TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 19:11-21
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. - Hebrews 4:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
New parents face the exciting--and challenging--responsibility of naming their new baby. Will they name her after a family member? Maybe he should have the name of a favorite hero? Some parents choose a name with a special meaning, while others pick a name that has a nice ring to it. Many factors go into this naming process, because parents know that their child will carry this name for the rest of his or her life.

If we put so much weight on the names of our children, it should come as no surprise that the names of Jesus powerfully reveal much about who He is.

This is our third day in this passage, and we are still unpacking the rich symbolism used to describe this image of Christ as the Rider on the white horse. His robes are dipped in blood, the blood of God’s enemies (v. 13). And His name is the Word of God. If you recall yesterday’s study, John wrote that Christ has a name that no one knows. And yet verse 16 gives still another name for Christ. This is not at all contradictory; rather, these names emphasize the point that Jesus cannot be captured or described or understood by just one name or title.

The name Word of God signifies the relationship that Jesus has with God. Through Jesus, God reveals His words and actions, and Jesus executes God’s will perfectly. This title reveals the closeness and intimacy between Father and Son.

Christ also has a sharp sword from His mouth (v. 15; cf. Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). The sword was a symbol for the prophet whose words of warning and judgment had a cutting edge to those who heard them (Isa. 49:2). This sword is also the judging Word from God that brings destruction on those who have opposed Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you acknowledged that Jesus is King of kings in your own life? It may be easy to recognize that He is sovereign over Satan and his cohort, but difficult to admit Him into your own decisions.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 20:1-21:8
It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. - Revelation 21:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Walker Percy’s novel Lancelot, an imprisoned man makes an embittered confession to his childhood friend who is now a priest. The entire novel is the monologue of the defiant prisoner--until the end, when the priest finally speaks. Although the priest speaks only briefly, his words offer his imprisoned friend the opportunity for healing and grace. His few words have more power than all the angry rants and excuses.

In the Book of Revelation, God speaks directly only twice, and both times He identifies Himself in a similar way: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” (21:6; cf. 1:. God is sovereign over all of history, from before time began until time is no more. The amazing events in Revelation are all under His direction and supervision. His words and His work are completely trustworthy and true (v. 5).

The phrase, “It is done,” echoes one of Christ’s statements on the Cross--“It is finished” (John 19:30). When Jesus offered His life on the Cross, He set in motion the work of God’s new creation, manifested by the salvation that we receive when we trust in His work for us. Now, at the end of history, God is completing this work of the new creation, and it surpasses the old in every respect (vv. 1–4; cf. Isa. 43:19; 2 Cor. 5:17).

God will give all these blessings to His redeemed people. The waters of life, eternal fellowship with God and the Lamb, are available to all those who hold fast to their faith in the face of persecution and trial (vv. 6–7). This would have resonated particularly for the churches enduring opposition, but it also speaks to us. We see the balance in our lives between holding on to faith and receiving the gift of God that is without cost.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we look around our world, there are many reasons to feel despair. Crime, loneliness, war, disappointment, sickness, poverty--the list of brokenness could go on.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 21:9-27
I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. - Revelation 21:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
People have always been drawn to tall, dramatic buildings. Beginning with the Tower of Babel, construction marvels include the Great Pyramid, the Eiffel Tower, and the modern skyscraper. Buildings become famous tourist attractions, and cities jealously guard the status of their prized landmarks, whether it’s the world’s tallest building, largest cathedral, or most innovative museum.

We return today to the image of the Lamb, and we’ll look at His bride and His city. This city, described as a single magnificent cube, descends from heaven (v. 11). People might be able to build majestic structures on earth, but only God could design and create a city like this.

Some Bible scholars think that Revelation 21:1–8 provide the overview of God’s new creation, and verses 9–27 give us more specific details. In our passage today, John is carried away by an angel to see the bride of the Lamb. This is the second time that an angel carries John away; the first time he saw a harlot, the city of Babylon (cf. 17:1–3). This time he again looks for a woman--the bride--and sees a city, the new Jerusalem (v. 10). Although the harlot had jewels and fine clothing, her description pales in comparison with the bride (v. 11). The best that Satan and this world can offer is a cheap imitation of what God has prepared!

Both of these images, the bride and city of the Lamb, underscore how close our communion with God will be. Throughout Scripture God has promised that again He will dwell with His people as in the Garden of Eden, and at last this promise is gloriously fulfilled (cf. Gen. 17:. And in the center of this new Jerusalem, the temple is replaced by God Himself and the Lamb (Rev. 21:22).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Revelation 21–22 are two of the most inspiring, uplifting chapters in the Bible. Our hearts pound more quickly as we think about heaven and the joys that await us there!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 22:1-5
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
Water is one of the basic necessities of life. Sadly, millions of people in our world today don’t have access to a clean water supply. Millions more battle over water rights when too many people depend on a limited resource. Any American who has lived with water restrictions during a drought has only a small taste of how much more difficult life would be without a ready supply of usable water.

As we continue to look at the city of the Lamb, the new Jerusalem, we are greeted by a scene of wonderful, life-giving water. This water flows from the throne of God and the Lamb, since life can only come from their presence (v. 1). Water symbolizes the purification of sins, making it possible to live in God’s presence. Some Bible scholars believe that the water may also represent the presence of the Holy Spirit, flowing from the Father and Son. Historically, this passage was one used as the basis for the doctrine of the Trinity--that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Old Testament is filled with prayers for God to reveal His presence by shining the light of His countenance (cf. Num. 6:25–26; Ps. 4:6, 31:16). These prayers are answered in the new Jerusalem: the people of God will see His face and serve Him (v. 4).

We’ve already seen the power of the names of Jesus. Here again, having a name has great significance, and it’s the people in heaven who are given the name of God and the Lamb on their foreheads. They are the possession of God, and they are kept secure by Him--for He has placed His name on them. The saints of God are so identified with Him that they bear His name and even reign with Him . . . forever and ever (v. 5)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Here’s an easy object lesson that you can use today to help focus your thoughts on Jesus. Each time you turn on a light or look outside at the sunshine, think of the surpassing glory of Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 22:6-13
Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. - Revelation 22:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
For children all over the world, Christmas Eve is the longest night of the year. They lie in bed, hearing the interminable clicks of the second hand on the clock. They begin to fear that Christmas is never coming! They want to enjoy all the good things of Christmas--the food, the laughter, the presents! But will it ever come? This night seems like it lasts an eternity!

Believers can understand exactly how children feel at Christmas--but we’re waiting for Jesus to come! As Revelation tells us, His coming will bring with it good things only hinted at in the joys of Christmas--life in God’s presence, freedom from sin and pain, eternal rule with Christ. And Jesus twice tells us to take heart: “Behold, I am coming soon!” (vv. 7, 12).

This is a promise and a reminder: since Jesus is coming soon, we must remain faithful. Christ’s return is the basis for the exhortation to continue in holiness (vv. 10–11). When Jesus comes, He brings judgment as well as blessings for the faithful.

When we began this study of the images of Christ in Revelation, we said that we would read each passage and ask the question, “What does this passage teach us about our Lord Jesus?” Here we learn that Jesus is coming soon--and He is God. The description “Alpha and Omega, First and Last,

Beginning and End” appears in Revelation more than any other image except for that of the Lamb. Twice they are applied to God the Father (1:8; 21:6) and three times applied to Jesus (1:17; 2:8; 22:13). Thus we know that Jesus has the same divine status as God the Father, and He can conclude history with His coming.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What comes to your mind when you think of worship? Do you think of praise songs or beautiful hymns? Music is an important part of worship, but it’s not the only element. Throughout Revelation we’ve seen worship of Christ--through music, testimony about who He is, and faithful living.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 22:14-16
I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. - Revelation 22:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
On February 5 we looked briefly at the story of Balaam in his attempt to aid King Balak in destroying the Israelites. Although Balaam wanted to assist Balak so that he could gain a large financial reward, he was unable to curse the Israelites. Instead, he could only bless them, since God prevented him from speaking anything other than blessing. One of the prophetic blessings from Balaam is referenced in our passage today: “A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel” (Num. 24:17). God keeps all of His promises!

Yesterday we looked at Jesus, our God who is coming again (Rev. 22:12). This reality inspires confidence in His ability to judge and is the necessary motivation to persevere in faith (vv. 14–15). Jesus concludes these verses of exhortation with another reminder of who He is.

First, He is the historic Messiah promised to come to God’s people. Both “Root” and “Offspring” indicate His messianic right (v. 16), but there is another way to understand this combination of titles. As the Offspring of David, Jesus is shown to be the Messiah. As the Root of David, Jesus is shown to be God--the very source of the creation of David.

In the message to the church at Thyatira (see Feb. 6) we saw Jesus described as the morning star (2:28). The title appears again here, emphasizing that Jesus is the only One who can bring light into our hearts (cf. 2 Peter 1:19). And those who trust in Christ receive Him; we experience His salvation now on earth, and will experience Him fully and completely in the new creation of God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We’ve almost concluded our study of the images of Jesus in Revelation. Which of these descriptions of Christ has meant the most to you in your spiritual journey with Him?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 22:17-21
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. - Revelation 22:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
February has a reputation as a difficult month. In many places it is cold and dark, and the holidays are long over--just the bills remain. The New Year’s resolutions may all be broken by now, and the reality of “the daily grind” has settled in. Perhaps you have experienced some of these feelings.

We hope that this study of Jesus in Revelation has brought you great encouragement in the Lamb who holds history--and us--in His hand. Today we will look at how we should respond to Christ.

First, we see the response to Jesus’ promise to come soon; we cry, “Come!” The phrase “He who has an ear, let him hear” concludes each message to the seven churches. It’s echoed here in hearing the call from the Spirit through the church (v. 17). The desire of our hearts is to know our Savior more deeply, and we long for His appearing.

The word come is “maranatha,” one of the oldest prayers used in the early church (cf. 1 Cor. 16:22). In fact, in 1 Corinthians 16, this prayer is associated with the Lord’s Supper. Our second response, then, to Jesus’ promise to come is worship--especially corporate worship, where we commune with Christ and renew our commitment to live for Him.

Our third response is to obey the words of Jesus that we have read in the book of Revelation, and indeed, in all of Scripture (vv. 18–19). He has given us every reason why we should hold fast to Him and allow His commands to guide our choices and lives. When presented with the Lamb who was slain on our behalf, and the Rider who exercises judgment, and the Alpha and Omega who is the God over all history--how can we neglect so great a salvation! (cf. Heb. 2:3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If February has indeed been a difficult month for you, take comfort in these promises. Faithful endurance and obedience to Jesus will result in eternal blessing and reward! Your perseverance and worship has the ultimate result of glorifying God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Judges 16:1-31
O Sovereign Lord, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more. - Judges 16:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
Today we have Samson v. the Philistines, Rounds Three and Four. The stakes are high: the winner will control land and resources and be known as having the most powerful god. It's going to be a fight to the finish.

We're going to focus on a few structural elements in this account. First, the Spirit of the Lord is glaringly absent from this chapter. After the numerous references in the previous chapters, this absence is hardly accidental. Most tragically, Samson did not even realize that the Lord had departed from him (v. 20).

Second, a study focused on the geography in the book of Judges would be rich and fruitful exercise, but for now notice just one interesting bit. Samson's great escape from the house of the prostitute occurs in Gaza; his great capture from the house of Delilah results in his being taken to Gaza as a slave. Samson had carelessly toyed with the Philistine territory (and their women), and now the scene of his victory became the place of his humiliation.

Third, and most important, this study reveals the spiritual consequences of Samson's folly. True, the story of Samson warns us against immorality, self-sufficiency, arrogance, and a number of other sins. But none of these are the main point. The book of Judges is the story of God's people rejecting Him, and Samson is an example that reflects the character of the nation. He is miraculously born, richly gifted, careless, and always expecting God to deliver him out of any jam that his foolishness creates.

The worst consequence of Samson's sin was that the Philistines gathered to praise their god Dagon. They attributed their victory over Samson to this false idol. We must see this scene from God's perspective—His holy name and work are being blasphemed and profaned. The judgment on the Philistines is less about Samson's revenge than about God setting the record straight about the real Savior. He uses Samson, who in the end pays for his folly with his life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We have no record that Samson ever praised Dagon . . . but his other sins gave the Philistines an occasion for false worship and blasphemy. The spiritual consequences of our choices to sin should cause us to run to the Father's throne, confessing and asking for His forgiveness. Instead of giving others opportunities to deny the power of God, seek to be used to point them to the saving grace and work of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Judges 17:1-13
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit. - Judges 17:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
From August 27 through September 3, 2005, the world watched Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath devastate the city of New Orleans. The rains from the hurricane were not good. The breached levees were bad. The destructive flooding was worse. The looting and lawlessness was worse still. The long-delayed evacuation of those stranded in the city was perhaps worst of all. For days, every bit of news sounded darker than the day before.

Our final few days in the book of Judges feel similar. We've already seen a gradual slide from Gideon to Jephthah to Samson. Now the slide becomes a plummet. The bright spots are few and far between.

The last example of leadership in Israel was Samson. Things weren't really all that great—the land didn't have peace, and there's no mention that he successfully delivered Israel from the specter of Philistine oppression. With all his faults, though, Samson demonstrated that some leadership is better than none at all.

The characters in this chapter all appear to have the opportunity to make a God-honoring choice, but in each case they choose idolatry. Micah's mother used the occasion of the return of her silver to craft some idols for her son. Micah enlarged his personal shrine and hired his own priest. The Levite—surely he knew better!—agreed to serve as a false priest with a false ephod and a false god.

Most disturbing in this account are the layers of deception and self-deception. It begins with Micah's deception of his mother and the theft of the silver. Upon his confession, she curiously reversed her prior curse into a blessing and then consecrated the silver to God . . . and had an idol made (v. 3).

Micah approached God as if He were impressed by outward trappings and symbols. He seemed to desire the Lord's blessing, but thought that he could gain God's approval simply by installing one of God's designated priests over his idolatrous shrine. As we shall see tomorrow, he couldn't have been more wrong.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In our American Christian culture we may also encounter lies and self-deceptions that sound similar to the beliefs of Micah and his mother. We dare not try to manipulate God in an effort to benefit materially. We cannot earn God's blessing by claiming a spiritual promise while clinging to our sinful desires. We cannot think that we have pleased Him by dedicating resources to God and then using them to create idolatrous diversions. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you discernment, so that you will not be led astray by such deception.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 1:1-18
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. - John 1:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
The most theological of the four Gospels, John was penned by the apostle John about a.d. 85–90 from the city of Ephesus. John, who called himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved” in his narrative, was, with his brother James, one of the “Sons of Thunder.” He began his ministry in Jeru-salem before working for 20-25 years in Ephesus, where tradition says he was buried. He also wrote three epistles and the book of Revelation.

The Gospel of John was the last Gospel to be written, and probably aimed to supplement information found in the other three. The book clearly shows both Christ’s humanity and His deity, and contains His seven famous “I am” statements. It also features the longest account of Passion Week, beginning at chapter 12. John clearly announces the purpose of his Gospel: to evangelize and build up new believers (20:31).

John established Jesus’ identity from the first words: “In the beginning was the Word.” By calling Jesus the “Word” or “Logos,” he drew on an existing concept meaningful to both Jews and Gentiles. It suggested reason, wisdom, and even creativity, as well as highlighting the fact that Jesus was God’s revelation to humanity. Further, “the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (v. 1)--a clear assertion of Christ’s deity.

Here in these opening verses, we see the course of Jesus’ life summarized: salvation met with incomprehension and rejection (vv. 4–5, 10–11). We also see the book’s central theme of spiritual life. Jesus gives life and is life. Life is found in Him and through Him alone. Commentators such as J. Carl Laney have pointed out that the prologue’s structure focuses attention on the second part of verse 12, and the fact that faith in Christ makes us children of God (cf. Eph. 2:8; 1 John 4:15).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Since the opening words of John’s Gospel parallel and echo the opening words of Genesis, “In the beginning,” you might want to read Genesis 1 today as a supplementary passage. As you do so, reflect on the truth that the Son of God, our Redeemer, began His work with humanity long before the events recorded in the New Testament.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 1:19-34
I am the voice of one calling in the desert, “Make straight the way for the Lord.” - John 1:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
Several years ago, archaeologist Ya’akov Huster found in the Gaza region of Israel the remains of an ancient church dedicated to John the Baptist. Preserved under sand dunes, the church featured marble floor tiles and multicolored mosaics, including the dedicatory inscription. Said Huster: “These discoveries show that this was a major church in a successful community in the mid-sixth century.”

Who was John the Baptist and what was his role in the life of Christ? Today’s reading tells us that he prepared the way for Jesus. “The reason I came . . . was that he might be revealed to Israel” (v. 31). John the Baptist was also introduced in yesterday’s reading as a witness or herald of the light (vv. 6–9, 15).

In those days of Roman occupation, messianic claims were plentiful, which is one reason why the Jewish leaders sent a delegation to investigate John’s ministry. He explicitly denied being the Messiah, but he said “the Christ” was coming. He characterized his own mission as one of clearing obstacles and softening hearts in preparation for Messiah’s arrival, a task he accomplished through baptism and preaching on repentance (v. 23; Isa. 40:3).

John hinted that the one to come would be more than a man. To say he was not worthy to untie Messiah’s sandals expressed extreme, worship-like humility, far beyond the respect paid to a normal rabbi (v. 27). He also affirmed that Christ was “before” him in time (v. 15). When he met Jesus, he declared: “I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God” (v. 34).

The climax of John’s ministry was his proclamation that Christ had come (v. 29). The description of Jesus as the “Lamb of God” alluded to the Old Testament sacrificial system, in which an animal was killed in substitution for a guilty person. The verb “take away” pictures “the sin of the world” being lifted up and carried away. The “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” conveys forgiveness, salvation, and freedom.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Make it your goal this Lord’s Day to read the Gospel of John in a single sitting. Reading a book of the Bible straight through can help give you the big picture, as well as a sense of major and recurring themes.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 1:35-51
Follow me. - John 1:43
TODAY IN THE WORD
Every spring, small fish called koryushka migrate from their home in the Gulf of Finland to their spawning ground in the Neva River in Russia. Koryushka are highly prized as a delicacy by the people of St. Petersburg, who are willing to stand in long lines and pay high prices for them. As one person explained, “It’s a sign that spring is here.”

One market vendor estimated he sold 500–700 pounds of koryushka daily at the height of the season. Because the fish are so coveted, commercial fisherman work long hours to bring in as many as they can. Ordinary citizens join the chase as well, using nets from the riverbank and hoping to get lucky.

Peter, John, and Andrew would have understood. But when Jesus asked them to turn from being fishermen to being “fishers of men,” they answered the call (Matt. 4:19). John the Baptist’s testimony had a direct effect on this--Andrew and John had been following him, but when he pointed out the “Lamb of God,” they began to follow Jesus.

Whom did they think they were following? Andrew went and told his brother, Peter, about the Messiah. Philip went and told his friend, Nathanael, about “the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote” (v. 45). Astonished by Jesus’ ability to tell him what he had been thinking, Nathanael declared that Christ was the “Son of God” and “King of Israel” (v. 49).

As for Jesus Himself, He promised that Nathanael and the others would see even greater things: “You shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (v. 51). What did He mean? By alluding to Jacob’s famous dream, Christ meant to say that He Himself is the ladder or stairway to heaven, that is, the way to God. He Himself formed the link between heaven and earth.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Just as Jesus called His first disciples to “follow me,” He calls us to a life of wholehearted discipleship. What does this mean to you?

Answer this question today by completing one or both of the following sentences:

• The essential characteristics of a disciple of Christ are _______.

• To be a true disciple of Christ, I must _____.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 2:1-25
How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market! - John 2:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Thomas Jefferson, one of the key figures in the struggle for American independence, did not have much use for the Bible. He rejected the Old Testament, and called Judaism a “depraved religion.” He also rejected Paul’s writings, labeling him a “corrupter of the doctrines of Jesus.”

With the Gospels, whose writers he tagged “groveling authors” with “feeble minds,” he used scissors, literally snipping out parts that offended him--all miracles and other supernatural events, as well as all claims that Jesus was God. His selections, which are primarily Jesus’ moral teachings, have recently been reprinted as The Jefferson Bible.

No doubt today’s reading didn’t make Jefferson’s arrogant cut, for here we find Jesus’ first miracle and His first public claims regarding His divinity.

At a wedding celebration in Cana, Jesus responded to His mother’s request and turned water into wine. The wine was top-quality, and by making over 120 gallons He provided it in abundance. The immediate purpose was to rescue the host from running out of wine, which would have been a serious social offense. The ultimate purpose, however--and the purpose of each of the seven “sign miracles” recorded in John--was to reveal Christ’s glory and inspire faith (v. 11; cf. 1:14).

Just as the water-to-wine miracle was Christ’s first public act of power, so the clearing of the temple was His first public assertion of His authority, identity, and mission. Because commerce dominated what should have been a place of worship, Jesus acted with righteous anger to drive out the merchants. The greed and exploitation were especially obnoxious since it was just before Passover.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you are finding that this month’s brief devotional readings are only whetting your appetite for a more detailed look at John’s Gospel, today we encourage you to seek out an in-depth study guide or good commentary on John or the life of Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 3:1-21
I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. - John 3:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
D. L. Moody once heard another evangelist preach an entire series of meetings on one verse: John 3:16. Afterwards, he said:

“I had never heard anything quite like it. . . . He just took the whole verse, and then went through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation to prove that in all ages God loved the world. God had sent prophets and patriarchs and holy men to warn us, and then He sent His Son, and after they killed Him, He sent the Holy Ghost. . . . I never knew up to that time that God loved us so much. This heart of mine began to thaw out; I could not keep back the tears. It was like news from a far country: I just drank it in. So did the congregation.”

And so, in today’s reading, did Nicodemus. One of the ruling class, he had probably seen or heard of Jesus’ actions during Passover. One night, wondering who this new rabbi was, he went for a private conversation.

Jesus told Nicodemus that to enter the kingdom of God, one must be “born again” or “born from above” (v. 3; cf. 1:12–13). Such rebirth is a spiritual event, with the Holy Spirit viewed metaphorically as giving birth (vv. 5-6). Since the word pneuma can mean both “wind” and “spirit,” the comparison in verse 8 shows God’s sovereignty over the entire process.

The image of death and rebirth is an archetypal one in Scripture. The world itself was reborn after the Flood. Jesus used the illustration of planting a seed to describe Himself and anyone who would follow Him (12:24-25). In baptism, we identify with Christ’s death and resurrection as a testimony of our spiritual rebirth in Him (Rom. 6:4–5; Col. 2:12–13).

Having set the context, Jesus answered Nicodemus’ original question about His identity (vv. 13–18). His origin was heaven. His mission was redemption--to save humanity from death. His motivation was love. He would be “lifted up,” just as Moses had lifted up the bronze serpent, and those who respond in faith will live, just as in that episode (Num. 21:4–9).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It is unfortunate that in many ways the phrase “born again” has been turned into a meaningless cliché in some circles. In today’s reading, we encountered this startling and powerful metaphor in its original context. Can you truly say that you have been “born again”?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 3:22-36
He must become greater; I must become less. - John 3:30
TODAY IN THE WORD
In some parts of medieval Europe, a potential bridegroom would ask his warrior friends to go and seize a bride away from a rival suitor in a nearby village. These friends were responsible to keep the girl in custody and defend her until the couple could be safely wed, and were called “brideknights” or “best men.” In other cases, the “best men” defended the future bride from such kidnappers.

Today, a “best man” in a wedding has a much easier job! In today’s reading, John the Baptist described himself as the friend, or “best man,” of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

Both John the Baptist and Jesus’ disciples did baptisms. This ceremony signified repentance from sin and identification with the message of a teacher.

Perhaps jealous of Jesus’ growing reputation, John’s disciples tried to prompt him to set himself in opposition to the “new kid on the block.” But John reaffirmed his previous witness, declaring that he was merely the forerunner, and that Jesus was “the one who comes from heaven” (vv. 28, 31). John’s joy and purpose were not rooted in his own personal or ministry success, but simply in the presence of Christ (v. 29). He always resisted the temptation of selfish ambition, and instead accepted his role, spoke the truth, and gave God the glory.

For those listening or reading, the point of John’s testimony parallels the point of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” (v. 36). What does it mean to believe in Jesus? To respond in faith is to recognize that God has told the truth in Christ (v. 33) and to place one’s complete trust in Jesus Christ alone to escape the judgement of God (vv. 34–36).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The God-glorifying example of John the Baptist is one we should all follow.