A Strange Gift
Scripture – John 5:33-40: “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In this dialogue with the Jewish leaders, Jesus is being exceptionally clear about who He is and the consequences of not believing Him. It must have been very hard for them to hear that they had never heard God’s voice, or that His word was not dwelling in them. I was talking with some other pastors yesterday, and we reminded ourselves how easy it is to study about the Bible while forgetting to actually read the Bible and let it speak personally. Jesus is giving these people a gift. They can accept it and consider how it addresses their life and faith, or they can get defensive and react with anger. Which will I choose?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will let the light of the Bible illuminate my life in some new ways. I will let it shine especially in some darker areas where I like to keep myself hidden. Those are a bit too personal to discuss here. However, there are clearly areas in me where I have been resisting Christ’ transforming presence.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Give me courage and an inner honesty today, Lord, as I grow deeper with you. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Help me take advantage of that light this day.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In this dialogue with the Jewish leaders, Jesus is being exceptionally clear about who He is and the consequences of not believing Him. It must have been very hard for them to hear that they had never heard God’s voice, or that His word was not dwelling in them. I was talking with some other pastors yesterday, and we reminded ourselves how easy it is to study about the Bible while forgetting to actually read the Bible and let it speak personally. Jesus is giving these people a gift. They can accept it and consider how it addresses their life and faith, or they can get defensive and react with anger. Which will I choose?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will let the light of the Bible illuminate my life in some new ways. I will let it shine especially in some darker areas where I like to keep myself hidden. Those are a bit too personal to discuss here. However, there are clearly areas in me where I have been resisting Christ’ transforming presence.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Give me courage and an inner honesty today, Lord, as I grow deeper with you. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Help me take advantage of that light this day.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
1 Comments:
Hi Roger:
Really enjoy your observations, and would like to give you my reaction to your statement about areas of your life in which you are resisting Christ's transformational process.
From my observation of you, it has been amazing to watch you open yourself to Holy Spirit and let Him lead you in new ways. It is showing not only in the Worship service, your sermons but in your personality.
May you continue to open yourself to Jesus Christ and let Him lead you in powerful ways. We have a great Lord, and He has much work He wants to do through you as you open yourself to these possibilites.
Much love, Barb
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