It’s OK to Question
Repetition is not always a bad thing, Father. I feel that so often I thank You over and over again but without You where would I be? You are worthy of all my praise!
John 9:1-5 (<<click here to read the passage)
An oldie but a goodie!
A young woman was hosting a dinner party and served a delicious pot roast. One of her friends enjoyed it so much that she asked for the recipe.
Upon looking over the recipe, her friend inquired, “Why do you cut both ends off the roast before it is prepared and put in the pan?” The young woman replied, “I don’t know. I learned this recipe from my mom and that was the way she always did it.”
Her friend’s question got the young woman thinking and so the next day she called her mom to ask her: “Mom when we make pot roast, why do we cut the ends off?” Her mom quickly replied, “That’s how your grandma always did it and I learned the recipe from her.”
So, the young woman called her elderly grandma and asked her the same question: “Grandma, I often make the pot roast recipe that I learned from mom and she learned from you. Why did you cut the ends off the roast?” The grandmother thought for a while since it had been years since she made the roast herself, and then replied, “I cut them off because the roast was always bigger than the pan I had back then. I had to cut the ends off to make it fit.”
A few days ago, I wrote regarding the good things about tradition (Tradition) but it can be the case that things we pass along can be out of line – the pot roast story being a keen example.
In today’s passage of Scripture, Jesus’ disciples asked Him a question about a man born blind. “Rabbi…why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” v2 NLT
They asked and Jesus quickly answered, “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins… This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” v3 NLT
At the time it was a common misconception that calamity or suffering was the result of some great sin.
We live in a sinful world of our own making and because of that good things happen to bad people and unfortunately, bad things happen to good people, It’s the way it is, at least until Jesus returns and shortly thereafter, we get a new heaven and a new earth.
But back to tradition. It’s OK to question – even things of the church. No man or woman, no matter how righteous they may seem, is perfect. We can all make bad decisions. We can be swayed by power or pride or wealth.
Paul says in the closing words of 1 Thessalonians 5,
But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. v21 AMP
If something doesn’t seem in line with what you have held to be true, pray about it. Look into it. If someone questions you about something you hold to be true, pray about it and look into it, too. It’s OK to question.
If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 AMP
July 14th, 2021, Wed, 8:08 pm
God Leads His Dear Children Along
It was an out-and-about kind of day and I am a bit weary, but it was good to get some of the things we needed and to spend time with Karen and Massey. Father, I am grateful for Your bounteous gifts and humbly ask that Your blessing continue to be upon us.
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Today while we were out shopping, I discovered something that I missed from my time working at Kohl’s – and I will tell anyone the only thing I miss from my time in retail, are the friends I don’t see nearly often enough anymore! What I realized I missed was seeing children with their families. Now I will admit that that wasn’t always a treat – yelling, screaming children are not fun to see or hear from halfway across the store! – but on many occasions, I had the privilege of witnessing their innocence and love.
Today I saw a simple smile that radiated joy…the mischievous laughter of a little girl as she scampered after her mother…a little boy standing behind his father as they checked out – he wasn’t bouncing around impatiently – he was just standing there calm and serene.
I love seeing little boys taking their father’s hands as they walk along. I love seeing a little one so, so close to sleep as they lay in the mother’s arms with their head on her shoulder – content, assured of their safety.
Maybe those instances are rare in their lives. Maybe they are commonplace. But oh, too swiftly they will be a thing of the past. And unfortunately, they will be forgotten by all parties involved…except for me.
At least I remember those instances that I was privileged to witness.
I guess what brings me comfort is knowing that God sees them all and cherishes each one. Too, I believe that He leads us all along through our lives. He separates Himself from not one minute of our lives. Through heartache and joy, through obedience and rebellion, through loss and blessing, God leads His dear children along.
Jesus said in John 10 speaking of Himself, “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” v3b NLT
It’s been a while since I posted a song but thinking along these lines a beautiful old song came to mind…God Leads His Dear Children Along. Listen and enjoy.
July 13th, 2021, Tues, 10:23 pm
“I AM!” – There’s More! Part 2
Thank you, Father, for a productive day on many fronts. I am making good progress on preparation for Sunday and a few other things done as well. May I continue to yield to Your guiding hand. Amen.
John 8:58 (<<click here to read the passage)
I pray the Lord spoke to you in yesterday’s post (“I AM!” – There’s More! Part 1). I will pick up right where I left off! (Once again lines in blue are from crosswalk.com)
“I am the gate for the sheep…Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. John 10:7, 9b NLT
In ancient times, shepherds would lead their flock into an enclosure, often made of stone. There was just one opening to get both in and out. The shepherd would sit or lie right in that spot all night protecting them. To get to the sheep you would have to go through the shepherd. Jesus straight out is the only way into the “fold” (the family of God); thus, He is the gate. This “I AM” statement connects to the next one.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NLT
He cares for us and protects us. He loves us so much that He did sacrifice His life for us. There was no other way to save us from eternal separation from Him. No one forced Him, but He gave up Himself willingly to die in our place. (John 10:18)
“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” John 11:25 NLT
The real-life setting for this statement was when Jesus was speaking to His grieving friend, Martha, after her brother, Lazarus, had died. Nothing has changed, still today death brings a sense of despair, hopelessness, and finality. Jesus raised Lazarus back to life. Then within a few short days, Jesus showed the world that He had conquered the grave when He, Himself, rose to life three days after His death for the sins of all who would believe.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT
Jesus was preparing His disciples for His eventual return to heaven, and one of them, Thomas, verbalized their confusion, “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” v5 And this “I AM” statement was Jesus’ reply. We who are spiritually dead are offered spiritual life in Him…again, there is no other way. There is no other gate. We cannot earn or buy entrance. Jesus is our one and only hope!
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NLT
The Old Testament is replete with references to Israel being God’s vine (Psalm 80:8; Isaiah 5:1-7; Ezekiel 15; Hosea 10:1) but they had dropped the ball time and time again, and hence were unfruitful. Jesus was God’s answer to the dilemma. By abiding in or dwelling with or attaching ourselves to Christ, we enable His life to flow in and through us. Then we cannot help but bear fruit that will honor the Father.
Lord Jesus, every time we see an “I AM” statement may we think of who You are and why You came! May our hearts leap with joy within us as we acknowledge Your unsurpassable love for us! Amen.
July 12th, 2021, Mon, 10:03 pm
“I AM!” – There’s More! Part 1
As another week begins, Father, right up front I would ask for Your fortitude and grace. I am weak, You are strong. May I seek out Your face at every opportunity! Amen!
John 8:58 (<<click here to read the passage)
I can’t leave this verse without addressing one more thing. The Apostle John’s Gospel is the only one to point out Jesus’ repeated discourse entailing the “I AM” phrase. Here in verse 58 Jesus clearly, unequivocally, states “I AM!” He has said as much twice already and will do so five additional times throughout John’s account of Jesus’ life – seven times altogether!
We can know without a doubt that the Pharisees and teachers of the Law heard every one of them loud and clear. And in their darkened hearts, each was a bell tolling Jesus’ ultimate demise…they would make sure of it!
Each time Jesus uttered those two words, they were intertwined, often with the mundane normalcy of life, but His association with every one of them cemented His deity with them all, as well. Immanuel, God with us – the young prophet, Jesus of Nazareth – showed undoubtedly that the Creator was not disjointed from His creation. Yes, we chose separation, but that had never been God’s idea. From the very beginning, he had diligently, unswervingly pursued us. And His “I AM” statements show that we are near and dear to His heart and His ultimate goal – ultimately fulfilled in his death and resurrection – is our reunification with Him.
Here are some very short synopses for each of them and we would all be so much the better for studying them to a greater extent. [emphasis is mine]
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 NLT
He had fed the five thousand and they pursued Him for more. But His goal was not a temporary meeting of physical need. His goal was to meet our need of spiritual hunger and thirst, not just here and now but for eternity!
“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT
I’ve looked at several things to flesh out my thoughts but had to share this point from crosswalk.com
Jesus made this statement just after forgiving, rather than condemning, a woman caught in adultery whom the Pharisees had brought before Jesus in the middle of His teaching.
Jesus was letting them know that in a world darkened by sin, He is holy (His light contrasts the darkness) and He offers the light and guidance to those stumbling in sin. The people knew the Old Testament Scripture “For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory.…” (Psalm 84:11 NLT). In that instance, Jesus was epitomizing the character of God as a sun (which provides light), a shield (which protects), and grace (which forgives) for the glory of God.
We’re just getting started but there is far too much ground to cover in one post, so join me tomorrow for part two of “I AM!” There’s More!
July 11th, 2021, Sun, 7:50 pm
I AM!
What a beautiful day, Father! We’ve had rain but we’ve also had sun. I’ve seen no rainbows from my vantage point but blessings all around! Praise You, O glorious Creator!
John 8:48-59 (<<click here to read the passage)
The concept of holding something so sacred as to not dare even speak its name is beyond our culture’s mentality. Some would probably say it is behind our mentality but that is only because we place ourselves too high upon the pedestal.
Early on mankind had known of God. Many had interacted with Him, but no one until Moses had asked His name. And reading the story of how the question came about, shows that it was by no means bravado on the part of Moses, for he was just grasping for anything that would get him out of the situation in which he found himself.
Nothing is haphazard or a coincidence when it comes to God, but Moses found himself on Mt. Horeb in the care of his flock and when he came upon a burning bush, his life was forever changed!
God called to him and commissioned him to be his point man in bringing the nation of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. Upon God’s appointment, Moses felt super inadequate for the task and said as much with trembling knees. Regardless of God’s assurances Moses still protested,
“If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?”
God replied to Moses, “I AM Who I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:14-15 NLT
A rabbi answering a question on the avoidance of using God’s name even yet today said, “We Jews have an absolute obsession with avoiding uttering G‑d’s name. (Notice that we don’t even spell it out fully when writing the English word for G‑d.) Actually, we are careful not to pronounce G‑d’s names except when reading the Torah or prayers.”
Jews did and still do take the third commandment (which I spoke of yesterday) very seriously. Here it is again,
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, irreverently, in false affirmations or in ways that impugn the character of God]; for the Lord will not hold guiltless nor leave unpunished the one who takes His name in vain [disregarding its reverence and its power].” Exodus 20:7 AMP
So, when we read today’s passage and see this huge back-and-forth between Jesus and the Jews, we see the reaction Jesus gets when he proclaims,
“I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!” v58 NLT
Knowing the significance of the acclamation, and though I have read it many times before, nonetheless it was a thrill reading those words once again! Jesus left no doubt whatsoever regarding who He was! And instead of falling on their faces and begging for mercy, the Jews instead picked up rocks to stone Him for what they determined to be blasphemy!
Oh, Lord Jesus, open our blind eyes and our deaf ears! You stand before each of us, Your magnificence displayed in all we see – our world, our very lives – and we do not acknowledge You. “I AM” is broadcast 24/7/365 and we go our delusional merry little way. Forgive us for our stupidity! May we bow at Your feet proclaiming Your sovereignty over our world and our lives! Amen!
July 8th, 2021, Thurs, 3:13 pm