January 11:  Accepting His Love.

HIS GIFT.
"If you knew the gift of God...you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."--John 4:10

I don't know how to describe severe loneliness other than to say that it is like a dark chill that cuts through your heart.  I remember the time when I was starting my postgraduate studies in Europe and had just arrived in a city where I would be meeting with my dissertation supervisor.  I didn't know anyone in that town and I was planning to spend many days there to study and research.  I felt overwhelmed by so many things: the academic tasks, the unfamiliar place, the lack of human contact, and the fact that I didn't know a single person in that area.  I will never forget the dark loneliness I felt and the relief I found for it in God's acceptance and intimate knowledge of my soul.

The Samaritan woman that Jesus encountered in John 4 was all alone.  She was surrounded by people, yet had no real female friends that would risk being seen with her at the well.  In Bible times, fetching water was the woman's daily task, and they usually went in groups (that's why if someone wanted to find a wife, they went to the well).  But this woman was filled with shame.  She came to the well by herself at noon, so that no one would ask her anything.  Yet there was more to her loneliness: in Israel a woman normally couldn't initiate divorce, which meant that the five husbands she had been married to had rejected her by serving a certificate of divorce.  And at the present time, she was being rejected in the worst way by a man who didn't even have the decency to marry her.  Furthermore, in the first century a woman divorced more than three times was considered an outcast.  This is why I love the way this story starts: "He had to pass through Samaria" (John 4:4).  The need was not geographical, because there were other roads.  Jesus had to come in order to offer this lonely soul His gift of eternal life (verse 10).  He had to tell her that He was the Messiah, and that He knew everything about her and still accepted her.  His gift was for her!  No wonder this encounter changed her life.  And His gift is for you and me as well!

My Response:____________________________________________

January 10:  Accepting His Love.

HIS FAMILY.
"For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother."--Matthew 12:50

I thank God for the parents He chose for me.  When I sit in front of their tombstone, my heart is filled with gratitude for their godly lives.  When my parents retired, they came to live in the same state where I reside.  After my mother passed away, my father spoke with me about the future, knowing that his well-being would be so important to me.  I had been working in ministerial capacities for almost fifteen years, and he said to me that if I were asked to minister in another state and felt it was a call from God, I should go even if that meant leaving him behind in California.  I never had to cross that bridge, yet I was so blessed to have parents who placed the priorities of the kingdom of God above themselves.

As Jesus was ministering, His family came to talk with Him.  Mark gives us an inside look at their motive: "When His own people [kinsmen, family] heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, 'He had lost His senses' " (Mark 3:21).  Jesus didn't have brothers and sisters who fully understood His mission, at least not at first.  Some members of His family did later become influential leaders of the Christian community.  When His mother and siblings arrived where He was speaking, "Someone said to Him, 'Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.'  But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, 'Who is My mother and who are My brothers?' " (Matthew 12:47, 48).  What a strange question, especially since His family was standing outside!  Jesus was not renouncing His family; He was stating His priorities.  Jesus stretched out His hand towards the disciples and went on to explain that those who do the will of His Father are His true family (verses 49, 50).  Even the closest of human relationships wouldn't take priority over the kingdom's mission.  If you have relatives who do not understand your calling and purpose, be encouraged because when you become a follower of Jesus, you also become part of His family on earth.  You have brothers and sisters, and His Father is your Father.

My Response:______________________________________________

January 9:  Accepting His Love.

HIS CREATION.
As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.--John 1:12

My maternal Grandparents lived in a large farmhouse where I loved to visit them.  It was in a different country, so I went there for summer vacations.  Soon I found out that there were other young people living there and, as I grew up, I realized that these young people were foster kids, some with learning disabilities, others with difficult upbringings who needed a nurturing place to live.  They found a safe home with my grandparents, and some of them became like their own children, until adulthood.  We all need a safe place, a home where we belong.

John announces that the Word of God was the active Agent through which everything was created (John 1:3).  He Himself was Life (verse 4), He didn't just give life but He was life.   And following the order of Creation, John talks about light; he says that the Word was life, and that life became "the Light of men" (verse 4).  And when the Light appeared, the darkness did not understand it (verse 5).  God was about to redeem His creation, and the story of redemption starts at the beginning.  John goes on to say that Jesus "was the true Light which...enlightens every man" (John 1:9).  Every person, at some level, has the chance to accept or reject the Light.  Then we learn that when the Light came to His own home, those at home did not receive Him!  How sad!  Home is supposed to be your own place, where everybody knows your name.  The Word, the Life-Giver, and Light Bearer "was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.  He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him" (verses 10, 11).  This is the bad news, but there is also good news.  Some did accept the Light.  And to those who received Him by believing in Him, He gave a gift: a new status--children of God.  Those who believe in Him are given that right (verses 12, 13).  Have you ever been rejected by your own family, by your own home?  God invites you to join the heavenly family. No one can take you away from Him.  You become a child, born of the will of God.  You have a home.  And your Father knows your name.

My Response:______________________________________________

January 8:  Accepting His Love.

HIS KNOWLEDGE.
"When you were under the fig tree, I saw you."--John 1:48

Have you ever been surprised by how much someone knows you?  I went to preach at a church in Central California and spent the whole weekend there; we had a fantastic time studying the Scriptures together.  A couple of ladies, whom I had never met, approached me and told me that they knew me since I was one year of age.  I was startled!  They went on to explain that they were teenagers in a local church in Argentina, where my dad was the pastor.  I had turned one year old in that church!  They knew me and they knew my family!  It's a small world!

Nathanael was more than surprised by Jesus' knowledge of him!  After Jesus had called Philip to follow Him (see John 1:43), Philip found Nathanael and excitedly announced: "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (verse 45).  But Nathanael was less than impressed; his prejudice against Nazareth didn't let him see beyond the stereotype: "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (verse 46).  Instead of arguing, Philip invited him to come and see for himself.  Before Nathanael could utter a word, Jesus said to him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" (verse 47).  Can you imagine Nathanael's mind racing, wondering how He knew him?  Jesus had revealed that He really knew him and stated that Nathanael was "Israel" without the "Jacob" part, without the deception, dishonesty, treachery, and trickery associated with the patriarch Jacob.  "Nathanael said to Him, 'How do You know me?' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you' " (verse 48).  I am speechless, and so was Nathanael.  This revelation made a profound impact on him, and from his heart came his confession: "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel" (verse 49).  God knows us intimately.  When you opened this book this morning, He saw you.  When you cried yourself to sleep last night, He saw you.  He knows your joys, your sadness, your dreams, your trials.  No need to hide anything from Him.  He knows everything about you and He loves you!

My Response:_______________________________________________

January 7:  Accepting His Love.

HIS INFLUENCE.
This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.--John 21:24

Don Quixote, the seventeenth-century classic of Miguel de Cervantes, and the Broadway musical, Man of La Mancha, showcase a woman of shady reputation named Aldonza.  In the novel, the mad knight sees her through the eyes of grace, and calls her Dulcinea, which means sweet.  Yet, she rejects this new identity, because she is more than aware of who she really is.  However, in the end, the influence of his love, and the way he views her, completely changes her into a sweet and reputable woman.  Many believe that Cervantes wrote this work during the time of the Inquisition as a veiled spiritual allegory of the gospel.

John, the disciple, was not known for his sweetness.  He had such a bad temper that Jesus nicknamed him and his brother James, Boanerges, which means "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17).  I don't think I would have chosen him...but Jesus did.  The "thunder" brothers wanted the best place in the upcoming kingdom (see Mark 10:35-45) and came up with the idea of sending fire from heaven on a Samaritan village that didn't show Jesus hospitality (see Luke 9:51-55).  But John, along with the other disciples, were ordinary people who were exposed to Jesus' extraordinary grace. *  Jesus treated them with love, and His grace changed them.  This selfish and angry disciple became known as the disciple of love.  He doesn't even use his own name in his Gospel but identifies himself as "the disciple Jesus loved" (John 13:23; 19:26; 21:7; 21:20).  In their last dinner together, John was reclining on Jesus' bosom, as close to Him as possible (John 13:23, 25).  Jesus' love had influenced and captured him.  John chose to accept the extraordinary love of Jesus, and this became the guiding principle in his ministry.  John uses the word love fifty-seven times in his Gospel, and fifty-two times in his letters; one hundred nine times in total! (compare Matthew's seventeen times, Mark's eight times and Luke's nineteen times).  If you are struggling with a character trait that God needs to work on, bask in the grace of Jesus, and let His love and grace influence you from inside out.

My Response:_______________________________________________
* For an Additional study of the twelve disciples, see Elizabeth Talbot and Aivare Ozolins, Jesus 101: Radical Discipleship (Nappa, ID: Pacific Press, 2016

January 6:  Accepting His Love.

HIS MAJESTY.
They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy....They fell to the ground and worshiped Him.--Matthew 2:10, 11

I have happy childhood memories in South America of leaving my shoes outside my bedroom so that the wise men would leave me gifts as they passed by. Sometimes, just for fun, children would leave straw and water for the camels.  The story of the Magi has been celebrated in many Latin American countries on January 6 as the feast of Epiphany, highlighting how God reached out to all nations with the good news of the Savior's birth.

Matthew contrasts the Magi, who have come to worship (2:2), with Herod the king and all the people of Jerusalem, who are troubled by the news (verse 3).  As the dignitaries from the East followed God's guidance and arrived to where the Child was, they "rejoiced exceedingly with great joy" (2:10).  The language is lush and flamboyant as Matthew describes a super-joyful occasion, fit for a king (see a similar phrase used in 1 Kings 1:40).  I love that the Greek word for "great" is mega!  Even now, I believe that those who follow God's leading towards a greater revelation of Jesus experience mega joy, which is above whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.  When they arrived to the place where the Child was found, "they fell to the ground and worshiped Him" (verse 11).  The original language says that they prostrated themselves, which means completely falling to the ground.  What a scene!  Non-Jews were worshiping Jesus when the rest of Israel was not!  These were distinguished and learned people, who had traveled from afar and had even been granted an audience with Herod the Great.  Now they are giving homage to a baby in a humble home.  God has a way of turning our world upside down!  They even brought Him expensive gifts, as was the custom to honor a king (Matthew 2:11, compare with 1 Kings 10:2).  In Jesus, God has given us the Greatest Gift!  We will joyfully worship Jesus throughout eternity, showing him our gratitude and honor.  Let's start today!  For "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing" (Revelation 5:12).

My Response:_____________________________________________

January 5:  Accepting His Love.

HIS KINGSHIP.
"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?"--Matthew 2:2

Whether in the tombs and treasures of Egypt or Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom; whether in ancient kingdoms or modern monarchies, one common thread runs throughout history: the splendor and grandeur that surrounds kings and queens.  I have visited many such majestic buildings, and I have always marveled at the beauty and riches in honor of mortal men and women.  And I wonder about the contrast between earthly royalties and Jesus, the King of kings, who walked on this earth two thousand years ago.  Who would pay Him homage?

Matthew shocks his audience by narrating the visit of the Magi.  The story starts by placing Jesus in the territory and tribe of the Davidic kings, hence the clarification that this is Bethlehem of Judea, where David was born: "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea" (Matthew 2:1).  At that time, Herod was the king (verses 1, 3), and these wise men went straight to the palace in Jerusalem, perhaps expecting the new King to be born in the royal family.  But they were in for a surprise!  They spoke to King Herod about another King of the Jews, thus introducing tension between the two kings from the very beginning of the story.  Herod clearly understood that their inquiry was related to the Messiah (see verse 4).  It is a notable fact that the Magi used the title "King of the Jews" instead of "our King," which indicates that they were Gentiles.  Evidently, Matthew included this story to highlight the inclusivity of Jesus' mission (see Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations, Matthew 28:19).  Yet what I find most fascinating about the title "King of the Jews" is that the only other use of it in Matthew is found in the story of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:11, 29, 37), and once again, it is spoken by Gentiles.  It was the legal charge placed on the cross by Pilate: "This is Jesus the King of the Jews" (verse 37).  The One who loved us to the point of death has revealed to us how the story ends: Jesus Wins!  He will return, as the King of kings, to take us home.  Until then, let's honor Him and invite Him to be the King of our lives, reigning in our hearts! 

My Response:___________________________________________________

January 4:  Accepting His Love.

HIS CONQUEST.
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."--Mark 1:15

As the Olympics, the World Cup of soccer is a much-awaited world-wide event involving many countries, represented by their national teams.  In 1978, Argentina hosted the Cup, and the national team won the trophy.  I will never forget this victory.  I was in high school, and the country ground to an absolute stop for three days in order to celebrate this momentous event.  Even though the victory had been won by able athletes, all of us had won; their victory was ours, the victory belonged to the whole country!  They were our representatives!

Mark opens his book by stating, "The beginning of the gospel [good news] of Jesus Christ" (Mark 1:1).  The Greek noun euangelion is translated into English as "good news" or "gospel"--term that comes from the Old English godspell, which means "good news."  This term was used when messengers came from the battlefield, announcing that the king had fought on behalf of his subjects and had won; the messengers who brought the good news were called evangelists.  The Greek term was used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (LXX) to announce God's ultimate deliverance of His people:

      How lovely on the mountains
      Are the feet of him who brings good news,
      Who announces peace
      And brings good news of happiness,
      Who announces salvation,
      And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
      (Isaiah 52:7).

When Jesus proclaimed, "The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15), He was announcing that the good news of God's victory through Jesus was about to be revealed.  It is highly significant that Mark chose this term to introduce his book about Jesus.  Jesus has won the battle on our behalf!  Don't ever let fear of the future, or anything else, take away the joy of your salvation.  Jesus our Representative and Substitute, has conquered in our place!  Rejoice!

My Response:______________________________________

January 3:  Accepting His Love.

HIS DESCRIPTION.
To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood...to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.  Amen.--Revelation 1:5, 6

It was overwhelming, standing at the end of the main street of the ancient city of Ephesus, with its amazingly well-preserved ruins and its magnificent amphitheater.  I envisioned travelers crowding through the city in the time when John wrote the book of Revelation.  I also visited the island of Patmos, where John received the unveiling of Jesus.  I tried to imagine how John must have felt on this island, about fifty miles southwest of Ephesus, being shown the final chapter of the world's history and the indisputable announcement:  Jesus Wins!

In light of the revelations he received, how would John introduce Jesus to the audience?  There are two verbs in John's opening description of Jesus that we will focus on, because they give us assurance from the very beginning of this book.  "Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.  To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood" (Revelation 1:4-5).  Let's start with the phrase: "who loves us" (verse 5).  This present tense verb reminds us of the ongoing love of Jesus Christ for us, right now and forever.  The original meaning is continuous: He loves us and keeps loving and loving and loving us.  Then comes the second phrase: "And released us from our sins by His blood" (verse 5).  In the original Greek, the past tense of the verb "to release" is what is called an aorist participle, which means a completed action in the past.  Therefore, here we find two verbs that describe the relationship of Jesus with us: He loves us, continually and unceasingly, and He has purchased our freedom on the cross.  These two verbs form the core of the everlasting gospel.  Many have not experienced real, unconditional love in this world, yet God's message changes that.  The last chapter of the world's history starts with the reminder that Jesus loves us, and that He has freed us.  These two realities will sustain us every day until we see Him face to face!

My Response:________________________________________

January 2:  Accepting His Love.

His Love.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."--John 3:16.

I had barely opened the door of my second-floor condo when I was shocked by the sight of a big snake!  I instinctively jumped back and ran out.  Later I called my neighbors and the department of animal control, and someone came and got the reptile out of my place.  But it took me many months to get over the trauma.

This experience reminds me how Jesus used a snake to teach us about salvation and love. Snakes have a way of getting our attention, but that's not the reason why Jesus reminded Nicodemus of an ancient experience with these animals as a visualization of Himself and how God loved the world so much that He sent His Son to die.  In this first extended dialogue in John's Gospel, Jesus is explaining God's love and salvation to a teacher of the law.  Nicodemuus, judging by the signs Christ was doing, starts with an impressive assertion about Jesus having come from God (John 3:2).  But Jesus does not engage in reciprocal flattery; instead, He tells Nicodemus that he must be born again (verses 5, 7).  When Nicodemus misinterprets Jesus' words, the Savior resorts to the history of Israel.  He alludes to an event recorded in Numbers 21:4-9, when venomous serpents started biting the Israelites after God had withdrawn His protection due to their unbelief.  God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and place it on a pole.  Whoever looked at it would be saved.  And Jesus, explaining the gospel to Nicodemus, says: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.  For God so loved the world" (John 3:14-16).  Yes, God's unfailing love is so amazing that He provided the Antidote for His sinful children.  Jesus is heaven's greatest Gift!  As much as we enjoy healthy love in this world, it is still stained by our sin and shortcomings.  Yet God's love for us is perfect and unfailing, and we can always count on it!  For God so loved you...that He gave His Son!

My Response:____________________________________________________