The First Communion

Names are so fascinating in the Bible.  They help translate events and their meanings.

Interesting chain of events: Gen 14:18 Melchizedek, king of Salem (Salem means "peace"), gave communion to Abram (means "Father of Altitude"), later named Abraham ("Father of Multitude"). He blessed Abram and Abram gave tithe.

This is the first mention of communion in the Bible and it lays the foundation for blessing and tithing. Notice God's blessing comes first because He is so gracious.  Notice also: after the tithe is paid, God makes a covenant with Abram to give a son (to Abram's barren wife in their old age) and countless offspring. 

Jerusalem is called the foundation of Salem; Jerusalem means "God's Delight". This communion was held in the Valley of Shaveh (means "King's Valley") Melchizedek means "My King is The Lord of Righteousness".
 
Let's put this together: "My King is The Lord of Righteousness" met in the "King's Valley" for the first communion, a ritual to mark the coming out of Egypt (Egypt translates "stress"), a type of sin (OT) (in the New Testament, the crucified Christ dying to cleanse our sin), with the "Father of Altitude" in Salem ("Peace") where we find Jerusalem, "God's Delight".  

Another way: "My King, Lord of Righteousness" went to the "King's Valley" to take out/cleanse of sin the "Father of Altitude" who honored this with giving a tenth of all he had and in return received the desire of his heart. (You can't out give God) This took place in the "Peace" of "God's Delight".

Abram became Abraham and was later asked to offer his beloved son as sacrifice to God.  This is a foretelling of the sacrifice our father made with  his beloved son, Jesus.  P.S: At the last minute, our loving Father provided an animal sacrifice and spared the boy.  
 
Our gracious God wants to bless us with the desires of our hearts in a place of peace - this is His delight.

Amen

God Said "Please"

So excited, just have to share - A fact from study of the original Hebrew text of the Bible (called the Tenach):

In the Old Testament, the word "please" has been omitted over the centuries by translators, to the tune of 410 times in the Old Testament - 176 times in Hebrew version of the New Testament.

Example: Gen 22:2 Read it for yourself in your Bible. The Hebrew Bible reads: "Please take your son . . ." This portrays God in a different light than harsh and merciless.... He always allows us a choice. 






"Please" demonstrates compassion. It has a reassuring affect while asking someone to do something very difficult. In the NT, the thief on the cross said (In Heb. NT), "Lord, remember me please . . ." 
Lk 23:42







Again: Ps 118:25 and Jn 12:13 says "Save us we beseech you . . ." original Hebrew: "Save us, please, O Lord! O Lord, please, send us prosperity."

Whatever could be the reason that this significant gesture should be omitted so many times by translations ?  Perhaps the earliest of them wanted a contrast between the God of the Old Testament and Jesus of the New Testament.  Isn't it wonderful to have such a precious God. 

Amen

The Book, Part 2

The Bible is broken down into books, penned by ghost writer authors.  Each book is broken into chapter and each of those is further broken down into verses. 

Names and numbers in the Bible have meaning.  Most often, these meanings explain a deeper understanding of the writing.  As mentioned in the first part of this writing in an the previous blog, it all points to Jesus.

Examples:
The number "1" relates to God/unity
No. 5: represents the grace of God
No. 10: represents law/ordinance
No. 12: government
No. 40: testing, trial, the end of bondage

Examples:
Sarai = Domineering   /   Sarah = Princess
Abram = Father of Altitude   /   Abraham = Father of Multitudes

Interesting facts:
The book of Esther does not mention God
Longest book = Psalms
Shortest book = II John
Longest chapter = Ps.119
Shortest chapter = Ps.117
Longest verse = Esther 8:9
Shortest verse = Jn.11:35
Oldest man = Methuselah - 969 years
Two men never died - Enoch & Elijah

Psalm 22 (from the Old Testament) refers to the death of Jesus.  Written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, this is further proof of inspiration through the Holy Spirit.

The God's Eye constellation

The word "gospel" in Greek means "Good News".  There are four synoptic (agreeing) gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  They document the life, teaching, healing and death of Jesus life. 

The Old Testament is about the "law" (commonly referred to as the 10 Commandments) where man is required to do, do, do.  The New Testament is about the grace that Jesus brought through grace where we rest emotionally and spiritually and God does all the work.

An unnamed "servant" usually refers to the Holy Spirit.
People who are named are Christian believers.  Those mentioned and their name not given are usually unbelievers (or Gentiles). 

The phrase "fear not/don't fear" appears 365 times and is the most often stated phrase uttered by the God head.  The second most stated phrase, "Oh ye of little faith".

Interesting:
Psalm 117 = shortest chapter
Psalm 119 = longest chapter
Psalm 118 = middle chapter of the Bible
   594 chapter before Psalm 118
 +594 chapters after Psalm 118
 1188 = Ps. 118:8  Read this verse !
*(This has to be divine order)

The book of Psalms is called "heart of the Bible"
David, the author, is called "A man after God's heart"
The Psalms are written as songs to God
The word Psalm means "Song/hymn"

Amen

The Book, Part 1

It all comes from "The Book" so let's start there.  If you don't have one, get one.  They come in all forms and prices.  It has withstood the test of time being the best selling book of all time - ever - still; translated into 2,018 languages and surviving 7,000+ years from the first entry until today.

The entire book is about Jesus, cover to cover.  The Old Testament points to Him, His coming, His life, His message and His death.  The New Testament tells all about Jesus along with His resurrection and second coming.  Jesus is concealed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New.

The Bible is the "manufacturer's handbook".  God himself inspired all the writings by His spirit working through people.  It tells us how to live so we might be healthy and prosper with friends, family, spouse, children, parents, neighbors, work, play and worship.  It tells us how to handle finances, relate to people, deal with problems and just about anything else we need to know in order to create for ourselves a happy, peaceful life. 
Dt.8:3,  Heb.4:12,  Pro.1:7

You cannot believe anything from the Bible if you do not believe that it is God speaking to us.  Some find it difficult to read and understand.  I hope to help you with some of these difficulties.  This is the most fascinating book ever AND . . given a chance, will prove itself.  We do not need the pamphlets and booklets of other writers. 
II Pet.20 & 21,

Stats:  There are 66 books; 39 in the OT (Old Testament) and 27 in the NT (New Testament) contributed by 40 writers over a period of 7,000 plus years; 5,000 years before the birth of Christ (BC) and 2,000 after the death (AD) of Christ.

The one book of Genesis spans 2,200 years of time (of the total 7,000), records 10 generations from Adam to Noah and ten generations from Noah to Abraham.  The first eleven chapters of Genesis alone span 1/2 the time span of the entire Bible.

There are 1189 chapters (the middle chapter: Ps.117) and approx. 774,000 words - depending on your translation.

Testament means covenant or contract.  God made two contracts/testaments: one with the Israelites and one with Christian believers.

In the Old Testament, the most recent/newest book is Malachi and the oldest book is Job.  In the New Testament, the newest book (last one written for the Bible) is Revelation and the oldest is James.

Moses wrote the most books of the Old Testament - 5, called the Foundation of the Bible; commonly referred to as "The Law".  Paul wrote most of the books in the New Testament (14); over half.

The Bible was first accepted as being inspired by God in 375 AD and the first English translation was accomplished in 1382 AD.

The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew.  This is what Moses wrote and all the prophets and poets of the Old Testament.  That is the language the first translation was taken from.  So Hebrew should be studied to get the clearest meaning.  It also helps to understand society, customs, geography and life style of the time.

The New Testament was penned in the Greek language, one of the three main languages of the day; the others being Hebrew and Aramaic, with Roman a large influence.  Yes, Jesus probably spoke Aramaic.  He would also speak Hebrew in the temple.  He also spoke Greek in His travels and sermons to the public.  (Let's face it, the son of God could speak any language.)  My point is that the writers of the New Testament penned the original text in Greek and Greek should be used for translation. 

The New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament (a truly exciting study) and the Old Testament is revealed in the New.  The entire book is about the son of God come to earth in physical form and His mission.

Ghost writers are: shepherds, fishermen, priests, kings, philosophers, farmers, tent maker, tax collector, warriors (and others), all via God by way of his Holy Spirit inspiring them.

The Bible is cohesive, uniform and fits together like a beautiful quilt of names, numbers, "begats" and parables.

Next writing, I will compare several verses to explain some of the Bible codes.  This is why it is written you must "seek" to find.
Amen

A Study of Gideon

It takes only three chapters: there are miracles, an amazing battle, the rise and fall of a hero, action and revenge, Judges 6,7,8.  In the book of Judges you can find all the men and women in charge of Israel before God appointed the first king, Saul.  Ooooops!  God did not appoint Saul.  The people wanted a ruler so bad that they insisted on him.  If you don't know how that turned out; well, let's just say God knows what He is doing.

The Hebrew name Gideon means "Warrior".  Gideon was marked with a purpose when he was born.   There is no evidence that Gideon had ever served as any kind of warrior until God called  him.

Read Verse 2 and then look up Isa 2:19, Jer 48:28 and 49:8  
I submit to you that these verses refer to Petra (Grk), also called Selah (Heb).  Both these names refer to a place next to Wadi Musa, "Valley of Moses" and offers supernatural protection.  A place where the Hebrew people wandered for 40 years. This place of red rock caves is invisible from the air and impenetrable from the ground.

Selah was the capitol of Edom.  Edomites descended from Esau, a red head.  The word "Selah" means lofty, craggy rock, stronghold, cliff.  "Selah" is also a pause in prose where one listens and God speaks.  (See Psalms)  God's word is a place of safety and rest.  *I will do a more indepth study of this in the future.

V 6:11 tells us that God manifested Himself.  (see V 14)  Gideon was threshing wheat to hide it from the Midianites, who were taking everything from the Hebrew people.  Gideon is also addressed, by God, as a "mighty warrior".  This is a positive statement from God to a man who is hiding from his enemies. 

V 12 & 13:  Gideon is talking frankly with what he believes is an angel and complains of all the troubles that have come upon his people.  Never mind that the Hebrew people have chosen to follow another god - or, rather, false gods of the Midianites.  

In V 14, Gideon is told to use the strength he has to go up against the Midianites.  God will not give him any super power.  He is expected to work on faith.

In V 15, good ol' Gideon argues with God, showing his weakness in faith.  In V 16, God tells Gideon all he needs is God in order to strike down ALL the Midianites like there were one man.  A strong statement to counter Gideon's weak argument.

V 17:  Now Gideon wants proof of God's word; a sign.  But, he is willing to make an offering to God, recognizing Him for who He is and showing gratitude and honor.  God tells Gideon He will wait - just as He waits for our gifts and offerings of faith.

In the few verses that follow, we see Gideon taking much time to prepare matzos and cook meat.  He is instructed on how to make this offering and watches as God consumes the offering with fire.  Ex.3:2, Nu 22:22, Ex 12:8
Then, Gideon built an alter to the Lord and called it "Jehovah Shalom" (God is Peace) because he had seen the Lord (pre-incarnate Jesus) face to face.  Guess Moses was not the only one.  Ex 24:11


Gideon goes on to tear down the alters and Asherah pole his father had made to Baal.  I recently viewed a short film about the Asherah pole and Baal worship.  Baal worshipers used to sacrifice young children to be burned alive.  Priests of Baal would publicly conjugate with women (representing the Goddess Asherah) then, the people would have public orgies.  Mass graves have been uncovered holding hundreds of carcasses of children.  No wonder God detested this idol worship.


In Judges:6:37 & 39, we find Gideon asking God for proof of a promise to make the Israelite army victors over the Midianites. In Judges 7:10 & 11, we find God offering yet another proof. This demonstrates the patience, understanding and grace of our Heavenly Father. We ask for something and God blesses with even more.

Great Battle Scene: Read in the book of Judges 7:2 & 8   Now see this amazing battle in Judges 7:19 - 23 WOW! This is better than an action adventure movie! Three hundred men surrounded an army that was so big it could not be counted (they were thick as locusts and camels were so many they could not be counted).

The three hundred shoulders were armed with shofars (trumpets made from ram's horns) and earthen pottery with a torch (light) inside. No swords, arrows or spears. They split into companies of 100 each and surrounded the Midianites. When Gideon gave the signal, 300 blew their trumpets and broke the pots. This would make one heck of a racket and shown a lot of bursting lights. Anyway, the Midianites (thick as locusts) were so confused that they turned on each other and ran off. Now, I would like to see this on the big screen: a multitude, action, camels stampeding, trumpets sounding, fireworks, confusion - great stuff!  Not one soldier of Gideon's was killed and the Midian army had to be chased down.


Amen

The Twelve, Part 1

 Jesus lived in Nazareth.  This is the simplest scenario for His missing years, most likely working at his father's trade, carpentry.  (Dare Crabtee's 1884 book, "The Journeys of Jesus".)  In that time, carpenters were also stone masons and builders.  He would have studied Hebrew scripture, spending time in the synagogue every day.  As oldest, He would have become head of the house after Joseph's death.  Mark 6 supports all this by recounting how when He began to teach at the local synagogue, people were surprised that a familiar person from their community had such wisdom (a prophet in his own home town).  Crabtree states, "It seems that Jesus grew to manhood's estate working with his hands while He acquired wisdom and knowledge from the great book of nature surrounding His mountain home, and also a perfect understanding of the written revelation handed down by the Hebrew fathers."

Jesus had many followers who believed His teachings.  Within this group, He had an inner circle of twelve young men that He selected for the mission of helping Him to spread His message.  Those men were "The Apostles", a term which comes from the Greek "apostolos", meaning "person sent".  Luke tells us they were handpicked, by Jesus, from the larger group of disciples, after a night of solitary prayer on a mountaintop.

This elite group was made up of Simon (later called Peter), Andrew, James the greater, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the less, Simon the Zealot, Thaddeus (also called Lebbaeus, Jude or Judas), and Judas Iscariot.   Some scholars see this number as alluding to the 12 tribes of Israel.   The Bible is a book of numbers and the number twelve is significant.  Twelve, in Hebrew, represents government.  There were 12 precious stones on the breastplate of the priests.  In Revelation 21, the foundations of the walls of the New Jerusalem will be of the same 12 precious stones.


The apostles must have been between the ages of 15 and 20, except Peter.  All were bachelors but Peter.  Hebrew men received a wife at the age of 18.  Peter was the only man noted to have a wife.  Mt 8:14   Education for Jewish children ended at age 13, when they were considered to be men, expected to follow in their father's trade and old enough to leave home.  Matthew had a profession; the others were apprenticing at their trades.  (Matthew might well have been second oldest.)  Mt 11:25, Lk 10:21, Jn 13:33  In Ex 30:14 a temple tax is instated, that Jesus and Peter paid in Mt 17:24-27.  The others were under the age of 20 so did not need to pay the tax.  A Rabbi began teaching at age 30, as Jesus did.  Students were younger than teachers.  Youth further explains their temperament, fear, hiding, running away and their eagerness.  Jewish boys, ages birth to 2 years, were killed when Jesus was born so there were none the same age.

Higher education (over the age of 13) was under a local Rabbi, in a synagogue.  Jesus was radical in His time, teaching everywhere BUT a synagogue.  He was "anti religion".  His message was radical, teaching love, when the culture was about hate and aggression.  Jesus movement was originally called "The Way".  Acts 9:2, 24:14

The apostles' identity is more as a group than individuals.  We only know a limited amount about the most familiar ones.  Peter and Andrew, who were brothers and worked as fishermen, were Jesus' first two recruits.  He approached them while they were casting their nets into the sea and offered to make them "fishers of men".  James the Greater, and his brother John, "the sons of Zebedee", were also fishermen.  Matthew, whom Jesus saw in his collection booth and recruited with two words, "Follow me".

Thomas' recruitment isn't described in the gospels.  He is described as being so loyal to Jesus that he offered to die with Him.  He has become known as "doubting Thomas" for asking of proof at the news of Jesus' resurrection.  Thaddeaus' biggest moment comes at the Last Supper, when he asks Jesus how He will show Himself only to the apostles after His death.  Judas Iscariot is known mostly for stealing money from the apostles and for betraying Jesus, but then committing suicide in remorse.  (Because of his remorse, I wonder if his life would have been different had he had the opportunity to be forgiven as Peter did.)

Simon is described by Matthew and Mark as a Canaanite and in Luke as a Zealot, likely for his strict adherence to Jewish law.  We know little about Philip, except he was from the same town, Bethsaida, as Peter and Andrew, and that he was present when Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand.  He advised Him prior to the meal that it would be too expensive to buy food for so many.

Two of the apostles are mystery men.  The only New Testament mention of Bartholomew and James the less are in lists of the apostles.  I have heard speculation that several of the apostles could have been relatives of Jesus due to the small towns they came from in close proximity to each other.

Being an apostle wasn't an easy job.  Not only were they expected to leave  home, job and travel with Jesus, but they also underwent a sort of on-the-job training in which He hone their minds and spirits to prepare them for a task of continuing His work.  In Matthew 10, Jesus gave the apostles a description of their eventual duties as missionaries and teachers and how to perform these duties.

If that wasn't difficult enough, Jesus also informed them that they would have to live a life without physical comforts.  They were instructed to travel without money, only the clothes on their backs and the shoes on their feet. When they arrived at a new city, He expected them to rely on the generosity of others for food and shelter.  If they could not find a humble host, they were told to move on, with the knowledge that the inhospitable would be punished more severely than Sodom and Gomorrah.

Before they reached the time of working on their own, they had plenty to do and learn.  In Matthew 17, they witnessed an example of Jesus casting out a demon from a mentally disturbed boy.  When they asked Him why they couldn't perform the same feat, He explained they needed more faith.  "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, 'Remove hence to yonder place', and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you."

The betrayal and violent death of Jesus was an experience that would certainly have helped the young apostles mature by taking them through trials of their human frailties.  The example is the emotional Peter.  When he refuses to believe Jesus' prophecy that the apostles will scatter after the arrest and execution, Jesus responds by informing Peter that he will deny knowing Jesus three times - a prediction that comes to pass, causing Peter's shame to break his pride.  Humbled, he now becomes more firm in his stand for Jesus.

In Matthew 16, Jesus had chosen Peter as leader - the "rock" upon whom he would build His church, and would provide him with the keys to heaven.  In Acts 1, Peter assumed the lead, by guiding the process of selecting Matthias to replace Judas.  He demonstrated that the apostles could perform miracles when he went to the temple in Jerusalem with John and healed a lame beggar in Jesus name.  This filled the crowd around them with "wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him."  Peter's preaching was so effective that in one day 3,000 people were converted to the new faith.  His healing became so famous that he achieved the reputation that even his shadow passing over a person could heal them.

Of all the apostles, it was Thomas who took the evangelical mission the furthest.  He is thought to have traveled east through modern-day Syria, Iran and eventually reached India.  He covered even more territory than Paul, who traveled the Mediterranean region preaching to the gentiles.

The apostles' mission was a dangerous one.  In the end, eleven of them were martyred.  Only John died of old age.  However, they accomplished their goal, as evidenced by the widespread acceptance of Christianity today.
Amen

To be continued . . . . . . .

Language of The Bible

The Jewish People are known as the chosen people of God.  This, because they were picked to be the ancestors of Jesus from among the twelve sons of Jacob, whom God renamed "Israel".  The Israelites are not Jews, but the Jews are Israelites.  Judah was the fourth son of Jacob/Israel and represents the fourth tribe of Israel.  (The number 4 is representative of the earth and the name Judah means: "The Praise of The Lord")  His mother was Jacob's beloved Leah.  Gen.46:12

The Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language by Moses, the poets and the prophets, Genesis through Malachi.  It was the language Adam spoke.  In my writings, I will make frequent reference to the Hebrew language for translations in the Old Testament.  The same goes for the Greek of the New Testament.

FYI:  the Hebrew language reads right to left, has 22 letters in the alphabet and uses those letters for numbers.  It is a bit complicated when you grow up with English but highly descriptive and beautiful in meaning.  Hebrew goes much deeper in meaning than English, rendering more to the meaning.  A typical example is the word "Shalom" which is translated "peace".  BUT indeed, is much more.  To understand it in Hebrew, you have to translate it as "perfect peace" with a meaning of health, calm assurance, great peace and prosperity; the perfect peace of God.  Heb.4:12 

Letters represent numbers; there is no actual number system in Hebrew outside of the alphabet.  This gives greater significance to  numbers.  Each number/letter has a meaning.  ie:  7 is the number of completion, 5 represents God's grace, 10 is the number representing law and 12 the number to represent government.  Every number in the Bible has deeper meaning than just a count.  We can go deeper into this in another writing.

Another interesting word is "hesed". I have seen this word translated as "faith" which does not go near the description of all of the positive aspects of God: faithfulness, peace, love, truth, honor, eternal, steadfast, gentleness, shelter, and on and on, encompassing every adjective that describes this magnificent being.

"Hesed" - a beautiful Hebrew word that cannot be defined by one English word. This word encompasses all the positive assets of God: faithfulness, honesty, love, wisdom, compassion, generosity, grace, devotion, joy, loyalty, etc, etc, etc. This amazing word can only define God because any human beings are incapable of possessing all of these qualities. 

There are no swear words in Hebrew.  Of course, it is God's language.  To curse or swear, the Hebrew people must borrow a swear word from another language.

I find that Jewish people have a reverence for God that I have never witnessed.  They will not write His name; instead you may see "G_d" or the term "Hashem" which means "The Name", referring to "Yahweh". 

When studying any culture, it is important to know the language in order to truly understand.  In studying the Old Testament, it is an enormous help to understand the basics of Hebrew. 

Jesus was Jewish of the Hebrew people.  He spoke Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and probably Roman.  What the heck, He was God in flesh so He could speak any language at any time with anyone.  I am sure He could speak in one language to a crowd and the Holy Spirit would translate in any tongue to a listener who spoke a different language - just like on the first Pentacost.

The Bible will make you wise.  As Jesus often said, "It is written."
Rev.1:3

Amen

The Woman At The Well

Who, in the Bible do you identify with?  Peter?  David?  Esther?  Martha?
I can identify with many characters but, if I'm being honest, it is the woman at the well.  She had several husbands and a "live in".  A situation like this is commonly the result of abuse, rejection or the lack of a father figure when growing up.  When she repented, she never looked back.

Jn 7:28 is commonly sited as the first time in John that Jesus states "I Am".  In Jn 4:26 (three chapters prior to chapt. 7) Jesus says, "I Am" to the Samaritan woman at the well. (Samaritans were idol worshipers who intermarried with the Jewish people and counted themselves as Jews.  For the most part, Jewish people despised them.)  Jesus had many dealings with women and always we find Him understanding and gentle.

Jesus went looking for her to specifically save her from herself.  Jn 4:4 says He "had to go through Samaria".  No He didn't; not physically.  It was actually out of the way.  He had to go because He knew this woman would be at this well at this time of day.  In v. 8 we see His disciples had gone for food.   He was "tired and sat down".  I am assuming He sent them for food so He could visit with the Samaritan woman alone.  Let's also notice that He "sat down".  I am reminded of the phrase, "Let go and let God".  When we struggle for control, He "sits down"; let's us work at our problems alone.  If we "sit down" and let him have the wheel, He gets up and goes to work on our problems.  He was sitting in this scene because He was waiting for a woman who had been trying to work out her life by herself.

In v. 6, we find out it was about noon - in the desert - lots of sun - few trees - it was the heat of the day.  People do not go out to get water in the heat of the day.  They would go early morning and evening when it was cooler.  Why did this woman come in the heat of the day?  She was shunned, gossiped about and scorned for her life choices.  The people knew who she was in this small town.  I have lived in a small town.  Believe me, they knew all about her.  

Verse 7 calls her "a Samaritan woman".  Commonly, when the Bible refers to a person without giving their name, they are a non believer.  This, and being Samaritan gives us evidence that she is not a believer.  Samaritans were people intermarried with the Jews and separate.   Some knew the God of Moses, some were even idol worshipers.

In v. 9 He asks her for a drink.  He initiates the conversation.  So many times in the Bible, Jesus approaches those He knows are in need.  He got her attention.  She comments on Him, as a Jew, speaking to her as a Samaritan.  Keep in mind, she was also aware of her status among her people.

In v. 10, He states the "gift of God . . . . would have given you living water."  He is revealing Himself to her; something He seldom did directly.  Jesus revealed Himself to women many times.  He was being intimate and sharing a special moment. I believe it is so much easier for women to relate to and understand Him than it is for men.  We see by church attendance that there are more Christian women than there are men.  Interesting, when you think of how Eve was fooled.  

Of course, the living water He spoke of was the Holy Spirit, as He explains in v. 13 and 14.  (Jer. 2:13)   In v. 15, she is still not clear on what He is saying.  He continues to gently guide her into the truth.  She is making progress; she wants what He has to give.  Then, He tests her in v. 16 and she comes through with the truth about herself in v. 17 where Jesus compliments her for her honesty.  

  Through v. 18 he tells her about herself, pointing out her sin WITHOUT any condemnation.  What a beautiful Savior!  Now, she is catching on; in v. 19 she has upgraded him to the status of "prophet".  She has had revelation:  In v. 9 she called him a "Jew".  In v. 11, she addresses Him as "Sir".  Now, in v. 19, she sees Him as a "prophet".  (Three is the number of the God head.)  She has increased in understanding with each step of their encounter.

Their conversation continues through v. 24 while He tells her of a time, that is coming, when WHERE people worship will not be an issue.  All will worship God through the Holy Spirit, wherever they are.  Our worship of God will come from within and through the spirit.  God, who is spirit, can only be worshiped through spirit.  (I see a hidden reference here to grace over the law.)

The Samaritan woman reveals her faith in v. 25.  Now that this is out in the open, Jesus reveals His true self to her in v. 26 with the declaration, "I Am".  (See my blog titled, "I Am".  Every Jew and certainly most,if not all, Samaritans knew the name of God, "I Am As I Am".)   First comes your faith, then comes Jesus.  You take the first step and He is waiting.  This is the first "I Am" declaration to a Gentile woman.  It may be the only one - I would have to research that.  

Now, the disciples return and here is their Rabbi talking with a Samaritan and a woman on top of that.  Verse 27 says they did not ask any question.  They presumed it was alright because they presumed she was married.  They didn't know anything about her. 

Verse 28 is interesting because she left her water jar.  She came to the well, in the heat of the day to get this water that she surely needed.  Why did she leave without it?  SHE NO LONGER NEEDED IT.  She now had the living water; the Holy Spirit or a temporary facsimile.  (The Spirit was not sent permanently to all until Pentecost, recorded in Acts.)  We can assume this because of what follows in the next couple verses.  She no longer cared what people had to say about her or to her.  She had the spirit and she was going to talk about Jesus.  She was excited.  She was not shy or hesitant.  This woman was "on fire".   

As she spoke with Jesus, you can see her revelation of what He was saying and who He was.  She accepted without doubt or question and became an instant evangelist to people who despised her - much like Jesus himself.   She never  questioned Him or anything He was telling her as He brought her gently along to the understanding of who He was and the gift of The Spirit.  

Now comes one of my favorite parts of the story.   The disciples urge Jesus to eat and He tells them He is no longer hungry.  He is talkative and refreshed.  Why?  Because this wonderful woman took what He was giving.  She had a need and He has so much to give.  Just a step out in belief and He gives freely, without condemnation.  This is what He does; He is our Savior, Jesus, the Christ.  He is here for us; the Shepard taking care of the sheep.  Believe on Him and He will give to you because it replenishes Him to give more.

He proceeds to tell his disciples of the many people who are anxiously waiting for just such a message - "the fields are ripe for harvest".  This woman continued harvesting and brought many believers who invited Him to stay with them and teach more.  The people were grateful to her for pointing Him out to them.

Note:  Nowhere in this passage, did Jesus tell her "Go and sin no more".  Why?  It is stated that he needed to go to Samaria to this well to talk with this woman.  We know that Jesus knows each of us intimately; no secrets here.  I believe he didn't tell her that because He knew she went  home and kicked out that guy she was living with.  I believe she repented and continued being the first Gentile woman evangelist. 

My you come to the understanding of the gentle, loving heart of Jesus and how He is waiting on you for that first step in faith.
Amen

Notes on The Crucifiction

A very blessed day to you.  Take this day to ask God for a reanointing of your life. 

There are so many details in the story of the crucifixion that is recorded in all four gospels.  Rather than trying to cover the entire crucifixion in one blog, let's just explore a few interesting points.

Our Lord Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey that had never been ridden before - a "virgin" donkey. He was laid to rest in a tomb that had never been used - "virgin". (In those days, tombs were purchased for family and/or reused) Also, born of a virgin. Have not found the meaning of this - yet.  Three times "virgin"; three represents the God head trinity.

"Calvary" is a transliteration of the Latin word calvaria. It has the same meaning as the Greek word kranion, namely that of skull, hence our English word "cranium".  Further, this has interest in Gen. 22:2 where we see that God told Abraham to sacrifice  his son, Isaac, in the region of Moriah.  Calvary is the highest point of Moriah.  Hello?  Don't you find this interesting?  The Old Testament gives us a story of the sacrifice of a son in the same place that God's only son would be sacrificed.  This is beautiful!  Godly order in the Bible.  Praise the glory of God!

"Golgatha" is Hebrew and means Place of The Skull.  You will remember that David beheaded Goliath.  In 1Sam 17:51 & 54, we find that David took the head to Jerusalem to bury it.  I think about 18 miles.  Eighteen is the number of bondage (also 6+6+6).  I've read that he buried it just outside to the north of the city.  Now, let's imagine the blood dripping from Jesus feet onto the head of Goliath (the Nephilim giant of the Philistines that God saw as a fallen angel  polluting His creation).  We see parallel of Jesus blood covering (defeating) our giants of today.   The Bible is an amazing puzzle.

Note: There is opinion that Jerusalem was the original site of the Garden of Eden.  This presents an interesting point:  Jesus, the "Second Adam" fulfilled what the First Adam did not and has restored the first Eden that He will claim upon His return.  Yes !

David prophesied Jesus' mocking in Ps 22:12 & 13

He was literally skinned alive so we might be whole and healthy.  1Pet 2:24

He was dead; the sac around His heart was pierced and water ran out.  Jn 19:34  In any medical report, this means you are dead.  When He was laid in the tomb, He was dead. 

In Mk 15:37, it states He gave a loud cry.  Those who have studied and understand crucifixion will tell you that this is impossible.  The body is stretched and strained at a point where this cannot be done.  The one thing that all victims of crucifixion have done is reach so hard for that last breath that the break their own necks.  There is no mention or evidence that Christ broke His neck reaching for air.  On the contrary, He hung His head.  This leads me to the next point:

His life was not taken.  He gave it up.  Jn 19:30  Lk 23:46  He also gave Himself to the soldiers that came for Him in the garden of Gethsemane.  He stood up boldly and proclaimed, "I Am"  Ex 3:6

He was the perfect Son of God come to fulfill a destiny and He went to the finish line.  He is our Savior - The Lord Jesus Christ
Amen

Study of Jonah, Chapt. 4

Great chapter.  I find so much humor in it.  Great writer!  (This book is commonly attributed to Jonah himself.)  He had his faults but he knew how to build the story to a climax and entertain at the same time.    (I am a great movie buff and this would make a tremendous movie without deviation from fact.)

In the blog about Chapter 1, I mentioned all the ups and downs in this little prophetic book.  Well, Chapter 4 is no different. 

In the first verse, Jonah is mad - again.  In the second verse, he tells God, I told you so.  In verse three, he is so angry and frustrated over God's mercy that he wants to die.  In today's world, revenge is a common cry.  Jonah hated the people of Nineveh more than his own life.  There is the possibility that Jonah was afraid, if Nineveh was spared, they would again turn on Israel.  He was jealous that God could spare those who had oppressed his people.  Do we see this hate and fear in the middle east today?  Did Jesus see this depth of hate at the cross?

Verse 4 is God's answer to Jonah.  Hebrew text reads, "Is it right for you to be grieved to death?"  God expects us to understand his grace and mercy.  He expects us to reflect His gracious attitude in our lives.  (Jonah's blood pressure must have been sky high.)  God knows that when we exert negative emotions we can only hurt ourselves.  There is no peace for Jonah at this point. 

Verse 5 says Jonah was waiting to see what would happen to the city.  Did he think he might have changed God's mind?  Did he think God would care more for his feelings than the entire city of Nineveh?  Verse 6:  God's is understanding of Jonah and shows him compassion by providing shade.  Indeed, a miracle was done with the plant growing up immediately.  This made Jonah happy.  Well, I guess: shade from the very hot sun of that middle eastern climate.  I would be very happy.

Here comes the lesson:   We all go through these lessons from our loving father in heaven when we need correcting - just like a caring earthly father.  That is why God caused the plant to die.  This, of course, put Jonah back into another bad mood.  Do you see the frustration here?  Do you see the humor of God?  Jonah was so mad and God is giving him a trial; taunting him in order to teach him a lesson.  When you were growing up, did your parent ever do this to you?  (My grandfather did it a lot.  A little salt in the wound to drive a point home.)  Again, Jonah says he wants to die rather than to live like this: mad, jealous, spiteful, hot, tired, frustrated and not being able to manipulate God to do what he wanted.  He was a pouting child. 

Jonah is more worried about loosing his shade than the death of an entire city.  This back and forth conversation between God and Jonah shows God's tolerance.  He could have let Jonah die but God had a purpose for Jonah.  After all, he had not yet written this great book.

In verses 10 and 11 God makes his point plain to Jonah.  Jonah was given the plant for shade - without working for it.  (God does spoil His children.)  There were 120,000 people, plus animals, in the great city of Nineveh that Jonah wanted dead.  People with lives, feelings, families, friends, jobs and futures.  God was trying to explain that Jonah was wrong to have this hatred and jealousy to other human beings. 

I also see that this lesson worked and Jonah eventually came to a greater understanding of himself or he could not have penned this story from a impartial perspective.  Reach out to God, trust His grace and you will sail the calm sea of peace in your life.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> * * * <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Our lessons: 
1.  God's word is final
2.  God knows best
3.  God is an amazing teacher
4.  It is good to obey God before He has to teach us a lesson
5.  God's grace is for all His children/creation

* Note about the number 120 (120,000 population):  This number represents the end of law (the end of human effort) which is replaced by grace.  We clearly see God's grace extended to the people of Nineveh who in the past have condemned God's people.

I am sure there is more in this amazing little book that I have yet to discover.  The Bible is so full of subtle, under the surface, messages that it awaits our seeking them out. 
Seek and you will find.

Amen

Study of Jonah, Chapt. 3

Today, we come to Chapter 3 of Jonah and find him ready to follow God's will; albeit reluctantly. 

Israel had been at war and plundered by the Assyrians for years.  Jonah wanted God's wrath on them, so he didn't want them to repent. The wonderful thing here is how Jonah was so aware that God is truly merciful.  He was sure the Assyrian city of Nineveh would NOT suffer God's judgment.  He knew better (by now) than to argue with God so he went ahead reluctantly.

How many times in our lives do we find ourselves in Jonah's place?  How often do we want to do what we know will go against God's will and we do it anyway?  Paul put it so well when he said: that which I know I should not do, that I do.  That which I know I should do, that I do not.  Or, something to that effect.  Our lives are a constant battle of our flesh against our spirit.  We "shame on" Jonah when we should take a lesson here.  God is our Father in Heaven and we really are His spoiled children wanting our way and pouting when we don't get it.  So often we do not understand that all His ways for us are only for our benefit in the long run.  We lack faith.

For a second time, Jonah was told what to do.  (Our Father God is patient)  Verse three says he obeyed - period.

In verse 4 his stubbornness is rearing it's ugly head again, already.  Nineveh is so large it takes three days to walk across the city.  Jonah went into the city one day's walk.  This is not even half way.  Logically speaking, he should have gone at least 1 1/2 day's walk to get to the center of population to deliver his message.  Just like a child to go just an inch short of what they are told to do.


As fast as he proclaimed destruction of Nineveh, all citizens repented - even the king.  The king even sent out a formal decree ordering fasting, repentance and prayer.  His decree not only ordered repentance but showed belief in the existence and power in the God of the Hebrew people - along with the authority of Jonah as God's prophet.

Last verse, 10 reveals, again, the great mercy of God. 

A second connection between Jonah and Jesus occurs (ie: the grave in 2:17):   the Pharisees in John 7:52, state that "no prophet arises out of Galilee".  II Kings 14:2 states that Jonah was from Gath-hepher, a town in Galilee that sits between the Sea of Galilee and Mt. Carmel.

Jonah is referenced 13 times in the New Testament.

God sent a prophet to people who had oppressed His chosen people, to ask them to repent so He could show his amazing mercy (Heb: hesed).  They did.  In God's great mercy, the entire city of previous idol worshiping oppressors was saved. 
It is a great thing that God does not think like we do.

Amen

Study of Jonah, Chapt. 2

This chapter starts by stating that the LORD (I will write on LORD, Lord, Hashem and Yahweh at another time.)  provided a huge fish (NIV) to swallow Jonah.  My Hebrew translation makes it clear it is NOT a whale.  Young's Literal Translation says big fish.   I have heard speculation that it was some sort of prehistoric sea creature or a creature God created just for this purpose.   I don't believe this detail is important or text would be more specific.   We can assume it was a large animal that lived in the sea.   We are also told he was in the "fish" three days and three nights.  Mt 12:40 relates this story of Jonah to the time Jesus would lie in the earthen tomb.

(By the way, science has found live animals in the belly of whales.  Whether it was a whale, fish or a sea monster, this story rings true.)

Verses 2 - 9 Jonah prayed to God.  We read Jonah praising God for His greatness.  Again, acknowledging his God as powerful.  In verse 4, he speaks of being alive on dry land again.  We can assume Jonah was aware that God meant to save him since he was swallowed whole/alive as opposed to being chewed up into bite size morsels.  He verbally reminded God, and himself, of the might, power and mercy of God.  Sometimes we need to hear what we believe out loud; sometimes we need to pray out loud.  He ends his prayer with the promise of loud praise and a sacrifice.  Then, he makes a vow to proclaim God's salvation.

The second half of verse 6 could refer to God's merciful plan that saves us from hell (the pit).  In the same way verse 7 could be likened to a person coming to the end of their struggles in life to acknowledge Jesus as their savior.

In verse 8 Jonah speaks against idol worshipers.  He could be referring to Gentiles in general, the sailors of the ship or the Ninevites.

(If read just the right way, this prayer can sound like a con job.  However, you cannot con a God who can read your heart.)  Jonah obviously had some sort of relationship with God for such a heartfelt prayer. The prayer is honorable and shows great awe and humility.  He has definitely repented to do God's will.

He was in the belly of a fish but he knew God would spare him (V.4).  (Jesus knew when in the tomb, that His Father would not abandon Him.)  There certainly was something special about this man that God chose him for a special task.  Of course he had flaws (stubborn, jealous, argumentative) but this only reminds us that God uses flawed people so His presence is obvious through His miracles.

Then, just as the Lord commanded the storm to stop and it did (immediately), He now commanded the fish to spew Jonah onto dry land and the fish did - without hesitation.

I have read commentaries that state this book is just a fairy tale of sorts to entertain us albeit with or without a point.  I say everything in this book is possible and factual.  Put that together with Rev. 19:10 which emphatically states ". . . it is the spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.".  It is explained very emphatically from original Greek text:  "For the substance, essence of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy, the vital breath, the inspiration of all inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose of God."  Jonah is known as a prophet.  The Holy Spirit of the God Head authored the Bible.

We are now at the end of chapter two and I want to point out seven (7) miracles in these two chapters that were performed by the hand of God.  Seven is the number of completion and the task of convincing Jonah to do what he was told is completed.

The miracles I speak of are: the great wind that came up on the sea, the casting of lots (by Gentiles) that God answered, the sea growing calm immediately, the great fish that came along just as Jonah went overboard, remaining alive in the fish for three days, being vomited up from the fish and doing it on dry land. 
Behold the mighty hand of God !

Amen