Sunday, August 26, 2012

And yet He came - John 12:27-28

Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.  
John 12:27-28

Some things to ponder as we read Jesus' words:

* Anyone who questions the humanity of Christ needs only to read the text above... shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'?

* This is a rare glimpse into the thoughts of Christ as He prayed to the Father. Notice how "real" He is.

* Jesus, facing the agony of the cross, is more concerned about the Father's glory than His own comfort.

* He knew that pain and suffering were necessary to accomplish His mission... and yet He came.

Think on these things.

Cheers

Thursday, August 23, 2012

John 12:23-26

The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.   John 12:23-26

I wonder what can be accomplished through our lives if we simply hand them over to the Lord...? 

Jim Elliot may have said it best:
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.

Cheers.


Thursday, August 16, 2012

Enter... The King! John 12:12-13

The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:
"Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' The King of Israel!"

John 12:12-13

Oh that the story had ended there or here:

Matt. 21:1–9
Mark 11:1–10
Luke 19:29–38

It must have been an amazing sight to see.  The King of Glory receiving praise as the city came out to welcome Him.  But they did not mean it...

Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' (Luke 13:35)

He will return. At His first coming, He was (and still is) a lowly Shepherd and Friend of sinners.  The next time, He will come as a conquering King.

I wonder sometimes what I would have done that day?  Rejoiced with the crowd? Joined Jesus' ban of disciples? Ignored it all? 

What would you have done?

Cheers.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Labels and John 12:3-6

Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.  John 12:3-6

Isn't that the truth? You know... I really want to assume the best of people, but once they have proven their character (or lack of), it is hard to see a thief and liar for anything other than that. 

I am thankful that of all the labels the Lord can attach to me, the one He uses is:

FORGIVEN AND REDEEMED SON

Cheers.