Month: September 2013

There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher, for no one could perform these signs You do unless God were with Him.” John 3:1-2 HCSB

Our church just finished an Adventure Weekend with evangelist Jay Lowder. We hosted a student event, a women’s event, a men’s event, and a community-wide expo. Church members were encouraged to invite friends, family, work associates, and neighbors to these events so they could hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. A great number made decisions to live for Christ, many of whom accepted Him as their personal Lord and Savior.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee. He was a part of a very influential and legalistic sect that majored on keeping all of the laws of Moses. They had defined in detail what a person must do to keep the commandments. Jesus challenged the Pharisees because they were hypocrites. They taught people how to follow the commandments but did not personally do what they taught others to do. As a ruler, Nicodemus was a part of the governing body called the Sanhedrin. He probably came to Jesus in the dark of night because he was afraid of what his peers may think of him for seeking Jesus. Nicodemus recognized Jesus as a “Rabbi” or great teacher from God and he wanted to learn from Him. Everyone needs to recognize Jesus as more than a great teacher. He is the Son of God. Everyone needs to come to Jesus and accept Him as Lord.

Challenge: Have you come to Jesus? Have you admitted you are a sinner? Have you prayed to Jesus and asked forgiveness of your sins and confessed Him as your Lord? Do not be afraid of what others may think of you. Come to Jesus with an open heart and mind so He can teach you the truths of God.

In the temple complex He found people selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and He also found the money changers sitting there. After making a whip out of cords, He drove everyone out of the temple complex with their sheep and oxen. He also poured out the money changers’ coins and overturned the tables. He told those who were selling doves, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning My Father’s house into a marketplace!” John 2:14-16 HCSB

I am sorry to say that there have been times when I was younger that I exhibited my anger on the golf course. In frustration because of making a poor shot, I tossed a club into the air. One time the club actually got lodged in a tree. In my attempt to get the club down I got another club stuck in the tree. Shortly, I had three clubs up in the tree, while my playing partners had a good laugh. It took a while but I eventually retrieved all of my clubs. I am not proud of my anger on the golf course; it served no purpose and usually caused me to play even worse.

Anger is an emotion that God created, but it must be used in an appropriate way. There should be anger against injustice in the world. Jesus was angry with the money changers because they were were charging an unusually high exchange rate. Foreigners who were in Jerusalem for the Passover had to exchange their foreign currency to be able to purchase animals to sacrifice in the temple. Even if they brought their own animals, the priests would usually find the animal was not “perfect” enough and people would be required to purchase the animals that were for sale. The “perfect” animals were always sold at an exorbitant rate. Jesus was angry at the dishonesty and injustice. The people were using God’s house as a way of making a profit and taking advantage of others. Therefore, Jesus drove the people out of the temple. Certainly others could have overpowered Him, but God gave Him the power to cast the offenders from His Father’s House.

Challenge: Do not ever use God’s house as a place to make a personal profit or gain in some way. God’s house should be a house of prayer and worship. Additionally, make sure your anger is justified and used in an appropriate manner.

Jesus performed this first sign in Cana of Galilee. He displayed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. John 2:11 HCSB

Jesus is still in the miracle business. A church where I served had run behind budget all year long and finances were tight. It appeared that we were going to have to dip into reserves as we finished the year with expenses over receipts. Without any emphasis from the pastor on giving, the church gave over $250,000 in one month. The history of giving of the church indicated that this had never happened and especially in December. I believe this was a miracle of God. The church finished the year in the black instead of the red. Since that time the giving has continued to be strong and the receipts are above expenses. Praise God!

John recorded that turning water into wine was Jesus’ first miracle, but there are some who debate if this was actually His first miracle. The occasion upon which Jesus told Peter to cast his nets on the other side of the boat and a record number of fish were caught may have been His first miracle. These verses say that Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding celebration, so evidently Jesus had already chosen the twelve disciples. John focused on Jesus’ miracles and confirmed that miracles were evidence that Jesus was The Messiah. Turning water to wine may have been His first miracle where there seemed to be no logical explanation. The disciples saw the water and then saw and tasted the wine. Regardless, Jesus characteristically demonstrated God’s power.

Challenge: Jesus is still in the miracle business of touching lives and changing people. Do not believe in Jesus because He performed superhuman miracles, but believe because He is God who came to earth to show us a better way and to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. Believe in Him and confess Him as Lord and you will be forgiven and receive eternal life, which is the greatest miracle of all.

Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained 20 or 30 gallons. “Fill the jars with water.” Jesu told them. So they filled them to the brim. Then He said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the chief servant.” and they did. When the chief servant tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from – though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people have drunk freely, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now.” John 2:6-10 HCSB

As a child I played in a golf tournament. As an incentive to win the match, my father promised to give me a Titleist golf ball. Some would say that a golf ball is a golf ball but I beg to differ. When I am able to play with a better golf ball (I prefer Titleist), there is a difference. The ball comes off of the club better and there is a better feel. Even on the green when putting the ball has a better feel. Cheap golf balls can be purchased for $10 per dozen, but better balls cost approximately $45 per dozen. I always enjoy playing with the best golf balls.

When Jesus turned the water into wine He could have turned it into the cheaper wine, but Jesus never did anything less than the best. He turned the water into the finest wine available. Anything Jesus does is always with a spirit of excellence. He touched the blind and lame and made them whole again. He forgave sinners and provided them with new purpose and meaning for living. He is still touching lives and making the best out of the ordinary.

Challenge: Just as the water Jesus turned to wine was the best, with Jesus’ touch on your life you can be the best. He can take the worst life of a sinner and transform it into the best it can be. With Jesus’ Master touch all things are excellent.

When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother told Him, “They don’t have any wine.” What has this concern of yours to do with Me, woman?” Jesus asked,. “My hour has not yet come.” “Do whatever He tells you.” His mother told the servants. John 2:3-5 HCSB

As the father of the bride for two daughters, I can relate to the importance of having everything prepared in advance and certainly of having enough food and refreshments at the wedding reception. It would be very embarrassing and humiliating not to have enough food and drinks for the wedding guests.

Jesus’ mother turned to Him and directed Him to take care of the problem of not having any wine. It is assumed that Joseph, Jesus’ father, had already died and it would have been natural for a mother to turn to the oldest son as the leader. It is not sure if she was asking Him to perform a miracle of producing some wine or if she was just expecting Him to go get some wine so the party could continue and the host would not be embarrassed. Either way it is obvious that she expected and trusted Jesus to take care of the problem.

Challenge: Take your problems to Jesus. He can handle anything you bring to Him. He may not perform a miracle to solve your problem like He did in Cana, but He does understand what you are going through and He will walk with you through any difficulty you may face.

On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding as well.
John 2:1-2 HCSB

I have had the opportunity to actually visit the church in Cana that is built over the spot where many speculate that Jesus attended the wedding festival referenced in today’s Scripture. My wife and I also have had the privilege of renewing our wedding vows along with other couples visiting the church. Cana is a small town in Israel. The church is an old church built out of stone.

In Jesus’ time a wedding would often last all week. Evidently they were on the third day of celebration when Jesus and His disciples came to the festivities. Most likely everyone in town would have been invited to the wedding in Cana. Jesus and His disciples had taken time away from healing the sick and ministry to attend the wedding celebration. As the Son of God, Jesus enjoyed being where people were because it provided an opportunity to minister.

Challenge: We are often tempted not to take time away from our work due to our business commitments. If Jesus could take time off to attend a wedding party, perhaps we should also take time to celebrate with others. Our social time may quite possibly be a part of God’s plan for our lives. Times of celebration often can provide opportunities of ministry.

Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said about him, “Here is a true Israelite, no deceit is in him.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Jesus answered. John 1:47-48 HCSB

Everyone has probably wished at times to be able to see into the future and know what is going to happen or to be able to “be a fly on the wall” and see the actions and hear the words of others without them knowing you were present.

Jesus is all knowing. He knew who Nathanael was even though they had never met. He could see Nathanael under the fig tree even though He was not present. God can see and hear everything that takes place in our world. That is hard for our small human minds to even comprehend. Jesus also knew Nathanael’s heart and described him as a true Israelite, indicating that Nathanael was a man of sincerity and integrity, unlike the religious leaders of that day.

Challenge: How would Jesus describe you? Would He say you are a person of sincerity and integrity? God knows all and sees all. The next time you are tempted to do something, remember that God is watching and He knows your heart.

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth!” “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him. “Come and see,” Philip answered. John 1:45-46 HCSB

World War II resulted in prejudice toward Japanese people in the United States. The Germans displayed prejudice against the Jews. Today many Americans exhibit prejudice against people who appear to have Middle Eastern descent post 911. We all have observed people who are prejudiced. They may dislike someone because of his skin color or the geographic location of residence in town. Their preconceived ideas suggest that those who have a certain skin color or socio-economic class are not worthy of acceptance.

Nathanael had a preconceived idea that nothing good could come from Nazareth. Evidently Nazareth was despised by the Jews because it housed a Roman government post. There may have also been a lax attitude toward religion and moral standards in Nazareth that caused Nathanael to have such a poor attitude toward the town. Regardless of the cause, Nathanael was prejudiced toward the people from Nazareth and as a result, he almost missed Jesus. Fortunately he did not allow his prejudice to get in the way and he went with Philip to meet Jesus. Biblical scholars believe that Nathanael was Bartholomew, who later became one of Jesus’ disciples.

Challenge: What prejudices do you have? Are you allowing them to keep you from ministering to certain people in the name of Jesus Christ? Do not allow your prejudices to keep you from Jesus. Who have you told about Jesus this week?

Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 HCSB

As a parent I have had to give instruction and correction to all four of my children over the years. At the same time all of my children also needed to hear encouraging words and praise. We all want to hear our parents say, “Good Job”. The same is true in the work force. As I have conducted annual reviews for employees, I have always tried to provide some positive words while also giving words of guidance if needed.

Paul encouraged Timothy to fulfill his ministry, to be persistent in proclaiming the message even when it was not easy. Timothy was to rebuke, correct, and teach the people with a spirit of patience and encouragement. There must be a balance between rebuking and and encouraging people who need direction. It is sometimes difficult to be patient when we understand what people should be doing and it appears they aren’t making the necessary effort to succeed. Paul admonishes that we are to have great patience.

Challenge – As a believer you should proclaim the Good News to those with whom you have contact every day. It should be done with gentleness and patience. If you must rebuke and correct, be sure to include a word of encouragement.

And John testified, “I watched the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He rested on Him. I didn’t know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The One you see the Spirit descending and resting on – He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit,’ I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God!” John 1:32-34 HCSB

I can remember as a child attending the Greater Jacksonville Open golf tournament in Jacksonville, Florida. I was impressed and honored to get to see the great professional golfers play that day. One of my highlights was getting the autograph of Arnold Palmer. My father pointed him out to me and said, “There is Arnold Palmer.” At the time he was known as the world’s greatest golfer. “Arnie’s Army” was used to describe those who faithfully followed him around the golf course to watch him play.

As famous as Arnold Palmer is, he can never compare to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Just imagine being present and hearing John say, “Jesus is the Son of God.” Would you have believed him? John knew that Jesus was the Son of God because he saw the Holy Spirit descend on Him just as God had described would happen. Jesus is God’s One and Only Son that was divinely appointed to the task of showing men how to live before he died on the cross for the sins of the world. The Holy Spirit was with Jesus to help guide Him and give Him encouragement as He accomplished the task before Him.

Challenge: As a believer, the Holy Spirit came to dwell within you when you accepted Jesus as your personal Savior. He is there to guide you, convict you of sin, and encourage you when you face difficult times. Thank God for Jesus, the Son of God, and for the Holy Spirit that helps you everyday.