Rejoicing in Jail

Paul was writing from prison when he said, Now I want you to know, brothers, that what happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. (Phil. 1:12 NIV) He explained that because of his imprisonment the palace guard and others realized he was there only because he was a Christian. They respected Paul. And because of the jail sentence, the Word of God was brought to people who would normally have been outside his sphere of influence.

Furthermore, Because of my chains most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God. . . . (v. 14a) Those dependent upon Paul for spiritual leadership were forced to step out on their own.

So although prison continued as an uncomfortable reality, Paul could write to the Philipians, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (v. 18b)

Imagine. He rejoiced. He knew God could take aspects of life which are difficult—perhaps even devastating—and use them for good.

Originally published October 7, 1983.
Picture: Pansies, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

People Who Love Him

Thomas had trouble believing Jesus was resurrected from the dead. When the other disciples insisted Jesus had appeared to them, Thomas declared, “Except I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (Jn. 20:25b KJV)

A graphic statement of resistance and unbelief. And yet, Thomas loved Jesus and he couldn’t get past his desire to be with Jesus—he even wanted to be with the other disciples as all of them struggled to find their way in their strange new circumstances.

Jesus knew about Thomas’ statement of unbelief, but He also knew Thomas’ heart. And Jesus goes out of His way to reveal Himself to people who love Him.

When Jesus came to the group again, Thomas was present. Then Jesus spoke directly to Thomas. “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing.” (v. 27)

Thomas, emotionally overcome by the encounter, answered and said unto Him, “My Lord and my God.” (v. 28b) His unbelief was shattered by a Word from God.

Originally published May 12, 1989.
Picture: Roses, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

The Ultimate Prophet

Jesus was a prophet; He proclaimed Truth and He foretold events. When one of His disciples looked at Jerusalem—and historians say the city, especially the Temple, was beautiful—he couldn’t suppress his excitement.

Jesus was not so excited. He replied, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Mk. 13:1,2 NKJV) We know Jesus wasn’t happy to share this particular knowledge. But the prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD when the Romans destroyed all of Jerusalem—including the temple.

Prophets do two things. First, as seers (see-ers) they perceive or see and they understand things others do not understand. Second, as tell-ers they tell others what they saw if God tells them to share it with others.

Jesus was the ultimate prophet during His earthly ministry. He was the One who saw and understood all things—and He was the One who told or revealed all truth. In fact, Jesus not only understood and proclaimed truth, but He was Truth. As God Incarnate, the Living Word, everything He said and did expressed the nature of His Father.

Originally published January 22, 1988.

Jesus the Word

John begins his gospel with, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Jn. 1:1 KJV)

The reality of this Word is a difficult concept, for the Word is a person—a He—Jesus. God expressed Himself in human form as Jesus the Word: And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (Jn. 1:14 KJV)

Although people have spirits created in the image of God, no other human is the creative Word as Jesus is the creative Word. No other person is God—or a god. But it is possible for human spirits to reflect godly attributes because we can interact with God—and submit to Him.

The prophet Isaiah spoke of the Word expressed as Jesus when he wrote, the glory of the Lord shall be revealed . . . but the word of our God shall stand forever. (Is. 40:5a,8b NKJV)

Originally published January 12, 1990

Picture: Patty's garden, 2008. Photo by Solveig

God the Word

God has always manifested Himself through the Word. At the beginning of time He said, Let there be . . . and a world was created. Throughout the Old Testament He spoke through the patriarchs and the prophets. He said through the prophet Isaiah, I have not spoken in secret . . . I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, “Seek me in vain.” (Is. 45:19 NIV)

When Jesus entered history as the Word Incarnate, John wrote, The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us. We have seen his glory. . . . (Jn. 1:14 NIV)

God continues to manifest Himself today through His Word. Because Scripture tells us that He does not speak in secret, it is our mandate to seek Him, to listen for His voice. If we do not wish to hear Him, He will not force Himself, but when we follow His admonition, we discover that He is alive and true.

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we moight be a kind of first fruits of all he created. (Jas. 1:18 NIV)

Originally published January 28, 1983.