John 1:40-42a – One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus.”
THEME OF THE DAY: SEEING JESUS. I stumbled across a book a few years ago entitled The Inner Sanctuary. The title alone perked my interest for it seemed to imply a quiet place of sacred solitude for a time of unhurried spiritual development. I thought, “That is what I need. A retreat! An inner sanctuary to offset my fast-paced life ever putting the pressure on my intimacy with the Lord Jesus.” But what sold me on the book was the subtitle. It made ownership non-optional in my mind and budget. The subtitle read, “An exposition of John Chapters 13-17.” It is 247 pages rich in exposition of five chapters in John’s Gospel. Just what I needed – to see Jesus in the Gospels.
We need a heavy dose of the Gospels. Often. Like maybe daily. I am not suggesting we stop a consistent reading of the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), but if one pursues my suggestion, read the Gospels with one goal to guide you. Don’t dive into them to gain factual knowledge alone. Go with this as a prayer – So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (John 12:21). Enter into the inner sanctuary with the personalized plea of the Greeks, “I would see Jesus.” Read devotionally not theoretically or mechanically. As we read and study the scriptures, we need devotional reading times too! I may know a ton of theology, which is vital, but the danger is knowledge without intimacy with the Person behind the theology. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is full of great doctrine and great affection. In the opening chapter, Paul is committed to defending the truth of the Gospel (Philippians 1:16). In chapter 3, he pursues knowing Him who is the Gospel (Philippians 3:10).
If our reading of the Bible or other books is just to get “Biblically smart” instead of a single passionate focus to know God and love Him, we are in danger of developing a mind of right doctrine or orthodoxy, but hearts cold and unfeeling toward the God who is both light and love. The indictment to the Ephesian church by our Lord in the Revelation was not lack of doctrine. It was lack of love for the Head of the Church (Revelation 2:1-4).
In the book I mentioned in the opening paragraph that caught my interest and rests on my shelf, the author takes us to a portion of scripture which gives us a very intimate look at Jesus. Invited into the “inner sanctuary” of the Person of our Lord, we will encounter the humble service of our Creator washing feet in John 13, be lifted out of discouragement in John 14, warmed by the promise of abiding John 15, strengthened by the Spirit in John 16, and overwhelmed with Jesus’ prayer in John 17. If we properly “soak in” these scriptures, they will be food and drink for the soul beyond description.
Today’s nugget is a little different. There will be no practical applications or exhortations to do something, just a special encouragement for us. Special like what Andrew did for his brother Peter. What did Andrew do which was so special? He brought his brother to Jesus (John 1:42a). The greatest thing we can do for each other is bring one another to Jesus in prayer and to encourage one another to Jesus in the scriptures. Let’s consider adding a daily dose of the Gospels into our lives. Carve out an “inner sanctuary” time each day with an open Bible and prayer, “Father, I would see Jesus.”
Prayer: “Father, give us great hunger for the fellowship promised with You, Your Son, and Spirit!”
Quote: Thomas Brooks, “Christ is the most sparkling diamond in the ring of glory.”
Because of Him,
Pastor Jim