As we survey the 66 books of the Bible, the tension and tipping point of every hero or heroine in the Christian faith turns on one question: Are they going to trust the Lord with all their hearts and lean not on their own understanding?
In Psalm 22 David is picturing the cross of the Good Shepherd, and in Psalm 24 David is picturing the glory of the Good Shepherd and His strong and mighty intervention. Psalm 23 describes the time in-between. The time between the cross and the King of glory coming again. The time in-between that involves green pastures and also valleys of the shadow of death, comfort and fear, cups running over and enemies, goodness and mercy and dreams of dwelling in the house of the Lord.
In Psalm 22 David is picturing the cross of the Good Shepherd, and in Psalm 24 David is picturing the glory of the Good Shepherd and His strong and mighty intervention. Psalm 23 describes the time in-between. The time between the cross and the King of glory coming again. The time in-between that involves green pastures and also valleys of the shadow of death, comfort and fear, cups running over and enemies, goodness and mercy and dreams of dwelling in the house of the Lord.
God is a master of signage. Here is what Jesus said in Matthew 16:2, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be clear weather, because the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, because the sky is red and threatening.’” In English we say, “Red sky at night is a sailor’s delight; red sky at morning, good sailors take warning.” God puts up a brightly lit sign every morning and evening so we can prepare for the weather He is sending. He also lights up a sign for certain generations in world history.
Two Lives, Two Destinies: the law of sowing and reaping. Believers who live by the Spirit reap rewards that last forever, they even share their finances with spiritual leaders! However, those who try to control their lives through the flesh reap “destruction” (φθορά)
In one of the most important passages on the Christian life in the Bible, Paul explains the grace gospel alternative to the law. By walking in the Spirit, Christians overcome the self-indulgent sins of the flesh and express their faith through love, a love that glorifies God by displaying the character of Christ.
The big picture of Paul’s glorious presentation of Christian liberty contrasts two systems of righteousness: works-righteousness – which always enslaves, and grace-righteousness – which always liberates. It also forces us to see that true liberty is always about Christ and others.
Conclusion of John
Summary of John
Every single person is fighting battles, battles that we do not even have a clue about. Their lives look so much better than ours because we don’t know about their struggles and pain. In John 21 we learn something about our calling through Peter’s calling. Our calling is to follow Jesus wherever He leads us, not where He leads the person next to us. What God does with you, he doesn’t necessarily do with others.
