“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2).

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

     Consider baby Jesus, born in a manger: crying, helpless, dependent on Mary and Joseph’s care. Consider the setting: born outside in the cold in a manger next to smelly animals. Now consider that even though Jesus was born a human baby, he was at the same time the Eternal King of the Universe. He created the very world that he was born into, existing for eternity past before he spoke the heavens and earth into existence. He grew in wisdom and knowledge as a man (Luke 2:52) yet at the same time he held a perfect, boundless knowledge of all things (John 16:30). He got hungry as man, but at the same time he was not in need of anything to sustain Him. Jesus condescended, or in other words, Jesus voluntarily took on human flesh to live a truly human life, yet at the same time did not cease to be what he always has been: The Eternal God. This miraculous event is what is called the Incarnation. 

     The whole of Scripture points to Jesus, and it demands our trust, worship and enjoyment of Jesus above anything else. This only makes sense if we recognize Jesus as the Eternal God, for only God alone is worthy of worship, and there is no god that has ever come before or after Jesus (Isaiah 43:10). Knowing that the one and only Eternal King, Eternal God, humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:5-11) ought to stir us to awe and surrender. For who else is worthy? Who else is deserving of all praise and glory and honor?

Reflection Questions

1. Have you considered this mystery of Jesus as both fully man and fully God before? If so, does its mystery bring you to awe and wonder?

2. What comes to mind when you consider that Jesus stepped down out of heaven in absolute humility to save you?

Simple Prayer

Father, increase my wonder and awe at who Jesus is, and the lengths he went to save me. Amen.

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war…From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:11, 15-16).

     As you read the Old Testament, there are many so-called “gods”: the Canaanite god Baal (Judges 3:7), the Philistine god Dagon (Judges 16:23) and the Babylonian god Marduk or Bel (Jeremiah 50:2). Throughout the biblical narrative, it becomes clear that not only do these gods not exist, but Paul even says that those who sacrifice to such beings are really sacrificing to demons (1 Corinthians 10:20). 

     One of the coolest parts of the Old Testament is the ability to see God triumph time and time again over each so-called “god”. 1 Kings 18:16-46 relays the famous story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. These prophets wailed, moaned and danced for Baal to provide a sign of his existence through sending down fire upon an altar- but to no avail. Immediately afterward Elijah calls upon God to rain down fire upon a densely soaked altar and God quickly torches the altar and consumes up all the water instantaneously. In 1 Samuel 5 we read of Dagon, the god that the Philistines believed handed over the great prophet Samson to them earlier. At the start of 1 Samuel 5, the Philistines had captured the ark of the covenant from Israel and placed it alongside Dagon’s shrine. To their dismay, for two days Dagon was found bowing before the ark of God and the second day his hands and legs were cut off of him. Following this humiliation, God sent tumors upon the Philistines. The worshippers of Marduk may have rejoiced when they took the Israelites captive for some time, but God prophesied the humiliation of Marduk and downfall of Babylon, which came at the hands of the Persians (Isaiah 46:1).

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever felt that Jesus was not in control? 

2. Read 1 Kings 18 or 1 Samuel 5. Do you view Jesus as this powerful in your own life?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, help me trust that when life feels shaky and chaotic, you are high above it all. 

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16).

     Around Christmas time, we might hear the phrase “Jesus is the reason for the season”. That is true, but he is also the reason that we were created, are breathing, 

and are being sustained and supported each day by God. Everything exists for the sake of worshipping, enjoying, and glorifying Jesus. As has been said, the story of

Scripture is the grand love story of God choosing to love and save sinful people. But there is even more going on behind the scenes between Jesus and the Father. 

Jesus stepped into to this world to glorify and obey the Father through depending upon Him to do ministry and by laying down His life for sinners (John 17:1-4). The

Father rewarded Jesus by exalting Him back to his prior position in heaven at the Father’s right hand, so that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven

and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). The entire story of the

Bible is that the Father has offered salvation to sinners in the person of Jesus so that they would receive this salvation and in turn would glorify, enjoy and praise

Jesus with their lives. 

     In other words, within the Trinity that is God- Father, Son, and Spirit- there is a deep unity of love. Each person is simultaneously working to bring honor, glory and attention to the other. As humans, small as specks in the grand universe that God has created, we are offered the invitation of salvation so that we would be caught up in this heavenly love story. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit extend to us an experience of the love they share. This is why Jesus says things like: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love” (John 15:9), and “All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you” (John 16:15). It is truly mysterious, and truly amazing. 

Reflection Question

1. Where is it hardest to live for the glory of Christ?

2. Does the above vision of salvation help bring you out of self-centered thinking?

Simple Prayer

Father, humble me in recognition of how unworthy I am to be offered new life in your love. 

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:13-15).

     There are many kinds of relationships: parent-child, boss-employee, king-servant, husband-wife, etc. Some you are born into, others you are forced into, others you are contracted into and others you choose. Generally speaking, friendship is the kind of relationship that starts when two people have something in common, and deepens when both parties in the relationship take an increased interest in each other. When you consider a king and his servants, it would be strange to call this relationship a “friendship”. Even if the servant found honor and joy through their service, that itself is not enough to call this relationship a “friendship”. Reflections on the nature of friendship should cause our minds to be boggled at Jesus’ offer of friendship to us. No other religion besides Christianity offers within it this glorious friendship.

     Abraham was the first person referred to as a friend of God simply by his faith (James 2:23). Jesus then calls his disciples friends. Jesus is able to be a truly intimate friend because of his humanity. Having walked this earth, he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, understand our joys, and share our frustration in hard circumstances. He also is our friend because he tells us things close to his heart. We see this through his sharing his relationship with the Father, telling us about himself and telling us what he plans to do in the future. And even better than this, Jesus explains that the strongest friendship is one where there is a willingness to sacrifice oneself for another. Jesus did just this, not just physically suffering and dying for us, but he took upon Himself the wrath of God so that we might be saved. 

Reflection Questions

1. Do you relate to Jesus like he is your deepest friend? If not, why is that so?

2. Reflect on Jesus being the King of the Universe and an intimate friend at the same time, how does that make you feel?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, help me to bring you the depths of my heart, as I would the deepest of friends. 

“Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

     All across the Bible, there is this theme of humanity seeking to satisfy itself with something other than God. In place of God being mankind’s supreme treasure and joy many things have taken God’s place: money, power, prestige, marriage, sex, sports, children, traveling, entertainment, and numerous other hobbies. Interestingly enough, the problem is not that we as people have deep longings and passions to experience joy, meaning, and purpose. The real issue is where we have chosen to seek these out. C.S. Lewis states: “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” The sin in all of us has caused us not only to seek out joy apart from God, but also to settle for such lesser joys. It is quite perplexing that we as people can put up with consistent disappointment and disillusionment from never being wholly satisfied with the things of this world. 

     Jesus offers to provide greater joy, meaning and purpose beyond anything we could ever dream. David experienced deep satisfaction in his relationship with God saying: “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound” (Psalm 4). Seeking joy in Christ requires the understanding and acceptance that we were designed to find our greatest joy in our relationship with God. He created us in His image, and he created us for himself (Isaiah 43:7). 

Reflection Questions

1. Where have you been tricked into thinking there would be more joy in the pleasures of this world than there actually is?

2. What makes it difficult to enjoy Christ as your treasure?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, keep me from being deceived about where the true joy is; help my heart to treasure you.

“For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God” (Romans 5:7-9).

     If anybody has heard anything about Jesus, it would probably be that he is the savior of the world, especially knowing that John 3:16 is fairly widespread. Rightly so, for Jesus did not come to earth primarily to preach, to baptize, to gather crowds, or to start a movement. Rather, some of his first words during his ministry were “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). The kingdom of heaven was at hand because the King had arrived. And the only way people could enter into this kingdom was by being cleansed by Jesus’ blood on the cross. 

Today, just like in ages past, people long for salvation. However, the salvation people long for is often circumstantial and physical. People long for salvation from financial stress, marital issues, political woes, physical ailments and more. Jesus’ offer of salvation is much different and it’s difference is what causes many to turn away from him. The salvation Jesus offers is salvation from our sin, and a real deliverance from ourselves. Jesus’ offer of salvation is not an offer to save us from the problems around us, but rather it is an indictment against us that we are the problem and we need saving. To accept this salvation is deeply humbling, not only the day we place our faith, but every day after we long for Jesus to save us from the sin and selfishness that seek to pull us back to the chains that we were freed from. 

     Thankfully, Jesus’ work on the cross was multifaceted in its saving work. Theologians summarize what it means that Jesus has saved those who have placed their faith in him in this way: Jesus saved us from the penalty of sin (he took the wrath of God), he saved us from power of sin (he made us a new creation and gave us his Holy Spirit to strengthen us), and one day he will save us from the presence of sin (sin will be eradicated forever). 

Reflection Questions

1. When was the last time you rejoiced in your salvation?

2. Where do you still need to be saved from yourself? Who can you ask for support?

Simple Prayer

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24).

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me” (John 10:11-14). 

     You may have heard the common expression or something like it: “Sheep are dumb, just like us”.  All it takes is a little research and digging and you find out that sheep are actually not dumb animals. They have great memory/recognition, they are quick learners, and they have a good sense of smell and taste in selecting which plants to eat. This passage clearly relates Jesus to being a shepherd and his followers to being sheep. The point in stating that Jesus’ followers are like sheep is that just like sheep, we are helpless without our Shepherd. Without a shepherd, sheep are prey to attacks from other animals, subject to wandering into unsafe terrain, are able to be separated from the rest of the flock, are subject to harmful parasites and more. The life and health of the sheep is totally dependent upon the shepherd’s care. 

     Jesus refers to himself as our Good Shepherd because he wants us to know that he cares about us. Psalm 100:3 states, “Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Jesus wants us to stay dependent on his protection, guidance and care, rather than seeing ourselves as self-sufficient. Something else interesting about sheep is that they have a keen ability to recognize and distinguish between numerous human and sheep faces, even in photographs.  Jesus said “my own know me”. As we continue to walk with Jesus, we come to know Him, and it becomes easier and easier to distinguish between truth and lies about Him. He knows us through and through, and invites us to come to know and trust Him.

Reflection Questions

1. Where have you felt most dependent on Jesus?

2. Where is an area of self-sufficiency in your life that you could grow to be dependent on Jesus as your Shepherd?

Simple Prayer

Lord, help me to look to you as the Shepherd who watches over me with perfect care.

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9).

     Sadly in our day and age, few read the Bible, and ever fewer read the Old Testament. But truthfully, even if you know the ending of your favorite book or movie, there is nothing comparable to the wonder of watching the plot develop from beginning to end. The arrival of Jesus onto the scene should have come with a long awaited sigh of relief and shout of joy to many. However, reactions to Jesus’ birth and ministry differ greatly. Understandably, it would be difficult to rejoice in the arrival of Jesus if you were mistaken regarding God’s character, plans, and heart’s desires. Thankfully, with a closer look at the Messianic thread that is woven throughout the whole Bible, this is easily accessible to us. In short, it looks like this:

     After Adam and Eve chose to play god themselves and eat of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, God promised a savior (Genesis 3:15), but he had a story to tell first: one where his actions and character were on full display so that people may come to truly know and enjoy and worship Him (The Old Testament). This story involved God choosing one nation (the Jews), who were called to be a light to the rest of the world and through whom the Messiah would come. Throughout the chaotic sinful mess of the Old Testament, the need for Jesus grows. The inability of any sacrificial lamb to forgive sins showed a need for a truly sufficient sacrifice: Jesus the Lamb of God. The failures of even the good kings in Israel caused people to yearn for a truly righteous King: Jesus the King of Kings. The hard-heartedness of the people of Israel that caused great pain and suffering caused them to rejoice when they were reminded that Jesus would come to initiate a covenant where people would be given a new and soft heart. With so many more stories and so little space, it suffices to say that Jesus came as promised, and thank God he did. 

Reflection Questions

1. What is something you waited on for a long time? How did you feel when it came?

2. What characteristic of Jesus do you treasure most recently?

Simple Prayer

God, help me to see that the reality of your first coming proves you will come as promised again. 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

     In today’s culture, there is an increasing public acceptance of the idea that we are able to be god, or play god. Human wisdom, personal preference, and sinful desire are promoted. Everybody is fine with religion if it is not demanding, if it is something personal or private like a hobby, if that religion doesn’t promote some kind of exclusivity or overbearing rules. However, when any rational person reads the Gospels, they can only come to three options. C.S. Lewis titled these options as Liar, Lunatic, or Lord. If Jesus is who he said he was, if he is Lord, then we can do nothing else but listen to Him, and Jesus claimed to be the only way to be made right with God and experience everlasting life. Although this is difficult to accept, the biblical story makes no sense if Jesus is not the only way. What kind of Father would sacrifice his only son, pouring out his wrath on Him for the sins of mankind, if people could be saved another way?

     Our culture likes to view statements like this with anger: “You are claiming Jesus is the only way, out of the millions of other religions? That is arrogant.” Rather, there is great peace and security in this statement. What we are saying is: “Deep down everyone is aware of their guilt and they are trying everything they can do to hide or atone for it. We finally found a way to be forgiven of sin and experience true peace: Jesus is the way.” As Christians who have come to accept this reality, is it essential that we be people who speak the truth in love. We choose to see people with eyes of compassion in need of a savior rather than people to shame or win arguments against. In everything we do, Jesus calls us to be “wise as serpents, and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Wisdom calls for us to speak the truth at the right time, with the right tone, with the right intent. Innocence calls for us to remember that we are always serving Jesus in all we do, so we ought to carry ourselves in a manner worthy of Him, full of grace and love. 

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever witnessed a Christian share truth without love? 

2. How can you better see people the way that Jesus sees them?

Simple Prayer

Father, remind me that it was by your grace alone that I have come to see Jesus as the only way. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

     There are numerous reasons to be anxious: political instability, financial issues, marital struggles, personal shame and insecurity, health scares, troubled children, etc. Christian or not, everyone experiences pretty much the same difficulties that come from living in this world. It is also natural to be concerned about things that really matter, and to desire that problems are avoided. However, Jesus offers us true peace amidst any storm. He is referred to as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 6:9), and peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Unfortunately, so many people fail to experience the peace that Jesus offers due to a misunderstanding of the nature of his peace. 

     First, as broken people our hearts tend to be set on earthly things. We desire earthly possessions, seek earthly goals, and pray for changes in earthly circumstances. This way of living is natural to us, but it is also deeply selfish and misses out on the true joy and peace that God offers by setting our minds on Him and life eternal (Colossians 3:1-4). Second, there is unhelpful or even heretical theology in the public square that preaches a God who exists to give us our best life now and that a strong enough faith can move the hand of God to make our problems go away. The God of the Bible is a God who does promise peace in every aspect of the world, but much of this earthly, circumstantial peace will come in the life after. God is more concerned with using both good and bad circumstances to make us more like Christ and further his kingdom than making this temporary life everything we long for. 

     The peace Jesus leaves us is His peace, the perfect serenity of the God of the Universe who reigns. This peace is not like the circumstantial peace the world offers, rather, it is the peace that comes from resting in and entrusting our entire life with all its uncertainties to the God who is high above it all. 

Reflection Questions

1. What kind of earthly peace do you long for?

2. Read Philippians 4:5-9. What issue can you hand over to God’s hands today?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, help me to bring to mind your never-changing character when anxiety grows within me.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

     Jesus has always been perfectly wise- he has never learned anything new or grown in wisdom. But also think of it this way: Jesus has been God for a really long time. Think about how many people he has helped. Think about how when we ask him for prayer, he answers us according to the fact that he sees everything and knows the end from the beginning. He can see the thoughts and emotions and intents and plans of every person all at once. He knows every possible outcome that could happen. His wisdom and understanding is unmatched. David says: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). No one can offer better help than Jesus: he knows everything and is perfectly wise. 

     Jesus is called a Wonderful Counselor because his wisdom is deeply refreshing for our souls. David and Solomon both attested to this reality. “Your decrees are wondrous; therefore I obey them. The revelation of your words brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced. I open my mouth and pant because I long for your commands” (Psalm 119:129-131). “Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels,and all that you may desire cannot compare with her” (Proverbs 8:10-11). Those who listen to Jesus' words and apply them experience peace, stability, and avoid much pain and suffering. The only thing that keeps us from experiencing Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor is a stubborn trust in ourselves. Isaiah 2:22 warns us: “Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they?” Let’s be people who trust that Jesus offers wisdom as the Overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:24-25).

Reflection Questions

1. Where have you trusted in your own wisdom and it led you astray?

2. Where is it difficult to trust that Jesus is wiser than you in your life right now?

Simple Prayer

Lord, help me to distrust my own wisdom, and see my need for you as my Wise Shepherd. 

“So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:7-10).

     The idea that Jesus is “the door” is connected to the idea that he is the “Way, the Truth and the Life”, but it differs slightly. In biblical times, there was only one entrance to the sheepfold, and it was guarded by the shepherd. The shepherd would actually sleep by laying across this entrance to protect his sheep from dangerous animals and to keep the sheep from straying off by themselves. There are three concepts that flow from Jesus being “the door”: he is our protection from the enemy, the preserver of our faith, and the only access through abundant life is found. 

     Jesus protects us against our spiritual enemy. Satan is described here as the thief, who only wants to come into our lives to destroy us. He is the “father of lies” (John 8:44), and he works craftily to deceive us, just as he did in the beginning with Adam and Eve, tempting them to doubt God’s goodness, making empty promises to offer them real life, and twisting God’s commands to make them sound overbearing. Jesus has offered us the truth of His Word, sent us his Holy Spirit, is available 24/7 for us to pray to him, and has called us to join a church community-all that we may see the enemies' attempts as futile. Even when we fall prey to the enemy's deceit, Jesus pulls us back to Him, preventing us from permanent enslavement to the enemy (Jude 1:24-25). Only by surrendering our lives to Jesus do we experience the abundant life of being in the sheepfold, of living within his kingdom. David says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

Reflection Questions

1. Do you relate to Jesus as the Protector of your soul, and the Provider of abundant life?

2. What is a persistent lie of the enemy that you can respond to with Scripture?

Simple Prayer

Lord, help me to believe deeply that with you alone is my soul safe and satisfied. 

“John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete” (John 3:27-29).

     If you read the Bible front to back, you realize that the Bible is truly a love story. Not a sappy, Disney, romance, chick-flick kind of love story, but a love story nonetheless. The story of the Bible is one of the Eternal King of the Universe loving a sinful, ungrateful people through thick and thin, culminating in this King giving up his own life so that sinners may be saved. Throughout the multi-faceted drama of Scripture, amidst the many wars and the rise and fall of kingdoms, there is a main theme of God protecting and preserving and loving a people that he has chosen for Himself. Listen to verses such as these: “For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called” (Isaiah 54:5). “And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy” (Hosea 2:19). “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2).

      God’s people await Christ’s Return because we await a Wedding Feast (Matthew 22). Every human marriage is described as a picture of the marriage union between Christ and his church (Ephesians 5). When you consider the covenant, the zeal, and the commitment that surrounds Christ’s purchase of his people by his blood forever, it is truly a wild phenomenon. No wonder God refers to the believers sin not only as immorality and wickedness, but as an act of adultery (Hosea 2, Jeremiah 3:6-9, Ezekiel 16:32). Yet, Jesus’ love is perfectly faithful and endures forever, even as we struggle to love and prize Him as we should here and now. 

Reflection Questions

1. Is it ever difficult for you to receive Christ’s love? If so, why is that?

2. Does the reality of viewing your relationship with God like a marriage help you to see sin as that much more grievous in your life?

Simple Prayer

Lord, help me to love you first and foremost in my life, viewing my sin as serious in your sight.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

     The human heart is naturally hard-hearted and stubborn because of sin. No one wants to be told “you are walking in darkness”. The exposure of weakness feels like a stab wound to the deeply prideful person. However, Jesus is clear here: we are either walking with Him, or we are walking in darkness. There are only two options. “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7).

     To walk with Jesus is to walk in the light, or to have the “light of life”. It does not mean that we never sin, or that we are not prone to crawling back to the darkness. But it does mean that our eyes have been opened to see the glory of Jesus, the wickedness of our sin, and that only by following Jesus will we walk this life securely. This characteristic of Jesus might be the only one that Jesus also applies to His followers as well: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Because Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we are like lights who reflect Christ who is the sun. Or in other words, Jesus changes our lives by uniting us to Himself in such a way whereby his presence in us is now the most obvious thing about us, and we can’t help but shine to others the change he has produced in us. “Amazing grace, I once was lost but now I am found, I once was blind but now I see.”

Reflection Questions

1. How can you show compassion to others who have not come to know Jesus?

2. Where or with whom is it most difficult to talk about Jesus?

Simple Prayer

Lord, help me to realize deeper that it was by your grace alone that my eyes now see you as Lord.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand” (Matthew 7:24-26).

     In a real sense, every choice we take in our lives builds upon itself, leading either to blessings or consequences. It’s probably not too difficult for each of us to look back and see  how prior actions or habits affected the outcomes that followed. We will notice a collection of decisions, probably some good and some bad. If we are honest with ourselves, we can call to mind moments where selfish and ungrateful thinking led to selfish and entitled attitudes, which then led to selfish and unloving actions, which was followed up by pain and hurt of some kind. We can also notice what we have been building our lives upon by taking note of how we reacted to tough circumstances. How did we react when we lost the job, experienced ridicule or betrayal by someone close to us, were told a difficult to receive diagnosis, or failed to achieve the life or dreams we were hoping for? Did we entrust ourselves to God’s care for us, or did it feel like our whole world collapsed?

     Jesus offers an invitation here. He says, “Come build your life upon me- upon your relationship with me. Spend time with me, live according to my good commands and perfect wisdom, seek first the kingdom of God and eternity- and you will experience a true, ‘deep in your bones’ kind of peace and stability. We struggle to build our lives upon Jesus because we are prideful people who think we know what is best for us, or that we can handle things on our own. Let us be like David who refused to be self-dependent: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2). We can always run and draw from His limitless supply of strength, joy, peace, hope and love. He reigns in heaven as the “Rock that is higher than I”. 

Reflection Questions

1. Have you tried to build your life on something other than Jesus? What happened?

2. What is one step you can take to trust deeper in God: in his wisdom and his love?

Simple Prayer

Jesu,  help me to build my life upon you, your wisdom and your love.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5).

     The focus in this image is that Jesus is who enables us to bear fruit in ministry, to be a worthy and effective vessel of love to others, to be a faithful servant in His Kingdom. Hard work with the wrong focus accomplishes nothing. Steady focus with no energy or ability leads to poor results. The right focus with an abundant supply of power brings about great results. Jesus asks us to abide in Him, which simply means to remain in Him: to keep our eyes focused on Him. If we do this, we will draw from His inexhaustible resources to properly love Him, love others, and do the good works that He has planned for all of us before time began (Ephesians 2:10). 

     Remaining in Christ- depending upon Him, waiting upon Him, looking to Him- is tough work. Isn’t it easy to think we can do it all by ourselves? Paul humbles all of us in Romans 8 by telling us that we do not even know how to pray correctly on our own, that the Holy Spirit intercedes to God on our behalf (Romans 8:26). If we can’t even pray on our own, how can we do anything else on our own? Additionally, we may humble ourselves to depend on God in our weakness, but it is much harder to depend on God in all circumstances: by acknowledging that it is His power at work in us in the areas where we are strong. 

     Additionally, it is tough to remain focused on Christ and his kingdom when we compare ourselves with others: whether it be their gifts, abilities, personality, or calling. We are tempted to take our eyes off of Christ and instead envy others or try to outdo them, and either end is unfruitfulness. Christ alone is the source of our power, and he equips us for the work he has for us to do: no more and no less. Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Reflection Questions

1. What are your weaknesses and strengths? How can you depend on God in both areas?

2. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Why is it hard to rely solely on God’s grace as believers?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, help me depend on you for everything, trusting that without you I can do nothing.

“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (Colossians 1:18).

“And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church” (Ephesians 1:22).

     Lots of people despise authority, and probably for justified reasons. However, authority figures are not inherently bad, unless the authority figures are corrupt. Sadly, all people are corrupt, which means that even the best of people in authority, whether our parents or people in high positions in government, will fail us. Even pastors or other religious figures are errant and weak. So for those burned by authority figures in the past, hearing that Jesus reigns over his church may cause some to be hesitant. However, for Christians, it is the most refreshing news in the world, because Jesus is a righteous ruler, a pure King, and a loving shepherd. 

     Much of the problem with the church today is that it has stopped seeking direction from Jesus, “the head of the body”, and instead is seeking to adapt to the ways of the world. Instead of a people humbly coming together on their knees for strength, wisdom, love, and boldness, much of the church in America has chosen other things to chase after: wealth, power, prominence, relevance, and good reputation with the world. Jesus is the head of the church, and he always reigns over his people. One day he will expose all of the attempts to build upon another foundation and detach itself from its true Head. Scripture gives us a simple picture of what a church submitted to Christ looks like:

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42-47).

Reflection Questions

1. Where have you struggled with authority ? Has this ever caused you to distrust Christ?

2. What element of the passage in Acts 2 stands out to you the most?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, help me trust in your ability to lead and guide the church, that I may submit to you.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

     In short, if Jesus reached out and saved us, He will surely carry us to the end. The last two verses of Jude have always been a great blessing to me: “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen” (Jude 1:24-25). The idea that Jesus is the founder of our faith is more often preached than Jesus being the perfecter of our faith. Paul rebukes the Galatians for a faulty way of thinking in chapter 3 of his letter: “Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”(vs. 2-3). There are even other religions that will accept the idea that Jesus forgives us from sin but then it is up to us to carry ourselves to heaven or some level of heaven through our good works. 

     We are not only saved by grace through faith, but we are also sanctified by grace through faith, particularly, Jesus has given us his Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. This Holy Spirit continually redirects our gaze to Jesus and his glory, reminding us of Jesus’ words and promises to us. Consider the picture of the man who will leave the ninety-nine to chase the one sheep who has drifted away from the flock (Matthew 18:12-14). Would we not be helpless if Jesus wasn’t working to bring us back to repentance and faith? Thankfully, Jesus finishes what he starts. Jesus is the Perfecter of our faith because faith is not just a mental assent to a fact. Faith is entrusting your life to Jesus and Him sealing Himself to you via the Holy Spirit as a down-payment to assure you of our eternal reward in heaven (Ephesians 1:14). 

Reflection Questions

1. Where do you doubt that Jesus is transforming you and preserving your faith?

2. Meditate on Hebrews 12:1-2. How can the joy of eternal life motivate you to faith?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, help the truth of your preservation of my faith push me to greater trust and obedience.

“Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34-36).

     Everyone born into this world has a natural bent towards sin. It’s not just enticing and alluring, but it is something we all choose to pursue. 2 Corinthians 4:4 makes clear that our spiritual enemy is at work on the grand stage as well, blinding us to the glory of Christ. Many people shouted “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:23) because just like us, they loved the darkness rather than the light, pursuing evil works instead of godliness (John 3:19-20). Paul provides a very humbling account of those who have not placed their faith in Jesus, describing them as having a “futile mind”, “darkened in their understanding”, “cut off from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them”, with “hard and callous hearts” (Ephesians 4:17-19).

     Although this news can be quite depressing, God’s immediate reaction to the first human sin was to promise a Messiah who would free them from the slavery that would ensue. Freedom comes in many forms, but nothing rivals freedom from sin. Romans 6:22 states about those who have placed their faith in Christ: “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” Christ releases us from being a slave to sin for the sake of us being a slave of God. This newfound identity in Christ as a son or a daughter is what everything else in our life flows from. We now chase after Christ to know Him more, and we are desperate for Him to continue to change us, move through us to impact others, and provide us all we need to endure each day. We have finally found satisfaction in God and we want more of Him. In that sense we are slaves of God now. When we depend on Christ in this way, we bear fruit for God, grow in faith and grow in anticipation of His return. We must continue to “bind” ourselves to Christ so to say, or we will be tempted to go back to filth, suffering, and chaos that came with our old master: sin. 

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever felt helpless before? Maybe stuck in some pattern of sin?

2. How has knowing Christ changed you most?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, bind my wandering heart to you. Here I am, mold me and make me more like You. 

“And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17).

     Imagine having Jesus as your teacher: you would never be bored learning right? Not only are Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels perplexing and stimulating, but I can only imagine that all the non-recorded conversations with disciples- whether around the fire or walking around town-were thrilling as well. Jesus' teaching was different from other people. When he was twelve years old, he awed rabbinical sages in the temple (Luke 2:46-47). Some people believed his words, others doubted Him (Acts 28:24). Regardless of people’s response: the crowds were astonished at Jesus’ teaching, “for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes” (Matthew 7:29). 

     Jesus taught us to love Him with all of ourselves, which includes our head/mind (Matthew 22:37-40). This means that we ought to read His Words, wrestle with them, pray to Him about them, teach others about them, and apply them in our lives. This means that theology matters, because Jesus’ teaching matters, because Jesus matters. It is not just a command to worship God with our mind, it is also the joy of the Christian to be able to learn and grow in the knowledge and grace of God. The more that we know about God and know God personally, the more joyful, confident, compassionate, humble, bold and wise we will be. Sadly, many of us are content to live on so little knowledge of God. A.W. Tozer states: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Jesus voices: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah in chapter 9 of his book, explaining that if we are to boast at all of anything, it should be that we know and understand the character of God (vs. 23).

Reflection Questions

1. Is your current bible reading time more exciting or more boring recently? 

2. Is there anything you want to know more deeply about Jesus that you could study?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, increase my passion to read your Word, and remind me that it will take an eternity to truly know and discover the depths of who you are.

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:12-13).

     All things were created in and through the power and wisdom of Christ (Colossians 1:16). This includes time itself, meaning that Jesus existed forever, when there were no hours and days and years. Jesus has always stood high above it all, seeing the end from the beginning, because other than His incarnation, He has been the God who exists wholly outside of time who has chosen to work within time. In some sense, Jesus exists in the past, the present and the future because he is above all of it. As humans it is hard to grasp all that this means, for we are such limited creatures, our bodies bound to a ticking time clock and unable to be anywhere other than in the present. But for Jesus, his point of view is perfect, for “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?” (Isaiah 66:1).

     Christ being the Beginning and the End is comforting for us for several reasons. First, this means that He works out everything according to the counsel of His perfect wisdom and view of all time, seeing all that is to come and never hoping things will work out as He desires. Second, this means that our eternity is secure, for Jesus sees us glorified beside him in the future. Finally, Jesus being the Beginning and the End means that His power and reign is unmatched. David says it like this: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision” (Psalm 2:1-4).

Reflection Questions

1. When was a time when you felt that you had so little control? A time where you so anxiously waited on some good news?

2. Knowing Jesus is the Beginning and the End, what is something that you can entrust to His perfect vision and power?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, may the knowledge of you being high above it all quench the fear and uncertainty in me.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:31-33).

     Paul explains in Romans 14:10 that “we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” No one will escape this coming reality. Knowing that we will stand before

the Judge one day should be the most sobering thought, one that shakes humanity to its core and brings them to their knees in confession and repentance. 

However, the blindness caused by a love of sin and the hardheartedness of people has caused many to live for this present world, making their god their belly, and

their glory their shame (Philippians 3:19). Their end is destruction. 

     The Father has appointed Jesus to judge the living and the dead, or that through Jesus he will judge the world. We see that in these two verses: “And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he [Jesus] is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42), and “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed” (Acts 17:30-31a).

     For Christians, we know that God has credited to our account the righteousness of Christ, and we will inherit eternal life because of our connection to Him. This glorious news ought to fundamentally shake off any judgmental attitudes and fill us with compassion for those who will spend eternity apart from God. Consider Jesus’ heart in Matthew 9:36: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Though He will judge the world one day, and though His wrath is coming, He modeled compassion, for He truly desires all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). Although Christians long for Christ to judge in righteousness and bring us to Himself, let us be people who adopt Jesus’ heart posture until that time comes. 

Reflection Questions

1. What is your current heart posture towards non-believers in your life?

2. How can we best love the non-believers in our life?

Simple Prayer

Lord, would you grow in me a deep compassion for people who do not know You. 

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).

     Everyone wants to live forever. Everybody wants to go to heaven. Unfortunately, many people think that the metric for entrance into heaven is

hoping that their good works will outweigh their bad works, or that they tried their resurrection and the life because he is the source of both of these realities. They

are not just things that he gives, which means that the reality or durability of these qualities are not based on keeping or guarding them, they are based on Jesus

himself: his existence, his power, his character. If we have Jesus, the one who was resurrected from the grave, then we are guaranteed that we will be resurrected

one day. If we have Jesus, who raised people from the dead and offered them life, then we know that they have escaped from death. 

     The eternal life that Jesus offers has two qualities about it: it is permanent, and it is new. In one sense, Jesus offers us life with Him forever. But in another sense, Jesus offers us a new life here and now. When we place our faith in Christ, we are born again, made a new creation: “therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means that right here and now, the believer experiences life in Jesus’ name. There is true deadness to sin, a growing love for the Lord and others, and new desires for holiness and purity. Though as Christians we can crawl back to the shackles of death we were freed from, which numb and deaden and desensitize us, abundant life is offered to us now because we have a new nature and new identity. Therefore, Paul gives believers some exhortation: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1). It is possible now to walk in new life, so let us walk away from the sin that ensnares us.

Reflection Questions

1. How often do you dwell on the life to come?

2. What is one way in which you can change course and walk in the new life Christ offers now?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, help me to embrace the new and abundant life you have for me here and now. 

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

     Jesus became like us in every single way we needed Him to, yet remained different in the one way we needed Him to as well. He became truly human and endured all kinds of pain and suffering, yet he remained wholly without sin. In the Old Testament, the position of High Priest was a special yet scary role to bear. There was only one High Priest at a time, chosen from the tribe of Levi, who would serve in the temple and intercede or be the “go-between” for God and the people. His service was distinctive in various ways, but most significantly: the High Priest would enter once a year into the innermost part of the temple: the Holy of Holies, on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Exodus 30:10). The High Priest had to be walking in a pattern of holiness without any physical defect (Leviticus 21:6-8, 21). 

     However, every High Priest had to make sacrifices for himself as well, for no matter how godly he was, he still sinned (Leviticus 4). His ability to intercede for the people was faulty, and every High Priest died at some point, having to be replaced by another. Jesus is the better High Priest, as Hebrews 9 explains: 

“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (vs 24-26).

     Jesus is righteous, so his intercession to God on our behalf is perfect. Jesus is eternal, so his intercession to God on our behalf will last forever. Jesus became fully human, so although he is perfect he understands our struggles and invites us to approach His throne in prayer.

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever thought of Christ as a daily mediator between you and the Father? (Hebrews 7:25)

2. Is there anything that has been hard to bring to Christ that you can bring to Him now?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, help me to trust that you can save me fully, because you daily plead my case to the Father.

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God” (John 19:11-13).

     On a day when we think of Jesus as the baby in a manger, may we never forget he will come as The Rider on the White Horse. His first coming was one of weakness and humility, his second coming will be one of glory and power. While in a manger in Bethlehem, Jesus was dependent upon the care of Mary and Joseph; at his second coming he will ride out of heaven and people will be totally subject to His judgement or mercy.

     Consider the description here of Jesus with “eyes like a flame of fire”, and “he is clothed in a robe dipped in blood”. It is easy for us for the tender, loving shepherd view of Jesus to triumph over the reality that He is terrifyingly majestic beyond all comprehension. The prophet Isaiah was given a vision of Jesus on His throne surrounded by angels covering their faces shouting, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:1-3). Isaiah wept in response, recognizing how stark the contrast was between his sin and the pure and righteous glory of Jesus. Stories like these in the Bible are meant to give us a biblical “fear of the Lord”, which conveys a deep sense of awe and reverence at the majesty of Jesus. He is the King of the Universe, The Judge, The Omniscient One. 1 John 4:18 encourages the Christian: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” Christians do not fear divine punishment or that God will forsake them, but there ought to be a conscious awareness that Jesus is the Eternal Sovereign King, and we are but mere breath. Let us therefore worship Him with a holy fear and trembling. 

Reflection Questions

1. Do you ever have an overbalanced view of Jesus on one side or the other?

2. How should a high view of Jesus’ glorious majesty change our life?

Simple Prayer

Jesus, deepen my understanding of your terrifying majesty, that gratitude and awe in being your son or daughter by faith alone may grow within me.