John 14: 1-7

The Way

The Holy Trinity is such a mystery. Though we may believe, it is not possible for us to understand how it can be that three are in one. We generally think from an earthly, 3-D perspective, and have no concept of the heavenly realm.

Jesus attempts to comfort his disciples, just as God’s Word through the bible is here to bring us peace. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1 Jesus goes on to tell them about preparing a place in his father's house and coming back for them so they will be where he is.

Thomas (the doubting one) inquired of Jesus when He told the disciples; “You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:4

Just as we would, Thomas was thinking of a pathway or road to get to the place Jesus referred to. Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” John 14:5

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7

As this story continues Philip also questions Jesus and asks to see the Father. Considering all the things the disciples saw and heard while in the company of Jesus, it’s hard to believe Jesus wasn’t a bit frustrated as he replied; “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:9

Is belief in Jesus the only way to find salvation? Jesus’ answer is clear from this passage. Many may call Christians narrow-minded, yet as a true Christ follower there is only one passage way to the promise of eternal life. We lay down our doubt, and with faith we seek to understand something we likely will not be able to comprehend until we are no longer of this world.

By faith we believe that The Way of The Cross is the only way!

Light tasks and heavy lifting

Years ago, my wife and I were washing dishes together after dinner.  One baking dish was proving to be a particular challenge and, as I scraped and scrubbed, Peggy said, “Just let it soak for a while in soapy water.  Let the detergent do the work for you.”  Her advice actually sounded pretty good to me, so I filled the dish as she suggested and left it alone.  Then returning to the kitchen sink 20 minutes later, I was amazed at how easy it was to finish the job.  The dish soap had done the heavy lifting and my effort was actually pretty light.  And ever since, I’ve been perfectly happy to let the detergent do the work on the occasional, more difficult cookware cleaning job. 

We who live in Christ through faith share the task of helping others see the wonder of who he is and the power of what he does.  But sometimes we mistakenly take on the heavy lifting that only God can do.  We need to understand both his role and ours. 

We are called to tell others what Christ has done in our lives, but only God can draw them to himself.  Ours is to engage people and serve them as the Spirit leads us; it is God’s role to soften their hearts.  God is the one who opens doors for the sharing of God’s promises in Christ; we simply walk through them and speak. 

And only God owns his results.  We need not worry about the outcomes of our obedience; the sovereign God is in charge and fully capable of turning our Kingdom efforts into his Kingdom wins.  In fact, he’s the only one who can. 

Ours is simply to watch and listen, then obey and trust.  And to be perfectly happy to let God do the cleaning, the heavy lifting.

Click here to see today’s Scripture in Acts 8:26-39.  As you read the story of God, Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, distinguish between the tasks Philip undertook and the work only God could do. 

John 1: 43-51

In Monday’s beautifully written Blog, Simon Peter met Jesus. The writer insightfully transcribed how differently God views each one of us, from the way we perceive ourselves and each other. Today’s reading recalls the day Philip and Nathaniel came face to face with the Savior. As I read each word I was compelled to think about how we should look at others from a different point of view as well.

Philip acknowledged Jesus as “the one Moses wrote about in the Law.” Jesus foretold they would "see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Perhaps Jesus envisioned who was positioned where, when His final day came to pass. Philip and Nathaniel were in the crowd.

Think for a moment, how differently we would manage our lives if we knew certain things ahead of time.

If we were aware that our husband or wife would only be with us for one more year, how differently would we love? If we had the knowledge our daughter would be separated from us as an adult due to family conflict would we be sure to create more positive memories for her today? If we somehow knew that as we aged, our health would significantly deteriorate, would we live more boldly now?

As Nathaniel and Philip approached Jesus, Nathaniel declared; “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; the King of Israel.”  It was as though Nathaniel had a sense the others did not. He understood what and who Jesus was. From that moment on, Nathaniel lived his life differently.

Can we attempt to live in such a way? Gleaning from every moment, a sense of urgency regarding taking care of others as though they will not be with us tomorrow? To do so, we will need to take a heavenly viewpoint.

God, “Give Me Your Eyes.”

Read/Listen to John 1:43-50

View You-Tube video “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath