Knock and the door will open.
Monday, April 27, 2020
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Something From Nothing
Napoleon
the First, with all his disdain for men, bowed to one power that he was
pleased to regard as greater than himself. In the heart of an atheistic
age he replied to the theorists of his day, "Your arguments gentlemen,
are very fine. But "who", pointing up to the evening sky, "who made all
these?"
And even the godless science of our times, while rejecting the scriptural answer to this question, still confesses that it has no other to give. "The phenomena of matter and force," says Tyndall, "lie within our intellectual range; and as far as they reach we will push our inquiries. But behind, and above, and around all, the real mystery of the universe lies unsolved, and as far as we are concerned, is incapable of solution."
But why incapable of solution? Why not already solved, so far as we are concerned, in this "simple, unequivocal, exhaustive, majestic" alpha of the Bible — "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth"?
What is the origin of things? Perhaps the greatest question mortal man can ask. A profoundly religious question, going down to the very roots of Truth, Science, Theology, Character and Worship.
There are sixty or seventy elements which, so far as we know at present, that are the make up of the universe. And the point is this: not one solitary atom of these elements can be made by man. All that man can do is to operate with these elements. In short, man must have something on which, as well as with which, to operate. From where came this inconceivable amount of material?
God creates atoms; man fashions molecules.
And even the godless science of our times, while rejecting the scriptural answer to this question, still confesses that it has no other to give. "The phenomena of matter and force," says Tyndall, "lie within our intellectual range; and as far as they reach we will push our inquiries. But behind, and above, and around all, the real mystery of the universe lies unsolved, and as far as we are concerned, is incapable of solution."
But why incapable of solution? Why not already solved, so far as we are concerned, in this "simple, unequivocal, exhaustive, majestic" alpha of the Bible — "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth"?
What is the origin of things? Perhaps the greatest question mortal man can ask. A profoundly religious question, going down to the very roots of Truth, Science, Theology, Character and Worship.
There are sixty or seventy elements which, so far as we know at present, that are the make up of the universe. And the point is this: not one solitary atom of these elements can be made by man. All that man can do is to operate with these elements. In short, man must have something on which, as well as with which, to operate. From where came this inconceivable amount of material?
God creates atoms; man fashions molecules.
Friday, April 17, 2020
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Arrest in Gethsemane
Gethsemane translates from Aramaic Hebrew as “Oil Press”. It can be
found at the foot of the Mt. Of Olives in Jerusalem, across the Kidron
Valley. The name comes from two Hebrew words, “gat” (to press) and
“sh’manim” (to grow fat). This last word is referencing the fat of
riches or blessings. This garden was/is the press that makes rich with
blessings. Interesting that Jesus prayed here frequently.
He prayed in a garden where His blood fell to the ground and cleansed it of the curse bestowed in Genesis 3:17.
He made three prayers in the garden; sometimes referred to as “Prayers of Agony”. He prayed to succeed and be glorified. He prayed for His disciples and He prayed for all believers - you and me. John goes into great detail to relate these prayers to us. John and Peter had been asked to stay nearest in the garden and Peter fell asleep. John overheard Jesus.
In all His praying, He refers to His Father as “Abba”, in original text. This is a term of endearment from the Hebrew language which is best translated, “Daddy”. The Father is our “Daddy” God.
When Jesus prayed, He sweat blood and ask He be spared. Some have interpreted that He was dreading the lashing at the whipping post and the crucifixion itself. No so much as the sin of men. This perfect, holy being was dreading taking on the sins of the world. Luke 22:43 mentions an Angel encouraging Him. For a few hours on the cross, the holy was to become profane.
Judas approached him with the greeting, “Shalom Rabbi” (“Peace, Teacher”) and gave Him a kiss, Mt. 26:49, Mk. 14:44 and Lk. 22:48, where Jesus confronts Judas about the kiss. What a beautiful greeting for an ugly deed.
In Hebrew, “kiss” has deep meaning that does not relate to man-woman relations. To kiss is to strengthen by making a close connection, more emotional or spiritual than physical. The word can also mean to arm for battle with weapons that will touch. Judas was not seeking to either strengthen or arm Jesus; just the opposite - weaken and disarm; he was lying through his actions.
We learn from our Gospels there was a large number of soldiers. John’s account tells us a detachment of soldiers came, with Judas, to arrest Jesus, Jn. 18:3 & 12. A detachment was also referred to as a “cohort” which was anywhere from 480 - 600 soldiers; minimum. There was a Centurion required for every 100 men. In addition, there were the temple officials in tow. We are talking about a lot of armed, trained for battle, Roman soldiers (the greatest army in the world at that time), Mt. 26:47, Mk. 14:43 and Jn. 18:3 - 5. Why so many? What had they been told? What were they led to expect? What were they afraid of?
Go to John 18 where the arrest of Jesus is recorded; the meat of my writing. Verse four tells us that Jesus approached the crowd and asked who they were looking for. They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth” (Heb: “Jeshua a Nazaree”). His reply was “I Am” (in original text, “he” is omitted from the answer), Ex. 3:13 & 14. This two word reply is reference to the name “Yahweh” which translates, “I Am, I Was, I Am Coming”. Jesus spoke His heavenly name and look what happened in verse six: this entire detachment of armed Roman soldiers, Centurions and temple officials fell to the ground at the mention of His name, Phil. 2:10.
Note: Verse eight of John eighteen gives us a glimpse into the attitude of Jesus. He had faced them to ask who they wanted. Now he replied “I told you . . “. He made a stand. I see no fear in our Savior.
Praise God; thank you, Jesus
He prayed in a garden where His blood fell to the ground and cleansed it of the curse bestowed in Genesis 3:17.
He made three prayers in the garden; sometimes referred to as “Prayers of Agony”. He prayed to succeed and be glorified. He prayed for His disciples and He prayed for all believers - you and me. John goes into great detail to relate these prayers to us. John and Peter had been asked to stay nearest in the garden and Peter fell asleep. John overheard Jesus.
In all His praying, He refers to His Father as “Abba”, in original text. This is a term of endearment from the Hebrew language which is best translated, “Daddy”. The Father is our “Daddy” God.
When Jesus prayed, He sweat blood and ask He be spared. Some have interpreted that He was dreading the lashing at the whipping post and the crucifixion itself. No so much as the sin of men. This perfect, holy being was dreading taking on the sins of the world. Luke 22:43 mentions an Angel encouraging Him. For a few hours on the cross, the holy was to become profane.
Judas approached him with the greeting, “Shalom Rabbi” (“Peace, Teacher”) and gave Him a kiss, Mt. 26:49, Mk. 14:44 and Lk. 22:48, where Jesus confronts Judas about the kiss. What a beautiful greeting for an ugly deed.
In Hebrew, “kiss” has deep meaning that does not relate to man-woman relations. To kiss is to strengthen by making a close connection, more emotional or spiritual than physical. The word can also mean to arm for battle with weapons that will touch. Judas was not seeking to either strengthen or arm Jesus; just the opposite - weaken and disarm; he was lying through his actions.
We learn from our Gospels there was a large number of soldiers. John’s account tells us a detachment of soldiers came, with Judas, to arrest Jesus, Jn. 18:3 & 12. A detachment was also referred to as a “cohort” which was anywhere from 480 - 600 soldiers; minimum. There was a Centurion required for every 100 men. In addition, there were the temple officials in tow. We are talking about a lot of armed, trained for battle, Roman soldiers (the greatest army in the world at that time), Mt. 26:47, Mk. 14:43 and Jn. 18:3 - 5. Why so many? What had they been told? What were they led to expect? What were they afraid of?
Go to John 18 where the arrest of Jesus is recorded; the meat of my writing. Verse four tells us that Jesus approached the crowd and asked who they were looking for. They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth” (Heb: “Jeshua a Nazaree”). His reply was “I Am” (in original text, “he” is omitted from the answer), Ex. 3:13 & 14. This two word reply is reference to the name “Yahweh” which translates, “I Am, I Was, I Am Coming”. Jesus spoke His heavenly name and look what happened in verse six: this entire detachment of armed Roman soldiers, Centurions and temple officials fell to the ground at the mention of His name, Phil. 2:10.
Note: Verse eight of John eighteen gives us a glimpse into the attitude of Jesus. He had faced them to ask who they wanted. Now he replied “I told you . . “. He made a stand. I see no fear in our Savior.
Praise God; thank you, Jesus
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Last Supper
It
was the time of Passover when the Last Supper was held, Mt. 26:17, Mk.
14:12, Lk. 22:7. After the ceremonies, Jesus went to the garden of
Gethsemane and was arrested. He had his trial in the morning, was
beaten and crucified all on the day of Passover, from evening (around
6:00 pm) to death at 3:00 pm.
Passover (Heb: “Pesach”), has a meal the evening before. In Jewish culture, a day begins at sundown the eve before. Traditionally, bitter herbs, washings, wine and matzah are used. Passover is also called The Festival of Matzah. (Matzah is a large unleavened cracker.) Washing hands and feet represent the need to be cleansed before approaching Holy God.
A rabbi’s follower would consider it an honor to have his rabbi request the use of his home for him and his students to observe Passover service, Mt. 26:18.
In Matthew 26:20, we see they were reclining at the table. This is to show appreciation for the freedom from slavery in Egypt brought through the sacrificial lamb of Passover. We know this is an important element because it is listed in the first three books of the Gospels. Jesus, represented by the lamb’s blood over the wooden door posts on the first Passover is the perfect lamb sacrifice on the wooden cross for our sins today.
Matthew 26:23 refers to a bowl. It may have contained the paste called “maror” (Heb: bitter herb), made from horseradish or bitter lettuce. Judas and Jesus shared in this bowl of bitter herbs; both were about to face a bitter end.
Note: Judas always referred to Jesus as “teacher” while all the other apostles called him, “Lord”. Judas was a thief, Jn. 12:6 and an outsider, from Kiriot, easy prey for Satan. Note: In O.T. Kiriot was a town in Moab; in the N.T, it was a town on the southern boarder of Judah.
Leavening, in the Bible, references sin. To eat unleavened bread during Passover week is to be a reminder of how we are to put sin out of our lives. The word bread has been translated to English Bibles in place of the original text, matzah. Matzah is made with piercings (Jesus was pierced in His side) and striped with slashes (Jesus was lashed with a whip). Bread itself is a reference to the flesh of Jesus that was stripped at the whipping post, where He took our infirmities upon Himself, Isa. 53:4-5, 1Cor. 11:29-30.
The wine represents the blood He shed from the Garden of Gethsemane all the way to the cross. Pure blood (not tainted by His human parents) that is holy enough to cover all of man’s sins from the beginning of time until His return.
Both bread and wine come from elements (wheat and grapes) that have to be crushed in order to be used just as we must be crushed into humility, through the trials of life, before God can use us.
The foot washing is addressed in all four gospels. Jesus told Peter, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” This makes a subtle reference to baptism as public confession and cleansing. Another aspect of foot washing, that makes it difficult for so many people, is the humbling effect. Pride has always been an issue with God and in the life of Jesus. God can use a repentant sinner but not a proud person.
They finished with a hymn (Heb: the Hallel) of praise, Mt. 26:30. We were created to praise God. The meaning of our life is not fulfilled until we learn what a blessing it is to praise God.
Passover (Heb: “Pesach”), has a meal the evening before. In Jewish culture, a day begins at sundown the eve before. Traditionally, bitter herbs, washings, wine and matzah are used. Passover is also called The Festival of Matzah. (Matzah is a large unleavened cracker.) Washing hands and feet represent the need to be cleansed before approaching Holy God.
A rabbi’s follower would consider it an honor to have his rabbi request the use of his home for him and his students to observe Passover service, Mt. 26:18.
In Matthew 26:20, we see they were reclining at the table. This is to show appreciation for the freedom from slavery in Egypt brought through the sacrificial lamb of Passover. We know this is an important element because it is listed in the first three books of the Gospels. Jesus, represented by the lamb’s blood over the wooden door posts on the first Passover is the perfect lamb sacrifice on the wooden cross for our sins today.
Matthew 26:23 refers to a bowl. It may have contained the paste called “maror” (Heb: bitter herb), made from horseradish or bitter lettuce. Judas and Jesus shared in this bowl of bitter herbs; both were about to face a bitter end.
Note: Judas always referred to Jesus as “teacher” while all the other apostles called him, “Lord”. Judas was a thief, Jn. 12:6 and an outsider, from Kiriot, easy prey for Satan. Note: In O.T. Kiriot was a town in Moab; in the N.T, it was a town on the southern boarder of Judah.
Leavening, in the Bible, references sin. To eat unleavened bread during Passover week is to be a reminder of how we are to put sin out of our lives. The word bread has been translated to English Bibles in place of the original text, matzah. Matzah is made with piercings (Jesus was pierced in His side) and striped with slashes (Jesus was lashed with a whip). Bread itself is a reference to the flesh of Jesus that was stripped at the whipping post, where He took our infirmities upon Himself, Isa. 53:4-5, 1Cor. 11:29-30.
The wine represents the blood He shed from the Garden of Gethsemane all the way to the cross. Pure blood (not tainted by His human parents) that is holy enough to cover all of man’s sins from the beginning of time until His return.
Both bread and wine come from elements (wheat and grapes) that have to be crushed in order to be used just as we must be crushed into humility, through the trials of life, before God can use us.
The foot washing is addressed in all four gospels. Jesus told Peter, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” This makes a subtle reference to baptism as public confession and cleansing. Another aspect of foot washing, that makes it difficult for so many people, is the humbling effect. Pride has always been an issue with God and in the life of Jesus. God can use a repentant sinner but not a proud person.
They finished with a hymn (Heb: the Hallel) of praise, Mt. 26:30. We were created to praise God. The meaning of our life is not fulfilled until we learn what a blessing it is to praise God.
Crown of Thorns
Exodus 12 speaks of Passover. Among Jewish peoples Passover is considered the New Year for Kings. This is when kings were crowned.
In 1Kings 6:1 we learn Solomon began to build the Temple in the second month, Ziv, of his reign of four years. We can calculate that Solomon was crowned in the first month of the Hebrew calendar, Nisan. Nisan is the month of Passover, the month of Redemption, the month of Salvation, the month of the Crucifixion and the month of the crowning of the Kings of Israel.
Jesus came by the words of John the Baptist (the prophesied Ezekiel)
who alerted people about the PRESENCE of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus
was not publicly crowned, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is AT
HAND!”, Mt. 3:2.
Jesus came to prove His right to His thrown on this earth by sacrificing Himself for His bride, the church (all believing Jews and Gentiles). He will return to claim both, soon. Coming to prove Himself for His kingdom as the God-man, He would not leave unless crowned as King. Therefore, He was crowned!
Judges 8:26 tells us that the kings of Midian wore purple robes; a royal color. AND, the color of cloth God instructed to cover the altar in the ‘Holy of Holies’, in the Tent of Meeting was to be purple, Nu. 4:13. The crucifixion was where God received the most important offering ever sacrificed.
The ignorant Roman soldiers did not understand their crowning was a REAL crowning, performed according to the ancient traditions of Israel. They crowned Jesus on the day of the day of the crowning of Kings of Israel, with crown and purple robe. God used these ignorant Roman soldiers to crown Jesus, the King Messiah - at the exact time appointed by Him for this purpose.
Note: The curse of the earth, “ cursed is the ground for your sake; . . . Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to you . . ,” Gen. 3:17 & 18. The thorns in Jesus crown also removed the curse from off the earth.
Never doubt God is in control for the best possible outcome of any situation. Praise God and thank you, Jesus.
Jesus came to prove His right to His thrown on this earth by sacrificing Himself for His bride, the church (all believing Jews and Gentiles). He will return to claim both, soon. Coming to prove Himself for His kingdom as the God-man, He would not leave unless crowned as King. Therefore, He was crowned!
Judges 8:26 tells us that the kings of Midian wore purple robes; a royal color. AND, the color of cloth God instructed to cover the altar in the ‘Holy of Holies’, in the Tent of Meeting was to be purple, Nu. 4:13. The crucifixion was where God received the most important offering ever sacrificed.
The ignorant Roman soldiers did not understand their crowning was a REAL crowning, performed according to the ancient traditions of Israel. They crowned Jesus on the day of the day of the crowning of Kings of Israel, with crown and purple robe. God used these ignorant Roman soldiers to crown Jesus, the King Messiah - at the exact time appointed by Him for this purpose.
Note: The curse of the earth, “ cursed is the ground for your sake; . . . Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to you . . ,” Gen. 3:17 & 18. The thorns in Jesus crown also removed the curse from off the earth.
Never doubt God is in control for the best possible outcome of any situation. Praise God and thank you, Jesus.
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Look Up
Napoleon the First, with all his disdain for men, bowed to one power that he was pleased to regard as greater than himself. In the heart of an atheistic age he replied to the theorists of his day, "Your arguments gentlemen, are very fine. But who," pointing up to the evening sky, "who made all these?" And even the godless science of our times, while rejecting the scriptural answer to this question, still confesses that it has no other to give.
"The phenomena of matter and force," says Tyndall, "lie within our intellectual range; and as far as they reach we will push our inquiries. But behind, and above, and around all, the real mystery of the universe lies unsolved, and as far as we are concerned, is incapable of solution." But why incapable of solution? Why not already solved, so far as we are concerned, in this "simple, unequivocal, exhaustive, majestic" alpha of the Bible — "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth"?
What is the origin of things? Perhaps the greatest question mortal man can ask. A profoundly religious question, going down to the very roots of Truth, Science, Theology, Character and Worship.
There are sixty or seventy elements which, so far as we know at present, that are the make up of the universe. And the point is this: not one solitary atom of these elements can be made by man. All that man can do is to operate with these elements. In short, man must have something on which, as well as with which, to operate. From where came this inconceivable amount of material?
Let me leave you with these verses from the book of Job:
Where were you when I founded the earth?
Tell me, if you know so much.
Do you know who determined its dimensions
or who stretched the measuring line across it?
On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
After 2 full chapters in the book of Job (38 & 39) Gods response to all the complaining crushes Job's arguments that the Eternal cannot be approached and will not respond. Job's answer to God consists of only 2 verses. After all the talk expressing the desire to speak to God and defend himself, Job can only lay his hand over his mouth and confess total ignorance, Job 40:4 & 5.
I am too ashamed; I have nothing to say.
I lay my hand over my mouth.
Yes, I spoke once, but I won't answer more;
all right, twice, but I won't go on.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
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