OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for July 2021
August 1, 2021
John 6:49, 50 – Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
Thought: Jesus stated a plain fact about the manna eaten in the wilderness. It sustained life, but it did not keep men from dying. All the children of Israel who ate the manna in the wilderness were dead when Jesus spoke. Jesus compared the bread of life to that manna. “This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.” Spiritually, he would live. Those who were dead in sins could be quickened by it. Too, they would receive everlasting life in the hereafter.
Colossians 2:12-13
August 2, 2021
John 6:51 – I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Thought: Jesus often used physical objects to describe spiritual things. Man is not just a physical being. He is also spiritual. This man needs the bread of life to live. Jesus said: “…the bread that I will give is my flesh.” When Jesus said this, He was referring to His death on Calvary. This death is bread to the spiritual man. In order for that man to receive the benefits of Jesus’ death, he must eat of Jesus’ flesh. In other words, he must comply with the conditions to receive the benefits of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Hebrews 10:10
August 3, 2021
John 6:52 – The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
Thought: In John’s gospel we often find individuals confused about Jesus’ teaching because they are thinking from a literal perspective instead of thinking figuratively. This writer believes that God created this world in such a way as to help man understand the spiritual world. Why? Because there are too many parallels between the two. The Jews forgot about their spiritual man. They forgot that flesh has a figurative usage. They failed to understand that eating simply means “to partake.”
John 3:3-4
August 4, 2021
John 6:53 – Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat of the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Thought: We can imagine the mindset of the Jews at this time. They were confused, and, perhaps disgusted, by Jesus’ words. Jesus didn’t explain. Instead, He pushed the figure even more. Not only were they to eat His flesh, they were to “drink his blood.” If this were not done, they would have no life in them. Was Jesus serious? Absolutely. Was He talking about cannibalism? Absolutely not! All He was saying is that in order for the spiritual man to life, he must partake of the benefits of His death.
I John 5:11-12
August 5, 2021
John 6:54 – Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Thought: Jesus ties eating His flesh and drinking His blood to two things: eternal life and the resurrection. This enables the hearer to know that Jesus is not talking about physical things. He has reference to spiritual things. Those who partake in the death of Jesus are going to receive the blessings of standing again after death and eternal life in the hereafter. Who would not want these two things? To know death is not lasting and that once raised one will live forever are priceless blessings.
Philippians 3:9-11
August 6, 2021
John 6:55, 56 – For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Thought: Jesus continues to talk about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. If all that is heard are the words flesh and blood, one would be stunned by the things He says. Notice, however, that Jesus makes these things a condition of dwelling in Him, and, He in us. Some want to make indwelling a literal matter. The question is: “How do we literally indwell in a Spirit?” Can humans literally indwell in deity? Indwelling is figurative just as eating the flesh and drinking the blood are figurative.
II Corinthians 6:16-18
August 7, 2021
John 6:57 – As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
Thought: Jesus said that he lived by the Father. He, then, compares that to individuals eating Him and being able to live. In John 4:34, Jesus said: “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” This is how Jesus partook of His Father and lived. It is the same way men partake of Jesus Christ and life. When we do the will of Christ, we are “eating” Him. Our obedience to His will enables us to life forever. Some have not made Jesus’ teachings their spiritual diet. Have you?
Psalm 119:103
August 8, 2021
John 6:58, 59 – This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
Thought: Jesus contrasts the bread from heaven that He offers with the manna the Israelites ate in the wilderness one more time. Apparently, this was an event that awed the Jews. Yet, all who ate the manna in the wilderness died. That bread did not provide everlasting life. On the other hand, the bread Jesus offered did provide eternal life. He said: “…he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.” The benefits that Jesus confers on man far outweigh what has gone before. Eat, my friend, and live.
I John 5:13
August 9, 2021
John 6:60 – Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it?
Thought: There are times when the Lord challenges His followers. Sometimes He challenges them with His commands. Sometimes He challenges them simply with His teachings. The disciples of Jesus at this time had to say: “This is a hard saying; who can hear it?” Not all can hear the Lord’s teaching. It isn’t because they can’t. It’s because their hearts are not good and honest. Therefore, their hearts will not allow them to hear. Are you willing to hear all of Jesus’ teachings? If not, check your heart.
Luke 8:15
August 10, 2021
John 6:61 – When Jesus therefore knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
Thought: Jesus was not afraid to confront the feelings of man regarding His teachings. His disciples believed Jesus’ words on this occasion were “a hard saying.” When He knew of their murmuring, He asked: “Doth this offend you?” In order to get people to work beyond their unbelief, we often have to confront their doubts. Why are you offended? Why don’t you believe? What is it that you do not understand? Believers will not just hear hard things once. They will hear them time and again.
John 16:1
August 11, 2021
John 6:62 – What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
Thought: Jesus’ hearers were awed by the things that He said about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. He continues to overwhelm them by asking: “What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?” Man has to come to grips with the magnitude of God. Because man is finite, he has a difficult time opening his mind to the supernatural abilities of God. These must be accepted by faith. We must embrace that idea that with God all things are possible.
Mark 9:23
August 12, 2021
John 6:63 – It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Thought: One of the ways the Bible teaches is through parallelism. Two statements are set side by side with different words, but they carry the same meaning. Jesus uses parallelism here. One statement is: “It is the Spirit that quickeneth.” The other statement is: “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The Spirit operates through the Word of God in order to quicken, that is, to give spiritual life. Men need to focus more on the spiritual. Jesus said: “The flesh profits nothing.”
Romans 8:1-2
August 13, 2021
John 6:64 – But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
Thought: As God in the flesh, Jesus was omniscient, that is, knowing all things. He certainly knew the hearts of all men. He even knew the one who would betray Him. Some believe foreknowledge cancels man’s free-moral agency. Not so. It is possible to foreknow something, but not be the one responsible for the things which come to pass. Parents can know before a test that their child will do well on it. Their foreknowledge did not cause the child’s good grade. The same is true of God.
Psalm 139:2-4
August 14, 2021
John 6:65 – And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
Thought: It is true that the Father must draw men to Jesus. The question, however, is: “How does God do this?” Has God predestined each individual to be saved? Does He have to operate miraculously upon the heart of man so man can respond to God’s call? The answer to these questions is: “No.” God opens the hearts of individuals through the truth. God loves all men. God does not respect one person more than another. God draws all men to His Son through the truth of His Word.
I Corinthians 1:21
August 15, 2021
John 6:66 – From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Thought: We have heard many statements about tough times. Tough times are made for tough people. When times get tough, the tough get rolling. Sadly, when tough times come, some choose to give up and quit. Jesus had just given His disciples some challenging teachings. Instead of learning more about them and accepting them, “many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” Think about this. This was Jesus, the Son of God. If He was rejected, we will be also.
Hebrews 10:38-39
August 16, 2021
John 6:67 – Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
Thought: When Jesus saw many of His disciples depart from Him due to His teaching, He turned to the twelve and asked if they, too, would leave Him. The twelve were now facing a spiritual test. The teachings of Jesus were hard. Other disciples were departing from Jesus. Now, what would they do? Would they go or stay? We often find ourselves in similar situations. As we face our spiritual tests, let’s try to hear Jesus as He asks us: “Will ye also go away?” Our Lord and Master wants to know.
Luke 14:33
August 17, 2021
John 6:68, 69 – Then Simon Peter answer him, Lord, to whom shall we go thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Thought: Peter is sometimes referred to as the impetuous apostle. He often answers before anyone else. Here, he tells Jesus that they know two things about Him. First, they were sure He was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Too, they fully believed that He had the words of eternal life. Those who possess these two beliefs will remain steadfast unto the end. The teachings of the Christ, the commands of the Christ, and the hardships one must face because of Christ will not deter them.
Joshua 24:19-22
August 18, 2021
John 6:70, 71 – Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Thought: The apostles of Jesus had just told Him that they would not leave Him because of His hard teachings. They affirmed that it was He who had the words of life. However, Jesus knew that one of them would betray him. His wicked actions would bring him in league with the devil. This one was Judas Iscariot. The heart of Judas was filled with covetousness. He longed for riches so much that he was willing to betray his Lord for 30 pieces of silver. If we yield to our evil desires, we, too, are a devil.
John 12:4-6
August 19, 2021
John 7:1 – After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
Thought: Jesus was not afraid of what the Jews could do to Him. He was just on another time schedule. It was not His hour to face death. That hour would be determined by His heavenly Father. Thus, Jesus left the region of Judea and “walked in Galilee.” Jesus always committed Himself to His Father above. In like manner, so should we. We often want things “right now.” God’s timetable, however, is better for us. If we will wait on the Lord, we will find things work for our benefit.
John 10:39-40
August 20, 2021
John 7:2 – Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand.
Thought: This feast was one of three feasts that were obligatory upon every Jewish male. This feast was celebrated in the seventh month. It had three names: the feast of tabernacles (booths), the feast of ingathering, and the feast of the Lord. It commemorated the time that Israel wandered in the wilderness in the days of Moses dwelling in tents. It included a very important day known as the Day of Atonement. It was a time of remembrance, forgiveness, thanksgiving, and glorious celebration.
Leviticus 23:34-43
August 21, 2021
John 7:3, 4 – His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go in Judea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth anything in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
Thought: Jesus’ brothers challenged Him to go to Jerusalem and reveal Himself during the feast. They were giving Jesus a test. If He was who he claimed to be, He should show himself to the world. Why would His brothers make such a challenge? He grew up with them in the same house. They were well aware of His behavior, of his knowledge, and of the type of spirit Jesus possessed within. My friend, have you ever had those close to you who doubted you? Jesus did.
Genesis 37:5-11
August 22, 2021
John 7:5 – For neither did his brethren believe in him.
Thought: We now understand the reason Jesus’ brothers were putting Him to the test. They did not believe in Him. They did not believe His claims to be the Son of God. Two things are apparent from their unbelief. First, Jesus was quite normal while growing up. Second, his brothers rejected the evidence that had been shown to them up to this point. Jealousy, envy, and unbelief often fill the hearts of family members who see another excel. What do we gain by rejecting the success of another?
Philippians 1:15-17
August 23, 2021
John 7:6 – Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready.
Thought: Jesus was fully aware of His mission while on earth. He took great pains to make sure all was carried out in accordance with the will of His heavenly Father. His brothers were pressing Him to go to the feast in Jerusalem. For some reason, Jesus said: “My time is not yet come.” He knew the right time to enter in Jerusalem. His brothers believed that any time was the right time. No so. Dear readers, caution in doing God’s will is wise. We will never regret doing things God’s way.
Ephesians 5:15-17
August 24, 2021
John 7:7 – The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
Thought: The truth Jesus expresses in this verse is the reason He had to operate very careful while in the world. The world hated the Christ. The reason the word hated Him is because He exposed its evil works. The world does not want to be confronted, does not want to be held accountable, does not want to be rebuked, and does not want its evil revealed. Those who do these things are hated by the world. Jesus was hated more than all others because He testified against the world.
John 15:18-19
August 25, 2021
John 7:8, 9 – Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. When he had said these words, he abode still in Galilee.
Thought: Jesus again emphasizes that He will determine when the time is right for Him to go up to this feast. He will not be rushed by man. Note that Jesus said: “I go not up yet unto the feast.” Some of the newer versions have Jesus saying that He will not go up to the feast at all. This causes a problem because Jesus did go the feast. He intended to go all along. If He did not go, He would have violated the Law of Moses. Jesus set His boundaries with man. God was His ultimate Master.
Galatians 1:10
August 26, 2021
John 7:10 – But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
Thought: Jesus often acted with caution because of the beliefs that others had about Him. He knew men can be impetuous and fickle. He understood that men often act on emotions and impulses. Thus, Jesus entered into the city of Jerusalem discreetly at this feast. He went in “as it were in secret.” There were literally thousands upon thousands in Jerusalem. It would not be a good time for even a few to be stirred up. It was not the time for His death to be accomplished.
John 11:53-54
August 27, 2021
John 7:11 – Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
Thought: Jesus created quite a stir during His ministry. He made bold claims about Himself. He did many wonderful works. His teachings intrigued the masses. The Jewish rulers were on edge about His aims and His popularity among the people. Knowing that all Jewish males were required at this feast, the Jews sought Him out. Their intent is not revealed. Some sought Jesus looking for the Messiah. Others sought Him in order to trap Him and bring Him down. My friend, why are you seeking Jesus?
Matthew 2:1-2
August 28, 2021
John 7:12 – And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
Thought: When interesting people come upon the stage of life, people always talk about them. Some will speak favorably. Others will doubt and question their actions and motives. This was true of Jesus. Some affirmed Jesus was a good man. Others believed He was a deceiver. It’s fascinating that different people can look at the same person, hear the same words, and watch the same actions, and come away with different perspectives. How do you view Jesus? Does anything cloud your outlook of Him?
Matthew 16:13-16
August 29, 2021
John 7:13 – Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
Thought: The Jewish leaders were in open opposition to Jesus. These men made it clear to others that anyone who accepted the claims of Jesus would face consequences. Therefore, “no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.” The Jewish leaders could not hold their own through argumentation. Thus, they turned to intimidation to silence the opposition. Fear has a way of paralyzing many individuals. Only those who truly loved Jesus and were courageous would stand for Him.
Proverbs 29:25
August 30, 2021
John 7:14, 15 – Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
Thought: In the middle of the festival week, Jesus began to teach in the temple. His teaching reflected deep insight into the Word of God. His teaching stood in contrast to the teachings of the Pharisees because of its authoritative nature. Those who heard Jesus marveled. He did not have the credentials of a rabbi trained in the rabbinical schools. Therefore, the people asked: “How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” Dear reader, Jesus’ teaching was one of the proofs of His deity.
Matthew 7:28-29
August 31, 2021
John 7:16 – Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
Thought: Jesus’ teachings were different because they did not originate in the mind of man. They came from God. Because of this, Jesus doctrine was different. It was powerful. It was life-changing. It was challenging. It was bold. It was confrontational. It was unapologetic. It was a message that was desperately needed at the time. The traditions of the Jews had made void the law of God in many places. A teacher who boldly proclaimed the truth was refreshing, but He was a threat to the Jews.
John 12:49-50
Read devotionals for September 2021
