Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from September 5-11 are provided by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S. F. Mark, a graduate of University of California, San Diego, and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.), has been married to Mira for 20 years; they have two children, Jeremiah and Carissa.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 12:37-50 (ESV) 

When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. 37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.” 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.

42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the

Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue;

43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from

God. 44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in

him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the

world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone

hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge

the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my

words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I

have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a

commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is

eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” 

Leighton Ford, the brother-in-law of Billy Graham, in his book Transforming Leadership states that the two words to best summarize the earthly ministry of Jesus are: authority and power. Stephen Neil, in his study on the life of Christ, concurs with this assessment and writes: “The Jesus who strides through the Gospels is a man of immense and terrifying power. He is the master of every situation. He speaks with authority and not as the scribes. He is never at a loss for an answer… He knows how to draw men and women to himself in a devotion which will prove stronger than persecution and death.”

Those who study the field of leadership have debated on what the difference is between authority and power, but the general consensus is that power is the ability to change unwanted circumstances so that they align with your own desires, while authority is the ability to command that change by the sheer force of your will and personhood.   In relation to people, authority then is the ability to get others to do what you want, because they recognize through your life that what you ask of them is legitimate and right.

And in Jesus, we find this perfect balance of power and authority in the miracles that He performs, the life that He lives, and the obedience that He demands. Because His authority comes directly from the Father, there is no earthly parallel to the sheer power and influence that Jesus commands at His will. Many of us would agree with this assessment of Jesus, but at times we fail to show Him the honor and the devotion that He is so worthy of. Too often, we settle for a lukewarm faith that Jesus simply did not allow for, and ultimately, this points to something that is lacking in our modern experience of Christianity. The unavoidable conclusion that was made by every person that met Jesus was that He was someone that demanded some level of reaction—either to follow Him or to reject Him. The authentic Jesus did not leave room for a middle ground.

Like the authorities who believed but could not confess their faith, we too can fall into the trap of loving the glory that comes from the world rather than the glory that comes from God.  This morning, let’s pray that the Spirit of God would lead us to a deeper understanding of Christ’s authority, so that we may be drawn to Him with complete devotion.

Prayer: Lord, may we receive Your word as the sole authority over our lives. Show us how to honor You with our devotion and to live in a manner that is worthy of the gospel. Help us to seek the glory that comes from God, over and against any glory that we can receive from man. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 18

Lunch Break Study 

Read 1 Corinthians 10: 23-33(ESV): “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— 29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

Questions to Consider

1. How can Christians make decisions on non-essential matters of lifestyle?
2. What does Paul mean when he addresses the subject of Christian freedom on the ground of conscience?
3. How can we balance doing everything for the glory of God, and at the same time try to please everyone in everything?

Notes

1. In the gray areas of Christian behavior, the rule of the thumb that this passage points to is how our actions impact the good of our neighbors. Does the exercise of our liberties serve to build people up around us and benefit them, or are they solely about my own good?
2. Paul advocates that we make decisions on Christian liberties not just on personal conscience, but also based on how it affects the conscience of others. Even if your conscience gives you the freedom to act in a particular way, if you know that your behavior negatively impacts the conscience of a brother, then it is best to refrain.
3. From Paul’s point of view, the good of all is measured by how people can be brought to salvation. If the saving of souls is your primary motivation for life, then living for God’s glory and trying to please people are in perfect alignment. It is when you forget this directive of the gospel that pleasing people becomes dangerous.

Evening Reflection  

In what ways were you aware of Christ’s authority in your day-to-day activity? How did you adjust your actions based on doing all things for God’s glory? Have you been motivated to share your faith, both in words and deed? Pray that the Holy Spirit would give you boldness to truly live for the glory of God.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from September 5-11 are provided by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S. F. Mark, a graduate of University of California, San Diego, and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.), has been married to Mira for 20 years; they have two children, Jeremiah and Carissa.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 12:20-36 (ESV):

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

We often don’t look for light until it is completely dark. In the book The Fellowship of the Rings, there is a powerful scene where the Queen of the Elves gives Frodo the power of the stars. As he is entering the greatest challenge of his life, she gives him the star of Earandil, the most beloved star of her people, and says to him, “May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.” JRR Tolkien, who was a devout Catholic, understood the significance of light in dark places, but more importantly, he understood the significance of the one true light when all other lights grow dim.

When Jesus refers to Himself as the “Light,” it has a narrow range of meaning. He isn’t simply saying, “I am the source of enlightenment that will guide you through life, like Buddha or a New Age guru.” He is literally saying, “I am the shekinah glory of God.” The shekinah glory is the dwelling of God’s presence in a specific location that makes it perceivable to the human senses. During the Feast of Tabernacles— which lasted eight days— each night as the people gathered, the priest would light these massive candelabras for two reasons: first, as a remembrance of how God’s glory led them through the darkness, and second, as an expression of longing that the visible presence of God would fill the temple again. Just imagine Jesus standing up in the middle of that ceremony, as the priests began to light the candelabra, and proclaiming, “I am the light of the world!” Jesus is actually saying, “I am the light that all your ceremonies are pointing to, the light that led your forefathers through the desert, the light of God’s glory come to fill this temple, and I am the light come to rescue a world in darkness!”

I think it bears repeating the quote by C.S. Lewis: “A man who was merely a man and said the things Jesus said cannot be a good moral teacher. Either this man was and is the Son of God or else a madman.” We have to understand that Jesus left very little room for misunderstanding—everyone knew exactly what He was saying. It’s just that no one knew how to react to these claims. There were some who believed, many who rejected, and then there were many more who thought they believed but weren’t quite sure. Each day, Jesus issues this challenge for us: to believe in the Light with such faith that we would be transformed into the very sons of Light.

Prayer: Lord, help me to believe that You are the very light of life. I pray that You would reveal every hidden sin that remains in darkness so that I might be changed from glory to glory.   As you transform me, may I become like more and more like You and shine your light in this dark world. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 17

Lunch Break Study 

Read 1 John 1:5-10 (ESV): This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Questions to Consider:

1. What does it mean for God to be the light?
2. What does it mean for us to “walk in the light” as opposed to “walk in darkness”?
3. Why is walking in the light so important for fellowship with one another?

Notes:

1. Although some biblical scholars think that this is a reference to the ethical or moral purity of God, based on John’s use of the metaphor of light in the Gospel, it is better to understand this as a reference to God as the source of life. Since light is what leads to life, God is at the very center of our existence.
2. If you take this analogy further, “walking in the light” means to walk in the fullness of life, while “walking in darkness” means denying the source of life, the incarnate Son of God. In his letter, John is addressing the problem of those who have walked away from the faith by rejecting Christ. Walking in darkness is a life without Christ.
3. Those who deny Christ clearly have no fellowship with God, nor can they have true fellowship with other Christians. Belief in God in the general sense can never substitute for belief in God through Jesus Christ.

Evening Reflection  

How have you walked in the fullness of life today? Were you able to experience God’s love today and share it with others? Has God been present in all your thoughts and deeds? Write down what it means for you to live life in all of its abundance.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from September 5-11 are provided by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S. F. Mark, a graduate of University of California, San Diego, and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.), has been married to Mira for 20 years; they have two children, Jeremiah and Carissa.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 12:9-19 (ESV):

When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. 12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

The Triumphal Entry is a fulfillment of a prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9, which reads, “Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion.  Shout in triumph, o daughter of Jerusalem.  Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble and mounted on a donkey.”  It is significant that Jesus chose to ride into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.  It’s a declaration that He is king, but unlike the kings of this world, His robe of royalty is in humility.  In a strange paradox, the majesty of Christ is found in His humility, and it is this divine humility that makes Him so worthy of our worship.

As we think about the virtue of humility, it is admittedly something that is hard to define and something even harder to achieve.  Many have called it the first foundation of all virtues, and I would agree with that assessment.   Humility can be defined as a loss of one’s self, a disregard of our reputation, our dignity, and whatever respect we think we are deserving of.  This definition also gives us the barometer of how we can measure humility.  The distance between our true state and the lowest level that we are willing to genuinely identify ourselves with is the correct measure of humility.  For Christ, the measure of His humility is immeasurable because though He is God by nature, He didn’t consider equality with God something to be grasped, so He humbled himself to the point of death as a bondservant to the world.  There are simply no human categories that can help us to explain the humility of Christ.

In light of this fact, it’s amazing to me how much we as Christians struggle in the area of humility.    Sociologists tell us that people become like the gods they worship, but that leaves us with this unavoidable question: What god we are worshipping? Are we worshipping the humble king that we see here in this passage or a god of our own design?  There is a narcissistic spirit that pervades our world and which has even crept into the church.  We are too busy staring at our own reflection instead of the reflection of Christ.  You cannot be abandoned for the gospel if you are worried about your reputation, your dignity, and what you think life owes you.  The Cross is a testimony to the humility of Christ, and this humility is one of the attributes that make Him infinitely worthy of our worship and our imitation.

Prayer

Lord, teach me the way of humility, to die to myself and to pick up my cross daily.  Help me to see the pride that keeps me from experiencing Your blessing and becoming more and more like You.   Show me that I must decrease in order that You may increase.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 17

Lunch Break Study 

Read Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV): So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.^[1]

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the Holy Spirit’s role in Christian unity?
2. How is humility displayed in the context of the Christian community?
3. What is the connection between humility and obedience to God?

Notes:

1. Among many things, it is the work of the Holy Spirit to shed abroad God’s love in our hearts and to unite the believer to Christ, and in turn unite believers to one other. It is only through active participation in the ministry of the Holy Spirit that the church can experience the type of unity that Paul is calling for.
2. In the context of Christian community, humility is displayed by the freedom from selfish ambition and the consideration of the greater significance of others.   Gordon Fee reminds us that “selfish ambition” stands at the heart of human fallenness, where self-interest and self-aggrandizement at the expense of others primarily dictate values and behavior.^[2]  Humility frees us from this trap and brings us into real fellowship with one another.
3. Obedience to God is primarily a matter of humility. You cannot obey God unless you are first willing to humble yourself to His will just as Jesus submitted to the will of the Father.

^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Php 2:1–11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

^[2] Fee, G. D. (1995). Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (p. 186). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Evening Reflection  

In what ways did pride affect your day?  Were you quick to defend yourself or to react in anger towards criticism?  How can you grow in humility?  Take time to confess the areas of pride in your life and to ask for the grace of Christ to cover you.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from September 5-11 are provided by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S. F. Mark, a graduate of University of California, San Diego, and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.), has been married to Mira for 20 years; they have two children, Jeremiah and Carissa.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 12:1-8 (ESV):

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” ^[1]

In contemporary Christianity, extravagant worship is often equated with the extent and quality of its production. We assume a stage of good musicians accompanied by floodlights and special effects playing in front of a filled auditorium constitutes worship that is acceptable and worthy of God. Many of us enjoy these times of corporate worship and I would certainly include myself as a fan of church services that are well put together. However, Christ seems to prefer something far more intimate and personal than just a good performance in his name.

The anointing of Jesus’ feet by Mary is a display of personal extravagance that is rare and uncommon to the modern Christian. The thought of pouring out expensive ointment that was valued at a year’s wages would seem excessive and a waste even if it was meant to cover the feet of our Savior. Perhaps, if we were there we would have said the same words as Judas, that the money could have been better used to serve the poor. There are times when our pragmatic and utilitarian view of the Gospel keeps us from lavishing Christ with our personal devotion and love.

Love is often expressed through extravagance that can be mistaken as a waste. This is the only way to explain why men use three months of their salary on average to buy a ring that will spend most of its time in a jewelry box. Whenever our anniversary comes around, I take my wife to restaurants that I would never consider for myself. I tend to be fairly cheap so I don’t really see the value in paying 30 or 40 dollars for a plate of food because there are so many other things I could do with that money. Yet when it comes to spending money for a special evening with Mira, my financial preferences take a back seat to the love that we have shared over the years.

In the same way, Mary is pouring out her love upon Jesus in a way that doesn’t make sense to those who have never experienced this love. By anointing his feet with the ointment and washing them with her hair, Mary fills the room with worship that is as sweet and fragrant as any costly perfume. Each morning, we have an opportunity to express our devotion to the Lord, to pour out our love, and to live lives of extravagant worship.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that we would become worshippers who understand what it means to worship in Spirit and in truth. Teach us how to offer up our lives as a living sacrifice and to hold nothing back regardless of cost. May we learn to give you the extravagant worship that you are so worthy of. Amen.

^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Jn 12:1–8). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 16

Lunch Break Study 

Luke 7:36-50 (NIV): One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”

⁴¹ “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. ⁴² When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” ⁴³ Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” ⁴⁴ Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. ⁴⁵ You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. ⁴⁶ You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. ⁴⁷ Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” ⁴⁸ And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” ⁴⁹ Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” ⁵⁰ And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” 

Questions to Consider:

1. Is this account the same as the one from this morning? How are they similar? How are they different?
2. Why did Simon really invite Jesus for dinner?
3. Who has the greater sin in this story?

Notes:

1. Although the two stories are similar in many ways, it is clear that these are two completely different events based on their setting and others who are involved. Therefore, we can assume that Jesus moved two individual women to pour out oil over his feet in an act of worship and love.
2. As the story unfolds, it is evident that the only intention that Simon the Pharisee had was to entrap Jesus. By withholding the common cultural courtesies, Simon revealed his open disdain for Jesus.
3. I really enjoy the way John Ortberg summarizes the end of Jesus’ dinner with Simon, the Pharisee. He writes:

There is great sin defiling this room. But it is not the sin that Simon thinks. It is the sin of

Lips that won’t kiss

Knees that won’t bend

Eyes that will not weep

Hands that will not serve

Perfume that will never leave the jar

It is a sin of a heart that will not break,

A life that will not change,

And a soul that will not love.

Evening Reflection  

Have you spent some time today in intimate communion with God? Are you listening for His voice? What if anything did He say? Take time to write down your thoughts and to respond to Him in worship.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for this week are provided by Pastor Jason Sato.  He and his family are currently serving in Cincinnati, OH.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 11:45-53 (ESV)

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, [46] but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. [47] So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. [48] If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” [49] But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. [50] Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” [51] He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, [52] and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. [53] So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.

When I was a teenager, I would drive very fast, but when I was pulled over once for speeding, I immediately regretted breaking the law.  But why did I regret it?  I regretted getting caught.  I regretted the possibility of a fine and traffic school.  I regretted that I would be yelled at by my parents.  But to be honest, I didn’t really regret endangering other people.  I didn’t regret my “offense.”

The Pharisees were amazingly disciplined in their religion.  They fasted and prayed, they studied the Scriptures, and they established meticulous rules in order to obey the Law of Moses.   The Pharisees did this because they deeply regretted that Israel had been conquered by empire after empire.  They profoundly felt the shame of exile and the loss of the Promised Land.

But did they regret offending God?  Did they regret that their sin had separated them from their God?

In our passage, we find that the Pharisees love their status.  Jesus is threatening because He is drawing away many people to Himself.  The Pharisees also love the honor of men.  This is why they do not want to offend the people by openly rejecting John the Baptist or arresting Jesus in broad daylight.  The Pharisees also love their power.  They do not want to offend the Romans because they could take away their authority, their status, and their nation.

The Pharisees love many things other than God.  They do many religious things for reasons other than the love of God.  For clearly if they loved God, they would not violently reject His Son and shed innocent blood by killing their own Messiah.

According to verse 53, the Pharisees plan to put Jesus to death.  But their plan does not precede the plan of the Father.  We, like the Pharisees, rarely regret offending God.  We regret consequences of our sin, like guilt, shame, and judgment.  We, too, love many things more than God.  We are willing to sin as a means to an end.  Yet, the Father sends His Son to die for sinners like us, that His people from every tribe and nation would not perish.

May our regrets and our hopes no longer center on our punishments or rewards, but may we regret all that separates us from God and hope in Him who restores us to the Father.  The Son of God has paid the price that we might become children of God and live now and forever with and for Him.

Prayer: Father, I’m sorry that I can fear hell more than I long for heaven.  May all of my service and sacrifice be free from such unworthy motivation.  Give me your Holy Spirit that I might love You and worship You only.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 15

 

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for this week are provided by Pastor Jason Sato.  He and his family are currently serving in Cincinnati, OH.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 11:38-44

Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. [39] Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” [40] Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” [41] So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” [43] When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” [44] The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

In the city, the strongest sensations may not be the sights but the smells.  An interesting mixture of something rotting and urine constantly reminds you of where you are.  Our preference is to avoid such unpleasant or ugly things, but life is not found in an artificially sterile environment—neither is glory.

Jesus asks that the stone to Lazarus’s tomb be taken away.  Being courteous, Martha desires to shield Jesus from the awful smell that must be within.  But Jesus intends for all to see the glory of God.

Glory shines brightest in the darkest, ugliest places.  God’s glory is revealed most clearly in the cross of Christ—the most awful spectacle in history.  So when we avoid the dark places of our world or deny that the darkness in our hearts exists, we prevent ourselves from seeing the Lord of Glory conquer that darkness and make things new.

There is no resurrection without death.  Lazarus had to die in order to be raised again.  And when Lazarus is raised from the dead, he is not raised so he can flee from a world of darkness to one that is light and easy.  We must not forget that later the Pharisees plot to kill Lazarus.  He very likely experiences persecution as a member of a sect banned from the synagogues and Jewish communities.  Lazarus does not live forever and eventually experiences death again

Lazarus is raised so that he and many others might see for themselves the weightiness and splendor of God.  And those who believe are then sent back into a world of darkness to honor this awesome God and call others to bow before His glory.

Prayer: Father, we thank You that You do not turn away from the ugliness of our world and of our hearts.  You shine, You redeem, You restore.  May we follow You and by Your Spirit may we shine Your light, and may we and those around us see for ourselves the light of the glory of God.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 13-14

 

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for this week are provided by Pastor Jason Sato.  He and his family are currently serving in Cincinnati, OH.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 11:17-27

Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. [18] Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, [19] and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. [20] So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. [21] Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” [23] Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” [24] Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” [25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, [26] and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” [27] She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

In the novel The Kite Runner, two childhood friends are divided by one boy’s guilt.  His friend was brutally assaulted by other boys.  He actually could have done something, and he knows that only his selfishness and fear kept him from helping his friend.

When Martha approaches her Lord after her brother has died, she knows that Jesus could have done something.  Though she had pleaded with Him to come, He did not.  Martha could have been overcome with bitterness.

In Over the Rhine, our church children experience many things that they do not understand.  Why do fathers or mothers leave?  Why do beloved uncles and cousins get shot?  Why do “good” people go to jail, while “bad” people do whatever they want?  We, too, have our questions and are confused by what the Lord allows in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

Martha has questions, she is heartbroken, but she still believes in Jesus – that He is “the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world” (v. 27).  She does not know why Jesus delayed.  She does not know that Jesus will resurrect Lazarus in a few moments.  But she does know, that Jesus loved Lazarus deeply.  And she knows that He loves her (John 11:3, 5).

God may not answer many of our questions in this lifetime, but He does answer the most important question: Does Jesus love you?  His answer is “Yes,” enough to give His body and His blood for you.

Prayer: Oh Lord, our hearts break when we consider how sin has ruined our world and injured us and those we love.  In our confusion, may we cling to You that much more.  Lord Jesus, we do not always know what You are doing, but may we be confident that You have proven Your love for us by dying for us while we were still sinners.  May we trust that the Lord of all will set things right.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 12

Lunch Break Study 

Read John 6:56, 60, 66-9 (ESV): Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him…[60] When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?”[66] After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. [67] So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” [68] Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, [69] and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

Question to Consider

1. Why did many of Jesus’s disciples stop following Him?
2. Did the twelve face different challenges than the other disciples?
3. Why did the Twelve continue to follow Jesus?

Notes

1. Jesus said things that were offensive and difficult for them to understand.
2. No, they were probably equally offended and confused as those who stopped following Jesus.
3. Regardless of the challenges of following Jesus, the disciples felt they must continue to follow Him since He possessed the words of eternal life and was the Holy One of God.

Evening Reflection  

Reflect upon your day.  Was there anything confusing or hard to understand?  Invite the Good Shepherd to take care of you and give you faith to trust Him in this area.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for this week are provided by Pastor Jason Sato.  He and his family are currently serving in Cincinnati, OH.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 11:1-16 (ESV)

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. [3] So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” [4] But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

 [5] Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. [6] So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. [7] Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” [8] The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” [9] Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. [10] But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” [11] After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” [12] The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” [13] Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. [14] Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, [15] and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” [16] So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Love can be described in many ways, but our culture tends to define it in terms of safety and pleasure.  A loving spouse will do everything in his power to provide security and positive emotions.  A loving parent will do everything in her power to reduce the risk of injury or pain.  Of course safety and pleasure are related to love, but they do not define love.  God does.

Lazarus is the one whom the Lord loves (v. 3), yet Jesus does not visit him when he is very ill.  Jesus loves Martha and Mary and Lazarus (v. 5), yet He allows the sisters to weep and grieve, and Lazarus to die.  Jesus loves His disciples, yet He risks their lives by traveling to Bethany.
Jesus knows that happy circumstances, safety, and pleasure bring only fleeting joy.  Eternal joy and eternal life cannot be found in such things.  In John 17:3, Jesus declares, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

As the story unfolds, Thomas realizes that being with Jesus is better than life itself.  Martha clings to her faith in Jesus and finds a hope in the resurrection that cannot be shaken, even by the death of her brother.  Lazarus is raised from the dead.  The disciples see that Jesus reigns even over life and death.  In His love, Jesus desires for His people to have more than safety and pleasure—He wants us to know Him.

The world, the flesh, and the devil would have us believe that we can only be happy if we live in a particular place, have a particular kind of family, or work at a particular kind of job.  We are led to believe that there is nothing greater than a lack of danger and a lack of pain—and this is not true.  Knowing and being known by the Lord of Glory is greater.  Jesus works all things for this ultimate good.

Prayer: Father, we thank You that Your glory shines brighter than the sun.  We are tempted to retreat from uncertainty and pain, but may we walk with You even through the valley of the shadow of death that we might know You in Your death and resurrection.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 11

Lunch Break Study 

Read Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV): Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. [5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Question to Consider

1. What can interfere with our joy in the Lord?
2. How can we fight for our joy?
3. As we fight for joy, what does God do?

Notes

1. Anxiety about our current needs and troubles.
2. We can fight for our joy through prayers of supplication and thanksgiving.
3. God will give us His peace that will guard our hearts and minds from the lies of the enemy. When we dwell on God’s truth and promises, we will have peace and be able to consistently rejoice.

Evening Reflection  

Reflect on your day.  How did God show His love to you?  Were you tempted to doubt God’s love today?  How could God be using the difficulties of the day to draw you closer to Him?

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for this week are provided by Pastor Jason Sato.  He and his family are currently serving in Cincinnati, OH.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 10:22-25, 30-31, 39-42 (ESV)

At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, [23] and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. [24] So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” [25] Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe . . .. [30] I and the Father are one.” [31] The Jews picked up stones again to stone him . . .  [39] Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands . . .. [40] He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. [41] And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” [42] And many believed in him there.

All questions are not equal—there are honest questions and dishonest questions.  An honest question, however silly or offensive, is asked with a genuine desire for more information.  For example, when my Sunday School boys ask whether God is really that powerful when people are always dying in OTR, they genuinely want to know the answer.  Other questions are not so honest.  For example, asking someone, “Do you really like Justin Bieber?!” is less of a question and more of an accusation.

In our passage this morning, the Jews ask Jesus to tell them whether or not He is the Christ.  This is not an honest question.  Nevertheless, Jesus, who has already told them who He is, tells them again: “I and the Father are one” (v. 30).  The Jews promptly pick up stones to kill Him.  The Jewish leaders did not want to know more about Jesus—they simply wanted Him to speak so they could oppose Him properly.

On the other hand, near the Jordan where John the Baptist had ministered, many people came to Jesus and believed in Him (vv. 40-42).  Why were the hearts of the leaders so closed, while others had open hearts?

The answer can be found in the John the Baptist’s ministry.  John’s God-given mission was to prepare the way for Jesus.  He came with a baptism of repentance, the most important preparation for receiving Christ as He is.

This morning, you are reading this devotional because you want to hear and encounter the risen Son of God.  Perhaps you have questions or problems to bring to Him.

Before we bring our petitions or our questions, let us take a moment to allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts.  Are we aware of the ugliness of our sin?  Do we know our greatest need is a Savior?  Do we know that Jesus will answer and make us new if we ask?

May the Spirit open up our hearts and prepare the way for the Savior to speak to us today.

Prayer: Father, forgive me that my heart can become so hard.  In the midst of many responsibilities and troubles, may I know that my greatest need is always the forgiveness of sins, and that the greatest gift is that I may be right with You.  Thank You for sending Your Son.  May Your Word be the food I eat.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 10

Lunch Break Study 

Read Psalm 51:7-17 (ESV): Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. [8] Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. [9] Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. [10] Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. [11] Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. [12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. [13] Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. [14] Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. [15] O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. [16] For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. [17] The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Question to Consider

1. What does David need from God?
2. How will David respond to God’s answer?
3. David has sinned greatly. What will God accept from David?

Notes

1. David needs God to purge and wash him (v.7). He needs God to blot out his sin (v. 9), give him a clean heart (v. 10), and restore the joy of salvation (v. 12).
2. David will teach sinners God’s ways and help them return to Him (v. 13). David will sing of His righteousness (v. 14).
3. God will not accept sacrifices or burnt offerings but a broken and contrite heart (vv. 16-17). God will accept genuine regret for sin and repentance.

Evening Reflection  

Reflect upon your day.  When were you frustrated with God?  What things seemed more important than your need for Him?  How has God shown you grace today?  Repent of any hardness of heart and rejoice in the grace of God.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for this week are provided by Pastor Jason Sato.  He and his family are currently serving in Cincinnati, OH.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 10:17-21 (ESV)

There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. [20] Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” [21] Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Whenever anyone makes a statement, we have two choices—either we believe them or we don’t.  Whether it’s me telling you I can fly, or Jesus saying He is the Good Shepherd, our options are that simple.

The Jews in John 10 are sharply divided.  After Jesus claims to be the Good Shepherd, some do not believe Him.  His claims are so incredible that they call Him demon-possessed and crazy, but others are not so sure.

We may be tempted to scoff at their unbelief, but are we so different?  God consistently declares things that are difficult to understand, hard to believe, or outright outrageous. Let’s look at some examples: Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Is this a “reasonable” advice in the midst of financial crisis? Luke 9:24 says, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Is this true when we face physical—not only metaphorical—danger? Is the life Jesus offers us in John 10:10 (“I came that that may have life and have it abundantly”) actually possible or just a pipe dream? Is Romans 8:28 (“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”) true all the time?

Jesus’ opponents were proud, selfish, and greedy, but they understood that Jesus meant what He said.  At times, we find ourselves rationalizing or spiritualizing to make it seem like Jesus did not mean what He said.  Fear, doubt, and selfishness can drive us to this.  Of course there are extenuating circumstances and gray areas, but often we are given two simple options – to believe Him or not.

May He give us grace that we might believe, and when we walk in faith, may He prove His Word is true.

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You are always faithful and true.  I try to complicate things so I can hide my doubts and my selfishness, but I want to simply believe Your Word and live in light of it.  Fill me with Your Spirit that I might reject the lies of the enemy.  Thank You that You promise me more than I imagine is possible.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 9

Lunch Break Study 

Read John 14:1-6 (ESV): “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.” [5] Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” [6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Question to Consider

1. Why are the disciples troubled?
2. How can the disciples be free from their troubled hearts?
3. What are the disciples to believe?

Notes

1. They do not know where Jesus is going or how to get there (v. 5).
2. By believing in the Father and the Son.
3. They are to believe in who Jesus is (the way, the truth and the life), and what He has promised (a room in the Father’s house).

Evening Reflection  

Reflect upon your day.  What lies were you tempted to believe?  What truths did God impress upon your heart?  Receive the Lord’s forgiveness for your unbelief, and ask for greater faith in His Word.