"You will...I will..."

“You will all fall away… but after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”                                                                                                                                                  Mark 14.27, 28

We could erroneously think of those first, close disciples as somehow different from ourselves, yet Jesus’ words remind us that they were every bit as human as we are. The shocking events of the trial and crucifixion were to leave them without their beloved shepherd, and they would all fall away.

There are times, still, when disciples and believers wonder where God is. We may experience situations where God seems to be missing. We struggle, feeling helpless, impotent, and alone. But God has not deserted us. We have His assurance that He will never leave us. As surely as Jesus committed to precede His disciples to Galilee, just as surely God is with us – and for us – in all times and situations.

I am relieved that God’s presence and care is not dependent on me. God’s faithfulness is entirely beyond my human striving. I rejoice in this great love that took hold of me while I was still a sinner. And, am I no longer a sinner? Sadly, I continue to sin. But God continues to forgive, and to be there for me. Of course I don’t deserve this, but I am sensible enough to receive it, and to thank my great and wonderful God for His love, mercy and grace.

Lord God,

I recall the time when You brought me back to You, and led me into a true and real relationship with You. I am so thankful.

I am sorry for the times when I think and act in ways that likely disappoint You. I’m sorry that I will probably continue to disappoint. I confess my inadequacies, but I thank You for Your love, and Your forgiveness. I want to please You, yet know I cannot do so in my own abilities. Help me, Lord. Help me to appreciate Your mighty love by a life pleasing to You. I ask this in Jesus’ name.                     Amen.

Just as...

The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.                                                                                                    Mark 14.16

The phrase that captures my attention today could so easily be read and lost, for it presents in such an innocuous and inconspicuous way. The disciples found things just as Jesus had told them. We may so easily read these words and not even think about them. Or, if we do give them passing thought, we might glibly say, “Yes, of course, why shouldn’t this be so.”

Today, however, my attention is drawn, not to skim over these words, but to realize the deep truth in them. As Jesus told the disciples, so it was. The gospels repeatedly record Jesus declaring, “I tell you the truth.” I have publicly stated many times how these words thrill me, how I delight to read of this man who is always telling the truth.

But, today, I sense God is wanting to take me deeper. Through the innocent phrase of found things just as Jesus had told them, I feel God is strongly reinforcing to me that I can – and must – believe what He tells me. And this applies to the Triune God. Jesus himself declares, “I tell you the truth.” The Father is truth – God is not a man that he should lie (Numbers 23.19). The Spirit is truth – The Spirit of truth (John 14.17).

God speaks to me clearly through His Word. There are other times also when I feel He is speaking to me – by way of deep, impressing thoughts, or through the words of others, by revelation in the natural world, or through dreams and visions. I must confess there have been times when I’ve thought, “Oh yes! So what?” “ Is this really God speaking to me?” “Can I truly believe these words/signs/ impressions?” Today I feel chastised. I feel that God is speaking afresh, clearly and persistently. I sense He is saying something like:

“My Dear Boy. Let me first remind you that I love you. And my love is like nothing you can really imagine. You have no earthly measure with which to compare it. It is beyond your limits of thinking. This is good because I can work in you and through you, and bless you beyond your imagining.

However, because my love is beyond your grasp, so is the truth of my revelations to you. I understand this, but today I wish to bring some clarification to you. If I say or indicate something to you – by whatever means – I want you to receive it and believe it as my truth. The only uncertainty for you is whether or not the revelation is from me. This question is simply fixed by you asking me. It does not require elaborate wording, a simple ‘Is this of You, Lord?’ will bring my clear affirmation or otherwise. Once you know that I have brought revelation to you, you must believe. The many times you have spoken of your marvel and admiration for Jesus always speaking the truth, you thought was clever insight on your part. Not strictly true! This was my work of reminding you that my truth, all of it, is to be received and believed by you. Stop the disbelief. If I tell you I have much for you to do, I expect you to receive this, and offer yourself. I do not look for you to say, ‘I’m ready.’ No, I will make you ready, in My Way and in My Time. But I do look for you to say, ‘Lord, I’m willing.’ Remember Isaiah who said, ‘Here am I. Send me.’

Now, let us be rid of disbelief, and the frustration that has sometimes arisen with past “words”. I know how you were thinking. My promises to you seemed impossible, out of reach, certainly out of sync with what you were experiencing at the time. Yes, there were times when you thought I was taunting and teasing you. Well, my child, let’s clear this up right now. I enjoy you, I might even have fun with you from time to time, but I will not taunt nor tease you. You are too precious to me and your mission is too important. In those difficult times I was moulding and shaping you. This may well continue but the furnace treatment does not go on for ever. There is a difference between when you think you’re ready and when I consider you’re ready. Once again, I’ll remind you – gently but firmly – that we’re working My way! So, come now, cast off past doubts and embrace the truth that I always present. And you will find things ‘just as I told you.’ ”

                                               

Lord God, Holy Father, Loving Lord,

I am humbled before You. I thank You for this precious and loving revelation.

Yes, there have been times in the past when I believe I have heard from You, yet I doubted what You seemed to be saying. I confess my doubt and frustration and even, sometimes, a measure of anger. I confess and repent, and humbly seek Your forgiveness. Release me, please, and lead me on into the fullness of what You might have for me.

I follow Isaiah, but say in my own words, ”Lord, I make myself fully available to You. I ask You to take me. Send me where You will, and use me as You will. I’m Yours.”

I pray that You would give me even further revelation. I delight in Your Word. I revel in those times, just like today, when You lead me into specific revelation. I ask for more. Unashamedly, Dear Lord, I ask You to show me more, and I dare to believe that You might give me insight into some of the mysteries of heaven.

My relationship with You is of prime concern and importance to me. I long to go deeper with You. I am aware, however, of my impure state. How can I receive from You when I am so stained and soiled? The way is Jesus. He has clearly declared Himself to be “the way, the truth and the life.”

Lord Jesus, I receive You as my Saviour and embrace You as my Lord. I give my sad and sorry state to You. I surrender to You and commit to the process of sanctification which Your Holy Spirit will wrought in me. Daily I give You my dross, and seek You refining.

I pray that when I seem to hear God that it will truly be God at work. I ask that any false signal or message will be exposed for what it is. I seek Your truth in all things. I get so excited that You are the truth.

Holy Father, I rush headlong into Your arms. I rejoice in my precious position as Your child. I receive all that You may choose to share with me, and I pray that You will be paramount in my life, and Your every purpose worked out in my daily living. I ask these things in the glorious name of Jesus.                          Amen.

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A beautiful thing

“She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.”                                                                                                                             Mark 14.8

The situation is the occasion when Jesus is anointed with most expensive perfume by the woman at Bethany. A number of the people present complain, arguing that the money could have been better spent on the poor.

Jesus responds with the words, “She has done a beautiful thing to me.” He reminds the company that they may yet have many times to minister to the poor, but few opportunities to “do a beautiful thing” to Him.

These words impact me deeply. How I would delight to do a beautiful thing to Jesus. There may indeed be many opportunities in my life that invite me to do so, yet I do not recognize them for what they are. I hope this is so, and I pray that I respond in the right way.

I wonder what was in the woman’s mind as she blessed Jesus with the sweet-scented perfume. He saw it as her preparing His body for burial. I very much doubt if she realized at the time that she was doing this. This demonstrates to me that, while we may see ourselves offering a certain service to God, God’s view of it may be quite different, and greatly more significant that we think.

Praise God that we can please Him and fulfill His will – without even knowing it! Hallelujah!

Holy Father,

I rejoice in the precious act of worship that this un-named woman blessed my Lord Jesus with. I pray that I may similarly be a blessing of love to You. May I surprise You with devotion, and may You further add surprise by taking my act to a deeper significance than when it left me.

I do not discount any ministry to “the poor”. But I realize such ministry is of little worth unless preceded by the greater gift to You. I give myself willingly. Take me, in Jesus’ name.                Amen.

Watch!

 “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ”                                      Mark 13.37

Jesus speaks of the signs of the end of the age. He prophesies the destruction of the temple. He warns against deceivers, saying, “Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.” He tells of false messiahs and prophets who will manifest false signs, and He cautions, “So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.”

But the Son of Man will come. In clouds He will appear, coming with great power and glory. He will send His angels and gather in His elect from all parts. Even with this assurance, however, no one will know the timing. The Father alone knows this.

And so, it is imperative to keep watch. Jesus has emphasized this from the beginning of this discourse when He said to Peter and Andrew, James and John, “Watch out that no one deceives you.” With respect to the unknown timing, He says, “Be on guard! Be alert!” And His last word in this matter is, “Watch!”

The warning is clear. May we indeed be alert, but may He also protect and guide us in these last days.

Lord Jesus,

I heed your words of warning. There is much happening in the world today to suggest that we may be in the final days. Yet we cannot presume.

I pray for the saints. I ask both Your protection and Your guidance. May we not react adversely to presenting situations but, rather, may we reflect in You upon what’s happening and seek to respond appropriately in You. Strengthen us to resist false prophets and teachers, and to withstand the wiles of the enemy. Give wisdom in great measure.

I pray also for those who don’t know You, and even reject You. I pray for the salvation of their souls. Whilst there is still time, please draw then to You, Holy Triune God. Hear my pleas for the lost.

Receive my petition for the protection of the saints and answer, please, in Jesus’ name I ask.                      Amen.