The Power Of The Word

THE POWER OF THE WORD

“For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.” - John 17:8

Words have incredible power. The words you speak to another may either lift them up or put them down. Many people are hungry for words of affirmation or encouragement. A right word at the right time can make an incredible difference.

Yes, there is incredible power in words, but the greatest words ever spoken came from the lips of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. With His Word, God created the universe. His simply spoke and it was done. When God came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ, He uttered words that still impacts lives.

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Speaking for myself, I love to eat. Yet Jesus said that mankind cannot live solely by natural food. He needs spiritual food to really thrive. This soul food comes from the mouth of God. Jesus said that man shall live, “but every word that proceedeth out the mouth of God.” We need more than just a word or two. We need to live by every word.

Furthermore, in John 15:7, Jesus said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” There is power in His Word!

When Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17, He prayed, “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.” He gave His disciples the words of the Father.

Notice that three things happened when Jesus shared the Father's words with them.

THEY RECEIVED

First of all, “... they have received them.” The disciples readily received the words that Jesus shared with them. In Jesus' day, the religious crowd seemed to reject His words. Others seemed more interested in seeing a miracle or receiving a free meal. Sounds like a lot of people today, doesn't it? Yet Jesus gave of His time, sharing the words of the Father and His disciples received them. As you read your Bible and listen to sound preaching, do you receive the Word by faith?

THEY KNEW

Also, Jesus said that His disciples, “... have known surely that I came out from thee...” They knew that Jesus came from the Father. Jesus had told them that. Yet they also saw His miracles. They knew that Jesus was more than just a good teacher. Today, many will say that Jesus was a good teacher, but they never will admit that He came from the Father. They do not wish to confess that Jesus more than just a normal guy. While many believe Him to be a good teacher, they are not convinced that He was much more. The disciples were convinced. They knew He came from the Father.

THEY BELIEVED

Jesus said, “...they have believed that thou didst send me.” The disciples believed that Jesus came to earth with a divine purpose. He was sent to this world on a rescue mission. His birth was a miraculous event, predicted by the prophets, planned by the Father and unfolded in their lifetime. His birth, life, death and resurrection were all part of a divine plan. This plan was designed before the foundation of the world. God had a solution to man's problem before Adam fell in the Garden of Eden. Nothing catches God by surprise. He knows, in advance, what is going to occur. At the right time, Jesus came to die for our sins. The disciples believed that the Father sent Jesus on this soul-saving mission. Do you believe?

The disciples were changed by the words of Jesus. In John 6:68-69. Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” The disciples believed the words of Jesus and it made a difference in their lives. The very same disciples would eventually be filled with the Holy Spirit and would spread the message of Christ throughout the world. God used common men to do an uncommon work because of the power of the Word.

Faith in Jesus and His words will transform any person. I enjoy hearing the testimony of those who've been changed by the Gospel. The all-powerful God uses His powerful Word to make a difference in the lives of people like you and me.

I am thankful for the power of the Word. What about you?

What Do You Know?

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

“Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.” - John 17:7

Have you ever taken an IQ test? I don't think I ever have... or I was too dumb to know what it was! Some believe that a high score on IQ test indicates that the person is highly intelligent. Of course, “highly intelligent” people have made dumb mistakes like I have. Although this fact doesn't excuse my dumb errors, it does make me feel a little better to know I am not alone with such stupid mistakes.

Life is a classroom unto itself. Whether we like it or not, all of us are enrolled in the school of daily living. Although I've been in this class for decades, I still feel like I am in kindergarten. When it comes to life's most difficult lessons, I seem to be a slow learner. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I really know.

It is important to know certain things. Of course, you know your name. You probably can provide the physical address where you live. You can recite your phone number. The date of your birthday is something you haven't forgotten. You may even know your social security number.

But when we are pressed about the most significant matters of life, can we honestly report what we know? Do you know that God exists? Do you know that Jesus is Lord? Do you know that you are saved? Can you honestly say, “yes,” in response to these questions? Ultimately, these issues are more important than your title at work or the details of your financial portfolio.

When Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17, He spoke of His disciples when He said, “Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.” This was something the disciples knew. More than believing, they knew some things. They knew that “... that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.”

Our Lord's ministry on earth was in response to His Father's will. He was sent here. He was given what He needed to accomplish His mission. You see, in spite of being divine Himself, Jesus lived in dependence on the Father.

In John 8:28, the Bible says, “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” In John 14:24, Jesus said, “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.” Furthermore, in John 5:19, the Bible says, “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”

The disciples were taught that Jesus came to earth in accordance to His Father's will. Additionally, they were taught that all Jesus had and all He did were from the Father and were designed to glorify the Father.

Yes, the disciples were taught by the great Teacher and were not swayed by the opinions of the crowd or the criticism of political leaders. These same disciples would ultimately teach what they were taught. Some of them would even be inspired to write books that would be included in our New Testament. We are still learning from them.

These days there are many who wish to inform us. News outlets are constantly teaching from their platform. Politicians try to teach us from their speeches. Even friends and co-workers use daily conversations to share a tidbit of “news” or gossip. Everyone seeks to persuade us by telling convincing stories. Personally, I know of some who seem to be constantly living in fear or anxiety because of the news.

Rather than living by fear, we are called to live by faith. This comes by opening our Bibles rather than the newspaper. Faith comes by hearing the Word. The message we need today is the very message that Jesus taught His disciples. This message needs to be taught to your children and your children's children.

What do you know? Let me answer for myself. I know that God sits on the throne. He created everything. God has revealed Himself to us through His Word, the Bible. He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, to die for my sins that I may have eternal life through Him. I know that Jesus rose from the dead and has returned to heaven. He is at the right hand of the Father making intercession for me. I know that He hears and answers when I pray. I know that He still saves souls and still changes lives. I know He is coming again soon. Knowing these things are the most important things a person can possibly know.

What do you know?

Jesus and His Disciples

 JESUS & HIS DISCIPLES

“I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.” - John 17:6

Charles “Tremendous” Jones is known for saying, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” I would probably add to that list, but I do agree that the books you read and the people you associate with will greatly impact that kind of person you become. Many young people have been led astray by the bad company they have kept. On the other hand, some have become honorable people because of the strong, healthy relationships they've maintained.

Think about the group that Jesus chose to hang around with. They weren't statesmen, politicians or wealthy entrepreneurs. The twelve men that were chosen were common men. These guys were working men. Some of them had a rough edge. On the surface, they didn't seem very impressive.

In John 17, Jesus prays for these men. Jesus said, “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world.” Jesus spent time with these men, pouring into their lives. He taught them. They observed His character, conduct and conversations. He made an investment in their lives. Most of all, He revealed the truth to them. Jesus said, “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me...” They were taught about the Father and His will.

Notice that Jesus said that He revealed the Father's Name to them. These days, names don't have the impact they once did. Parents give children rather unusual names these days, simply seeking to be different or creative in the name choice. In Biblical times, names had a great deal of meaning.

Yet there is Name that is above all others. Many have an utter disregard of this Name. Others only use it as they swear or curse. Yet it is a holy Name. The Name of the Lord is to be reverenced. His Name is to be respected.

It bothers me to hear unbelievers use the Name of the Lord in vain. I am offended when they use His Name as part of their profanity. I am more bothered that professing believers use His Name so carelessly. His Name is holy and should be treated with the awe and respect that it deserves.

Notice how Jesus refers to His disciples in this verse: “... the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.” According to Jesus, the disciples were given to Him by the Father. Yes, the disciples chose to follow Jesus, but they did that in response to the Lord's calling.

The choice of the disciples is very interesting. They weren't chosen based on education, experience or appearance. Some may have called them misfits. Yet God showed His awesome power through common earthly vessels. Even today, the most treasured saints aren't known for their college degrees or natural beauty. It seems as though the most unqualified people are used most by the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 1:27, Paul put it this way, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” God chooses the most unusual people to accomplish the most amazing feats. Through it all, His power is displayed for His glory.

Finally, Jesus said, “... they have kept thy word.” Earlier, in John 14:15, Jesus told His disciples, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” These days, there is a lack of preaching from pulpits about the subject of obedience. I wish to be clear about something. I do NOT believe that a person is saved by works. A person is saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. While I do not believe a person is saved by works, I believe that a saved person will have a desire to work after salvation. That was the case with the disciples. That's way it should be with us today.

Jesus specifically talked to His Father about His disciples. He cared for them. Thus it is no surprise that He would pray for them.

I have a prayer list, don't you? Yet there are times I don't consult a list. Certain people are so dear to me that I don't have to refer to a list to pray for them. Jesus didn't need a list either. He had walked with this men for over three years and knew them very well. He prayed for them.

He cares for us as well and is presently interceding for us.

Can you think of a more comforting truth than this?

Return To Glory

 RETURN TO GLORY

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” - John 17:5

The human memory is a marvelous thing. For us to remember events from the past (often with clarity) is truly amazing. Sports fans recall, with joy, the season their team won a championship. Public servants remember the height of their political career. Actors are invited on talk shows to reminisce about their most successful projects. Even in the church, older members like to recall the “good ole days,” when their church experienced extraordinary growth.

In our text, Jesus is praying to His Father about a return to His glory. He once enjoyed a special place with His Father. Now, as He approached the end of His earthly life, Jesus made a special request to His Father. He prayed for a return to the glory He once enjoyed.

Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Notice how Jesus endured the misery of the cross. The Bible says, “... who for the joy that was set before him.” Jesus looked beyond the cross and saw the joy & glory that awaited Him.

Sometimes we must face difficult situations. We are not promised a life of ease. Pain, problems and heartaches do come. Perhaps you are facing the greatest trial of your life right now. When you face such an ordeal, it is tempting to quit.   Yet quitting is not an option. How can we make it through the painful events of life? Like Jesus, we need to look beyond the grief to the glory. While we enjoy mountain-top experiences, we often must travel through the valleys. Brothers and sisters, look ahead. Glory is waiting just beyond this life of pain and problems.

Although we refer to heaven as “glory,” this is not primarily what Jesus was praying about in our text. Instead, He is referring to the position of majesty He once enjoyed with the Father in heaven.

In our Lord's prayer, Jesus prayed, “O Father, glorify thou me...” There is nothing more special for a man than to receive the praise and appreciation of his earthly father. Sadly, most boys grow up without such affirmation. Yet more than once during His earthly ministry, Jesus was praised by His Father, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Now as His ministry draws to a close, Jesus asks His Father to glorify Him. Jesus did not seek the glory of men, but the glory of the Father.

In His prayer, we learn about this glory. Jesus prayed, “... glorify thou me with thine own self...” The glory that Jesus prayed about was not to be experienced on earth, but in the Father's presence. To be bestowed with glory in the presence of the Father is the highest honor known … but it was reserved for the Son, Jesus Christ. He is worthy of such glory.

Jesus prayed that the Father would glorify Him, “...with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” Jesus once enjoyed immense glory with the Father. Temporarily, He placed it aside to come to earth. Paul referred to Jesus in Philippians 2:6-8 when he wrote, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Jesus taught His disciples that if they wished to be great, they must first of all be servants. In Matthew 22:27-28, Jesus said, “... whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Jesus taught and modeled this truth. In Luke 22:27, Jesus said, “For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.”

James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” That is a great word for us … but didn't Jesus already model this for us? He humbled Himself when He came to earth and died. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus humbled Himself, but now He has been exalted. Now, and forever, He is enjoying the glory that He deserves.

Soon we will see Him in all His glory!