The Effects of Time on Relationships
This morning we had a dozen men gather at 5 AM to study the Gospel of John, and we actually started the last chapter of the book. That is quite an accomplishment after 2 years and 3 months of study. We had a great time setting up the background for chapter 21. However, it all pointed toward the fact that there was lapse of time between chapter 20 and chapter 21. It almost seems like John meant to end at verse 31 of chapter 20. However, the Spirit must have compelled him to go on to tell the story of the restoration of Peter and some other vital matters, so he continued one more chapter.
As we discussed the time factor, we realized that time has a different effect on different people. Sometimes, we grow closer over time, and sometimes we grow farther apart. That could have been why Jesus allowed some time before He met with His disciples in Galilee. He was allowing them to see their faith or lack of it. He was giving some time for them to think about His resurrection and their mission to take the Good News to the world. They had the choice of whether to love Him and follow Him or to reject Him. We have the same choice. What has been your experience? Have you let time bring space between you and Jesus or have there been hurts that have caused you to drift from Him? Or has the opposite occurred? Have you consistently grown in your relationship with Christ over time? The key is the condition of your heart. If you love Him completely, nothing will drive you apart. That is what He wanted for His disciples then, and that is what He wants from us now.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 42-44 and I John 1.
As we discussed the time factor, we realized that time has a different effect on different people. Sometimes, we grow closer over time, and sometimes we grow farther apart. That could have been why Jesus allowed some time before He met with His disciples in Galilee. He was allowing them to see their faith or lack of it. He was giving some time for them to think about His resurrection and their mission to take the Good News to the world. They had the choice of whether to love Him and follow Him or to reject Him. We have the same choice. What has been your experience? Have you let time bring space between you and Jesus or have there been hurts that have caused you to drift from Him? Or has the opposite occurred? Have you consistently grown in your relationship with Christ over time? The key is the condition of your heart. If you love Him completely, nothing will drive you apart. That is what He wanted for His disciples then, and that is what He wants from us now.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 42-44 and I John 1.