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1998-10-22 - Oceans of Ink
The Cross Series, Part 57
John 21:24-25 This is the disciple who bears witness of
these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his witness is true.
25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did,
which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself
would not contain the books which were written.
Have you ever been to a really big library or bookstore? I love a good bookstore,
so does my wife. If we can get a sitter, one place you might find us after
dinner is sifting through isles of books. Our tastes differ, but books are
a common love. Now, if you take the biggest bookstore I've ever been in (nine
stories of books) and were able to wring all the ink out of the books, you
would have a significant quantity of ink. It would probably take a number
of those 55 gallon drums to contain it all. And if the paper were laid end
to end, the line would extend for miles out of sight.
John closes his Gospel account with the disclaimer that this is not all that
happened. The account John presents to us is a taste or a sampling of the
teaching, miracles and travels of Jesus. The items that are presented are
enough to make the mind reel at the possibilities. John is stressing a point
here, that the world would not contain the books that would be written about
the details of Jesus. But Jesus is the most written about person in history.
I wonder if my nine story bookstore would be able to hold all those books.
Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying,
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and
lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
It might take another ocean of ink to describe the idea of total authority
in heaven and earth. Jesus holds the title deed to planet earth. We see it
in the seven seals that are broken from the scroll in the Revelation. Even
though the enemy would have us believe that he is the authority here, it
is just another lie. And we are ambassadors of that authority. That kind
of total authority in human history has been devastating from the Khans to
the Caesars to the Czars to Hitler. Life becomes cheap and values are crushed
and twisted. Jesus authority is extended for us, not against us. If we are
willing to accept that authority, it becomes are hiding place or a safe haven.
We have the commission to take this good news to anyone who will hear us.
Some of us are called to far away lands at the risk of our lives. Most of
us are called to our offices and homes, schools and neighborhoods to be witnesses
of the freedom that is available freely to anyone who will ask. The rules
and regulations of the realm are few, but far reaching. Love God with all
your heart, mind, soul and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.
That is. To love God after all the things Jesus endured for us is simply
gratitude. Love flows easily from a heart of gratitude. And just as we care
for ourselves, we are instructed to care for those around us. When that happens,
it flows back to us and becomes circular.
Rev 22:16-17 "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify
to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of
David, the bright morning star." 17 And the Spirit and the
bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one
who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without
cost.
The Apostle John is now a very old man. Most scholars place the book of
Revelation around 90AD. Through the years he has suffered for his beloved
Jesus. The apostle who loved Jesus endured great suffering on the island
of Patmos as a prisoner of Rome. John could even see the hand of God moving
him there to reach the men on that quarry prison. Men who were consigned
there most often died there. John went in chains, but his heart was free.
It had been decades since John had seen Jesus. During the vision which was
the Revelation, John is able to see and hear Jesus again. As the time draws
short, Jesus turns and encourages his dear friend with these words above.
The words reflect the opening verses of Isaiah 55. I will close this series
with that passage. This is the promise of God to anyone who will answer His
call. It is the promise we were given and now live. It is the promise we
can carry to the nations and our neighbors.
Isa 55:1-3 "Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters;
and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without
money and without cost. 2 "Why do you spend money for what is
not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to
me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. 3
"Incline your ear and come to me. Listen, that you may live; and I will make
an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown
to David.
Lord Jesus - this has been a wonderful journey with
You through the trip You took for us to the Cross. Even in the middle of
all the pain and suffering, You were in control. Then contest was never in
question from the start. Creator vs. Creation was a mismatch. But that does
not dim the fact that You did suffer horribly both mentally and physically.
Your motives were to restore us to fellowship with Yourself so that we could
spend eternity with You. Forever the understanding of the sacrifice You endured
will unfold before us. Thank you for the time we have been able to spend,
knowing there is so much more to come. Amen.
Grace & Peace,
Mike
jmhoskins@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org
http://www.peacewithgod.net
All verses are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
CFD | October 1998
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