Tag: Bible study

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

I will Come Back

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Come, Lord Jesus Come: Week 2 – Day 1 (A Love God Greatly Study)

Today’s Reading: 14:1-4 (SOAP verse 3)

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”

John 14:1-4 NLT
Distressed

Do you ever let your heart get distressed, which according to the oxford language dictionary, means extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain? – Before you answer too quickly, let’s look at some other synonyms for the word, such as worried, fearful, troubled, sad, tortured, and miserable. Please note that all of these fit the conversation of our text, where Christ has been talking to His disciples, telling them that one of them would betray Him, Peter would deny Him, and then that He would be leaving them.

Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. 32 And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will give his own glory to the Son, and he will do so at once. 33 Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. 

John 13; 31-33 NLT
Jesus’ Encouragement

Naturally, their hearts would have experienced at least one of these emotions. He was their friend and teacher whom they undoubtedly, trusted but had also come to depend on. No doubt their hearts would be distressed at the news that He was going away. Without question, fears, sorrow, anxiety, and pain would arise. Given time to dwell on it, their minds would become troubled, even tortured and miserable at the thought of it – and unable to think of anything else. So Jesus, knowing that they would have these emotions but not wanting them to dwell there, speaks out of love and compassion to encourage them. His encouragement is the promise that while they can’t go with Him now, He would be preparing a place for them and would return and take them with Him so they would always be together.

… I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 

John 14:2b-3 NLT

While some of the synonyms and the word itself are defined, in part, as extreme sorrow or pain, I do not believe that Jesus is asking or encouraging them to be happy, but rather, He is calling them to be brave. It would be near to impossible to wear a facade of happiness in the death of one so loved and important to them, but they must rise above all of the emotions and be brave enough to continue on in His mission. I dare say without this encouragement (repeated until they finally understood it), they would have wallowed in depression rather than bravely pressing on as He called them to. Easier said than done? Without question! However, don’t miss that in His opening words of this passage, He gave them the answer to the bravery they would need. “Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God: also believe in me.” In other words, ‘you trust God; therefore you trust me,’ for they knew Him to be “God.” John made this clear in his unforgettable statement in the first verse of His gospel, which reads: “In the beginning the Word already existed! The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Their bravery, and ours, depends on knowing and trusting Jesus as God.

Jesus not only told them how they could be brave but just after telling them He was leaving them, He explained why they needed to be brave with these words, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Jesus had just called them to prove to or show the world that they were His disciples. Why? Because it would prove that they knew Him, which means they knew the way to the Father – which was the mission, showing the world the “WAY” to the Father.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

John 13:34-35 NLT

What This Means For Us

As believers, we are Jesus’ disciples waiting for His return. Therefore, we are called to the same bravery and should, despite these tumultuous times in which we live, not let our hearts be distressed – overcome with fears and anxiety or the torture and distraction that can come from waiting on Him. Instead, we should bravely press forward to carry out His Mission to make the Father. and the “Way” to the Father, known. For, to quote the words of Paul, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” Romans 10:14

What do we know that we can share?

  • We know the WAY.
  • We know the love of Jesus and that it is meant to be imitated so that others will know Him too.
  • We know that He died, rose from the grave, lives with God in Heaven, and WILL COME AGAIN!
  • We know that when He returns, He will take believers to be with Him.
  • We know that we will forever be with Him, where He dwells.
  • We know that the “wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.“ Romans 6:23
  • We know that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Joel 2:28)

Response to the Word:

Father, how very good You are to provide Jesus as the payment for the penalty of our sins. How awesome is His encouragement to the disciples that He is coming again and will take us to live with Him, where He dwells with You! We are blessed to be a part of this promise and look forward with HOPE to that day. We take strength from the HOPE in this dark and sinful world, where your Word is trampled on and Your ways mocked and ignored. We long to be with You Both, but we know Your agenda is that all would come to know You and that our agenda is to make You known. May we be found faithfully loving others as Jesus has loved us, proving to the world that we are His disciples and ultimately leading them to You. And in all of this, may You be praised and glorified as we wait on You! – AMEN!

Your Turn: Reflection Question

When Jesus was speaking about returning to Heaven, what did He say He was going to do there?

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, LGG Study

Come, Lord Jesus, Come

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A Love God Greatly Study: Preview for Week 1, In The Last Days

Our Verse for the Journey: Hebrews 10:24-25

For this journey our verse(s) come from week 6 of our study. I encourage you to write the verses down on a note card or even several cards so that you have one in your car, your kitchen, your bedroom, your desk at work …. wherever you frequently find yourself. Read it at least 3 times every day, and over the course of the 6-week journey, begin trying to remember the words or phrases without looking. Lean on the Spirit for help – after all, John 14:26 says that our advocate, the Holy Spirit, was given, not only to teach us all things but to REMIND us of all He said.

A Slight Change In Plans:

PREVIEW TODAY – AND – DAY 1 TOMORROW

[I regret this unavoidable change but have been wrapped up with a family emergency for the last 7 days and counting. Your prayers are appreciated for my family- and myself.]

I hope you enjoyed the first week of Come, Lord Jesus, Come. From words of encouragement to insight on the last days and reasons to hold on to the HOPE that we have in Christ – it’s just the beginning of what I believe will be a wonderful journey toward His return. If you haven’t read week one, I invite you to scroll back through the recent posts for this study, beginning October 2, 2022, and glean from them in preparation for week 2 which starts tomorrow.

Your Turn: What was your favorite day or most notable quote or Scripture that inspired you to hold on to the hope that is ours in Christ Jess.

Jesus was faithful in proclaiming His return, which is why in week 2 we will continually read the statement, “I will come” or “I am coming” … followed by the word back or soon. The words belong to Jesus and to every believer that hears them – they offer encouragement and hope. Look for them, soak them up so that you might cling to the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus, and then imitate Him by faithfully sharing them with others. In this He will be honored and others will share in our hope, and to God will be the glory!

Me, from the inside-out

WEEK 2 CHALLENGE: Jesus promised that He is coming back. This week, write out how this promise influences how you live.

  • Does it make you more intentional?
  • Dose it help you to have greater hope for the future?
  • Does it place more passion and urgency on your days as you know the time draws near?

Verse For the Journey: How are you doing with our verses from Hebrews 10:24-25? Remember, the Bible says we are “temporary residents and foreigners” and to “keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” (1 Peter 2:11-12) To do this in any measure of obedience or success, we must know and hold fast to God’s Word.

Want to know more about Jesus? Please message me via the comment bar or email me at mryelnb@aol.com. I would love to share with you the reason for the hope that is within me, the hope I cling to when times are hard, or life is disappointing, or fears arise. There is no greater source of hope in all the world – of this, I am convinced.

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, LGG Study

The Last Hour

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(Love God Greatly: Come, Lord Jesus, Come – week 1, day 5)

Today’s Reading: 1 John 2:18-19 (SOAP: 18-19)

18 Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come. 19 These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. 1 John 2:18-19 NLT

John warns against the Antichrist*

John defines an antichrist as “he who denies the Father and the Son” (1 John 2:22), does not confess Jesus (1 John 4:3), and does not confess Jesus as coming in the flesh (2 John 1:7). We find him here in verses 18-19 of 1 John 2 talking about how many have already appeared and that this indicates “the last hour has come”. In verse 19, John also gives us details of how we will know them. The details are both shocking and concerning. First, the shocking detail is we will know them because they were part of our churches. Which leads me to the concerning detail, they were a part of our churches. They were those thought to be brothers and sisters in Christ, most likely even leaders in the church. The encouraging news is that once they go out from us we will know them for what and who they are, antichrists, those who are against Christ and who deny the Father and the Son. Surely our concern should be for their souls. However, it seems the greater concern for the body is knowing that they may be among us. At the very least it is certainly a reminder and encouragement to know the Scriptures well and be alert to the teaching we receive and the conversations we have, so that we are not duped into believing or following false teachers, preachers, or – as John so aptly names them -antichrists. One other thought that strikes me as important is that because they dwell among us they know the things we teach and how we act and what is expected which means they may be difficult to distinguish.

*The term ‘antichrist’ here is not the same as the term “The Antichrist” found in the book of Revelation.

Response to the Word

Father, help us to stay alert, not only does our adversary, the devil, prowl around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, there may be antichrists among us. Perhaps it will be a teacher, a pastor, a friend, or a family member that we believe are true followers of Jesus Christ but who will sadly one day reveal themselves as being against Jesus and all that we believe. Oh give us eyes to see, minds that are alert, and hearts that are so filled with Your Word and awake to Your Spirit that we will not be deceived. Prod us to pray for these antichrists Father that their hearts will be changed while they dwell among us and they will turn to You and not against You. These things I pray in Jesus’ name and for Your glory!

Your Turn: Reflections

  • Is everyone who goes to church also going to heaven?
  • What does 1 John 2:18-19 say about this?
Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

One Who Holds Evil Back

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Today’s Reading: 2 Thes 2:1-17 (SOAP: verses 7-8)

 For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. 8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming. 2 Thes. 2:7-8

Considering the amount of evil and “lawlessness” that is in the world today, would it surprise you to know that God is restraining evil even now? Well, that is what this passage is saying. Until the Holy Spirit, the only one who can truly hold back sin, is removed there is a restraint in force. Bibleref.com explains it like this:

Currently, the restrainer holds back lawlessness, but he will be removed someday. When he is out of the way, lawless activities will culminate through the man of lawlessness. But who is the restrainer? Only the Holy Spirit has the power to hold back sin from becoming full blown. He does this through His convicting ministry. Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8). He will do so through Jesus’ followers, but at the rapture Jesus’ followers will be removed from the earth, and the earthly influence of Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, will be greatly diminished. While the Holy Spirit will still be on the earth, His unique sin-restraining ministry through saved believers will be gone: He will no longer convict the world of sin through believers. Therefore, lawlessness will reach an unprecedented manifestation.

https://www.bibleref.com/2-Thessalonians/2/2-Thessalonians-2-7.html

Paul warns the Thessalonians, as he has others, not to be easily shaken by false messages. He encourages them that the last days and the events that have been described will all happen in God’s timing and that the “lawless one” will be destroyed. We would be wise to hold on to this same encouragement from Paul. How much easier will it be to hold on the hope we have in Christ when we know that He is going to one day destroy His enemies.

Response to the Word

Father, again – help me – help us – not be shaken by false messages. And keep us faithfully living as salt and light in Jesus’ Name!

Your Turn:

Reflections
  • Based on 2 Thes 2:7-8, how will the Lord destroy the lawless one mentioned in these verses?
  • What does that show you about our Lord?
Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, LGG Study

In the Days of Noah

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Today’s Reading: Luke 17:26-37 (SOAP: verses 26-27) 

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Luke 17: 26-27
The Flood Is Coming

When asked by one of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus’ reply was that – “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.” (Luke 17:20-21 NLT) He continues the conversation with His disciples letting them know that there would false claims of the kingdom’s arrival and warned them not to follow those people. He then makes the comparison to the days of Noah so they would understand that just as the people in Noah’s day were living life as usual and totally caught off guard when the flood came – so it would be when the Son of Man comes.

If you go back and read the story of Noah, you will see that Noah doesn’t just wait for the flood waters to come but he follows the Lord’s instructions and he makes ready for the flood.

“When everything was ready, the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the boat with all your family, for among all the people of the earth, I can see that you alone are righteous.”

Genesis 7:1
God’s Call To Us

God called Noah to build an ark and was specific in telling him when it was time to go into the ark as well as who and what to take aboard. God isn’t sending another flood but He is sending His Son for those that are His and He called us to be ready. “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ” is the command and the outcome, like Noah’s, is “[we] will be saved”. He also gave us another command that is not included or even eluded to in the account of Noah – and that is to tell others the good news so that they might believe and be saved, Mark 16:15. Jesus, Himself, set the example as He went about preaching “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near”. Scripture makes it clear that only those covered by the blood of Christ will be saved, and this salvation only happens by grace through faith, Ephesians 2:8-9. It is a gift of God to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Noah received a lot of detailed instructions as to the building of the ark and he completed it and was ready when the waters rose. What about you? Will you be ready when the Son of Man returns? Have you believed in the Lord Jesus Christ? Oh how I hope you have. If you haven’t please message me and let me share His message with You – so that when He returns or when death comes you will find favor in the eyes of the Lord.

Response to God’s Word

Father – rescue the perishing. Thank you for saving me and for the hope of eternity. Use me to tell others the good news so that they will be saved and have the hope of eternity through the blood of Jesus! In whose name I pray – Amen

Your Turn:
Reflections
  • How are the days of Noah similar to today?
  • How are they different?
Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, LGG Study

The Last Days

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Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 3 (SOAP verses 1-5)

 But understand this, that in “the last days”* there will come times of difficulty.  For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 

2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV

*Because we will read and discuss the term “in the last days” a lot in the coming weeks I wanted to define it a bit at the onset. We will learn more as we go but I believe it will be helpful to have some understanding now to help clarify what we are studying.

Acts 2:17; 2 Peter 3:3; James 5:3; and Hebrews 1:2 all make references to “the last days”. According to Bibleref.com, the term “last days’ is not always a reference to a time yet to come but can also refer to one already here – in this case – since the church age began.

BibleRef.com on “last days”, 2 Timothy 3:1
understanding the Passage

Because the passage begins with, “But, understand this…” to truly understand Paul’s meaning we must look back to what was just said. In this case, 2 Timothy 2, where he has just been encouraging Timothy to be a good worker in the faith, an honorable vessel for the Lord, one that God would approve and who correctly explains the word of truth. Paul tells Timothy to live as one who flees youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart so that those who have been caught up in the ways of the devil might be turned to the Truth of God. This leads us to the passage before us today – “But understand this, in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,  treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people …”

Paul saw the reality of these people in his day and they still grow worse today. Surely we understand Paul’s warning that the “last days” will be difficult ones. Because we understand it we would be wise to look at the rest of the passage and ask ourselves the following questions:

  • Whose teaching am I following? (2 Timothy 2:15-19)
  • Am I equipped well, so that I won’t be misled? (Ps. 119:11) (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
  • Am I confident and continuing in the Scriptures? (Pro. 4:20-24)
  • Am I dedicated, committed to follow) God? (Joshua 24:15) (Ps 37:5) (Luke 9:23-24)

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
Response to the Word

Father – the day is coming and has now come and we see the reality of Paul’s words with our eyes! Help us to to be dedicated and stand firm in godly living. Do not let us be led astray. Do not let us grow weary and lose heart and please keep us alert to Your Spirit who reminds of Your Word and corrects us when we are wrong. Keep us alert not only to Your Word but to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are standing on shaky ground or who have wandered from the faith – that we might encourage and exhort them to stand firm. Move us to pray for those who are evil and those who are weak, that their eyes might be opened and their hearts might believe and be forever changed through salvation in Jesus Christ! – To Your Glory! – Amen

Your Turn
Reflections: I invite you to share your answer in the comment section –
  • According to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what are some ways we can live differently than the people described in these verses?

Only through the Scripture will we be able to stand firm –

Want more?

Visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/ to read the latest blog by the Love God Greatly team

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, LGG Study

Come, Lord Jesus, Come

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A Love God Greatly Study: Preview for Week 1, In The Last Days

Our Verse for the Journey: Hebrews 10:24-25

For this journey our verse(s) come from week 6 of our study. I encourage you to write the verses down on a note card or even several cards so that you have one in your car, your kitchen, your bedroom, your desk at work …. wherever you frequently find yourself. Read it at least 3 times every day, and over the course of the 6-week journey, begin trying to remember the words or phrases without looking. Lean on the Spirit for help – after all, John 14:26 says that our advocate, the Holy Spirit, was given to teach us all things and to remind us of all He said.

Why?

I believe that it is important to hide Scripture away in our hearts, to be familiar with all of it, and to remember as much of it as we can. after all it promises benefits in this life and in the life to come. Such as …

  • It brings life to those who find them and healing to the whole body (Prov. 4:20-22)
  • It is a light to guide our path (Ps. 119:105)
  • It is a weapon against sin (Ps 119:11)
  • It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12)
  • It trains us in righteousness and prepares us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
  • It helps us stay pure (Ps 119:9)
  • It’s a way to know God and what He wants for His children (John 1:1) and expects from them (James 1:22)

Throughout every journey, we will read and sometimes reread many passages, the LGG Studies will promote a memory/focus verse each week, but I like to zero in on one verse that we look at throughout the entire study with the hope of knowing it by the end of the journey. Before you say “I can’t,” remember we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13), especially when it is something He wants us to do – and I promise you, without question, He wants us to be so familiar with His Word that it’s like we have it hidden in our heart. There are all sorts of creative ways to remember and become more and more familiar with His Word. I’ll be happy to share them with you throughout the weeks ahead.

Week 1 Challenge:

We know Jesus is coming back! Though we don’t know the exact day or time, we do know each day we are given is one day closer to His return. Keeping that truth in mind this week, set aside time to:

  • pray for the salvation of any of your unsaved family and friends.
  • Pray that God will use you in their lives to help them experience Him through you.
  • Pray that God will open their hearts and minds to His saving grace and for their need for it.
  • Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully through you and –
  • pray for these friends and family members to respond to God’s free gift of salvation.
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Choosing God Instead of the World

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Wrap-up

I hope you have loved our journey through Genesis with Jacob and Joseph as much as I have. My prayer is you are walking away from it with new mentors of the faith and insight and motivation to choose God instead of the world. While we had many many focus verses and wonderful passages of history and instruction along the way may we be quick to remember the study memory verse as our greatest motivation – 

When we are intent on loving God, what the world has to offer us will be less and less appealing. - Me from the Insideout

Instead of writing out a review of where we’ve been and what we’ve hopefully seen and learned I have decided to wrap-up the study with this link someone shared with me half way through the study. Sometimes seeing something portrayed on the screen can be a wonderful tool for our memory. (this video does not belong to me, it has been borrowed and shared from Youtube.com)

If you do not know the God of Jacob and Joseph or if you have questions about how to know and trust Him please message me, I’d love to chat with you about the greatest love and relationship you will ever know. Check it out for yourself at the links below –

Join me tomorrow to see what’s next

Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

The Grand Finale

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WEEK 6, DAY 5 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:31, 3:4-6, 6:5-8, 18:22-25, (SOAP – Genesis 50:19-20)

But Joseph answered them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day.  NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA:

Ah, the grand finale of Genesis. It was in our reading and devotional yesterday, and we are circling back to it today. Too much? I don’t think so. It bears great witness to Joseph’s character and to God’s sovereignty, both wonderful examples and encouragement to the Christian faith.

As we noted yesterday, following the death of their father, the brother’s treacherous act of selling Joseph into slavery comes back to haunt them, prompting them to fear Joseph’s revenge in the absence of their father. Joseph reassures his brothers that there will be no revenge – that is left in the hands of God. While what they did was intended to harm him God not only knew and allowed it but He used what they were doing for His good purpose. The purpose, as He points out, was to preserve the lives of many people, which they can clearly see has been accomplished.

Other Notable Observations:

  • God pronounced His creation – “very good!”
  • The man and woman fell prey to the serpent’s words and chose the fruit instead of God
  • The LORD regretted making humankind because their wickedness was so great
  • Noah found favor in the sight of the LORD
  • Abraham pleaded with God to not destroy the good with the evil
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

We must not let our sins of the past make us fearful of the present or future.

We must trust in God and His power to accomplish good purposes even out of evil actions.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, thank You for the beautiful story of Jacob and Joseph and the cast of characters that have been a part of this study. A study that has focused us on choosing You instead of what the world offers and we so often desire. Thank You for Your sovereignty, Your Presence, and Omniscience that gives us hope – even in the things that seem hopeless. We live in a world that is rampant with evil but we are reminded that You are always at work to accomplish Your “good purposes – for Your Kingdom, Your people, and the world.” Fix our eyes on You so that we do not lose sight of Your calling on our lives to trust You in all things. – In His Name and power – Amen!

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • In what ways have you seen God turn something intended by others to harm you into something good?
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

Reassurance and A Call for Courage

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WEEK 6, DAY 4 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 49:29-50:26; Exodus 13:19; John 14:1-3 (SOAP – John 14:1-3)

 “Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. 3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. John 14:1-3NLT
OBSERVATION:

Today’s Focus Verse: John 14:1-3

The words found in John chapter 14:1-3 are words of reassurance spoken by Christ to His disciples. “In the last few moments, Jesus has indicated one of the disciples is a deceiver (John 13:21) and predicted Peter will deny knowing Him at all (John 13:38; Luke 22:34). This comes in the context of frequent references to His impending death (John 12:7, 23–24).”1 His words may sound like a pep talk to be more upbeat but in reality the term for “troubled” or “distressed” is more of “a call for courage.” Like Jacob and Joseph, who trusted in God’s promise yet to come we must trust Jesus when He says He will come again to take us to be with Him.

1 All quotes from BibleRef.com on John 14:1

THE GENESIS SAGA:

We have traveled a long way with Jacob, watching him from the time he was in his mother’s womb up to his dying breath in Egypt. We will now travel back with him to Canaan, where he will be buried with his father and his father before him, an important expression of his faith in the promise that God would one day make him into a great nation. We are given a front row seat to the days following his death and to the Egyptian’s way of mourning, including the embalming of his body which was typically a custom reserved for those of status, such as Joseph. Although in this case the embalming would have helped keep Jacob’s body from decaying on their long trip back to Canaan.

Following the days of mourning and burial the brothers began to think about the situation and played the ‘what if’ game – “What if Joseph bears a grudge and wants to repay us in full for all the harm we did to him?” Joseph once again assures them that he is content that what they meant for evil God meant for good and by it had preserved the life of many people. He tells them not to be afraid and consoles them — now this is love.

Joseph’s death is recorded in this same chapter. When he was 110 years old. Before he died, like his father, he trusted in the promise yet to come and was concerned about the final resting place of his bones and he made the “sons of Israel” promise to carry his bones up from Egypt to the land God would one day lead them to in fulfillment of His promise. (Note: Our reading from Exodus 13:19 is the fulfillment of his bones being taken up from there.)

Other Notable Observations:
  • Joseph had to request permission from Pharaoh and Pharaoh gladly allowed it
  • Joseph was not looking to ‘escape’ his life in Egypt
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

There are many different customs and various traditions when it comes to burials and funerals today. Embalming and cremation are both common choices now. Viewings and services are less and less a two-day event and are even veering toward celebrations of life rather than loud mourning and wailing. Regardless of how different these practices are from Jacob’s time the thing that hit me most in reading today’s passages is we do not have to worry about where our bones will be. Christ has given us His full assurance that He will come again and take us to be with Him.

Jesus encourages the people not to let death be a cause for fear or stress, but rather a call for courage. It’s a courage that comes from trusting in God, the Father and the Son – knowing God’s provision through the Son and the Son’s provision through His death and resurrection.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father God, thank You that we do not have to worry about where our bones are buried, or for that matter where the bones of Jesus are buried. Thank You for the work of Jesus on our behalf – who made a way for us to take Him with us everywhere we go and has gone before us to prepare a place where we will be forever with You – to which I say Hallelujah and Amen!

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTION:
  • Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? If so, do you believe He is preparing a place for you?
  • How can you live in light of this marvelous promise?