What Did Jesus Do?
He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
John 20.22
Defeated, dejected, and demoralized, it was a group of despairing disciples that gathered on the evening of the first day of the week (John 20.19). Not even the announcement of Mary Magdalene, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20.18) had lifted their spirits. With the image of a beaten and scourged Jesus dying on the cross in their minds, a deathly fear of what the Jews might do to them compelled the disciples to lock the doors. With their dreams dashed, their faith frustrated, and the kingdom vision of Jesus seemingly a vanished vanity, the disciples were all but lifeless. But they would not remain so for long. For, against all evidence and logic, Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, bringing them the fullness of God’s shalom (peace) to calm their anxious hearts.
Now, just in case any of the disciples were of the same frame of mind as the skeptics in Jerusalem who had refused to believe that a man born blind could see (see John 9.9), Jesus confirmed his identity by displaying the marks of the nails and the spear which had pierced his hands, feet, and side (John 20.20). Instantly, gloomy hearts were gladdened. New “marching orders” were received, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20.21)
Of course, defeated, dejected, and demoralized disciples would be a pretty impotent army with which to conquer the world. They were, remember, all but lifeless at this point. So, Jesus breathed new life into despairing disciples, and imparted to them the power of the Holy Spirit (John 20.22). And, along with this power of the Spirit, the Lord also conferred his very own authority to grant or withhold forgiveness (John 20.23). THAT’s a lot of power and authority! One might even say it was irresistible. In fact, it was and is irresistible for all who are being saved, while staunchly yet rejected and resisted by those who are being condemned.
Given the authority and power which Jesus bestowed on his disciples, there has never been any reason for any disciple ever since to despair. Oh, things can look very bleak. The world, the flesh, and the devil appear to be even more ascendant in this third millennium since the time of Christ than ever before. Yet appearances can be deceiving. You see, to the despairing disciples who had gathered in that locked room on the evening of the first day of the week, it appeared that Jesus was dead and gone, and with him all their hopes. Yet, against all odds, Jesus had come and stood among them, and breathed new life into them, and they became world-changers.
Here’s the thing, there is not a single disciple of Jesus in the world today who the Lord has not called in order that they may be sent out to change the world. And nothing changes a person’s life and world more than hearing and believing the good news that, in Jesus Christ, they are forgiven. This is why it is so important that corporate confession, and declaring words of assurance and forgiveness, are such an important part of worship for the Lord’s Day. Nothing dispels despair like forgiveness! Nothing breathes life into a disciple, a congregation, the whole Body of Christ, like the Lord’s own gift of the Holy Spirit! Do you know someone who is despairing today? Then go, and breathe new life into them. That’s what Jesus did.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Monday, August 29, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Jesus Use Name Recognition
What Did Jesus Do?
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,
“Rabboni!”(which means Teacher).
John 20.16
A frantic, and no doubt winded, Mary Magdalene stood weeping outside the empty tomb (John 20.11), having run to summon Peter and John, and then hastened back to the garden where the body of Jesus had been placed in the grave borrowed from Joseph of Arimathea. Through her tear-blurred eyes she looked into the sepulcher and saw two angels sitting by the place where Christ’s body had lain (John 20.12). Asked by the divine messengers what was the reason for her crying, Mary confessed that her anxiety was for the body of her Lord, which she feared had been stolen from the grave (John 20.13).
Despairing, Mary turned to go, certainly to continue her search, whereupon she encountered a man she did not recognize, but presumed to be the caretaker of the garden, who asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” In fact he was the very man she was seeking, but, of course, she was looking for a dead body, not a Risen Savior (John 20.14-15). Mary repeated to the man that her quest was to locate the remains of the Lord, the One who had set her free from the torment of seven demons (see Mark 16.9). Then, with just one word, the man radically changed Magdalene’s life a second time.
You see, the Good Shepherd knows his sheep, and he calls them by name (see John 10.3), and the sheep know him (John 10.14). Though she didn’t know the man by his voice or visage, she knew her Teacher when he called her, “Mary.” The risen Jesus used name recognition to reveal himself to Mary, and he still makes himself known to all those he saves by calling them by name.
Salvation is no indiscriminate thing, it is absolutely personal and most intimate. No one is saved by a stranger, but by the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. We may well not know him when we see him, though his startlingly white raiment, and most beautiful and glorious countenance, should give him away. But, we will surely recognize him when we hear his voice call to us personally by name. Mary Magdalene did.
Evangelism may be conducted through crusades, and electronic media may be used to reach out to the masses, but salvation comes to a lost sinner when he or she hears the Lord’s voice calling him or her personally. Jesus still uses name recognition to make himself known to those who are being saved.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,
“Rabboni!”(which means Teacher).
John 20.16
A frantic, and no doubt winded, Mary Magdalene stood weeping outside the empty tomb (John 20.11), having run to summon Peter and John, and then hastened back to the garden where the body of Jesus had been placed in the grave borrowed from Joseph of Arimathea. Through her tear-blurred eyes she looked into the sepulcher and saw two angels sitting by the place where Christ’s body had lain (John 20.12). Asked by the divine messengers what was the reason for her crying, Mary confessed that her anxiety was for the body of her Lord, which she feared had been stolen from the grave (John 20.13).
Despairing, Mary turned to go, certainly to continue her search, whereupon she encountered a man she did not recognize, but presumed to be the caretaker of the garden, who asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” In fact he was the very man she was seeking, but, of course, she was looking for a dead body, not a Risen Savior (John 20.14-15). Mary repeated to the man that her quest was to locate the remains of the Lord, the One who had set her free from the torment of seven demons (see Mark 16.9). Then, with just one word, the man radically changed Magdalene’s life a second time.
You see, the Good Shepherd knows his sheep, and he calls them by name (see John 10.3), and the sheep know him (John 10.14). Though she didn’t know the man by his voice or visage, she knew her Teacher when he called her, “Mary.” The risen Jesus used name recognition to reveal himself to Mary, and he still makes himself known to all those he saves by calling them by name.
Salvation is no indiscriminate thing, it is absolutely personal and most intimate. No one is saved by a stranger, but by the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. We may well not know him when we see him, though his startlingly white raiment, and most beautiful and glorious countenance, should give him away. But, we will surely recognize him when we hear his voice call to us personally by name. Mary Magdalene did.
Evangelism may be conducted through crusades, and electronic media may be used to reach out to the masses, but salvation comes to a lost sinner when he or she hears the Lord’s voice calling him or her personally. Jesus still uses name recognition to make himself known to those who are being saved.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Jesus Said "Yes"
What Did Jesus Do?
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”
John 4.34
Most people don’t think very highly of a yes-man. Typically they’re despised for being a flunky, a pushover, a stooge. Let’s face it, there’s something sick about being sycophantic (fawning, servile). But we all have very good reason to be thankful that Jesus was a yes-man. From the beginning, when God said, “Let there be light,” it was the Son’s unwavering practice to say “Yes” to whatever the Father said.
When the Father said, “Let there be sun, moon, and stars” Jesus said “Yes.” When the Father said, “Let there be the sky above and the seas below” Jesus said “Yes.” When the Father said, “Let there be dry land” Jesus said “Yes.” When the Father said, “Let the sky, the sea, and the land be filled with living creatures” Jesus said “Yes.” When the Father said, “Let us make man in our own image, male and female” Jesus said “Yes.”
Saying “Yes” to the Father was so important to the Son that it literally nourished him as food nourishes our bodies. Which leads me to observe that there are more than a few malnourished Christians in the world today who could stand to improve their diet by saying “Yes” to the will of God on a far more regular and consistent basis. I know I would benefit from more of this heavenly “health food” in my daily diet.
And yet, there were some things that Jesus said “Yes” to that were, well, kind of hard to swallow, so to speak. Think about it. “Son, I need you to give up your place at my side for a time. I want you to humble yourself and go down to the earth and become one of them.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” “You will not be born in a palace, but in a stable. Your mother will not be a powerful queen or rich woman, but a modest girl; your father will be but a carpenter.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” “You will grow up to undertake a ministry that will offend many, confuse others, but will save all who belong to me.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” “You will face opposition, rejection, desertion, and denial.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” “You will allow yourself to be seized by violent men who will abuse you and beat you.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” “You will bear a cross, have your hands and feet cruelly pierced by nails, and die a gruesome death in order that sinners should be saved.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” Finally, the Father said, “And, after three days in the tomb, I will call you to rise and come forth, that the redeemed may follow you into new and eternal life.” And Jesus said, “Yes!”
The thing is, contrary to much popular opinion, God is not silent today. His Word speaks today, He speaks today, if the world would but listen, if we would but listen. And, listening, we would be amazed at how nourishing and satisfying, how helpful and hopeful, how blessed it is to say, “Yes.” That’s what Jesus did.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”
John 4.34
Most people don’t think very highly of a yes-man. Typically they’re despised for being a flunky, a pushover, a stooge. Let’s face it, there’s something sick about being sycophantic (fawning, servile). But we all have very good reason to be thankful that Jesus was a yes-man. From the beginning, when God said, “Let there be light,” it was the Son’s unwavering practice to say “Yes” to whatever the Father said.
When the Father said, “Let there be sun, moon, and stars” Jesus said “Yes.” When the Father said, “Let there be the sky above and the seas below” Jesus said “Yes.” When the Father said, “Let there be dry land” Jesus said “Yes.” When the Father said, “Let the sky, the sea, and the land be filled with living creatures” Jesus said “Yes.” When the Father said, “Let us make man in our own image, male and female” Jesus said “Yes.”
Saying “Yes” to the Father was so important to the Son that it literally nourished him as food nourishes our bodies. Which leads me to observe that there are more than a few malnourished Christians in the world today who could stand to improve their diet by saying “Yes” to the will of God on a far more regular and consistent basis. I know I would benefit from more of this heavenly “health food” in my daily diet.
And yet, there were some things that Jesus said “Yes” to that were, well, kind of hard to swallow, so to speak. Think about it. “Son, I need you to give up your place at my side for a time. I want you to humble yourself and go down to the earth and become one of them.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” “You will not be born in a palace, but in a stable. Your mother will not be a powerful queen or rich woman, but a modest girl; your father will be but a carpenter.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” “You will grow up to undertake a ministry that will offend many, confuse others, but will save all who belong to me.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” “You will face opposition, rejection, desertion, and denial.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” “You will allow yourself to be seized by violent men who will abuse you and beat you.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” “You will bear a cross, have your hands and feet cruelly pierced by nails, and die a gruesome death in order that sinners should be saved.” And Jesus said, “Yes.” Finally, the Father said, “And, after three days in the tomb, I will call you to rise and come forth, that the redeemed may follow you into new and eternal life.” And Jesus said, “Yes!”
The thing is, contrary to much popular opinion, God is not silent today. His Word speaks today, He speaks today, if the world would but listen, if we would but listen. And, listening, we would be amazed at how nourishing and satisfying, how helpful and hopeful, how blessed it is to say, “Yes.” That’s what Jesus did.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Monday, August 22, 2011
Jesus Rose on the First Day, and Went to Work
What Did Jesus Do?
Jesus Rose on the First Day, and Went to Work
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early…
John 20.1
John begins his Gospel by tell us that Jesus, the Word, was present and active in the beginning (see John 1.1-5). The prologue to John is rooted in the first chapter of Genesis, where we read the details of what the Logos (“Word”) did in the beginning, which was to spend a week creating materially all that the Father spoke. Then the Word, along with the Father, rested. Now, as John starts to wind down his narrative of the life and ministry of Jesus, we are told that on the first day, after three days in the tomb, the Word was back to work, so to speak.
The creation, which had stood in need of redemption ever since the Fall (see Genesis 3), was about to get an “extreme makeover.” The One who had made all things in the beginning was about to begin to “make all things new” (see Revelation 21.5). Of course the work of re-creating, like the work of creating, had to begin on the first day.
The work of redemption had been completed on the cross, Jesus himself pronouncing the benediction, “it is finished” (John 19.30). Now, the Son would take up the work only a resurrected Savior and Lord could accomplish. It was not something that could be accomplished lying down. So, when Mary Magdalene arrived at the garden, she discovered that the stone that had sealed the tomb had been rolled back (John 20.1). Jesus was not there, for, having completed the work of redemption of a fallen humanity that had borne the image of the first Adam, he had risen to undertook the work of re-creating, of re-generating, the race of Man in the image of the last Adam, a very life-giving spirit (see 1Corinthians 15.45).
Not understanding, fearing the work of grave robbers, Magdalene raced to summon the disciples, Peter and John, to be precise, who in turn raced back to the tomb. When they found the tomb empty, just as Mary had lamented, they were confused, though John asserts that he saw and believed (John 20.8), and, uncomprehending, Peter and John turned and went back to their homes (John 20.9). Before we chide the apostles, let us again say that this day was not simply the first day of the week, but the first day of a whole new order of creation. No one had any knowledge or experience with radically redeemed and renewed life—with resurrection life. No one had yet encountered the Risen One.
But Jesus was risen, and on the third day since the crucifixion, as he himself had foretold. The work of the Resurrected Christ, and of his Church, was beginning on this, the glorious first day of not just a week, but of an Age.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Jesus Rose on the First Day, and Went to Work
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early…
John 20.1
John begins his Gospel by tell us that Jesus, the Word, was present and active in the beginning (see John 1.1-5). The prologue to John is rooted in the first chapter of Genesis, where we read the details of what the Logos (“Word”) did in the beginning, which was to spend a week creating materially all that the Father spoke. Then the Word, along with the Father, rested. Now, as John starts to wind down his narrative of the life and ministry of Jesus, we are told that on the first day, after three days in the tomb, the Word was back to work, so to speak.
The creation, which had stood in need of redemption ever since the Fall (see Genesis 3), was about to get an “extreme makeover.” The One who had made all things in the beginning was about to begin to “make all things new” (see Revelation 21.5). Of course the work of re-creating, like the work of creating, had to begin on the first day.
The work of redemption had been completed on the cross, Jesus himself pronouncing the benediction, “it is finished” (John 19.30). Now, the Son would take up the work only a resurrected Savior and Lord could accomplish. It was not something that could be accomplished lying down. So, when Mary Magdalene arrived at the garden, she discovered that the stone that had sealed the tomb had been rolled back (John 20.1). Jesus was not there, for, having completed the work of redemption of a fallen humanity that had borne the image of the first Adam, he had risen to undertook the work of re-creating, of re-generating, the race of Man in the image of the last Adam, a very life-giving spirit (see 1Corinthians 15.45).
Not understanding, fearing the work of grave robbers, Magdalene raced to summon the disciples, Peter and John, to be precise, who in turn raced back to the tomb. When they found the tomb empty, just as Mary had lamented, they were confused, though John asserts that he saw and believed (John 20.8), and, uncomprehending, Peter and John turned and went back to their homes (John 20.9). Before we chide the apostles, let us again say that this day was not simply the first day of the week, but the first day of a whole new order of creation. No one had any knowledge or experience with radically redeemed and renewed life—with resurrection life. No one had yet encountered the Risen One.
But Jesus was risen, and on the third day since the crucifixion, as he himself had foretold. The work of the Resurrected Christ, and of his Church, was beginning on this, the glorious first day of not just a week, but of an Age.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Friday, August 12, 2011
Jesus Borrowed a Place to Lay Down
What Did Jesus Do?
Now in the place there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb…
since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
John 19.41-42
In life the Son of Man had had no place to lay his head (See Luke 9.58); having laid down his life, Jesus still had no place of his own to lay down and rest. His life’s work finished (See WDJD for 8/10/2011), we might well expect that, finally, the Lord would have a tomb of his own, a place to lay, but such was not the case. So, Jesus borrowed a place to lay down.
Sounds kind of strange, doesn’t it, to borrow a tomb? It’s really no big deal to go and knock on your neighbor’s door and ask if you could borrow a cup of sugar, is it, but a tomb? Whoa! I mean, whoever heard of only needing a tomb for a few days? The truth is, while in life Jesus was a pilgrim, just passing through this world, if you will, and really didn’t need a permanent place to lay his head. Now, having been crucified, he was still a pilgrim of sorts—death was not his final destination, he was just passing through the grave while on his way to new and glorious and everlasting life. So, not needing a tomb for long, Jesus borrowed a place to lay down. How awesome is that!
Kind of makes me wish I could go back and do over many of the funeral services I have conducted, so that I could erase any and all suggestions that we were laying a saint down to his or her “final resting place.” I don’t know about you, but when they lay me down in the grave I don’t plan to have my mail forwarded there, ‘cause it sure isn’t going to be my permanent address! Because of what Jesus did, I’ll just be needing to borrow a little spot of earth for a time. Hallelujah, I’m excited just writing this! Not about dying, of course, but about what is to come after, when I leave my own “borrowed” patch of ground behind and go and spend eternity with Jesus.
Makes me think, rather than buying a burial plot, I wonder if I might be able to arrange for a short-term lease? I don’t mean at all to be disrespectful to the dear departed, but there’s no dearer departed than the Lord, and he borrowed a place to lay down. Seems to me, as I seek to follow him in life, so also in death. Jesus borrowed a place to lay down, and that just what I intend to do. After all, the Lord has gone to the trouble of preparing a permanent home for us in his Father’s mansion, doesn’t that sound better than a tomb?
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Now in the place there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb…
since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
John 19.41-42
In life the Son of Man had had no place to lay his head (See Luke 9.58); having laid down his life, Jesus still had no place of his own to lay down and rest. His life’s work finished (See WDJD for 8/10/2011), we might well expect that, finally, the Lord would have a tomb of his own, a place to lay, but such was not the case. So, Jesus borrowed a place to lay down.
Sounds kind of strange, doesn’t it, to borrow a tomb? It’s really no big deal to go and knock on your neighbor’s door and ask if you could borrow a cup of sugar, is it, but a tomb? Whoa! I mean, whoever heard of only needing a tomb for a few days? The truth is, while in life Jesus was a pilgrim, just passing through this world, if you will, and really didn’t need a permanent place to lay his head. Now, having been crucified, he was still a pilgrim of sorts—death was not his final destination, he was just passing through the grave while on his way to new and glorious and everlasting life. So, not needing a tomb for long, Jesus borrowed a place to lay down. How awesome is that!
Kind of makes me wish I could go back and do over many of the funeral services I have conducted, so that I could erase any and all suggestions that we were laying a saint down to his or her “final resting place.” I don’t know about you, but when they lay me down in the grave I don’t plan to have my mail forwarded there, ‘cause it sure isn’t going to be my permanent address! Because of what Jesus did, I’ll just be needing to borrow a little spot of earth for a time. Hallelujah, I’m excited just writing this! Not about dying, of course, but about what is to come after, when I leave my own “borrowed” patch of ground behind and go and spend eternity with Jesus.
Makes me think, rather than buying a burial plot, I wonder if I might be able to arrange for a short-term lease? I don’t mean at all to be disrespectful to the dear departed, but there’s no dearer departed than the Lord, and he borrowed a place to lay down. Seems to me, as I seek to follow him in life, so also in death. Jesus borrowed a place to lay down, and that just what I intend to do. After all, the Lord has gone to the trouble of preparing a permanent home for us in his Father’s mansion, doesn’t that sound better than a tomb?
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Jesus Poured Out New LIfe As He Poured Out His Life
What Did Jesus Do?
Jesus Poured Out New Life As He Poured Out His Life
But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear,
and at once there came out blood and water.
John 19.34
Jesus surrendered his mortal life on the cross; the shedding of his blood was the ebbing of his life (For the connection between the life of the flesh, and the blood see Genesis 9.4). Literally, the giving up of Christ’s precious blood was the offering of his life for ours. Jesus poured out new life as he poured out his life.
Think about it. Water and blood flowed from his pierced side, they showered down from the cross. And, from that moment forward, all who have been washed in the water of baptism, and cleansed by the atoning blood of forgiveness, have received new and everlasting life. Jesus Poured out new life as he poured out his life.
Scripture does not record anything further about the soldier who wielded the spear, so I warn you that some of what I am about to say is conjecture. In the Letter for the Philippians, Paul uses several terms to describe a man who had been sent by the church in Philippi to visit him in Rome. This man was to Paul a brother, a fellow worker, a fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need (See Philippians 2.25). The man’s name was Epaphroditus, a pagan name associated with the goddess Aphrodite. Epaphroditus was a Gentile convert to the faith.
What if Epaphroditus had really been a soldier, a Roman soldier? What if Epaphroditus had served in Palestine? What if Epaphroditus had been the legionnaire who wielded the spear that pierced the Lord’s side? Could the conversion of Epaphroditus have occurred right then and there at the foot of the cross, as the water and the blood that flowed from the side of Jesus gave new life to a soldier who would go on to serve faithfully in the ranks of the Lord’s army? Jesus poured out new life as he poured out his life.
This, as I said, is all conjecture on my part. But we do know beyond any doubt that the life the Lord surrendered he gave for the salvation of many. There is, as the song goes, power in the blood! For two thousand years countless millions have been bathed in the precious blood of Jesus, dying to sin so that they might live for him. Jesus poured out life, new and everlasting life, as he poured out his life.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Jesus Poured Out New Life As He Poured Out His Life
But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear,
and at once there came out blood and water.
John 19.34
Jesus surrendered his mortal life on the cross; the shedding of his blood was the ebbing of his life (For the connection between the life of the flesh, and the blood see Genesis 9.4). Literally, the giving up of Christ’s precious blood was the offering of his life for ours. Jesus poured out new life as he poured out his life.
Think about it. Water and blood flowed from his pierced side, they showered down from the cross. And, from that moment forward, all who have been washed in the water of baptism, and cleansed by the atoning blood of forgiveness, have received new and everlasting life. Jesus Poured out new life as he poured out his life.
Scripture does not record anything further about the soldier who wielded the spear, so I warn you that some of what I am about to say is conjecture. In the Letter for the Philippians, Paul uses several terms to describe a man who had been sent by the church in Philippi to visit him in Rome. This man was to Paul a brother, a fellow worker, a fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need (See Philippians 2.25). The man’s name was Epaphroditus, a pagan name associated with the goddess Aphrodite. Epaphroditus was a Gentile convert to the faith.
What if Epaphroditus had really been a soldier, a Roman soldier? What if Epaphroditus had served in Palestine? What if Epaphroditus had been the legionnaire who wielded the spear that pierced the Lord’s side? Could the conversion of Epaphroditus have occurred right then and there at the foot of the cross, as the water and the blood that flowed from the side of Jesus gave new life to a soldier who would go on to serve faithfully in the ranks of the Lord’s army? Jesus poured out new life as he poured out his life.
This, as I said, is all conjecture on my part. But we do know beyond any doubt that the life the Lord surrendered he gave for the salvation of many. There is, as the song goes, power in the blood! For two thousand years countless millions have been bathed in the precious blood of Jesus, dying to sin so that they might live for him. Jesus poured out life, new and everlasting life, as he poured out his life.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Jesus Completed The Mission
What Did Jesus Do?
Jesus said, “It is finished.”
John 19.30
Jesus had stated quite clearly to Pontius Pilate that he had come for a very definite and specific purpose, “to bear witness to the truth.” (John 18.37) In point of fact, Christ’s entire life was that very thing—a witness, or testimony, to the truth about the Father, the Father’s Word, and the Father’s Kingdom. Every thought, word, and deed of the Son was a part of his life-long mission to bear witness. Now, on the cross, Jesus, having completed the mission the Father had given him, relinquished his life and surrendered his spirit into the Father’s hands (See Luke 23.46).
I, on the other hand, my life span already nearly doubling the Lord’s, expect I’ll be around for quite some time yet. Have you seen the bumper sticker, bumper stickers seem to be where the most profound wisdom is found these days, that says, “God put me on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things, and right now I’m so far behind I believe I shall never die!” Pushing sixty as hard as I am, I believe I am not close to completing my mission, which begs the question, hadn’t I better get busy?
Certainly, being a follower of Jesus involves more than, well, just following. Following Jesus of course means pursuing a life of discipleship, of seeking to live after the example of the Lord. Whatever this may entail along the way, it seems to me that, at the end, one should be in a position to say, as Jesus did with respect to his life’s mission, it is finished. When drawing our last breath we don’t want to have to try and make some excuse for not accomplishing the tasks the Father has given to us as followers of his Son. I know, having lived this long already, that I won’t have the nerve to tell the Father that I needed more time. “Well, Jim, I’ve already given you about six decades, just how much time did you think you’d have?”
It seems to me that, as Christ’s disciples, we need first of all to be clear about his/our mission, and then we need to get on with it. With ample allowances for just how we go about our individual callings, I believe all who follow Jesus are, like him, put here on earth to bear witness to the truth. Christ himself said as much of us, “and you will be my witnesses.” (Acts 1.8) I think that’s pretty clear, don’t you? And, certainly, if we are in the least unsure about our mission, we have only to consult God’s Word, along with conversing with him in prayer, to clear up any doubts.
Understanding our mission, then, we should commence to begin, as it were, to offer our testimony to the world. There is no such thing as a secret witness. Lights are not intended to be hidden under a basket, but to be lifted up so that they may shine before others (See Matthew 5.15-16). Jesus, the Light of the World, let his light shine right to the very end, when he completed his mission. Our little lights need to shine on too.
The mission of a life is accomplished one day at a time. The mission of a day is accomplished one hour at a time. The mission of an hour is accomplished one minute at a time. And the mission of a minute is accomplished in the moment. Moment by moment, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, year by year bear witness to the truth, and we will have completed our mission. That’s what Jesus did.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
Ps 37.4
Jesus said, “It is finished.”
John 19.30
Jesus had stated quite clearly to Pontius Pilate that he had come for a very definite and specific purpose, “to bear witness to the truth.” (John 18.37) In point of fact, Christ’s entire life was that very thing—a witness, or testimony, to the truth about the Father, the Father’s Word, and the Father’s Kingdom. Every thought, word, and deed of the Son was a part of his life-long mission to bear witness. Now, on the cross, Jesus, having completed the mission the Father had given him, relinquished his life and surrendered his spirit into the Father’s hands (See Luke 23.46).
I, on the other hand, my life span already nearly doubling the Lord’s, expect I’ll be around for quite some time yet. Have you seen the bumper sticker, bumper stickers seem to be where the most profound wisdom is found these days, that says, “God put me on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things, and right now I’m so far behind I believe I shall never die!” Pushing sixty as hard as I am, I believe I am not close to completing my mission, which begs the question, hadn’t I better get busy?
Certainly, being a follower of Jesus involves more than, well, just following. Following Jesus of course means pursuing a life of discipleship, of seeking to live after the example of the Lord. Whatever this may entail along the way, it seems to me that, at the end, one should be in a position to say, as Jesus did with respect to his life’s mission, it is finished. When drawing our last breath we don’t want to have to try and make some excuse for not accomplishing the tasks the Father has given to us as followers of his Son. I know, having lived this long already, that I won’t have the nerve to tell the Father that I needed more time. “Well, Jim, I’ve already given you about six decades, just how much time did you think you’d have?”
It seems to me that, as Christ’s disciples, we need first of all to be clear about his/our mission, and then we need to get on with it. With ample allowances for just how we go about our individual callings, I believe all who follow Jesus are, like him, put here on earth to bear witness to the truth. Christ himself said as much of us, “and you will be my witnesses.” (Acts 1.8) I think that’s pretty clear, don’t you? And, certainly, if we are in the least unsure about our mission, we have only to consult God’s Word, along with conversing with him in prayer, to clear up any doubts.
Understanding our mission, then, we should commence to begin, as it were, to offer our testimony to the world. There is no such thing as a secret witness. Lights are not intended to be hidden under a basket, but to be lifted up so that they may shine before others (See Matthew 5.15-16). Jesus, the Light of the World, let his light shine right to the very end, when he completed his mission. Our little lights need to shine on too.
The mission of a life is accomplished one day at a time. The mission of a day is accomplished one hour at a time. The mission of an hour is accomplished one minute at a time. And the mission of a minute is accomplished in the moment. Moment by moment, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, year by year bear witness to the truth, and we will have completed our mission. That’s what Jesus did.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
Ps 37.4
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