Chris Loehmer Kincaid's Blog, page 34

Doubter, 2023 Lenten Blog Post #10, Easter Morning

   "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Youbelieve in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if thatwere not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place foryou? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you tobe with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place whereI am going.”

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t knowwhere you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and thetruth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:1-6,New International Version)

ThroughoutLent this year, I’ve been writing about Jesus’ disciples. And here it is –Easter Morning! What more can I tell you about those twelve men?

Well,there was Thomas. Few remember him asking the question above. Instead, he is knownfor the statements below.

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas, wasnot with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he replied, “I won’t believe it unlessI see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my handinto the wound in his side.”  

Eight days later the disciples weretogether again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; butsuddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” hesaid. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Putyour hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

            “My Lord and my God!” Thomasexclaimed.

            Then Jesus told him, “You believebecause you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” (John20:24-29, New Living Translation)

Eventhough we haven’t seen Him with our own eyes or touched His wounds, we knowthat our Redeemer lives. We have been blessed. Praise God!

Traitor, 2023 Lenten Blog Post #9, Good Friday

 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelvedisciples, went to the leading priests and asked, “How much will you pay me tobetray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that timeon, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus. (Matthew 26:14-16, NewLiving Translation)

Thisyear, during Lent, I have been writing about the various disciples who Jesushad called to follow Him. Just like Peter, Andrew, Matthew and the others, Jesus choseJudas Iscariot to follow Him. Did Jesus know from the very beginning that Judaswould be the one to betray Him?

But Judas Iscariot, one of hisdisciples—the one who would betray him—said, “That perfume was worth a fortune.It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he caredfor the poor, but he was in charge of the disciples’ funds and often dippedinto them for his own use! (John 12:4-6, Living Bible)

Thispassage from John makes it sound like Judas always cared more about himselfthan he did for others. I’d still like to believe, though, that Judas startedout just as devoted to Jesus as the rest of the disciples.

After he had said this, Jesus was troubledin spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betrayme.”

His disciples stared at one another,at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesusloved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said,“Ask him which one he means.”

            Leaning back against Jesus, he askedhim, “Lord, who is it?”

            Jesus answered, “It is the one towhom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then,dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Assoon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.

            So Jesus told him, “What you areabout to do, do quickly.” But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said thisto him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling himto buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. Assoon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. (John 13:21-30, NewInternational Version)

Sometimes,though, I notice that the rest of the disciples had their faults as well. Imean, really how many times does Jesus have to tell them what was going tohappen to Him? And how many times did they not understand what Jesus said?

And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one ofthe twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs.They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. Thetraitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which oneto arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” So Judas came straight to Jesus.“Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.

            Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead anddo what you have come for.”

            Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrestedhim. ( Matthew26:47-50, New Living Translation)

Butthe reality is that no matter what Judas was like when he started followingJesus, he made a pact with the devil. And even though his guilt caused him tohang himself, I wonder if he truly asked God for forgiveness and if, at thatlast moment before he tightened that rope around his throat, he acceptedJesus as his Savoir.

Nomatter what you have done in your life, there is no sin that God won’t forgive.You need only to ask for forgiveness and turn your life over to Him, knowingthat Jesus died to take away all of your sins. 

Peter’s Denial, 2023 Lenten Blog Post #8, Maundy Thursday

 

But Peter replied, “Lord, I am ready to gowith you to prison and to death.”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, beforethe rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:33-34,New International Version)

SimonPeter was one of Jesus’ first followers and was one of the inner circle of disciples.He was also bold and outspoken. He would never think to betray His Lord and Savior,would never deny that he knew Him. And yet –

Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know whatyou’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lordturned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lordhad spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me threetimes.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:60-62, NIV)

Icannot imagine the pain Peter felt when he looked into Jesus’ eyes that nightand realized that he had failed his Teacher.

Howoften do we deny that we know Jesus? Do we keep from speaking when theconversation turns to other beliefs, ones which deny the Triune God? Do weavoid people that we know disagree with Christianity?

Whatwould you see in Jesus’ eyes if He were to look into your soul right now?

The Unknown Ones weren’t Unknown to Jesus, 2023 Lenten Blog Post #7

 

As Jesus and his disciples approachedJerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount ofOlives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into that village over there,” hetold them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied therethat no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Whatare you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’”

The two disciples left and found the coltstanding in the street, tied outside the front door. As they were untying it,some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They saidwhat Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it. Then theybrought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it. (Mark11:1-7, New Living Translation) 

Todayis Palm Sunday, and we probably all know the story of the triumphant return ofJesus to Jerusalem. But during Lent this year, I’ve been blogging about Jesus’twelve disciples. I’ve already written about John, James, Andrew, and Matthewand have plans to talk about Peter and the infamous Judas Iscariot nextweekend. Oh, and we all remember Doubting Thomas. But what about the other five?Were two of them the ones called to bring the young donkey to Jesus?  

Philip,Bartholomew (who also might be known as Nathanael), James (the other James, sonof Alphaeus), Thaddeus (also known at Jude or another Judas) and Simon theZealot. With all the name possibilities for these guys, it’s no wonder there isso little known about them.

Then he got into a boat and started acrossthe lake with his disciples. Suddenly a terrible storm came up, with waveshigher than the boat. But Jesus was asleep.

            The disciples went to him andwakened him, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re sinking!”

            But Jesus answered, “O you men oflittle faith! Why are you so frightened?” Then he stood up and rebuked the windand waves, and the storm subsided and all was calm.

The disciples just sat there, awed! “Whois this,” they asked themselves, “that even the winds and the sea obey him?” (Matthew8:23-27, Living Bible)

Ibelieve that Jesus called each of these men for a specific reason. And even if someof them aren’t identified by name in what they do and say, they each have theirplace in the teachings of Jesus.

Also,Jesus knew each of their names and everything else about them. Just like Heknows your name and everything about you. Don’t ever think that you or yourname is insignificant to Jesus. Everything about you is special to Him.     

Spring Break - Blog post #1

Wednesdayafternoon, Hubby and I returned from our spring break vacation. One of theseyears we’ll figure out that the weather this time of year never cooperates. I don’tknow how other people manage to get out of town and travel to some place warmin late March, but it never works out for us. I think it’s time for us to bitethe bullet and book plane reservations next year.

Weleft home at 6:30 Saturday morning. The weather was fine at our house, butabout two hours south we started hitting snow. Next thing you know, there wasan accident on the interstate and we were rerouted to side-roads. Not sure ifthat was safer or not, but we pushed through. So thankful that we had boughtthe all-wheel drive Honda CR-V two weeks before.

Anyway,here are just a few pictures from our couple days in Kentucky. You know me,more pictures and long detailed stories are in this blog’s future. 

No matter what happened this week, the grass was green. 
Dinsmore Homestead, still closed for the season

Rabbit Hash, Kentucky 
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Across the Ohio River from Rabbit Hash
The Ark
Inside the Creation Museum 
Outside the Museum - FLOWERS blooming!
And more green grass out the back door of our Airbnb

All Believers are Important

The following day John (the Baptist) was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.

Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.

They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

“Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”).

Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. (John 1:35-42a, New Living Translation)

Andrew was Simon Peter’s brother, and unfortunately, whenever the two brothers are mentioned together, Peter’s name is first, making it seem as if Andrew is not as important. However, Andrew had initially been a disciple of John the Baptist. When John pointed out Jesus as the Messiah, Andrew immediately followed Him and introduced Him to his brother Simon as soon as he could.

As Jesus’ ministry grew, Peter and the other two brothers, the Sons of Thunder, John and James, became part of His inner circle, privy to things which the other disciples were not. There is one instance, however, where Andrew is included in this group.  

As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! Look at the impressive stones in the walls.”

            Jesus replied, “Yes, look at these great buildings. But they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives across the valley from the Temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?”

            Jesus replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. (Mark 13, 1-8, New Living Translation)

I guess Andrew was indeed pretty important to Jesus to be included in that conversation. And we are just as important to Jesus. He wants us to know what the future holds for us and what we need to watch for.

Read the rest of Mark chapter 13 to find out more. That time might be coming sooner than we realize. Are you ready?

Celebrate Every Day

Nearly every Tuesday night, after Hubby and I eat our supper in the living room while watching an old episode of NCIS, I hoist myself off of the couch, grab our empty dinner plates, and ask him, “What should I blog about tonight?”, before heading off to my office.  Sometimes he gives me a thought-provoking idea, but he usually offers a suggestion I could never write about. Last night, he said something like, “you could write about an old man’s birthday.” Okay, I don’t remember what he said at all, but it was something on the line of reminding it was his birthday.  Oh, my sweet, sweet husband. I am so blessed to have you in my life. What did I do to deserve your love and devotion? I’m sorry that I don’t celebrate birthdays; I think we should celebrate every day instead. And I need to remember always to celebrate you!

 Don't hate me now, Hubby, for posting all these pictures!

Which one died of old age?

The disciple John was the son of Zebedee and brother of James. Also known as the Sons of Thunder, these two disciples, along with Simon Peter were part of Jesus’ “inner circle.” Those three men went places with Jesus and witnessed things that the other nine did not, such as when Jesus raised a 12-year-old girl from the dead and when He was praying in the garden of Gethsemane just before His arrest.

Throughout the first three books of the Gospel, John is almost always mentioned with his brother James. It’s confusing, though, because there are multiple men named John in the New Testament, most prominently, John the Baptist.

In the book of John, however, one of Jesus’ followers is frequently referred to as the “one whom Jesus loved.”

When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. (John 19:26-27, New Living Translation) 

I always thought it was a bit nervy for John to refer to himself as “the one whom Jesus loved.” Didn’t Jesus love the rest of the disciples – all people actually – the same? Or did He love John more because He trusted John to take care of His mother?

More likely, John was so confident that Jesus was his Savior that he felt total devotion and love towards Jesus. In return, he knew how much Jesus loved him.   

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. (John 21:20-24, New International Version)

 One last thought on the disciple John. He was the only one of the disciples to live to old age and die a natural death, instead of dying a martyr. Does this make him any less devoted to Jesus? Not at all. I think it was part of God’s plan from the start, just as He has a plan for us all.  

 

Two Promises We Always Break

I think that there are two statements which every couple has agreed upon, maybe even more than once.

The first one. “We’re not going to let the new dog on the furniture.”

Sounds good, makes sense. I know that I’m tired of vacuuming all the cat hair off of Cheshire’s spot on the couch. Unfortunately, you can’t keep cats from doing whatever they want.

But invariably, the dog jumps on the sofa or your favorite chair. You and your spouse say, “aww,” you cuddle your pet, and the deed is done. The promise broken.

The other thing we always proclaim. “We’re not eating in the new car.”

Yesterday, Hubs and I bought a new, used vehicle. How that purchase came about is kind of crazy, but at least it was entertaining to the salesman. But maybe for another time.

We are driving away from the dealership, haven’t even gone a block, when Hubby pulls out a granola bar that he had lifted from the service department waiting room.

“Are we going to eat in this car?”

“No,” I practically shout, reaching into my purse to retrieve the bar I had pilfered.

“Can you open mine?” he asked, because he was driving and struggling with the wrapper.

“But this is all. We’re not eating anything else in here.” Sure, Chris, you know how that’s going to work.

The Cost to Believe. 2023 Lenten Post #4

James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them "Sons of Thunder. (Mark 3:17, New Living Translation)

The verses above introduce two of Jesus' disciples, James and John, who Jesus sometimes referred to as "Sons of Thunder." No one is quite sure why. Were they loud or forceful? When they weren't fishing, were they fighting? We'll never know, but Jesus had His reasons; all we can do is wonder.

Nearly every verse that mentions James includes his brother John. Because James' name is always first, I assume he's the older one, but I don't think anyone knows for certain. One thing to note is that there is another James in the New Testament; he was one of Jesus' brothers. The book of James is believed to be written by that James and not the disciple.

The only time the apostle James is mentioned without his brother John is in the book of Acts.

About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. He had the apostle James (John's brother) killed with a sword. (Acts 12:1-2, New Living Translation)

The experts who have studied the apostles over the centuries generally agree that all these men were killed as martyrs except one. John is the only one believed to have died of old age. However, James is the only one whose death is recorded in the Bible.

Historians believe that James died about fourteen years after Jesus and probably was the first disciple to be martyred. We're not sure how exactly that sword killed him, but he was likely beheaded.

Many other early Christians, besides the apostles, were brutally murdered because they preached that Jesus Christ had risen from the tomb to save them all. Even today, Christians are martyred around the world, and even here in the US, they have been persecuted.

How about you? Would you share your belief in Jesus as your Savior with others if it meant harassment, punishment, or possible death? Or would you deny Jesus to save your earthly life at the risk of losing your eternal, heavenly life?