Posted by Charlie on Dec 21, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: John 9, 10, 11
“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
John 10:17-18
Observation
In Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis concluded that Jesus was either the genuine Son of God or he was a nut case, but could not be both. In today’s passage Jesus makes a bold claim that would fall into one of the two categories Lewis described.
Application
Anyone has the power to lay his or her life down, but I’ve yet to meet anyone who has the power to take it back up, which leads to the central question of Christianity: Did Jesus indeed rise from the dead? If not, then we poor Christ-followers are a pathetic, deceived lot. If he did rise from the tomb as the Bible claims, then it has far-reaching ramifications for every human being, and to shrug it off is done at one’s own peril.
For me as a believer it has serious ramifications as well. If Jesus is alive as Scripture proclaims, then his promised abiding presence should be making a marked difference in my daily life. Let’s see, he is everywhere-present, all-knowing, and all-powerful, having disarmed spiritual powers and authorities. That knowledge alone, if truly embraced, puts an entirely new spin on life.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for your position of power, authority, and sovereignty over this universe. Please help me to live today with a greater awareness of your real presence, and the ability to respond to your promises with genuine faith. Amen!
Tags: authority, resurrection
Posted by Charlie on Aug 8, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: Jeremiah 1,2; John 10
“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
John 10:17–18
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
John 10:27-30
Observation/Application
These words, spoken by Jesus, have to be some of the most comforting and reassuring words in all of Scripture. Who else can claim the authority to lay down and then take up his own life? But Jesus doesn’t leave the matter at his own life. He exercises that authority on my behalf, and assures me that there is no one, anywhere, who has the ability to snatch me away from his care. That relieves a boat load of anxiety about life and eternity. I have his assurance that he cares for me and the validation of his promise through his resurrection. That’s better than winning the lottery by a long stretch!
Prayer
Father, thank you that I am secure in your hand. Thank you for your unfathomable love! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: authority, security
Posted by Charlie on Apr 13, 2009 in
Devotions Scripture: 1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 3, 4; 2 Corinthians 13
For though [Jesus] was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
2 Corinthians 13:4
Observation
Paul caps off his letter to Corinth with a reminder that he may be weak in his physical body and persona, but he carries the full weight of the authority of God.
Application
I’m glad God’s power is made perfect in my weakness, because I have a lot of it. As I delve more into the contemplative side of spirituality I have a hunch I may find that my weakness is actually a benefit in many ways because God’s power and authority are not dependent on my strength or lack of it.
Prayer
Father, thank you that you have given all authority in heaven and earth to Jesus, and that authority has been delegated to your church. Please help me to walk in the authority of God today, and to have the wisdom to exercise that authority well for the furtherance of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Tags: authority, weakness
