Mark Tabata’s Weekday Devotionals:
Monday August 18 2025
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John 13:34-35-A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
When I was growing up, one of my favorite movies was Back To The Future. One of the songs that I remember from that film was, “That’s The Power Of Love.”
Great song, with great lyrics!
Of course, long before that movie, Jesus had taught us about the importance of love when He declared that it would be the defining characteristic of His followers. His is a love that we learn, and that He helps us to grow in and develop as we walk with Him.
Interestingly enough, there is an interesting tradition about the power of this love that I want to share with you today.
“Tertullian is responsible for the tradition that, during the reign of Nero, John was brought to Rome and cast into a cauldron of boiling oil, but that he was miraculously preserved from burning and after this ordeal was banished to Patmos. The Apostle certainly lived in an age of terrible barbarity and cruelty when so many brave Christians perished. A story is related that John was the means of bringing a most unusual young man to Christ, but he later fell from grace and became a leader of brigands in the mountains. John sought him out and ultimately found him. The young man instantly recognized the venerable Apostle and tried to escape from his dignified presence:: “My son, why dolt thou flee from thy father? I am feeble and far advanced in years; have pity on me, my son; fear not. There is yet hope of salvation for thee; I will stand for thee before the Lord Christ. If need be I will gladly die for thee, as He died for us. Stop, stay, believe; it is Christ who has sent me.” The story goes on to say that the young man flung away his weapons, knelt with the aged Apostle and returned to God. Although John laid away the garments of his mortality 1900 years ago, “he lives and will ever live by his writings, and the future belongs to him even more than the past.”” (Herbert Lockyer, Last Words Of Saints And Sinners: 700 Final Quotes From The Famous, The Infamous, And The Inspiring Figures Of History, 47 (Kindle Edition); Grand Rapids, Michigan; Kregel Publications)
There is no power like the love of Jesus. May He help us to grow in that love, and share it with others.
Thank You Lord for the power of Your love. Forgive us when we stray, strengthen us when we are weak, guide us when we are lost, embolden us when we are afraid. In Your Name we pray, Amen.
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