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.

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 10:10-15 (ESV):

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

In fairy tales like The Little Red Riding Hood, no one is confused as to who is the “good guy” and who is the “bad guy.” Since the wolf wants to eat everyone while the huntsman wants to save everyone, things become clear fairly quickly.  Unfortunately, real life situations do not always appear so simple.

As Jesus’ ministry becomes more prominent, oppositions from the religious and political leaders of Israel grow as well.  The growing divide between them is clear and the average Israelite is confused as to who is the “good guy” and who is the “bad guy.”  Should he follow this new teacher, Jesus, or the established leaders of his nation and religion?  In the midst of this turmoil, Jesus seeks to make the situation clear by explaining that He alone is the Good Shepherd.

In John 10, Jesus explains that the Good Shepherd is completely different from the thief and the hired hand.  The shepherd comes to give life abundant.  The thief “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (v. 10).  “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (v. 11).  The hired hand flees when he sees the wolf coming (v. 12).  The shepherd knows his sheep (v. 14) but the hired hand cares nothing for the sheep (v. 13).  The difference between the Good Shepherd and all others is the difference between life and death.

The world, the flesh, and the devil work as hard as they can to confuse us as to who is the “good guy.”  The Word of God makes things clear.  No spouse or child can give us life abundant.  Money and prestige have never laid down their lives for anyone.  Comfort and security will not walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death.  There is only one Good Shepherd and His name is Jesus.

Prayer

Father, we are so grateful that You have sent to us Your Son.  Although he is the very radiance of Your beauty and glory, we sometimes allow ourselves to become so confused as to whether He is our Ultimate Good.  Give us eyes to see that Jesus alone is our Good Shepherd and that we need no other.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 8

Lunch Break Study 

Read Psalm 23 (ESV):

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2          He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Question to Consider

1. What does the Shepherd do for the Psalmist?
2. How does the Shepherd’s ministry affect the Psalmist?
3. What is the ultimate hope of the Psalmist as he is led by the Shepherd (v. 6)?

Notes

1. The Shepherd leads the Psalmist (David ) into rest and righteousness (v. 2, 3); he restores him (v. 3), comforts him (v.4); he lavishly provides for and anoints him (v. 5-6).
2. The Psalmist shall not want (v. 1) and will not fear (v. 4).
3. The ultimate hope of the Psalmist is that he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Evening Reflection  

Reflect upon your day.  Were you tempted to believe that someone or something other than Jesus is your shepherd?  Did you doubt that Jesus is your Good Shepherd?  Go to Him for grace.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for August 27-8 are provided by Jabez Yeo.  Jabez, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is currently working in NYC and serving at TRPC-E.  He hopes to become a missionary.

Devotional Thought for Today

Matthew 22:35-7

And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

One component to loving God with our mind is expanding and developing it. Much in the same way that lifting weights can develop muscles, grappling with difficult concepts can sharpen our minds, which is the subject of today’s devotional. Don’t throw in the towel too early; stay with it and both your mind and your heart will be enriched (P. Ryun).

In the 4^th century A.D., the church fought for true worship against the heresy of Apollinarianism, whose founder Apollinarius proposed that humans are composed of three aspects: body, soul, and spirit. Thus, according to Apollinarius, Jesus was divine in that the Logos took the place of a spirit in Him; but that His body and soul were human (i.e. “God in a body”).

In response, Gregory of Nyssa rose to combat this heresy because he saw it undermining salvation: If Jesus’ humanity was not complete, then our human nature could not be fully saved through Him. In his writings, Gregory argued from a place of humility, as he always reminded his readers, that ultimately God’s essence is transcendent (i.e, beyond this world). Gregory then went on to explain that in Christ, there are two “what” (i.e. full divinity and full humanity) and one “who” (i.e. Jesus Himself); but in the Trinity, there are three “who” (i.e. Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and one “what” (i.e. full divinity). For Gregory, the “key to unlocking but not destroying the mystery of the Trinity and Jesus Christ is the distinction between whatness and whoness”[1]

Interestingly enough, Gregory is widely known not for his theological contributions but for his devotional life. When he wasn’t combating heresies, Gregory “wrote many reflections and commentaries on Scripture, most notably on Moses, the Lord’s Prayer, the Song of Songs, and the Beatitudes.”[2]  For Gregory, Christianity was not just a religion of sound doctrine but also of full heart and spirit engagement. When historians reflect on Gregory’s life, many believe that his most important contributions to Christianity were in the areas of spirituality and biblical vision, as opposed to doctrine.

It is a common struggle to worship God with one part of ourselves but not others. As we enter into service today, let’s seek to worship God with everything we have, because He is worthy. From this day forward, let’s aim to pour out our hearts, souls and minds to Him. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of everything that I have. All that I have is from You, and You have given me much more than I ever deserve. Help me to fully worship You today and from this day forward. May You be the only One to receive my worship and adoration. In Your Name I pray. Amen

[1] Olson, Roger. The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition & Reform.

[2] https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_author/52/St._Gregory_of_Nyssa.html

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 7

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for August 27-8 are provided by Jabez Yeo.  Jabez, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is currently working in NYC and serving at TRPC-E.  He hopes to become a missionary.

Devotional Thought for Today

James 1:22

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceived yourselves.  Do what it says.

With apologies to used-car salesmen, but they don’t have the best of reputations.  Heaven forbid if the Christian leaders are viewed in such a low light!  Truly, spiritual leaders who display their faith in both word and deed are an immense treasure.  One such leader was Basil—one of the so-called Cappadocian fathers who faithfully endorsed the Nicene Creed, the one that declared that Christ is equal to God in divine essence (325).

During Basil’s time, a heresy called Eunomianism, which dismissed the Trinity as a disguised paganism, was gaining popularity.  Today, this erroneous argument is made by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Eunomianism also doubted that the Son could be “begotten” and eternal.  This, then, led to denying Jesus’ full divinity, despite recognizing Him as Savior.

In response, Basil skillfully refuted this heresy by noting that if the Son was merely a creature, humanity would still be without a true revelation of God. Using the imagery of the sun’s ray, Basil said that while the ray is begotten from the sun, yet it has existed with the sun since its beginning.  Likewise, though the Son was begotten, He has existed with the Father for eternity.[1]

Thankfully, Basil also communicated Christ through his actions. One of his projects as Bishop of Caesarea was building a complex that provided housing and medical care for the needy. Basil also organized a soup kitchen and “gave away his personal inheritance to benefit the poor.”[2] Furthermore, Basil publicly rebuked corrupt officials and excommunicated those involved in human trafficking. He was in many ways, “a man of vast learning, genuine eloquence and immense charity.”[3]

It’s easy to feel ashamed when we compare ourselves to Basil; especially if our confession of faith is not coherent with our actions. But let’s remember that Basil was a man just like us; and that it is only God’s grace that trains us to renounce worldly passions and to live godly lives (Titus 2:12). May we then display Him powerfully through word and deed.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the great truth that You loved me while I was still a sinner separated from You. Help me to love others in light of the love I have received from You. May what I know resonate deeply not only in my mind but also in my hands and feet as I interact with and serve others. In Your Name I pray. Amen

[1] Olson, Roger. The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition & Reform.

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil_of_Caesarea

[3] http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=261

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 5-6

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from August 25-26 are provided by Emerson Lin. Emerson, a graduate of University of California, San Diego, serves as a staff at Kairos Christian Church, while studying at Talbot School of Theology. He and Annie got married earlier this year.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 9:35-41

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”36 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”37 Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” 38 Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” 40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” 41 Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

Have you ever played the game Pictionary? It is where one teammate draws a picture and the other teammates try to guess the word the drawing is intended to represent. Anything can be drawn except numbers or letters, and the drawer cannot use verbal clues about the subject being depicted. Your entire team must guess as many pictures as possible within one minute.

If you have played this game enough times, you start to realize that your teammates will start rapidly shouting random words that may not be even related to the drawing. However, as the picture becomes more clear, your teammates’ guesses become more accurate.

In continuation of this narrative, the Pharisees are furious at the young man’s allegiance to Jesus. As a result, they throw him out of the synagogue. Jesus goes to find the young man and asks him, “Do you believe in the Son of man?” As Jesus reveals His identity as the Messiah, He gets two very different responses.

If you read from the beginning of the chapter to the end, we see the progression of the beggar’s view of Jesus. He first describes Jesus as a man (v. 11), then as a prophet (v. 17), and then finally as the Messiah (v. 38). The beggar’s physical healing leads to a healing of spiritual blindness. It was as if Jesus drew the final stroke in his life, and the young man saw who Jesus truly was in his life. Ultimately, he falls down and worships Jesus.

As for the Pharisees, the reality of Jesus becomes less clear in their lives. They claim that Jesus is not from God (v. 16), then they persecute those following Jesus (v. 22), and then they claim Jesus is a sinner (v. 24). They were spiritually blind.

Sometimes, we have a hard time growing deeper in our worship to the Lord. We may not be spiritually blind like the Pharisees, but we get distracted from fixing our eyes upon Jesus. When the beggar understood who Jesus was, he engaged in a posture of worship. When we’re distracted from the revelation of who Jesus is, it becomes harder to engage. If you’re having a difficult time worshipping the Lord, ask yourself this: Are there things in your life distracting you? Take some time to ask the Lord.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for healing me of my spiritual blindness, so that I can clearly see who You truly are. I pray that every aspect of my life would bring worship unto You. If there are any things in my life contending for my worship to You, please bring them out in the light. Lord, You deserve ALL my worship. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 4

Lunch Break Study 

Read Psalm 95:1-11: Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice, 8 “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did. 10 For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.’11 So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

Questions to Consider

1. What two acts of worship is the author inviting us to do in this chapter (v. 1 & 6)
2. Describe the different characteristic of our God in verses 4-5 and verse 7.
3. What do verses 8-11 warn us about? In what ways do these warnings help you in your life of worship?

Notes

1. The author is extending an invitation to sing for the joy of the Lord and shout. In verse 6, he is calling us to bow down and kneel.
2. Verses 3-5 describe God as a mighty ruler, while verse 7 describes the tenderness of God as a shepherd.
3. They are warnings to remind their readers to not commit the same mistakes as their ancestors.

Evening Reflection  

In light of today’s theme on worship, is there anything in your life that distracts your heart from worship? Consider examining each aspect of your life and write down things that you feel are hindering you from fully worshipping the Lord. I encourage you to pray through each of the things you’ve written down.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from August 25-26 are provided by Emerson Lin. Emerson, a graduate of University of California, San Diego, serves as a staff at Kairos Christian Church, while studying at Talbot School of Theology. He and Annie got married earlier this year.

Devotional Thought for Today

Returning to John 9: verses 25-7

He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” 26 Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”27 He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”

A few months ago, during the last stretch of the hike through a cave in Sequoia National Park, our tour guide brought us into an open area in its most natural state. Once the breaker was shut off, we experienced pitch- black darkness. I could not see anything in front of me! The longer we stayed in the dark, the more fearful and uncomfortable I became. Once the breaker was back on, I was able to see again and felt a sense of relief.

Can you imagine the blind young man’s joy when Jesus healed him? I was joyful of the lights after experiencing 20 minutes of darkness, yet this young man experienced a lifetime of darkness. Jesus didn’t just physically heal this man, but his physical healing led to an emotional healing. In those days, the Jews believed that deformities were a result of God’s punishment over a family (John 9:1-2, 34). Imagine the social shame that was placed on him, as well as his family. Through this healing, we see his overwhelming joy in verse 25: “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know; I was blind but now I see!”

We, too, have experienced this joy! We were once spiritually blind and spiritual outcasts, but through Jesus, we were accepted and could see. This joy is vital to our faith. When we’re struggling with our family, work, relationships, and ministries, in order for us to persevere, we need the joy of the Lord. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” It refreshes us when we are tired and renews us when we are weary.

When we lack the joy of the Lord, we burn out. Like the Pharisees, we will even begin to discourage those who have experienced powerful ministry from the Lord. Ultimately, we stop believing that God is working our lives.

Are there indications that you are losing joy in your life? I encourage you to ask the Lord for more joy. Another great way to restore joy is to surround yourself with testimonies of God’s work in people’s lives. As you hear more, your spirit will be refreshed. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for bringing me out of spiritual blindness and into Your marvelous light. Thank You for the joy that comes with the gospel. Help me to continually live in the joy that I have found in You because it sustains me. If I am lacking joy in life, Lord, remind me of Your goodness through Your Word and Your Church. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 3

Lunch Break Study 

Read Psalm 126:1-6: When the Lord restored the fortunes of[a] Zion, we were like those who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. 4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

Questions to Consider

1. What are the people’s reaction to victory and deliverance? Who receives the credit?
2. How are sadness and joy intertwined in this passage (vv. 5-6)?
3. How do the Gentiles respond to the joy of the Israelites? What has the Lord done in your life that might bring a similar response from unbelievers who you know?

Notes

1. The Israelites react with much joy. The joy manifests into laughter and songs. The Lord receives the credit.
2. The Lord will restore those who are in mourning and in tears with songs of joy! It is a foreshadow of the good news.
3. They recognize that the Lord has done great things for them.

Evening Reflection  

In light of today’s theme on joy, were there situations today where the joy of the Lord sustained you? In what areas of your life do you feel like you need more joy (school, family, ministry, work, etc.)?

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from August 23-4 are provided by Joanna Tzen.

Devotional Thought for Today

 John 6: 66-7

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

The first time I read the Chronicles of Narnia was right after I graduated from college. I never thought to read it before because the fantasy genre was not of much interest to me. However, after I became a Christian in college and while job-searching, I figured that reading the Chronicles of Narnia was a good use of time. The passage above reminds me this quote from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: “Is he (Aslan) – quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”…”Safe?” said Mr. Beaver …”Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

As the disciples found out, Jesus is anything but safe, but He is good. After Jesus shares that He is the Bread of Life and He talks of people eating His flesh and drinking His blood (through Communion, even though people took the literal meaning), people who had followed Him across the lake began to turn away. Jesus talked about His death in such stark terms so as to reveal the hearts of the people who desired their comforts through an earthly kingship—they did not want the true King.

Jesus was not the kind of savior they were looking for. They were looking for a worldly savior who could deliver them from Roman oppression. But Jesus was talking about dying, and surely that was not part of the plan for worldly savior and conquering king. Jesus simply did not fit their mold.

However, His disciples saw someone different. Even though they had only followed Him a short while at the time of the feeding of the 5,000, they knew they had seen the one true God incarnate on earth. They were not looking for what they wanted, or what was safe, but they were seeking the truth—and they found Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I desire to enthrone Jesus as the true King of my heart. I know He is anything but safe, but He is good because He is Your Son. Even when I am fearful, remind me that I can trust in Your promises. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 2

Lunch Break Study 

Read Luke 12:13-5: Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” ¹⁴ But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” ¹⁵ And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Matt. 19:20-22: And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life? . . . . ²¹ Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Questions to Consider

1. As we have learned this morning, people come to Jesus for different reasons. Regarding the man in the crowd who made a request to Jesus, did he want Jesus or something else?
2. What motivated the man in the Matthew passage to come to Jesus?
3. Based on how you actually live, why do you think you seek Jesus?

Notes

1. The man in the crowd wanted what Jesus could do for him so that he might gain financial freedom; he didn’t necessarily want Jesus himself.
2. The rich young man wanted Jesus as his Savior but not as his Lord who has the governance over his life.
3. Personal response: Give it a serious thought.

Evening Reflection  

In light of our devotional and study theme for today, let us do according what the Psalmist writes in Ps. 139:1-2: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting.”  Reflect on that passage for a minute, and then respond back to God.