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Jesus Prays For Himself April 2, 2023

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Here are my thoughts on John 17:1-5.

Summary: In this passage, Jesus prays to God the Father. In particular, He:

  • prays that He would be glorified by His death – thereby glorifying God
  • asserts that God made Him the King of His people – thereby granting them eternal life
  • asserts that those who have eternal life acknowledge Him as the exact and living image of God
  • asserts that His teaching and His miracles have revealed God to the world
  • prays that God would enable Him to display His eternal glory after His ascension to heaven.

Thoughts: Here, Jesus commences a lengthy prayer to God by praying for Himself. Calvin offers some thoughts on this point in his commentary on verse 1:

Now he devotes himself to prayer – as is proper, for teaching is cold unless God gives it efficacy. He therefore gives teachers an example, that they should not only spend their time sowing the Word, but also mix their prayers with it and thus implore God’s help, that his blessing may make their work fruitful. In short, this prayer of Christ is, as it were, the seal of the preceding teaching, both to ratify it in itself and to give it full authority with the disciples.

While I have not strolled through the Gospels of Mark and Luke, my understanding is that this prayer only appears in this book. I think that this prayer is worth pondering, as it reveals His mindset before His death. This prayer shows that He had the strength to pray for the glory of God – despite that impending trial. He was completely devoted to His earthly mission; thus, He prayed that He would be able to complete it in the midst of His suffering. This raises questions such as: when our faith is severely tested, are we able to pray for the glory of God? Or do we simply pray that He would remove our suffering? What is our level of commitment to our earthly mission?

Jesus Predicts His Death February 19, 2023

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Here are my thoughts on John 12:20-36.

Summary: In this passage, several Jews from Asia and Greece – who have come to Jerusalem to observe Passover – ask Philip if they can meet with Jesus. Jesus responds to their request by asserting that His death is imminent; at that point:

  • He – and His Father – will be glorified
  • the Gospel message will be proclaimed throughout the world
  • the world will be restored
  • all believers – Jews and Gentiles – will be united as His church.

In light of this, He does not refuse to die. Similarly, those who serve Him should not refuse to die – as they, like Him, will enjoy true life.

Although He dreads His death, He is prepared to glorify His Father in that regard.

His audience responds by noting that the Old Testament asserts the eternal nature of the kingdom of the Christ; thus, if He will be crucified, then He cannot be the Christ. He responds by reiterating that His death is imminent; thus, they should seek His grace before He perishes.

Thoughts: In verses 20 and 21, we see that the impetus for Jesus’ declarations in this passage was a request by several Greeks to meet with Him. Now I wonder: did they eventually learn of His declarations in this passage (assuming that they were not in His audience)? If so, what was their response to His declarations? How did they view His exhortation to be willing to surrender their lives to God? Did they become disillusioned at that point, assuming that He was not the promised Messiah – since He was planning to die? After His death and resurrection, were they convicted of the fact that He was the promised Messiah? Did they then preach the Gospel message in Asia and Greece? Did they encounter the apostle Paul on his missionary journeys?

In verse 27, Jesus expresses His dread of His impending death. Calvin offers some thoughts on this point:

Here we see, as if it were in front of our own eyes, how much our salvation cost the Son of God, for he was reduced to such straits that he found no words to express the intensity of his sorrow. He flees to prayer, which alone remains for him, and asks to be delivered from death. And also, seeing that he had been appointed by the eternal purpose of God to be a sacrifice for sins, he quickly corrects that wish which his great sadness had expressed and, as it were, puts out his hand to pull himself back, that he may acquiesce entirely to his Father’s will.

As modern-day believers with our own fears, we can be greatly encouraged by the fact that Jesus also had fears. For example, if we sense that God is calling us in a particular direction (e.g. moving to a different country to serve Him in a ministry), then we may naturally feel reluctant to obey Him in that regard (e.g. if we sense that our current ministry is already bearing fruit). Yet, just as Jesus saw God’s greater plan for Him by having Him perish on the cross, we must also ask Him: what is His greater plan for us by having us obey Him in that regard? If we can have at least some idea as to how our obedience would advance His kingdom (e.g. even if that entails our leaving our current ministry), then that would give us the strength to obey Him – even in the midst of our reluctance.

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind January 7, 2023

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Here are my thoughts on John 9:1-12.

Summary: In this passage, Jesus and His disciples encounter a blind man. His disciples assume that his blindness represents divine punishment – yet He disabuses them of that notion; instead, his blindness represents an opportunity for God to be glorified. In particular, God the Father will work through Jesus (while Jesus is in this world) to demonstrate His goodness.

He then tests the faith of the blind man; the man passes this test, and his sight is restored. The veracity of this miracle is then disputed.

Thoughts: In verse 3, Jesus asserts a connection between the blind man’s condition and God’s glory. Calvin offers some thoughts on this point:

So Christ meant through these words to heighten his disciples’ expectations for a miracle. But at the same time he reminds them in general that this reason must be abundantly seen as true and lawful in the theater of the world when God glorifies his name. Nor have people any right to argue with God when he makes them the instruments of his glory in both ways, whether he appears to be merciful or severe.

As modern-day believers, we might look back at this incident and readily glorify God for His work of healing. Yet if we place ourselves in the position of the blind man and his parents, we may wonder: how did they endure his handicap? Did they have even the smallest shred of hope that someday, God would grant him sight? Or were they resigned to their fate, assuming that he would never be healed? Assuming that he had enhanced hearing, did he overhear the conversation between Jesus and His disciples? If so, how did he respond to His assertion that his handicap represented an opportunity for God to be glorified? Admittedly, if I had been in the blind man’s position, I think that I would have wrestled with God over my handicap…

In verses 8-12, Jesus’ miracle sparks a debate. Calvin offers some thoughts on this point in his commentary on verse 8:

But ungodliness is clever at obscuring God’s deeds and so many people thought it was not the same man, since a new power from God appeared in him. The brighter God’s majesty is in his works, the less credit men give to him. But their doubts helped to prove the miracle, for they made the blind man praise Christ’s grace the more through his testimony.

As modern-day believers, we may ponder questions such as: does God perform similar miracles (e.g. restoring one’s sight) today? If so, how do we respond to accounts of such miracles? Do we assume that they have a rational explanation? Most (if not all) of us have been taught the scientific method, and so we may actually reject a simple declaration along the lines of “God healed me”. We may respond to that statement by saying, “okay, I believe that God healed you, but I also believe that we can determine His mechanism for healing you.” Yet what if the mechanism that He used in that instance actually transcends our ability to determine it? Would we simply surrender to His sovereignty, or would we be resolute in our quest to understand that mechanism?

The Coming Glory of the Temple January 29, 2022

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Here are my thoughts on Haggai 2:1-9.

Summary: In this passage, God speaks through Haggai to the people of post-exilic Judah during their annual celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles.

In particular, He aims to relieve their fears concerning the rebuilding of the temple by asserting that His Spirit will be with them; thus, He will fulfill His covenant promises to them (if they obey Him).

Indeed, His glory will be in their midst, and they will experience His peace.

Thoughts: In verses 4 and 5, God exhorts His people to take courage as they rebuild the temple. Hill offers some thoughts on this point in his commentary on verse 5:

The restatement of the reality that God’s Spirit remains among his people is important…Such reassurance was necessary, given Ezekiel’s earlier vision of the glory of the Lord abandoning the Jerusalem temple prior to the Babylonian exile (Ezek. 10:18). The restoration community needed to know that this tragic chapter of Hebrew history had ended…

The construction of the prohibition, Do not fear, can have the force of halting an action in progress: hence ‘Stop being afraid.’ God’s presence among his people assures, encourages, inspires and verifies his intentions to see his purposes accomplished.

Since He had a specific task for His people in this instance (i.e. rebuilding His temple in Jerusalem), He needed to clearly address them, especially as their financial situation was precarious. On a somewhat-related note, sometimes I sense that He speaks to me, e.g. when I feel that I should use my time and resources to bless the disadvantaged. I have also sensed His presence in previous trials, where I felt that I could trust Him in the midst of fear and discomfort. While I occasionally envy the fact that He clearly spoke to His people in the Scriptures, I cannot deny the fact that I, as a New Testament believer, can hear His voice in all the Scriptures…

Prayer December 10, 2017

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Here are my thoughts on Matthew 6:5-15.

Summary: In this passage, Jesus notes that the:

  • Pharisees pray in order to be seen by men; thus, they only receive the applause of men
  • Gentiles pray mindlessly.

In contrast, Jesus exhorts His disciples to:

  • shun the applause of men in their prayers
  • know the Person to whom they are praying.

He then instructs them to pray that:

  • the attributes of God would be glorified
  • the kingdom of God would be established at His Second Coming
  • all mankind would perfectly submit to the laws of God
  • God would supply their daily necessities
  • God would be merciful to them
  • God would enable them to be merciful to others
  • God would not allow them to run into sin
  • God would preserve them from the power of evil.

He concludes by restating the importance of mercy – as a repentant heart naturally expresses itself via acts of mercy.

Thoughts: In verse 10, we see that we should earnestly desire the Second Coming of Christ. Ryle offers some thoughts on this point:

This is the time when sin, sorrow and Satan will be driven out of the world. It is…a time that is to be desired more than anything. It therefore fills a foremost place in the Lord’s Prayer.

I can say that when I am in a good mood, I rarely pause and ponder the kingdom of God. It is only when God jolts me out of my complacency – e.g. when I am reminded of the evil and suffering that plague this world – that I pray that He would swiftly establish His kingdom in this world. Indeed, accounts of evil and suffering constantly remind us – as believers – that this world is imperfect and that we should long for the complete realization of the kingdom of God. One thought is that we can display this longing to unbelievers by persisting in our acts of service.

In verse 12, we see that we should ask God to forgive us – as we have forgiven those who have offended us. Ryle offers some thoughts on this point:

Its object is to remind us that we must not expect our prayers for forgiveness to be heard if we pray with malice and spite in our hearts towards others. To pray in such a frame of mind is mere formality and hypocrisy…Our prayers are nothing without love. We must not expect to be forgiven if we cannot forgive.

This section of the Sermon on the Mount continues to challenge me, as it exposes the obstacles that plague my walk with God. Lately I have pondered God’s ability to forgive us in light of our propensity to sin. One thought is that His ability to forgive stems from His understanding of His identity. When He forgives us, His glory is not diminished – even if we fail to accept His forgiveness and/or continue to offend Him. Perhaps my inability to forgive others reflects my lack of understanding of my identity in Him. If so, then I need to grow in that understanding – on a daily basis – in order to extend forgiveness to others.

Salt and Light November 11, 2017

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Here are my thoughts on Matthew 5:13-16.

Summary: In this passage, Jesus exhorts His disciples to:

  • arrest the spread of corruption in the world
  • dispel the darkness in the world.

In this way, others will see that God has set them apart from the world.

Thoughts: This passage spurred me to ponder the difficulties that believers encounter when engaging with unbelievers. While we may desire to be “salt” and “light,” our words and deeds may not have the desired effect on unbelievers. For example, if your non-Christian friend has had a rough day at the office, it is unlikely that they will respond enthusiastically to your attempts to share the Gospel with them over dinner that evening. This example reinforces the importance of being sensitive to the feelings of others; in this way, we can determine when it is appropriate to discuss our worldview with them. When the timing is right, one can use current events as an entry point to a discussion along those lines. For example, your non-Christian friend may assert the futility of offering up thoughts and prayers in the wake of a mass shooting. This comment may allow you to discuss the meaning of prayer and why believers still view it as a critical part of their daily lives.

The New Jerusalem March 16, 2016

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Here are my thoughts on Revelation 21.

Summary: In this passage, God declares that He will enter into a new union with His people – where He will completely remove the consequences of the Fall. He exhorts His people to hold to His testimony so that they can enter into this new union – especially since those who do not hold to His testimony will be thrown into the lake of fire. One of the angels who poured out a bowl of the wrath of God then shows John the new Jerusalem; it is a beautiful city that reflects the glory of God. Indeed, its streets, gates, walls and foundations are composed of the most precious stones and metals. John notes that only those who hold to the testimony of God will be able to enter the new Jerusalem.

Thoughts: In verse 4, we see that believers will no longer be subject to “death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” These words must have greatly encouraged John’s original readers while they faced intense persecution for their faith. It would have been natural for them to abandon their faith and receive (short-term) pleasures – especially when some of their brethren were dying for their faith, leaving others to mourn their passing. Yet God called them to maintain their faith in the face of their (short-term) sufferings so that they could receive genuine (long-term) pleasures. These words should also greatly encourage modern-day believers who face intense persecution for their faith.

Here, John delights his readers with a wondrous description of “the Holy City, Jerusalem.” I am inclined to believe that John had a heavenly vision, and he had the challenging task of conveying the contents of that vision to his readers using earthly language. Perhaps the description of the foundations of the city walls that he provides in verses 19 and 20 demonstrates that his vision was consumed by an entity of infinite worth, and so he conveyed that infinite worth by mentioning an array of precious stones. My prayer is that I would eventually see this entity and experience the same sublime feelings that overwhelmed John when he wrote this letter.

In verse 27, we see that “the Holy City, Jerusalem” will be pure and unspoiled. Henry offers some insights on this point in his commentary:

There the saints will have no impurity left in them. In death they will be cleansed from everything that defiles. On earth they feel a sad mixture of corruption with their graces, which hinders them in God’s service, interrupts their communion with him, and intercepts the light of his countenance. But as they enter the Most Holy Place, they are washed in the bowl of Christ’s blood and are presented to the Father spotless.

I often struggle to maintain my communion with God, as I am easily distracted during worship services, daily quiet times and prayer. I often wish that God would heal my distracted mind – enabling me to focus on Him and give Him my undivided attention – yet I am acutely aware that I will never be able to honor Him fully in that regard during my earthly existence. While this is rather frustrating, the present state of affairs causes me to long for the next life, where I will be able to maintain my communion with God; indeed, I long for the time when I will savor all of His words and delight in His presence.

Greetings and Doxology November 14, 2015

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Here are my thoughts on Revelation 1:4-8.

Summary: In this passage, John states that this book is written to the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia. The content of this book is derived from God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit. John especially praises Jesus Christ by highlighting the benefits of His earthly suffering and His subsequent heavenly glorification. Jesus Christ also declares that He is God and that He will judge the world.

Thoughts: God the Son is the focus of this passage – while God the Father and God the Spirit receive only a passing mention. This reminds me of a theory of the pastor at my former church:

  • Jesus Christ was still relatively obscure in the Near East when John wrote this letter
  • thus, John intentionally highlighted the supremacy of Jesus Christ – even depicting Him as superior to God the Father – to compel his readers to live committed, holy lives and share their faith with unbelievers.

This theory is certainly debatable, yet readers of this passage can agree that John heaps praise on Jesus Christ. This also reminds me of John’s Gospel where He also highlights the supremacy of Jesus Christ. I will certainly have to probe John on this point in the next life.

Making One’s Calling and Election Sure July 19, 2014

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Here are my thoughts on 2 Peter 1:3-11.

Summary: Peter begins by telling his readers that since they are in union with God, they have received His free and full gift; thus, they can begin, continue and complete the Christian life. He reminds them of God’s means of bringing them into union with Him – allowing them to partake of His divine life and be fully delivered from their former experience.

Since they have received God’s free and full gift, they should make haste to respond to His divine provision with diligence; in particular, they should grow in terms of their:

  • manly energy
  • intellectual and experiential knowledge of Him
  • power over that which is within
  • power over that which is without
  • reverence
  • special love for other believers
  • love for unbelievers.

Indeed, if they have these qualities abundantly and permanently, then they will have spiritual power, perception and privilege. On the other hand, those who are not diligent in response to God’s divine provision will lose their spiritual power, perception and privilege.

Given this stark choice, Peter makes a personal appeal to his readers to be diligent in response to God’s divine provision; in this way, they will be steadfast, and God will spare no expense in welcoming them into His everlasting kingdom.

Thoughts: In verses 5-7, Peter lists several qualities that all believers should have in abundance. Thomas offers some insights on this point:

As there is this necessary connection between each one, we should note that each and all are expected to be in every Christian, not some in some Christians and others in others (see Galatians 5:22). “Fruit of the Spirit,” not “fruits.” The nine elements constitute one cluster to be exemplified in every Christian life. So it is here with these seven marks of diligence.

Clearly these qualities constitute the Christian life. Now I cannot claim to possess any of these qualities in abundance; even in terms of “knowledge,” while I apparently possess a strong intellectual understanding of God, my experiential understanding of Him is fairly lacking. The fact that Paul basically stresses the importance of the same list of qualities in Galatians – as Thomas notes above – is a further incentive for me to respond to God’s great gift with diligence. One thought is that I should continue to wrestle with the connection between love and seeking the good of others; if my “knowledge” of this connection improves, I will be able to make progress in this regard.

In verses 10 and 11, Peter states that if believers respond to God’s great gift with diligence, then He will welcome them into heaven. Thomas offers some interesting thoughts on this point:

Not a bare entrance, but “sweeping through the gates.” Compare verses [sic] 5 and verse 11. We supply, and then God will supply. The phrase here has been aptly translated, “God will spare no expense” concerning your entrance into the everlasting kingdom.

Thomas’ thoughts remind me of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Now it is simpler for me to conceive of the Final Judgment as a nerve-wracking time where God sits on a massive throne and I bow before Him, trembling at His feet. I can hear God announcing – in a loud, booming voice – “your name is written in the Book of Life,” and I can see myself rising, still trembling, experiencing a mixture of residual fear and sudden joy. I have difficulty seeing God displaying His passion to me at that time by richly welcoming me into His house forever. Perhaps I need to regularly reflect on God’s dual roles of Righteous Judge and Loving Father, as that would help me eagerly anticipate the Final Judgment.

Living for God June 17, 2014

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Here are my thoughts on 1 Peter 4:1-11.

Summary: Peter begins by telling his readers that since Christ suffered in their place, they must conform to Him by suffering in their bodies – ceasing from sin. Instead of walking in the ways of impiety, they are living sacrifices entirely offered up to God. Before their conversion, they had conformed to the world by walking in the ways of impiety. Now that they have been saved, they do not pour out their affections on ruinous vanities – and so unbelievers revile them. Yet at the supreme and final judgment, God will call these unbelievers to account for their insults. He also encourages them by reminding them that all deceased believers:

  • were converted at some point
  • ceased from sin after their conversion while enduring the insults of unbelievers
  • are now united to Christ.

Peter then reminds his readers that the supreme and final judgment will soon occur; thus, they should be sober and watchful – enabling them to pray in an acceptable way. Moreover, each of them must:

  • follow their primary duty of strongly seeking the good of others – enabling them to forgive their mutual failings
  • supply the needs of others based on the previous exhortation
  • use their endowments to seek the good of others, as God has given believers a variety of endowments.

Peter concludes with the following exhortations:

  • those who preach the Gospel message must speak wisely and in a holy way
  • deacons must depend on God’s strength when performing their duties

and so their service will be for God’s glory – spurring him to add a doxology to his exhortations.

Thoughts: In verse 9, Peter exhorts his readers to show kindness to fellow peripatetic Christians. Leighton offers some insights on this point:

One practical way to supply the necessities of our brothers is to cut back on our own excesses. Turn the stream into that channel where it will refresh your brothers and enrich yourself, and let it not run into the Dead Sea. Your vain excessive entertainments, your gaudy variety of clothing, these you do not question, for you think they are yours…You are a steward of all your possessions. If you do not share them, you are committing robbery. You are robbing your poor brothers who lack the necessities of life while you lavish on yourself what you do not need.

A quick scan of my e-mail inbox reveals that various entities tug at my purse strings. For example, an online retailer recommends that I purchase a book from their enormous inventory. Also, an airline encourages me to purchase a round-trip fare for a weekend getaway (along with renting a car and booking a hotel, if possible). In addition, my alma mater exhorts me to make a financial gift that will enable a current (or future) student to earn a life-changing diploma. Given all of these demands on my resources, how can I use my money wisely for the kingdom of God? I believe that it is important for Christians to formulate a financial plan so that they can give with a good conscience. This plan should be guided by the following compatible principles:

  • Christians do not need to sell all of their possessions
  • Christians should not be enslaved to their possessions.

In verse 11, Peter exhorts ministers of the Gospel message to preach with great caution. Leighton offers some thoughts on this point:

The Word is to be spoken wisely. By this I mean, it is to be delivered seriously and decently. Flippant remarks and unseemly gestures are to be avoided. You should speak with authority and mildness. Who is sufficient for such things?

I have discovered that during small group meetings, I have a tendency to say the first thing that comes to mind without considering its impact on the other attendees. Interestingly, another attendee has consistently challenged me when I have made unprofitable comments. While I still struggle to accept his criticisms, I have come to see that his primary concern is the spiritual welfare of our small group. This has spurred me to focus on presenting thoughts that can help the other attendees grow closer to God and to each other. Indeed, I have improved in terms of actually thinking through the implications of a particular statement or question before I verbalize it during our meetings. Perhaps this is God’s way of enabling me to tame my tongue, though I certainly have a long way to go in this regard.