He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husbands will, but born of God.
John 1:11-13 NIV
I woke up this morning and as I began to look around and thank God for waking me up this morning, for the gift of life, and for allowing me to be in my right mind…I began to repeat the words “a home field advantage.”
Yesterday at church, Dr. Andre Rogers was our Guest Speaker who delivered the message for Maundy Thursday service and He led us in Holy communion. The words home field advantage was repeated over 10 times. I understand that Dr. Rogers is a professor and all I can say is if I took his class I know I would remember things from for the test because he is a teaching Pastor. Some folks might get tired of the repetition, but I thought it was a brilliant way to walk us through the Bible using the Book of John so descriptively and giving us something relatable by using a sports analogy. I mean who can’t relate to football, baseball, or basketball?!
Fun fact: According to Google in sports, “home field advantage” (also known as “home ground advantage” or “home court advantage”) refers to the tendency for a team to perform better when playing on its own field, in its own building, or on its own court. Google goes on to say the presence of fans and even travel-related fatigue for visiting teams causes some psychological effects.
So as I sit back and I reflect over last nights message (YouTube video included below) credits belong to Amanda Porter) I think about some of the key points that were made last night in reference to Maundy Thursday:
- Jesus washed the feet of His disciples.
- Jesus’ predicts one of His disciples betrayal.
- He gave a commandment that they love each other or one another as Jesus loved them.
- Jesus promised He would send help, the Holy Spirit
- Then Dr. Rogers mentioned what is called the High Priest Prayer. John 17 subtitles include: Jesus prays to be glorified, Jesus prays for His disciples, and Jesus prayers for all believers.
Ya’ll it took me back to childhood when I used to hear my daddy say, “there is no greater love than for a man to lay down his life for a friend.” Little did I know at the time that was Scripture: John 15:13. Young Whitnee’ would always say “daddy said this or daddy said that”, but little did I know my daddy was planting God’s word in my mind. So when I grew in the Word and prayed for God to give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding I would remember “daddy’s words” that were God’s written Word.
Going back to John chapter 17, I want y’all to read verses 20-26. It brought tears to my eyes! It took me back to thinking about our home field advantage in John 1:12 where we were given the right (in the words of Dr. Rogers the authority) to be called Children of God.
I don’t know about ya’ll on this sacred Good Friday morning but I thank God for this home field advantage. Are you thankful this morning?!
Although yesterday’s focus was on Maundy Thursday, because today is Good Friday I would feel like I’ve missed the mark if I didn’t mention John chapters 18 and 19. My heart cries out as I sit behind my desk at work thinking about Jesus’ words in John 19:28, “I thirst.” Scriptures says, “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
How many folks have you encountered (strangers if you may) that asked for something to drink? Did you deny them or did you honor their request and give them water or something else you may have had on you or could easily go purchase at the convenient store?
Verse 30 says, When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Moment of silence. Moment of reflection.
Jesus was pierced on His side. Prophecy was fulfilled.
As go throughout our day I encourage each of you to reflect on the symbolism of Jesus’ blood and His body as we gathered last night for the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist), take today to mourn and reflect on Jesus’ crucifixion and then on Sundays Resurrection morning I want you to rejoice with me as folks around the world celebrate Easter and remember He got up out of the grave and there was victory over sin and death.
In conclusion, let’s be joyful over the hope and new beginnings while giving thanks to our Lord not just on Sundays (especially not just on Easter for those who only visit churches on this day) but in our daily walk on the journey called life. Friends as we pick up our crosses daily as Scripture says I’ll leave you with Luke 9:23, Then he said to them all, “Whoever wants to be my disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
- Things that stood out the most to me during Dr. Andre Roger’s message:
- “Home Field Advantage”
- “Play on my turf.”
- “Has the ability that gains over the winning field.”
- “Jesus came unto His own is the greatest truth.”
- Mark 10, Mark 1:11-12, Matthew 1:17
- “She belongs to me!”
Awesome teaching and reflections. John 17 is one of my FAVORITE passages. I often reflect there to be reminded that JESUS HIMSELF Prayed for ME 🙏🏽. BLESSED ASSURANCE.
Amen.
Hey. I was preparing myself for Easter Sunday. I was deep in thought reflecting back when Sean had preached on Easter and had everyone in the church on their feet shouting and dancing. I sho do miss that kind of preaching on Easter. It puts a fire to my feet and praising on my lips. I thank God. I wanted my kids to know just how serious Holy Week was so I let them watch the passion of Christ. They were full of tears and wanted to know why. I explained to them as best as I could so that they could have a picture in their head as Malachai is carrying the cross down the isle. I know they are young right now and they have some growing to do. I am full of emotions this Holy Week. You see, it’s just not on Easter that I get like this, it’s been every holiday, every moment that I see that dirt road, or look at some banana pudding, or remenence on all the vacations….the tears don’t stop flowing…..them tears turn into a praise and I shout glory halleujah! God thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross to save a sinner like me. It’s because that I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I know I won’t perish, but have ever lasting life because I believe in him. Yes God. I get to hear my grandma hum her spirituals like she used to. I get to see that beautiful smile. I get to hear my brother’s voice again….I can hear him say ketchup mustard. Snookie, you getting stronger. And Don’t forget about Deanna, hey little girl…..and Olivia, my angel cake….my auntie Lisa with her laugh and her dancing to slick rick….my uncle Peter with the Hulk Hogan!!!! Oh my! Just to hear them laughing and talking brings pure joy to my heart and soul….to know that they are celebrating in Heaven with you. I praise you. Halleujah…I may get lonely during times….but I look forward to that unspeakable joy. You fill me up God. I am lonely but you fill me up. And I thank God because I know I will see them again. The greatest family reunion of all time. Thank you God. Amen. # on the third day, He Got up with all power in his hands!
You don’t have to wait to get to Heaven to experience God’s unspeakable joy!
When our loved ones pass on, it is up to us to carry their torch and keep on running for Jesus, until we are called home.
The memories of hearing hey little girl, greedy self, Snookie and that beautiful aroma we all miss from Deanna’s Kitchen is poured into every plate you fix, every meal you take to Tommy and Renee, every meal you prepare for the church, every planned out and well executed prayer walk, every praise dance that comes together not in Faith’s timing but God’s timing where ultimately He gets the honor and the praise, it will be on every plate served from Just Fried, it will be in every sample meal or recipe provided through Diabetes Talk.
You see because God cares for you and He loves you so He gave you family (might not be by blood) who fill in those gaps during your weary times but you can’t shut them out, you have to open up and allow them to love on you and your kids.
We were never called to live life alone, the sooner you get that through your stubborn at times skull, the better and more loved you will feel.
Love you horse nose.