October 23, 2020 -- John 12:26 -- Must Follow

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

John 12:25 English Standard Version

Those who belong to Jesus follow Jesus. That truth seems basic enough, until you unpack it. Consider the movies you watch. Think about the commercials you linger over. Review recent purchases. Ask yourself how you treated the nincompoop waitress who messed up your order again because the facemask she is wearing apparently interferes with her hearing. Wait, it is tempting to strike that last example. Seriously, review your day and ask yourself: am I following Jesus?

To follow Jesus means to discipline your life so that you are in conformity with His. This is not done in order that you may be saved. Consider this illustration. If you are on an airplane, you are headed where the plane is going. Salvation is like that—you are saved—Jesus is bringing you on the plane of salvation to His Father in heaven. As His servant, how you behave on that flight, how you speak and where you choose to keep silent shows you truly are His. When you act with disrespect and in ways that dishonour your Master, confess it. As soon as the Spirit of God brings this infraction to your attention. You do so for the joy of your salvation and in view of the humble honour of joining Him journeying to the Father.

These are especially difficult days to live as a Christian. To be honest, each age and every era has its own unique challenges for Christians. Jesus noted to be one who serves Him means you MUST follow Him. Jesus loved the hated tax collectors, visiting them and calling them to faithfulness. Jesus ministered to the widow and orphan. Jesus touched lepers (I remember when Princess Diana visited an AIDS patient. Then it was still a mysterious, horrifying disease not well understood. On April 19, 1987 Princess Diana removed her glove and touched an AIDS patient. It was electric. This was carried by the media all around the world. That is the kind of impact it would have when Jesus touched a leper-Matthew 8:3). Where is Jesus calling you to move past your comfort zone and follow Him in holy service? Where is Jesus calling you to confess wrong-doing?

May the Spirit of God give you all grace and help in order to serve Jesus wherever He has placed you, all unto the glory of the Father.

Mighty Spirit of God, establish the work of our hands where we have sought to be blameless in our dedication to Christ. Holy Spirit bring to mind all that needs to be confessed so that our hearts will not be clouded and therefore hindered in service to Jesus. Spirit of God, let the beauty of Jesus and the Splendour of His radiancy which You reveal by the Word and Your Presence within us, move us to exuberant service so that our Father is honoured and praised. Amen.

October 22, 2020 -- John 12:23-25 -- The Weight of Glory Unfolding

The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this work will keep it for eternal life.

John 12:23-25 English Standard Version

Some non-Jewish people approached Philip and Andrew and asked to see Jesus. Our text today is Jesus’ response. A strange response it is indeed. Jesus is the healer. He is the Man Who taught with authority. He cast out demons. He shows His authority over nature. Was He just a magician? Was He just a miracle worker? Would He suitable for a First Century version of Israel has Talent?! This is why Jesus answered as He did. He spoke of His impending death.

Why did Jesus have to die? He compared Himself to wheat. Put a kernel of wheat into the ground and it appears dead. Yet it will sprout and bear 40, 60 or 100% fruitfulness. Jesus had to die so that the penalty of sin would be fully paid for. Jesus had to die in order that the full family of God would be brought into the household of God. So His death resulted in tremendous fruitfulness.

Why do the followers of Jesus have to die to themselves? We follow Jesus to death. We die to ourselves now. We die to our imaginings of who or what we expected Jesus to be. We die to our sinful inclinations in order that in Christ we can rise in newness of life. What is the benefit of this? All what we have here we cannot keep. When we die, all our hopes, plans, and our vain thoughts that we are invaluable come to an abrupt halt. When we die now for Jesus Christ, we lose all things here on earth, things we can’t keep anyways, in order to inherit from Jesus life that never ends, security in the presence of our Father—as our sins are fully covered and we are called righteous through Jesus. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain in Christ!

Most importantly, this means the request of the non-Jewish people who approached Phillip and Andrew, is answered. They see Jesus clearly when they see Him as He has revealed Himself to be: the Savior of the World Who died for our sins and rises to newness of life. Surely that is evidence of His glory.

Covid-19 has shown us how quickly we can lose all things. How quickly a government can become tyrannical, ruling and commanding hapless people in areas not under its mandate. Covid-19 shows us how quickly the voodoo Baal doctors, who masquerade as scientists while instead making godless philosophical and theological statements, can become the strongest voices our world listens to. We need to die to these fears. We need to consider Jesus Christ as the Lord of Glory and the King Who directs our lives. We need to die to the world, its measures and visions and rise to life in Jesus. In Him alone will our lives have tremendous fruitfulness.

King Jesus, Your words and Your life, declare the the glory of God our Father. Blessed are You. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever—how vast the benefits divine which we in Christ possess. Spirit of the Living God how precious are Your works, to guard and keep believers in these rich blessings of Jesus—as You help us to die to ourselves in You we then rise up to new life in Jesus. Your words and Your rules are true and altogether righteous and more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold! Amen.

October 20, 2020 -- John 12:12-13 -- Triumph in our King

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

John 12:12-13 English Standard Version

This same crowd shouting “Hosanna” would a few days later shout “Crucify!” One day they are declaring Jesus saves! Then a few days later they call for His death. Jesus foretold of His crucifixion—unless He died in the place of sinners—the guiltless one for guilty—no one could see God. The greatness of our sins would preclude the possibility of entering the Father’s holy presence.

Even so, the crowd was right in this one thing, Jesus was and remains the King! He is the Deliverer. Though His strategy was hidden from the crowds, it has been declared and celebrated through-out history ever since. It is a critical lesson for us today. Though this Covid-19 pandemic seems to have gripped the world with feverish fears, and many people wonder “Where is God?” The simple answer is He is working out His kingly purposes through-out this trying time.

Human faith is placed in a vaccine. Human faith is placed in government hand-outs. Human faith is placed in big pharma. Human faith always looks to snake oils and quick fixes without reference to God Who alone is the Help of the helpless.

True faith is placed in Christ Who has taken away the sin of the world. True faith is anchored in the Kingship of Jesus Who is leading His people in victory no matter what temporary governments do. True faith is living now as a citizen of the Eternal Kingdom, irrespective of government dictates and fear mongering. Believers will gather, pray and praise the Living King. “Our help is in the Name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8).

The eyes of faith see Jesus, seated at the Father’s right hand and do not fear for ourselves—instead, armed with the knowledge that all who oppose our Lord and King will one day be cast into hell, we pray urgently for our leaders, for prime ministers and premiers, for mayors and officials of all sorts, for our family and neighbours that they will know the Lord and rejoice in His salvation.

Our prayer this morning is taken from Psalm 118—what a confident prayer-song the Spirit of God has given to believers for all the centuries to stir the hearts of saints in every time and age of distress! One day we shall sing this song in the Presence of the Triune God, forever blessed!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;

for His steadfast love endures forever!

Out of my distress I called on the LORD;

the LORD answered me and set me free.

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

“The LORD is on my side as my helper;

I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in man.

Psalm 118:1,5-8 ESV

October 19, 2020 -- John 12:9-11 -- Exposing the Lies

When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

John 12:9-11 English Standard Version

Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. It was dramatic proof, a sign that Jesus is Who He said He Is. Jesus is the Son of God in power and the Son of Man—sent to break the chains of sin and brings many sons and daughters to the glory of knowing God the Father. Evil hates anything good. The chief priest, the very person appointed to be the religious leader directing the people of God to pray for and prepare for the coming Messiah (Who is Jesus, the anointed One) refused Jesus. The chief priest wanted to hold on to power and his position.

The Jewish leadership’s refusal to accept Jesus was tragic. It is also classic, sin is never content with a small portion. It will always grow. The Lord of the Rings author Tolkien captured this well with the character of Denethor II, the Steward of Gondor. Denethor refused to acknowledge his overlord, Aragorn who was the rightful Heir of Isildur and therefore rightful claimant to the vacant throne. Denethor would rather pull down the defenses of the kingdom of Gondor than allow Aragorn to return in power and claim his throne.

It is similar to the sinfulness of our current situation. Two weeks of lockdowns have morphed. We are now at the point where we have suffered more than 200 days of lockdowns. The government cannot acknowledge it has over-reached. Rather than admit their faulty policies they are propagating a lie and adding to it. What is incredibly unfortunate, shameful even, is that the general population is going along with this lie. This is not about “saving one life” because abortions continue. Hospitals have been cleared in case Covid-19 cases increase—so that cancer patients, heart patients and those who would normally go to hospitals with health concerns remain undiagnosed and are suffering greatly. When a lie is allowed to take root and go unchallenged the consequences are dire.

Thanks be to God He is in charge. Jesus knew the days of His crucifixion were near. He did not shrink from going to Jerusalem and becoming the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus’ enemies were not able to overturn the work of our Savior-King. We can be sure today as well, though the Denethors of the world do not acknowledge our King, He will be triumphant. Christians are called to be faithful. Gather and pray. Worship and trust. Expose the lies that are being perpetuated—our government is not following “science”, in fact, it has a voodoo-science it follows and its agenda is wholly pagan. Expect there will be repercussions but we will serve the King until His reign is fully revealed and those who endured for His Name’s sake will be rewarded.

What can I, as an ordinary citizen do?

Write your government officials—provincial M.P.P. and federal M.P. and respectfully call for the lockdowns to be ended.

Write Corrections Service Canada and appeal for prisoners to have religious visitors. Incarcerated men and women have been denied long enough. There are “on-site” chaplains, but they cannot see enough people. Those in prison have been denied access to basic rights for so long. When these men and women will eventually be paroled the unjust treatment of our prisoners will have consequences. There are many religious leaders desirous to return to the prisons to offer spiritual care!

Pray. Pray for our government that the lies will be exposed and the government will finally act with integrity.

Ask God to give courage to our Christian leaders across this land who have been timid when courage and boldness is called for. Certainly we can see the mishandling of Covid-19 and the lies which surround it are more exposed than ever, it is not science our government is following, but an agenda of evil and manipulation. Christian leaders are to call this out.

Live with the full assurance we do not need to anxious. Jesus our King has not been caught off guard by these machinations and the devil’s scheming. Jesus will bring history to its culmination, when He returns. Therefore, we as believers, live for Him in defiance of the nonsensical things swirling around us.

Blessed Father, You have instructed us by Your Word and Spirit to test the spirits of the age. We are to call out false prophets and leaders who are acting in ways that are contrary to the rule of Your great Son. The time is short and when You, Jesus, return in all Your glory, Jesus Radiance of the Father’s splendour, it is our longing that governments leaders and neighbours, judges and family members will by then know You. Give us holy courage, as Christian citizens to trust the fact that You, Jesus, have overcome the world. Spirit of Truth move us to live and speak in such a way that the spirit of error, so rooted and dominant in this age, will be exposed. Prepare us, Captain of Salvation, to suffer and endure for Your great Name’s sake so that fellow citizens will forsake the lies of our age and follow You, Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit for the glory of the Father. Amen.

October 17, 2020 -- ENOUGH Covid Nonsense led by the Voodoo-Baal priesthood of "science"

Enough!

I have had enough of the Covid-19 lies.

First and foremost, we are breaking the commandments of God. You shall have no other gods before Me—Exodus 20:3. Right now Christians are listening to to the Voodoo Baal priests, rather than listening to God. Using the generic term “scientists” to endorse all the pandemic related policies is wrong. There are so many branches of science: epidemiologists, virologists, medical doctors and so on. There is no one branch of “science” that covers it all. More importantly, invoking the nebulous term “scientists” is being allowed to answer questions of theology. Theology asks us: “what is the meaning of my life?” Simply put, the chief aim of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This is not in view for our government. This is not in view for our Voodoo Baal priest scientists. Christians, speak the truth.

You shall not bow down to them…the second commandment—you shall not bow down to a carved image or likeness of anything. God alone is worthy of our worship and adoration and praise. In our world today the image is being worshiped by “science” and these Voodoo Baal priests in government is a Covid free life. It is godless. TB continues to take lives, but it is not being lifted as the carved image. Our government is aborting children at an alarming rate while mouthing the tired, slogan they don’t believe saying every life matters. Our government is lining up patients in hospital hallways to kill them, but saying the only deaths that matter are Covid deaths. It is an image of the world that I don’t subscribe to. My life is dedicated to God—the Triune—no matter if there is Covid or no Covid. I am TIRED of my own cowardice, the cowardice of my denomination, of my fellow citizens and of our government. For shame. We must repent in ashes before our God!

Third—we are taking the Lord’s Name in vain! We are violating the third commandment, claiming our dedication to the Majesty of God while allowing an open lie to continue. Governments stated: we are going to flatten the curve, for 15 days. It is 200 plus days later. Christian leaders have been denying our people the LORD’s mandated command or meeting together. Our Christian leaders disobey the Word of the LORD, in so doing deny our people their obligation to gather and worship and do so in the name of obeying a Voodoo Baal priest-led government. This is violating the commandment not to take the Lord’s Name in vain. Now the sacred cow of our Voodoo Baal priesthood medical professionals and government is when a vaccine is ready then life may continue. I deeply and heartily apologize for not being bolder sooner and maintaining what I knew to be right. Enough. No more lies! No more carrot and stick. No more

The Sabbath day is violated. The government has been treating us like children—ignorant children. If you behave well, you might be allowed to celebrate Christmas. For shame! Enough. Sundays belong to the LORD. We are not following science, but a Voodoo Baal version of science. Before you react, tell me you have listened to the posts by eminent epidemiologists, the world’s best—and then respond. It is not “science” that is imposing on us. It is Voodoo Baal priesthood of medics who are leading the government demanding Christians stop worshiping. Enough! If the LORD is God, then obey Him.

We are not honouring our parents. Parents are cooped up in nursing homes. They are denied basic human rights. Living in a room, having a heart-beat, but having no human contact is not a full life. We are not honouring our parents by these measures. This same government has hospitals continuing with Medically Assistance in Death! We are NOT honouring our parents. We are lying and allowing a lie to continue by the Voodoo-Baal priesthood in charge of our country.

We are allowing murder to continue. The voodoo priesthood of government and “science” has stopped fertility practices from taking on new couples. The voodoo Baal government of B.C. is going after a hospice for not endorsing M.A.I.D. For shame—why is there no outcry?! There is no interest in life and certainly no interest in honouring our parents, and most importantly that which underlies this commandment, no interest in honouring the glory of our King!

Our Voodoo Baal government has lied. It is lying. It is not following science—they are following fear. You can find all kinds of opinions for and against—however, the government officials and Voodoo Baal priests and priestesses are not looking at collateral damage. They are not considering economics, quality of life, deaths coming like a tsunami because of starvation as workers can’t be found to harvest fields, food distribution networks have collapsed. In the video below it is estimated 130 million people will die because of pandemic lockdowns! Our Voodoo Baal government and her pandemic priesthood are not theologically oriented towards the LORD of Heaven and Earth. Enough of allowing their lies to continue unanswered and unchallenged.

How do we respond?

1. Gather for church. If you church is too timid to hold worship services, have people come to your home and worship together

2. Write your church leaders and challenge them on their stance of allowing the voodoo priests of Baal to dictate their theology.

3. Write your government at all levels—enough! This pandemic has disproportionately affected the poor and marginalized and institutionalized. The privileged classes are fine. Working from home. Able to buy and secure masks. If a mask costs a dollar and you are worried about food, it is wrong. There is no conclusive evidence masks are useful. Prisoners are denied spiritual care and visits. Those in nursing homes are basically incarcerated against their will—what if a senior is okay with having family visits, taking a measured Covid risk and perhaps dying with a rich life of family, hugs and life affirmed? There are many working poor people who have to go to minimum wage jobs, with no hope of relief, because missing a pay cheque will spiral their lives out of control. There are children’s aid cases languishing, families remaining hopelessly divided while rich lawyers, social workers not in fear of their pay cheque or jobs, ruthlessly rule the lives of those who are near poverty and cannot defend themselves nor their families.

4. Pray. We need to pray.

5. Obey the LORD.

6. Allow for discussions. I have been explosive in my words because anything less is immediately shouted down. I believe we need to recover real, deep conversation on this. Our churches do not allow the government to spout lies about evolution. Bible believing Christians strongly affirm the world was created in six 24-hours days and God created the blessing and gift of rest on the Sabbath day. We do not allow our Voodoo-Baal culture and pseudo-scientists to reinterpret what is so clearly spelled out in Scripture. Nor should we allow our godless culture to dictate our theology and philosophy of life based on lies. Let’s talk! Let’s call out lies. Let us seek the LORD while He may be found.

Respectfully submitted in His service~Shalom: Richard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz_Z7Gf1aRE&fbclid=IwAR1H4XaKW9cTASsw560vUgKPuPC6p8sI4jKWag4uY95jQ0L2mhO7IzNlWjs

October 17, 2020 -- John 12:8 -- Real Poverty Addressed

For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.

John 12:8 English Standard Version

What an odd statement. When I was growing up and this was read in family devotions, I remember how my mom struggled with these words. Why would Jesus say this? Jesus said this because He was present among His people for a short time. He was six days away from His crucifixion and death. It is appropriate that Mary should anoint Jesus with costly perfume. When someone, like Mary, gives herself 100% to Jesus, the result will be that the poor will be cared for as a consequence of her renewed, dedicated love to the Savior.

Of course, the poor we will always have with us for several reasons. There are people who will give themselves over to addictions to the point that they lose everything. There are people who will take risks with investments and for these reasons will become poor. There are swindlers and snake oil salesmen who will rip people off so that they lose all they have. There are Christians, disciples of Jesus Christ, who will lose everything in order to offer up their lives for Jesus.

Is poverty the worst thing a person can suffer? Not by a long stretch! The very worst thing anyone can suffer is a life lived in defiance to Jesus. Those worst, wasted life is one where a person knit together in his mother’s womb, living in the blessings of creation and drawing breath from the Creator, refuses to acknowledge the Lord of Life and wholeheartedly submit to Him.

It is not either or, for example: either I offer worship and praise to the Lord of Glory, or I give sacrificially to those in need. In fact the truth is, one leads to the other. One who is dedicated to Lord, in worship and living in view of His majesty will therefore give time, talents, resources, in service to those who are in need—whatever that need is.

Blessed Jesus, in view of the extravagant gift of Your life, lived in devoted obedience to our Father in heaven, for His glory and the salvation of the elect, empower us by Your Spirit to live for You. Amen.

October 16, 2020 -- John 12:3 -- Are you all-in?

Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

John 12:3 English Standard Version

This expensive ointment, nard, is described as valuable as a year’s wages. That is an incredible sum to pour out on Jesus. Some scholars believe that is her dowry, it is that valuable. And she gifts it wholly to Jesus, her bridegroom, the Lord of the church. Mary anointed Jesus’ head (according to Matthew and Mark) and His feet and wiped his feet with her hair. It shows Mary is 100% dedicated to Jesus.

How many of us are prepared to honour Jesus with 75% of ourselves? Or even 95%? What is the problem with this? I was preaching this text at Harvest House yesterday and one of the men observed one soft and rotting potato will soon make the whole bag worthless. So it is with our hearts. Unless we are 100% all in for Jesus, that small portion, however insignificant it seems, that we hold back, will infest and infect the rest of our soul and life.

What are you keeping back from Jesus? You give Jesus your public life, but in private you watch things that are inappropriate. Not pornography, but movies that are celebratory of godless themes and an offense to His holiness. Is this a new legalism? Is this laying on people burdens that are too much? No! Jesus is your full joy. There is no other Person in whom or thing in which you can delight. All other pleasures will betray you and fail you. Jesus alone is the Great Reward of your soul and life, your thoughts and emotions. Remember the text referred to a couple of days ago:

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,

to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.

II Chronicles 16:9 ESV

Blessed Jesus, purify our hearts by Your Word and Spirit so that we will be wholeheartedly devoted to You. Forgive us the times we would foolishly keep back a tawdry bauble for ourselves—when the treasures of heaven are spread out before us. Blessed are You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in our words and in all our lives be glorified. Amen.

October 14, 2020 -- John 11:53-54 -- Strongly Supported

So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.

Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with his disciples.

John 11:53-54 English Standard Version

Because Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the leaders of the people wanted to put Jesus to death. Jesus was convincing more and more people of the truthfulness of His message. He was unmasking the schemes of the wicked. Jesus was sent to seek and save the lost. Those who are lost will be rebellious in heart. They will fight against Him until they die and are cast into the lake of fire, or they will fight against Him until the Spirit of God conquers their hearts and draws them from the kingdom of death and darkness to the kingdom of light, the kingdom of the Son.

Know this, Jesus was not running scared. He continued to carry out the will of His Father. There is an Old Testament passage that is so relevant:

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.” II Chronicles 16:9 ESV

Jesus received strong support from His Father in heaven all through His earthly ministry. The Spirit of the LORD was given to Jesus without measure so that He was strongly supported in all His work and ministry. Jesus knew He had come to be the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. He knew He would face suffering and hardship. He willingly endured so that the Father in heaven would receive the glory due His Name, the Son would be glorified in giving His life as a ransom for many and the Spirit would be glorified as the real and present strength of God given to all who believe.

Do you face trials today? Is your heart near busting with frustration, wounds, temptations, anguish and troubles? Know this: the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole whole to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him. Perhaps you are saying, that is exactly the problem—my heart is NOT blameless toward Him! Know this—Jesus Christ has come, He has died, He is risen. All who believe in Him have had their sins cleansed. I urge you, believe in Him and be counted as righteous—blameless because of His perfection. Believe on the Lord Jesus and know He has taken your sins and been punished for them and He has given you a blameless heart.

That is the reason believers rejoice and bless God. Believers know the former darkness and rebelliousness of their hearts and marvel, praising God for the Great Exchange—the sinfulness of their lives given in exchange for the perfections of Jesus! The treasure of a blameless heart results in the enthusiastic praise of Jesus’ Name! The Spirit of God gives strong support to those who seek Him and desire the perfections of Jesus. The Spirit is the Spirit of Power and this Spirit Who directed and blessed and kept Jesus throughout all the troubles of His life will direct you and bless you and keep you through the storms and trials of your life until you see Jesus face to face and you realize—these light and momentary troubles are forgotten because of the weight of glory which is an eternity in His presence!

Blessed are You, God the Father of Your people. Worthy of all praise and honour are You, King Jesus—triumphant over sin and death, the grave and hell. Blessed Spirit of Strength, renew the minds of all who believe and bring deep and confident hope to the hearts of all who believe in Jesus. Let believers rejoice in all Jesus has accomplished and faith for all that is being brought to bear in the believer’s life so that salvation will be fully accomplished unto the glory and praise, honour and blessing of Your Name—Triune and Radiant God! Amen.

October 13, 2020 -- John 11:45-46 -- Miss or Well Placed Faith

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

John 11:45-46 English Standard Version

Is it enough just to have faith? Certainly the world is okay with the word “faith”. The question is, in what or in whom do you place this faith? If your faith is misplaced, no matter how strong it is, it will not carry you to eternal life in the exalted presence of God.

Here is a wonderful illustration about faith. Michael Kruger noted he could have strong faith that the Twin Engine Cessna he’s flying could take him from Moncton, NB, to London, UK. He is sure of it. So he tanks it up and at 640km, or just around 15% of the total distance to London, he crashes into the ocean. His faith, though strong, was misplaced. If Kruger, though he is frightened and nervous sits in a Boeing 747, though he is unsure and wavering, but fights his fears and stays on the plane it will carry him the full 4600km and he will land safely in London, Heathrow. Why? Because his faith though weak, was placed in the right object. The Boeing 747 can easily carry him to that destination.

Many Jews saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. Other Jews saw Jesus raise Lazarus and they kept their misplaced faith in the Pharisees, thinking people were in charge. They’re going to crash into the ocean of misplaced faith. The Jews who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead and placed their faith in Him, had put their faith in Him Who alone can carry them through the turbulence of this life to the joy of our Father in heaven.

Your confidence is not in your faith—your confidence is in Jesus Christ—the Captain of Salvation. He has washed away your sins. He has sent His Spirit to guard you in His perfect salvation. He has caused you to be named daughter or son of the Most-High God. He will bring all His beloved people safe through the turbulence of this life—so they can bear witness to His goodness all the while His protecting trajectory brings all His people safe to the eternal shore.

Lord Jesus Christ—You are the resting place for true faith. Spirit of God, increase the faith of Your people. There are days it is hard to hold on, but remind Your people that they are encapsulated in the great work of Jesus and He will bear them safe to the Father. Jesus, let Your Word and Spirit bring increase in the steadfastness of this sure and well-placed faith. Amen.

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

October 12, 2020 -- John 11:40b-44 -- Resuscitation vs Resurrection and Thanksgiving!

And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

John 11:41b-44 English Standard Version

Do you know the difference between a resuscitation and the resurrection? This is an important point. Jesus is called the “Firstfruit from the dead” (I Corinthians 15:20 and Revelation 1:5 the firstborn from the dead). Though others were raised from death to life—the widow of Nain’s son (Luke 7:11-17) and the little girl of Mark 5:41—these people would die once again. Jesus, when He walked out of that tomb, left His grave clothes behind! He was raised to life with new the resurrection body never to die again. Never to know in His flesh and mind the temptation of Satan—which at every step He’d resisted perfectly—even the possibility of Satan approaching to tempt Jesus is completely done. That is why He is the Firstfruit, the Firstborn from the dead because death no longer has power over Him! He is raised in power and by His resurrection death is defeated.

Jesus is the Firstfruit from the dead—when He rose to new life He had the glorified body prophesied in Psalm 16 and Isaiah 53:10 of one raised to new, eternal life. The grave clothes were left in place because Jesus’ body rose up through them. There was no need for anyone to unbind him from them. His body was raised in glory. His corruptible flesh was now incorruptible, a spiritual body.

This is why we, as Christians, have the greatest reason for thanksgiving—in Jesus Christ we are already now those who have glorious hope for new life—the resurrection body which can never die, never be subjected to temptation and evil. And, even more glorious and wondrous, we shall have the capacity to enjoy the Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit as we ought. More than this, when sin’s corrupting power is fully broken it is our delight to worship God and celebrate Him.

This is the beginning, the foretaste of what is ahead. Christians realize the splendor of God the Blessed and Glorious and we want to worship Him. Our minds are drawn to Him. Yes, sin still clings to us like burrs and terrible distractions, but the heart is directed towards thanksgiving and praise and joy in His presence. Ah, what a glorious thanksgiving celebration we can enjoy today and forever.

Today’s prayer is the versification of Psalm 16B “I’ll Bless the LORD Who Counsels Me” If you wish to hear the tune played as you read this prayer-Psalm, the link is included below.

Verse 6

I’ll bless the LORD who counsels me,

That I may know what’s right;

Indeed, my mind has given me

Instruction in the night.

Verse 7

I’ve set the LORD before my face

That Him I’ll always see.

Because He is at my right hand,

Unshaken I will be.

Verse 8

Because of this my heart is glad,

My glory celebrates;

Indeed, my body even now

In hope securely waits,

Verse 9

Because You will not leave my soul

Consigned to depths below;

Corruption You will not allow

Your Godly One to know.

Verse 10

The path of life You’ll show to me;

With You is joy untold.

And pleasures that will have no end,

In Your right hand You hold.

https://psalter.org/sing/psalter?psalter_in=arp

October 11, 2020 -- John 11:33-35 -- Many Reasons for Thanksgiving

 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.  And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.

John 11:33-35 English Standard Version

Jesus wept. We know this to be the shortest verse in the Bible (John 11:35). When Jesus saw the sister of Lazarus weeping at Lazarus’ death, when Jesus took in the effects of the sin which caused Mary’s weeping and was the reason why His work as Savior was needed—Jesus wept.

This Thanksgiving be thankful:

~for your Savior’s tears. He is not distant and cold. He is the Lord of Glory Who is moved by your pains

~for your Savior Who comforts those who mourn

~for your Savior Who is patient with your failings and directs you to life that never ends

~for your Savior’s resurrection which guarantees all believers will rise to newness of life

~for your Savior Who goes and prepares a place for you all who believe, a place in the new heavens and the new earth where tears and mourning shall be no more

~for your Savior Who brings you into the great company of saints who rejoice in Him—you are not alone as you work with all your might to apply this gift of salvation to every part of your mind, your life, your heart and your actions.

There is none like You, Jesus! From the Father’s great compassion and mercy, grace and love, You have been sent to seek and find lost and wandering sheep. Thank You Father in heaven for Your unstoppable love. Thank You, Jesus, for Your love and righteousness. Thank You Spirit of God for Your presence, gifted to men and women so that they should know Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. Thousand, thousand thanks Jesus. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmJtef10DWw

October 10, 2020 -- John 11:26b-27 -- When Believing Costs Dearly

Do you believe this?

She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

John 11:26b-27 English Standard Version

Martha, one of the many people who with her sister and brother Lazarus supported Jesus’ itinerant ministry from their own resources, was standing before Jesus broken, deeply grieved, and bewildered. Her brother had died. She’d expected Jesus—Who had healed so many people—to arrive before Lazarus died so that Jesus could raise him from his sickbed. Jesus healed so many people. That is why the sisters sent for Jesus while Lazarus was sick. Jesus could have just spoken the word, right from where He was and healed Lazarus. He cast out demons. He had the power to heal. She could not understand why Jesus didn’t come to their rescue.

Jesus explained: “I AM the Resurrection and the Life”. When things are broken and at their worst, no matter your circumstances, I AM the only source of life. Do you believe this, not only when things are good, but when things are terrible. When you have messed up, again. When you are standing at the edge of the bed of a loved one who has breathed his last. When your finances have exploded and everyone will know you failed. When your sins become public and everyone you thought was a friend abandons you. At these moments will you believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Anointed One sent to give you help more glorious and perfect than any human help could ever be?

Your loved one may not rise from the sickbed. Your finances may not turn around. Your company may have to experience retractions due to the second wave of Covid such that you will never reopen your doors. At that moment will you be able to declare: “Yes, Jesus, I believe You are the Christ—the One Anointed by God—the Son of God Who is coming into the world”?

At that moment, while her brother was still dead, and she did not expect him to to be raised, Martha finally understood Who Jesus Is. He alone holds the power of life and death. He alone can lift us from our worst fears and disasters and comfort us. He is life now. He is life in eternity. He is the One Who raises us up to know we have a Father in heaven Who knows our Name. He is the One Who gifts us with His Spirit so that we don’t care about riches or poverty, sickness or health, fruitful or lean years, Covid-19 whatever wave it might be. He, Jesus is the One Who is life. Not as the world celebrates. Not as fickle people who one moment love you and the next vilify you. He is the One Who loves at all times. He is the One Who will never leave you. He is coming into the world. He will return and bring all His people to the Father.

Do not lose hope. Do not give up. The race is nearly done. The angels at the throne of heaven will soon hear the order, “Raise those trumpets to your lips, announce the return of the Christ, the LORD of Glory, come to bring His people to the splendor of eternity”.

Blessed Jesus, You are Who You promised You are: the Resurrection and the Life. When circumstances would blind Your people to this thunderous truth let Your Spirit speak to the heart of Your child: “Abba, Father” so that the realization of the heart’s true paternity would stir within an unshakeable hope. Thank You, Jesus, for the rich storehouse of blessings You bring. Amen.

October 9, 2020 -- John 11:25 -- Ballast for the storm

Jesus said to her,

“I am the resurrection and the life.

Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…”

John 11:25 English Standard Version

Listening to a sermon by John Piper he used a wonderful illustration that really gripped me. He noted when a hurricane is heading towards the coast of Alabama, fishermen will put heavy ballast in their boats. This ballast, extra weight, will keep the boat from tipping as easily when the storm hits and the waves toss the boat about. What a great image that is!

Look our verse today, Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Those who believe in Him do not fear death. Why? Because Jesus is the Victor over death and the grave. He has conquered it. What a glorious hope we have. What crazy storms our country is going through right now. There is a second wave of Covid-19; though I live in a province with virtually no cases, all people are required to wear masks in all public buildings. Visits to those who are sick in the hospital are suspended. Those in palliative care have very restricted visitor lists, perhaps one or two are allowed to visit. Despite all of this, Jesus is our ballast. He keeps us from tipping over into hopeless chaos!

In the midst of all the upheaval and difficulty, we who believe in Jesus Christ know He is the resurrection life. We live for Him with joy now and in trembling expectation of the time when sin shall be no more and we shall live in the new heaven and the new earth in awesome Presence of Him Who is the Radiance of the Father. Do not lose hope beloved people of God. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Captain of Salvation and Perfecter of Faith.

Blessed Jesus, in the middle of these storms and the creeping exhaustion many of us are starting to feel, let the glorious truth of Your Resurrection power revive us. Spirit of God, motivate us to deep, happy and holy living so that many will see in us the truth that no one can steal our joy in Jesus. Triune God, refine our faith so that You, Father are hallowed and the Son reaps the reward for which He came to this earth—many believers from all the tribes and nations to the glorious praise of Your Name, Father—and this in Your mighty power at work in us, Spirit of God. Amen.

October 7, 2020 -- John 11:2-3 -- Death Defeated

So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

John 11:2-3 English Standard Version

Wait. Lazarus dies though. So what does Jesus mean? He means “this illness does not lead to death’s triumph”. That will be obvious as the story unfolds. You need to let the Spirit work the narrative to its conclusion. You must ask these sorts of questions and trust that the LORD of Glory will make Himself known through Jesus—Who is the Radiance of the Father’s Glory.

It is a passage that has come up before, and it is so relevant again:

It is the glory of God to conceal things,

but the glory of kings is to search things out.

Proverbs 25:2 English Standard Version

When there are things you don’t understand, think on them. Pray about them. Ponder them. Ask Christians whose walk with God you admire, ply them with questions until you understand and are presented with the next mystery of faith to unravel and learn from.

As Christians we know death does not triumph. Jesus Christ has conquered the grave and even death itself is led captive by His resurrection glory. Christians can be fearless in our witness to the people in our circle of family, co-workers and friends. We can be fearless in our carrying Good News to the ends of the earth. Death does not triumph! God is in charge! That is the glory the Son of God has revealed.

Jesus, Glory of the Father and Glorious in Your Own Right—blessed are You and True. As I read Scriptures move me to study and to pry open the truths You have planted in them as treasures. Thank You for the clear teaching You are the Way, the Truth and the Life—no one comes to the Father and the joy of salvation except through You. Spirit of God, increase my capacity to know Jesus, to obey Him and rejoice in Him—all this to the Glory of the Father, Who determined before the foundation of the world to bring many sons and daughters to the glory of belonging to Him. Amen.

October 6, 2020 -- John 11:1 -- The Glorious God of Spiraling Galaxies Knows My Name

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

John 11:1 English Standard Version

Though much is recorded about the life of Jesus, there is so much we know virtually nothing about. Which makes sense, even the end of this Gospel, the writer John notes: if everything Jesus did were written down “the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25). He had a wide circle of friends. We know Jesus was a peripatetic preacher—okay, I love that word! Peripatetic means that Jesus was a wandering rabbi. He didn’t have a home or a place to lay His head. He was supported by the various people who opened their homes to Him whenever He’d wander through their area. We get clues and odd references to the people who would supply His and His disciples’ needs.

There are various nameless people in the Gospels as well—for example the blind man of John 9 whom Jesus healed—and it is beautiful to me that they are not all named. What it teaches is that Jesus knows every single person, all hearts, and all the circumstances of our lives. We know only a small, thousandth of a fraction of the total population of the people who live. But for Jesus there are no nameless, forgotten people. Whomever has lived. Whomever was aborted. Whichever child was lost in pregnancy to the most aged person and all in between who ever lived, lives or will live all are known to Jesus! We are, every one, precious to Him.

Whatever we do in His Name and for His glory is known and recognized by Him. How that stirs my soul. Do you feel like you are laboring in obscurity? Does it feel like no one has any idea of the things you do? Do not lose heart! Jesus knows you. He sees you. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of His Name with the full assurance He sees You, He is honoured and blessed. No one is hidden from His sight. HIs Spirit lives in you who believe and the Spirit will renew your heart in joyful obedience. Pray. Ask for the Spirit’s power to live in faithfulness. Take heart from the simple text of today—He knows your name!

God of spiral galaxies spinning in distant quadrants of the cosmos how great is Your majestic power! How vast and terrible is Your uncontainable glory. How can it be that You should know my name and the circumstances of my life? Thank You for Your loved poured out in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the presence of Your Spirit Who vivifies me. Draw me ever nearer to Yourself so that the clutter and worthless things of my life will be burned away and the fires of devotion will be stoked to ever great passion for You. Amen.

October 5, 2020 -- John 10:40-42 -- Four Basic Questions Answered

He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained.  And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there.

John 10:40-42 English Standard Version

Jesus spent some in one place. Those who’d seen His signs, or miracles, had time to digest what they’d seen and heard. The Spirit brought these things to fruition in the lives of those who saw them. It is important for us to see this and understand. When the Spirit sends us we speak as we are led and we trust Him for the results. You might find it tempting to over-inform someone. You might want to add more and more information. Just answer the question.

My favorite illustration on this point is the young lad, 8 or so, who asked his dad: “Where did I come from?” Slightly reddening, the dad launched into an involved monologue on the facts of life! Horrified, the young lad quickly interrupted and asked: “No Dad, did I come from Moncton, or Fredericton?” Awkwardly funny, isn’t it?

In our lives we have basic questions:

“Who am I?” The Bible says we are people, each one known by God, who are fearfully and wonderfully made in the womb.

“Where do I come from?” God, Who made the heavens and the earth, created Adam and Eve from the dust of the ground. It is not evolution. It is the intentional, creative work of the Triune God.

“Why am I here?” The Bible teaches us we are here to glorify God and delight in Him forever.

“What happens when I die?” We will face the judgement. Those who believe in Jesus Christ know the punishment for their sins was measured out on Him at the cross. Those who refused Jesus will spend eternity in hell, bearing the weight of their sin.

Everything the Bible says about this man, Jesus, is true. We need time to think on Him, meditate and reflect. The truth of Who Jesus is needs to germinate in us so that His glory takes hold on us. I love the parable of the seeds. We all know seeds take time to germinate. So it is with the truth of Jesus Christ. He takes hold in the soil of our hearts. The roots of this grows deep into us and the plant rises up and bears much fruit Our souls rejoice as we grasp more. We savor the knowledge of Who He is He is the radiance of the Father’s glory and He is our life’s great delight.

Living Jesus, thank You that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We know we can come to the Father only through You. Spirit of God, fill our souls with holy delight and ever deeper hunger which can only be filled with the banquet that is Christ. Faithful Father in heaven, thank You for all that You have done to draw us to Yourself in love. Glorious is Your Name, Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

October 3, 2020 -- John 10:29-30 -- My Father is Greater than All!

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.

John 10:29-30 English Standard Version

This hurricane season many of us have watched the successive waves of hurricanes form out in the ocean, strengthen and make landfall. The devastation is terrible. The power in such storms boggles the imagination. The winds of an “average” hurricane have the equivalent power of 12 hours output of all the world’s electricity generating power. When you calculate the wind, the waves, the rain, and so on, the power of an average hurricane is 200 x the power of all the electrical generating power of all the power plants on our planet. During its life-cycle a typical hurricane releases the power of 10,000 nuclear bombs! (This is from the website How Stuff Works).

Yet the planet does not explode. Though the on-coming storm can generate numbers on the Richter scale, so that a storm far out at sea produces tremors on the land—it is as if the land shivers in anticipation of the violence about to hit it. The LORD our God is greater. His power is greater than all. Why does this matter?

The Father has determined who will be saved. The Father has given to Jesus Christ the sheep and Jesus by His once-for-all sacrifice has rescued us from the powerful wrath of God—greater than all the storms ever generated on our planet. Jesus has entrusted us, delivered safe from the anger of God and has given us the righteousness He lived. Jesus, filled with divine power greater than all the storms of the earth, was able to endure the holy anger of God against our sin. When God sees us, He sees the love of His Son poured out on us. When God the Father considers our ways, the good-conduct and right-living of Jesus is credited to you and me! Jesus then entrusts us into the hands of our Father so that we will never lose our salvation, we will never lose our way.

Knowing this makes us desire Jesus more. Knowing this truth fills us with the Spirit’s deep and abiding love for Jesus so that the Word becomes sweeter. The obedience we offer to Jesus is whole-hearted. Our sins—oh the wretched persistence of them!—becomes more hateful. No matter the energy of the storms and trials thrown up against us, the Father is greater and He has rescued us in Jesus Christ and the Father and the Son send the Spirit so that this greater than all hurricane force power resides in us bringing us to eternal life and fullness of joy in the presence of our God.

God of Majestic power and glory, Moses described You as the God Who rides above the storm. What a picture of Your divine omnipotence! Thank You for making Your determination of our rescue effective through Jesus Christ. Thank You, Father in heaven, for the life of the Spirit, spawning in us resurrection life. Triune God of Splendor and Glory, direct us ever deeper into Your love and more determined to serve You with all exuberance and wonder until we see You face to face and our sins will finally be vanquished and we will live with You and sin no more. Even death itself will be captive-led to hell. Increase our capacity to think on such things. Increase our marveling in Who You are as we ponder them so that many around us will be drawn to the powerful life of Christ shining out from us. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_NMrhO7rDo

October 1, 2020 -- John 10:27 -- The Best Loved Voice

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

John 10:27 English Standard Version

Some 34 years ago my opa, that is the Dutch word for grandfather, passed away. He was in his nineties. He lived in the Netherlands and we lived in Canada. My dad and my aunt decided to host a family dinner of remembrance since the family could not go to the Netherlands for the funeral. (It is hard for many of us to imagine today, but there was no access to things like Zoom or Skype. Even making phone calls was still ridiculously expensive!) I distinctly remember one or two conversations with my aunt. These moved me to write a condolence card and in it I included this verse.

There is something so distinctive about a voice. I can remember opa’s voice. The particular timbre of it, a raspiness that was acquired after decades of smoking his favorite cigars. My point is that we can recognize a love one’s voice very easily. Even in a crowd we can hear a laugh or hear a snippet of conversation and say to ourselves, “That’s wife’s voice”! Love increases our sensitive receptivity to hearing the voice in any place.

The point Jesus is making is this, His followers learn to hear His voice. His sheep love His voice. We are comforted by His voice. We are guided to safety. We are assured of our Father’s great love. We hear His voice distinctly in the Bible. The Gospels give His biography and explain His work of bringing glory to God and salvation to the people of God. More than this, we hear Jesus speaking most clearly. Even so, the Psalms declare Him—the King Who would reign. And we learn of Jesus. The more we know the more our hearts learn the timbre of His voice. The Spirit of God within us quickens us, delights in bringing to us intimate knowledge of Jesus and His voice. The Old Testament books of the Bible teach us of Jesus—the King, the Prophet, the Priest—and He is better than all the shadows that pointed to His perfections. The New Testament fills out our knowledge of His voice’s color and accent.

When we close our eyes in death, we have this sure and glorious expectation, we will hear our Savior’s voice. The Shepherd of our souls will speak and we shall have the thrill of hearing His voice in clearer tones than we’ve ever heard before. We shall thrill at His voice and our souls shall cry out: “The voice of Him I love!”

Blessed Jesus—pour out Your Spirit so that we can ever more clearly discern Your voice above all the noises and dissonant clanging of this dark time. By Your Word and Spirit lead us, Good Shepherd, to our eternal home in the brilliant presence of our Father. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoKDu6HbyRY

September 30, 2020 -- John 10:19-21 -- Exuberant Obedience

19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

John 10 English Standard Version

When you speak about Jesus inevitably something happens. Jesus’ Name provokes a reaction. In Jesus’ own day there were many who heard His teaching, saw the miracles and were moved. They wanted to know more. However, there were many whose hearts were hardened and they were offended at Him.

It is no different today. I find it horrifying and fascinating that those who do not believe in God spend so much time trying to prove He doesn’t exist. There are no bus campaigns to state Santa Claus doesn’t exist. There are no bus campaigns to tell children to stop putting their teeth under their pillows because the Tooth Fairy is a myth. You only have campaigns against God if you somehow suspect He Is.

The absolute most important question for every person to answer is this: “Who is Jesus?” There is no other question that even comes close in importance. I was listening to a series of mission lectures by John Piper. Piper noted that Christians are to be hedonists. You read that correctly—pleasure seekers. And the greatest pleasure, the highest joy is seeking Jesus Christ. In Him and through Him our head and heart, our appetites and our aspirations are completely filled. We find in Jesus our fullest joy and greatest happiness. That is what motivates our giving, our declaring Him and living for Him—sheer pleasure in knowing Him for Who He Is.

Knowing Jesus is blessedness, the fulfilment of many promises. Consider these words:

You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are eternal pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 ESV

This too highlights why Jesus is the Most Important Person Who ever lived. This answers why we spend our lives pursuing Him and seeking to know Him. At His right hand are eternal pleasures forevermore. What a glorious promise!

Forgive us Jesus, for our sluggish and half-hearted obedience. Spirit of the Living God, cleanse us so thoroughly that our hearts and minds, our hands and attitudes reflect the fullness of joy that can be found only in Jesus. Father in heaven, thank You, for the tremendous, wondrous, exhilaration that can be found in knowing we are Your children through Jesus Christ. Surely God, You do all things well. Move our hearts to declare Your glory, Triune God, not out of slavish duty, but with exuberant praise, speaking to others the blessedness and gladness of knowing You. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMBRLq0-y9Q

September 29, 2020 -- John 10:12-13 -- A Mere Hired Hand VS the Good Shepherd

He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

John 10:12-13 English Standard Version

No wonder the Pharisees and the Scribes, political leaders and opponents hate Jesus. He calls them out as self-seeking, self-interested and self-protecting. Perhaps you remember a bus campaign carried out in 2009? In the US and the UK buses had the slogan: “There’s probably no god. So stop worrying and enjoy your life”. These or some variant of them were advertisements in Toronto buses as well.

A simple response might be to go the organization that created these idiotic adverts and say to the hired hand in charge, “okay, then give me your car, your house and your bank account.”

No doubt the hired hand will say, “You’re nuts, get out of here!”

Me acting as an atheist: “For me to enjoy my life, I want more stuff, more things. Since you, hired hand, have no basis for morality, or law, I am just going to steal your stuff.”

Hired Hand: “But it is important for us to live in society that is regulated by the common good of lawful conduct.”

Me acting as an atheist: “Prove it. You can’t. You have no basis for a moral law—only God, our Creator offers that. You, as a godless hired hand, only believe in the survival of the fittest. Great. I’m stronger than you are and I’m going to knock your socks off, take your stuff, stop worrying and enjoy my life.”

Obviously this is not something I would do or advocate. But you see the nonsense of it, right? You can see how Jesus’ words are proved over and over again, in His generation and each generation thereafter, by anyone in power who is not a Christian. There is no basis for any moral order, no basis for common compassion without Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd Who leads us, as His sheep, in the way of righteousness.

Perhaps it is time for Christians to put up advertisements in buses. I’d suggest something like this:

God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—rescued us from lawlessness. Stop worrying about atheists. Worship God and enjoy Him forever!

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, thank You for leading Your people into salvation. Thank You for rescuing Your people from lawlessness and hopelessness. Father in heaven, we pray for the salvation of our political leaders: our Governor General, Prime Minister, Premiers and all people who hold any office. We thank You for those who serve in the strength of the Spirit, living faithfully for Jesus Christ. All those who live for You, Good Shepherd, as they serve and work, bless them and continue to fill them with the joy of knowing You. Working or retired, young or old, married or single, whatever condition and whichever place You have called us into, help us, Triune God, to serve You with holy joy. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLxdb3ov-zE