The Epilogue

Scripture:

John 20:30   Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.  31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Observation:

The gospel had been written and John concluded with this epilogue. Here is the takeaway from this book and it is a connection between faith and life. This book was written to prove that Jesus was the Messiah, and this to lead us into a transformational faith, which provides us with eternal life through the name of Jesus. We are challenged to read and believe!

Application:

I always find epilogues interesting to read. They bring you up to date on the story which you have just read. In this case, the up to date information is confirmation that this gospel record can lead us into a transformed life. The epilogue is possible because by the time this gospel is written down there would be enough testimonies to prove that this is true. In fact, there are too many testimonies, too many stories to tell.

The reality is that the epilogue continues to be written. As we believe in Jesus Christ, our Messiah we are transformed. Our stories are a part of the epilogue. The gospel is not yet finished for that can only come at the end of time. The miracles continue to be performed and lives transformed.

Just this last weekend I was privileged to be in Kenya. After one of the services a young man slipped me note. His note was an epilogue, confirming the work of the Holy Spirit in his life.

I am pleased to relay the message of thanks to God and Nazarenes for the work you are doing. I am a 2 month old Nazarene, saved from the streets of Rengai, life lived by drugs and alcoholism and having no home — but everything is okay now. Jesus has cleansed me out of filth and addiction and so to speak, he is son of God, and he came to save the perishing. My reference is Dr. Cindy North. (She is the chaplain who reached out to this man!)
If you could see this young man, you would be amazed. Never would I have imagined that just two months ago he was on the streets.

You and I are invited into the story. We are to write a paragraph in the epilogue. What will you add? 

Prayer:

Lord, thank you that the story continues.  Amen.



Thank you to Nazarene Publishing House and Keri Mitchell for helping to create and publish Reflecting the Image. This is not a devotional book, but rather a collection of thoughts and stories which lead us in the direction of reflecting Christ. Click on the image to take you to the NPH bookstore.The book is also available in Kindle format on Amazon.com.