punishment for our sins until Jesus came and bore the weight of them. Grace is the Perfect Son of God offering Himself up in our place so that we would be set free.

Little wonder then that we sing: “Jesus, Name above all Names”.

Thank You Jesus for the beauty of the Word. Thank You Spirit for making the Bible open and plain to us, showing us Jesus’ glorious work. Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be exalted this Sunday as Your people gather in homes and churches, in mission fields and chapels to praise You. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0NjVgkVDy4

July 11, 2020 -- I Samuel 30:6b -- Strengthened in the LORD

But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

I Samuel 30:6b

It was one of those “really, LORD?!” moments. David had long ago been anointed King of Israel by the prophet Samuel. But David had to wait until the time appointed by the Promise-Keeping God. He waited years, in fact. King Saul, David’s father-in-law tried to kill him, more than once. David had a rag-tag army of malcontents and tax evaders who had gathered around him. He was learning the hard lessons of leadership through their grumbling willfulness. Now these men had turned solidly against him. The context of our verse is this: David and his army returned to their camp to find their women, children, cattle and possessions stolen in a raid by their enemies.

It was a low point after a series of low points. The men wept to exhaustion. David wept. In fact it says in I Samuel 30:4 they all wept until they had no more strength to weep. Now anger was creeping in. The men wanted to kill David. They were picking up rocks preparing to stone him to death because they were bitter in soul. No doubt as we read this we can image David crying out to God in anger or frustration or shaking his fists to the heavens. Not so.

David strengthened himself in the LORD. He spoke with God His Lord, the High King of Heaven. David placed his trust in the Living God. He fought against the usual emotions we’d expect. He mastered himself. No matter how dire the circumstances, he placed his hope for that moment in the hands of God Who alone is faithful and true. It is a profound moment in David’s life. It is a why David is described as “a man after God’s own heart” I Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).

David was far from perfect. He was as sinful as you and me. What distinguished him was his iron-clad will to be fully submitted to the Living God. When David’s plans failed and collapsed around him, he renewed his decision to follow the commandments of God. When his sins were pointed out to him, he didn’t justify himself or try to squirm away from acknowledging them, he confessed them freely and renewed his vow to serve the LORD.

Teach me, Spirit of God, to strengthen myself in Christ the King so that my will and my ways may be pleasing to our Father in heaven. Guide me, Spirit of Truth, in the way everlasting. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT4n1hGjDDg

July 9, 2020 -- John 4:43 -- Striations and faith

After the two days he departed for Galilee.

John 4:43 English Standard Version

Once the Samaritans—remember these people were considered to be unclean because they’d married outside of the tribes of Israel and they did not hold to the Old Testament—recognized Jesus they asked Him to stay. Jesus did. He did not consider them unworthy of His attention, or teaching or His love. It is dramatic and a beautiful testimony to our Savior. Because He remained, the twelve disciples had to stay with Him also. Even so, Peter would not fully appreciate what Jesus was demonstrating or the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in believers to send them to reach beyond the Jewish people until Acts 10 (cf: Acts 10:9-34 and especially verse 34).

What happened in those two days? Here is what I think might have happened in these days. Consider this: Jesus taught them Who He Is. He answered their basic questions. Jesus showed them the Old Testament and explained to them how to find Him in the Bible. Jesus taught them elemental truth so that they could live as His followers: be accountable to one another for their walk with God and walking in community. He stayed long enough so that these new Christ-followers would be able to sustain themselves in our precious faith. The disciples learned disciple-ship practices. The disciples learned their Savior had no prejudice against Samaritans (nor any other people group for that matter)!

One of my favorites among the berries is: black currant. They are very tart and high in vitamin C. In order to propagate them the seeds need striation. That is the seeds need to be subjected to some stress (what works well for currants is temperatures of near freezing, like refrigeration, for 3 - 4 months) in order to break the seeds’ hard coating and allow germination. Interestingly, I think Jesus’ brief stay among the Samaritans could have caused stress. They realized how much more He had to teach. They realized how precious His work and His Words. When He left they knew they’d have to overcome stresses and challenges in order to cling to Jesus. Remembering Him and rehearsing Who He Is would take on particular urgency among them. Jesus knew these stresses would allow their faith to germinate and add urgency to their desire to propagate our precious faith.

Father in heaven, thank You for Your tremendous love shown most beautifully in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the seeds of faith thrown far and wide in our sin-darkened world. Thank You Father for the Spirit of God Who uses the Word and all the circumstances of our life to bring such seeds to fruit-bearing in our lives. Spirit of God, sustain us in the storms of our life so that we will be found faithful to Jesus Christ and trust Him alone for every good thing. Spirit of God, cause us to be faithful witnesses to Jesus, in times of joy and in times of trial, in the stresses of our life and in the times we have experienced Your mercy. Triune God, bring many sons and daughters to the glory of knowing You! Amen.

July 8, 2020 -- John 4:42 -- Not knowing about but knowing deeply

They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

John 4:42 English Standard Version

Notice the beautiful transition that has taken place. A woman called out to the townspeople, her neighbours: “Come and meet Jesus!” They are moved to meet Jesus because of her enthusiasm, because of her testimony, because they know her reputation as an immoral woman and realize something big has happened in her life. Then as people spend time in Jesus’ presence they acknowledge Him as the Savior of the World. Isn’t it interesting that it is non-Jewish people who first openly praise Jesus in this way. John 1 foreshadowed this: “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12-13).

Notice it is not gimmicks, not fancy stages, smoke machines, and big bands that will convert the world. It is a living encounter with Jesus Christ. The only way in which we can be changed: is to meet Jesus. When people meet Him everything changes. He is not entertainment, He is the Person Who reveals God our Father. He is the One in Whom we have life.

Perhaps it is challenging for us to witness about Him to others because we know Him so little. We have opinions on all kinds of things, even opinions about faith and religion. But the question that confronts us today is this: have you met Jesus? Do you believe because you have heard for yourself? And by hearing, do you obey Him in what you say and do?

Spirit of Truth, lead us to Jesus. Help us to find people who know Jesus and make Him known to us. Help us to meet Jesus in the Bible in a real and living way. Help us, from the strength of knowing Jesus, to tell others Who He is. Spirit, Whom Jesus named “the Helper”, deepen our knowledge of and obedience to Jesus so that we will seek and find people hungry to know Him. Amen.

July 7, 2020 -- John 4:39 -- Tell others

Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony,

“He told me all I ever did.”

John 4:39 English Standard Version

What keeps you from sharing your faith in Jesus Christ? We have all kinds of excuses which really don’t make much sense in view of what happened with this sinful woman. She was known as the town’s immoral woman and yet she was a powerful witness to Jesus’ work. Think of how this passage defeats our excuses:

“I don’t know enough yet”. This woman had just met Jesus and she was already telling others about Him.

“What if someone asks me something I don’t know?” This woman brought the townsfolk to Jesus to have their questions answered.

When the powerful work of Jesus’s saving love touches our mind and our heart we are set on fire. We cannot help but tell others. We are curious. We are willing to ask questions to learn more. We want others to know the joy we have found.

Perhaps we are hesitant to witness because Jesus points out our sin. We limp along expecting nothing will ever change. The woman realized Jesus told her everything she’d ever done. He exposed her sins. And it was mercy, because the sins exposed and confessed are sins which are wholly covered by the work of Jesus Christ. We do not have to be dragged down by them anymore. He had set this Samaritan woman free. No wonder she was such a powerful witness.

Do you live in the joy-filled freedom of knowing your sins are forgiven? Having confessed your sin, do you hate it and turn from it? What freedom you will find! Does this knowledge compel you to go and speak with others so that they too will know such joy unspeakable that is filled with glory?!

Jesus thank You for Your Spirit and Your Word given so that our sins can be revealed and thrown down from our lives. Thank You for the powerful gift of Your glorious salvation. In our lives Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be glorified. Give us holy boldness to share our faith far and wide. Jesus, give us the gladness of telling others about You such that they too become Your followers. Amen.

July 5, 2020 -- John 4:35 -- The Most Unlikely Convert-Evangelist

Do you not say, “There are yet four months then comes the harvest? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.”

John 4:35 English Standard Version

This statement is oft-quoted among Christians. What we forget is the context where Jesus said these words. A hated Samaritan woman had returned to her town. She was an outcast. She was known as an immoral woman, yet after her encounter with Jesus she had to go and tell everyone about Jesus. What an interesting witness—what glorious evidence that Jesus has come to seek and save lost sinners!

Even as Jesus was speaking these words to His disciples about the fields being white for harvest, see the fields are white for harvest, the people of Sychar were emptying the town by coming to Jesus in the noon-day heat in order to find out Who He Is. Here is the harvest, souls hungry for the Truth of Jesus. Notice how Jesus used a fallen woman as an evangelist—the bringer of Good News.

The disciples might object, as much as we do:

These people are fit for the kingdom?

The Samaritans only believed the Torah, the first 5 books of the Old Testament, rather than the whole. What do we have in common with them? Should we associate with them?

Okay, they may be ready for the Gospel, but I am tired, hungry, thirsty, busy, not ready, don’t know enough to instruct them.

Notice not one of these excuses withstands the fact that God the Father has prepared a harvest. Christ is the seed of Truth Who has died, been buried three days and rose to new life—the firstfruits of the great harvest to come. The Spirit of God will use you, yes, even you, despite your objections, fears, your sense of being inadequate so that many will be saved by the glorious work of Jesus Christ. If Jesus could use the Samaritan woman, seemingly disqualified in all the ways she was, He will certainly use you and me! The Spirit will give you the words to speak—as sure as there is spring-time and harvest, so sure will the Gospel bear fruit. Be prepared for how God is using you.

Mighty God of Covenant Faithfulness, Your Gospel yields a faithful harvest year in and year out! Thank You for the unlikely people You used by Your Spirit to bring us to the saving knowledge of and joyful obedience to Jesus Christ. Spirit of God, sweep away all our own objections and help us to bring Good News to the harvest of people You have appointed for life in Jesus Christ. Forgive us for fields unwon and work undone and renew in us a holy zeal to be faithful harvesters. Amen.

July 4, 2020 -- John 4:34 -- Consumed with concentration on Christ

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”

John 4:34 English Standard Version

What is it that can so absorb your attention that you forget to eat or drink? For some people it might be a good book. You say to yourself, “Okay, I’ll just read one more page and I’ll turn out the light and go to sleep”…only to find an hour later you are still unable to put the book away. Others might find they delight in whatever their hobby is. They have to be called once, twice and more to the supper table because they are so consumed with interest in the task at hand.

Jesus had in view His Father’s will. The Father came to seek and save the lost. Jesus was so delighted to tell any and all who would hear Him—the Father in heaven knows you, has overcome your sin and is bringing you to Himself in love. This is Jesus’ food. This is the task that absorbed Him beyond every other.

Maybe you are an avid fisherman, invite others and share your faith and love for God as you see Him in nature and the wonderful way creation hangs together.

Maybe you are someone who loves to BBQ—bring in a neighbour or a friend or two and talk about the goodness of God in providing you with enough to eat.

Maybe you are good at crafting—making cards. Wonderful, invite a few friends and as you put those cards together share with your friends how Jesus has put your life together in wonderful ways.

Fill my vision, O Lord of my heart. You have captured my life and my attention, drawing me from death to life through the glorious work of Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I have been living for myself and my own pleasures rather than denying myself, taking up my cross and following You. Spirit of God, with the talents and gifts You have given me, help me to use these for the glory of God my Father, for the education of others in the way of Jesus and His salvation. And as I serve You, Triune God, forever blessed, increase my holy joy in You and rule my heart as the sole Sovereign worthy of all honour and praise. Amen.

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6OgZCCoXWc

July 2, 2020 -- John 4:27 -- Running with Good News

Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

John 4:27 English Standard Version

The disciples did the wisest thing possible—they were silent. There is a proverb which states: “It is better to be silent and have people think you a fool, than for you to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Had the disciples voiced their questioning disapproval, they would have interfered with Jesus’ testimony. They were betraying the fact that man looks to the outside, but God looks to the heart.

The disciples surveyed the situation and in a quick glance or two had summarized the scene in this way. There is a woman out in the noon day sun at the well. Based on her words and outfit, she is a despised Samaritan. Worse, she must be a woman of ill repute otherwise she’d show up at the cool of the day. In milliseconds they had determined she is hardly worth the Master’s attention.

Isn’t that ever so easy for us as well.? We are altogether too quick and we are foolish in our assessment of people. We do not see others with the eyes of faith which would lead us to consider every person we meet as one created in the image of God and worthy of hearing the Best News Ever—being introduced to Jesus Himself.

What was Jesus' seeking? He was seeking His Father’s glory. Jesus was sent by the Father in order that people might believe on Him and by believing have eternal life.

Why was Jesus speaking with her? Isaiah 52:7 was being fulfilled: “How beautiful are the feet of them that bring good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the good news that the God of Israel reigns.”

Thank You, God our Father, for the men and women who led us to Jesus Christ. Thank You for those who showed they have beautiful feet which led them to declare to us the wonderful news that God, You reign. Cause us, Spirit of God, to go boldly to men and to women, to neighbours and coworkers, to whomever You give us so that we declare to them the glory of Jesus. Amen.