Friday, February 22, 2008
Time
Does anybody really know what time it is? This question sounded out from a popular song of the late 60's. In John 13 Jesus focuses the attention of his disciples upon a specific time. At critical points Christ has talked about 'his time.' Now this 'time' has come. As we move toward the passion week of Christ, let us understand that this great display of grace was not an accident. The concept of 'time' speaks of purpose, a plan and a path to follow. It was time for Christ to bring the picture into focus and finish the work for which He had been sent. It was time to bring glory to the Father and establish the new covenant. Today is our time to submit to His authority, believe in His person and follow in His steps. Today is the operative time for all mankind. Today is the 'time' of salvation, grace, and mercy. As we move toward Easter, it is time for us to deny self, take the cross and follow Christ. Delay is Satan's tool. "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Monday, February 4, 2008
Listen
John 10 radiates with encouragement and exhortation for those who would choose to follow the living Christ. A key word in the chapter is 'listen.' To the sheep who know the shepherds's voice, the words are life and peace (Jn.6:63). To those who have hardedned their hearts and rejected Jesus of Nazareth, his words are labeled demonic (10:19). The contrast is startling. What am I hearing as I follow the Good Shepherd? It should be good news of peace, joy and life. Christ's words bring confidence, contentment, security as life unfolds. The Psalmist said to 'be still & know God (46:10). It's about learning to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. In a world of massive doses of noise, I must learn to cultivate the inner ear to hear the Good Shepherd. Too often I find myself afraid of the silence and content to be drowned by the noise. As the young man Samuel declared, 'speak Lord your servant is listening.' With the help of the Holy Spirit let us cultivate ears to hear the Word of God and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
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Friday, February 22, 2008
Time
Does anybody really know what time it is? This question sounded out from a popular song of the late 60's. In John 13 Jesus focuses the attention of his disciples upon a specific time. At critical points Christ has talked about 'his time.' Now this 'time' has come. As we move toward the passion week of Christ, let us understand that this great display of grace was not an accident. The concept of 'time' speaks of purpose, a plan and a path to follow. It was time for Christ to bring the picture into focus and finish the work for which He had been sent. It was time to bring glory to the Father and establish the new covenant. Today is our time to submit to His authority, believe in His person and follow in His steps. Today is the operative time for all mankind. Today is the 'time' of salvation, grace, and mercy. As we move toward Easter, it is time for us to deny self, take the cross and follow Christ. Delay is Satan's tool. "Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Monday, February 4, 2008
Listen
John 10 radiates with encouragement and exhortation for those who would choose to follow the living Christ. A key word in the chapter is 'listen.' To the sheep who know the shepherds's voice, the words are life and peace (Jn.6:63). To those who have hardedned their hearts and rejected Jesus of Nazareth, his words are labeled demonic (10:19). The contrast is startling. What am I hearing as I follow the Good Shepherd? It should be good news of peace, joy and life. Christ's words bring confidence, contentment, security as life unfolds. The Psalmist said to 'be still & know God (46:10). It's about learning to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. In a world of massive doses of noise, I must learn to cultivate the inner ear to hear the Good Shepherd. Too often I find myself afraid of the silence and content to be drowned by the noise. As the young man Samuel declared, 'speak Lord your servant is listening.' With the help of the Holy Spirit let us cultivate ears to hear the Word of God and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
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