MIC DROPPED

Posted on October 13, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Imagine those moments in life when you must stand up for truth when everyone around you is accusing you of craziness.  Somehow it is easier when you are not alone.  But alone or not, it becomes imperative when God calls you and gives you the words to say.  You cannot sit this one out.  You must stand to speak. 

Peter, who failed so many times because of his impetuousness with his former “act before you think” behaviors, is now fully committed to being led by the Holy Spirit who entered into him to fill his heart, mind and soul.  God’s Holy Spirit that Jesus told them would come has now filled the disciples with a miracle of speaking in the languages of all who have gathered from the surrounding countryside to Jerusalem for the Feast. 

Friends, I have tried to learn French, Creole and Spanish to help me converse somewhat on mission fields in my past.  Learning a new language is no easy task to accomplish.  Imagine being able to suddenly speak another person’s language without all the work!  Wow!  There is absolutely nothing impossible with God!  Mic dropped.

First God.  God’s Holy Spirit provided this language miracle.  People misunderstood the miracle, thinking that the disciples were drunk, so Peter is called to stand to tell his fellow Jews, from all countries and languages the Truth of what is happening.  He boldly tells God’s story of Jesus who died and rose again for their sins.  He tells them they were the ones who sent Jesus to die on the cross!

Our passage opens with a thought that leaps from the page for me today… “Peter stood up, backed by the other eleven”.  When God asks you to do something unbelievably challenging and incredible, He will give us people to stand with us who also are called by Him.  Isn’t God amazing?!

Peter has a mike drop moment when people stop what their accusing to listen.  Thousands are gathered.  God pours out His Spirit on Peter, the fisherman, to speak His words in His way in His timing.  Yes, God is amazing.  Jesus taught Peter well, forgave him perfectly and saw potential in Peter as the Rock.  How Jesus must have been smiling from heaven as He watched Peter in obedience to His Holy Spirit! 

ACTS—God’s Actions through His Disciples

Acts 2:14-42, The Message

Peter Speaks Up

14-21 That’s when Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency: “Fellow Jews, all of you who are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight. These people aren’t drunk as some of you suspect. They haven’t had time to get drunk—it’s only nine o’clock in the morning. This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen:

“In the Last Days,” God says,
“I will pour out my Spirit
    on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy,
    also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions,
    your old men dream dreams.
When the time comes,
    I’ll pour out my Spirit
On those who serve me, men and women both,
    and they’ll prophesy.
I’ll set wonders in the sky above
    and signs on the earth below,
Blood and fire and billowing smoke,
    the sun turning black and the moon blood-red,
Before the Day of the Lord arrives,
    the Day tremendous and marvelous;
And whoever calls out for help
    to me, God, will be saved.”

22-28 “Fellow Israelites, listen carefully to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man thoroughly accredited by God to you—the miracles and wonders and signs that God did through him are common knowledge—this Jesus, following the deliberate and well-thought-out plan of God, was betrayed by men who took the law into their own hands, and was handed over to you. And you pinned him to a cross and killed him. But God untied the death ropes and raised him up. Death was no match for him. David said it all:

I saw God before me for all time.
    Nothing can shake me; he’s right by my side.
I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic;
    I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope.
I know you’ll never dump me in Hades;
    I’ll never even smell the stench of death.
You’ve got my feet on the life-path,
    with your face shining sun-joy all around.

29-36 “Dear friends, let me be completely frank with you. Our ancestor David is dead and buried—his tomb is in plain sight today. But being also a prophet and knowing that God had solemnly sworn that a descendant of his would rule his kingdom, seeing far ahead, he talked of the resurrection of the Messiah—‘no trip to Hades, no stench of death.’ This Jesus, God raised up. And every one of us here is a witness to it. Then, raised to the heights at the right hand of God and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out the Spirit he had just received. That is what you see and hear. For David himself did not ascend to heaven, but he did say,

God said to my Master, “Sit at my right hand
Until I make your enemies a stool for resting your feet.”

“All Israel, then, know this: There’s no longer room for doubt—God made him Master and Messiah, this Jesus whom you killed on a cross.”

37 Cut to the quick, those who were there listening asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers! Brothers! So now what do we do?”

38-39 Peter said, “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.”

40 He went on in this vein for a long time, urging them over and over, “Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!”

41-42 That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.

MIC DROPPING MOMENTS

The Truth about Jesus, even if it hurt, was boldly preached by God’s Holy Spirit through Peter—This was an Act of God.  All gathered understood the message.

The Message was spoken so well that the response was, “What do you do?”

Peter, who experienced Jesus’ forgiveness first hand, responds to the question immediately.  “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven.” 

Peter goes to say, “Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.”  This statement fulfills Scripture, “I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people…”

Peter’s passion for Jesus is revealed as he urges everyone to “Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!”  How many times we want to say the same thing now to our lost friends and family who wander around confused.  When led by the Spirit, obey.  Timing is everything.  Only God knows hearts.

AND MANY DID TURN TO GOD!  About 3000, in fact!  Bam!  When God’s Spirit directs, great acts of God take place.

What happens next to the church of new believers built on Jesus Christ as their foundation?  Tomorrow.  Let’s talk it through tomorrow.  Whew, so exciting to read about the Acts of God on common people like you and I.  Mic dropped.

Friends, what mic dropping moments, led by God, have you had in your life?  Who was with you, to back you?  I can recall many times in my own life.  It is now time to stop and praise Him for where He has brought us to this place and time today with what He will do next. Praise Him for the people who He sends to do His work with you.

Lord,

You are amazing.  Your Holy Spirit living in us is amazing.  Come Holy Spirit and direct us today to all that you want us to be and do.  Thank you.  I love you with all my heart, mind and soul.  There is no one like You.

In Jesus Name, For His Glory, Amen.  I believe.

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BLOWN AWAY

Posted on October 12, 2021 by randscallawayffm

I’ve been blown away by the acts of God in many ways over the years!  God is so amazing!  Seemingly unsurmountable financial problems, life-threatening diseases along with caring for aging parents sent us to our knees so many times.  However, before we could rise up from our knees, God provided.  He provided in ways unimaginable, beyond our wildest dreams.  God did what only He could do.  We have been blown away the power of His Holy Spirit working in and through us over the years and even now currently. 

When we pray, the God who is always at work in and around us, acts on our behalf and in our best interests, while growing our faith and trust in Him.  God wants to help us.  God loves each one of us deeply, in ways we can’t always wrap our minds around.  God forgives AND forgets our repented sins.  God grows and matures our faith in the middle of our challenging circumstances.  All the while, God is preparing us for an eternity with Him.  God lives in us when we believe in Jesus, His Son.  Jesus promised a Comforter, Guide, and Helper who is part of Him who will come and live in us. 

Like a strong, powerful wind, His Spirit blew into the beings who believed, His disciples.  Life was never the same for the disciples and followers. 

Life is never the same when we allow God’s Holy Spirit to be the director of our lives.

ACTS—God’s Action Through His Disciples

Acts 2:1-13, The Message

A Sound Like a Strong Wind

1-4 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.

5-11 There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were blown away. They couldn’t for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, “Aren’t these all Galileans? How come we’re hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?

Parthians, Medes, and Elamites;
Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia,
    Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
    Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene;
Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes;
Even Cretans and Arabs!

“They’re speaking our languages, describing God’s mighty works!”

12 Their heads were spinning; they couldn’t make head or tail of any of it. They talked back and forth, confused: “What’s going on here?”

13 Others joked, “They’re drunk on cheap wine.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN?

Jesus is gone physically but as promised, His Holy Spirit, comes, weaves His way into willing hearts, minds and souls and fills the believers to the full.

Why did God give them native languages to speak?  So that the world gathered for the Feast from all parts of the surrounding countryside could hear and understand God’s Story of Redemption!  God always knows what He is doing!

When we are willing to tell God’s story to those we do not know well, God promised His Holy Spirit would speak the words for us.  This is a perfect example of this miracle of telling His story to those who do not know our believer’s language. Jesus told his disciples while on earth, “… do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11) Before ascending to heaven, Jesus taught them about His Holy Spirit Who would come to lead and help them. 

At first, unbelievers who observe God’s Acts of miraculous proportions conclude that the Spirit filled disciples are drunk on cheap wine.  However, God’s Acts will prevail.  Can’t wait to see what happens next?  Here’s a preview…

In our next passage, Peter will boldly stand up to the criticisms and tell God’s story of Redemption through Jesus Christ His Son to thousands gathered.  Peter, an impulsive fisherman who had little formal training, stands on the promise of Jesus—“it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”  Thousands will hear, understand, believe, repent and be saved!

Lord,

Wow!  Your mighty acts are wonderful to see!  It is good to hear that what the disciples face takes them back to the teaching of Jesus, their Master, Savior and Lord.  Jesus promises are true about His Spirit living IN each of us.  May God’s Holy Spirit lead and guide us today in all we think about, decide to say or do.

In Jesus Name, For His glory, Amen.  I believe.

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ROLL CALL!

Posted on October 11, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Remember “roll call” at school?  Sometimes I would tell my students, “raise your hand if you are not here, that will be quicker”.  I loved the reaction the first time I would use those words just to get their attention.  They would turn to look at each other, not knowing quite what to do until the jokester in the room “got it” and would raise his/her hand. It was a good laugh before getting down to the business of the day.  Roll call is a necessary but not favored activity by teachers because our minds were geared to the lessons for the day, not roll call.  And sometimes I would forget and need to be reminded to turn in the “count”.  Yes, I was that teacher.

Dr Luke, the inspired by God writer of Acts, takes “roll call” of the committed.  Good way to begin.  The disciples and other followers have watched Jesus ascend back to heaven with the command, “Go and make disciples…”  The mission has been spelled out in detail by the gospel writer Matthew.  Read Matthew 28.

God sent Jesus.  Jesus now sends out his followers lead by the Disciples, though not all of them.  Luke points out Judas’ crime of betrayal once more and the disciples decide to replace him.  Let’s see what happens next in the “acts” of the disciples, led by God.

ACTS—God’s Acts through the Disciples

Acts 1:12-26, The Message

Returning to Jerusalem

12-13 So they left the mountain called Olives and returned to Jerusalem. It was a little over half a mile. They went to the upper room they had been using as a meeting place:

Peter,

John,

James,

Andrew,

Philip,

Thomas,

Bartholomew,

Matthew,

James, son of Alphaeus,

Simon the Zealot,

Judas, son of James.

14 They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also, Jesus’ mother, Mary, and his brothers.

Replacing Judas

15-17 During this time, Peter stood up in the company—there were about 120 of them in the room at the time—and said, “Friends, long ago the Holy Spirit spoke through David regarding Judas, who became the guide to those who arrested Jesus. That Scripture had to be fulfilled, and now has been. Judas was one of us and had his assigned place in this ministry.

18-20 “As you know, he took the evil bribe money and bought a small farm. There he came to a bad end, rupturing his belly and spilling his guts. Everybody in Jerusalem knows this by now; they call the place Murder Meadow. It’s exactly what we find written in the Psalms:

Let his farm become haunted
So no one can ever live there.

“And also what was written later:

Let someone else take over his post.

21-22 “Judas must now be replaced. The replacement must come from the company of men who stayed together with us from the time Jesus was baptized by John up to the day of his ascension, designated along with us as a witness to his resurrection.”

23-26 They nominated two: Joseph Barsabbas, nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, O God, know every one of us inside and out. Make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way.” They then drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles.

THE “ACTS” –

  1. Roll Call.  The Eleven, the women who followed Jesus along with Mary, his mother AND his brothers were accounted for by Luke.  Note:  Jesus’ brothers were known not to have believed in Jesus before the cross, but now they are all in. There were also 120 others who followed and witnessed Jesus’ commandments and ascension on the mountain.  Roll call complete.
  2. Prayer.  “They were completely together in prayer.”  There is no greater work than to be unified with God in prayer.
  3. The Word.  Guided by scripture and God’s Holy Spirit, Peter (“the rock upon whom I will build my church” said Jesus to Peter) stands up to fulfill scripture.  Judas must be replaced. 
  4. The Holy Spirit.  Guided by God’s Spirit an unbiased plan was put in place with character and belief qualifications for the one to be chosen.  Then they prayed for God’s intervention.  Matthias was chosen to join the Eleven as one of them.
  5. The Church.  The church of about 120 was formed with Twelve Apostles called by Jesus, ordained by God, to lead the group.

We will see and hear even more in subsequent chapters of God’s story of His church in the “acts” of God through His disciples. We see clearly that the early church foundation was built on believing in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus who is our Savior and Lord, our hope for eternity!

God’s “acts” are going to get even more exciting…Stay tuned!

Lord,

I believe.  I believe that You, Father God, sent Jesus, Your Son, to save me and the rest of the world from our sin.  Because of your love, You take away our sin, make us whole, protect us under your wings of safety and provide for our needs.  You love us unconditionally, knowing we are not perfect, and provide perfect forgiveness. 

Your “acts” in my life bring me closer to you.  Your “acts” guide my behavior, challenge my mind to grow and mature, and allow my heart to swell with your love that is beyond my small ability to love.  Yes, Your “acts” are amazing!  Your love, mercy and grace are amazing.  YOU are amazing.  I’m overwhelmed just now with all you have done, are doing and will do in my life.  Help me to love like you love, tell your story for your glory in detail, and behave in ways that please you today.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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A LIVING GOD LIVING IN US!

Posted on October 9, 2021 by randscallawayffm

An introduction to the book of Acts gives us insight and understanding to “what happened next” after Jesus ascended back to heaven.  The words of Eugene Petersen, (The Message), are as timely now as when he wrote it several years earlier.  He reminds us to “live it” with God living in us, “acting through us” to the next generation because that is what Jesus’ disciples did for us.

“Because the story of Jesus is so impressive—God among us!  God speaking a language we can understand!  God acting in ways that heal and help and save us!—there is a danger that we will be impressed, but only be impressed.  As the spectacular dimensions of this story slowly (or suddenly) dawn upon us, we could easily become enthusiastic spectators, and then let it go at that—become admirers of Jesus, generous with our oohs and ahs, and in our better moments inspired to imitate him.”  (Peterson.)

“It is Luke’s task to prevent that, to prevent us from becoming mere spectators to Jesus, fans of the Message.  Of the original quartet of writers, (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), on Jesus, Luke alone continues to tell the story as the apostles and disciples live it into the next generation. The remarkable thing is that it continues to be essentially the same story.  Luke continues his narration hardly a break, a pause perhaps to dip his pen in the inkwell, writing in the same style, using the same vocabulary.”  (Peterson)

“The story of Jesus doesn’t end with Jesus.  It continues in the lives of those who believe in Him.  The supernatural does not stop with Jesus.  Luke makes it clear that these Christians he wrote about were no ore spectators of Jesus than Jesus was a spectator of God—they are in on the action of God, God acting in them, God living in them.  Which also means, of course, in us.” (Peterson)

In the coming days may we prayerfully and thoughtfully consider these words of Dr. Luke as a letter written directly to us so that we may know Jesus more, not merely be impressed by what Jesus did, by inviting the One and Only to live in us.  May we then see God’s “acts” growing fruitfully in us. 

Ready?  Let’s begin.

ACTS—God’s Acts through His People

Acts 1:1-11, The Message

To the Ends of the World

1-5 Dear Theophilus, in the first volume of this book I wrote on everything that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he said good-bye to the apostles, the ones he had chosen through the Holy Spirit, and was taken up to heaven. After his death, he presented himself alive to them in many different settings over a period of forty days. In face-to-face meetings, he talked to them about things concerning the kingdom of God. As they met and ate meals together, he told them that they were on no account to leave Jerusalem but “must wait for what the Father promised: the promise you heard from me. John baptized in water; you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit. And soon.”

6 When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?”

7-8 He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”

9-11 These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.”

Friends, Jesus IS coming back!  But in the meantime, Jesus comes to live in us who believe, really believe, that He is Savior and Lord of our lives.  As promised to His disciples, and now to us, His Holy Spirit lives and works in us, developing and maturing His character traits in us so we live lives pleasing to God AND so that others can be pointed to Him, too! 

We were created to worship God. The ultimate way to worship Him is in giving our lives to God.  In “living it” to the next generation, we proclaim salvation for all who will listen and believe!  Before ascending back to heaven, this is the mission that Jesus, led by God, passing on full authority of God, tells His disciples,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV)

This is our mission today.  Did you get that amazing promise at the end?  “AND surely, I am with you always…to the very end of the age.”

Savior and Lord,

Thank you for saving our souls, living in us, so we may live you out loud to others who need you, too.  Thank you for always being with us.  Thank you for forgiving us when we stray and pulling us back to the real mission.  Thank you for protection and provisions enough to share.  Thank you for life to the full all because of You living in me.  Nothing will separate us, absolutely nothing.  Just knowing this gives me confidence for this, another day on earth to “live it”.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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DO YOU LOVE ME?

Posted on October 8, 2021 by randscallawayffm

As children growing up, we got annoyed when our parents would ask us to do something more than once, right?  “Take out the trash”, “Clean your room” was asked multiple times.  When I became a parent, I also realized that it would take more than one time asking to get the task accomplished.  Why?  A few reasons.  Because as children, we lose focus easily, we don’t want to do what we don’t want to do, we don’t see the reason behind it or the urgency for it.  So, we put off the task until we absolutely have to do it.

Our final passage in John has always been interesting to me.  On the surface, the words might appear as if Jesus is “nagging” Peter, as a parent would nag their kids about how much he loves Him.  Consider this.  Adamant, quick tempered, reckless, shoot from the hip, loving but disobedient at times, Simon Peter is being brought forward from the other disciples for a face to face, eye to eye, conversation with The Master, Jesus Christ.  Jesus is focused on Peter alone.  Only Peter must answer, “Do you love Me?”  But why three times?

Peter was the one who said he would die with Christ earlier, before Jesus was crucified.  But Peter, as Jesus predicted, denied Jesus three times when pushed into a corner of admission and fear, “I do not know Him!” Was this Jesus way of bringing him to repentance for his disobedience?  Maybe it goes even deeper than that.  Jesus forgave Peter and then, as the Master Teacher Jesus is, taught Peter about love and trust.

Each time Jesus asks, “do you love me” He builds a foundation in Peter that will support Peter in later ministry for Jesus.  Remember that Jesus earlier in his ministry on earth told Peter that he would be “the rock upon which I will build my church”.  (Matthew 16:18) Consider then the first question, “do you love me more than these?” Jesus is getting his normally unfocused Peter to focus solely on Him.  Could Jesus be really telling Peter to love Him first, realizing fully how much He loves Peter? Then Jesus follows with “Feed my lambs.”  Introduce My Love to those who are young and need to know my love for them.

When Jesus asks Peter a second time, he focuses Peter on growing those who will believe in Him, “Feed my sheep.”  Once people are introduced to Jesus as Savior, repent of their sins to Jesus, someone (a shepherd) will need to lead them in God’s ways, protect them from the enemy, feed them God’s Word, with reliance on Jesus.

The last time Jesus asks, “do you love Me”, Peter becomes irritated as a child would who has been asked to empty the trash for the tenth time, but Peter listens.  I think Peter is beginning to understand what Jesus is really asking.  Do you love Me, trust me and rely on me even unto death?  Jesus is telling Peter how he will suffer in similar ways as He did.  Is Peter’s love for Jesus strong enough to stand firm?  Jesus verifies His questions of love with, “Follow Me.”  Do what I did for you.  Love people like I love you and help them find and follow me, too.  Freely give them what I have given to you and will continue to give you—Truth to speak boldly.

And Peter does.  Read the book of Acts, the “acts” of the disciples who realized the love Christ had for them and passed on His love to all who would listen and follow.

Do you love Me?  Jesus asks that of me and you every day we live.  How we live out His love to other people demonstrates the depth of our love for Him.  Friends, let us work daily to focus and realize the depth of Jesus’ perfect love for us.  Then love like Jesus, as if our lives depended on it.

Love God.  Love Others.  Two of the greatest commandments, according to our Lord,  are not suggestions, but a way of life for those who love Jesus with all our hearts, minds and souls.

Do you love Me? –Jesus is asking…

John—God’s Love

John 21:15-25, The Message

Do You Love Me?

15 After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 He then asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”

Jesus said, “Shepherd my sheep.”

17-19 Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.”

20-21 Turning his head, Peter noticed the disciple Jesus loved following right behind. When Peter noticed him, he asked Jesus, “Master, what’s going to happen to him?”

22-23 Jesus said, “If I want him to live until I come again, what’s that to you? You—follow me.” That is how the rumor got out among the brothers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that is not what Jesus said. He simply said, “If I want him to live until I come again, what’s that to you?”

24 This is the same disciple who was eyewitness to all these things and wrote them down. And we all know that his eyewitness account is reliable and accurate.

25 There are so many other things Jesus did. If they were all written down, each of them, one by one, I can’t imagine a world big enough to hold such a library of books.

Lord,

I do love you with all my heart, mind and soul.  Help me even today to love like you love me—relentlessly.  You will never let me go beyond your reach.  You are always with me because of your love.  Thank you.

In Jesus Name, for His glory, Amen.

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BE STILL TO MOVE FORWARD

Posted on October 7, 2021 by randscallawayffm

–And Breakfast is Ready!

Jesus’ friends, his disciples, are reeling from all that has happened over the course of a few days and weeks.  They saw Jesus humiliated, stripped of his robe, beaten and ultimately crucified, the Romans invention of torture for criminals and insurrectionists.  Most of His followers had run from the scene as Jesus had instructed but John and Peter remained nearby.  Peter had disobeyed Jesus’ instructions to leave the scene and then lied and denied knowing him, taking matters into his own limited hands so he could stay near Jesus to see what would happen.  How repentantly remorseful Peter must have felt when His Master Teacher’s eyes fell on him in the courtyard on Jesus’ way to more beatings.  This has to be firmly planted in his memory bank playing over and over in his mind. 

But then, just as Jesus said, He came back to full life, scars and all, and appeared to them as they hid out in a locked room!  He even ate with them to prove He was not a ghost but full flesh and blood.  What was going on in Peter’s mind at that point?  He was ecstatic and full of joy that Jesus, his beloved Master was alive but was he also wondering if, maybe Jesus forgot his sin of disobeying him?  Peter knew better.  He probably has been thinking of a good time to talk this over with Jesus. 

At the beginning of this passage, the disciples seem depressed.  They haven’t been given any other instructions yet.  They might be confused as to what they will do next and how they will do it, IF they do anything at all.  Have you ever been in this predicament?  I have many times!  Then the mood shifts with Peter in the lead.  Not surprising, is it?  Peter jumps up from the melancholy in the air and does what Peter does best—takes action.  “I’m going fishing.”  The fishermen of the group easily follow.  Let’s do what we know—fish! 

It’s as if they are thinking, “we have been still long enough, going over and over this in our minds so let’s move forward with what we know best”.  So, the rest of the group follow because, well, why not?  The disciples stopped long enough for a time to process the events, Jesus appearing to them earlier to prove is resurrection from the dead, and now Peter decides it’s time to move forward.  But then Jesus comes to them again.

Jesus comes to where they are.  Jesus serves his friends a breakfast of fish and bread on some hot coals right there on the beach.  He knows they caught no fish all night.  How Jesus must be smiling at the thought as he prepares his friends a hot meal after working all night for nothing in return.  He knows their broken hearts and what’s on their tired minds.  Can we just camp on these thoughts?  Friends, Jesus appears in our moments of wondering and confusion in our lives when we need Him most.  Why, because He always knows what we need most before we know we need Him.  He comes and “serves breakfast” when we least expect it.  He turns problems in solutions and confusion into clarity which is what I long for most days more than bacon and eggs!  Jesus does this when we are thinking about Him in our stillness. 

“Be still and know that I am God” is not just a placemat, it is a promise to know God and know what He wants next on our journey with Him.  We must be still in our minds to hear Him.  God never disappoints.  As Jesus, Son of God, appeared to his friends on the beach, He appears to us daily as we abide in His Holy Spirit.  When we humbly ask, His Holy Spirit brings peace, clarity, wisdom, insight, and understanding along with serving us a breakfast of unconditional love and forgiveness because of his undying mercy and grace.  Our God is faithful, unchanging, and relentless in His love for us.

BUT, THAT’S NOT ALL!

Along with breakfast, Jesus first provides a memory and a blessing— “cast your net on the other side” (memory) with a haul of 153 fish (blessing) to feed their families!  Think about it.  Take all the time you need.  Jesus told his fishermen to “cast on the other side” when they first met Him.  They followed Him, “leaving their nets behind”.  And now Jesus does it again!! 

Jesus does again and again for us!  Miracles and memories.  Trust Him.  Let’s eat breakfast!

In tomorrow’s passage, Peter will get to “have that little talk with Jesus” to clear the air as Jesus teaches Him once more about His love.  Peter was forgiven and given new instructions that will change the world.  But first, let’s eat breakfast, says Jesus.  Friends, isn’t it just like Jesus to meet our physical, emotional and mental needs and then spiritually fill us with what we really need most—HIM!

John—God’s Love

John 21:1-14, The Message

Fishing

1-3 After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, “I’m going fishing.”

3-4 The rest of them replied, “We’re going with you.” They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn’t recognize him.

5 Jesus spoke to them: “Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?”

They answered, “No.”

6 He said, “Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.”

They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in.

7-9 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Master!”

When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they weren’t far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it.

10-11 Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught.” Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore—153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn’t rip.

12 Jesus said, “Breakfast is ready.” Not one of the disciples dared ask, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Master.

13-14 Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.

Lord and Savior,

Thank you for serving me breakfast when I needed it most.  Thank you for saving my soul.  Thank you for picking me up when I am down.  Thank you for your wisdom and clarity when I am overwhelmed with confusion.  Help me to hear your voice above all other voices and “go fishing” by loving others like you love me so they will know you.   To you be the glory forevermore!

In Jesus Name, Amen

And I’m singing… “Have a Little Talk with Jesus”

I once was lost in sin but Jesus took me in
And then a little light from heaven filled my soul
He bathed my heart in love and He wrote my name above
And just a little talk with Jesus makes me whole

Now let us have a little talk with Jesus
Let us tell Him all about our troubles
He will hear our faintest cry
And He will answer by and by

And when you feel a little prayer wheel turnin’
And you will know a little fire is burnin’
Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right

I may have doubts and fears
My eyes be filled with tears
But Jesus is a friend who watches day and night
I go to him in prayer
He knows my every care
And just a little talk with Jesus makes it right

Now let us have a little talk with Jesus
Let us tell Him all about our troubles
He will hear our faintest cry
And He will answer by and by

And when you feel a little prayer wheel turnin’
And you will know a little fire is burnin’
You will find a little talk with Jesus makes it right…

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BELIEVE—DO WE REALLY?

Posted on October 6, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Jesus has a message for you and I that leaps off this page in our passage today.  “Don’t be unbelieving.  Believe.”  Real believing is real life.  So, we must ask ourselves what life are we living?  Is it real life? Do we really believe what we believe about God and His Son, Jesus, really real?

Jesus has a second message for us.  Being Son of God, Jesus had you and I on His mind when He told “must-see-to-believe” Thomas; “Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”  That’s us who believe now!  Jesus is talking about us! Do we really believe? 

Do we believe for a fleeting moment only and then it’s gone when troubles come?  Do we base our whole lives on believing in Jesus and what He did for us?  Do we turn every situation over to Him?  Do we rely on feelings or believing? Do we ask for His will to be done all day long? What is the depth of our belief?  Or is the real question, do we believe or not?  Faith grows only when we believe.  Believing, as child believes with nothing held back, is the first step to maturing our faith and trust in the One and Only who saved our souls for eternity.

John wrote his eye-witness account of seeing Jesus so that we might believe in Jesus.  “These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.”

We have a personal God who desires a personal relationship with His created—you and I.  God delights in the details of our lives.  God is near to all who come near to Him. To those who sincerely seek Him, He will be found.  This is a promise that is unfailing.  Pause to praise, give thanks while thinking through what Jesus has done, is doing and will do in our lives.  Take all the time you need.  I am.  I believe in Jesus.  I believe in an eternity with Him.  Do you believe, dear friends?  I’m praying you do, too.

Believe and be saved.  Live believing.

John—God’s Love

John 20:19-31, The Message

To Believe

19-20 Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.

20-21 The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were awestruck. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”

22-23 Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone’s sins, they’re gone for good. If you don’t forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?”

24-25 But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.”

But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”

27 Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”

28 Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”

29 Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”

30-31 Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.

Lord and Savior,

I believe.  Help me to live a life that begins each day with the act of believing.  Help me to love others like you love me.  Help me to see your glory at work today and be eternally grateful.  Thank you for saving my soul, mending my broken heart and filling my mind with peace as only you can give.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen.  I believe.

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TELLING

Posted on October 5, 2021 by randscallawayffm

As soon as we know something new, our first thought is to tell someone else, right?  We finally get a newer car that runs.  We go tell others of our good fortune.  In marriage, as soon as we find out our first child is on the way, we go tell everyone who will listen.  Without thinking about who to tell, or about how they might feel in receiving the news, we simply tell, driven by our own excitement and joy.  How they will receive it seems secondary to us at the time. 

Here’s another life stuff issue.  After months of financial challenges due to medical, loss of job, or other life happenings, we learn that we can be free from debt because of a new plan.  We go tell others the plan and the results so the plan can help them.  We LOVE telling good, helpful news!

After years of trying to do life completely on our own, we come to a new understanding about God.  We find out about a love we have yet to experience in this life.  We learn God, the Creator, loves us deeply and wants us to love Him back.  Simple concept, really.  The only thing standing in our way is our sin.  Then we learn that our God of love had a Plan from the beginning of Creation to solve this sin issue.

We learn that God loves us so much that He sent His Son down to earth to born of a virgin in a cave used for sheltering animals.  We learn that His Son grew up as Son of Man and Son of God to reintroduce us to God the Father.  We discover that Jesus helped the humbled, confused masses understand what God’s best is for us.  We learn from Jesus how to live God’s ways which protects and provides for us while we mature with God’s character traits growing in us.  We learn how to live alongside others that God loves (everyone).  We learn that God’s Holy Spirit walks with us, always and forever, as we strive to live life well.  God’s Plan.  God’s Will.  God’s Timing.  God’s Kingdom in us simply from our repentance to Jesus of our sin.  Done.  We are not perfect but we are perfectly forgiven.

HOW?

We learn that Jesus stood in our place and took all the punishment for all the sins of the world, yours and mine.  He did what we cannot—be the One and Only perfect, without sin, sacrifice for sin.  “It is finished” at the cross.  Jesus paid the debt of sin.  John now tells of our hope of eternal life for all who believe, all because of the promised resurrection of Jesus, Son of God!  Just as Jesus said He would.

John—God’s Love

John 20:1-18, The Message

Resurrection!

1-2 Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, gasping for breath. “They took the Master from the tomb. We don’t know where they’ve put him.”

3-10 Peter and the other disciple left immediately for the tomb. They ran, neck and neck. The other disciple got to the tomb first, outrunning Peter. Stooping to look in, he saw the pieces of linen cloth lying there, but he didn’t go in. Simon Peter arrived after him, entered the tomb, observed the linen cloths lying there, and the kerchief used to cover his head not lying with the linen cloths but separate, neatly folded by itself. Then the other disciple, the one who had gotten there first, went into the tomb, took one look at the evidence, and believed. No one yet knew from the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. The disciples then went back home.

11-13 But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus’ body had been laid. They said to her, “Woman, why do you weep?”

13-14 “They took my Master,” she said, “and I don’t know where they put him.” After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn’t recognize him.

15 Jesus spoke to her, “Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?”

She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, “Sir, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him.”

16 Jesus said, “Mary.”

Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” meaning “Teacher!”

17 Jesus said, “Don’t cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I ascend to my Father and your Father, my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went, telling the news to the disciples: “I saw the Master!” And she told them everything he said to her.

MARY SAW JESUS

Mary stayed to weep.  Peter and John went back home full of grief and wondering.  But Mary stayed.  Her overwhelming, paralyzing grief held her there.  She couldn’t do anything else.  Then, she looked up to see God’s angels attending the empty tomb.  The speak first to Mary whose vision is probably blurred from tears gushing down her face.  “Woman, why do you weep?”  Interesting question to Mary but reasonable from angels who are full of joy and rejoicing because of the risen Jesus!  They know this is a time of rejoicing because that’s what angel do in heaven!  Their question to Mary is meant to help SEE and understand what has just happened.  But she doesn’t.  It takes Jesus to help her really SEE and believe. 

Mary doesn’t recognize Jesus at first.  The grief and the situation are still in control of her broken heart and confused mind.  Then, at the sound of His voice, she SEES Jesus for who He really is—Risen Savior and Lord!  Grief is vanished instantly and replaced by pure, ecstatic joy.  Mary has just seen Jesus for who He is, who He promised He would be and forever will be—Savior and Lord!

Jesus tells her to go and tell.  Mary doesn’t waste a minute of time.  She runs like she has never run before to get to those who need to know— “I saw the Master!”

Who did we tell when we first saw Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives and understood all He did for us? 

Who needs to know today?  Yes, who do we tell now? 

Are we just as joyful in the telling as the first time we told His story?  I’m thinking about that now and praying for God to restore the joy of His salvation in me because through Mary’s joy, my own joy and excitement in knowing Jesus is renewed!

In Jesus Name, For His Glory, Amen.  I believe!

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EYEWITNESS REPORT—SO YOU WILL BELIEVE

Posted on October 4, 2021 by randscallawayffm

We believe people who were there to see it, feeling all the “feels”, while observing what was happening around them.  If we can’t be there, we listen to those who were, right?  So, believe John.  He knew Truth, walked with Truth, lived Truth and told Truth…so that we will believe.

Take note of John’s observations of others:

The soldiers, “thinking only of themselves” and what they could get out of the situation, gambling for the coat of Jesus.

In contrast, Jesus, nailed to a cross, is still thinking of others.  He looks down to see his earthy mother weeping uncontrollably then looks to John to accept her as his own mother so she is cared for when he goes back to His Father.

Every detail of the mocking, beatings and crucifixion, foretold in Scripture by the prophets and by Jesus, were completely fulfilled.  Truth verifies Truth.

We talked yesterday of Pilate being “caught in the middle” between the shouting Jews and Jesus who was Truth.  Now Truth is crucified in the middle of two thieves.

Jesus declared the mission complete with “It is finished.”  Only Jesus, for He was in control at all times.  He laid down his life for ours willingly.  He thought of you and I as the nails pierced his hands and feet.  He took the punishment for our sins.  He could have stopped the madness and called down legions of angels—but Jesus did not.

Think about it, friends, probably the greatest pain of all was the turning of God from His Son.  Why?  Because sin and God cannot be in the same place at the same time.  All the sins of the world were placed upon Jesus, the Lamb of God.  His Father turned his face from Him until the deed was done.  Punishment for our sin complete.  Paid in full by the Son of God. 

After three days, that same great, divine power that held Jesus to the cross bursts forth in the tomb to bring Jesus back to life forevermore!  Jesus defeated death for all who believe this eyewitness account of Truth! 

Because Jesus suffered, died and rose again, we can now approach God with boldness, grateful praise and honest humility.  We can now talk to God about anything because of the One in the middle who saved our souls!  Wow.

Believe and be saved.

John—God’s Love

John 19:20-42, The Message

The Crucifixion

They took Jesus away. Carrying his cross, Jesus went out to the place called Skull Hill (the name in Hebrew is Golgotha), where they crucified him, and with him two others, one on each side, Jesus in the middle. Pilate wrote a sign and had it placed on the cross. It read:

JESUS THE NAZARENE
THE KING OF THE JEWS

20-21 Many of the Jews read the sign because the place where Jesus was crucified was right next to the city. It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Jewish high priests objected. “Don’t write,” they said to Pilate, “‘The King of the Jews.’ Make it, ‘This man said, “I am the King of the Jews.”’”

22 Pilate said, “What I’ve written, I’ve written.”

23-24 When they crucified him, the Roman soldiers took his clothes and divided them up four ways, to each soldier a fourth. But his robe was seamless, a single piece of weaving, so they said to each other, “Let’s not tear it up. Let’s throw dice to see who gets it.” This confirmed the Scripture that said, “They divided up my clothes among them and threw dice for my coat.” (The soldiers validated the Scriptures!)

24-27 While the soldiers were looking after themselves, Jesus’ mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother.

28 Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, then said, “I’m thirsty.”

29-30 A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, “It’s done . . . complete.” Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit.

31-34 Then the Jews, since it was the day of Sabbath preparation, and so the bodies wouldn’t stay on the crosses over the Sabbath (it was a high holy day that year), petitioned Pilate that their legs be broken to speed death, and the bodies taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man crucified with Jesus, and then the other. When they got to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. One of the soldiers stabbed him in the side with his spear. Blood and water gushed out.

35 The eyewitness to these things has presented an accurate report. He saw it himself and is telling the truth so that you, also, will believe.

36-37 These things that happened confirmed the Scripture, “Not a bone in his body was broken,” and the other Scripture that reads, “They will stare at the one they pierced.”

* * *

38 After all this, Joseph of Arimathea (he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he was intimidated by the Jews) petitioned Pilate to take the body of Jesus. Pilate gave permission. So Joseph came and took the body.

39-42 Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, came now in broad daylight carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. They took Jesus’ body and, following the Jewish burial custom, wrapped it in linen with the spices. There was a garden near the place he was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been placed. So, because it was Sabbath preparation for the Jews and the tomb was convenient, they placed Jesus in it.

Lord,

There are not enough words to say how grateful I am for what you did for all who believe.  I am so glad that you so loved that you sent Jesus, dear Father.  Amazing love, mercy and grace set us free to love like you.  Help us to love like you today in all we think, say and do.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen.  I believe.

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CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

Posted on October 2, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Have you ever been caught in the middle of an argument?  Has anyone cornered you at work or have family members put you in the middle of indifference?  How do you feel? Uncomfortable?  All you want is peace and another cup of coffee, but the opposing sides are in your face wanting you to decide to come over to their way of thinking so they can get their way—not to better you. They fight hard to manipulate you while seeking your conviction.  Wow.  Is that who Pilate is—the one caught in the middle?

The fact that Herod had found nothing worthy of death in Jesus encouraged Pilate to confront the Jewish leaders and seek to release the prisoner. He summoned the chief priests and rulers and told them that he found no guilt in Jesus, that Herod had found no guilt in Jesus, and that the next step would be to punish Jesus and release Him. The Jews had already made it clear that they wanted Jesus to die (John 18:31), but Pilate was feebly trying to do the noble thing.

Hoping to strengthen this suggestion, Pilate offered to bargain with the Jewish leaders. It was a custom at Passover for the governor to release a prisoner and please the Jews; so, why not release Jesus? Or, he could release Barabbas, but why would the Jews want Barabbas set free? After all, he was a robber, a notorious prisoner, an insurrectionist, and a murderer.

Who would want that kind of a prisoner turned loose? Incredible as it seems, the crowd asked for Barabbas! The people were persuaded by the chief priests and elders (Matt. 27:20), whose religious convictions did not motivate them toward justice and equity. National feelings always increased during Passover, and a vote for Barabbas was a vote against Rome. Even though Jesus had been a popular figure among the people, many of them no doubt were disappointed that He had not led a popular uprising to overthrow Rome. Perhaps they had even hoped that His “triumphal entry” a few days before would be the start of Jewish liberation.

But Jesus came in peace, seeking and saving the lost who did not know God. Pilot, caught in the middle, did not understand and what he did not understand frightened him greatly.  So, Pilate caved in the shouters of “Crucify Him”, not the meek and humble who was destined to save the world of all sin. 

John—God’s Love

John 19:1-19, The Message

The Thorn Crown of the King

1-3 So Pilate took Jesus and had him whipped. The soldiers, having braided a crown from thorns, set it on his head, threw a purple robe over him, and approached him with, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they greeted him with slaps in the face.

4-5 Pilate went back out again and said to them, “I present him to you, but I want you to know that I do not find him guilty of any crime.” Just then Jesus came out wearing the thorn crown and purple robe.

Pilate announced, “Here he is: the Man.”

6 When the high priests and police saw him, they shouted in a frenzy, “Crucify! Crucify!”

Pilate told them, “You take him. You crucify him. I find nothing wrong with him.”

7 The Jews answered, “We have a law, and by that law he must die because he claimed to be the Son of God.”

8-9 When Pilate heard this, he became even more scared. He went back into the palace and said to Jesus, “Where did you come from?”

Jesus gave no answer.

10 Pilate said, “You won’t talk? Don’t you know that I have the authority to pardon you, and the authority to—crucify you?”

11 Jesus said, “You haven’t a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven. That’s why the one who betrayed me to you has committed a far greater fault.”

12 At this, Pilate tried his best to pardon him, but the Jews shouted him down: “If you pardon this man, you’re no friend of Caesar’s. Anyone setting himself up as ‘king’ defies Caesar.”

13-14 When Pilate heard those words, he led Jesus outside. He sat down at the judgment seat in the area designated Stone Court (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for Passover. The hour was noon. Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your king.”

15 They shouted back, “Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!”

Pilate said, “I am to crucify your king?”

The high priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.”

16-19 Pilate caved in to their demand. He turned him over to be crucified.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT…From Commentator, Warren Wiersbe

Pilate tried to play on the sympathy of the crowd after beating one of their own.  “The failure of Pilate’s plan teaches us an important lesson: it takes more than human sentiment to bring the lost sinner to salvation. There is a view of the Atonement called “the moral influence theory” that would fit right into the governor’s approach. It states that the realization of our Lord’s sufferings moves the heart of the sinner so that he turns from sin and begins to love God.”

“It is purely subjective and has no bearing on the holiness of God or the importance of satisfying divine justice. If any crowd should have been moved by pity, it was the Jewish crowd that waited on Pilate. What nation has suffered more than the Jews? Here was one of their own, a Jewish prophet, suffering unjustly at the hands of the Romans, and the Jews did not repent or even show any touch of pity! If sinners who actually saw Christ in His suffering did not repent, what hope is there for people twenty centuries later who only read about His agonies?”

“The cross involves much more than an exhibition of innocent suffering. On that cross, the Son of God paid the price for the sins of the world and thereby declared the love of God and defended the holiness and justice of God. We are not saved by feeling pity for Jesus. We are saved by repenting of our sins and trusting Jesus, the sinless substitute.”

“If Christ was not actually doing something by His death,” wrote Dr. Leon Morris, “then we are confronted with a piece of showmanship, nothing more.”

“This does not mean that it is wrong for the believer to contemplate the cross and meditate on Christ’s sufferings. The familiar hymn “When I Survey the Wond’rous Cross” helps us realize the price that Jesus paid for us, but we must not confuse sentimentality with true spiritual emotion. It is one thing to shed tears during a church service and quite something else to sacrifice, suffer, and serve after the meeting has ended. We do not simply contemplate the cross; we carry it.” –(Wiersbe)

Jesus, caught in the middle, between God and our sin, died for so that we may be reconciled to God and live forever with Him.

Lord,

I believe.  I’m humbled by what you did for me.  So, I humble seek your will for all of life because you are my life.  Transform me.  Change me.  Help me to hear your voice above the shouting crowds of this world and follow you.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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