When I was a young girl, I loved to visit my father’s elementary school. He was the principal, and being the principal’s daughter made me feel special. I especially loved the times he sent me on errands. I would walk into the cafeteria or library, looking like any other student. But when the staff learned who I was—and that I’d been sent by my father, the principal—it made all the difference. All that he represented was connected to me.
I love that the book of John sets itself apart from the other Gospels in the way it showcases Jesus as the Son of God. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke together have a handful of instances in which Jesus refers to Himself as “sent” by God, John records more than thirty. As Jesus talked to the crowds—and in particular, to the Jewish leaders—He used some version of these words: “Him who sent me” and “the One who sent me.”
Jesus’s choice of words was purposeful. The Jewish people knew that God had promised to send a Savior. It’s amazing to me that Jesus would tell them so plainly, so many times, that He was the sent One. In chapter 7 alone, those words appear five times:
“My teaching isn’t mine but is from the one who sent me” (John 7:16).
“…but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is true…” (v.18).
“ I know him because I am from him, and he sent me” (v.9).
“I am only with you for a short time. Then I’m going to the one who sent me” (v.33).
And this one: “I have not come on my own, but the one who sent me is true…” (v.28).
God the Father had been true to His promise. He had sent His Son for the salvation of humanity. Yet, many who walked and talked with Jesus—who heard Him repeatedly testify that He was the sent One—did not believe.
So many precious truths are repeated this way throughout the Bible, and I can’t help but wonder at just how often I’m slow to believe them. For instance, while some version of “do not fear” appears hundreds of times throughout Scripture, there are still countless circumstances arising in day-to-day life that tend to stoke fear deep within my heart. The Bible is replete with assurances of peace and joy despite what’s happening around us. But how long does it take to believe those assurances in a given situation? God trumpets His love for us, unconditional and eternal, a love unsurpassed by any human love we could ever experience.
God keeps His word. If a promise is given just once in the Bible, He is faithful to fulfill it. By His grace, He often repeats those promises, giving added assurance to our hearts. With faith, we can stand on those promises and believe because there is another promise that’s often repeated: our God is true (John 7:28–29).
Praying for you Angie that God turns this teacher bully into a testimony of his saving grace. That she may come to know who he is through you and her interactions with you.
Praying for you Arina- that God brings peace in your heart regarding going to Tanzania and healing to your ankle so that you may run your race.
Arina, my daughter is a missionary in South America and I understand the fear of fundraising. But I have seen countless times where God has provided a sponsor and funding for her to stay and do His good work. Pray! If it’s meant to be and if it’s His will for you to go, then it will happen. God will provide!
Yesterday asked for prayer for my co-worker and her husband who was having an aortic aneurysm repaired. The surgery had to be postponed as my co-worker tested positive for covid. Please continue to pray for this situation, that God will use this delay as a blessing.
Thank you for sharing Angie.
Sisters, do you notice how many times they try to seize Jesus and fail. God’s timing, God’s might. His will and His plan can not be thwarted. They do not truly know where He, Jesus is from, because they do not know the One who sent Him. They know where he grew up, where his family resides, but He is from God Almighty. He was in the beginning, with God and was God. Praise God! Praying for you Arina, that God will reveal His will for you. I love Compassion, and it sounds like a great oppotunity, if it is your plan Lord, please strengthen Arina and heal her ankle that she would know in her whole being that You are sending her, and if not that You will show her what Your plan is. God you are so good. In Jesus name I pray. Angie, it is in these challenges where we grow indeed and where you who are full of His grace and I have no doubt will, and have already shown it. Praying that God will reach the depths of the anger, the hurt, and the chains that this colleague is bound up in and break them that she can release all her weapons and lay her heart before our Healer. Breathe deep my Sister, He goes before you and He is beside and behind you. Speak truth as I know you do. May God be glorified in all He is doing in and through you. Lord Jesus we know the power of your Holy name of Your love that forgives our sin and pray for an end to this battle that seems to be so long, and that has hurt many, break through all that is not of you Lord. Tear down these strongholds, free the prisoner and flood this situation and school with Your light. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Melanie, praying for your Dad, strength and rest. Munchkin, trust, He provides. Praying for a loving and caring friend ride to church for you. Hugs Sisters. He loves us, Each and Every One.
My heart breaks for you Angie. Having to deal with this situation amongst the stressful environment of teaching during a pandemic. Praying for you, your principal and for the “bully” teacher. God’s will be done!
Amen
Angie, praying for you.