(Talking about the Israelites collecting Manna...)
Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning."
20 However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them. Exodus16:19-20
In her last note to me, Janice Taylor, who is a missionary with OM and a good friend asked me to pray for her: "I also want to take some refreshment biblically and do some fresh study, I don’t want to rely on yesterday’s manna."
"Yesterday's Manna."
It was one of those phrases that just grabbed my heart.
How often we are tempted to do this emotionally and spiritually!
We think and hope that what we've done in the past is enough to get through the present.
We rush along in our relationships, not taking the time to find a fresh way to say "I love you", "I value you", or "I appreciate you." We rely on the past to carry us through the struggles of the present.
We do the same in our relationship with God:
"I was saved and studied the Bible a lot back then."
"When I was younger I was very fired up about God."
We seem to develop a been-there-done-that mentality.
But yesterday's manna can rot quickly and unexpectedly.
I guess the Israelites thought that if they could gather a bit extra, they could have a lie-in the next day. But it seems God wanted them to learn to develop a daily habit...
(The beautiful exception was that on the sixth day, they could gather double so that they could focus on God on the Sabbath.)
How old is the spiritual and relational manna you're living on?
Maybe it's time to go out and get some of the fresh stuff!!!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-06-11 [Random Musings] Unseen Spirit - Tangible Joy
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1Peter1:8-9
Stephen Njiro used this as his text at the Sunday Evening Service and it has been bouncing around in my soul!
Jesus told Thomas that those who believed without seeing were more blessed than those who "saw and believed." Most of us would be sceptical of this statement. We feel that the disciples who got to walk and talk with Jesus were more fortunate than us.
But Jesus was referring to the reality that Peter is now affirming: We can powerfully experience God's life-changing love in the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
We can't see Jesus like the disciples did. But through the inner working of the Holy Spirit we can triumphantly affirm: "I have Jesus in my heart!"
How do we know?
We are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy...
Try it!
Stop. Slow down. Think about what Jesus did on the cross.
Think about what He did for YOU.
Think about the day that He brought you to Himself and you surrendered to Him.
What happens?
Joy happens!
Not frothy temporary happiness but deep inexpressible glorious JOY!
Even though we can't see Him!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Stephen Njiro used this as his text at the Sunday Evening Service and it has been bouncing around in my soul!
Jesus told Thomas that those who believed without seeing were more blessed than those who "saw and believed." Most of us would be sceptical of this statement. We feel that the disciples who got to walk and talk with Jesus were more fortunate than us.
But Jesus was referring to the reality that Peter is now affirming: We can powerfully experience God's life-changing love in the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
We can't see Jesus like the disciples did. But through the inner working of the Holy Spirit we can triumphantly affirm: "I have Jesus in my heart!"
How do we know?
We are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy...
Try it!
Stop. Slow down. Think about what Jesus did on the cross.
Think about what He did for YOU.
Think about the day that He brought you to Himself and you surrendered to Him.
What happens?
Joy happens!
Not frothy temporary happiness but deep inexpressible glorious JOY!
Even though we can't see Him!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-06-10 [Random Musings] A movie image
There's no fixed theme for the next while... Each day I'll be sharing something that has spoken to my heart...
----------------------------------
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
16 You said, `No, we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee!
You said, `We will ride off on swift horses.'
Therefore your pursuers will be swift!
17 A thousand will flee at the threat of one;
at the threat of five you will all flee away,
till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill."
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion
For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah30:15-21
Do you remember the "Karate Kid" movie series?
It was all about a young teen named Daniel who was always getting into scrapes and disasters and then Mr Meaggi who teaches him karate, but also is his life-coach and mentor, bails him out.
Karate Kid Daniel always reminds me of Israel in the first part of this passage: They're planning to make a deal with Egypt to protect them from the Assyrians but Isaiah is calling them to put their trust in God. They're coming up with their own schemes and plans, but Isaiah warns them that everything will blow up in their faces.
That's how it happens in all the Karate Kid movies... Daniel tries this, that and the next thing - everything except asking Mr Meaggi's advice - and it blows up in his face.
But Mr Meaggi remains faithful and devoted to Daniel, even when Daniel hurts him and shuns him. Mr Meaggi gives Daniel the space he needs and when Daniel gets to the end of his tether then Mr Meaggi steps in to counsel and guide.
I think the dynamic of Daniel and Mr Meaggi is a good illustration of something bigger, deeper and even more wonderful: The coming of the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete (The ONE called to be beside us)
When Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit as Counsellor, Comforter, Guide and Helper it fulfilled the promise articulated in our reading: "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"
I hope I can be less like Daniel today and be quick to listen to the prompting of the Spirit who loves me and longs to show me compassion.
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
----------------------------------
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
16 You said, `No, we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee!
You said, `We will ride off on swift horses.'
Therefore your pursuers will be swift!
17 A thousand will flee at the threat of one;
at the threat of five you will all flee away,
till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill."
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion
For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah30:15-21
Do you remember the "Karate Kid" movie series?
It was all about a young teen named Daniel who was always getting into scrapes and disasters and then Mr Meaggi who teaches him karate, but also is his life-coach and mentor, bails him out.
Karate Kid Daniel always reminds me of Israel in the first part of this passage: They're planning to make a deal with Egypt to protect them from the Assyrians but Isaiah is calling them to put their trust in God. They're coming up with their own schemes and plans, but Isaiah warns them that everything will blow up in their faces.
That's how it happens in all the Karate Kid movies... Daniel tries this, that and the next thing - everything except asking Mr Meaggi's advice - and it blows up in his face.
But Mr Meaggi remains faithful and devoted to Daniel, even when Daniel hurts him and shuns him. Mr Meaggi gives Daniel the space he needs and when Daniel gets to the end of his tether then Mr Meaggi steps in to counsel and guide.
I think the dynamic of Daniel and Mr Meaggi is a good illustration of something bigger, deeper and even more wonderful: The coming of the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete (The ONE called to be beside us)
When Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit as Counsellor, Comforter, Guide and Helper it fulfilled the promise articulated in our reading: "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"
I hope I can be less like Daniel today and be quick to listen to the prompting of the Spirit who loves me and longs to show me compassion.
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Friday, June 6, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-06-06 [Light] Our identity
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1Peter2:9-10
We're going to finish our series on light with today's thought:
Peter describes how God sees us, values us and treats us.
We are chosen, royal, and holy (because of what Jesus did for us).
We have belonging and purpose.
Why?
Because He called us into His "wonderful light".
We weren't a people (because we were so broken),
we didn't have mercy (because we didn't deserve it)
But because of Jesus we're a people and we've received mercy.
And it's all because of the light of Salvation that has shone on us!
Do I hear a HALLELUJAH!?!
And what's left for us to declare His praises!!!
-----
It's Pentecost this weekend - a chance to remember that it is by God's Spirit that the light of salvation shines in our hearts.
May it be that we will raise our sails afresh to His wind.
May it be that we will open our hearts so that His living streams can flow from us.
May it be that His light will shine from us.
-------------------------------------
Go shine with His light and declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light!!!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
We're going to finish our series on light with today's thought:
Peter describes how God sees us, values us and treats us.
We are chosen, royal, and holy (because of what Jesus did for us).
We have belonging and purpose.
Why?
Because He called us into His "wonderful light".
We weren't a people (because we were so broken),
we didn't have mercy (because we didn't deserve it)
But because of Jesus we're a people and we've received mercy.
And it's all because of the light of Salvation that has shone on us!
Do I hear a HALLELUJAH!?!
And what's left for us to declare His praises!!!
-----
It's Pentecost this weekend - a chance to remember that it is by God's Spirit that the light of salvation shines in our hearts.
May it be that we will raise our sails afresh to His wind.
May it be that we will open our hearts so that His living streams can flow from us.
May it be that His light will shine from us.
-------------------------------------
Go shine with His light and declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light!!!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-06-03 [Light] Transformed
For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2Corinthians4:5-6
In this series on Light we have been thinking about the light of salvation as it has come to us through Christ.
We've celebrated the Ascension and move toward Pentecost. Pentecost is significant in that it reminds us that Jesus, the Light of the World, sends His Holy Spirit into our hearts.
This means that we have hope, power and love alive in us!
His light shines from us.
Have you seen a life transformed by grace???
- When a soul realises what complete forgiveness is like,
- When a human heart is grasped by unconditional love,
- When brokenness is healed and heartache is comforted,
- When confusion and darkness is supplanted by light.
People just seem to shine with an inner light!!
I've had the privilege of being such a person and of seeing God do this in the lives of others. It's no understatement to say that in these moments it IS as though people glow with the glory of God.
When last have you felt like you're glowing with the fullness and love of God?
Our souls are a bit like an old fashioned camera - we have to open the shutter to let the light in. When last have you opened your heart to this incredible God who lets light shine out of darkness??
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
In this series on Light we have been thinking about the light of salvation as it has come to us through Christ.
We've celebrated the Ascension and move toward Pentecost. Pentecost is significant in that it reminds us that Jesus, the Light of the World, sends His Holy Spirit into our hearts.
This means that we have hope, power and love alive in us!
His light shines from us.
Have you seen a life transformed by grace???
- When a soul realises what complete forgiveness is like,
- When a human heart is grasped by unconditional love,
- When brokenness is healed and heartache is comforted,
- When confusion and darkness is supplanted by light.
People just seem to shine with an inner light!!
I've had the privilege of being such a person and of seeing God do this in the lives of others. It's no understatement to say that in these moments it IS as though people glow with the glory of God.
When last have you felt like you're glowing with the fullness and love of God?
Our souls are a bit like an old fashioned camera - we have to open the shutter to let the light in. When last have you opened your heart to this incredible God who lets light shine out of darkness??
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Friday, May 30, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-05-30 [Light] John's mission - our mission
He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. John1:7-9
Yesterday was Ascension day. Part of Jesus' Ascension day message was "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."
In our passage for today John the Apostle is talking about John the Baptist (JohnB). He describes the role that JohnB played in announcing the coming and mission of Jesus the Messiah.
JohnB was a witness and Jesus calls us to be witnesses.
Let's learn from JohnB:
1. We come as witnesses. A witness tells of what they have seen and heard and experienced. They can't witness to something that they have never experienced. (See Acts19:13-16 to see the worst case scenario of doing this.)
2. We testify about the Light. We talk about Jesus. Not about ourselves or our programmes or our clever ideas. We talk about Jesus: Incarnate, Crucified, Risen, Ascended and Soon Returning.
3. We do it so that people will BELIEVE. This is urgent!!
4. We are not the light. Oh how tempting this is!! It's so tempting to want people to recognise what good people we are and that they LIKE us. But we are not the light. We need to get out of the way! JohnB put it like this: "He must increase and I must decrease." (Joh.3:30)
5. JohnB was on a timetable as he was the forerunner for Jesus' earthly ministry ("The true light... was coming into the world"), But there is an urgency to our work too, because Jesus is coming again and we should be ready!!
So, to sum it all up, our mission is to be REFLECTORS. Being witnesses of Jesus - the light of the world!
--------------------------------
Have a look at these lyrics and go to the website listed to listen to this lovely song that puts it so well!
"Reflector"
Since I've found your love
I've never needed anything to fill my heart
Even when I fall
You're always there with open arms to pick me up
From the start I knew
No one else could make me feel the way you do
Everyday i want to grow
Just a little bit closer, just a little bit closer
I want to be a reflector
I want to shine with your glory
I want to let the whole world know that you're
Living in me
I want to burn with your fire
Shine my light a little brighter
I want to let the whole world know that
Jesus Lives in me
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkLSoIXtOaM
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Yesterday was Ascension day. Part of Jesus' Ascension day message was "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."
In our passage for today John the Apostle is talking about John the Baptist (JohnB). He describes the role that JohnB played in announcing the coming and mission of Jesus the Messiah.
JohnB was a witness and Jesus calls us to be witnesses.
Let's learn from JohnB:
1. We come as witnesses. A witness tells of what they have seen and heard and experienced. They can't witness to something that they have never experienced. (See Acts19:13-16 to see the worst case scenario of doing this.)
2. We testify about the Light. We talk about Jesus. Not about ourselves or our programmes or our clever ideas. We talk about Jesus: Incarnate, Crucified, Risen, Ascended and Soon Returning.
3. We do it so that people will BELIEVE. This is urgent!!
4. We are not the light. Oh how tempting this is!! It's so tempting to want people to recognise what good people we are and that they LIKE us. But we are not the light. We need to get out of the way! JohnB put it like this: "He must increase and I must decrease." (Joh.3:30)
5. JohnB was on a timetable as he was the forerunner for Jesus' earthly ministry ("The true light... was coming into the world"), But there is an urgency to our work too, because Jesus is coming again and we should be ready!!
So, to sum it all up, our mission is to be REFLECTORS. Being witnesses of Jesus - the light of the world!
--------------------------------
Have a look at these lyrics and go to the website listed to listen to this lovely song that puts it so well!
"Reflector"
Since I've found your love
I've never needed anything to fill my heart
Even when I fall
You're always there with open arms to pick me up
From the start I knew
No one else could make me feel the way you do
Everyday i want to grow
Just a little bit closer, just a little bit closer
I want to be a reflector
I want to shine with your glory
I want to let the whole world know that you're
Living in me
I want to burn with your fire
Shine my light a little brighter
I want to let the whole world know that
Jesus Lives in me
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkLSoIXtOaM
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 29, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-05-29 [Light] Light of the World
Apologies for the missed eDevs... I've been down with a nasty sinus infection....
----------------------------
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John8:12
Today is Ascension Day.
It is the day that we celebrate Christ's return to the Father's right hand and we are comforted by the knowledge that He prays for us, that He sends His Holy Spirit to us, and that He will return in glory.
On this day it is appropriate for us to consider Jesus' powerful words here in John 8...
Darkness...
It can be pervasive, threatening and discouraging.
We see it all around us and find corners of our hearts that are consumed by it. We deal with physical darkness by lighting a candle, but we don't know how to deal with spiritual and emotional darkness.
Jesus does.
He is light in our darkness.
Forgiveness in our sinfulness.
Hope in our hopelessness.
Guidance in our directionlessness.
Healing in our brokenness.
The Ascension is reminds us that Jesus our light is coming again.
For the Christian, the hope of Jesus' return is like those pre-dawn moments: We don't know when the edge of the sun will peep over the horizon but the light around us is sufficient to assure us that the day is coming.
As we wait for Jesus' return, there is pre-dawn light all around us because He has sent His Spirit into our hearts and He has established the Church to proclaim His Good News. Any moment the trumpet will sound and His full glory will shine on us!!!
He _is_ the Light of the World and He's coming again!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
----------------------------
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John8:12
Today is Ascension Day.
It is the day that we celebrate Christ's return to the Father's right hand and we are comforted by the knowledge that He prays for us, that He sends His Holy Spirit to us, and that He will return in glory.
On this day it is appropriate for us to consider Jesus' powerful words here in John 8...
Darkness...
It can be pervasive, threatening and discouraging.
We see it all around us and find corners of our hearts that are consumed by it. We deal with physical darkness by lighting a candle, but we don't know how to deal with spiritual and emotional darkness.
Jesus does.
He is light in our darkness.
Forgiveness in our sinfulness.
Hope in our hopelessness.
Guidance in our directionlessness.
Healing in our brokenness.
The Ascension is reminds us that Jesus our light is coming again.
For the Christian, the hope of Jesus' return is like those pre-dawn moments: We don't know when the edge of the sun will peep over the horizon but the light around us is sufficient to assure us that the day is coming.
As we wait for Jesus' return, there is pre-dawn light all around us because He has sent His Spirit into our hearts and He has established the Church to proclaim His Good News. Any moment the trumpet will sound and His full glory will shine on us!!!
He _is_ the Light of the World and He's coming again!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 22, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-05-22 [Light] Jesus our Light SHINES!
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
15 "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the way to the sea, along the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles--
16 the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned."
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew4:12-17
We looked at this passage in the Old Testament earlier. Now we examine its fulfilment. But if Jesus was "the light of the world," then how do we know for sure??
John the Baptist had a similar question...
"When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
4 Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
5 The blind receive sight,
the lame walk,
those who have leprosy are cured,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the good news is preached to the poor. (Mat.11:2-5)
Enough said!!!!
Jesus our light SHINES in the darkness!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
15 "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the way to the sea, along the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles--
16 the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned."
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew4:12-17
We looked at this passage in the Old Testament earlier. Now we examine its fulfilment. But if Jesus was "the light of the world," then how do we know for sure??
John the Baptist had a similar question...
"When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
4 Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
5 The blind receive sight,
the lame walk,
those who have leprosy are cured,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the good news is preached to the poor. (Mat.11:2-5)
Enough said!!!!
Jesus our light SHINES in the darkness!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-05-21 [Light] Jesus our Light
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John1:1-5
Jesus is portrayed as the Word of God (the way God communicates Himself to us) and as the Light of humankind (the way God shows Himself to us).
Jesus is the light of life.
His coming into our world was the candle in the dark room
- it was the lighthouse light on a stormy night
- it was the star by which we could find our way
- it was the light at the end of the tunnel
And the light shines into the darkness.
It was dark:
We didn't fully understand who God is and what He is like.
We didn't know how to find our way to Him.
We couldn't make ourselves holy enough to be with Him
Because we couldn't find Him, we also couldn't find each other.
Our world was far from God and we are far from each other.
But the light has come!
It shines into the darkness and the darkness has no answer!
John has a bit of fun with the Greek word for "understood"... The word can mean "understood" or "overcome" and in both senses the statement is true. The darkness couldn't understand the light and those who hide from it will never understand. The darkness also could not overcome the light, even when it crucified the light.
The best thing to do with the light is do what yesterday's passage urged us to do: Arise! Shine! Your LIGHT has come!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John1:1-5
Jesus is portrayed as the Word of God (the way God communicates Himself to us) and as the Light of humankind (the way God shows Himself to us).
Jesus is the light of life.
His coming into our world was the candle in the dark room
- it was the lighthouse light on a stormy night
- it was the star by which we could find our way
- it was the light at the end of the tunnel
And the light shines into the darkness.
It was dark:
We didn't fully understand who God is and what He is like.
We didn't know how to find our way to Him.
We couldn't make ourselves holy enough to be with Him
Because we couldn't find Him, we also couldn't find each other.
Our world was far from God and we are far from each other.
But the light has come!
It shines into the darkness and the darkness has no answer!
John has a bit of fun with the Greek word for "understood"... The word can mean "understood" or "overcome" and in both senses the statement is true. The darkness couldn't understand the light and those who hide from it will never understand. The darkness also could not overcome the light, even when it crucified the light.
The best thing to do with the light is do what yesterday's passage urged us to do: Arise! Shine! Your LIGHT has come!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
EMMDEV 2014-05-20 [Light] Arise! Shine!
After a long break (I apologise!) the eDevs are back and we're picking up the theme of the light of creation and salvation that we were busy with before Lent...
---------------------------------
"Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the arm.
5 Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come. Isaiah60:1-5
Isaiah's prophecy here in ch.61 echoes the wonderful hope he first announced in ch.9.
ISA 9:2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned...
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
God's salvation is light in our darkness.
The darkness of death and sin was over us.
But God sent His Son and He is risen from the dead!
The dawn of Easter Sunday morning is the light that has shone on us.
The glorious resurrection of Jesus is the message that offers hope to the nations, brings back, restores and saves our sons and daughters and makes our hearts radiant.
When last did thinking about the Good News of Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension and impending return make your heart throb and swell with joy???
Stop and think long enough for your heart to beat faster and for that smile to hit your dial.
ARISE!!!
SHINE!!!
Christ, our LIGHT has come!!!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
---------------------------------
"Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the arm.
5 Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come. Isaiah60:1-5
Isaiah's prophecy here in ch.61 echoes the wonderful hope he first announced in ch.9.
ISA 9:2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned...
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
God's salvation is light in our darkness.
The darkness of death and sin was over us.
But God sent His Son and He is risen from the dead!
The dawn of Easter Sunday morning is the light that has shone on us.
The glorious resurrection of Jesus is the message that offers hope to the nations, brings back, restores and saves our sons and daughters and makes our hearts radiant.
When last did thinking about the Good News of Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension and impending return make your heart throb and swell with joy???
Stop and think long enough for your heart to beat faster and for that smile to hit your dial.
ARISE!!!
SHINE!!!
Christ, our LIGHT has come!!!
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
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