Do you now believe?

John 16:30-31
Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?"

In this scene, Jesus has explained things to his disciples using clear language rather than parables, and his disciples voiced their appreciation for that. They went further to proclaim their believe that Jesus is from God, since they now thought they understood His teachings. Then Jesus challenged them whether they really believed now?

We may hear and read the teachings of Jesus. We may even serve Him and His church in non-trivial and tiring ways. Or we may be continuing to live in our lives of sin. The question to reflect on, as our Lord Himself puts it, "Do you now believe?" Can we still fail if we believe? Can we still live outside His promises when we believe? Only the Lord Himself can answer those questions, and for that, we need to be close to Him

Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep

John 4:11
The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water?

Just continuing from the previous post, we often forget who Jesus or God is. Miracles are so rare that, even when it happens, it seems such an extraordinary thing. If we get used to the idea that Jesus is Almighty, then the miracles would not be surprising at all. In fact it would be surprising if God's deeds are not miraculous. So do we really know God to the point that whatever he does, we would not be surprised by it? So if Jesus says he will give us living water, just take it and be thankful - he has a lot more from where that came from.

Where then do You get that living water?

John 4:11
11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water?

There must be several times in our lives for us believers, when we questioned God's promises. It may be like the seemingly innocent question of the woman at the well. We meant no hostility towards Jesus when we ask those questions. We earnestly wanted to know how Jesus could do something for us which seems so incredible.

Therein lies the danger in which we are actually doubting our Lord's divine ability. It is not wrong for us to not understand or comprehend how Jesus can do remarkable things for our benefit, because our minds and intellect are very limited. However when the question arises from doubt, then it shows that our faith in our Lord has wavered because we are doubting His divine nature. If He said He can do it, He surely can do it.

Though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved

2 Corinthians 12:15
though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

Continuing on Paul's explanation about service, he declares that the more he loved others, the less he is loved. This could be in terms of his service to others. Besides preaching the gospel, he willingly serves them without demand for anything in return. When he preaches in various places, he ends up living in the community for a certain period of time. He did not just go to preach for a few days and then leave. Instead he lived with the people for some time and assisted them in understanding how to live out the gospel. While doing this, there would be physical demands on himself such as financial and labour costs. Paul bears most of this himself and served others out of his abundant love.

I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls

2 Corinthians 12:15
I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls

Here Paul is candidly telling the people that he served, that he did not want to be a burden for them. He made his own income and did not depend on those whom he served. His life is an example of dedication to serve others without any earthly compensation. His whole motivation was to serve Christ by serving His children. His conduct was such that there was nothing that could be spoken against him, so that his work in winning people to Christ cannot be compromised.

To give His life a ransom for many

Matt 20:28
"just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Jesus said this as he explained His requirement of service in response to Zebedees' mother asking to place her two sons closest to Him. This is in contrast to the world's view of service and stature. From Jesus' point of view, being in His service means to serve others totally, even at the expense of ourselves, forgoing any glory, recognition and gratitude.

Paul is a great example to this. Having been the great persecutor of the followers of Yshua, he was totally turned around. In his service to Yshua, he became a servant to others so that they could be won over for Christ.

Be still, and know that I am God

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

God is the magnificent, indescribable Creator and Father of all. This verse simply calls us to be quiet and meditate. SELAH