May 4 JOYFUL, JOYFUL, WE ADORE THEE Henry van Dyke, 1852–1933 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy … against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22) While gazing at the magnificent Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts, Henry van Dyke described in “Joyful, Joyful,” the many aspects of life that should bring us joy. He insisted that his text, written in 1911, be sung to the music of “Hymn of Joy” from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This combination of words and great music makes “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” one of the most joyous expressions of any hymn in the English language. One of the forceful ideas expressed by van Dyke is that God’s gracious love for us should create a greater “brother love” for our fellow man. With God’s help we can become victorious over strife and be “lifted to the joy divine” as we daily show more love to others. Henry van Dyke was a distinguished Presbyterian minister who served as a moderator of his denomination for a time and as a Navy Chaplain in World War I. Later he was the ambassador to Holland and Luxembourg under President Wilson. He also served a number of years as a professor of literature at Princeton University. High honors came to him for his many devotional writings. Yet this one inspiring hymn is the reason Henry van Dyke is best remembered today: Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee, hail Thee as the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away; giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day! All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heav’n reflect Thy ways; stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise; field and forest, vale and mountain, bloss’ming meadow, flashing sea, chanting bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee. Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean-depth of happy rest! Thou the Father, Christ our Brother—All who live in love are Thine: Teach us how to love each other; lift us to the joy divine. Mortals, join the mighty chorus which the morning stars began; father-love is reigning o’er us; brother-love binds man to man. Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife; joyful music lifts us sunward in the triumph song of life.
For Today: Job 38:7; Psalm 98; Habakkuk 3:17–19; 1 Peter 3:8, 9
Would it be possible for you to offer your praise to God for His matchless love in some creative way—original poetry, music, painting … ?
May 3 ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING Francis of Assisi, 1182–1226 English Translation by William Draper, 1855–1933 All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord; and Thy saints shall bless Thee. They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, and talk of Thy power. (Psalm 145:10, 11) All the magnificent wonders of nature reveal the majesty of God and glorify Him. From the grateful heart of a devoted Italian monk in the year of 1225 came this beautiful message. As a great lover of nature, Saint Francis saw the hand of God in all creation, and he urged men to respond with expressions of praise and alleluia. Giovanni Bernardone, the real name of Saint Francis, demonstrated through his own life all the tender, humble, forgiving spirit and absolute trust in God that his hymn urges others to have. At the age of 25 Bernardone left an indulgent life as a soldier, renounced his inherited wealth, and determined to live meagerly and to imitate the selfless life of Christ. Throughout his life Saint Francis appreciated the importance of church music and encouraged singing in his monastery. He wrote more than 60 hymns for this purpose. The beautiful expressions of praise in “All Creatures of Our God and King” have endured throughout the centuries. A prayer written by Saint Francis has also become familiar and well-loved: Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon, Where there is discord, unity. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is error, truth. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is sadness, joy. Where there is darkness, light. For it is in giving, that we receive. It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned. It is in dying, that we are born to eternal life.
All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia, Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, thou silver moon with softer gleam: O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou rushing wind that art so strong, ye clouds that sail in heav’n along, O praise Him! Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice; ye lights of evening, find a voice: O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia! Dear mother earth, who day by day unfoldest blessings on our way, O praise Him! Alleluia! The flow’rs and fruits that in thee grow, let them His glory also show; O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia! Let all things their Creator bless, and worship Him in humbleness—O praise Him! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, Three in One: O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia!
For Today: Psalm 145; Jeremiah 32:17–20; Romans 11:36; Revelation 14:7
Praise God continually for His many blessings and for the wonders of His creation. Sing as you go—
May 2 THIS IS MY FATHER’S WORLD Maltbie D. Babcock, 1858–1901 The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love. (Psalm 33:5) Even though we are constantly reminded of the violence, tragedy, and ugliness in today’s world, we can still rejoice that the beauty of nature all around is ours to enjoy. Who can deny the pleasure that comes from the sight of a glowing sunset or a majestic mountain, the sound of chirping birds or the roar of the surf, and the smell of new mown hay or roses or lilies. Maltbie D. Babcock revealed his great admiration for nature in this lovely hymn text. Although he was recognized as one of the outstanding Presbyterian ministers of his generation, Dr. Babcock was also a skilled athlete who enjoyed all outdoor activity, especially his early morning walks. He would always comment, “I’m going out to see my Father’s world.” Since Dr. Babcock was an accomplished performer on the organ, the piano and the violin, we can see why nature seemed to him to be “the music of the spheres.” In addition to being a tribute to nature, however, the hymn is a triumphant assertion of the unfailing power of God and the assurance of Christ’s eventual reign—“and earth and heav’n be one.” As we follow Dr. Babcock’s example and give praise to God for all the beauty of His world, we cannot help being concerned that much of the loveliness is being destroyed by human carelessness and greed. The real answer to our ecological problems must be a renewed appreciation of earth as “our Father’s world” and a greater responsibility for taking proper care of it. Christians should be models of this concern. This is my Father’s world, and to my list’ning ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world! I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas—His hand the wonders wrought. This is my Father’s world—the birds their carols raise; the morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world! He shines in all that’s fair; in the rustling grass I hear Him pass—He speaks to me ev’rywhere. This is my Father’s world—O let me ne’er forget that tho the wrong seems oft so strong God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father’s world! The battle is not done; Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heav’n be one.
Determine to cultivate a renewed awareness and appreciation of the marvels of God’s creation all around you. Endeavor to be even more responsible as a caretaker of your Father’s world. Sing this musical praise as you go—
May 1 THE SPACIOUS FIRMAMENT Joseph Addison, 1672–1719 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. (Psalm 19:1) The month of May is generally regarded as the most beautiful month of the year. March winds and April showers have done their work, and now the earth is attired in all of its God-given beauty. Of all people, Christians should be the most appreciative of God’s created world. Although we may never be able to understand fully and explain adequately all of the scientific details about creation, we can say with certainty, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth” (Apostles’ Creed); and with the writer of Hebrews, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command” (Hebrews 11:3). The wonder of God’s spacious firmament should cause a flow of endless praise to our great Creator. The Bible teaches that man is without excuse for not knowing God. The Creator has revealed Himself at least partially in nature (Romans 1:19–21) as well as internally in the human conscience (Romans 1:32; 2:14, 15). The full revelation of God, however, is only realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ—“the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3). “The Spacious Firmament” was written by Joseph Addison—one of England’s outstanding writers. These verses were part of a larger essay titled “An Essay on the Proper Means of Strengthening and Confirming Faith in the Mind of Man.” Addison prefaced his work with the words: “The Supreme Being has made the best arguments for His own existence in the formation of the heavens and earth.” Addison’s poem first appeared in The Spectator newspaper in 1712. The spacious firmament on high, with all the blue, ethereal sky, and spangled heavens, a shining frame, their great Original proclaim: Th’ unwearied sun, from day to day, does his Creator’s pow’r display; and publishes to ev’ry land the work of an almighty hand. What though in solemn silence, all move round this dark terrestrial ball? What though no real voice nor sound amid their radiant orbs be found? In reason’s ear they all rejoice, and utter forth a glorious voice, forever singing as they shine, “The hand that made us is divine.”
Reflect again on the Genesis account of creation. Reaffirm your faith and confidence in God as the creator of this vast firmament. Determine to be more aware and appreciative of the many splendors of nature that we often take for granted. Consider this musical truth as you go—
” ’Simon son of John, do you truly love Me?’ He answered, ’Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.’ Jesus said, ’Take care of My sheep’ ” (John 21:16).Those who love Jesus are still responsible to care for His sheep.
Overview
The disciples went fishing, and Jesus joined them on shore (21:1–4). When they recognized Jesus, Peter leaped overboard and swam in his eagerness to reach Him (vv. 5–14). Jesus recommissioned Peter, questioning his love the same number of times Peter had earlier disowned Him (vv. 15–17). Jesus predicted Peter’s manner of death (vv. 18–19), but turned aside questions about John (vv. 20–23). John closed with an affirmation that his testimony about Jesus is true (vv. 24–25).
Understanding the Text
“I’m going out to fish” John 21:1–3.
In New Testament times fishing wasn’t a recreational activity. It was work. It was the profession followed by several of the disciples before Jesus called them. So there’s a question about Peter’s decision to go fishing. Was this planned as just a day’s activity? Or did he intend to return to his old profession? Actually, since the Resurrection Jesus had only appeared to the disciples two times (cf. v. 14). The disciples were obviously uncertain about their future. Were they to just wait for Jesus’ return in glory? If so, they had to do something in order to eat, didn’t they? The fact is that Jesus had very specific plans for the 11. They would never go back to live ordinary lives again. It’s like this for us too. When we meet Jesus, our lives change—forever. No, I don’t mean we should quit our jobs, and take up professional evangelism. I simply mean that our relationship with Jesus becomes the most important thing in our lives. We’ll keep on working, but work won’t be “ordinary” anymore. We’ll labor to the best of our ability, because we’ll be aware that honest work honors our Lord. We’ll continue to have the same relationships we had before. But those too will be changed. Now we’ll be far more sensitive, more concerned and loving. We’ll care about people who may not have been important to us as persons before. I don’t blame Peter for going back to his fishing. He wasn’t yet sure just what he was supposed to do. How wonderful that you and I are sure: we’re to serve Jesus and others in everything. And our lives will never be “ordinary” again. “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some” John 21:4–14. What’s the significance of the amazing catch of fish? John said both that the net was so full they couldn’t drag it in, and later that he counted 153 “large fish.” I suspect it served both as a sign of comfort, and as a promise. It was a comfort, because Jesus displayed no anger that His disciples had returned to their old trade. The disciples might have felt a little peculiar about that, but the great catch of fish put them at ease. Primarily, though, I think the net filled with fish was a promise. It was Jesus’ way of saying, “Don’t worry. I can and will continue to meet every material need.” The disciples would soon set out on the most insecure of all lives: they would be traveling evangelists, dependent on others for their food and lodging. Though these skilled fishermen had practiced their trade all night, they had caught nothing. But a single word from Jesus filled their nets. We can’t depend on our own skills or abilities to meet our needs. But we surely can depend on Jesus! “Large fish, 153″ John 21:11. Why include the specific number? Why not just say, “there were a whole bunch of fish”? I suspect it was because we human beings are quite numbers oriented. I know I am. For one thing, I have a retarded daughter, Joy, who lives in a special residential care center in Arizona. Joy’s expenses run between $17,000 and $18,000 a year—and much of this is not even tax deductible. I have another responsibility that runs about $10,000 a year, so between these two and taxes, I need to earn some $40,000 a year before I have a single cent to dedicate to my own family’s normal expenses. Joy is 28 now, and all these years God has supplied whatever I’ve needed to care for her and the rest of the family. There’s never been anything in the bank, and often piles of bills awaiting payment. But always, just in time, the nets have been filled. And when I’ve counted, as we numbers—oriented people tend to do, there have always been the 153 fish we need, and more. “Do you truly love Me?” John 21:15–23 John tells us that Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” While the Greek text shows a fascinating use of different words for “love” and for “know” (see DEVOTIONAL), the overall purpose of the questioning was healing and restoration. Peter had denied Jesus three times. His tears of anguish afterward show how great his grief was. Even though Peter was hurt that Christ asked him the same question three times, the triple affirmation of love was important to Peter. How do we know that the triple affirmation was for Peter rather than for Jesus? Because after the first expression of Peter’s love, Jesus commissioned him to “feed My sheep.” Christ accepts our love immediately, and graciously permits us to serve Him. He asks us to reaffirm our love, so that we might examine ourselves, and be sure that our love for Him is real. When you and I realize that we do love God, we are motivated and freed to serve Him without self-doubts. “Do you truly love Me more than these?” John 21:15 There are three possible references in “these.” Jesus might mean, do you love Me more than these other men do? He might mean, do you love Me more than you love these men? Or He might mean, do you love Me more than these things—his boats, nets, and the rugged life of a fisherman. We don’t know which was really intended. Actually, we don’t need to know. All we really need to know is that we love Jesus as much as we can, without comparing ourselves with others. That we love Him more than the dearest of human companions. And that we love Him more than the occupation which we so completely enjoy. Do we love Jesus “more than these”? Yes. Jesus means more to us than anything else in life. “The kind of death by which Peter would glorify God” John 21:19. Peter was commissioned, and then called: “Follow Me.” Peter did follow. He followed for the rest of his life, taking the lead in the church’s early evangelism and, reliable tradition tells us, ultimately ministering to the growing Christian community in Rome itself. There, tradition also says, Peter followed Christ to death by crucifixion. But as a last request Peter begged to be crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to die in the same fashion as his Lord. This death is what Jesus refers to: a death that came by stretching out aged hands, to receive nails like those that pierced the hands of Christ. A triumphant death. Peter once denied Jesus with his lips. But from that time on his every action was one that affirmed the authenticity of his trust in the Saviour. In life, and in death, Peter’s faithfulness brought glory to God. “Lord, what about Him?” John 21:20–25 Peter loved and revered Jesus. But Peter could still say foolish things. One of the most foolish things a Christian can do is to ask, “What about him?” It’s foolish, because Christ, not you or I—or even Peter—is Lord. We need to take Jesus’ reply to Peter to heart: “What is that to you? You must follow Me.” Our responsibility is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and follow Him closely. This is challenge enough. It’s not our place to question God’s leading of another disciple of our Lord. “Jesus did not say that he would not die” John 21:22–25. John outlived all the other disciples, many by as much as 30 years! He was a very old man when he wrote this Gospel: some think in his 90s. During the decades that had swept by after Jesus’ resurrection, John had seen the church grow explosively. By the time he wrote, second and even third-generation Christians were common. And so John penned the Gospel that bore his name as the last living witness to events he himself had seen, heard, and played such a vital part in. “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true” (v. 24).
DEVOTIONAL
You Know I Love You(John 21:15–19)
Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” The first two times that Jesus posed this question, John records the Greek word agapao. To capture its implications, the NIV translates it, “Do you truly love Me?” This Greek word is used in the New Testament to speak of God’s great love for us in Christ. This is the word, for instance, in John 3:16 and 13:34–35. “Truly love” is probably a good English translation. Each time Peter answered, “Lord, You know that I love [phileo] You.” The third time Jesus also used the Greek word phileo, usually understood to emphasize friendship, fondness, or liking. Some Greek scholars believe the two are used interchangeably here: others are sure that Peter’s answer shows hesitancy to respond to Jesus on the deeper level the question implies. But perhaps more interesting is the shift in the words Peter used, when he said, “Lord, You know that I love You.” The first two times Peter used oida, a word that indicates an intellectual acceptance of a fact. The third time Peter used the stronger ginosko, which indicates knowledge gained through experience. You and I can and will love Jesus in many ways, on many different levels. But the love that counts, and that equips us to feed Christ’s sheep, is a love that proves itself in experience. Tell Jesus you love Him. But also show Him you love Him in all that you do.
Personal Application
Spell out your love by your actions, and its reality will never be misunderstood.
Quotable
“O God, let the words of my mouth offer hope and confidence and give fresh assurance. But only when my life reflects Your Word.”—Jack L. Moore
This is my personal collection of thoughts and writings, mainly from much smarter people than I, which challenge me in my discipleship walk. Don't rush by these thoughts, but ponder them.
Milo 