Sermon Nuggets Thurs Aug 7
Theme Principles from the Master.
Verses John 12:28-34 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"
The Principle of VICTORY through SUFFERING.
The voice came from heaven. Jesus recognized this voice was for the benefit of the hearers. The Greek seekers heard as well. There was an awareness of God's confirmation on the testimony of Jesus. It had been many centuries since God spoke directly to man. Here they heard the voice of God in answer to His Son's prayer.
Part of the reason for the voice is the reminder that God wins. We are in spiritual battle but we already know the end. Satan has lost! The cross was not judgment only from the decree of the high officials on a prisoner. Indeed, there was no justice. But God had a greater purpose in the suffering. It was judging sin. Jesus paid the price of sin: yours, mine, the worlds.
The death of Jesus Christ would seem like a victory for the wicked world, but it would really be a judgment of the world. On the cross, Jesus would defeat Satan and his world system. Even through he is permitted to go to and fro on the earth, Satan is a defeated enemy.
In contrast to Satan's power was the drawing power of Jesus on the cross. When he is lifted up he will draw all men to himself. The phrase "all men" does not suggest universal salvation. It means all people without distinction. Indeed all men are not just Jewish, but Jewish and Gentile, Black and White, Indian and Chinese. Jesus was lifted up that men might find the way know the truth and receive life. In the suffering of Jesus is the victory. It is the key of winning the war. Each communion service points us to the suffering of Jesus that won for us the victory for our salvation.
What about when we face suffering? Will we remain in God when we immersed in suffering?
Last night I watched a program on Cappadocia. The history showed how this early city was probably settled by the Hittites thousands of years ago. There were unusual caves chiseled out of rock formations that made cooler dwellings during the heat and warmer places during the winter. When persecution came upon the Christians, many went to that place which is now in Turkey. But archeological discoveries have shown massive and complex underground dwellings that range from a small room barely housing two, to a vast room where 10,000 could gather. 8 floors below the earth through a maze was a well defined church in the shape of a cross. The church flourished during the suffering years. Why is that so?
People in suffering are willing to give their lives for the cause of Jesus. Victory is assured in the resurrection of Christ. Eternal things become paramount when earthly things are no longer attractive. Then we see more clearly. God has special promises and rewards for those who give their lives in persecution. There is great victory.
Pastor Dale
