Tag: John 2

The First Miracle

On By TimIn Jesus, John 02Leave a comment

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there. Both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”
Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Six water pots made of stone were sitting there, used for ceremonial cleansing by the Jews, containing twenty to thirty gallons each.
Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
Then He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast.”
And they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water that had been turned into wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who drew the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom, and he said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and after men have drunk freely, then the poor wine is served. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

John 2:1–10

I assume that all have read this in their Bible. I also assume many have heard it as part of a sermon or teaching. I post it for you as a quick reference and in case someone has not read it.

In the past, I have not paid any real particular attention to it. At least, not until I started reading Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge. This account was used to demonstrate the extravagant generosity of Jesus. I had not even considered that thought in the thinking part of my mind, but I guess it would lurk somewhere in the background. As the Spirit of God would have it, looking deeper into what happened at that wedding He revealed something I had not encountered anywhere else. Come with me and see.

The First Sign

This, the first of His signs, Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

John 2:11

As John recounts in his Gospel what had happened, he closes this punctual account by saying it was the first of Jesus’ signs. This part of the narrative follows the calling of His first disciples. John’s intent is to promote belief in Jesus by telling of His words and the signs He did.

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

John 20:30–31

When reading the Gospel of John, pay close attention to the unfolding revelation. He opens with a testimony of Who Jesus is that parallels and expounds on Genesis 1. Later, we encounter John the Baptizer and his ministry of preparing the world for Jesus. Like Elijah speaking truth, John the Baptizer testifies to the ministry of Jesus, just as the apostle John records.

The Lamb of God

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him, but for this reason I came baptizing with water: so that He might be revealed to Israel.”

John 1:29–31

The apostle John is unique in recording the words of John the Baptizer. “Behold the Lamb of God” that takes away sin. In a way, he points to this first sign at Cana, which then points to another sign.

Let’s go back to Cana.

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there. Both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”

John 2:1–3

John recounts the first week of the ministry of Jesus. After being baptized and calling the first disciples, his small troupe is invited to a wedding. Already, we ought to pay attention to the timing mentioned. John is writing in retrospect, recording this decades after the events occurred. He has hindsight of the events in Jesus’ life, it is likely that there is something more to the phrase than just the narrative on the third day. It is something to keep in mind.

As we continue with the account, trouble arises when the open bar runs dry. Mary (Jesus’ mother) says that there is no more wine. There is then nothing left with which to continue the celebration.

A Mother Knows

Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

John 2:4

This makes me smile. Not just what seems like abrupt language. What did she expect Him to do?

What did she know?

Even more intriguing… How did she know He could help?

I think the Bible helps us to know.

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. And of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Luke 1:32–33

Mary had a special briefing given by a messenger from God. She knew her Son. She knew He is the Anointed One, Son of the Most High. She knew He is forever King. I think she even knew Him as God, having command over material things.

Had He done miracles before this?

We are not given any information on that except for John’s telling us this is the first of His signs. It could be a small attestation when as a preteen, He remained behind at the temple and taught. It is something to consider.

What we can determine is that Mary knew Jesus could readily help in this situation. Jesus affirms this by His response to her. We take Jesus’ response to His mother as somewhat sharp. In the language at the time, it was a respectful address. Jesus is telling her that what concerns her doesn’t concern Him. He continues by letting her know to leave Him alone, His time has not yet come.

My Hour

This is the specific phrase used. It refers to a particular time. This is a reference that leads us to the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It points us to something future.

As John’s narrative unfolds, Jesus uses this word hour to point to a yet future time. He uses it in speaking with the woman at the well in John 4:21; 23. He uses it again to point to a future time period in John 5:25; 28. (The list continues: John 7:30, 8:20, 12:23; 27, 13:1, 16:32, & 17:1.) John explains the hour:

Now before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

John 13:1

In my opinion, from reading John’s Gospel, the hour refers to the time period that begins around Jesus’ death and stretches to His return to Earth and the Millennial Kingdom. The hour will be marked with resurrection, I would say multiple resurrections. Yet, I digress.

For the purpose of this sign, my hour refers to the cross as the beginning of it. John is exclusive in his extensive writing of the words and actions of Jesus in the period of time leading to the cross.

That Seeming Reluctance

Did you pick up on the reluctance Jesus demonstrated toward His mother?

Do you think it is significant as a parallel in His hour?

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray close by.” He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Wait here, and keep watch with Me.”
He went a little farther, and falling on His face, He prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Matthew 26:36–39

It is not necessarily the same way, but I think the reluctance to do His mother’s will belies a very human emotional response. That emotion is amplified many times as demonstrated in His hour. In speaking with His Father, He wanted to find a way out. Nevertheless, as the Man, He honored His father by doing what His father wanted, just as He honored His mother’s will.

His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

John 2:5

It is these few things that leads me to see some things that I think are hidden signs in this sign.

The Specifics

Six water pots made of stone were sitting there, used for ceremonial cleansing by the Jews, containing twenty to thirty gallons each.
Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
Then He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast.”
And they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water that had been turned into wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who drew the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom, and he said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and after men have drunk freely, then the poor wine is served. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

John 2:6–10

Six water pots are filled to the brim. Each can hold a determinate amount of water. I’m not going to go through to the end.

The amount of wine that Jesus made would be the equivalent to 120 to 180 gallons. That is a lot of wine. The master says about the wine, that it is the good stuff and kept until now.

The Sign in the Sign

Consider the specific information given. There are six containers. It is considered by many scholars that six is the number of man. Seven is completion and the number of God, six is just short of that perfection. Humans were made on the sixth day. The number six here points to a human man.

Wine is considered the blood of the grape. Biblically, wine is often a representation of blood. We use the blood of the grape in the Lord’s Supper to remind us of the blood Jesus shed. The wine here ought to also remind us of the shed blood at the cross.

The containers being filled to the brim signify there is no more room for anything else. Think of sufficiency, as the blood of Jesus is sufficient, leaving no room for anything else. More important, had Jesus added something to change the chemical composition of the water, it would easily be detected by overflowing the brim.

Let us consider the quantity mentioned. The amount of wine that Jesus made would be the equivalent of 600 to 900 modern wine bottles. Again, that’s a lot of wine. Especially after the open bar has been emptied out. I don’t think it’s a far stretch to say that the amount of wine Jesus made was far more than sufficient to satisfy all of the guests. Weddings at this time lasted for days, even in the relative austerity the hosts would provide adequate provisions for the length of the celebration.

The wine Jesus made was also considered the best. Like the master of the feast said, the best is usually served first. In this account, the best is saved for last. The best speaks to the efficiency.

The Mediator of the New

This first earthly sign of Jesus was pointing to a future-fulfilling sign. The one when the Lamb of God would have His blood shed for the sins of humanity. It would be a Man. It would be a finite and sufficient amount. None more would be necessary. It would also be an efficient amount to more than satisfy the needs of all. And it would be better than all of the blood of animals shed for sins that came before.

Consider what another writer declares:

Then indeed, the first covenant had ordinances for divine services and an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was made. In the first part of the tabernacle, called the Holy Place, were the candlestick, the table, and the showbread. Behind the second veil was the second part of the tabernacle called the Most Holy Place, which contained the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid with gold, containing the golden pot holding the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Concerning these things we cannot now speak in detail.
Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests would regularly go into the first part, conducting the services of God. But only the high priest went into the second part once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people, committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was signifying through this that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet revealed, because the first part of the tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the present time, showing that the gifts and sacrifices offered could not perfect the conscience of those who worshipped, since they are concerned only with foods and drinks, ceremonial cleansings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation. But Christ, when He came as a High Priest of the good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies so that the flesh is purified, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:1–14

There is no room for another.

For this reason He is the Mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the sins that were committed under the first covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 9:15

Knowing all of this, one can be assured beyond doubt, that the work of Jesus is sufficient and efficient to cleanse the conscience from sin for any that ask. The way to approach God is no longer veiled to anyone. Jesus’ blood, and only His blood alone, made the Way.

And just like at the wedding, there was no license for the attendees to be drunk. Jesus was not even concerned of that. There was more than enough for each invited guest to enjoy.

Invited Guests

Jesus and His troupe were among the invited guests at the wedding. As with the hosts of the wedding, God invites people to His wedding feast. Where is that invitation?

Jesus spoke to them again by parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding, but they would not come.
“Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited: See, I have prepared my supper. My oxen and fattened calves are killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’
“But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his business; the rest took his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. When the king heard about it, he was angry. He sent in his army and destroyed those murderers and burned up their city.
“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the streets, and invite to the wedding banquet as many as you find.’ So those servants went out into the streets and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man who was not wearing wedding garments. 12 He said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding garments?’ And he was speechless.
“Then the king told the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Matthew 22:1–14

I make the case that simply by being born of Adam’s race just as Jesus… You, like I am, are invited to the feast. God wanted you in His creation. It follows He wants you in His presence in heaven.

Being an invited guest, you can enter His presence anywhere at anytime. (Really, you’re already there because of that blood Jesus shed. And there is no place anyone can go to escape Him.) Just talk to Him.

He’s listening.

Pray Toward the Temple, Part One

On By TimIn 2 Chronicles 6, Prayer, Prophecy2 Comments

And he said:
“O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You in the heavens or on the earth, who keeps covenants and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their heart. You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father. You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.

2 Chronicles 6:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the dedication prayer offered by Solomon at the completion of the temple He built for God. He reminds God (as if, but I think it is a form of worship) of keeping His Word to those who have followed Him with all of their heart. He cites that God kept His promises to David. Given the immediate context, it follows that David must have walked before God with all of his heart. We know in other places, God calls David a man after His Own heart.

But we know David. We know his foibles. There is encouragement in this for us.

“And now, O Lord God of Israel, keep what You promised Your servant David my father saying, ‘You will not lack a man sitting on the throne of Israel before Me, if only your sons take heed to their way to walk in My law as you have walked before Me.’ And now, O Lord God of Israel, may Your word be confirmed which You have spoken to Your servant David.

2 Chronicles 6:16–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God has promised to David a man of his line sitting on the throne of Israel continuously. Like prophetic statements, this one is a pattern, one that is identified near-term and completed later. It holds true here.

There is a bit of prophetic utterance here. Jesus is a son of David and has walked in the law. He will be the future King.

And now comes the point of his prayer. He explains how to walk before God with all his heart.

“For will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, are not able to contain You, much less this house that I have built. But respond to the prayer of Your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, to listen to the cry and prayer of Your servant who prays before You, that Your eyes might be open toward this house both day and night, to the place that You have said that You will set Your name, in order to hear the prayer of Your servant for this place. And listen to the pleas of Your servant and Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. And may You respond from heaven, the place of Your dwelling, so that You hear and forgive.

2 Chronicles 6:18–21— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In answer to his rhetorical question, Solomon explains that the temple cannot hold God. But it can serve as a reminder to a vast audience as they pray. Though he cited Israelites, I think the broader audience may surprise some.

Though I like that last word in this selection, forgive. I want to draw some attention to that. Forgiveness is the point and purpose of prayer. We seek forgiveness for ourselves and our own deeds. We are also to seek forgiveness for the deeds of others and those we share life with including our people as a nation.

Forgive

“If a man sins against his companion, and the companion swears and puts him under a curse, and the wronged man comes with an oath before Your altar at this temple, then You will hear from heaven, and You will act and judge Your servants, to repay the guilty one by bringing his way on his own head; and to vindicate the innocent one by rendering to him according to his righteous behavior.

2 Chronicles 6:22–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I know God hears the cries of injustice. I know God avenges. God will certainly repay.

Let’s think about this for a moment. There is a broader application that might be a bit imperceptible. Say you did something to someone inadvertently, and they were set back, upset, and maybe even mad. You didn’t intend to offend and do not know of the offense. But the wronged party asked God to avenge. Would you want that vengeance or mercy?

It is this idea of going to God for forgiveness, as the wronged party has put vengeance in God’s hands. When we ask forgiveness for our own foibles, the disposition of punishment is God’s. He is to avenge.

It seems to me that this seeking after God’s heart is both we see our own need to be forgiven. If we let God sort things out, He does justly.

It is this idea presented by Solomon as he says God will judge His servants. The word is plural. Solomon makes the matter a bit vaguer. He says God will repay the guilty one and vindicate the innocent.

I see room to consider that our first assessment of guilt in the matter might depend on other factors. In my opinion, this reminds us of our own condition before God.

There is the temporal judgment of sin in this life. It’s not that sudden death comes, but other things. These drastic conditions come to remind us to point ourselves back toward God to seek forgiveness.

The Calamity of War for the Nation of Israel

“If Your people Israel are struck before enemies because they have sinned against You, and they return and confess Your name and pray and seek Your favor in this house, then You will hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and You will bring them back to the land that You gave them and their fathers.

2 Chronicles 6:24–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We also bear responsibility in seeking forgiveness for the sins committed in our national homes. We are all collectively responsible in those situations. I am responsible for the U.S. and there are times I neglect to pray for the forgiveness of the grievous things done to God by the nation. I can list more than a few. The responsibility is mine to pray.

Though the instruction is given to Israelis, I do believe it is a general principle we all can live by.

The Calamity of Natural Disaster for the Nation of Israel

“When the sky is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name and turn from their sin when You afflict them, then You will hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants and Your people Israel because You will teach them the good path in which they will walk, and You will send rain on the land that You have given to Your people as a possession.

2 Chronicles 6:26–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes what befalls a people isn’t warfare, but natural calamity. Solomon reminds the nation in his prayer, to turn collective attention back toward God. Part of turning back is turning away from sin. It is in this latter part that the rise and catastrophic fall of nations are strewn throughout history.

Yet when they do turn, God then promises to teach them. Perhaps it is a slightly hidden demonstration of principle. One which we don’t ever have to fix ourselves up before turning from corrupt ways toward God. He is responsible for clean-up and encouragement.

When Calamity one’s to Individuals

“When there is famine in the land or when there is pestilence, blight, mildew, winged locust, or grasshopper, or when enemies besiege them in the land up to their city gates, in whatever plague or sickness, whatever prayer or plea that is made by any man or by all your people Israel, when each man knows his own affliction and his own sorrow, and stretches out his hands toward this house, then You will hear from heaven, the place of the habitation of Your dwelling, and forgive, and You will render to each according to his conduct, for You know their hearts (for You alone know the heart of people), so that they may fear You and walk in Your ways all the days that they live on the land that You have given to our fathers.

2 Chronicles 6:28–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Then there are things that happen individually to people. The previous point of judging each for conduct is highlighted again. Instead of seeking to sort things out ourselves, we put the responsibility back to God. We turn our hearts to Him.

God does forgive sin.

Again, I would remember this is written to Israel about Israel. There are still principles to glean for our own conduct. These serve as models to follow.

“When foreigners are not from Your people Israel and come from a distant land, because of Your great name, mighty hand, and outstretched arm, and they come and pray toward this house, then hear from heaven, from Your dwelling place, and act on everything for which the foreigner calls on You, that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel; and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by Your name.

2 Chronicles 6:32–33 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This my favorite part. It is where Solomon talks about gentiles.

Solomon is asking God to hear the gentiles’ prayers. The prayer of a gentile directed toward God is heard. God does what is asked. Everything a gentile asks for God to do, He acts!

I think it pertains primarily to seeking the forgiveness of sin. That seems to be the point of praying toward the temple. Rest assured, God hears and it is done.

A gentile never was kept from approaching God. A prayer of seeking forgiveness directed toward the temple was never not heard.

There is a Deeper Truth Here.

Then the Jews said to Him, “What sign do You show us, seeing that You do these things?”
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

John 2:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There it is. It should have already come to you. A prayer directed to this Temple is always acted on. It points to Jesus.

It also shows that gentiles were never excluded from salvation.

Psalm 69

On By TimIn Persecution, Prophecy, Psalm 0692 Comments

Save me, O God!
For the waters have come up to my throat. I sink in deep mire; there is no standing place; I have come into the watery depths, and a stream overflows me. I am weary of my crying; my throat is parched; my eyes fail while I wait for my God. Those who hate me without cause are more than the hairs of my head; they are mighty who would destroy me, being my wrongful enemies, so that I must pay back what I did not steal.

Psalm 69:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Immediately we understand that David is weary. He is in the midst of trials and is crying out to God for salvation. As is often the case, the Psalms contain prophetic statements of Jesus and His earthly ministry. This one psalm is no different.

David laments the waters come up to my throat. Waters signify chaos, uncontrollable situations. The deep mire prevents good footing. He is sinking into uncontrollable chaos. He is tired and his throat is dry. Death is coming quickly while he waits for God. His wrongful enemies would destroy him, but they are not his enemies as he has their interests at heart. He must atone for things he did not do.

Now, apply this to Jesus as He is on the cross, the sky is darkened and His Father has forsaken Him. This is exactly what this psalm is pointing at. Jesus even said it plainly.

But that the word which is written in their law might be fulfilled, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

John 15:25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The pressure on breathing that crucifixion brings seems to be much like drowning (not that I’ve experienced either.) The waters come up to my throat. The psalmist also foresees a lack of a firm footing. How hard to get a good stance with feet nailed to a cross.

Jesus would also have wrongful enemies, as these doing the things to Jesus didn’t quite know He was doing it for them. He paid back what He didn’t owe.

O God, You know my folly, and my sins are not hidden from You.

Psalm 69:5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

David knows God. He knows nothing is hidden from Him. It’s a simple truth. We try to run and hide from God. But there’s no escape from Him.

It is the enemies’ accusations that are false. Just as they were with Jesus. David, like Jesus, appears to God Who knows all.

May those who wait on You, O Lord God of Hosts, not be ashamed because of me; may those who seek You not be humiliated because of me, O God of Israel.

Psalm 69:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Lord of Hosts is a military title for God. It could even be a specific reference to Jesus Himself. The heart of David doesn’t want God to be tarnished in any way by his actions. There is also another aspect given the words David used, that he didn’t want the judgment he suffered to be on them.I

In that way, it is just another foreshadowing of what Jesus will say, “Father forgive them.”

Because for Your sake I have endured insult; humiliation has covered my face. I have become estranged to my relatives, and a foreigner to my mother’s children; for the zeal of Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insulted You fell on me.

Psalm 69:7–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus was mocked with a crown of thorns. He was mocked by the Roman soldiers. They even plucked out His beard.

For even His brothers did not believe in Him.

John 7:5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple He found those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers sitting there. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. He poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.”

John 2:13–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This psalm seems to be written to lead us to Jesus. Jesus cited the law being fulfilled (Jn 15:25.) The Psalms are not technically The Books of the Law. But remember, the Law is a schoolmaster designed to bring one to Jesus. This psalm serves that purpose well.

When I wept with fasting for my soul, it became an insult to me. I also made sackcloth my garment, and I became a byword to them. Those who sit in the gate speak against me,
and I am the song of the drunkards.

Psalm 69:10–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Think of the night before Calvary in the garden of Gethsemane. Even His best friends could not stay awake to pray with Him. People spat at Him. The political leaders railed at Him. Job speaks the same prophetic words and more (Job 30:9ff.)

But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord; in an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of Your mercy, answer me in the truth of Your salvation. Deliver me out of the mire
that I may not sink; may I be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the watery depths. May the stream not overflow me; neither may the deep swallow me up, nor the pit close its mouth on me.

Psalm 69:13–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

David now sends his petition to God. In it, he echoes some of the laments that opened the song. He wants to be delivered from the mire and chaos. He wants to be delivered from those who hate him. He wants to be rescued from the depths.

It was Jesus Who offered Himself to God for safekeeping. He said to the Father that He placed His Spirit into His hands.

Answer me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; turn Your face to me according to the abundance of Your tender mercies. Do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in trouble; answer me quickly. Draw near to my soul, and redeem it; deliver me because of my enemies. You have known how I am insulted, and my shame and my dishonor; my adversaries are all before You. Insults have broken my heart, and I am sick; and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They also gave me poison for my food, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Psalm 69:16–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There are more types and shadows in David’s continued prayer. He asks for an answer. He pleads for a quick answer in his trouble.

Like Jesus, nobody but God came to David’s rescue. There were none at the cross to help.

May their table become a snare before them, and may security become a trap. May their eyes be darkened so they do not see, and make their sides shake continually. Pour out Your indignation on them, and may Your wrathful anger overtake them. May their habitation be desolate, and may no one dwell in their tents. For they persecute him whom You have struck down, and they recount the pain of those You have wounded. Add punishment to their iniquity, and do not let them come into Your righteousness. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written along with the righteous.

Psalm 69:22–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

David starts the imprecatory part of his petition. He is asking for judgment to come.

And there are some important lessons, security in providing for ourselves can become a snare. We know from Romans 1 that sin suppresses the knowledge of God. It darkens our vision and He becomes more difficult to perceive. It’s not a good place to be on the judgment side of God.

It doesn’t have to be that way. But rest assured, those who perish without Jesus will have punishment added to the sins they die in. And their names will be removed from the book of life and not written in the Lamb’s Book of the righteous. (There is a Book of Life thy records all who live… Those dying in their sins have their names blotted out. There is the Lamb’s Book of Life where the names of the righteous are recorded.)

But I am poor and in pain; may Your salvation, O God, set me secure on high.

Psalm 69:29 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

David acknowledges his station in life, but his Hope is elsewhere and that is where he will choose to focus.

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. This also will please the Lord more than an ox or bull with horns and hoofs. The humble will see this and be glad; and you who seek God, may your heart live. For the Lord hears the poor, and does not despise His prisoners. Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them. For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah; that they may dwell there, and take possession of it. The descendants of His servants will inherit it; and those who love His name will dwell in it.

Psalm 69:30–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Finally, we get the application. It is that in whatever situation we are in, we can focus on our circumstances and mire in sorrow. We are free to do that.

But it is always better to focus on the Hope we have in Jesus. It is always better to identify with that now. The promises He made to Israel and David are ours by the relationship the body of Christ has with Israel. These were given by the blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. That is, to share in the rich promises of God made to them and fulfilled in Jesus.

You get to choose where your mind focuses.

What Sign do You Show Us?

On By TimIn Jesus, John 02, ResurrectionLeave a comment

Then the Jews said to Him, “What sign do You show us, seeing that You do these things?”
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

John 2:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We arrive upon this seen after Jesus has just cleared the outer temple courts by means of a whip. He forcefully removed the merchandising trade that was happening in the place for worship. This outer court was the place for Gentiles to come and worship. Having trade happening in that space displaced the Gentiles and prevented them from drawing near to God.

This bit of intrigue draws the attention of the religious authorities of the day. They obviously understand Jesus acts with authority. They want to identify that authority. It provoked them to question Jesus. It wasn’t about the origins of the authority, as that is silently assumed by the question. They wanted a sign from God to prove the godly authority Jesus used was indeed from God.

Signs and Belief

As we read a bit further, it’s clear how the signs Jesus did provoke a response of belief. The direct relation between belief and signs is evident.

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.

John 2:23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

John 3:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The signs Jesus did were the assurance to some of the people that He was from God. Jesus even spoke of the necessity of these people to see signs.

Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”

John 4:48 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What Sign?

In other words, by what sign will you prove yourself?

One can read on in the book of John. And as recorded in that book, a similar question was posed to Jesus a bit later in His ministry.

Therefore they said to Him, “What sign do You show then, that we may see and believe You? What work will You perform?

John 6:30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Here, the unbelieving religious folk ask for a sign. For them, seeing a sign would allegedly let them believe the words of Jesus. (Remember how Paul spoke of the foolishness of preaching?)

The folks asking for a sign here have already been witnesses to one. Jesus fed them from a few loaves and fishes. They ate their fill as they witnessed the sign. Yet they are wanting a sign. As it would be recorded, the very next line from these folks should have reminded them of what they experienced. They were fed bread in the wilderness from the Father.

Our fathers ate manna in the desert. As it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

John 6:31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus did not directly answer this question. At least not in the forthright manner He did when it was first posed. He did point them to the bread perhaps hoping they might remember the sign that filled their bellies the day before.

In Three Days

That is the key. When Jesus directly answered the question, it was always to draw attention to the end of His life… His death, burial, and resurrection. Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

It’s a simple answer.

We know from other Gospels this is the sign of Jonah. John never referenced the prophet Jonah in his writings. I find the absence interesting.

It is my opinion that the Gospel of John is the Gospel written primarily for the Gentile mind. Mind you, the context is very Jewish-centric of necessity. But things are written in a way for an outsider to understand.

In the same way, the prophet Jonah was sent to a Gentile city, Nineveh. It was to these people that he ministered. When the prophet entered the city, he proclaimed the coming judgment. It is that foolishness of preaching. He didn’t use any signs. These Gentiles believed him. They repented, and God relented.

Why Jonah?

The other Gospel writers recorded similar demands for signs to Jesus. In every answer, Jesus again pointed to His death, burial and resurrection. Except it always included a reference to the sign of Jonah.

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from You.”
But He answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And now One greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And now One greater than Solomon is here.

Matthew 12:38–42 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Pharisees and Sadducees came and, testing Him, asked Him to show them a sign from heaven.
He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and overcast.’ O you hypocrites, you can discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” So He left them and departed.

Matthew 16:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Even those that had the benefit of witnessing the miracles of Jesus firsthand didn’t believe. Though some did because of the other signs. And some did because of the preaching. Some wouldn’t believe it even if someone came back from the dead.

Jesus did rise from death after three days in the grave. It is the sign He pointed all toward. He gave what they asked.

Jesus was highlighting the one thing that saves, His being raised up after death. It wasn’t immediate, but His body was three days in the grave. Yet He lives today.

It’s because He lives that any of us could be saved. And being saved is as easy as believing the witness Jesus gave and highlighted, the sign of Jonah.

He died for your sins. He was buried and He rose again to give you new life.

Do you believe that?

If so, tell someone.

In Dependence Day

On By TimIn Acts 17, Daily WalkLeave a comment

I have been giving some thought to the significance of this day. In the United States, 4 July is the day we commemorate independence from the tyranny of the crown. One of the major themes of the day is freedom! It is in that light, we ought to point this day to Jesus.

Acts 17:22–31 (MEV): Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious. For as I passed by and looked up at your objects of worship, I found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Whom you therefore unknowingly worship, Him I proclaim to you.
“God who made the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hands. Nor is He served by men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives all men life and breath and all things. He has made from one blood every nation of men to live on the entire face of the earth, having appointed fixed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek the Lord so perhaps they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’
“Therefore since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose that the Deity is like gold or silver or stone or an engraved work of art or an image of the reflection of man. God overlooked the times of ignorance, but now He commands all men everywhere to repent. For He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed, having given assurance of this to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

You may wonder why I am citing this portion of Scripture. Perhaps it is because of the similarities of the celebrations of this day with that of honoring an unknown god (a whole other post.). While Paul pointed to these men of Athens and noting their religious sincerity. Today’s celebration for many is an homage to an unknown god. I want to proclaim this God to you; He Who has provided to you your freedom. This God doesn’t live in man-made temples, nor does He need anything that we can provide.

The Yoke of Bondage

Paul understood clearly the mission of Jesus Christ. He has come to set us free from bondage. But what does that mean, to be in bondage?

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? God forbid! Do you not know that to whom you yield yourselves as slaves to obey, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But thanks be to God, for you were slaves of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of teaching to which you were entrusted, and having been freed from sin, you became the slaves of righteousness.
I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for just as you have yielded your members as slaves to impurity and iniquity leading to more iniquity, even so now yield your members as slaves to righteousness unto holiness. For when you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. What fruit did you have then from the things of which you are now ashamed? The result of those things is death. But now, having been freed from sin and having become slaves of God, you have fruit unto holiness, and the end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:15–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is stating that if we yield our bodies toward sin, that is some moral decadence, we become enslaved to that. For some of us who struggle with addiction, we can understand. I wish not to make light of addiction but will offer an easily understandable example.

Remember back to the first time you tried your favorite dessert. It could be a chocolate cake or crème Brulee… Even something more exotic. Remember the sensations of the first taste, and how you just wanted to experience that forever. I am willing to say, that while you may enjoy these favorite treats, it is almost impossible to recreate that first experience. Sometimes, our physical bodies send us sensations of intense cravings for these things. The cravings we experience couldn’t exist without our first indulgence. With desserts, we can often partake but overdoing creates problems. The issue is, we clearly understand how to alleviate the real pangs that come with our own desires. That is part of the bondage to which this is speaking.

I know my example used something as innocuous as dessert, but some do have real struggles with that. Your body just wants a little more. It is the same thing with bigger issues. You can ask a millionaire, “How much money is enough?” The answer will be a little more. It goes with almost anything… We want newer and better clothes, a better car, a bigger house. The addict just wants to keep the high going. But at what cost? That is the weakness of the flesh… It always wants just a little more.

Some of these things are inherently bad for us and maybe detrimental (to us or even others.) Sin comes with this same bondage. In our own selves, we just want a little more. We think nobody will know. With those secret things, nobody else gets hurt. It is still bondage. Paul goes on to say what the result of all those things… Death. What advantage do we have from these things?

If you do too many drugs it may result in overdose and you may die. The same holds true for too much booze, too many cigarettes, even too much chocolate cake.

Presenting ourselves to these desires leads to enslavement. It is a circular cycle of repetition. Presenting ourselves to sin leads to a suppression of the knowledge of God.

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth through unrighteousness.

Romans 1:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We could think that the suppression of the knowledge of God may be for us only. More likely, it will also spread to others. Sin affects ourselves and will inevitably affect those around us. We don’t only present ourselves to bondage and suppression.

Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him or give thanks to Him as God, but became futile in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Romans 1:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sin brings death. It works collectively. It leads to futility. Of course, the world understands this futility by another name, entropy.

There is freedom. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ!

Independence

It is only in Jesus where we can be free from this yoke of bondage to sin and death. In His early ministry, there was a conversation Jesus had with Nicodemus, a teacher in Israel. Most of us Christians know of the conversation, and some who are not Christian may know. That is where John 3:16 comes; For God so loved the world that He gave His only unique Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The continuing conversation goes like this:

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned. But he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the verdict, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that it may be revealed that his deeds have been done in God.”

John 3:17–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There’s that circular cycle of bondage again. There is also that dire verdict of condemnation that abides on all outside of Jesus Christ. The good news is that we’ve all really been set free.

For freedom Christ freed us. Stand fast therefore and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What do I mean by “we’ve all been set free?”

Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment that sin demanded.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

John 2:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You’re reading this for a reason. If you aren’t a Christian and want freedom from the bondage, it’s an easy thing.

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” This is the word of faith that we preach: that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be ashamed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is generous toward all who call upon Him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Romans 10:8–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

One must first Acknowledge that Jesus is Who He claimed to be, and that He died and rose again. That He is the very same Lord you are calling upon. The next step is to Believe it all to be true. When you acknowledge Him for Who He is, and Believe He is Who He is, then Confess it with your mouth. The promise is there, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” If you are calling on Jesus Christ, the God-man, you will be saved and set free.

What of the Christian who is stuck in a seeming circular cycle of bondage?

It’s the same way for you. Jesus has already given you victory over sin. If you want it, believe it. Confess your sin to Him. Of course, you’re going to have to not present your members to that enslavement. Yes, it may be difficult, but you already have victory. Trust Jesus for that and deny your body what it thinks it wants. The first baby steps will be very hard. It’s just like exercising your muscles. You might have to say no a hundred or more times but keep exercising the ‘no’ muscle.

Always know that Jesus came to set the captives of sin free…

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Luke 4:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In Jesus there is true independence from bondage.

Dependence

Even the very freedom that God gives is an innate acknowledgment that everything we have is dependent upon Him.

“God who made the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hands. Nor is He served by men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives all men life and breath and all things. He has made from one blood every nation of men to live on the entire face of the earth, having appointed fixed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek the Lord so perhaps they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’

Acts 17:24–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He made it all. Everything we have comes from His hand.

He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of every creature. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell, and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say—whether they are things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:15–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is telling us that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is also the firstborn of every creature. Importantly, we see the words that all things were created by Him and for Him. This precludes this First Born from being a simple man, or even a created thing. It demands that He is God, and He is. It’s a simple thing, we are made by Him for Him. And only in Him… This Jesus… do all things hold together.

We are clearly dependent upon Him, even for our freedom.

“Therefore since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose that the Deity is like gold or silver or stone or an engraved work of art or an image of the reflection of man. God overlooked the times of ignorance, but now He commands all men everywhere to repent. For He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed, having given assurance of this to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

Acts 17:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Back to Paul and his speech at the Areopagus. We are the offspring of God, created by Him and for Him. He is not some “bearded white guy in the clouds,” He isn’t the dead man portrayed on the cross on the end of a rosary. He isn’t limited by the vain imaginings of any man.

He commands all to repent! That is, to change their mind and the way they are going. To those who don’t know Jesus, such are condemned already. They can change that.

If you are a Christian and aren’t walking in the Light, change that. That is what is being said. Stop the way you’re going and turn around.

There is an appointed day of judgment for the world. It is a Man, the God-Man Jesus Christ. He will judge the world. The promise is that God raised Him from the dead. Just like cited above “This is the word of faith that we preach: that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:8b–10.)

Celebrate your in-dependence.