Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:6-7

Jesse was the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah).
Solomon was the father of Rehoboam.
Rehoboam was the father of Abijah.
Abijah was the father of Asa. – Matthew 1:6-7

As we continue through the genealogy of Jesus, we see several familiar names. Of all the names, David might be the most significant. David was the first king of Israel and it was his son who built the Temple in Jerusalem, which was known as the City of David. Most of the songs or psalms in the bible were written by David, words we continue to use today to sing praises to our God. It was significant that Jesus was born in the lineage of David because Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would come from David’s family.

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. – Isaiah 11:1

In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place. – Isaiah 11:10

Then God will establish one of David’s descendants as king. He will rule with mercy and truth. He will always do what is just and be eager to do what is right. – Isaiah 16:5

I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them. – Isaiah 22:22

The angel referred to Joseph as the son of David when he told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife (Matt. 1:20). Two blind men followed after Jesus shouting “Son of David, have mercy on us!” (Matt. 9:27). A crowd was amazed when Jesus healed a demon-possessed man who had been blind and couldn’t speak. They asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?” (Matt. 12:23)

A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” – Matthew 15:20

Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” – Matthew 20:30-31

Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” – Matthew 21:9

The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.” But the leaders were indignant. – Matthew 21:15

“What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They replied, “He is the son of David.” – Matthew 22:42

So many people recognized who Jesus was — that he was the one they had been waiting for, the one who would bring salvation. The question for us is whether or not we truly recognize who Jesus is. We are surrounded by those who deny His supremacy. We are bombarded with arguments that he was just a good man. But who do you believe him to be and are you allowing this Son of David to be the Lord of your life?

Lord Jesus, as we begin our Christmas celebrations, we want to start by recognizing where you came from and the significance of your birth. Help us to recognize you as clearly as the blind man did; may we acknowledge your power like the demon-possessed man did. Give us eyes to see you at work in our lives today. Give us the faith of a child as we cry out, “Praise God for the Son of David.” Amen.

Today’s Reading: Joshua 6, Ruth 4, 1 Samuel 16

Ram was the father of Amminadab.
Amminadab was the father of Nahshon.
Nahshon was the father of Salmon.
Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab).
Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth).
Obed was the father of Jesse. – Matthew 1:4-5

We have very little information about Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, or Nahshon except to know that they were leaders of the tribe of Judah and faithfully gave their offerings to the Lord. There is not much said about Salmon and yet he is one of my favorites.

Meanwhile, Joshua said to the two spies, “Keep your promise. Go to the prostitute’s house and bring her out, along with all her family.” The men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, mother, brothers, and all the other relatives who were with her. They moved her whole family to a safe place near the camp of Israel. Then the Israelites burned the town and everything in it. Only the things made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron were kept for the treasury of the Lord’s house. So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day. – Joshua 6:22-25

SALMON WAS THE KIND OF MAN WHO WAS WILLING TO LOVE A WOMAN WITH A PAST.

Rahab, the hero in the story of Israel’s defeat of Jericho, was brought into the family of God. She had been a prostitute and yet God used her in a mighty way to fulfill His promise to Abraham. Her courage and her willingness to serve the God of the Israelites not only gave her a place in the tribe of Judah, it gave her a place in the lineage of Jesus. This woman was rescued through the love of her husband, forgiven by the grace of her God, and redeemed by the blood of her descendant — Jesus.

The Lord blessed the union of Salmon and Rahab, and they gave birth to a son whom they named Boaz. Just as Salmon had been the Family Redeemer for a woman named Rahab, Boaz was the Family Redeemer for a woman named Ruth.

BOAZ WAS THE KIND OF MAN WHO WAS WILLING TO LOVE AND CARE FOR A WIDOW AND HER MOTHER-IN-LAW.

This Moabite woman, who was raised by her family to worship false idols, made the choice to walk away from everything she knew and serve the God of her mother-in-law. Her dedication to care for Naomi and to worship the God of the Israelites led to her own journey of redemption. Ruth was embraced through the love of her husband, cared for through the compassion of her God and redeemed through the blood of her descendant — Jesus.

The Lord blessed the union of Boaz and Ruth, and they gave birth to a son whom they named Obed. Obed’s claim to fame is that he was the father of Jesse, whose story is told in 1 Samuel 16. As an obedient response to God’s direction, Samuel went to Jesse with a flask of olive oil and the intent to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the new king of Israel. So in the small town of Bethlehem, the future birthplace of the Messiah, Jesse lined up his seven sons for Samuel to choose from. One by one, Samuel recognized that the Lord had not chosen any of these brothers to be king.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

He asked Jesse if he had any other sons and Jesse sent for his youngest who was out in the fields watching the sheep and goats. David was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. The Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him” (16:12).

JESSE WAS THE KIND OF FATHER WHO WAS WILLING TO LET GO OF HIS SON AND ALLOW HIM TO PURSUE GOD’S CALL ON HIS LIFE.

These men and women in the genealogy of Jesus were not perfect, but they were chosen by God. They were unaware that the Messiah would come through their descendants, but their influence was passed down from generation to generation. Have you considered what God has ahead for those in your family line? The decisions we make today have the potential to influence their story. What will they say about us? What story will be told about our faith?

Today’s Reading: Genesis 15, 24, 32, 38

When we think of Christmas, we think of family. We find ourselves grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them, and we thank God for one more Christmas together, while also remembering those who are missing from our Christmas celebrations. We learn so much about God when we take time to see the journey of grace that each of our family members are on.

Abraham was the father of Isaac.
Isaac was the father of Jacob.
Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers.
Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar).
Perez was the father of Hezron.
Hezron was the father of Ram. – Matthew 1:2-3

THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM TEACHES US TO BELIEVE GOD WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO.

The first person mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus is Abraham, a man who was known for having such a great faith in God that He willingly packed up and followed God’s command to move to the land of Canaan. God told Abraham to look at the stars in the sky and trust that God was going to make his descendants as numerous as all the shining lights above him.

“Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. – Genesis 15:6

God told Abraham that He would make him into a great nation, and He did. God told Abraham that he would be famous, and He was. God told Abraham that all the land he could see in every direction would one day be his, and that’s exactly what happened. Abraham had faith in God because he knew God to be faithful.

THE LIFE OF ISAAC REMINDS US OF THE POWER OF PRAYER.

Abraham’s servant prayed specifically to God for success in finding a wife for Isaac and God showed His unfailing love by clearly answering that prayer. It was while Isaac was spending time with God, walking in the fields and meditating on God, that he looked up and saw Rebekah approaching him on a camel. He recognized God’s provision in his life and fell deeply in love with this beautiful gift from God. When life became difficult, Isaac turned to the Lord in prayer.

Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was unable to have children. The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins. – Genesis 25:21

FROM JACOB WE LEARN WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO STRUGGLE WHILE SEEKING GOD’S BLESSING.

Jacob struggled to receive his father’s blessing, and his love story was complicated by the struggle he had with his uncle. Jacob wrestled with God and got what he wanted. Jacob’s struggle continued as his daughter was raped and his sons took revenge, creating powerful enemies for his family. Jacob, who had struggled with his brother in the womb, had to deal with the struggle between his sons. He grieved when he thought his son was dead and praised God when he was reunited with Joseph years later. Although struggle was a consistent theme in his life, God blessed Jacob and the nation of Israel was formed through his children and grandchildren.

Abraham was known for his strong faith in God and yet there were moments when he struggled to trust God to protect him. Isaac inherited his father’s faith and found that God was faithful to answer his prayers. Jacob became the master manipulator but learned what it felt like to be on the receiving end of someone else’s manipulation. He struggled to accept God’s plan for his life and persistently sought God’s favor. Perez came from the unholy union of Judah and Tamar, yet God used him in the story of redemption through the birth of Jesus Christ.

Do you know God to be faithful? Perhaps today is a good day to list all of the reminders of God’s faithfulness in your life. There is evidence all around us that God is good and that His promises are true. Let’s allow God to grow our faith today as we trust in Him, even through the struggles. Imagine what this Christmas season could be if we were to stay focused on the faithfulness of God from start to finish.

Lord, I ask for you to strengthen our faith for what is ahead. Give us the desire to follow you wherever you will send us, and the humility to treat others as you have taught us. May we be the prayer warriors you have called us to be, hearing from you and recognizing the many ways in which you will answer our prayers today. Give us the courage to be honest about our struggles and persistent in our prayer life. May we see our story woven into the story of Jesus.

Today’s Reading: John 20, Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38

Then Jesus told [Thomas], “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. — John 20:29-31

John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote his gospel account of the life of Jesus in order that those who choose to read it for generations to come will believe that Jesus truly was the promised Messiah. The Son of God came to earth to rescue us from our sinful state — to close the gap created by sin. His birth, death and resurrection fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies.

We can see the threads of redemption and restoration woven through God’s story when we study the genealogy of Jesus. Both Matthew and Luke found it important for us to know where Jesus came from, so they included Jesus’ family tree in their gospel accounts — Matthew focused on his paternal lineage and Luke on his maternal lineage. Both genealogies showed that Jesus was a descendant of David, one more indicator that he truly was the Messiah.

“Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gives birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah. All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah.” – Matthew 1:16-17

Matthew traces Jesus’ family back to Abraham, showing that Jesus was the promised Messiah of the Jewish people (Matthew 1:1-7). Luke traces Jesus’ family even farther back to Adam, showing that Jesus came to be the Savior for ALL people everywhere (Luke 3:23-38). “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Who will Jesus save? His people. Who are His people? We are all His people because we have all descended from Adam. Salvation is for each and every one of us.

Consider your family on both sides. Take a moment to think of the influence the family on your mother’s side has had on your life. Now consider the impact of your father’s family on who you are and where you are at today. When you look at the genealogy of Jesus, you will see a list of people who were far from perfect. Each one has a story of how God in grace reached out to them and used them even after they had messed things up. You can probably look up at your family tree and see a lot of imperfections in those who have come before you. Yet the God of grace still chose them to give the world YOU!

Let us not take lightly the role God has played in our lives since before we were born. Each story that precedes us sets the backdrop for our story. God has known us, loved us and developed a plan for our lives in spite of our family tree – whether that tree is one of a strong spiritual heritage or the weak faith of our fathers. God had a purpose for the life of Jesus – to save the world. In the same way, your family tree leads to a moment in history when you carry out God’s plan for your life.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me! – Psalm 139:15-18

Jesus has been actively present in your story since the beginning. He knows the plans He has for your future – plans for you and for the generations that come after you. What story will be told of you? How will the choices you make today influence your family in the future?

Lord, we thank you this morning for the heritage passed down to us from our parents and grandparents — the good and the bad. Your workmanship in our lives is marvelous – how well we know it! We thank you for the love and investment of time that has made us who we are today. We pray that you will take our own imperfect attempts to love and allow us to positively influence the next generation. Help us to shine your light onto the path you have set before them — a path marked with grace and hope.

Today’s Reading: John 19

Defining who had the title King of the Jews was the argument surrounding the trial of Jesus Christ. Pilate asked Jesus if he was King of the Jews and Jesus answered him.

“My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
Pilate said, “So, you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
“What is truth?” Pilate asked. — John 18:36-38

Finding Jesus not guilty of any crime, Pilate went out to the people and asked them if they would like him to release this “King of the Jews”, but they asked him to release Barabbas instead (John 18:39-40). Just moments before Jesus was going to die on the cross for their sins, the people were emphatically denying him and crying out for his death – “Crucify him! Crucify him!” The soldiers mocked Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on his head and purple robe on his back – “Hail! King of the Jews!”

Still finding Jesus not guilty of any of the charges against him, Pilate again went out to the people and said, “Look, here is your king!”
“Away with him,” they yelled. “Away with him! Crucify him!”
“What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back.
Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away (John 19:14-16).

But Pilate seemed to know who he was handing over to be crucified. It didn’t matter to him that the people and the Jewish leaders were rejecting Jesus, he knew who Jesus was and he was determined to make it known. As was the custom, he had a sign made to hang over each man being crucified. Over Jesus the sign read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Once more the leading priests, men appointed by God to lead His people in sacrificial worship of Him, led the people in their rejection of the promised Messiah saying, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am the King of the Jews.’” Pilate stubbornly refused, “No, what I have written, I have written” (John 19:19-22).

God’s people stubbornly refused to acknowledge His Son as their King at the same time that Pilate stubbornly refused to acknowledge Him as anything but the King of the Jews. Just as their ancestors had rejected God as their King, demanding an earthly king instead, they were now rejecting His Son, the Messiah.

“Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.”
Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer.” – 1 Samuel 8:5-7

Early in his life, there were those who recognized that Jesus was the King of the Jews, but there were also others who rejected his position and were threatened by his presence. King Herod even went as far as to kill all the baby boys two years of age and under living in Bethlehem in an attempt to end the life of the one the prophets declared would one day rule over Israel.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” — Matthew 2:1-2

As we approach Christmas, let’s turn our attention to the birth of Jesus. Let’s intentionally take time to fall on our knees and worship our Savior. Our American holiday traditions will clamor loudly for our attention, but Jesus is calling us to seek him so that we can find ourselves renewed by his presence. Let’s pray for God to reveal something new to us this year, so that our faith will be strengthened this Christmas.

Today’s Reading: John 18

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. — John 18:1-3

“Look, my betrayer is here!” – Mark 14:42b

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. — John 18:4-6

They knew what they were there to do, yet at the sound of his voice, they involuntarily pulled back and collapsed to the ground. They experienced the power of the spoken word of Jesus, yet they were determined to complete the mission rather than worship the Messiah. Judas walked over to Jesus and greeted him with a kiss.

But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” – Luke 22:48

This kiss was Judas’ last moment to touch Jesus — his last moment of freedom. He had been a follower of Jesus, a student of his teaching and a witness of the power of Jesus to heal. Now he was the one handing him over to those who were eager to arrest him.

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” — John 18:10-11

The disciples were not expecting all that was happening around them. Jesus was back from praying and they had once more fallen asleep. As they were shaking off the heaviness of sleep, the drama of Jesus’ betrayal played out before them. At a loss of how to respond, Peter grabbed the sword he had brought with him and took a swing. But this was not the way Jesus wanted his disciples to handle the situation. They longed to defend and protect him, but he intervened with the power of these four words — “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. – Luke 22:53

They took Jesus first to Annas and then to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest – the one who had joined in the plot to kill Jesus. They brought many false witnesses in to tell lies about Jesus. Then the guards mocked him and beat him, they blindfolded him and hurled insults at him. The next day, Jesus stood in front of the elders, leading priests and teachers of religious law. They condemned him for saying he was the Son of God. They bound him, led him away and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.

When Judas heard that Jesus had been condemned to die, he went back to the leading priests and tried to undo what he had done. It was too late. Filled with remorse, he threw the silver coins down, left the Temple and hung himself (Matthew 27:3-5).

When Judas chose sin, he chose slavery; when he chose to do things his way, he was tortured by his shame and regret. It was God’s plan for Jesus to die so that we could experience salvation, but it did not have to be through Judas. He willingly participated in Satan’s plan and was overwhelmed with the weight of his sin. Yet Jesus did not die because of Judas; He died for Judas. And He died for me, and He died for you.

Father God, as we begin our Christmas celebrations, we are reminded of how much we have to be grateful for. You are our Provider and our Protector; you are our Savior and our Redeemer. Your willingness to give your Son for our salvation fills our hearts with gratitude. May this Christmas draw us closer to you as we acknowledge all you have done for us.

Today’s Reading: John 17:1-12; Psalm 53

Jesus knew he was about to be arrested and crucified, yet He was concerned for us.

Jesus knew that the world would not like us, so He prayed for God’s protection on us.

Jesus knew He was the only way to eternal life – so He died for us.

RECIPIENT OF HIS PRAYERS

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. – John 17:1-5

Desiring for those who believe in Him to have eternal life, yet knowing the one way for that to happen was for us to know God, Jesus willingly left heaven and came to earth so that we could get to know God by getting to know Him – that we could find our way HOME. Jesus, knowing our natural struggle to believe, became flesh so that He could personally deliver the message of salvation.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.” – John 17:9-12

SUBJECT OF HIS PROTECTION

How beautiful the words of our Savior as He prayed for God to protect His followers. How comforting to know that He still prays for that kind of protection over us.

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.” – John 17:15-19

RECEIVER OF HIS LOVE

We are so unworthy of the sacrifice Christ made for us. He died so that we can be made holy by God’s truth. He died so that we can experience perfect unity – Christ in us and God in Christ – so that others may see and believe.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” – John 17:22-26

Jesus knew that the moment of his arrest was coming. He knew that his time with the disciples was drawing to an end and he prayed for them. He prayed for them and he prayed for us. What a privilege this morning to be a RECIPIENT OF HIS PRAYERS, a SUBJECT OF HIS PROTECTION and a RECEIVER OF HIS LOVE! How overwhelming to know He died so that I can live. How incredible to know that Jesus is still revealing Himself to me. What a great day to be a follower of Christ!

Today’s Reading: John 17:13-26; Psalm 61

“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father.” – John 14:30-31a

This statement reminds us that Jesus could have overpowered Satan’s attempts to destroy him. Death had no power over him, but he submitted to God’s plan in order that we could know how much God loves us and experience that love firsthand. He who was without sin died so that we could receive the righteousness of God in our lives.

“The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” – John 16:9-11

Judgment has already been rendered against Satan, but we are living in a time when our enemy is allowed to wreak havoc on this world we live in. As a result of that, our culture does not appreciate our faith and they mock the message of salvation that we hold so dear.

STAND TALL WHEN THE WORLD HATES YOU

Jesus’ final prayer: “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by our truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will be one, just as you and I are one – as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” – John 17:13-21

STAND TALL AND GIVE GOD GLORY IN EVERY SITUATION

Jesus has called us to bring the message of God’s love to the world around us regardless of how they respond to that message. There will be times when our message is rejected or times when we are treated unfairly because of our faith but it is okay because we do not belong to this world. Our eternal rewards will far outweigh any earthly praise and position we could attain here on earth. So let’s stand tall on the podium of life, giving God the glory in every situation. Whether we are receiving applause or criticism, congratulations or rejection, let’s stand tall for the One who PRAYED FOR US before he DIED FOR US.

Do not be surprised, my brother, if the world hates you. – 1 John 3:13

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. – 1 Peter 4:12-13

O God, listen to my cry!
Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth,
I cry to you for help
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings! — Psalm 61:1-4

Today’s Reading: John 15:18-16:4; Psalm 59

STAND TALL WHILE THE CROWD IS CHEERING.

I love to hear the stories of Olympic athletes and then watch as their journey of hard work and dedication becomes the reality of a medal around their neck. I especially love the moment when an athlete throws their arms in the arm, looks to the sky, and has a moment of praising the God who has been with them on their journey. Athlete after athlete has stood at a microphone and given glory to Jesus for what their body and mind were able to accomplish.

STAND TALL WHEN THE CHEERING CEASES.

In that moment, the world is cheering them on but we also know the reality that the cheering will soon cease. The patience with those who use their Olympic platform to glorify God runs out and many criticize the athlete, looking for holes in their faith and hoping for the moment when this follower of Christ will mess up. They will pull their support of the athlete, just as millions threaten to bring down Christian businesses like Chick-fil-a or Hobby Lobby.

Jesus spoke of how this world would treat his followers and how the ruler of this world would be an enemy seeking to destroy them. He mentioned this in his prayer for his disciples and spoke of it often when preparing them for what the world would do to him. Let’s look at the words recorded by John:

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? “A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me…Anyone who hates me also hates my Father.” – John 15:18-21, 23-24

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning.” – John 16:1-4a

When we are treated unkindly because of our faith or made fun of for our conservative beliefs, it helps to be reminded of the words of Jesus. When mistreatment leaves us feeling discouraged or defeated, we can remember that we are not alone.

STAND TALL BECAUSE GOD IS STANDING WITH YOU.

You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me,
for you, O God, are my fortress.
In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me.
He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies. – Psalm 59:9-10

God surrounds us on all sides because he is our fortress; he joins us in the battle because He is our hero. For that reason, we choose joy when hard times come and we praise Him for being our refuge.

But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love. – Psalm 59:16-17

Today’s Reading: John 16:16-33; Psalm 120

“In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.” Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean?…” Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.” — John 16:16-22

UNLIMITED JOY

The disciples were going through a time of confusion. They wanted to understand what Jesus was saying, yet hoped they were not understanding. Because if they did understand what Jesus was saying, it would be more than they could bear. They loved Jesus and the thought of him leaving them was almost more than they could bear. So they kept asking him questions; they kept hoping for a different explanation.

Jesus did not pull back from the truth. He warned them that there was great sorrow ahead; he explained to them that he would soon be leaving them. Their grief would be great, but the joy he was promising them would be even greater. He promised them that there was a day coming when the happiness they would experience would be theirs forever.

ABUNDANT JOY

“At that time, you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy…I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.” – John 16:23-27

When we completely put our faith in God, believing He hears our prayers and will be faithful to respond according to His perfect will, we experience abundant joy. When we let go of our own hopes and dreams, placing them in His loving hands, we experience a contentment that can easily be described as peace.

UNLIMITED PEACE

“Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”
Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:28-33

There is no guarantee that our world will be trouble-free, but there is a promise that we can have peace. Life will have struggles but we know that we are not alone. It may seem like the enemy is winning at times but, take heart, Jesus has overcome the world. And this same Jesus is offering to us a connection that allows us to remain in Him through the good times and the bad. This same Jesus promises that his resources are unlimited.

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. – Psalm 120:1

I spend time daily studying God’s word, but I am not sure I have done more than scratch the surface of what it means to be connected to Him and to remain in Him. If I want to produce fruit in my life, if I want to save myself from drought, all I need to do is truly devote myself to the True Grapevine. If I want to experience joy and peace in the midst of sorrow and loss, I simply need to have the faith to remain in him. There is no limit to what He wants to give me. I simply need to stop limiting how much of him I am receiving. I need to stay HOME.