April 2010
Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. John 6:57
Food. It’s advertised on television, in magazines, on websites and in newspapers . . . everything from "healthy" yogurt to bread that is just like home baked.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Have you ever done something and thought "Now why did I do that and why did I think it was a good idea?" Well you are not alone! I have done things for which I needed to ask another's forgiveness. I have done things for which I needed to ask God's forgiveness. Time and again we read stories in Scripture about people who have strayed from their commitment of obedience to God. But the good news is that it's never too late to seek God's forgiveness.
Disobedience lead Jonah into trouble in Jonah 2. He needed forgiveness in the deep dark place that his disobedience had taken him. It was not too late.
God hears our prayers of confession and repentance in our deep dark places. Impatience lead Abram and Sarah into trouble in Genesis 16 and 17. They needed forgiveness in the difficult situation of their own making. It was not too late.
Words
Words are powerful. With a single word one can encourage. With a single word one can tear down. With a single word one can comfort. With a single word one can cause grief. Jesus’ words in scripture are saturated with intent and power. His words were deliberate and he never misspoke.
As we recently travelled through Easter we came face to face with the words of Jesus that were life and death to him and ultimately to those who are His followers in 2010. The people who listened to him in the first century AD had no idea of the import or endurance of his words!
As Peter tried to intercede during the arrest, Jesus said, "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" (John 18:11)
As Pilate questioned him, Jesus affirmed, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36) and "Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (John 18:37)
And as he hung dying on the cross Jesus speaks those poignant words, "It is finished." (John 19:30)
