John 21: Let’s Go Fishing!!!

After Jesus’ coming back from the dead and appearing to the disciples we hear Peter say,

“I am going fishing.”
They (other disciples) said to him, “We will go with you.” John 21:3

This gets me every time! After three years following Jesus, they return within days to their old profession. How quick are we to move back to our ‘previous lives’ after encountering Jesus?

• When does it happen for you, during the week after worship, during the summer, during “easier” times in life, or after being forgiven?
Fishing all night they catch nothing (the story of my life). A man from shore tells them to cast the net on the right side. Unable to haul the catch they drag the net to shore without Peter!

“It is the Lord!’ … (Peter) threw himself into the sea.” John 21:4-8

Peter quickly jumps ship; running/swimming back to His Lord is a powerful image of our condition. We, like Peter have turned away from God. We are lured away from His ways, and we give Him a passing “jig” every once in awhile to say,”We are sorry”. But God’s presence hooks us, builds us up, and brings back the Joy of being caught, caught by Him.

• Have you ever had this moment; this realization of paradox between our sinfulness and God’s infinite and unconditional love? Internalize how much He cares for you. His love and grace in these moments have taught you…. What? Dwell on those moments that you’ve had with God. (Go ahead, write them if you need.)

“Bring some of the fish that you have just caught…
Come and have breakfast.” John 21:10, 12

No matter how much wrong we have done in the past, we can take unquestionable Joy in the fact He is still waiting for us on the beach. Though we swim back to Him a ridiculously large number of times, we can still rejoice in the fact that He is always waiting!

• Or have we become cold, bitter, and tired of the process of sanctification? Is this humility just another task to get done or is there an incredible sense that He catches us over and over again though we don’t deserve it?

Let’s Go Fishing as a Community!!!

The forgiveness Jesus gave to Peter wasn’t merely so He was reunited with God or limited to Peter; it was a message explicitly about the community called the church. Like Peter, we as the church get to take this great mercy and love and feed it to Jesus’ lambs, “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… feed my sheep…follow me.” John 21:15, 16, 17, 19.

People have become bitter towards the church. How do we share with them God’s original vision for the church? When people ask what the need is for the church, what do you say to them?

John 20: Believe

John 20 and 3 Resurrection Experiences, check it out. 
Click here  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2020&version=NIV

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.  John 20:30-31

John 19: Do you believe this?

If you've been following the blog through Lent you know we have covered many topics via pictures, videos, and text.  If this is your first time, welcome, check the archives.  At times videos speak more powerfully than words.  Today is another one of those days.  In this video you will experience the imagery and passion of Jesus for US!  It will be a mix of sacred and traditional art/music, with contemporary modern spins and application.  I pray it is worshipful for you; whether it is your style or not, the content is powerful!!!

You and I one day will experience death and be laid in our own resting place.  But those who trust in Jesus as their Savior will have a future just like Christ's.  Our bodies too will be raised from dust to immortal bodies to share paradise with Him forever, when Jesus returns!

Check this out from Acts 17:   24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

If you would like to further explore this message, have further questions, doubts, or confusions.... please contact us, comment below, let's sit down for coffee, or email lsfmoorhead@gmail.com 

At the end you see that this video was produced to advertise for a devotional book. The book "offers reflections of a medical doctor on the physical and mental anguish Jesus endured in the hours leading up to His death." If you are interested check out www.cph.org and search "He was Crucified".

John 18: Truth

Truth today seems to be in question... "What is true?"  "My truth may not be your truth..." "Is there really truth?"  And on it goes.  Sometimes truth is backed by behavior and action.

Take for instance video used in a courtroom to validate someone's where abouts or a crime committed.  Consider all the crime scene investigation shows (not that all of it is reality, I know...) and how forensics can point to truth.  Behavior, action, and accounts can bring credibility. Credibility beyond a reasonable doubt begins to point us towards truth. Is Jesus telling the truth? (share your opinions in the comment section)


Truth #1:  Jesus is in control.

• "Jesus knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them (soldiers), "Who is it you want?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied... When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground." v4-6  Jesus knows what is going to happen, he doesn't run or hide, but speaks.  So powerful are His Words of Truth the soldiers, officers, and Judas are knocked backward.  Firmly in control He allows himself to be arrested, tried, condemned, and crucified.  Why? The truth is that all of humanity needs the power of darkness to be destroyed by HIM.

Truth #2:  We try to be in control & lie or shed responsibility to have it.

• "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter.  he replied, "I am not." v17  Jesus was in control, even His words proved physically powerful.  Yet, Peter's and our words and actions/inactions are at times weak,  not loyal, and seeking self-preservation.  We forget the pardon, the penalty, the redemption Jesus paid to set us free. He has set you free!!
• "Pilate said to them, 'Take Him yourselves and judge Him by your own law.'..." (v18) Pilate is caught in a "catch 22". He puts Jesus on 'trial' and finds Him not guilty, but to let Him go may create a riot. "I find no basis for a charge against him." (v38b). Yet Pilate mitigates his responsibility for truth and justice and let's Barabbas an insurrectionist free. Jesus would not allow freedom for Himself, but took responsibility for His role in the God's design for redemption. Jesus didn't shy away from responsibility, Jesus forgive me for when I do.

Truth #3:  Truth for truths sake

• Jesus is questioned by the former High Priest, Annas.  (He was likely still viewed as the one with authority, though he didn't have the job title.) Questioned about His teachings Jesus responds (v20,21) and is then struck.  Jesus was no coward. Jesus was no meek individual to take abuse, He spoke up for truth after being struck.  "If I said something wrong, testify as to what is wrong.... Why did you strike me?" (v23)  Annas ignores truth by calling no credible eye witnesses to corroborate truth.  Are we like Jesus or Annas?  Do we distort truth for our gain/advantage?  Do we twist it just the right way?

John 17: This is the LIFE

"This is the LIFE!" These four short words are so familiar to us.  We've spoken them.  Likely it was at the sands of the ocean, the mountaintops of our life experiences, or a relaxing cooling night. With a deep sigh and enjoying the coolness of the air we say with joy, "Ah this is the life!"

Similarly and yet completely differently, as children of God we rest and relax in the sure foundation and future promises of our Redeemer and say to the world, "This is the LIFE!" 

Jesus stepped from time's beginning to our time.  He stepped from the throne of heaven to the dirt of earth.  He stepped from death to life.  To LIFE that will never end.  This is the LIFE He freely gives to us, who believe Him.

Though, have we completely breathed-in the invigorating, powerful, life-giving gifts of God?  Have we turned our heart, mind, and life upward to God for His daily mercy, forgiveness, and strength to carry us through each day?  Have we inhaled the awesome opportunity to breathe-out (live-out) our lives to others?  Let's live-out to them by bringing them help, hope, and healing in the name of the one who loves us and gave us "THIS LIFE".

"This is the LIFE" :

•  "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." John 19:3
• "May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." John 17:21b
• "I have made you (Father) known to them (my disciples), and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and that I myself may be in them." John 17:26

 ...........................
A devotion on PRAYER.  John 17 is known on the High Priestly Prayer. Here is a thought provoking  meditation from Oswald Chambers on John 17:2, from Utmost for His Highest.  There are parts you may agree with and others you may not, feel free to comment and start a conversation here on the blog.

If you are going through a solitary way, read John 17, it will explain exactly why you are where you are- Jesus has prayed that you may be one with the Father as He is. Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or have you some other end for your life?  Since you became a disciple you cannot be as independent as you used to be.


The purpose of God is not to answer our prayers, but by our prayers we come to discern the mind of God, and this s revealed in John 17. There is one prayer God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus- 'that they maybe one, even as We are One."  Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that?


God is not concerned about our plans; He does not say- Do you want to go through this bereavement; this upset?  He allows these things for His won purpose.  The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, nobler men and women; or they are making us more captious and fault-finding, more insistent upon our own way.  The things that happen either make us fiends, or they make us saints; it depends entirely upon the relationship we are in to God. If we say- "Thy will be done," we get the consolation of John 17, the consolation of knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom.  When we understand what God is after we will not get mean and cynical.  Jesus has prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself ans He was one with the Father.  Some of us are far off it, and yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him, because Jesus has prayed that we maybe.

John 16: The Spirit

"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper (Paraclete) will not come to you." John 16:7

Not unlike the disciples we would prefer a life of joy and happiness.  But sorrow, grief, and hard times always seem just around the corner.  Jesus has been preparing the disciples and us for the reality that life will be difficult, but He does not leave us alone... He gives us the paraclete!

Let me explain.  For three chapters now Jesus is having a "farewell conversation" (if you will) with His disciples.  He forewarns them He will be with them only for a "little while" and that persecution is coming as well.  But He gives them a promise... the paraclete!

The paraclete  is known by us as the Holy Spirit, who was to come to the disciples on Pentecost. He was given to dwell within in us in our Baptism.  What an AWESOME GIFT!  And yet we know so little about the paraclete.  So today let me just layout some facts about the paraclete from John's Gospel (limited to chapters 14-16). May it enrich your faith because God Himself, the paraclete, dwells inside all believers.  COME GET TO KNOW HIM!

What does paraclete mean?

Since no English word really is suitable for the depth of this Greek word, enjoy the list: 

• defender, counsel of the defense, helper, comforter, assistant, lawyer, advocate, solicitor, counsellor, mediator, and one who exhortsand makes urgent appeals

What are the characteristics/activity does the paraclete make?

His Relationship with the pneuma (the Spirit):  The paraclete is the pneuma (the Spirit).  He is the Spirit of truth; he is the Holy Spirit.  (16:13)

The Parclete is the actor/subject of the following actions:

• He dwells with the disciples: 14:17; he will be in them 14:17
• He teaches: 14:26
• He calls to mind: 14:26
• He proceeds from the Father: 15:26
• He bears witness: 15:26
• He convinces of sin 16:8
• He comes;  16:7ff; 16:13
• He listens (hears): 16:13
• He communicates (makes known): 16:13ff
• He speaks (reveals): 16:13
• He receives what is Jesus': 16:14ff
• He glorifies (Jesus): 16:14
• He guides into all truth: 16:13

The Paraclete  is the object of the following actions:

• He is given:  14:16
• He is neither seen nor known by the world (not-yet believers):  14:17
• He is not received by the world (not-yet believers): 14:17
• He is sent: 14:26; 15:26; 16:7

 Application:

• What comfort, What happens inside you, after you realize that God dwells within you?
• Spend some time in prayer, singing, or living in worship today. 

Points taken from Congar's I believe in the Holy Spirit, page 55

John 15: Fruit

A childhood memory of mine... smelling the great freshness of a new orange just sent to us in a huge crate from Grandma and Grandpa in Florida.  Not only the smell, but the sweet refreshing taste.  Good Fruit!

Fruit has TWO PURPOSES... God created oranges on trees for two objectives.
1. A method of multiplication for the tree. Seeds create a new orange tree.
2. A method of nourishment for others. And man do I love Vitamin C!

The theme of Christianity is a faith of action continues today.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." - Jesus, John 15:5

The life of a Christian is compared here by Jesus to the fruit of a vine or tree.  Jesus is the vine, Christ-followers are the branches.  When Jesus gave us faith and the Spirit (v26-27), He attached us to His Son the vine, and made us a new creation as a branch of the vine.  Why?  To bear the Fruit of the Spirit. 

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us what that is... "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Staying attached to the vine, Christ, through prayer, Christian community, reading His Word, Lord's Supper, we get more "grafted" into the vine.  Our character is transformed to be like the character of Christ.

Jesus calls His disciples to bear fruit for at least TWO PURPOSES...
1.  Multiplication:  Fruit is born in the life of a believer and character develops.  He uses the fruit in our lives to draw people to the vine and He then creates new believers.
2.  Nourishment:  Growth as a Christin is nourishing for other Christians in their personal growth.

So continue to stay attached to the vine! If so, you will bear fruit!

John 14: Love

Love, a popular word for sure.  A word that is too unreservedly uttered by those dating.  A word that is used without restraint my those seeking to manipulate a situation.  A word that is often used to generously without any action.

Love in our culture is connected so closely to emotions it is causes me anxiety.  I am not saying emotions are bad, they are a gift of God!  But I think the ancients understood the depth of Love much more fully than us 21st century folks.  The idea of Love, then, was often rooted in behavior and action, even identity.

Action: "Anyone who does not love, does not know God..." -- 1 John 4:8a
Identity:  "....God is love"-- 1 John 4:8b
 

Ultimately we remember that Christ loved world so much that He gave His own life for it! Love rooted in action.  Love, agape- love, self-sacrificial love, a total commitment, giving love to all including enemies (i.e. the world who did not love Him).  Wow!

 

What about us though?  Can we love like that? Maybe not to that extent of sacrificing for the whole world, but certainly in a most powerful way!

 

"If you love (agape) me,

you will keep mycommandments."   (commandments = all His teaching vv 21, 23-24)  Love rooted in action, not just a fleeting feeling or when it is easy or accessible.  A self-sacrificial love, a total commitment.  Listen to these thoughts by the Christian devotion writer Oswald Chambers, from Utmost for My Highest (Nov. 2)

 

"The Lord does not give me rules, He makes His standard very clear, and if my relationship to Him is that of love, i will do what He says without any hesitation.  If I hesitate, it is because I love someone else in competition with him, viz., myself.... If I obey Jesus Christ the Redemption of God will rush through me to other lives, because behind the deed of obedience is the Reality of Almighty God."

 

Love is a popular word even in Christian circles.  May we see it for what it is.  Love in action.  Ultimately seen in Jesus who has loved us so much for when we miss use it.  He forgives you because of repentance and belief.  So GO.... LOVE.... because "He (the Spirit) dwells with you and will be in you." (v17)

John 13: In Control

Yesterday we explored that we are at times out-of-control. It can be scary if you don't have a grounding.... But John 12 showed us that Jesus is in-control, not in a control tower watching our lives, but actively involved and in control.  He proves it in the lives of the disciples in John 13 and likewise us today.

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper... He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet...If then, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet you also ought to wash one another's feet.   (John 13: 3, 5, 14)

• Jesus is in control.  Taking on the responsibility of the slave of lowest stature in their day, Jesus unexpectedly in complete humility, care, and compassion washes their grimy feet.  We often think that to be in control is to have others serve us, but Jesus shows that he is in control by serving through washing and sacrifice.  Sounds like a bit of foreshadowing, huh!  Where is God calling you to serve, because He is in control?

 I say to you, one of you will betray Me.... It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it... What you are going to do, do quickly.  (John 13:21, 26, 27)

• Jesus is in control.  His betrayer sits next to him and Jesus hands him bread.... Jesus could have turned betrayed Judas... You know:  clock 'em in the face, spit in his face, turn the disciples on Judas and pummel him.  Judas betrayed Jesus and so do we.... sharing private information, tearing another down so we gain social status, acting unrighteously, or sealing our lips in silence.  Where is God calling you to to come clean, He is in control wanting to cleanse you?

Where I am going you cannot come.  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:  just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have Love for one another. (John 13:33-35)

• Jesus is in control.  He very well could have had the disciples sacrificed with him, but no He goes alone.  He says turn your eyes to me and others.  Burn away your self-centeredness and take the flight of loving me by loving others.  Jesus is in control of His depressing night, but also those who follow Him, not by coercion but by sacrifice.  A sacrificial love.

Father when things in my life are out of control or when I want full control, may you show me again the sacrificial love of Jesus on the cross.  Holy Spirit take up in me a love for others, the fruit of truthfulness, and a life of serving others. In Jesus name, Amen.

John 12: Out of Control??

Thousands of business travelers boarding airplanes this morning may feel they have no control.  After Friday's Southwest Airlines mishap... three more planes were identified with fractures in the fuselage.

Being "out of control" can be scary.

A pilot of jets once said that whenever a jet goes out of control and begins to spin, the only salvation is to let your hands off the controls and let the plane self-correct itself.  This goes against natural instincts to control.

The depature of Jesus' last week of life takes off in John chapter 12. 

• Judas tries to ground (prohibit) Mary's act of appreciation/gratitude toward Jesus' for raising her brother Lazarus from the dead. 
• The Pharissess out of fear and frustration see only one way to stop Jesus popularity, an insider hacking job. 
• The Jews in Jerusalem see Jesus' as the perfect arrival, a earthly king who will bring control to their divided lives, so they chant "Hosanna" which means "help" or "save".  
• And a whole lot more...(If you haven't read it yet, sit back in the terminal and check it out... http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2012&version=NIV )  

 Your Pre-flight questionaire...
1.  Where in your life today do you feeling the need to control people or circumstances?
2.  The need to overcontrol things around us can prevent us from receiving all that God has intended for us.  What is your control quotient today?

So John 12 gives some flight instructions...
1.  Give Gratitude:  Is my sense of appreciation/gratitude for the Lord like Mary?  Her ticket of love was the equivalent of a year's wages to show appreciation... Ask the Holy Spirit to create in you a similar love in you for what He has done "lifted up from the earth" (v32), given to you, and will give to you when He returns.

2. Jesus' is in Control:  Jesus is in control of the last week of His life.  We are like the Pharisees and the Jews singing "Hosana" fealing fearful and out of control.  Throw up your hands or call upon Jesus to "save", to "help".  Jesus reminds us through His actions that delays, failures, and all situations even at their worst and totally out our grip of control are never beyond His Control.