Learn From Gideon, 48

~ Man’s Heart Is Desperately Wicked ~

The Biblical account of the life of Gideon provides for one of the most interesting character studies in all of Scripture.  In this series we will discover practical lessons for living the Christian life today.  

Scripture  ~  “So it was, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel again played the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-Berith their god” (Judges 8:33).

Learn From Gideon  ~  Do you know your own heart?  Do you understand your own behavior? 

1. It’s been the same old story that is repeated since the Garden of Eden.  Man has a propensity to forget the lessons of history.
2. Here is a summary of mankind’s cycle:  
1. Serving God >>
2. Allowing sin and evil (entering into spiritual slavery) >>
3. God forsakes them >>
4. Turning to false gods (and religions) >>
5. God allows them to enter physical slavery >>
6. In distress they call out to God >>
7. They repent >>
8. God raises up a spiritual leader >>
9. (The cycle repeats!)

Challenge For Us  ~  This cycle is not just with nations but also plays out in individuals.  Where are you right now in this cycle? 

concluding comment  ~  We learn about Gideon primarily from Judges 6-8, but also Isaiah 9:1-7, and Hebrews 11:1-3, 32-34.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Water In John’s Gospel, 11of11

~ John 21 – Breakfast By The Sea ~

Introduction  ~  The Gospel of John contains numerous references to water.  In fact over half (11 of 21) the chapters reference water.  We are looking at these passages in this series.

Scripture  ~  “After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.  Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’  They said to him, ‘We are going with you also.’  They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 

But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.  Then Jesus said to them, ‘Children, have you any food?’   They answered Him, ‘No.’  And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’  So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’  Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.  But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.  Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 

Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.’ 

Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.  Jesus said to them, ‘Come and eat breakfast.’  Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, ‘Who are You?’—knowing that it was the Lord.  Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.  This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead” (John 21:1-14). 

Notes  ~  1. When Peter said “I’m going fishing” was it an indication that he was returning to his old life—now that Jesus had died on the Cross?

2. These commercial fishermen caught nothing—our own efforts are futile.

3. Jesus asked, “Have you any food?”  The last question these professional fisherman wanted to answer!

4. At first these seven disciples did not recognize Jesus—later they did.  Often we do not recognize divine work in our lives until later. 

5. “Cast your net on the right side”–we need divine guidance in all aspects of our lives.

6. Jesus controls all of creation. 

7. Jesus provides for His disciples: “Come and eat breakfast.”  Jesus is often recorded eating with His disciples—especially post-resurrection—a picture of fellowship.

The Key Question  ~  Do you possess the abundance of “living water” which is only available through Jesus Christ. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Water In John’s Gospel, 10of11

~ John 19 – Out Flowed Blood and Water ~

Introduction  ~  The Gospel of John contains numerous references to water.  In fact over half (11 of 21) the chapters reference water.  We are looking at these passages in this series. 

Scripture  ~  “Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.  Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him.  But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.  But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.  And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.  For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, ‘Not one of His bones shall be broken.’  And again another Scripture says, ‘They shall look on Him whom they pierced’” (John 19:31-37).     

Notes  ~  1. The piercing of Jesus’ side caused blood and water to flow out. 

2. Prior to this our Savior suffered beatings and extreme physical abuse.

3. From a medical perspective the outflow of “blood and water” was largely the result of low blood volume (hypovolemic shock). 

4. One of the results of this would have been the forming of fluid in the area of the heart (pericardial effusion) and lungs (pleural effusion).  The result would also be low blood pressure and shock.

5. Today the reason for the outflow of blood and water is well-understood from a medical perspective. 

6. Note the importance of blood and water to human life. It is well-understood that the life is in the blood and also that the human body is over 50% water.

7. Jesus Christ voluntarily gave His life in the most painful way as payment for our sins.  Have you accepted His gift of eternal life?

The Key Question  ~  Do you possess the abundance of “living water” which is only available through Jesus Christ. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .