Acts 4: 5 - 12If you, or people you know, have difficulty believing in the miracle of a cripple from birth (3: 2) leaping (3: 8), then consider this other radical transformation: gruff fisherman Simon became polished orator Peter. Now it could be argued that this is not just Peter, but Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit (8).

True indeed. And herein is found an even greater miracle: God's Spirit of Truth entering the mind, heart and soul of a common human sinner, such as you and I. Emanuel, God with us, in a very real and intimate manner. For this miracle is not unique to Peter, but has happened to everyone who believes-- to you and to me. '[I]t was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, and whom God raised from the dead; through [Christ you stand...] fit and well.' (10)

So, Christian, even if you cannot swallow the miracle of physical healing, nor the drastic transformation of Simon to Peter, do consider this one, far greater miracle: yourself.

Psalm 23

The Psalmist's shepherd carries a staff and crook; the staff to beat off ravenous wolves, the crook to catch the sheep-- you and me-- and pull us back to the safety of the fold. Have you ever noticed, in your own life, which one is more frequently used?

The second line rings out loudly: we should not fear any harm because our Shepherd is Emanuel, God with us. But many Christians (seem to) live in abject fear of the world surrounding them. Why? Do they not trust God's Word and God's power to save? "But," they argue, "bad things happen to good people." Yes, and bad things have happened to me, too. But I have noticed that the more I trust God to be present with me and to watch over me, the more my life has gone undisturbed.

Perhaps this is not the most beautifully poetic rendering possible, but it does give witness to this truth: the speaker's absolute trust in God, and the great benefits that flow from such trust.

1John 3: 16 - 24(1)
Goodness and love unfailing will follow me all the days of my life, the Psalmist assures us, for they are gifts and promises to those who are keeping [God's] commands and doing what [God] approves. (22) Peace and freedom in Christ are gifts we cannot purchase or earn; they are promises we can only receive by faith. But they come with strings attached: keeping [God's] commands and doing what [God] approves.

Now there are those who will rush right away to compile a long list of commandments to be obeyed and sins to be eschewed. But such people are mistaken, for that is not what 1John is talking about. [God's] command (note the singular!(2)) is that we should give our allegiance to [God's] Son Jesus Christ and love one another (23). This is not two commandments, nor is it in two parts. It is one command expressed in two ways; each phrase is a mirror image of the other. For to love one another is to give our allegiance to Christ(3). The Apostle Paul agreed: for the whole law is summed up in a single commandment: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' (Gal. 5: 14(4))

Furthermore, our love must not be a matter of theory or talk; it must be true love which shows itself in action. (18) God knows it is far too easy for us to mouth words, and that in far too many instances this is all we do, however well meaning we may be. But our doing so ignores Jesus' example and teaching; He did not just "wish folks well", but with His Word brought healing, sustenance, comfort and blessing. By His life and in His parable (Lk. 10: 36 - 37) Jesus taught us to do likewise, and encouraged us by testifying that 'whoever has faith in me will do what I am doing; indeed [they] will do greater things still' (John 14: 12).

This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. And we in our turn must give our lives for our fellow-Christians(5). (16) It seems that the translators erred here; this narrow reading seems to contradict the inclusive concepts of "one another" and "neighbor" used elsewhere. But the central point remains: service and ministry to others must take precedence in Christian lives; this is how we fulfill the requirements of the law: by exercising charity, love which shows itself in action. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (1Cor. 13: 13, KJV)

John 10: 11 - 18

'I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me' (14). Here, Jesus (or John) defines the Church: those whom Christ knows and who, in turn, know Christ. Both Jesus and John thought of the verb "to know" in terms of the Hebrew yada. This is not merely to know a fact, or to know about someone, nor even to be well acquainted with someone. This verb expresses a relationship of deep intimacy, unconditional love and reciprocal trust. So we have to consider this question: do we just know about Jesus, do we simply believe in Christ, or do we know Christ Jesus?

'But there are other sheep of mine, not belonging to this fold' (16). The Church needs to study these words carefully, for they imply that the Church is not yet inclusive: 'there are other sheep of mine'. Why, we must ask ourselves, do they not yet belong 'to this fold'? Is it Christ or God who has kept them out? No, the blame for separation and division lies squarely on the shoulders of the Church.

But these are certainly Christ's sheep: 'I must lead them as well, and they too will listen to my voice.' (16) Jesus (or John) has no negative words for these 'other sheep', just positive affirmation: 'they too will listen to my voice.' We infer, since this phrase was not uttered also in reference to those who 'know me', that the Church is not yet listening fully to Jesus' words, nor in total compliance with God's desire for humankind. It is not [God's] will that any should be lost, but that all should come to repentance. (2Pet. 3: 9) It is God's will to include everyone, bar none. 'God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that everyone who has faith in [Christ] may not perish but have eternal life. It was not to judge the world that God sent [Jesus] into the world, but that through [Christ] the world might be saved. No one who puts his faith in [Christ] comes under judgment; but the unbeliever has already been judged because he has not put his trust in God's only Son.' (Jn. 3: 16-18) The criterion (singular) is patently clear: sole fides, by faith in Christ alone, not by compliance with any law or repentance of any sin.

I repeat: Is it Christ or God who keeps the 'other sheep' out? No, only the members and councils of the Church do so. This situation is poignantly-- and sadly-- underscored: 'There will then be one flock, one shepherd.' (16) That there is now only 'one shepherd' is incontrovertible (at least among Christians). Why, then, is there not yet 'one flock'? Who is it, sisters and brothers in Christ, who is still actively engaged in contravening Jesus' words and thwarting God's will?

'I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.' (11) Jesus also said, "Follow me." Now go back and re-read the lesson of 1John: We know love by this, that [Jesus] laid down his life for us-- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. (1Jn. 3: 16, NRSV)

1. 1 I hope you are taking this opportunity to read 1John through at least once a week.

2. 2 In vv. 22 & 24, 1John uses the plural, reflecting the two commandments of Mat. 22: 37-40

and Mark 12: 29-31. But here again, obeying the second is tantamount to fulfilling the first.

3. 3 Following Jesus' commands in John 13: 34 & 15: 12.

4. 4 See also Rom. 13: 8-10 and Jas. 2: 8.

5. 5 80. adelphos; from G1 (as a connective particle) and delphus (the womb); a brother

(lit. or fig.) near or remote [much like H1]:--brother. (Strong's Concordance Dictionary)

6. 6 Charlotte Elliot, 1836.

7. 7 Haiku poems by Phil Gilman. Please feel free to utilize anything from these pages; just give God the Glory, Praise and Thanks and me whatever credit may be due.

(comments to Phil at ENAPXH@aol.com )