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Monday, August 24, 2009

John 1

Based on today’s reading, what areas of my life do I need to put into Christ’s hands because I trust him?
The first five verses of this chapter remind me just how powerful Christ is and how worthy he is of my absolute trust. Sometimes I think I can do more for me than Christ can. But the truth is I can’t. I am limited; he is not. I am often powerless; he is not. While he may have come to us as a First Century Jewish man, he is the eternal “Word” of God who made everything there is (v.3), including me, who distributes true life that makes life worth living (v.4), and who overcomes the dark forces of the world with his light (v.5). I can trust him. Today, I need to trust that he will use me to touch the lives of people through my preaching ministry. In addition to preaching weekly at SWC, which is both a joy and a sobering responsibility, I have been invited to preach God’s word at three major events outside of SWC- one this week and two in the Fall. I sensed a bit of fear and anxiety welling up inside me, wondering how I would find the time to prepare for these extra speaking engagements. Then I realized that the God who gave me these opportunities will, no doubt, help me in the development and delivery of these messages as long as I stay yielded to and focused on him.

Based on today’s reading, how can I lovingly submit to Christ by obeying his commands?
John the Baptist says in v.7 that he “came as a witness to testify concerning the light (Jesus) so that through him all might believe.” Every single follower of Christ is also called to be a “witness,” to show and tell the world that Jesus Christ is the ultimate giver of life and light. As a witness John pointed others to Jesus, saying, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (v.29)” and then again the next day, "Look, the Lamb of God! (v.36). This entire chapter is about pointing people to Christ. John is writing his gospel to point people to Christ. John the Baptist was quick to point people to Christ. A bit later in the chapter, Andrew points his brother, Peter, to Christ (v.41) and Phillip points Nathaneal to Christ (v.45). I sense God really challenging me today to make the most of every opportunity to point people to Christ through my actions, words, and prayers. Jesus calls me to be his witness (Acts 1:8) and today I will lovingly submit to him by seeking and taking opportunities to point people to him, the giver of life and light!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Not only does John point to Jesus, he reminds the reader of just how vast an area of our lives the person of Jesus actually encompasses. He is: the Beginning [Word], the source of life, the sustainer/revealer [Light], grace & truth, the savior [lamb] & [Messiah], Rabbi/teacher, King of Israel, the "Bridge" between heaven & earth--in a nutshell--He's everything. Believing in who He is gives me a reason to live and blessed assurance for tomorrow. What I need? "Lord, I believe, help . . . my unbelief. You don't need faith if you can see where you're going, so today I will work on the trust factor & "Follow" Jesus.

Teresa said...

This was a great read. It brought me back to my first love. Remembering when I came to Christ and was baptized. How I was always telling people about Jesus all the time. And the devine devotional time I had. I will rekindle this passion!

maria cicala said...

I Love the book of John Its just so powerful and shows his power so much and than as in verse 12 I'm reminded because I received Him I have the right to be a child of God just blows me away. And being born of God (13) How powerful God's word is that his word became flesh and dwelt among us (14) and Our Father full of grace and truth. Is it any wonder why I wouldn't want to live for him and strive to follow his commandments and obey him. I want so much to do his will in whatever he calls me to do this day and everyday! Thank You Jesus for this day and for giving me the opportunity to serve you and live for you today!

Anonymous said...

Today's reading was confusing to me at first, but after reflecting on it and discussing it with the other 2 members of my family, reading it too, we came to the following conclusions:
Jesus wants us to have a closer relationship with him. We should keep our faith strong without proof, even though we are always requesting proof from him. My son said that he needs to stop taking smaller miracles for granted on a day to day basis. And my husbands thoughts were he needs to trust Jesus more through faith and less through "scientific" eyes. All in all we concluded that we need to connect with Jesus on a daily basis, and be more trusting of him.

Lenny Luchetti said...

Hello gang. Thanks for your comments. Keep them coming! Also, if you have a question from each day's reading you want to throw out there for discussion, go for it! Thank you for your honesty and your willingness to spend time with the God who can rekindle your passion for him.
Lenny

Roberta said...

John 1 is a reminder to trust completely. I'm not sure I will ever reach the point where he will not have a new place to nudge me about. Roberta, here- this new situation - trust me.....
I am constantly talking to new people many of which tell me they believe in God and most of which don't attend church. I am challenged regularly how to communicate to them what God wants me to say to help them begin to involve our Lord more intensely in their lives. I need to keep listening and watching for the right words to say.