We hit a milestone today, number 201. 13 ½ chapters in 201 commentaries. I have seen the read through the Bible in a year; we are on pace for through the Gospel of John in 5. Maybe we will be blessed and before this end He will return. But until that day may we all be faithful by the grace of God and walk in the light as He has provided. I pray we all humble ourselves as ambassadors for Christ and serve His children and boldly and fervently proclaim His good news.
Extra Credit: I hear much speech today on True Christian Love. It is not actually anything new. Responding or exhorting, today bonus is on that exact topic written 100 years ago by A. W. Pink
Jhn 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Jhn 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
Jhn 13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he].
- Is the chosen different than election?
Christ choose these twelve disciples. He traveled with them. They all had equally heard His words. He broke bread with each of then and washed all their feet the same. Now a very heal that Jesus washed would rise up against Him. But He knew whom He had chosen. Though I have heard preachers, I trust, use these verses for evidence of election; to me I see other things that may be gleaned here. It should be noted that this comes partly from the observation that generally electing grace is ascribed to God the Father and not the Son. That being said, even though this may not deal with election it does not diminish His sovereignty. Christ knew the hearts of those He served and served Him. He knew much more than their actions but knew whom would betray Him. He knew whom He would lay down His life for. What struck me was knowing these things, in His service among His disciples that Christ served them all the same, including Judas. What a lessons may we draw. When faced with questions from others on why do missionary work or even preach if God ordains all that will be saved. We are to do as He has done, both in His commands and actions. We are ambassadors for Christ. Serving Him in this world by serving others. Representing Him in walk, speech, and our fruits. Serving Him by preaching and spreading His good news. Boldly and fervently proclaiming the gospel to all nations and tribes. Serving by breaking bread with brethren. Not condemning a man for the heart we cannot see but loving them freely. I say that those who truly know what Christ has done, if we truly know this, happy are we if we do also.
(Ps 41:9)
