Happy Endings
Steve Jones
John 17
INTRO: Ida and David both wanted all their sons to graduate from college. They knew their boys would have to pay their own way since David never made more than $150 a month. Still, they encouraged their sons to achieve all they could. Arthur, however, went directly from high school to a job. Edgar began studying law. When Dwight graduated he didn't have a goal in mind, so he and Ed made a pact: Dwight would work two years while Ed studied, sending Ed as much as he could, and then they would reverse the arrangement. While working Dwight found an opportunity that appealed to him more than college - West Point.
Both Ida and David were crushed by Dwight's decision. Ida was deeply concerned that soldiering was wicked. Still, all she ever said to him was, 'It is your choice.' David also remained silent, allowing his adult son full freedom to forge his own future.
Yes, Ida and David wisely held their tongues - but they never withheld their applause, especially on the day their son, General Dwight Eisenhower, became President of the United States of America.
Aren't happy endings encouraging? In John chapter 17 Jesus supplies His disciples with some much-needed encouragement by giving them a sneak peak at some very significant happy endings. The encouragement they received is encouragement we can share in ourselves. And so we shall! Today's lesson is no fairy tale but it sure has a happy ending.
I. A HAPPY ENDING FOR JESUS VS.1-5
In the first part of Jesus' prayer He talks about Himself. He lets the disciples know that He is about to be glorified. In fact He says 'Father, glorify me with the glory I had with you before the world began.'
Jesus, of course, had an existence with God in heaven before His existence as a man on earth. Now that's not true of any of us. We did not pre-exist ourselves. We have not had former lives, despite what you might have heard on the Psychic hot-line, but Jesu ...
Steve Jones
John 17
INTRO: Ida and David both wanted all their sons to graduate from college. They knew their boys would have to pay their own way since David never made more than $150 a month. Still, they encouraged their sons to achieve all they could. Arthur, however, went directly from high school to a job. Edgar began studying law. When Dwight graduated he didn't have a goal in mind, so he and Ed made a pact: Dwight would work two years while Ed studied, sending Ed as much as he could, and then they would reverse the arrangement. While working Dwight found an opportunity that appealed to him more than college - West Point.
Both Ida and David were crushed by Dwight's decision. Ida was deeply concerned that soldiering was wicked. Still, all she ever said to him was, 'It is your choice.' David also remained silent, allowing his adult son full freedom to forge his own future.
Yes, Ida and David wisely held their tongues - but they never withheld their applause, especially on the day their son, General Dwight Eisenhower, became President of the United States of America.
Aren't happy endings encouraging? In John chapter 17 Jesus supplies His disciples with some much-needed encouragement by giving them a sneak peak at some very significant happy endings. The encouragement they received is encouragement we can share in ourselves. And so we shall! Today's lesson is no fairy tale but it sure has a happy ending.
I. A HAPPY ENDING FOR JESUS VS.1-5
In the first part of Jesus' prayer He talks about Himself. He lets the disciples know that He is about to be glorified. In fact He says 'Father, glorify me with the glory I had with you before the world began.'
Jesus, of course, had an existence with God in heaven before His existence as a man on earth. Now that's not true of any of us. We did not pre-exist ourselves. We have not had former lives, despite what you might have heard on the Psychic hot-line, but Jesu ...
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