The reality of Jesus

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting,

                                “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord –

                                                        the King of Israel!”                         John 12.13

The crowd was ecstatic in their reception of Jesus. They fêted Him and embraced Him as the King of Israel. Yet, before this same week was over, this very crowd had turned on Him.

Swayed by the Pharisees and chief priests they clamoured for His death. Where, now, was the blessing they had so eagerly and boisterously cried on Him during His arrival in Jerusalem?

Sadly, something similar can happen with people today. They might attend a special service or gathering, a rally or conference hosted by a well-known “name”. They receive some sort of message and are – almost instantly it seems – convinced and converted. They respond in great acclaim and jubilation. But in time the enthusiasm wanes, the gloss fades and the commitment turns out to be another passing fad.

Fortunately, this is not so in all cases. But I concern myself today with those who drop away. And I come to one major conclusion, which is that Jesus is the glue that binds the family of God together. For that binding to be lasting and true, Jesus must be real, and every believer, or professed believer, needs to know the reality of Jesus – in every minute of everyday living.

Lord Jesus,

I thank You that You made clear to me the reality of Your Being all those years ago. I know You to be real, and always with me. When I may forget Your presence, this does not deny it.

I pray for my brothers and sisters in the world, all of them. May they come to know You and Your reality in their life – and in this world that we presently live in.

Show Yourself, Lord, truly, really, and with lasting effect. Thank You, Jesus.           Amen.

The cost of friendship

So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

                                                                                                                   John 12.10,11     

Lazarus was a friend of Jesus, and Jesus had done great things for him. Thus, Lazarus became a target for the authorities who planned to do away with him. We’re not told if Lazarus was, in fact, put to death, but the threat was real and menacing.

Through the ages many have become friends of Jesus and have experienced much good from Him. And, similarly to Lazarus, many have become targets for the authorities, under threat of death and, sometimes, subject to unspeakable treatment at the hands of bigoted, unmerciful people. Today, in the twenty-first century, it is estimated that more people than ever face persecution, even death, because of their friendship with Jesus.

Knowing God, and walking with Jesus can be a most dangerous activity. A sure test of faith comes if we are ever challenged about our relationship with Him.

I love God and I treasure my communion with Him. But I have not been seriously challenged about my faith, nor truly tested in my loyalty to Him. I pray that, if ever such testing should come, I will be strong, peaceful and quietly assured in my affirmation of my Lord and Saviour, and true friend.

Lord Jesus,

I can only wonder if Lazarus was ever tested over You. But I concern myself more with how I might respond if ever my friendship with You is queried or challenged.

I pray that Your Holy Spirit would strengthen me. I so admire Polycarp of old, and I would seek to demonstrate his deep conviction and loyalty to You. I am weak but You are strong. Imbue me with Your strength, in Your powerful name I ask.                 Amen.

Fragrance

Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.                                                                                                                          John 12.3

Mary did the most extravagant act to Jesus. You might say she gave of her very best to Him. She was totally focused on Him and lived for Him.

The true believer is totally devoted to Jesus, seeing Him first and foremost in all of life. And, like Mary, devoted ones will give of their very best to Jesus.

Mary’s deed filled the house with fragrance. And so with us! As we follow Jesus in full devotion and love so we will create and exude the sweetest scent to our great and gracious God.

The fragrance of love cannot be denied nor ignored. People will notice it. Hopefully, they will come to the source, the very fragrance of God.

But Mary was criticised! Judas had his own agenda which centred on money and greed. He took the first opportunity to attack Mary. Similarly we need to be prepared for criticism and attack as we follow Jesus in an alien and often hostile environment.

As Jesus vindicated, supported and strengthened Mary, so He will do the same for us. I am reminded that I am yoked to Him and, together, we form an inseparable partnership.

Lord Jesus,

Mary loved You and she poured out her love for You with the precious perfume that anointed Your feet.

I yearn to pour out my love for You. I pray for a sweet scent to pervade my life in You. May people notice and, I pray, be drawn to You. Help me to ignore the critics and the knockers. May I overcome in You and may I witness in truth to the love and mercy of our great and wonderful God.

I love You and invite Your perfume into the whole of my life.                         Amen.

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