Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Paul Email -22Sept2013- John 18 (Power in Surrender)

How you doin? A very calm morning this morning. Stacey and I have been noticing how other people react to the kids. Audrey and Paulie both seem to have an incredible effect on people. They are Christians and they love Jesus. It's awesome to watch Jesus work through them. John 18 today.
I've been noticing how Jesus had full control over His own life. There are several scriptures that show how Jesus was not under worldly authority. He was under Kingdom authority. In John 18:4-9, this authority is extremely evident. "Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”' (18:4) Jesus knew His destiny. He was their to complete God's will. "When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground." (18:6) I never heard this before today. The power in Jesus' words is incredible. Even those men there to capture Him were affected by the power of His words. I would think Jesus could have easily escaped again when these men "drew back and fell to the ground". Jesus protects His disciple in verse 8. Peter acts out in his human condition as only Peter can and cuts off a soldiers ear. Jesus' response is “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (18:11) The cup represents God's wrath (Jeremiah 25:15). In Luke 22:42, Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus was pure and perfect. He needed to be for the sacrifice to be accepted. The cup Jesus was to drink was for the sin of the world. WOW!!!!!!! My sin is included in that cup. Thank you Jesus.
Jesus claims His authority and Kingship in verse 37 as we, "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered , "You are right in saying I am king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth." Jesus is walking in His identity and destiny as a man. COME ON!!!!!!! The last sentence in verse 37 gets me, "Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." SAY WORD!!!!!!! I hope you read Jeremiah 25 along with John 18 today. Jesus' power in His surrender or His obedience to the Father is AWESOME!!!!!!! Be on the side of truth today.
PS We watched a sermon by Bill Johnson last night and it was AWESOME!!!!!!! Two things he said was, "Before Jesus everything bad contaminated things that were good" and "The only time the world has a voice is when the church is silent". So don't let things that are bad contaminate you and say something. That's a good word.

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