You Vs. The World: Who Will Win?

John 17:13-19

In these short verses, John uses the word sanctify three times.  It's a very 'churchy' word, isn't it?  Do you ever use it outside of a Bible study?  Sanctify means to make holy; set apart; to purify or free from sin.  Here are some synonyms for sanctify that help me get away from the 'religious' view of this word:

• absolve
• consecrate
• glorify
• anoint
• dedicate
• hallow
• bless
• deify
• purify
• cleanse
• enshrine
• set apart

Why is it so important to be sanctified?  John is quoting Jesus in these verses, and Jesus is telling his disciples that, while the world will reject them, his prayer for them is that they will be 'sanctified by the truth; your word is truth. (v. 17)'  

The Evil One is real.  And he hates the truth.  Jesus prays that we will be protected from the evil one (v. 15).  And one way to be protected is to be in God's word, and to claim his promises and protection.  And to know that, ultimately, our end goal is not that the world will love us, but that we will do God's will, and one day we will be greeted with the words "well done, my faithful servant.  Enter into my rest."  

Lord, I struggle with the desire for the world's acceptance.  Help me to long for sanctification more.  Give me a desire to know you and serve you, and help me to flee the Evil One.  Amen.  

Good Job Joe Boy

Matthew 3:13-17

The last football game that my Dad ever saw me play I wanted to make him proud. It was my senior year of high school, but my parents were moving to Kentucky while I stayed in Michigan. This was it; my final chance to win his approval; to make him proud. My last chance to hear him say, “Good job Joe Boy”.

With those four words he could have sent me on my way ready to tear down walls. After all, this was going to be a big change for me. I wouldn’t be living with my parents anymore. The people who had raised me, provided for me and made my life secure were moving, leaving me behind. Fear, insecurity and the anxiety of the unknown all waited for me like a dark closet in my bedroom.

Imagine how Jesus might have felt as he approached his cousin John about baptizing him. He was about to set out on his earthly ministry. We don’t know how much of the specifics Jesus knew of what awaited him, but for sure he had at least an inclination that a painful, sacrificial death would end his life. That by itself, would be more than enough for fear, insecurity and anxiety to stop him in his tracks.

 ^16-17 “The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.”                       MSG

With these words, God affirmed His son. He gave Jesus the strength and courage to go forward. He gave him the love and affirmation to face an unknown future that promised to hold both miraculous events and painful ones. He lifted Jesus up to prepare him for three years of high-intensity spiritual battles.

I never heard my Dad say those words to me: “Good job Joe Boy”. But every time that I read God’s word, He says them to me. Every year when I celebrate the birth of His son, He says them to me. Every Easter when I remember the risen Christ, He says them to me. Every worship song that I sing, He says them to me.

 He says the same message to you. “You are my Son, my daughter, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” By saying this, He gives you the courage and strength to face your fears, insecurities and anxiety of an unknown future.