Reflection: John 5
Reading: Genesis 25-30
Sunday, May 31, 2009
John Chapter 3
John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him
This message from John strongly warns human being to believe in GOD in order to have eternal life. However, sadly, in fact, not so many people do care about eternal life. Nowadays, people only care what can be seen such as worldly possession, job or house but those are only temporarily and only can be used in this world. Thus, what’s for pursuing those worldly things, it is better to make use of our time and energy to pursue the eternal life which is salvation. Generally speaking, it is easier to believe something can be seen than something is not. But, we all know that there is a judgment day at the end of the world and at that time, we’ll find out the life after “today” life. Thus, we should be grateful that we believe in the Son and we are at the right path to the salvation.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him
This message from John strongly warns human being to believe in GOD in order to have eternal life. However, sadly, in fact, not so many people do care about eternal life. Nowadays, people only care what can be seen such as worldly possession, job or house but those are only temporarily and only can be used in this world. Thus, what’s for pursuing those worldly things, it is better to make use of our time and energy to pursue the eternal life which is salvation. Generally speaking, it is easier to believe something can be seen than something is not. But, we all know that there is a judgment day at the end of the world and at that time, we’ll find out the life after “today” life. Thus, we should be grateful that we believe in the Son and we are at the right path to the salvation.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
John 3
Joh 3:27 John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 "You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.' 29 "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
When John’s disciples said to John that people are all coming to Jesus, who was baptized by you, John was not angry or any jealous of Jesus. For he knew his own duty, which is to make straight the way of the Lord and to bear witness of light. He also knew that no matter how great achievement he has, if it is not the will of God, he could not reach. If it is not given by God, he could not have such capabilities.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Human being is weak. When time changes, standing in high position, human is easy to fall into temptation of pride and greed and forget his original heart. John’s disciples saw the act in the world, that’s why they complained when crowd were coming to Jesus. John but saw the act in the heaven. Although he was sent before Jesus, but he knew Jesus is the main actor. He, as a supporting actor, did his job to support the main actor to develop the act of the heaven.
We should be like John, who can leave from the pride and remember our duty, even though we do good acts of the God’s work. We are just the vessels of God, the humble servants of God. Magnifying the Lord is our duty of all.
Luk 17:10 "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"
When John’s disciples said to John that people are all coming to Jesus, who was baptized by you, John was not angry or any jealous of Jesus. For he knew his own duty, which is to make straight the way of the Lord and to bear witness of light. He also knew that no matter how great achievement he has, if it is not the will of God, he could not reach. If it is not given by God, he could not have such capabilities.
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Human being is weak. When time changes, standing in high position, human is easy to fall into temptation of pride and greed and forget his original heart. John’s disciples saw the act in the world, that’s why they complained when crowd were coming to Jesus. John but saw the act in the heaven. Although he was sent before Jesus, but he knew Jesus is the main actor. He, as a supporting actor, did his job to support the main actor to develop the act of the heaven.
We should be like John, who can leave from the pride and remember our duty, even though we do good acts of the God’s work. We are just the vessels of God, the humble servants of God. Magnifying the Lord is our duty of all.
Luk 17:10 "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
John 3
"29The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
30He must become greater; I must become less."
I think through these verses we could see what struggel John had and to what solution he came. Of course he did know from the very beginnin who he is. When the people, send by the priest, asked him in chapter 2 who he is he testified who he is and which duty is assigned to him. I could imagine that he proudly answered these people that he is doing work for God and that he is chosen by God.
But later disciples of him came to him and complained about Jesus thay may thougth that John is Chirst. On top of that Jesus was even babtized by John. In this case he had really humble himself and told them his position and that he is below Jesus even if he started earlier to be present than Jesus. And he also not only told them not to complain but showed them that it is a joy for him that more and more people are coming to Jesus. I think that this step is one ahead the first of knowing ones duty. Because if he only knows about his duty he might still complain or does not understand. But with this answer it is made clear that he not only know but also understand his role because he is able to convince others about it.
This is like denying oneself and give room for Jesus. As it is said in verse 30 Jesus must become greater; I must become less. This is similar to a hymn we are singing.
But as mentioned before: It is easier to know, than to understand and experience it. Because this is the step where you are active.
How nice would it be if we could be happy when others become stronger especially when it is Jesus in our heart and when he is growing and oneself is not alone anymore.
30He must become greater; I must become less."
I think through these verses we could see what struggel John had and to what solution he came. Of course he did know from the very beginnin who he is. When the people, send by the priest, asked him in chapter 2 who he is he testified who he is and which duty is assigned to him. I could imagine that he proudly answered these people that he is doing work for God and that he is chosen by God.
But later disciples of him came to him and complained about Jesus thay may thougth that John is Chirst. On top of that Jesus was even babtized by John. In this case he had really humble himself and told them his position and that he is below Jesus even if he started earlier to be present than Jesus. And he also not only told them not to complain but showed them that it is a joy for him that more and more people are coming to Jesus. I think that this step is one ahead the first of knowing ones duty. Because if he only knows about his duty he might still complain or does not understand. But with this answer it is made clear that he not only know but also understand his role because he is able to convince others about it.
This is like denying oneself and give room for Jesus. As it is said in verse 30 Jesus must become greater; I must become less. This is similar to a hymn we are singing.
But as mentioned before: It is easier to know, than to understand and experience it. Because this is the step where you are active.
How nice would it be if we could be happy when others become stronger especially when it is Jesus in our heart and when he is growing and oneself is not alone anymore.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
John 2
John2:23Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name.
John2:24But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men.
John2:25He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.
There were two questions coming up when I read this:
1. How did he know? (well, not really a question but an interesting point)
2. What was in a "man"?
1. Actually a very simple question. If we presume that God is almighty, then Jesus is almighty as well (since Jesus is God) and since an almighty person/man knows everything, Jesus also knows "all men".
Heb.4:13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Another explanation:
1. Cor.2:11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him?
And because God has come down to earth as a human being(John1,1+14; Phil.2:6) he was able to experience/know what the thoughts of man are.
Heb.4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
2. What is in a man? What did Jesus see in the men at that time?
If we have a look at what Jesus did when he was in Jerusalem for Passover we might be able to figure out what were the thoughts of the people at that time.
When Jesus went up to Jerusalem he found men selling goods in the temple - in the house of his father.
Then later when the Jews asked him what sign he can show them to prove that he has the authority to clear the temple he answered: "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." But the reply was full of ignorance and lack of understanding:"It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?"
However in verse 23 many people who saw the miraculous signs he was doing believed in him. Believing because of seeing... can we call this "faith"?? Or "believing"??
Be it as it may, Jesus has seen several characteristics of the men at that time:
- the greed and the desires of them (=> selling goods in the house of God =>money!)
- the ignorance and lack of understanding (=> they did not understand what Jesus was talking about and they later also made use of this statement to mock Jesus when he was on the cross Mk.15:29-30)
- the short-term faith which was based on the "seeing, then believing" principle
These are the attitudes of man which Jesus saw when he was in Jerusalem. Of course Jesus knew a lot more about them, but I think that the things listed above are included in the things Jesus knew. That was in "man".
John2:24But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men.
John2:25He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.
There were two questions coming up when I read this:
1. How did he know? (well, not really a question but an interesting point)
2. What was in a "man"?
1. Actually a very simple question. If we presume that God is almighty, then Jesus is almighty as well (since Jesus is God) and since an almighty person/man knows everything, Jesus also knows "all men".
Heb.4:13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Another explanation:
1. Cor.2:11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him?
And because God has come down to earth as a human being(John1,1+14; Phil.2:6) he was able to experience/know what the thoughts of man are.
Heb.4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
2. What is in a man? What did Jesus see in the men at that time?
If we have a look at what Jesus did when he was in Jerusalem for Passover we might be able to figure out what were the thoughts of the people at that time.
When Jesus went up to Jerusalem he found men selling goods in the temple - in the house of his father.
Then later when the Jews asked him what sign he can show them to prove that he has the authority to clear the temple he answered: "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." But the reply was full of ignorance and lack of understanding:"It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?"
However in verse 23 many people who saw the miraculous signs he was doing believed in him. Believing because of seeing... can we call this "faith"?? Or "believing"??
Be it as it may, Jesus has seen several characteristics of the men at that time:
- the greed and the desires of them (=> selling goods in the house of God =>money!)
- the ignorance and lack of understanding (=> they did not understand what Jesus was talking about and they later also made use of this statement to mock Jesus when he was on the cross Mk.15:29-30)
- the short-term faith which was based on the "seeing, then believing" principle
These are the attitudes of man which Jesus saw when he was in Jerusalem. Of course Jesus knew a lot more about them, but I think that the things listed above are included in the things Jesus knew. That was in "man".
Friday, May 22, 2009
John Chapter 3
"13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven."
"23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized."
Since we will start our Doctrinal Studies soon, these two verses might come in handy in answering some questions.
Vs. 13 can be used to answer questions regarding trinity. That God and Jesus is actually one being, not two. One who came down from heaven, and IS in heaven. This being is in 2 places at the same time.
Vs. 23 can be used in answering questions regarding baptism in living water. It can be said that there is no verse that directly points out that baptism must be in living water. We can only explain from the examples and teachings given in the Bible. Here the reason John was in that particular place was explained, it is because there was MUCH WATER. Therefore, John baptized there. Looking further 'Aenon', we realize that the word derived from the Hebrew term meaning "spring" or "natural fountain". The location of Aenon is said to be at an upper source of a valley extending from Mount Ebal to Jordan River which is full of springs. So once again, baptism has occured at a natural body of water. Full immersion may be a bit more difficult to explain. However, using common sense and logic, perhaps it can help to explain the significance of 'much water'. If only drops of water were needed for baptism (e.g. sprinkling), then only a little bit of water would be necessary for baptism, which would make 'much water' none significant. Perhaps it can be used to explain baptism by sprinkling/aspersion. However, this does not explain fully regarding pouring of water over the head while the person stands in the body of water (baptism by immersion). Many times, 'immersion' is confused with 'submersion'. FULL immersion is 'submersion', however, 'immersion' alone does not necessarily equate 'submersion' even though people may use the terms interchangeably. TJC along with Biblical support, practices baptism by submersion in a natural body of water.
"23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized."
Since we will start our Doctrinal Studies soon, these two verses might come in handy in answering some questions.
Vs. 13 can be used to answer questions regarding trinity. That God and Jesus is actually one being, not two. One who came down from heaven, and IS in heaven. This being is in 2 places at the same time.
Vs. 23 can be used in answering questions regarding baptism in living water. It can be said that there is no verse that directly points out that baptism must be in living water. We can only explain from the examples and teachings given in the Bible. Here the reason John was in that particular place was explained, it is because there was MUCH WATER. Therefore, John baptized there. Looking further 'Aenon', we realize that the word derived from the Hebrew term meaning "spring" or "natural fountain". The location of Aenon is said to be at an upper source of a valley extending from Mount Ebal to Jordan River which is full of springs. So once again, baptism has occured at a natural body of water. Full immersion may be a bit more difficult to explain. However, using common sense and logic, perhaps it can help to explain the significance of 'much water'. If only drops of water were needed for baptism (e.g. sprinkling), then only a little bit of water would be necessary for baptism, which would make 'much water' none significant. Perhaps it can be used to explain baptism by sprinkling/aspersion. However, this does not explain fully regarding pouring of water over the head while the person stands in the body of water (baptism by immersion). Many times, 'immersion' is confused with 'submersion'. FULL immersion is 'submersion', however, 'immersion' alone does not necessarily equate 'submersion' even though people may use the terms interchangeably. TJC along with Biblical support, practices baptism by submersion in a natural body of water.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
John 2
24But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. 25He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.
When Jesus was in Jerusalem for passover, many people belived in him. But Jesus did not entrust himself to the people. The reason therfore was because he knows what was in man. When we look back in Genesis, God already discribed what is in man.
"Gen 8:21 21 The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood."
As every inclination of a mans heart is evil from childhood we are here told of a bad idea of man (Menschenbild/ concept of man). But even if every man is sinful and evil the same verse shows clearly that God still do not want their distruction. That is also the reason why he gave us a way to salvation.
Now as we are not God I think that we should neither say that man is good or evil. Cause if we say that they are good than we say something contraversial to what God has just said.(And I think that, there are not many people who belive in a good idea of man, besides Kommunists:). But when we say that man is evil, we condemn all people who God created and loves. What we can do is being aware that we as human being are weak, especially our will to do good (which means to do as God pleases) and that we fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23) and being willing to develop a heart that inclines to God. But if we see others doing wrong (as far as we can judge the situation) we should not be too angry or upset. Rather is it that we feel sad that someone is not able to incline his or her heart to God (We also know that Jesus felt compassion for the sick and weak people.
"Mt 34:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him."
Jesus already said it when he was on earth that we should love and pray for each other. Because whats the point if you sue your borther or sister before the judge? It would be much more helpful if you pray for that person or help him in some other way. Cause if you do not do that you might be (a bit) responsible for someones bad doing. Of course when we did our best and the person does not listen wehave done our duty.
This was the reason why Jesus did not entrusted himself to them. But than I just asked myself what does in mean „to entrust oneself“ (sich jemandem anvertrauen)? And the dictionary told me that it means so reveal a secret to a trusted person. I think in this case it would be the gospel and things like the one in the book of revelation. Because later Jesus did entrust his discples and also us through the bible with the gospel,
"1 Timothy 1:11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me."
or the with God´s work.
"Titus 1:7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work "
The parable of the talents is also dealing this the same topic. Here a man entrusted his property to his servants (Matthew 25:14).
At first I thought that when Jesus spoke about entrusting himself to us that this would be the giving of the promised Holy Spirit. But after some research I think that the Holy Spirit can not be entrusted to us because it is living with us and in us. The Holy Spirit is God´s spirit and we can accept it but we have not the power to, for example share it with other people. Everone has to aks God directly for this gift. Also is the possible arrow of influence between us and the Holy Spirit always from him to us. Although we can cut this influence we will not be able to influence him or change him.
"2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."
After this veres we know that the Holy Spirit lives in us but when we look back to the paragraph before we might easily ask: why is the gospel now entrusted to us? We are still human why now?
Now this verse also shows us why maybe Jesus entrused us with the gospel. It is because Holy Spirit will and can help us to guard it. Otherwise it might be picked away by the birds.
When Jesus was in Jerusalem for passover, many people belived in him. But Jesus did not entrust himself to the people. The reason therfore was because he knows what was in man. When we look back in Genesis, God already discribed what is in man.
"Gen 8:21 21 The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood."
As every inclination of a mans heart is evil from childhood we are here told of a bad idea of man (Menschenbild/ concept of man). But even if every man is sinful and evil the same verse shows clearly that God still do not want their distruction. That is also the reason why he gave us a way to salvation.
Now as we are not God I think that we should neither say that man is good or evil. Cause if we say that they are good than we say something contraversial to what God has just said.(And I think that, there are not many people who belive in a good idea of man, besides Kommunists:). But when we say that man is evil, we condemn all people who God created and loves. What we can do is being aware that we as human being are weak, especially our will to do good (which means to do as God pleases) and that we fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23) and being willing to develop a heart that inclines to God. But if we see others doing wrong (as far as we can judge the situation) we should not be too angry or upset. Rather is it that we feel sad that someone is not able to incline his or her heart to God (We also know that Jesus felt compassion for the sick and weak people.
"Mt 34:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him."
Jesus already said it when he was on earth that we should love and pray for each other. Because whats the point if you sue your borther or sister before the judge? It would be much more helpful if you pray for that person or help him in some other way. Cause if you do not do that you might be (a bit) responsible for someones bad doing. Of course when we did our best and the person does not listen wehave done our duty.
This was the reason why Jesus did not entrusted himself to them. But than I just asked myself what does in mean „to entrust oneself“ (sich jemandem anvertrauen)? And the dictionary told me that it means so reveal a secret to a trusted person. I think in this case it would be the gospel and things like the one in the book of revelation. Because later Jesus did entrust his discples and also us through the bible with the gospel,
"1 Timothy 1:11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me."
or the with God´s work.
"Titus 1:7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work "
The parable of the talents is also dealing this the same topic. Here a man entrusted his property to his servants (Matthew 25:14).
At first I thought that when Jesus spoke about entrusting himself to us that this would be the giving of the promised Holy Spirit. But after some research I think that the Holy Spirit can not be entrusted to us because it is living with us and in us. The Holy Spirit is God´s spirit and we can accept it but we have not the power to, for example share it with other people. Everone has to aks God directly for this gift. Also is the possible arrow of influence between us and the Holy Spirit always from him to us. Although we can cut this influence we will not be able to influence him or change him.
"2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."
After this veres we know that the Holy Spirit lives in us but when we look back to the paragraph before we might easily ask: why is the gospel now entrusted to us? We are still human why now?
Now this verse also shows us why maybe Jesus entrused us with the gospel. It is because Holy Spirit will and can help us to guard it. Otherwise it might be picked away by the birds.
John 02
Theme: Jesus's 1st miracle- done by his words
7 Jesus said to the servants, Fill the jars with water; so they filled them to the brim.
8 Then he told them, Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. They did so,
It's Jesus's first miracle in the world. It recalls me what Johnny (the theological student from UK) once shared with us about the teachings of this miracle, by which the change of intrinsic quality of things manifested Jesus as the master and the creator of Universe. This sorte of completely changes in essence, from water to wine, or more precisely, from H2O to C2H5OH, is only able to be made by Lord. And what more powerful is that, if we observe the process of this miracle more carefully, Jesus's own hands never touched the jar. It is only through his words that the miracle happen and was realized, just like the process of the genesis of the world, and like what the opening of Gospel John describes:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made. (Joh1.1-3)
So it echoes to the main point of ch1 that who Jesus is. Through the content (the changes of nature) and the form (by his words) of this miracle, the message is sent that Jesus is the Lord Himself.
Joh2.5-8 also gave me another insight that although the jars and the servants are all very normal things, as soon as God's words work with/within them, they even could bring marvelous things and good news to people, like Moses's rod, which was originally a common tool in his hand:
Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?"
"A staff," he replied.
The LORD said, "Throw it on the ground."
Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
Then the LORD said to him, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail."
So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
"This," said the LORD, "is so that they may believe that the LORD [..] has appeard to you." (Ex4.2-5)
Just as what once Pr. Ko encouraged us that whenever something is used up, we can ask for Lord Jesus's help, and also as what uncle Chih-Jen once shared about Elisha's question to the widow that "what do you have in this house?" Lord here asked Moses, "what is that in your hand?" The left story is quite similar to the miracle in John 2 that the wonder thing happened in Moses's own hand when he followed and fulfilled God's words. I think it's the same with our case today. Whenever we face difficulties or confusions, we could think about that, "what is that in our hands?" and then, try to do what Jesus's mother told the servant, "Do whatever he tells you." Finally our powerful Lord would intrinsically change everything, for instance, our own selves.
Monday, May 18, 2009
John 2
16To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" 17His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me."
Can we be zealous for the Holy house as well as the Lord Jesus?
1Co 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
Our bodies, which are the house of God and also the where He lives. God is Holy, so that the place He is dwelling in should be holy as He is. How come God would like to dwell into, if the house is not clean?
We know that the miracle in the wedding of Cana, it still was blessed since Jesus has been invited to the wedding and even the wine ran out. In order to get bless from God, we shall invite God to dwell in us; further to let God dwell in us forever, we shall be zealous for the Holiness ourselves.
Can we be zealous for the Holy house as well as the Lord Jesus?
1Co 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
Our bodies, which are the house of God and also the where He lives. God is Holy, so that the place He is dwelling in should be holy as He is. How come God would like to dwell into, if the house is not clean?
We know that the miracle in the wedding of Cana, it still was blessed since Jesus has been invited to the wedding and even the wine ran out. In order to get bless from God, we shall invite God to dwell in us; further to let God dwell in us forever, we shall be zealous for the Holiness ourselves.
Week of May 17-23
Reading: Genesis Chapters 13-18
Refelctions: John Chapter 3
Feel free to sharing your Genesis reflections or questions!
Refelctions: John Chapter 3
Feel free to sharing your Genesis reflections or questions!
John Chapter 2
John Chapter 2
4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
Many times I don’t understand why GOD seems take no notice of my supplications, especially when something that I had planned properly turned to be unfavorable just like what happened during the wedding at Cana. Surely, the wedding organizer had prepared everything accurately but still, they ran of wine and when the mother of Jesus asked His help, He answered: My hour has not yet come.
This verse encourages me to not complain when it seems that GOD has not answered my prayers, as GOD has His time to work out the difficulty. And at the end, when GOD solved the problem, GOD also provided the best solution. This is a good lesson for us to fully submit to GOD as GOD will provide the best solution for us.
4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
Many times I don’t understand why GOD seems take no notice of my supplications, especially when something that I had planned properly turned to be unfavorable just like what happened during the wedding at Cana. Surely, the wedding organizer had prepared everything accurately but still, they ran of wine and when the mother of Jesus asked His help, He answered: My hour has not yet come.
This verse encourages me to not complain when it seems that GOD has not answered my prayers, as GOD has His time to work out the difficulty. And at the end, when GOD solved the problem, GOD also provided the best solution. This is a good lesson for us to fully submit to GOD as GOD will provide the best solution for us.
Friday, May 15, 2009
John Chapter 2
"11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. 23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit (entrust in NIV) Himself to them, because He knew all men."
It's interesting these verses appear in the same chapter. The last verses seem to explain what happens later to the disciples' lack of faith in Jesus, even though in vs. 11 it clearly stated that the disciples believed in him. In vs. 23 & 24, it is apparent that people believe in Jesus because of the signs. But Jesus explained later that "He knew all men". This seem to say that Jesus knows that the people will believe because of the signs, but their faith will also easily fall away afterwards like the disciples' faith did. To mention a few of the incidences where the disciples lost faith after this initial belief: the storm (Mt 8:26), forgetting to take bread (Mt 16:8), parable of the rich man building barns on being taken care of (Lk 12:28), when they ran away after Jesus was taken to trial, etc... Even then, the disciples are considered very blessed, because they weren't those other people that Jesus refer to in vs. 24, even though Jesus "knew all men". He gave the disciples the chance that He did not give these others. That even though Jesus knew that as men, His disciples will eventually do what all men do and forget their initial belief, He still called them to be his disciples.
This is very much like how God chose us to be his chosen ones. That even though we are as much human as the next person, we were chosen to follow Him and be His disciples. That even though our faith will falter, we were given the chance of God entrusting Himself to us. What a wonderful blessing that is? How much more should be learn from this historical event and try our very best not to repeat it? We have heard of many visions lately, and perhaps we were encouraged and our faith lifted, but will we be able to keep that faith and continue to increase it and not let it falter like the disciples'? We praise and thank God for His mercy and grace that we are fortunate enough to be chosen to be entrusted with God's mission, even though we are mere human. Let us try our best to not shortchange that love and fulfill our the duty that has been entrusted/committed to us. May our merciful Father help us to accomplish this priviledged task. Amen.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Gen. (week 2)
TO Lui´s thought:
hehe. interesting question and dialogue. Ja I think that even if they do not know directly what death is, they still know what it means to be alive as they were made as a living being.
"Gen2: 7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."
So one possibility to understand (not know) what death is, is the opposite to living and the opposit of God´s will. Because God wants them to live, created them so that they may live.
____________________________
Something that I noticed is the change of the food. Before the flood it seems that all the creatures are vegetarians and only eating plants
" Gen1: 29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so."
But after the flood things changed. Beforhand man was only the ruler and keeper of the nature. But now there is fear in the relationship between human and all the other livings.
"Gen 9: 2 The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. 3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. "
It is somehow hard to imagine, that after being together with the animals in the limited space that the relationship becomes a prey and predator relationship.
Besides this I also want to share another place that I somehow like. It is in Gen4:6-7
6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
Here does God directly talk to Kain. I like more the german version. There it is in one sentence. "If you fear God than you can lift up your sight freely." As long as you do good and you know you do the right thing than there is no reason why you should downcast your face. But more often is it that we downcast our face because of anger or we are not happy and satisfied about one situation. Than we should remeber what God just had said to Kain. Sin is just sitting before your door and just waits for you to open. But instead of that we should be in a superiour position and lift your sight.
During last week I got really angry about one of my class mates. I just could not bear it how she behaved. After the lesson, when I changed the classroom I was still very angry and I thinkit could be sensed it in some way ^^. But after someone else just told me that he would not mind about something like that I reflected what happened and could get rid of the anger. When I was angry it was really difficult to come out of it and to get rid of it(not even to mention to forget about it). Cause I was not able to lift my sight and always thought with a downcasted face. So I hope that you all do better and rule over all this kind of things which will be a burden to our soul.
hehe. interesting question and dialogue. Ja I think that even if they do not know directly what death is, they still know what it means to be alive as they were made as a living being.
"Gen2: 7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."
So one possibility to understand (not know) what death is, is the opposite to living and the opposit of God´s will. Because God wants them to live, created them so that they may live.
____________________________
Something that I noticed is the change of the food. Before the flood it seems that all the creatures are vegetarians and only eating plants
" Gen1: 29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so."
But after the flood things changed. Beforhand man was only the ruler and keeper of the nature. But now there is fear in the relationship between human and all the other livings.
"Gen 9: 2 The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. 3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. "
It is somehow hard to imagine, that after being together with the animals in the limited space that the relationship becomes a prey and predator relationship.
Besides this I also want to share another place that I somehow like. It is in Gen4:6-7
6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
Here does God directly talk to Kain. I like more the german version. There it is in one sentence. "If you fear God than you can lift up your sight freely." As long as you do good and you know you do the right thing than there is no reason why you should downcast your face. But more often is it that we downcast our face because of anger or we are not happy and satisfied about one situation. Than we should remeber what God just had said to Kain. Sin is just sitting before your door and just waits for you to open. But instead of that we should be in a superiour position and lift your sight.
During last week I got really angry about one of my class mates. I just could not bear it how she behaved. After the lesson, when I changed the classroom I was still very angry and I thinkit could be sensed it in some way ^^. But after someone else just told me that he would not mind about something like that I reflected what happened and could get rid of the anger. When I was angry it was really difficult to come out of it and to get rid of it(not even to mention to forget about it). Cause I was not able to lift my sight and always thought with a downcasted face. So I hope that you all do better and rule over all this kind of things which will be a burden to our soul.
Genesis 1-5
I think it's a pitty that we just read Genesis by ourselves without exchanging our reflections. So I'd like to pose some questions which I thought of as I read. If anyone has any thought, please give your comments ^^. Hope that there are some more dialogues and discussions other than the fulfillment of responsibility of posting on Weekends.
1. God told Adam and Eve that they will surely die when they eat the fruit of that tree. However, in a world without death, how do they understand the term of God's warning? How are they be able to afrid of death?
→ Sorry, let me interrupt myself, because an idea suddenly came to my mind. I think the point should not be whether they understand the meaning of death or not, even should not either be the excuse of their betrayal to their promise. No matter how they understand what God said and did, if they love God and trust God, they must obey it unconditionally. So the dialogue between the ancestors and the serpent should be like this way,
-"Hey, you will not surely die. Come on, you even know nothing about dying!"
-"Sorry, Mr. Serpent, even though we don't know what dying is, we never eat it."
-"Why? You stubborn..."
-"Warum? Kein warum. For God said no. That's it."
Just like our cases today, sometimes we are not able to understand God's intention, but if our love and trust in God is enough, then we can preserve our promise with God, without any reason.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
John 1
John1:46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
Good question: "Can anything good come from there?" Here Nathanael's question is not a real question but rather a rhetorical question. We can see that in those times Nazareth didn't seem to have a good reputation. The people didn't expect anything good to come from there - above all not the Messiah!
In the same way Peter couldn't accept or believe in the words of Jesus completly. When Jesus told him to go fishing he answered:
Luke5:5"Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
When he said this he didn't believe that he would be able to catch any fish. He only obeys "because [he(Jesus)] say[s] so".
And when they caught a lot of fish, Peter "fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"" (Luke5:8) He confesses his unbelief and his ignorance of Jesus' position.
Nathanael - having a similar attitude (not believing that the Messiah could come from such a "bad" city) - also declared, after Jesus has told him he was and where he was before:
John1:49"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
Both of them, Peter and Nathanael, only believed because they have seen the power of Jesus. Their prejudices, knowledge and experiences have inhibited them from believing completly.
I hope that our knowledge and experiences will never hinder us from believing in God's power and grace. If yes, then hopefully there is a Philip saying: "Come and see"(John1:46)
Good question: "Can anything good come from there?" Here Nathanael's question is not a real question but rather a rhetorical question. We can see that in those times Nazareth didn't seem to have a good reputation. The people didn't expect anything good to come from there - above all not the Messiah!
In the same way Peter couldn't accept or believe in the words of Jesus completly. When Jesus told him to go fishing he answered:
Luke5:5"Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
When he said this he didn't believe that he would be able to catch any fish. He only obeys "because [he(Jesus)] say[s] so".
And when they caught a lot of fish, Peter "fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"" (Luke5:8) He confesses his unbelief and his ignorance of Jesus' position.
Nathanael - having a similar attitude (not believing that the Messiah could come from such a "bad" city) - also declared, after Jesus has told him he was and where he was before:
John1:49"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
Both of them, Peter and Nathanael, only believed because they have seen the power of Jesus. Their prejudices, knowledge and experiences have inhibited them from believing completly.
I hope that our knowledge and experiences will never hinder us from believing in God's power and grace. If yes, then hopefully there is a Philip saying: "Come and see"(John1:46)
John 01
Theme: light/darkness; salvation/sin
In chapter 1, I noticed a term, "know", and its synonyms appearing for several times. It guides me to catch the main message of Gospel John, which was indicated in chapter 20:
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (Joh 20.31)
In other words, the main message of Gospel John is to lead people to know who Jesus is and by this true knowing to be saved.
So, who is Jesus? According to 1.14, we know that he is not human being, but God's son. But why did Jesus come to this world? In 1.29 we know that, he came, as God's lamb, for taking away the sin of the world. So, what does it mean the sin of the world? As in 1.1-5, refering to the creation of the world in Genesis 1.1-4, we can say that the creation is basd on the principle of the division of light and darkness. God divided the world from the darkness to become under his domination and to be good. But since Adam and Eve violated the alliance with God, the world fell into the power of darkness and was not able to understand light anymore, although it was once made by the light.
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. (Joh1.5)
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. (Joh 1.10)
So it's human's sin. As what Romans said, all man lost God's glory(Rom3.23), and only by being redeemed into light again, we can leave the power of darkness and understand light again.
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Col 1.13-14)
But how is it possible to know God if every human under darkness cannot recognize Him? That's just the reason why Jesus came. He came, for manifesting God and for making God be known.
18 No-one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
So, in this chpater, the leading questions of this book that who Jesus is and why he came are addressed. With the following chapters, we can carry on this reflection.
John 1
Joh 1:11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
At the beginning, God saw it was good, so that he created the world, the living creatures and the human. God formed man especially in His own image, and also gave the man the breath of life to let the man become living being and blessed him (Gen2:7; Gen1:28). That’s why we are good and special. However, as man somehow has higher position than other creatures, which are also created by God, because we have image of God and are blessed. The relationship between God and man is just like the father to his own child.
Indeed, from the beginning of the relationship between God and man (Adam), which was the father and son, after time went by and the sin effect, the relationship became as friend (Abraham). And then the relationship later on is more distant even as stranger or enemy, which is don’t know Him or don’t receive Him. This is more like the child doesn’t recognize or even scold his own father. I think, being a father his heart must be bleeding. Oh my God! It hurts!:)
God does not leave us alone, but instead loving us bigger and deeper. He gives us chance to reconcile to him. As long as believing in his name, he will give the right to become children of God to those, who receive Him.
At the beginning, God saw it was good, so that he created the world, the living creatures and the human. God formed man especially in His own image, and also gave the man the breath of life to let the man become living being and blessed him (Gen2:7; Gen1:28). That’s why we are good and special. However, as man somehow has higher position than other creatures, which are also created by God, because we have image of God and are blessed. The relationship between God and man is just like the father to his own child.
Indeed, from the beginning of the relationship between God and man (Adam), which was the father and son, after time went by and the sin effect, the relationship became as friend (Abraham). And then the relationship later on is more distant even as stranger or enemy, which is don’t know Him or don’t receive Him. This is more like the child doesn’t recognize or even scold his own father. I think, being a father his heart must be bleeding. Oh my God! It hurts!:)
God does not leave us alone, but instead loving us bigger and deeper. He gives us chance to reconcile to him. As long as believing in his name, he will give the right to become children of God to those, who receive Him.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
John 1
John 1 : 4 - In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
In the few first verses of Chapter 1, John introduced who is Jesus Christ. In verse 4, John used the word of “Light” to introduce Jesus Christ and John emphasized that Jesus is the light of the men (verse 4,9). Moreover, in the chapter 1 verses 1-12, we can find several “Light “words which mean that “Light” is such essential elements in men’s life. And it is mentioned that John was the witness of the “Light”.
Literally speaking, light plays an important role in our life. Everyday we need light to do activity after the day becomes dark otherwise it will very difficult for us to do activity in darkness. This is also the role of the “Light” in our life, when darkness surrounded us; Jesus Christ will give us the light so that we can live this life painlessly. As long as we accept and believe in Him, Jesus will be our “Light”.
I think this is a very good example of John that he witnessed the importance of believing in “Light”. We should follow this example when we want to introduce Jesus Christ to other people as we have been experiencing the brightness comes from our “Light”.
In the few first verses of Chapter 1, John introduced who is Jesus Christ. In verse 4, John used the word of “Light” to introduce Jesus Christ and John emphasized that Jesus is the light of the men (verse 4,9). Moreover, in the chapter 1 verses 1-12, we can find several “Light “words which mean that “Light” is such essential elements in men’s life. And it is mentioned that John was the witness of the “Light”.
Literally speaking, light plays an important role in our life. Everyday we need light to do activity after the day becomes dark otherwise it will very difficult for us to do activity in darkness. This is also the role of the “Light” in our life, when darkness surrounded us; Jesus Christ will give us the light so that we can live this life painlessly. As long as we accept and believe in Him, Jesus will be our “Light”.
I think this is a very good example of John that he witnessed the importance of believing in “Light”. We should follow this example when we want to introduce Jesus Christ to other people as we have been experiencing the brightness comes from our “Light”.
John 1
"3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."
I know you don't have questions reagarding this issue, but this verse caught my eye because I've never noticed it before. This would be another good verse to remember when we try to discuss the existence of Satan. From this verse, we can see that nothing existed in the beginning, except for God. We know that because it states that, "All things were made through Him." The definition of 'All' is EVERYTHING. There may be others out there who question the existence of Satan by arguing that God is good, how can He create something so evil as Satan? Therefore, they argue that Satan and God co-exisited since the beginning. From this verse, it says 'All', and not 'All except Satan'. Therefore, Satan must not have existed in the beginning with God. We remember that Satan was not Satan in the beginning, in Isaiah 14 it states:
"12 “ How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
13 For you have said in your heart:
‘ I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’
15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol,
To the lowest depths of the Pit. "
There was a reason that Satan came to its bad name and evil state. God did not create Satan from the beginning just as God did not create death in the beginning. It was Adam & Eve's sin that brought on death. It was its own doing that Satan assumed its present role. Another verse that goes hand in hand with this one further confirms the fact that nothing existed along with God in the beginning:
"16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1)
Here again, 'all things' is mentioned, not 'some things'. Furthermore, it elaborates by saying 'visible AND invisible'. And if we cannot read between the lines and come to the conclusion that nothing existed before God from the verse in John, this verse clearly states that 'He is BEFORE ALL THINGS'. Therefore, nothing exists before God and everything is created by him. From these verses, I really cannot understand where the argument could come from that Satan and God both existed from the very beginning. Even if the intention was good, the truth should not be twisted. At the end, if we remember that God is good and almighty, then the questions regarding this topic should be solved. I'm just excited to notice another supporting verse in this chapter :).
I know you don't have questions reagarding this issue, but this verse caught my eye because I've never noticed it before. This would be another good verse to remember when we try to discuss the existence of Satan. From this verse, we can see that nothing existed in the beginning, except for God. We know that because it states that, "All things were made through Him." The definition of 'All' is EVERYTHING. There may be others out there who question the existence of Satan by arguing that God is good, how can He create something so evil as Satan? Therefore, they argue that Satan and God co-exisited since the beginning. From this verse, it says 'All', and not 'All except Satan'. Therefore, Satan must not have existed in the beginning with God. We remember that Satan was not Satan in the beginning, in Isaiah 14 it states:
"12 “ How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
13 For you have said in your heart:
‘ I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’
15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol,
To the lowest depths of the Pit. "
There was a reason that Satan came to its bad name and evil state. God did not create Satan from the beginning just as God did not create death in the beginning. It was Adam & Eve's sin that brought on death. It was its own doing that Satan assumed its present role. Another verse that goes hand in hand with this one further confirms the fact that nothing existed along with God in the beginning:
"16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1)
Here again, 'all things' is mentioned, not 'some things'. Furthermore, it elaborates by saying 'visible AND invisible'. And if we cannot read between the lines and come to the conclusion that nothing existed before God from the verse in John, this verse clearly states that 'He is BEFORE ALL THINGS'. Therefore, nothing exists before God and everything is created by him. From these verses, I really cannot understand where the argument could come from that Satan and God both existed from the very beginning. Even if the intention was good, the truth should not be twisted. At the end, if we remember that God is good and almighty, then the questions regarding this topic should be solved. I'm just excited to notice another supporting verse in this chapter :).
Friday, May 08, 2009
1 Timothy 6
"20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen. "
I feel that this encouragement given to Timothy is also an encouragement for us, the younger generation in church. That we should guard what has been committed to us, whether it be our faith, the truth, or holy work. For some reason, Paul especially warned Timothy to avoid contradictions of knowledge, because that can lead us to stray away from the faith. In doing doing holy work, sometimes we may be tempted to contradict and express our kowledge in our own opinion. At those times, different opinions come to conflict to hinder the holy work. In our conflicts, we may lose the unity in God. All in all, when we express our opinions, we must be mindful to do it in truth and love with regard to the work of God, and not our own will and desire. I feel this is a very timely encouragement from Paul for our newly established youth fellowship. Let us pray for unity among us and fruitful labor for the Lord our Father. Amen.
John 1
38 Turning round, Jesus saw them following and asked, What do you want? They said, Rabbi (which means Teacher), where are you staying?39 Come, he replied, and you will see. So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.
We often say that we should let Jesus in our heart. That is right and good. Especially in times of need we have to lift up our sight and open our heart. But there is really a sensible difference between hearing such encouraging words and really to get into a situation where you have to let Jesus into your heart. But I think the more we hear about others experiences and their advises the easier we will remember them, when we can not find any other help. We also should not forget that a could of witnesses are surrounding us.
But here the situation is the other way round. Here the disciples do not want Jesus coming to them. They want to know the location where Jesus is staying, living and dwelling. And Jesus was willingly to show them where he stayed and the rest of the day they were together. You could easily imagine that they had a nice time of being together.
For us, as we are not able to go and see directly where Jesus as a person is, we also can find the place where Jesus is dwelling and have a nice time with him. For God is spirit he can be everywhere but I think that he will be especially there where is children are, those who received him (12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God).
I hope that Jesus is near to every single one of us no matter if we asked Jesus coming to us or us desired to follow and go to him. Because Jesus will come and also let you come.
We often say that we should let Jesus in our heart. That is right and good. Especially in times of need we have to lift up our sight and open our heart. But there is really a sensible difference between hearing such encouraging words and really to get into a situation where you have to let Jesus into your heart. But I think the more we hear about others experiences and their advises the easier we will remember them, when we can not find any other help. We also should not forget that a could of witnesses are surrounding us.
But here the situation is the other way round. Here the disciples do not want Jesus coming to them. They want to know the location where Jesus is staying, living and dwelling. And Jesus was willingly to show them where he stayed and the rest of the day they were together. You could easily imagine that they had a nice time of being together.
For us, as we are not able to go and see directly where Jesus as a person is, we also can find the place where Jesus is dwelling and have a nice time with him. For God is spirit he can be everywhere but I think that he will be especially there where is children are, those who received him (12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God).
I hope that Jesus is near to every single one of us no matter if we asked Jesus coming to us or us desired to follow and go to him. Because Jesus will come and also let you come.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Luke chapter 24
Theme: how peolple believed that Jesus has revived
In this chpater, we found different people who has changed their mind, from doubting to believeing that Jesus had Resurrected. By comparing their processes of faith establishment, we can reflect our own faith.
1. The women coming from Galilee
4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.
5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, Why do you look for the living among the dead?
6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:
7 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'
8 Then they remembered his words.
The women's faith is simple. They believed without seeing the living process of Jesus's Resurrection nor the presence of revived Jesus. They believed because they listened to Angels's message and recalled what Jesus has said before. Actually, God can manifest this great miracle in a dramatic and glorious way, and then there must be lots of people understand that Jesus is truely God. But He didn't. He just left empty space for those who has been searching for him. I think, these women just showed a model of good faith which based on listening carefully to God's messages around them, and remembering God's words.
2. The 2 disciples going to Emmaus
By contrast, Jesus blamed the 2 disciples to Emmaus that:
25 How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
They didn't remember the messages in the bible, so that they couldn't receive the fact of Jesus's Surrection, even though they had heard of the same information from the women:
22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning
23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.
24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.
Then Jesus himself explained them God's word:
26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
After communicating with Jesus and understanding God's plan of salvation, their heart got burning:
32 They asked each other, Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together
I think their faith was established by Jesus himself. Although these 2 disciples were foolish and with hearts of slow, but Jesus himself came up, walked along with them and taught them. So I think, sometimes our faith is not that good or sort of foolish, but we can ask for Jesus's directly teach. When our hear are burning with Truth and Holy Spirit, that's the sign that our faith is vival.
3. Peter
12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
34 and saying, It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.
We know that Peter has just denied Jesus 2 days ago and he must be still shamed. But he got up and ran out to see Jesus as soon as the women brought their testimony, while others did not believe the women. Peter didn't escape from Jesus but searched for him, eventhough he was in great debt to Jesus. Finally Jesus pardon him and made himself be met by Peter. I think, the turning point of our weakness depends upon that how eager our heart of meeting Jesus and of searching for His pardon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
