EASTER • 3

Are we listening to the words of Jesus Christ, and doing the works of His Father?

linktr.ee/cnlsgplaylist

The worship engagement team has compiled our CNL playlists in a single linktree page. These are songs you can listen to that are connected to our season and for us to Pause in our Day to Pray:

reading for: 4 May

John 10:22-30

We Belong to Him and are set apart by the work of the Father

  • READ

Today’s reading opens with some details which is likely intentional given the writer John’s love for symbolism.

First, that it was the Feast of Dedication (v22), where the temple was rededicated in 165 B.C., after the Maccabean revolt overthrew the rule of Antiochus Epiphanes and recaptured Jerusalem. As a parallel, Jesus is explicitly mentioned as the new temple (John 2:19), and just as God delivered His people through the Maccabeans, so has He delivered them through Jesus Christ.

Second, that it was winter (v22). This perhaps describing the state of spiritual ‘warm-ness’, ‘openness’, and ‘alive-ness’ of the Jews (here referring to the Jewish leaders) as they encircled Jesus for an answer. While it is not explicitly said, scholars confidently infer that these questions were not earnest in nature but were likely an attempt to trap Jesus in His words and find reason to get rid of Him. Jesus’ response to them compared to when people came to Him earnestly with doubts and questions is also telling.

Third, is the location Jesus was taking a walk, Solomon’s Porch, which is also known as the ‘Porch of Judgement’ (v23). It is the place by which the king would make his judgements and exercise justice for those who were brought before him. It is no coincidence that John includes this detail as he sets up the stage for the up-coming matter that would be brought before Jesus the Messianic King.  

What then was the verdict? His answer, “I told you, but you do not believe” (v25) pronounces an accurate judgement of the spiritual winter and coldness of their heart. Jesus’ response carrying the present tense, “you do not believe” also communicates the present state of their hearts. He went on to say that He did tell them, and that His works in His Father’s name testify that He is the Messiah (v25). Jesus went on to provide insightful detail that the reason they do not see is because they are not His sheep. Borrowing legal terms, the Jewish leaders’ insinuation that Jesus had not given them enough proof or clarity of who He was not sustained. In addition, He alluded that their very attempts at entrapping Him, and their asking for further proof had already distinguished them from His sheep.

His sheep are those that listen to His voice. He knows them. And that they follow Him (v27). John goes on to record Jesus’ double assurance. First, that it is Jesus who gives us eternal life, and that nothing can snatch us out of His hands. Second, that it is His Father that gives us to Him and that nothing can snatch out of His hands.

  • REFLECT

    Jesus’ verdict is both frightening and uplifting at the same time. Frightening because there is really nothing we can do in our power to be His sheep. It is the Father who gives us to Jesus, and it is this unearned belonging alone that enables us to hear His voice, be known by Him, and follow Him. This is at the same time such a relief because we are His not by our own merits but because of His grace alone. Had we have to earn our way to meet God’s righteous standards, who could stand?

    We all have much that we can recount in terms of our own personal testimonies of being found by Christ. And it is worth the while, to remember and meditate on His goodness and grace in our lives. In fact, consider sharing your testimony with someone else today giving glory to Jesus who found and saved you.

    As His sheep that belong to Him, let us not receive His grace in vain, but let us respond in rightful worship, not just in listening, but in our being known by Him (our disciplines of prayer and reading His Word), and obedience to the will of our Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father. If we hear His voice this day, let us not harden our hearts. Let us not, delay in responding to Him. He is our good shepherd and most worthy of it all. He has come into our lives that we may have life and life to the full! Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus! Oh, what fullness of life does He long to give to us. I pray that we all will not delay any longer but dive into all that He has installed for us, come what may!

    Listen to the song “I belong to you” by ‘Here be lions’ and declare with the lyrics of the song the blessed reality that we belong to Him. “I need to be reminded that I belong to You”. I pray that as you set aside time for Him, that the Holy Spirit will truly remind us of this truth!

“You called me out of darkness
And silenced every lie
No other voice will define me
I belong to You
I belong to You

By Your blood I've been adopted
I have taken on Your name
And I need to be reminded
I belong to You
I belong to You

The enemy can't take what I have
Or change who I am
I belong to You

Greater are You who's in me Than he who’s in the world
The words that You have spoken Are stronger than the curse

You called us sons & daughters
You made us walk on waters
Your power flows right through us
‘Cause we belong to You”

reading for: 5 May

Acts 9:36-43

His Sheep hears His voice and recognizes it

  • READ

    In today’s reading, we see an account of a disciple of Jesus named Tabitha who had died. It is noteworthy that the word ‘disciple’ (‘mathetria’ in Greek), meaning ‘female disciple’ is only used this once in the New Testament next to a named individual. While this definitely does not mean that there were no other female disciples besides her (in fact, the widows that brought Peter to her were probably fellow ‘mathetria’ of Jesus), Tabitha nonetheless remains the only name used alongside this word.

    Intentionally mentioned by Luke, Tabitha was described as a disciple who ‘was always doing good and helping the poor’ (v36). In verse 39, Luke further specially mentions the tangible expressions of her love for widows in the clothes and robes that Tabitha had made for them while she was around. Luke wants us to capture the quality of this woman’s life as a disciple of Jesus in the love that she lived out in her community - she was a disciple or follower of Jesus in the tangible expressions of her life. She listened to the voice of her Shepherd, was known by Him, and followed Him. In fact, evidence of her good legacy can be captured in those who mourned her passing and called on Peter for her sake.

    Why is this important as a lead-up to Peter raising her from the dead? This is because it captures for us (very much in alignment with our Gospel reading yesterday) the life of a disciple of Christ prior to her death, and proof that even in death, her life belonged to Jesus and death cannot snatch her from Jesus’ hands. Just as she listened and heard the voice of her Shepherd in life, she heard and listened to the voice of her Shepherd speaking through Peter in death!

  • REFLECT

    As I think about the implications of this account, I realized how important it is for us to listen to our Shepherd’s voice, be known by Him, and to follow Him. Otherwise, we literally might not hear and recognize His voice in death even if He called us to raise us from the dead. Of course, there is also the problem of whether we would be known by Him (i.e. “I do not know you” (Matt 7:21-34).  A sheep of Jesus Christ ought to recognize and listen to His voice, be known by Him, and follow Him.

    Let us, therefore, make it our discipline to make space and time to listen to Him each day. Let us go to bed well, wake up strong, and pause in our day to pray because our good Shepherd is speaking to us, calling our name, and calling us to follow Him.

    Let us posture ourselves to draw near and be near to Him in our lives as a way of life. James 4:8 promises that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us! He longs for His sheep and children to have good things!

    Let us listen to the song and declare with Chris Tomlin the lyrics of the song “I will rise” with a deep assurance that we know our Good Shepherd, He knows us, and we belong to Him (:

“There’s a peace I’ve come to know.
Though my heart and flesh may fail.
There’s an anchor for my soul.
I can say, “It is well!”

Jesus has overcome!
And the grave is overwhelmed.
The victory is won!
He is risen from the dead.

And I will rise, when He calls my name.
No more sorrow no more shame.
I will rise, on eagles wings,
Before my God, fall on my knees,
And rise. I will rise.”

reading for: 6 May

Revelation 7:9-17

Beginning with the End in Mind

  • READ

    One of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey) is beginning with the end in mind. The book of Revelations is an apocalyptic literature (Revelations 1:1) which is a collection of symbolic visions that reveal a heavenly perspective on history in light of its final outcome. It is also prophetic literature (1:3) in the tradition of Old Testament prophecies where God’s word is brought through a prophet. In some ways the book of Revelations brings Old Testament prophecies to its climax.  

    With that in mind, it is helpful to ask what final outcome does today’s reading show us? Revelations 7:9-17 should be read in the wider context of intense proceedings recorded in Revelations 6 which cumulates with the question that ends the chapter, “Now that the day of wrath has come, who is able to stand?”. It’s a chapter of respite and hope that lifts the vision of God’s people from the pain, difficulties, and suffering of the present to the glories of the future.

    While there is much to be said about the details of Revelations 7, it is sufficient to note that in comparison to Revelations 7:1-8 (which focuses on a specific people), verses 9-17 casts a larger and more general vision of those who are able to worship around the throne of the Lamb (i.e. those who are able to stand 6:17).

    The picture painted here is simply beautiful, a great and uncountable multitude of people from every tribe, people, and language, waving palms branches and united in their praises and pledges unto the Lamb (Jesus Christ) (v9-12). This imagery reflects the faithful army of the Lamb ascribing salvation (or victory) belonging to Him!  

    But with this beautiful picture an important question needs to be asked. Who are these people and where do they come from (v13)? This was the rhetorical question that one of the 24 elders prompted John to ask. Just like the question in Revelations 6:17, it seems like the identity and characteristics of those who belonged to God in the end is an important vision to keep in view as we live our lives out in the present.

    Where did they come from? Out of the great tribulation (v14). While scholars debate about what this refers to, a relevant application to our context would have note is that trials and tribulations is a given for His people living in this in between period as we await His second coming or the end of this age (v13). The passage’s primary purpose is not for us to predict future events but rather it is meant to be an encouragement to His people living in the present to live with increased faith and to keep our eyes on our Lord.

    Who are these people? They are those who are faithful and true having ‘washed their clothes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb’ (v14)! The washing of robes in the blood of the Lamb denotes more of a ritual cleansing rather than just an imagery. It is an acknowledgement of what Christ has done on our behalf and having our lives washed in the blood/life of Christ! Immersing ourselves in the ritual process is also important as it donate that this sacrifice precedes worship. We can only worship after we have accepted and allowed ourselves to be washed in the Lamb’s sacrifice. While it is something that most Christians simply accept as doctrine, it is actually worth taking time to wrap our mind around this reality afresh that the imagery of our God and King that sits on the throne is a lamb that was slain and sacrificed for us! And as followers of Christ, we overcome by His blood that washes over us, and lives lived out in the example of our Lord and King.

    Today’s reading closes with the ‘results’ or ‘prize’ of such a life (v15-17). The word, ‘therefore’ that begins this section of reading actually links these verses as an outcome of verses 13-14.

    Firstly, we will be before the throne (v15). The term before the throne has the Jewish image of the Messianic banquet at the end of the age (Isa 25:8, John 10:1-18; Rev 4:6-7)! We will feast from His banquet in the immediate presence of the King without any barriers or divides.

    Secondly, we will serve Him day and night (v15). There will be purpose and meaningful work in the new heavenly age. While it does not specify how exactly, it will very much be in the fullness of our original created design to bear His relational image and have dominion over all the Earth. I am quite sure we will not be playing the harp all day.

    Thirdly, God Himself will dwell amongst us and shelter us with His presence (v15). God will be our refuge and it will be the ultimate fulfilment of Psalm 27:4, dwelling in the house of the Lord all the days of our lives, to behold Him in all His beauty, and to inquire of Him in His temple.

    Fourthly, there will be no more hunger and thirst nor suffering for we will be filled, satisfied, and comforted by God Himself (v16).

    Fifth, Jesus Himself will be our exceeding great shepherd who leads us in life and fullness of joy (v17).

    This is a picture of the age to come. Let us be encouraged and strengthen in our faith as we live in the present holding fast to the light of our life that is and is to come that is firmly secured in Jesus Christ.

  • REFLECT

    As His sheep, our lives are hidden in Christ. Let us begin with the end in mind this very day. What a blessed inheritance and call we have. What a glorious kingdom and people we are a part of. What a privileged place of service we have. Therefore, let us listen to the voice of our Shepherd this day, let us be known by Him, and let us follow Him knowing full well the life that is to come.

    Listen to the song ‘One thing’ by Hillsongs, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJmb5h7YR84 and let us worship Him echoing the words of Psalm 27! Jesus is worthy of it all. He is most beautiful. He is most high and glorious. He is the highest hope and greatest desire of our hearts.

reading for: 7 May

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd

  • READ

    What an appropriate and beautiful Psalm to conclude this week’s reading! Psalm 23 is arguably one of the most beautifully written and most often quoted Psalm in life and death. And it is not for no good reason, as it paints the inner landscape of lives lived in good good hands of our good Shepherd Jesus Christ. Many Christians may have started off with spiritual disciplines because it is what we are taught or asked to do by our parents or leaders, but eventually we continue in them because of our good good Shepherd that we come to know more and more intimately each day. The Psalm is so simple yet never ceases to grow in its depth and richness as we journey with Him.

    It is in Jesus alone that we find all we want and need (v1). He knows best our way and what is good for us; He is the life spring of our souls (v2). He leads us in righteousness because we belong to Him (v3). We are His, and the image we bear reflects directly on Him. Therefore, He takes ownership of us with His own name (v3). He will never leave or forsake us; Jesus’ passion tells us that there is no darkness, pain, rejection, or suffering that will separate us from Him. Come what may, even the darkest valley, He will be there and will lead us through it just as He Himself conquered hell and death. There is nothing we fear with Him with us (v4). He is extravagant and powerful in His provision and love for us. Even in the midst of our enemies, God has the time and ability to calmly prepare a feast for us and call us to eat. Jesus commits Himself into group of armed soldiers at His betrayal without a single weapon and with a mere recognition of who He is before them sends them falling over themselves (v5). He is our refuge and rest even amid our greatest adversaries (v5). Not only that but His provision is always exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or imagine (v5; c.f. Eph 3:20). Nothing, absolutely nothing can change His loving and exceedingly good posture towards us (v6; c.f. Romans 8). Think of your ugliest, most shameful, dirtiest, and most sin-filled moments or choices. Next think of the worst thing you ever thought of doing or could do. Well, He says ‘Surely goodness and love will follow’ you all the days of your life (v6). Finally, the greatest reward is the Lord as our Shepherd. To dwell in the house of the Lord is to dwell in most close proximity and presence of God Himself (v7). His presence is the Psalmist’s reward itself. There is abundant joy and gladness being shepherded by Him and being close to Him. His final assertation that ‘I will’ dwell in the house of the Lord communicates perhaps His own greatest desire as well as the assurance of the Lord’s love for Him.

    Selah.            

  • REFLECT

    Read and declare this Psalm over your own life. Meditate on its reality and intrinsic promises. If you are new to this Psalm and find that you cannot relate to it, then ask the Holy Spirit this day to help you to Commit to the daily rhythms and disciplines set for us by our pastors. Don’t go to bed wrong. Wake up strong. Pause in the day to pray. This call by our pastors to such a life rhythm is worth it and makes sense only because Jesus is all that this Psalm says He is and more. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Unlock and open the doors of your life to Him this day and never turn back.   

    The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures,
    He leads me beside still waters,
    He refreshes my soul.
    He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
    Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
    I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
    Your rod and staff they comfort me.
    You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.
    You anoint my head with oil;
    My cup overflows.
    Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
    And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Listen to the song “With all I am” and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in prayerful response: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYXJmnJCPG0

Sure, the road to following our Lord is a narrow one often laden with persecution, sin, evil, and suffering, but we can take heart even as we keep our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith. He has overcome the world and calls us to come. He will see us through! In Romans 8:17 we are reminded that as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if we share in His sufferings, we also share in His glory. Let us press on in our communion with our Heavenly Father and with one another following Christ’s example. He is truly worthy of it all.

“I will walk with You. Wherever You go.
Through tears and joy, I’ll trust in You.
And I will live in all of your ways and your promises forever.

Jesus, I believe in You. Jesus, I belong to You.
You’re the reason that I live. The reason that I sing.
With all I am.

I will worship you. I will worship you.”

Season of EasterCNL