The halfbaked Bard

Jn:11:33. When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within Him, and He was deeply troubled. Why was Jesus angry? Out of all emotions, in a grieving family, why was He angry?  He was angry at the plight of man. At the fallenness of man. He was angry with the consequence of sinfulness. His anger comes out of His love to him. Seeing his helplessness. But because of what happened on the cross, now this helpless man can ask - Where O death is your sting? Where O hell is your victory? We have come out victorious. Yes we are more than conquerors. If through our big brother, we have overcome the greatest consequence, how much more the petty hurdles that come our way, if the same Jesus is with us. Image credit: https://runningmagazine.ca/the-scene/how-dangerous-is-the-steeplechase/

I am the resurrection and the life. Jn:12:25 Who can claim this? I am the resurrection. Anyone who believes in me will live even after they die. I am the life. Everyone who believes in me will never die. Through Me alone, Jesus claims, you will resurrect one day. But more importantly, the new, eternal, abundant life in you will continue in you even if you physically die. Right on the cross, we have Jesus echoing this to the sinner who just believed. You will be with me in paradise today. If you believe. Just believe. Not evidentially. Not circumstantially. But just believe, then this life that is promised is yours forever. Eternal life is not something you will get once you die and reach the other shore. Eternal life is now, as you believe in Jesus. Physical death is just a stepping over to a fullness that Jesus promised. Image credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2/image-film?phrase=baby+shadow+dark

Jn:11:5. So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus, He stayed where He was for the next two days. What kind of love is this? Though He loved them, He did not answer their request. Why because a greater glory was awaiting. Martha would make a statement of confession later, which would save her soul. Martha who was focussed on many things, now knew the one thing that is required. Mary would know the real purpose of Jesus and anoint His body for burial later. Many people who were with Mary would believe in Him. Lazarus would be called out from death. And through these all, the Father will be glorified. Why delays? Why so called unanswered prayers? Why God seems so far away? Why is He not seemingly hear my prayers? All for the glory of God alone. Delays are not denials. Wait doesn't mean No. Why don't we then wait patiently? It is difficult to wait during that waiting period. But let us wait expectantly. Sure of the truth that we are in the center of God's pa...

I and the Father are one. Jn:10:30 What a reassuring claim of the diety of Jesus. People say Jesus never claimed to be God. But is this not enough? By claiming to be one with God the Father, He claims to be God. Through the I am statements He made, He claims to be equal with the Yahweh God. But He did not consider this equality as something to be grabbed and kept for Himself. But He humbled Himself to obedience unto death on the cross, so that we would also be seated there with Him. It is this what we need to believe. That Jesus is God. But He became like us because He loved us so much. Loved me so much. So that I would benefit from His glory. So that I would be with Him for eternity. He paid the penalty of the sin that I was to suffer, so that I could be redeemed. It is true for me. I believe. Do you?  Believing Him to be a good person, or a good teacher is not enough. Believing Jesus is God Himself who is the only way to the Father is what makes the difference. If thi...

I am the good shepherd Jn:10:11 The only characteristic of the good shepherd is that He lays down His life for the sheep. He loves the sheep so much. That He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on the cross. He willingly lays down His life so that those whom He loves can be with Him for eternity. He calls them His children. Rebels as they were He made them His children, made them seated on the right hand side of the Father. And He is concerned of other sheep, who are not in His pen. He longs to bring them also in.  Undeserving as we are, He gave us the privilege. In this context read further;  The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Eventhough I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I fear no evil. For you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepar...

I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. Jn:10:9 'The' is definitive - which means the only. For salvation, Jesus is the only way. Anyone who enters through Jesus shall be saved from eternal bondage and slavery that they are stuck in. And only though Jesus. All others are like thieves and robbers who have come to steal kill and destroy. But in Jesus there is fullness of life - abundant life. All others give priority to rituals. But Jesus says only believe. All others say to do certain things. But Jesus says I have already done. Listen to His voice and follow. Knowing your beloved's voice. There is fullness of life in Him. Image credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2/image-film?phrase=sheep+gate

One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see. Jn:9:25 No matter what explanations stand against the historical evidence, whether Jesus existed or not!  No matter what explanations hold against Jesus' claim of His diety and His manhood! Born of a virgin. Did so many miracles. Died and rose again on the third day. Only one thing matters. I was blind. Now I see.  Personally the bard's experience with the living Jesus, sustains his faith and hope in Him. Though the bard knows, historically all His claims are prophesies come true and whatever has been testified about Him in the Bible is true and authentic, more important is the fact that, the bard has personally experienced Jesus on a daily basis. That is enough. Not to be logically and scientifically be convinced. But to personally believe. That is the strongest testifier. That Jesus is alive. Seated on the right hand side of the Father. Continually working in you and through you and for you. To be honest Jesus is w...