Coming Into View

During the liturgical season of Advent, all Christendom prepares for the advent or coming of the baby Jesus. The word Advent literally means, coming into place or coming into view.

Yet we appreciate the full impact of Jesus’ advent only by looking at His ministry. For when this itinerant carpenter began to reveal His identity, the world responded, No one ever spoke the way this man does. (Jn. 7:46 NIV)

One day during Jesus’ early ministry, As he walked along he saw Levi [Matthew], son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. (Mk. 2:14a NIV) Jesus said, Follow me, and Matthew did. (v. 14c) He even accepted a new name.

Jesus is still revealing His identity by coming into view. He continues to reveal Himself to people, and He comes to us that we might come to Him. His invitation, Follow me, is still open.

Originally published November 26, 1982.
Picture: Homemade Christmas log. Photo by Solveig.

An Effective Pair

That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord . . . he sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat. (Jn. 21:7b,8a RSV)

People respond differently to the presence of Jesus. On this occasion, Peter did not recognize Him—not even His message. He could have continued working and missed the Lord’s invitation to a special breakfast.

John did identify the Savior. He was in tune to the voice of Jesus and understood His words. How disappointing that he fell short in response and was content to follow by boat.

Each of the men was incomplete. But each acknowledged their inadequacy and drew from the other’s strength. Together—with John’s discernment and Peter’s action—they made an effective pair.

Originally published August 14, 1981.

Fish for Breakfast

“I’m going out to fish,” a weary Peter told his friends. (Jn. 21:3 NIV) Several eventually joined him and they spent a long night in a boat without catching anything. Then, Early in the morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize it was Jesus. (v. 4)

People often fail to recognize God when they are discouraged, so we should not be surprised that the disciples failed to identify Jesus after His death and resurrection. It wasn’t until He filled their nets with fish—met a pressing need—that John identified Him. (v. 7)

But Jesus did not stop with a revelation—even a glorious one. And He did not stop after giving them the miracle of overflowing nets. He also invited them into His presence—invited them to join Him. Jesus said, “Come and have breakfast.” (v. 12b)

If we are overwhelmed by problems, we can remember He is with us. We can also ask Him to give us a revelation and meet our needs. We can even ask Him to bless us with His Presence.

Originally published June 1, 1984.
Picture: Persian Gulf from the shore of the United Arab Emirates, 2007. Photo by Marta.

Come, See the Place

The concept of a resurrection seemed impossible to the women who visited the tomb on Easter morning. Then, they found the stone rolled away . . . but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (Lk. 24:2a,3 NIV)

To make matters worse, when they tried to tell the disciples what had happened, the disciples did not understand them; their words seemed to them like nonsense. (v. 11b)

There are many who still think the story is nonsense. And truthfully, it goes against our understanding of reality. But God was not deterred by the disciples questions and He is not deterred by our questions. He does not defend Himself, He invites people to examine His Son Jesus—His life and His ministry—the works He did—the Word He spoke—His crucifixion—and His claim of victory over death and the grave.

On that first Easter morning, when the angel invited the women to inspect the tomb, the angel said, “Do not be afraid, for I know you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Mt. 28:5b,6 NKJV)

Originally published April 20, 1984.
Picture: Floral plant arrangement, 2006. Photo by Ken.

Outside the Camp

Lent is that time of year when much of Christendom focuses their attention on the cross of Jesus.

Although the cross is a familiar, loved symbol today, crucifixions were hardly lovely. We know from historical records that especially evil leaders arranged for public crucifixions. For the most part, however, they were conducted in secluded places away from the mainstreams of daily activity because they were so gruesome, abhorrent.

So just as the Old Testament scapegoat was taken outside the camp during the Exodus of the Israelites—bearing their collective and personal sin into the Wilderness (Lev. 16)—Jesus died outside the camp. We read, Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. (Heb. 13:12 NIV)

The writer of Hebrews continues by offering an invitation, Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. (Heb. 13:13)

Originally published February 26, 1982.
Picture: Flower in Hawaii, 2004. Photo by Patty.

My Yoke Is Easy

Jesus said, "Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened. . . ." Mt. 11:28a NIV) He died on a cross because of the invitation—because He carried the sins of the world.

We can’t carry the burden that Jesus carried, of course. But Paul invited Jesus’ followers to share the burdens of those who sin when he wrote, Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal 6:2) So when we reach out to help someone in trouble—perhaps even trouble they’ve brought upon themselves—we take part in the ministry of Jesus, even complete or fulfill His work on earth.

Jesus also referred to carrying each other’s burdens when He said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. . . .” (Mt. 29a NIV)

Through lifting the burdens of others and bringing them to Jesus we can enter His ministry and His rest. “For me yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (v. 30)

Originally published August 31, 1984.