Devotions by Prof. John Ude

Haggai 2:3–5 (NKJV) "Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing? 4 Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel," says the LORD; "and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land," says the LORD, "and work; for I am with you," says the LORD of hosts. 5 "According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!"

“When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.”

This account is certainly a gem, sparkling and catching the eye of faith. It calls us to stop and examine the Word of our Father: “This is My beloved Son… Hear Him!” Help us, Father, to see only Jesus by hearing His Word, which transfigures our lives and transcends our unbelief.

Zechariah 12:10

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” In the name of Jesus                               

It’s natural for us to shrink from looking too closely at the grievous, sickening torments of Christ's cross. It is also natural for us to minimize any looking at how I, we caused this torment on the cross. Yet did you hear in our text the Spirit direct us to LOOK ON HIM WHOM WE HAVE PIERCED.

Revelation 5:12 NKJV Worthy Is the Lamb Who Was Slain.

“Be Filled with the Spirit” – Peter’s Pentecost call (Acts 2:38–39) applies to every Christian today. The Spirit’s gift is not in dazzling outward signs, but in:

Jesus’ gift in Baptism – giving forgiveness and new life.

Being rich in the Word – letting Christ’s Word dwell in us richly.

Walking under His influence – daily repentance and a Spirit-shaped life that says “no” to the flesh and “yes” to Christ.

The Spirit fills us not with passing thrills, but with abiding faith, repentance, worship, and joy that lasts into eternity.

Proj. John Ude preached this sermon just 5 days after the planes hit the World trade center on Sept 11 2001.

The message centers on Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:1–6), proclaimed to a grieving and shaken people in the aftermath of 9/11.

Key movements of the sermon:

“Let not your heart be troubled”: Christ speaks peace to fearful disciples then and now, anchoring shaken hearts on His promises.

The Way: Jesus’ cross and resurrection provide the solid ground that shoots down every “flight of doubt” Satan launches.

The Truth: Christ alone guarantees justice, security, and hope—not governments, not military might, not human promises.

The Life: Jesus’ death and resurrection rescue from sin’s rubble and open the eternal mansions of heaven for all believers.

The sermon repeatedly contrasts the fragility of earthly security with the eternal certainty found only in Christ.