BIBLE READING: John 7-9

There was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him. (John 7.12-13)

There were obvious realities about Jesus. He did undeniable signs from God (John 3.2; 7.31; 9.32-33) and he spoke differently than most people, even the religious leaders (John 7.46). The crowds acknowledged these realities, but on many occasions were influenced by another present force: fear. In many cases they feared the religious leaders who did not believe in Jesus. These leaders had power to cast them out of the synagogue and even impact their social and economic status. When faced with the truth versus immediate consequences, many were swayed to follow the acceptable narrative (ex. John 9.18-23).

We know the influence of others is powerful. Hence the warning, “bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15.33).Throughout history, this fear has been one of the most powerful instruments of control. Whether real or imagined, the threats of military force, of public disgrace, and of financial ruin have all been used to motivate or discourage people, even nations. However, fear can limit our willingness to be honest and accept objective realities. It encourages us to conform to something more acceptable. It’s scary how blind we can become when strongly opposed and presented with consequences.

Fear can negatively impact our choices; but it can also be positive when properly placed. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1.7). In fact, Jesus would encourage properly placed fear. “…have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known… Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10.26, 28). Fear is a motivator. Fear leads us to protect the thing we value the most. In the case of most people that is their pride, their prized relationships, and their life.

Who or what do you value the most? Fear and love are intimately connected. I would argue that fear is an indicator of love. We fear losing what we love the most. In this world, fear often causes us to scramble and stress to maintain connection to these things, even at the cost of truth and reality. But the fear of God has just the opposite effect. This fear reminds us that we are not God and that he trumps all others. He can (and should) regard us with judgment, but instead he loves and gives us mercy (Psalm 31.19; 76.7-12; 86.11-17; ). We must not fear other forces that blind from this eternal truth. Whatever fear we face, let us realize how small it in compared to the holiness and love of God in Christ; and “let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7.1).

BIBLE READING:  John 2

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” …he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (John 2.19-22)

In the moment Jesus’ comments made no sense. The temple had taken 46 years to build—this man was talking crazy! Or was he… Some people wrote him off, but his disciples hung in there; and after his resurrection they understood what he was talking about. Moments like this remind us that, from the beginning of his ministry, Jesus understood his purpose and the mode through which it would be accomplished. Some would scoff and even his disciples would deny it (Matthew 16.21-23). But farther along it would all make sense.

It would be nice to have perfect clarity. But alas, we are limited by time, space and understanding. Something that seems confusing today may gain clarity with life experience and wisdom. Moments like this one in John 2, remind us that everyone has limitations in what we can know and understand. This is especially true regarding God’s word. There are some things we read and think they seem backwards or counterproductive. For instance, how can turning the other cheek be better for me when I’m being belittled and treated like a doormat? How can greater self-control give me freedom? Even in the church, people have reasoned against God’s patterns in favor of a larger organization structure because it leads to ‘greater good.’ In the moment we often reason for temporary results. But in God’s words are eternal truths that operate on a larger scope.

As the wise man wrote, “Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good” (Proverbs 16.20). Scripture requires reflection, consideration, time and experience to understand. That’s because we don’t have the Divine capacity to understand comprehend all truth in a moment of time. We can’t see the long-term effects of a bad habit. We can’t see how a bad situation can be good for me. Some of it is we just don’t know what God is up to; and we may never know. But some of it is that we just have to wait for God’s timing.

We must accept the reality that God’s word will prove true (Proverbs 30.5) and give us the best way forward. However, for this to benefit us, we must do 3 things:

1. Treasure his word in our hearts. Psalm 119.11. It keeps us from sin and becomes and active force in our lives when we need it. When God’s word is stored in our hearts, it can flow from our mouth and give us clarity from the Spirit.
2. Wrestle with these words. Peter warned us there are some difficult things in scripture to understand (2 Peter 3.16). Like other people of faith, we need to be willing to ask the hard questions. As we do, our understanding will be confronted, and we must evolve.
3. Learn to wait. Sometimes time is our best teacher. We’re all operating on God’s time schedule; and the sooner we can get on board with that, the sooner we’ll find the peace we’re all looking for. As the song says, “Farther along we’ll know all about it. Father along we’ll understand why. Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine. We’ll understand it all by and by.”

BIBLE READING: Acts 26

Paul’s about-face to follow Christ had a profound and lasting effect on the church. But it also created enemies to his work. Those who had one been supporters of his zeal for the Jewish traditions weren’t just upset—they wanted him dead. They would chase him from town to town, ultimately resolving that he must not only be silenced but killed (Acts 9.23; 23.12; 25.3). 

Their efforts culminated in Paul’s arrest and trial (Acts 22.31-36). Throughout these proceedings Paul had opportunity to present his case not just to the authorities, but to his fellow Jews. He knew them, they knew him (Acts 26.4), and his desire was to help them see the truth about Jesus (Romans 9.3-5; 10.1-4). To do this, he gave his personal testimony as compelling evidence to the truth of Jesus as the Christ. 

“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth…” (Acts 26.9). “But I received mercy… that in me… Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe…” (1 Timothy 1.16). In every account of Paul’s conversion his message was, “You know who I used to be… but I’m not who I used to be.”

Luke records the conversion of Saul 3 times in Acts (Acts 9, 22 & 26). Throughout his letters, Paul would recount the changes Christ brought in his own life (see Galatians 1.13-24; Philippians 3.4-11; 1 Timothy 1.12-16). Jesus’ intrusion into Paul’s life was significant, and the effect on his way of life proved a powerful witness to Christ. Paul was not the same person after he came to know Jesus. I wonder if the same could be said for us. 

A couple thoughts to consider:

1. The gospel is intended to change you. Change in priority. Change in allegiance. Change in the way we talk and think and live. Our habits, desires, and goals must evolve to align with a manner worthy of our calling. A life without change does not understand the calling of the gospel. We are to put off what we want and put on new things that model Jesus (Ephesians 4.22-24). The longer we know Jesus, the more evident the change should be in our lives.
2. Your past reveals the gospel's value. There may be things in your past of which you are ashamed. It’s ok to reflect on, and even share those things from time to time. It reminds us how much God has done. We are not who we used to be by the grace of God.
3. The effect of the gospel in your life is powerful. When we practice what we preach, it draws others to Christ. Paul would often encourage believers to imitate him as he conformed his life to Christ (1 Corinthians 11.1; 2 Timothy 3.10-11). How you live becomes a model for others to witness and follow Christ. That is, in fact, our mission in this world. 

Take some time to reflect on the changes Jesus has brought into your life. Is your way of life a witness to the work of Jesus Christ? But don’t stop there. Think about how you still need to change. We are all on a journey to become more like Christ. By his grace let’s grow to become more like him today. 

“I am what I am by the grace of God.” (1 Corinthians 15.10)

BIBLE READING: Acts 18-19

“And he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.’ (Acts 19.3-4)

Apollos taught boldly about Jesus in the synagogues at Ephesus (Acts 18.24). However, he only knew the baptism of John, which the text implies made his teaching incomplete (18.25). Because of this, Aquila and Pricilla took him aside and explained to him the way more accurately (18.26). We’re not told precisely what they taught him, but it must have been in relation to baptism’s role under Jesus. This is further explained when Paul returned to Ephesus in Acts 19 where he found some disciples who had only received John’s baptism (Acts 19.3). Paul explained that John’s baptism was for repentance and was intended to turn people towards belief in Jesus (19.4). They understood this to mean they needed to be baptized again into the name of the Lord Jesus (19.5). 

Throughout this episode, the reception of the Holy Spirit is emphasized (19.2, 6) because the Holy Spirit is promised to believers as a fulfillment of Jesus’ work (Mark 1.4-8; Acts 2.17, 38-39; 5.32). As new covenant understanding matured, the process of baptism and reception of the Holy Spirit became a single process, as foreseen in Acts 2.38. However, it was necessary in some cases for the Holy Spirit to be given miraculously, which was accompanied by spiritual gifts to confirm God’s approval (ex. 8.14-16; 10.44-48; 11.15-18). Such is the case here, as God affirmed that this was the proper way to accept Jesus (19.6). Believe in him as Lord and be baptized in his name.

Why all the fuss about whose baptism it was if people are already believing and teaching Jesus? In both episodes, there was misunderstanding that needed correction so that all could be right with Jesus. This emphasizes the import of being baptized with understanding. Baptism is the sign of our covenant with Jesus today (Romans 6.3-14; Colossians 2.11-12) and was directed by Jesus in his parting words (Matthew 28.18-20). But as Peter would say, it’s not simply getting in the water that saves, but “an appeal to God for a good conscience” (1 Peter 3.21). If someone does not understand (1) their need for salvation and (2) accept that only submission to Jesus will do that, then the act of baptism will not save them. They must obey the command of Jesus to be baptized and observe all that he has commanded (Matthew 28.18-20) to truly follow Jesus and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5.32).

It is popular to state that everyone is on their own spiritual journey. This is not inaccurate. However, it can downplay the role of proper Christian doctrine and practice. Faith in Jesus is constrained by belief in the Lordship of Jesus and our commitment to obey his teaching. So, we must believe in the proper doctrine of Christ and appreciate the urgency it is intended to create. Its why Aquilla and Priscilla pulled Apollos aside. It’s why Paul had the Ephesian brethren ‘rebaptized’. We must align ourselves with the proper doctrine of Jesus by accepting what he says we must do, trusting his power to give us salvation.

BIBLE READING: Acts 14

“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples…” (Acts 14.21-22a)

Paul liked to revisit places he had already been. But given the events of Acts 13-14, his return to these cities was unexpected. In Antioch, he was run out of town for preaching the gospel (Acts 13.50). In Iconium, the city was divided about them, and an attempt was made on their lives (Acts 14.4-5). Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra where the people treated them like gods (Acts 14.8-18), until the folks from Antioch and Iconium showed up. Paul was then dragged out of Lystra, stoned, and left for dead (Acts 14.19). Yet almost immediately he went back to all those places. Not only did he love these brethren but he recognized the power of demonstrated faithfulness in difficult circumstances.

A display of resolute strength in adversity is powerful. I recently spent time with my grandparents who are currently suffering from major health challenges. They’ve both been in and out of the hospital and things just aren’t getting better. It’s been difficult but they never once wallowed. Instead, they made it a point to talk to me about heaven and encourage me in my work. They aren’t thrilled with the present but they are convinced of the outcome; and their faith encouraged me to be more purposeful. The fact is, faith that is tested offers a powerful testimony to other believers.   

Your attitude in difficult situations has the potential to inspire determination in others. Your persistence may encourage someone who wants to give up. Paul didn’t return complaining about what happened. Sure, he was persecuted for what he taught. He sometimes even struggled with what he suffered. But he reminded them that this was part of being a follower of Jesus (Acts 14.22b). At one point he was nearly driven to despair (2 Corinthians 1.8-9); but he never lost sight of whom he trusted (2 Timothy 1.12). He determined to shared the peace and contentment he had learned from faith (Philippians 4.10-13).

We will all have difficult seasons, and it’s important we share that with each other. This is the value of fellowship. Like Paul, let’s determine to seek out other believers to lean on and find encouragement. But we need to remember that how we carry ourselves matters. We can give into despair, or we can dig into our faith. God has designed the church to bear one another’s burdens, but we must all make a commitment to trust him. A church united in this trust is a powerful source of strength to all involved. 

“…with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (Acts 14.23b)