Apicontent

Today’s Reading: John 13:21-30

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table close to Jesus, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking.”

* * * * *

Jesus and his disciples were celebrating the last supper. It was a sacred moment. The next day, Jesus would face the cross.

During the meal, he announced that one of them would betray him.

They were eating in a circle, reclining on their elbows around a table. Each person to the right of another had his head at the breast of the person to his left. This made it easy for an intimate conversation to occur between two people without others hearing it.

After Jesus announced he would be betrayed, Simon Peter motioned to the disciple next to Jesus—the one whose head was on the Lord’s breast, to ask who would betray him.

Throughout the Gospel of John, this disciple is called the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” He surely was. He was John, one of the sons of Zebedee, whom Jesus chose along with John’s brother James. Together with Simon Peter, John was a member of Jesus’ inner circle. His heart was devoted solely to the Lord. He desired, above all else, to do Jesus’ will.

Would this describe you? Would Jesus call you a disciple whom he dearly loved?

That is his heart’s desire. If you passionately love Jesus, it’s most likely because you have discovered how much he first loved you. You love him in response to knowing how much he loves you and his willingness to give up his life for you.

Have you ever wondered why John always referred to himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” instead of using his actual name? Many believe it was because of his humility. He didn’t desire his name to be closely attached to Jesus. He felt his readers would see it as self-promotional and prideful.

John wanted all attention and applause to be given to Jesus. He didn’t want any glory for himself. He realized God crowns the humble with victory. He believed that humility precedes honor. He understood that the humility of a child is the way someone enters the kingdom of God. He knew that all glory belonged solely to the Lord.

Jesus loved John’s unabashed love and humility.

Does your life emulate John’s? Do you love Jesus as he did? Do you seek after humility? Do you know that everything you have in life comes from the Lord? Do you realize that true love for Jesus recognizes that before you ever loved him, he first loved you? Have you pondered recently the reality that he gave his life as an atoning sacrifice for your sin?

Love and humility are two major benchmarks that prove you belong to Jesus.

Pursue them both today—and all days.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 13:31-35

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

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

* * * * *

The cross was looming on the horizon. In just a few hours, Jesus would give his life for the salvation of the world.

Before going to the cross, the Lord wanted to give his disciples a profound teaching. It was a new commandment: As he had loved them, he now wanted them to love one another.

At first glance, this may not seem like a new commandment. Moses had told the Jews to love God with all their heart and their neighbors as themselves (Leviticus 19:18).

But Jesus’ love was deeper and more powerful than Moses’ words. “Just as I have loved you,” he said. It would be evidenced by his death on a cross. It was an unconditional and self-sacrificial love. His would be a death that invited love for enemies and prayers for persecutors.

Jesus wanted his disciples to emulate the love displayed on the cross and show it to other people. When rightly done, this love would be a strong evangelistic tool. The world will know that you are one of Jesus’ disciples by the way you love fellow believers.

The world knows little of this kind of love. Friends are willing to die for friends, but not enemies. People are willing to die for their country, but not for their persecutors.

The world’s love is rooted in performance. It’s often quid pro quo. What you do for me, I will do for you. You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours. If you perform well, you receive plaudits and a raise. If not, you are on your own.

That’s antithetical to God’s kind of love. His love is unconditional and sacrificial. It’s not rooted in merit. It lays down its life for friends and enemies alike. While you were still wallowing in your sin and headed toward eternal doom, Jesus came and died for you. He left the grandeur of heaven to enter the garbage of this world. He died a shameful, hideous death because of his love for you.

Jesus’ followers are called to love one another the way he loves them. This ability to love others comes from God himself. Anyone who loves proves he’s a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. Anyone who loves other followers of Jesus is living in the light and not causing others to stumble.

When Jesus’ love is lived out rightly in his church, spiritual seekers will be drawn to him. They will desire to know this Savior whose love is not based on the exhausting demands of performance. They will want to be part of a group of people who love as he has loved them.

Everything else in this world will one day fade away. Three things never will: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.

How he loves you!

Now love one another—even your enemies—the way he has loved you.

When you do, the world will know you truly belong to him.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 12:20-26

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls in to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.’”

* * * * *

Some Greeks wanted to meet Jesus. He wanted to meet them as well. His gospel is for everyone in the world—Jew and Gentile alike.

Philip brought the Greeks to Andrew. Andrew took them to Jesus. Andrew had a heart for bringing people to the Lord—for example, he had brought his brother, Peter. Now he was bringing Greeks. Oh, that we would all have Andrew’s heart to introduce people to Jesus!

The Lord taught the Greeks something of extraordinary importance. He told them the hour had come for the Son of Man to be glorified. He knew that within a few days he’d be lifted up on the cross. His hour of humiliation and glory was near.

The term glorified means “weighted.” It speaks of something being heavier or greater than something else—like iron being heavier than water. The glorified Jesus is greater than anything else in the universe. His cross and resurrection prove it.

When Jesus said a grain of wheat cannot bear much fruit until it falls into the ground and dies, he was speaking of his death on the cross. Only through his death could he grant new resurrection life for millions around the world.

He was speaking of your life as well. He was talking about the blessedness of brokenness. Only the poor in spirit understand his kingdom. Only those who weep will be comforted by the Holy Spirit, who indwells the hearts of all those who believe in him.

The only people who receive his resurrection hope are those who are broken. His resurrection life is only for those who have died to self and been crucified with him.

Have you died to self and been crucified with him? Have you experienced the blessedness of brokenness? Have life’s distorted and bankrupt promises finally driven you to him?

If so, you should be glad. The kingdom of heaven can now enter your heart. The Holy Spirit who indwells you can comfort you. You now know that God loves the humble and stands against the proud. Humility precedes honor. The humble will see God work in powerful ways and be glad. They will inherit the earth.

The pain that you went through was the very instrument the Father in heaven used to draw you to him. It was necessary to break you of self-love.

Now Jesus can use you. Now he can bear much fruit through you.

It begins with being broken.

Rejoice in your pain, sorrow, and brokenness.

There’s purpose in it.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 12:27-36

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

* * * * *

Jesus would soon go to the cross to die for the sins of the world. His Father’s judgment on this world would soon come. All sins would be condemned forever.

But the Father had a plan. Instead of his wrath falling upon you, it fell upon his Son. Jesus became the penal substitute for your sins. Judgment fell upon him instead of you. He took the punishment he didn’t deserve so he could give you the forgiveness you didn’t deserve.

All this was done because of the Father’s great love for you.

At the same time, when Jesus died, the ruler of this world, Satan, was cast out. He was forever defeated. The foul enemy of the Father and your soul was overcome. When you believe in Jesus, the devil has no more authority over you.

When Jesus was lifted up on the cross, he drew all people to himself. This doesn’t mean everyone in the entire human race. Obviously, many people choose to reject his claims. They want only refuse to follow him.

This term “all people” means “all kinds of people”—that is, all kinds of people from all around the globe. Christ’s kingdom will have Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, young and old, male and female, and all skin colors.

This broad range of people and ethnicities will comprise his church. They will love, encourage, serve, and pray for one another. Together, they will serve this hurting world until he comes again.

Jesus is the one who draws you. As you survey his wondrous cross, don’t you sense his love drawing you? It’s his amazing grace wooing you to come and follow him.

When you chose to follow Jesus, realize he was already drawing you. With every situation and circumstance, in every relationship, in every moment of your life, he has been drawing you. He does this so he can crown you with his tender mercies.

Jesus knew you by name when you were in your mother’s womb. He knew your name even before the foundations of this world were ever laid. Though human parents may have dementia and forget your name, he never will. It’s written indelibly in his mind.

He wanted you in his kingdom. His cross proves it. What more could he give?

Respond today to his great love. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him⁵.

It’s something that demands your soul and your life—indeed, your all!

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 12:37-43

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”

* * * * *

Sometimes people miss the fact even many authorities came to believe in Jesus. This included influential members of the Sanhedrin, like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.

Yet a major problem persisted. Though these authorities decided to put their faith in Jesus, their fear of the Pharisees remained strong. They were afraid to follow the Lord publicly for fear of being ostracized from their synagogues. They knew they would face rejection. Not to be able to have community with other Jews was a great fear.

The human heart is complex. People want to follow Jesus, but they fear public rejection. They want to follow him, but they also want the praises of people.

It’s impossible to have both. Some people in your sphere of influence will not like you if you choose to follow Jesus. They will label you a narrow-minded, bigoted obscurantist. They will call you intolerant. They will hate you because you love Jesus. If you follow him, you must be willing to give up the praises of people.

If you do make your faith in Jesus public, your reward in heaven will be great. If you honor him before people, he will do the same with you before the Father.

Your public recognition of Jesus here on earth will bring you rejection from some. But from an eternal perspective, it will be worthwhile. When you hear his public commendation of your witness before the Father, all the angels and saints in heaven will break out in uproarious applause.

That one moment will soothe all your hurts from people’s rejection.

Don’t be ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of the Father in heaven to change hearts—first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles. There is no such thing as a secret-service Christian. You should never want to remain quiet about all you’ve seen the Lord do and all he has done for you.

You are called to be his witness. You begin locally, then reach out globally.

Ask yourself this question often: If you were put on trial for being Jesus’ witness, would the evidence be enough to convict you?

Don’t fear what others can do to you. Yes, they are able to kill your body. But that’s all. If you fear anything, fear God, who has the power and authority to cast both body and soul in hell. He will protect you from those who desire to do you harm.

His opinion is the only one that should concern you.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 12:44-50

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”

* * * * *

It is important that you learn to distinguish the reasons for Jesus’ first and second comings.

The first was his incarnation. He willingly and joyfully obeyed the Father, who sent him into the world to die for the forgiveness of your sins.

That was Jesus’ sole reason for coming the first time. He did not come to judge or condemn the world. He came to seek and save the lost—to forgive people of their sins and give them eternal life.

But he will come a second time. When he returns, he will condemn and judge this fallen world. He will eliminate all wickedness and bring perfect justice. He will right all wrongs. No one will get away with sin.

Jesus will judge everyone. The one who has rejected him will not enter into heaven. In fact, the words Jesus spoke will judge him. He will know what Jesus said, and will be held responsible for his response.

If you have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, your judgment has already taken place. The moment you accepted his forgiveness, you were pronounced, “Not guilty.”

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. If you ever hear a voice accusing you of wrong, it’s not the Lord’s voice.

How can you know this is true? Because when you accepted Jesus, he accepted your condemnation. On the cross, he took the rejection you deserved and gave you the Father’s acceptance that you didn’t deserve.

It’s all a free gift given to you through his grace and mercy. It can’t be earned. There is nothing you can do to deserve it.

You are given eternal life. When you live to please the Spirit, you will harvest everlasting life from him. When you die and leave this earth, you have an eternal body made for you by the Father himself and not by human hands.

Live today in that eternal reality. Bask in the gracious glow of God’s grace. The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. Your sins are forever blotted out, and he will remember them no more.

Yes, you are forgiven. Your judgment has already happened. It’s a gift from the Lord because of his great love for you.

You are loved in the Beloved—and the Beloved is Jesus.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 12:12-19

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.”

* * * * *

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, crowds shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” He was riding on a donkey— the fulfillment of a prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. Palm branches were waved at him and placed in his path—a reception traditionally reserved for Roman conquerors. The people thought Jesus was a military presence who would soon vanquish all oppression.

The disciples did not understand what all this meant until after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Not until they had put together all the pieces of the puzzle did they finally realize the significance of this moment. Looking back, they came to realize that Christ’s kingdom was not military in nature, but spiritual. They understood that his message was that of a shepherd-king conquering human hearts. It would be a conquest of internal choice, not external force.

The crowd had gathered because Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. Wanting a glimpse of the one who had done this miracle, they lined the road into Jerusalem. Like the disciples, many of them would not understand Jesus’ mission and how he would accomplish it until after his death and resurrection.

Frequently, spiritual truth is seen in hindsight. Sometimes you won’t understand what God is doing in your life. You’ll be confused and tempted to become bitter. The nasty head of unbelief will rear itself as you cry out angrily to God, “Why? What are you doing?”

It is in such times that you need to continue to trust him. Believe he is at work—especially when you can’t see it. Many people of great faith have learned that often God is on a multiyear plan.

What does that mean? Wait a few years. Commit to trusting him as you wait. Then look back at your life and see what he was doing. You’ll see pieces of his plan falling into place. You’ll begin to comprehend how he was turning your mess into a message. You’ll see his tests were meant for a stronger testimony. You’ll understand that a dark valley’s purpose was to give you a grander vision.

The Lord knows that today’s difficulties seem hard. He understands your path is not easy. He recognizes that living in the fog of the unknown can be challenging—sometimes seemingly impossible.

Continue to trust him. Commit yourself to waiting. He hears your cries. He is a faithful God. He will not delay forever. Endure patiently. God has not forgotten you. He rescues the godly. He is your fortress in times of trouble. Trust him in your pain.

Today, you look into a mirror dimly. Later, you will see more clearly.

And in heaven, you will see him face to face and understand everything with perfect clarity.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 12:9-11

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away believing in Jesus.”

* * * * *

Jesus returned to Bethany to visit with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. A large crowd assembled at their house. They wanted a glimpse of both Lazarus and Jesus. Lazarus had become a local celebrity, the person whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

People love to worship human celebrities. They are prone to exalt creatures over the Creator.

Contrarily, the religious leaders were repulsed by Lazarus’s resurrection. Their power base was being threatened because the masses were choosing to follow Jesus. Therefore, they decided to get rid of the evidence of the miracle and made plans to kill Lazarus.

Some people will do whatever is necessary to deny obvious truth. Even though a living, breathing Lazarus was before them, offering undeniable proof of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, they refused to believe in him. They would rather destroy Lazarus’s life than change their lives and follow Jesus.

Sin is never rational. Though creation cries out that the Father exists, people still refuse to believe. Though Jesus’ abundant miracles pointed clearly to his identity as the Son of God, people refused to believe.

Never underestimate the power of sin to delude your ability to think correctly. You can convince yourself of anything if you want something badly enough. Be very careful. This is a dangerous state in which to be.

The power of sin yearns for control and self-aggrandizement. It always desires to worship the creature rather than the Creator. This leads to irrational thinking that motivates godless behavior.

When Jesus changes a life, the first thing he changes is the mind. That’s what he did with you. He altered the way you think. You have been transformed by the renewal of your mind. As you think in your heart, so you are. Your behavior, feelings, and actions follow your thought life. Belief influences behavior.

When you learn to think as he thinks, you will live as he lived.

Whatever is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise—think on these things. Flood your mind with positive, grace-filled thoughts. Set it on things that are above in heaven.

When you do, you’ll find your behavior will change.

That’s because you are what you think.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 11:32-37

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’”

* * * * *

When Jesus saw Mary and all the others weeping, he asked the question, “Where have you laid him?” He was then led to Lazarus’s tomb.

And he wept. Many have noted that John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible. It is. But that’s not the reason it’s especially noteworthy.

The fact that Jesus wept is important because it shows his followers how to handle grief.

He wept because of what death had done to his Father’s once-perfect creation. He wept because of what death had done to his dear friend Lazarus. Death and destruction were never a part of the Father’s original intent. They are evil intrusions into what was once perfect.

Please note Jesus’ example of how to handle grief—especially when you lose a loved one. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 that Christians should always grieve with hope. Grief is good. It’s the Father’s way of reminding you that there is much more after this life. Grief reminds you that eternity is your home and it is there that you will see your loved ones again. Only in heaven will all grief cease.

God wants you to grieve over your loss. It’s human and natural. Someone once spelled grief L-O-S-S. As you go through life, you will begin to lose things and people you love. You will eventually leave everything in this world. And the more heartfelt the loss, the greater the grief is.

That’s why tears are the Father’s gift to you. They are his natural way to salve your soul. They cleanse the wounds in your heart. You need to grieve over your loss.

But don’t stop there. Yes, grieve. But grieve with hope. One day, in eternity, you will be reunited with your loved one who trusted in Jesus. There is a better place awaiting you.

Jesus’ followers grieve with hope. Those who don’t believe in him can’t grieve this way. Yes, you grieve—as all humans do with loss. But you grieve with an eternal hope. If your loved ones believed in him, you will see them again. Heaven is your home.

Jesus wept with grief when he experienced loss. He knew that tears are a gift from the Father to help salve raw emotions.

So should you. It’s a gift to help your hurting heart.

But always remember to grieve with hope. It is hope that gives you the courage to face anything. And it is hope that reminds you that your grief is momentary in comparison to what awaits you in heaven.

For those who follow Jesus, death is merely an entrance into eternal life. It’s not the end, but the beginning. Death has lost its sting.

It has no victory over those who believe in Jesus.

Jesus has won!

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 11:38-44

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out.’ The man who had died came out.”

* * * * *

Martha objected when Jesus gave the command to move the large stone in front of the tomb. Lazarus had been dead for four days. She was afraid the foul odor from his decomposed body would be overwhelming. Jesus reminded her that if she simply believed, she would see the glory of God.

Note how the Lord prayed before he raised Lazarus. And let his example aid your prayer life and increase its power.

First, Jesus lifted his eyes to heaven. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong to bow your head and close your eyes. But when you lift your eyes to heaven as you pray, you are reminded of the Father sitting on his sovereign throne. He alone has the ability to answer your request.

Second, Jesus thanked the Father. There’s enormous power in thanksgiving. Begin your prayers with thanksgiving. It shows your humility and dependence upon God. You are also reminded of the times God has come through for you in the past.

Third, the Father heard Jesus’ pleas for Lazarus’s resurrection. Believe that the Father hears your prayers too. He hears your pleas as well.

Jesus cried aloud, “Lazarus, come out.” The imagery suggested here is that of a horse snorting and neighing on its hind legs as it approaches battle. Jesus was entering a battle against the powers and forces of darkness as he called for Lazarus to rise.

He didn’t need to speak many words. In ages past, the omnipotent Father spoke, and creation sprang forth from nothing. Here, Jesus spoke three words, and Lazarus’s dead body returned to life.

At the time of your salvation, Jesus did this same miracle for you. He spoke to your dead, lifeless heart and called out your name to give you new life. You were dead in your sins and trespasses, and he made you alive. Originally you were born of the flesh, and now you are born again of the Spirit.

There was no good work you could have performed to receive this new life. Dead hearts can’t do anything to earn God’s grace. It’s a gift to you—received only through faith. That way, you can never boast, and the Father alone receives all the glory.

If Jesus spoke to your dead heart and made it alive, he can meet your needs today. Though your strength may fail, God will sustain you. He is able to give you whatever you may need. He possesses all power. He loves to make all things new.

He loves to create something from nothing.

Just give all your burdens to him. Stand on his promises. Trust his words.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]