“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
The Apostle John has been variously referred to as the “disciple Jesus loved!” There is a reason. John and his brother James were sons of Zebedee , a trader in fish-ware, along with Peter and his bother Andrew. Then one day destiny caught up with all when Jesus called them to follow him as his disciples ( Mathew 4:18-22).
As a disciple John would form the inner circle of Jesus’s ministry. “Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain” (Mathew 17:1), to witness the Transfiguration. Being that close, gave John opportunity to observe the most pivotal moments of Jesus’s ministry which he would later write about. He was present at the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the empty tomb, and in Jesus’s final Sea of Galilee appearance. During the Last Supper, it is recorded, “Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23). It is John!
In all John was not just a follower of Jesus but a personal friend. Hence John stood at the foot of the cross to witness his death, ran to the tomb after the Resurrection to confirm that it was empty, and was an eye witness to his resurrection.
Although none here maybe as close, John’s example teaches us that our love for Jesus Christ may not simply be a one-way street. Much as Jesus loved John; he too had that special devotion towards him. When the disciples received the Holy Spirit John was there; together with Peter and others soon after they boldly went out to share the Good News! Most importantly, John would write the Gospel of Jesus and the book of Revelation!
Perhaps here we might examine our relationship with Jesus. Could it be just a one way street! Or, there is something John challenges us, to be just as devoted!
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray to be as loving to you just as you chose me, and through this special relationship grow to experience more of your love, this I pray in Jesus’s name!
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
