John 17:20-21 - Jesus Prays for Our Unity

John 17:20-21

20 I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, [art] in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me. 

Message: Jesus Prays for Our Unity

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: Continuing with the High Priestly Prayer that is described as Jesus Praying now in Chapter 17, Jesus now prays for all believers from verses 20-26. Verse 20 Jesus is praying to the Father not only for "these alone" but "for those also." The these alone of the previous section (v. 6-19) was specifically for the disciples, but now Jesus turns to those that will be impacted by the disciples ministry, all the believers, thus anyone coming to faith after the disciples. This could include me. 

And His first prayer for us, "that they may all be one." And Jesus describes the meaning of the oneness in drawing a parallel of the one-ness of the Father and Jesus (and the Holy Spirit). This oneness also has a result, that people will believe that the Father did send Jesus. I really believe strongly in this idea of oneness and I am still trying to figure out what it means entirely. I think we must all be sanctified in the truth of as is mentioned in John 17:17-19. Thy word is Truth. And then we carry this truth to the World. The problem remains though in how divided still as a people. But we have from Jesus the clear words of the importance of being one. 

The Tabletalk devotional for today mentions a couple of interesting thoughts here that I think are worth mentioning. This prayer of chapter 17 distinguishes the prayer by Jesus for the disciples and also the other believers. Thus it highlights a difference between the two. Jesus passes His message from Him to them to us. The Apostles are the ambassadors of the message. They are the ones with the testimony of faith and their testimony brings us to faith through their words. Every Christian leader after them, including us, only now share that message with others. And this also stresses the importance of the infallible Word of God and its witness to our lives. 

This is why the words of the Gospel writers remain important to us. Their words and their testimony, I believe, are relevant to us today because I believe Jesus makes mention of this today in this passage. Others will say that these writings in the Gospels are only for the Jew and not the Gentile, but I don't believe this. I believe we can take authority from all of these words. And all of these words includes the words of Paul, who was not one of the original Apostles, but had a personal encounter with Jesus. 

One reason I think this is important to highlight is this authority is what the LDS faith claims is the basis for their faith. That others can have this same type of testimony of having had a vision from Jesus and being proclaimed as an apostle or representative and then can pass that onto others as the Mormons do with each of their presidents. This passing of authority is also a hallmark of the Catholic Church in relation to the Pope. 

The other interesting item that Tabletalk mentions is that Jesus' prayer implies that there will be success with the gospel being preached. 

Summary: Jesus prays that the all those hearing the testimony of the disciples will be One in truth for the benefit of the world believing. 

Promise: Jesus is praying for unity in truth, love, and mission just as He and His Father are united in truth, love, and mission. 

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the truth of Your words and the Truth of You and help me to be of the crowd that is united and one in truth, love and mission. Let me be a person that is anchored in Truth and clearly set on speaking truth to others. Help me to have that renewed ambition and commitment to the Gospel. Help me be a voice to those I am in contact with. I want to champion You God. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 17:17-19 - God's Means of Sanctification

John 17:17-19

17 Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. 18 As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 

Message: God's Mean's of Sanctification

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: Here is another request by Jesus in this prayer that he is offering for the disciples. He says, "Sanctify them in the truth." This idea of sanctification I feel like was already mentioned by Jesus in verse 11 when He prayed, "Holy Father, keep them in Thy name." The idea of keeping them and now also here in verse 17 to "Sanctify them in the truth" seem very similar. 

The difference between these two prayers is one is the idea of being kept in Thy name and the other to be kept or sanctified in the truth. To be sanctified is to be kept holy. I Thessalonians 4:3 links moral purity or freedom from lust and abstaining from sexual immorality. But here more particularly sanctification means we are set aside for a special use. But it goes further than moral purity.

Jesus explains further the meaning in verse 18, "I also have sent them into the world." So our sanctification is teased out and experienced further as we are sent out into the world to preach the gospel. But i still see a similarity in 'keeping' and 'sanctifying' as we go out and experience life, and work in spreading truth to our world. 

I know from previous verses that Jesus has mentioned the world is not fond of us. We are not people of the world (v. 14). The world hates us (v. 14). Yet, we are to be in the world (v. 18). What a sort of depressing array of tension this represents in life. It seems to be our relationship with the world right now is complaining about it more and talking about how bad it is, rather than going into it and being a voice to it. [Maybe this is what I share in class as well and find a way to look into the outreach idea of getting us involved more in our community. Iron sharpens iron sort of thinking.] 

I have been thinking of these words as I have been reading, but also wondering how they work together as I dive into my life. It is true that so much of my life is spent with people that are saved. That I spend free time with those friends that I have so much in common. I appreciate the online conversations for they help me continue to talk to others about spiritual matters, but I don't feel like I'm doing this much at work. For some, I have, and they are not very responsive. I've tried, but I've also stopped trying it would seem. 

Our prayer here is for those of us who are saved. But even in these words of prayers is a challenge to stay engaged with the world. 

One additional thought Jesus gives is in verse 19 when He says He will sanctify Himself. He says, "for their sakes I sanctify Myself." Who is "for their" - the disciples or possibly the world. Jesus is preparing to offer the ultimate sacrifice. And as Jesus does what He is going to do, He does it so "that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth." We are to be the benefactors of his sanctification. It is like the disciples purpose is to make other disciples. But we just fight against this so much because we desire so much to make our own lives better. 

For the disciple, sanctification was moving oneself further from a life of sin and closer to a life of living as Jesus lived. For Jesus, sanctification was offering his life for sin so that He could make us living our life for others. Yet, both in our sanctification and Jesus' - we are both in service to God, but the results are different. He sanctifies me so that I can be of service to Him and be of service to the Kingdom of God, which is the gathering of the saints for eternal life. 

And Jesus continues to have the goal of the life of the disciple. All of what He has been speaking in this book has been abut us - our eternal life - and our well being. But in our well being is also a work to benefit others. 

Summary: Jesus will offer himself for people, in obedience to God, so that we will be sanctified in truth to be set apart for Him and offer this truth to those in the world. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, we are equipped to go into the world as Jesus did, proclaiming the truth without compromise and calling people to repentance and faith. 

Prayer: Lord, what I notice more and more is my life in this world is training me a certain way. There is joy in this world, in living it and getting to know it and the joy of going places and experiencing other places, but Lord, I need to be careful to not simply be about this world and living according to its ways and forget the people in this world and how you came for them just as you came for me. Awaken me to this daily Lord. Retrain me. Thank you for praying for me - to be kept in Your word, to be sanctified, and to have joy. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 17:14-16 - Staying in the World

John 17:14-16

14 I have given them Thy word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil [one]. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 

Message: Staying in the World

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: As I mentioned in the last lesson, this prayer by Jesus does not so far have much intercession. Instead it is him speaking to God and describing his relationship with God and who He is in relation to God and who the disciples are as well. The actual requests for people are not predominant, but instead through these words are truths and promises that he is speaking. I continue to find this interesting. Most of my prayers or the prayers I heard are so focused on God doing something in our lives. I mean, it is good I guess that we come to God admitting we need his help. Like at our small group meeting yesterday, as I listened to the requests and how focused they are on making our lives better. There was some praise which was good. There is mention of people that are important to us and we don't want to see them hurt. 

And yet, as I listened to this and then also read this prayer I see so little intercession. Yesterday in the lesson, there were two thoughts of request -- "Holy Father, keep them in Thy name" and "that they may have My joy made full in themselves." Every other word is acknowledging truths. 

In our home group, Bill had us read Psalm 47. This is only a Psalm of praise. No requests. Just thankful to God. Interesting. 

Hated by the world - So today's passage begins (v. 14) with Jesus stating that He has given His disciples God's words. And the world does not like them because of this. With God's word with them, they are not popular before the world. Why are they hated? Because they are not of the world. They are not living according to its ways. Wow. We see this often. And yet we are baffled by this. It seems by our comments that we expect the world to live in a Godly way or manner. They are the world. Our job is to save them, not to complain about them purely. If we see a problem, then we do something about it. 

Stay in the world - In verse 15 we have 2 requests that I see. First they are to stay in the world. Jesus wants us in the world. "I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world." He wants us in the world. He wants us to be a light, to shine brightly. I just wonder in all of our complaining about the world, if we are really shining brightly in this world of ours. Are we really being a bright light to our world? 

I started reading a book called, "Sharing Jesus [without freaking out]" and in the beginning of the book he offers what I saw was a 3 fold description of why we are sharing the gospel with people. We can (1) help people see that their life matters, (2) that their passion to live comes from God, and (3) that the good news of Jesus can rescue them from pain. I love these words because of what is said - life matters, living is from God, and Jesus rescues us from the pain. There is pain living in the world. But Jesus gives us peace through that pain. I just love those words. I just don't think we approach the gospel sometimes in that way. God, yes, wants to give us eternal life, but he also wants to bring something to our life today - that it matters and we are anchored by God and he frees us from pain. That is the bright light we need to be. 

Be kept from the evil one - And also in verse 15 is the charge from Jesus to "keep them from the evil [one]." Again, we are to stay in the world, but be kept from the evil one. The reality is that the evil one, and Jesus recognizes this, is at work in the world. Evil is in the world. Jesus does want us to be free from this and he is praying this for us. Don't let the evil get a hold of you. We are not of the world, just as Jesus is not of the world, but we live in it. 

Summary: Jesus says in this prayer we will be hated by the world, but we are to stay in the world and he prays that we (disciples) will be kept from the evil one. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Let us resolve to stand for Christ today, no matter the consequences, knowing that in Him we have everything.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for explaining to me the truth of You and Your Word and also training me in the way I need to speak to you. I learn from you God and see that prayer is talking to you and in my talking I want to be someone who takes time to speak in such a way that I acknowledge you for the great God that you are. I do this in my singing in church, but I also need to do it with my own words, in quiet, declaring who you are and all that you have done for me. Teach me Lord to pray this way. My words can be few for my requests. And yet they rarely are because I am so good at talking about those things in life that are dear to me. Lord, you are holy. The truth of you is that You love people. All that You want to do God is make yourself known in creation. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 17:10-13 - The Efficacious Prayers of Christ

John 17:10-13 

10 and all things that are Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11 And I am no more in the world; and [yet] they themselves are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, [the name] which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are. 12 While I was with them, I was keeping them in They name which Thou hast given Me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 

Message: The Efficacious Prayers of Christ

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: Once again, as I start a reading today, I hear Jesus once again aligning Himself and His ways with the Father. This Gospel I see has three primary themes: (1) Showing the Father has Sent the Son, (2) Showing the Father and the Son are the same in purpose and essence and authority, (3) That Jesus came to give people eternal life. 

Our Works Glorify Jesus/God - This time Jesus says, "all things that are Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine;" -- the same that belongs to the one, belongs to the other. This is not mere prophet speak which some religions like Islam believe Jesus only holds. "and I have been glorified in them." These words are a continued thought from verse 9 when Jesus is speaking directly of the disciples. From verse 6 Jesus prayed that the disciples "have kept Thy word." The disciples had actions on their part to keep the words that Jesus had spoken, maybe not perfectly, but they would hold fast to His words and continue after He has left to uphold the words that had been spoken to them. Yes, it seems it took them a while to figure it out and come to an understanding and then receive and believe (v. 8). But once they did, the result of those actions appears to be what Jesus is praying and confirming before the Father. 

Keep Them - Much of this prayer is Jesus speaking truth, rather than interceding for the disciples and asking the Father to do something for them, but in this verse I read and hear words of a request. Actually, his entire prayer up to this point is speaking theology or confirming truth. [Note: Always as I read these words, I am astounded and amazed that we have these words and these are words of Jesus as given by God to John to write. That God would breath these words to man so that we can have them for centuries and they would be scripture to us is still somewhat incredible and hard to fathom.] In leading up to His request Jesus prays and confirms with the Father the reason for Jesus' request - and that reason being that the disciples are in the world -- "they themselves are in the world," -- the disciples will remain in the world after Jesus is glorified or ascends to heaven to be with the Father. 

Jesus as He has continually done in this farewell discourse is looking out for the disciples and requests now of the Father - "Holy Father, keep them in Thy name...that they may be one, even as We are."  Simple words. "Keep them in the name of You." Interesting.

One of the things I really don't like in the church often as I hear people pray is their theology in prayer and how we often are not so careful in what we are saying and yet I need to be careful because people are doing the best they can, may be nervous, and may not be seasoned or deep in what they are believing and yet they have a heart and love and desire for spiritual truth. One of those things I struggle with is when people ask God in a church setting to be here with us. Jesus is with us; God is with us. And so it seems unnecessary to ask Him to be with us. We can confirm He is with us and thank Him for that and much of what Jesus is praying is that - confirming truths. I mean, so far in this prayer by Jesus has been 5 verses confirming truths. But now He asks that the disciples be kept in God's name. Could it be He is saying, "May their life continue to be lived testifying of you God, staying committed to You, as I (Jesus) have been committed and one with you." I mean, he seems to be bridging the oneness Jesus has with the Father with a oneness his disciples are to have with keeping them in obedience. This appears to be a prayer of completeness or sanctification for the disciples. They are to be continually kept close - in Thine - One. 

And in these words Jesus is acknowledging that this work of them staying close to the Father depends on the word of the Father. We are not to be kept in Thy name by our own strength but by the strength of the Father. It remains enigmatic in a way that the way of the Christian life and our closeness to the Father, even our waking up to know Spiritual things, is the work of God in our lives. And yet Jesus is asking or praying for the Father to keep the disciples there. How often do I pray this? Rarely. How often do I ask God the Father to keep my children close to Him, to not let them wander. I pray that they would not wander, yes. I almost pray to God that He would move in them so that their action would be to stay close to God, but these words are different - the prayer is on the work not of the disciples in staying close. The one that keeps them close is the Father. It is the Father working. The prayer is you God, "Keep them." Amazing. Quite different from me praying that I would shape up or my kids would shape up, instead, "God, you awake them and then keep them."

Jesus then speaks some incredible words in verse 12 by mentioning that on the earth, He did the job of keeping them - everyone, but Judas. And yet Judas went astray to fulfill prophecy. Now Jesus tells God the Father to 'keep them.' He not only kept the, but 'guarded them.' That guarding to me gives the idea of keeping them from falling astray, though Judas did fall astray. I won't get into it here, but the work of man's free will and being accountable and God being the active agent in our lives remains a strong mystery. 

Have Joy - In verse 13, Jesus returns to proclaiming and speaking directly to God, describing what He will be doing. The intercession is over for now. It was one idea - God, keep them. And then Jesus speaks more theology: I come, I speak, that they may have joy. Beyond being kept, the goal that Jesus has for the disciples, and perhaps there is a little request in here, is that they will have joy. But not just any joy, but 'Jesus Joy.' And that this sort of Joy would be in them, fulfilled in them. 

So in this passage is a twofold idea of being kept near the Father, sanctified, one, and that we would have the Joy of Jesus. What a great word of encouragement. God wants us - Jesus wants us - to have joy. Joy is favor and gladness and delight. It is not happiness, but joy always has seemed to me to be more peace. Like in Matthew 25:21 where Jesus recognized great work and says, "enter into the joy of your master." Same Greek word is used there as in this verse. Joy. 

Summary: Our works are to Glorify Jesus, Glorify God. Jesus prays that the disciples, we, will be kept with God the Father and that we will have joy. 

Promise: Our perseverance depends on the Efficacious prayers of Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, you are teaching me here in these verses about prayer. And how to pray. Lord, you are shifting my thinking instead of praying that my kids would stay close to You, Lord, I am praying now that God you would keep my kids close to You. God, awaken them to You, draw them out of the brokenness where they are at times and take them to a place of revelation of You. For those that you have done this, keep them in Your name so they have that same oneness that Jesus has with the Father and they would have that oneness with You God and the desire to Glorify You in all they are doing in their lives. And Lord teach me to accept and trust and value and be in that joy that you are giving me. The delight of being in You and in Your presence. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 17:9 - The Focused Prayers of Christ

John 17:9

I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are yours. 

Message: The Focused Prayers of Christ

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: I continue with these lessons about Jesus praying now for His disciples. Jesus is interceding for His disciples. 

In my Tabletalk lesson for today, they make mention of the 5 points of Calvinism and the most controversial point of limited atonement which says Christ did not pay for all sins on the cross, but only for those of His elect, those that will be saved. And by way of Reformed Theology, they state that this verse adheres to that idea. Jesus is stating here that:

1. He is asking not on behalf of the world.

2. He is asking God only on half of those whom God has given Him - namely the disciples

3. For they are yours God. 

This is an interesting point and one that makes sense. I think one might say that Jesus dies on the cross for all people's sins, but not all people will make a confession of faith and believe in God. 

Other interesting thoughts about this passage:

• If the Father has given them to Jesus, then these disciple were previously the Father's before they were given to the Son. -- Interesting idea here of all that is the Father's is the Son's. But are all people of the Father? Or only these disciples? Not the world as is mentioned. 
• Jesus did not only pray for the disciples as in verse 20 to 26 He will pray for the world, but it will be interesting to read those words and see if these words are more exclusive to those God knows. 

Summary: Jesus continues to pray for that have heard and believed, those are the one's he addresses here as those God gives to Jesus.

Promise: Be comforted this day by the knowledge that Jesus is praying for you and, indeed, is watching over all things for the good of your redemption.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for lifting me up as I think I can take these verses that You attribute to the disciples, your followers, and subscribe also to me, your follower. And yet in these verses I pray for your teaching and understanding of Your Word and what it is saying to me. I simply enjoy the encouragement of prayer. Help me to make prayer a bigger part of my life. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 17:7-8 - What the Disciples Knew

John 17:7-8

7 Now they have come to know that everything Thou hast given Me is from Thee; 18 for the words which Thou gavest Me I have given to them; and they have received [them], and truly understand that I came forth from Thee, and they believed that Thou didst send Me. 

Message: What the Disciples Knew

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: After Christ prays for Himself, to be glorified, or to remove the veil of his divinity which seems to have been veiled up to that point and be glorified or fulfill His messianic role and completing his task of granting eternal life to His people - He then moved on in verses 6-19 to now pray for His disciples. 

Really, this Farewell Discourse which has taken place since Chapter 14, or the end of Chapter 13 has been all about the disciples and providing them comfort. But now he ends that message with a prayer. In the last lesson, I saw that the disciples had been given to Jesus as a gift from the Father. And in turn I believe we are a gift. We uphold the Word. We remain in standing with God's word. We hold it close to us. We are a people that want God to be our God and we desire to glorify Him as the Father has glorified Jesus - throughout our lives. 

The Son receives from the Father - In the last chapter, the disciples seem to proclaim for the first time that they believe Jesus came from God (16:30). Jesus then confirms this to the Father in His prayer - "Now they have come to know that everything Thou hast given Me is from Thee." The disciple know and believe (and I remember here that Judas is no longer with them at this point) that all the authority that God the Father has given the Son and most notably giving His people the gift of eternal life - all of these things to Jesus are from the Father. John again here wants to show us the connection always between God the Father and Jesus. God gives, Jesus receives and imparts to His people, Yes. But Jesus not only imparts but takes on the same authority as God the Father. 

We receive - Jesus is sent by the Father - I am reminded of the first line of the song Because He Lives: "God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus." This is the idea of verse 8 here. Jesus has taken the words from the Father and given them to the disciples. And they received. They did not simply hear, but they received. This idea of God's people receiving what has given them has been a big idea mentioned often. We are not simply hearing from God, but we are receiving. We are taking it in. It doesn't mean that we understand everything that is being said, but we are receiving it and taking it into ourselves and making it a part of our lives. 

We believe - And then in verse 8, they "truly understand that I (Jesus) came forth from Thee (God) and they believed." Again, we have the same idea somewhat of received. It is one thing to hear, but another to receive. It is one thing to understand, but the disciples also have believed. We Believe. 

Summary: The disciples, as voiced by Jesus in this prayer, hear and receive, understand and believe - Jesus is from the Father and receives everything.

Promise: We don't have to full understand everything in scripture to be saved, but we need to want to receive everything.

Prayer: Thank You God for the saving faith that I have and continuing to grow me in maturity each day> You are alive and have been resurrected and I believe in You Jesus, in God and what He has sent and in the Holy Spirit who continues to give me understanding. And my desire remains for others to behold this as well, to behold You and to receive You as their Lord. Keep making my faith stronger and keep helping me to understand You and Your word. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 17:6 - The Father's Gift to Christ

John 17:6

I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.

Message: The Father's Gift to Christ

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: The Highly Priestly Prayer which is spoken by Jesus and encompasses Chapter 17 begins in the way we should begin all prayers by praising the Father and glorifying the Son. Jesus, like us, shows us the proper way to begin our Prayers. Like the Lord's Prayer which begins with, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name." Here in verses 1-5 Jesus makes mentions that the Father is to be glorified. 

In this prayer we see 3 divisions as mentioned in My Open Bible:

1. Christ Prays for Himself (v. 1-5)
2. Christ Prays for His Disciples (v. 6-19)
3. Christ Prays for All Believers (v. 20-26)

I often like to go to the Greek and see the sequence of the words and how they read directly from the Greek. For this passage it reads, "I revealed Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. Yours they were, and to Me them You gave, and the word of You they have kept." Jesus here before the Father mentions or speaks to the Father and makes known to the Father that He has revealed the Father to the men the Father gifted to Him and these Me were given to Him out of the world. 

Not of this world: The world here I believe refers to the fallen system of mankind. We are to be conformed to Christ as Paul speaks about in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of Your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is." We are to be a transformed people. We are "strangers and exiles on the earth. (Heb. 11:13)." We are not of this world. Our calling is to be with Christ and walk with Him. The disciples were not super Christians and they even had problems. Even one of them will betray Jesus. But, we are not being elevated but rather God is elevated, God is praised. 

Giving Gifts: The title of this lesson today is "The Father's Gift to Christ." That gift is the men, the disciples. They were a gift to Jesus. I don't think we think of this. God's gift to people is Christ. "For God so loved the world that He gave His Son." God loves us and gives us His Son. Well, God the Father has also gifted to Jesus His followers, His people. We are a gift as well. I really like this encouragement, this idea that we are a gift to Jesus from God. The disciples will eventually be the spokespeople for the gospel, the message of God to love the world and grant them eternal life. We are His ambassadors. 

You know, this idea that God doesn't need us that I have heard voiced so much, that God can do His work without us. I am not sure I buy this at times. Yes, God is perfect, but He wants to use us and He wants to work though us. I think He does need us. We are to be a voice to the people. We are not be bumps on the logs. We are God's gift to Jesus. 

Guarding God's Word: The end of the verse says, "they have kept Your word" or in the Greek, "the word of You they have kept." "They have kept" takes on the idea of guarding or watching over. This is not necessarily obedience, but this is guarding God's words and keeping watch over them. His people are the protectors of His words. 

Interesting, as I read this more and more I think about the recent conversation I have been having with a guy named Darius who seems to hate religion and think it is all garbage and all about mind control, but the more I read these scriptures and think about my faith, the more I see the value in it and what it means to me. 

Summary: Jesus prays thanking God for the disciples called out of this world, as gifts to Him, guardians of the Word. 

Promise: We are humbled by God's great love for us, wanting us. 

Prayer: God, thank you for wanting me, for valuing me, for gifting me to Jesus. Your love is truly amazing and I do thank you. Help me to be a person that guards your truth and is proud to speak of it. Let me always be a voice for You and give You praise. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 17:4-5 - Jesus Prays To Be Glorified

John 17:4-5

4 I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Message: Jesus Prays to Be Glorified

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: The Tabletalk reading for this lesson talks about how Jesus set aside or veiled his divinity on earth multiple times and that is why this speaks to the idea of Jesus being glorified. And so here when He speaks of asking the Father to glorify Himself He is asking God to allow His divine glory to be seen again. 

It was veiled as has fulfilled his mission to provide eternal life to the elect. Atonement is required with the human nature; humanity can suffer, but God cannot. 

Yesterday in Sunday School our teacher asked us to mention things in our faith that remain difficult to understand - and we mentioned many different things. This to me is one of them - understand how the divine nature and human nature work together with Jesus. How can he be both? And when was He both? Other questions were asked like free will and sovereignty. I also mentioned what is the age of accountability. There is also the problem of evil or suffering. 

But with this idea of a human nature and divine one. Could it be that most of Jesus' time on earth or all of it was according to His human nature? And perhaps it was the Father working through Him always even as He did divine things like walk on water or understand what a person is thinking or motivates that person. Even when healing was done, was it God manifesting Himself through Jesus or was Jesus acting according to His nature. So this idea that His divine nature was veiled or set aside does seem congruent. 

Back in John 13:31-32, I saw this idea of the glorification of Jesus for the first time here in John. I saw in that lesson multiple passages that speak of God's glory. And that Jesus was our opportunity to see God's glory. The purpose of our life is to glorify God. In verse 31, "Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him."" Jesus' mission is fulfilled. It mentions that "now" or not earlier, but now is the Son of Man glorified. 

In verse 4, Jesus prays to the Father, "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do." Jesus has been perfectly obedience on the earth. In the same way that I myself now live and act and seek to Glorify God on this earth, this is what Jesus did on the earth, in all He did, glorified God on the earth. 

Albert Barnes (1798-1870) states, "He had preached to the Jews; he had given them full proof that he was the Messiah; he had collected his disciples; he had taught them the nature of his religion; he had given them his parting counsel, and there was nothing remaining to be done but to return to God." Thus, he finished the work God had given Him to do. He speaks as if the work on the cross had already been doing because for Him it had been done. 

Verse 5 Jesus prays words to the Father, expressing or asking that God would glorify Himself, would return to Him the divine glory that He possessed with the Father when the world began. These are clear words of divinity and it makes sense that Islam would not accept these words. As it states in verse 5, "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was." These words are incredible. And very similar to John 13:31, but adds that Jesus previously had this glory, but his role was probably different. Now His role is to be mediator between God and Man, providing our atonement on the cross. 

What great words of comfort these are and how they explain to me so much of God becoming a man, in order to be an earth mediator between God and man and bring people to eternal life. Yes, Jesus did it all. He came with authority and power, showing us the truth of the Gospel message of salvation and yet also showing us that a full life is in Christ, living in Christ - being born again, embracing the bread of life, the water of life, the temple of Jesus' body, our Great Shepherd who guides us. We are to embrace Jesus, be in Jesus. 

Summary: Jesus now prays that God's glory, which He possessed before the world was, would be returned to Him and that Glory would be with God the Father. 

Promise: Christ has to be glorified in His humanity in order to dwell before God's face as the incarnate Mediator. 

Prayer: O Father God, you are rich in mercy and love towards me. You have given me life, abundant life through the work of Jesus on this earth and His completion of being glorified in the cross at Calvary. You came to bring us all eternal life and living with You as our sustenance is how I am to live now. Thank you that I can experience God's acceptance because of the work You did. And thank you for bringing me alongside You. God, you are to be praised. You are to be glorified. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 17:1-3 - Jesus Prays That He Might Glorify the Father

John 17:1-3

1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, 2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. 3 This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

Message: Jesus Prays That He Might Glorify the Father

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: Since chapter 14, Jesus has been speaking over a small period of time in what has been labeled as His Farewell Discourse and now in chapter 17 this is often called the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. 

Intercession is interesting. In Numbers 14, most of the chapter is an exchange between Moses and the Lord. The Lord speaks and then Moses pleads for his people. Moses asks for the forgiveness of Israel and God grants Moses' request and doesn't kill them, but does punish them. In 2 Chronicles 30:27 it is the Levitical priests who speak on behalf of the people. Hebrews 7:25 says of Jesus, "Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

As Jesus begins, we see this is a prayer as it describes Jesus, "lifting up His eyes to heaven." I have always thought it was interesting how we always bow to pray. I wonder if we do this so as to not be distracted and yet in some ways it seems more natural to speak to God in the way we speak to one another but with the difference of looking up to the heavens. 

Jesus says, "Father, the hour has come." John 7:30, "His hour had not yet come." John 8:20, "His hour had not yet come." John 12:23, "Jesus [answered them], saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." - The Hour is the appointed time for Lord's death on the cross. And though while here in this verse it is not yet arrived, the events that culminate it have begun. This is the time. It has arrived. There isn't a surprise. This time has been planned. 

And then Jesus speaks of himself in the third person asking the Father to glorify Himself, the Son. I wonder if Jesus is speaking of His divinity in referring to the Son. This hour that is coming is the result of Jesus being glorified - Jesus' work on earth being completed. Jesus has really done a lot on earth, in a short amount of time. 

In this passage, as has been the focus very often in this gospel - Jesus is pointing to the Father. Now, is he just doing this to make his message more palpable to his audience, primarily Jews? Possibly. Or Possibly his focus is meant to be on God the Father. 

On a typical Sunday at church, I often will people watch and observe what is going on in the church and one thing I notice in our church, more than others I have attended is the complete focus on Jesus. The song selection is really focused on Him. I suppose as I read scripture I see this very even focus in Scripture on all members of the Trinity and as I read John, I see a focus that Jesus has often on the Father. 

The focus in these words is what God has done - "You gave Him authority over all flesh." Jesus and the Father clearly have the same authority. And this authority has a purpose, "He may give eternal life." This is the purpose of Jesus - to give eternal life to all, in His name. If there is one big message in the book of John this is it -- the giving of eternal life to all in the name of Jesus from the authority of the Father. 

John 17:3 is such a huge verse that Jesus is speaking, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." To know God, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Eternal life is what we want. We want to know that our future is secure. We don't want to go to another place of not being with God. We are selfish in this way. We only want good things to come in our life. We hate mistakes and bad times and situations. But Jesus takes us beyond what we want to declare that the goal of our lives is to know God. We are to know God. Life is about knowing God. And Jesus Christ. This is the purpose of God's spirit, to communicate the knowledge of Jesus and what He has done and Jesus is all about the Father and His business. 

Summary: Jesus voices in this prayer that the hour has come for the son to be glorified with the Father. Jesus came to give us all eternal life and this is a life of knowing God and His Son Jesus. 

Promise: "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."

Prayer: Lord, what a joy it is always to read and study your word and specifically the words you have given to us through John and the difference a little in his emphasis from the other gospel writers, namely that Jesus gives eternal life. That is clear and remains clear. Lord, I love to study your words but it remains hard at times to talk to people and spend time sharing with others and conveying these words that I am learning and talk to people open and honestly about them. Lord, your words seem clear. I am to know God and in the process I receive eternal life, but my zeal and goal in life is knowing God. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 16:33 - Overcoming the World in Christ

John 16:33

33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

Message: Overcoming the World in Christ

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Speaking: Jesus has been voicing a lot of ideas - and now Jesus says that all that He has been saying has been in order for people to have peace. Yes, this is what I have studied and seen with the words Jesus has spoken in these last several chapters, from chapter 14 on - peace and comfort. He is leaving but He wants the disciples to have comfort in these words. 

Jesus says to the disciples that they will experience tribulation. But Jesus mentions that he has overcome the world. The world is a place of difficulty and trial, but with Jesus by our side, we can walk through life with that comfort and peace that Jesus has overcome the world. Trials are not the end of us. But they are part of life. 

No need to be surprised by tribulations. I just finished a study on trials from a message was recommended to me from Skip Heitzig. He thought of these questions:

1 How do you react when various forms of testing's come into your life?

2 Do you complain about the misfortunes of life or do you thank God for them?

3 Do you advertise your trials, broadcasting them, making sure everybody knows how bad things are for you — or do you bear them quietly?

4 Do you live in the future waiting for things to improve or do you live in the present letting the hardship change your attitude for the better right now?

5 Do you indulge in self pity and seek sympathy from others or do you commit yourself to a life of service for others?

I thought these were great thoughts to ponder in my life. 

Summary: Jesus offers additional encouragement to the disciples that though they will experience trials, He has overcome the world and therefore they will have comfort. 

Promise: Let the world do its worst; if we are in Christ, we will be glorified with Christ.

Prayer: O God, it is hard to hear that trials are inevitable and yet this is a reality in our lives. They are coming. The importance for us is knowing that God is there for us and protecting us and that He has overcome the world and so we can have comfort in this and can know that God is on the throne and will take care of us. You are there God. We need you. You are present. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 16:29-32 - Jesus Predicts His Desertion

John 16:29-32

29 His disciples said, "Lo, now You are speaking plainly, and are not using a figure of speech. 30 Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God." 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and [yet] I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." 

Message: Jesus Predicts His Desertion

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: Upon the heels of Jesus communicating to his disciples that he hasn't been speaking plainly, using figurative language (v. 25), but this will change upon His glorification (13:31) and repeating also that He comes from the Father (v. 28), now the disciples understand. They haven't previously, but now they state they understand. They haven't been getting it up to this point, but they seem to be stating they get it now. 

But Jesus doesn't completely think they do. He offers words in verse 31 I think that in a way states that their belief may still be wallowing and then offers in verse 32 that they will scatter soon. Jesus lets them know that the hour is approaching in which He will be not with them, but alone in appearance and yet the Father will be with Him as He is always. 

The scattering that Jesus mentions has a similar idea possibly to Matthew 26:31, "You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, 'I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.' The scattering is what Jesus is saying is a falling away or the sheep, the disciples here, will disperse (as John 21:3 speaks about). 

Even the words of Psalm 69:20, "Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none." Jesus, among men, did not find those who gave him comfort by staying with Him, except for Peter and John who would stay close. 

Summary: The disciples state that they now believe Jesus came from God. Jesus lets them know that they will soon scatter to their own areas and He will have the Father with Him, never alone. 

Promise: We always have room to grow in our understanding of the Lord and His ways.

Prayer: Thank you Father for giving me understand and this study of Your Words. Help me to be an encouragement to others and help them see the light. And help me to be a person of faith always, not denying your ways but continuing to trust You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 16:25-28 - The Love of the Father

John 16:25-28

25 "These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will speak no more to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28 I came forth from the Father, and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again, and going to the Father." 

Message: The Love of the Father

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: The Farewell Discourse by Jesus continues and for me this discourse has had the theme of comfort Jesus is giving to His disciples as He is glorified or leaves this earth to be with the Father. I have seen a theme in this book of Jesus preaching the Gospel of Good news, namely that everyone can have eternal life in Him and people giving their lives over to Jesus completely, surrendering themselves to Him. seeing that He has been sent by the Father and the Father and Him are one. Jesus has also, upon His departure, given us the promise of His Holy Spirit. 

Currently, the disciples are still having a hard time really understanding this idea that Jesus is leaving. Despite the promise He has giving them that things will actually be better when He is gone, they still are struggling with the idea. 

As Jesus has been speaking, people are having a hard time understanding Him. Maybe this is because they have been trained about spiritual things in a certain way, not understanding the Kingdom of God that Jesus continually speaks about - namely the place where Jesus the Messiah lives and manifests Himself to His people. living in community with them, bringing them everlasting life. 

In today's verses Jesus speaks about how His ministry will change upon His departure - as the Spirit will give people greater understanding of His work and ministry. The plain speaking that is coming is "of the Father." And He acknowledges that in those days people will understand that "I (Jesus) came forth from the Father."

The times are changing in that God's children will understand more fully that God has Sent His Son Jesus and in that people will pray and make requests in the name of Jesus. This is why we pray "In Jesus' name" often at the end of our prayers because Jesus tells that they will ask in His name. 

Summary: After Jesus departs, people will understand completely that Jesus has been sent by the Father and they will ask in Jesus' name and the Father will hear their prayers. 

Promise: The Father Loves us and wants to hear from us. 

Prayer: Thank you Father for your great love for us and knowing us and communicating clearly who You are. You have told me. I know. It is hard that so many in our world though have hardened ways and do not understand. They are blinded continually by their own flesh, the drawing of the world, the work of Satan. O God, open blind eyes so that many more will understand who You are - the King of this World, for all eternity. I pray that many more will know you. Build community in our world. Build peace among your called ones, so that we will be of one accord. Be praised always. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

TABLETALK - September 2018

I continue in my daily studies to be guided by Tabletalk magazine. 2018 was a study on the Gospel of John and its straightforward presentation of the person and work of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and other doctrines. 

• January 2018 (July 4, 2023 - July 23, 2023) John 1:1-2:22 - The preexistence of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist and the person of Christ. 
• February 2018 (July 24, 2023 - August 10, 2023) John 2:23 - 3:36 - Regeneration and our need to believe in Christ for Salvation
• March 2018 (August 13, 2023 - September 30, 2023) John 4:1 - 5:29 - Christ is the incarnate Son of God
• April 2018 (October 1, 2023 - November 6, 2023) John 5:30 - John 7:36 - Jesus is as necessary to our souls as food is to our body; Jesus teaches in the temple during the Feast of Booths
• May 2018 (November 7, 2023 - December 22, 2023) John 7:37 - John 9:41 - Jesus experiences opposition and there is a sin-motivated resistance people have toward being enslaved to sin.
• June 2018 (December 23, 2023 - January 21, 2024) John 10:1 - 11:57 - Jesus as our shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep, but some won't hear Him. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in order to impact the faith of the disciples. 
• July 2018 (January 22, 2024 - March 14, 2024) John 12:1 - 13:20 - Jesus as Savior and Judge; salvation comes to Jesus' disciples and the judgment comes to all who reject Him. 
• August 2018 (March 15, 2024 - April 12, 2024) John 13:21 - John 14:31 - Warnings Jesus gave on the night of the Last Supper and the blessed promise of the Holy Spirit. 
• September 2018 (April 13, 2024 - May 9, 2024) John 15:1 - John 16:24 - Continuing Christ's Farewell Discourse and the meaning of abiding in Christ, the analogy of the vine and conviction/guidance of the Holy Spirit

Chapter 15

Vine and Branches (John 15:1-5) - Jesus confirms that He is the true vine of Israel to bear the fruit of salvation now to all. Our response is to trust in Him (abide). 

Burning Branches (John 15:6) - In abiding, we need to be people that our lives look like our faith. In trusting in Christ, abiding in Him is a life of living, asking God to prune, so that our lives are marked by fruit. 

How We Bear Fruit (John 15:7) - As the Father was abiding in Jesus and Jesus did good works, the same thing occurs for us as we abide in Jesus and He in us and good works will done as we ask for them to be done. 

Proving Our Discipleship for God's Glory (John 15:8) - Our purpose on earth is to be called Jesus' disciples, bearing fruit, and all for one purpose - the Glory of God. 

Abiding in the Love of Christ (John 15:9-11) - We love Jesus, we keep His commandments and we abide in His love, just like he showed in His relationship with God the Father. 

Christian Love Defined (John 15:12-13) - Christ-like love is passed on from Him to us to us to others and as He would lay down His life for all of us, I can practice the same sort of sacrifice though in different ways toward others. 

Friends of the Savior (John 15:14-17) - We are Jesus' friend, no longer slaves. He chose us to bear fruit, and we can ask Him in His name and He will give it. We are to love one another. 

The World's Hatred (John 15;18-21) - Like Jesus, the disciples will be persecuted and hated by the world, but this hate is first directed at Jesus. 

Inexcusable Sin (John 15:22-25) - Jesus remarks that no one has a reason to curse Him by hatred or persecution because He has presented Himself as the Son of Man who is equal to the Father. 

The Witness of God's Spirit and People (John 15:26-27) - Jesus sends the helper to testify of Jesus and His followers, the disciples, testify of Jesus as well, having been with him since beginning of His ministry. 

Chapter 16

The Persecution to Come (John 16:1-4a) - Persecution is coming, within the church and outside of it; Jesus encourages us to not stumble and remember the words of comfort He continues to speak. 

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16:4b-11) - Jesus confirms it is better for him to leave to the Father, as the Holy Spirit will be with us and convict the world of sin, Christ's innocence and Christ the victor over Satan. 

The Spirit's Guidance (John 16:12-15) - Jesus confirms that the Holy Spirit will speak of the truth of Jesus, glorifying Him, giving us more insight as days go by into the future, and the Holy Spirit is also from the Father.

The Disciple's Confusion (John 16:16-19) - Jesus is telling the disciples He is departing to a place they cannot see Him, but they will see Him again another time, another place. And we can trust Jesus without knowing all the details.

Sorrow, Joy, and Answered Prayer (John 16:20-24) - Jesus states that the best thing for us is Him leaving. While grief hits, the heart will rejoice and no one can take this joy. We will ask according to God's will and also receive a full joy. 

Various Scriptures - What it Means to Grow in Holiness - We are to be intense in our desire to follow God, valuing righteous living and to resist the schemes of the flesh, Satan and the world. 

The Already and the Not Yet - We live now and wait between what our Lord has declared is already true and what has not yet been revealed. I long to be in a place (heaven) I have never been. "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man" (Revelation 21:3). While we live as pilgrims, aliens, strangers here, Christ is the light of this world and we are to shine His light. We are His ambassadors looking to gather up more for the future home. 

God's People in Exile - This is an interesting article. It reminds me of the words, "What is God doing for Heaven's Sake" or the Tom Nelson series on the "Decree of God." This is a great summary of the Bible. Life right now is a mix of exile and restoration. Once we left the garden, we live in a place of exile, not where we were originally intended. The Garden of Eden - The garden was set up with everything that we needed, and we were tasked to multiply people, and expand the borders of the garden to the end of the earth. But we disobeyed God's one and we were exiled. The Curse of Exile - Out of the garden, we fell into God’s curse, which resulted in hard work all of our days, pain in childbearing, and opposition to subdue the Earth. God promised a Redeemer to reverse the curse. The Flood - Man, however, became exceedingly wicked, including yielding to false worship, until finally God wiped out everyone except a remnant, Noah; we can return to God's favor, back to Eden, that it is different. Abraham's Sojourn - God chose Abraham. God lead Abraham to Canaan, but there was a famine that caused him to go to Egypt where He encountered challenges. He made a covenant with Abraham to give him Canaan along with numerous descendants and His kingdom to the entire world. Abraham though never saw it and lived as a foreigner. The Exodus - The promise of Canaan being a great nation was fulfilled, though after centuries of Israelites enslaved to Egyptians. This prolonged suffering not only for personal sin, but all sin of others. Israel was unfaithful during the exodus. He allowed them to leave Egypt, but still they wandered until all left Egypt. The First Kingdom - God made a covenant with David, promising Solomon to rule Israel forever. Israel rose to power and its people too numerous to count. Solomon built the temple - the place where God dwelled and met with His people, yet not walking them yet as He did in Eden. But unfaithfulness set in again, under Solomon's son Rehoboam the kingdom divided to Judah (south) and Israel (north). Both in exile, removed from his throne in Jerusalem.  The Last Kingdom - God did what His people could not, sending His son to lead His people out of exile and build the kingdom throughout the world. We remain in exile physically, struggle with our flesh and sin, but spiritually citizen's of God's kingdom, having the Holy Spirit and seated with Christ in heavenly places. The promise of Jesus returning and renewing heaven and earth, a fullness of God's kingdom resulting. Until then we suffer - but we live and walk by faith. 

Eternity in Our Hearts - The title of this article is taken from Ecclesiastes 3 as the Preacher gives words of God’s providence stating "God has made everything appropriate in it’s time placing eternity in our hearts." This article helps us to remember that we are living now for a future glory of being with Christ in glory. We can begin to love him now us the church, His bride, with a focus on the bride groom (Jesus). We must be careful not to simply stare at the dress only, and think that this dress is the ultimate point of the wedding. As we encounter difficulties living on this earth, it should remind us that this is not our home. Everything we are doing is preparing us for that future day, the bad reminds us of our future hope and the good gives us pause to thank God. Work while in the garden, before sin, had dignity, but after the fall it was toilsome and so in doing it is dissatisfaction which focuses us on a better day. God uses joys and sorrows for our good benefit, to work together for good. We don't understand everything, but we still can see a purpose in things - work is a gift, all is beautiful in its own time, we have eternity in our being, and that evil will be dealt with. There is purpose in history even if we don't understand it completely. Sin corrupts these longings as we focus instead on personal greatness, time is squandered and eternal life mocked. We should be moved to faith. 

Living as Dual Citizens - In the NT we have a contrast, living in the world, according to its ways and the government and yet not of the world and its ideals. We do need to respect government while looking forward to our eternal home. God rules the institution of the world and its governing powers and the church in different ways. Respect our leaders. Governance is God’s plan. 

Living in These Last Days - The last days started 2,000 years ago. God's promises are being fulfilled today. It affects our view of sanctification, family life, church, politics, and much more. 

Separationism - Christians are discouraged by what they see in the world and so some think a monastic life is in order. We are to be a separate people which is hard. But we are not to avoid sinners in the world. We need to be careful about being associated with anyone not our brother and live in a way that contradicts our faith. The church needs to unite and not argue so much within. We need to consider more our witness to the world. 

Living in the World to Come - Sabbath rest and worship offer an oasis for the weary and heavy-laden people of God. It shows us God is on high forever. 

How Providence Nurtures Death - Like a father to his children, God's providence is the Father's care for his children. Despite the hard events in life and trials which are promised to us, God's providence is still present as He nurtures faith in us and all things work together for good. As humans, we focus on the short-term and what is going on now, sometimes seeing that our obedience does not have good results of joy and happiness and freedom from harm. We get hurt by others and so we also learn a need to forgive. We can be generous with what He has given us. This might require adjustments to be made. But, regardless of what we are facing today, remember the Father cares for us. 

Jesus the First and the Last - 

The Pastor's Prayer Life - 

Old Tears - 

Humble Speech - 

Renewing Your Mind - The story of Dr Sproul's show celebrating its 24th anniversary. 

Favoritism in the Church - God shows no favoritism or partiality in the covenant of grace so why do we size up people? 

Working unto the Glory of God - One way we can glorify God in our work is to do our very best. 

The Moment of Truth

Various Scriptures - What it Means to Grow in Holiness

Luke 16:16

The Law and the Prophets [were proclaimed] until John; since that time the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.

Message: Life Coram Deo

What the Lord is Saying: Now to study sanctification—setting us apart as God’s holy people, pleasing God and enabling us to do what He approves of. Grace dominates and fuels the Christian; the Christian life is a race (Hebrews 12:1-2); and we are to fight against the spiritual powers of the devil. Protestant reforms described to live Coram Deo as "before the face of God." We are to be intense in our desires and acts of service in committing to follow God. We are not trying to earn any favor from God, but instead have a love of gratitude for God always for sacrifice of Jesus and the work of the Spirit in our lives to make us like Christ. 

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Matthew 5:20

For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Message: True Righteousness

What the Lord is Saying: As we live, we must value righteousness. In life there is a legal righteousness which meeting the perfect standard of God's justice. This righteousness meets all of the demands of the law - and is imputed to us when we believe in Jesus, his righteousness or perfect obedience is put on our record and in the heavenly courtroom we are declared perfectly righteous. Practical righteousness however is a daily work to love God, obey Him and repent when we fall short. This could be what is talked about in today's passage, as the scribes and Pharisees were more concerned of keeping the law while the follower of Jesus is focused on the heart and doing good out of the gratitude of the heart - and this moves us toward sanctification.  

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John 7:7

The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil.

Message: Our Enemy the World

What the Lord is Saying: As Christians, we need to have a single minded desire for Holiness. A desire to live in practice to have a desire each day for obedience but also internally, a love for God and neighbor. We need to fight each day as well to fend off the foes in our lives that are wanting to take our desires off of Christ - the world, our flesh, the devil. The world represents the people in the world that because of the Fall have been infected with pride, lust, and all manner of godliness. These people hate Christ and those united to Him by faith alone. They may not necessarily persecute us but they do want to infect us with its values. Thus, the world does not have a love for God and the things of God, but there is a non-biblical ideal they have. So we as Christians are called to preach the message of the Gospel, the good news, to this fallen world. We live in the world, but we are not of the world. We resist it by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

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Romans 8:1-11

1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Message: Our Enemy the Flesh

What the Lord is Saying: There is a lust that we have somewhat instinctively for the flesh and the desires of the flesh. God gives us an affection for godliness, but still we are drawn ourselves to sin - temptation that the world offers to us so freely and easily. Often Christians or religious people will being to outlaw behaviors of the flesh such as movies, dancing, alcohol, cards, and other things such as public schools. But their are harder works of the flesh such as envy, covetousness, discontentment, unjust hatred, and other inward affections that are often just as difficult, if not more to avoid. This lust grabs me I know. Even the old movies I watch can pull me away. I think it is hard at times to differentiate between the lust of the flesh and good things that I could simply do with my time. 

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2 Corinthians 11:14-15

14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

Message: Our Enemy the Devil

What the Lord is Saying: Satan, the devil is a fallen angel who has rebelled against God and sought to enlist others in his cause. Satan is not mentioned much today as a cause for opposition to God's ways. Others in the past have spoken of Satan like Martin Luther wrote often of his battles with the devil. The word says they disguise themselves as angels of light. Satan will twist the truth. We need to remain focused on God's truth and His word. 

Summary: We are to be intense in our desire to follow God, valuing righteous living and to resist the schemes of the flesh, Satan and the world. 

John 16:20-24 - Sorrow, Joy, and Answered Prayer

John 16:20-24

20 Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy. 21 Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. 22 Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.23 In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.

Message: Sorrow, Joy, and Answered Prayer

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus knew His departure from the disciples would illicit grief and He addresses this today. He has already spoken of the persecution and the hatred by those in the world they would receive. I believe most of what Jesus has been speaking since the end of John 13 in this Farewell Discourse has actually been words of comfort and today's verses are consistent with this idea. 

In verse 20, He remarks that the disciples "will weep and lament." Departures of people that we love bring this about. It is a normal emotion. But after that weeping and lamenting often there is joy. I experienced this with my mom. I was definitely sad to see her pass, but then happy to know that she is with our Father in heaven and that she has escaped the hardship of this world. 

Jesus remarks that "the world will rejoice." The unbelieving Jews and others would be glad that Jesus had left. Perhaps at this moment Jesus did know that He would be dying or that He would at least be leaving this world. Jesus remarks that the world rejoices, not simply the Jews, but the World. The reality is many are happy to have Jesus out of the picture. I've always noticed that it seems easier to mention the name of God than the name of Jesus when sharing one's faith with those in the world. There is something penetrating about mentioning the name of Jesus. 

In verses 21 and 22 Jesus describes the difficulty that will occur and draws a comparison to a woman in labor. A woman goes through anguish and difficulty and pain in delivering a baby but afterwards there is rejoicing. And once the baby comes, the anguish that she did experience is remembered no more. I love this comparison. I think of this for a woman and labor and how they all go through it, maybe not looking forward to it, but they do it, to get to that baby. Impressive. Great reminder of the pain that people go through sometimes in life to get to something better. Verse 22 sort of wraps up the idea of verse 21 with Jesus confirming that they do have grief now, but He will see them again and then they will rejoice. 

Here now I look at a sermon by Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910) called, "In That Day." He remarks that there is nothing new in these verses but Jesus is taking ideas previously mentioned and tying them now all together. He states the 2 asking's are different Greek words. Our word for "ask" has two meanings - to question to get information or to request, in order to get gifts. In the passage today the first meaning "In that day you will not question Me" is the first ask, to get information. And then the next ask is in order to get something, "if you ask the Father for anything in My name." 

I. Note then, first, the end of questionings. Jesus has been telling the disciples that they gain something by losing him. Hard words for them to hear. Are we not always wishing that Jesus was beside us, walking with us? But it is better actually that He is not here beside us seems to be Jesus' point. "We gain by losing the visible Christ." With him gone we tease out issues among ourselves. Jesus has been getting a lot of questions by the disciples in the last several chapters and Jesus has been giving answers and the disciples have been slowly learning but not learning as well. We have the life of Jesus before us and 4 gospels testify him and so now, it is better for us that we can tease out and study and contemplate and make his truth our own. It is better that Jesus is not here with us. Jesus has been telling us 2 things we now have: a completed revelation and an inner teacher. We don't need to ask Jesus anything further because we have the words of Jesus recorded. In Jesus dying we have more than what He had told us while on the earth. He eluded to His death but by His death we now have a more fuller meaning to Him and His life. 

The death of Christ has told us things that Christ before His death could not tell. The resurrection of Christ has cast light upon all the darkest places of man’s destiny which Christ, before His resurrection, could not by any words so illuminate. The ascension of Christ has opened doors for thought, for faith, for hope, which were fast closed, notwithstanding all His teachings, until He had burst them asunder and passed to His throne. And the facts which are substituted for the bodily presence of Jesus with His disciples tell us a great deal more than they could ever have drawn from Him by questionings, however persistent and however wisely directed. 

And we have a divine Spirit. We implore this Spirit by our will to move us beyond the revelation into the apprehension and possession of His power in our lives, with the truth to mold our character and raise us to the likeness of Himself. No longer do we go to Him, but He now comes to us. No longer do we ask Him questions, but He rather meets us where we are at now. He is right where we are. Questions will remain though and we will struggle through understandings, but we press on. We don't give up. We continue to seek Him and press towards Him. 

II. Secondly, satisfied desires. "I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name." Jesus has in this gospel now mentioned "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do (John 14:13)" and now here asking the Father anything "in My name, He will give it to you (16:23)." With these alternating words, we have the conclusion of Jesus and the Father exacting the same outcomes as supported by, "whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner (John 5:19)." But does this mean all desires will be satisfied? Does simply invoking the words, "in My Name" produce any requests from our own self-will? Or rather does this represent asking with a request synonymous with the whole character of Christ? By asking according to Him, it is is according to His will, so that what I am asking is consistent with how Jesus would act on this earth. So it is not to ask anything that my will desires, but rather asking gathering that the character of Christ would do. "Only desires which are in harmony with the divine will are sure of being satisfied." "Now my will, but Thine be done. (Luke 22:42)"

III. Lastly, the perfect joy which follows upon these two. The conclusion of our asking is, "that your joy may be made full." When we bring our desires in harmony with God's, we will have complete satisfaction, and our joy will be utterly full. Let sorrow and sighing flee, so that we can encounter the fullness of joy in our lives. 

Summary: Jesus states that the best thing for us is Him leaving. While grief hits, the heart will rejoice and no one can take this joy. We will ask according to God's will and also receive a full joy. 

Promise: Approach the Father in prayer, in the full name of will of Jesus, and our joy will be full. 

Prayer: O God, I come to You as Your vessel and ambassador and continue to proclaim You. It is not easy. As I have conversations with people, those that do not get it, seem blinded by the truth of who You are. Thank you for the confirmation of this truth and the blessedness of knowing You and having all things I need by Your name. The richness and vastness of Your word is transforming my lives and others. Lord, I admit at times, questioning things as arguments are made and yet I see no other answer towards the meaning of life and continue to see the darkness that covers our earth and the results of not choosing you. Help me Lord to understand You more fully so that my prayers are according to Your will and my Joy will be made full. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.