2023-06-16
Good Morning Dear Ones,
The Holy Spirit has given me more to write about trusting Him—this time about God’s motives, goals, and timing. Before the world was fully formed as we know it, Christ was told God’s plan. We must realize is that He is, as COL 1: 15 states, “…the visible image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of all creation.” He was sent to earth to have a ministry after being in the wilderness for three years (ostensibly as part of His preparation to follow the Father’s instructions). His task was the redemption of believing mankind. He served His ministry, which is documented in the Bible and elsewhere, e.g. the writings of Josephus Flavius. Then, He was to make the most meaningful atoning sacrifice ever—the sacrifice of His physical life, so that those who believe in Him (proclaim He is Lord) can be saved for eternal life with Him [JN 3: 16]. In the messages leading up to this one, we have looked in depth at the raising of Lazarus [JN 11: 1-44]. Now, we must examine the plot to kill Him, which followed.
Many of the Jews who were present at this compelling miracle understood it in two ways: some came to faith in Jesus immediately. But others took a description of what happened to the Pharisees. The chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin [Jewish Ruling Council]. Their reasoning was, “If we let Him go on like this (performing many signs), everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation” [JN 11: 48]. Caiaphas, the high priest that year, said, “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man dies for the people than that the whole nation perishes,” [JN 11: 60]. While he didn’t say it, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation and those Jews in diaspora (scattered outside I). This action would bring them together, making them one. So, from that day one, they plotted to take Christ’s life. Jesus knew His life was in danger and no longer moved freely around Galilee with his disciples. Around the time for Passover, the Jews began their uphill hike up to the Jerusalem temple. They looked for Jesus and asked if Jesus would come to the festival. The chief priests had given orders that if anyone saw where Jesus was, should report it so that they might arrest Him [vs 57].
Often in the Bible, illness and trouble arises only to do God’s work. There was a common belief at the time that the Spirit remains close to the body after physical death for three days. Christ’s arrival in Bethany and raising of Lazarus on the fourth day made this event a miracle. Perfect hindsight in our relationship with God tells us that God waits for the perfect time and way for miracles, ones that lead to maximum impact of faith-building actions. His motives are pure; His timing is perfect; and the impact of God’s plan is profound. 1 JN 1: 5, “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is Light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” Yet, this is another way of saying God’s motives are always pure. He is not out to get us, as the Pharisees and chief priests were out to get the Lord, Jesus! IS 64: 4-5 states this fact another way. “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, Who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, You were angry. How then, can we be saved?” Now, the question must be asked: How does JN 11 and IS 64: 4-5 impact your faith?
PRAYER: O Lord, we come before Your mighty throne to ask You to guide us in an examination of our own goals, motives, and timing. As PS 139: 23-24 asks, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any way offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” If we pray these verses with an open, honest heart-attitude, You will answer us from Your heart of sweetness and light. You might tell us what sin stands between us and Your light. Or, You might tell us You are pleased with us and we must stay the course. You are a loving God, Who listens for our genuine prayers, and He knows how to convey what is a want and what is a need. You know our motives well enough to know if they are evil or innocent. We are blessed to be in Your good hands. Our prayer is said in the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: Before we launch into the arrest of Jesus itself, we need to look at the necessary trouble that led up to it. Then, comes a different kind of peace that results from His atoning obedience to the Father’s will, that Christ’s actions would bring about. Hopefully, it will be compelling and convincing of some of the points I’ve already stated. Even the defining of what peace is, a definition I will share next week, will help to make this picture—so messy for Christ, yet clarified for us in its Atonement and in its importance to our own wellbeing. Many of those of us who have studied God’s “Love Letter” [Bible] to us may know the facts of the history of what happened. However, have we each considered it’s impact on us personally and corporately? Many of us have found ourselves in a “slimy pit” of trouble in our lives. That’s because all believers go through the same kinds of suffering. I am reminded to quote one of my favorite and most comforting passages in the Scriptures: PS 40: 1-3, “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a Rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.” This is the kind of unselfish and loving thing that God does for us. We should spend the rest of our lives paying attention to the many blessings He bestows on us. And to think, we don’t deserve grace like what He gives! Praise and thanks be to Him!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn, JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2023. All Rights Reserved.
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