June 3, 2018
Scripture:
Hymn 248 - O happy day, that fixed my choice
Prayer
Last time we looked at a list of four small animals and what each one could teach us. Today, we’ll look at another list.
Proverbs 30: 29-31. Here we have a lion, a greyhound, a goat, and a king. We can learn a character lesson from each one to apply in our own lives.
Lions are known as the king of beasts. They are strong, bold, and courageous. David, in the Old Testament, is also a good example of courage. 1 Samuel 17:44-46. He knew that God was with him, and would help him. We are told that we can do, “All things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Though we are weak, we can look to the Lord to help us, and take courage. When we face the temptation to lie or steal, the Lord can give us the strength to do right.
The Greyhound is next. This isn’t the dog that we have today, but it was a similar, fast, animal. When greyhounds race, they chase a fake rabbit around a track. They focus on that rabbit, and don’t give up until they catch it. If they got distracted from following the rabbit, they wouldn’t win the race. In Philippians 4:13, Paul likens the Christian life to a race, and says that he was pressing toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We must keep our focus on the Lord, and not get distracted by the world.
Thirdly, we have the Goat. Mountain goats are incredibly good climbers. They can get out of the dark valleys, and enjoy the mountain tops. As Christians, God wants us to be heavenly-minded. Colossians 3:1-2. The sinful things of Earth that make us sad won’t be in Heaven (things like sickness, allergies, or death). Best of all, Jesus will be there, and we will be able to praise and enjoy Him without hindrance.
Finally, we have the King. He is an over-comer; one who can conquer his enemies or difficult situations. We can over come through the strength of the Lord. King Jehoshaphat once had lots of enemies come against him, and he didn’t know what to do. He looked to the Lord, though, and God gave him victory. Romans 8:35. The Lord can help us conquer the temptation to be angry or lie. We must trust Him for help in these situations, so that we can remain faithful to Him. May we all be lions, greyhounds, goats, and kings; put these lessons in our hearts, and be faithful to the Lord.
John 1:40-51
In the first part of today’s passage we have a picture of the gathering of the assembly, and the second is a picture of the gathering of the remnant of Israel.
Those two disciples spent the whole day with Jesus and probably learned about a lot. They were very refreshed, and Peter was enlisted. The Lord told Philip to follow Him, and then Philip went and recruited Nathaniel. He used the same words as Jesus to get him to come - “Come and see”. Those who came and saw were deeply affected.
Philip imitated Jesus. That is just what we should do. Andrew was the one who brought in Simon which was very typical of him. He was always bring things and people to Jesus.
We find out that the Lord knew about all of them before this time. Nathaniel was surprised by this. He wondered how Jesus knew him, but we know that Jesus has full knowledge. It is a significant act when the Lord changes a person’s name. He claims them, and takes authority of their life.
Jesus found Philip and told him, “Follow me”. It’s the same command to all of us. We’re to follow the Lord. Philip became a disciple. Simon was brought to the Lord. Philip tells Nathaniel by speaking about the prophesies in the Old Testament giving it quite a Jewish flavor.
Nazareth was not a high place with a name to it. But is where Jesus grew up and did carpentry. Rabbi and Son of God are titles with characteristics that bring out the glory of the Lord.
“Greater things then these” is still going to happen. Once the church has left God’s time line will fall in place. The Lord is brought before us in many different ways in this chapter. We learned of a beginning that doesn’t have a beginning. We saw the way He is viewed as the Song of God, and even thought He was on earth He was always in the Father’s bosom. We saw the picture of Him calling His own around Him and then gathering Israel and glimpsing the Kingdom.
The disciples dwelt with and abode with Jesus. They followed the path Jesus lead. John 12:26
Hymn 290 - Praise the Saviour, ye who know Him!
Prayer