Author: Dave Dishman (Page 246 of 474)

Jesus spent intimate time with his disciples before entering the ordeal on the cross. During these hours with those closest to him on this earth, he blessed them in a powerful way:

I no longer call you servants, because a servant no longer knows his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

No more merely servants, grown beyond student, these mentorees discovered a friendship with Jesus.

A friendship reveals deeper levels of relationship. I talk with friends with an ease and comfortability I shy away from with others. As I person who guards his comments with most people, a friend allows for an open dialogue. Trust can be counted on.

Jesus opens this friendship to his disciples today. I speak to Jesus, and I listen for Jesus as well, because as a friend he has things to say to me. I bring my frustrations and my excitements, heartaches and joys without holding back.

In my prayers, I approach Jesus without worrying about saying all the proper words—because there’s no need for formality with a friend.

John 15 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Harli Marten

As I drive toward Denver’s airport, I see multiple new warehouses with more under construction. Most of these ginormous buildings, stretching for acres, are distribution centers filled with all the stuff I could possibly want.

When I think on their enormity, I remember that the Lord keeps his winds in storehouses—I wonder how far those stretch?

I imagine colossal buildings filled with swirling winds. One sections holds tropical breezes, another hot, languid desert air, and a third cool mountain kisses to your cheek. But beware opening the massive door to the hurricanes and tornados—enter at your own risk!

I understand this is merely metaphor—the Lord uses weather patterns to create any wind he wishes. But the imagery points me to the truth that God created everything around us, including the winds we cannot grasp or see. He built the earth and set all its pieces in place.

Those winds are his to do with as he wishes, wherever he keeps them tucked away.

Psalm 135 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Khamkéo Vilaysing

Don’t judge me! I like to say this when binging on leftover Halloween candy, or engaging in any activity not so good for me. The phrase gets me off the hook somehow, thinking if I avoid the judgement of others my behavior doesn’t seem so bad.

With the Lord I tend in the same direction. I lean into what Jesus spoke to his disciples about judging. If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

A non-judgmental Jesus sounds pretty good. But in the next breath Jesus added, there is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them on the last day.

While Jesus may not judge the world, a judge is coming.

In a series of teachings Jesus clarified his role—I am the way and the truth and the life—singular. No other path leads to the top of the mountain. All the other tracks dead end or fade out.

Nor can a person just ignore the words of Jesus. The judge—God the Father—sent Jesus with words of eternal life. To reject them is to reject our one way to connect with the Lord and gain that life.

Let’s not pretend an appearance before the judge of our souls isn’t in our future. God will ask questions, right wrongs, and hold to accountability.

These words of judgment come straight from the mouth of Jesus. I need to consider them, and apparently I also need to shudder in the presence of the Lord my God.

Let this teaching of Jesus sink deep into your soul and change the way you live your life. Respond appropriately. Because a judge will eventually make a appearance.

John 12 & 14 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Painting from europeana.eu

Large crowds of people came looking for Jesus, especially after he raised Lazarus from the dead. The story gained legs, and everyone wanted a glimpse at the miracle-working teacher among them.

Everyone except the Pharisees. They wanted to get rid Jesus, do him in, put a permanent kibosh on his career. Now Lazarus emerged, a walking billboard for the power of Jesus. Like a good mafia family, the Pharisees decided to put a hit out on Lazarus as well.

What made this particular group of religious teachers, men who studied the scriptures their whole lives, devolve into a conniving band of cutthroats?

There may have been multiple reasons, but I suspect Jesus threatened their hold on power. The Pharisees controlled the religious practices of a deeply religious people, with authority extending to all levels of society. Jesus undermined this superiority and privilege.

So they put a contract out on Jesus and added Lazarus as well. While they succeeded in nailing Jesus to the cross, it appears Lazarus escaped unharmed, except, of course, for watching his friend suffer and die.

Power corrupts, in religious circles as anywhere else. At the same hour the Pharisees conspired, Jesus washed his disciples feet. He told them, I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. Jesus sat his power aside in order to serve others.

Which is a much better way for me to practice my religion.

John 12 & 13 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by mahdi rezaei