Title: Two Real Abilities
The Gospel of John (101) Two Real Powers (John 18:1-11)
1. Humility
The sufferings of Jesus begin in John 18. After finishing the Upper Room fortification and the great intercession, Jesus went out with his disciples to the other side of the Kidron Creek (verse 1). Judas Iscariot also knew the place, so Judas Iscariot brought his army and his men. When Jesus asked, “Who are you looking for?” they answered. “Seeking Jesus of Nazareth.”
At that time, when Jesus said, “I am Jesus!” The people were confused and fell to the ground because of how powerful and powerful those words were (verse 6). Likewise, Jesus had enough power not to be arrested, but he was caught. Because that is the cup God has given you. Among humility, the greatest humility is obedience to God's will, just like the Lord willingly drank the cup of death that God gave him.
Many people today are more interested in the possessions and success of the Lord rather than believing in Jesus and imitating and inheriting the person and spirit of Jesus. Therein lies the pain and sorrow of Christianity today. The greatest goal and blessing for the saints is to imitate the humble personality and spirituality of Jesus. The person God uses is a humble person rather than a person of ability and ability. A humble person receives grace and happiness.
If you look at your work life, you already see people who won't get a promotion. In other words, those who are not humble always have a lower chance of promotion. How will you get promoted if you know a little bit and say something offensive to your boss? After all, the humble are blessed in the world. When we realize our shortcomings, seek God's grace, and humble ourselves in God, God's grace will overflow. On the other hand, without humility, the IMF will surely come to life someday.
2. Cross
When Jesus was arrested, Peter drew his sword and cut off the right ear of the high priest's servant. Then the Lord said to Peter. “Put your sword into the house. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” This voice is the most needed voice today. In this day and age, there are many wounds, conflicts, and dissatisfaction, so everyone has a sword in their chest. But the Lord is telling us to put that sword into the house now. It is the ability to obey the voice that challenges that peace, and that is the path that one lives in the end.
At that time, the disciples followed Jesus, waiting for the day when Jesus would disarm Rome with the sword. So Peter continued to carry a sword, so how can he use such a Peter? Then, when the time came, the Holy Spirit led Peter into Mark's upper room, and with the fire of the Holy Spirit he threw away the sword in his chest and took up the cross. In the end, Peter took the cross instead of the sword and went to Rome and took Rome with the cross. True power is in the cross.
Why is there not much change in Korean society even though there are many church members in Korea today? The biggest reason is the lack of faith in the cross to pursue self-change. People brag about their numbers and say that even Christians should be rich, but what do you do when only the rich come out? It is virtually useless to have many rich religious people who cannot act as light and salt.
When Charles Finney of England met, the community was changed. Flies flew in the bar and the prison didn't let criminals in, so the jailer didze off. Because the words of Charles Finney made the wicked go to church and make a significant difference in their lives. On the other hand, why doesn't the world change even though there are many churches today? It is because they seek only the name of Jesus for blessing and healing while they are unrighteous, corrupt, corrupt, and lying.
Now, repent of not loving your neighbor as yourself, and love and forgive one another more with a heart that fully bears the cross. In the beginning, the Korean church said, “Believe in Jesus and go to heaven!” After liberation, he said, “Believe in Jesus and be blessed!” Now, I have received many blessings in my own way. Now, these are the words that the church must preach. “Believe in Jesus and be reconciled! Believe in Jesus and forgive! Believe in Jesus and love each other!”
Now, social conflict is deepening due to the gap between the rich and the poor and the generation gap. Above all, we need the Christian spirit of reconciliation. Don't hate anyone. If you hate someone, you will rather be judged on yourself. Have you ever hated someone for a long time? Do you remember the person you hate right now? Leave him to God's judgment and work on the practice of reconciliation. Like that, by shining the light of love and peace around you, become blessed souls who prepare for God's grace.