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.

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

Devotional Thought for Today

Going back John 6: verses 26-35

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.””34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.
You might not guess that I am a Facebook “stalker,” since I almost never post, but I do pop up here and there liking photos. My favorite posts are from my friends about their babies. Usually if the children are toddlers, the funniest are not when they are cute and well-behaved, but when there’s some sort of meltdown or mischievous activity. These meltdowns are often brought on by the wise, logical, and compassionate actions of their parents (like removing dangerous objects or putting them down for a nap).

The passage above picks up after Jesus crossed the lake of Galilee after a full day of teaching—the sheep came for the Good Shepherd again. However, Jesus wanted the crowd to know that He wasn’t an earthly leader who had come to solve all of their problems or provide material things, but that He was so much more. First, he begins by telling them that they need to work for bread that will not spoil. The people ask about the work in v.28, and Jesus says it is to believe. They then take Jesus’ words literally and ask for this bread. When Jesus begins to tell them that He is the bread of life, they reject Him. It is as if the crowd wants to do more than believe, be it through a set of rituals or reliance on their lineage. They also see Him through earthly eyes as Joseph’s son (v.42). They reject Jesus’ offer that the work is already done for those who believe in Him.

It is clear that Jesus was not the savior that the people wanted. They wanted a worldly hero to save them from political oppression at the time and provide earthly comforts. In this day and age, particularly during the Presidential election cycle, even we as believers are not that different.

Are we only looking to Jesus for solution to our worldly concerns? What if He is saying, in His compassion, that He does see these concerns, but He is asking us to look beyond the temporal—that He provides, more importantly, what is eternal? He cares so much more about who we are becoming as Christ-followers over our temporal comfort. I am not trying to dismiss any of the very real hurt and pain we will experience in this world, but asking us to allow the Good Shepherd and Heavenly Father to remind us of what will endure over what will fade away

May we ask the Lord to replace our earthly eyes with a heavenly perspective, so we will not return to the former ways of thinking (Gal 4:9), such as reliance on self. Let us ask the Lord to mature and strengthen us in our faith, so that we will not be like children tossed in waves of circumstance and lies of the Enemy (Eph. 4:14).

Prayer: Lord, are there times when I see Jesus as the crowd did and care more about my comfort than following the Savior? May you open my eyes to situations where You are asking me to follow You even though it may be difficult. Help me to depend on You and trust You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Luke 1

Lunch Break Study 

Read John 10:11-3: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.”

1 Peter 5:2-4: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Questions to Consider

1. What makes a hired hand different than a shepherd?
2. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4. What does Peter instruct of those who are shepherds in the church?
3. How can we learn from the Good Shepherd?

Notes

1. A shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, while a hired hand abandons the sheep to save his own life.
2. Shepherds are instructed to watch over their flock, eagerly serve, and be examples to the flock. They are not to have a begrudging heart in serving, pursue dishonest gain, or lord their authority over others.
3. We can only shepherd well when we understand how the Good Shepherd laid down His life for us to give us life. Then we can lay down our lives for others.

Evening Reflection  

Ask yourself these questions and pray: Were there situations today where I behaved more like Philip in calculating the cost before trusting the Lord? Did I have trouble following the Good Shepherd today because I was afraid? If so, Lord, please forgive me and help me to see how You are trustworthy. As tomorrow is a new day filled with new mercies (Lam. 3:22-3), I pray your Holy Spirit would enable me to better remember Your character and promises.

Editor’s Note: Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 9:1-3

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

We are all philosophers at heart, especially when bad things happen.  When my sister-in-law was dying of cancer many years ago, a relative opined that it was because my family wasn’t supportive of my ministry.  When a friend’s wife was killed in an automobile accident, her father opined that this tragedy occurred because my friend didn’t respond to God’s call to enter ministry.  What philosophy did these people have in common?  Their view was that bad things happen because of the bad things we’ve done.

That’s also the philosophy that the disciples firmly held.  Upon seeing a man blind from birth, they were absolutely certain that the blindness was the result of someone’s sin; they just weren’t sure whether it was the sin of the blind man or his parents.  Christ’s answer— “neither this man nor his parents sinned”— must’ve stunned them.  Instead, God allowed this to happen so that Christ could heal him, and thereby “the work of God might be displayed.”  That is, this man was born blind so that Christ could heal him that day, where the entire episode would be included in John’s Gospel, in order that every generation of people may be reminded of who Christ is (i.e., the Son of God) and His power and love.

Of course, nothing Jesus said that day nullifies the view that sin can cause sickness.  After all, Christ told an invalid man whom He just healed, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you” (Jn. 5:14).  But since finite humans cannot know why people get sick, we shouldn’t be so nosy to figure it out.  Instead, we should “mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15) and pray that “the sick person” will get “well” (James 5:15).

Is there, then, no room to talk about why someone gets sick?  If you sincerely believe that there may be a spiritual cause, then pray that the sick person will bring it up first.  For that to transpire, it is imperative that what is taught in James 5:13-16 becomes part of our thought process.  Read it today when you are well so that if you ever get quite sick, you can ask whether an unrepentant heart is its root cause. If so, repent.

Prayer: Dear God, I praise You for being such a kind and compassionate God.  While we are busy passing judgment under the rubric of being discerning, You are always defending and caring for us.  Help me not to sin, but when I do, prompt my heart to repent immediately.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jude 1

Lunch Break Study

 Read James 5: 13-16: Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the undeniable premise of this passage?
2. What should be part of our thought process when we find ourselves with an illness?
3. How should we respond to someone who has fallen sick? Is there someone in your life who needs a visit from you?

Notes

1. While sin is not the cause of every sickness, it is in some cases; therefore, sin should not be automatically ruled out as a factor in one’s sickness.
2. It is always insensitive for someone to tell a gravely ill person that this happened due to his or her sin. I think it is better for the sick individual to ask God whether some unrecognized and/or unrepentant sin is responsible for the sickness.  If the person sincerely believes that that’s not the case, then I would leave that alone (at least at the moment).
3. We pay a visit and pray for them. And if the sick person wants to discuss the topic of why this happened, then we can read James 5:13-16, after which we may add, “The only person who can know whether your sickness is the result of sin is you; why don’t you, therefore, prayerfully think about it.  If there is nothing to it, then praise God.  We will continue to pray for your healing.”

Evening Reflection

You probably know people who are sick right now.  Would you take a moment to pray that their health would improve?  Also, would you also pray, in the case that unrecognized sins are involved, that the sick person would pray, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts?” (Ps. 139:23)?

 

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from Aug. 15-21 are provided by Cami King.  Cami, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, has recently completed her M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Seminary.  She is currently serving as a staff at Journey Community Church in Raleigh. 

Devotional Thought for Today

John 8:56-59

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.

The Bible is full of paradoxes. My church just finished a sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer. During one week we learned to approach God as Father – embracing sweet intimacy and closeness with Him, the access that a little child has to her dad. The following week we focused on hallowing God’s name and were reminded just how holy, other, and awesome God is. One Christian writer tried to put this into context: “If the distance between the Earth and the sun, which is 92 million miles, was the thickness of a piece of paper, the diameter of our galaxy would be a stack of papers 310 miles high. And our galaxy is less than a speck of dust in the part of the universe that we can see. And that part of the universe might just be a speck of dust compared to all the universe. And… [it’s] God who holds all this together with the word of his power…”

Now, who in their right mind instinctively approaches the One so fearsome with the freedom of a little child? So, how do intimacy and reverence coexist in our relationship with God? Most of us tend toward one or the other. Well, scripture doesn’t resolve this for us (by prioritizing one or eliminating the other) – both are true and we somehow live in the tension. There are many paradoxes like this in scripture – like the last shall be first or you must lose your life to save it.

Arguably the greatest paradox in the New Testament is the incarnation – the reality that Jesus is fully God and fully man. Our mathematical equations don’t even know how to add one to one to get one. So it’s no wonder why Jesus’ listeners had a really hard time accepting His claims to divinity (like the glaring one made in vs. 58) – so much so they tried to execute Him for blaspheming (being irreverent of God and speaking lies concerning Him). “How could this be?” they wondered. He is a man, which is literally not God (or so they thought).

As mind-boggling as it may be, God did take on flesh and lives in the world He made. And it’s within those two seemingly incompatible realities that we find the beauty of the Gospel. One phrase that got me through my seminary studies of scripture was, “Live in the tension!” Sometimes God’s truth is hard to believe or understand and sometimes there seem to be paradoxes in our very lives (between our present experience and God’s promises, for example). But we don’t have to resolve the tensions or explain them away. We actually find satisfying truth when we have enough faith to live smack dab in the [radical] middle of them.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your ways are higher than my ways and your thoughts higher than my thoughts. Help me to trust in all Your wisdom, even when I struggle to understand. And help me to cling to all Your truths, regardless of my circumstances. In Jesus’ name.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 150