Text: For Moses wrote that if a person could be perfectly good and hold out against temptation all his life and never sin once, only then could he be pardoned and saved. But the "salvation" that comes through faith says, "you don't need to search the Heavens to find Christ.and bring him down to help you,' ' you don't need to go among the dead to bring Christ back to life again." For salvation comes from trusting Christ, which is what we preach,it is already within easy reach for each of us ; in fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord and believe in your own heart, that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth, he tells others of his faith; confirming his "salvation." Through his "confession" is made unto salvation. 'Grace through faith in Christ". For the scriptures tells us that no one who believes in Christ will never be disappointed. How can anyone be saved unless they believe in him? Or never heard about him? How can you love him, If you don't know Him? We must step out and proclaim Him in this troubled world.
Their are two paths to the Gospel text today.
" One in which we see Jesus as the stiller of the storm; as the one who brings peace to those who sail through life in the boat called the Church.
" Two" in which we see Jesus as the one who bestows power; to those who as a part of his church, are willing to take a chance. to leap. We can leap Because we have a God who is sure to save. The way has been prepared. The invitation to God has been extended. Reach out, we need only to draw near him through our faith.
Immediately he challenge the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came Jesus was there alone. But, by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning Jesus came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him, they were terrified saying, "It is a "ghost!" and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them. and said, " Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid. Peter answered him, " Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.
Jesus said: Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and began sinking, he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, " You of so little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat, said " Truly you are the Son of God." (Matt14:22-33).
There is another side of a man's modern day story, who wanted to show his courage, after reading Peters story in Matthew's Gospel. (14:22-33). Their was a young man who was as brash as Peter.
This young man wanted to be a lion tamer. He read books on lion taming, He talked to lion tamers
every chance He got, He visited the Zoo to look at the lions. Then one night after the zoo closed, The young man with the lion tamer book in his hands, scaled the fence and landed in the lions den. Well, you know what happened. The next morning they found some bones, bits and pieces of clothing, and a torn up book on lion taming. Jesus would have told him, what He probably told Peter, " Look before leap!
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Friday, December 30, 2016
Prayer and Fasting Story of Judith.
The figure of Judith- one of the heroines who saved her people- is not one with which we are very familiar; indeed, some churches no longer even print the book of Judith in their Bibles. But, the story was very popular around the time of Jesus, and part of the popularity was derived from the fact that it is a very good story. While the storyline is religious- how good Jews should behave- it tells the story with all the elements of a thriller movie with the women in the lead role. Looking at Judith in the story ( the plot is set in the sixth century BC., but the story was written sometime between 150 and 100 BC.), we see the ideal of religious behaviour regarding fasting and prayer. that would have been deep inside the religious culture of those who first followed Jesus. The story is set just after the exile and king Nebuchadnezzar- a proverbial bad-guy- has sent his army led by "Holefernes-another bad guy- to destroy the people and carry away all that they have. Faced with all this calamity,the High Priest in Jerusalem orders prayer and fasting. Meanwhile in the enemy camp, Holofernes is told that, so long as Israel serves God, God will defend them- this is the basic covenant- and so if he marches against them, he will fail. (Judith 5. 20-21). But this does not scare him and he sets off with a massive army confident Israel will not be able to resist our mighty army. Holofernes then decides that he will lay siege to the first of their towns, " Bethulia" ( a fictional place chosen so that no town could claim Judith as one of its own, and hereby distract any attention from Jerusalem), and drive its inhabitants to surrender through hunger and thirst. Eventually, the people decide they have had enough. and say they want to give.: God has abandoned them and is punishing their sins. Uzziah their leader asks them to hold on for just five days more, because by that time the Lord our God will turn his mercy towards us again, for he will not forsake us utterly. Then enters Judith.
Judith was both rich and beautiful ( the story gives many details about her clothes and ; all spoke well of her. and knew she 'feared' God with great devotion. Three years and four months earlier she had been widowed and from the death of her husband Manasseh she had dressed as a widow and she spent the nights in prayer. and fasted all the days of her widowhood, except the day before the sabbath and the sabbath itself, the day before the new moon., and the festivals and days of rejoicing of the house of Israel. When she heard what Uzziah had said she was furious: she saw it as putting God to the test with an ultimatum- save us in five days or we will give in.! She then gives out a key piece of teaching about prayer.
" Do not try to bind the purposes of the Lord our God; For
God is not like a human being, to be threatened
Or like a mere mortal, to be won over by pleading
Therefore, while we wait for his deliverance, let us call
upon him to help us, and He will hear our voice, if it
pleases him. (Judith 8:16-17 [nrsv]
She then tells the people that God would deliver Israel through her hand.: she will be the savior sent by God. To prepare for the task she begins to pray at ' the very moment when the evening incense was being offered in Jerusalem and pleads with God to hear her tears. Then she dresses up to entice men who might see her, leaves the city, an is apprehended by an enemy patrol. asked who she is she says that she is fleeing the Hebrews and wants to see Holofernes and give him information about his enemies . Amazed by her beauty the patrol brings her to his tent and she declares that she will tell him when the people have sinned and therefore the right time to attack. Holofernes decides to seduce her; she accepts his advances and drinks with him until he is drunk; then they go to bed and he sleeps. Then praying for strength, Judith decapitates him, places his head in a bag, and with her maid on the pretense of going out to pray- makes her getaway. You can guess the outcome; when the Israelites see Holofernes head on Bethulia's wall, his army is in despair, Israel is triumphant and Judith sings a great thanksgiving song in Jerusalem.
Judith was both rich and beautiful ( the story gives many details about her clothes and ; all spoke well of her. and knew she 'feared' God with great devotion. Three years and four months earlier she had been widowed and from the death of her husband Manasseh she had dressed as a widow and she spent the nights in prayer. and fasted all the days of her widowhood, except the day before the sabbath and the sabbath itself, the day before the new moon., and the festivals and days of rejoicing of the house of Israel. When she heard what Uzziah had said she was furious: she saw it as putting God to the test with an ultimatum- save us in five days or we will give in.! She then gives out a key piece of teaching about prayer.
" Do not try to bind the purposes of the Lord our God; For
God is not like a human being, to be threatened
Or like a mere mortal, to be won over by pleading
Therefore, while we wait for his deliverance, let us call
upon him to help us, and He will hear our voice, if it
pleases him. (Judith 8:16-17 [nrsv]
She then tells the people that God would deliver Israel through her hand.: she will be the savior sent by God. To prepare for the task she begins to pray at ' the very moment when the evening incense was being offered in Jerusalem and pleads with God to hear her tears. Then she dresses up to entice men who might see her, leaves the city, an is apprehended by an enemy patrol. asked who she is she says that she is fleeing the Hebrews and wants to see Holofernes and give him information about his enemies . Amazed by her beauty the patrol brings her to his tent and she declares that she will tell him when the people have sinned and therefore the right time to attack. Holofernes decides to seduce her; she accepts his advances and drinks with him until he is drunk; then they go to bed and he sleeps. Then praying for strength, Judith decapitates him, places his head in a bag, and with her maid on the pretense of going out to pray- makes her getaway. You can guess the outcome; when the Israelites see Holofernes head on Bethulia's wall, his army is in despair, Israel is triumphant and Judith sings a great thanksgiving song in Jerusalem.
God speaks to Elijah 1 Kings 19:7,11-13
Then the angel of the Lord came again to Elijah and touched him and said eat some more, for their is a long journey ahead of you. So he got and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Horeb, the "Mountain of God", where he lived in a cave.
What are you doing here Elijah?" He replied, " I have worked very hard for the Lord God of the heavens; but the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you and torn down your altars and killed your prophets, and only I am left; and now they are trying to kill me too."
" Go out and stand on the mountain," the Lord told him. and as Elijah stood there the Lord passed by, and a mighty wind storm hit the mountain; it was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose.After the wind their was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. and after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, their was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his scarf and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. and a voice said, " Why are you here, Elijah?"
In the Old Testament reading (1Kings) we are on Horeb, it is another name for Mt. Sinai. It's a sacred place, associated with Moses and the law. Remember the powerful displays of God with Moses? Now there is another great figure on the mountain and God is there to meet him. but, this is an encounter of another kind. Elijah is scared, running away from Ahab and Jezebel. He was rather spectacular confronting hundreds of prophets of Baal in a test of their god against his. His God won. He was fiery prophet; Gods fiery tongue. He had in confrontation with the priests, confronted the nation's superstitions and false religious practices.
For his boldness he was under threat and was on the lamb, hiding from the pursuing forces. He is afraid and has fled to a cave on Horeb. God calls him out. But God is not in the terrible wind that crushes rocks. The prophet does not need that kind of God at this stage of his life! Nor is God in the earthquake, or lighting. Maybe the prophet would have been overwhelmed by all that. Instead,God
is in the tiny whispering sound. In the quiet of the eye of the hurricane he was facing, Elijah heard the still voice of God at this stage of his life and that was enough for him to Go back to his prophetic task. A voice strong enough to strengthen frightened prophets comes in a whisper. God knows how and when to speak to us. And we need to hear this voice if we are to persevere in the prophetic tasks to which we have been called. We may have spoken out on our behalf of someone who is victimized at work or on the playground. We may be showing God' care for someone who is dependent on our being there for them. We may be teaching the young to be honest and fair in their dealings with all people. Whatever the prophetic witness, we all grow tired, doubtful, and, at times afraid. Here is a God who knows how to come and meet us and takeaway our weakness in our determination to serve God and God's people. Christ has spent a lot of time doing Good; but He prayed a lot. he had to get away for awhile. How do we hear this God of Elijah? Maybe in the midst of our own storms, but in disguises, in what appears to be so ordinary and commonplace. At this time we discover our strength, when we take a moment of quiet time in our lives. We sense the presence of the strong God of Horeb who has seen our need, and responded appropriately. Even though Christ had to get away for a while from all his hectic activity someone was waiting for him, and in this place of meeting he was renewed. He prays on mountains, out in the desert, on the other side of the lake as in the (Text: Matt.14: 22-33.) prayer at the important moments seem to have given him resolve and direction. We must find our own place to pray. God may be waiting to enter our life in a whisper and, if so, we will have to listen intently to hear. Storms also come to good people, Struggles doing what we think God wants us to do, are not a sign we are doing something wrong. Guided by the troubles Elijah has gotten himself into, we might say, doing what God wants us to do will cause trouble. Then that is the time for "Good News", of Jesus to come to our aid in the midst of our crisis.
What are you doing here Elijah?" He replied, " I have worked very hard for the Lord God of the heavens; but the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you and torn down your altars and killed your prophets, and only I am left; and now they are trying to kill me too."
" Go out and stand on the mountain," the Lord told him. and as Elijah stood there the Lord passed by, and a mighty wind storm hit the mountain; it was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose.After the wind their was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. and after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, their was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his scarf and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. and a voice said, " Why are you here, Elijah?"
In the Old Testament reading (1Kings) we are on Horeb, it is another name for Mt. Sinai. It's a sacred place, associated with Moses and the law. Remember the powerful displays of God with Moses? Now there is another great figure on the mountain and God is there to meet him. but, this is an encounter of another kind. Elijah is scared, running away from Ahab and Jezebel. He was rather spectacular confronting hundreds of prophets of Baal in a test of their god against his. His God won. He was fiery prophet; Gods fiery tongue. He had in confrontation with the priests, confronted the nation's superstitions and false religious practices.
For his boldness he was under threat and was on the lamb, hiding from the pursuing forces. He is afraid and has fled to a cave on Horeb. God calls him out. But God is not in the terrible wind that crushes rocks. The prophet does not need that kind of God at this stage of his life! Nor is God in the earthquake, or lighting. Maybe the prophet would have been overwhelmed by all that. Instead,God
is in the tiny whispering sound. In the quiet of the eye of the hurricane he was facing, Elijah heard the still voice of God at this stage of his life and that was enough for him to Go back to his prophetic task. A voice strong enough to strengthen frightened prophets comes in a whisper. God knows how and when to speak to us. And we need to hear this voice if we are to persevere in the prophetic tasks to which we have been called. We may have spoken out on our behalf of someone who is victimized at work or on the playground. We may be showing God' care for someone who is dependent on our being there for them. We may be teaching the young to be honest and fair in their dealings with all people. Whatever the prophetic witness, we all grow tired, doubtful, and, at times afraid. Here is a God who knows how to come and meet us and takeaway our weakness in our determination to serve God and God's people. Christ has spent a lot of time doing Good; but He prayed a lot. he had to get away for awhile. How do we hear this God of Elijah? Maybe in the midst of our own storms, but in disguises, in what appears to be so ordinary and commonplace. At this time we discover our strength, when we take a moment of quiet time in our lives. We sense the presence of the strong God of Horeb who has seen our need, and responded appropriately. Even though Christ had to get away for a while from all his hectic activity someone was waiting for him, and in this place of meeting he was renewed. He prays on mountains, out in the desert, on the other side of the lake as in the (Text: Matt.14: 22-33.) prayer at the important moments seem to have given him resolve and direction. We must find our own place to pray. God may be waiting to enter our life in a whisper and, if so, we will have to listen intently to hear. Storms also come to good people, Struggles doing what we think God wants us to do, are not a sign we are doing something wrong. Guided by the troubles Elijah has gotten himself into, we might say, doing what God wants us to do will cause trouble. Then that is the time for "Good News", of Jesus to come to our aid in the midst of our crisis.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Baptism of Our Lord: Luke 3:15-17,21-22
Who knows your name? Who calls you by name? When we leave the security of our friends and family we often have to prove who we are. This is the case when staying in a hotel or boarding a plane.
Isaiah reminds us that God is the one who calls us by name and claims us. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus is claimed as " Beloved son of God, before He has healed anyone or performed any miracles. This naming comes as a gift to Jesus. For us, too, before we do anything, before we can be faithful, God lays claim on our lives. In a world where no one knows your name, the church is the one place where everyone knows everyone's name, for we are all children of God, marked by the cross of Christ forever, even without a proper I.D. TO PROVE IT. But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: " fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. (Is. 43:1-7).
TEXT: The people were full of anticipation, wondering in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah. This popular conception concerning John the baptizer, closely resembles that in John (1, 20,25). "And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ). And they asked him, and said unto him, Why are you baptizing then, if thou be not the Christ.Are you Elijah? I am baptizing with water, but there is one who is mightier than I. I am not fit to loosen His sandal strap. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and in Fire. When all the people were baptized, and Jesus was at prayer, after likewise Jesus being Baptized, the skies opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in visible form like a dove. A voice from Heaven was heard to say:" You are my beloved Son. On you my favor rests. Remember, Luke traces the genealogy of Jesus to Adam in order to identify Jesus with all humanity, and Matthew (1-16) traces it to Abraham to identify Jesus with Israel.
The Baptism of our Lord cannot help but recall our own and all baptismal blessings. we recall and celebrate our adoption as daughters and sons, the Gift of the "Holy Spirit" and the promise of almighty God when we "pass through the waters"... the rivers... fire. On this day the heavens will open again, for this assembly, and we receive the gift of the beloved Son of God in bread and wine.
The servant of the Lord is a person like Jonah.
For many years this Pastor needed someone to Identify to sustain and inspire him. For many years he identified with a man by the name of Jonah. The word of the Lord came to Jonah and ask that He go to Nineveh, which was the capital of the Assyrian empire. He was to go and proclaim the word of the Lord at this place. Jonah went down to Joppa where he found a ship which was about to depart for Tarshish, which was located in the opposite direction. Out in the Mediterranean Sea a storm came upon them. The crew believed that someone was responsible for this tragedy. They cast lots and it fell upon Jonah. The sailors asked him, " who are you"? He replied, " I am a Hebrew and I Fear the Lord who created the heavens and the earth." Then the sailors asked a further question: " What shall we do with you?" Jonah suggested that they cast him into the sea. This they did and the storm began to subside. A monster devoured Jonah and from its belly he cried unto the Lord, for he had been in the belly for three days,
He experienced deliverance when the monster spewed forth Jonah at the place from which they had departed. The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. ( You bet he listen). Jonah went to Nineveh and proclaimed the message about impending judgment. The King and people of
Nineveh covered themselves with with sackcloth and sat in ashes. God repented and the dramatic judgment did not take place. Jonah was disappointed, He did not like the people of Nineveh, He wanted them destroyed. He did his work, and now He was kicking against the purpose of God which expressed itself as "Grace rather than Judgment."
In his despondency, Jonah sat near Nineveh in a booth, and a plant grew up which shaded him. In this comfort, Jonah's spirits were revived. Then a worm destroyed the plant, and Jonah began to feel sorry for himself; he wanted to die. The Lord spoke this word of rebuke to him: " You feel sorry for the plant; ought not I the Lord, have have mercy on Nineveh."
Jonah had taught the word of the Lord correctly and it had worked. At the same time he grumbled and kicked against the purpose of God. This was a contradiction in his existence, and this is why this "Pastor" found it easy to identify with Jonah. This pastor seek to do the Lord's work, and at the same time seek to rebel against him. In this gospel text, we meet John the Baptist, Jesus and the author Luke. John the Baptist was the last of the prophets. He stood at the end of one age and was involved in one kind of time. We might call it B.C. time, It is the kind of time which which began with Adam in his rebellion and is continued by this "Pastor" caught up in his rebellion. John the Baptist spoke to a man caught up in B.C. time This kind of time is still with us. We are all caught up in it. John sensed the mystery of the person in whose presence he stood. He went so far as to say he didn't feel worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. This means that he did not feel worthy to receive Jesus as his guest.
John had a intuition that this Jesus would initiate a new kind of time called A.D. (year of our Lord).
Luke believed that something new was at hand in the person of Jesus and was breaking in upon them. Luke also believed that there was something ultimate about this new reality. John the Baptist expressed this conviction in terms of fire and winnowing fork. The farmers in Palestine would toss the broken strands of wheat in the air with his fork. The heavier grain would fall to the ground and the wind would blow the chaff to the edge of the threshing area. The chaff would be gathered and burned by fire. There is something about these expressions which suggests that our whole self must be involved with this new reality. Our Lord is the speaker in Luke 12:49 and 50 with the selection of these words: "I came to bring fire to the earth and how I wish it were already kindled." I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed. Luke relates this new reality to a fire which is cast upon the earth and to the "Baptism of Jesus".Upon the end of the age.
We might ask when and how did Jesus identify himself with his mission and his servant from Isaiah.
At his baptism, there was a theophany ( divine revelation) and disclosure to the people who were struggling to understand what was happening. A dove descended from heaven as a sign and symbol of the Holy Spirit, and a voice was heard from heaven. The words of this voice are a quotation from the book of Isaiah (43:1-7). The Hebrew phrase in whom " my soul delights is translated in Greek by the words in whom " I am well please." This is my beloved Son is a quotation from "Psalm 2" and also reflects Isaiah, at the moment, the new and struggling community did not know what was happening. It was not until after the resurrection that the significance of these events became clear.
At His baptism, our Lord identified himself with the servant people of God. Jesus believed that He must die now as this servant, to become part of this servant people. Because the Lord identified himself openly and fully at His baptism, we can become part of the community which formed around the risen Lord. This is confirmed from the book of (Acts 10). It is a portion of a sermon which Peter spoke in the home of Cornelius at Caesarea. God's work in Christ began at His baptism. This is why our "Baptism" is so important. It is God's act of incorporation into into this new reality. It becomes the basis for the exhortation which is abundant in the "New Testament." This exhortation which is rooted in the act of God. This act and new reality when we put on "Christ". The Lord wants your full commitment full time and will take nothing less!
We began with Jonah. He was very human. He did the Lords work and at the same time kicked against God's purpose. The Lord never settled for this. He engaged Jonah in an endless struggle. This is what Christ's baptism did for him. Edmund Schlink in his book," the doctrine of Baptism, points out, that the Baptism of Jesus led to the cross and the resurrection. This is what your baptism is intended to do for you. When God called you it was His act of incorporation into the new reality which has come upon us, in striving to become what we are already in Christ". But He will not let us remain as we are, like Jonah, we like to feel sorry for ourselves and have our own way. As we live out our baptism, we must die to self and be raised with "Christ" in newness of life. He did not let Jonah remain as he was. He will not let us remain as we are.
Isaiah reminds us that God is the one who calls us by name and claims us. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus is claimed as " Beloved son of God, before He has healed anyone or performed any miracles. This naming comes as a gift to Jesus. For us, too, before we do anything, before we can be faithful, God lays claim on our lives. In a world where no one knows your name, the church is the one place where everyone knows everyone's name, for we are all children of God, marked by the cross of Christ forever, even without a proper I.D. TO PROVE IT. But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: " fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. (Is. 43:1-7).
TEXT: The people were full of anticipation, wondering in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah. This popular conception concerning John the baptizer, closely resembles that in John (1, 20,25). "And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ). And they asked him, and said unto him, Why are you baptizing then, if thou be not the Christ.Are you Elijah? I am baptizing with water, but there is one who is mightier than I. I am not fit to loosen His sandal strap. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and in Fire. When all the people were baptized, and Jesus was at prayer, after likewise Jesus being Baptized, the skies opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in visible form like a dove. A voice from Heaven was heard to say:" You are my beloved Son. On you my favor rests. Remember, Luke traces the genealogy of Jesus to Adam in order to identify Jesus with all humanity, and Matthew (1-16) traces it to Abraham to identify Jesus with Israel.
The Baptism of our Lord cannot help but recall our own and all baptismal blessings. we recall and celebrate our adoption as daughters and sons, the Gift of the "Holy Spirit" and the promise of almighty God when we "pass through the waters"... the rivers... fire. On this day the heavens will open again, for this assembly, and we receive the gift of the beloved Son of God in bread and wine.
The servant of the Lord is a person like Jonah.
For many years this Pastor needed someone to Identify to sustain and inspire him. For many years he identified with a man by the name of Jonah. The word of the Lord came to Jonah and ask that He go to Nineveh, which was the capital of the Assyrian empire. He was to go and proclaim the word of the Lord at this place. Jonah went down to Joppa where he found a ship which was about to depart for Tarshish, which was located in the opposite direction. Out in the Mediterranean Sea a storm came upon them. The crew believed that someone was responsible for this tragedy. They cast lots and it fell upon Jonah. The sailors asked him, " who are you"? He replied, " I am a Hebrew and I Fear the Lord who created the heavens and the earth." Then the sailors asked a further question: " What shall we do with you?" Jonah suggested that they cast him into the sea. This they did and the storm began to subside. A monster devoured Jonah and from its belly he cried unto the Lord, for he had been in the belly for three days,
He experienced deliverance when the monster spewed forth Jonah at the place from which they had departed. The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. ( You bet he listen). Jonah went to Nineveh and proclaimed the message about impending judgment. The King and people of
Nineveh covered themselves with with sackcloth and sat in ashes. God repented and the dramatic judgment did not take place. Jonah was disappointed, He did not like the people of Nineveh, He wanted them destroyed. He did his work, and now He was kicking against the purpose of God which expressed itself as "Grace rather than Judgment."
In his despondency, Jonah sat near Nineveh in a booth, and a plant grew up which shaded him. In this comfort, Jonah's spirits were revived. Then a worm destroyed the plant, and Jonah began to feel sorry for himself; he wanted to die. The Lord spoke this word of rebuke to him: " You feel sorry for the plant; ought not I the Lord, have have mercy on Nineveh."
Jonah had taught the word of the Lord correctly and it had worked. At the same time he grumbled and kicked against the purpose of God. This was a contradiction in his existence, and this is why this "Pastor" found it easy to identify with Jonah. This pastor seek to do the Lord's work, and at the same time seek to rebel against him. In this gospel text, we meet John the Baptist, Jesus and the author Luke. John the Baptist was the last of the prophets. He stood at the end of one age and was involved in one kind of time. We might call it B.C. time, It is the kind of time which which began with Adam in his rebellion and is continued by this "Pastor" caught up in his rebellion. John the Baptist spoke to a man caught up in B.C. time This kind of time is still with us. We are all caught up in it. John sensed the mystery of the person in whose presence he stood. He went so far as to say he didn't feel worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. This means that he did not feel worthy to receive Jesus as his guest.
John had a intuition that this Jesus would initiate a new kind of time called A.D. (year of our Lord).
Luke believed that something new was at hand in the person of Jesus and was breaking in upon them. Luke also believed that there was something ultimate about this new reality. John the Baptist expressed this conviction in terms of fire and winnowing fork. The farmers in Palestine would toss the broken strands of wheat in the air with his fork. The heavier grain would fall to the ground and the wind would blow the chaff to the edge of the threshing area. The chaff would be gathered and burned by fire. There is something about these expressions which suggests that our whole self must be involved with this new reality. Our Lord is the speaker in Luke 12:49 and 50 with the selection of these words: "I came to bring fire to the earth and how I wish it were already kindled." I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed. Luke relates this new reality to a fire which is cast upon the earth and to the "Baptism of Jesus".Upon the end of the age.
We might ask when and how did Jesus identify himself with his mission and his servant from Isaiah.
At his baptism, there was a theophany ( divine revelation) and disclosure to the people who were struggling to understand what was happening. A dove descended from heaven as a sign and symbol of the Holy Spirit, and a voice was heard from heaven. The words of this voice are a quotation from the book of Isaiah (43:1-7). The Hebrew phrase in whom " my soul delights is translated in Greek by the words in whom " I am well please." This is my beloved Son is a quotation from "Psalm 2" and also reflects Isaiah, at the moment, the new and struggling community did not know what was happening. It was not until after the resurrection that the significance of these events became clear.
At His baptism, our Lord identified himself with the servant people of God. Jesus believed that He must die now as this servant, to become part of this servant people. Because the Lord identified himself openly and fully at His baptism, we can become part of the community which formed around the risen Lord. This is confirmed from the book of (Acts 10). It is a portion of a sermon which Peter spoke in the home of Cornelius at Caesarea. God's work in Christ began at His baptism. This is why our "Baptism" is so important. It is God's act of incorporation into into this new reality. It becomes the basis for the exhortation which is abundant in the "New Testament." This exhortation which is rooted in the act of God. This act and new reality when we put on "Christ". The Lord wants your full commitment full time and will take nothing less!
We began with Jonah. He was very human. He did the Lords work and at the same time kicked against God's purpose. The Lord never settled for this. He engaged Jonah in an endless struggle. This is what Christ's baptism did for him. Edmund Schlink in his book," the doctrine of Baptism, points out, that the Baptism of Jesus led to the cross and the resurrection. This is what your baptism is intended to do for you. When God called you it was His act of incorporation into the new reality which has come upon us, in striving to become what we are already in Christ". But He will not let us remain as we are, like Jonah, we like to feel sorry for ourselves and have our own way. As we live out our baptism, we must die to self and be raised with "Christ" in newness of life. He did not let Jonah remain as he was. He will not let us remain as we are.
Friday, December 23, 2016
A TRUE PROPHET AND HIS MESSAGE. Amos. 3:8
Amos 3;8 says, "The lion has roared, who will not fear? The Lord God hath spoken, who can prophesy?" As one walking in a jungle fears to hear the lion's roar, so much more should one fear the words of Almighty God spoken in judgment. Lets see how the people were to identify, Gods spokesman or prophet? How was it possible for hearers to determine whether or not the one speaking was a true prophet.? The land was filled with false prophets and not all of them used various heathen methods of divination. Some would prophesy in the name of the Lord and claimed to have received His message through a dream or vision. However, The Lord provided several biblical tests for validating the claims of a prophet.
First, the prophet only spoke in the name of Yahweh. This is the validation used in Amos 3:8.
Second, the prophet spoke only by revelation. If a prophet claims to speak on behalf of Yahweh, but practiced sorcery or divination, he was rejected as false.
Third, the true prophet of God could be identified by his personal testimony.
His moral character was such that his life style marked him as a prophet of God. The false prophet was a mercenary who prophesied for money ( Micah 3; 5, 11).
He was often a drunkard (Isa. 28:7). He could be profane and wicked (Jer. 23:11). He sometimes conspired with others to deceive and defraud (Ezek 22:25). He often committed adultery, walked in lies, and supported evil-doers (Jer. 23:14). His overall lifestyle was one of immorality and misconduct (Jer 23;15). In addition, more than all else, he was a religious opportunist.
Fourth, the true prophet was conscious of a definite call experience. We will see that Amos recognized this in giving his personal testimony in 7:14-15.
Fifth, his message was always in harmony with all previous revelation.
Sixth, whatever the prophet prophesied, eventually came to pass. There would be a event in subsequent history that would confirm and authenticate the fact that he spoke for God.
We see Amos Judgment on Bethel, as he continued God's impending judgment on Israel by looking to the future through the Assyrian conquest. On that day, God said, (vs.7: 14-15). I will also visit ( or punish) the altars of Bethel.' Bethel you recall was the sight of one of Jeroboam's golden calves. Is it not ironic that Bethel, which means " house of God" and which had such a sacred history in connection with the patriarchs, especially Jacob and his vision of the ladder, should have been a place defiled by sin of Jeroboam? God said, " The horns of the altar shall be cut off and fall to the ground. (3:14). " I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the Lord." Their was at that time a indication of great misuse of prosperity of the time. Their is evidence from archaeology, of the opulent lifestyle during that time, by the discovery of wall panels inlaid with ivory. Many people had second home in the hills from which to escape the summer heat. Remember their was no middle class, and as a result the poor and the needy were crushed. Now chapter 4, Amos addresses the overweight women of high society saying" Hear this word, ye kine (Cows) of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria. " These women would recline on ivory beds, drinking wine and nagging their husbands for even more riches.
What a picture we have here of the blatant social injustice being perpetrated by the Israelites. There was the elitist group, the wealthy and powerful people; and the Lord swore in his holiness that, " the days will come upon you, that He will take you away with hooks and your posterity with fishhooks" This was a reference to the Assyrian practice of putting hooks through the lips of their captives before leading them away. The next verse describes them being led out single file through a hole in the city wall. Historically, we know that this exactly what happened when the Assyrians invaded.
Now with sarcasim, the Lord spoke through Amos:" Go ahead and do what you love to do, for the Lord knew Israel was not going to repent. Go to Bethel, where I learned to hate you. Go to Gilgal. Take your tithes and your thank offerings of leavened bread." Evil had completely permeated the nation of Israel, Everything was leavened, and in Scripture leaven is always a symbol of evil (Matt. 16:6; 1 Cor. 5: 6-9). These things were what Israel loved to do, because they ritualized the outward show of worship, sacrifice, and the licentious activities that went with the system. Personally, I praise God for the concept chastisement. If it was not for chastisement, we would not beware that we were beginning to stray away from the path God has planned for us (Eph. 2:10). The Old Testament (Jesus Bible) is designed by God and presented to us in a manner we can understand, and it becomes for us the guide for faith and practice, As Paul says in Romans 15:4: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope; P.S. Most scholars don't believe Jesus read the New Testament!
First, the prophet only spoke in the name of Yahweh. This is the validation used in Amos 3:8.
Second, the prophet spoke only by revelation. If a prophet claims to speak on behalf of Yahweh, but practiced sorcery or divination, he was rejected as false.
Third, the true prophet of God could be identified by his personal testimony.
His moral character was such that his life style marked him as a prophet of God. The false prophet was a mercenary who prophesied for money ( Micah 3; 5, 11).
He was often a drunkard (Isa. 28:7). He could be profane and wicked (Jer. 23:11). He sometimes conspired with others to deceive and defraud (Ezek 22:25). He often committed adultery, walked in lies, and supported evil-doers (Jer. 23:14). His overall lifestyle was one of immorality and misconduct (Jer 23;15). In addition, more than all else, he was a religious opportunist.
Fourth, the true prophet was conscious of a definite call experience. We will see that Amos recognized this in giving his personal testimony in 7:14-15.
Fifth, his message was always in harmony with all previous revelation.
Sixth, whatever the prophet prophesied, eventually came to pass. There would be a event in subsequent history that would confirm and authenticate the fact that he spoke for God.
We see Amos Judgment on Bethel, as he continued God's impending judgment on Israel by looking to the future through the Assyrian conquest. On that day, God said, (vs.7: 14-15). I will also visit ( or punish) the altars of Bethel.' Bethel you recall was the sight of one of Jeroboam's golden calves. Is it not ironic that Bethel, which means " house of God" and which had such a sacred history in connection with the patriarchs, especially Jacob and his vision of the ladder, should have been a place defiled by sin of Jeroboam? God said, " The horns of the altar shall be cut off and fall to the ground. (3:14). " I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the Lord." Their was at that time a indication of great misuse of prosperity of the time. Their is evidence from archaeology, of the opulent lifestyle during that time, by the discovery of wall panels inlaid with ivory. Many people had second home in the hills from which to escape the summer heat. Remember their was no middle class, and as a result the poor and the needy were crushed. Now chapter 4, Amos addresses the overweight women of high society saying" Hear this word, ye kine (Cows) of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria. " These women would recline on ivory beds, drinking wine and nagging their husbands for even more riches.
What a picture we have here of the blatant social injustice being perpetrated by the Israelites. There was the elitist group, the wealthy and powerful people; and the Lord swore in his holiness that, " the days will come upon you, that He will take you away with hooks and your posterity with fishhooks" This was a reference to the Assyrian practice of putting hooks through the lips of their captives before leading them away. The next verse describes them being led out single file through a hole in the city wall. Historically, we know that this exactly what happened when the Assyrians invaded.
Now with sarcasim, the Lord spoke through Amos:" Go ahead and do what you love to do, for the Lord knew Israel was not going to repent. Go to Bethel, where I learned to hate you. Go to Gilgal. Take your tithes and your thank offerings of leavened bread." Evil had completely permeated the nation of Israel, Everything was leavened, and in Scripture leaven is always a symbol of evil (Matt. 16:6; 1 Cor. 5: 6-9). These things were what Israel loved to do, because they ritualized the outward show of worship, sacrifice, and the licentious activities that went with the system. Personally, I praise God for the concept chastisement. If it was not for chastisement, we would not beware that we were beginning to stray away from the path God has planned for us (Eph. 2:10). The Old Testament (Jesus Bible) is designed by God and presented to us in a manner we can understand, and it becomes for us the guide for faith and practice, As Paul says in Romans 15:4: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope; P.S. Most scholars don't believe Jesus read the New Testament!
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Ask anything in my Name. John 14: 23-29.
Yes, ask anything, using my name and I will do it! Because I will only reveal myself to those who love me and obey me. The Father will love them too, and we will come to them and live with them.
Anyone who doesn't obey me doesn't love me. And remember, I am not making up this answer to your question! It is the answer given by my Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But, when the Father sends the comforter instead of me, and by the Comforter I mean the Holy Spirit- He will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you. He will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you. I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart!
And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled and afraid. Remember what I told you- I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you love me, you will be very happy for me, for now I can go to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do, you will believe in [me].
Our text starts out with Jesus talking of returning to the Father. He promises to send the advocate; the "Holy Spirit" who will teach Jesus followers and remind them of what Jesus taught. Even more, those in whom God makes a home with, will experience a peace that overcomes fear. Set your troubled hearts at rest, trust in God always. This is the traditional language of faith. It seemed strange that Jesus would show himself to the disciples, but not to the world. Based on their expectations of the Messiah, the world would need to see him. The disciples no doubt expected Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom.
The word, translated here as "teaching" a more encompassing term than " commands." This term is the name of Jesus in chapter one: (Logos) in the Greek which has a creative meaning to it.
By the words of the Lord were the
Heavens made; all of the host
Of them by the breath of his mouth (Ps. 33:6).
But Jesus goes on, 'trust' also in me. Jesus himself is a decisive new factor in a man's faith in God. He effects one's belief in life after death. In a sense, the, anyone who loves Jesus, will hold to Jesus, guarding and keeping him in our lives. We will keep Jesus' word, through which we know him. we will obey his teaching.
When we love Jesus, the Father shows his merciful, caring love to us. And the Father and the and Son dwell at our sides. Where two or three are gathered in my name he is there with us ( Matt. I8:20).
In contrast, those who do not love Jesus who do not keep his words and, by inference, do not have Jesus or the Father on their side. let not your hearts be troubled. You are trusting God, trust in me. There are many homes up there where my Father lives, In my Father's house are many mansions (Rooms): If it was not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. and if I go and prepare a place for you, when your ready I will come again, and take you where I am, there you may be also. (Jn.14). Thomas said unto him, Lord, we know not where you go; how can we know the way? Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you should have known my Father also: From henceforth you know him and have seen him. Philip said unto him, Lord show us the Father, and it will satisfy us.
Jesus says: Have I been so long a time with you, and yet have you not known me, Philip? He that has seen me , has seen the Father, how say you then, show us the Father? Believe I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words I speak unto you I speak not of myself, but the Father that dwells within me, He does the work. (10:38-5:19; Deut. 18:18).Solidarity with Jesus is the guarantee of being with him hereafter. Jesus was telling his disciples profound truths. They were puzzled and perplexed. how could they sought all this out? How could they remember everything? Jesus knew their state of mind., but he had to tell them these things in the short time he had with them. He had to prepare them for the unthinkable trial and execution about to happen. True they wouldn't understand everything then. But the Father in Jesus name would send the Holy Spirit to teach them everything and remind them of all Jesus had said. The sending of the Spirit from God on Pentecost had that special purpose.
On the eve of the most violent day of Jesus earthly life and the most heart -wrenching day for his disciples, since he called them, Jesus gave them peace. Jesus peace is not the same as the world's peace. It isn't fragile as the next temper flare-up or grab for power.
Jesus peace calms troubled hearts and makes fearful hearts confident. His peace keeps us at one with God and serene in our salvation. We need not be afraid or overcome by troubled hearts.
Into the midst of anxiety and alarm, God offers visions of a glorious future filled with promise. In the 2nd readings from revelations, John, turning from the lake of fire, is carried up in a vision and sees the "New Jerusalem' coming down, centered on the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. Into the anxieties and uncertainties of our everyday life, Christ offers a vision of a glorious future and issues a promise that radically changes our present: Peace I leave, with you, My peace I give to you. AMEN!
Anyone who doesn't obey me doesn't love me. And remember, I am not making up this answer to your question! It is the answer given by my Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But, when the Father sends the comforter instead of me, and by the Comforter I mean the Holy Spirit- He will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you. He will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you. I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart!
And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled and afraid. Remember what I told you- I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you love me, you will be very happy for me, for now I can go to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do, you will believe in [me].
Our text starts out with Jesus talking of returning to the Father. He promises to send the advocate; the "Holy Spirit" who will teach Jesus followers and remind them of what Jesus taught. Even more, those in whom God makes a home with, will experience a peace that overcomes fear. Set your troubled hearts at rest, trust in God always. This is the traditional language of faith. It seemed strange that Jesus would show himself to the disciples, but not to the world. Based on their expectations of the Messiah, the world would need to see him. The disciples no doubt expected Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom.
The word, translated here as "teaching" a more encompassing term than " commands." This term is the name of Jesus in chapter one: (Logos) in the Greek which has a creative meaning to it.
By the words of the Lord were the
Heavens made; all of the host
Of them by the breath of his mouth (Ps. 33:6).
But Jesus goes on, 'trust' also in me. Jesus himself is a decisive new factor in a man's faith in God. He effects one's belief in life after death. In a sense, the, anyone who loves Jesus, will hold to Jesus, guarding and keeping him in our lives. We will keep Jesus' word, through which we know him. we will obey his teaching.
When we love Jesus, the Father shows his merciful, caring love to us. And the Father and the and Son dwell at our sides. Where two or three are gathered in my name he is there with us ( Matt. I8:20).
In contrast, those who do not love Jesus who do not keep his words and, by inference, do not have Jesus or the Father on their side. let not your hearts be troubled. You are trusting God, trust in me. There are many homes up there where my Father lives, In my Father's house are many mansions (Rooms): If it was not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. and if I go and prepare a place for you, when your ready I will come again, and take you where I am, there you may be also. (Jn.14). Thomas said unto him, Lord, we know not where you go; how can we know the way? Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you should have known my Father also: From henceforth you know him and have seen him. Philip said unto him, Lord show us the Father, and it will satisfy us.
Jesus says: Have I been so long a time with you, and yet have you not known me, Philip? He that has seen me , has seen the Father, how say you then, show us the Father? Believe I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words I speak unto you I speak not of myself, but the Father that dwells within me, He does the work. (10:38-5:19; Deut. 18:18).Solidarity with Jesus is the guarantee of being with him hereafter. Jesus was telling his disciples profound truths. They were puzzled and perplexed. how could they sought all this out? How could they remember everything? Jesus knew their state of mind., but he had to tell them these things in the short time he had with them. He had to prepare them for the unthinkable trial and execution about to happen. True they wouldn't understand everything then. But the Father in Jesus name would send the Holy Spirit to teach them everything and remind them of all Jesus had said. The sending of the Spirit from God on Pentecost had that special purpose.
On the eve of the most violent day of Jesus earthly life and the most heart -wrenching day for his disciples, since he called them, Jesus gave them peace. Jesus peace is not the same as the world's peace. It isn't fragile as the next temper flare-up or grab for power.
Jesus peace calms troubled hearts and makes fearful hearts confident. His peace keeps us at one with God and serene in our salvation. We need not be afraid or overcome by troubled hearts.
Into the midst of anxiety and alarm, God offers visions of a glorious future filled with promise. In the 2nd readings from revelations, John, turning from the lake of fire, is carried up in a vision and sees the "New Jerusalem' coming down, centered on the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. Into the anxieties and uncertainties of our everyday life, Christ offers a vision of a glorious future and issues a promise that radically changes our present: Peace I leave, with you, My peace I give to you. AMEN!
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Why Jesus Christ died?" John 12 :32.
And When I am lifted -up [ on the cross], "I will draw everyone to me." Jn. 12;32. The Father answered Jesus' prayer aloud from heaven. That by sending His son in the flesh and through His son' miraculous signs, the Father received the glory.
Jesus said, This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on his world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
Very few of us have any understanding of the reason why Jesus Christ had to die. If sympathy is all that human beings need, then the "Cross of Christ is a farce, there was no need for it. What the world needs is not a " Little bit of love ," but a surgical operation. When you are face to face with a soul in difficulty spiritually, remind yourself of Jesus Christ on the cross. If that soul can get to God on any other line, then the cross of Jesus Christ is unnecessary. If you can help others by your sympathy or understanding, you are a traitor to Jesus Christ. You have to keep your soul rightly related to God and pour out for others on His line, not pour out on the human line and ignore God. The great note today is amiable religiosity.
The one thing we have to do is to exhibit Jesus Christ crucified, to lift him up all the time. Every doctrine that is not embedded in the "Cross of Jesus" will lead astray. If the worker himself believes in Jesus Christ and is banking on the " Reality of Redemption,", the people he talks to must be concerned. The thing that remains and deepens is the worker's simple relationship to Jesus Christ;
the usefulness to God depends on that and that alone. The calling of a New Testament worker is to uncover sin and to reveal Jesus Christ as Savior, consequently he cannot be poetical, he must be surgical. We are sent by God to lift up Jesus Christ, not to give beautiful discourses, but, through the scriptures bringing truth straight home, and to apply that truth fearlessly.
Jesus said, This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on his world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
Very few of us have any understanding of the reason why Jesus Christ had to die. If sympathy is all that human beings need, then the "Cross of Christ is a farce, there was no need for it. What the world needs is not a " Little bit of love ," but a surgical operation. When you are face to face with a soul in difficulty spiritually, remind yourself of Jesus Christ on the cross. If that soul can get to God on any other line, then the cross of Jesus Christ is unnecessary. If you can help others by your sympathy or understanding, you are a traitor to Jesus Christ. You have to keep your soul rightly related to God and pour out for others on His line, not pour out on the human line and ignore God. The great note today is amiable religiosity.
The one thing we have to do is to exhibit Jesus Christ crucified, to lift him up all the time. Every doctrine that is not embedded in the "Cross of Jesus" will lead astray. If the worker himself believes in Jesus Christ and is banking on the " Reality of Redemption,", the people he talks to must be concerned. The thing that remains and deepens is the worker's simple relationship to Jesus Christ;
the usefulness to God depends on that and that alone. The calling of a New Testament worker is to uncover sin and to reveal Jesus Christ as Savior, consequently he cannot be poetical, he must be surgical. We are sent by God to lift up Jesus Christ, not to give beautiful discourses, but, through the scriptures bringing truth straight home, and to apply that truth fearlessly.
Friday, December 16, 2016
From Creation to Christ.
A women goes into a shop to buy a hat. The assistant suggests first this one, then that one, and then another one. until finally she produces one she insists " suits madam perfectly." The assistant is suggesting that the hat expresses her clients personality. We as humans do the same thing to Jesus, by putting a variety of " personality hats on God's head. Some put an academic hat on him, after all, He knows every thing, John 21:17.
Some put a policeman's hat on Him, they think of him as One who constantly spies on them from heights of heaven to catch them when they do wrong, Psalm 139: 1-12; Genesis 3:8-10.
There are those who put a chef's hat on God. they believe He exists merely to provide them with ample supply of food and drink. Psalm 145:15,16. Some complain when they feel He is not generous as he might be.
Others think of God as a kind of Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, whose Job it is to supply them with all kinds of pleasant things to own and enjoy. Some get a little peeved with him when they have to go short of something, Matthew 6:31,32
Many look on a magicians "hat" a "must" for the divine wardrobe, For they think of God as the Great miracle worker, Exodus 7-10; 14: 10-31.
Many believe that a crown is an appropriate hat for God. The Bible often uses words like "King" and "Kingdom when referring to Him, 24: 7-10; Mark 1:15.
Because many uninformed people view the Christian faith and life merely as a matter of "do" and don't," they think of a Puritan's hat as suitable garb for God, Mark 10: 17:22.
Some think about God only when they are sick., Psalm 103:3; Mark 5:21-43.
Remarkably, many people are quick to ask, " What have I done to deserve this?" when they are sick, but slow to ask this same question when they are well.
There is an element of truth in the messages of all these hats. Each reflects something of what the Bible has to say about God and his attributes. It is essential, however, to keep in mind God's-all embracing quality is love. This binds like a cord together the stalks of in a sheaf of hay.
God is what He is- no matter what people think of him.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Hats: "the image."
In the person of His incarnate Son,, Jesus Christ once wore a crown of Thorns. The approximate shape of a crown of thorns is circular. thorns protrude from it. with this in mind, we construct a symbol fro God. The symbol consists of a circle with four arrows protruding from it. The Church has long used a circle as a symbol for God. The circle expresses the truth that god is one., and that He has no beginning and no end. The significance of the arrows going out from him, I God is always one who acts, and His actions go out from himself. he acts consistently in love, kindness, and mercy, and these always flow out from Himself. God made man to be a creature who loves. It was to flow out from himself to god and others.
Monday, December 12, 2016
NO TIME!
" THE DAYS OF OUR YEARS ARE THREESCORE YEARS AND 10; AND IF BY REASON OF STRENGTH; THEY BE FOURSCORE YEARS, YET IS THEIR STRENGTH LABOR AND SORROW; FOR IT IS SOON CUT OFF, AND WE FLY AWAY.... SO TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS, THAT WE MAY APPLY OUR HEARTS UNTO WISDOM." PSALM 90; 10,12.
People speak of a "moment to remember" " Those who have fewest regrets," Mark van Doren once said, " are those who take each moment as it comes for all it is worth.
Moses described as a man of God, said pretty much the same thing with his eyes locked on God, The days of our years are three score and 10 and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow.; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away....So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
One of the saddest lines in history for someone who worked hard to accomplish great things is that time ran out. Time has a way of doing that, a fact of life that affects us all.
Were does it go, all that time which people count on and treat as if it is never going to end and treat as if it is of little or no importance?
How often haven't you heard someone say, " I have no time." When you think about it, it is a strange statement to make. People who say,"I have no time" always have time! Those who have no time are dead At least, they are not alive here on earth. Anyone who is here on earth has time.
We all have the same amount of time.-24 hours a day. We may not have as much time as we like to think, or as others would like us to spend on some endeavor that may or may not be important, but we all have time.
When you say you have no time for something, it probably means that the " something" is not important enough to spend your time on it. You have to spend your time. It won't keep in a bank, not even with a time lock on it. ( Back in 1993), Paul Rees in his magazine " World Vision," tells us the story of a young man being sentenced by a judge for committing a crime. The judge tried to shame the young man by reminding him that he was the son of a distinguished lawyer. " Yes," replied the, youth bitterly, " when I went to dad for companionship or advice he would glance up from the law book he was reading and say ,'Run away boy, I'm busy,' My Father completed his law book and here I am. Time for the boy is more important than time for a book, even if you are the author of that book.
"No time" is the classic excuse people give for paying no attention to God. He can keep on talking until He is blue in the face, but they have no time to listen. When you back them up in a corner somewhere, they will admit that this "no time" business is probably senseless and even foolish. Some how they will work things out with God when the right time comes around.
The right time said the Psalmist, " is right now. Time is a-wasting and people who have no time for God the most precious commodity they have. What good is money-millions of it- if you have no time to use it? What good is health and the enjoyment of family life if you have no more time? With " no time" for God, people are busier than ants and less productive, just looking for ways to kill time by pure busyness. " Theirs a time to pray and a time to play."
The Psalmist was talking real life, coming from God and going to God He focused on God, as he had learned to do:' "Lord" he said, Thou has been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hast formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting. Thou are God. thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return you children of men.
For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Thou carried them away as with a flood; they are as asleep: In the morning they are like grass it flourishes, and grows up; in the evening it is cut down, and withers.
" No time for God" is like saying, " No time for life.-no time for faith, no time for love, no time for ever saying, 'Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Jesus is for life. His life was productive of redemption for the world. He offers the world real life.
People speak of a "moment to remember" " Those who have fewest regrets," Mark van Doren once said, " are those who take each moment as it comes for all it is worth.
Moses described as a man of God, said pretty much the same thing with his eyes locked on God, The days of our years are three score and 10 and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow.; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away....So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
One of the saddest lines in history for someone who worked hard to accomplish great things is that time ran out. Time has a way of doing that, a fact of life that affects us all.
Were does it go, all that time which people count on and treat as if it is never going to end and treat as if it is of little or no importance?
How often haven't you heard someone say, " I have no time." When you think about it, it is a strange statement to make. People who say,"I have no time" always have time! Those who have no time are dead At least, they are not alive here on earth. Anyone who is here on earth has time.
We all have the same amount of time.-24 hours a day. We may not have as much time as we like to think, or as others would like us to spend on some endeavor that may or may not be important, but we all have time.
When you say you have no time for something, it probably means that the " something" is not important enough to spend your time on it. You have to spend your time. It won't keep in a bank, not even with a time lock on it. ( Back in 1993), Paul Rees in his magazine " World Vision," tells us the story of a young man being sentenced by a judge for committing a crime. The judge tried to shame the young man by reminding him that he was the son of a distinguished lawyer. " Yes," replied the, youth bitterly, " when I went to dad for companionship or advice he would glance up from the law book he was reading and say ,'Run away boy, I'm busy,' My Father completed his law book and here I am. Time for the boy is more important than time for a book, even if you are the author of that book.
"No time" is the classic excuse people give for paying no attention to God. He can keep on talking until He is blue in the face, but they have no time to listen. When you back them up in a corner somewhere, they will admit that this "no time" business is probably senseless and even foolish. Some how they will work things out with God when the right time comes around.
The right time said the Psalmist, " is right now. Time is a-wasting and people who have no time for God the most precious commodity they have. What good is money-millions of it- if you have no time to use it? What good is health and the enjoyment of family life if you have no more time? With " no time" for God, people are busier than ants and less productive, just looking for ways to kill time by pure busyness. " Theirs a time to pray and a time to play."
The Psalmist was talking real life, coming from God and going to God He focused on God, as he had learned to do:' "Lord" he said, Thou has been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hast formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting. Thou are God. thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return you children of men.
For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Thou carried them away as with a flood; they are as asleep: In the morning they are like grass it flourishes, and grows up; in the evening it is cut down, and withers.
" No time for God" is like saying, " No time for life.-no time for faith, no time for love, no time for ever saying, 'Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Jesus is for life. His life was productive of redemption for the world. He offers the world real life.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Final Discourse " Remembering the Bible!" O.T.
It was before the Passover festival. Jesus knew that His hour had come, and he must leave this world. and go to the Father. He had always loved his own who were in the world, and now He was to show the full extent of his love. The devil had already put into the mind of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. During supper, Jesus well aware that the Father had entrusted everything to him, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from the table, laid aside His garments, and taking a towel, tied it around him. Then He poured water into a basin, and began to wash His disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel.
When it was Simon Peter's turn, Peter said to him, 'You Lord, washing my feet?' "You don't understand now what I am doing, one one day you will.' Peter said, 'I will never let you wash my feet.' 'If I do not wash you,'Jesus replied, 'you ' you are not in fellowship with me.' 'Then, Lord,' said Simon Peter, ' not my feet only; wash my head and hands as well!
Jesus said, ' A man who has bathed needs no further washing; he is altogether clean; and you are clean, though not every one of you.' He added the words'not every one of you' because He knew who was going to betray him. After washing their feet and taking his garments again, he sat down.' Do you understand ,' he asked, ' what I have done for you? You call me "Master" and " Lord, and rightly so, for that is what is what I am. A "Servant is not greater than a Master."
Before a plant of the field was in earth, before a grain of the field sprouted-Yahweh had not spilled rain on the earth, nor was there a man to work the land- yet from the day Yahweh made earth and sky, a mist within would arise to moisten the surface. Yahweh shaped an earthling from clay of this earth, blew into his nostrils the wind of life. Now look: man becomes a creature of flesh.
Now Yahweh planted a garden in Eden, eastward, settled there the man he formed, From the land Yahweh grew all trees lovely to look upon, good to eat from; the tree of life was there in the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Then Yahweh sends out of Eden a river; it waters the the garden, then outside branches into four: one, Pishon, winds through the whole of Havila, land of fine, gold- where the bdellium is, the lapis lazuli. The second, called Gihon moves through the area of Cush; Tigris, the third, travels east of Asshur; and Euphrates is the fourth. So God puts man in the garden to care for it. He says to Eve, you may eat from of all the trees in the garden, He warns. But one you can not eat from, or even touch, the tree of Knowledge; Of Good and Evil. If you eat it, "Death" arrives. Now Yahweh says;It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper, for his needs. So the Lord God took from the soil and formed every kind of animal and bird and brought them to the man, to see what He would call them. He caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep, because their was not a proper helpmate for him. he took one of his ribs, removed it, closed up the place where he removed it and made the rib into a women and brought her to Adam. Adam says she is part of my own bone,and flesh! The two became one flesh which explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife.
Now the 'serpent', better known as "Satan," craftiest of the creatures the Lord God had made. that old slicker then bubble gum on a doorknob confronts Eve, when he heard God say: you may eat any fruit in the Garden, except from the tree in the "Center."
God says we must not eat or even touch it, or we will die. "That's a lie! hisses the serpent. You'll
not die" Death will not come near you said the serpent to the women. God knows as soon as you eat it, your eyes will be open, and you will be like God, being able to distinguish good from evil! The women was convinced how lovely and fresh looking it was, She thought it would make her so wise! She reached for the fruit, ate, and here's the kicker: "Gave it to Adam her husband, and both their eyes open, Suddenly thy became aware that they were naked and where embarrassed. The fruit from the tree of knowledge, gave them the word"" for naked as their condition, that they were naked.
So they wound together fig leaves, to make covering for themselves. That evening they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden, Adam and Eve hid themselves among the trees when they heard Yahweh called to the man."Where are you hiding?" I heard you coming and I didn't want you to see me naked, so I hid. Who told you you were naked Yahweh asked. have you eaten fruit from the forbidden tree I warned you about. The women you gave to me-she gave me the fruit of the tree, I ate."
What is this you have done said Yahweh to the women.
"The smooth-tongued snake tricked me ,I ate."
"Since you did this," said Yahweh to the snake, " You are to be singled out from all the domestic animals of the whole earth- to be cursed. You shall grovel in the dirt as long as you live, crawling along on your belly." From now on you and the women will be enemies, as will all of your offspring and hers. An I will put the fear of you into the women, and between your off spring and hers.
Then God said to the women, "You shall bear children in intense pain and suffering; even so, you shall welcome your husbands affections, and he shall rule over thee.(KJV). Because you listened to your wife and ate the fruit when I told you not to, have placed a curse on the soil. all our life you will struggle to extract a living from it. All your live you will sweat to master it, until your dying day. Then you will return to the ground from which you came; for from dust you are, to dust you shall return.
When it was Simon Peter's turn, Peter said to him, 'You Lord, washing my feet?' "You don't understand now what I am doing, one one day you will.' Peter said, 'I will never let you wash my feet.' 'If I do not wash you,'Jesus replied, 'you ' you are not in fellowship with me.' 'Then, Lord,' said Simon Peter, ' not my feet only; wash my head and hands as well!
Jesus said, ' A man who has bathed needs no further washing; he is altogether clean; and you are clean, though not every one of you.' He added the words'not every one of you' because He knew who was going to betray him. After washing their feet and taking his garments again, he sat down.' Do you understand ,' he asked, ' what I have done for you? You call me "Master" and " Lord, and rightly so, for that is what is what I am. A "Servant is not greater than a Master."
Before a plant of the field was in earth, before a grain of the field sprouted-Yahweh had not spilled rain on the earth, nor was there a man to work the land- yet from the day Yahweh made earth and sky, a mist within would arise to moisten the surface. Yahweh shaped an earthling from clay of this earth, blew into his nostrils the wind of life. Now look: man becomes a creature of flesh.
Now Yahweh planted a garden in Eden, eastward, settled there the man he formed, From the land Yahweh grew all trees lovely to look upon, good to eat from; the tree of life was there in the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Then Yahweh sends out of Eden a river; it waters the the garden, then outside branches into four: one, Pishon, winds through the whole of Havila, land of fine, gold- where the bdellium is, the lapis lazuli. The second, called Gihon moves through the area of Cush; Tigris, the third, travels east of Asshur; and Euphrates is the fourth. So God puts man in the garden to care for it. He says to Eve, you may eat from of all the trees in the garden, He warns. But one you can not eat from, or even touch, the tree of Knowledge; Of Good and Evil. If you eat it, "Death" arrives. Now Yahweh says;It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper, for his needs. So the Lord God took from the soil and formed every kind of animal and bird and brought them to the man, to see what He would call them. He caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep, because their was not a proper helpmate for him. he took one of his ribs, removed it, closed up the place where he removed it and made the rib into a women and brought her to Adam. Adam says she is part of my own bone,and flesh! The two became one flesh which explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife.
Now the 'serpent', better known as "Satan," craftiest of the creatures the Lord God had made. that old slicker then bubble gum on a doorknob confronts Eve, when he heard God say: you may eat any fruit in the Garden, except from the tree in the "Center."
God says we must not eat or even touch it, or we will die. "That's a lie! hisses the serpent. You'll
not die" Death will not come near you said the serpent to the women. God knows as soon as you eat it, your eyes will be open, and you will be like God, being able to distinguish good from evil! The women was convinced how lovely and fresh looking it was, She thought it would make her so wise! She reached for the fruit, ate, and here's the kicker: "Gave it to Adam her husband, and both their eyes open, Suddenly thy became aware that they were naked and where embarrassed. The fruit from the tree of knowledge, gave them the word"" for naked as their condition, that they were naked.
So they wound together fig leaves, to make covering for themselves. That evening they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden, Adam and Eve hid themselves among the trees when they heard Yahweh called to the man."Where are you hiding?" I heard you coming and I didn't want you to see me naked, so I hid. Who told you you were naked Yahweh asked. have you eaten fruit from the forbidden tree I warned you about. The women you gave to me-she gave me the fruit of the tree, I ate."
What is this you have done said Yahweh to the women.
"The smooth-tongued snake tricked me ,I ate."
"Since you did this," said Yahweh to the snake, " You are to be singled out from all the domestic animals of the whole earth- to be cursed. You shall grovel in the dirt as long as you live, crawling along on your belly." From now on you and the women will be enemies, as will all of your offspring and hers. An I will put the fear of you into the women, and between your off spring and hers.
Then God said to the women, "You shall bear children in intense pain and suffering; even so, you shall welcome your husbands affections, and he shall rule over thee.(KJV). Because you listened to your wife and ate the fruit when I told you not to, have placed a curse on the soil. all our life you will struggle to extract a living from it. All your live you will sweat to master it, until your dying day. Then you will return to the ground from which you came; for from dust you are, to dust you shall return.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Time of miracles in the Land of Jesus!
Their is a book entitled ("Journey to the Land of Jesus"). guides his readers through the entire Holy Land, just as Christ Himself traveled over it during His earthly life "from Dan to Beer-sheba. he leads them from the paths followed on the flight into Egypt to the sources of the Jordan. But in this Palestine that was then more parceled and yet less divided than it is now. Galilee remains a privileged region where every pilgrim loves to tarry. for it was there that "the carpenter'son" became Jesus of Nazareth, and the Master chose Capernaum as "his own town." (Mt. 9:1). It was on the Sea of Galilee and o its shores that the messiah worked many of the miracles that, in our own day as well as His, astonish some and shock others.
For those who are inclined to rational thinking like Earnest Renan, the French "Philologist " and historian," the Gospel would be acceptable if only theology would strip it of the miracles that accompany it. It is not too paradoxical to say that Christ's miracles prevent rationalistic critics from believing in his supernatural mission. Unfortunately for them, from Nazareth to Capernaum, the road of the "Good News" is strewn with miracles; it is a constellation of wonders, a "Great White Way" of the extraordinary.
Anyone can draw up plans for a reasonable Christianity sitting in a library. On the road to Capernaum, it is impossible. When Jesus passed by on that , he upset the natural order of things. so, if the supernatural doesn't frighten you, if you enjoy seeing the face of the universe change when Christ makes a little tour before drinking the "Chalice of his Passion, well then let's go! Off to Tiberias!
From the hills of Nazareth to the sea of Galilee. To begin with, Here's Cana, the Market town with its white houses, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. That's where the famous wedding was held: Jesus changed the water into wine at His Mother's request to spare His hosts the humiliation of offering empty wine jars to their guests. It's a pleasant omen. The Lord inaugurated His mission with a celebration, perhaps even with a song. In any case He began His public life with a first miracle that would forever save him from being seen as a gloomy killjoy, as some stiff pietists would like Him to be. So here a small miracle happened: water to wine. And according to St. John it was an excellent wine, better than the wine they had before. For centuries now, commentators have been trying to reconvert this wine allegorically back into water. But something surprising happened, something that apparently does not surprise the the critics. The whole world has become a little dizzy with the generous flow at that village wedding. As we push on; we have a heavy schedule. Here's Magdala, not far from beautiful Tiberias where people go for expensive vacations- Tiberias with its perfumes, its Palm Beach, and its gambling casino, there's Mary Magdalene, the sinful, women, who suddenly canceled Her appointment at the beauty parlor and was instantaneously sanctified as the Lord walked by. Strange and wonderful! Sin understands God more quickly than virtue. This is an event in the history of religions. A women of easy virtue became a servant of the Lord at a time when Priestesses periodically became women of easy virtue.
Close by, the crowd gathers on the shore to listen to Jesus, as He speaks to them from a boat: Father, Lord of heaven and earth, to you we offer praise; for what you have hidden from the learned and the clever you have revealed to the merest children" (Mt. 11: 25). Soon He will come a shore and lead His audience, five thousand strong, up a mountain. There, the hungry will share endlessly multiplying
loaves of Bread. But "not on bread alone is man to live but on every utterance that comes from the mouth of God." (Mt 4:4). This is the time to remember that Scripture is food and must be eaten at once, like fresh bread, not like the stale bread of the exegetes or the indigestible food of the critics
who want us to eat the bread basket. First, let's come back to the waters edge where a waving fence of rushes, welcomes Jesus as He is walking along the lake and picking apostles. The blind fall to their knees, suddenly dazzled by the eruption of summer colors. All these miraculous cures also have a symbolic aspect. they are signs of the paralytic of the Jewish law who have finally by the liberating word. been freed from their fetters.
For those who are inclined to rational thinking like Earnest Renan, the French "Philologist " and historian," the Gospel would be acceptable if only theology would strip it of the miracles that accompany it. It is not too paradoxical to say that Christ's miracles prevent rationalistic critics from believing in his supernatural mission. Unfortunately for them, from Nazareth to Capernaum, the road of the "Good News" is strewn with miracles; it is a constellation of wonders, a "Great White Way" of the extraordinary.
Anyone can draw up plans for a reasonable Christianity sitting in a library. On the road to Capernaum, it is impossible. When Jesus passed by on that , he upset the natural order of things. so, if the supernatural doesn't frighten you, if you enjoy seeing the face of the universe change when Christ makes a little tour before drinking the "Chalice of his Passion, well then let's go! Off to Tiberias!
From the hills of Nazareth to the sea of Galilee. To begin with, Here's Cana, the Market town with its white houses, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. That's where the famous wedding was held: Jesus changed the water into wine at His Mother's request to spare His hosts the humiliation of offering empty wine jars to their guests. It's a pleasant omen. The Lord inaugurated His mission with a celebration, perhaps even with a song. In any case He began His public life with a first miracle that would forever save him from being seen as a gloomy killjoy, as some stiff pietists would like Him to be. So here a small miracle happened: water to wine. And according to St. John it was an excellent wine, better than the wine they had before. For centuries now, commentators have been trying to reconvert this wine allegorically back into water. But something surprising happened, something that apparently does not surprise the the critics. The whole world has become a little dizzy with the generous flow at that village wedding. As we push on; we have a heavy schedule. Here's Magdala, not far from beautiful Tiberias where people go for expensive vacations- Tiberias with its perfumes, its Palm Beach, and its gambling casino, there's Mary Magdalene, the sinful, women, who suddenly canceled Her appointment at the beauty parlor and was instantaneously sanctified as the Lord walked by. Strange and wonderful! Sin understands God more quickly than virtue. This is an event in the history of religions. A women of easy virtue became a servant of the Lord at a time when Priestesses periodically became women of easy virtue.
Close by, the crowd gathers on the shore to listen to Jesus, as He speaks to them from a boat: Father, Lord of heaven and earth, to you we offer praise; for what you have hidden from the learned and the clever you have revealed to the merest children" (Mt. 11: 25). Soon He will come a shore and lead His audience, five thousand strong, up a mountain. There, the hungry will share endlessly multiplying
loaves of Bread. But "not on bread alone is man to live but on every utterance that comes from the mouth of God." (Mt 4:4). This is the time to remember that Scripture is food and must be eaten at once, like fresh bread, not like the stale bread of the exegetes or the indigestible food of the critics
who want us to eat the bread basket. First, let's come back to the waters edge where a waving fence of rushes, welcomes Jesus as He is walking along the lake and picking apostles. The blind fall to their knees, suddenly dazzled by the eruption of summer colors. All these miraculous cures also have a symbolic aspect. they are signs of the paralytic of the Jewish law who have finally by the liberating word. been freed from their fetters.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Deeper in the Garden. Mat..26:39
We are in the upper room at Jerusalem. it is the hour of midnight. the Master stands surrounded by the eleven apostles. Jesus had just spoken His final words of comfort.- let not your heart be troubled.... "Peace I leave with you.... In the world you may have tribulation: but be of good cheer; "I have overcome the world." As His words end, the Upper room grows very still, ominously and oppressively quiet.
The foreboding of tragedy like a cloud, swallows up the apostles,changing the moment to intensely black.. " He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer. " Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Still, let be as you would have it, not as I." ( Matt. 26:39).
The Master rises, bravely sings a Hymn, and moves toward the door. He flings it open, steps out on the upper landing, and then pauses before he descends the outside stairway. When He returned to his disciples, He found them asleep. he said to Peter, So you could not stay awake with me even an hour. Be on guard, and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but your nature is weak. Withdrawing a second time, He began to pray : " My Father, if this cannot pass me by without my drinking it, your will be done!" Once more, on his return, he found them asleep; they could not keep their eyes open. He left them again, withdrew somewhat, and He began to pray a third time, saying the same words as before. Finally He returned to the disciples and said to them: " Sleep on now. Enjoy your rest! The last feet that have walked out this door and gone down these stairs have been those of Judas. "The hour of the Son of Man," is to be handed over to the power of evil men. Later Jesus says: "Get up!" Let us be on our way.! See my betrayer is here." When they left it was dark, but as Jesus emerges, the soft light of the full moon falls about him. A moment He stands in its glow, and then turns and leads the apostles down the stairway. They turn the corner and plunge into the narrow, twisting streets which is Jerusalem. The walls close in on either sides . They went with Jesus to a place called Gethsemani Mt. (26:36). Jesus called to his side under the olive trees the same men who had been present at the radiant hour of His transfiguration (Mat. 17:1-9). Now He wanted them close to him, during this tragic hour when His passion was to begin. However, Peter, James, and John, (26:37). abandoned Him to His agony until the crowd seeking him arrived. The Gospel tells us those very old olive trees in the "Garden of Gethsemani," are certainly less than 2,000 years old, but were already considered ancient in the fifteenth century, according to historical chronicles. These in the garden must be those that witnessed Jesus agony. They approach the gate in the wall. Here Jesus leaves eight of His companions as a guard of honor. He does not want His privacy to be prematurely disturbed, He wants time for prayer; for this is the last moment He will be alone on earth with his apostles, in which to brace His body and nerve, and His spirit from the ordeal that lies before Him. Taking with Him, Peter, James and John, He passes into the recesses of the Garden, where the trees are closer, where their shelter promises a sanctuary of solitude and prayer. This is the place of the ultimate struggle of His soul. He longs for the depth of the companionship of these three who are nearest to His heart. "My soul is exceedingly, sorrowful, even unto death." He cries: 'tarry Here, and watch with me." He goes a little deeper into the Garden, becoming a figure who is lost in the dark night, then He falls on His knees, and then prostrate on the ground. "THIS ADVENT,"
Let us set Jesus before our eyes. Let us in quiet meditation see him, hear him as He knelt in His soul- revealing prayer in this "Garden of love.Let us love him and adore Him in our "heart of hearts".
Let us realize that this 'garden" is not only in far-off Palestine centuries ago. Christ is alive! The "Garden" of our prayer, is anywhere we can enter spiritually, into His very Presence of the living Christ: " He will be kneeling by our side as we pray, and praying with us.
The foreboding of tragedy like a cloud, swallows up the apostles,changing the moment to intensely black.. " He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer. " Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Still, let be as you would have it, not as I." ( Matt. 26:39).
The Master rises, bravely sings a Hymn, and moves toward the door. He flings it open, steps out on the upper landing, and then pauses before he descends the outside stairway. When He returned to his disciples, He found them asleep. he said to Peter, So you could not stay awake with me even an hour. Be on guard, and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but your nature is weak. Withdrawing a second time, He began to pray : " My Father, if this cannot pass me by without my drinking it, your will be done!" Once more, on his return, he found them asleep; they could not keep their eyes open. He left them again, withdrew somewhat, and He began to pray a third time, saying the same words as before. Finally He returned to the disciples and said to them: " Sleep on now. Enjoy your rest! The last feet that have walked out this door and gone down these stairs have been those of Judas. "The hour of the Son of Man," is to be handed over to the power of evil men. Later Jesus says: "Get up!" Let us be on our way.! See my betrayer is here." When they left it was dark, but as Jesus emerges, the soft light of the full moon falls about him. A moment He stands in its glow, and then turns and leads the apostles down the stairway. They turn the corner and plunge into the narrow, twisting streets which is Jerusalem. The walls close in on either sides . They went with Jesus to a place called Gethsemani Mt. (26:36). Jesus called to his side under the olive trees the same men who had been present at the radiant hour of His transfiguration (Mat. 17:1-9). Now He wanted them close to him, during this tragic hour when His passion was to begin. However, Peter, James, and John, (26:37). abandoned Him to His agony until the crowd seeking him arrived. The Gospel tells us those very old olive trees in the "Garden of Gethsemani," are certainly less than 2,000 years old, but were already considered ancient in the fifteenth century, according to historical chronicles. These in the garden must be those that witnessed Jesus agony. They approach the gate in the wall. Here Jesus leaves eight of His companions as a guard of honor. He does not want His privacy to be prematurely disturbed, He wants time for prayer; for this is the last moment He will be alone on earth with his apostles, in which to brace His body and nerve, and His spirit from the ordeal that lies before Him. Taking with Him, Peter, James and John, He passes into the recesses of the Garden, where the trees are closer, where their shelter promises a sanctuary of solitude and prayer. This is the place of the ultimate struggle of His soul. He longs for the depth of the companionship of these three who are nearest to His heart. "My soul is exceedingly, sorrowful, even unto death." He cries: 'tarry Here, and watch with me." He goes a little deeper into the Garden, becoming a figure who is lost in the dark night, then He falls on His knees, and then prostrate on the ground. "THIS ADVENT,"
Let us set Jesus before our eyes. Let us in quiet meditation see him, hear him as He knelt in His soul- revealing prayer in this "Garden of love.Let us love him and adore Him in our "heart of hearts".
Let us realize that this 'garden" is not only in far-off Palestine centuries ago. Christ is alive! The "Garden" of our prayer, is anywhere we can enter spiritually, into His very Presence of the living Christ: " He will be kneeling by our side as we pray, and praying with us.
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