Sermon nuggets Weds Oct 15
Theme- Prayer
Verse- 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.
Acknowledging the Gifts
The story is recorded by William Barkley of an engineer fixing a field telephone line during World War I. This line gave essential messages to the troop leaders. He just completed the line when he was shot and killed. There is a picture which showed him in the moment of death and beneath it there is one word, “Through”. He had died. He had given his life so that essential message saved the lives of many others. His job was completed.
Of course that illustrates what Jesus did for us, but Christ did far more. This verse mentions three gifts. First the gift of authority is given to the Son by the Father. He had the power to act on behalf of the Father. That was true in His teachings, in His miracles, in His life. But this is especially true in his death. He is the only one authorized to be your Savior.
There is a discussion within the Roman Catholic church of Mary being the co-redeemer. This authority apparently is thought to be granted to her posthumously by the pope and the church. But it has not been granted by the Father. Mary cannot save you. There is salvation is no other name than Jesus Christ. There may be others claiming that power but there is nothing behind those words or claims. The Father planned salvation and His plan is through the sacrifice of Christ.
A crook may come in and demand power by the use of force or a gun, but he has no authority. A policeman on the other hand can come in with power and authority for he has been authorized to use and have a gun which has been granted to him by a higher authority. But that authority is recognized by the government of the people. He can not do what he wishes, but only under the guidelines and direction of the law.
The authority granted to Jesus is over all people to give them the gift of eternal life. The second gift is eternal life, of which we will speak more tomorrow looking at verses 3 and 4.
The third gift is the people given to Jesus by the Father. Believers are love gifts from the Father to the Son and elsewhere He reveals we in turn are the gift from the Son to the Father.
What does this have to do with prayer? This is a prayer. This is not a just a theological discussion on the workings of the trinity, but rather an expression of thanksgiving by the Son to the Father. By acknowledging these things in his prayer to his Father Jesus is reflecting over the marvelous plan and wonderful gift He has received.
When we recite the gifts we have received from God and offer ourselves to the Lord’s disposal- it is worship.
“Lord, you have given me a wonderful wife. I have prayed for such a gift and Judi is far more than a helpmate. She is a friend, a comfort, an encourager a counselor. She loves you and her faith also teaches me of Your love and commitment. I marvel at your plan, Lord, of calling us Your bride. The love you have is far greater than any I can experience on this earth. Thank you Lord for such a plan and the expressions of love you allow us to experience, now and for all eternity in knowing You”
Such a prayer is not only an expression of appreciation for my wife to God, but it is thanksgiving to God for his grace and involvement in my life with my partner.
Jesus is expressing truth. But that truth is also an expression of thanksgiving and joy.
When someone is honored his or her achievements, that person’s character and accomplishments are recited as part of the appreciation event.
When you pray this morning, reflect over the gifts that God has given to you. And reflect on the greatest gift He has given to you, Himself in the person of Jesus Christ and the person of the Holy Spirit and receiving that gift you have eternal life.
Pastor Dale.
