What Can We Learn From Jesus' Crucifixion?

He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
~Isaiah 53:3 ESV

Without question, the crucifixion of Jesus was a terrible event. It was an excruciating and painful way to die, which Jesus was willing to accept without pain-killing drugs (Matthew 27:32-35). It was also a shameful way to die, mocked by those who watched, crucified with common thieves (Matthew 27:36-44). Along with the physical suffering, there was the spiritual agony (Matthew 27:45-50).

While there may be a place for contemplating upon the actual physical agony Jesus endured, he did not want people to weep for Him, but for themselves (cf. Luke 23:26-31). Even on the cross, His concern for others was evident (Luke 23:34). Therefore, the purpose of the crucifixion was not just to engender pity for Jesus.

The significance and lessons to be learned from the crucifixion go far beyond feeling sorry for what Jesus suffered. For example, we should never forget that "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" is...

THE CONDEMNATION OF SIN. Jesus died because of sin. As foretold, He died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3; Isaiah 53:5-6). He gave Himself for our sins (Ga 1:4). He bore our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). May the thought of the crucifixion remind us of our own sinfulness and the need for redemption (1 John 1:8-10).

Jesus killed sin. He condemned sin in the flesh through His death (Romans 8:3); now making it possible for sinners to destroy their own body of sin, when united with Him by baptism into His death (Romans 6:3-6). May the thought of the crucifixion remind us of our duty to crucify the sinful passions of the flesh (Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5-11).

To motivate us in our efforts to let Jesus' death help us deal with the problem of sin, we should also remember that "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" is...

THE REVELATION OF LOVE. Jesus died because of love. He died for the love of the Father for a lost world (John 3:16; Romans 5:8), and the love of the Son (Ephesians 5:2). May our contemplation of the crucifixion never neglect the love that was behind the fact (1 John 4:9-10).

Jesus thereby demonstrated what true love is. We now understand the meaning of true love (1 John 3:16; John 15:13). His love serves as the pattern for our love (John 13:34-35; 15:12). May our contemplation of the crucifixion remind us of the high standard of love we are called to show toward one another (1 John 4:11).

As we strive to overcome sin and love one another, assisted and motivated by the death of Jesus on the cross, we should also be mindful that "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" is...

THE REDEMPTION OF THE WORLD. Jesus died for all! God desires all men to be saved, not desiring any to perish (1 Titus 2:3-6; 2 Peter 3:9). Therefore ,He offered Jesus as a propitiation for all (1 John 2:1-2). May our meditation upon the crucifixion include thinking about the need of others.

Jesus is the world's only hope! He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Only in His name is salvation to be found (Acts 4:12). Deny the Son, and one does not have the Father (1 John 2:23). Abide in His doctrine, and one has both the Father and the Son (2 John 9). May our meditation upon the crucifixion move us to do what we
can to proclaim the message of redemption to those lost in sin (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:18-6:1).

And so the death of Jesus on the cross should prompt us to look both inward and outward, to address both our spiritual needs and those of others. To what extent effort may be required in these areas, we should also view "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" as...

THE INSPIRATION OF SACRIFICE. Jesus provided the example. His death demonstrated the mind of humility (Philippians 2:3-8). And His suffering demonstrated the example of suffering patiently (1 Peter 2:20-24). May our reflection upon the crucifixion move us to consider what His sacrifice should inspire us to do!

Jesus' sacrifice is designed to inspire us. It inspires us to walk in love (Epheisans 5:2); to walk in humility (Philippians 2:3-5); to suffer patiently when mistreated for doing good (1 Peter 2:20-24); and to give of ourselves to others (2 Corinthians 8:9; 1 John 3:16-18).

As we close today's message, certainly more could be said about "The Crucifixion Of Jesus." But perhaps these few thoughts will increase our appreciation of this significant event...

a. His death is the condemnation of sin;
b. His death is the revelation of love;
c. His death is the redemption of the world;
d. His death is the inspiration of sacrifice.

Have you taken advantage of what "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" means for you...? Have you been crucified with Christ? Are you putting to death the deeds of the flesh? Are you growing in love? Are you concerned and doing something about the redemption of the world? Are you inspired in your service to your brethren and the lost by the example of Jesus' sacrifice?

And finally, in the words of the apostle Paul: "We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain." (2 Corinthians 6:1).

Prayer:

My Lord,
your son has suffered so much, shed so much blood.
I was born with so many faults
and my nature is so full of weakness,
and yet your son Jesus has died on the cross for me.
I know your grace has the power
to cleanse me of my many sins
and to make me more like your Son.
Thank you for your goodness and love for me.
I ask you, Father, to watch over me - always.
Amen

God bless you,

Jocelyn

The Messiah, Prophecy, and the Psalms

Lord, tho' parted from our sight,
High above yon azure height,
Grant our hearts may thither rise,
Following Thee beyond the skies. -Charles Wesley

Shortly before His ascension, Jesus taught His apostles that in the Psalms were "messianic prophecies" He fulfilled (Luke 24:44). When we realize that the Psalms are filled with messianic prophecies which find their fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth, then we can use the Psalms in two ways:

a. As a book of evidences, confirming our faith in Jesus as the Christ, the promised Messiah.
b. As an additional source of insight into our Lord's suffering and glorious triumph.

Today, it will be my purpose to list some of the many fulfilled prophecies found in Psalms concerning the Messiah, and to stress their value in confirming our faith.

Let's start with "messianic prophecies" in the Psalms fulfilled in Jesus...

The majority of such prophecies have to do with his "passion." These include His rejection by both Jew and Gentile; by the "kings of the earth" (Herod, Pilate, and the Sanhedrin) - Psalm 2:1-3 (cf. Acts 4:23-28); by His own family - Psalm 69:8 (cf. John 7:5).

Then there is the betrayal by His own friend - Psalm 41:9 (cf. Matthew 26:20-25); His silence under rejection and false accusation - Psalm 38:11-14
(cf. Matthew 26:56,58-63; 27:11-14); the insults, buffeting, spitting, and scourging He endured - Psalm 35:15-16 (cf. Matthew 27:26-31).

What especially stands out are the events surrounding His crucifixion. I refer you to the following...

a. His cries upon the cross - Psalm 22:1 (cf. Matthew 27:46)
b. The mocking by enemies - Psalm 22:6-8,12-13 (cf. Matthew 27:39-44)
c. The physical agony - Psalm 22:14-15
d. His side being pierced - Psalm 22:16
e. The casting of lots for His clothing - Psalm 22:17-18 (cf. Matthew 27:35-36)
f. Offer of gall and vinegar - Psalm 69:21 (cf. Matthew 27:34)
g. Not a bone to be broken - Psalm 34:20 (cf. John 19:31-37)
h. His prayer for His enemies - Psalm 109:4 (cf. Luke 23:34)
i. His final words - Psalm 31:5 (cf. Luke 23:46)
j. Death to be in the prime of life - Psalm 89:45
k. Death was to be voluntary - Psalm 40:6-8 (cf. Matthew 26:36-46)

But the Psalms also speak of His "glorious triumph! They speak of...

1. His resurrection from the dead - Ps 16:8-10 (cf. Acts 2:24-31)
2. His ascension into heaven - Psalm 68:18 (cf. Ephesians 4:8-10)
3. His coronation to sit and the right hand of God and to begin His reign - Psalm 110:1-3 (cf. Acts 2:33; 1 Corinthians 15:25-26; Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 2:26-27; 3:21)
4. His priesthood - Psalm 110:4 (cf. Hebrews 6:19-20; 7:20-28)
5. His judgment of the nations - Psalm 110:5-6 (cf. Revelation 1:5; 2:26-28; 19:11-16)

There are other messianic prophecies found in the Psalms, but these should be enough to illustrate that the Book of Psalms is more than just a book of songs!

To stress the point even more, lets' consider the "value of messianic prophesy," particulary the value of prophecy "in general." God used it to confirm His existence - Isiah 46:9-11. Here, He identifies Himself as the God of prophecy; as one Who is able to declare His plans in advance, and then have the power to bring it about!

God used it to confirm His spokesmen. As such, we know the true prophets by applying the test of fulfilled prophecy - cf. Deuteronomy 18:18-22. Only those moved by the Holy Spirit could accurately foretell the future as God would bring it about - 2 Peter 1:21

Now, let's get back to the value of "messianic prophecy. It helps to identify the One who is truly the Messiah, or God's "Anointed One." The Old Testament (including the Psalms) has approximately 330 prophecies concerning the Messiah. And guess what? Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled every one!

The mathematical probability of it being a "coincidence" is astounding! Consider this, the probability of ANY man who has lived since the beginning of time fulfilling just EIGHT of the prophecies has been calculated as 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000!

The probability of fulfulling just FORTY-EIGHT is one in ten to the 157th power! It would take us 19 million times 19 million times 19 millions years just to count that high!

It is easy to see why the apostles used the Scriptures to prove that Jesus was the Christ. Paul's custom was to use the prophecies of the Scriptures to demonstrate that Jesus was the Christ - Acts 17:1-3. Peter did the same - Acts 3:18.

Today, we can use the messianic prophecies to convince the Jew that Jesus is their long-awaited Messiah! And, to convince the agnostic and atheist that:

1) There must be an omniscient God
2) The Bible writers were inspired by that God
3) Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of God!

In conclusion, to increase your faith in God, in the Bible, and in Jesus, study the
Psalms! But do this, not only to convince others, but also to confirm your own faith
and the faith of your children - yes, such is the value of the Psalms!

It is certainly a demonstration of the truth expressed by the apostle Paul in Romans 10:17: "So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."

Let's pray...

Father, in the Name of Jesus, I realize that as a believer, my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. My acknowledgment of His presence on a daily basis makes my faith in Him effectual. I believe that You, heavenly Father, are leading me and guiding me by the Holy Spirit through my spirit and illuminating my mind. Amen

God loves you!

Jerri

(Video) Resurrection of Christ (3 Days Later...)

This powerful video takes a look at the death and resurrection of Christ as one of Jesus disciples would have experienced it.

It demonstrates how hopeless Jesus' death would have left them, and how amazing Jesus resurrection would have been to them on the first Easter Morning. ~Eve

Have You Died To Sin..?

At one point early in Julius Caesar's political career, feelings ran so high against him that he thought it best to leave Rome. He sailed for the Aegean island of Rhodes, but en route the ship was attacked by pirates and Caesar was captured. The pirates demanded a ransom of 12,000 gold pieces, and Caesar's staff was sent away to arrange the payment.

Caesar spent almost 40 days with his captors, jokingly telling the pirates on several occasions that he would someday capture and crucify them to a man. The kidnappers were greatly amused, but when the ransom was paid and Caesar was freed, the first thing he did was gather a fleet and pursue the pirates. They were captured and crucified ... to a man!

Such was the Romans' attitude toward crucifixion. It was to be reserved for the worst of criminals, a means of showing extreme contempt for the condemned. The suffering and humiliation of a Roman crucifixion were unequaled.
-Today in the Word, November 23, 1992

Movies like Mel Gibson's "The Passion Of The Christ" generate much controversy in regards to possible anti-Semitism, and graphic depiction of scourging and crucifixion. Sometimes the controversy centers around the reason Jesus died. Was His death accidental, an unintended consequence of His teachings? Or, was it God's will, recognized and accepted by Jesus in advance?

The gospel message is quite clear as to why Jesus died for us, yet there is a reason that is often overlooked. So let's review the Biblical answer to the question, "Why did Jesus die on the cross?"

He died to atone for our sins! This is the fundamental theme of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-3). His suffering for our sins was foretold (Isaiah 53:4-6,10-12). He was the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). In love, God offered Him as the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:9-10).

Through such suffering, Jesus died to reconcile us back to God (1 Peter 3:18). Thus providing redemption from sin through His precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). His death was no accident, but part of God's predetermined plan (Acts 2:22-23).

Jesus died that we might die to sin! This reason for His death is often overlooked, yet it is clearly stated by Peter (1 Peter 2:24). He died for our sins that we might die to sin. He died for our sins that we might live for righteousness. He died that we might die!

And so we read such statements as:

a. "if we died with Him..." - 2 Timothy 2:11
b. "If with Christ you died..." - Colossians 2:20
c. "For you have died..." - Colossians 3:3
d. "I have been crucified with Christ..." - Galatians 2:20

Jesus died, not only to atone for sin, but to provide a means whereby we can die with Him to sin, and thereby live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24).

Unless we also 'die to sin', has Jesus' death on the cross fully accomplished its purpose? He died for our sins, but have we died to sin? In other words, "Has Jesus died for you in vain?"

Think about it. Have you died to sin? When does God view you as...

a. Dying with Christ?
b. Being crucified with Christ?
c. Being united with Christ in His death?
d. Dead to sin?

Paul makes it very clear: when we are baptized! This was exemplified in his writing to Christians who had died to sin (Romans 6:1-2). Paul also reminded them concerning their baptism into Christ...

1) They were baptized into His death - Romans 6:3
2) They were buried with Him through baptism into death - Romans 6:4
3) Their old man was crucified with Him - Romans 6:6
4) Their death freed them from sin, enabling them to live with Christ - Romans 6:7-8
5) They should therefore consider themselves dead to sin - Romans 6:11

If we have not yet been baptized into Christ, then we have not yet died to sin!

Here is another question for you. Are you living for righteousness? That is why you died to sin (cf. 1 Peter 2:24). You died to sin...

a. That you might be alive to God - Romans 6:11
b. That you might not let sin reign anymore - Romans 6:12
c. That you might present your members as instruments of righteousness - Romans 6:13
d. That you might become slaves of righteousness - Romans 6:16-18

Having died to sin, we are to mortify (kill) the flesh. We are aided in this by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:13; cf. Ephesians 3:16). Having died to sin, we are to live for righteousness by putting on the new man, renewed in the image of Christ (Colossians 3:10-14; Ephesians 4:22-32), and by growing in the true knowledge of Christ (cf. 2 Peter 1:5-9).

How serious are we in this effort? This can be evidenced by our willingness to learn and grow in the knowledge of Christ? (2 Peter 3:18), and our efforts to put off sin and put on Christ in our lives? (Romans 13:13-14). If we are not diligent in putting off sin and putting on Christ, then His death for us was in vain!

In summary, when we consider the death of Jesus on the cross, we should not just think of His death as an atonement for our sins. We should think of it as also providing the means whereby we might die to sin and live for righteousness.

The grace of God in Jesus is not complete until we are living as we should; denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:11-12), and redeemed from every lawless deed, purified and zealous for good works (Titus 2:13-14).

Remember this... Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh (Galatians 5:24; cf. Romans 6:6). Are you Christ's...?

Prayer:

May the light of Jesus shine continually to drive away all darkness. May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find his light ever burning in our hearts—he who gives his light to all creation, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

Athene

The Reality of the Resurrection

As Vice-President, George H. W. Bush represented the U.S. at the funeral of former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Bush was deeply moved by a silent protest carried out by Brezhnev's widow. She stood motionless by the coffin until seconds before it was closed.

Then, just as the soldiers touched the lid, Brezhnev's wife performed an act of great courage and hope, a gesture that must surely rank as one of the most profound acts of civil disobedience ever committed: She reached down and made the sign of the cross on her husband's chest.

There in the citadel of secular, atheistic power, the wife of the man who had run it all hoped that her husband was wrong. She hoped that there was another life, and that that life was best represented by Jesus who died on the cross, and that the same Jesus might yet have mercy on her husband. -Gary Thomas, Christian Times, October 3, 1994, p. 26

The fact of Jesus' resurrection is very important to the Christian. Certainly as inspiration to persevere in the midst of hardship, but there are other reasons why we should "remember" and never stop believing in it.

While we may not suffer hardship like Paul or Timothy, it is imperative that Christians "remember the resurrection of Jesus". For reasons why, let's consider some implications.

IF JESUS WAS NOT RAISED FROM THE DEAD...

PREACHING THE GOSPEL WOULD BE IN VAIN. The preaching of the apostles would have been empty, and meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14). There would be no purpose in preaching about a lie today.

OUR FAITH WOULD BE VAIN. Our belief in Christ would also be empty, and meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14). Simply put, our faith would be in a lie!

THE APOSTLES WERE FALSE WITNESSES. An implication admitted to by Paul (1 Corinthians 15:15). For they swore that God raised Jesus from the dead (e.g., Acts 2:32). They claimed to spend 40 days with Him after the resurrection, eating and drinking with Him (cf. Acts 10:39-41). There is no way they could have been deceived or mistaken;
either they told the truth or they were deliberate liars, deceivers, and frauds!

WE ARE STILL IN OUR SINS. Our faith would be futile and we would still be sinners (1 Corinthians 15:17). For it would have been a liar or lunatic that died on the cross. And no such person could have provided a sacrifice that was holy and without blemish.

BELIEVERS WHO HAVE SINCE DIED HAVE PERISHED believing in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:18). Their faith would have been in a false Messiah. They would have had no atonement for their sins. Dying in their sins, there would be no hope.

CHRISTIANS ARE TO BE PITIED if their hope in Christ relates only to this life (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:19). Why? Because we believe in a false Messiah. Because our faith in Him leads us to refrain from much worldly pleasure. And, because we are often ridiculed or persecuted for our faith!

Such are the implications if Jesus did not rise from the dead. Now let's review the implications of Jesus' resurrection which should encourage us to always "remember" it.

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS FROM THE DEAD...

VERIFIES OUR JUSTIFICATION. Note Paul's mention of this consequence of the resurrection (Romans 4:24-25). Jesus claimed His blood would be adequate for the remission of our sin (Matthew 26:28). Therefore, by raising Jesus from the dead, God demonstrated His acceptance of Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins! (cf. Romans 8:33-34).

DEMONSTRATES GOD'S POWER TOWARD US, the greatness of which Paul wanted Christians to know (cf. Ephesians 1:18-20). This power is involved in our conversion, raising us to a new life (Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:21). This power enables us to live the Christian life, for God is at work in us (Philippians 2:12-13; 4:13; Ephesians 3:20; 6:10).

PROVIDES HOPE CONCERNING OUR OWN RESURRECTION. His resurrection gives us a living hope! (1 Peter 1:3,21) Especially concerning the resurrection of believers! (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).

DEMANDS OUR COMPLETE LOYALTY TO JESUS. He died and rose again that He might be Lord of the dead and living (Romans 14:9). He was raised and then exalted to become our Lord (Acts 2:32-36; Ephesians 1:20-23). Thus, our lives and service belong to Him (Romans 14:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:15).

In conclusion, the Christian must never lose sight of the significance of the resurrection of Jesus. It is the foundation upon which our faith and hope is based. If we deny the resurrection of Jesus, we are no longer Christians!

The reality of the resurrection of Jesus is very important to the minister of the gospel. No one can deny Jesus' resurrection and claim to be a minister of Christ. Those suffering hardship can take comfort knowing that Jesus also suffered and rose again.

I leave you with a final thought. Will we be sure to remember the resurrection of Jesus, and live our lives accordingly...?

Prayer:

Lord of life,
We pray for all who bring your word of life,
As a light to those in darkness;
For those who bring your word of peace,
To those enslaved by fear;
For those who bring your word of love,
To those in need of comfort;
Lord of love and Lord of peace,
Lord of resurrection life;
Be known
Through our lives,
and through your power;
Amen

God bless you!

Faith

...With Unfaltering Step Toward the Cross!

Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer;
Death is strong, but Life is stronger;
Stronger than the dark, the light;
Stronger than the wrong, the right;
Faith and Hope triumphant say,
Christ will rise on Easter Day.
-Phillips Brooks

On three separate occasions, Jesus predicted His passion and resurrection. I will list them as follows:

a. In the region of Caesarea Philippi, He emphasized the necessity (Mark 8:31).
b. While traveling through Galilee, He stressed the certainty (Mark 9:31).
c. Now on the road to Jerusalem, He describes it in greater detail (Mark 10:32-34).

If you have ever faced an impending ordeal, you know the anticipation itself adds to the trial, anxiety and stress of knowing what it is to come. As we remember what Jesus did to save us, do not overlook the burden of knowing in advance what He would suffer, and what helped Him to endure.

Let's take a closer look, beginning with the setting. This took place on the road to Jerusalem as they (Jesus and the disciples) were making their way from beyond the Jordan via Jericho (Mark 10:1,46). This was Jesus' last trip to Jerusalem.

Interestingly, there was an order, or sequence in which they all walked. First, was Jesus taking the lead (Mark 10:32). Then there were the disciples following closely behind (Mark 10:32). Finally, were the people who a little further behind (Mark 10:32).

They also carried with them certain attitudes as they walked. Jesus walked with steadfast determination (cf. Luke 9:51). The disciples filled with awe, perhaps by Jesus' determination (Mark 10:32). And, the people werecoverwhelmed with fear, perhaps knowing the danger Jesus and His followers faced in Jerusalem (Mark 10:32; cf. John 9:22; 11:8,57).

At some point, Jesus takes the twelve apostles aside and begins to tell them what will happen to Him. What a conversation that would have been! Beginning with the prediction that...

1) He will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes (Mark 10:33). He was referring to the Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court of the Jews. This was fulfilled in Mark 14:41-46).

2) He will be condemned to death and delivered to the Gentiles (Mark 10:33). He was referring to the Romans, who alone had the authority to put him to death (cf. John 18:31). This was fulfilled in Mark 14:55-64.

3) He will be mocked, treated with contempt, and ridiculed (Mark 10:34). This meant to imitate with mockery and derision. This was fulfilled in Mark 15:16-20,29-32).

4) He will be scourged. In other words, to be whipped, and punished severely (Mark 10:34). "Under the Roman method of 'scourging,' the person was stripped and tied in a bending posture to a pillar, or stretched on a frame. The "scourge" was made of leather thongs, weighted with sharp pieces of bone or lead, which tore the flesh of both the back and the breast" - Vine. This was fulfilled in Mark 15:15.

5) He will be spit on with saliva or phlegm. This would be done with anger or contempt (Mark 10:34). This was fulfilled in Mark 14:65; 15:19).

6) He will be killed. Death would follow His mockery and torture (Mark 10:34). Jesus knew the manner of death: crucifixion! (cf. Matthew 20:19). This was fulfilled in Mark 15:24,37).

7) He will rise on the third day. Jesus was resurrected from the dead (Mark 10:34). This was foretold very early in His ministry (cf. John 2:19-22). It was fulfilled in Mark 16:1-7).

In closing, when Jesus predicted His passion and resurrection the first time, Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked Him (Mark 8:31-33). The second time, the disciples did not understand and refused to ask Him (Mark 9:31-32). The third time, there is no dispute (though they may have still been confused)

What strikes me about these three predictions, is that it reveals that Jesus knew what would happen to Him! The stress and anxiety from anticipation only added to His
suffering for us!

How was Jesus able to press on, knowing what was to come? The writer to the Hebrews reveals the answer (cf. Hebrews 12:2). He encourages us to "consider Him...lest you become weary and discouraged" (Hebrews 12:3).

Dear readers, let's not only consider how He died, but also consider that He faced knowing what awaited Him. As Erdman wrote..."Let us pause to gaze on that face and form, the Son of God, going with unfaltering step toward the Cross! Does it not awaken us to new heroism, as we follow; does it not awaken new love as we see how voluntary was His death for us; yet do we not wonder at the meaning and the mystery of that death?"

Let's pray:

Almighty and ever-living God,
give us new strength
from the courage of Christ our shepherd,
and lead us to join the saints in heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May God bless you always!

Jeanine

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: His Grace Is Toward Us

Hello, and welcome to Saturday Scripture Gold. Thank you for taking time out of your busy weekend to drop by!

Although out of pure grace God does not impute our sins to us, He nonetheless did not want to do this until complete and ample satisfaction of His law and His righteousness had been made. Since this was impossible for us, God ordained for us, in our place, One who took upon Himself all the punishment we deserve.

He fulfilled the law for us. He averted the judgment of God from us and appeased God's wrath. Grace, therefore, costs us nothing, but is cost Another much to get it for us. Grace was purchased with an incalculable, infinite treasure, the Son of God Himself." -Martin Luther, Daily Walk, May 5, 1992

We think we are doing well until all of a sudden we hit a dry spot where it seems that God has deserted us. God, of course, promises us that He will never desert us. This is true. But God's children regularly seem to be thrown into circumstances that are hard to understand.

We wonder, "If God is gracious, then why does He bring His children into difficult times?" We looked at this discussion from the point of humility, but we need to now view our difficult times from the perspective of God's grace.

Grace makes us wonderfully satisfied. God deepens our desire and appreciation of His grace by having us journey through difficult times. This time is often called a testing or refining period. God says this of Joseph.

"He sent a man before them, Joseph, [who] was sold as a slave. ... Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the LORD tested him. (Psalm 105:17,19).

Perhaps we would trust God more easily if He didn't so obviously say "tested him!" But He did. The "Word of the LORD tested him." We know Joseph had some flaws that had to be removed. He thought too much of himself. One would think there could have been an easier way for Joseph to learn these lessons. Through his life, he was humiliated over and over again.

He was often treated unjustly. The fact is, however, that God chastises those He loves. Out of God's abundant grace come forth testing times for His servants. Grace paves a road that enables a man to walk more nobly. How does this work?

We see that God is interested in sanctifying His people. He desires His children to be thoroughly happy in Him. As long as we are focused on our own pleasures, we are more like the beasts than God. God wants to share His love by raising us up beyond our focus on our own lives.

Trying times creates this deeper search for meaning in life. We all of a sudden remember that there is more to life than just feeding our appetites. We need to go beyond this and ask how God fits into these troubles.

"God isn't unnecessarily cruel; He does not enjoy our pain. When God encounters us with loneliness, silence, and struggle, He does so because He has an unimaginable pleasure for us: in our suffering He reveals His goodness. He wants us to revel in His glorious love. And it is in the midst of darkness that the brightness of His love shines with startling intensity." The Cry of the Soul by Allender and Longman, p. 238.

God is interested in developing our appreciation of His works. If we merely get by our own self efforts, we rather than God is being praised. We do not disagree that man can do many things, but the problem is that man forgets that even the most basic things he can do are all given to Him from God.

Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow (James 1:17).

God takes us beyond our easy walk and makes us desperate for help. By putting us in difficult places, God has us reach up to Him and see how great He is. God causes joy to rise up in our hearts and we give praise to Him. God is then being praised and our hearts abounding in His love.

In a real sense Joseph didn't deserve all the bad treatment he got. He was persecuted by others for his righteous decisions. God, however, weaved into his life deeper plans than Joseph could ever see. They included both the greater plans for all His people as well as his own life.

God will not change in His love for us. His favor is upon us as we seek His face. We need the eyes of faith to know how constant and persevering His grace is toward us. This finely tuned grace became a glorious example of graciousness in the way he later treated his brothers after Jacob, his father, died.

Now, let's pray...

O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy name's sake. Amen

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi