Readings:
II Kings 12
John 17:20-26
Focus:
John 17:20:"It is not for these alone that I pray, but for those also who through their words put their faith in me."
I have always felt happy whenever I have read this verse, because this is where Jesus has said that he was praying about us, about me: people who become Christians because of what his disciples said. It is a long chain from them to me, but nonetheless I fit that description, and so do all Christians.
It is a wonderful thing to know that, on the night before his crucifixion, Jesus took thought for all those who in the future would put their faith in him. He is a marvelous Savior.
Showing posts with label Jesus loving us. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus loving us. Show all posts
Friday, December 18, 2009
Keeping Us Safe
Readings:
II Kings 11
John 17:11-19
Focus:
John 17:15:"I do not pray you to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one."
There is a reason that we are left in the world instead of just being in heaven with God. Jesus doesn't take his disciples with him when he goes; he leaves them behind. We don't really understand all of God's purposes. But for some reason, he wants us to be here in the world.
Jesus cares about us; he wants us to be kept safe from evil. This is not the same as being kept safe from harm, however. His concern is greater than that. He wants us to be kept safe from spiritual evil, which is far worse than illness or injury.
We don't understand everything about this, but we do know that while we are left in the world, God cares about us, and our spiritual wellbeing is his concern. This has eternal consequences for us, and so we can rejoice that he cares so much.
II Kings 11
John 17:11-19
Focus:
John 17:15:"I do not pray you to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one."
There is a reason that we are left in the world instead of just being in heaven with God. Jesus doesn't take his disciples with him when he goes; he leaves them behind. We don't really understand all of God's purposes. But for some reason, he wants us to be here in the world.
Jesus cares about us; he wants us to be kept safe from evil. This is not the same as being kept safe from harm, however. His concern is greater than that. He wants us to be kept safe from spiritual evil, which is far worse than illness or injury.
We don't understand everything about this, but we do know that while we are left in the world, God cares about us, and our spiritual wellbeing is his concern. This has eternal consequences for us, and so we can rejoice that he cares so much.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
As Jesus Has Loved Us
Readings:
II Kings 1
John 13:31-38
Focus:
John 13:34:"I give you a new commandment: love one another; as I have loved you, so you are to love one another."
The new commandment that Jesus gives his disciples, to love one another, is one of the most famous and well-known things that Jesus has said. But I think that often what is generally remembered about it is that Jesus said "Love one another." Often what is forgotten as that he also said, "As I have loved you."
It is fairly easy to be warm and sentimental, singing "All You Need Is Love," like my favorite group, the Beatles, being friendly and kind to others when the occasion occurs, and avoiding being unfriendly and deliberately selfish. But it is actually quite a tall order to love each other the way that Jesus loved us. Jesus ended up actually giving his life for us. His whole life was focused on benefitting others. He didn't just do this at times; he did it all the time. It wasn't something he did as a part-time ministry when he got off work, or on the weekend. His life was oriented around loving others.
If we are to love one another as Jesus has loved us, it will take a radical re-orienting of our lives. But we might be delightfully surprised at the joy it will bring us. I know I'd like to try it.
II Kings 1
John 13:31-38
Focus:
John 13:34:"I give you a new commandment: love one another; as I have loved you, so you are to love one another."
The new commandment that Jesus gives his disciples, to love one another, is one of the most famous and well-known things that Jesus has said. But I think that often what is generally remembered about it is that Jesus said "Love one another." Often what is forgotten as that he also said, "As I have loved you."
It is fairly easy to be warm and sentimental, singing "All You Need Is Love," like my favorite group, the Beatles, being friendly and kind to others when the occasion occurs, and avoiding being unfriendly and deliberately selfish. But it is actually quite a tall order to love each other the way that Jesus loved us. Jesus ended up actually giving his life for us. His whole life was focused on benefitting others. He didn't just do this at times; he did it all the time. It wasn't something he did as a part-time ministry when he got off work, or on the weekend. His life was oriented around loving others.
If we are to love one another as Jesus has loved us, it will take a radical re-orienting of our lives. But we might be delightfully surprised at the joy it will bring us. I know I'd like to try it.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Deep Distress, Yet Deeper Love
Readings:
I Kings 22:29-53
John 13:18-30
Focus:
John 13:21:"After saying this, Jesus exclaimed in deep distress, 'In very truth I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.'"
It's always something when I remember that Jesus felt deep distress over things such as the fact that Judas was going to betray him. It's easy for me to remember that he is God and knew everything, and was above everything and in control. What's hard for me to remember is that he was also human and felt dread. Yes, he is divine and knew that the sacrifice he was going to make would take away the punishment for our sins, and make it possible for us to be with him eternally. But he was also mortal and could feel pain and fear, and could deeply dread the agony he was about to go through. Yet he did not hesitate. His love for us was that great. For this kind of love, I want to give everything back to him.
I Kings 22:29-53
John 13:18-30
Focus:
John 13:21:"After saying this, Jesus exclaimed in deep distress, 'In very truth I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.'"
It's always something when I remember that Jesus felt deep distress over things such as the fact that Judas was going to betray him. It's easy for me to remember that he is God and knew everything, and was above everything and in control. What's hard for me to remember is that he was also human and felt dread. Yes, he is divine and knew that the sacrifice he was going to make would take away the punishment for our sins, and make it possible for us to be with him eternally. But he was also mortal and could feel pain and fear, and could deeply dread the agony he was about to go through. Yet he did not hesitate. His love for us was that great. For this kind of love, I want to give everything back to him.
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