John 14:8-17&25-27
8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." 9 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, all who have faith in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. 15 "If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
25 "All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Before you read the next paragraph, I’d like to invite you to pray with this passage and read it over a few times and share your insight for the church and for each of our faith lives.
Now, I don’t want to lead you too much this week and take away your creativity or bias your listening to God as you engage this scripture, but the word I’ve been thinking about is ‘stagnation.’ I’d also like you to think about how you imagine this word ‘stagnation’ could relate with this passage and share your thoughts and reflections with the rest of us by commenting.
Community Reformed Church - Newton, Iowa
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Pentecost 2007
Posted by
Pastor Eric
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
As I read this for the 1st time, the thought that came to my mind, were that the farther away in time we have gotten from when Jesus was here, the farther away we have gotten away from His power. It is still there, but I think that sin has gradually crept in, and separated us from the possibilities that were promised to us. The Spirit is in each of us, just as the Father was in the Son. The key phrase when reading the passage a 2nd time for me was, all you who have faith in me will do the works I have been doing. Has our faith gotten so weak that we can't do those deeds? I know there are times in my life when I have given an issue to God, and he definitely has delivered. So, how come I don't give everything to him every day? How come I have to be at the end of my rope -- always trying to do things my own way before I rely on His power. Is that what we are doing in His church -- are we trying to do it -- instead of relying on His power?
Verse 12 stands out in my mind as it says that as beleivers, with the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we will be able to do greater things then what Jesus himself has done. My question is ( rather then a comment) what greater theing can the christian do then what Jesus has done? He healed, raised people from the dead, reached out the poorest of the poor, and went to the cross.
What is greater than that?
With the faith of the size of a grain of mustard seed we should be able to move mountains. If this is possible through faith, then I have done nothing. I covet that ability, but think that I don't get it, because I would probably use it for my own grandizement.
Usually the word "stagnant" is what I associate with water that has collected in an area, but has no "fresh supply" feeding it, and nothing to stir it up occassionally. Animals and people wouldn't want to drink of it. It smells and attracts insects, ie; mosquitoes, that are annoying to say the least.
I'm not sure if the definition that I've associated above, totally fits todays church, or our church. Certainly the spirit (and pastor) can stir things up by having us really examine the motives of our hearts. There is some movement and obvious presence of the Spirit working in some of the lives of our church. Some lives, if we use the word "stagnant", have been that way for years. Maybe some have become accustomed to having been "stagnant" for so long, they give up on calling out to the living God.
I agree with the second comment that if I had the power that Christ had, I would most likely abuse it by my judgemental attitude towards even the "stagnant". Would probably want to "spit you out of my mouth" since you are luke warm and not hot or cold, where I could do something with your life. Maybe we're more like the church of Laodecia than we would like to admit. But he does say that "I'm about" to spit you out, which leaves hope for even a "stagnant" church.
For those of you in prior weeks who have lamented about your "lack of faith" because of no personal contact with God--re-read the first few verses of today's text. Even Philip who was speaking directly to Jesus is questioning his authority. Don't be too hard on yourself, Could it be the tempter is working to destroy the faith you do have and just waiting for an opportunity to weaken you?
While looking directly at Jesus and asking "Show us the Father so we can believe" makes questions we would ask pale in comparison. We have not had the opporuntiy to personally have a discussion with Jesus. This is where he has promised us the Holy Spirit to help us and pray for us. He promised the "comforter" and he keeps his word. As you have indicated, you pray that these things will become clear and you are absolutely correct that praying is a help given us to help us!! Don't forget what you know and don't be led astray by strange ideas. You ARE on the right road!! Just stay the course!!! We'll be praying for you.
Post a Comment