Monthly Archives: January 2008

Palmer St. Podcast: John 1

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Today we begin the Gospel of John.  This Gospel differs somewhat from the first three, as it was written later and used by John to fill in some gaps in the life of Jesus that the others had not included in their stories.  While all four Gospels tell of the miracles Christ performed, John spends more time on the teaching or events that took place in conjunction with the miracles.  In so doing he fills the miracles with meaning.

Jesus is introduced to us as the Word, who was with God and was God from the beginning – a testimony to the deity of Christ.  We’ll also meet John the Baptist, Christ’s relative, who declares Him to be “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”  Both John the Baptist and Nathanael, an early follower of Jesus, quickly conclude that He is the “Son of God.”

Listen: John01.mp3 

Read: John01.pdf

Putting Provision in Perspective

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It’s natural to be concerned about our own needs – and it’s not altogether bad, either.  For one thing, it prompts us to go out and work and there’s nothing at all wrong with that.

“The person who labors, labors for himself,
For his hungry mouth drives him on.”
          – Proverbs 16:26 (NKJV)

Our need for provision prompts us to pray.  That’s what “Give us this day our daily bread” is all about.  There we have it, a prayer for provision from the very mouth of Jesus.

Nonetheless, most of us tend to place our need for provision above our need for the Provider – a clear case of improper priorities.  Therefore Christ also encourages us with the following:

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV)

Seeking first His kingdom – let that be our aim.  Let His righteousness be our top priority.  Provision has its place in God’s plan, but if we keep it in perspective, it’s the Provider that will always remain in the foreground of our view of life.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

Where is the Lamb?

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Abraham took his son to Mt. Moriah to offer a sacrifice.  He took almost everything they needed.

But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, ‘My father!’
And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’
Then he said, ‘Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’
And Abraham said, ‘My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.’ So the two of them went together.”  – Genesis 22:7-8 (NKJV)

Roughly 2000 years later and 2000 years ago, John the Baptist gave the final answer to Isaac’s question. 

… John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'” – John 1:29 (NKJV)

  • A lot of lambs were killed for a lot of Passovers, but there is only one Jesus.  
  • Some sacrifices were offered for individuals, others for the nation; Jesus died for the sin of the world.
  • Animal sacrifices were meaningful, but that meaning was symbolic.

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” – Hebrews 10:4 (NKJV)

  • In Christ’s case all symbolism is removed as the reality of what He has done becomes evident.

Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” – Hebrews 9:12 (NKJV)

Back to Mt. Moriah, roughly 2000 years later and 2000 years ago: So where is the lamb?  There He is, the Lamb of God.  Behold, the Lamb.

On Getting a Life

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Complete dependence is a humbling concept – but humility, let’s face it, is a good thing.  I’d like to say there are some things I can handle, but readily admit that I need the Lord for the biggies.  Christ, however, sees it differently:

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5 (NKJV)

If I want my life to be worth something in light of eternity, I need to get this straight.  Without Him I can do nothing. 

On the other hand, by abiding in Him I tap into the source of the richest blessings.  Whatever Christ means by “much fruit” it has to be good.  At the end of the day, that’s what I want: fruit that came from my life that He has produced.  I can also think of it like this: 

What would my life look like if I got out of the way
and let Christ live my life for me? 

How would He handle my responsiblities and relationships?  No question He would handle them properly.  He would do a way better job with them than I have.  So be it.  Let’s embrace reality and give the Lord full authority to do whatever He wants. 

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)