Nikola Tesla

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” “He had a black cat named Macak when he was a boy. The cat followed him everywhere and one day when he stroked the cat’s back, he saw a miracle… A sheet of light crackling under his hand. ‘Lightning in the sky,’ his father explained, ‘is the same thing as a spark shooting from Machuk’s back.’ And Tesla asked himself ‘is nature a gigantic cat, and if so… who stroke’s its back?’”

- From the opening scene of “Tesla”

I write today’s post on a flight back to Singapore, where I watched a movie about the famed inventor, Nikola Tesla. After creating some of the most impactful developments ever known to mankind, he died destitute and alone, having been swindled and manipulated on multiple occasions. In John 16 Jesus says to his disciples “I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.” He then continues to reveal that he came from the father, and would return to the father shortly, essentially cementing his position as the messiah and son of God. It took some very clear explanation for the disciples to finally get it, and once they did, they were empowered with peace and the power to overcome any tribulation. They were lucky to know who stroked the cats back, and I guess I am too. Lord, thank you for spelling it out for us. Thank you for relationship. Thank you for making your power ours. I can take heart, because you have overcome the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Authority in Words

John 14:10 “The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” Yesterday my mother invited an anointed pastor to come over to Eden House, a prayer space/mini-church that she set up some years back. We worshipped together, he shared a short sermon, and then he prayed over me (with some incredibly accurate words of knowledge) and laid hands on my dad. I felt something shift in the atmosphere as he prayed for supernatural healing. Several times throughout the hour or so we were together, he said something to the effect of “it’s not me who heals, it’s Jesus,” or “these aren’t my prophetic words, I’m only relaying what God is speaking.” It’s no coincidence that today’s One Campaign reading comes from John 14:10 where Jesus says the same thing. Even Jesus, who is the son of God… the savior of the world… the word became flesh… even He claims power only by humbling himself to the authority of his Father in heaven. How much more so for us mere mortals? And yet on sales pitches and clubhouse rooms and I often find myself practicing the art of persuasion in my own strength. Lord, help me to remember internally and declare externally that I do not speak on my own authority. My words can have power only when I realize my lack of power necessitates desperation for you. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Christ-like Laoshi

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Last week Elaine and I jumped on a call with our eldest son’s Chinese teacher. Kyan has a learning disability called Dyspraxia, which impairs his coordination, ability to process auditory information, and general sequencing capabilities. Needless to say, learning a multi-tonal, intricate sequential stroke character language proves difficult for him. We had already been quite overwhelmed by Kyan’s school in our last check-in with his teachers. We scheduled a Zoom call and literally 17 people (teachers, counselors, program directors) were on the call to weigh in with their thoughts and reassure us that they were supporting Kyan in his learning journey. But last week his mandarin teacher took it to a whole new level. After giving us an update she offered to give Kyan private lessons every day before school started. I couldn’t believe it. For the last few days I’ve been meditating about this offer and I just feel so overwhelmed. This teacher, like most teachers, is really, really busy. She has so many students to attend to, yet just like Jesus she’s willing to sacrifice everything to reach the one lost sheep. I’ve never talked to her about her faith, but it’s a Christian school and likely those values permeate the atmosphere. And all this gets me thinking, in my busyness, how am I reaching out? How am I letting others know that I am Jesus’ disciple? How am I demonstrating God’s love? Lord, thank you for amazing examples of your love in my life. Thank you for the ultimate example of your son. May I be more like him each and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.