Digging Deeper – Page 36 – NorthStar Church Blog

Digging Deeper: Empowered by the Spirit

Phil Meade on March 21, 2024

52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword”

Matthew 26:52 (ESV)

EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT

We pick up the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane after Peter has hacked off an ear of one of the servants in the crowd that has come to arrest Jesus. Peter took action, empowered only with the finite power of a human being. Charles Spurgeon notes, “It would have been far better if Peter’s hands had been clasped in prayer.”

Jesus reacts quite differently. David Guzik explains, “At the moment when it seemed that Jesus had nothing and no advantage, He knew that He still had a Father in heaven, and access to His Father and all His resources through prayer.” We too have access to all the resources of heaven simply by praying.

Peter has a long list of failures and brash moments. He walks on water, but quickly sinks when his faith weakens (Matt. 14:29-30). He argues with the other disciples about which one is greatest (Luke 22:24). He has the nerve to tell Jesus that this whole “suffer and die and rise again” plan may not align with Peter’s plans for Jesus (Matt. 16:22). He refuses Jesus’ attempt to wash his feet (John 13:8). Finally, on Jesus’ last night of his life, he denies his Lord three times, twice to lowly servant girls (Matt. 26:69-75). All of these missteps are because Peter is only empowered by his earthly abilities.

David Guzik summarizes Peter’s action that final night noting, “With his sword, Peter accomplished very little. He only cut off one ear, and really just made a mess that Jesus had to clean up by healing the severed ear (Luke 22:51). When Peter moved in the power of the world, he only cut off ears. But when he was filled with the Spirit, using the Word of God, Peter pierced hearts for God’s glory (Acts 2:37).”

We all have “Peter” moments. We think we can conquer the world, fix every problem, and right any wrong. Without the Spirit of God, we are severely limited in what we can accomplish. With the Spirit of God dwelling in us, Jesus promises that we can move mountains (Matt. 17:20). Peter and the other apostles received the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Peter preaches to the crowd, and three thousand “souls” were added to the church that day (Acts 2). That is just one example of the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells inside us. How do we tap into that power? Pray!

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

Digging Deeper: The Power of Prayer

Phil Meade on March 20, 2024

49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

Matthew 26:49-54 (ESV)

THE POWER OF PRAYER

We pick up the story as Judas and a large crowd (some armed) converge on Jesus. Among the crowd of people are chief priests and elders. They have come to arrest Jesus, and take him away (v. 49-50). One of Jesus’ disciples (you can probably guess who) draws his sword and cuts off the ear of a servant (v. 51). In John’s account of this incident, Peter is named as the swordsman (John 18:10). Jesus then rebukes Peter (v. 52), and heals the servant’s wound (Luke 22:51). Jesus also reminds those around him that if he wished to do so, he could call down over twelve legions of angels to come to his rescue (v. 53). A Roman legion in the first century would normally comprise five to six thousand soldiers, so twelve legions at a minimum would total over sixty thousand angels!

David Guzik comments, “With one sword, Peter was willing to take on a small army of men, yet he couldn’t pray with Jesus for one hour. Prayer is the best work we can do, and often the most difficult.” We as Bible-reading Christians always tend to give Peter a bum rap. Was he impulsive? Yes. Was he a type A? Probably. Did he occasionally leap before he looked? Most definitely. Jesus, who only has hours left to live, is following God’s will while also explaining one last time the reason for his presence on earth. He is showing the world that prayer is stronger than the sword.

Peter acted in a way that most of us wouldn’t hesitate to imitate (maybe not quite to the extreme of attacking someone with a sword). When someone we love is attacked, we try and fight back, to right the wrong. What Jesus is teaching is that the discipline of prayer, fueled by the Holy Spirit, empowers us to take on all challenges. If you are seeking to do God’s will in your life, before you act impulsively, you must pray for guidance on how to handle your particular trial. The Secret of the Kingdom is unlocked by prayer, and not by our own physical force. Peter, as always, was a slow learner.

Digging Deeper: Your Will Be Done

Phil Meade on March 19, 2024

39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on…”

Matthew 26:40-45a (ESV)

YOUR WILL BE DONE

Three times in this story Jesus prays to his Father. He asks that the trial he is about to face be taken away. In the same breath, however, notice how he always ends his prayer with “not my will, but your will be done” (v. 39, 42, 44). Jesus gives us a wonderful example of a humble, sacrificial, servant leader. He knows the path he must travel, he knows the cost, but he totally surrenders himself to the will of the Father!

I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to discern what God wills for my life. We all want to feel like we are in control, flying the plane, so to speak. But giving up control of your life actually makes you feel more “in control,” and less subject to the whims of daily life. The Lord Jesus taught us to pray “Your kingdom come, your will be done” (Matt 6:10).

My mother passed away many years ago after an arduous battle with cancer. At the time, I prayed for miracle healing, even though the logical, worldly side of me knew the odds were not in her favor. As she neared the end, I began to add “your will be done” to my prayers for her. I have tried to include that little phrase in all my prayers to this day. I also try to remember to ask God that if He wills it to take me through a difficult trial, He will also provide me the strength to endure. If you read Luke’s account of this story, you will see that an angel appeared to Jesus to give him the strength to endure what lay ahead (Luke 22:43).

I challenge you to seek God’s will for your life in all that you do. When you pray, ask in full faith for what your heart desires. In the same breath, ask God to bend your heart to His will, and not the other way around. As D. A. Carson notes, “‘Not your will but mine’ changed Paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now ‘Not my will but yours’ brings anguish to the man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory.”

Digging Deeper: Pray When Darkness Surrounds You

Phil Meade on March 18, 2024

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.

Matthew 26:36-39 (ESV)

PRAY WHEN DARKNESS SURROUNDS YOU

As this story unfolds, Jesus and his disciples have celebrated the Passover with a meal, taken part in the first Communion, and Peter has emphatically pronounced he will never deny Jesus. It is late at night/early in the morning as the group heads to Gethsemane (a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives on the east side of Jerusalem). Darkness is everywhere. Jesus picks out the three who have been his closest friends during his time on earth (Peter, James, and John, v. 37), and he asks them to watch as he walks on alone to pray (v. 39).

Jesus knows what lies ahead: an unimaginably painful physical death on the cross; and, an equally unimaginable spiritual separation from his Father as a result of the weight of the sins of the world being placed upon him. Paul wrote, “21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:21a).

Jesus is “very” sorrowful and troubled, “even unto death” (v. 37-38). Some translations describe Jesus as exceedingly sorrowful, overwhelmed with sorrow, and full of sorrow. Matthew here is describing a violent emotion, something resembling shock. The King of Kings proceeds to “fall on his face” (v. 39), and begins to pray to his Father. Luke describes Jesus as “being in agony,” his sweat becoming like “great drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44). In Jesus’ darkest hour, with the night closing in all around him, he lays prostrate at the feet of his loving Father.

At various times in the Gospels, Jesus goes off to pray, often in the hours of darkness. He does this to connect with his Heavenly Father, and to recharge his Spirit. We are called to do the same. When you find yourself in your darkest hour, pray! When the world seems to be closing in all around you, pray! When you reach rock bottom, just remember to look down at the rock of foundation you are standing on. Fall on your knees and pray! James, the half-brother of Jesus, says it perfectly, 13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray” (James 5:13a).

God, in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Spirit, hears our prayers. Praise God that He listens!

Digging Deeper: The Path of Humble Obedience

Sarah Jefferson on March 15, 2024

“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.”

John 13:15 (NLT)

THE PATH OF HUMBLE OBEDIENCE

In John 13, we find Jesus gathered with His disciples on the night before his crucifixion. In a moment of profound intimacy, He washes their feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant.

The disciples are astonished. Peter protests, but Jesus replies with a powerful statement that cuts through to the heart of us all, “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15)

I think many of us can get behind the flashy ways to serve. The ones that command attention as we post them on our beautifully curated feeds. But He was calling them—and us—up to a life of humble obedience by serving, even if it means we get our hands dirty. Talk about a record-scratching moment.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy’s hatred, the greater his need of love.” The only way we can glorify God is by loving Him and doing what He commands.

Do we look at our enemies as those in need of love? What about the couple going through messy things in their marriage? Or the friend whose child has walked away from the faith? What about the friend whose profound loss leaves you speechless? Are we willing to show up and get our hands dirty serving those who have hurt us most so they might catch a glimpse of the hope we have in Jesus?

This might feel like it’s stepping all over your feet on a Friday morning. If that’s you, same. But remember, the towel and basin aren’t just symbols; they’re a call to action. Let’s pick them up, kneel before the needs of those around us, and truly follow Jesus’ example. It’s only then that we can ever live sent!

Jesus, what a profound example you have left us. Empower us to follow your lead. Put someone in our path to love and serve today, all for our good and your glory.

Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins. She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Digging Deeper: Only Faithful

Sarah Jefferson on March 14, 2024

For He knew who would betray Him.

John 13:11 (NLT)

ONLY FAITHFUL

Don’t you find it interesting that in John’s account of the Last Supper, the only two disciples he mentions by name are Judas Iscariot and Peter? Judas is notoriously known for his betrayal of Jesus. Then Peter, when asked, adamantly denied knowing Jesus three times. Jesus, knowing all these things would happen, enters the room and kneels to wash their feet.

Why? Because Jesus is faithful even when we are not. Charles Spurgeon said, “The glory of God’s faithfulness is that no sin of ours has ever made Him unfaithful.”

When Peter boldly declared that Jesus is the Messiah in Matthew 16, Jesus told him in verse 18, “On this rock, I will build my church, and gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Peter’s later denials didn’t keep God from accomplishing the work He had started in him.

But there is something we must note. Judas’ betrayal begs us to understand that temptations are a big deal, even as we walk with Jesus. Are we killing the little foxes of sin before they grow into wolves of destruction? Are we engaging in daily confession and repentance of sin? Are we involved in a community of believers that are holding us accountable?

When I look at Judas and Peter, I am reminded we have never fully arrived in our walk with Jesus. We will fall short. But take heart, Lamentations 3:22-26 tells us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” And David declares in Psalm 36:5, “Lord, your faithful love reaches to the heaven, your faithfulness to the clouds.”

In a world with temptation on every side, we must be a people who anchor to the only Hope we have in this life—Jesus. Dig into His word and find His promises. Spend time reflecting on His past faithfulness. And pray without ceasing.

Jesus, I thank you that our mistakes do not determine your faithfulness to us. Truly, Your lovingkindness is better than life. Lead us onto level ground and empower us to glorify you in whatever you ordain for us today!

Digging Deeper: The Gift of Wrestling

Sarah Jefferson on March 13, 2024

“You will never wash my feet,” Peter said.

John 13:8 (NLT)

THE GIFT OF WRESTLING

The second disciple to enter the story of the Last Supper is Simon Peter. Let’s take a minute to remember Peter. Some of his most well-known appearances in Jesus’ ministry include Jesus walking on water and Peter boldly stepping out with him (Matthew 14). He confessed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16). He was also present at the transfiguration (Matthew 17).

As the soldiers came to arrest Jesus before the crucifixion, his emotions reigned, and Peter drew a sword and cut off the ear of a soldier. In John 6, when some of His disciples found it hard to follow and accept His teachings, Jesus asked the remaining disciples if they wanted to go away too. And Peter replies so authentically, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Peter believed Jesus was who he said He was. No doubt, he was one of the disciples closest to Jesus. Fallible as he was, he was a leader. He often spoke up first, asked all the questions, and imperfectly wrestled out his faith with Jesus.

I resonate deeply with Peter in many ways. When my mother died very unexpectedly, it was another tough loss in my life. Many days, I sat in the dining room digging into God’s Word and wrestling with the tension of grief and hope. One of her dear friends told me, “Sarah, to some, God gives the cocoon of grace. But God has given you the gift of wrestling. My conclusion is that the wrestling that drives us to Jesus is a form of lament, and lament is a sign of deep, strong faith.”

T.B. LaBerge once said, “The greatest tragedy in humanity is when we do not wrestle with God when we become so apathetic that we are but a limp rag doll in the hands of a mighty lover who wishes that we fight back; that we embrace Him and choose to find truth.”

In all the hard of my life, all the losses and confusion, I am learning Jesus wants us to bring our doubts to Him. He wants us to seek to know Him and gain a heart of wisdom. When the hardest days come, He wants us to cry out for help when all feels lost. Yes, Peter did it imperfectly, but the takeaway is that he did it. There’s beauty in wrestling Jesus to believe, dear friend. Do not miss it!

Digging Deeper: Jesus’ Gentle Invitation

Sarah Jefferson on March 12, 2024

Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.

John 13:3 (NLT)

JESUS’ GENTLE INVITATION

This Last Supper is so poignant to me. After three years with Jesus, Judas sits down at the Last Supper, and his heart has already been tempted towards betrayal. And this betrayal would set things into motion for Jesus’ crucifixion.

Verse two tells us Jesus knew this, and His next move is unbelievable. “So He got up from supper, laid aside His outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.” John 13:4-5

What a tender, humbling scene that must have been. With the weight of His coming events firmly on His shoulders, Jesus kneels down in love, even for one whose decisions would set into motion such incredible pain and suffering. I can’t help but wonder: Did he linger longer with Judas, wishing he would confess, repent, and turn from the temptation? How was He able to love Judas?

Verse three explains it all. “Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.” Jesus was surrendered to His Father’s plan. He knew the call on His life was to glorify His Father, who would faithfully equip Him for all He was sent to do. But He also knew who He was, where He had come from, and where He was going.

What about us and those painful areas of our life? Or those hurtful people? What about the situations you poured your heart into that didn’t work out how you thought they would? Jesus is showing us what it looks like to lay down the painful parts of our story at the feet of the Father so our hands can be free to wash feet.

He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

This hard, beautiful work allows us to love best by surrendering most. What a beautiful invitation out of the ordinary into the extraordinary. Jesus, help us not to miss all You’re inviting us into simply because it’s dressed in hard circumstances!

Digging Deeper: Jesus Reads the Room

Sarah Jefferson on March 11, 2024

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now He loved them to the very end.

John 13:1 (NLT)

JESUS READS THE ROOM

At this point in His ministry, Jesus had now been with his disciples for three years. These men had three years of following Jesus under their belts, listening to His teachings, witnessing His miracles, and seeing His heart.

The curtain rises in this chapter with John narrating the opening scene of the Passover Supper. “Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father. He had loved His disciples during His earthly ministry, and now He loved them to the very end.” Jesus knew the entire reason He came to earth would soon culminate in the greatest suffering known to mankind.

Just before this, Jesus had just endured a discussion-turned-argument between these fellas, where they roped Him in like children do with their parents to ask Him who among them was the greatest. Three years, they walked with Jesus and witnessed all the things, and they asked Him who among them was the greatest. Don’t you kind of want to roll your eyes and beg them to read a room?

Jesus didn’t explode because He was stressed and overstimulated, demanding they clear the room so He could just have a moment to get His mind right. He didn’t roll his eyes and spit some clever sarcasm in a belittling, condescending tone. He didn’t turn inward in a silent, passive-aggressive way towards self-preservation, laying down boundaries because they still didn’t get it. No. Jesus read the room and responded with exactly what these imperfect men needed: love. How utterly profound!

You see, these disciples that can’t seem to read a room are you and me – called according to His purpose (2 Tim. 1:9), even as unworthy and unqualified as we are. And that purpose? Follow Jesus’ example (1 Peter 2:21-23) to our spouses and kids. To those whose choices profoundly affected us. And that person who bullied us or our children. They’re our co-workers and that person who just cut you off in traffic.

Paul says it best in Romans 2:4, “Do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

Friends, when the heaviness of our present circumstances press in, threatening to wreck our hearts and our lives, Jesus shows us we don’t have to respond in our flesh. We can boldly respond with the determination of David in Psalm 63:3: “My lips will glorify you because your faithful love is better than life.”

So, how do we do that? Let’s tackle that tomorrow.

Digging Deeper – Making Disciples

Courtney Miller on March 8, 2024

¹⁴And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

Matthew 24:14 (NLT)

MAKING DISCIPLES

In this passage, the days leading up to his death, Jesus tells the disciples that before the end comes, the Good News will be spread to the whole world. Later, after his crucifixion and resurrection, he tells them again in the Great Commission, “Go and make disciples of all nations…” It was one of the last messages he gave to them before his crucifixion, and his very first message to them after his resurrection. It holds great significance to the calling of Believers. If we aren’t spreading the Good News and making disciples, we are not following the mission He has set before us.

So how do we become a disciple maker? At the heart of a disciple is a desire to be more like Christ. And if you haven’t heard it enough this week, the more time we spend with Him, the more we desire to be like Him and know Him more. It’s not surprising that the word disciple and discipline come from the same Latin root word. Becoming a true disciple takes devotion and discipline. It means sacrificing some time and maybe even some sleep. But even the busiest of us have the capability of doing it.

In his book The Spirit of the Disciplines, Dallas Willard writes, “Of course, attitudes that define the disciple cannot be realized today by leaving family and business to accompany Jesus on his travels about the countryside. But discipleship can be made concrete by loving our enemies, blessing those who curse us, walking the second mile with an oppressor—in general, living out the gracious inward transformations of faith, hope, and love. Such acts—carried out by the disciplined person with manifest grace, peace, and joy—make discipleship no less tangible and shocking today than were those desertions of long ago.”

We don’t have to make discipleship difficult. Some of you may be called to greater discipleship like leading a small group, being a mentor, going on mission, becoming a missionary; but others of you can be disciples in your own homes and neighborhoods. In fact, the season of life my family is in, my biggest discipleship is to my children—and sometimes that simply looks like saying sorry to my kids, wiping snotty noses, praying with and over them, and showering them with grace. You may even find me outside praying over my kids with my eyes wide open as I watch them jump in the pool this summer. My deeper walk with Jesus and growing into a greater disciple doesn’t always have to look like me opening the Bible in a silent room. It can look however my life needs it to in that season. It just requires some intentionality and discipline.

Courtney Miller is the Special Needs ministry Director at NorthStar Church. She was born a Texas girl, but has lived in Georgia the majority of her life (Go Dawgs!). She married her husband, Chris, in 2012. They have two children with a third on the way.