Psalm 19, John 4:39-54

                             "POWER OF THE WORD"
                     (Second in a series: "Seven Signs in John")

A Mother, driving in rain, used the power of words to teach her
son a lesson.  She said: "The rain is like sin and the windshield wipers,
are like God’s wiping away our sin."

Last week we reflected on the first Sign in John revealing Jesus' dazzling glory.
This week's scripture refers to that first sign. 
     Once more Jesus visited Cana in Galilee
      where he turned water into wine. (John 4:39)
                                                       
Jesus was returning from his visit to Jerusalem in Judea. Choosing to take
the direct route, leading him through Samaria, a region most Jews avoided
because they despised Samaritans. There he met a woman at the well.
The result of their conversation was that many believed in Jesus because of
the woman’s testimony. They urged Jesus to stay with them.
He stayed for two days. Then he resumed his trip to Galilee.

(Read John 4:7-26 for the full story.) Verses 41-42 say:

"And because of his words many more believed.
We no longer believe because of what the woman said
but because we have heard for ourselves and know
that this man is Savior of the World."   What an affirmation!
 
"Now he left for Galilee. (Now Jesus had pointed out that a prophet
has no honor in his own country.) John 4:43-44) Mark 6:4 and Luke 4:6:24
explain why Jesus used that statement and why he was despised in Nazareth.

The Second Sign of Jesus’ dazzling glory was the Power of His Word,
resulting in a growing belief in Jesus. Notice the Progression in John 4:39-54.

Believed enough to ask Jesus to help a man’s son.

A government official, in Herod’s government, heard and seen that Jesus had healed
many people. Learning that Jesus was back in Capernaum, Galilee he traveled
20 miles to ask Jesus to come to his home and heal his dying son.
He believed enough make the effort of begging Jesus for help.

The official treated Jesus with respect, reverence and not contempt, as most
Jews were treated by those in the royal court. He calls Jesus, "Sir"
putting himself under Jesus, even though he legally had authority
over Jesus and could have commanded him.
Instead, he begs Jesus to come quickly.

Believed Jesus’ assurance that his son would live.

Jesus responded: "You may go. Your son will live.
The man took Jesus at his word and departed."  (John 4:50)

The man:
Believed Jesus and took him at his "bare" word.
Acted by returning the 20 miles to his home.

He believed and so did his whole house.

While he was still on his way, his servants met him with the news that
his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time his son got better,
they said to him, "the fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.
                                                                                  (John 4:5-52)   

Faith is a gift that grows as it is used. The father realized
The Timing and Completeness of Jesus healing (1:00 p.m.).
Instantaneous healing resulted in faith in Jesus for himself and
his whole household. (John 4:53)

The Effect of Faith and Efficacy/Power of the Word
restored life to a child and gave life to a family.

The woman in Samaria told others of what Jesus had done in her life.
Her faith in Jesus spread and many believed in Jesus because of the
testimony of the women. (John 4:39)

The miracle of healing was more than just a favor to one official
in Herod’s service, it was a sign to all people. John’s Gospel was
written to all humankind urging faith in Christ.

The official had faith that Jesus could do what Jesus claimed.
The official believed, then saw the miraculous sign. Jesus said:
Unless you people see miraculous signs and
wonders you will never believe. (John 4:48)

In contrast to, signs, the Samaritans believed because of what Jesus said:
the transforming Power of his word.

Do you believe Jesus can take care of your problems?
If so, act by asking him.
Act as if Jesus can make a difference.

After asking Jesus, in prayer, live as though you
believe Jesus will do what he says.
　
Jesus’ miracles were not mere illusions, the product of wishful thinking.
Although the official’s son was 20 miles away, he was healed the moment
Jesus spoke the word. Distance was no problem because Jesus Christ has
mastery over space. We can never put so much space between ourselves
and Christ that he can no longer help us.

Jesus took the official from believing simply because of "signs"
to believing Jesus’ word. True faith came when the sign demonstrated
that Jesus was a man of his word.

That word had and continues to have the power to heal and change lives 

for him and his families. He was taken from faith because of a sign

to faith in Jesus the life-giver.

Two Themes:

Faith and Power are life giving.
Lack of faith in Jerusalem, despite signs Jesus performed,
contrasted to faith of Samaritans based solely on his word.

Nicodemus, a religious leader secretly came to Jesus saying
Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who came from God.
For no one could perform the miraculous signs
you are doing if it were not for God with him.
Jesus responds: No one can see the Kingdom of God
                          unless he is born again.
Jesus led Nicodemus from believing because of signs to
"Believing in Jesus, which leads to eternal life." (Jn. 3:1-16)

Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman:
The water I give will become a spring...welling up to eternal life.
"Water that gives life." (John 4:14)

Jesus spoke and the boy - Lived.

"God spoke" and there was creation. (Genesis 1:2-31)

John 4:54, after the healing of the official’s boy, says:
This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed, Demonstrating the Power of the Word.

Life Giving will be developed in the next section of John.
The Third Sign: John 5:1-15.

(Read the passage in Preparation for next week’s blog.)

As I wrote last week, *"The Chosen" is a dramatic rendition of Jesus and his disciples.  It can be seen on Prime or The Chosen's app:  The Chosen.tv./app!, The episodes dramatizing the Scripture passages in this blog are Season 1 episode 7,8 and Season 4 episode 4.

                                                          

                                                            

                                                    Read John 2:1-11

                                    "SUPER ABUNDANCE"

                            (First in a series: (Seven Signs in John)

There is nothing more embarrassing than running out of food or drink at a party

you are hosting. That is why so often there is a great deal of food left over after
all the guests leave.  If you found there was not enough food or drink for all your
guests, you likely would send someone to the nearest 24hour store to buy some.

Hospitality is a significant element and sacred duty in the Middle East Culture.
Once one enters a house or tent, the host will do everything to make that
person’s time very enjoyable.  There is always coffee or some other
form of drink and usually an abundance of food depending on the occasion
and time of day. In this story, it is easy seeing how running out of wine would
be a major embarrassment for the newly wedded couple.

There has been much speculation as to why the shortage.
     1. Were they not properly prepared?
     2. Was there a lack of concern for guests?
     3. Possibly they were poor and having additional guests, although we read:
        “Jesus and his disciples were invited," may have caught them off guard.
     4. Guests brought food or drink to a Destination wedding which lasted
         a week. Maybe the disciples didn’t bring food or drink for the festivities.

Banquets were prepared for many guests. The week was spent celebrating with
the married couple. Often the whole town was invited. It was considered an insult to refuse an invitation to a wedding. Thus, careful planning was needed to ensure everyone had a good time and there was enough to eat. Whatever the reason, running out of wine could lead to embarrassment. Mary, likely a relative of the bride’s parents, interceded and asked her eldest son to find a solution.

John's primary theme of this story was not:

     1. That the wine ran out.

      2. Mary's intervention-compelling Jesus into take action.
      3. It was not even that the water was turned into wine.
      4. Or the reaction of the steward.

John's primary theme is this was the first time Jesus revealed some of his
dazzling glory which resulted in his disciples believing in him. (John 2:11)

Throughout this Gospel, John records Seven Signs(miracles) Jesus did reveal who he was.

(This Blog is the first of seven on Signs in John. I will publish one each week.)

What does this passage reveal to us about Jesus?

There are Three Qualities:

Jesus enjoyed life and being with people.

Jesus had just launched his ministry, the greatest in the history of the world.

Yet he took time to attend a wedding and take part in the festivities.
Let me give a little background to this wedding:

There was a wedding in Cana and Jesus was there. (John 2:1)

Cana was about 17 miles from Nazareth, where Jesus grew up.
Galilee, where Jesus began his ministry, was about 25 miles from Cana.
It is believed that the wedding was for Mary’s niece.
Thus, Jesus’ presence. There is something special about this story
that brings joy today.

For Andrew and Phillip, (Read John 1:35-43), former disciples of
John the Baptist and the first to follow Jesus, the contrast to John the Baptist,
an Essen who lived an austere life, must have been remarkable seeing
Jesus enjoying festive occasions because they involved people.

Jesus used festive occasions as opportunities of demonstrating God's kingdom.

We too can use celebrative times to demonstrate the joy of God's presence.
Balancing our lives between times of pleasure and work is best accomplished
by bringing Jesus into both.

Jesus empathized and cared for people.

Jesus acts to avoid embarrassment for his relative by responding to a
heartfelt need.  His mother, Mary, was not likely asking Jesus to perform
a miracle, for up to now he had not performed any, she was simply
asking her eldest son to find a solution to the problem and find some
more wine. Jesus' answer is sometimes difficult to understand:
     "Dear woman, why do you involve me? ...                     
      My time has not yet come." (John 2:4)
Maybe that is the point.  Although Mary did not know what Jesus
was going to do, she trusted him to do what was right.

Those of us who believe in Jesus sometimes run into situations we do not
understand and may do the same: trusting that Jesus will do what is right. 

Jesus was more than human, he is the Son of God, thus: 
We can cast all our cares upon him because he empathizes and cares for us.
                                                                                                    (I Peter 5:7)

Jesus' solution may be entirely different than what we expect.
Like Mary, we may submit and allow him to deal with the issue as he sees best.

Jesus' first miracle was not in the presence of a large crowd nor
was it spectacular.  It was responding to a need in a simple family setting.

Jesus responded with superabundance.

Abundance replaces Scarcity. Jesus transforms the ordinary
into something extraordinary.  From ritual comes rich blessing.
The six stone jars were normally used for ceremonial washing. When full,
the jars would hold 20 to 30 gallons. According to Jewish ceremonial law,
people became ceremonially unclean by touching objects of everyday life.
Before eating, the Jews would pour water over their hands to cleanse
themselves of any bad influences associated with what they had touched.

Not only was there superabundance of wine (120 gallons),
but it was A vintage wine. "Everyone brings out the best wine first and then
the cheaper wine," (or watering down the wine as depicted in the Inn scene
in the movies “Les Misérables” and "The Chosen"*) after the guests have had too much to drink, but you have saved the best until now." (John 2:10)

People look everywhere, but to God, for meaning and excitement.
For some reason, they expect God to be dull and lifeless. Just as the wine
Jesus made was the best, so life in him is better than life on our own.
Why wait until everything runs out before trying God?  
Why save the best until the last?
 
When the disciples saw Jesus' miracle, they believed.
This was a growing belief.  Fulfillment of John 1:50
"You believe, Nathaniel, because I told you I saw you
 under the fig tree.  You shall see greater things than that."
Jesus revealed his power over nature and how he would go about
his ministry by helping others, speaking and acting with authority and
being in personal touch with people.

Miracles are not just superhuman events, but ones demonstrating
God's power.   As we will see, almost all Jesus did was renewal of a
fallen creation, the result of disobedience to God. Believe in Jesus not
because he is superhuman but because he is God who comes
bringing new life to all the poor, the affluent, the weak,
the strong, the crippled, the orphaned, the blind,
the deaf or any in need of re-creation.

Taste God's grace - Enough for All - not knowing where it comes from.

The Messianic Banquet described in Amos 9:13-14:
“Such abundance of crops that people won't be able to harvest them all.”
And in II Barach 24:5 "Earth shall yield its fruit ten thousand yield.
     Each vine shall have 1000 branches.
     Each branch shall have 1000 clusters.

     Each cluster shall have 1000 grapes.
     Each grape shall make 120 gallons of wine."

If Jesus brings joy to a possible disastrous situation, “They have no wine.”
 Imagine what Jesus can do for the issues we face in life.

If Jesus was concerned about a small wedding feast -
how much more is he concerned for our needs.

Where do you need to see water turned into wine in your life right now?
 

Jesus revealed who he was and who God was:

     A God who wants to be with us.
     A God who meets our needs.
     A God whose grace never will run out.
     A God who responds with superabundance

Where is the wine level (zest for life) in your life right now?
Full? Half Full? Empty?
What is draining you?  What areas seem like stale water in an old jug?

Do you want Jesus to give you Living Water? If so. where?

Is it self-esteem, family, work appearance, spiritual life, physical life
or mental life?  If so, ask Jesus to come into your life and turn that
stale water in joyous wine.

Jesus said: "I have come that you might have life and

that you might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*"The Chosen" is a dramatic rendition of Jesus and his disciples.  It can be seen on Prime or their app:  TheChosen.tv./app!, Season 1 episode 5.

Postscript: Some of you have asked why I chose “On The Vine”
as the name of my blog.  It comes from Jesus’ words recorded in John 15:5:

"I AM the Vine, You are the Branches. If (you) remain in me and I in (you),    
(you) will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

My goal is to remain daily in Jesus, The Vine, and any “fruit” in my life

come from him. That fruit is described in Galatians 5:22-23

    “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

      goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Photo is a banner designed by my wife, Jeannie, and sewn by stitchers in the church where it hangs.  

                                                   

Super Natural V

                                                  John 14:5-14

Thomas, the disciple’s, question is in response to what Jesus had just told his followers, Don’t let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, and trust in me…I AM going to prepare a place for you.  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I AM.  And you know the way to where I AM going (John 14:1-3).

This is one of the most important scriptures in the Bible.  How do we know the way to God?, Through Jesus.  Jesus is the way because, the Word (God) became human and made his home among us…And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:14). This is John’s the narrative of Jesus’ birth.  John 14 records some of the last teachings of Jesus before he was arrested and crucified.  There is a similar theme between John 1 and 14. 

As Jesus united his life with ours, taking on a human body, so as we unite with Jesus, we are united with God.  Jesus is saying: “Trust me and I will take you to the Father.  All the benefits of being God’s child will be yours.  Some people say that “Jesus is the only way to God is too narrow.”  In reality is so wide that whole world, if they choose to follow Jesus, will know the way to God.  Let us thank God for providing a sure way into his God’s presence.

The disciple Philip says:  Show us the Father, and we will be satisfied. Jesus responded:  Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.  Don’t you believe that I AM in the Father and the Father is in me?  The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me and does his work through me…Believe because the work you have seen me do (vs. 8-11).  Jesus is the visible, tangible image of the invisible God.  (Colossians 1:15-23) He is the complete revelation of what God is like.  To know Jesus is to know God.  Those searching for God, truth and reality need only look to and follow Jesus.

Jesus says:  I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works.  This verse is used as the theme of this Advent and Christmas Season.  The disciples did what they had seen Jesus do, heal a lame man and raising someone from the dead.  It was the “Promised Holy Spirit” who lead them into truth and empowered them.

Jesus gives us the same message and promised Holy Spirit.  As we tell Jesus’ story and how he has impacted our lives, the Holy Spirit will help us to know what to say.  When we see a need, we are invited to pray for God’s healing, direction, forgiveness or provision for the person or situation.  Ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  (vs. 14)              

Question:  Jesus said:  I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life … Follow me.   Have you ever tried going your own way, rather than following Jesus?  What were the results?  In troubled times what promises of God give you hope and courage?  

Prayer:  Ever-loving God, you came into this world clothed in our garments of flesh.  Clothe me in your Spirit, that others will recognize you in me and receive your greatest gift of love.  I pray in the name of Jesus, your greatest gift. Amen. 

SUPER. NATURAL IV

 

SUPER. NATURAL IV

                                                              John 10:25-30

People were asking for proof that Jesus was the Messiah.  How long will you keep us in suspense?     If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly (vs. 24).  This was a similar question to John the Baptist’s question to Jesus. (See Last Week's Devotional.)  Jesus gave the people an answer that sounded like that given to John.  The proof is the work that I do in my Father’s name. (vs. 25)

This week, Jewish people just celebrated Hanukkah, the “Feast of Dedication” (vs. 22), recalling the miracle of one day of oil for the Menorah lasting for eight days.  This occurred after the Maccabean revolt against the Greeks and the rededication of the “defiled” Temple.  Jews today, as in Jesus’ day, are waiting for the Messiah to come.  Thus, feelings about Roman domination might have surfaced,
prompting the question.   

Most people asking for “proof/sign” that Jesus is who he said he was, do so for the wrong reasons.  In Jesus’ day, the questioners did not want to follow Jesus, especially if it meant submitting to his leadership.  The same is true today.  People were hoping Jesus would declare himself Messiah for their own reasons.  They were looking for someone to drive out the Romans.  Today, people may be looking for Jesus to do … (add whatever topic).  Others were hoping Jesus would identify himself so they could accuse him of telling lies. Today, some are looking for Christians to say Jesus can do … (add action) and when it doesn’t happen, it is “proof” to them that Jesus was only a historical person who did not do miracles.

Jesus’ response to the question was:  You don’t believe me because you are not my sheep.  My sheep hear my voice and follow me (vs. 25-26). Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus protects those who follow him.  This does not mean that we, who follow Jesus, will not experience suffering on earth.  We live in a “broken world,” and are not exempt.  We can know, we are never alone, God is with us and will bring us through pain.  Jesus said:  I give eternal life, and they will never parish.

No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me… No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.  The Father and I are one (vs. 28-30).  This is clearest statement of who Jesus is.  He is divine.  Jesus and the Father are One, not the same person but same in essence and nature.  Jesus was not merely a good teacher—he is God!  His claim is unmistakable.  The people wanted a Messiah to overthrow Rome.  The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus because of Jesus’ claim of being God.  Verse 31 records how the Jews reacted.  Jesus questions:  I have shown you many great miracles/signs from the Father.  For which of these do you stone me?  Note the response:  for your blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.  That is the question.  Who is Jesus?

Question:  Read John 10:34-42.  What is Jesus’ response to those who wanted to stone him?  What accounted for the difference of reception across the Jordan as compared to Jerusalem?  (vs. 41) Who is Jesus to you?  Are you following him?  If so, how?  Advent (Coming) is preparing and anticipating.  Maybe we can appreciate our Jewish friends, who are reading Isaiah 35 and still waiting for the Advent of the Messiah, as they celebrate Hanukka, recalling God’s miraculous provision.    

Prayer:  Loving God, what joy it is recalling your promise to come.  What peace I have knowing you came in the form of a human baby, so that we would know who you were, and lived on this earth experiencing everything I do.  Your coming brought new life, hope and direction.  Come, O Come live with me and reign within me now and forever.  Amen

Super Natural III

                                                             Luke 7:18-23

                                  Are you the Messiah we have been expecting,
                                  or should we keep looking for someone else? (vs. 19) 

That was the question John the Baptist wanted to ask Jesus.  He sent two of his disciples to inquire of the Lord.  Last week we read that John was in prison for speaking against Herod, (See Last Week's Blog.)  John was confused about the reports he received about Jesus.  John’s questions were natural.  Jesus wasn’t condemning, speaking against Roman abuse or “bringing God’s wrath.”         (Luke 3:7).

There is Danger of following a dream that is only a dream.  Had John misunderstood what he was called to do?  He gave his life in preparing the Way, had it been in vain?  Was he only following a dream?

John had expected a military take over!  Judgment had not come!

Jesus answered: Go back and report to John what you hear and see.              The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured,        the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and good news is preached to the poor.                         (Note the first blog and read again Isaiah 35:3-5.)

John, “you are not following just a dream.  You are following me.”  Jesus was the only person who could ever demand, without qualification and condition, to be judged not by what he said, but what he did. 

Jesus said, after John’s disciple left, I tell you, of all who ever lived, none is greater than John.  Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is! (vs. 28) That includes you and me.  How is that possible?  They, (we) have heard and have a clearer knowledge of the purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  John was the last to function as an Old Testament Prophet in preparing people for the coming of the Messiah.  Jesus was contrasting life before his coming with the fullness of life in Christ’s Kingdom lead by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, which he promised to send after he left this earth and returned to God the Father.  

Today, Jesus says:  Look at what I can do for you.                                             See what I have done for others.   

What Jesus did in Galilee he still does today.  Dr. Springs in Denver, Colorado said: “I can heal no one. I have studied and learned the skills of being a surgeon.  All I can do is identify and remove a tumor or repair a torn organ.     God does the healing.  God gave us humans, curiosity and desire of finding plants and minerals that may lead to healing.  We crush and blend them, but God is the One who gives wisdom

I can help a patient find a specialist who can remove cloudy eye lenses and replace them other lenses, resulting in people being able to see.”  Wherever     Dr. Springs does surgery, he does in the name of and gives to glory to Jesus for the privilege of “Demonstrating God’s Healing Love to all, especially the poor.”

Question:  How did John receive information about Jesus?  Why could he not get it firsthand?   What six things characterize Jesus’ ministry?                        How would that answer John’s question?  (Isaiah 35:3-5)

Prayer:  Thank you, God, for the Good News awaiting me today and always.  Thank you for your grace and mercy which you promised, in my life, when I experience disappointments or fear that hinder my journey toward your kingdom.  Thank you for using me as a living oracle of Good News for all living in darkness and crying in despair. 

Supernatural II

 

SUPER. NATURAL II.

                                                                             Luke 1:57-80

This scripture picks up the Story of John, son of Elizabeth and Zachariah, which starts in Luke 1:5.   An angel promises Jewish Priest, Zachariah that his wife Elizabeth would have a son and He is to be called JOHN.  (vs.13-17) Zachariah asked: How can I be sure (sign) this will happen?  I am an old man now, and my wife is well along in years.  The angel said: “I am Gabriel!  I stand in the very presence of God.  It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!  But since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born.”                                           (The sign for which you asked.) (18-20)

Now you understand why the people spoke to Zachariah in sign language, (they may have thought he could not hear them since he couldn’t speak) to confirm that the baby’s name was John (vs. 67-80). Zachariah praised God with his first words after months of silence.  This song has been called Benedictus, Latin for Praise the Lord.      He then prophesied that the coming of the Savior/Messiah, who would save (redeem) them from their enemies. He predicted that his son, John’s mission was to Prepare the Way for that Messiah.  All the Old Testament prophesies were coming true.                     It is no wonder that Zachariah praised God! 

Zachariah recalled hundreds of years of God’s sovereign work in history.  He began with God’s Convent with Abraham, maintained through his decedents, affirmed with his baby being circumcised, as a sign of that continuing Covenant.  The baby was named John, as the angel had instructed.

Zachariah then, tenderly, personalized the story.  His son would bear a key role in the drama of ages.  Although God had ultimate power, God chose to work through frail human beings who were as helpless as babies.  (John and Jesus were born months apart.  Thirty years later, John and Jesus met again.)  We don’t know what Jesus did before coming to his cousin John, known as the Baptizer, asking for baptism. 

We Know John lived a life of strict discipline. He rebuked evil wherever he saw it.        His message was:  Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.   He had nothing to lose, especially after baptizing Jesus.  His career ended in disaster.  He fearlessly and defiantly spoke against Herod Antipas of Galilee, who during a trip to Rome had seduced his sister-in-law.  Returning home he dismissed his wife and married his     sister-in-law whom he lured away from his brother.  John publicly and sternly rebuked Herod.  Herod took revenge and had John thrown into the dungeon of the fortress Makhairas near the Dead Sea.  For anyone that would be a terrible fate, but for John, a child of desert; where all his life he had lived in open space, with wind blowing on his face and the spacious sky for his roof; being confined by four walls in an underground dungeon must have been almost un-bearable. 

Thus, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus a question.  "Are you the one is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Luke 7:20) Read the following verses, 7:21-23)   to see how Jesus responded.  In your own words write down what Jesus told John's disciples to say to John.             

Question:  How did John’s birth fulfill what the angel said to Zachariah?  List all the things for which Zachariah praises God. (Luke 1:68-79) Compare his song with that of Mary’s song, known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). 

Prayer:  Gracious God as you sent John to prepare the way for your son, Jesus, you sent your Own Son to prepare the way for our salvation.  Give me grace to heed His word and accept His forgiveness of my sins as I prepare for his Advent (Coming.)

Super Natural

 

SUPER. NATURAL

                                                             Isaiah 35:1-10                                                            

One year ago, our current President of the United States, Trump was elected. Some were excited and hopeful while others fearful.  Sixteen years ago, President Obama promised Hope and Change.  Some were happy about the change and others not.  My purpose is not to raise a political issue, but to illustrate that placing hope in anyone or anything, other than God, is False Hope.

Advent is four weeks focused on the Hope of the One who came and promises to come again. The Advent Candles remind us of the hope of the Prophets.  Read Isaiah 35:1-39.  It is a message of hope, an oasis between the wasteland of chapters 1-34 and 36-39, which are messages of judgment, on all nations including Israel and Judah and a history of war and sickness, for rejecting God.

God Never Allowed His People to Go Without Hope or Comfort.

The same is true for us.  God Will Never Leave Us Without Hope.

When our hands are feeble, and our knees give way.
When our hearts are filled with fear-Disease, Death, Age. 
God says: Be strong, do not fear, I will Come, I AM With You!

                                                                     As time drew near for the Israelites to return to their homeland after being held as captives for 48 years in Babylon, it was important for them to remember the lessons of their ancestors.  The coming Exodus would be greater than the first, when they were liberated from Egypt.  Inspired by the Holy Spirit, in chapter 34, Isaiah exhausts the picture of a stricken earth, shrouded in smoke from the smoldering ruins, haunted by wild beasts, empty of all human life, the stench of the slain, clinging to the very soil drenched with rotten death. In Contrast, in Chapter 35, One passes from a sense of despair to hope, thanksgiving, beauty and joy, “oracle of divine redemption.”   The homecoming would be glorious, traveling on the Kings Highway.  God’s Coming makes the desert blossom.  The King’s Highway would take the pilgrims from the desert of suffering to Jerusalem.  The way was found only by following God.   The theme of this Advent is Super. Natural Sign. Note that God doesn’t simply point the way.  God is the Way and always beside us.   The One we anticipate during Advent said: I AM the Way; I AM With You!

 QUESTION:  What pressures are causing your hands and knees to tremble?  How might the message of verse 4 bring strength to you?  When you were ready to “give up,” how did God come to you?   

PRAYER:  Gracious God, I put myself before you with a waiting heart and expectant desire.  Open my eyes that I may see your promise fulfilled; open my ears that I may hear your word whispered to my deepest being.  Strengthen my hands and trembling knees while I await your coming anew.