Monthly Archives: November 2013

November 10

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Matthew 28:11-20; Luke 24:13-53; John 20:19-21:25

Reading these Scriptures emphasizes to me just how personal Jesus is. Ours is not a God of a one-size-fits-all religion. Jesus died for individuals.

Like Thomas. We read that when Thomas expressed doubt and said he needed to see Jesus to believe he was alive, Jesus came to him and stretched out his hands for Thomas to see.

After Peter had denied Jesus three times, Jesus lovingly allowed Peter to declare his love not once… but three times.

Jesus walked with the men going to Emmaus, then sat and ate with them. He spoke to them about what was on their minds and answered their questions.

My experience has been the same. Jesus always meets me where I am. If I am distressed, he reminds me of Scripture that assures me he is able. If I am mourning, his Word brings comfort. He has often prompted one of his children to be his arms to hold me.

If I am guilt ridden because of sin he forgives me and replaces it with joy. At every crossroad of my life he has been faithful to open and close doors to help me find my way. 

It’s not that the rules change for individuals. Sin is sin. The penalty for sin is always death. But what is so precious about our Lord is the reality that his love, his presence, his attention is on each of us as individuals. He knows what each of us needs, and he is faithful to meet us right there.

Dear Father, thank you for showing us just how interested you are in each of us as individuals. Thank you that Jesus showed what a personal relationship with you looks like through his dealings with the people we read about today. And thank you for the many times that you revealed yourself to me in such a loving and personal way. I may not be able to touch your hand yet. But I see evidence of your presence every day. Thank you, God. I look forward to walking with you today.

November 9

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Mark 15:42-47, 16:1-8; Matthew 27:57-66, 28:1-10; Luke 23:50-56, 24:1-12; John 19:38-42, 20:1-18

I have often tried to put myself in the shoes of those who were at the empty tomb. I’ve wondered what it was like for Jesus to look Satan in the eye after spending time in hell on Satan’s terms and say, “I win”, then disappear. I imagine Jesus opening his eyes in the darkness of that tomb and sighing a big sigh of relief. Did he high-five the angel who was there? Did he look to the heavens and say, “We did it, Dad!”?

Years ago Sandi Patti sang a song that captures the excitement that must have surrounded the moment when Jesus rose from the dead.

“Did the grass sing? Did the earth rejoice to feel you again?
Over and over in a never-ending round, did the earth seem to pound, “He is risen!”?
Over and over like a trumpet underground: He is risen! Halleluiah!!

What was is like for Mary when the risen Jesus spoke her name? For Peter to rush into that tomb and see the linens neatly folded and Jesus gone? For the guards when they witnessed first hand the earthquake, the angel. Did they watch Jesus walk out of the tomb?

Jesus is alive. Look at your own hands and feet. See your reflection in the mirror. Jesus is as alive as you are. Not a ghost. A man with fingers and toes, hands with nail prints and a wound in his side.

He is alive. There were no mirrors or sleeping drugs. He didn’t play the most elaborate vanishing act ever performed. Jesus died. There were hundreds of witnesses to his tortuous death. He was buried. Guards stood watch at his grave.

Jesus went to hell so I wouldn’t have to. And when my debt was paid he lived again and lives still today.

Years ago I did an activity with my students to help them with their listening and speaking skills. They would ask a partner a list of questions and talk to them about their answers. One of the questions was, “What is your favorite holiday?” Whenever I had the opportunity to be paired with a student I would always answer that question with, “Easter”. And if a child would ask me why I would say something like, “Jesus is alive. No other religion has a God who died for them, who went to hell because he loved us, and who rose from the dead. Jesus is the only one EVER and it’s so precious to celebrate what he did for me.”

What about you? Do you know the risen Savior? Have you accepted what he did for you? Does Jesus live within you today because you have asked him to and have repented of your sin? I trust so.

Jesus is alive. You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart!!!

November 8

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Mark 15:22-41; Matthew 27:33-56; Luke 23:33-49; John 19:17b-37

Jesus died. He willingly, lovingly, painfully died on the cross that day. So many prophesies were fulfilled during those precious hours. Nothing that happened was a surprise or contrary to what God had planned before creation. The Lamb of God paid for the sins of the world once and for all.

From the sixth hour to the ninth, the sun stopped shining. Did all of creation mourn as Jesus took upon himself one sin, then another, and another? Then something amazing happened (as if Jesus giving his life wasn’t amazing enough). The curtain in the temple ripped in two, exposing the Holy of Holies. The curtain that had kept the common people separate from the presence of God was destroyed. Jesus’ death granted us entrance into the throne room of God Almighty. And we can stand before our Holy God clothed in Jesus’ holiness. No more need of a priest. No more ceremony required. When Jesus died God became accessible to anyone who calls on the name of the Lord.

As I read these scriptures today I can’t help but say with the centurion, “Surely this man was the Son of God.”

Dear Jesus, Savior, Lamb of God. I have no doubt that you are who you said you are. You are the Son of God and you died for me that day. May all who read these Scriptures today realize what it cost you. And may that knowledge change us. Thank you for the privilege of going boldly to your throne room where once I was forbidden. Thank you that because you died, there is no more need of a curtain to keep me out. I am your child. I am forgiven and my sins are covered by your precious blood. Clothe me with your righteousness and may I be one who serves you well from a heart of thankfulness and love.

November 7

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Mark 15:6-21; Luke 23:13-32; John 18:39-19:17a; Matthew 27:27-32

What they did to Jesus that day is unimaginable. The taunts, the beatings, the humiliation are magnified in the light of his complete innocence.

He could have called 10,000 angels or turned his tormenters into vapor. But he stood there and took every blow because he loved me and knew I would accept his forgiveness 2,000 years later.

I hope you read these passages today in God’s word. Nothing I can say can bring justice to what is written there already. Jesus suffered for me. He suffered for you.

How can I help but love him when he loved me so?

Jesus, as I read these words this morning I am reminded what it cost you to provide salvation for all people everywhere. You paid what we cannot so that we can stand before the Father, faultless, cleansed, pure and holy as you are. I am sorry for every drop of blood you had to shed because of my sin. Forgive me for selfishness, jealousy, laziness, an unrepentant heart, disobedience, unbelief. Cleanse me today,Lord. I don’t want what you went through for me to have been in vain.

November 6

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Matthew 27:1-14; Luke 23:1-12; Mark 15:1-5; John 18:28-38

Years ago my dad bought a CB radio for his truck. I was a teenager at the time and thought it was great fun to hear him talk to other drivers with their funny language. Dad’s “handle” was PlumBob. He was a plumber. And his name was Bob.

We were on a divided highway going north when I saw a white panel truck with the words “TRUTH” painted in big black letters going south. In those days there was a Christian musical group by that name and I figured it was their equipment truck. Pretty soon we heard, “Breaker” on the CB and then, “Does anyone see that truck? What is the truth?” No one answered. Again we heard the question repeated and still no reply. To this day I wish I had told that seeker about Jesus.

At Jesus’ trial Pilate asked, “What is truth?” People have been asking that question for centuries. Some even deny the existence of truth.

Do you believe that 2+2=4 every time? It does. Do you believe the earth rotates so that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west? It did this morning and it will again tomorrow. 

Herod was excited about seeing Jesus. He was looking forward to seeing Jesus pull a rabbit out of a hat. He believed Jesus could do miracles but he didn’t believe Jesus was the Truth.

Do you? Whether or not you believe that truth exists, or that the Bible is God’s infallible word or that Jesus is God and the only way to the Father doesn’t change the Truth.

But knowing the Truth will change your life.

Dear God, I want to pray for that man who asked “What is truth” over the CB that day. I pray that if he didn’t know you then, that your Holy Spirit will find a place in his heart. May he know Jesus, the Truth. I pray the same for everyone reading this blog today. Reveal yourself to each of us, may we recognize that what we read in the Bible is True, and that Jesus died so that we might live. May the Truth take up residence in our lives and pour out into the lives of everyone we meet.

November 5

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Mark 14:43-72; Matthew 26:47-75; Luke 22:54-71; John 18:1-27

I like Peter. I guess maybe I see myself in him in some ways. Peter often speaks without thinking and acts before considering the consequences and I’ve been known to do the same. Peter and I are both pretty emotional people. 

Peter, on the Mount of Transfiguration, was ready to build a shrine on the spot where Jesus spoke to Moses and Elijah. He was so excited about what he had seen. But Jesus just kinda said, ‘calm down, Peter’.

When Jesus told them he was going to die Peter spoke up and said, ‘No way!!!’. Jesus said, ‘Way’.

When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet Peter first refused. When Jesus explained the importance Peter said, ‘not just my feet then. Wash my all of me, too’. Jesus said, ‘no Peter. I’m washing feet.’

So it comes as no surprise that it was Peter who grabbed a sword and chopped off an ear of one who came to arrest Jesus when Jesus could have called 10,000 angels to protect him. Jesus put the ear back on the man.

It was Peter who boldly proclaimed, “I will never deny you, Jesus!”, then only a few hours later denied Jesus three times. And this is what breaks my heart every time I read it: after denying he even knew Jesus, the rooster crowed and Peter caught Jesus’ eye. Did he see condemnation there? Was Jesus saying, ‘I told you so’?

I think what he saw in Jesus’ eyes that morning was unconditional love. Peter, faced with his sin, was overcome with God’s love. And he wept bitterly. I can only imagine the depth of his shame and the intensity of his tears. I think he cried from a place so deep within himself he had never known existed before.

God is telling me today that coming to know him is an emotional thing for many of us. When we are faced with our own sin, Peter’s reaction doesn’t seem that far wrong. Our helpless estate, our total depravity, our sin is met with grace. Jesus forgives us. We look into his eyes and see acceptance and forgiveness and more love than we have ever experienced in this lifetime. A natural reaction is to cry out, weep bitterly as we lay it all at his feet and realize how much he has done for us.

But if we remain there, if we expect our relationship with Christ to be based on that emotion, we will look like Peter looked in the Gospels. We will say and do things that are not necessarily wrong, but perhaps a bit misguided. As we read on in the New Testament we’ll find that this emotional Peter grew up in the Lord. He became the pillar of the church just like Jesus predicted. 

May we, like Peter, learn to balance the emotional and the practical sides of our relationship with Jesus. May we serve him, thoughtfully and purposefully. And may we love him passionately. 

 

November 4

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John 15:18-17:26; Luke 22:39-46; Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46

Jesus prayed for me the night he was betrayed. I am one who has believed in Jesus through the disciples’ message. Jesus prayed that I would be one with him, he in me so that the world will recognize Jesus through me. He prayed that I would be one with fellow believers to let the world know that God sent Jesus and loves us like he loves his own Son. Jesus prayed for me. And he prayed for you, too.

Then he went to Gethsemane and prayed some more. He was deeply distressed and troubled, overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. He was in anguish and his sweat poured out like drops of blood. Exhausted, feverish, with no strength left he prayed, Father let this hour pass. Don’t let me die here. Give me the strength to get through the next few hours so I can go to the cross and save these people I love so much. But that’s what I want, Father If you want me to die here so be it. Not my will but Thine.

Are you a parent? When you held your son or daughter in your arms for the first time, did the realization hit you that you would absolutely die for that precious one? Have you knelt at the bedside of your critically ill child and begged God to let you change places? Would you have gladly taken the cancer that is killing your child into your own body so that your child could live?

I believe that is what we are witnessing here as Jesus is praying to the Father in Gethsemane. I don’t believe Jesus was having second thoughts about going to the cross or getting anxious about what was in store for him. I don’t believe he was talking about the cross at all. I think he was praying for himself in that moment, right there in the garden. If we, as imperfect parents would willingly trade places with our dying children, how much more Jesus. He knew that if he didn’t go to the cross to pay for our sins, we would have to pay for them ourselves. And he wanted to spare us the pain. He loved us that much.

God answered Jesus’ prayer that night and sent an angel to strengthen him for what lay ahead. Jesus rose from his place of prayer, woke his disciples, and faced his betrayer.

Dearest Jesus, words cannot express what is in my heart right now. Thank you doesn’t come close to saying what I want to say about what you did for me that night so long ago. And to think that as you were facing unspeakable cruelty at the hands of those who wanted you dead, you stopped and prayed for me. I love you for taking my place, for paying what I could not pay, for loving me all the way to the cross. I praise you. I adore you. I gladly accept you into my heart. And, Jesus, I look forward to telling you that face to face some day.

November 3

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Mark 14:22-31; Matthew 26:26-35; Luke 22:15-20, 31-38; John 13:31-35, 14:1-15:17

Reading about Jesus’ last hours on earth with his disciples is so precious. How he loved them! I can hear the tenderness in his voice even as he told Peter he would deny Jesus three times before morning. I can imagine him looking into the eyes of each of them as he told them he had to go, but that he was going to prepare a place for them to come to him.

Jesus kept repeating the phrase: I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Then he promised the Counselor would come, the Holy Spirit would live in them and cause them to do even greater things than they had seen Jesus do. What could be greater than healing lepers, calming stormy seas, feeding thousands, or raising the dead?

Jesus tells one more parable. The Vine and the Branches paint a picture about soul-winning. He tells us the bearing of fruit is that which is so much greater than any of his miracles. And he says if we ask, he will answer and hearts will change, lives will be saved.

Have you witnessed the transformation knowing Jesus makes in a life? There is something about forgiveness, about realizing how much you are loved, about recognizing the God of the Universe lives in you that changes how we look at life, other people, and sin. Now that is a miracle above all miracles.

When you are a healthy branch attached to the Vine you can’t help but bear fruit. May it be so in me.

My Dear Vine, I thank you for attaching me to you. I thank you for the day I recognized my sinfulness and accepted you as my Savior. I pray that I will allow you to nourish me, to dwell within me, and to produce fruit for your kingdom. Others need you, Lord. I would like the privilege of leading them to where they will find life and love and forgiveness.

November 2

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Mark 14:12-21; Matthew 26:17-25; Luke 22:7-14, 21-30; John 13:1-30

Jesus served. He didn’t come into this world to observe, he came to seek and save the lost. He didn’t come to hear the crowds cheer for him, he came to get in our faces and reveal our helpless estate. He had a job to do and he gave it 100% – even though it cost him his life.

I started reading “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman yesterday and it is challenging me to look at my service to my Lord. If I call myself a Christian I cannot be a bystander. I cannot be a fan of Jesus. I have to be a servant.

Jesus washed his disciples feet. Then he told them they needed to do the same for each other. When those same disciples started arguing who was more important, Jesus told them to serve, to be like him who was among them as one who serves.

I am asking myself what my service looks like and why I serve. I challenge you to do the same. Whether you are a pastor of a mega-church or a brand new believer wondering where you fit in, I pray we will all serve our King not for what we get out of it, but because our hearts are broken and we are at that place where serving him is a grateful response to who he is, as natural and as vital as breathing.

Dear Jesus, I thank you for your humble example of what it is to be a Christian. I pray for us who know you. Help us to serve you, to lay aside selfish ambition, to forget we even exist apart from you. May we serve you with every word, with every deed, with every breath. Even in that, we could never do enough to show you how much we love you for who you are… Jesus… God… Savior. At your service, Lord.

November 1

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Matthew 25:31-46, 26:1-16; John 12:20-50, 1-11; Mark 14:1-11; Luke 22:1-6

Now we are seeing the true colors of Judas Iscariot. When Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus and used her hair to dry him, Judas was indignant. He sounded very caring when he said that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But John tells us old Judas’ intentions weren’t so pure. John calls him a thief and said Judas would have stolen the money and suggests the poor wouldn’t have seen a dime of it.

Now here is where Judas lost it. Jesus is telling them once again that he is going to die. He told them Mary’s act was to prepare him for burial. Remember the Jews were looking for a flesh and blood king in the Messiah. I can imagine Judas’ daydreams about the power and riches he thought he’d enjoy as a member of the inner circle of the new government. But now it’s becoming increasingly clear that those dreams aren’t coming true like he thought and one of two things happened:

One, he was mad and wanted to get even. If Jesus wasn’t going to give him what he wanted he’d see him dead.

Or two, (and I tend to think this is the case) Judas thought, ‘Ok, Jesus. If you aren’t ready to overturn the government I’m going to force your hand. Let’s see you take care of them when they arrest you. You’ll do something then and I’ll get to watch Rome crumble and be on the winning side!’

Purely an opinion because Scripture doesn’t tells us what he was thinking. It does say Satan entered Judas and we read the result of that.

Dear one, that’s what can happen when people follow Jesus for the wrong reasons. They get disappointed, their dreams don’t come true, their loved one dies. They might walk away from what belief that had and spend the rest of their lives angry at God or they might try to manipulate him into giving them what they want.

Jesus did not come to make us rich or healthy or powerful. He came to forgive us. His kingdom is not material, it’s spiritual.

Are you a follower of Jesus? I hope so. And I hope you are in it for the right reasons. I hope you serve him because you just can’t do anything else in response to his love and grace. I hope your prayers aren’t, “Lord, what can you do for me?” but rather, “Lord, how can I serve you today?”

Dear God, once again I ask that you help us check our motivation for following you. Forgive us if we concern ourselves with what’s in it for us. May we be people who willingly serve you out of grateful hearts, knowing that what you have already given us in redemption is so much more than anything this world affords. May we obey you today with every word, thought and deed and all for Jesus’ sake.