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The “These”

July 25, 2011 by Fritz

Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught.” … After breakfast, Jesus said “… do you love me more than these?” – John 21:10-13 (Message Bible)

After the whole ordeal — three years of discipleship, the crucifixion, the resurrection, the emotional highs and lows — the disciples decide to go back to their normal lives.

Then Jesus appears and asks an important question — not just, “Do you love me?”, but “Do you love me more than these?” What are the “These”? The fish, the food, the fellowship, life as we want it to be.

Fishing was all many of the disciples ever knew before Christ. It was their trade, their hobby, their comfort zone.

Jesus wanted them to love him more than these — it’s the same call to us, the same question, “(insert your name here) do you love him more than these?

How would he know?

— fritz@langgang.com

Posted in Bible Characters, Loving Christ | Tagged | Leave a Comment »

Jesus Still Visits

July 24, 2011 by Fritz

Jesus appeared again to the disciples … but they didn’t recognize him … He said, “Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.” They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish … [John] said to Peter, “It’s the Master!” Jesus said, “Breakfast is ready.” Not one of the disciples dared ask, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Master. – John 21:6-12 (Message Bible)

A strange little story here in the Gospel.

Jesus has resurrected and the disciples just go back to their normal lives of fishing, but with no success. On the shore a man shows up no one recognizes but when he tells them where to catch fish they knew this was no ordinary man — it was Jesus.

Though they could not recognize Christ by sight they did by his acts — and it is similar today. Jesus continues to show up! We go through our routines when suddenly we recognize God’s grace and provision.

You can tell it’s Jesus, it brings peace to a storm, supply to great need, true wholeness to great loss.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for showing up in unexpected ways in my life. You always meet my needs when I obey you! Amen.

— fritz@langgang.com

Posted in Christ, Explanations, Recognizing Christ | Tagged | Leave a Comment »

What’s That Smell?

July 23, 2011 by Fritz

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:17-19

Philippians was actually a thank you letter from the apostle Paul to a Church for their financial aid.

He said their gift was a “sweet smelling sacrifice”. Not just a complement, this referenced a specific kind of sacrifice. You can read about it in Leviticus chapters 1 and 2.

Most sacrifices were mandatory but the “sweet savour” sacrifice was different — it was completely voluntary. A small part was burned for the smell and the rest given to a priest. Giving from a heart of gratitude gets God’s attention, like the smell of breakfast in the morning — bacon frying and coffee brewing — does to us. It warms his heart.

Priests, in the Old Testament, are symbolical for followers of Christ (Rev 1:6).

The Bible tells us that as we voluntarily give to Christ’s followers — fellow christians — God is pleased and returns a blessing.

— fritz@langgang.com
Related Post: Getting More – July 13, 2011

Posted in Giving, Sacrifice | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

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