Tag: Jesus

Standing or Falling

Genesis 13-14, Proverbs 8, Matthew 4

Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

Smooth, delicious chocolate, sometimes with crunchy nuts or gooey caramel (instead of the nutritious salad fixings abandoned in my fridge). Or really sugar in just about any form.

A “well-deserved” social media break, just for a few minutes, that turns into much longer.

On-line shopping to find just the right pair of shoes for a trip, or maybe I need pants, or what about that sweater, would that color look good on me?

Those were three temptations I caved in to just last night when I was supposed to be writing this devotion! Yikes! When my sleepy husband asked why I was so late in getting to bed, I said something like I had been busy falling into temptation. No, I hadn’t spent the late night hours murdering my neighbor, stealing from the bank on the corner, or bowing down to carved idols. But, I had said ‘Yes’ to my own selfish, meaningless, unhealthy pursuits instead of being and doing what God most desired for me – what was best for me.

Perhaps, I should not be the one writing the devotion today. I am obviously not a specialist in standing up to temptation. I need an example to follow, I need to learn from a master – Ah, yes, thank God, He DID indeed provide the perfect example who longs to be my master. He gave us His human Son Jesus. And right after the baptism of Jesus, and right before Jesus begins his years of ministry, God’s Holy Spirit led Jesus, God’s own beloved, pleasing Son, into the wilderness where he fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.

As we are looking for clues on how Jesus faced temptation so successfully, there’s a couple great ones right there. Jesus was already open to and actively being led by the Spirit. What did God’s spirit want for him? That’s what He wanted too, even when it meant willingly going into a difficult, sometimes even dangerous space.

Compare Jesus’ location and circumstance with Adam and Eve’s when they were also confronted with choices to make. The first son of God was surrounded with God’s bounty and beauty and provision in the spectacular garden. Good, healthy, God-honoring fruit literally surrounded them when they instead listened to the deception of the serpent and chose to eat of the tree that God had already clearly said “No” to. Jesus didn’t use his harsh surroundings or difficult circumstances as an excuse to be weak. Instead, he found strength in using that time to fast and pray and draw closer to God which indeed made him even stronger and better prepared to face his adversary. Don’t get so comfortable in your pleasant surroundings that you become weak and don’t recognize temptation for what it is. Don’t fear the time spent in the harsh wilderness, but use the opportunity to cling closer and closer to what really matters – the God who is always there.

After the 40 days of fasting Jesus gives us the next big answer of how he faced each one of Satan’s three temptations in the wilderness – with the very words of God His Father, each and every time. In fact, the first Scripture Jesus quotes to Satan are strong words about the sustaining power from the words of God, and our need for God’s word, from the book of Deuteronomy: “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4) If we try to face temptation without the power of God’s word we will be weak. Matthew 4:4 is a great verse for me to remember today when I sit down to work on tomorrow’s devotion! Here’s a few more:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. – Ephesians 6:14-17

God’s word: read it, learn it, use it – and live (better and stronger today and also for eternity).

God’s word: neglect it, forget it, try to do life your own way – and die (but first, you will likely waste a lot of time, have a lot of self-made sorrow, and miss out on doing God’s will).

His Words are not just for gaining knowledge, they are for fighting temptation, finding truth, for making strong and giving life. Don’t miss out!

Let’s review what we have seen from Jesus about successfully facing temptation: Jesus was willing to be led by the Spirit. He used his time in the wilderness well. He fasted and drew closer to God. He recognized Satan for who he was. He discerned the lies and empty promises of the deceiver and actively chose what God said and promised instead. He wanted God’s will, not his own. He knew God’s Word. He used God’s Word as a sword to do battle against untruth, temptations and the tempter. He said, “Away with you Satan!” And he was victorious!

What about you? Do you know what temptations you face regularly? What do you crave? What do you covet? What are you jealous of? What leads you astray? What do you feel guilty about? Where do you lose self-control? What good do you neglect and why? How do you waste time? What do you say ‘Yes’ to that God wanted you to say ‘No” to? And, what do you say ‘No’ to that God wanted you to say ‘Yes’ to? What is Satan whispering in your ear or in your heart? What do you worship (with your time, money, devotion, or decisions)?

Realize you have choices, decisions to make. Big ones and little ones. It’s not just about not murdering your neighbor and not bowing down to carved idols. It’s also about how you treat the gift of the miraculous body God gave you. It’s about how you choose to spend the gift of the time God gives you. It’s about how you treat the people God surrounds you with. It’s about if you choose what you want, or what God wants.

And Satan (as well as the world and marketers today) can make the bad choice, or the selfish one, or the unhealthy one, look pretty good, that’s what makes it tempting. If it looked like the garbage it is, we would gladly turn from it. Don’t be fooled by the stone that looks like bread, the impressive view, and Satan’s promises.

God gives the perfect example of His Son. Follow that example – not mine.

God gives His Word, the Scriptures – the sword to do battle with the tempter. It worked for Jesus. I need to use it better!

God gives knowledge, wisdom and discernment – ask for it and use it.

God gives the spirit of self-control – that’s the one I want.

God gives forgiveness and new beginnings.

Prayer

Dear God – I am sorry. Please forgive me of the many times I fall to temptation. Help me do better, Lord God. Help me follow the example of your Son when I am in the wilderness and also when I am in the garden. Help me go where Your Spirit is leading. Help me forsake what I want and choose instead what You want, which is indeed the best for me. Help me see garbage for what it is, and turn from it to you and your gifts, again and again. I ask for wisdom and discernment to see what is from You and what are deceptions from the deceiver. Help me use your Word well to be strong against temptation. Thank you for your Word, your forgiveness, love and mercy and a new day to work at doing Your will better. Help me use all that you give me to stand strong against temptation. Thank you for the example and sacrifice of your Son Jesus. In his name we pray to You the Almighty. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  1. Compare and contrast when Satan came to the garden and when he came to the wilderness? What similarities do you see? What differences? Is Satan still making visits? What does it look like?
  2. Consider the paragraph of questions regarding what are temptations for you. What do you see about your own temptations? What temptations do you sometimes fall to?
  3. Eating chocolate isn’t always a sin or temptation is it? But is it sometimes? When? Why? What makes the difference?
  4. What scriptures can you find (and put in your home and in your heart) to help you face your temptations better armed with the Sword of the Spirit?
  5. Have you ever tried fasting when facing a particularly difficult time of temptation?
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Fruit in the Wilderness

Genesis 9-11, Proverbs 6, Matthew 3

Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

You might not expect a man who works in the wilderness and eats locusts and wild honey to talk much about fruit. But here in Matthew 3 we hear from just such a man, one who is often referred to as John the Baptist, speaking twice of fruit.

Perhaps his most famous line is, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!” (Matthew 3:2 NASB). It is such an effective charge and accurate description of the ministry given by God, that Jesus will also say the exact same thing when he begins his preaching in the next chapter (Matthew 4:17). The kingdom of heaven is a term used only by Matthew, and he, a Jew who was very careful about his use of “God”, spoke often of the kingdom of heaven. The other gospel and New Testament writers did not use the term kingdom of heaven but rather called it the kingdom of God. In the Old Testament neither phrase was used, but the people of God were definitely looking for the promised Messiah, the Chosen and Anointed One of God who would save them, and they too were looking forward to a kingdom set up by the God of heaven, an everlasting kingdom (such as Daniel 2:44). As the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was now ready to begin his preaching ministry on earth the kingdom was closer than it had ever been before! The time to repent had certainly come!

As John addresses some of his audience, the Pharisees and Sadducees (who in their pride and self-righteousness will reject the Messiah), John calls them a “brood of vipers” (or offspring of vipers), referring to being poisonous, spiritually speaking. Perhaps this sounds familiar to us because on more than one occasion Jesus will use the same term for them as well (Matthew 12:34 and again in 23:33).

So with the “pleasantries” aside, John gets right to the meat, or perhaps in this case, the fruit of his preaching saying: “Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance; 9 and do not assume that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’; for I tell you that God is able, from these stones, to raise up children for Abraham. 10 And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit is being cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:8-10 NASB). Having told his listeners to repent he now tells them to bear fruit consistent with repentance. In other words, don’t tell me that you repent – show me that you repent. To repent is much more than recognizing or even saying that you have been and done wrong. To truly repent requires a change, a movement, an actual TURN from sin. A visible, tangible, positive, nourishing, healthy “fruit” that is evidence of the inner heart change.

The Jewish Pharisees and Sadducees were relying on their genealogy, their fancy titles, their turned up noses, their faithful fathers, their long lists of human made rules, their strict checkmarks. God wasn’t impressed. John was sent to prepare the people for Jesus. He said, repent, it’s time to change. Jesus would also repeat John’s words: “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19). It is important. Eternal life and death important. Are you bearing good fruit consistent with repentance?

Reflection Questions

  1. What have you repented of? What do you need to repent of? Beyond saying you are sorry, what will it look like to change and turn from sin? What will the fruit in keeping with repentance look like in your life?
  2. John the Baptizer was known for his message of repentance and the act of baptizing, and in fact Jesus’ baptism by John also happens in this chapter, when the voice from heaven (that would be God) acknowledges that Jesus is His beloved and pleasing Son (I love that part!). How does John’s message of repentance and the act of baptism go hand and hand? Why do you think the perfect Son of God was baptized?
  3. Jesus continues the fruit theme a few chapters later saying, “You will know them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:19). What fruit are you known by: good fruit or bad? Give an example of each (good and bad) that you have grown in the past? What type of good fruit do you want to grow today and in the future? What is required to grow this good fruit?

Prayer

Dear God, we thank you for your beloved and pleasing Son, your chosen Messiah, and the example and teaching he brought and the kingdom that is closer today than it was yesterday. Thank you for John who prepared the way for Jesus. Help us also prepare others to meet Jesus. Thank you for the opportunity you give us to repent and turn from sin towards You and Your better way. Help me not be like a Pharisee who proudly thought they had it all together. Show me, Lord, where I need to change, what I need to repent of, and what good fruit you want me to bear. Help be honestly see and get rid of bad fruit in my life so I am prepared for Your Son’s return. In his name we pray, Amen.

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Hide and Seek

Genesis 3, Proverbs 3, Matthew 2

Devotion by Aaron Winner (SC)

Our two-year-old’s favorite game is probably hide and seek. She is actually pretty remarkable at staying still and quieting her breaths so she will not be found. The only problem with her strategy is that she always chooses the same hiding spot—the curtains in our master bedroom. For her, the game is not about actually remaining hidden. It would lose its appeal quickly if she stayed concealed too long. Her joy is ultimately to be found and to be reunited with family, “Daddy, you found me!”

In today’s reading, we see God playing the seeker as He looks for His favored creation in the garden. No matter how still Adam and Eve remain, God knows the hiding place. When He asks, “Where are you?”, it is a loaded question from the one who knows us most intimately, both our physical location and hearts. God is not met by the joyful giggles of a toddler, but by the shameful chagrin of sin (Prov. 3:7). Even though God knew where He would find them and did not withhold discipline (Prov. 3:12), by His infinite grace, He still searched for them.

That same grace carries forward into the arrival of the Son of Man. God hung a star in the east to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the hope first spoken in Genesis, the One who would crush the head of the serpent (Gen 3:15). Though the distance was far, men who were seeking found a child, guided by both the heavens and the Word of God (Matt. 2:6). God makes His mercies known.

And so, when we are searching, we are always led to the same place. If we are looking for rest, we look to Jesus. If we are looking for meaning, we look to Jesus. If we are looking for hope, we look to Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament, again and again, God “hides” His promise of His Son in plain sight some 300 times, all pointing toward the life, death, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ, who conquers sin once and for all.

So who are we fooling if we think we can remain hidden among the foliage and unseen by God? If we feel distant from him, the heavens and His word are still declaring we need only turn to the same place where our faith begins, Jesus Christ. Unchanged is the place where grace and hope begin.

Let us pray this together:

Abba Father, I have been desperately hoping you would find me. I will trust in You with all of my heart. I won’t lean on my understanding but Yours. Give me correction along with your grace that is greater still. In all Your ways, let me submit to You, for I know You will make my path straight. Lead me to the advent of Christ, to be found among the faithful who seek You. In your name of your Son, whose resurrection gives us hope. Amen

Reflection Questions

  1. It is good for us to remember we do not have the mind of God – but what tone of voice do you imagine God used when asking, “Where are you?” Why might He have started with a question, and this specific question? What tone of voice might He have used when giving correction and consequences?
  2. How are you like Adam? How are you like Eve? How did God show grace and correction with consequences to Adam and Eve? How have you experienced both grace and correction with consequences from God? What is the purpose of each?
  3. Adam and Eve obviously didn’t have Proverbs 3:5-7 on their refrigerator. How might it have helped them to know these verses of wisdom? How can you better live out Proverbs 3:5-7? When do you most need to hear these verses? How can you memorize them and/or plaster them in your life so they will be part of your first line of defense against temptation so you can spend less time hiding from God.
  4. From today’s readings, what are some beautiful things about God’s plan of salvation through His Son Jesus?
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Unpacking the Beginning

Genesis 1, Proverbs 1, Matthew 1

Devotion by Aaron Winner (SC)

Twenty years ago, I moved 1,000 miles with all my possessions loaded into a Buick Skylark, including my goldfish riding shotgun, to share a two-bedroom apartment with my newlywed wife. Now, as we move out of our home of fourteen years, it has taken six trips with a U-Haul, countless carloads, and a dumpster to move just 10 miles away. Granted, our family has grown to five people and a dog, but the math still doesn’t justify an increase of roughly 100 times more stuff. I can’t help but wonder: When did we get all of this? And why? Does it make us better equipped? Not necessarily. Does it bring us joy? Not really—especially not over the last month. Does it move us closer to God? Rarely.

This is not the rant of a minimalist millennial, nor a critique of your cherished possessions. There is still quite a plank in my own eye here. Rather, it is simply an acknowledgment that while we stand at the beginning of a calendar year, the beginning of a new reading plan, and the beginning of both the Old and New Testaments, we are not at the beginning of our lives. We carry things with us as we move from one year to the next. Our trailers in tow may look different, but they are often filled with trophies and affirmations, expectations and disappointment, habits and vices, grief and trauma. There can be a quiet vanity, trending toward insanity, in everything we accumulate along the way. However, in all of this, we can still look to “In the beginning…”

In Genesis 1, we are reminded that beginnings matter because our sovereign God is a God of purpose. Creation is not a random display of infinite power, but an act that makes all things matter (excuse the science pun). God purposely names, separates, and shapes what was formless, repeatedly calling it “good.” From the very first verse, we learn that clarity and meaning do not come from compiling, but from God’s intentional and intelligent design.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” —Proverbs 1:7

Accumulation can be a trap —more plans, better systems, or tighter control—will somehow translate into the power and wisdom of our Creator. However, Proverbs’ opening provides a clear contrast. It is a pursuit in fear and reverence that makes God’s wisdom accessible. As we begin to examine what fills our moving truck from one year to the next, it is through God’s understanding that we prioritize what matters, process the hurt, and chunk into the bin the things that no longer serve His purpose for us. A good start might simply be to pause your reading long enough to tell your Heavenly Father you are ready to revere Him in the coming year.

Finally, our last beginning comes from the Gospel of Matthew, where Mary is foretold of the birth of Jesus. Gabriel says He will be called Emmanuel—“God with us”—the ultimate title given to God’s greatest gift of great joy to creation. He entered a crowded, cluttered world, as He still does today, not asking us to take on baggage on His behalf, but instead inviting us to bear only the burden of His cross.It is the one thing that should be clear and conspicuous as we wander, move, and rove; it is Christ who shoulders the majority of the burden, carrying it alongside us.

As I consider this moment —and the truckloads of stuff waiting in storage—perhaps the question is not what can I add to make this year memorable, but instead, where can I begin to let go in reverent surrender. As we begin to unpack what the next year might hold, let us first make room for God’s presence, preparing only to keep only what can be called good by our Heavenly Father in the beginning.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are you carrying with you into the New Year? What positive things? What has been put into your moving truck that is not beneficial to you? What might God like to see you surrender this year?
  2. What do you love about the creation account? What do you learn about God from His creation?
  3. How do you/could you prioritize the fear of the Lord? Pray for God to give you wisdom, insight and dedication to living this new start in a way that is pleasing to Him.
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Our Perfect and Eternal Life

Revelation 20-22

Devotion by Isaac Cain (NE)

As I write these words to you now, I am sitting in the kitchen of my house on a pleasant morning. My wife is playing music in the background, and I am hearing all kinds of crazy sounds from my two cats who are chasing each other around the house. This is a great day, and God has blessed me so richly.

For me to get to this blessed moment in my life there was a cost – I had to leave a series of previous modes of life. I once lived with my parents and I had to leave their loving care to gain my education at the Atlanta Bible College. Eventually I had to leave college and close contact with some of my closest friends to marry my lovely wife.

In the same, but much grander way, humanity is promised a wonderful mode of life in God’s care, but to get there, the old way of life has to come to an end. We can’t enter into an age of life where there is no more sickness, death, or sin until those things are gone. 

These chapters of Revelation teach us that before God can bring about His perfect salvation, He first needs to do away with this current age. This is why God is just, this is why God is devoting so much effort and energy into enacting His wrath against wickedness – so that the New Jerusalem can truly be ushered in for eternity:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21:1-2 ESV)

We humans like to live in the known and are uncomfortable with giving up what we know for what we don’t. This is so true that we humans are even willing to remain in an unfavorable situation if it means not having to leave it behind and wander into uncertainty. But for us as Christians, we need to overcome this and completely forsake this age and any sin that we are holding onto and embrace what God has to offer us instead. Besides, God has even blessed us with letting us know ahead of time where we are going and what we are getting ourselves into, and it is perfect.

In this life we only have a taste of the goodness to come in God’s kingdom. Imagine every single moment of your life you are literally perfect, everyone you come across is also perfect in their own unique way. You have no need for medicines, hospitals, cemeteries, or even locks to your house. You can walk right up to the tree of life, which is everywhere you go. But most importantly, you can have communion with God Himself and His Son Jesus! This reality is what we are enduring and waiting for, and thank God He is one day going to cast away the trials, burdens, and hardships we suffer in this life and is walking us towards a future that is partially known, but is waiting to be better understood. 

Reflection Questions

What are ways you can maintain God’s future hope in the forefront of your mind and heart?

In what ways should reading these chapters of Revelation motivate us to share the gospel with those around us?

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Stay Awake and Ready

Revelation 14-16

Devotion by Isaac Cain (NE)

Growing up in the midwest it was common for part of the “goodbye” routine to someone who’s about to drive away is to say “and watch for the deer”. Deer suddenly running out in front of a car is a common enough occurrence where it has become a regional culture to always remind one another of the potential threat. I personally have had many nights driving slowly with corn fields on either side vigilantly watching to make a response.

This readiness is exactly what God or Jesus (it’s not exactly clear) calls for us to do as his followers.

“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Revelation 16:15) 

This reading section has all kinds of significant moments of judgment from God against all who have rebelled against Him – and you do not want to be on the receiving end of any of them.  We read of painful sores, rivers of blood, the world’s largest earthquake (literally chapter 16 states it is the world’s largest earthquake!), and hail weighing up to 100 pounds falling onto God’s enemies! Therefore, we are given a loving warning to keep true to the faith and allegiance to Jesus. 


Our watching, vigilance, daily process of dying to ourselves and living for Christ daily is not in vain. We not only evade the intense wrath of God, but we also receive the intense salvation and life from God. These peeks into the future are not serving as a trivial knowledge that does not serve much utility to our daily lives now. Instead, they serve as a tangible vision for what direction each of our daily steps needs to be headed. 

We currently are like the midwest driver at night surrounded by cornfields. At any point, the deer that we know is coming, is going to jump out in front of us, we will miss it, but the non-attentive driver will not be as fortunate. Not only that, but being a vigilant driver serves to our benefit throughout the drive anyway. There are far more things to consider when driving than simply not hitting the deer like staying in your lane, not running into other cars, going out into the ditch, or the countless other bad scenarios my mom concerned herself with when I first went behind the wheel! Staying awake and ready not only avoids the dreaded end and receives the blessed end, but it also helps us avoid the avoidable pains of this life.

So let us heed the warning from Revelation today as we navigate through this life to always remember to “watch for the deer” to worship God, receive salvation, and experience God’s goodness in this life.

Reflection Questions

What is the difference between being a vigilant Christian and a paranoid one?

How does God seem to balance His love and His justice against wickedness in these chapters?

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The Only One Worthy and Able

Revelation 4-6

Devotion by Aaron Winner (originally posted for SGL on Dec 28, 2020)

There is much to take in with today’s reading as John describes the throne room of heaven and the events that unfold, marking the Kingdom of God being set into motion.  There are angels, horsemen, and elders, each executing and exacting the will of God.  If you are a bit overwhelmed by today’s reading, you are not alone. John, who spent more time with Jesus than most, is still awestruck by the worship of God happening before him, and he is doing his best to describe heavenly things for which there is no earthly vocabulary (something important to keep in mind as we examine the remainder of this book and prophecy).  With a resounding question, John’s attention is drawn to the hand of God:

“And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.” Rev 5:2-4

John weeps, for the content of the scroll could very well never be known.  Salvation’s plan locked inside this scroll with no one on heaven or earth who is worthy of removing the seven seals that keep it shut.  This is seemingly the end of the road.  Without a Savior, life on earth has no redemption.  This is most definitely worth a weep, knowing that for some, their story stops here.  They have put everything in what they alone can achieve, yet they are like every other creature in heaven and on earth.  Without the hope delivered in the next verses, all that would remain is remorse and regret (Luke 13:27,28).

Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Rev 5:5

Salvation is a gift of God, paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8,9).  In the moments when we are overcome with great grief, sense the defeating drift of sin, are lost or lonely, feel pressed or persecuted, let Jesus Christ step forward. Do not reach deeper into empty stores, pour out of a broken vessel, or pick up the shattered pieces; let him do what we cannot.  We need only lift our heads – to pray, to seek, to take heart – as we listen to the words of the elder that Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, has triumphed.  He will step forward and unfurl a new banner, renewing and restoring the purpose of our life. He alone is worthy to open the scroll, yet we are indeed the beneficiaries of the prize of his propitiation.

And they sang a new song, saying:  “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Rev 5:9

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you find especially memorable, powerful or awe-inspiring in John’s description of God’s heavenly throne room in Revelation 4? How is God described? What is he praised for?
  2. What makes Jesus worthy and able to do what no one else could or can do? What has he triumphed over? What will he triumph over? How is Jesus described? What is he praised for?
  3. What is the problem if no one could be found to open the scroll? When was the last time you really considered or even wept over the fate of those without salvation? You can not unseal the scroll. But you can introduce the one who can and will to those who do not know the Savior.
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It’s (Always) A Great Day to Read About the 2nd Advent of the Son of God!

Revelation 1-3

Devotion by John Railton (IN)

Merry Christmas to all. This is the season to remember and celebrate the birth, the advent, the first coming of Jesus, who is the Christ, the Son of the living God! It’s fitting that we today begin reading and pondering the last book of the Bible, Revelation. This is the book that reveals amazing things about the second advent, the return of Jesus to this earth to establish the perfect age, the kingdom of God. This is a book of revelations, though at times it’s challenging, seems mysterious, difficult to understand and apply. In these first three chapters we find John’s opening comments, identification of the source and succession of the word and testimony he’s passing on, and then a letter from the Lord himself to seven churches in Asia Minor. The general flow of the letters is commendation of the church, any complaint that may need to be addressed, and the correction that’s then necessary. Anytime the Lord indicates a complaint, or really anytime anyone indicates a complaint against us, the hope and goal is always correction. We all have flaws, and should always seek to grow, to improve, to walk in truth, obedience, and love, as John stressed in the postcards we pondered the last couple days.      

We’ll begin here with the introduction the author, the Apostle John shared. “The revelation of Jesus Christ. which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw – that is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Note that there’s a blessing for those who read, hear, and take to heart these words, whether we quickly understand it or not. It’s good to be familiar with it. Understanding will come as events unfold, if we’re familiar with the writings.   

1:7 specifically makes reference to Jesus’ return, “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him!”  This is a sure thing. Jesus is coming. I hope to see him with joy in my heart, rather than mourning that I’m not ready, not a believer, not prepared, not all in!  

The rest of these first three chapters include letters the Lord sent to seven specific churches, with specific commendation, complaints, and correction. Read them devotionally, and with application. In other words, ponder such commendation, complaint, and correction. Do any of these apply to you? To your church? In fact, you might write a letter, as though from Jesus to you. What would he say? What would he commend? What complaints would he have? What corrections would he expect? How would you respond? Would you do as he says?      

Reflection Questions

  1. What are your thoughts and feelings about the book of Revelation? What do you think God wants us to think and feel about the book? Why was the book as a whole given to Christians?
  2. How often do you think of Jesus’ return? How do you imagine you will respond when he does return? If you are celebrating Christmas today (and also, if you are not), how can you remember and share the words of Revelation and the great hope of the 2nd Coming of Christ the Messiah, the Son of God?
  3. How do you typically give or receive complaints? Work through the great questions from John in the last paragraph above. And spend some time with God in prayer with the Son of God interceding on your behalf.
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Walking in Truth. Walking in Obedience. Walking in Love.

2 & 3 John

Devotion by John Railton (IN)

II and III John are certainly the shortest of the Apostle John’s writings, often called letters, but perhaps more accurately referred to as postcards. Though they are short, they each pack a lot of applicable teaching, even for us today. John doesn’t name anyone in particular in II John, referring to himself as the elder, and to his recipients as the chosen lady and her children. Some have thought this may be because of ongoing persecution at the time, and not wanting to put a target on anyone’s back. On the other hand, he does address III John specifically to his dear friend Gaius.     

John uses the word truth around 55 times in the five writings attributed to him, depending on the version you use. That would suggest God wanted John to give a great deal of emphasis to truth! Jesus also had placed a great deal of emphasis on truth. I’m convinced that we should value truth as did Jesus and the Apostle John. In II John verse 2 he refers to “the truth which lives in us and will be with us forever.”  Our methods and ways have certainly changed over the ages, but the truth will never change. We must never allow the truth to be watered down or perverted in any way. There will always be varying opinions and ideas as to what the Bible says here or there, but the good news of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus is the glue that holds the Church of God together. That is the gospel we preach.   

Walk this way! John reminds us in II John of three essential ways that we are to walk. He had great joy in V. 4 because he had heard of those who were walking in truth. Then in V. 6 he expects that we would walk in obedience to the Father’s commands. Later in V. 6 he reminds us of the command to walk in love. As we age, our gait sometimes changes. As believers we would do well to check our spiritual gait. Am I walking in truth? Am I walking in obedience? Am I walking in love?      

John emphasizes the truth of the humanity of Jesus, calling those who deny his humanity deceivers.

He further cautions us in V. 10, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching (the teaching of Christ), do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work!” We should be careful to never endorse, support, or otherwise participate in spiritual teaching that’s inconsistent with the teachings of Christ! Discernment is a must. 

III John continues with John’s emphasis on truth. He encourages hospitality and support for those who continue in the teachings of Jesus, He calls out an arrogant man by the name of Diotrephes who had a major problem with his walk. He neither walked in truth, in obedience to the commands, nor in love. John promised to confront him if he was able to be with them in person. In the same paragraph he commended Demetrius for his walk, his reputation, spoken well of by everyone. John had much more to say, but saved it for when he would see them in person. I kind of wish he had written more for our sake, but it is what it is. These are the words God knew we would need today.

Reflection Questions

  1. What value do you place on the truths of God as handed down to us in the 66 books of the Bible? What would John say about watered down truth in your life or in your church?
  2. How is your walk doing? In Truth? In Obedience? In Love? Is one limping along more than the others? What could be an effective spiritual fix for this limp?
  3. If the apostle John knew you and were able to come and see you in person, what do you think he would tell you to work on in your own life?
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What Does John Want You to Know?

1 John 1-5

Devotion by John Railton (IN)

I John is a really interesting book to read and study. The author is the Apostle John, who authored the gospel of John, I, II, and III John, and the book of Revelation. Each of his books/letters were likely written late in the first century. I John is addressed to believers, perhaps in general, not any particularly named believer. I John 2:12-14 help us see the broad target for these teachings.   


12 I am writing to you who are God’s children
    because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.[f]
13 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith[g]
    because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
    because you have won your battle with the evil one.
14 I have written to you who are God’s children
    because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
    because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
    because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts,
    and you have won your battle with the evil one.

Some highlights about the Apostle John – He was all in when Jesus called him to follow and to be a fisher of men. He was one of the three mentioned most often as being close to Jesus. He’s described as the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was often distinguished from the other disciples. He’s one who was closer to Jesus when they were asked to watch and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was asked by Jesus to look after his mother Mary as Jesus suffered on the cross. He ran to and looked into the tomb when it was reported that Jesus had been raised. He had great vision and revelation of the future as his writings reveal in the book of Revelation.   

John had explained his purpose for writing the gospel of John in 20:30,31, “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book, but these (seven miracles) are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name!”  The emphasis there is some of the truth that must be believed. It’s interesting that then in I John 5:13 he says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” He apparently wants those who believe to have a level of confidence, to know that they have eternal life. We shouldn’t be over confident, of course, especially if we’re not living the faith, if we’re not walking in truth, which John also addresses in I John.

John does emphasize knowing numerous things in this letter. In fact, you’ll find the word know at least thirty times in this letter, depending on the version you use. An interesting exercise would be to read through the book and underline the word know each time you find it. It really wouldn’t take that long to do this. Contemplate then those teachings John is wanting his readers to know, and I think, to understand.

I’ll just name a few of my favorite passages in I John. I John 1:9; I John 2:3-6; I John 2:15; I John 2:22.23; I John 3:11,12; I John 4:1-3; I John 4:19-21; I John 5:13; I John 5:18. What are yours?  

Reflection Questions

  1. Do people know you are a follower of Jesus? Would they call you “all in” in the way you live your faith and follow Jesus? What has Jesus entrusted to you?
  2. Find the “know” verses in 1 John. Which ones do you already know and are ready to share? How will you share and to whom? Which ones might take a little more study/seeking to more fully know/understand? How will you seek to know more?
  3. Why do you think John wants God’s children to be confident of their coming eternal life? What are you confident of? What are you not confident of? Is there anything (perhaps in the area of living your faith or walking in truth or knowing more of what John wants you to know) that would boost your confidence? What is the danger of TOO much confidence?
  4. What are your favorite verses in 1 John?
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