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safe and secure in Christ

Speaking Plainly

by Esther Griggs November 11, 2022

In John 16: 25-33, Jesus, who has spoken in parables and stories, tells His disciples he won’t be doing so from now on. In these final moments of His life on earth, He wants to speak plainly. He would no longer be using figurative language, but rather speaking plainly to them about the Father and then He spoke forth truth.

Figurative Language

Jesus often used veiled speech. In Matthew 13, after He told the Parable of the Sower, He explained to His disciples that the mysteries of heaven were not for everyone to understand. The scriptures foretold some would hear and yet not understand. This phenomenon would actually be the fulfillment of prophecy.

Speaking Plainly

Here, however, Jesus tells them that from now on, He will speak plainly to them about the Father. When that happens, they will pray using His name, He won’t need to be the go between anymore. God the Father, because of their love for and belief in Jesus as His son, loves them directly. Then He adds, “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.” Afterwards, John records the response of the disciples, “See now You are speaking plainly. We are sure You know all things. Now we believe.”

Truth

Jesus, then spoke to their self-confidence and pride, showcasing their weakness and inability. “You will all abandon Me. Just like the sheep when the wolves come, you will all run and hide.” Next, He tells them that despite their abandoning Him, the Father will never leave Him alone. Even in His human cry, “My God, my God why have you forsaken Me?” the Father was there.

Jesus wanted His disciples to know the world was a tough place. There would be various trials and troubles from which they will want to flee, but in each and every one of those times, they could have peace and good cheer because He had overcome the world. He would be their hiding place, their fortress, their dwelling, their high tower, the place to run in every one of those times.

He would no longer be using figurative language, but rather speaking plainly to them about the Father and then He spoke forth truth. “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

November 11, 2022 0 comment

Life in Christ safe and secure in Christ

To Be One of His Sheep

by Esther Griggs May 27, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

The Jews continue to ask Jesus for His true identity. They ask Him, “How long do you keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answers, “I told you, and you do not believe.” He further explains, how His works done in His Father’s name, show who He is. The problem lies in their not being His sheep. Then Jesus explains what it means to be one of His sheep. To be within His sheepfold as one of His sheep, implies hearing His voice, being known of the Father and to follow Him.

One of His Sheep: Hearing His Voice

“My sheep hear My voice,” Jesus tells them. He had already told the story of the sheepfold and how the sheep recognize the shepherd. “Deep calls unto deep” the Psalmist writes. The Spirit of God awakens and calls to life the spirit within man. No one can forget that voice which calls them out of death’s cold darkness, not only to live, but to live abundantly!

Known of the Father

The Father knows His own. He is the creator. Who better to understand our weakness, our needs, than the One who calls us into being at conception and then draws us into His fold? Jesus, One with the Father, through His own life and death, sympathizes with our weakness. The all-seeing, all-knowing God of the universe sees us, entirely.

Follow Him

It is easy to follow when you know the voice. For this voice, the voice of the Almighty calls to life, eternal life. There is no death nor destruction in this path. It offers nourishment and security. ” He is able to keep” the scripture tells us. “No one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” Jesus said, and He said it twice!!

Amongst the rabble of boisterous voices, the still small voice of the Saviour says, “Follow Me”, “He who comes to Me I will not cast out!” And as Paul in His letter to the Romans (8: 38,39 KJV) writes, “For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life….. shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” To be within His sheepfold as one of His sheep, implies hearing His voice, being known of the Father and to follow Him.

May 27, 2022 1 comment

safe and secure in Christ When in trouble

Jesus Shows Up

by Esther Griggs January 14, 2022

written by Esther Griggs

Matthew, Mark and John record the story of the disciple’s encounter with Jesus on the stormy sea. Over the centuries of Christendom, the saints have found the truths of the story to remind us that we can rest secure in Christ Jesus. We need these comforting stories. They remind us that challenging times come, difficulties threaten our security, but in them Jesus shows up.

Challenging Times

After feeding the crowd of about 5,000, the Jews, their stomachs full, want to make Jesus their king. Jesus, however sends the disciples on their way, and withdraws to pray. Meanwhile, the disciples travelled across the sea, and experienced their deepest fears.

We also can relate to stormy times. Stories of broken families, lost finances, ill health and various trials surround us. Barbs of fear taunt us. Challenging times confront us. Our security is threatened.

Security Threatened

When their security was threatened, all the trust the disciples placed in their skills as fishermen and the structure of their boat was tested. Would the winds tear it apart? They feared flailing about in the tempestuous sea as their end.

We also rely on our schedules and routines. We depend on the people around us. Our reliance on certain doctrines and ways of thinking have brought us this far. Nevertheless, storms disrupt all these things. A loved one gets ill or dies, new and strange ideas, or an unexpected economic shift cause us to tremble. Where can we turn in times of turmoil?

Jesus Shows Up

In times of turmoil we need Jesus. When Jesus saw His disciples in trouble, He chose not to stop the wind. Instead He let them experience the storm. Then He gave it perspective. His word to them? “It is I; do not be afraid.” He showed up in the storm. This Man who had fed the crowd, claimed to be God’s Son, healed the Nobleman’s son, and the man at the pool of Bethsaida, could He could rescue them? Did He have power even above the reality of their deepest fears? How about our own lives? Do we believe He can rescue us? Can He lead us into all truth? Will He show up when we need Him the most? Believer, He showed up and through the ages by His Spirit, He shows up. Hear His word to your heart today, “It is I; Do not be afraid.”

This story reminds us that challenging times come, difficulties threaten our security, but in them Jesus shows up.

January 14, 2022 1 comment