Zeal in doing the will of the Lord is a truly admirable quality. In fact, the apostle Paul encouraged Christians to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14, New King James Version). The apostles themselves were reminded of this quality when they witnessed Jesus cleansing the temple, recalling the words, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up” (John 2:13–17; cf. Psalm 69:9). Seeing the Lord’s wholehearted devotion to His Father’s will ought to inspire each of us to cultivate that same kind of zeal in our own service to God.
However, I also recognize that zeal can be misguided when it is not grounded in a proper knowledge of God’s will (Romans 10:2). Therefore, I pray not only for greater zeal but also for the wisdom to direct that zeal in the right way. In the original language of the New Testament, the word translated zeal carries the idea of earnest eagerness or fervent devotion. Such eagerness may express itself in different ways, but it must always be governed by God’s truth.
Looking at the Gospel accounts, I see that James and John were two brothers who exemplified zeal. Jesus even nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). On one occasion, however, their zeal was misguided. When a Samaritan village refused to receive Jesus, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” (Luke 9:51–56). Even so, they remained in fellowship with Jesus, who loved them deeply. Rather than rejecting or extinguishing their zeal, Jesus patiently corrected them, so that they would reflect God’s will instead, of mere impulse.
After the Great Commission was given and the apostles began preaching in the name of Jesus, James became the first of the apostles to be martyred (Acts 12:1–2). His zeal for the Lord remained steadfast, even in the face of persecution, exemplifying those who suffer “for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10). I pray that my own zeal will likewise be marked by such love and devotion to God, remaining faithful even if it should one day cost me my life (Revelation 2:10).
On the other hand, James’ brother John was the only apostle who was not martyred for his faith. He lived to an old age and, during the reign of Domitian, was exiled to the island of Patmos because of his unwavering testimony of Christ. Before his exile, John wrote the Gospel of John and later authored three epistles that consistently emphasized the importance of commitment to the truth and genuine love for fellow Christians (John 8:31-32; 1 John 3:18-23). While on Patmos, he received the Revelation of Jesus Christ and recorded it (Revelation 1:9). After his exile ended, early Christian tradition suggests that John returned to Ephesus, where he continued to encourage his brethren. He became especially known for his emphasis on the idea that love for one another must always accompany faithfulness to God’s truth.
Interestingly, while the apostle John was once ready to rain down fire and brimstone on the Samaritans, later in life, he stood firmly for the truth while also promoting brotherly love. There is no compromising of truth within John’s message; however, he grew to embody a great balance between his zeal for the Lord and his love for others! True love certainly entails caring enough for someone’s soul to speak whatever is necessary for their edification, but it also requires the type of tenderness that shines through in his epistles.
For these reasons, I pray to God Almighty: help me grow in my zeal! I want to express this zeal with both the proper knowledge and wisdom, as I wish to be the person You want me to be in every one of my interactions with others. Help me to discern when to speak with firmness, and when to approach others more tenderly, O God (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).
Father, may I never compromise Your truth, for Your word is truth (John 17:17). May I be zealous for good works… And may I also be a good example for others, glorifying You in this way (Matthew 5:16). May Your people, everywhere, be (properly) zealous for good works (Titus 2:14; Romans 10:2). Amen.
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My fellow Americans, neighbors, and loved ones: Many are posting tributes on social media today to honor those who have lost their lives while serving their fellow man. I am very grateful to live in this country and for the freedoms that it provides. Moreover, I am thankful for my fellow citizens’ sacrifices so that I can enjoy the comforts of living in this land. I truly am proud to be an American. That said, while we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for others, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to consider something even more critical. Many fathers and mothers have sent their sons and daughters to die on the battlefield, but God sent his only begotten Son to die for the sins of humanity (John 3:16). Though I do not wish to diminish many Americans’ heavy sacrifices, I want to draw our attention to Jesus. Would you join me in praying to God after reading this reflection? Consider a few comparisons.
Sacrifice for Others: Today, we seek to remember the soldiers who gave their lives to protect freedom, peace, and country. With much greater consequence, Jesus gave his life to save humanity from sin and death, offering the gift of eternal life! Christ told His disciples, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:13-14)
Freedom Through Death: On Memorial Day, we reflect on how the sacrifice of so many soldiers secured our earthly freedoms, such as religious liberty and safety. In contrast, Jesus’ death offers us spiritual freedom—freedom from the bondage of sin, from separation from God, and the ultimate fate of condemnation. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)
Remembering the Fallen: We honor and remember those who died on Memorial Day, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten. Christians also remember Jesus’ death regularly through practices like communion so that His sacrifice remains in our hearts and minds. Jesus instituted His memorial on the night in which he was betrayed, and 1st-century Christians observed that memorial every first day of the week (Matthew 26:26-30; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-33).
Inspiration to Live Better: Contemplating the sacrifices of soldiers may inspire us to live with gratitude, courage, and a commitment to service. In a much more profound sense, remembering Jesus’ sacrifice calls Christians to live sacrificially, loving and serving others with a higher sense of purpose and calling. “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:16-17)
Hope Beyond Death: Many believe the sacrifices of soldiers contribute to a brighter, more hopeful future for our nation. However, Jesus’ death grants us the ultimate hope—eternal life and victory over sin and death, promising that we will reign with Him forever and escape every heartache (Revelation 21:1-22:21).
I must note: While it may be inappropriate to compare secular holidays with Jesus’ death during our time of communion on the 1st day of the week, this Memorial Day, as we reflect on the tragedies of this world and the noble sacrifices made for goodness, it feels fitting to express gratitude. And while it is noble that our fellow man has been willing to die for us, OUR UNDERSTANDING OF TRUE NOBILITY COMES FROM GOD, the creator and sustainer of all things.
If this resonates with you, I pray you will look to Jesus and thank Him for dying for you, providing hope for a better life beyond this world. We will each give an account to God for our deeds, and all of us have sinned! Let us demonstrate our thankfulness by surrendering our lives to Him (Matthew 7:21-23), putting our belief in Jesus as Savior and Lord (John 10:31-39), repenting of our sins (Luke 13:3), confessing our faith (Matthew 10:32-33), and being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38). In doing so, the Lord will add you to His church (Acts 2:47), the one He purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27)!
Just as one day each year is not enough to honor what our fellow man has done for us, a single moment or day is insufficient to commemorate what Jesus has done for me. Let us strive to devote our lives more fully to Him. Amen.
Driving across I-77 through Columbia, SC, I grew up looking out my window and seeing some swampy wetlands that could not be built upon. Once, I remarked to my dad how great it would be to live on such an open prairie, but he quickly informed me about the marshy area’s unsuitability for construction. Fast forward about 15 years, and news broke in the local community that a contractor had bought all that land to build a neighborhood hub. After years of litigation, he ultimately had to relinquish the land upon realizing he couldn’t develop a marshy wetland. Despite his initial aggressiveness in acquiring the land and gaining much notoriety, he was left embarrassed, unable to finish what he started. On the one hand, I can admire someone’s zeal and readiness to initiate such a significant project, investing resources I could only dream of. But on the other hand, it reminds me of the wisdom found in counting the cost, as Jesus advised:
25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them,
26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—
29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? (Luke 14:25-30, NKJV)
Jesus emphasized that following Him requires a life defined by complete and utter devotion. He taught that one’s love for Him should be so profound that it eclipses all other relationships, even those with parents, spouses, children, and siblings. This calls into question the concept of self-sacrifice in Christian belief and challenges individuals to consider whether they are genuinely willing to dedicate themselves to following Jesus.
If Jesus had left it right there, it would appear that people can accept or reject Him as Lord with no future challenges. However, Jesus did not conclude His message by advising individuals to weigh the cost of accepting Him as Christ, implying that one could walk away without consequences. He continued in this manner:
31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.
33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:31-33)
Suppose a great army was approaching, and you realized you lacked the resources to stand against such a force! Wouldn’t it make sense to do everything in your power to seek conditions of peace from this impending threat? You would aim to make peace, likely accepting whatever terms the more potent force offers. The spiritual parallel here is significant; Jesus is returning to confront those who have opposed Him (Rev. 19:11-21). God has outlined His conditions for peace, Jesus is one day coming in vengeance with His mighty angels (2 Thess. 1:8-9), and I would like to know what those conditions are and how we can accept them (Rom. 3:21-26; 6:1-7, 23). It’s essential to read the Bible and pray to understand this better. The terms Jesus offers are non-negotiable, and rejecting His call to discipleship carries eternal consequences (John 5:25-30). Someday, everyone will recognize His authority (Phil. 2:9-11). Let us humbly accept His terms of peace and embrace the path of discipleship now.
Maybe it’s just the algorithm in my social media, but many people (even high-profile ones) are taking a stand against many of the evils in our society. Additionally, many are even invoking the name of Christ in their speeches, which, on one hand, gets me very encouraged. On the other hand, I’m mindful that there can be a superficial calling upon the name of the Lord that has no substance, and doing that kind of thing can lull us into a false sense of security (Matt. 7:22-24).
I can remember when this country was brought to its knees, so to speak. On September 11th, 2001, thousands of American lives were lost because of horrible acts of evil, and as a result, there seemed to be a great awakening among our fellow citizens. Even among the politicians in Washington, it seemed people were putting away their differences to do what was right. On television, they held hands, sang gospel hymns, and attended church services. Furthermore, Americans were united with a greater sense of patriotism. But how long did all of that last?
We ought to learn from the history of God’s people. Jeroboam II ruled when the nation of Israel seemed to flourish (2 Kings 14:23-29). Israel’s military was powerful. They had expanded their territory to the furthest reaches since the days of King Solomon. Politically, they appeared to be strong on the world stage. Economically, business was booming! The problem was that the people (including their leaders) weren’t genuinely seeking after God, and as a result, the end came very quickly, and the Assyrians soon toppled them (2 Kings 17:1-41). All those blessings during Jeroboam’s time almost make it seem like God said, “If you would turn to me, things could be so much better. This is how it could be if you genuinely sought after Me and followed My ways.” Unfortunately, that was not the case for Israel, as their ascent was based on superficial means.
I perceive an opportunity for our great blessing here within our borders. Who doesn’t want our military to be strong? We want righteousness to prevail over wickedness socially. We want the economy to be robust. We want peace and brotherly love to reign. Many wish for Christianity to flourish. Still, if it’s just going to be some superficial Christianity that we embrace, if we’re going to be weak in our convictions, or if we’re going to be halfhearted — that’s not going to cut it. We need complete allegiance to Christ. Satan would love nothing more than for you to have a false sense of security in America’s military, our economy, and even brotherly love. But at the end of the day, all those fears that people have about how things may have been going for some time will ultimately come to fruition if we do not seek God wholeheartedly (Mark 12:30).
As an individual, I pray for an awakening among the borders of the land where we dwell. I pray for a worldwide GREAT awakening (2 Tim. 2:1-7). But God Almighty, please do not let me not fall prey to a false sense of security or even a false message of who You are and what You want from my life (Col. 2:8)! Reveal Your true character to me through Your word, Father. Moreover, reveal to me (through Your word) the one TRUE Jesus (2 Pet 1:4; Col. 1:27). I pray that all honest hearts will find You (Matt. 7:7-8), and may Your people capitalize on this time of great potential to manifest true godliness within our local sphere of influence (Matt. 5:11-16). Amen.
Jesus consistently utilized parables as his primary teaching method. This choice not only engaged His audience but was also a strategic way to mask deeper meanings from those not earnestly seeking the truth of God’s word (Matthew 13:12-15). In every instance, Jesus’ parables compelled His listeners to think critically and delve deeper into spiritual matters (Mark 4:13). Though His use of parables posed challenges to their understanding, Jesus was generally willing to explain the meanings of these parables to those who inquired about them, though He did not always do so.
It is often said that parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings, but that doesn’t go quite far enough. In Jesus’ parables, the analogy always concerned the kingdom of God, and since the things this world so often counter the essence of God’s spiritual kingdom, any attempt to point to anything in this world and say, ‘there is the kingdom of God,’ would bring many misunderstandings. Jesus frequently employed stories that included analogies relatable to His audience, such as farming practices. But, as His hearers began to feel at ease within a story’s context, Jesus would introduce a surprising twist that challenged their assumptions by bringing forth a lesson completely contrary to their preconceived notions. For example, consider that only twenty-five percent of the seed sown in the Parable of the Sower went on to bear fruit, whereas seventy-five percent did not (which, on the surface, looks discouraging). Yet, that same twenty-five percent in the parable is said to produce some thirty, some sixty, some hundredfold! Thus, Jesus greatly challenged the hearer’s understanding of how things operate in the spiritual realm… Those who teach are, therefore, encouraged to simply sow the seed and allow God to provide the increase. That is, in fact, why Jesus calls it “the parable of the sower” (Matthew 13:18). Through His teaching methods, Jesus challenged people to reevaluate everything they believed about God and His kingdom. This method still prompts modern hearers to reconsider their preconceived notions of the kingdom of God.
Application on the Parables of Jesus
Observing Jesus’ teaching techniques, we can consider the Parable of the Lost Son in Luke 15:11-32. One key theme that Luke emphasizes in his Gospel is that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Chapter fifteen begins with Luke informing his readers that all the “tax collectors” and “sinners” drew near to hear Jesus and that “the Pharisees and scribes complained,” saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1, New King James Version). That is why Jesus spoke the parables presented in the rest of the chapter (Luke 15:3). Identifying the target audience, and the reason stated before Jesus’ discourse will aid in identifying the major lessons gleaned from the parable. First comes the parable of the lost sheep, in which Jesus describes a shepherd going out, leaving a flock of ninety-nine sheep to find one that strayed away from the flock. When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he returns home rejoicing and shares the good news with his friends and neighbors. Jesus then spoke the Parable of the Lost Coin, concerning a woman who had ten coins, lost one, and diligently searched until she found it. In both instances, Jesus spoke of “joy” and “rejoicing” in heaven when one sinner repents. Both parables are very encouraging. Then came a parable concerning a man with his two sons. The story centers on how younger of the two sons asked for his share of an inheritance, which he was given, and then journeyed to a far-off country where he wasted his possessions with riotous, sinful living. After spending everything that he had, a famine came onto the land, and this son began to be in want. So, he attached himself to a citizen of that country and was sent into his fields to feed swine. The story mentions this young man became so hungry that he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods the swine ate, but no one gave him any! If we pause right there, for those of the first-century Jewish audience, this wasteful man seems to have gotten what he deserved. Because the Pharisees and scribes considered themselves righteous, one may infer that they would have looked down upon such a man (Luke 15:2-3). Nevertheless, Jesus does not end His story on this point. Instead, He further described how that young man “came to himself,” realizing that while his father’s servants had plenty of food, he was starving to death (Luke 15:17). The son, therefore, resolved to go to his father in humility to acknowledge his sins, and even his unworthiness to be called his father’s son. The young man determined to be like one of his father’s hired servants and arose to journey home. But when he was still far off, his father saw him and had compassion. Furthermore, the father ran to his son, fell on his neck, and kissed him! The son acknowledged his sinfulness, but the father does not rebuke him. Instead, the father rejoices by putting the best robe on his son, a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet. Moreover, the father’s servants were told to bring the fatted calf to be eaten because, as the father said, his son “was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:24) But as the father’s older son is in the field, and as he comes and draws near to the house, he hears music and dancing. So, he called one of the servants and asked what that meant. He was told that his brother had come home, that his father had received him safe and sound, and everyone was rejoicing! But instead of being pleased, the older son was angry and refused to attend the feast. That is when his father came out and entreated him to rejoice. The older son then complained to his father about how he had been faithful in everything for many years, while his father’s son went out and wasted his possessions on harlots. After complaining about how sinful his younger brother was while extolling his virtues and that he did not receive such praise, the son is pleaded with by his father. The older had always been with him; all the father had was his. It was therefore fitting that they should make merry and be glad, because his brother was dead and is alive again; he was lost and now he was found.
The parable’s end does not describe how the older brother responds to this pleading from the father. It concludes with a cliffhanger. But from the onset, the story concerns a person who was very covetous and wasteful, and the Pharisees may have even considered the subsequent famine as part of God’s retributive justice. But surprisingly, Jesus gave insight into the younger son’s heart, describing his feelings of humility and measure of true repentance. Moreover, there is a sharp contrast revealed in that the father was willing to accept his penitent son, whereas the older brother continued to look down upon the younger with contempt. Most of the Pharisees would not have thought of themselves as being in the position of the lost son. Instead, they likely perceived that Jesus aligned the Pharisees’ and scribe’s’ attitude with the older brother’s thinking. While encouraging sinners to come to their senses and repents, Jesus also revealed that many in attendance had very calloused and unforgiving attitudes. Moreover, Jesus did not finish the parable by informing anyone of the older brother’s concluding response. So then, Jesus left His hearers with an unspoken challenge: How would they, in turn, respond to other people that sought God’s forgiveness, after they themselves have been striving to remain pure? Perhaps Luke even intended for his readers to put themselves into the story and determine how they would respond.
For the modern audience, many immediately place themselves in the younger son’s position. Within the New Testament, there is the theme throughout that concerns grace being extended to sinners through the blood of Jesus Christ (Cf. Luke 24:46-47; Romans 3:24-25). Indeed, if one comes to their senses, they too can humbly approach a loving Father who is willing to joyfully accept them with forgiveness (Luke 15:7, 10, 20). I find great comfort in that. However, one should heed the other side revealed in this parable, because while there is great comfort in Jesus’s words about forgiveness, there is also an implicit warning against self-righteous attitudes that causes one to look down upon others (cf. Luke 15:1-2; 5:31-32; 18:9-14). The same Jesus who calls for men to seek after righteousness also demands that men possess a readiness to forgive (cf. Luke 15:31-32; 17:3-4). How will the reader of Luke chapter fifteen respond to the Parable of the Lost Son? Today’s readers are still left wondering how the elder brother ultimately responds. The teaching methods of Jesus, especially His use of parables, continue to challenge hearers to reconsider their thinking today!
Some preach a different version of Jesus than the one described in the Bible. It could be argued that the Apostles were not familiar with the “Jesus” preached in many circles today, because the modern “Jesus” does not require change when coming to Him. Some teach that Jesus is willing to accept only the changes you are willing to make on your terms.
Yet, the Jesus that the Bible does describe? He tells us to count the cost! The Jesus that the Bible presents taught that following Him may very well cost us relationships, even with our own earthly family. The real Jesus of scripture says that true discipleship will cost us hardships in this life (James 1:2), will cost us our material things, will cost time, will cost even our whole self (Romans 12:1-3).
The Jesus the Bible describes calls for conviction (Luke 15:1-32), godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:7), and genuine repentance (Luke 13:3). The Jesus the Bible describes says most people cannot see or enter the kingdom of heaven (Luke 16:15; 17:20-21; 18:17; John 3:3-5). Only this Jesus is worth believing! Only this Jesus is worth serving!! But only a few will evaluate Jesus and learn that though the challenge is great, the rewards are much greater (Matthew 5:1-7:29)!
25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them,
26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—
29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?
31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.
33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”
After feeding the 5000, Jesus instructed His disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee ahead of Him, while He dismissed the crowd. Then, Jesus went up to a mountain alone to pray. Meanwhile, the disciples in the boat were struggling with strong waves and winds in the middle of the sea! This continued until the early hours of the morning (while it was still dark) when Jesus approached them by walking on the water. When the disciples saw Jesus, they were frightened and thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus reassured them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
This is where we witness some growth in the apostle Peter, as he responded, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” At this point, Peter realized that if the Lord commanded him to do ANYTHING, he could do it! Even if Jesus commanded Peter to walk on water, he could do it!! It’s one of those moments when we are reminded to be mindful of what we pray for, because we might just get it (if we ask God for an opportunity to do something significant, He may grant us that chance).
Returning to the story, Jesus told Peter to “Come,” and Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus! Imagine Peter holding onto the edge of the boat, placing his feet firmly on the water, and then letting go… to find himself walking on water!! Would he ever forget that experience? However, it was very dark, with strong winds and crashing waves, and the water was about 200 feet deep! As a fisherman, Peter was aware of this. As he looked around, he felt fear creeping in, and he began to sink.
When we know we are in trouble, it is interesting how we respond (not mincing words). Peter emphatically cried out, “Lord, save me!” Now, did Jesus rebuke Peter, saying, “Thought you could do it, huh?!” No, that is not what Jesus did!! Instead, He IMMEDIATELY reached out His hand, caught Peter and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
You see, Jesus wanted Peter to succeed in walking on water, just as He wants us to succeed in obeying His commands. So the next time your faith is tested (and it WILL be tested), remember that the Lord wants you to pass the test! Also, note that even after Peter’s faith failed, when the Lord saved Peter, they both walked on the water – together – and got back into the boat. The other disciples in the boat then worshipped Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God.
There are profound moments in our lives when we realize that the Lord has indeed saved us! He deserves our worship, our service, and our all. God, please grant Your servants the ability to do great things in Your name, all to Your glory! Use me as You deem fit, and may You be with me in all things. Amen.
Jesus chose to become a human, and He humbled Himself even lower than the angels. He did this so that He could die for our sins and then be exalted. Through the experience of suffering, He became complete. By doing so, He also became our brother! Through His death, He made the devil powerless!! His humanity also served another purpose: to fully understand our struggles and be our compassionate and trustworthy high priest. He suffered temptation, which allowed Him to relate to our struggles and provide help when we are tempted… In this way, He accomplished God’s plan for the ages!!!
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.
17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
~ Hebrews 2:14-18
Holy God and Father, it is truly a deep matter for me to meditate upon concerning the deity of Christ. For Him to lower Himself, and be obedient to the point of death, all because of His willingness to provide atonement for my sins – is truly humbling. Because of His death, I now have hope to live again, even after I die! Moreover, I see His example of suffering, and it makes me aware of the need for some overcoming I must accomplish in this body. I thank You for Your plan of salvation and ask for strength to overcome every trial and temptation, this very day!! Please grant me spiritual strength through Your Son!!! Amen.
Jesus stated that the only way to connect with God is through Him. He is the true vine that provides spiritual life and nourishment, and the Father is the vinedresser who prunes and removes dead debris. Jesus also mentioned that even God’s followers who do not bear fruit will eventually be taken away. However, those who do bear fruit will be pruned by God to produce even more fruit. But what does bearing fruit mean? Some people believe that it means making disciples, but that is not the only way to bear fruit. Bearing fruit goes much deeper on a personal level! When the word of God is planted in our hearts, it grows and develops, eventually blossoming into something beautiful that others will see! And when the word of God shapes our character, we begin to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities are the fruit of the Spirit, and we bear them when we establish and maintain a relationship with Jesus. God refines us along the way if we remain in Christ. But without Jesus, we can do nothing. Are you connected with Him? Are you bearing any fruit?
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 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.
6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
~ John 15:1-8
Our Father who is in heaven. Hallowed be Your name. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father, I desire to maintain a close relationship with You, understanding that Jesus is the One who cleanses and provides all spiritual nourishment. I am open to Your refining of my character, and humbly accept Your word into my heart! May You truly transform me from the inside out, and may Your people be mere vessels that bring all honor to You! You are the ultimate source of all sustenance, blessings, and joy!! May we stay connected with You through Jesus, and may our lives bear abundant fruit!!! Amen.
In John Chapter 9, Jesus healed a man who was born blind. This act was performed with a purpose – so that the man would receive his sight and the works of God would be revealed in him (John 9:1-12). Despite this notable miracle being performed openly, there were unbelieving Jews who refused to accept Jesus. Even the man’s parents were afraid of being put out of the synagogue and distanced themselves from the situation. Although the man later testified to what Jesus had done, many continued in unbelief, casting the man out from among them (John 9:13-34). Jesus explained that the purpose of healing this man’s blindness was to indicate that He provides mankind with the ability to be spiritually illuminated. Jesus came into this world to provide spiritual insight into the needs of our souls! With this wonderful blessing, comes great responsibility, as Jesus also warned that we must be careful in how we respond to His word.
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”
36 He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”
37 And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”
38 Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.”
40 Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?”
41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.
~ John 9:35-41
Dear God, El Roi, I express my gratitude for the wonderful work that You have done in my life. I am thankful to Jesus for enlightening me about the spiritual realities that exist beyond our physical world. I was once blind, but now I can see the truth, because of Jesus. Thank You for Your divine word that provides me with guidance and inspiration to meditate upon. I pray for a pure heart, a clean conscience, and a clearer vision of the spiritual realm. I want to see the truth of Your word more clearly and look forward to seeing Jesus as He is (1 John 3:1-3). Please open my eyes, Lord. I long to see Jesus. Amen.
