Category Archives: Bible

Bible

Faith takes away the fear of death

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The Jesus Movement of Smyrna is materially poor, but they have discovered the riches of faith (Revelation 2:9) even as they are persecuted.

In Smyrna was a Jewish community that made life difficult for the people of Jesus (Revelation 2:9). Paul also made life difficult for the followers of Jesus at the beginning and was later attacked himself.

The Jews of the synagogue in Smyrna were supposed to be serving God, but their behaviour played into the hand of the enemy. Likewise, people can call themselves Christians, but their actions is rebellion against God.

Imprisonment and death are reported as common. Because Christ himself was dead and came to life again (Revelation 2:8), the first death loses its fear.

People who suffer for the faith and are willing to die for it, are among the victors who receive the laurel wreath. This doesn’t just mean the first to reach the finish line, but all those who hold on to their faith and are willing to trust in God in everything.

Bible

Jesus is the key person

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In the face of the divine Jesus, John gives up all his own strength. “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead” (Revelation 1:17).

Some people think that once they meet God, they will ask him many questions. I see here and also in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:28) that whoever encounters God or Jesus says nothing more.

But those who stand to Jesus meet Jesus as friend. Jesus said in Luke 12:8, “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God“.

The encouragement to John is: “Fear not … I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:17). Jesus has all authority and the keys. Jesus decides.

In Matthew 7:23 Jesus himself says to godly people, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness”. The key question is not whether we know Jesus, but whether He knows us. Do we open ourselves to Jesus? He knows us when we reveal ourselves to him and talk to him. It starts in the here and now.

Jesus is the key person of revelation. He reveals what will happen to the called-out ones so that they don’t get worried. They should know: Jesus has everything in his hand. He wants to save people from their own destruction and invite them to repent. In addition, he lets them see how little they have in their own hands.

For believers, the book of Revelation is a book of comfort. They are walking towards an accomplished Jesus.

Bible, Jesus

Jesus shines like the sun

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In describing Jesus (Revelation 1:14-16), John seems to be struggling for words.

I find the image of the resurrection of Jesus on the Isenheim Altar very appropriate. The face of Jesus shines like the sun.

This is how I imagine how John saw Jesus. For his face shines like the sun (Revelation 1:16). So it is obvious that John is blinded and does not see everything clearly.

The statement is: The bruised Jesus is now a majestic appearance. The symbol of beauty and perfection. I don’t know if we would have chosen the same words. But the picture that John had of the crucifixion and what he now saw was like day and night.

The two-edged sword in the mouth of Jesus does not fit into the picture. But Simeon already said about Jesus in Luke 2:34-35: “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

With our reaction to the words of Jesus we judge ourselves.

Bible, Jesus

The central person

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In his introduction to Revelation, John focuses on the central person of the book.

Jesus is the divine person visible to us.

He is the origin and source of all things and will bring everything to completion.

Jesus’ characteristic is that he loves us. “Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood” (Revelation 1:5).

He is the high priestly king for his churches and leads us back to our destiny. As priests (Revelation 1:6) and representatives of God, we be present to serve and encourage one another.

Bible

It needs a YES to God’s offer

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Nicodemus is the perfect believer. Jesus said to him, “Unless one is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

At first it seems promising that a representative of the Jewish elite would seek out Jesus, address him as a teacher, and acknowledge his miracles.

Jesus addressed Nicodemus on the central point of their different views: It is the personal focus and love for the God-sent Son of Man and Son of God with which eternal life begins and not through belonging to a group. It takes a spiritual beginning (born from above).

It’s like the serpent in the desert at the exodus from Egypt. All those who consciously turn to Jesus are no longer part to the deadly poison of rebellion against God.

Bible

Choose life

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Moses showed the consequences of our decisions in his last speech in Deuteronomy.

Moses says in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, “Choose life, that you may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life.”

The possibility of choosing between life and death goes like a red line through the Bible. It begins in the Garden of Eden with the two trees. Jesus speaks of eternal life and perdition. And in Revelation, humanity reaps the consequences of their choices.

In short, those who love God will live, those who oppose him will perish. God has mercy on those who turn back.

Deuteronomy 30:2 If you return to the Lord your God, you and your children, and obey his voice in all that I command you today, with all your heart and with all your soul, 3 then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have mercy on you, … 6  so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

Bible

Harvest with joy

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Joy has its roots in distressing experiences.

Fruits come from rain and sun.

Without suffering we would not understand the perfect.

Suffering pushes us to the limit of understanding and leads into the world of trust.

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:4-6).

Bible

Rejoicing is a key skill

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Joy in the success of your neighbour, the secret of divine humility and unity.

“But God has so composed the body, giving greater honour to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26).

Saturday, January 14 – Impulse 7 for the Allianz Week of Joy

Bible

Community gives joy

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The positive view of others is the soil for kindness.

Community builds and brings joy.

“Day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God” (Acts 2:46-47).

Thursday, January 12 – Impulse 5 of the Allianz Week of Joy