Reflection

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

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Picture from deviantart by Xiphos71

Scripture

I passed on to you what was most important and what was passed on to me: Christ died for our sins as the Scriptures said. He was buried and He was raised from the dead on the third day just as the Scriptures said.

Observation
The Good News will save us if we continue to believe it. The Good News is that Christ died for our sins and on the third day He was raised to life. All of this was predicted in the Scriptures.

The risen Lord was seen on many occasions. On one occasion 500 people saw Him at once. Finally Paul also saw Him.

Application
Christ died for my sins, but His death is not the last word. On the third day after His death He was raised from the dead and appeared to many of His followers.

Many religious leaders have lived and died, but only one left His burial place and continues to live.

Christ has defeated sin and death. Now we can be sure that we will live for ever if we hold fast to Him.

Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ in your death you defeated death, and now I know I will live with you for ever. Thank you! Amen.

Reflection on Acts 10:34-43

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Scripture

“In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.”

Observation
Peter is at the house of Cornelius, having been prepared by a vision to go to a Gentile’s house. He recounts the vision he received from the Lord, and Cornelius then tells of the angelic visitation he had which had prompted him to invite Peter.

Peter realises that God shows no favouritism, that He accepts people from every nation. The Good News that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ is for all people.

The apostles are the witnesses of all that Jesus did, of His death and resurrection.

Application
Jesus is Lord of all, and the peace of His Kingdom is open to all who put their faith in Him.

This is the wonderful message of Easter- Christ was crucified for our sins and He rose again to show He has conquered sin and death for ever.

The promise is to all people. Just put your trust in Him and confess that He is Lord, and you will be saved.

Prayer
Thank you Lord Jesus for the gift of salvation. You bought it with your own death, but now you give freely to all who will receive you. Amen.

Reflection on Philippians 2:5-11

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Scripture

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Observation
Christ is the Son of God. He is divine, co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.. Yet He did not cling to that position. Instead He let go and humbled Himself, becoming human.

In total obedience to God, He humbled Himself to the place of suffering, the cross.

Then God lifted Him up, raised Him from the grave and up to heaven, giving Him the name above all names so that every tongue will confess He is Lord and every knee bow to Him to the glory of God the Father.

Application
The way up is down!

With God our status or position is not to be held on to tightly.

Satan sought equality with God and failed.

Jesus let go of His equality with God and was lifted up.

Here is a mystery that is also a key to life in God’s kingdom. We win by losing, we gain by serving, we are at our highest when we are most humble.

Whatever source of pride we have we must let go of it and allow God to take it and redeem it.

My attitude must be like Christ, who set aside all heavenly thrones to become the servant of all, dying for our salvation, in order to be exalted above all creation.

Prayer
Father I see that I need to set aside all pride and selfish ambition. Help me to have the heart of a servant so that you will be glorified in me. Amen.

Reflection on Isaiah 50:4-9

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O Father

Teacher of my heart
Giver of wisdom
I give myself to you

—

Ancient of Days
I go to the cross
Knowing this is the eternal plan

—

I set my face
Hard as flint
Walking to the cross
Suffering ahead
Vindication follows

—

Salvation for fallen men
Won on my body
Purchased in blood
Lovingly shed

Reflection on Mark 11:1-11

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Scripture

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Observation
Jesus sends two of His disciples ahead to collect a colt that is there. If anyone asks, they are to say, “The Lord needs it.”

They go and find the colt. When questioned, they repeat what Jesus had told them. They return with the colt to Jesus who rides it into the city.

As they enter the city, people throw their cloaks and branches on the road ahead of Him, and the crowds call out, “Hosanna in the highest!”

Jesus then goes to the Temple and looks at everything before returning to Bethany.

Application
Many people claim Jesus for all kinds of selfish reasons. The crowds see Jesus as a political liberator. Many are not interested in a Saviour- they just want political independence for the Romans.

Many still claim Jesus for self-centred motives. They might be in church for social reaosns or because the music appeals to them.

These are the same people who quickly turned and called for Jesus’ crucifixion a few days later.

It’s fine and understandable to start with Jesus for the wrong reasons. True disciples move on and recognise that it’s not about me, it’s all about Jesus.

Prayer
Lord show me how to follow you for your glory not my own selfish motives. Amen.

Reflection on John 12:20-33

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Scripture

“But I, when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all men to myself.”

Observation

Some Greek-speaking Jews come to Philip with a request to see Jesus. He takes Andrew with him to see Jesus.

Jesus replies that the hour for His glorification is coming. A seed of wheat must fall to the ground and die in order to reproduce. A man must die to his own life in order to live.

Jesus says His hour is come and despite His troubled heart, He must continue. He cries out, “Father glorify your name.” A voice from heaven says “I have glorified it, and I will again.”

Some hear the voice while others think it is an angel or thunder.

Jesus then says the world is about to be judged, and satan driven out. Jesus will be lifted up from the earth and will draw all men to Himself.

Application

Jesus’ death is the death of a seed that multiplies. He is the one who is lifted up and draws all people to Himself. He lays down His life in order to save His own eternal life and to save our lives too.

The Greeks asked to see Jesus the teacher. But when we see Jesus, we see Him lifted up on the cross, His sacrifice bringing billions of people to salvation.

This is the glorious message of Easter- the God of all creation lays down His life to redeem His creation.

If you want to see Jesus in all His glory, look to the cross. Yes the broken, battered Jesus is glorified in His costly suffering.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner. Thank you for the cross for paying the price of my sin. Amen.

Reflection on John 3:14-21

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Scripture

God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world but to save the world through him.

Observation
This passage is a part of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus.

Jesus says that just as Moses lifted up the bronze snake for healing, the Son of Man must also be lifted up to give eternal life to all who believe in Him.

God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.

Jesus did not come into the world to bring judgement. Yet everyone who rejects Him rejects the light and loves darkness. Therefore they are judged by their actions for loving evil and rejecting truth.

Application
Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Everybody is invited to the Feast of Salvation. There are no prerequisites for eternity.

But we have to choose. Jesus is the way to eternal life. If we reject that way we say that we prefer the darkness, the way of satan.

So, in coming to save the world, Jesus condemns those who reject His way.

There is a very sharp line between heaven and hell, salvation and damnation. That line goes right through Jesus.

The question God will ask to judge us is: Do you follow the way of Jesus?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, today I turn from my sin and I lay down my life to follow you. Amen.

Reflection on Ephesians 2:1-10

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Scripture

So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness towards us as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

Observation
We were once dead in our sins, just like the rest of the world, captive to the devil. We used to live by our fleshly desires and were subject to God’s wrath.

But God reached down to us in grace, giving us life when He raised Christ from the dead. He will point to us in future ages as examples of the wealth of His grace.

We are saved by grace, not by our own deeds. He has created us in Christ to do good deeds.

Application
It is all grace!

We have not earned our salvation. God saved us by grace to be an example to future generations. That is not as impressive as it may sound- “I saved him/her from his/her sinful lifestyle so I can certainly save a lesser sinner like you!”

We are not saved BY our good deeds as so many people think. The truth is that nobody is that good! No, we are saved FOR good deeds, saved for a life of loving holy living.

The legendary sinner becomes a legendary saint, all by the grace of God.

Prayer
Lord, without your grace I can do no good thing. Without your grace I would be on the way to hell. Thank you for saving me through Jesus Christ, Amen

Reflection on Numbers 21:1-9

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Scripture

So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.

Observation

The Canaanite king of Arad attacks the Israelites, capturing some of them. The people call out to the Lord, vowing to destroy the city if the Lord gives them victory. They do this, destroying the towns and the people.

As they travel on, the people become impatient, and they speak out against God and against Moses. The Lord sends venomous snakes which kill many people. The Israelites repent, Moses prays, and the Lord tells him to make a bronze snake which will bring healing to people who are bitten.

Application

The story of Israel is replete with ups and downs, victories and defeats. All through their history, there are times of awesome faith in the Lord and there are times of terrible unbelief and sin.

All of us go through similar cycles of great faith and great sin.

The key to overcoming and walking in victory is simple: Don’t give up.

Today’s defeat, sin or opposition can so quickly turn to victory as we surrender ourselves to the Lord and let Him have His way in us.

Prayer

Praise be to you heavenly Father. Please help me to walk increasingly in your ways, overcoming every sin and temptation. Amen.