The one that Jesus loved

I have always found it very interesting the way that the disciple John refers to himself in scripture. He uses third person and he calls himself "the one that Jesus loved". (See John 13:23, John 20:2 and John 21:20 for examples.) I never said so out loud, but I thought him to be just a little proud. The claim John makes in his definition of himself always made me just a little uncomfortable somehow. I would explain it to myself and even others as a description of the close relationship that Jesus had with him...even Jesus had a "best" friend. And even though I still believe this is part of the illustration that is being made here, I have added something new and even more beautiful to John's confidence.

John was totally focused on Jesus' love for him. As I read through the gospel of John, and his other writings in 1, 2, and 3 John, there is a definite security in John's certainty of God's love for him. I always get the feeling that he really does feel like Jesus loves him more than anyone else in the world.

Compare John to Peter. I like Peter. He was mouthy and he spoke his mind. I can relate to Peter because his temper sometimes got him into trouble. After all didn't Peter whack off the ear of one of the servants of the High Priest who came to arrest Jesus? But Peter seemed to focus more on Peter. He was always talking about how much he loved Jesus. "I love you, Lord." "I will lay down my life for you, Lord."

Both John and Peter play important parts in the spreading of the gospel. They both were called by God to testify to the life, death and resurrection of our Savior. But John stands out to me in a different light. He zoned in on God's love for him. Peter's attention to what he could do for God got him in a little hot water toward the end. He crumbled. He denied Christ. And even though it all worked out the way it was suppose to in the end, it is John who I want to be like. He was steadfast. He was there to the end. He did not waiver. And I think it was because he knew...he knew, he knew that Jesus loved him. I know that, but I want to REALLY know that...like John did. I want to be zoned in on the fact that I am a precious loved child of God. I am the apple of His eye.

Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so!

I am proud, the way John was. I am the one that Jesus loves!

Comments

I Close My Eyes

Well, I did it. I took the writer's challenge at a blog that I have been lurking around for some time. I found this blog through Laura at Wellblog 's place and have been enthralled ever since. I have dabbled in poetry on and off. Written some invitations, cards, and even a few song lyrics (for fun) but have been hesitant to post any. (roaring lion? see below post ) With the encouragement of a friend, I decided to take the challenge on L.L.Barkat's blog, in a lesson on seeing. I chose a subject that is cherished, a memory that was real and something close to my heart. The beach. Many, many days were spent at the beach in the 12 years I lived on the Southern Virginia coast. The memories are real, and when.......... I close my eyes and I can still see the beach. The endless spans of water Sometimes blue, green, or gray. It moves Gently and Violently Bubbles rise and falling forward. On and on. I close my eyes and I can still hear the crash Of tidal movement As earth slowly spi...

Friday Fill Ins

1. I'm PMS-ing , I'm excited , I am feeling out of balance . 2. Why do I have short legs and not tall, thin ones ? 3. How does this surrender stuff really work , anyway? 4. Every morning, I put make-up on my face . 5. I consider myself lucky because I have God in my life . 6. One day we’ll see Jesus face to face! 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to meeting Lelia and Kelley in person , tomorrow my plans include Step Study Class, shopping with my daughter, worship service , and dinner with friends (and maybe seeing Lelia and Kelley again) and Sunday, I want to work in my yard a little bit! For More Fun Friday Fill Ins click here!

A Promise is a Promise (Grand Canyon)

Many years ago, I am guessing about 19 of them, our family visited the Grand Canyon for one day, on the way home from a trip to California to visit family. Our eldest son was around 11, our middle one around 9, and our baby was a little over a year old. Our boys wanted desperately to hike into the canyon, but our oldest one especially so. He pleaded and my husband and I held firm our "No" as our youngest was too young and we were not outfitted for such an adventure. I promised that we would return one day. A few months later we moved to the East Coast of Virginia. Not planned when we stood at the edge of the canyon and that promise was made. And the many times we planned vacation time to the beach, our son reminded me of that promise to go the the Grand Canyon. Time flew quickly and years later we had not returned to the Grand Canyon. But, we did move to Texas and as we looked at spending time as a family, our oldest son brought this promise bac...

Liz's Letters

Search This Blog