February 4, 2021 -- John 21:16 -- Restoration

He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

John 21:16 English Standard Version

Jesus, speaking to Simon Peter who denied Him three times, now asks Simon Peter a second time: “do you love me?” Jesus’ questions go to the very depths of Simon Peter’s denials and require an answer from a heart and mind in process of being sanctified, that is, being made holy. As Simon Peter answers Jesus he is being restored. Whenever the devil would later on seek to plant a seed of doubt—can Jesus really love you? Did He really restore you? Simon Peter will recall these questions and remember Jesus’ persistence in asking and Jesus’ purpose for restoration.

Notice also Jesus’ response to Simon Peter’s affirmative answer: “tend my sheep”. Jesus did not say to Peter, that’s it, you are going to have to wait four months and prove yourself penitent. No, Jesus restored Simon Peter and gave him an important task to do. The task confirms the veracity of Jesus’ forgiveness. The work of tending Jesus’ sheep, (these sheep are the people who soon would be without the presence of Jesus their Shepherd because He would be ascending to heaven) would confirm Simon Peter’s forgiveness and teach others the way of forgiving love and restoration in Jesus’ Name. Tending the sheep would give shape and help Simon Peter express his thanks and praise to God.

I wonder how many forgiven people languish in the uncertain place of being told they are forgiven, but not having any meaningful or useful task to do. It makes the forgiveness seem incomplete and the awkwardness between the one forgiving and the one being forgiveness unnecessarily extended. Most beautifully Jesus, our Saviour and Reconciler, teaches us the way of forgiveness—believers are called to tend other believers, to help in their restoration, or their growth in faith, or their work in living as Christians. In so doing the rich blessings of Jesus Christ are worked into and through-out the whole Christian community and the world notices and says “see how those Christians love one another!”

O Holy Spirit,

As the sun is full of light, the ocean full of water,

Heaven full of glory, so may my heart be full of thee.

Vain are all divine purposes of love and the redemption wrought by Jesus

except thou work within, regenerating by thy power, giving me eyes to see Jesus,

showing me the realities of the unseen world.

Give me thyself without measure,

as an unimpaired fountain as inexhaustible riches.

I bewail my coldness, poverty,

emptiness, imperfect vision, languid service, prayerless prayers, praiseless praises.

Suffer me not to grieve or resist thee.

Come as power, to expel every rebel lust, to reign supreme and keep me thine;

Come as teacher, leading me into all truth, filling me with all understanding;

Come as love, that I may adore the Father, and love him as my all;

Come as joy,

to dwell in me, move in me, animate me;

Come as light, illuminating the Scripture, moulding me in its laws;

Come as sanctifier, body, soul and spirit wholly thine;

Come as helper, with strength to bless and keep, directing my every step;

Come as beautifier, bringing order out of confusion, loveliness out of chaos.

Magnify to me thy glory by being magnified in me,

and make me redolent of thy fragrance.

“Spiritus Sanctus” The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions

https://youtu.be/tQUTvMtUhw4

February 3, 2021 -- John 21:15 -- Jesus' difficult question to you

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Fed my lambs.”

John 21:15 English Standard Version

With the arid smell of the charcoal fire still in his nostrils, his belly filled with the breakfast Jesus had provided, Peter was asked: “Do you love me more than these?” The question needs to be asked—more than these what? It seems a bit ambiguous. Does it refer to the fishing nets and the joy of working? It might. R.C. Sproul suggested it was a much sharper question: “Do you love Me more than these other men here love Me?”

According to Luke 7:42-43, those who have had greater debts forgiven, love with greater depths. Jesus has shown Simon Peter great compassion—not ostracizing him, not heaping scorn on his head—Jesus provided a great catch of fish. Jesus provided His Own company. Jesus provided breakfast. All this to Simon Peter, the man who denied Jesus three times. The man who disassociated himself from Jesus. Jesus did not distance Himself nor deny him.

Do you feel as if your sins are too great to be forgiven? Do you feel as if God the Father is more likely to scold you than to rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17)? Let this passage sink into your mind and soul. In love Jesus approached Simon Peter and began the process of restoring him. So too Jesus has approached You by His Word and Spirit. You can love Him “more than these”—whoever or whatever used to be dear, such people and things have faded into obscurity in view of Jesus—Who has purchased your soul with His blood. Rejoice. He has set your soul free!

Today’s prayer of praise is drawn from Zephaniah, already referred to in the devotional. The prayer includes these terms Daughter of Zion and Daughter of Jerusalem which are references to the much loved people of God. Jesus is the Holy Bridegroom—He will return to claim His Bride (the daughters of Jerusalem and Zion) and bring her to the new heavens and new earth, clothed in holiness and joy. As forgiven people, washed by the blood of Jesus Christ, we are part of this joy-filled, rejoicing and exulting redeemed people!

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
you shall never again fear evil.
16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Fear not, O Zion;
let not your hands grow weak.
17 The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:14-17 ESV from Biblegateway

https://youtu.be/fAJyGZlbeTg

February 2, 2021 -- John 21:9 -- Profoundly Forgiven

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.

John 21:9 English Standard Version

Why does the author of the Gospel of John specifically mention that Jesus cooked breakfast for His disciples over a charcoal fire? Where else is a charcoal fire mentioned? It is only mentioned one other place, John 18:18. When Peter was outside in the courtyard of the High Priest, and Jesus was inside being falsely accused by the High Priest, the servants and officers made a charcoal fire to warm themselves. At this place Peter denied Jesus. Peter had said he’d lay down his life for Jesus—that was just hours before!

The smell of a charcoal fire is distinct! Peter would, no doubt, immediately recognize it and the recent association with Jesus’s betrayal and mock trial and his own denials of Jesus. Why would Jesus do this? Why would Jesus remind Peter of this?

How often have you asked, “Can I really be forgiven?” You think of your worst failures and at the remembrance of it the enemy nudges your conscience and sickens your stomach so you begin to doubt the extravagant grace of God shown you in Christ. Peter was, by means of this charcoal fire, reminded of his great failure and profound betrayal of His King. And Jesus, gently, begins the process of restoration.

Dearly loved follower of Jesus, if you feel as if your nose is being rubbed into your failure, ask yourself: “is it possible the Spirit of God has brought me to this place so that I can learn the depths of the forgiveness of Jesus Christ?” The answer is yes. Yes, our deepest betrayals and worst offenses against God have been propitiated. It is a technical word: propitiated—that is, God’s appropriate anger against our sin has been fully poured out against Jesus on the cross. At that cross, Jesus became sin for us, so that we might in Christ become the righteousness of God.

How then shall we live? As deeply and truly as you have been forgiven, be reconciled with others. Offer forgiveness fully. Live thanking God for the work of Jesus Christ. In the power of the Holy Spirit as you read the Bible, do not let the enemy cow you into thinking you can not be forgiven. Praise God the Father that He has not left you languishing in the horror of your sins but has rescued you in Christ and protects you by His Spirit Who lives in you. When in memory you smell the arid burning of past failures now forgiven, let that be the prompting you need to bring honour and praise to God Who is rich in mercy.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Biblegateway Psalm 103:1-5;20-22 ESV

https://youtu.be/PhdTwZKlobA

February 1, 2021 -- John 21:4-5 -- Work and Blessing

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No”.

John 21:4 English Standard Version

Why were the disciples fishing? Jesus had told them to go to Galilee and He would meet them there. They were fishermen. They’d need to feed their families, so it was not unreasonable that they’d be fishing.

Why didn’t they catch anything? At John 21:1 it is recorded that at the Sea of Tiberias Jesus revealed Himself. There is something purposeful going on here, the revelation Jesus desires to show them, is unfolding even in the fact that these capable fishermen are coming up empty-handed.

Why did Jesus ask them what He knew already? Jesus was not mocking the men. He was going to make a point and thereby give a fuller revelation of Himself to His followers.

What do we learn?

Work is honourable. If a man capable of work but refuses to work he should not eat.

It is Jesus Who gives blessing to our work. He is near. He calls out to us—do you see fruitfulness and blessing on your labour? If not here are some questions worth thinking about:

~Are you asking for Jesus’ blessing? Remember the Lord’s prayer, “give us this day our daily bread”. When it seems we are spinning our wheels, it may well be that have become proud, forgetting it is God our Faithful Father Who gives work, gives ability, gives success and gives us favour.

~Are you looking to Jesus for Him to bring the blessing and the increase? If not, perhaps it is time to confess your failings.

~Are you thanking Him for every good gift or are you taking for granted the rich blessings you receive? Perhaps a season of drought in your finances or work or fruitfulness of your work will bring you back to your knees and increase your thankfulness for all you have received and are receiving from God the Glorious Father.

Prayer is from the psalms:

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High;

to declare Your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,

to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.

For You, O LORD, have made me glad by Your work; at the works of Your hands I sing for joy!

Psalm 92:1-4 English Standard Version

https://youtu.be/sR6Kajdtt3M

January 28, 2021 -- John 20:29 -- Faith that is blessed

Jesus said, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

John 20:29 English Standard Version

It is worth pausing and re-reading that passage several times. Do you understand, you who are reading this right now, you are covered by this glorious blessing? Thomas refused to believe, in fact he said, “I will never believe” (unless I place my finger in His nail scars and put my hand into His wounded side). Doubting Thomas broke into the confession “My Lord and my God!” when Jesus approached him and invited Thomas to touch those very scars.

We have not seen Jesus with our eyes, nor have we touched those glorious scars. Yet Jesus calls us blessed. We are blessed by Jesus our High Priest. We are blessed because the Spirit of God moved us to hear and respond to the Good News of Jesus as it was presented by faithful parents (as in my case) or faithful Christians in church or at work. We are blessed because the Spirit of God seals to our minds and hearts the work of Jesus. In fact, by this blessing Jesus teaches us our faith is not inferior to that of those first disciples. We are not second-class citizens in heaven.

This should inspire you to tell others of Jesus. This blessing assures us that as we go and speak the Good News of Jesus Christ, others will hear and believe because of our testimony. Others will also be covered by this glorious blessing—”Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”. This blessing leads us to praise the Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit! It is true we are most richly blessed by the extravagant love and mercy of our God!

The Love of Jesus

O Father of Jesus,

Help me to approach thee with deepest reverence, not with presumption, not with servile fear, but with holy boldness. Thou art beyond the grasp of my understanding, but not beyond that of my love. Thou knowest that I love thee supremely, for thou art supremely adorable, good, perfect.

My heart melts at the love of Jesus, my brother, bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, married to me, dead for me, risen for me; He is mine and I am his, given to me as well as for me; I am never so much mine as when I am his, or so much lost to myself until lost in him; then I find my true manhood.

But my love is frost and cold, ice and snow; Let his love warm me, lighten my burden, be my heaven; May it be more revealed to me in all its influences that my love to him may be more fervent and glowing; Let the mighty tide of his everlasting love cover the rocks of my sin and care; Then let my spirit float above those things which had else wrecked my life. Make me fruitful by living to that love, my character becoming more beautiful every day. If traces of Christ’s love-artistry be upon me, may he work on with his divine brush until the complete image be obtained and I be made a perfect copy of him, my Master.

O Lord Jesus, come to me,

O Divine Spirit, rest upon me,

O Holy Father, look on me in mercy

for the sake of the well-beloved.

Prayer is from the book: The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

https://youtu.be/hwc2d1Xt8gM

January 27, 2021 -- John 20:24-26 -- Defying Cancel Culture

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them.

John 20:24-26 English Standard Version

What is striking about this passage is how it stands against today’s ‘cancel culture’. This cancel culture summarized as: ‘if you don’t agree with me, I will cancel you from my life’. Thomas did not believe Jesus had risen from the dead. Even though the other disciples were in the upper room one week before and they had seen the risen Savior. Thomas was steadfast, curmudgeonly in his rebellious unbelief. HE wasn’t there. He didn’t see. He would not believe. How did the other disciples respond?

Well, the other disciples kept inviting Thomas to their times of worship. The other disciples obviously kept speaking to Thomas about Jesus and His resurrection. The following Sunday Doubting Thomas was with the assembled disciples back in the upper room. What patient love the other disciples must have shown to Thomas. How compelling their invitations to stay within the fellowship, and we draw that conclusion because Thomas was there with the other disciples. Then Jesus reappeared.

During these Covid-19 crisis times, who needs your persistent love? Who needs to see your dedication to the Risen Savior and hear your kind and persistent invitations to join in for worship? Do not take on the hateful cancel culture tone of the world around you. In view of the peace only Jesus can bring, be persistent and faithful in your invitations to the people in your life that they may encounter the living, Risen Savior Jesus.

Spirit of God, thank You for Your work in the hearts and lives of those who, under Your direction led us to Jesus Christ. Thank You for their faithfulness and persistence. Spirit of God move us to holy boldness to reach out to friends, co-workers, and neighbours with the Good News of salvation which is found in Christ alone. Father in heaven, thank You that from the time before the world was even formed, You chose men and women, children and infants to be Your beloved people, drawn to Yourself in Jesus Christ. With the assurance You, Spirit of God, are sending us to bring to full measure the family of heaven, let us go out with this Good News. Forgive us for work undone. Forgive us for fields unwon. In view of the greatness of the salvation lavished on us in Christ Jesus, guarded in us by the rich deposit of the Spirit, direct us Father to the family members yet to be drawn in. Blessed are You, Triune God. Amen.

https://youtu.be/FBTluxqFu_A

January 26, 2021 -- John 20:19b-20 -- Jesus' glorious scars

“Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

John 20:19b-20 English Standard Version

Recently I heard a preacher note that Jesus, Who had fed thousands with just a few fish and loaves of bread, Who commanded the wind and raging seas so they’d obey Him and became calm, and Who’d raised the dead—surely this Jesus could have risen from the dead with no scars on His hands or feet or His side. Revelation 5 emphasizes this Jesus as the “Lamb Who was slain”. It is a point worth pondering.

Jesus’ scars proved He is the Christ, the One anointed by the Father to serve as the sacrifice Who takes away the sin of the world.

Jesus’ scars show the cost of our redemption—by His scars it is proved we have peace with God.

Jesus’ scars continually declare His humanity—there at the Father’s right hand in heaven is Jesus, fully God and fully Man. The guarantee that we who are in Christ shall see Him face to face.

Jesus’ scars teach us our own suffering and wounds are purposeful. Whatever hardships or God-ordained misfortunes we must go through, we are assured that these are used by God our Father to teach us to look to Jesus, we are confirmed in our precious faith and it is opportunity for the Spirit of God to direct us deeper and more fully into communion with Jesus.

I love you, O LORD, my Strength.

The LORD is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer,

my God, my Rock in whom I take Refuge,

my Shield and the Horn of my Salvation, my Stronghold.

I call upon the LORD, Who is worthy to be praised,

and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3 English Standard Version

https://youtu.be/p1Rn-9j2NQw

January 23, 2021 -- John 20:19 & various -- An Alien Righteousness

“And you, son of man, say to your people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him when he transgresses, and as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall by it when he turns from his wickedness, and the righteous shall not be able to live by his righteousness when he sins. Though I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet if he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in his injustice that he has done he shall die.

Ezekiel 33:10-13 English Standard Version

When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

John 13:31 English Standard Version

Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

John 20:19 English Standard Version

Without the Old Testament believers cannot understand the significance of Jesus and His saving work. Ezekiel was called “son of man” because he was anointed by the LORD as the prophet sent to warn the people. The righteous will transgress. There is none who is righteousness in and of himself, not one! God is our righteousness.

The Gospel of John names Jesus or records Jesus naming Himself “The Son of Man” a total of 13 times. No one is righteous. All are warned of their sins—like Ezekiel the Watchman of Israel—Jesus warned the people of Israel not to trust their own goodness, their own efforts or in themselves. The sword of judgment will come and strike down all.

The Son of Man, Jesus, is glorified, because warns of the wrath of God which breaks against the prideful wicked. But greater glory is credited to Jesus because He also takes the place of the sinner, being the punished one Who bears this punishment for the sins of His people. Therefore Jesus is righteous. And He is the righteousness of all who believe in Him.

Jesus alone can speak peace to His disciples. On that first Resurrection Sunday, Jesus declared the peace of heaven on those sinful disciples—disbelievers, betrayers, those who’d abandoned Jesus at the Garden. He spoke to the wicked and became their Peace and their righteousness. Be warned, O sinner, be warned that you cannot save yourself. You need an alien righteousness—you need Jesus to take away your wickedness and given to you a righteousness that can withstand the scrutiny of God the Glorious.

This is also why church is essential in these turbulent times. So many people today are terrified of the virus. So many people are shut up in their home feeling confused and feeling as if they are being berated by health officials for not being compliant when that accusation non-compliance is indiscriminately shouted out against all citizens. Who can offer any consolation? Who can warn the wicked? Who can offer prayers to the Most High Who is Great with Mercy? It is among the people of God that such consolations can be found. Without the righteousness and peace of God given in Jesus Christ millions are marching to an eternity of hell and torment. Speak out, followers of Jesus Christ, and declare His righteousness and His peace to this Covid-weary world.

The prayer today is a psalm. Think of the one who prays it as one covered in the righteousness of Jesus:

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
    Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
    and speaks truth in his heart;
3 who does not slander with his tongue
    and does no evil to his neighbor,
    nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised,
    but who honors those who fear the Lord;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 who does not put out his money at interest
    and does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 15 English Standard Version

https://youtu.be/cY6k2QhdCn0

January 21, 2021 -- John 20:17 -- Power from Christ to the powerless

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God’.”

John 20:17 English Standard Version

Why not cling to Jesus? Jesus gives the answer. He will be ascending to His Father. Jesus promised His disciples, when He goes to ‘Him Who sent Me’ then He will be enthroned in power and He will send the Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 16:5,7). The Spirit of God lives in the heart of believers. The Spirit of God teaches believers the way of Truth. The Spirit of God strengthens believers so that sin becomes hateful to them and righteousness the sweet kiss of peace.

Fellow believers, we have received Good News piled onto Good News. Our sins are wholly disarmed because of the cross of Jesus Christ. The devil cannot whisper accusations against us any longer for Jesus took the punishment for our sins and He is risen to new life. In Christ, Who is seated at the Father’s right hand, we have new life, new hope, and victory in His Name and this because of the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Confess your sins. Admit your rebellions against God. Find in Christ the gift of freedom, guaranteed by the Spirit Who lives in you—and this, all this—to the glory of the Father.

Jesus, Middle Man between the Father and us, blessed are You! Our Hope and Heart’s delight thank You for the richness of our salvation. Father in heaven, thank You for electing love which has been poured out in Jesus and is guaranteed by the Spirit—the Helper of the downtrodden, the Comfort of the exhausted and the Wisdom of those who are considered fools in the eyes of the world.

https://youtu.be/jcp6w4zaW7U

January 20, 2021 -- John 20:15 -- Whom are you seeking?

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”

John 20:15 English Standard Version

Mary had seen angels who asked her why she was lamenting, crying, wailing. She had not comprehended His resurrection. Now, Jesus stood right in front of her and for her grief and wailing she could not recognize Him right there. It was her grief and bewilderment that blocked her view of Jesus. He has instructed His followers that the Messiah must suffer and rise. She had all the evidence she needed right in front of her and could not see Him for grief.

Believer what is blocking your view of Jesus? He is present in the beautiful pages of Scripture. He is present by His Spirit’s witness to your Spirit. He is near as a sigh or prayer. Are you allowing Covid and media fears which whip up further crippling fears to block your view of Jesus? Are you focused on financial uncertainties wondering what is next so that the splendor of Jesus is kept from you? Addictions. Cancer. Loneliness Anger. Resentment. Greed. Idolatry. These and so many other things can block your view of Jesus.

Perhaps your view of Jesus is clouded by your expectations. Mary saw a gardener, instead of her Savior. She wasn’t expecting Jesus. She wasn’t expecting Jesus to appear like that before her. Perhaps you have a view of God that is wrong. Perhaps you expect Him to alleviate your pain, when in fact, this pain is exactly what is needed so that sin is extracted and holiness can fill in. What false views of the LORD Almighty are you holding that need to be readjusted? Circumstances, the Word and the stirring of the Spirit will make such things known to you.

All things are passing away. Earth is wearing out like a garment. The only thing that will last is love for Jesus and the people He puts in Your life. You might note, this is basically the same message of two days ago. Indeed it is. The Gospel of John repeats this message—it is repeated because it is sinful nature to cast your gaze downwards, rather than up, to Jesus, Who stands right before you, speaking your name. Look to Jesus.

My Father,

thou hast given me a present, Jesus thy Son,

as Mediator between thyself and my soul,

as middle-man who in a pit

holds both him below and and him above,

for only he can span the chasm breached by sin,

and satisfy divine justice.

May I always lay hold upon this Mediator,

as a realized object of faith,

and alone worthy by his love to bridge the gulf.

Let me know that he is dear to me by his Word;

I am one with him by the Word on his part,

and by faith on mine.

So shall Christ the Word, and his Word,

be my strength and comfort.

From The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions “Christ the Word”

https://youtu.be/6zTYTnyvk7k

January 17, 2021 -- John 20:11-12 -- Lift Up Your Eyes

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.

John 20:11-12 English Standard Version

Though the tomb was empty and Jesus had risen just as He said He would, Mary wept. It is wailing and lamenting. Her thoughts are consumed with grief. She is not thinking clearly because her judgment is clouded with the weight of sadness. What kindness the Father in heaven showed to Mary. He used the angels to preach good news to her. These messengers were blessed preparation against the moment when she would meet Jesus there in the Garden. It is not too much of a stretch to ponder what it would have been light for her to meet Jesus—as she would just a few moments later—without having had this preparation. Lamentation might have obscured her vision even more. As it was, it took a few sentences of conversation with Jesus before her teary bleary eyes and sorrow-overflowing heart actually recognized Jesus.

Beloved of the Lord, I wonder, are His apparent absences evidences of the times you are too focused on your circumstances? You are angry—so angry you can’t see the nearness of God. You are upset, so sad your minds can’t comprehend that there is nowhere you can go that is away from the presence of the LORD Who fills all things with His fullness and blessing? You are worried—to the point that all else is obscured and God seems far off.

The tomb is empty. Angel attendants are near, doing the bidding of the High King of Heaven. Most importantly, Jesus is nearer than you realize. If you would just turn from your circumstances and fears, lift your head from your anger or worry, you would see Him there. The pages of Scripture are filled with His presence. Your own heart is the dwelling place of His Spirit Who speaks to your disquieted heart, whispering “Abba” Father. Look. Listen. Lean in.

God of Boundless kindness and love, help us to lift our eyes to Jesus. Thank You for the powerful presence of Your Spirit. Use this Sunday to direct us deeper and further into the love of Christ, by the power of the Spirit and all this to the glory and honour of Your great Name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/eg4emf9xc2c

January 13, 2021 -- John 20:10 -- Bewildered but guided

Then they went back to their homes.

John 20:10 English Standard Version

Peter and John arrived at the tomb where Jesus had been buried. All that they found were the linens strips that had been used to wrap Jesus. Those linens were covered in burial spices and ointments, now lay collapsed as Jesus’ body had risen up, through them and left them to fall back. Off to the side was the cloth which had been used to cover His face, now folded. John believed. But both men left the empty tomb and went home. It is so prosaic. So honest. So typical of what bewildered and confused people might do.

Notice the disciples did not go out and proclaim Jesus had risen. They did not gather the other followers of Jesus and celebrate the resurrection. They were leaderless. They were confused. They needed the direction of the Living Lord. They went home.

The final acts of Jesus are recorded in the rest of this chapter and in chapter 21. Jesus answers their confusion. Jesus directs His followers. Jesus shows them mercy. It is a critical lesson for us all. There are many times in our Christian faith when we are thrown off balance and directionless. It is the very experience of Jesus’ own followers! The mercy of God is such that in Christ He approached His followers. He sought them out. He directed them.

Believers, in these days it seems the United Stated is tearing itself apart through political upheaval. Parts of Canada are under brutal lockdowns and repressive responses to a virus that is contagious, but minimally lethal. The Canadian government is spending Canada into generations of debt and potential great poverty. It would be easy to despair. Certainly it is confusing.

Today’s strange little verse is helpful. Then, as now, the followers of Jesus are easily thrown off and cannot understand their times. Jesus approaches. He is the clear Word of the Father in heaven, as Isaiah 9 states it, He is the Wonderful Counselor. Jesus reminds the faithful of the fact our God holds the past, the present and the future in His hands. Jesus gifted His followers with His Spirit—so that believers can pray, asking God for help in every storm and crisis. Thereby Jesus shows His people He is the Mighty God, the Great Warrior Who will guard His army (who are bewildered sheep and easily confused). The credit will belong to Jesus solely as it was always obvious His people could not save themselves. He is the Everlasting Father—the One Who proves over and over again to the be reliable mentor, the teacher Who never fails. Jesus is the Prince of Peace—this pandemic will pass. Sooner or later. Then there will be the next crisis in our world, perhaps social unrest. Maybe the stock markets will crash. Maybe the democracy which had for so long been taken for granted will give way to harsher government systems. Over all of this Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.

The disciples went to their homes. But they did not stay there. Jesus approached them. Jesus directed them. He is even today, speaking His wisdom to all Who will hear. He is today directing His flock through the valley of the shadow of death and will not let even one of His little ones get lost or be devoured by wolves without hope of His salvation. Jesus has poured out His Holy Spirit so that believers are not huddled in fear, but huddled together in prayer. Believers are not afraid of what is next, but urgently praying that whatever is next will be used of God to display His glory so that the full measure of elect will be brought into the sheltering embrace of Christ our King.

Today’s prayer is based on Jeremiah 33:11 and Habakkuk 3:17-19

Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, Sovereign of Angel Armies, Ruler of all time and the Sole Conductor of history; for the LORD is good, the Source of all Good; for His steadfast love endures forever.

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines the produce of the olive fail, though the world be upside-down and it seems there is trouble in every side, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the LORD, is my strength; he makes my feet like that of the deer’s; He makes me fearless in worship. Blessed are You, Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—worthy of all praise and worship, now and forever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/R0gu0nOaFsI

January 8, 2021 -- John 19:39-40 -- Growth

Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.

John 19:39-40 English Standard Version

What a change has taken place in Nicodemus’ life! He is now publicly performing the required rites for the burial of a body. Jesus’ body. In John 3 Nicodemus came to Jesus, secretly, at night, to ask questions. He was afraid of the opinions of men. He was afraid of what the ruling religious leaders would think of him going to seek Jesus out. Then in John 7 Nicodemus defended Jesus before the Sanhedrin. Here in the passage today Nicodemus is openly showing himself a follower of Jesus.

There are many times as a preacher or a mentor, I push people. It is hard to understand why this person or that one is not further along in their walk with God. The Bible gives us the glorious picture of Nicodemus, the journey of a great teacher of Israel who moves from being wise in the eyes of the world, to being humbled in the eyes of the world so that he would be wise in the ways of the Living God. Jesus in His great grace showed the way of the fisher of men. He, having planted the seed of the world in the heart of this disciple, allowed it to take hold. Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, was sure of the Spirit’s work to bring the seed of the word to germination.

When the Spirit of God brings new life, the one made alive in Christ will grow at the pace the Father sets. It is a joy to answer questions. It is a gift to pray for the one being mentored. And it is the work of the Living God to give growth and healing and progress at the pace He determines. What a difficult lesson this is for an overly-enthused teacher such as I can be.

God, Faithful, Patient Father, teach us true humility. Thank You for the call You have placed on us in Christ to be fishers of men. Spirit of God, teach us the patient work of praying for those whom we mentor—children or friends, new converts or life-long Christians—endeavoring to grow in the knowledge of and praise to the Triune God. Gracious King of Glory, thank You for the privilege of planting seeds. Mighty God, thank You for the times of blessing when it is our joy to see the growth You bring. Bind us together as Christians, young and old, new in the faith and long established in the blessed way of salvation, so that together we may offer ourselves up to You and in the service of love to one another. Amen.

https://youtu.be/IzXnINe12_E

January 6, 2021 -- John 19:37 -- Pierced

And again another Scripture says, “They will look om him whom they pierced.”

John 19:37 English Standard Version

It might be tempting to shrug off this obscure reference and read on to what you might think of as more interesting or something you might deem to be more relevant. You’d miss much of the drama of this passage and by doing that overlook a strand of promise that goes from Zechariah to this passage and is picked up and woven into Revelation with great colour.

In Zechariah 12:10 it is the LORD, the Mighty One of Heaven and Earth, Who is pierced. Grieved by His people’s transgressions. Yet, as you read on the prophecy indicates that this piercing will open up a fountain of healing for the house of David and for the people of Jerusalem so that they shall be cleansed from their uncleanness (Zechariah 13:1). What riches are to be given. What blessings will be poured out.

In the context of John, Jesus, the radiance of the Father and the exact imprint of His divine Nature is also the true descendant of David. When Jesus’ side was pierced, the prophesy was fulfilled and Jesus is the One Who brings cleansing from the uncleanness of the house of David. Jesus is the One Who makes Jerusalem and her inhabitants holy. All Who look to Him shall grieve over their sins and rejoice at His salvation.

Finally, in Revelation 1:7, when Jesus returns in splendor, all the inhabitants of the earth shall see Jesus, even those who pierced Him. Those who pierced Him and hated Him and all their ilk will be judged unto hell fire and damnation that will never end. And those who looked on Him Who was pierced and know their sins are forgiven will rejoice and bless the LORD, The Alpha and the Omega.

How rich is Your Word, God of Power and Majesty. How terrible are Your judgments and how extravagant are Your mercies. Thank You for the blessings of cleansing, of forgiveness, of life, which flowed to the House of David, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Help us, Spirit of God, Who are covered by the cleansing of Jesus, to rise up in obedience and faithfulness in honouring Him in our hearts, in our homes, and in our interactions at work, school, and play. Father in heaven, as many saints have been purified by the piercing of Jesus, may Your Name be praised. Father of Glory, may saints contemplate and be filled with wonder that You, knowing the end from the beginning, so clearly declared Your salvation. Amen.

https://youtu.be/HN3QIxFty-0

January 5, 2021 -- John 19:35 -- Testify!

He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe.

John 19:35 English Standard Version

Have you noticed that many commercials are mini stories? You watch the story, get drawn in and ultimately there is an emotional tug on your heart when you see that product. You laugh at the idea. But I can quote “I’d like to teach the world to sing” (and how many of you thought of a cola commercial, from the 1970’s?!). Or, if I quote “taste the rainbow” how many of you think of a candy commercial with the very surreal story lines?

John, the writer of this Gospel, is telling you, the reader, the story of Jesus. How Jesus fulfils the Old Testament prophecies. How Jesus is the very radiance of God walking among the people—because the full, radiant, glory of God, should it not have been veiled in flesh, would have completely obliterated all who looked on Him. So the most important question of your life is this: How do you respond to the story of Jesus? Do you believe in Him? Or, do you despite all the evidence of Scripture, the testimony of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and the witness of His followers through the ages, reject Him to your eternal peril?

John the Gospel writer knows he is telling the truth about Jesus. Jesus is more than a jingo, more than a salesman, He is the Son of God sent to seek and save those who are lost. Those who find Him and realize they have been found by Him, rejoice in Him. Delight in Him and His word.

Our prayer today is Psalm 73:25-28:

Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength[b] of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
    you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
    I have made the Lord God my refuge,
    that I may tell of all your works.

ESV

https://youtu.be/Qx9-0v9m2Sg

January 4, 2021 -- John 19:30 -- Victory

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19:30 English Standard Version

Jesus, fully God and fully man, laid down His life. He gave up HIs Spirit into the hands of HIs Father in heaven. No one could take His life from Him. By saying “It is finished” Jesus was declaring the wrath of God had been fully spent on His Person—He suffered in our place and was then prepared to die so that even death itself would have no power over those who believe in Jesus. Do you feel, already at the start of this year, as if you are defeated? As if your old sins aren’t “last year” but right now? Look to the victory of Jesus. It is victory given for the glory of the Father and your blessing.

Why the note that Jesus took sour wine? For me it made clear last verse of the enthronement psalm, Psalm 110. When the LORD of Heaven and Earth sets up His King, this King will judge the nations and shatter chiefs—and it ends “He [this new King] will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.” The warrior, exhausted from battle, will take a bit of refreshment, enough to wet his lips so that he can shout victory. Jesus shouted victory, ‘it is finished’ and His head was lifted in victory. This is the victory over sin and old habits and addictions. Christ has defeated them! Take heart, drink from the Living Water, which is Jesus Himself—refreshed by His Word and Spirit and shout in praise and thanks to God the Father.

Given Your great victory Jesus, it is possible for believers to live out Psalm 4:

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep;

for You alone make me dwell in safety”.

Blessed be Your Name, Father of all Good.

Blessed be Your Name, Jesus, the Warrior-King.

Blessed be Your Name, Spirit of God Who leads us into all truth. Amen.

https://youtu.be/M49w4uPOEZU

January 2, 2021 -- John 19:23 -- Suffering made holy

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic.

John 19:23 English Standard Version

When God breaks a man to make him fit for His service, He will remove every stitch, very vestige of the old life. One’s humiliation must be complete so that there is no room for boasting and no chance a man can say, “I have saved myself”.

Christ our Savior was without sin. Yet He endured every humiliation, every pain, every temptation so that He could be the Savior of every man in every circumstance. When you are tempted to say, “This is too hard, Father, I cannot endure it,” look to Jesus. Naked on the cross. Publicly shamed. Nothing left. Yet He, Who at a word could have summoned legions of angels to sweep away the soldiers and take Him safely from the cross, did not refuse to endure. He suffered ultimate humiliations, pains, mocking, scandal at every level so that our every suffering should be redeemed and made useful for healing.

The Great God — from Puritan Prayers in the Valley of Vision

  O Fountain of all good, destroy in me every lofty thought, break pride to pieces and scatter it to the winds, Annihilate each clinging shred of self-righteousness, implant in me true lowliness of spirit, abase me to self-loathing and self-abhorrence, Open in me a fount of penitential tears. Break me, then bind me up; thus will my heart be a prepared dwelling for my God; Then can the Father take up his abode in me, Then can the blessed Jesus come with healing in his touch, Then can the Holy Spirit descend in sanctifying grace; O Holy Trinity, three Persons and one God, inhabit me, a temple consecrated to thy glory. When thou art present, evil cannot abide; In thy fellowship is fullness of joy, Beneath thy smile is peace of conscience, By thy side no fears disturb, no apprehensions banish rest of mind, With thee my heart shall bloom with fragrance; Make me meet, through repentance, for thine indwelling. Nothing exceeds thy power, Nothing is too great for thee to do, Nothing too good for thee to give. Infinite is thy might, boundless thy love, limitless thy grace, glorious thy saving name. Let angels sing for sinners repenting, prodigals restored, backsliders reclaimed, Satan’s captives released, blind eyes opened, broken hearts bound up, the despondent cheered, the self-righteous stripped, the formalist driven from a refuge of lies, the ignorant enlightened, and saints built up in their holy faith.

I ask great things of a great God.

https://youtu.be/mosS-MCqzOs

January 1, 2021 -- John 19:19 -- Who is Jesus?

Pilate also wrote a inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

John 19:19 English Standard Version

Was Pilate serious when he wrote those words and had that inscription nailed to Jesus’ cross? It is possible that Pilate was merely identifying the man on the cross and writing out the charge for which Jesus was being crucified. The Jewish leadership complained wanting Pilate to amend what he’d written so that it read “This man said he was…” It is possible Pilate was writing this in jest. It makes me think of the idiom “Many a true word is spoken in jest”.

That idiom is well over 700 years old. When a difficult truth needs to be stated, the speaker might resort to humor in order to soften the blow or the impact of the words. The speaker might be appearing to use words to mock someone or something while, in fact, honouring the very thing which is apparently being held up to ridicule.

No matter Pilate’s motives, jesting, indifferent, or serious, one thing is certain a direct question is pressed against every reader of the inscription: Who is this Jesus to you? That is the most important question posed to every man, woman and child who ever has lived, lives or will live. Jesus of Nazareth—the expression highlights the fact He was despised and rejected. The King of the Jews—the rightful heir of David’s throne, the fulfilment of ancient prophesies that God the Father would establish an everlasting King, the Prince of Peace. The carols are, for most of you, done for another season. The truth yet remains to be grappled with and explained: “Who is Jesus to you?”

“The Valley of Vision” is a well-known Puritan prayer.

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou has brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine; let me find thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, thy joy in my sorrow, thy grace in my sin, thy riches in my poverty, thy glory in my valley.

https://youtu.be/X3YHODperFM

December 29, 2020 -- John 19:1,8 -- Gripped by fear or courage?

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him…When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid.

John 19:1,8 English Standard Version

Why did Pilate have Jesus whipped? Earlier in John the reader realizes that Pilate is somewhat intrigued by Jesus and he asked Jesus some questions, which seemed not to be driven by his role as governor, but driven by curiosity. But in the reading today it is evident Pilate does not have the courage to stand his ground. Presented with an angry crowd and scheming religious leaders Pilate can’t defend the man who so clearly took hold of his interest.

It’d be easy to batter Pilate and scorn him for being a splintering reed rather than a pillar of strength. How often have I not been in a similar position? The person before me is interested in the things of God but when the call to radical obedience, as Jesus Himself set it out before His disciples, is presented others listening in on the conversation voice their scorn and derision. How confidently will I speak then? Unfortunately, where I should have been strong I look back on my actions, knowing I have been a splintering reed, unable to bear any weight of opposition. There is a meme that has been on the newsfeed of several of my friends, it goes something like this: “When God called you, He factored in your stupidity”. In my case, He has factored in my wavering courage.

After His resurrection Jesus went to His disciples, the very ones who’d betrayed Him and failed Him, and He spoke peace to them. When our failures have been presented to us, by a scripture reading, the Holy Spirit, or a peer in the faith, God in His great mercy is giving us an opportunity to admit our failure and seek His grace so that we will be prepared for the next time when we will be challenged to stand firm in our convictions for Jesus. Think about this--even our failures can cause us to better understand the steadfast strength of God’s love for each of us. Blessed be His Name.

Prayer is a stanza of Jesus, with Your Church Abide, though a different version than is attached to this devotional.

Faithful Father, pardon us for work undone, pardon us for fields unwon, the bless the work be have begun. Lord, our Savior hear us. Amen.

https://youtu.be/XmGqO1Ukb8M

TEXT:Thomas Benson PollockMUSIC:Christopher Miner

1. Jesus, with Thy church abide;
Be her savior, Lord, and Guide,
While on earth her faith is tried:
We beseech Thee, hear us,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

2. Keep her life and doctrine pure;
Grant her patience to endure,
Trusting in Thy promise sure:
We beseech Thee, hear us,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

3. May she one in doctrine be,
One in truth and charity,
Winning all to faith in Thee:
We beseech Thee, hear us,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

4. May she guide the poor and blind,
Seek the lost until she find
And the brokenhearted bind:
We beseech Thee, hear us,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

December 27, 2020 -- John 18:24 -- Jesus in Charge

Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest.

John 18:24 English Standard Version

This short verse is packed with information. ‘Him’ is a reference to Jesus. At the start of this chapter when Jesus was about to be arrested by the cohort of Roman soldiers, He declared “I AM He” (the Jesus of Nazareth you see). At His word then soldiers fell to the ground as though dead. The merest word caused these battle hardened men to become discombobulated. Jesus was fully in charge.

When Annas interviewed Jesus, the evidence of chaos was in the face of the reader. The Jewish people considered Annas the real high priest. Caiaphas was his son-in-law, appointed by the Romans, and serving as high priest. Who is in charge? Jesus is fully in charge.

Jesus allowed Himself to be bound. He willingly endured mocking and suffering so that believers would be set free. Understand this—Jesus is not helpless. He is fully in charge. He is glorious and powerful. Those who repent of their sin—who turn from sin and face Jesus seeking after Him—will find He is gloriously in charge. Sin cannot defeat Him. Those who are bound up to Jesus in faith, hope, and love find in Him their perfect peace which no temptation, no circumstance, no government can destroy. Is Jesus fully in charge of your life?

The prayer is based on latter portions of Isaiah 40:

God our Father—to whom can we compare You? With Isaiah the prophet we confess:

Do you not know? Do you not hear?

Has it not been told you from the beginning?

Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?

It is He who sits above the circle of the earth

and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;

Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,

and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;

Who brings princes to nothing,

and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.

You alone are great, O God, bringing out the starry host by their number,

calling them all by name.

You are great! Father, direct Your people by Your Spirit into the love of Jesus and faithful obedience to Your glorious Name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/XG347euXoTM