Small book, Big story

Philemon: a very small book in the New Testament; a letter from Paul who is under house arrest in Rome.

> This is a lovely letter asking a Christian slave owner to forgive his run away slave.

> This is a perfect letter for us to remember when we are in a position to forgive - or not.

 

 

> In Rome, a runaway slave was in very, very serious trouble; he could loose his life.

> But . . . there is a wonderful underlying message from the book. It tells us of Jesus as our Mediator with God; the one who speaks for forgiveness on our behalf.

> Just as Paul is pleading for Onesimus, so does our Savior now plead for us when we do wrong.

> In the right circumstances and a poor heart, we could loose our salvation.

> Paul had a personal interest in Onesimus because he was instrumental in the slave's conversion to Christianity - just as Jesus has an interest in us after the suffering He did on our behalf.

> Paul was also very close to Philemon through their Christian brotherhood - just as Jesus is part of God.

> Got a minute? Take a look at this sweet letter and see Jesus in the place of Paul, Christians in place of Onesimus and God as Philemon. Read it with the deeper meaning to see the concern of our Mediator and how He offers to pay for what we owe.

> Postscript: The letter does not say if Philemon did forgive his slave BUT . . . the name "Onesimus" means "Useful" and the name "Philemon" means "He Who Shows Kindness". We can also relate these definitions to how God sees us and it reminds us of His kindness.

 

Revelation John's Vision

REVELATION 1:9 - 20

(Fourth in a series)

 

> This vision of John's takes place on the Jewish Sabbath (Shabot), which is Friday from sundown to Saturday sundown. John explains he was "in the Spirit" which is to say a state of meditation or study.

> Patmos in Greek means, "Stepped On".

> The Greek New Testament (Septuegent) states he was to write down the vision he is about to be shown in a book, which then would have been a scroll. This is to be sent to the seven churches listed in chapters two and three as a warning.

> Jesus fulfills the roles of prophet, priest and king. In His life, He is a prophet; in heaven He is our High Priest and future king (the "Is, Was and Is Coming).

> Lampstands are menorahs with the seven lamps. The menorah references Jesus and the first seven words of Gen. 1:1 which translate from Hebrew "In - beginning - God - Jesus - created - heavens - earth" and reference the "Berisheet Prophecy", which connects the seven days of creation as a foretelling of the six millenium of man and the second coming (seventh) of Christ. Seven is the number of completion.

> V. 13 shows Jesus as a priest in a robe and sash. His white hair defines maturity, wisdom and authority. Bronze references judgement.

> V. 14 references Daniel 7:9 & 10.

> The right hand is mentioned in verse 16 which refers to protection and authority. The stars reference pastors. Just as stars can reference angels, the angels of the seven churches also reference the pastors. The double edged sword is the word of God. 

 

> V. 17 shows us the awe of John in the presence of such a powerful being. Throughout the Bible, worship is a common reaction to His glory. The right hand of Jesus placed on John's head is mindful of the patriarchs of the Old Testament giving blessings to their first born sons. John is of Jesus right hand of favor.

> I like the way the Greek reads for verse eighteen: "And the Ever-living One - I am, living in the eternity of the eternities. I died, but see, I am alive for evermore; and I possess the keys of Death and Hades." Here, again, is reference to the I Am, I Was, I Am Coming, definition of Jesus.

> In verse 20, Jesus explains the stars as the angels of the seven churches and the lampstands as the churches holding the knowledge of the mystery of Gen. 1:1.

> In Greek, verse twenty reads, "As to the hidden meaning the mystery of the seven stars which you saw on My right hand and the seven lampstands of gold, the seven stars are the seven angels messengers of the seven churches assemblies and the seven lampstands are the seven churches." If seven is the number of completion, the seven churches most likely represent the ages of the Christian church through history. 

 

* To be continued . . . . .

 

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

God Is Love

We hear it all the time:  "God loves you", "Jesus loves you".

What does this really mean? 
It has been used until we don't think about the meaning.  We don't connect the words to their meaning.  There are those who would use this to control where you attend church, your finances, your opinions.  You are told God loves you, then subject to a sermon of wrath, hell fire or eye for an eye. 

Let's just explore these issues.

Wrath:  Yes, God had wrath alright, especially in the Old Testament.  But, if we actually search it out, His wrath was directed at non believers, evil doers, idol worshipers and enemies of His people.  Yes, He did punish various of His people but only as a loving father must discipline a child who misbehaves for the good of the child.  His people were always restored after the discipline.  You ask, "What about the times when Israelites were order to wipe out a people - even their children - even their flocks - and take no plunder?"  I answer: Those to be wiped out were idol worshiping enemies of God's people.  I did a study of the idol Baal and the Ashera poll.  The Ashera poll was a carving of the goddess Ashera and it was not modest (to say the least).  What they did to babies and children was an absolute abomination to God.  Mass graves have been uncovered with hundreds, even thousands of children's skeletons.  They practiced horrific mockery of God with priests and priestesses involved in public intercourse followed by orgies.  God is a just God to wipe them from the face of the earth.

Hell fire:  It is doctrine.  There is hell fire.  But, only for non believers.  Those who actually believe in Jesus as the Son of God sent for the atonement of human sin, have nothing to fear of a hell fire.  Isn't that great?  Those of us who believe are already saved through our belief in Jesus Christ.  Once you have accepted His sacrifice as your saving grace, you cannot lose it.   The rapture will lift all believers from this world before God's wrath comes in the final days.  The "Lamb's Book of Life" (Rev.21:27) will be read later; after the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven - after Jesus defeats Satan Rev.19:11 - 21.  We will already be with Him, bringing down the new Jerusalem, when the Book of Life is read.  If we follow a sequence of events: the rapture of believers, three and one half years of the reign of an anti Christ, his defeat, the New Jerusalem, reading the Book of Life, we see that Christian believers will actually be with Jesus before all this.  Jesus cannot re-judge believers He has already taken up into the clouds to be with Him.  Is He going to read the Book of Life and say, "Oooops!  I didn't know that about you; get out!"  I don't think so.  Christian believers do not face a judgement.  We will be taken up to meet Him in the clouds.  God is faithful to His faithful.

Eye for an eye:  In Ex.21:24 this first appears as God gives Moses instructions for governing the Israelites.  This is the Old Testament - the Old Covenant with the Israelite people.  Jesus brought a New Testament and taught in Mt.5:38 & 39 that you are now to turn the other cheek.  The old covenant of law has been replaced with the new covenant of grace through Jesus.  God's amazing grace.

To be loved by God is to be safe, provided for, at peace, confident, worry free and happy.  No one can love like the Creator of time and space, stars and suns, wind and the very atoms that comprise all things.

Story:  There was a scientist who came to God and declared, "We can now create life in the laboratory.  I am like you."  God replies, "Is that so?  Let's just prove your claim."  The scientist agreed they would each create a human being.  When the scientist reached down to gather the dirt to begin his creation, God stopped him and said, "Oh no you don't.  Go get your own dirt."

Challenge:  I dare you to disprove God or Jesus.  Throughout history, every time someone sets out to disprove His existence, they either come to believe in Him or give up in frustration.  Go ahead; I dare you - actual proof.

You ask me for proof of His existence?  I point you to the Bible - a perfect puzzle where all the pieces fit and the old reveals the new and the new proves the old.  I point you to the man of Jesus; perfect, without sin (Heb.9:14, IPe.1:19).  It was very important in the Old Covenant that all sacrifices be "without blemish".  He began a movement that has lasted 2,000 years and survived wars and persecution all that time just to flourish stronger than ever.  No other movement or religion in the world has with stood such opposition.


I fear I have strayed from the subject of love. 
See God as the perfect father.  He loves you so much that He wants to give you everything that is good for you.  Being a good father, who knows you from your beginning, He knows what is best for you.  He knows if you touch the hot stove, you will get burned.  That's why He has rules; just like you give your kids - because you LOVE them.  If you did not grow up with a concerned father, surrender to God and find out what the perfect father can be: never leave you, protect you, guide, discipline, provide every need, teach, listen and care.  Experience His perfect love.

Then, consider the ultimate.  Having a son that you adore.  This perfect being is your absolute joy but to save all of His bad siblings, this child must be punished severely and tortured to death.  Oh, how He loves you and me.

Deut.5:10, Jdgs.5:31, Ps.119:132, Jn.14:23

Time demands I move on with my day.  Think on these things and come back.  We'll share some more.

Amen

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 Gospel Truth, Pt 1

Grace, through belief in Jesus the Christ, is our law today; love God and love your neighbor.  Mt 22:36  The amazing grace (love, forgiveness, kindness) is what Jesus replaced the law with.  Paul wrote in every one of his letters about God’s grace replacing the law. 

Col 1:26 states the “mystery that has been kept hidden” referring to God’s plan of redemption.  This plan replaces God’s perfect law of the Ten Commandments with the sacrifice of Jesus. 

Are we led by spirit or a written code of law?  Christians who belong to Christ are led by the spirit we receive when we accept Jesus as our Savior.

Spirit did not dwell in men in the Old Testament.  It fell on men.  It came and went as men and women of the Bible needed it.  God supplied when there was a need for strength through Him.  Today, we receive the Holy Spirit to dwell IN us when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  Once given and received, He does not leave. 

The Arc:  God commanded a piece of manna, Aaron’s rod and the Ten Commandments to be placed inside the arc.  They are signs of the rebellion of the Israellites.  The people broke the first commandment even before Moses came down from Mt. Sinai.  The arc is made of wood covered with gold.  Wood is a symbol of man.  The cover, the Mercy Seat, is solid gold, representing diety.  The Mercy Seat is where sacrifices were made - replaced by the sacrifice of Jesus - diety.  The lid, Jesus/grace, covers the law inside; the Ten Commandments.

What about Sabbath?  Jesus broke Sabbath time and again - one of the Ten Commandments.  He was confronted by the Pharisees about breaking the Sabbath.  Jesus said if you break one law, you are guilty of breaking all.  Christ showed us, by example, that the commandments were erased, when He came to fulfill the law, by taking all our guilt and shame, on Himself and nailed our sins, under the law, to the cross. 

Early church did not keep Sabbath.  We do not keep the Sabbath today.  The Sabbath is Saturday - ask any Jew.  Christians keep Sunday.  Sunday was the day Christ rose from death to new life.

If Pharisees were so good at keeping the law, why didn’t Christ get along with them?

Jer 31:33 & 34 Here God tells Jeremiah of a second covenant.  The first with Adam and the second through Jesus. He tells him the law will be written on their hearts.  People will no longer need a written code of law they have to obey because true believers will want to follow the will of God.  Also IICor 3:3

For the Jews who rejected Jesus as their Messiah, animal sacrifices done in obedience to the Old Testament covenant were stopped in A.D. 70, at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the armies of Rome.  Jesus warned of this in the Gospels.

The ten commandments are done away with - Mt 5:17  Jesus fulfilled the law (10 Commandments) and the prophets.  The law is God’s perfect law.  Man is carnal and cannot keep a perfect law - that is why Jesus had to fulfill it and prophecy.  Prophecy cannot be done away with.  It is the will of God.  Jesus fulfilled the prophets by fulfilling the law.  He did it for us.  Once and for all.

Christ teaching:  Mt 5:18 & 19 In verse 18, Jesus explains that He has not yet fulfilled the law because He has not yet died for us.  Christ tells us anyone who sets aside even the least of the laws and teaches it will be called least in heaven. 

He goes on to give an example by explaining murder, adultery and a couple other issues like divorce and oaths.  He begins his explanation by stating the law and then corrects it by saying, “But I tell you”.  Here He is explaining that to even think the wrong is the same as doing the wrong.  What human being (other than Himself) can keep such law?  No one.  He knows that.  That is why He was sent - the perfect man to take the perfect law.

To be continued . . . . .

The Gospels - Mark

Mark was not one of the twelve chosen by Jesus but, rather, a follower of Peter.  It is believed Mark wrote from the teachings of Peter.  Mark concentrated more on what Jesus did rather than what He said.  After all, Mark was not a direct witness to Jesus.

What Mark might have looked like

It is the shortest of the gospels with 16 chapters.  This book of Mark was written to Gentiles in Rome and Greece.

Acts 12:12 tells us Mark was somewhat affluent by the reference to his mother’s as a “big” house, because “many people had gathered”, and a servant is mentioned.

In Col 4:10 we learn that Barnabas, Paul’s frequent companion, was a cousin of John Mark.

In his account, Mark sees Jesus as the servant, symbolized by the ox (Rev 4:6&7), because of his tireless ministry in pure motive, represented by the color white.  He presents Jesus to the reader as a tireless worker; always doing and serving others (like a minister, our high priest).  Thus, setting example for His followers.

Mark had failed in his service at one point: Acts 13:13.  The “John” listed here is Mark (called John Mark).  He returned to Jerusalem due to some difficulty.  Acts 13:2 & 4 tells us the Holy Ghost called 2 but 3 went.  Mark was not yet called.  He was eager but not yet called by the Holy Spirit.   New believers are often very enthusiastic but may not yet be made ready.  Mark was experienced as a failed servant writing about the servant of man, Jesus, the ultimate servant.

Col 4:10 and II Tim 4:11 shows us Mark restored.  He went on to be quite  successful as an apostle. 

Mark’s gospel opens with Jesus busy: baptized, calling disciples, driving out demons, healing, tempted and preaching. 
Closes with Jesus working - with the apostles, 16:20.

In Mark, Chapt. 1, Jesus came into our darkness.  (In Mark 16, He left us with His light.)  I want to note that Jesus was baptized at the lowest point in the country and crucified at the highest point.  A good subject to ponder.

Chapter 3 tells us Jesus started with 70 apostles and chose 12.  In Hebrew (Jesus was a Hebrew), the number 12 represents authority/government: 12 tribes, 12 stones in first foundation of New Jerusalem, 12 stones on priests breastplate and more I will not explore at this time. 

Like Matthew, he records many of Jesus parables and healing.  He also accounts for Jesus’ brothers and sisters in Chapt 6.  Indeed, Jesus is very busy in this account by Mark.  He does one thing after another and Mark makes this clear with words like: immediately, and, then Jesus, at once, when Jesus and repeatedly following Jesus name with a verb.  All emphasis is on the perfect example of Jesus the servant.  Another point is the absence of the word “and”.  In original Greek text the conjunction “and” was used more frequently to show He was busy: and He healed, and He walked, and He went, and He saw, and He appoints.  Right away, Mark establishes Jesus as the servant. 

Further along in Chapt. 6, He feeds the 5,000.  If we include what must have been the presence of women and children, He fed even more than this; possibly around 15,000.  Mark tells us they were fed and satisfied; Jesus gave them the bread of life and they were content, just as we are fed with His word and find rest.  It is noted there were 12 full baskets left over.  He gives us all we need - and more.  I find it interesting to note there were also 12 apostles.

In 10:14, rather than the NIV word indignant or angry, original Greek states “severely displeased”.  I am a great advocate of how much Jesus was especially gracious to children and widows; what His brother James called “pure religion”. 

In Chapt. 11, Mark records the crowd crying “Hosanna!” as Jesus came into Jerusalem on a colt.  “Hosanna” translated from Hebrew, means “Save us, please.”  This is especially interesting in v.10.  He notes that they were to find a colt that had never been ridden - you could say a “virgin” colt.  Jesus was born of a virgin woman, rode a virgin colt and was buried in a virgin tomb (one that had never been used).

Mark also relates to us the last supper, Peter’s denial, Gethsemane, His arrest, trial, death, crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

All gospels mention either flogging or punishment of Jesus at the hand of Pilot.  Maybe Pilot was hoping the Jewish priests would have pity when they saw Him beaten within an inch of His life.  It didn’t work.  Surely, it is significant that every one of the gospels accounts for the flogging.  It was common in Roman law to use a cat of nine tails that had pieces of bone and pottery tied to the end of the nine leather tails to latch on to and tear flesh.  It was also likely that he received 38 to 40 lashes (x 9 tails) by Hebrew Old Testament law.  Pilot was dealing with Hebrew priests who were insisting on death.  The Psalmist recorded how His bones “stare back at me”.  The importance of shredding His body of flesh (as fulfilled in prophesy) was to take our ills and pains upon Himself so we might be whole, Isa. 53:4, I Pet.2:24

Moving on to the crucifixion, Mark mentions the time Jesus was crucified in 15:25   Nine in the morning was the time of the morning sacrifice at the temple. 

Verse 16:15 reads “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”  The Greek translates this “Go to all creatures and preach and publish openly.”  The Greek is so much more explicit.

It was a Gentile, a Centurian, that first stated, “This man was the Son of God!”.  His own people, through the priests, had turned against Him (the very people He came to save) so the apostles were sent out to Gentiles, who were quicker to believe.  The Gentiles did not have 5,000 years of law and tradition to over come.

Mark also mentions the women who were in service to Jesus during His ministry and were present at the cross.  This would have been unusual in those days.  A crucifixion was no place for a woman; it was very brutal.  Most likely, they stood off a few yards.  However, we are to believe that His mother was in hearing range when told to behold her new son, John.

One last note: These first four books of the New Testament are called “Synoptic Gospels”.  This translates “Good News In Agreement”.

Amen

The Gospels - Matthew

In the four gospels, we find 89 chapters.  Four chapters are on the childhood of Jesus.  There are 12 chapters of the public ministry of Jesus in John alone. 

What Matthew could have looked like

NOTE:  The disciples were very young, most mere teenagers.  I will be writing on this in detail in the future.

The four gospels are referred to as "Synoptic" gospels.  Synoptic means "to view together".  Together they compose the complete life of our Savior. 

Matthew wrote with detailed precision, as the accountant that he was.  In Matthew we find Jesus portrayed as a king, symbolized by the lion, exalted and represented by the color purple, associated with royalty (although among Jews the color considered as royal is red).  The phrase, "kingdom of heaven" is only referenced in this book of the gospels.  Matthew has the most chapters, 28, probably because he wrote with a lot of detail.

This first of the gospels is written to Jews of prominence and shows Jesus geneology, through Joseph, back to King David thus proclaiming His physical claim to the throne in the kingdom of God.  The tribe of Judah is listed to show His Jewish kinship as coming from the chosen people; Jesus being THE chosen one.   It does not state that Jesus was begotten of Joseph because there was no physical connection.  In the begats of Mt, chapt. 1, we find the four gentile women listed:  Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba (listed as Uriah's wife).  A few names were left out because they were not worthy.  In AD 17, Romans burned all archives.

NOTE: Most often non believers are not mentioned by name in the Bible, but these women were and/or became believers based on evidence in their stories.

NOTE:  Matthew records three sets of 14 generations: 3x14 = 42 months = 3 1/2 years: the time of tribulation.  The first set of generations runs Abraham thru David; the second runs David thru Babylon and the third runs Babylon thru Jesus.  These reference morning, noon and evening of the time of this age.

In those days, tax collectors cheated and stole from their own people - the worst of the worst.  People despised tax collectors, did not trust and shunned them.    Matthew was, actually, serving another country (Rome).  He had given an oath to Ceasar, as a God.   He was considered a traitor of his people for the love of money - a type of idol worship.  To his credit, in Mt 9:9, Jesus said two words, "Follow Me", and Matthew did.  Jesus explains his choice in 9:12.

Matthew, writing to prominent Jews, records the visit of the Magi and their dealings with king Herod (Herod, Heb: "Evil").  (I have read an account showing Herod as descendant of Esau.) 

in Mt 2:2 we find a parallel to Gen 3:9:  In Genesis, is the first question in the Bible,  "Where are you?"; God asked of Adam.   Adam, the first man, was hiding from God from the guilt of his sin.  Here, Mt 2:2, is the question from the Magi (a class of priests among the Persians and Medes who formed the kings privy council) inquiring about the second Adam, Jesus, who came to do the job that Adam failed at: uniting man's relationship with God.

In Mt 2:13 we are told of the escape into Egypt; Egypt translates "stress".  This is very interesting not only in this story but also the story of Moses saving the Israelites out of Egypt (stress).

We see the humility of John the Baptist in Mt 3:11

In the baptism of Jesus, we see the Holy Spirit, in symbol of a dove, lighting on Jesus.  (See Ps 2:7)  In Gen 8:9, the dove found no resting place from the ark.  The dove would not land on dead bodies of the condemned/condemnation.  The Holy Spirit cannot rest on us under condemnation.  The Holy Spirit, in Matthew, found no condemnation in Jesus - only grace.

When Satan tells Jesus to turn stones to bread in Mt 4:3, he is telling Him to get fed from the law (the 10 Commandments were written on stone).  Jesus refused because He came to fulfill the law NOT to enforce it.

In 4:20, it is interesting to note the phrase "I will send you out to fish for men/people" was originally, in Greek, "Let me be your guide".  Further in verse 20, "followed him" is "became His disciples", in the original Greek.  These differences in wording do put a slightly different slant to the meaning.

In Mt 10 we find the first commission assigned to the apostles.  Verse 11:25, "little children" originally read "disciples" who actually are children in their stage of spiritual growth.  Chapt. 12:31&32 reveals what might be the "unpardonable sin".  

It is very interesting, in lieu of Matthew's view of Jesus as King, that in verse 21:3 he refers to Him as THE Lord (not "my" Lord). 

Many parables are recorded by Matthew along with Peter's declaration, Jesus prediction of His death, the transfiguration, healing, divorce, the little children, His entry into Jerusalem, taxes, hypocrisy, woe to teachers of the law, signs of the end time, the plot against Him, last supper, the garden, His arrest, trial, Peter's denial, crucifixion, burial and ends with His resurrection.  

I find it interesting in 27:25, "All the people [Jews] answered, "His blood is on us and on our children!"  Surely, they had no idea what a curse they were pronouncing on generations.

This record ends with the resurrection, ascension and promise to be "with you always, to the very end of the age.".  
Amen
  
* I'll be back in a few days with notes on the book of Mark.

A Short Thought

During a recent Sunday School class discussion, there were comments on how to forgive those who wrong you or for whatever reason, you don't like or don't want to be around.

One comment has stayed with me and I would like to share it with you:

When there is someone that you need to forgive (for any reason), or just accept, imagine that Jesus is standing behind them and saying to you, "I love them".

This is a very interesting exercise and I have to admit it is working for me.
Amen

He Does It For Us

We do not need great faith.
Jesus has faith in Himself; enough for all of us. Mk. 9:23.   In this verse Jesus questions the man's faith in Him (Jesus) and replies that everything is possible for Him (Jesus).   (Original Greek text leaves off the first word "believe" in v. 23 and shows a question mark: "If you can?" (Jesus acknowledges the man's doubt.) Jesus further states "Everything is possible for HIM who believes." (meaning Jesus).   We only need to know that our Savior has enough faith for all of us.  We can borrow from Him by just asking of Him for the faith we need.

We only need enough faith to believe HE can move our mountains and HIS faith will do it for us.  We merely ask.  After all, we have no ability to heal, yet we pray for others and miracles happen - through the faith of Jesus.
Amen

Do not stress; just ask.  I like to say, "If you are worried, pray.  If you pray, why are you worried?"  Think about it.  Let go and let God.  What makes you think that all your worry can do even an ounce of what God can do?

I love this picture

Jesus worked on Sabbath to show us we should rest in Him.    In all His parables sitting down refers to Him sitting down because we are so busy trying to fix our problems.  When we sit (rest in Him), He will get up and do it for us. 
There is strength in the calm.  Listen for God's quiet voice to comfort, instruct, advise and direct.  Jesus "sat Down" at the right hand of God after the resurrection; He is now our advocate to God the Father. 

In the NT, there is no talk of "waiting on the Lord God" because He has already come.
 
He works through the meek and the weak just to show He is doing it for us.  David was a boy when he killed Goliath,  Daniel and Joseph were young boys when they were taken and promoted to high ranking offices that helped their people.

Christians are amazing people.  Just the belief of a mustard seed is needed - the belief to ask.  Not your faith; the faith of Jesus.  I have the belief of a mustard seed but never moved a mountain until I showed belief in the ability of Jesus to change things.  Mountains (problems) move.


Money problems?  Jesus does not need money; He has the riches of the universe.  He waits for you to show your belief in Him enough to ask.  He says "believe in me".  Like grace - You don't have to do anything. You cant' earn it. It's a gift.  It's free.  The grace of God/Jesus provides love, protection, generosity, understanding, tolerance and so much more.



We get so caught up in doing and pushing what WE feel He wants that WE forget Jesus can and will do it for us.  WE want people to do good; WE want our family to believe; WE want what is best for our kids; WE know that the old hymns are the best; WE want the Pastor's wife to dress different; WE want the girls to stop dying their hair blue; WE want, WE want.  We want because WE know what God wants and WE are sure WE are told to do this.  Oh, come on.  How dare WE presume to know the mind of The Supreme Being Himself ?  Or His timing, or His goals? Or His unfathomable love and grace.
STOP IT !

Let go; relax.  Jesus can do it all for you and . . . He wants to.

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

"I Am"

The great "I Am Who I Am" statement in Ex.3:6 shortened to "I Am" throughout the Old Testament, is continued in the New Testament with all the "I Am" quotes of Jesus.  (via the Hebrew language, this statement can also be rendered "I Shall Be As I Shall Be" referring to the coming of Jesus and again in the second coming.)

In essence, Jesus was continuing to state that He was/is God (in flesh).  This explains why the priests and Jewish leaders were so consumed with jealousy and venomous hatred.  He kept saying, "I Am".  This was the name of God in their books of Moses.  Jesus kept stating that He was God.  Absolute blasphemy for a man who was a mere carpenter from little ol' no nothing Nazareth.  They were waiting for the glowing son of God, in great majesty to descend from the clouds with a righteous flaming sword to slay all the enemies of Israel.  Am I clear here?

Take a look at the New Testament and circle every time Jesus said "I Am" in the gospel of John, who saw Jesus as the Son of God.  Amazing how many times He told people who He was and very few actually "got it".  The pharisees  understood what He was saying but were enraged with vile jealousy over such a statement. After all, they, as religious leaders, would certainly know the son of God if he were standing in front of them.

I Am:  The bread of life - Jn 6:35  I am reminded of communion and the broken  bread (His body) that heals us.
           The light of the world - Jn 8:12   I am reminded of the healing of the blind to bring them into the light of His truth and out of the darkness of lies and confusion.  I was blind, bur now I see.
           The Good Shepard - Jn 10:11  Jesus left the 100 to find the one lost.  Something unheard of among shepherds.
           The gate for the sheep - Jn 10:7   He said, "My sheep know me."  He brings us through that narrow gate that is a difficult journey to follow Him along the path to everlasting life.
           The resurrection and the life - Jn 11:25  Through His death and resurrection, we are now inheritors of eternal life.
           The way and the truth and the life - Jn 14:6  Belief in Him and what He did on that tree is the truth that leads us to life after death.
           The true vine - Jn 15:1  Jesus is the vine, believers are the branches that are to produce fruit/good in our lives.  Apart from the vine, we cannot function; we would die.
In Jn 7 people wanted to seize Jesus because He said, "I am".
* Each of these statements also refers to a side of God Himself.

I have heard it stated that Jn 7, at the Feast, is counted as the first time Jesus said, "I Am". Actually, In Jn 4:26 (three chapters prior to chapt. 7) Jesus says, "I Am He" to the Samaritan woman at the well.

You will find it very interesting to take the time to circle every time Jesus says "I am" in the gospel of John.

Let's go back to Ex 3:6 and 3:14  
Here the "I am" translates from the Hebrew "Yahweh" which translates into English as "I Shall Be As I Shall Be".  "Shall Be" as future tense here is a reference to Jesus coming.  ("Yahweh" actually translates more correctly, in other places of the bible, as "I Was, I Am, I Shall Be", which tells us a lot more about the plurality of God.  I will go into this another time.)

Note:  In Jn 1:21, John the Baptist stated, "I Am NOT" stating he was not the "I Am".  The Baptist had great anointed knowledge from the Holy Spirit.

In Revelation (NIV), I have counted ten "I am" statements with two places where I believe are mistranslated to leave out "I am" statements.  Considering this book is prophesy, the number 10 represents the law and the number 12 represents government, this is a very interesting issue.

Rev 4:8 concludes with the phrase, "who was, and is, and is to come."  This representing the Hebrew word "Yahweh".

Anyway, this study could be continued much deeper, if the reader is so disposed at this  time.  I am moving on.

May you be blessed anew today with a fresh anointing that will bless you with God's grace, health, patience and wisdom.
 Amen

Believers Are Free

Well, it's Monday again and I had coffee in front of my favorite tel-evangelists on TBN.

When the coffee is gone and the programs are over, I have a little talk with my Heavenly Father.  This morning, I say "thank you" which is usually reserved for bedtime.  (Like counting sheep, only better.)  I was raised to pray for others in the morning and thank God at night.  This seems to help with too much self indulgence.  Although,  my Father in heaven is a generous father and I know I can ask for anything anytime. 

After four half hour sermons, from four different speakers, I am feeling particularly good about my freedom as a Christian.  (This is a pretty good way to start the week.)  To be the righteousness of God, as a gift, through the sacrifice of Christ is so much more than we realize; so much more than we deserve.  We do not have to work for anything.  We just accept by believing of, and in Jesus and His resurrected life.  That's it!  I don't think about this as much as I should.  It makes me very much at peace, with a lot less stress.

Christians are free from worry and fear.  We will be saved through the rapture before the worst of the end times.  We do not have to please God by working to do right.  We do not have to feel guilt - it's been taken away.  You can't change it.  It's already happened.  Whether you believe it or understand it.  We are saved from this world now.

When God looks at a believer, He sees His Son, Jesus.  In God's eyes we are as pure as our Savior Himself.  His shed blood covers over all sin and God can only see Jesus'  holiness.  Yes, we are holy.  We are ambassadors of heaven.  We are apostles.  We are brothers and sisters with Christ.  We can lay all problems at the feet of our savior and he will plead our case for us.  We can go directly to God, the Father and commune.  And. . . He will answer us.

When a believer dies, he sleeps.  He knows nothing.  In a twinkling of an eye he wakes to the rapture with all other believers throughout history.  This is an amazing thing to understand.  Talk about reducing fear.  

As Jesus is in heaven, so are we.  We, as believers, can heal and be healed, teach and be taught, anoint and be anointed, give and take communion and receive the same standing as Christ Himself.  Understand, we achieve this through what He did and the blood He shed - not by anything we could ever do.  We are sinners; have been, are and will be until we are changed to that new life.  Our sins no longer count against us.  Even as we sin today, it is already forgiven - because we believe that is why Jesus died and rose.

Some time ago, I left a Bible study because the leader was teaching that a believer can lose their salvation.  I guess, by committing a sin.  At first, I thought we might just agree to disagree, as brother and sister in Christ.  That does not work.  For one thing, both of us stand firm in our belief.  

Let me plead my case here:  Did Jesus die for nothing?  Is he saying that Christ needs to be nailed to that tree again so he can be saved every time he slips?  I say,  "NO".  It is once and for all - like Paul said.  Once died for all!  It is done!  We are saved.  We are free!  True believers WANT to do what pleases our Father because we know the love involved and the sacrifice from Him and The Son.

Let us be humble and take a few times today to reflect on all this.  Let's go through our Monday being happy for the amazing blessings God has freely given to us through His most beloved son, that He is so proud of. 
Amen