Samson took God’s presence and power for granted, but when Delilah shaved off his seven locks, the Lord left him. Samson didn’t even notice… until it was too late. We shouldn’t wonder at Samson’s shortcomings. We can be just like him. When we step on the slippery slope of sin, we slowly slide away from God so gradually that we barely notice. Then one day, we awake and find ourselves in trouble, asking God where He’s gone! If God’s presence moved, would you notice?
This is what Jesus told his newest follower, Nathaniel, after the disciple expressed amazement at Jesus over a little thing. Jesus was essentially saying, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!” (Forgive the slang, but wanted to drive home the point). Jesus used unusual language in this prophecy: “angels ascending and descending…” The reference would’ve been easily recognized by his Jewish disciple though, as it clearly refers to Jacob’s ladder vision (Gen.28:12). Jesus was saying, “I am the ladder between heaven and earth,” follow me and you’ll see it.
Many of His own people did not receive Jesus, “but” those who did were born again as children of God. We recognize many races and cultural differences among humanity, but to God, we are either His children through Christ, or children of Adam. All of Adam’s kids are born spiritually dead due to the sin nature that they inherit. But to those who “receive” Christ, there is a new nature imparted, reconciling them to God and bestowing on them eternal life. The question that matters is not, “what have you done with your life?” but “whose child are you?” Have you been born again through receiving Christ?
Jesus made two statements that refine our understanding of this proverb. He said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it” (Matt.7:13). Then, describing this “narrow” way, he said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life and no man comes to Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There is a worldly highway jammed with traffic that seems right since “everyone else is doing it,” but it leads to death. Only a few follow the narrow path winding past the hill Golgotha and the empty tomb as they follow the risen Lord Jesus. Yet, those who do find rest at the end of the road.
The curtain that separated the holy of holies in the Jewish temple was torn when Jesus died. Only the high priest was allowed to go behind the curtain on the Day of Atonement. But now, Jesus has become our Great High Priest, opening up the way for all who are in Him to have access to the Father. And so, we can approach God with confidence, praying in the Name of Jesus, for the curtain that separated sinful man from a holy God has been removed.
This was what Jesus promised the thief on the cross next to Him. Much can be learned from this promise. The simplicity of the thief’s confession: “Jesus, remember me…” is startling. Can it really be so simple? And the immediacy of Christ’s response: “Today you will be with me…” is equally amazing. Jesus accepts the thief as one of His own without interview or resume. He tells him that from now on, starting today, you’ll be with Me.
This was Gideon’s response to the angel of the Lord who commissioned him to do battle with the Midianites– “I’m too little.” Isn’t that what we always feel when God calls? Because God doesn’t ask us to do something we can do. He always asks God-sized things of us. Attempting great things for God requires total dependence on Him and results in greater glory for God. God loves taking the little guy to slay a giant. What are you involved in that if God doesn’t act, it will totally fail? What God-sized callings are you answering? Stop living little lives. Listen for God’s big calling.
Both the humanity and divinity of Jesus are seen in this prayer. His humanity in his desire to avoid suffering and death. His divinity in his obedience to the Father to lay down his life for our sin. That Jesus is both Son of God and Son of Man is seen, but also a new way of praying. Praying like Jesus, we not only express our desires to God, but we invite God to realign our will with His.
This is what Jesus told Peter the night before he denied him three times. He told Peter this so that he wouldn’t become so discouraged as to give up. And also so that Peter would recover and “strengthen” his brothers. What strikes me most is that the night before Jesus is crucified, he is thinking and praying for Peter’s faith. He prayed that Peter’s faith would survive the trial and crucifixion. People pray for that which they care most. Jesus prayed for Peter. I wonder for whom else Jesus prays?
Understanding that our days are numbered can motivate us to live life with a sense of urgent importance. ‘Urgent’ – because putting off till tomorrow means eventually running out of tomorrows. If the Lord has put it on your heart, then do it now! And ‘important’ – because we often fill our days with unimportant things. Prayerfully consider what is most important, then focus on those things every day. This is not a morbid state of mind, being aware of your limited days. This is wisdom, not wasting the time God has given you on planet earth. Don’t waste your life!