Monday, January 09, 2006 
BIBLE NOTES
As I mentioned in the last post, I am studying the Gospel of John for the start of this year and thought I would share my thoughts, observations and questions with you as I do so. These are more like off-the-cuff notes than messages. The great thing about the Bible is that you can read it over and over and still find something new every time. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. And remember, you're always welcome to add your two cents in the comments section below.
John 1:1 shows us that what Jesus taught and what Jesus did were inseparable.
In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and He was God.
Jesus could not teach what he could not do. What a great example for all of us to follow. So many of us say one thing and do another. We teach about drugs and alcohol, but fail to mention that we know where all the Starbucks are located. We talk about moderation, and yet, how is it we seem to know where all the best all-you-can-eat buffets are located?
John the Baptist, that "wild guy" in the wilderness, knew that he was preparing the way. He knew that he was pointing people toward Jesus. He prepared the way for them to see Jesus. The question is: Do I prepare the way for others to see Jesus, or do I just sort of say, "He's over there somewhere..."?
At Disneyland they have a policy that when someone asks for directions the workers are expected to point in the direction with two fingers and give explicit directions. So, like the curious guy I am, I asked directions for one of the attractions and, sure enough, two fingers and explicit directions. Why two fingers, and why so much emphasis on explicit directions? Again, curious guy that I am, I asked. The response was: Two fingers so as not to behave like a parent who is scolding a child, and explicit directions so no one gets lost and ends up with less than the Disneyland experience.
So the question is, and I suppose we should all ask ourselves this one: When people ask me about various pathways in life, do I give explicit, knowledgeable directions? And when I do answer, do I act somehow like a scolding parent?
The Word became human and lived here among us.
He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. Jesus became fully human and lived among us. He breathed the same air, ate the same food.
The middle part says: God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. Every action of Jesus was an expression of God's love for us.
Someday soon I'll compare 1 Corinthians 13 ("the love chapter") with this verse and try to show the overall characteristics of Jesus's love and actions. But for now, I'll just say that Jesus's life on earth was the perfect example of humanity — he was fully human. So, as I study the rest of John, and I hope you'll be reading along with me, I'm sure we'll find more of these attributes in the life of Christ, and as we do, I'll try to point them out, for my benefit as well as yours.
Last thought on this chapter...
Jesus starts calling his disciples, and what a ragtag bunch of guys to call, very ordinary and varied in their occupations and lifestyles. Does this suggest that the call of Jesus to follow him was to everyone? If so, then why is there a tendency to write people off before we even talk to them about Jesus? Oh, they're too rich or too smart, too poor. They'll never attend anyway. They're too far gone. They this, and they that. So, God, forgive me for saying no to people. That is not what you've asked me to do. You asked me to ask. Period. Some will say no, and that's very discouraging. Some will say yes, and that's always encouraging. And sometimes they'll say maybe. But ask. Don't answer for them.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you that you came and became the Truth for life. Help me to prepare the way for you. Help me to be small, so you can remain big. Help me not to tell, but to live a life that shows the way to you. Let me thank you for this life I live. It's amazing. God, thanks for giving us Jesus as a gift of your love for us. Lastly, thank you for calling ragtags and ragamuffins to be your servants. Give me grace, as I'm sure I fail you from time to time. Help me to live in your mercy, and in your grace, and to show your love. Maybe I can become your example of grace and mercy. I love you Abba, Father.
John 1:1
John 1:1 shows us that what Jesus taught and what Jesus did were inseparable.
In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and He was God.
Jesus could not teach what he could not do. What a great example for all of us to follow. So many of us say one thing and do another. We teach about drugs and alcohol, but fail to mention that we know where all the Starbucks are located. We talk about moderation, and yet, how is it we seem to know where all the best all-you-can-eat buffets are located?
John 1:6-9
John the Baptist, that "wild guy" in the wilderness, knew that he was preparing the way. He knew that he was pointing people toward Jesus. He prepared the way for them to see Jesus. The question is: Do I prepare the way for others to see Jesus, or do I just sort of say, "He's over there somewhere..."?
At Disneyland they have a policy that when someone asks for directions the workers are expected to point in the direction with two fingers and give explicit directions. So, like the curious guy I am, I asked directions for one of the attractions and, sure enough, two fingers and explicit directions. Why two fingers, and why so much emphasis on explicit directions? Again, curious guy that I am, I asked. The response was: Two fingers so as not to behave like a parent who is scolding a child, and explicit directions so no one gets lost and ends up with less than the Disneyland experience.
So the question is, and I suppose we should all ask ourselves this one: When people ask me about various pathways in life, do I give explicit, knowledgeable directions? And when I do answer, do I act somehow like a scolding parent?
John 1:14
The Word became human and lived here among us.
He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. Jesus became fully human and lived among us. He breathed the same air, ate the same food.
John 1:17
The middle part says: God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. Every action of Jesus was an expression of God's love for us.
Someday soon I'll compare 1 Corinthians 13 ("the love chapter") with this verse and try to show the overall characteristics of Jesus's love and actions. But for now, I'll just say that Jesus's life on earth was the perfect example of humanity — he was fully human. So, as I study the rest of John, and I hope you'll be reading along with me, I'm sure we'll find more of these attributes in the life of Christ, and as we do, I'll try to point them out, for my benefit as well as yours.
John 1:42-50
Last thought on this chapter...
Jesus starts calling his disciples, and what a ragtag bunch of guys to call, very ordinary and varied in their occupations and lifestyles. Does this suggest that the call of Jesus to follow him was to everyone? If so, then why is there a tendency to write people off before we even talk to them about Jesus? Oh, they're too rich or too smart, too poor. They'll never attend anyway. They're too far gone. They this, and they that. So, God, forgive me for saying no to people. That is not what you've asked me to do. You asked me to ask. Period. Some will say no, and that's very discouraging. Some will say yes, and that's always encouraging. And sometimes they'll say maybe. But ask. Don't answer for them.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you that you came and became the Truth for life. Help me to prepare the way for you. Help me to be small, so you can remain big. Help me not to tell, but to live a life that shows the way to you. Let me thank you for this life I live. It's amazing. God, thanks for giving us Jesus as a gift of your love for us. Lastly, thank you for calling ragtags and ragamuffins to be your servants. Give me grace, as I'm sure I fail you from time to time. Help me to live in your mercy, and in your grace, and to show your love. Maybe I can become your example of grace and mercy. I love you Abba, Father.
Posted by | 8:00 AM
1 comments
I know I'm your wife but I too am challenged by what you're saying and asking. I think it is very easy to live our lives, get up, eat, go to work/school, chit chat, eat, go home, possibly do something fun or veg out, go to sleep. I know I fit in my own personal journaling and Bible reading - but that's the thing it's personal, aka alone. So, where is there time to engage with someone re: where they are spiritually or does it matter? It's all about the "Ask"! I love and feel 'special' when someone invites me somewhere or asks me to help them, even if I have to say no, so why is it so hard for me to ask people to church? The place I love and feel called to and the reason we moved here to SLO in the first place. Well, there are a few of my thoughts so you know that I'm challenged on this and I take it as that - a challenge! I can do this! Lord, provide the opportunities for me to ask people I know and don't know to church. Help me to get over myself long enough to push through the possible uncomfortableness (don't know if that's a word, but let's go with it) to get to the heart of those around me that just want to be asked. I accept this challenge today! Amen.
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