The Glorious Power of the Name of Jesus.
The Gospel of John
John Chapter 18
Scripture: John chapter 18: 4 – 6 (English Standard Version)
4Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Observation: Today I chose the English Standard Version of the Bible because it is supposed to be a very literal translation. I wanted to make sure that my main thought of the day from John chapter 18, is from the true context and content of the original text. Comparing the English versions of the Bible from http://www.biblegateway.com/, with the exception of the Message, all of the versions state that when Jesus said, “I am he” in verse 5, everyone fell to the ground. They all fell down! The question to ask is, “What happened to them?” I believe they were all struck by the glory of the Lord. Philippians Chapter 2:10 states, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” In John chapter 18, the people are not bowing but falling at the name of Jesus and at his authority. This mob mentioned in John chapter 18 could NOT take Jesus’ life! He gave himself to them (see verses 7 – 12). They were able to recover only when Jesus asked them, “Who is it that you are looking for?” (Verse 7, New International Version). Sometimes it is hard to believe that people can be “slain in the Spirit.” I totally understand why people are skeptical, people fake it! Here we see a vivid demonstration of God’s power through a simple acknowledgement from Jesus! The power of the glory of Jesus caused this mob to fall down! Jesus was in control; after all, he is the Son of God. The power of God hit those people (verse 6) and they could NOT stand!
Application: We need to see that God is in control. Nothing can happen to the people of God without God’s permission. Your life on this earth is already measured in length. God knows how long we will live! This fact does not invite a nihilistic attitude. We don’t recklessly throw away our life because that would be tempting God. Destructive behavior reveals a lack of understanding concerning the Love that God has for us. Disregarding God’s sovereignty also reveals that we have a rebellious heart! Reading these verses in John chapter 18 should also reveal to us that the power of God is REAL! Don’t let the fakers of the world steal the truth from the word. When the glory of God is present (in the presence of God) it is sometimes hard to remain on your feet.
Read 1 Kings 8:10-11 (English Standard Version, again because it is a literal translation, see also the A.S.V),
10And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that my life is in your hands. Help me by your Holy Spirit to submit to you my life and my plans for today. Thank you Lord, that your glory is both visible and tangible. Thank you for making us able to experience your presence.
John Chapter 18
Scripture: John chapter 18: 4 – 6 (English Standard Version)
4Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Observation: Today I chose the English Standard Version of the Bible because it is supposed to be a very literal translation. I wanted to make sure that my main thought of the day from John chapter 18, is from the true context and content of the original text. Comparing the English versions of the Bible from http://www.biblegateway.com/, with the exception of the Message, all of the versions state that when Jesus said, “I am he” in verse 5, everyone fell to the ground. They all fell down! The question to ask is, “What happened to them?” I believe they were all struck by the glory of the Lord. Philippians Chapter 2:10 states, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” In John chapter 18, the people are not bowing but falling at the name of Jesus and at his authority. This mob mentioned in John chapter 18 could NOT take Jesus’ life! He gave himself to them (see verses 7 – 12). They were able to recover only when Jesus asked them, “Who is it that you are looking for?” (Verse 7, New International Version). Sometimes it is hard to believe that people can be “slain in the Spirit.” I totally understand why people are skeptical, people fake it! Here we see a vivid demonstration of God’s power through a simple acknowledgement from Jesus! The power of the glory of Jesus caused this mob to fall down! Jesus was in control; after all, he is the Son of God. The power of God hit those people (verse 6) and they could NOT stand!
Application: We need to see that God is in control. Nothing can happen to the people of God without God’s permission. Your life on this earth is already measured in length. God knows how long we will live! This fact does not invite a nihilistic attitude. We don’t recklessly throw away our life because that would be tempting God. Destructive behavior reveals a lack of understanding concerning the Love that God has for us. Disregarding God’s sovereignty also reveals that we have a rebellious heart! Reading these verses in John chapter 18 should also reveal to us that the power of God is REAL! Don’t let the fakers of the world steal the truth from the word. When the glory of God is present (in the presence of God) it is sometimes hard to remain on your feet.
Read 1 Kings 8:10-11 (English Standard Version, again because it is a literal translation, see also the A.S.V),
10And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that my life is in your hands. Help me by your Holy Spirit to submit to you my life and my plans for today. Thank you Lord, that your glory is both visible and tangible. Thank you for making us able to experience your presence.
