Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 14:15-31

 

John 14:26-27

But the ^[d]Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

(NKJV)

 

The news of one leaving us is sad and can bring anxiety. This was especially true for the disciples who had placed their faith in Jesus as the Messiah, only to hear Him say he was leaving. The words of this text are words Jesus gave to His disciples to comfort them during a time of great anxiety, with these words continuing to bring comfort to those placing their faith in Jesus as their Savior today. The Church has a simple yet challenging mission to share this message with the world, but how effectively is it doing?

 

The text begins with Jesus telling His disciples that if they love Him, they will keep His commandments (John 14:15). Jesus will pray for the Father to send them another helper who will be with them forever (John 14:16). This helper is the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit which the world cannot receive because it does not see Him or know Him. The disciples know this helper and He is with them in Jesus, and after Jesus departs will be in them (John 14:17). Jesus promises not to leave the disciples as orphans but assures them he will return (John 14:18).

 

Jesus will only be with them a little while longer with the world seeing Him no more, but the disciples will see Him because he will resurrect from the grave and live, so they will also live (John 14:19). When they see the resurrected Lord they will know Jesus is in His Father, with the disciples in Him and Jesus in the disciples (John 14:20). Those keeping Jesus’ commandments are those loving Him with them loved by the Father with Jesus loving them and manifesting Himself to them (John 14:21). Judas, not Iscariot, asks the Lord how He will manifest Himself to them and not to the world (John 14:22). Jesus answers by saying anyone that loves Him will keep His word with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit making their home with them (John 14:23). However, one not loving Him and not keeping His words is not rejecting the words of Jesus but the words of God which come from Jesus (John 14:24).

 

Jesus said these things while with them and reminded them that the Helper, the Holy Spirit is coming from the Father, who will teach them all things and help them remember His words (John 14:25-26). Jesus promises His peace that is not like anything the world gives so their hearts need not be troubled or afraid (John 14:27). Jesus tells the disciples they should rejoice at Him going away to be with the Father who is greater them Him and that He is coming back to them (John 14:28). By telling the disciples of these events before they happen, they will believe when they happen (John 14:29). Jesus tells them he will no longer talk much with them because the ruler of this world is coming and has nothing to do with Him (John 14:30). Jesus will do as the Fathe has commanded as a demonstration of His love for the Father and tells the disciples to go from the upper room (John 14:31).

 

Jesus is preparing to leave the disciples in death on the cross, but He will resurrect from the grave in a declaration of victory over sin and death. However, he will then ascend to be with God the Father at His right hand, making intercession for us (Romans 8:34). Jesus senses anxiety in the hearts of the disciples and tells them they will not be left as orphans with the Holy Spirit coming to be with them forever (John 14:16-18). Jesus came to earth to demonstrate the power of God in one who is without sin in their life, who then died for the sins of humanity so that one choosing to make Jesus their savior could experience forgiveness from sin. One who is forgiven of their sins through Christ becomes the righteousness of God in Christ and a child of God (John 1:12; Romans 3:21-22). These Children of God who are filled with the Spirit of God will continue the ministry of Christ while still on earth (Mark 16:15-18).

 

Those who profess a belief in Jesus as their savior today do so in faith because Jesus' physical presence is no longer on earth (Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:8-9). People do not come to a saving belief in Jesus as Messiah today through physically meeting Jesus, but through conviction of the Holy Spirit by one full of the Holy Spirit sharing the Gospel with them (John 16:5-11). The great commission of the Church is to continue the ministry of Jesus by taking the good news of the Gospel to the world. However, as we see in the seven letters to the Churches in Revelation 2-3, many Churches have failed in this mission, with only a remnant carrying on the work.

 

We must continue to pray for revival to come to our world, but for that to occur requires.

 

1. Repentance
2. Returning to the Lord
3. Renewal of Mind
4. Revival in the believer’s heart

 

Please join me in prayer for these 4 Rs to occur in the Church so revival can come to a world in desperate need of Jesus Christ. If you are reading this and have never prayed to receive Jesus as your personal Savior, please take a moment to pray with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

Let someone know of your decision or reply to this post with your decision. May God convict, challenge, and encourage everyone reading this post. 

Praising God’s Deliverance from Enemies

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 18

 

Psalm 18:29

For by You I can ^[g]run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.

(NKJV)

 

Jesus warned us that in this world we would have trouble, but did not leave us without hope, reminding us that he overcame the world (John 16:33). After telling His disciples this, Jesus demonstrated his overcoming the world with his resurrection from the dead, conquering sin and death (Romans 8:37-39). In Psalm 18, David offers praise to God for delivering him from his enemies, a picture of God’s deliverance from sin and death on the cross.

 

David begins with expressing his love for the Lord, who is his rock, fortress, deliverer, and his strength in whom he trusts (Psalm 18:1-3). David then pleads his case to the Lord because he knows the Lord hears him (Psalm 18:4-6). After pleading his case the earth shook and trembled with the hills quaking because the Lord was angry (Psalm 18:7). In His anger, smoke came from His nostrils, devouring fire from his mouth (Psalm 18:8). The Lord bowed the heavens and came down with darkness under His feet and from the brightness before Him came hailstones and coals of fire (Psalm 18:9-12). When the Lord thundered from heaven, David’s enemies were scattered and vanquished (Psalm 18:13-15).

 

The Lord sent from above and took David out of many waters, delivering him from his strong enemies because the Lord delighted in David (Psalm 18:16-19). The Lord rewarded David according to his righteousness and how he kept the ways of the Lord, keeping himself from iniquity (Psalm 18:20-24). The Lord is merciful to the merciful, blameless to the blameless, pure to the pure, and shrewd with the devious, saving the humble and bringing down the proud (Psalm 18:25-27). The Lord lights David’s lamp so he can run against a troop, and leap over a wall, because God’s way is perfect (Psalm 18:28-30).

 

There is no God but the Lord, who is a rock and source of strength, the one teaching David to make war and strong enough to bend a bronze bow (Psalm 18:31-34). The Lord has given David His shield of salvation and enlarged his path so his feet do not slip (Psalm 18:35-36). Because of the strength and shield of the Lord, David has been able to defeat his enemies (Psalm 18:37-42). David is delivered from the strivings of the people with nations he does not know serving him (Psalm 18:43-45). The psalm concludes with David praising the Lord, his Rock (Psalm 18:46-50).

 

After his anointing as king, David spent his time escaping from King Saul, who wanted to kill him and the enemies of Israel due to his defeat of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:48-54, 19:1-3). This psalm was written after the defeat of Saul at Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31) and offers praise and glory to God for his deliverance of David from his enemies. However, in Psalm 18:21, David says he has kept the ways of the Lord and not wickedly departed from his God, yet there is the sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, trying to cover it up (2 Samuel 11). These events occurred after the kingdom of David was established to the point where David no longer went out in battle. This allowed David to become complacent and give in to temptation while his troops went to battle.

 

While it is great to live in a country that allows the freedom of religion, where Christians can freely go to Church and worship the Lord without the fear of arrest or execution, it can bring complacency. In the letters to the Churches in Asia in Revelation 2-3, we see how complacency can creep into the Church. The Church in Ephesus left its first love (Revelation 2:1-7), and the Church in Laodicea started trusting in their wealth and prosperity (Revelation 3:17) instead of the Lord, leaving the Lord outside knocking to come in (Revelation 3:20). This is why the persecuted Church thrives because there is no room for complacency (Revelation 2:8-11). The Church must remain steadfast in its commitment to advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be like David after the defeat of his enemies in Psalm 18.

 

If you are reading this and have strayed from your first love, trusting in the things of this world to save you, or have never prayed to invite Jesus to be your savior, I invite you to pray with me.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God convict, challenge, and encourage everyone reading this post.

Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 13:36-14:11

 

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

(NKJV)

 

It brings sadness when we need to part ways with a good friend, and grief when the departure is due to their death. Jesus has told His disciples three times of His death (Matthew 16:21, 17:22, 20:17) and now knows the time is near. In this text, we see three different reactions to this news, giving us questions to ask ourselves regarding our commitment to following Jesus Christ.

 

The text begins with Jesus' prediction of Peter’s denial. Peter asks Jesus where He is going, and Jesus tells him he cannot go where he is going now but that he shall follow Him afterward (John 13:36). This prompts Peter to ask why he cannot go with the Lord now, telling the Lord that he was willing to lay down his life for Jesus (John 13:37). Jesus responds as he often does with a question of His own, asking Peter if he would really lay down his life for Him. Then Jesus lets Peter know he will deny Him three times before the rooster crows (John 13:38).

 

Jesus then gives the disciples words of comfort by telling them not to be troubled in heart because they believe in God and Him (John 14:1). Jesus tells them there are many mansions in His Father’s house and that he is leaving to prepare a place for them which means He will return to take His bride the Church to their new home in heaven (John 14:2-3). Jesus then tells them they know where He is going and the way to get there (John 14:4). Thomas has doubts and tells Jesus they do not know where He is going nor the way to get there (John 14:5). Jesus answers Thomas by letting him know He is the way, truth, and life with no one coming to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

 

Jesus then tells the disciples that if they had known Him, they would know the Father and from now on will know Him and have seen Him (John 14:7). Philip then replies by asking Jesus to show them the Father (John 14:8). Jesus rebukes Philip, asking him has He been with them so long and yet they do not know Him, understanding that anyone seeing Jesus has seen the Father (John 14:9). Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Him with the words spoken by Jesus coming from the Father (John 14:10). Jesus tells the disciples to believe He is in the Father and the Father is in Him, or to believe Him for the sake of the works He has done (John 14:11).

 

Jesus is preparing the disciples for His departure, first through His death on the Cross and then after the Resurrection, His ascension to sit at the right hand of God the Father. Some of the disciples do not understand why this is beneficial for them.

• Peter declares he will defend and die for the Lord if necessary to keep him from suffering death. While these are bold words on the part of Peter, he will deny knowing Jesus when he is tried (John 18:1-18; Luke 22:47-62; Mark 14:43-72; Matthew 26:47-75). Will my profession of faith remain strong when tried?
• Thomas has been with Jesus throughout His ministry, yet in this final hour does not understand where Jesus is going and the way to get there. Three times Jesus has told them He is leaving (Matthew 16:21, 17:22, 20:17) with Thomas present each time. Thomas either does not believe Jesus or, like Peter, is in denial. Do I believe the words of Jesus even if they are uncomfortable to hear?
• Philip wants Jesus to show them the Father. After the miracle of healing a man born blind, where the disciples, including Philip, were present (John 9:1-7), Jesus had a discourse with the Pharisees. Scripture is unclear if the disciples were present during this discourse, but if it occurred in the temple, they probably were. In this discourse, Jesus declared He and the Father are one (John 10:30), indicating that one seeing Him has seen the Father. Philip either did not hear Jesus or did not understand that Jesus is God, part of the Trinity. Do I understand that Jesus is God?

 

Jesus, who now sits at the right hand of God the Father, is returning to take His bride, the Church, after preparing a place for them. Jesus had to come first to die for our sins so we are forgiven and prepared for eternity in the presence of God without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus then had to go and prepare a place for us in heaven so we would not be homeless there, returning to take us there (John 14:2-3). Between the time of Jesus’ ascension and return, he has given the Church a mission to spread the good news of the Gospel to all the world, making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). Join me in praying for the lukewarm church to repent of its lukewarmness (Revelation 3:14-22), and be about continuing the mission of taking the Gospel around the world and making fully devoted disciples of Christ.

 

If you are reading this and have never confessed with your mouth your genuine heartfelt belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, I invite you to pray with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

Let someone know of your decision, or reply to this post with your decision. May God convict, challenge, and encourage everyone reading this post. 

Deliverance Through Confidence in the Lord

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 17

 

Psalm 17:7

Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,
O You who save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.

(NKJV)

 

The life of David was a life of oppression, struggle, and victory, with the Psalms frequently giving us a glimpse into David’s heart during these times. While we do not know the specific incidents that led David to write Psalm 17, it demonstrates his confidence in the Lord's salvation and deliverance during times of struggle. By looking into this psalm, we can gain confidence to put our trust in God when trouble comes into our lives.

 

David begins this psalm by asking God to hear his just cause and to attend to his cry, giving ear to his prayer that does not come from deceitful lips (Psalm 17:1). David seeks for vindication that comes from the Lord’s presence with the Lord’s eyes that looking on the upright things (Psalm 17:2). The Lord has tested David’s heart and visited him in the night finding nothing wrong, with David purposing not to transgress with his mouth (Psalm 17:3). Where the works of men are concerned, David has kept away from the paths of the destroyer by the word of the Lord’s lips (Psalm 17:4). David asks the Lord to uphold his steps in the Lord’s paths so he does not slip (Psalm 17:5).

 

David calls upon the Lord because he hears him, inclining His ear to hear his speech (Psalm 17:6). David continues by asking the Lord to show His marvelous lovingkindness by His right hand for it is the Lord who saves those that trust Him, saving them from those that rise against them (Psalm 17:7). David asks the Lord to keep him as the apple of His eye and to hide him under the shadow of His wings, keeping him save from the wicked who oppress and surround him (Psalm 17:8-9).

 

David’s oppressors and enemies have closed their fat hearts, speak proudly with their mouths, and surround David and his men in their steps (Psalm 17:10-11). Like a lion, they have set their eyes and crouch in hiding, eager to tear their prey (Psalm 17:11-12). David cries for the Lord to arise, confronting and casting down his enemies, delivering his life from the wicked with the power of His sword (Psalm 17:13). David seeks deliverance by the hand of the Lord from men of the world who have their portion in this life (Psalm 17:14). David finds his satisfaction in seeing the face of the Lord in righteousness and awakening in the Lord’s likeness (Psalm 17:15).  

 

Although the exact date of the composition of this psalm is uncertain, according to Psalm 17:9, it was likely written during a time of oppression when David was surrounded by his enemies. Since this often occurred in the life of David, when David wrote this is not as important as what it reveals about the heart of David. Here is a man who has learned to trust in God when the odds were against him, as they usually were. The thing we must ask is, did David gain this confidence during these times of trouble or before they came? According to Scripture, the answer would be both. When David faced Goliath as a young boy, he spoke of saving his father’s sheep from the lion and bear, comparing Goliath to one of them (1 Samuel 17:34-36). God has prepared David for facing Goliath during the times he was alone tending his Father’s sheep.

 

However, the Bible also tells us that we gain faith by going through struggles (James 1:2-3; Romans 5:1-4). This is the testing of faith gained through preparation by the study and meditation on the Word of God and time spent in prayer (Romans 10:17). So, confidence in the salvation and faith in the Lord comes both by learning the Word of God and testing in times of trouble.

 

In John 16:33, Jesus told us there would be trouble as long as we are in this world, but with the promise that He overcame the world. Therefore, we must, like David, learn to place our trust and confidence in the salvation of the Lord. To accomplish this, we must first develop our faith through study and application of the Word of God in our lives through daily devotion to the study of the Word of God and prayer (Romans 10:17, 12:1-2). We can then anticipate the testing of our faith during times of trouble in our lives, where we can apply what we learned and find victory like David did over Goliath.

 

The biggest Goliath in our lives is the Goliath of sin, but praise be to God that sin and death were slain by Jesus on the cross. Like when David slew Goliath, Jesus’ defeat of sin has made it possible for anyone believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus to be saved (Romans 10:9-10).  If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept Jesus’ gift of salvation from sin, I invite you to do so now by praying with me.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God convict, challenge, and encourage everyone reading this post. 

Judas Revealed and a New Commandment

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 13:18-35

 

John 13:34-35

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

(NKJV)

 

In this text, Jesus begins what will be His final discourse with the disciples before going to the cross. It begins with Jesus identifying his betrayer with the clueless disciples, not having a clue it was Judas (John 13:18-30). After Judas leaves the room, Jesus then gives the disciples a new commandment to love one another (John 13:31-35). This commandment is still in effect for the Church today, but we must ask how well the Church has obeyed this simple but difficult commandment.

 

After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus tells the disciples He is not speaking to all of them because one of them will be against Him in fulfillment of Scripture (John 13:18). The reason Jesus is letting them know this is so they may believe He is the Messiah (John 13:19). One receiving someone sent by Jesus is receiving Him and the one sent by Him (John 13:20). Jesus then becomes troubled in His spirit and tells the disciples one of them will betray Him, causing the disciples to become perplexed (John 13:21-22). The disciple whom Jesus loved was leaning on Jesus’ bosom, and Peter motioned for him to ask which one of them would betray Jesus (John 13:23-24). John then asks Jesus who it is (John 13:25).

 

Jesus does not directly identify the one who will betray Him, but says it is the one to whom he will give a piece of bread after dipping it. After giving a piece of bread to Judas Iscariot, Satan enters him, and Jesus tells him to do what he has to do quickly (John 13:26-27). Those at the table had no idea why Jesus said what he said to Judas and presumed it had to do with him having charge of the money and needing to buy supplies or give to the poor (John 13:28-29). After receiving the piece of bread, Judas departed into the night (John 13:30).

 

With Judas gone, Jesus tells the remaining disciples that now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in Him (John 13:31). Since God is not glorified in Jesus, God will also immediately Glorify Him in Himself (John 13:32). Jesus then tells the disciples he will only be with them for a little while and that they will seek Him but cannot go where He is going, just like He told the Jews (John 13:33). Jesus then gives them a new commandment, to love each other like He has loved them, with that being how the world will know they are disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35).

 

Jesus prepares the disciples for his crucifixion and departure from them after his resurrection by identifying his betrayer and giving them the command to love one another as a witness to the world. While the crucifixion will sadden the disciples, they will rejoice when they see the resurrected Lord. Jesus will then leave to sit at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 2:33), but He will not leave them powerless; instead, He will send them the Holy Spirit to empower them (Acts 1:4, 8). As an example of this empowerment, we see Peter, the one who denied Jesus (John 18:15-18), standing in front of a crowd preaching about Jesus. Since this occurred in Jerusalem a few days after Jesus’ crucifixion, there were likely people in the crowd who had cried for Jesus’ crucifixion (Acts 2:14-39). The Holy Spirit within Peter has empowered him to overcome his fears and boldly declare the Gospel with the possibility of following Jesus in crucifixion, something that will happen to Peter, but not until later.

 

The commandment to love one another in the Church is still in effect, but how well has the Church obeyed this commandment? Paul addressed divisions in the Corinthian Church that revolved around people attaching their belief and faith around ministers instead of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). Churches divide today over non-essentials like the style of music played, the order of the worship service, how the pastor dresses, and even silly things like the color of the carpet. When the world sees Church division over issues like these, they see no difference between the Church and the secular world. No wonder they do not want to become part of the Church, and worse yet, accept Christ, who they believe condones such division. Instead of making the message of the gospel and the cross of Christ appealing to the lost, divisions in the Church make the message of the gospel of no effect (1 Corinthians 1:17). The Church must unify around the message of the gospel and love one another. These non-essential differences are not a battlefield for the Church to die on, but items up for discussion.

 

The most important decision anyone must make is whether they believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, receiving the free gift of salvation from God (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16; Romans 6:23, 10:9-10). If you are reading this and have never made this decision to accept Jesus as your Savior, or if you have drifted away from the Lord, I encourage you to pray with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God convict, challenge, and empower everyone reading this post. 

Folly, Triumph, Character, Hope

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 14-16

 

Psalm 16:11

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

(NKJV)

 

A fallen world in chaos seeks answers and often turns to the foolishness of ungodly sources. This teaching lacks character and comes from corrupt people, as listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. Instead of seeking answers from these sources, we must seek answers from the Word of God, which is truth (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15). This is our hope, a hope in the triumphant Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The main theme of Psalm 14 is the folly of the Godless and God’s final triumph. David begins the psalm by saying a fool says in his heart there is no God, saying they are corrupt, do abominable works with none of them doing good (Psalm 14:1). The Lord looks down from heaven to determine if any understand and seek God, but sees they have all turned aside, become corrupt and not a single one of them does good (Psalm 14:2-3). David wonders if those working iniquity, those who devour God’s people like food, have any knowledge and do not call on the Lord (Psalm 14:4). These workers of iniquity are in great fear because God is in the generation of the righteous (Psalm 14:5). These workers of iniquity shame the counsel of the poor but the Lord is their refuge (Psalm 14:6). David concludes the psalm declaring that salvation will come out of Zion when the Lord brings back the captives. Then Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad (Psalm 14:7).

 

Psalm 15 tells of the character of those dwelling in the Lord, beginning with the question of who may abide in the Tabernacle of the Lord and who may dwell in His holy hill (Psalm 15:1). The answer is one walking uprightly, working righteousness who speaks truth in his heart (Psalm 15:2). His character does not backbite with his tongue, do evil to his neighbor or take up a reproach against his friend (Psalm 15:3). His character despises a vile person, honors those fearing the Lord, swearing to his own hurt, and never changing (Psalm 15:4). This person also does not loan out money with interest or take bribes against the innocent. One who does these things will not be moved (Psalm 15:5).

 

In Psalm 16, David speaks of the hope of the faithful and the Messiah’s victory. David begins the psalm by asking the Lord to preserve him because he trusts in the Lord, his Lord, the source of goodness in his life (Psalm 16:1-2). David then praises the saints on the earth, the excellent ones in whom he delights (Psalm 16:3). The drink offerings of those placing their hope in another god will not be offered nor will their names be on David’s lips (Psalm 16:4). David finds his inheritance in the Lord his portion who has caused him to be in pleasant places, a good inheritance (Psalm 16:5-6).

 

David blesses the Lord, his source of good counsel, instructing in the night seasons of his life (Psalm 16:7). David sets the Lord before him at all times because He is his right hand, and David will not be moved (Psalm 16:8). David’s heart is glad, his glory rejoices, and his flesh rests in his hope in the Lord (Psalm 16:9). God will not leave David’s soul in Sheol and will not allow His Holy One, Jesus, to see corruption because He will rise from the grave (Psalm 16:10). Walking with the Lord is the path of life, in His presence is fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). The Lord is triumphant, bringing hope to the faithful.

 

Psalms 14-16 are psalms of David, with Psalm 14 pointing out the folly of the Godless and God’s final triumph. He begins by pointing out that one is a fool who says in His heart there is no God, with the Lord looking down from heaven on the children of men and finding not one who does good. God is for the righteous, with the workers of iniquity having no knowledge. The Lord is triumphant with the Lord delivering them from their captivity so they can rejoice and be glad.

 

In Psalm 15, David states the qualifications for one abiding with the Lord. The requirements are to love the Lord and your neighbor just as the Lord stated in Luke 10:25-28. This is a solid foundation of character that shall never move from abiding in the Lord.

 

In Psalm 16, David states the hope of the faithful and the Messiah's victory. David asks the Lord to preserve him because he places his trust in the Lord. The Lord is his hope, and he knows the Lord will triumph with God not leaving His Holy One, the Lord Jesus Christ, in Sheol to see corruption (Matthew 28:6). In the triumphant Messiah, David finds the path of life, fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore.

 

As children of God we must avoid foolishness and deceptive teaching that does not align with the Word of God because God is triumphant (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans 5:1). Unfortunately, we live in an age when the teaching from many pulpits is designed to tickle the itching ears of those listening, making them feel good with little or no pointing them to Jesus Christ for salvation from their sins (2 Timothy 4:3-4). The Church of Laodicea was deceived, trusting in their wealth and prosperity to take care of them with no dependence on the Lord (Revelation 3:14-17). Sadly, this Church has locked the Lord out with Him outside knocking on the door to come back in (Revelation 3:20). Please join me in repenting of felling for deception and pray for a return to truth and dependence on God so revival can come to the Church with the Church turning its world upside down like the early church (Acts 17:6).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept Jesus as your savior, finding hope in the triumphant Messiah, I encourage you to pray with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May the Lord challenge, convict, and empower everyone reading this post. 

The Humble Shepherd

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 13:1-17

 

John 13:16-17

Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. ¹⁷ If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

(NKJV)

 

The idea of servant leadership was first taught by Jesus in response to a disagreement that arose among the disciples about who would be the greatest (Luke 22:24-27). In this passage, Jesus illustrates the concept of a leader who serves by taking on the role of a lowly servant by washing the disciples' feet. The next day, Jesus would dramatically demonstrate his servant leadership by willingly taking on the sins of humanity even though He knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). The mission of the Church is not the enforcer of a moral code upon the world, but servants of Christ pointing people to Jesus as savior. The Church must be Gospel centered.

 

It is before the Feast of the Passover and Jesus knows His hour has come when He will go to the Father after loving His own until the very end (John 13:1). The supper ends with Satan already placing the betrayal of Jesus in the heart of Judas Iscariot (John 13:2). Jesus with full knowledge of where He came from and that God the Father has given Him all things arises and lays aside his garments, putting on a towel (John 13:3-4). Jesus then poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, but when he came to Peter, Peter asked Him if He was going to wash his feet (John 13:5-6).

 

Jesus answer to Peter was that while he did not understand what was happening now, he would afterwards (John 13:7). Peter then tells Jesus he shall never wash his feet to which Jesus says, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:8). Peter then tells Jesus to wash not only his feet but also his hands and head (John 13:9). Jesus tells Peter that he is completely clean and only needs to wash his feet but adds that not all of the disciples are clean because He knew Judas would betray Him (John 13:10-11).

 

After finishing the washing of the disciples’ feet, Jesus put on His garments and asked if they knew what He had done to them (John 13:12). Jesus tells them it is well that they call Him Teacher and Lord because He is (John 13:13). He then tells them that if their Teacher and Lord has washed their feet, they should wash each other’s feet (John 13:14). Jesus explains the foot washing as an example to follow, telling them that a servant is not greater than his master nor is one sent greater than the one sending him (John 13:15-16). Jesus concludes by telling them that if they know and do these things, they are blessed (John 13:17).

 

The disciples had lived their entire lives under Roman leadership and the religious oppression of the Pharisees. Their picture of leadership was a leader having lordship and authority over others, expecting people to serve them. By washing the disciples' feet, Jesus is providing an example of leadership that serves those being led, something He would demonstrate by dying on the cross for their sins. Jesus then challenges the disciples to do as He has done by not lording over others like the Pharisees did as religious leaders, but to instead serve those God will place in their care (John 13:15-17).

 

Jesus is our provider (Genesis 22:8), our healer (Exodus 15:26), and savior (Matthew 1:2) because of his grace. However, we must be careful not to abuse the grace of God by believing God must provide everything we want. Such is the deceptive gospel preached in many churches as a means of attracting many members and contributors. This teaching enriches the teacher and leader of the church, but when those under this teaching do not receive the fancy car, house, and riches they believe they are entitled to, they can turn their back on God. Jesus is not our genie, granting us every wish, but our Lord and Savior who came not to condemn us but to give us eternal life (John 3:16-17). For this, we must be eternally grateful, even if the Lord does not provide anything else.

 

If you are reading this post and have either never prayed to accept Jesus as your Savior or have turned your back on God because of deceptive teaching, I encourage you to pray with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I now encourage those who prayed to find a local church teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the Bible as servants of the congregation and not in a manner to enrich themselves. I then encourage you to imitate Jesus by serving others through sharing the Good News that Jesus came to die for their sins and give them eternal life. May God challenge, convict, and empower everyone reading this post.