Bible Pathways - Nov. 1, 2008
November 1
Highlights In Today's Reading:
JESUS is the WORD; and the WORD who is GOD is JESUS — sent to mankind (1:1-2, 14)! Jesus is rejected by His own (1:9-11), but His believers are received of God (1:12-13). His first miracle is at a marriage event at Cana (2:1-11). He cleanses the Temple (2:13-25).
The Gospel of John introduces Jesus as the preexistent, Eternal Word who became one of us. In the beginning was the Word (as recorded in Genesis) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).
Because of this, the Holy Spirit led John to recognize Jesus as God, that all things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made (1:3). And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good (Genesis 1:31)
John portrays Jesus as the Son of God, the Creator of all things and the Perfector of our lives. But He was also known as a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). He came unto His own, and His own received Him not (John 1:11). In fact, when He spoke of Himself as the fulfillment of prophecy, worshipers in His hometown seized Him, forced Him out of the synagogue, and attempted to kill Him (Luke 4:29). Even His family said of Him: He is beside Himself (Mark 3:21). Judas, one of the chosen Twelve, betrayed Him (John 18:2-3). And His own people, the Israelites, joined with the Romans, and nailed Him to a cross (Mark 14:53; 15:25; Luke 23:1,13,24-25; John 18:12-13).
None of us escape sorrows during our lifetime. But, in sorrow, we follow in the footsteps of our Savior as it is written: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us (II Timothy 2:12). In fact, we should expect that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (3:12).
If ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy (blessed) are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled (I Peter 3:14).
If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy (blessed) are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. . . . Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator (4:14,19).
We have the utmost confidence that our Savior and Creator never makes a mistake. Regardless of our suffering, sorrows, or tragedies we can be sure that all things (no exceptions) work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28).
P.S. If you think there is an exception, please read 8:35-39.
Thought for Today:
It is a test of faith to trust God with our lives not knowing how it will work out.
Word Studies:
1:5 the darkness comprehended it not =b> did not appropriate it; the unbelieving world that cannot see its need for a Savior; 1:39 tenth hour =b> 4 p.m. by Jewish time, two hours before evening.
Cross References:
For John 1:23: See Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1. John 2:17: See Psalm 69:9.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for our Military worldwide • International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Government Official/s [listed on their birthday/s] and the state/s represented (statistics from The Original U.S. Congress Handbook): Rep. Darrell Issa (CA) and Rep. John Spratt, Jr. (SC) • Country (Religious statistics from Operation World and Religious Freedom in the World): Malawi (10 million) in southeastern Africa • Major languages: English and Chichewa • Religious freedom • 34% Protestant; 23% Roman Catholic; 16% Muslim; 16% animist; 4% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord and He will save you (Psa. 55:16).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33
