Acts 19:8-10

Yesterday we spent the afternoon with our children and grandchildren in the serenity of the Quarry. The 66 acres is mostly trees and sandstone rock and in the little cabin we built on the property we find such tranquility. We can appreciate the creativity of God. It is a blessing passed down from my parents to me and will someday pass to the girls. We all live in the suburbs but it is our place of gathering and rest. 

In Jesus we can all  find peace!

We plant the seed of the truth of salvation in Jesus Christ but only Holy Spirit can nourish it.

Plant anyway! We never know whose life we may touch. Not everyone will accept God’s gift of salvation but He wants them too!

What a beautiful thing it is to remember and remind ourselves of God's power and sovereignty over this world. He continues to control the seas and calm the chaos throughout Scripture (Job 38:8-9;  Proverbs 8:29;  Jeremiah 5:22;  Mark 4:39-41) and in our lives today. First5 

Every day after school, the young son of a well-known Rabbi would enter his house, place his backpack on the dining room table, leave the house through the back door and head into the woods behind the house.

At first, the Rabbi gave little thought to his son's ritual. Until it continued, for days, and then for weeks. Every day, out into the woods for almost a half hour. The Rabbi grew concerned.

"My son," he asked one day. "I notice that every day you leave our home to spend time in the woods. What is it you are doing there?"

"Oh papa," the son replied. "There is no need to worry. I go into the woods to pray. It is in the woods that I can talk to God.”

"Oh," the Rabbi said, clearly relieved. "But you should know, as the son of a Rabbi, that God is the same everywhere.”

"Yes, papa. I know that God is the same everywhere. But, I am not."

This little boy knew, instinctively, that there are two spaces in our lives. And both are important.

In the first space, we generate activity, productivity, accomplishment and achievement (and yes, busyness, worry and a wee bit of stress). In this space we carry our calendars, our smart phones, our iPads, and our to-do lists.

But there is a second space. In this space we find sanctuary, quiet, reflection, contemplation, and meditation. In this space we find replenishment, spiritual nourishment and renewal. In this space is born prayer, music, poetry, friendship, amazement, awe, wonder, renewal, and if we are lucky, unrepentant napping.

“God is the same everywhere. But, I am not.”

When we honor sanctuary space, we say yes to sufficiency. We say yes to enough. In other words, our value is not predicated on what we achieve in the first space. Take to heart William Sloane Coffin’s reminder that “God's love doesn't seek value, it creates value.  It is not because we have value that we are loved, but because we are loved that we have value.  Our value is a gift, not an achievement.”

I am whole, filled with grace and sufficiency. And from that wholeness spills tenderness, tenacity and compassion to the world around me. SabbathMoments 

Acts 19:8-10

8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. The New King James Version

Because Ephesus is a key city for travel and business, it allowed Paul’s testimony of Jesus to spread throughout the Roman province of Asia (a region on the west coast of modern-day Turkey. People visiting Ephesus had the opportunity to hear Paul preach the gospel, and those who believed would have then spread the message to the various places they visited and lived. Faithlife Study Bible

From Ephesus, other churches were born in Asia Minor—in Colosse, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Note the sequence of events. Paul tried explaining the things of the kingdom of God to the Jews in the synagogue for three months. After he was finally rejected, he took those who had believed and started a new “school” for the study of the Scriptures in the facilities of a philosopher named Tyrannus. During the two years that Paul conducted these classes, all who dwelt in Asia heard the gospel. This indicates that Paul and the students of the school did more than study; they must have witnessed to others as well. The NKJV Study Bible

Acts 1:3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.

Malachi 1:11

The hearts of Israel were hardened in part to bring in the Gentiles. 

It was too small a thing that Jesus give up His life  for only them. He came that through Him the world could be saved. 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

The only sacrifice that pleases God is His Son, Jesus Christ. He alone provides  the perfect atonement for the sins of man. He alone conquered sin and death. The victory is already His.

Jesus is the only way to the Father. In our confession of faith we accept His righteousness not ours. We are not worthy of such agape grace but God in Him offers it to all who accept Him

King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus, He is worthy to be praised and glorified. In Him is our peace.

Parables are stories Jesus used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Some of the parables have an explanation by Jesus. Others do not. Jesus said He purposefully hid "the secrets of the kingdom of heaven" in parables (Matthew 13:11). 

People would either come to Him for understanding or they would walk away.

Truth can be found only in Jesus. When we turn to His words and ask for His guidance to help us understand, we will discover Truth that leads us a better way, Jesus' way. And along this path, Jesus says "blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear" (Matthew 13:16). First5 

Let us remember that reconnecting with our heart we are not attempting to create something out of sheer willpower or adding something to our life we do not already possess. “Letting our arms down”, we give ourselves the permission to fall into (embrace, invite, appreciate, receive) our strength, fall into the enough of what is already there.

In the Gospels, this is the invitation Jesus offers to every person he encounters. SabbathMoments 

Malachi 1:11

11 For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; In every place incense shall be offered to My name, And a pure offering; For My name shall be great among the nations,” Says the Lord of hosts. The New King James Version

One of the regular duties of the priests was keeping the incense altar burning continually in the holy place of the temple. Faithlife Study Bible

God would one day receive praise from all the nations. Even the despised Gentiles would offer praise, while God’s own people were profaning His holy name. The NKJV Study Bible

Psalm 113:3 From the rising of the sun to its going down the LORD’s name is to be praised.

Isaiah 45:6 That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is none besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other;

Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.

Isaiah 60:3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Acts 2:1-12

Praying in in a language other than your native tongue and praying in the Sprit are powerful tools that God used and still uses to communicate to others and for times when we don’t know what to pray.

Speaking in tongues is a form of prayer because Paul said “one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God” (1 Corinthians 14:2). It is even called praying in the Spirit many times throughout the New Testament (1 Corinthians 14:14-15 , Ephesians 6:18, Jude v.20).

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1 NIV).

Pentecost was one of the three feast days on which all the Jewish men were required to appear in Jerusalem at least once in their lifetime. The divine timing was precise. Now, with the apostles gathered in one place, awaiting the power of the Spirit. Now, with representatives of least fifteen nations gathered in one city…it was time.

The Spirit came suddenly and from heaven. Because of the Holy Spirit, each prayerful follower could speak with such power that people from all over the world heard the story of Jesus in “their own language” (Acts 2:6 NIV). 

Compelling communication was the first fruit of the Holy Spirit. He empowered and empowers Christ followers to declare the wonders of God in the heart languages of the world. Max Lucado

Acts 2:1-12

2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” The New King James Version

The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marks the official inauguration of the new covenant and serves as a witness to the nation of Israel. The Church’s reception of the Holy Spirit, preaching, and sudden growth testify to the reality of Christ’s resurrection and His ongoing reign. 

The Greek word used here, pnoē, sounds like the word for Spirit (pneuma). The intensity of the sound and its origin from heaven announce its divine origin. Fire is often used to describe God’s holy presence and His ability to purify. 

The reference to tongues or languages indicates that this is a reversal of the Tower of Babel, where God confused the languages of those who rebelled against Him. Faithlife Study Bible

The word translated tongues here is the normal Greek word for known languages. Speaking in “tongues” or diverse languages underscored the universal outreach of the church. These witnesses were speaking foreign dialects to the people who had gathered for Pentecost from other nations. The Day of Pentecost, as one of the three major Jewish celebrations, was a pilgrimage event. People who lived outside Israel traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival. They came from Arabia, Crete, Asia, and even as far away as Rome. Many of these people stayed in Jerusalem for the entire 50-day celebration. 

Spirit gave them utterance: Note that the text does not say that the Spirit spoke through the apostles, but that the Spirit gave them the ability to speak in languages that they had not previously known. 

This was a sign from heaven, a supernatural event. It appears that the “speaking in tongues” did not consist of proclaiming the gospel. Rather, the apostles were praising God’s mighty works. The NKJV Study Bible

We cannot forget how often, while their Master was with them there were strifes among the disciples which should be the greatest; but now all these strifes were at an end. They had prayed more together of late. Would we have the Spirit poured out upon us from on high, let us be all of one accord. And notwithstanding differences of sentiments and interests, as there were among those disciples, let us agree to love one another; for where brethren dwell together in unity, there the Lord commands his blessing. A rushing mighty wind came with great force. This was to signify the powerful influences and working of the Spirit of God upon the minds of men, and thereby upon the world. Thus the convictions of the Spirit make way for his comforts; and the rough blasts of that blessed wind, prepare the soul for its soft and gentle gales. There was an appearance of something like flaming fire, lighting on every one of them, according to John Baptist’s saying concerning Christ; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. The Spirit, like fire, melts the heart, burns up the dross, and kindles pious and devout affections in the soul; in which, as in the fire on the altar, the spiritual sacrifices are offered up. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, more than before. They were filled with the graces of the Spirit, and more than ever under his sanctifying influences; more weaned from this world, and better acquainted with the other. They were more filled with the comforts of the Spirit, rejoiced more than ever in the love of Christ and the hope of heaven: in it all their griefs and fears were swallowed up. They were filled with the gifts of the Holy Ghost; they had miraculous powers for the furtherance of the gospel. They spake, not from previous though or meditation, but as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

The difference in languages which arose at Babel, has much hindered the spread of knowledge and religion. The instruments whom the Lord first employed in spreading the Christian religion, could have made no progress without this gift, which proved that their authority was from God. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Mark 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

2 Corinthians 3:4-6

Trust God. He is able to accomplish His will in your life. He is able to do abundantly more than you could ever imagine. His desire is to draw others to Him by your faith in Jesus. We are empowered by Holy Spirit to be doers of the will of God.

Salvation is a gift it was born out of Gods’ love for us. It was not free. it cost God the life of His only begotten Son, Jesus, to save ours. Grace is unmerited and underserved, having nothing to do with us but everything to do with  JESUS!! 

In receiving Communion we remember the sacrifice that  He made for you and  for me.

Matthew 26:28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Luke 22:20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Jesus had come for sinners in need of a Savior… we also marvel at how Jesus came for people like us. Oh, what a Savior He is! First5 

So. Today.
I choose to speak the language of the heart.
To create. One choice at a time.
What about tomorrow? We can't control that.
What about reaction or public opinion? We can't control that.
What about acceptance? We can't control that.
There is no technique here. An invitation maybe.
Of course, in the end, we want to know... will this work? 

Sabbath Moments

“It is a risk to love
What if it doesn't work out?
Ah, but what if it does?”
(Thank you Peter McWilliams)

God, please release living water upon and through your children. Let us be sources of life and love everywhere we go. Max Lucado

2 Corinthians 3:4-6

4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. The New King James Version

Paul contrasts the stone tablets, a reference to the law of Moses (Exodus 24:12), with the new covenant promised by Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Christ did away with the old covenant of the law (2 Corinthians 3:14) and brought in the new covenant with freedom. 

The coming of the Spirit is evidence of this new covenant and legitimizes Paul as a minister of the new covenant. Both of the passages Paul alludes to here include the covenant formula, “I will be their God and they will be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 11:20). At the end of his defense of his apostolic ministry, Paul quotes this formula as he encourages the Corinthian believers to separate themselves from anything unclean because they are reconciled to God. 

Paul answers a question he was asked. He points to God as the source of his qualifications; his confidence does not come from his own abilities, but from the power of God.

The law does not justify people; it only identifies sin and condemns (Romans 3:20; 8:2). Instead, people are justified by faith. Faithlife Study Bible

The Greek word for trust means “confidence”. Paul was convinced that Christ would make his ministry effective. 

Sufficient means “adequate,” or “competent.” Paul placed his confidence not in himself or his own abilities but in the Lord. This is the answer to the question asked, Who is sufficient? 

The letter is a reference to the old covenant—that is, the Ten Commandments written on stone. The letter kills because all break the law, and the penalty is death.  The NKJV Study Bible

The law of Christ was written in their hearts, and the love of Christ shed abroad there. Nor was it written in tables of stone, as the law of God given to Moses, but on the fleshy. 

Their hearts were humbled and softened to receive this impression, by the new-creating power of the Holy Spirit. He ascribes all the glory to God. And remember, as our whole dependence is upon the Lord, so the whole glory belongs to him alone. 

The letter killeth: the letter of the law is the ministration of death; and if we rest only in the letter of the gospel, we shall not be the better for so doing: but the Holy Spirit gives life spiritual, and life eternal. The Old Testament dispensation was the ministration of death, but the New Testament of life. The law made known sin, and the wrath and curse of God; it showed us a God above us, and a God against us; but the gospel makes known grace, and Emmanuel, God with us. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Jeremiah 31:31 “Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—

John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Nahum 2:11–13

There is no lasting peace without God. Nation will fight against nation and wars will continue to increase until Jesus Christ reigns. Our strength is only in Him and the power of Holy Spirit to keep us safe and direct us in troubling times.

My prayer is that we learn to listen! Gods’ will shall come with or without us.

Matthew 10:16 (ESV) "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

By studying Jesus' life within the book of Matthew, we are going to see a better way to live. A life with King Jesus can provide a peace "which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).

If we take a look at the world around us, peace seems to be running short. 

See, the world wants a perfect kingdom but without the King. However, the only perfect Kingdom is Jesus'. There is no true civility, no true peace, without Jesus.

So the world outside will rage and threaten, my friends. That isn't going to stop. But peace is possible. Jesus said to those who follow Him, "the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22b). Jesus' life shows us that we can leave behind the ways of the world and find peace in walking with Him. First5 

Let go of what you cannot control, and trust that Jesus will be there." Kayla Ferris

Nahum 2:11–13

11 Where is the dwelling of the lions, And the feeding place of the young lions, Where the lion walked, the lioness and lion’s cub, And no one made them afraid? 12 The lion tore in pieces enough for his cubs, Killed for his lionesses, Filled his caves with prey, And his dens with flesh. 13 “Behold, I am against you,” says the Lord of hosts, “I will burn your chariots in smoke, and the sword shall devour your young lions; I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers shall be heard no more.” The New King James Version

This is a derogatory proverbial chant against an object of scorn and ridicule. The taunt mocks Assyria. The once mighty predator of the ancient Near East is now the prey. These large, fast, powerful cats are found throughout the ancient Near East. The lion motif is particularly fitting for Assyria; many reliefs discovered on walls and palaces depict Assyrian kings holding lions in their arms or engaging in lion hunts.

The title asserts Yahweh’s role as commander-in-chief of the heavenly armies. A reference to Assyria’s warriors—or perhaps, more specifically, its nobles and princes. Assyria will no longer conquer other nations. Faithlife Study Bible

Nineveh was the city of lions. Yet despite all the horrors that the lion of Nineveh had brought to other nations, it would no longer need to be feared by anyone. Although the Babylonians conquered the city, they were only God’s instruments. Nineveh’s greatest foe was the Lord of hosts Himself. The NKJV Study Bible

The kings of Assyria had long been terrible and cruel to their neighbours, but the Lord would destroy their power. Many plead as an excuse for rapine and fraud, that they have families to provide for; but what is thus obtained will never do them any good. Those that fear the Lord, and get honestly what they have, shall not want for themselves and theirs. It is just with God to deprive those of children, or of comfort in them, who take sinful courses to enrich them. Those are not worthy to be heard again, that have spoken reproachfully of God. Let us then come to God upon his mercy-seat, that having peace with him through our Lord Jesus Christ, we may know that he is for us, and that all things shall work together for our everlasting good. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Leviticus 26:6 I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid ;I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land.

Isaiah 5:29 Their roaring will be like a lion, they will roar like young lions; Yes, they will roar and lay hold of the prey; they will carry it away safely, and no one will deliver.

Luke 12:10-11

Do not grieve the heart of God. Holy Spirit is the full expression of Gods’ love for His creation. Always a gentleman He only shows Himself when we invite Him in. The more we listen to His quiet voice the more we can be guided into the will of the Father. 

God sees His Son in us and loves us with an abiding love that we will never fully understand. Spiritual things are discerned through our spirit, they will never be understood in our flesh.

God is love!

We need to be very careful not to call good evil, or evil good.

There is a better way! This world, with its problems and worries and chaos, isn't going to change. But that doesn't mean we have to let it steal our sanity. It is possible to find peace in the middle of it all! That peace, that better way, is found in Jesus. 

Jesus Himself said, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth" (Matthew 10:34). Jesus acknowledged that this world was going to be a mess. Yet even though there was not peace on the earth, there was peace in Jesus. His peace was completely solid and unbreakable, even to the point of death.

Jesus' words will be a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105) as we journey toward peace. First5 

Luke 12:10-11

10 “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. 11 “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” The New King James Version

This likely refers to denying the Spirit’s power, what God has revealed in Jesus, or perhaps claiming that the Spirit’s power is somehow associated with evil forces. Faithlife Study Bible

A word against the Son of Man is forgivable because His deity was veiled, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is flagrant rejection of the works and words of Christ. 

This is another indication that religious persecution is in view in these verses. Magistrates and authorities governed civil proceedings, while synagogues conducted religious tribunals. In such situations, the disciple should not worry about what to say. The NKJV Study Bible

Matthew 12:31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.

Matthew 12:32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

Mark 3:28 “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter;

Mark 3:29 but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”—

Mark 3:30 because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

John 9:35-41

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He seeks the lost and brings them into His fold. He came to earth so that through Him the world could be saved. God placed His breath of life into every person and He wants no one to live without Him…we just need to let Jesus light the flame. 

John 12:47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

God places people in your life that can help you see your worth. Others may cast you out but Jesus never will!

Luke 4:18-19 records Jesus reading a prophecy from Isaiah 61:1-2 describing Jubilee. Jesus is our Jubilee, our Redeemer, the Restorer of all things. He has set the captives free, (Galatians 3:22) paid the debt of our sin (Colossians 2:13-14) and become our rest forever. First5 

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” Albert Schweitzer

We need to repair the world (rekindle the light) so that its Creator is no longer hidden within, but shines through each thing in magnificent, harmonious beauty.

Tikkun, to repair the soil of the world with nutrients: kindness,
a balm of generosity,
a capacity to accommodate fragility,
and a softness of spirit. 

What Eve Ensler called, “The daily subtle simple gathering of kindness.” SabbathMoments 

This was the promise of Jesus. “Jesus stood up and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone believes in me, rivers of living water will flow out from that person’s heart’…Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit” (John 7:37-39 NCV). Max Lucado

John 9:35-41

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” 36 He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” 37 And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” 38 Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him. 39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” 40 Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains. The New King James Version

The formerly blind man is the only one to respond appropriately to Jesus. His journey from physical blindness to sight also symbolized his transition from spiritual darkness to finding the light of the world. 

Giving sight to the blind was one of the miraculous signs expected to accompany the coming of the Messiah. 

If the Pharisees were truly without knowledge of God and His requirements, then they would not be accountable for breaking that law. Faithlife Study Bible

The Signs of Jesus in the Gospel of John 

A blind man sees; a lame man walks. Everywhere Jesus went, people were amazed at His miraculous powers. John uses Jesus’ miracles as an organizing principle in his Gospel. He calls them all semeia, or “signs,” indicating that each miracle was a concrete demonstration of Jesus’ divinity and messiahship. Their purpose was to engender belief as they did for the disciples and the nobleman’s household. But these same miracles would incite some to anger and violence. 

John records seven specific “signs.” 

The first was Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine in Cana. John specifically mentions that this sign signified Christ’s glory, that is, His deity. With this sign Jesus demonstrated His creative power over nature, and His disciples appropriately placed their faith in Him. 

The second sign was Jesus’ healing of the nobleman’s son. Although the son was in Capernaum and Jesus was in Cana, He told the boy’s father, “Your son lives”. This sign indicated that Jesus was more than a mere mortal; He possessed the power not only to defeat disease, but to transcend space. Jesus did not have to be physically present to heal. Once again, the sign produced belief. 

But with the third sign, another reaction to Jesus’ miracles can be seen. A man at the pool of Bethesda had been sick for a long time. When Jesus told him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk”, immediately he was well. But this healing took place on the Sabbath. Instead of rejoicing with the healed man, the Jewish leaders reprimanded him for carrying his bed on the Sabbath. The Jewish leaders’ traditions and ideas kept them from believing in the clear signs of Jesus. 

The fourth sign was Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the five thousand. By creating a great quantity of food out of five loaves and two fishes, Jesus was again demonstrating His deity, for only God can create. But the crowd, instead of submitting to Jesus’ teaching and following Him, wanted to make Him their king. They sought out Jesus for the food for their stomachs, and not for the spiritual food that would give them eternal life. 

The fifth sign was Jesus’ walking on the water. After the feeding of the five thousand, the disciples took a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee on their way to Capernaum. When they were three or four miles out, they saw Jesus walking on the water toward them. This time, Jesus demonstrated His complete control of nature, from the winds above to the water below. This was another sign of His deity, and another reason for the disciples to place complete trust in Him. 

Jesus’ sixth sign highlights the different responses to Jesus’ miraculous works. In this account, the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness is clearly contrasted with the vibrant faith of the blind man. After being healed, this man told others about Jesus and correctly concluded that He was from God. The blind man saw clearly what Jesus’ sign meant, and believed. But the Pharisees refused to believe. They ridiculed the man’s faith and arrogantly questioned Jesus. 

The seventh sign was Jesus’ raising of Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus had been buried for four days when Jesus arrived in Bethany. With the simple words “Lazarus, come out,” Jesus restored to life the brother of Mary and Martha. This last sign was the greatest: Jesus at once demonstrated His power over the grave and pointed to His own resurrection. Not even death could limit Him, for He was truly God. 

These seven signs certainly should have been enough to convince anyone that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Yet the miracles singled out by John were no more than “samples” of the enormous scope of Jesus’ signs and wonders. 

For John, all these signs pointed to the two miracles that are the greatest of all: Jesus’ incarnation (1:14) and resurrection (20:1–18). Jesus is God’s only Son become man. Although He died for our sins, He was raised from the dead. Today, He still lives and intercedes for all who believe in Him. The NKJV Study Bible.

John 5:22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,

John 5:27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.

John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.

Romans 2:19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

Ezekiel 20:41–44

To Israel the Savior was sent and they were blinded to His redemption to grant the Gentiles salvation. Israel remains His first love. 

In His mercy He granted us salvation. It is all about His namesake, Jesus, the name above all names. instead of our sin the Father sees His precious Son and His righteousness, His shed blood, in you and in me. Only in the cross does our salvation lie. In the power of Holy Spirit nothing is impossible.

We live in the dispensation of  His grace.

Blessed, underserved, unmerited grace!

Thanks be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Thankfully, we can still run to Jesus. From our most regrettable mistakes to our struggles with intentional malice, "The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned" (Psalm 34:22). With grateful hearts, we can respond, "I cry to you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living'" (Psalm 142:5).

You have been anointed by the Holy Spirit. God offers this anointing to all of us. When you pray, preach, prophesy, or live out your faith, you are empowered by the Holy Spirit’s presence. Lean into him. You grow weary, but the Spirit never does. Your understanding is limited, but the Spirit has unsearchable wisdom. And because he is in you, you have power that you would never have had without him.

The Spirit will give you whatever you need to do the holy work he has called you to do. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is God’s will for you: “I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong inwardly through his Spirit” (Ephesians 3:16 NCV). God poured his Spirit upon you! Receive him. Believe him. And trust in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Max Lucado

Ezekiel 20:41–44

41 I will accept you as a sweet aroma when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered; and I will be hallowed in you before the Gentiles. 42 Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for which I raised My hand in an oath to give to your fathers. 43 And there you shall remember your ways and all your doings with which you were defiled; and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight because of all the evils that you have committed. 44 Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways nor according to your corrupt doings, O house of Israel,” says the Lord God.’ ” The New King James Version

The obedience and devotion of restored Israel is as pleasing to Yahweh as sacrifice. Yahweh is concerned with His reputation and wants the nations to see and acknowledge His sovereignty and holiness. The recognition formula emphasizes that Yahweh’s motivation is a desire to make His power known to all. Yahweh didn’t punish them according to what they deserved for their sin. He punished but then saved for the sake of His reputation. Faithlife Study Bible

The future repentant, renewed, and regathered Israel will be characterized by: (1) a return to the land of Israel and an acceptable, sacrificial system of worship; (2) a revived, personal knowledge of its sovereign and faithful Lord; (3) a renunciation of former sins; and (4) a recognition that God’s grace governs the nation’s history of sin and salvation. The NKJV Study Bible

But not one of God’s jewels shall be lost in the lumber of this world. He will bring the jews to the land of Israel again; and will give them true repentance. They will be overcome with his kindness: the more we know of God’s holiness, the more we see the hateful nature of sin. Those who remain unaffected amidst means of grace, and would live without Christ, like the world around them, may be sure it is the way to destruction. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Ezekiel 16:61 Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed, when you receive your older and your younger sisters; for I will give them to you for daughters, but not because of My covenant with you.

Ezekiel 36:22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went.

Ezekiel 36:23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the LORD,” says the Lord GOD, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes.