Lord of all
by Jim Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’ (Romans 10:12,13).
Read Romans 10:11–17
Consider how major this was for the writer to the Romans to say. No difference, in a society where there was every difference. Some were called, chosen, and some not. Some were recipients of God’s covenant, some not. For a Jew and a Gentile to share food was a no-no. Don’t even let the shadow of a Gentile pass over you if you are a Jew, lest you be contaminated. Gentiles were excluded from the temple. Assisting an injured or dying Gentile was a mistake because it just added to the possibility of Gentiles surviving. No difference? You must be joking. Just consider what the Early Church had to deal with as it came to terms with a statement like this.
Over time, Christians have had to work through similar issues. What do we do about slavery? How do we deal with attitudes that separate people because of the colour of their skin? How do we view people whom we almost consider to be of another faith, even though they consider themselves Christians? What role do women have in the life of the church?
What do these words say? First of all, ‘the same Lord is Lord of all’. Of all. Not just those who meet the criteria. All – whether they recognise it or not. Jesus came to draw all to himself. To show them the way to the Father. He crosses boundaries and is scorned and rejected because of it. He frequently goes into Gentile territory; he eats and drinks with ‘sinners’; he elevates women to a status previously denied them. He is Lord of all.
Secondly, he ‘richly blesses all who call on him, for ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’. I often say that when we get to heaven, there will be a lot of surprises. And, of course, the biggest surprise is that we’re there! We don’t need to make calling on the name of the Lord more complicated than it is. The thief on the cross called on the name of the Lord. The father, who said he believed but needed help with his unbelief, called on the name of the Lord. Many who brought their sick to Jesus only asked for help – that’s all. They called on the name of the Lord, and they received healing. God blesses all who call on him.
This is such a different approach to the status quo of the time. Perhaps our starting point when we try to come to terms with issues of our time is just this: there is no difference; Jesus is Lord of all. I wonder what impact that might have.
Lord of all, thank you for crossing all the boundaries. That ‘crossing’ also means I am a recipient of your blessing. As you are gracious, please help me to be the same. In your name, Amen.
Jim lives on Brisbane’s northside with his wife, Ruth. He enjoys reading and listening to music, is a proud Brisbane Lions member and loves his children and grandchildren. Jim is passionate about the gospel and the freedom it brings.
Knowing God
by Jim Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
If you knew me, you would know my Father also (John 8:19b).
Read John 8:12–20
How do you know God? How do you know God’s nature, what he is like? The Old Testament testimony to the nature of God tells us that he is Creator, that he is powerful, that he wants a relationship with his people, that he is ‘slow to anger, abounding in love’ (Psalm 103:8b), that he is a deliverer, a rock and fortress, that he has our names carved on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:16a) and many other wonderful attributes. But it also shows God as righteous, a punisher, almost a warring God who demands allegiance, a God who is sometimes more hidden than revealed. So, how do we know God? How do we know what he is like?
The best way to know God is to know Jesus. Jesus says that if you know him, then you know the Father. Jesus shows us the Father’s heart. If the God of the Old Testament is sometimes a bit puzzling for you, then look at Jesus. In John 14:9,10, when Philip asks Jesus to show his followers the Father, Jesus says: ‘Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?’
So, what do we learn about God by looking at Jesus? He wants to be a part of our lives, so much so that he comes as a baby born in ordinary circumstances. He is willing to suffer scorn because of the kind of company he keeps, because he wants ‘sinners’ to come to him. His will is for healing and restoration rather than sickness and brokenness. He is prepared to suffer, be put on trial and experience the shame of the cross for us. The presence of Jesus is all around us in the Spirit whom the Father sends in Jesus’ name. We don’t need to be anxious about our dying because Jesus has prepared a place for us in his Father’s mansion and waits for us to come home.
The devotion from a few days ago says the same thing, and we can’t hear it enough. Look to Jesus. See how he is and who he is. And you will know God.
Thank you, God, for showing yourself in the person of Jesus. I see him, and I see you. Thank you. Amen.
Jim lives on Brisbane’s northside with his wife, Ruth. He enjoys reading and listening to music, is a proud Brisbane Lions member and loves his children and grandchildren. Jim is passionate about the gospel and the freedom it brings.
One Lord
by Jim Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name (Zechariah 14:9b).
Read Zechariah 14:6–11
This is a difficult passage. And it’s the kind of passage that some Christians use to justify every action of Israel in the current Middle East tragedy. Texts like this confirm their belief that Jerusalem will stand whatever is thrown against it. It must stand. And everyone will acknowledge God as the one and only ruler of all. The ‘day of the Lord’ will come, so Israel and her actions must be justified at all costs!
We are still in the post-Christmas period when we celebrate the birth of the Saviour, God’s chosen one, who came into the world to draw all people to God. His birth is a ‘day of the Lord’. As Jesus began his ministry – and throughout his ministry – he was rejected by many and welcomed by many. Some wanted him to be king, but Jesus rejected their notion of kingship. Instead, ‘he became obedient to death – even death on a cross’ (Philippians 2:8b). And then God raised him and gave him a seat of honour and gave him ‘a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow’ (Philippians 2:9,10).
Jerusalem was considered the ‘holy city’ – holy because it was where the temple was, and the temple is the dwelling place of God. But Jesus reminds us that a building made of stones can crumble – in fact, it did. But God dwells not in the confinement of a building, but with his people, wherever they are. In various places, Jesus refers to himself as the temple of God. Where Jesus is, there is his calling to come, to follow, and his promise is to be with us always.
The ‘day of the Lord’ is God’s day. He’s in charge. Whatever that means, whenever it refers to, the issue for you and me is this: Is there one Lord for you? Is there one name above all other names? And are others welcome to know that one Lord, one name?
Dear Jesus, help me to hold fast to the things I know and not be misled by what I don’t. I acknowledge you as Lord of all and my Lord. Amen.
Jim lives on Brisbane’s northside with his wife, Ruth. He enjoys reading and listening to music, is a proud Brisbane Lions member and loves his children and grandchildren. Jim is passionate about the gospel and the freedom it brings.
Absence of Darkness Epiphany (6th January) Read: Revelation 22:1-6 “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:5 (NIV)
Every picture I have ever seen of angels shows them shining brightly, lighting a dark place. In the Bible God uses them as His messengers telling the news from Him to people on earth. They can’t be seen by people unless God chooses to reveal them (Numbers 22:31, 2 Kings 6:17, Luke 2:13). However, there are times when angels take on a bodily form and appear to people. In the story of Jesus’ birth, we have many angels appearing to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds. And there are many other times throughout the Old and the New Testaments where God reveals His plan for us humans.
With the angels come the radiance of God. The light of God. This light emanates from His glory. In Revelation 22, the last chapter of the Bible, we are given another perspective of heaven. There will be no night, which means no darkness. Darkness has always been associated with evil and death – when Jesus died “…darkness covered the whole land” (Luke 23:44) and God also says that “He will bring to light what is hidden in the darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.” (1 Corinthians 4:5b) A human trait is to hide things whether physically or spiritually or emotionally and keep others in the dark. When Jesus comes back there will be nothing hidden and everything will be brought into God’s glorious light where all will be exposed and forgiven for those who repent. I am not sure what a world without any darkness, physically and spiritually will be like. I doubt we will even need dark glasses to block out the brightness.
We will want to be in His glory and live in His presence for eternity. As you enter this new year do not be frightened of when Jesus will return, rather be excited for all darkness to be overcome by God’s glory. There are so many still living in darkness so while there is time, work for God and bring more to His marvelous light. Shine out God’s glory for all to see!
Prayer: Most Holy God, angels shine out your glory and tell of your plans. Thank you for shining your light into my heart and life. Help me to live in this glory and tell others of your love. Amen
Eternal Light 5th January Read: Revelation 21:22-26 “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” Revelation 21:23 (NIV)
Last year, my husband and I travelled around Europe for 8 weeks driving about 7,000km. We stopped a couple nights in Helsingør, Denmark. Kronborg Castle was built in Helsingør and situated on the most northeastern tip, and you can see Sweden from it. Kronborg Castle was made famous in William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet where it was referred to as Elsinore. This castle dates back to the 1420s where it was built by King Eric VII. What made this an incredible castle to walk through wasn’t the beautiful rooms and the unrestored tower that you could climb, but the incredible casemates (the tunnels and chambers in the walls/ramparts which housed prisoners and soldiers for many centuries).
Down in the tunnels is a statue of Ogier the Dane who sleeps there until he is needed to protect Denmark. We wandered through these tunnels lit only by oil lamps and arrows guided our way. The darkness was so intense at times, and you could picture prisoners and soldiers living only in the darkness. Compare this to the vision of John in Revelation 21:23. This is the New Jerusalem, which never has darkness and doesn’t need any lamps to light the way to guide through darkness because God’s glory is so bright. All the nations will be guided by this light and there is no need for castles, ramparts, casemates or places to hide or attack any enemies, for there will be no enemies. All nations will live in peace and light. What a glorious place to be.
God has prepared this place for us; a place of peace and joy where we will only experience the love of a loving God who shines His glory and presence over everything. There is no need for gates, for all have constant access, security and safety. John had this vision of heaven given by God – no darkness, no pain, no sorrow, no suffering, no war! Until we get into this eternal light and love, let us shine out our lives into a world that needs God’s light. Heaven will be something we can never imagine – it will be incredible!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving John the vision of an amazing place f illed only with your light that I can look forward to. You are the source of everything good. Amen
It’s All About Light 4th January Read: 1 John 1:5-9 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 (NIV)
Night and darkness can be terrifying. How many of you either had a nightlight when you were young or put one on for your children/grandchildren? There is something about not being able to see that makes our imaginations go wild. I remember as a child lying in bed paralysed by fear from a noise and picturing all sorts of monsters in my room. Disney Pixar made a movie about this, and it was released in 2001 – ‘Monsters, Inc’. ‘Monsters Incorporated is the largest scare factory in the monster world, and James P. Sullivan is one of its top scarers.
Sullivan is a huge, intimidating monster with blue fur, large purple spots and horns. His scare assistant, best friend and roommate is Mike Wazowski, a green, opinionated, feisty little one-eyed monster. Visiting from the human world is Boo, a tiny girl who goes where no human has ever gone before. The city’s power supply is provided by Monsters, Inc., a utility company that employs monsters to scare children and extract energy from their screams. This is considered a dangerous task since the monsters believe children to be toxic and touching them would be fatal.’ [review by rottentomatoes.com] At the end of the movie the monsters work out that instead of scaring kids, the monsters now make them laugh which gives off much more energy than screams, saving the city, Monstropolis.
What they thought brought power (fear) is replaced by something even greater (joy). Being in the light of Jesus brings joy. In the beginning, God gave us both the light of day and the darkness of night – they both have a purpose for living.
But even though darkness can be scary, there is no reason to fear it, for the Creator of the world, God, is also there. “…even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139:12 NIV) Walk in the light of God and live in His joy. Joy in the Lord brings power in a darkened world. It’s all about living in the light of Jesus!
Prayer: Lord God, let me live in your light-filled world surrounded by your love and grace. Take away my fear of the dark places, for you are also there with me guiding me through to your light. Amen
Transformational 3rd January Read: 1 Peter 2:9-10 “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.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
I recently went to a four-year-old’s birthday party. There was food galore, balloons, piñata, games, lots of children and parents and of course presents. The presents varied from slime, Lego, toys and games, but the favourite of this little four-year-old was a plane that transformed into a robot. He could run around with the plane, but then he could make it come alive and walk as a robot. You may have seen these toys, they are known as ‘Transformers’ and are some sort of normal car, truck, plane that turns into a robot with other powers. Children seem to like the idea of something changing into something else.
I like the idea of being transformed by God. In 1 Peter, above we are given a small glimpse as to how God has transformed us. In our baptisms, God washed us clean from all our wrongdoing and even though we are human and keep doing wrong, we can keep coming back to God telling Him we have blown it again and we will be forgiven. It is sort of like being a normal type of car that we keep driving around in, but when God enters our lives through the Holy Spirit we are transformed into His “…chosen people”. As it is written in 1 Peter 2:10, “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.”
Before we were baptised, we were living in the darkness of sin, but with God entering our lives, we get to be brought into His wonderful light. It’s an amazing transformation that only God can perform. We get to now live in this light and love of a loving Heavenly Father.
When a person is brought to know Jesus and God’s love, we can picture God like a four-year-old running around rejoicing with the angels that another has been brought into His light and Kingdom. It is important to thank God and sing His praises for we now belong to God. Knowing God is transformational!
Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for bringing me out of darkness and into your family. Help me to be open in sharing how you can transform lives through the Holy Spirit. Amen
Father of Lights 2nd January Read: James 1:17-18 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)
I remember when younger watching ‘I Dream of Jeannie’. I was captivated by this 2,000-year-old genie, Jeannie, who lived in a bottle and could grant wishes to whoever looked after the bottle. She was discovered by an astronaut, captain Tony Nelson, whom she ended up falling in love with. Overall, there were 139 episodes of this from 1965-1970 and re-runs have been played repeatedly. If you have never seen this show – it is a lot of fun! Sometimes people treat God like a genie; you pray to Him and He grants wishes. Unlike a genie, God is the Creator of the world, He is the ‘Father of Lights’ creating the sun, moon and stars, but is also the source of everything that is good, true and pure.
Unlike the stars, sun and moon which shift into darkness or change, God is eternally consistent in His faithfulness and in wanting the best for all His children. So therefore, “every good and perfect gift is from above.” In this gift giving, was the greatest gift humanity could ever receive; the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who suffered pain and death, but whom God raised on the third day to overcome all darkness.
We now live in the glorious light of the resurrection receiving eternal life with our Heavenly Father. God is generous and good and only good things can come from God. It is our sin and our humanness that causes things to go wrong. We then rely on God’s grace to set all things right again. “How great are God’s riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions?
Who can understand his ways? As the scripture says, “Who knows the mind of the Lord? Who is able to give him advice? Who has ever given him anything, so that he had to pay it back?” For all things were created by him, and all things exist through him and for him. To God be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36 GNT) Our Lord never changes with His love for us!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are the Lord of all creation and the ‘Father of Lights’ producing everything good and right for the world. Thank you for your gracious gifts and your goodness to me. Amen
God’s L.E.D. Light New Year’s Day (1st January) Read: 2 Timothy 1:7-10 “This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Timothy 1:9b-10 (NIV)
In 1960, the first low-powered LED lights were developed. But in 1968, they were developed commercially by Howard C. Borden and Gerald P. Pigini and put into a Hewlett-Packard product. LED is an acronym for Light-Emitting Diodes. They have become more popular in use as they are more energy-efficient (often 75% less), long-lasting (can last for tens of thousands of hours) and versatile (comes in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes). Electricity passes through a small microchip which causes it to glow brightly and are cool to the touch. I like to think that God’s light is L.E.D. – Lighting Extreme Darkness!
He is also our Light-Emitting Diode – energy-efficient (God loves us unconditonally), long-lasting (eternity), and versatile (for all people everywhere). God sent Jesus to earth, which had been planned from the beginning of the world, no one just knew when. The Old Testament foretold the coming of a Saviour, but until it happened in a blaze of light from heaven, no one believed it! Jesus came to earth in a burst of light from the angels and in all the pictures of nativity scenes we see the light from the star (which led the wisemen), shining brightly on the manger. I love the brightness that surrounded the birth of Jesus. Jesus came to an earth filled with the darkness of sin, and hope lay in the acceptance of sacrifices. Jesus became the sacrifice for our sin and brought hope to a darkened world.
His sacrifice paid the debt of our sin and unworthiness once and for all and we can now approach God directly and receive His love and forgiveness without question whether we are good enough. Today is the beginning of a New Year.
Treat this year as a new beginning to work on your relationship with God – read about Him in the Bible and get to know Him better. Make some new resolutions to grow your family in a new life with Jesus! Jesus is the light of the world, and He brings transformation in people’s lives. Grow in the LED light – Jesus Lights Extreme Darkness!
Prayer: Jesus, you brought light to my life when I was brought to you in my baptism. Shine your light into my heart and help me to grow deeper in my knowledge of you. Amen.