These Are The True Words Of God

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)

Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God."

Revelation 19:6-9

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Love And Obedience

As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him…

John 13:27

At this mealtime setting Jesus has taken the role of servant and washed His disciples feet. The lesson: ‘Now that I have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.’ Jesus then predicts Judas’ betrayal and, in the midst of some confusion among the disciples, sends Judas off to do it. ‘Do it quickly,’ Jesus adds.

He tells the disciples that He wasn’t going to be with them much longer, which was true. In 18 hours or so He would be tried, beaten bloodily and crucified. Jesus is soon to tell Peter of his own denial, but first gives this ‘new command’:

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13:34-35

In this setting, just hours before His death, how is it that Jesus speaks these words? This teaching on love would be better fit on a warm grassy hill in the springtime with the multitudes sitting at His feet. But now? Late in the evening just hours before His crucifixion? Now, sandwiched in-between revealing how those closest to him will betray and deny Him? It seems so out of place… and yet… on display here is the power, grace and love of Jesus Christ. This setting and the circumstances of this night give massive weight to these words of Jesus. This is what He really wants…

Why would we love one another? The biggest reason, I think, would be our love for Jesus. We have grateful hearts when we experience the freedom He has given us, so yes, we will love one another to honor the One who has saved us.

In the next chapter is written these words:

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.

John 14:23-24

Love and obedience. Each is indicative of the other.

There are many who say they love the Lord (and I am in that number). Words are important because they declare my intent, but obedience is stronger than words because obedience is beyond intention. Obedience is implementation of my declared love and loyalty to Jesus.

To God, as well as people, actions speak louder than words.

Lord Jesus, I love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. May this day be the living out of those words through my obedience to Your teachings. You are Lord. I am Your servant. Teach me more of Your ways today. Thank You for Your grace which makes that possible.

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Certain Of What I Do Not See

Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

John 7:16-18

Chapters 7 and 8 take place in Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles. There is mystery and secrecy surrounding Jesus among the people. Jesus even told his own brothers that he was not going up to the Feast and then half way through He goes. The religious leaders were on the look out for Him, but it wasn’t Jesus’ time to be handed over to them (John 7:30; 8:20). The Pharisees even sent the Temple Guard to arrest Jesus, which they did not do. When they returned and were asked why they said, “No one ever spoke the way this man does” (John 7:32, 46).

There is secrecy and ambiguity with Jesus. He is mysterious, yet very clear, and the people are conflicted over Him. Some believe that He is the Messiah… but the Messiah cannot come from Galilee, everyone knows. The Scriptures are clear that the Christ will be from Bethlehem, David’s town (John 7:41-44). So it was not clear who Jesus was at that time. What it came down to was faith. Many put their faith in Him, even though it didn’t all line up. They believed.

This is exactly right when it comes to faith! If you can prove without a shadow of doubt what you believe, you don’t have faith any longer… you have fact. You don’t believe… you know. Faith is no longer needed.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

Lord Jesus – You are brought honor and great glory through my faith in You. I can’t prove You, but there’s evidence for You! I don’t think You want to be proven beyond a shadow of all doubt. You want me to believe in what I cannot see. You want my faith and trust. I choose to believe. Thank You for bringing God to humanity. You are Immanuel – ‘God with us!’

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