Category Archives: Devotional

Grace Full, Truth Full, Joy Full

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The glory of God is revealed to us in Jesus.  How can we describe it?  John was one of those who beheld it, and he put it like this:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14 (NKJV)

He is full of grace and truth.  This is how Charles Spurgeon summed it up: “Jesus is to me all grace and no wrath, all truth and no falsehood: and of truth and grace he is full, infinitely full.” There is so much grace and truth within Him, it’s as if grace and truth were never seen on earth before Jesus showed up.

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17 (NKJV)

The blessing is multiplied when we realize that He has shared this fullness with us, His followers.

And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” – John 1:16 (NKJV)

This is no dry, distant fact.  It’s something tangible and to be experienced.  Having received from Him, it is now our great privilege and pleasure to enjoy all that we have in the way of fellowship with God and one another.

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” – 1 John 1:3-4 (NKJV)

Thanks → Peace → Perseverance

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A thankful heart is a valuable asset.  The New Testament reminds us to thank God “always for all things” (Ephesians 5:20) and to “in everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  That’s a pretty tall order for most of us.  Yet even in the midst of prayer about things that would otherwise make us anxious, the reminder remains that these prayers should be offered “with thanksgiving.”

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

If Paul could write that and mean it from his prison cell, I can probably pay attention at my desk.  What’s more, if this attitude of prayer and thanksgiving leads, as it does, to God’s peace guarding my heart and mind, then I will have already received all that I need to keep going.  God’s peace is the only acceptable substitute for a prayer that has yet to be answered.  No doubt this very “peace of God” helped that apostle display such remarkable perseverance.  I want to be like him when I grow up.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. -2 Corinthians 4:7-10 (NKJV)

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.