I shared some reflections a few weeks ago. Although I've been a Bible learner and disciple of Christ for many years, I do not yet have this walk figured out. It's filled with missteps and mistakes, and even when I re-read some of my prior posts, I can see how I could have represented the truth more fully and adequately. It is humbling to know that God still brings truth even in our tiny bit of understanding.
Today, we start a Bible study I've refused to write for months. It is a chapter out of my dark soul and a testament to the bright communion God showed me over a long, swarthy night. I know I need to sit still and get some of the messy, messy work God has graciously done down on paper. I dread it and welcome it all in one.
The fourth gospel is essential. John gives us a direct look into the heart of Jesus—into who Jesus is. It was a book that was written for one purpose: that we might believe. What a blessing to have a book written primarily to help us understand the character of Christ and the meaning behind the events the Son of God performed so we would believe that Jesus saves.
The beloved disciple, John, writes a profound story that is both simple and deep. He doesn’t tell us much about himself, but he tells us plenty about who Jesus is. What a beautiful picture of the life we are to lead on this earth…
Also, I thought it’d be fun to start 2019 off with a groovy GIVEAWAY. I’m currently reading The Beloved Disciple: Following John to the Heart of Jesus by Beth Moore…
This week, there is a tiny but powerful word used: if. First, let’s make it clear that God’s love for us is not conditional. He gave an eternal gift willingly through the death and resurrection of Christ. However, it’s important to note that as believers, there is a link between love and obedience. Christ’s love for us drove Him to action. Love cannot exist without action.
The word love – mentioned three times in this single verse – has a powerful root. Love, in this context, translates to agape in the Greek. Agape is unconditional love – it requires nothing in return and abounds in grace (undeserved favor). We could read the verse like this: “As the Father has unconditionally loved Me, so I deeply love you with a love that requires nothing in return. Now dwell richly in My abounding grace.”
So often we try to add to God’s glory through our own efforts. 1 Peter 4:11 says, “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
The vine. The husbandman. And now, the branch. The branch doesn’t have to do anything. Simply by connecting to the vine, sap and strength flow into that piece of wood so it may bear fruit. Oh, how we strive, perform, and tirelessly labor to produce fruit at times! Yet, all God bids us to do is be still in Him.
Previously, we meditated on how Jesus is the true vine, which means there are vine substitutes in this world. Now He continues on and speaks of how God is the vinedresser. That’s not a word we use much in this area and day, but it refers to Him being the caregiver or caretaker of your life. He farms and tends to the soil of your heart so it offers deep root and abundant fruit.
We have the Exodus study going now (along with a hack-free blog!) and I mentioned starting some meditations on John 15. These are meant to be meaningful snippets to bring refreshment throughout the week. There is a short verse, then a bit of application. At the end there is a moment to praise Him, confess to Him, and petition Him. Make this portion your own – and from your own heart. I’ve provided words from my own soul to simply guide you.
