John 20:11-18
Great grief and sorrow can blind us to what is right in front of our eyes. This can be especially true if we have gone through a very traumatic, perhaps violent and brutal event. Oftentimes the mind will draw the person back behind a protective shell for a while, as they try to cope with what has happened. There are several different accounts of events connected with the Resurrection of Jesus, giving several different people’s perspectives of what they saw, felt, and believed that morning. Today we’ll look at the account of one of Jesus’ most devoted followers, Mary Magdalene.
There were many women among Jesus’ followers. Jesus treated them all with dignity and as people of worth, unlike the culture of His day. Mary Magdalene was a woman who was tormented by many demons in her life, seven to be exact. Her life must have been sheer misery when she came to Jesus, and He cast them out of her (Mark 16:9). (Legends have said that she was a prostitute, but there is no Scriptural evidence of this.) Mary Magdalene had followed Jesus from the early days of His ministry. She was present at the crucifixion, and was one of the several women who were going to anoint Jesus body early Sunday morning. Jesus honored her love and devotion by appearing to her first, and entrusting her with the first message of His resurrection.
Mary Magdalene had gone with the other women to anoint Jesus’s body, but when they all saw the tomb open, they fled to tell the other disciples. Mary’s feelings of grief and loss, along with possible wondering what really and truly had happened, drew her back to the tomb. She, along with all of the disciples, must have heard Jesus say that He would rise again.
When she returned, Mary looked inside the tomb and saw the angels, one at the head of where Jesus had lain, and the other at the feet (vs. 11-12). This was a symbolic picture of the two cherubim that covered the Mercy Seat (Exodus 25:22). That was where the blood, on the Day of Atonement. was brought by the High Priest for the atonement of the sins of the people. Only the High Priest could go there and see the Mercy Seat. Jesus was in reality the Lamb of God, and His Blood was poured out for our atonement. Here, where His Body had lain, was symbolic of the Mercy Seat, and the two angels pictured those two other angels at the Mercy Seat. Now, an ordinary woman has come, showing that Jesus’ Blood has opened the way for us to come to the throne of God and obtain mercy (Hebrews 4:16).
The angels came to shed light where there was darkness. They came to bring glory where there was death. The angels at the tomb signified that God approved of Jesus’ sacrifice by raising Him to life. God’s righteous demands for atonement had been fulfilled.
When Mary Magdalene turned around, leaving the tomb, she saw Jesus, though she did not recognize Him (vs. 14). The vivid memories of Jesus’ bruised and broken body were still etched in her mind. Jesus’ resurrection appearance in a glorified body was so dramatically different, that she failed to recognize Him. However, the moment He spoke her name Mary recognized Him. She was a true and faithful follower and believer. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27).
Mary Magdalene didn’t want to lose Jesus again (vs. 17). Her understanding was not full. Jesus did not want to be detained at the tomb. If He did not ascend into heaven, the Holy Spirit could not come. Jesus had important work to do, and so did Mary Magdalene. She needed to go forth and spread the Good News of Jesus. It was also here that Jesus called the disciples “brethren” for the first time. Because of Jesus’ work on the cross in place of sinners, this new relationship with Jesus was made possible.
Mary Magdalene did not meet the risen Savior until she discovered the empty tomb. She then responded with joy and obedience by going to tell the disciples. We cannot meet Jesus until we discover that He is alive, and His tomb is empty. Then we are to share the Good News. Mary Magdalene didn’t at first recognize Jesus. Her grief had blinded her. She couldn’t see Him because she didn’t expect to see Him. Jesus spoke her name, and immediately she recognized Him. Jesus is calling your name. Can you, like Mary Magdalene, regard Him as your Lord?
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Friday, April 10, 2020
Judas The Betrayer
Matthew 26:1-5, 14-25
As Holy Week draws to a close, I thought we would take a look at one character who played an important role in this tragic drama, Judas Iscariot. We all know him to be the one who betrayed the Lord Jesus to the Jewish High Priest and the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court of ruling elders). As we look into Judas’ story, let us see if there is anything we can learn from his life to help change our lives more to the better.
Early in the Gospel accounts we read that Judas was one of the twelve disciples that Jesus had personally selected. From all outward appearances he seemed just like any of the others. In all probability, throughout most of Jesus’ ministry, no one would have suspected anything different or sinister about Judas from any of the others. The other disciples gave Judas the job of treasurer, managing the group’s finances. Though he gave pious words about giving money to help the poor, the apostle John mentions in his Gospel that Judas would help himself to the money he was in charge of (John 12:5-6). This would indicate that, though Jesus’ teachings were often slow to sink into the hearts of the other eleven disciples, they never really reached Judas’ heart. He did have a greed for money, and no real trust in God to provide for him, as he would dip into the petty cash box for his own purposes. Also, Judas must have made excuses in his mind for this behavior, thinking that little amounts, little sins, now and then don’t really matter.
Judas, like many people at this time, expected the Messiah to bring deliverance to Israel from their enemies, and particularly now, from the Romans. As Jesus became more popular, they were hoping that He would start a rebellion and overthrow the powers from Rome. Many scholars believe that Judas was one who felt this way. As one of the hand-picked twelve, he possibly felt that in this new order he would have an important position. During the last weeks, however, Judas realized that the kingdom Jesus kept talking about was not physical or political, but spiritual. He came to see that Jesus was not going to rally an army and defeat the Romans, as he, and many were hoping. Perhaps Judas thought, if he forced Jesus’ hand, He might do as he desired. So Judas made the free decision to betray Jesus to the Jewish chief priests and Sanhedrin (vs. 14-16). Then, he hopefully thought, Jesus would give the cry, and all of His followers would rally around and kick the Romans out.
This, though, was not God’s plan, and it was not what happened. Judas had gone to the chief priests and received the betrayal sum of 30 pieces of silver for the promise that he would betray Jesus to them at a given time and place. 30 pieces of silver was the Old Testament price given for the cost of a slave (Exodus 21:32, Zechariah 11:12-13). 30 pieces of silver would be worth around $200 in present-day value. Judas thought so little of Jesus, that he sold Him for nearly nothing. So little for the price of the Blood of the Savior. Jesus was betrayed with contempt.
Judas allowed his political and patriotic desires, and his greed to place him in a position where Satan could manipulate him. Evil plans and motives leave us open to being used by Satan for even greater evil. Judas could have backed out, changed his mind, and not gone through with the betrayal. Once he opened the door for Satan in his life, though, Satan came and took possession of him (John 13:26-27).
Though this betrayal of Jesus was one of the greatest crimes in the history of mankind, God was still in total control. God had chosen the time of the Passover for Jesus, the Son of God, to die His sacrificial death. Jesus was foreshadowed and represented by the Passover lamb which was sacrificed. Jesus died to pay for the sins of mankind. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. God’s plans and purposes are worked out, even in the worst of possible events.
As we look at the path Judas chose to go down, we need to think about our commitment to God, and the presence of God’s Spirit within us. Are we true disciples, or are we uncommitted pretenders? Have the teachings of Jesus sunk into our hearts, or gone in one ear and out the other, like with Judas? Are our own plans and desires more important to us than those of God’s? Let’s check to be sure our commitment to the Lord Jesus is strong and sure.
As Holy Week draws to a close, I thought we would take a look at one character who played an important role in this tragic drama, Judas Iscariot. We all know him to be the one who betrayed the Lord Jesus to the Jewish High Priest and the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court of ruling elders). As we look into Judas’ story, let us see if there is anything we can learn from his life to help change our lives more to the better.
Early in the Gospel accounts we read that Judas was one of the twelve disciples that Jesus had personally selected. From all outward appearances he seemed just like any of the others. In all probability, throughout most of Jesus’ ministry, no one would have suspected anything different or sinister about Judas from any of the others. The other disciples gave Judas the job of treasurer, managing the group’s finances. Though he gave pious words about giving money to help the poor, the apostle John mentions in his Gospel that Judas would help himself to the money he was in charge of (John 12:5-6). This would indicate that, though Jesus’ teachings were often slow to sink into the hearts of the other eleven disciples, they never really reached Judas’ heart. He did have a greed for money, and no real trust in God to provide for him, as he would dip into the petty cash box for his own purposes. Also, Judas must have made excuses in his mind for this behavior, thinking that little amounts, little sins, now and then don’t really matter.
Judas, like many people at this time, expected the Messiah to bring deliverance to Israel from their enemies, and particularly now, from the Romans. As Jesus became more popular, they were hoping that He would start a rebellion and overthrow the powers from Rome. Many scholars believe that Judas was one who felt this way. As one of the hand-picked twelve, he possibly felt that in this new order he would have an important position. During the last weeks, however, Judas realized that the kingdom Jesus kept talking about was not physical or political, but spiritual. He came to see that Jesus was not going to rally an army and defeat the Romans, as he, and many were hoping. Perhaps Judas thought, if he forced Jesus’ hand, He might do as he desired. So Judas made the free decision to betray Jesus to the Jewish chief priests and Sanhedrin (vs. 14-16). Then, he hopefully thought, Jesus would give the cry, and all of His followers would rally around and kick the Romans out.
This, though, was not God’s plan, and it was not what happened. Judas had gone to the chief priests and received the betrayal sum of 30 pieces of silver for the promise that he would betray Jesus to them at a given time and place. 30 pieces of silver was the Old Testament price given for the cost of a slave (Exodus 21:32, Zechariah 11:12-13). 30 pieces of silver would be worth around $200 in present-day value. Judas thought so little of Jesus, that he sold Him for nearly nothing. So little for the price of the Blood of the Savior. Jesus was betrayed with contempt.
Judas allowed his political and patriotic desires, and his greed to place him in a position where Satan could manipulate him. Evil plans and motives leave us open to being used by Satan for even greater evil. Judas could have backed out, changed his mind, and not gone through with the betrayal. Once he opened the door for Satan in his life, though, Satan came and took possession of him (John 13:26-27).
Though this betrayal of Jesus was one of the greatest crimes in the history of mankind, God was still in total control. God had chosen the time of the Passover for Jesus, the Son of God, to die His sacrificial death. Jesus was foreshadowed and represented by the Passover lamb which was sacrificed. Jesus died to pay for the sins of mankind. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. God’s plans and purposes are worked out, even in the worst of possible events.
As we look at the path Judas chose to go down, we need to think about our commitment to God, and the presence of God’s Spirit within us. Are we true disciples, or are we uncommitted pretenders? Have the teachings of Jesus sunk into our hearts, or gone in one ear and out the other, like with Judas? Are our own plans and desires more important to us than those of God’s? Let’s check to be sure our commitment to the Lord Jesus is strong and sure.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
The Lord's Supper
I Corinthians 11:23-32
The Thursday prior to Resurrection Sunday (the day before Good Friday) is called Maundy Thursday. The name Maundy comes from the Latin word “mandatum”, which means “command”, and the name was given to this day because of the new commandment that Jesus gave His disciples on the night of the Last Supper, to love one another as He loved us (John 13:34). Maundy Thursday is a holy day for Christians, as it commemorates the institution by the Lord Jesus of the Last Supper. The three synoptic Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) give accounts of the Last Supper, and the Apostle Paul gives an account, as well. Today I thought we would take a look at his account of that sacred meal.
Most Christians are familiar with the accounts of the Last Supper given in the Gospels. Paul’s account is just a bit different, in that he doesn’t just relate the particular details of what happened, but also gives instructions of how we are to observe this sacrament. Jesus had commanded His followers to keep the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Him and His sacrifice for us. However, it seems that even in the very early church, believers had forgotten the solemnity of what this commemorated, and were beginning to take it for granted and without thought. In our passage, Paul gives instructions of how this sacrament is to be commemorated.
Just as the Passover celebrated the deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the Lord’s Supper celebrates the deliverance from sin by Christ’s death. It looks back to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins, and should be remembered with praise and thanks. It also looks ahead for when He comes again (vs. 26).
Different Christian traditions believe different interpretations about the Lord’s Supper. Some believe the bread and wine actually become Jesus’ Body and Blood. Some believe the bread and wine remain unchanged, but Jesus is spiritually present. Others believe the bread and wine are only symbolic of Jesus’ Body and Blood. All would agree, however, that the Lord’s Supper is an important sacrament of the Christian Faith. The bread points to the offering of Jesus’ Body “which is broken for you” (vs. 24). This shows the substitutionary nature of Christ’s death on the Cross. The cup of wine points to Christ’s Blood, shed for the forgiveness of our sins (Leviticus 17:11).
Paul instructs us that the Lord’s Supper should not be treated casually in attitude or behavior. It is to remind us of our need for forgiveness. We are told to examine ourselves for any known and willful sins. We are also told to “discern the Body of Christ” (vs. 29). Believers should recognize the sacred nature of the meal. Paul tells us to examine ourselves for sin, and correct it before coming under God’s discipline (vs. 27-32). We should confess our sins, and turn from them in repentance. Delaying this invites God’s discipline. Sin is not something that we can sweep under the rug and ignore. The Blood of Jesus is a symbol of our repentance from sin, and an acceptance of Jesus as our Savior.
The worship of God in His presence should not be taken lightly or casually. The Lord’s Supper should not be allowed to become a routine ritual. We should always remember what Jesus did for us, dying for our salvation. The sacrament should be held thoughtfully, worthily, and with reverence, done orderly, and in a dignified and worshipful manner. Paul warns that if we don’t, we are guilty of sinning against Jesus’ Body and Blood, sharing the guilt of those who crucified Him (vs. 27, 29). An unworthy manner would be in an indifferent manner, an unrepentant heart, a spirit of bitterness, where it has become a meaningless ritual. The Lord’s Supper is a serious sacrament.
The Lord’s Supper should be the meal we desire the most because of what it represents. It gives us continual spiritual nourishment. Eating the bread tells us that Jesus was our substitute. His Body was broken to pay for our sins. Drinking the wine reminds us of His Blood that was shed for our sins. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, whether it is every week, once a month, or however often our church tradition celebrates it, let us remember exactly what our Lord Jesus did for our salvation.
The Thursday prior to Resurrection Sunday (the day before Good Friday) is called Maundy Thursday. The name Maundy comes from the Latin word “mandatum”, which means “command”, and the name was given to this day because of the new commandment that Jesus gave His disciples on the night of the Last Supper, to love one another as He loved us (John 13:34). Maundy Thursday is a holy day for Christians, as it commemorates the institution by the Lord Jesus of the Last Supper. The three synoptic Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) give accounts of the Last Supper, and the Apostle Paul gives an account, as well. Today I thought we would take a look at his account of that sacred meal.
Most Christians are familiar with the accounts of the Last Supper given in the Gospels. Paul’s account is just a bit different, in that he doesn’t just relate the particular details of what happened, but also gives instructions of how we are to observe this sacrament. Jesus had commanded His followers to keep the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Him and His sacrifice for us. However, it seems that even in the very early church, believers had forgotten the solemnity of what this commemorated, and were beginning to take it for granted and without thought. In our passage, Paul gives instructions of how this sacrament is to be commemorated.
Just as the Passover celebrated the deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the Lord’s Supper celebrates the deliverance from sin by Christ’s death. It looks back to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins, and should be remembered with praise and thanks. It also looks ahead for when He comes again (vs. 26).
Different Christian traditions believe different interpretations about the Lord’s Supper. Some believe the bread and wine actually become Jesus’ Body and Blood. Some believe the bread and wine remain unchanged, but Jesus is spiritually present. Others believe the bread and wine are only symbolic of Jesus’ Body and Blood. All would agree, however, that the Lord’s Supper is an important sacrament of the Christian Faith. The bread points to the offering of Jesus’ Body “which is broken for you” (vs. 24). This shows the substitutionary nature of Christ’s death on the Cross. The cup of wine points to Christ’s Blood, shed for the forgiveness of our sins (Leviticus 17:11).
Paul instructs us that the Lord’s Supper should not be treated casually in attitude or behavior. It is to remind us of our need for forgiveness. We are told to examine ourselves for any known and willful sins. We are also told to “discern the Body of Christ” (vs. 29). Believers should recognize the sacred nature of the meal. Paul tells us to examine ourselves for sin, and correct it before coming under God’s discipline (vs. 27-32). We should confess our sins, and turn from them in repentance. Delaying this invites God’s discipline. Sin is not something that we can sweep under the rug and ignore. The Blood of Jesus is a symbol of our repentance from sin, and an acceptance of Jesus as our Savior.
The worship of God in His presence should not be taken lightly or casually. The Lord’s Supper should not be allowed to become a routine ritual. We should always remember what Jesus did for us, dying for our salvation. The sacrament should be held thoughtfully, worthily, and with reverence, done orderly, and in a dignified and worshipful manner. Paul warns that if we don’t, we are guilty of sinning against Jesus’ Body and Blood, sharing the guilt of those who crucified Him (vs. 27, 29). An unworthy manner would be in an indifferent manner, an unrepentant heart, a spirit of bitterness, where it has become a meaningless ritual. The Lord’s Supper is a serious sacrament.
The Lord’s Supper should be the meal we desire the most because of what it represents. It gives us continual spiritual nourishment. Eating the bread tells us that Jesus was our substitute. His Body was broken to pay for our sins. Drinking the wine reminds us of His Blood that was shed for our sins. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, whether it is every week, once a month, or however often our church tradition celebrates it, let us remember exactly what our Lord Jesus did for our salvation.
Monday, April 6, 2020
Forsaken
Psalm 22:1-21
One of the most depressing and discouraging words in the English language is the word “forsaken”. It brings to mind being abandoned and deserted by those we should have been able to trust or who we felt should have loved or cared for us. We might think of a woman whose husband walked off and deserted her, saying she was forsaken. Or a mother who abandons her child somewhere. That child is forsaken. When we need a helping hand or someone to turn to during a difficult period, it is very discouraging to find that those we thought of as friends have forsaken us. Feeling that one is forsaken is one of the worst feelings imaginable. In our psalm for Holy Week, the week leading up to Good Friday, is one that pictures the great suffering and torture the Lord Jesus went through on that Good Friday, and His being forsaken by God during those hours.
Psalm 22 is a prophetic psalm, with many of its verses being fulfilled by Jesus Christ on that day of His crucifixion. The very first verse is one of the most heart-rending verses in the whole Bible, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” These were the words that Jesus cried out as He hung upon the cross (Matthew 27:46). Jesus went to the cross to pay the price for our sins, the sins of the whole world. Though He had no sin Himself, our sinless Savior became sin for us (II Corinthians 5:21). He experienced the full penalty of all of our sins, including the terrible separation that sin caused between mankind and God. God poured His wrath upon His Son Jesus, for our sake, turning His back to Him during those hours He hung upon the cross. During the time that Jesus hung on the cross, the sky had gone dark and the sunlight disappeared, signifying being forsaken by God. Being forsaken and abandoned by God was worse than any other pain that Jesus went through, and He cried out in agony to His Father.
As we continue reading in this prophetic psalm we see the people who gathered around the cross at a short distance, and what they sneeringly called out to Jesus (vs. 6-8). The words of these verses echo what those people, especially the Jewish religious leaders and Pharisees said (Matthew 27:41-43). They stood around the cross, casting reproach and ridicule upon Jesus. We do not know what David was going through at this time, but his words were prophetically fulfilled by Jesus at the time of the crucifixion. Despite their being like ravenous beasts, like raging lions, ferocious bulls, and wild dogs (vs. 12-13, 16), Jesus did not reproach them back. Instead, He prayed to the Father (vs. 9-11).
The psalm continues to give a very graphic description of much of the physical agony and brutal treatment that Jesus endured (vs. 14-15). The torture of Jesus started in the Garden of Gethsemane, and continued on through the hours on the cross. Jesus’ bones were put out of joint, and his heart felt like giving out (vs. 14). All through that horrible day of beatings, scourging, carrying the cross and then hanging upon it, He was not given a drink of water. His thirst must have been worse than any we might ever go through (vs. 15).
In verse 16 we have a prophecy of the type of death that Jesus would experience. This psalm was written approximately 1,000 years before Jesus lived. At that time crucifixion was an unknown form of execution, not really practiced until centuries later. Yet here David describes the nails going through Jesus’ hands and feet. Crucifixion was not a type of execution that the Jewish people ever used. Instead, they would stone a person, or occasionally hang someone, but never crucify them. That was a Roman form of execution. God put in His Word that the Savior was to be crucified, both in this psalm and also through the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 12:10).
Another Messianic prophecy that was given in this psalm, and which was fulfilled in Jesus was in verse 18, when the Roman soldiers cast dice to see who would get the seamless robe that He wore (Matthew 27:35). As we read that verse in Matthew, and corresponding ones in each of the other Gospels, we might overlook it, but it is another example of how Jesus Christ fulfilled each prophecy that was given in Scripture for the Messiah.
We may go through some very bad times, have all our family and friends abandon us, but God will never forsake the believer, the ones who have come to Him through Jesus. We may feel like God is not there, however He will never forsake us. Because Jesus was forsaken at the cross, we never will be (Hebrews 13:5).
One of the most depressing and discouraging words in the English language is the word “forsaken”. It brings to mind being abandoned and deserted by those we should have been able to trust or who we felt should have loved or cared for us. We might think of a woman whose husband walked off and deserted her, saying she was forsaken. Or a mother who abandons her child somewhere. That child is forsaken. When we need a helping hand or someone to turn to during a difficult period, it is very discouraging to find that those we thought of as friends have forsaken us. Feeling that one is forsaken is one of the worst feelings imaginable. In our psalm for Holy Week, the week leading up to Good Friday, is one that pictures the great suffering and torture the Lord Jesus went through on that Good Friday, and His being forsaken by God during those hours.
Psalm 22 is a prophetic psalm, with many of its verses being fulfilled by Jesus Christ on that day of His crucifixion. The very first verse is one of the most heart-rending verses in the whole Bible, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” These were the words that Jesus cried out as He hung upon the cross (Matthew 27:46). Jesus went to the cross to pay the price for our sins, the sins of the whole world. Though He had no sin Himself, our sinless Savior became sin for us (II Corinthians 5:21). He experienced the full penalty of all of our sins, including the terrible separation that sin caused between mankind and God. God poured His wrath upon His Son Jesus, for our sake, turning His back to Him during those hours He hung upon the cross. During the time that Jesus hung on the cross, the sky had gone dark and the sunlight disappeared, signifying being forsaken by God. Being forsaken and abandoned by God was worse than any other pain that Jesus went through, and He cried out in agony to His Father.
As we continue reading in this prophetic psalm we see the people who gathered around the cross at a short distance, and what they sneeringly called out to Jesus (vs. 6-8). The words of these verses echo what those people, especially the Jewish religious leaders and Pharisees said (Matthew 27:41-43). They stood around the cross, casting reproach and ridicule upon Jesus. We do not know what David was going through at this time, but his words were prophetically fulfilled by Jesus at the time of the crucifixion. Despite their being like ravenous beasts, like raging lions, ferocious bulls, and wild dogs (vs. 12-13, 16), Jesus did not reproach them back. Instead, He prayed to the Father (vs. 9-11).
The psalm continues to give a very graphic description of much of the physical agony and brutal treatment that Jesus endured (vs. 14-15). The torture of Jesus started in the Garden of Gethsemane, and continued on through the hours on the cross. Jesus’ bones were put out of joint, and his heart felt like giving out (vs. 14). All through that horrible day of beatings, scourging, carrying the cross and then hanging upon it, He was not given a drink of water. His thirst must have been worse than any we might ever go through (vs. 15).
In verse 16 we have a prophecy of the type of death that Jesus would experience. This psalm was written approximately 1,000 years before Jesus lived. At that time crucifixion was an unknown form of execution, not really practiced until centuries later. Yet here David describes the nails going through Jesus’ hands and feet. Crucifixion was not a type of execution that the Jewish people ever used. Instead, they would stone a person, or occasionally hang someone, but never crucify them. That was a Roman form of execution. God put in His Word that the Savior was to be crucified, both in this psalm and also through the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 12:10).
Another Messianic prophecy that was given in this psalm, and which was fulfilled in Jesus was in verse 18, when the Roman soldiers cast dice to see who would get the seamless robe that He wore (Matthew 27:35). As we read that verse in Matthew, and corresponding ones in each of the other Gospels, we might overlook it, but it is another example of how Jesus Christ fulfilled each prophecy that was given in Scripture for the Messiah.
We may go through some very bad times, have all our family and friends abandon us, but God will never forsake the believer, the ones who have come to Him through Jesus. We may feel like God is not there, however He will never forsake us. Because Jesus was forsaken at the cross, we never will be (Hebrews 13:5).
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Salvation In Yahweh Alone
Isaiah 45:20-25
Today marks the beginning of Holy Week, the week that culminates with the sacrificial death of Jesus upon the cross for us, the week prior to Resurrection Sunday. Our Old Testament Scripture reading for this week is a short passage from the prophet Isaiah, where the Lord is calling His people to come and listen to His Words. Let’s look at what He is saying to us today.
One of the faults or sins of the people of Israel that God had issue with them over was their strong tendency to forsake the exclusive worship of Him, and turn to worship the many false gods and goddesses of the people and nations around them. Sometimes they would combine the worship of Yahweh with that of Baal and the other false gods, a practice called religious syncretism, where one combines different religious traditions together, a bit of one religion with a bit of another or several other religions. That was just as wrong and sinful in God’s eyes as in completely forsaking Him. The prophet Isaiah, speaking for God, calls the people together to hear His words, which in this passage strongly condemns the worship of any other god but Himself.
What are the gods that people today in the 21st century have set up? There are still large portions of the world that worship various false gods in their religions. For some people the temptation is to worship themselves, their ego, their intellect, or humanistic philosophies. Some worship the god of money and what it can buy, desiring to have the latest technology, new cars, bigger houses, etc. Some worship the god of pleasure and entertainment. There are some who think they can innocently mix fortune telling or horoscopes with following Jesus. There are so many types of false gods.
Isaiah warned the people then, and still today, that these gods cannot save (vs. 20). They will not help you. When faced with a crisis, what have any of the false gods of pagan religions around the world ever done to help their followers? Nothing! Has our own intellect or any humanistic philosophy ever helped us when our backs are against the wall? Our belongings and new toys can’t help us, either. All the money in the world can’t help us. Diseases, war, and death strike the rich as well as the poor. Horoscopes and seeing what the stars say are all deceptive lies from Satan.
As this world seems to spin more and more out of control, many desperately seek something, someone who can help, something they can cling on to. When they face multiple crises in life, and need something, the devil comes and deceives them into thinking that any of these false gods can help, but it is a false hope. We are warned in this passage that there is no other God except Yahweh. He is the one and only true God. There is none other besides Him (vs. 21).
God calls out to us, “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth!” (vs. 22). There is no other God besides Him. Only He can help us. He has given His Word that He will save us (vs. 23). He will not forsake those who come to Him for salvation. All it takes is a look towards Jesus. We don’t have to perform any great work, any great effort or endeavor in order to be saved. We just need to look towards that Savior upon the Cross, and cry out to Him. A moment of looking, reaching out, and calling upon Him and we will be saved. The power of salvation rests in Him, alone.
This invitation is open to everyone. Salvation is for all nations. God’s people includes all those who follow Jesus. Those who refuse to follow Jesus are not His children. One day, though, those who have refused to follow Him now will ultimately bow the knee to Him (vs. 23). The Apostle Paul echoes the same statement in Philippians 2:10-11. It is so much better to turn to Him now, to know His love and care throughout this life now, than to rebel and then after this life be faced with an acknowledgement when it is too late. There is no better day than today to look to Jesus and be saved!
Today marks the beginning of Holy Week, the week that culminates with the sacrificial death of Jesus upon the cross for us, the week prior to Resurrection Sunday. Our Old Testament Scripture reading for this week is a short passage from the prophet Isaiah, where the Lord is calling His people to come and listen to His Words. Let’s look at what He is saying to us today.
One of the faults or sins of the people of Israel that God had issue with them over was their strong tendency to forsake the exclusive worship of Him, and turn to worship the many false gods and goddesses of the people and nations around them. Sometimes they would combine the worship of Yahweh with that of Baal and the other false gods, a practice called religious syncretism, where one combines different religious traditions together, a bit of one religion with a bit of another or several other religions. That was just as wrong and sinful in God’s eyes as in completely forsaking Him. The prophet Isaiah, speaking for God, calls the people together to hear His words, which in this passage strongly condemns the worship of any other god but Himself.
What are the gods that people today in the 21st century have set up? There are still large portions of the world that worship various false gods in their religions. For some people the temptation is to worship themselves, their ego, their intellect, or humanistic philosophies. Some worship the god of money and what it can buy, desiring to have the latest technology, new cars, bigger houses, etc. Some worship the god of pleasure and entertainment. There are some who think they can innocently mix fortune telling or horoscopes with following Jesus. There are so many types of false gods.
Isaiah warned the people then, and still today, that these gods cannot save (vs. 20). They will not help you. When faced with a crisis, what have any of the false gods of pagan religions around the world ever done to help their followers? Nothing! Has our own intellect or any humanistic philosophy ever helped us when our backs are against the wall? Our belongings and new toys can’t help us, either. All the money in the world can’t help us. Diseases, war, and death strike the rich as well as the poor. Horoscopes and seeing what the stars say are all deceptive lies from Satan.
As this world seems to spin more and more out of control, many desperately seek something, someone who can help, something they can cling on to. When they face multiple crises in life, and need something, the devil comes and deceives them into thinking that any of these false gods can help, but it is a false hope. We are warned in this passage that there is no other God except Yahweh. He is the one and only true God. There is none other besides Him (vs. 21).
God calls out to us, “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth!” (vs. 22). There is no other God besides Him. Only He can help us. He has given His Word that He will save us (vs. 23). He will not forsake those who come to Him for salvation. All it takes is a look towards Jesus. We don’t have to perform any great work, any great effort or endeavor in order to be saved. We just need to look towards that Savior upon the Cross, and cry out to Him. A moment of looking, reaching out, and calling upon Him and we will be saved. The power of salvation rests in Him, alone.
This invitation is open to everyone. Salvation is for all nations. God’s people includes all those who follow Jesus. Those who refuse to follow Jesus are not His children. One day, though, those who have refused to follow Him now will ultimately bow the knee to Him (vs. 23). The Apostle Paul echoes the same statement in Philippians 2:10-11. It is so much better to turn to Him now, to know His love and care throughout this life now, than to rebel and then after this life be faced with an acknowledgement when it is too late. There is no better day than today to look to Jesus and be saved!
Friday, April 3, 2020
Jesus - The Resurrection And The Life
John 11:17-44
One of the most heartbreaking times in life is when someone close and dear to us suddenly or unexpectedly dies. Perhaps an accident takes them, or a quick and fatal illness. Around the world right now, so many families are going through this with the world-encompassing COVID-19 illness, with family members once alive and healthy, now suddenly lying dead. We might then question God with why. “Why did You let this happen? You could have kept them from dying! Don’t You care? Don’t You love us?” In today’s Scripture passage we read about the death of someone close and dear to Jesus.
In addition to the twelve apostles, Jesus had many other disciples and followers. Among them was a small family, a brother and two sisters, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. They lived in Bethany, a small village about 2 miles east of Jerusalem. The three were some of Jesus’ closest friends, and He often stayed with them when He was in Jerusalem. Then one day Lazarus fell very gravely ill of some undisclosed illness, and the sisters sent immediate word to Jesus that His dear friend Lazarus was ill, and would He please come to bring him healing. When Jesus received the message, He delayed several days in leaving to go to Bethany (John 11:1-6).
Martha and Mary’s grief must have grown when Jesus did not immediately respond to their call. God’s silence is difficult to accept. We need to remember that He promises to meet our needs. His silence has a purpose. God is always with us. His silence won’t last forever (Psalm 38:15, Hebrews 13:5). Jesus wanted to bring the sisters to a personal trust in Him, Who alone can raise the dead. Resurrection and eternal life does not exist without Jesus (vs. 25-26). Jesus is life, and He can restore life.
When we go through a devastating loss, such as the death of a loved one, we may feel as if Jesus doesn’t care. This must have been so puzzling to the sisters, that Jesus hadn’t come immediately. As Mary stated to Him, “If You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (vs. 32). As they saw, and we can read in Scripture, Jesus does care. He does love us. Unlike some religious philosophies that teach that God has no emotions, and doesn’t get involved with humans, Jesus showed emotions - compassion, indignation, and sorrow (vs. 33-38).
Most of us are familiar with verse 35, the shortest verse in the English Bible. Only two words - Jesus wept. Jesus was not mourning the death of Lazarus in the same way that Martha and Mary were. Jesus knew He would be raising him from the dead in a few moments. Jesus was, though, grieving for a fallen world filled with sin, sin which had entered into the world and which causes sorrow and death, like what had come to the family of His friends.
Jesus could have kept Lazarus from dying, but He chose to do something far better, even though this caused momentary great grief. Sometimes what we go through seems unbearable, but God has a greater purpose in mind. The sisters benefited far more when they witnessed Jesus’ power over death.
Standing outside of the tomb, which was a small cavern carved into a rocky area, with a large boulder over the entrance to protect the body from wild animals and grave robbers, the people were mourning, and wondering what Jesus would do. The body had lain in the tomb for four days, not just a few hours, and would have started to decay. Jesus, though, was looking with the eyes of faith, not with human eyes. He did not see a stone in front of the tomb. He did not see that it had been four days. He did not hear the wailing mourners. Death had to flee when Jesus looked past the natural and operated in the spiritual. He tells us in His Word to walk by faith, not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7). Believe in God, and believe that His purpose and plan is bigger than our problems. He makes the impossible possible.
As mentioned earlier, “Jesus wept” is the shortest verse in the English Bible. Two words. There is another short, 2-word verse in I Thessalonians 5:16. “Rejoice evermore”. Jesus wept so that we can rejoice evermore. Jesus wept so that we don’t have to. Death does not have the last word. Jesus does.
One of the most heartbreaking times in life is when someone close and dear to us suddenly or unexpectedly dies. Perhaps an accident takes them, or a quick and fatal illness. Around the world right now, so many families are going through this with the world-encompassing COVID-19 illness, with family members once alive and healthy, now suddenly lying dead. We might then question God with why. “Why did You let this happen? You could have kept them from dying! Don’t You care? Don’t You love us?” In today’s Scripture passage we read about the death of someone close and dear to Jesus.
In addition to the twelve apostles, Jesus had many other disciples and followers. Among them was a small family, a brother and two sisters, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. They lived in Bethany, a small village about 2 miles east of Jerusalem. The three were some of Jesus’ closest friends, and He often stayed with them when He was in Jerusalem. Then one day Lazarus fell very gravely ill of some undisclosed illness, and the sisters sent immediate word to Jesus that His dear friend Lazarus was ill, and would He please come to bring him healing. When Jesus received the message, He delayed several days in leaving to go to Bethany (John 11:1-6).
Martha and Mary’s grief must have grown when Jesus did not immediately respond to their call. God’s silence is difficult to accept. We need to remember that He promises to meet our needs. His silence has a purpose. God is always with us. His silence won’t last forever (Psalm 38:15, Hebrews 13:5). Jesus wanted to bring the sisters to a personal trust in Him, Who alone can raise the dead. Resurrection and eternal life does not exist without Jesus (vs. 25-26). Jesus is life, and He can restore life.
When we go through a devastating loss, such as the death of a loved one, we may feel as if Jesus doesn’t care. This must have been so puzzling to the sisters, that Jesus hadn’t come immediately. As Mary stated to Him, “If You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (vs. 32). As they saw, and we can read in Scripture, Jesus does care. He does love us. Unlike some religious philosophies that teach that God has no emotions, and doesn’t get involved with humans, Jesus showed emotions - compassion, indignation, and sorrow (vs. 33-38).
Most of us are familiar with verse 35, the shortest verse in the English Bible. Only two words - Jesus wept. Jesus was not mourning the death of Lazarus in the same way that Martha and Mary were. Jesus knew He would be raising him from the dead in a few moments. Jesus was, though, grieving for a fallen world filled with sin, sin which had entered into the world and which causes sorrow and death, like what had come to the family of His friends.
Jesus could have kept Lazarus from dying, but He chose to do something far better, even though this caused momentary great grief. Sometimes what we go through seems unbearable, but God has a greater purpose in mind. The sisters benefited far more when they witnessed Jesus’ power over death.
Standing outside of the tomb, which was a small cavern carved into a rocky area, with a large boulder over the entrance to protect the body from wild animals and grave robbers, the people were mourning, and wondering what Jesus would do. The body had lain in the tomb for four days, not just a few hours, and would have started to decay. Jesus, though, was looking with the eyes of faith, not with human eyes. He did not see a stone in front of the tomb. He did not see that it had been four days. He did not hear the wailing mourners. Death had to flee when Jesus looked past the natural and operated in the spiritual. He tells us in His Word to walk by faith, not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7). Believe in God, and believe that His purpose and plan is bigger than our problems. He makes the impossible possible.
As mentioned earlier, “Jesus wept” is the shortest verse in the English Bible. Two words. There is another short, 2-word verse in I Thessalonians 5:16. “Rejoice evermore”. Jesus wept so that we can rejoice evermore. Jesus wept so that we don’t have to. Death does not have the last word. Jesus does.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Slaves To Sin
Romans 6:16-23
It is probably fairly safe to say that none of you reading this has ever been a slave to someone else. Some may feel that their boss treats them as a slave, or that their parents or spouse does, but in actuality they are not true slaves. People who suffer from addictions, such as to alcohol, illegal drugs, or anything else that seems to hold control over them, often speak of being like a slave to that thing. Some of us may have been told by others that we are slaves to our work, our hobbies, sports, or something else, as they seem to control our life. In our Scripture passage for today from Paul’s letter to the Romans he teaches us of a slavery that we all were under at one point in our life, and some may still be under, and that is a slave to sin.
Paul begins our passage by stating something that would seem to be obvious - a slave will obey his master. The slave is under subjection. What the master says he has to do, he is the slave. Sin whispers in our ear to do this or that sinful act or behavior. The Holy Spirit also speaks to our heart to follow Him. Who do we obey? Who do we follow? Paul tells us here that whoever we follow and obey, that is who we are a slave to. The Lord Jesus said the same thing when He said in John 8:34 that whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
Sin draws us to itself like a fish to a lure. That lure sparkles and seemingly promises something good. But it is like standing on the edge of a very steep and deep cliff. One more step and we fall into danger and death. Flirting with temptation is a fool’s dream. To do so will draw us into deeper and darker evil. Sin and Satan are hard task masters, paying a wage of death.
Being a slave has a penalty. Slavery brings loss of freedom. The slave cannot do whatever they want, or come and go as they please. They must obey their master and stay on the plantation. The slave to alcohol or drugs pays the price of a ruined life and ruined relationships. When someone breaks the law there is a penalty that must be paid. Sin is breaking God’s law, and He decreed that the penalty for sin is death. Our sins earned us death. One way or another the debt must be paid. We cannot leave prison until there has been a death. How was there a death if we are still alive, we might ask. There was a death, though, and that death occurred on Calvary. God offered a graphic solution to the world’s sin problem. He gave His Son, Jesus, who shed His Blood for us. Jesus came and paid our penalty. He served our time. He satisfied the penalty and set us free from the slavery to sin.
Either we attempt to pay the penalty ourselves, and get eternal death, or we accept that Jesus paid it, and we get eternal life. All of our attempts at good works will not earn us a place in heaven. God paid for the mess we made with the Blood of His Son. He forgives that debt when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Without blood, a body is a lifeless corpse. Without the Blood of Jesus we are just as spiritually dead. Jesus gives us a gift of eternal life, something we could never achieve otherwise.
Today’s culture has influenced many Christians to soften the Gospel message, focusing exclusively on the joy, peace, and love of Christ, and downplaying sin. There is joy and peace when we find Jesus. But that follows acknowledging that one is a sinner, and in need of a Savior.
Who are we obeying? Who are we a slave to? Sin or righteousness? Is sin, and thus Satan our master, or is Jesus our Master? Everyone has one or the other. Let’s be sure to choose Jesus!
It is probably fairly safe to say that none of you reading this has ever been a slave to someone else. Some may feel that their boss treats them as a slave, or that their parents or spouse does, but in actuality they are not true slaves. People who suffer from addictions, such as to alcohol, illegal drugs, or anything else that seems to hold control over them, often speak of being like a slave to that thing. Some of us may have been told by others that we are slaves to our work, our hobbies, sports, or something else, as they seem to control our life. In our Scripture passage for today from Paul’s letter to the Romans he teaches us of a slavery that we all were under at one point in our life, and some may still be under, and that is a slave to sin.
Paul begins our passage by stating something that would seem to be obvious - a slave will obey his master. The slave is under subjection. What the master says he has to do, he is the slave. Sin whispers in our ear to do this or that sinful act or behavior. The Holy Spirit also speaks to our heart to follow Him. Who do we obey? Who do we follow? Paul tells us here that whoever we follow and obey, that is who we are a slave to. The Lord Jesus said the same thing when He said in John 8:34 that whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
Sin draws us to itself like a fish to a lure. That lure sparkles and seemingly promises something good. But it is like standing on the edge of a very steep and deep cliff. One more step and we fall into danger and death. Flirting with temptation is a fool’s dream. To do so will draw us into deeper and darker evil. Sin and Satan are hard task masters, paying a wage of death.
Being a slave has a penalty. Slavery brings loss of freedom. The slave cannot do whatever they want, or come and go as they please. They must obey their master and stay on the plantation. The slave to alcohol or drugs pays the price of a ruined life and ruined relationships. When someone breaks the law there is a penalty that must be paid. Sin is breaking God’s law, and He decreed that the penalty for sin is death. Our sins earned us death. One way or another the debt must be paid. We cannot leave prison until there has been a death. How was there a death if we are still alive, we might ask. There was a death, though, and that death occurred on Calvary. God offered a graphic solution to the world’s sin problem. He gave His Son, Jesus, who shed His Blood for us. Jesus came and paid our penalty. He served our time. He satisfied the penalty and set us free from the slavery to sin.
Either we attempt to pay the penalty ourselves, and get eternal death, or we accept that Jesus paid it, and we get eternal life. All of our attempts at good works will not earn us a place in heaven. God paid for the mess we made with the Blood of His Son. He forgives that debt when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Without blood, a body is a lifeless corpse. Without the Blood of Jesus we are just as spiritually dead. Jesus gives us a gift of eternal life, something we could never achieve otherwise.
Today’s culture has influenced many Christians to soften the Gospel message, focusing exclusively on the joy, peace, and love of Christ, and downplaying sin. There is joy and peace when we find Jesus. But that follows acknowledging that one is a sinner, and in need of a Savior.
Who are we obeying? Who are we a slave to? Sin or righteousness? Is sin, and thus Satan our master, or is Jesus our Master? Everyone has one or the other. Let’s be sure to choose Jesus!
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