WHAT JESUS SAID ! WHAT IS JESUS SAYING? WHAT ARE YOU HEARING? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

FOLLOWING JESUS FROM THE EDGES

WHAT JESUS SAID –

Pastor Calvin Cook

April 21, 2026

Psalm 78 –

In these days after the resurrection, I have been reading and praying through the times as Jesus appeared to His followers and meditating upon His words. But the closing verse of the Gospel of John has piqued my interest and centered my thoughts. Here is what John writes in these closing verses:

“This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If everyone of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:24-25 NIV)

As these words took place through John’s account of following Jesus, not only as a follower but as a close friend, I thought about these words, the words we see Jesus saying in the Gospel accounts but also pausing to think there must be more. More words that we need to hear that Jesus must have said.

As Jesus taught in parables there was always reference to the Prophets and words that would have been written in the ancient tablets. The Apostles go on to also continue to share these words. And today we are called to not only know these words but to share them and to live them out.

Speaking on behalf of the Pastoral leadership of our churches our discussions both in private and very publicly and hopefully and prayerfully are conveyed through our teaching and preaching of the word of God. For our new expressions of a renewed faith in the authority of scripture in our life, these views of scripture once again become essential.

While I think on this not only as a Pastor but more importantly as a discipled follower of Jesus there are just times that God’s word becomes very living and active to me. Though the words to the Disciples in these post resurrection appearances of Jesus are important, the words are even more important to us today. What becomes so very important is how the word of God is speaking to us today.

So, for today here is what happened. I was drawn, not by coincidence but surely by the direction of Holy Spirit to Psalm 78. In one of the study bibles that I use  in my reading, Psalm78 is described at as lessons from history. As Asaph retells the history of the Jewish people from the time of slavery in Egypt to David’s reign. As I read the opening verses, I thought very deeply about these words and what they must have meant as Asaph spoke them and recorded them, maybe this was a reference that Jesus spoke to his followers as instruction, but more importantly what they speak to me this morning and I prayerfully hope to you as well – from the opening verses of Psalm 78:

“O my people, hear my teaching listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from old- what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children we will tell the next generation, the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Psalm 78:1-4

The chapter goes on with some great teaching and instruction that I will linger in for awhile but for today that’s how the Holy Spirit is speaking to us at this moment. In the quietness of our time in sanctuary, reflection and prayer.

Here is what we need to return to :

Hearing the teaching of God’s word, scripture, the Bible whatever you choose to call it. Opening our mouth to share it with another. Not theory, opinion, and a bunch of what ifs – but God’s irrevocable and inerrant word, whether it is received by others or not we still share it. Tell the stories of God, God’s love for His people, how they wondered off and were welcomed back, how they were and still are freed from oppression, tell of Jesus teachings and call to follow Him, how Jesus came to earth to die for our sinfulness, to be the sacrifice and blood of the new covenant, how Jesus defeated death, was resurrected. Tell your loved ones, your family, your children and your friends how Jesus changed your life.  Speak about grace and mercy not as an afterthought but as a way of life. Hear Jesus saying once again “Follow Me”, “Go into the world”, “Nothing can come against you.”

It is all here for you today what will you do with it.

Dear Church – are we ready to come alive and share the teachings of scripture, the hope that is found in Jesus, receive the power of the Holy Spirit and live a life that nothing absolutely nothing will keep us from who we are and where we are and do what we are called to do……….

I can’t be sure of everything that Jesus said to his followers after the resurrection but I do know what Jesus is saying to all of us now………. Will we listen ?