Category: Gospels
“Lazarus, come out!”
Scripture reading for November 1st: John 9-12
My son Marshal and I visited Bethany as a part of our Bible history and geography study trip. At Bethany, we visited a place that was a probably similar to the tomb that Lazarus was laid in. Marshal and I went down a narrow passageway carved out of the rock and entered the musty cave where there were some niches carved in the wall as places to lay the bodies. The tomb was illuminated by an electric light. After reading the Scriptures, I left first and took my camera and called out, “Marshal, come out!” I got a great picture and a real visual of what that might have looked like to those gathered around that tomb with Jesus!
Jesus often stayed at Lazarus’ home in Bethany, less than two miles from the temple in Jerusalem. (John 11:18) Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha, who also loved Jesus and their brother. They had sent word to Jesus that their brother was deathly sick, but Jesus purposely delayed coming. (John 11:3-6) When Jesus arrived, Lazarus was already dead and entombed for four days. Martha came to meet Jesus and told Him that if He had been there, Lazarus would not have died. She also made another key statement, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:22)
Jesus gave her a Word of knowledge: “Your brother will rise again.” (John 11:23) Martha’s understanding of the resurrection had come from studying the Old Testament Scriptures. (Possibly Daniel 12:1-3, 13) Jesus spoke again to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) This time Martha confessed that she believed that Jesus was the Christ, Son of God!
Jesus went to the tomb and as He stood there, He wept! (John 11:35) The Author of Life was weeping over Lazarus swallowed by the grave and death! He was the “resurrection and life” and was about to demonstrate the power of faith. Jesus was deeply moved a second time and ordered the stone taken away. Martha protested, but Jesus reassured her faith! He is the Author and Finisher of our faith and helps us when our faith falters! (John 11:40) Jesus spoke, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus came out, grave clothes and all!
Streams of living water!
Scripture reading for October 31st: John 6-8
Thirst is a great motivator! When we farmed in Iowa during the hot summers, picking up hay bales on a humid afternoon worked up a thirst to get to the jug of cool water! Cutting sunflowers out of the soybean fields with a machete also made us thirsty. We had one farm with half-mile rows meaning it would be a mile up and back. In the hot summer sun, I would be thirsty before I got to the far end of the field. It was a good motivator for the whole crew to work faster and make it back!
“On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living waster will flow from within him.” “By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” John 7:39-39
On this last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the custom was to get two large jars of water from the pool of Siloam and pour it out as an offering before the Lord. It was probably at this time that Jesus stood up and spoke to the crowd. He invited those that were spiritually thirsty to come to Him. He promised that if they would drink of His life, a life-giving stream of “living water” would flow from within them. John interprets this prophetic word of Jesus as referring to the Holy Spirit being poured out after Jesus’ ascension. The Holy Spirit would be a life-giving spring that would bring rivers of refreshing!
Are you “thirsty” from your hard work and labors in this sin-filled world? Has keeping the Law of God worn you out? Do you need a rest and refreshing? Jesus calls for us to come to Him for the relief we need. He was glorified as He ascended into heaven and was seated at God’s right hand. He poured out the Spirit on the day of Pentecost! He alone is the source of this spring of special “living water”. That should motivate you to work your way back to the source and take a long drink!
True worship!
Scripture reading for October 30th: John 3-5
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is Spirit and His worshipers must worship in Spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24
God The Father is seeking out true worshipers! He is looking for those who will center on Him and give Him the honor and praise due to Him. His eyes look throughout the earth seeking these who will fully commit to Him so He can show Himself strong on their behalf! (2nd Chronicles 16:9)
Worship is ascribing worth and honor to someone who is worthy. All true worship centers on God as the only worthy subject! God is a Spirit. His presence fills the universe. He is The Truth and there is no falsehood or lie found in Him. Therefore, those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and truth. Worship can involve music or singing of hymns or songs. Worship can involve kneeling, bowing, lifting of hands, or dancing. Worship can involve reading God’s Word or sitting in silence. God is looking at our hearts when we worship, not just at what we are doing or saying.
Sin is a big hindrance to true worship. We are born the first time with our spirit dead to God because of sin. We cannot worship God, because we don’t really know God. Sin centers us on ourselves and rather than on God and separates us from God, who is holy. As we come to God humbly, agreeing with His Truth concerning sin and it’s consequences and asking for His mercy, He forgives us and we honor Him. We come to know God as Father through His Son Jesus Christ and can begin to worship Him in truth. As we allow Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit, the Spirit enables us to truly worship God in Spirit and truth!
As you go through each day, allow the Holy Spirit to help you to live a life of true worship! Everything you do can be done in Spirit and truth as unto the Lord with a thankful heart! (Colossians 3:17) He is worthy of all our worship each day, everyday, all day and night wherever we are! It is a life of worship that truly pleases our Father!
Tent-dwellers!
Scripture reading for October 29th: John 1-2
John, the beloved, was the youngest disciples and one of the “sons of thunder”. James and John were in the inner circle of three and John was the one resting his head on Jesus’ chest in the famous picture of the Last Supper. John was also the disciple that Jesus asked from the Cross to take care of His mother. (John 19:26-27) John wrote his Gospel to declare that Jesus was the “Son of God”!
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4)
John began with a revelation of the Son of God as the eternal Word! He was with God in the beginning! He always was, is, and will be. The ‘beginning’ spoken of by John was the beginning of created things. By His powerful Word, He created the visible world and heavens. When we think of how vast the extent of the heavens, we are humbled by the power of that Word!
But at the right time, this Word became flesh and dwelt among His people! The word for “dwelt” is the same word used to describe the pitching of a tent. Moses was given instructions to build a special tent and furniture as a place for God to dwell in the midst of His people, Israel. This tent was called a “tabernacle” or “Tent of Meeting”. God’s presence marked Israel as separate and blessed above all others on the earth. No enemy could defeat them as they marched with Him, no sickness could attack, and even clothes and shoes did not wear out! (Nehemiah 9:19-21)
Jesus Christ came to His own people, but they did not receive Him! (John 1:11-12) Most rejected Him and ended up crucifying Him. But to those who would and did receive Him, Jesus gave the power to become children of God! They would be “born again” into God’s family! He would send them the Holy Spirit to live in them and they would become “living tabernacles” of God’s presence! Why not invite Him to be your Savior today!
A “heart-warming” story!
Scripture reading for October 27th: Luke 22-24
Two disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus on the Sunday afternoon after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One was named Cleopas and the other disciple is not named. They were discussing the events of the Passover week that had just passed. They were disciples of Jesus who were still reeling from their Master’s sudden crucifixion. And that morning the women had come and told them that Jesus was risen! (Luke 24:9-12) Peter had found the grave clothes lying there by themselves with no sign of Jesus’ body. All were perplexed and wondered what had happened to Him. As they were walking and talking, Jesus joined them on the road and walked with them. They did not initially recognize Him, but He struck up a conversation.
As Jesus asked them what they were discussing, they began to tell Him their experiences of the past week. They told Him the whole story about the crucifixion of Jesus and the empty tomb. Jesus then spoke clearly to them from the Law and the Prophets, showing them how the Messiah must suffer and die and enter His glory. I’m sure it was an interesting Bible Study on that road that day and the time passed quickly. Suddenly, they were at their destination and they had hardly begun. They invited this Man to stay and eat with them.
As they sat at the table, Jesus took the bread, and gave thanks, and broke it to give to them. During this simple act of fellowship around the table, their eyes were opened and they beheld Him! He then disappeared from their sight! They remembered how their hearts had burned when Jesus had opened the Scriptures and talked with them. (Luke 24:30-32) Jesus was walking with them and they had not known Him!
This story is heart-warming for us today! What a gracious Savior who would care so dearly for His followers! The Heavenly Father has given each of us the Holy Spirit to be with us daily on our walk. (John 16:13-16) He sets our hearts on fire for Him! Each time we partake of the “Lord’s Supper”, we can have Him revealed to us as we give thanks, break the bread and drink the cup! (Luke 22:17-19) We are so blessed to know Him and enjoy His heart-warming love! One day we will see Him face to face!
My Words will never pass away!
Scripture reading for October 26th: Luke 19-21
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you will be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:33-36
According to Scripture, there is nothing in this world that is permanent and lasting. Everything is in a temporary state. It is all decaying or passing away. Even our own bodies are decaying and changing. (2nd Corinthians 4:16a) We are born with a sentence of death because of sin. This world is groaning and in it’s present state will ultimately pass away.
I am encouraged as I read the Word of God that there is something permanent that I can hang on to! God’s Word is permanent and eternal. What God has written for us is ultimate truth and reality! We can be certain of it! We can build our lives on it! We can tell our children about it and pass it on to our friends!
Jesus warned His followers to be careful because of these eternal truths. Heaven and earth would pass away one day. There was a day of judgment that would come upon those living on the earth suddenly, like a trap catching an unsuspecting animal. (Luke 21:34) Jesus encouraged His followers to be watchful and in prayer because of these unchanging truths. There would be many who would be overcome with a reckless attitude. Some would be drunken and unable to rouse themselves. Others would be overcome with the fears and worries of life. They would not be prepared for that day and it would catch them unaware!
Those who are watching and praying, however, would be able to stand before the Son of Man. They would be trusting in His grace and be ready to meet Him. Let’s be certain today that we are really believing what Jesus taught. A day is coming when the heavens and earth will pass away! But His Word will never pass away! It will save us or bring judgment for not paying heed!
The prosperity gospel in Luke!
Scripture reading for October 25th: Luke 16-18
“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” “The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.” Luke 16:13-14
Jesus spoke very plainly: “You cannot serve both God and money.” In America, there is a popular variation of the Gospel called the “prosperity” teaching. This teaching plays on man’s desire for money and prosperity by taking verses of Scripture and using them to promote wealth as a sign of God’s blessing. God’s word does proclaim blessing on God’s people for obedience and faith. Some who walked in faith were blessed and obtained great wealth in this world. But God is more concerned about our hearts. He said it was impossible to serve two masters.
The Pharisees of Jesus time had a teaching very similar to this prosperity message of today. They taught that God’s blessing was on the rich and that the poor were under a curse. This had some scriptural backing from Deuteronomy 28 and other places in the Old Testament. Jesus taught us to see things in a different light by telling a story about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. These two real people lived on earth and both died. At death there was a great reversal. The rich man ended up in the torment of Hell, the place of the departed wicked dead. The poor beggar, Lazarus, ended up in Abraham’s bosom, a place of comfort and blessing. They could see each other but were separated by a great gulf. (Luke 16:22-26)
This ‘story’ struck at the hearts of those who loved “money”! Money could not and did not save the rich man! He left earth without it and ended up in hell. The poor beggar was not under the curse the Pharisees had presumed. His faith in God had taken him to Abraham’s bosom, a place of God’s favor. True prosperity is a state of the heart that trusts in God for daily provision and lives by faith in Him. It is impossible to serve two masters, God and money! Quit trying and pursue the kingdom of God and His righteousness! You’ll be eternally blessed and prosperous as God intended!
This man eats with sinners!
Scripture reading for October 24th: Luke 13-15
“Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear Him (Jesus). But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke15:1-2
Are you a person who welcomes sinners? Are you comfortable around those that the culture would consider outcasts or unacceptable? Would those who are “sinners” see you as a person that they would feel comfortable hanging out with? Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to seek and save the “lost” of this world.
When He walked the earth, He sought out people who were open to His message of the Kingdom. It was on one of those occasions that Jesus responded to the muttering of the religious leaders about His hanging around sinners. He told them three parables to help them understand the heart of God for those who were lost. The first parable was about a man who had a hundred sheep and found out that one of them was missing. He left the main flock to go and search for the lost sheep. When he found that lost sheep, he called friends and neighbors together and celebrated! The moral of this story was that there was joy in heaven over one lost person being restored! (Luke 15:7)
Another parable concerned a woman who had lost one of ten silver coins. She searched diligently in her house until finding it and then invited friends to rejoice with her for her restored fortune! The same bottom line is emphasized. There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents! (Luke 15:10)
The final parable concerned a man who had two sons. One wanted his inheritance right now. His father gave him the money and he left to squander it on loose living. He ended up eating with pigs to satisfy his hunger! This lost son decided to go back to his father and beg for mercy. The father was watching for his lost son, saw him coming, and ran to meet him. After a brief apology, the father restored this son and threw a party of celebration!
We truly have a friend in Jesus Christ. He loves lost people. Our Father in heaven sent Him to help those willing to return to Father’s House. If you are not “home”, reach out to Him today! His arms are open wide!
Satan fell like lightning!
Scripture reading for October 23rd: Luke 10-12
The Kingdom of Heaven is in direct opposition to the kingdom of the devil. The devil’s kingdom is one of dominance, manipulation, fear, and deceit. God’s Kingdom is one of love, compassion, faith, and truth. The devil uses sickness, oppression, depression, and poverty to imprison those made in God’s image. God sends His people to heal the sick, deliver the oppressed, preach good news to the depressed and hopeless, and share His great riches with all who will receive! These kingdoms are in a conflict that is raging around the earth.
Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples into this conflict. (Luke 10:1-4) They were not to take a purse, bag, or sandals. They were not to greet anyone on the road because they had a mission. They were armed with His Word and authority and had prayed that the Lord would send out workers. They were to live by faith and trust God for whatever they needed. As they entered a town and were welcomed, they were to speak ‘peace’ to those who dwelt there. They were to heal the sick and tell them about the Kingdom of God. (Luke 10:8-9) If they were not welcomed, they were to shake the dust from their feet and warn the people that the Kingdom of God had come near to them. The dust would be a witness against them on judgment day. (Luke 10:10-12) It was a simple assignment!
As the seventy-two returned to Jesus, they were full of joy! The demons had fled, sick people were healed, and Jesus’ authority had given them victory after victory! Jesus Himself remarked: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:18-20) Jesus was filled with joy at these disciples’ success, but He cautioned them not to be filled with pride in their authority. Grace is a gift!
Each day we are sent into this conflict. Authority is ours to plunder the enemies’ camp! All power of the enemy can be overcome by faith and the Word of God. We must remain humble and under His authority. Go out with humble boldness today and bring joy to God’s heart!
Don’t look back!
Scripture reading for October 22nd: Luke 7-9
“Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62
Following Jesus Christ seems to be an easy assignment at first. It looks pretty simple and may even seem like a glamorous pursuit. In reality, it involves some difficult choices in each individual disciple’s life. The verse I chose from today’s reading had some interesting effects in my own family’s life!
I made an initial commitment to follow the Lord when I was in my early teens. I went to an altar in a small country Methodist church and prayed to receive Christ as my Lord. But I learned little about what it meant to become a committed follower of Jesus until my late 20’s. I had chosen to follow my father in farming and studied farm management at the university. My wife and I were youth leaders in our church and I was a lay preacher in the Methodist church. We were building our family and farming operation while life went on.
We had started farming by raising hogs and had built a big complex of buildings. This had required a lot of borrowed money and sweat equity! God broke into my busy world and renewed His call on my life to serve Him and preach His word! We began to get out of debt and to re-order our priorities according to Scripture. God worked with us and directed us in becoming debt-free and pursue ministry credentials through the Assemblies of God Berean School of the Bible.
As I completed my study for license, a door opened for ministry in our local church. We spent another 5 years farming and at the same time serving as a staff pastor in a large city church. After that time, we had clear direction to stop farming. A little later we also tore down our hog buildings and buried the remains. This was like Elisha burning his plow and not looking back! (1st Kings 19:19-21) We wouldn’t go back for anything! If God has called you to put your hand to His plow, do it with joy! The journey is exciting and the best is yet to come!