OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for April 2021
May 1, 2021
John 4:37, 38 – And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that where on ye bestowed no labour: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labours.
Thought: The Lord was about to send His disciples out to reap where others had sown. A Christian can be either a sower or a reaper. Sowers do the first work. This is often the most difficult work. Reapers follow the sowers. They benefit from the labors of those who have gone before them. The ones who reap need to give thanks for those who sowed. They also need to remember them and give them credit for the work in which they engaged. Sowers and reapers are desperately needed.
Matthew 23:34-35
May 2, 2021
John 4:39 – And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that I ever did.
Thought: The faith of one woman caused many others to believe. This has happened many times in the history of Christianity. The influence of one can open doors to ten, to hundreds, and to thousands of people. We never know when the seed planted in the heart of one person will blossom into a plant that brings forth much fruit. This is why it is so important to make certain we sow the seed. An abundant harvest may be just one person away.
Acts 10:24
May 3, 2021
John 4:40, 41 – So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that ye would tarry with them, and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his word.
Thought: When Jesus and the Samaritan woman crossed paths, Jesus used the opportunity. This opportunity tuned into something unimaginable. He got to talk to the woman, and talked to numerous people in the city of Sychar. In addition, they desired for him to tarry longer with them. His simple stop at a well turned into a two-day evangelistic effort. The results were phenomenal. “And many more believed because of his word.” Warning: Be careful when you talk advantage of an opportunity.
Jonah 3:6-10
May 4, 2021
John 4:42 – And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Thought: There are two ways to come to faith. First, faith comes by witnessing something firsthand. This writer has been to the ancient city of Olympus and believes firmly it exists. Second, faith comes by the testimony of reliable witnesses. This writer has never been to the Eiffel Tower, but I believe it exists just as much as I believe Olympus exists. Why? My mother and father saw and told me it is there. I believe their testimony. Both of these faith-producing methods are mentioned in this verse.
John 20:24-29
May 5, 2021
John 4:43, 44 – Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
Thought: After two days, Jesus left Samaria and entered Galilee, His home region. His reception there could be quite different than the one He received in Samaria. Why? “A prophet hath no honour in his own country.” The close ties of home make it much more difficult for individuals to accept a person who is in an influential position. His family is known. The manner in which he was reared is known. Oftentimes those who are closest are the most jealous and envious. They love, but they also resent.
Acts 7:51-52
May 6, 2021
John 4:45 – Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
Thought: Instead of a quiet entrance into Galilee, Jesus was eagerly welcomed by the Galileans. The reason for the welcome is because many of them had seen “all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast.” It was there Jesus had performed many miracles (John 2:23). Miracles involved supernatural works. These works defied natural law. They often brought remarkable benefits to mankind. Having seen Jesus’ power, the Galileans were eager to be beneficiaries. This is a common mindset among men.
Matthew 15:30-31
May 7, 2021
John 4:46 – So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
Thought: In our travels, we never know who we will meet. Jesus entered into the town of Cana and met a man from Capernaum there. This was not just any man. The Bible calls him a nobleman. This man was of kingly lineage. This man also had a difficulty in his life. His son was sick. This meeting was not arranged by Jesus. It was the nobleman who sought out the Christ. We never know when another might search us out. When they do, we need to be ready to assist them if at all possible.
Galatians 6:10
May 8, 2021
John 4:47 – When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
Thought: When it comes to our health, we will do almost anything to be cured. When it comes to the health of our children, matters become that much more important to us. Jesus had performed many miracles at the feast in Jerusalem. News of this had spread abroad. When the nobleman heard about Jesus’ presence in the city, he sought Him out. His situation was dire. The Bible says his son was “at the point of death.” The nobleman may have seen this as his only hope. So, he took the chance.
Luke 8:41-42
May 9, 2021
John 4:48 – Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
Thought: These words of Jesus sting our hearts as we read them. We must remember that Jesus had the ability to read the hearts of men. The Samaritans had received Jesus without any signs displayed among them. The Galileans were not of that disposition. They desired a sign before they would believe. If Jesus would heal this man’s son, he would believe. Into which camp would we have fallen? Would we have simply believed Jesus was the Christ? Or, would we have needed a miracle?
Matthew 27:41-42
May 10, 2021
John 4:49, 50 – The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
Thought: This nobleman loved his child. Thus, he pleaded for Jesus to come. If He did not, the nobleman knew his child would die. Jesus, then, tested this man’s faith. Jesus told him: “Go thy way; thy son liveth.” Jesus was miles from the child. Jesus was not in the presence of the child. Jesus simply said: “Thy son liveth.” How would this man respond? “And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and went his way.” How would you have responded to Jesus’ words?
Mark 7:29-30
May 11, 2021
John 4:51 – And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
Thought: This nobleman left Jesus believing that his son had been healed. Before he made it to his house, his servants affirmed that his son was alive. Dear readers, when the Lord promises us something, His promise will come true. There is no need for us to doubt. The only thing we need to do is expect. Our Lord will never be like some men and fail to keep His promises. He will come through every time. Keep this in mind when you think of His promise to come again.
II Peter 3:9-10
May 12, 2021
John 4:52, 53 – Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.
Thought: Let’s consider two points. First, God does not leave Himself without witness. When Jesus spoke the words: “Thy son liveth,” the nobleman took note of the time. When he came home, the time of his son’s healing was confirmed, “the seventh hour the fever left him.” We do not serve a God with blind faith. Evidence abounds that confirms His existence and mighty power. Second, this man passed on his faith to his family. Would that more would pass on what they believe to their families.
Romans 1:19-20
May 13, 2021
John 4:54 – This is again the second miracle that Jesus did when he was come out of Judea into Galilee.
Thought: The first miracle Jesus performed involved the laws of nature. The second miracle involved healing the human body from a distant location. Each of these miracles was impressive. Alone either one of them would have been a witness to Jesus’ claims to be the Son of God. These miracles were only the beginning. There would be many, many more. Sadly, many would reject His miracles and refuse to believe in Him. What will you do? Will you view the evidence and believe?
John 20:30-31
May 14, 2021
John 5:1 – After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Thought: There were three Jewish feasts required of all males twenty and older: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The commentators are divided as to which feast is mentioned in this verse. The interesting part of the verse, however, is really the second half. “…and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.” Jesus was born under the Law of Moses. As a Jew, He was supposed to obey this covenant. Jesus did not hesitate to do so. He willingly submitted to His Father in heaven. Will you follow His example?
Galatians 4:4
May 15, 2021
John 5:2 – Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
Thought: In almost every town and city, there is a unique place or two that draws individuals to them. The purpose of the place determines the type of crowd who lingers there. In Jerusalem, there was a pool by the sheep market (gate). In the Hebrew language, it was called Bethesda. “Beth” means “house of.” The second half of the word comes from the root word “chesed” which means “kindness.” Thus, this pool was known as “the house of kindness.” Five beautiful porches adorned this pool.
Nehemiah 3:1
May 16, 2021
John 5:3, 4 – In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
Thought: In the days of Jesus, many unique experiences transpired. This appears to be one of them. The waters of this pool were stirred by an angel at a certain season. When they were agitated, they would heal the first person who stepped into the water. The text tells us that the person “was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.” How long this event had occurred we are not told. Too, no one was making merchandise of the people who came. The event was real enough to draw a crowd.
II Kings 5:14
May 17, 2021
John 5:5 – And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
Thought: When the Bible specifies one as being “a certain man,” there is usually something interesting about to be told. The man about whom John writes is just one of many who had gathered at the pool of Bethesda to be healed. He had an infirmity for thirty-eight years. This is a long time to be ill. Perhaps he had been to many physicians. He may have tried numerous medications. Nothing had helped him. He, however, reasoned there was still hope. There was hope at the pool. Was he wrong?
Luke 8:43-44
May 18, 2021
John 5:6 – When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
Thought: This “certain man” was met by Jesus. After a brief conversation, Jesus learned that he had his infirmity for “a long time.” Jesus asked him a question that was quite rhetorical. “Wilt thou be made whole?” The answer to that question was evident. Anyone who had gathered at the pool desired to be made whole. They had seen the water’s effects on others and desired the same for themselves. What this man did not know is that he was speaking to the Great Physician, his real hope.
Luke 18:40-43
May 19, 2021
John 5:7 – The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
Thought: The “certain man” did not know Jesus. When asked if he desired to be whole, the man only knew about the healing powers of the waters of the pool of Bethesda. His hope of being healed, however, was very slim. He had no one to put him in the pool. When he made the effort, “another steppeth down before me.” This man was about to learn that his hope was not in the pool, but his hope was standing before him in the form of a man named Jesus. The impossible was about to come true.
Psalm 72:12-13
May 20, 2021
John 5:8 – Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
Thought: What did this man think when he first heard these words spoken to him? Remember, he had this infirmity for the last thirty-eight years of his life. We can say two things about these words. First, the words were simple. “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” Second, the man did not have anything to lose by obeying this simple command. On the other hand, he did have everything to gain. Faith alone was not enough at this time. This man’s faith had to move him to obey in order to be healed.
Acts 9:32-34
May 21, 2021
John 5:9 – And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath.
Thought: The man did as he was told. In so doing, he exhibited true faith. His body was made whole and he walked. Trusting in God enough to obey His word always brings great reward. The same principle still holds true today. Simple commands must be obeyed. Hard commands must be obeyed. Commands that do not make sense must be obeyed. When faith responds in obedience, God’s blessings follow. The words of an old hymn are so true: “Trust and obey for there’s no other way.”
Mark 10:52
May 22, 2021
John 5:10 – The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the Sabbath day; it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
Thought: The Jews had more concern for their rigid interpretations of the Law that sometimes were no more than man-made traditions than they did for this man’s healing. They were more concerned about one’s carrying bedding than they were with the one who brought his healing. They supposed that carrying one’s bed involved bearing a burden. Thus, what the man was doing was forbidden on the Sabbath Day (See Jer. 17:21). If they were correct, this man could be punished with death.
Exodus 31:14-15
May 23, 2021
John 5:11 – He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
Thought: The man who had been healed honestly reported what Jesus had said unto him. This turned the attention from himself to another. This man knew that his following the instructions of Jesus was part of what had made him whole. Dear readers, it is never wrong to point individuals to the one who told us what to do to be made whole. Some may question why we have done what we have done. When this happens, we simply respond: “He that made me whole, the same said unto me…”
Mark 2:11-12
May 24, 2021
John 5:12, 13 – Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
Thought: These men were no longer concerned about the violation of the Sabbath. Their attention was now on another man, the one who had commanded this man to take up his bed and walk. Notice again, the miracle was completely dismissed. These religious men had another agenda, to “protect the Law.” Or, did they need to protect their authority? It’s sad when one can’t see the good in another’s actions. They did not immediately find Him. “For Jesus had conveyed himself away.”
Matthew 21:23
May 25, 2021
John 5:14 – Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee.
Thought: Jesus had left the scene of the miracle due the crowds that were there. However, he found the man whom He had healed in the temple. Based upon the fact that he was healed, Jesus exhorted him with these words: “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee.” Physical healing was a wonderful blessing. This miracle, however, only confirmed the truth of Jesus’ message to sin no more. What lies beyond this life for the sinner is much worse than any afflictions one suffers here.
II Peter 2:20-22
May 26, 2021
John 5:16 – And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
Thought: Jesus had done good on the Sabbath Day. He had healed a man of his infirmity. Was this unlawful? According to these Jewish leaders it was. However, they would willingly get a sheep out of a pit on the Sabbath. As one of my instructors used to say: “Consistency thou art a jewel.” The Jews now had an accusation to use against this supposed “rabbi.” From this moment on, they would persecute Him and seek to slay Him. Nothing would detract them from their purposes.
Matthew 12:11-12
May 27, 2021
John 5:17 – But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Thought: The Jews accused Jesus of violating the Sabbath. Jesus’ response was simple: “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” Jesus first refers to His “Father.” He was not referencing his physical father but His heavenly Father. He said that His Father was presently working. In order to keep the world functioning, the Father had to work, even on the Sabbath. In like manner, the Son had things that had to be done on the Sabbath. Doing good was always acceptable, even on the Sabbath day.
Luke 13:15-17
May 28, 2021
John 5:18 – Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he had not only broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
Thought: Jesus did hide who He was from mankind. God was His Father. Jesus had been born of a virgin in the city of Bethlehem. When the angel revealed to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus, he told her that He “shall be called the Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:32). To the Jews, such a statement was blasphemy. To claim to be the Son of God was to make Himself equal with God. Little did they know that He was equal with God. Rather than seeking to understand, they “sought the more to kill him.”
John 10:32-33
May 29, 2021
John 5:19 – Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
Thought: Jesus unravels His mission as He continues to speak to the Jewish leaders. He has told them who He is, the Son of God. Now He tells them why He is here. One of Jesus’ purposes for coming was to reveal the Father to the world. He did this by perfectly displaying the Father to the world. Whatever the Father would do, Jesus did. Jesus did “nothing of himself.” My friend, as we watch Jesus, we see the Father. Jesus is the express image of God.
John 14:10
May 30, 2021
John 5:20, 21 – For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quicketh them, even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
Thought: Jesus’ words were not the only things given to Him by the Father. He would also display the Father’s works. They had seen that He can heal the lame. Jesus promised them they would see “greater works than these.” The purpose of the works was “that ye may marvel.” Jesus informed them of one of the works He would display. He would raise the dead. Satan has the power of death. Death seems like man’s ultimate, unconquerable enemy. Yet, the Son “quickeneth whom he will.”
John 11:25-26
May 31, 2021
John 5:22 – For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.
Thought: Jesus also told the Jews that the Father had committed all judgment into His hands. This would affirm His position of authority. Too, it would indicate that He is equal with God. Only God knows the hearts of men. Only God can judge men with fairness and equity. Thus, Jesus was telling them: “I, too, am God.” His position of Judge would be something He would use later. Now, He had come to save the world from their sins. Presently, He was the Savior. In the end, He will be the Judge.
John 3:17
Read devotionals for June 2021
