From Darkness to Light
A few weeks ago, my husband and I were watching something mindless on television when suddenly all the electricity went off. It was an area-wide outage; we went outside to see that there was no light anywhere we looked. As we live on a hill in Bonsall, we can usually see all the way to the ocean to the west and Palomar Mountain to the east. There was not a smidgen of light anywhere. It was DARK, enveloping darkness and I don’t remember there being any moonlight that night either. So glad for flashlights, lanterns, candles, and the light on our phones. It stayed that way for several hours and we hovered near our light sources. Eventually, the electricity came back on! The relief we felt was tangible when we were in the light again.
Through the past weeks’ study of John’s gospel, Jesus is presented over and over as the light; Jesus refers to Himself as light. In John 12:35-36 Jesus says, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you still have it…” Jesus was referring to His imminent death and the loss of His physical presence. Then in verse 46, this was so important He actually raised his voice saying, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.” Recently, I watched a video of the testimony of a former Hezbollah terrorist who came to Christ while praying. He said, “A man appears in front of me normal size but he shines like light but it is not a normal light. It carried identity, he was holy and just. Instantaneously, I knew I was not holy or just. I cried out “Forgive me”. He touched my shoulder and I knew I was forgiven. But who was this who forgives me? He said, “I am Jesus Christ.” He came from darkness into light and walks in the light of Jesus today leading a ministry of peace in the Middle East.
We who have been brought out of that darkness through trusting in the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ are commanded to walk in that light. What does that look like? If we spend some dedicated time reading through Ephesians 4:27-5:21, we discover what this command means. Consider getting some paper and your Bible, prayerfully read through this passage of scripture, and write down what God speaks to you about regarding your walk in the Light.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8
Francie Overstreet
The Ultimate Superhero
John 12:31
There is something about good stories that draw us in. Sometimes about a journey or plot that seems to resonate with something transcendent and deep within us. Think about superhero movies for a moment. They all essentially follow the same predictable narrative arch. Here’s the way they go. The story typically revolves around a protagonist, often an ordinary individual who gains extraordinary powers or abilities. They grapple with personal struggles and then eventually embrace their newfound identity as a superhero. As they come to terms with their powers, they face a formidable villain who threatens the world or their community. Inevitably, the hero goes through a journey of self-discovery, grapples with their sense of responsibility, faces moral dilemmas, and ultimately overcomes the adversary, often with personal sacrifices. The story generally ends with the hero's triumph, restoring peace and balance to the world, while also accepting the role of protector or guardian for the greater good.
Why is it that we’ll pay good money to see movies about that same story over and over? I think it’s because it touches something deep within God’s design. Both his design for us to experience his good and our need to be rescued from evil. Have you noticed the narrative arch outlined above is similar to the arch of Scripture? Jesus is our hero and he’s come to our rescue.
Listen to the way Jesus described it. He said, Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. (John 12:31)
This is Batman going after Joker or Superman taking down Lex Luthor. The ruler of this world is a moniker for “the Devil.” Jesus calls him “the ruler of the demons” (Matthew 12:24) and Paul calls him “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). And Jesus casts him out. The Devil is a defeated enemy. Sure, he still prowls around like a roaring lion, but we can “resist him” and “stand firm in the faith.” (1 Pt. 5:8-9) That’s great news!
Secondly, Jesus tells us "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” On the cross, Jesus drives out evil and draws in people. Jesus walked to the cross so that we could be drawn into his presence. Notice that Jesus doesn’t just draw “some” people, he draws “all” people. This is beautiful news for us, friends. Jesus’ sacrifice overcomes sin.
Part of the storyline of Scripture is the casting out of evil and the drawing in of people. That sounds a whole lot like the superhero movies we flock to. Maybe there’s a reason. Maybe it’s because they echo the story God is telling. Take some time today and bring something before God that you want him to “cast out.” It could be fear, pain, or depression. He's already cast out the greatest enemy. Then, take some time and prayerfully imagine Jesus drawing you to himself. Try to sense his love and embrace.
Pastor Ryan Paulson
Honesty – a Good Struggle
“If you don’t have anything nice to say”… then, you shouldn’t speak up, you shouldn’t be honest.
“Other people have it so much worse than me.” So, I should probably keep my complaint to myself.
“The squeaky wheel gets the oil.” But my dignity and care for others prevents me from being the loudmouth complainer (well, mostly:)
How can it be common for there to be an elephant in the room, even in churches, if believers value and practice honesty? There must be something, or some things, about being human that makes straightforwardness and honesty a chore at times rather than a delight. There can be a battle, and fear, in people’s minds that requires intentionality to overcome in order to share the truth. It takes practice to perfect the art of being honest.
Jesus relates. In John 12:27 Jesus is getting close to the night of his arrest when he says, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I have come to this hour.” This thought crossed Jesus’ mind and he related it to those around him. Then, a few days later, he does in fact pray that prayer to his father. His soul becomes even more troubled, he is “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” – Matt 26:38, when he seeks solitude in the garden of Gethsemane and prays the following:
Mark 14:36, “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
A few days before he wonders something like, “What am I going to do, ask God to take away the whole reason for me being here?” Then, when the time for his arrest and crucifixion arrives, he prays his heart out; asking God to do something along those lines. Jesus doesn't remain stoic. He doesn’t keep a false front. He isn’t a fatalist that says “I shouldn't even ask.” He is honest. His honesty didn’t alter his obedience either: except for how it may have solidified it in Jesus’ heart and magnified it in ours.
Pastor John Riley
Serve Through Surrender
The Tin Man in the movie The Wizard of Oz was awarded a heart for his service to others. The Wizard said to him, “Back where I come from there are men who do nothing all day but good deeds. They are called phila… er, phila… er, yes, er, Good Deed Doers.” His good deeds earned him a new heart and believe it or not there is scientific evidence that backs this up! Participating in altruistic activities has positive effects on humanities overall well being—including heart health! The psychological term ‘helper’s high’ has been tied to the feeling one gets when endorphins are released and make you naturally feel good! What a beautiful gift from our Maker, that when we serve others, we also benefit! But is a healthy heart the same thing as the heart of flesh that the new life found in Christ promises us? (Ezekiel 11:19). No, it is not.
Jesus tells His disciples that “Whoever loves his life loses it” and “if anyone serves me, he must follow me” (John 12: 25-26). There is no amount of good deeds that can earn a heart of flesh. Instead, this comes through death. Specifically, the death of Jesus. Surrendering to God’s authority is the heart-changing ‘good deed’ that brings about eternal life as the Holy Spirit indwells enabling us to know God and live a life for Him. Yet it doesn’t stop there… following Jesus means dying. Dying by denying oneself of living a life for one’s own glory rather than for the glory of God. This is not enjoyable stuff, but it is what brings fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). It's service that looks like a battle as the fleshly desires of our hearts prod and pull and our new heart instructs us to lay our desires down—to be replaced with His— and follow Him regardless of the cost. In doing so, we find the eternal life He promised.
Jessica Klootwyk
Groups and Women’s Discipleship Director
A Seed of Hope
I remember the first time I planted a seed and watched it grow. It was third grade and we planted a bean seed and kept track of its growth. It grew fast with a little water and light. That was magical to me, and I have always loved growing things. But that wasn’t the kind of seed planting Jesus spoke of in John 12:24-25. I love ‘The Message’ version which says “Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal.”
I’ve had trouble understanding that a seed would need to die in order to become a plant. A seed is full of the potential of life (and continues to be so) as it becomes a plant I thought! The problem, though, was with how I viewed the process. The seed is planted, it undergoes some sort of process (it varies a little bit on the plant type, but remains essentially the same), and then a sprout appears, and grows into a full-fledged plant. Can you dig up the plant, and find its seed down at the bottom, with 'plantybits' growing from its insides? No! It’s essentially died to itself! It ceases to be a seed in order for the plant to live, it can no longer find its identity in that of its old self, a seed.
That’s what Jesus is talking about here in a couple of ways. If we never plant spiritual seeds there is not a chance for people to grow and bear the fruit of the Spirit. In the same way, if we try to hold on to our life (the seed) just as it is–it dies. When we love Jesus “recklessly” we want to deny ourselves and give our life away, loving him and others more than ourselves–which results in his glory and our eternal life.
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it”. Mark 8:34-35.
Ask yourself how as a plant that was once a seed … are you still growing, bearing fruit, and planting seeds. Have you had any trouble in the growth process? If so, reach out to one of our pastors for help. We have a pastor on duty every day to take your call who wants to help you.
Deb Hill
Eternity in Their Hearts
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set
eternity in the hearts of men … Ecclesiastes 3:11
Several years ago I had the life-changing experience of reading the book entitled Eternity in Their Hearts by Don Richardson. The author, a Canadian missionary and scholar, examined primitive groups from around the world and concluded God has prepared people to receive the message of Jesus Christ. While He specifically picked the Hebrew people with whom to reveal Himself, He also put this deep quest in all our hearts that says there is Something more! Richardson tells the story of Epimenides, an ancient prophet from Crete, who built an altar to ‘an unknown God’ in Athens, Greece. Later on, Paul would use it as a starting point to explain the Good News of Jesus Christ. Various groups around the world have in their culture story that they are waiting for a messenger who will bring them the holy book so they can be reconciled with God. In various cultural mythologies, there are often bridges to the story of redemption, like the Peace Child of the Sawi people in New Guinea which led them from being treacherous cannibals to followers of Christ. The sermon from John 12:12-26 this last Sunday prompted my recall of this book.
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip..with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew, and Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.” John 12:20-22
John may have mentioned their ethnicity because he knew that Jesus’ sacrifice was for Gentiles as well as Jews. These Greeks were probably what was called God-fearing and it was not surprising that they would want to attend the Passover feast. Why did they approach Philip? We don’t really know except that his name is Greek in origin, perhaps that gave them some familiarity. They must have heard about Jesus and perhaps had seen the Triumphal entry. But we do know that God had placed eternity in their hearts and they wanted to see Jesus.
The scriptures do not tell us if they actually saw or met Jesus face to face. We can only surmise about whether that occurred. Where John left this part of the story was with Philip and Andrew. In every instance, the message of the gospel needs Philips and Andrew to lead people to see Jesus. God has given us the unique humbling responsibility to be His messengers to lead people to see Jesus, to lead them to the deepest answers of their hearts. We don’t have to be Biblical scholars or have all the answers, we just need to be available to Him. My grandfather once wrote, “When people hear you talk, does it make them think about God? When people see how you act, does it make them think about God? When people see how you serve, does it make them think about God?”
And then, are you ready to tell how His story changed your story?
“How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news.”
Romans 10:15b
Reflect: As you think through the events of this story, why do you suppose John did not tell what happened with the Greeks? When you think about being a messenger of Good News, what is your reaction? How does it impact you to realize that God placed eternity in the hearts of everyone all over the world?
Francie Overstreet
Donkey King
Zechariah 9:9
Royalty travels in luxury. That’s just the way it works. Presidents and rulers have drivers, they fly on private planes, and they are escorted from one place to another in style. That’s the way it is - and that’s the way it has been. So, when Jesus called for a donkey as his vehicle for entering Jerusalem, the crowd must have been a bit taken aback. Sure, donkeys had been used by kings previously, but only when they wanted to make a very specific point.
The prophet Zechariah helps us understand the point Jesus is declaring as he’s carried in Jerusalem on the back of a colt. He wrote,
"Behold, your king is coming to you;
righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
on a coly, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)
HUMBLE. That’s the point. He comes in peace and for peace. A king on a donkey was akin to waving a white flag. He’s not going to pick up the sword and slay the Romans and he’s not going to overthrow Pilate. He’s going after bigger enemies - and he’s fighting the battle on an entirely different playing field; but in so doing, he’s not going to be the king the people are clamoring for.
Jesus is the Donkey King in a world built on horses, bloodshed, and dominance. He came into a warzone and instead of carrying a sword, he picked up a cross. Most of us who follow Jesus can look back on the Triumphal Entry and appreciate what Jesus did. We know the end of the story and that Jesus enters in peace to die for the sins of humanity.
However, what if he enters your life in the same way? I don’t know about you, but I want a God who’s going to come and defeat all my enemies for me. I want to paint the proverbial John 3:16 eye-black under my eyes knowing that God helps ME WIN. I want a God who convinces my wife that I’m right, my co-workers that my ideas are best, who makes my investments flourish, and who makes my endeavors prosper. What if he doesn’t come to help you “win” in the way you want him to? What if he still comes to defeat your bigger enemies?
Jesus is still the “Donkey King” and that means he still comes humbly - in peace and for peace. That’s the way he entered Jerusalem, and that’s the way he enters our lives as well. Can you receive this unexpected King? Take a moment and ask Jesus to open your eyes to the ways he is coming to you today.
Pastor Ryan Paulson
More than a Political King
Imagine living when Jesus walked this earth. Your knowledge of Scripture and stories from your ancestors told of a King who would someday come, conquer your enemies, and bring you and your loved ones freedom. You have seen prophecies fulfilled and understand that the Messiah will bring salvation; he will be an almighty King who will free you from political oppression. While much of the unrest that your people feel comes from within your own religious sects, everyone is aware that Rome holds the ultimate power and your hope lies in freedom from their grip.
You saw Jesus ride into Jerusalem as the crowds hailed, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”. But he was riding a donkey!? Could this Jesus really be the King that you have been waiting for? He doesn’t quite fit what you expected. He seems humble and gentle, yet he doesn’t portray the physical characteristics and royal presence of a powerful King. Could he really conquer your enemies?
Then something stirs within you causing you to wonder if what you were longing for was merely political freedom. It’s all that people talk about. Everyone seems to have their opinion about who could be a good ruler and who could not. One political group seems to genuinely care about the welfare of people while another appears to be merely putting on a show. Is there any real benevolence in their hearts or is everyone just looking for power and control? These are the thoughts that cause you to wonder if there is something more to this life.
You see suffering all around you and you feel it within your own soul. You know your own heart has sinned against God and as much as you long for freedom from the influence of Rome, there is something even deeper within you that longs for freedom from your own selfish desires. What if your real enemies lie deep within your soul, influencing your thoughts, emotions, and decisions? What if this Jesus is more than a political King? What if he could free you from the tyranny of your bad choices, your lustful thoughts, your self-induced suffering? What if Jesus could free you from your sins? What if he could bring about healing? And hope? What if Jesus came not to free you from bondage here on this earth but to unshackle your chains and provide freedom for all eternity? What if Jesus came to give you life; abundant life that transcends your wildest dreams… and all this because he loves you.
Yes, Jesus is far more than a political King. He is your Savior. He is the lover of your soul. He is your Lord!
Lynette Fuson
Care & Counseling Director
"The Cover-up”
In a perfect world, upon learning Jesus of Nazareth had raised Lazarus from the grave in nearby Bethany, the chief priests and the Pharisees would have stopped in their tracks and reconsidered Jesus’ claims to be the Son of God. His latest miracle was undeniable and it took place just down the hill from Jerusalem, not in some remote location out of sight and out of mind. And far too many Jews that had witnessed it with their own eyes. It was front-page news!
Sadly, the reality is we live in a fallen world, so even after hearing about Lazarus the priests and Pharisees just doubled down in their opposition. They didn’t deny Jesus’ miracle; there were too many witnesses among the Jews to deny it! The priests and Pharisees simply decided to cover up the evidence - to sweep it under a rug! They weren’t interested in the truth. They had a political agenda focused on keeping their own power over the religious order in Judaism and also keeping the Romans (at least for the time being) as an unholy ally for the Jewish nation.
As ugly as their behavior seems, it shouldn’t surprise us. We know there are examples throughout history of those “in power” constructing false narratives that will keep them in power. That often includes lies, cover-ups and suppressing the truth. The chief priests and Pharisees knew Jesus was working great miracles, but they decided to cover up the truth by eliminating the evidence! A living Lazarus was the power of God personified; living proof that Jesus was a miracle worker sent from God. The priests and Pharisees couldn’t deal with that. According to John 12:10, they began plotting to kill Lazarus because on account of him, many Jews believed in Jesus!
As far as we know, the Jews never did succeed in their plans to assassinate Lazarus, but within one week’s time that same spirit of darkness motivated a large crowd to gather before their Roman governor and cry out for the death of the miracle worker himself. The priests and Pharisees believed at first they had succeeded, but their belief was shattered three days later when they learned the miracle worker himself had also risen from the grave!
One great lesson from this story is that truth will surface in the end. In spite of evil efforts to cover up the truth, God’s word declares “Nothing is hidden…that will not be known and come to light.” (Lk. 8:17)
Pastor Dave Korinek
Leave Her Alone!
I have a little dog. She is a kind of chihuahua that is between 15 and 18 pounds and has bug eyes and a curled tail. Sometimes, when walking her in the park, dog owners that have normal full size dogs will walk by and say, “Leave it!” to their pets. What they mean is, leave that dog alone. Ignore that one. That is not your toy or your snack, keep walking. I appreciate when other pet owners take responsibility for their pets and don’t let them abuse smaller pets just because they could.
Jesus spoke up to protect Lazarus’ sister Mary from a bigger dog that barked at her while she prepared Jesus’ feet for the week of trails and torture ahead. It was Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday and Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In just five nights, that same big dog would bite Jesus’ back and then lick him on the cheek.
Before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, and before all the commotion of that week, Mary tended to Jesus’ feet in an act of love and preparation for death.
Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. John 12:3-7.
Jesus defends Mary from the wolf’s attack and in that process, explains that Mary was the one paying the closest attention. In the preceding chapters of the book of John, Jesus explained that he would die:
John 2:19, 21 “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
John 3:14-15 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
John 7:33-34 Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.”
John 8:21 So he said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.”
John 8:28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.
John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:15 “just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
John 10:17 “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.”
Jesus’ other disciples didn’t seem to notice what was coming the way Mary noticed. She kept that perfume to prepare his body for death and burial. The Greek word for keep, téreó, means she guarded it and protected it and she saved it for that special time. I’ve never imagined Jesus’ feet and body smelling nice during his torture and crucifixion, but Mary annointed him so they would.
Jesus spoke up to protect Mary because she was keenly aware of what was coming even when Jesus’ other disciples didn’t see. Believers’ lives look like that because they see and treat the people, events, and their time, talent, and treasures differently than the world does. Are you currently doing anything that some say is a waste, but you know has eternal meaning?
Pastor John Riley