Aaron Hufty

Christmas Light

Re:Verse reading–John 5:1-30 (day two)

“Do you wish to get well?” vs. 6b

The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5

The people who walk in darkness
Will see a great light;
Those who live in a dark land,
The light will shine on them. Isaiah 9:2

“I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12

It is the question that comes to us all. Do you want to be well? When we are in darkness, we feel as though we can hide our sin from the world, and even from God. The truth is he still sees, but is also still seeking to shine his light of truth into your life.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come. He has come to make you new. I hope you will take time to read Luke 2 to your family sometime today. Merry Christmas.

Weary!

Re:Verse reading–John 4:4-30, 39-42 (day two)

So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. vs. 6b

Have you recovered yet? This question, more than any other, permeates my post-Christmas at First conversations. People are kind to ask, and somewhat understanding of the energy required to present those services every year. I loved reading this verse during this season. John records a very human Jesus who needed rest. Who traveled far, and was indeed tired. We must remember to rest. We must also recognize the sacred nature of work. It is good to work hard. It is a blessing to feel exhausted from a job well done.

That, however, is not the end of the story. Jesus was never too tired to love someone into the faith. Even in our moments of “unplugging” we must recognize the needs of those around us to receive Jesus. One of the old adages for pastors is to be ready “in season and out.” That also means even when we are resting, vacationing, getting away, etc. Never weary of the gospel. Keep Jesus’ love at the front of your mind as you make plans to rest this season.

If I Had Only Known

Re:Verse reading–John 2:1-22 (day two)

So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken. vs. 22

If I had known then what I know now…Have those words ever come from your mouth? Sometimes when we look back on the paths we have taken we wince to think of the choices made or the opportunities squandered. More often we can look backwards and see the wisdom offered by others that seemed foolish at the time becomes much more profound when life experience and our own wisdom builds. (All parents just shouted: AMEN!) John, the disciple Jesus loved, captures this moment early in his gospel account. After clearing the Temple he describes what is to come in his own life and ministry. The other disciples remembered these words and had a clearer understanding after Jesus demonstrated his words through the cross.

There are lessons that can only be taught by time. The point is to treasure the words of Jesus. What you are reading and praying through will, in time, prove a wonderful truth that was there all the time.

Immensity in Thy Dear Womb

Re:Verse reading–John 1:1-18 (day two) He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. vs. 10

I marvel at the complexity of this verse. John almost poetically captures that seeming paradox of this Christ. He was indeed flesh and blood. He was also here before imagining. He was with God and himself God before. Before all. Lest you think this baby just a baby John reminds us that this child was the incarnate version of the almighty.

John Donne in his Holy Sonnets also tried to capture the both/and nature of God/baby.

Thou’ hast light in the darke; and shutst in little room, Immensity cloysterd in thy deare womb.

That image is so powerful to me. The power of the atom. All of creation, all of who God was and is, was put in that small baby. His choice, our gift.

Donne again: ‘Tis time that heart and voice be lifted high, Salvation to all that will is nigh,

Sometimes NO

Re:Verse reading 2 Corinthian 12:1-10 (day two)

Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. vs. 8

Sometimes God says no. Intellectually we understand this. We can’t get everything we want or ask for, right? We appreciate that we don’t always know the best path forward for our lives, and that God sees the bigger picture. But surely, surely God would remove something that is painful from us in order to better serve him, right? Well, no. Paul, reluctantly, admits that God in his wisdom has chosen to not remove this thorn in order that any good result of Paul’s ministry will be rightly attributed to God. He knows us and our tendencies. Sometimes we need a governor (pardon the NASCAR reference) on our hearts in order to maintain focus on Jesus. If he says no, don’t wallow. You are in good company. He will give you what you need to cope with your circumstances.

Capture My Thoughts

Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 10 (day two)

We are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. vs. 5b

Lord, capture my thoughts. How often have you let your mind run rampant over God’s will for your life? How often have you received a word from the Lord and then listened to the doubts and fears of the deceiver? This simple and powerful prayer has been one of the most profound in my Christian walk. I’m a smart guy. I can figure it out. I don’t need help. STOP – Lord, capture my thoughts. I have prayed these exact words countless times when I feel my own will trying to supersede God’s.

There is a caveat, however. It’s in the heart of belief. I have found that I truly believe that God can intercede and take those mis-directed thoughts and turn them to his glory. The words are simple, the truth: profound. Do you feel your mind filled with thoughts that are contrary to God’s design and plan for your life? Surrender them to him, and trust that he will deliver you.

Getting Forward

Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 7:5-16 (day two)

For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. vs. 10

Sometimes to get forward you must take a step backwards, or at least pause. Paul knows that his words wounded the Corinthian believers, but only so far as it exposed their sin which ultimately led to the joy of repentance and restoration. There are two very valuable lessons here. First, we must not be afraid to speak the truth in love. If our motivation is truly to help our brother or sister, we should speak the words they need to hear. Withholding words because they could hurt may ultimately do more damage. Secondly, we should not be afraid to take a step back ourselves. Sometimes we can be so focused on getting ahead we are unwilling to do anything that might “set us back.” This is prideful arrogance. We know better. Take stock, do a personal inventory, and get right. Sorrow can lead to real joy.

Light

Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 4 (day two)

For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Vs. 6

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. John 1:9-11

Light over darkness – familiar theme. Jesus is a dawn breaking in our hearts that shines on all that was in shadow. Things in the light cannot be hidden, they are to be dealt with and surrendered. Things in the light also shine in a way that they could never have without the light source. We are greater with Christ shining in us, on us, and through us than we could ever possibly imagine ourselves to be otherwise.

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. Not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. C.S. Lewis

Integrity

Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 1:12-24, 2:1-11 (day two)

For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.

But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil. Matthew 5:37

Integrity is a big deal. Whatever you may think of someone’s beliefs there is a sense of honor that comes from keeping your word. Paul understood this. He spoke hard truths. His words cut, and he often encountered opposition, but he was true. Whatever else we may be, let us follow that example. Not perfection, mind you, but a call to know who we are in Christ and to not waver from that commitment in the public square or our own private prayers. Stay true.

Affliction/Comfort

Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 1:1-11 (day two)

who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. vs. 4

Later in the New Testament James will record that the trials we endure should produce patience. (James 1:2) Did you ever consider that your trials, or as Paul refers to them here, afflictions, actually prepare you to empathize with others? This is not out of character for the gospel at all when you consider Jesus who gave up so much to walk among us, feel our burdens, encounter temptation, resistance, and persecution. Jesus’ ability to say “I understand” is one of the most remarkable characteristics of our remarkable God. This is not lost on Paul. We cannot attain Christ’s perfection, but we are able to see how God worked in our afflictions and as such we are able to share and comfort.