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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

October 14 “Shepherd”

Shepherd

Sometimes the crowds of people around Him reminded Jesus of sheep.
Their leaders seemed to drive them from place to place never giving them time to think for themselves. He remembered the words of the psalms:

“We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
And
“The Lord is my shepherd…”

If they were sheep, they were an unruly flock, seemingly unable to detect the voice of their True Shepherd.

In the City Streets
Jesus watched the young man and His family retreat into their home. He also observed the exit of the spies of the Pharisees as they tried to steal away unnoticed to give their report to their superiors. As Jesus and His men resumed their walk back toward the Temple, the public discourse following the healing of the blind young man continued in the streets of Jerusalem. As they walked along, Jesus began to develop the shepherd-and-sheep metaphor.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door,
but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.”

He was speaking about the godly order of leadership established in the Covenant with Jehovah. The current conditions were these: corrupt shepherds often deceived the sheep, leading them astray from the plan of God. Instead of shepherds, they were thieves and robbers.

“But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice;
and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

The same God who made the sheep, made the door—the Word of God—and it was through this door the shepherd and sheep could safely pass. This relationship was facilitated by the recognition of the voice of the Shepherd. Other voices frightened and scattered the sheep. With this commanding, loving voice, the Shepherd led the sheep toward safety and provision and away from danger.

They didn’t get it.
Pleased with this excellent illustration, Jesus searched the faces of the Twelve for signs of agreement. He found confusion instead. They were unable to make the leap from illustration to application. He took a more explicit route.

“I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers… I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved,
and will go in and out and find pasture.”

They knew He was a man and not a door so another door in their minds slowly began to open. He was the shepherd; He was the door. The others were not to be trusted.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.”

Each of the men had a different memory of the wickedness of those who wanted to discredit Jesus or even kill Him. The contrast between Jesus and the others was stark. Their little procession halted in the streets as Jesus collected the attention of each disciple to make His crucial point.

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

This was truth that each man knew in his heart as he clearly heard the voice of his Shepherd.

Scriptures:
John 10:1-10
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Psalm 100:3 NKJV
Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Psalm 23 NKJV
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my earliest realization of You is that of My Shepherd. May I never outgrow this vision, this truth. I sang this song as a child and I believe it to this day. Psalm 23 is my expectation and my experience. I have feasted at that table in the presence of my enemies with a cup of grace full and running over. I have rested by the still waters, never fearing the shadow. I have known the peace in the valley and felt the comfort of Your rod and staff through the mountain passages. My needs are met by Your hand in verdant pastures of plenty. And I know that I shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.

Song:
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Traditional

Round:
[1] The Lord is my shepherd;
I’ll live for him always.
He leads me by still waters;
I’ll live for him always.

[2] Always, always,
I’ll live for him always.
Always, always,
I’ll live for him always.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I’ll live for him always.
He leads me by still waters;
I’ll live for him always.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

October 13 “Vision”

Vision

Word traveled fast in the streets of Jerusalem.
The “trial” had taken place outside the Temple grounds in full public view but Jesus and the Twelve did not see it happen. These events were the news of the day. Someone found Jesus and told Him of the decision of the elders to cast the young man, and most likely his parents as well, out of the Temple. In that day this was like an excommunication, like sending them to hell. Jesus would not allow this to stand without His further intervention.

Do you believe?
When the home of the family was pointed out to Jesus, the sounds of rejoicing met Him on the front step. They had called relatives and friends to celebrate the healing of their son. The windows of the house were open and joy spilled into the streets in music and laughter. Jesus and the Twelve could not help joining in the merriment.

People who had witnessed the healing recognized Jesus and started to tell the family He was there but He restrained them. He was ushered into the front room and the celebrants took a deep breath. At the sudden silence the young man looked up to see the man whose shadow he had felt in the street and whose hands had touched his sightless eyes. As he studied the face of Jesus all the world suddenly made sense. The years of darkness seemed a small price to pay to be in the presence of such a One. Before the young man could speak, Jesus asked,

“Do you believe in the Son of God?”

He knew the voice immediately and he wanted to shout, “Yes!” but the moment seemed to require a more thoughtful response.

“Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”

Jesus smiled and it was like the sun coming from behind a cloud. The young man stole a glance at his parents. His father was fighting back tears while his mother had given in to them. That beautiful voice continued,

“You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”

This was the moment for shouting. How could he not believe? Darkness had given way to beautiful light, shadows to substance, anonymous sounds to visions of order and grace.

“Lord, I believe!”

He fell forward at the feet of Jesus. He wrapped his arms around Jesus’ ankles weeping with adoration. Jesus did not stop him. Against the sound of this worship, Jesus spoke,

“For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see,
and that those who see may be made blind.”

Spies among Them
Agents of the Pharisees had followed Jesus to this house and witnessed these events. The irony of these events penetrated their darkness.

“Are we blind also?”

Jesus looked at them with compassion. Perhaps there was hope for some of them.

“If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’
Therefore your sin remains.

The spies lowered their heads, wondering about their mission and the opposition of their superiors. They saw slivers of light but were not quite ready to be healed of their blindness. They tried to slip away unnoticed.

Scriptures:
John 9:35-40
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God? “He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him. And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.
Psalm 119:105 NKJV
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Psalm 16:11 NKJV
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your light is a penetrating light, a healing light. You illumine the darkness to which we have become accustomed and show us new and shining worlds. Your grace is a thing of light, of peace, of joy, and of unbreakable promises. Help me to see Your face today. Help me to walk in confidence that Your Word is a lamp unto my feet a light unto my path. I walk with You on the Path of Life. This is all so amazing—and true! Thank You, Lord Jesus!

Song:
Amazing Grace
Words: John Newton; Music: Traditional

1. Amazing grace (how sweet the sound) that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

2. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!

3. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come:
’tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

4. The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

5. Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,and mortal life shall cease:
I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.

6. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,the sun forbear to shine;
but God, who called me here below, will be forever mine.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

October 12 “Verdict”

Verdict

The makeshift trial in the streets of Jerusalem rattled on to a conclusion.
The smartest and most experienced of the lawyers among the leaders of the people had nothing in their training or experience to help them with this case.

Now the young man’s parents were standing by observing this cross examination of their son. Why didn‘t these blind leaders of the blind leave their son alone? Their lives had just been transformed by a miracle from God—not just their son’s life, but their lives, also. No longer would the daily care of a blind son dominate their schedule. Like most men of Israel the father most likely had a trade he could now pass on to his son. A whole new life stretched joyfully before the family and these knuckleheads were concerned because the deed was done on the Lord’s Holy Day. It seemed to them entirely appropriate that God answered prayers on the Sabbath. Their time on the witness stand was over and their son was on his own.

More than a Match
This did not worry them. They had raised their son in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. They knew how bright he was and the amazing insight he had developed into the behavior of those he could not see. They knew he was more than a match for the brightest of his questioners. The lawyer decided to take a “spiritual” tact.

“Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.”

More absurdity! The young man locked eyes with the older man and stared at him before answering. He did not fall for the fake spirituality on display.

“Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know.”

The Pharisee thought he was making progress—yes, go on little blind boy!

“One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

The crowd erupted in laughter again. These were incontrovertible facts. The inquisitors wanted to know how it was done.

“I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again?
Do you also want to become His disciples?”

Such impudence! A young man should not speak to his elders that way. His parents’ shoulders shook with laughter they could not suppress. This was simply too much! The elders pled their tired case that they were disciples of Moses, a man they knew God had spoken to but this man?

“…we do not know where He is from.”

The young man, with new eyes now seeing as clearly as his heart had always seen, grew eloquent. He ridiculed them for their ignorance of such a prophet. He could not be a sinner for God would not use Him so. This healing had no precedent.

“If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

Case Closed
Realizing they had been bested by a blind boy, they insulted the young man and expelled him from the Temple.

He stood to his feet, straightened to his full height and motioned to his parents with a broad smile. They came to his side. The family locked arms and headed for home passing in full view of the leaders, struggling as best they could to hold on to their pride and what was left of their dignity.

Scriptures:
John 9:24-34
So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.” He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.” The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You change lives! You changed mine. I shudder to think what my life might have been if You had not come into my heart. You saved me and set me on the Path of Life! You called me to serve You in specific ways and then You bless me in those very pursuits. I live in hope because of promises made to me in Your Word that will not fail. You surround me with brothers and sisters and mighty warrior angels so that my every step is secure. Whatever awaits me around the next corner is no surprise to You and I know You are the master of it. Thank You Jesus! Amen.

Song:
Jesus Lifted Me
Traditional

1. I’m so glad Jesus lifted me.
I’m so glad Jesus lifted me.
I’m so glad Jesus lifted me,
singing glory, hallelujah! Jesus lifted me.

2. Satan had me bound; Jesus lifted me.
Satan had me bound; Jesus lifted me.
Satan had me bound; Jesus lifted me,
singing glory, hallelujah! Jesus lifted me.

3. When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me.
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me.
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
singing glory, hallelujah! Jesus lifted me

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

October 11 “Interrogation”

“Interrogation”

“There are none so blind as those who will not see.”
In England this proverb is traced back to a man named John Heywood in 1546. The Prophet Jeremiah said the same thing centuries before. There is a natural blindness that is the result of failure of the eyes. There is another blindness that is the result of the will.

Called to Testify
The leaders cared nothing for the young man Jesus healed . It was a miracle for the fellow but it was a problem for them. The mistake (in their view) was to do such a thing on the Sabbath. The details of the Law were the stock and trade of these leaders, a toolkit for maintaining control. This was more important than having one less blind beggar in the streets. It was also something they needed to discredit Jesus if they could. Like an old courtroom drama, they put the young man on the witness stand.

His eyes were still tender so he blinked often and rubbed them frequently with the backs of his hands. Everything was new to him. Sounds so familiar now had sources: voices had faces, sunlight had a blue sky, shadows came and went as people walked by. Above all, he wanted to see his parents. Their love for him was constant from his earliest memory and their voices were always clear and kind. Their guiding hands were friendly on his shoulders, his arms, and in his own trembling hands. He wanted to see all of this, the structure of what was now a former life and the institution of a new life of light and color. With all of these images flooding His mind, he also wondered about the man who had spoken to him, dabbed his eyes with mud, and sent him to wash in the pool. He wanted to see that face, also.

The interrogation began.
The brightest of the lawyers began with an establishing question about how the young man received his sight. Blinking and shielding his eyes from the sun over the shoulder of the inquisitor, he gave the facts.

“He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”

The broad smile on his face was more effective than the words of his testimony. Applause broke out from the crowd. The questioner panicked.

“This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.”

It took about two seconds for the absurdity of this remark to turn the applause into uproarious laughter. This was not going well. A voice from the crowd sounded above the din.

“How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?”

The logic was inescapable. The case was as clear as could be for those who could see it. Quickly the Pharisee demanded an assessment from the man. Still blinking and shielding his eyes with his right hand, he looked into the eyes of the Pharisee. He saw a blindness deeper than the one he had known. There was only one answer.

“He is a prophet.”

Family Reunion
Getting nowhere with this line of questioning, they sent for the young man’s parents. On their arrival, the proceedings halted while a most touching reunion took place with hands on faces and tears freely flowing. The parents confirmed the identity of the young man and reported the obvious miracle. When asked their opinion of the man who had done this, they deferred to their son.

“He is of age; ask him.”

They were not blind—they could see the trap set for them.

Scriptures:
John 9:13-23
They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees. Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” ” Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
Jeremiah 5:20-21 NKJV
“Declare this in the house of Jacob And proclaim it in Judah, saying, ‘Hear this now, O foolish people, Without understanding, Who have eyes and see not, And who have ears and hear not:                                                                                                                                                Isaiah 60:1-2 NKJV
Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your light is true light. Your light drives all the darkness of the world to the margins of our lives. Isaiah predicted that deep darkness would cover the people but You would shine on believers and I have found this to be the case. Just as each day’s sunrise pushes back the night, Your entrance into a life pushes back the darkness of sin, the gloom of hopelessness, and the murky pessimism of despair. You are the Light of the World! Amen and amen.

Song:
Open My Eyes that I May See
Words and Music: Clara H. Scott

1. Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth you have for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unlock and set me free.
Silently now, on bended knee,
ready I wait your will to see;
open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

2. Open my ears, that I may hear
voices of truth you send so clear;
and while the message sounds in my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Silently now, on bended knee,
ready I wait your will to see;
open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!

3. Open my mouth, and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
open my heart, and let me prepare
love with your children thus to share.
Silently now, on bended knee,
ready I wait your will to see;
open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

October 8 “Hear”

Hear

“Hearing” is a much deeper process than simply detecting sound. It means understanding. Jesus told His detractors that they failed to “hear” Him. By this He was not referring to their ears but to their hearts. The condition of the heart determines what any of us can “hear.” Educators refer to a condition of readiness, defined as a state of being when one can learn something new. For the student, until readiness happens no amount of lessons will get through. For the enemies of Jesus and those with no interest in spiritual things, there was little readiness about them.

Who is your Father?
His message was another factor that hindered the ability of so many in Jesus’ audience. It was truth from another world, the good news of a higher Kingdom, the Kingdom of God. It was time for the leaders of God’s people to expand their theology and understand deeper things, higher things, sweeter things, more powerful things—to really hear the message of Jesus. He spoke to them of His heavenly Father as the source of these things. They protested,

“Abraham is our father.”

According to the detailed genealogies so important to them, this was indeed the case. Jesus wanted them to call on a greater Father.

“If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham.”

Abraham was their Father in the faith—a hero of the faith—a believer in the Word of God. As children of Abraham, they should also be people of faith, hearing and obeying the Word of God. Abraham set the example of faith by following God’s direction by travelling to a new world. This was exactly what God wanted them to do—follow Jesus into a new land of a New Covenant.

To their chagrin, Jesus accused them of doing the evil works of some other father. They were outraged, protesting that not only Abraham but God Himself was their father. Their lack of relationship with the Father created their lack of readiness.

“If God were your Father, you would love Me!”

If they really loved God, they would love Him. If they believed God they would believe Him. They could not hear Jesus because they did not hear the Word of God. Then Jesus told them the truth they never wanted to hear.

“You are of your father the devil… there is no truth in him…for he is a liar and the father of it.”

Who is of God?
The proof of who is of God and who is of the devil, is found in the beliefs and behavior of an individual. In another place Jesus said that we would know people by their works. Some of the people in the Temple courts that day were truly the people of God while others were wholly owned subsidiaries of Satan. Those who were of God, heard the words of Jesus and took them to heart letting them work mightily in them, changing them from the inside out. Pause and remember those who believed,

  • 12 ordinary men, called to follow Jesus,
  • a young member of the Sanhedrin,
  • a woman with a checkered past in Samaria,
  • a nobleman’s son healed with a word from Jesus,
  • a lame man by the pool, and
  • a hungry multitude in the wilderness.

Others witnessed events like these and went away unchanged.

“Hearing” is a much deeper process than simply detecting sound.

Scriptures:
John 8:37-47
“I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.” They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father — God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”
Matthew 7:15-20
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You promised that Your followers would hear Your voice, the way sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd. It is true. I know Your voice and rest in Your tender words. I also know Your rebuke when I need correction, gentle but firm. Thank You, Lord! I hear Your voice in the Word. I hear Your voice in conversations with brothers and sisters. I hear Your voice when the preacher opens the Book behind the sacred desk. I hear Your voice in the liturgies of worship–the holy songs we sing. Thank You, Lord, for speaking life to me. Amen.

Song:
Wonderful Words of Life
Words and Music: P. P. Bliss

1. Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life;
let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life;
words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty:

Refrain:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.

2. Christ, the blessed One, gives to all wonderful words of life;
sinner, list to the laving call, wonderful words of life;
all so freely given, wooing us to heaven

Refrain

3. Sweetly echo the gospel call, wonderful words of life;
offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior, sanctify forever,

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

October 7 “Free”

Free

Roman soldiers armed to the teeth with officers on horseback and soldiers packing short swords and long spears patrolled the cities, highways and villages of Israel.
This was called Pax Romana, “the Roman peace.” Limited religious freedom was granted to the nations occupied by Rome. They were free to worship whatever gods they had invented. Among pagan nations this worked well—tolerance of all manner of gods and all modes of worship made sense. With the Jews, there was a problem: they worshiped only one God and rejected all others. This practice sealed them off from the rest of civilization, and made them the exception to the Roman rule.

We have no king but Caesar.
In a few chapters of John’s gospel we will hear the leaders and the people confess this fateful chant. At that moment it was the subtext of everything said and done. As long as the worshipers of the One True God kept their religion out of politics, a fragile peace made daily life possible. To one degree or another, the people of Israel harbored a whispered hope—Messiah! Through His prophets, the One True God they worshiped had promised a Redeemer, a Deliverer, a King who would take the government on His shoulders and of His Kingdom there would be no end. This was the threat to Rome, especially as would-be “messiahs” often appeared making the claim to be the One. To survive this captivity, the leaders tried to keep worship going without the emphasis on Messiah. The appearance of Jesus disturbed this unspoken strategy.

More than Miracles
The miracles of Jesus were acts of mercy, relieving the suffering of so many and awakening hope in so many others. There was more to His ministry than deeds of mercy; there was a message of truth. The truth He taught was not a refutation of the Law; it was the fulfillment of it.

  • After centuries of sacrifices and multitudes of lambs, Jesus was the final Lamb. John the Baptist said so!
  • After wilderness tabernacles and palatial temples, Jesus was now the habitation of God by His Spirit.
  • After generations of reading and chanting the written Word, Jesus came as the Living Word.
  • Jesus was the final prophet, the promised King, the Sun of Righteousness rising with healing in His wings.

His message was as powerful and transformative as His miracles.

Free Indeed
His message was the herald of true freedom, a greater freedom than Rome could provide or crush. It was a freedom born in faith in Him. Listen to His words:

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.”

Of course, the leaders could not let this invitation pass. They pled the case for their “freedom” under Rome.

“We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone.
How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”

The truth was and is, all sons of Abraham—all human beings, for that matter—are slaves to sin. It doesn’t matter which politicians rule, people are slaves to sin until Jesus sets them free. When He rules in the heart, true freedom is the result.

History has proven this freedom to be greater than

  • the dungeons and legions of Rome,
  • the prisons of fascism or communism,
  • the chains of American slavery,
  • the shackles of poverty and
  • any other prison or chain or oppression man can devise.

In all these historical tragedies, believers have been free in their spirits on earth and destined for eternal freedom in the great beyond.

Scriptures:
John 8:31-36
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I called out to You, You heard me. When I repented of my sinful life, You forgave me. When I confessed You as Lord, You became my Savior. The chains of sin that bound me fell from my life at Your command. You sent Your Blessed Holy Spirit to abide in my heart so that I can walk in the Spirit and walk about in freedom by Your power. Most of all, I am free to tell Your story to my world and to worship You with Your church on earth and in heaven. Thank God I Am Free! Amen and Amen.

Song:
Thank God I Am Free
Words and Music: James McFall

1. For a long time I traveled down a long, lonely road,
My heart was so heavy, in sin I sank low;
Then I heard about Jesus, what a wonderful hour!
I’m so glad that I found out
He would bring me out through His saving pow’r.

Refrain:
Thank God I am free, free, free from this world of sin,
Washed in the blood of Jesus, I’ve been born again;
Hallelujah, I’m saved, saved, saved by His wonderful grace.
I’m so glad that I found out
He would bring me out and show me the way.

2. Like a bird out of prison that’s taken his flight,
Like a blind man that God gave back his sight;
Like the poor wretched beggar that’s found fortune and fame,
I’m so glad that I found out
He would bring me out through His Holy Name.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

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

October 5 “Judgment”

Judgment

Day after day, Jesus stood in the Temple teaching.
He claimed no authority except His own. He was not a product of the leadership structure of the nation. He had climbed no “corporate ladder” to achieve His right to be heard. He was His own credentials. This of course, was nonsense to those who kept the “ladder.” Jesus suddenly appeared, teaching strange things and exhibiting His right to do so with miracles. The leaders had the credentials but Jesus had the power! How could the power structure deal with a man who not only was not endorsed by them, but who did not need them in any way?

The Pharisees Object to Jesus
The keepers of the “ladder” accused Jesus of the obvious fact—He was His own witness!

“You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true.”

It was not a wise tactic. Jesus knew the Law and the Law said that two witnesses in agreement sealed an issue. His personal witness was accompanied by that of His Father.

“I am One who bears witness of Myself,
and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.”

His witness carried with it the proof of His life and ministry among them. He claimed to come from “above” and proved it with deeds that had to have been sourced in Heaven. No one else could make wine out of plain water, command weather, multiply food with a touch, walk on water, heal diseases, drive out demons, and cleanse ordinary people of leprosy, the most dreaded of diseases. He was His own living proof.

His companion witness was His Father in heaven. He had explained at one point that He did what He saw His Father doing. The power of the Holy Spirit rested upon Him as a gift from His Father. His judgment was true.

The Pharisees Took the Bait.
They could not explain or refute the miracles, but the “Father” issue was up for debate.

“Where is Your Father?”

Of course, their context for this question was earthly not heavenly. They had no way of knowing that Jesus was not referring to a man somewhere. He tried to explain:

“You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me,
you would have known My Father also.”

This was well beyond their ability to understand. Still, they found they could not lay hands on Him. A strange paralysis seemed to afflict their minds and hamstring their Temple Guards. What they did not understand was that it simply wasn’t time yet for His arrest at their hands.

The Father of Jesus
People today who deny the dual nature of Jesus—Son of God and Son of Man—have the same problem the Pharisees had that day. If Jesus was not the virgin-born Son of God, who was His father? What earthly man possessed the gene pool that could produce such a man? How could the fallen nature of mankind produce even one perfect human specimen? We are all flawed from our entrance into this world until our exit, no matter what transpires in between these events. For us, by faith we believe in Jesus and in His Father, our Father, the One Who is in heaven! His judgment is true.

Scriptures:
John 8:13-20
The Pharisees therefore said to Him, “You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.” Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father? Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.” These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I believe Your claims to be both the Son of God and the Son of Man. I receive Your witness. Since my childhood, I have sensed Your Holy Presence—Your witness to me of Your truth. I sense also the inner witness of the Heavenly Father. I see His hand as Your will as it unfolds for me each day. I have even seen miracles by Your hand and transformations by Your presence. Yes, I believe Your witness! Amen and Amen.

Song:
Fairest Lord Jesus
Traditional

1. Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,
O thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

2. Fair are the meadows,  fairer still the woodlands,
robed in the blooming garb of spring:
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer
who makes the woeful heart to sing.

3. Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,
and all the twinkling starry host:
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
than all the angels heaven can boast.

4. Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
now and forevermore be thine.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

pathoflifedevotions Uncategorized

October 4 “Adultery”

Adultery

While the frustrated leaders went home to try again on the morrow, Jesus went to His place of prayer on the Mount of Olives.
With the dawn, Jesus and the leaders were ready for another round. Jesus came to the Temple early, sat down, and began teaching the early arrivers.

One of the Adulterers
John does not tell us how the leaders found this unfortunate woman except to quote them that she was caught “in the act.” This was not rumor or baseless accusation—her guilt was beyond question. There was no mention of the man. To have discovered her in the act indicated that he was present and just as guilty. The custom of the day dwelt on the guilt of the woman. This was one of the things Jesus came to correct—the gender inequality of cultures that held men and women at different values. The man was as guilty as the woman, but he seems to have faded into the crowd. He may have found his place among the elders. The woman was all the men needed to challenge Jesus.

What Would Moses Do?
The elders cared nothing for her. She was a useful tool to trap Jesus in a conflict with Moses and the Law.

“Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”

This tested the heart of Jesus.

  • He was known for His passion for the Law, claiming to be the fulfiller of the Law, not its destroyer.
  • He was also known for His compassion for the sinful and downtrodden.

The leaders thought they had Him in a trap from which He could not escape. It was wishful thinking.

Hand-writing in the Sand
As if He hadn’t heard their challenge, Jesus stooped to the ground and began writing in the sand. John does not tell us what He wrote. This omission has prompted commentators through the centuries to speculate about what He may have written. Some have suggested that He wrote the names of the men, or the man, who had committed adultery with this woman. That is as good a theory as any. Jesus stood and announced,

“He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

A Slow Exit
Whatever Jesus wrote, this was the effect: a profound, silence broken only by the sound of stones dropping from the hands of guilty men. When He stooped and wrote again, there was an outbreak of guilt. An orderly exit resulted, starting with the oldest men whose sins and indiscretions were long ago but were suddenly fresh in memory. This exit by age continued from the oldest to the youngest until all the accusers were gone. Finally the woman had no accusing fingers pointing at her. Jesus spoke,

“Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

Her voice was small in the cavernous Temple.

“No one, Lord.”

His splendid answer still rings through all these centuries giving hope to those who have fallen.

“Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

The accusers were gone, but the listeners were still there. Women attended the woman and led her away in peace. Instead of angry stones, tears fell like rain to the sand beneath the feet of the onlookers. Jesus seized the moment.

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,
but have the light of life.”

Scriptures:
John 8:2-12
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the One who makes things right. Wicked men, and one man in particular, ganged up on a wayward woman. Without excusing her sin, You showed compassion on her and served justice to the men. They fled the revelation of their secret sins. At the end of the scene, the men still bore their sins but she was forgiven. You have made so many wrong things right for me—thank You, Lord! Amen.

Song:
The Light of the World
Words and Music: P. P. Bliss

1. The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

2. No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain

3. Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain

4. No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.