pathoflifedevotions Uncategorized

October 20 “Tears”

Tears

Often, the flood of emotion in the lives of the people who followed Him inundated Jesus.
He walked this earth as a man, a strong man capable of hard work and an able man who stood up for what was right. He was so strong, he felt the tears of those who mourned, the sorrows of those who suffered loss, and pain of those visited by injustice. Thus, Jesus felt the emotions of those who grieved at the tomb of Lazarus.

Mary—a Woman of Passion
Mary, the other sister of Lazarus, was devastated by his death. When she heard that Jesus had arrived, she was unable or unwilling to receive Him. Unlike her sister, Martha, who could always find something to do, Mary seemed paralyzed by grief for her brother and disappointment with her hero. She remained shut away in a dark room with the windows closed to any hope at all. No one dared disturb her—no one except her sister.

Martha returned to their home and stormed into the room, threw open the windows and dragged Mary to her feet. Mary did not resist. Like a child’s doll, she yielded to the strength of her sister. Trying to free Mary from this paralysis, Martha shook her.

“The Teacher has come and is calling for you.”

At the sound Martha’s words, “The Teacher,” the lethargy of Mary was broken. She straightened up, smoothed her hair, dried her eyes, and pinched her cheeks all while hurrying out of the room. As she went, she grew in strength with every step. The people who had gathered at their house followed her thinking that she was going to the tomb.

She saw Jesus…
Arriving at the tomb, Mary saw Jesus standing there. Her love for Him overcame her disappointment in Him. Falling at His feet, too wounded to shed any more tears, her worship was tinged with pain. She echoed Martha’s rebuke.

“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

With those words, words of incontrovertible fact, the dam holding back the tears broke. A wail of treble voices lifted from the cemetery in Bethany to the skies above. A lone bass voice, joined the chorus of grief. Jesus groaned so deeply in His spirit that such a sound had never been heard. Captivated by this sound, the mourners fixed their eyes on Him. Through the din of collective grief, Jesus asked,

“Where have you laid him?”

When they pointed to the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus lowered His head as tears flooded down His face. The most eloquent verse in the Bible is this:

“Jesus wept.”

The significance of His sorrow was not lost on onlookers. They recognized the love Jesus had for this family and wondered why He let it happen.

Mysteries Remain
As followers of Jesus, we are blessed with so many clearly stated promises. Our God is a God who keeps covenant. In the Bible, we have so many splendid answers to the great questions of life:

  • Who made the world and why?
  • Who made us and why?
  • Who holds the ultimate destiny for each of us?

Along the way, disappointments come our way. It seems that unnecessary loss and pain come our way. Bad things happen to good people, seemingly without reason. We are not the first, nor will we be the last, to suffer at no fault of our own in this world. These things are mysteries in this world and will be clearly understood in the world to come. Until then, confess faith in Jesus!

Scriptures:
John 11:28-37
And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you.” As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.” Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”
Philippians 3:7-11 NKJV
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when You arrive on the scene, the scene is about to change for the better! Unlike us, You do not stand by, a helpless onlooker and clueless observer. You come with “healing in Your wings” as Malachi prophesied. You have answers for our questions, even when the only part of the answer we can understand is Your nearness. At Your arrival, sickness must give way, powers of darkness must surrender and flee the scene. When You are near, hope—a hope based in eternity!—rises in our hearts. Here we will stand in any storm for You are with us! Thank You, Lord Jesus!

Song:
The Solid Rock
Words: Edward Mote; Music: William B. Bradbury

1. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

2. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
in ev’ry high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

3. His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the ‘whelming flood;
when all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

4. When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found,
dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Uncategorized

October 19 “Resurrection”

Resurrection

This was no metaphorical death.
The body of Lazarus was decomposing in the cave-like tomb. Four days of this rancid deconstruction had already passed by the time Jesus arrived at Bethany. In those days grieving the dead was a public as well as a private process. Even four days after internment, friends and family of Martha and Mary remained with them to grieve with them and meet whatever needs they had.

Two Sisters; Two Different Women
The biblical accounts of the relationship between Jesus and each the sisters provide many life lessons for those of us who follow the Lord. When their brother, Lazarus, is added to the story, the lessons increase again. Many have said that Martha was the worker and Mary the worshiper and Lazarus was, like us, torn between the two. This is an oversimplification of course but it is a helpful observation.

Martha—A Woman of Action
The key to her personality is given by Dr. Luke—“She made Jesus welcome.” How we need to learn from this woman! She shows us a key to effective living. When Martha heard that Jesus had arrived, she went out to meet Him. She was on such friendly terms with Him that she began with a rebuke.

“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Perhaps she thought her excellent record of serving Him should earn her special favor in His eyes. Or, perhaps it was a simple statement of fact and faith. Her confidence in Jesus remained at a high level.

“But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

She faced the reality of her brother’s passing but she avoided underestimating Jesus. His answer to her was well within the accepted understanding of life and death and life again.

“Your brother will rise again.”

The Written Word; the Living Word
As we must do in times of crisis or sorrow, Martha confessed faith in the Word of God.

“I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Jesus took Martha’s hands and guided her to a place where they could sit and talk. He had something new and powerful to tell her. When, through her tears, she was able to focus on His face, He continued.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.”

Moving her lips but making no sound, Martha repeated the words He said to her, as if she were memorizing a new recipe. She nodded her head when she finished. Jesus asked her,

“Do you believe this?”

This was no rhetorical question. She knew she had to answer from the depth of her whole life. She had a broken, grieving sister sitting in the house and a brother wasting away in a grave. There was so much at stake. As she weighed her answer, a high, white cloud crept across the face of the bright sun, like despair stealing hope from the world. In its shadow, she answered.

“Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

As soon as the words were out of her mouth, the cloud gave way to the full light of day.

Scriptures:
John 11:17-27
So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, sometimes clouds of circumstance seem to obscure the brightness of Your covenantal promises. But, like the sun on a cloudy day, Your promises remain in force. Just as Martha found hope in Your presence, may I find confidence in You today regardless of circumstances. You are faithful even in the darkest moments of life. In such times, help me remember the outstanding record of Your faithfulness to me and help me to pass through this gate of remembrance—it is called the Gate of Thanksgiving! Let my remembrance build my faith for today’s challenges. Amen.

Song:
Give Thanks
Words and Music: Kenneth Paul Barker/Andy Cloninger/Claire D. Cloninger/Henry Smith

Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Give thanks to the Holy One.
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.
Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Give thanks to the Holy One.
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”

Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Give thanks to the Holy One.
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.
Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Give thanks to the Holy One.
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.

Give thanks

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Uncategorized

October 18 “Lazarus”

Lazarus

Evidently the house of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in Bethany was a substantial one.
Dr. Luke tells us that Martha welcomed Jesus into her house. It seems the whole entourage of Jesus and His 12 disciples stayed there often. How blessed was this relationship!

Death pays a visit to Bethany.
Death plays no favorites. Even this family, so focused on ministering to Jesus in every way, tasted the pain and loss of an untimely death. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that His friend, Lazarus was seriously ill. The news of these events spread quickly but travel itself was slow.

When Jesus heard this, the immediate future was as clear to Him as the immediate past. He knew that Lazarus would die for the purposes of God—to demonstrate the Resurrection power of Jesus. To heal a sick body or mind was a wonderful thing—to raise a dead body to life again was even more wonderful. It was time to demonstrate this power.

Jesus and Death
He spoke often of death. He tried to prepare His followers that part of His mission was to die. These words seemed to fly by the minds of those who heard Him. Jesus knew the prophecies of Messiah.

  • Yes, He would be a great leader, a rescuer of the nation from tyranny.
  • Yes, He would be a teacher, revealing the details of a New Covenant with God. That New Covenant would be written in His blood.
  • Yes, the glory of the Lord would be revealed and all mankind would see it. (Isaiah 40) Isaiah also predicted the death of the “suffering servant.” (Isaiah 53)

Both of these things would be true of Jesus.

It is interesting to consider how physical death might have weighed on the mind of One who had lived forever. When Jesus laid aside the characteristics of God to become a man, He appropriated a body destined to die. How did He read Isaiah? Perhaps we get a glimpse of the impact of the impending pain and death when we see Him at prayer in the Garden. That account is still to come.

“He stayed two more days…”
When Jesus received the news, He did not rush to His friends. He waited two days before starting for Bethany. When He told His men that it was time to go to Judea, they protested that it was too dangerous. They knew the elders were ready to stone Him. He explained that His mission demanded it and that nothing would happen out of God’s timing.

Jesus spoke to them in spiritual terms.

“Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”

They didn’t get it. Perhaps some sleep would do the young man some good. He put it to them clearly.

“Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there,
that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”

Thomas, the logical, practical one of the 12, voiced what most of them were thinking.

“Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

The Purposes of God
The untimely death of Lazarus served a purpose, one unseen by the natural eye, but one more real than physical sight. Just so, our lives and our deaths as followers of Jesus are freighted with purpose, sometimes obvious and sometimes hidden until revealed in eternity. While the purposes of God may not always be visible, the promises by which we live are clearly set forth and unchanging.

John 11:1-16
Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.” Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
Luke 10:38-39 NKJV
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your purposes in my life are sometimes clearly seen, spurring me on to each day’s obedience. At other times I cannot see what You are doing in me and in the lives of those around me. Holy Spirit, empower me to rise to each day’s challenges in either case. While circumstances sometimes puzzle me, there are always things of which I am sure: Your love, Your faithfulness, Your goodness, and Your amazing ability to make all things work together for my good. I will hold to You regardless of circumstances! Amen and amen.

Song:
I Know Whom I Have Believed
Words: D.W. Whittle; Music: James McGranahan

1. I know not why God’s wondrous grace To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love Redeemed me for His own.

Refrain:
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”

2. I know not how this saving faith To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word Wrought peace within my heart.

Refrain

3. I know not how the Spirit moves, Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word, Creating faith in Him.

Refrain

4. I know not what of good or ill May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days, Before His face I see.

Refrain

5. I know not when my Lord may come, At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him, Or meet Him in the air.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Uncategorized

October 17 “Works”

Works

The words of Jesus that He and the Father were ONE, had the Pharisees reaching for rocks again.
As His critics and accusers rushed to find stones to heave at Him, Jesus stood to His feet and by that simple motion, silenced and stilled them. With rocks hanging useless at their sides and breaths coming in short, shallow bursts, the would-be murderers could only stand and listen to what He said next.

“Many good works I have shown you from My Father.
For which of those works do you stone Me?”

Confusion reigned among the potential assassins until one terror-stricken leader spoke up.

“FFFFor a gggood wwork we do not stone you, bbbbut…”

Another, less-frightened Pharisee continued for him…

“…but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”

The crowd erupted in approval. Even those who leaned toward believing in Jesus could not follow Him that far.

A Whole New Thought
When their shouts subsided Jesus continued as calm as a summer evening.

“Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”‘?

Oh, He was clever, this one, quoting a rare use of the word “lord” as a reference to righteous judges proclaiming the Word of God! Historians help us understand:

“[Ye are gods] This was said of magistrates on account of the dignity and honor of their office, and it shows that the Hebrew word translated “god,” ‎lohiym‎, in that place might be applied to man. Such a use of the word is, however, rare.” (Barnes’ Notes)

Jesus continued:

“…do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?

A question they had never considered stunned the inquisitors. Jesus took advantage of the silence.

“If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me;
but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works,
that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”

There was no answer available to them beyond the stones they had gathered.

Another Escape
John does not tell us how, but Jesus “escaped out of their hand.” Perhaps it was easier since the Twelve were not with Him. How we would love to know if He merely froze them with a look and “passed through their midst” as He had done before or if some diversion claimed the eyes of His attackers just enough time for Him to slip away. Somehow, they missed Him.

Surely, stupid-looking, well-dressed dignitaries with rocks in their hands stood around in His sudden absence trying to avoid each other’s eyes. Again, the muffled sound of unneeded stones falling to the dusty streets of Jerusalem punctuated another escape of this One called Jesus.

Crossing Jordan
At some point His men joined Him and together they crossed Jordan and journeyed to the place where John the Baptist had baptized so many. Tired from the constant battles in the streets of Jerusalem and in the courts of the Temple, Jesus stayed beyond the Jordan for several days. Those who had experienced the ministry of John had heard about Jesus. The tales of signs and wonders convinced them that this was the Man of whom John spoke. For them, the works Jesus did were proof of His claims.

“And many believed in Him there.”

Whether in the streets of the city or in the gullies and ridges of the wild Judean wilderness, the words and deeds of Jesus pointed to Him as the Son of God.

Scriptures:
John 10:31-42
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”‘? If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand. And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.” And many believed in Him there.
Psalm 82 NKJV
God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods. How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked. They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable. I said, “You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High. But you shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes.” Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Remind me that You are still at work in this world. You are saving, healing, rescuing, delivering, binding and loosing, teaching and responding to prayers. You are not separated from us, sitting remote and removed way off yonder in heaven. You are as close as the mention of Your name! You promised to never leave us and You haven’t! Your name has always been “Emmanuel—God with Us!” I will call upon You and You will answer. I will cry out to You and You will act in my behalf! You are still at work in this world! Amen! Hallelujah!

Song:
He’s as Close as the Mention of His Name
Words and Music: Gordon Jensen

1. In the very thought of Jesus His presence can be found.
He’s as close as The mention of His Name.
There is never any distance between my Lord and me.
He’s as close as The mention of His Name

Refrain:
He’s as close as the mention of His Name Jesus, Jesus.
He’s as close as the mention of His Name Jesus, Jesus.

2. In my hour of struggle so many times I’ve found,
He’s as close as the mention of His Name
Just to breathe the Name of Jesus can turn ev’rything around.
He’s as close as the mention of His Name.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Uncategorized

October 16 “One”

One

It was winter as Jesus walked and taught, alone, in the Temple Courts.
The Feast of Dedication was a wintertime celebration of the restoration of the Temple by the Maccabees in the Second Century B.C.. Historians explain its origin.

“This feast, also known as Hanukkah and the Feast of Lights…developed in the era of the Maccabees and celebrated the cleansing of the Temple after its desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes. (It was) observed on the 25th day of the ninth month.” (Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

This restoration of Covenantal worship shook off the Greek influence of Alexander the Great and his descendants.

Celebrating a Victory and a Revival
The three major feasts instituted by the Law of Moses were celebrations of the seasons of the year and the promised blessings of God. The Feast of Dedication celebrated a victory over surrounding enemies, Greeks on one side and Syrians on the other. The Temple was destroyed by the pagans but rebuilt by the successful Jewish rebels. Covenantal worship was restored. Jesus found this wintertime feast an occasion to walk through the Temple courts and teach at Solomon’s Porch on the Eastern side of the restored Temple.

Another Attempt
Unlike the warm days and friendly nights of the other feasts, the people gathering to the temple were bundled against the approaching winter. Evidently the disciples preferred to stay inside where it was warm. The skies were clear with a deep azure blue. The only clouds to be seen were puffs of steam emitted by the breathing of the people. When Jesus started teaching, He attracted the usual crowd of hungry souls and opportunistic critics.

The Pharisees thought it was time to pin Him down.

“How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

Jesus paused in the point He had been making and smiled at the questioners. How the Pharisees hated that smile! It always signaled some pronouncement with which they would have to deal. Jesus answered promptly.

“I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name,
they bear witness of Me.”

It was true, and it was all the people needed: miracles, signs, and wonders. The Pharisees needed more—they needed words they could use to convict. Jesus went on.

“But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

His sheep? Was He claiming to be God Himself? The psalms made it clear that the flock belongs to God! But Jesus wasn’t through.

“…they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

What was this? Only God can give life! How can He promise such things?

“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all;
and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”

His “Father” again! Is he claiming to be the Son of God? What more do we need to hear from him? At that point Jesus made the supreme claim.

“I and My Father are one.”

At that moment, a biting wind streaked through the Temple courts, taking the breath away from believers and critics alike. How could He say such a thing? Each one in the crowd whispered into his/her own spirit, the Shema Yisral, their daily confession and the centerpiece of their spirituality.

“Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

The smile on Jesus’ face remained there for all to see.

Scriptures:
John 10:22-30
Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
John 17:20-23 NKJV
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I marvel at the revelation of the Trinity—that God is both ONE and THREE. I cannot do the math but this is not a mathematical truth. I can believe this and I do! I know that somehow the love flowing between Father and Son flows also between Father and Spirit and round and round inside this mysterious Godhead. These cycles of love are the source of Your love for me and mine for You! Just as You and the Father are One by the Spirit, You prayed that we as Your people must be ONE in the same way, by the same Spirit. Amen and Amen.

Song:
Be Near Us Holy Trinity
Words: Traditional: Music: Frederick Arthur Gore-Ouseley

1. Be near us, Holy Trinity, One Light, one only Deity!
All things are Thine, on Thee depend, Who art Beginning without end.

2. The myriad armies of the sky Praise, bless, adore Thy majesty:
Earth’s triple frame—land, air, and sea— Upraise their canticle to Thee.

3. We, too, Thy suppliant servants all, Before Thy feet adoring fall:
To Thee our vows and prayers we bring With hymns that saints and angels sing.

4. One we believe Thee, Light divine, And worship in a glorious Trine:
O First and Last, we humbly cry, And all things having breath reply.

5. Praise to the Father, made of none, Praise to the sole-begotten Son,
Praise to the Holy Spirit be—Mysterious Godhead, One in Three!

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Uncategorized

October 15 “Sheep”

Sheep

The difference was ownership.
Keepers of sheep did not always own or love the sheep. If there was no relationship between the attendant and the sheep, something essential was lost. At that point, the keeper became only a hireling—a person doing a job for money.

Valuable Assets
Sheep may not have been the brightest of God’s creatures but they had immense value to their owners. There were four levels of worth attributed to the sheep owned by a family in Israel:

  1. They presented a renewable resource—their wool—available regularly without costing the life of the sheep.
  2. They were in the habit of creating more sheep, thus adding to the wealth of the family.
  3. The flock provided perfect lambs for worship.
  4. They were also edible.

All of this added to the value of the flock and the status and influence of the family.

Good help is hard to find.
This old adage was as true in Jesus’ day as it has been through the ages. The keeping of the flocks was a profession, perhaps not at the top of the economic heap, but an important one with no shame attached. Because sheep were important, good shepherds were important. It was inevitable that unworthy men would take their turns at this profession, caring nothing for the sheep or the owner or his family. It was to these scoundrels that Jesus compared the wicked leaders in Jerusalem. It was a metaphor with much still to teach.

The Good Shepherd
Jesus claimed the skilled, compassionate shepherd as the illustration of Messiah, of Himself.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

The commitment of the Good Shepherd was without peer. It was not a matter of giving His life for the sheep if necessary. It was necessary and it would happen. Giving His life for the sheep was not a possibility; it was a plan.

The world in which the sheep grazed was a dangerous place. A terrible, hungry wolf ruled the darkness. The hired hand was more afraid of the wolf than the sheep were. He had no courage or skill to defend the flock.

“But a hireling…sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he … does not care about the sheep.”

Victorious Defender
The Good Shepherd will not only give His life for the sheep, He will shackle and disarm the wolf in the process. The power of His love is greater than the darkness or the terror or the dangers in the world. It is the power of a new life, one given by the Spirit and shared with the sheep. He speaks with a voice instantly recognized by even the least of the sheep.

As Jesus spoke of these things in this beautiful imagery, division arose as some understood and others did not. Some called Him demonic and others deemed Him mad. Believers saw the impossibility of the Good Shepherd being evil.

A Pastor is a Shepherd
Later in John’s Story, Jesus will rededicate a repentant Peter by a repeated call to “Feed My Sheep.” Today we think of pastors as executives or managers or dynamic personalities and these things they may be. Underneath the contemporary duties, a true pastor is a shepherd, an under-shepherd of the Great Shepherd, Jesus. Pastors are important because people are important.

Scriptures:
John 10:11-21
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
John 21:15-18 NKJV
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am honored to be a member of the flock in Your care. I know Your voice and I trust Your wisdom and care. I have encountered the wolf for he has planned to have me, to ruin my life. You reveal to me all his devices and protect me with holy armor: A helmet of Salvation, shoes carefully prepared with the Gospel, a breastplate of goodness, and a belt of truth. You arm me with the Sword of the Spirit and shield of faith. In You I have nothing to fear from the wolf, the roaring lion or the lying devil. You are my Shepherd and I am in Your flock! Thank You, Lord.

Song:
Only Believe
Words and Music: Paul Rader

1. Fear not, little flock, from the cross to the throne,
From death into life He went for His own;
All power in earth, all power above,
Is given to Him for the flock of His love.

Refrain:
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe;
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe.

Refrain

2. Fear not, little flock, He goeth ahead,
Your Shepherd selecteth the path you must tread;
The waters of Marah He’ll sweeten for thee,
He drank all the bitter in Gethsemane.

Refrain

3. Fear not, little flock, whatever your lot,
He enters all rooms, “the doors being shut,”
He never forsakes; He never is gone,
So count on His presence in darkness and dawn.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Uncategorized

September 8 “Temple”

Temple

Marketplaces murder worship.
When worship leaders trade the prophetic for the profitable, they make a truly terrible bargain. They destroy the worship before it can traverse from the earthly to the heavenly. The songs, the confessions, the well-rehearsed gestures, and the beautiful vestments all become commodities stained with human pride and disqualified for the courts of heaven.

The Angry Jesus
The gospels relate only a very few incidents where Jesus showed public anger. Each of them involved the desecration of the true worship of Jehovah or the abuse of power. Why did the apostasy of the Temple anger Jesus so? Perhaps it was because Jesus remembered the Throne Room of God in Heaven. The tabernacles and temples the Jewish people built for worship were patterned after the Throne Room of God in heaven–His Throne Room! (Hebrews 8:3-6) False worship desecrated this holy pattern.

Also, false worship did not deliver the promises of God to the people who came to worship with sincere hearts. They would come in obedience but go away unchanged, still laboring in their guilt and pain. Jesus had such great love both for the Temple and the people, this daily failure broke His heart. He would walk these same streets in power. He would heal and deliver in this same Temple Court. The wilderness would be His school and His healing station. But on this day, near the time of Passover, the power of God was missing from the House of God.

Jesus struck at the most visible representation of the apostasy—the Temple merchants. They were profiting from the sale of animals for use as sacrifices in the Temple, a severe desecration of the Holy Place.

With Whip in Hand
The sounds of worship—cymbals, chants, silver trumpets and ram’s horns—mixed with the sounds of commerce—animals and auctioneers, coins and clamorous hucksters, pickpockets and pious priests—greeted Jesus in the Temple courts.

“He made a whip of cords, (and) He drove them all out of the temple.”

Never was a there such a day in the Temple Courts. He shouted as He drove them out.

“Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”

His disciples were used to the commercial chaos in the Temple but today they ran for cover like everyone else. Some of them, though, could see His point though they had never before considered it. They remembered a verse from childhood.

“Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

The Counter-Punch
After a time, things settled down and after a moment, beggar, thief, merchant, and priest alike, all scrambled to recover the scattered coins and corral the liberated livestock. The leaders made a quick huddle, elected a spokesman and challenged Jesus.

“What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?”

Seemed reasonable—a man has to have some sort of authority to create such a ruckus. Jesus answered with a whole new thought.

“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

The leaders looked at each other and broke out laughing. They reported the facts—This Temple was 40 years in the construction and still unfinished—raise it up in three days? Laughter erupted all around.

Jesus did not explain that He was talking about a different Temple—His own body. He threw down the whip and departed the Temple; His men followed silently. The strength in His stride quenched the laughter like water thrown on a fire.

Scriptures:
John 2:13-12
Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.
Hebrews 8:3-6 NKJV
For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your House is still to be a House of Prayer and nothing else—the prayers of praise, worship, adoration, intercession, faith and desperation. May we always keep Your House pure and free from lesser concerns. You have promised to meet with us when we pray, when we call out to You. You pledged to inhabit our praise and be enthroned upon our worship. I know You are faithful to these promises. Help me be faithful in prayer. Amen.

Song:
The Lord Is in His Holy Temple
Words: Habakuk 2:20; Music: George F. Root

The Lord is in his holy temple,
The Lord is in his holy temple;
Let all the earth keep silence,
Let all the earth keep silence before him –
Keep silence, keep silence before him.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Uncategorized

July 26, “Good”

Good

In life there is doing “good” and being good; these things are not always found together.
A songwriter can write a good song without being a good person. A good person may be totally unable to write a good song. Go figure. Good works and goodness are not always companions.

“What Must I Do?”
Tradition calls him, “The Rich Young Ruler.” He had it all (to his way of thinking) but somewhere inside there was a void possessions and position and power did not fill. So He came to Jesus with this question:

“Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

As was His practice, Jesus answered the young man’s question with a question:

“Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.”

This was the central question. Life was not so much about doing “good” as it was about being good and only ONE is GOOD, God Himself. The implication was that if Jesus was truly GOOD and not just a man doing “good,” He must be of God. From God? God? But this was never spoken; it remained a subtext in this conversation. We, however, will bring it to the surface shortly.

Doing Good vs. Doing Well
When we do something well it means our technique was effective; it does not mean that what was done was good. A really rotten tune can be played really well and a great tune may be poorly played. This is an important distinction.

The rich man was talking about good deeds, thinking that in some heavenly ledger they were recorded and accrued interest with time and repetition like money invested. However, this belief did not fill the empty place in his soul. Jesus answered him in that context:

“You know the commandments…”

He gave him a quick list. The man was prepared with his report, “Yes.” He had checked these things off his “to do” list regularly.” He folded his arms, smiled, and waited for an answer, thinking, “Impressive! No?”  Jesus did not answer right away so the man elaborated, locking eyes with Jesus,

“All these things I have kept from my youth.”

Jesus returned the man’s gaze until the proud smirk on the man’s face melted and forced him to study the dust at his well-shod feet. When Jesus finally spoke, the man bravely looked up to see a smile on Jesus’ face. Perhaps the answer to the nagging, never spoken question in his heart was forthcoming.

“You still lack one thing.”

Excitement charged the man’s heart—an overlooked command? Some neglected good he could do? Some service to God and man…”

“Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

The smile never left Jesus’ face, but the hopes of the young man were crushed. He could afford any price for anything but he could not afford this. He disappeared into the crowd before they could see his tears.

More than Deeds
The song of the Old Covenant was “God is good and His mercy endures forever!” Jesus was God in the flesh, a mystery beyond all mysteries. He did “good” because He was GOOD. He still does and he still is. True riches stored in heaven accrue to our eternal reward not just because we do good things but because God is Good and He has promised to reward us.

Scriptures:
Luke: 18:18-23 NKJV
Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.'” And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.
Micah 6:8 NKJV
He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Revelation 22:12-14 NKJV
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are good and Your mercy endures forever! You very name is Faithful and True. You have imparted Your earth-tested goodness to me, tried in the fires of satanic temptation and found true. I could never have earned such goodness but I can live in its power and victory. You have anointed me to do GOOD in Your name and for Your glory. This is what I will do today. I will do justly, walk humbly with You! Lord, You are Good and Your Mercy endures forever. Amen.

Song:
God Is so Good
Traditional

God is so good! God is so good!
God is so good, He’s so good to me.

God answers prayer. God answers prayer.
God answers prayer. He’s so good to me.

God loves me so! God loves me so!
God loves me so! He’s so good to me.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, June 18

June 30 “Confession”

Confession

It was time to share His power and authority with the 12 men He had chosen.
Jesus did exactly that—He gave all 12 of them the power to preach the gospel and heal the sick. He put them under an order of strict discipline regarding provisions for the campaign and deportment among those who supported or refused to support them. We don’t know if they traveled in teams or alone, but they did exactly as Jesus commanded and His power indeed went with them and they saw the same results as they had seen with Jesus.

Herod
A campaign like that generates news. When the stories got to King Herod, the king didn’t know what to think. Theories were presented:

  • John was back.
  • Elijah or another long-dead prophet had risen from the grave.

Jesus alone was enough of a threat to peace and order; 12 men acting in His name and in His power was a crisis.

Time for a Rest
Although the flow of power is divine, ministry takes a toll on the human frame. Jesus took His men to a deserted place near Bethsaida, to hear the details of their ministry and to get some much-needed rest. It was not to be. Somehow news of their location got out and the multitude found Jesus. He let the disciples rest while He taught the people and healed them of their various diseases and impairments.

Time for a Meal
As the day was passing, the disciples suggested Jesus should close down the meeting and send people back to town. This was not to be either. Jesus told His men,

“You give them something to eat.”

Jesus organized the people into groups of 50 and seated them on the ground. He took the meager menu items and blessed them, giving them to the disciples to distribute. As they did, they saw the blest food multiply in their hands as they gave it away! In a short while the crowd of 5000 men, not counting women and children, was filled as were 12 baskets of leftovers.

The Confession
When the people were gone, Jesus retreated from the men a little distance to be alone to pray. When they had caught their breath, the men gathered to Him quietly, not wishing to disturb Him. All of them, Jesus included, were thinking of the events of this remarkable day. Jesus asked the men what people were saying about Him—specifically, what theories existed as to His identity. When all the standard answers were offered a silence fell, each man thinking the unthinkable. Jesus asked them who they thought He might be.

A soft voice spoke from among the 12. It was unusual for Peter to speak so quietly but His words were so full of meaning, they did not need volume to have an impact. Dr. Luke gives us the most economical version of Peter’s confession.

“The Christ of God.”

Never have four words meant so much. This confession is the power behind the power and the truth behind the truth. Many will admit that if Jesus really existed, He was a great teacher or philosopher or humanitarian, but they shrink back from the truth. This confession is the dividing line between believers and unbelievers. To confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One, the Suffering Savior, and Triumphant Lord is to worship and witness all at once. In its light all goodness is possible and all evil can be overcome.

Scriptures:
Luke: 9:1-26
Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him. And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them. And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I confess with the ancient church: “I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.” I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.”

Song:
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Words: Matthew Bridges; Music: George J. Elvey

1. Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne.
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless king through all eternity.

2. Crown him the Lord of life, who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife for those he came to save;
his glories now we sing who died and rose on high,
who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

3. Crown him the Lord of love; behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty, glorified;
no angels in the sky can fully bear that sight,
but downward bends their burning eye at mysteries so bright.

4. Crown him the Lord of years, the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail! for thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail throughout eternity.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Uncategorized

The Path of Life: Unanswered

As this Fathers’ Day closes, it is good for us to enter into our night’s rest remembering the faithfulness of God, even though some things for which we have prayed have not yet come to be. https://tinyurl.com/yf46wrst

Integrity:   Tested

Unanswered

We live with unanswered questions—things we wonder about but never understand sing an unending drone tone in the back of our minds. Little things almost unrelated to the question will bring the unanswered question to the front of the mind and, turn it over how we might, no answer is found. Something distracts us and we go to whatever is next hoping that we will understand it. We don’t want to think of things without answers, problems with no solution, dilemmas that defy our wisdom, and life-riddles that we cannot seem to solve.

Believers in the Lord Jesus also live with unanswered prayers. It is not a secret nor is it a shame that we have prayed for things and not received them. It is just a fact of life—of Christian life.

This fact itself is an unanswered question. The Scripture, even the words of Jesus, could not be clearer or less ambiguous. In Matthew, Mark and several times in John, Jesus said something to the effect that all we have to do is ask and we shall receive. Later James and John qualified this promise by adding the provision that you must ask according to God’s will.

But “God’s will” is really not an answer to the problem of unanswered prayer. When we have prayed for something that clearly is the will of God and there is no answer, does that impugn the character of God?

The enemy, who is the accuser of the brethren, will certainly seize the unanswered question with an accusation that God is not really to be trusted. He does not deal evenhandedly with people: some people get answers to prayer and others do not.

This accusation that God is not really good and doesn’t necessarily tell the truth goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. It was a lie then and it is still a lie. Perhaps that is why the highest moments of glory in the Old Testament seemed always to feature a song about the eternal goodness of God—“The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever!”

Come to think of it, that is still the theme of worship.

It is Satan’s business to falsely accuse God as well as us. But Satan is and always will be liar.
So what do we do about unanswered prayer? When Jesus said “Ask!” He was really saying, “Ask and keep on asking.” In other words

  • Don’t give up on prayer!
  • Have faith in the Character of God the Father, “He knows our needs!”
  • We are in God’s hands and He is not all perplexed at what to do next.
  • Examine the unanswered request to see if it is consistent with the Word of God.
  • Search your heart and place your motives before the Lord for His approval. You may be surprised at what the Spirit reveals.

The reasons for unanswered prayers may be many:

    • It is out of God’s will for us.
    • It is delayed waiting on God’s time.
    • It is denied because of danger God sees that we do not see, or perhaps,
    • It is denied because God has something better for us.

Passing the Integrity Test

Meanwhile, remember all the answered prayers, recount the faithfulness of God, and recite the promises of God. These things build your faith while you are waiting for the answer to come.

You’ll find your answered prayers far outnumber the unanswered ones.

Prayer: Lord, I remember so many prayers that you have answered for me. I rehearse in my heart the scriptures that declare Your faithfulness to hear my prayers and supply me with what I need to do Your will. Help me rest in that faithfulness all through this night. In Your Holy Name, Lord Jesus, Amen.

Scriptures

Read Psalm 35 NIV
“Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother.”

John 14:13-14 NIV
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

James 4:2-4 NKJV
Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

1 John 5:14-15 NIV
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him.

Songs of Hope

We’ll Talk It Over
Words and Music: Ira Stanphill

1. Tho’ shadows deepen, and my heart bleeds,
I will not question the way He leads;
This side of Heaven we know in part,
I will not question a broken heart.

Refrain:
We’ll talk it over in the bye and bye.
We’ll talk it over, my Lord and I.
I’ll ask the reasons – He’ll tell me why,
When we talk it over in the bye and bye.

2.I’ll trust His leading, He’ll never fail,
Thru darkest tunnels or misty vales.
Obey his bidding and faithful be,
Tho’ only one step ahead I see.

Refrain

3. I’ll hide my heartache behind a smile
And wait for reasons ’til after while.
And tho’ He try me, I know I’ll find
That all my burdens are silver lined.

Refrain

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place
Text: Eliza E. Hewitt; Music: Andre Gretry

1. My faith has found a resting place, Not in device or creed;
I trust the ever living One, His wounds for me shall plead.

Refrain: I need no other argument, I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.

2. Enough for me that Jesus saves, This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him, He’ll never cast me out.

Refrain

3. My heart is leaning on the Word, The living Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s Name, Salvation through His blood.

Refrain

4. My great Physician heals the sick, The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed, For me His life He gave.

Refrain