The thing that stands out the most in this chapter is the word testimony. It should make us stop to think about our own testimony about Jesus. Do I make a conscious effort to tell other people about the difference Christ makes in my life? Do my words and actions point others toward knowledge of eternal salvation?
John the Baptist was very adamant about leading others to follow the Messiah. He did not want any glory for himself, and he did not worry about losing his own followers when they chose to follow Christ. John's entire life was a testimony that said, "Look! The Lamb of God!" (v. 35)
The first thing Andrew did after discovering the Messiah was to go tell his brother. (v. 41) Philip also immediately told a friend about Jesus. (v. 45) Have you and I lost the urgency in telling our friends and relatives about Christ?
Just in case I haven't told you, Jesus Christ is the real thing! He came from the Father to be the Savior of the world, and He wants to be your personal Savior. Will you invite Him to cleanse you of your sin today?
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
John 1:1-5
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John 1:1-5
This is one of my favorite descriptions of who Jesus is. He is the Word of God, and He is God. He is eternal, and He is the agent of creation. Genesis 1 tells us that God spoke things into being. John 1 tells us Jesus is the Word of God. This concept is so huge that it is tough to wrap your mind around it, but I believe it is crucial to our Christianity. Do you believe that God spoke the world into being and that Jesus was the Word that made it happen? I hope you will respond to this blog post with your thoughts and beliefs.
As I am writing, I am listening to Matthew West's song, "The Motions." I agree with his statement, " I don't want to go through the motions." At the end of my life, I don't want to be asking the question, "What if I had given God everything?" I want to worship Him with everything I have! How about you?
This is one of my favorite descriptions of who Jesus is. He is the Word of God, and He is God. He is eternal, and He is the agent of creation. Genesis 1 tells us that God spoke things into being. John 1 tells us Jesus is the Word of God. This concept is so huge that it is tough to wrap your mind around it, but I believe it is crucial to our Christianity. Do you believe that God spoke the world into being and that Jesus was the Word that made it happen? I hope you will respond to this blog post with your thoughts and beliefs.
As I am writing, I am listening to Matthew West's song, "The Motions." I agree with his statement, " I don't want to go through the motions." At the end of my life, I don't want to be asking the question, "What if I had given God everything?" I want to worship Him with everything I have! How about you?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Luke 2
I think I will title this blog post--Don't Miss the Opportunity.
Luke 2 is a very familiar chapter to churchgoers, and it is full of stories we have heard since childhood. The birth of Jesus. No room in the inn. The shepherds. The angels. Simeon and Anna. Even the story of Jesus being left at the temple as a twelve-year-old is found in Luke 2. Will you take some time with me today to look at these stories from a new angle? Put yourself in the shoes of the players in this story. Would you have been an eager participant, or would you have let these opportunities go by?
First of all, think of the people who missed the blessing of hosting the Holy Family in their homes. When we read the story of Jesus' birth, we tend to focus on the innkeeper (who is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible, by the way). Well, what about Joseph and Mary's family members? Did you notice that they missed the birth of their grandson, nephew, cousin, Savior of the world?? Even the great-aunts and uncles who may have been still living in the Bethlehem area did not open their homes to the young couple in need. You and I have lots of long-lost relatives, and we meet people every day who have needs. Do we welcome them with open arms, or do we turn them away in shame?
I am so proud of the shepherds! Typically, these guys would not strike me as opportunity seekers. However, they grabbed this one by the horns! You and I might have been tempted to doubt our angelic vision, but the shepherds said, "Let's go check it out!" They hurried to find the Holy Family, and then they wasted no time spreading the news. I'm afraid you and I don't always follow through on telling people the good news. We didn't hear the message of Jesus through heavenly messengers, but we have heard the message of salvation, nonetheless. Are you hurrying to find the Christ child? Are you sharing His story with everyone you meet? This is one opportunity we should eagerly seek.
I want to play the parts of Simeon and Anna. Both were filled with the Spirit. Both were actively worshipping the One True God. Both of them had their eyes open looking for the Promise of God. Neither one of them were hesitant about sharing a word of prophecy with the new parents. Now, that is the opportunity where you and I would stumble. We might think we have a word from God, but we have a tough time gathering our courage to share it with anyone. I know from experience that God still speaks to His people today. I also know that preachers aren't the only ones who can get a word from God. Next time God gives you a word to share with someone who needs a little encouragement, don't miss the opportunity.
Finally, let's think about all the people who missed the opportunity of sitting at the feet of the 12-year-old Messiah. Without a doubt, Jesus' parents missed it. I wonder if they ever asked Jesus about the Heavenly Father who shared His one and only Son with them? Later in His ministry, the gospel writers tell the story of Jesus' mother and brothers waiting outside to speak to Him. I wonder if they missed the opportunity to go inside and sit under His teaching? Girls, I don't want to miss the things Jesus has for me to learn. Let's agree to sit at His feet daily!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Prov. 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Prov. 9:10
Luke 2 is a very familiar chapter to churchgoers, and it is full of stories we have heard since childhood. The birth of Jesus. No room in the inn. The shepherds. The angels. Simeon and Anna. Even the story of Jesus being left at the temple as a twelve-year-old is found in Luke 2. Will you take some time with me today to look at these stories from a new angle? Put yourself in the shoes of the players in this story. Would you have been an eager participant, or would you have let these opportunities go by?
First of all, think of the people who missed the blessing of hosting the Holy Family in their homes. When we read the story of Jesus' birth, we tend to focus on the innkeeper (who is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible, by the way). Well, what about Joseph and Mary's family members? Did you notice that they missed the birth of their grandson, nephew, cousin, Savior of the world?? Even the great-aunts and uncles who may have been still living in the Bethlehem area did not open their homes to the young couple in need. You and I have lots of long-lost relatives, and we meet people every day who have needs. Do we welcome them with open arms, or do we turn them away in shame?
I am so proud of the shepherds! Typically, these guys would not strike me as opportunity seekers. However, they grabbed this one by the horns! You and I might have been tempted to doubt our angelic vision, but the shepherds said, "Let's go check it out!" They hurried to find the Holy Family, and then they wasted no time spreading the news. I'm afraid you and I don't always follow through on telling people the good news. We didn't hear the message of Jesus through heavenly messengers, but we have heard the message of salvation, nonetheless. Are you hurrying to find the Christ child? Are you sharing His story with everyone you meet? This is one opportunity we should eagerly seek.
I want to play the parts of Simeon and Anna. Both were filled with the Spirit. Both were actively worshipping the One True God. Both of them had their eyes open looking for the Promise of God. Neither one of them were hesitant about sharing a word of prophecy with the new parents. Now, that is the opportunity where you and I would stumble. We might think we have a word from God, but we have a tough time gathering our courage to share it with anyone. I know from experience that God still speaks to His people today. I also know that preachers aren't the only ones who can get a word from God. Next time God gives you a word to share with someone who needs a little encouragement, don't miss the opportunity.
Finally, let's think about all the people who missed the opportunity of sitting at the feet of the 12-year-old Messiah. Without a doubt, Jesus' parents missed it. I wonder if they ever asked Jesus about the Heavenly Father who shared His one and only Son with them? Later in His ministry, the gospel writers tell the story of Jesus' mother and brothers waiting outside to speak to Him. I wonder if they missed the opportunity to go inside and sit under His teaching? Girls, I don't want to miss the things Jesus has for me to learn. Let's agree to sit at His feet daily!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Prov. 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Prov. 9:10
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