With Four You Can Play 42

Attention everyone.

It is now safe to inform the world that grandchild number four is on the way. Our son, Brandon, and his wife, Joy, are expecting in April.

This is getting to be fun.

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? (Tangent)

A short side note to the idea of Jesus being like a bright shining light.
It occurs to me that somehow or other the light that Jesus is, is supposed to rub off on those who claim to be His. Jesus words were, "I am the light of the world..." (John 8:12).
In the sermon on the mount he claims that His followers are exactly that, "The light of the world." (Matthew 5:14). There is some sort of sameness there.
It maybe time to do some blogs along the lines of everything that Jesus is and which of those characteristics are His follower supposed to have.
It will definitely be a dark day if we ever have to say, "THE LIGHT HAS GONE OUT!"

Let your light shine!

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? # 113

His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. Rev. 1:16

"Shining" and "Brilliance" are Jesus-type traits. He has always shined His light. The gospel writer John tells us that the light did shine into the darkness but the darkness could not understand it (John 1: 5).

Hum? It is a principle of light to eliminate the darkness. Darkness is weaker than light. Light lights the way out of darkness. I know that if I want to go safely into a dark room I just turn on the light. If the power has gone out I look for a flashlight. It is relatively easy to penetrate the darkness with the right tools.

I remember my wife and I taking a little overnight trip to Fort Davis, TX near the Davis Mountains and the McDonald Observatory. In Ft. Davis there can be no street lights - nothing to obscure the stars being observed from the Observatory. I remember fumbling through the back gate of the Bed and Breakfast where we were staying. We needed light.

How is it that the "light of the world" came to penetrate the darkness and was unable? How could the darkness stand against Him? If our case, if we want it dark spiritually He will let us have it our way.

Please penetrate the darkness of my heart, O Lord!

Blessings,

L.T.

Just to let those of you know who are interested, blogging has been "offline" for about a month as the Tittles have been dealing with several things but I hope to be back into it again soon. Of course, the birth of two grandchildren has had something to do with it but we have also been dealing with my wife's health.
She was develping symptoms that had led us to believe that there would be a diagnosis of Scleroderma which is a very serious condition.
The Lord answered our prayer and the diagnosis has come back with a scleroderma-like condition known as Eosinophilic Faciits. However it is not as serious as scleroderma and the Prednizone she is now on is supposed to eventually cure it. We praise God for that and request that you continue to keep her in your prayers.
She went to the doctor today, July 10, and the doctor seems to think she is making progress.
We enjoyed a week in estes Park, CO (picture above) last week with some friends and that was another roadblock to blogging. We had an awesome experience. Aleta made it just fine as long was she was taking it easy.
The next post will be a continuation of "Who is Jesus?"

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #112 (From the Apocalypse)

"His face was shining like the sun" Revelation 1:16

His face was like this on at least one other occassion. We call it the transfiguration. Matthew talks about this is Matthew 17. John was present at that time and had the same reaction as he did in the Apocalypse. He, along with Peter and James, was terrfied at the transfigured Christ. In Revelation he fell down as if he were dead as he came in contact with the Christ of the vision.
Is there room for fear when we see Jesus for who He is - completely? Then we wait for Him to say, "don't be afraid."

Blessings,

L.T.
Podcast feed is http://feeds.feedburner.com/wildvoice/JMEI.

Memorial Day

Spending memorial day home alone as Aleta is still in AR with the new grandson - Carter. Carter and his mom came home from the hospital yesterday and everyone is doing fine.

If you look to the right, you will see why i haven't "blogged" this week.

He was born to our daughter and son-in-law, Ben and Amy Carrigan of Searcy, AR.

His name is Carter Warren Carrigan.

He came in weighing 7 lbs. and 11 oz.

He was 20 1/2" long.

Because the position of his head was not right, they had to do a C-section. If they had made the decision thirty minutes earlier, baby and mom would have had the same birthdays.

Carter is great and so is his mother, Amy. Daddy Ben will recover soon.

This is our third grandchild. Now we have a girl and two boys.

Back to "Who is Jesus?" on Tuesday.

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #111 (From the Apocalypse)

"...and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword." (Revelation 1:16b)
I am not sure which of the features of Jesus scared John the most; but for me, I think it would have been this one. The picture of a person with a sword protruding out of his mouth is quite alarming.
The picture is reproduced for us in 19:15. "Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations."
During His ministry, what came out of the mouth of Jesus was the word of His Father. "The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing His work." (John 14:10)
We know that what Jesus said pierced some and divided others. He brought down the Scribes and Pharisees with His words to the point that they would not ask Him any more questions.
The message John is writing down for our first century brothers and sisters, and us, is that the words of Jesus have not become impotent. They are just as powerful now as they were then. They are just as sharp.
More on this idea.
Keep speaking to us, Lord. Say what we need to hear no matter what.

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #110 (From the Apocalypse)

"In His right hand He held the seven stars" (Revelation 1:16a).

Since we are told that the seven stars represent the angels of the seven churches, my mind got to wondering about stars and messengers. That pondering brought to my mind a passage from the prophet Daniel.

Daniel 12:3
"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever."

Messengers who bring good news from God to mankind do indeed shine like stars. Even though not all of the news to each of the seven churches in Revelation was necessarily good news by its very nature, it was good news because it came from God and gave instruction as to what they needed to do in the areas of correcting wrongs and preparing for what was about to come. That made it good news.

The heavens are dotted at night with stars that fascinate us and navigate us through this world. Those who would bring instruction from the Lord to the people are the real super stars for God.

Let your light shine in me!

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #109 (From the Apocalypse)

"In His right hand He held the seven stars" (Revelation 1:16a).

"The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches" (1:19).

This may be one of those places where the interpretation given for a particular symbol does not really help. Who are these angels that are "assigned" to each of the seven churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamus, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodocea)?

We may not understand the symbolism in the book, but we can make some observations about angels. It was an angel who announced to Mary and Joseph the impending birth of the Son of God. It was an angel that told the whole family to escape to Egypt. Angels ministered to Jesus after his temptation encounter with Satan. Angels will be involved in the "harvest" at the end of the world. Apparently children have guardian angels (Matthew 18:18). Angels opened prison doors. The Torah was put into effect by angels.

Some things are obvious. Angels brought messages not their own, but from God. They had a ministry not their own, but from God.

Maybe we should listen a little harder and look at little closer. Maybe someone is trying to communicate to us.

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #108 (From the Apocalypse)

"His voice we like the sound of rushing waters" (Revelation 1:15b)

I have lived through a couple of floods in my life - nothing like the flooding that hit the N.O. area during the hurricane. I remember the east fork of the San Jacinto river cresting and flooding our little two acre weekend place when I was a kid.

We hear in the news now about the flooding in the plains. The Missouri river is past flood stage. People are devastated by the flood waters. They lose everything they have spent a lifetime accumulating. The flood takes it all.

We are being flooded today in other ways. We are flooded with immorality. We are flooded with the nuances of postmodernism. We are flooded with violence - violence in the name of religion. We are flooded with pornography. Some of it comes in over our televisions and we sit there and watch - even let our children absorb it. We are flooded with selfish desires and the "It's all about me" mentality of the world today; and, we are being devastated by the rising flood waters.

Listen to the words of the Psalmist.

"The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the lord is enthroned forever." (Psalm 29:10)

There is a Lord that picks us up out of the floods we are dealing with. He is above the floods. He has the right vantage point. He can give us the deliverance we so desperately need.

Listen to His voice - the one that sounds like rushing waters.

Oh Lord, we lift you up that you in turn lift us up out of the flood waters of life.

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #107 (From the Apocalypse)

"His voice was like the sound of rushing waters" (Revelation 1:15b)

It rained here in Clovis yesterday. It rained pretty hard for Eastern New Mexico. Between the rain and driving through puddles of water on the road, I couldn't hear anything. I couldn't even hear my radio. All of that water making all of that noise made all of the other sounds indiscernible.

I remember taking a group of kids on a float trip down a river in Oklahoma several years ago. There was no way we could yell to each other from one canoe to the other when we were in the rapids. Most communication had to be done on the bank before we started. The sound of the rushing water was just too loud. Nothing else could be heard except the water.

There is so much competing for our attention today. There is a lot of noise out there. However, nothing can drown out the voice of the Savior. His message does not get through only when we do not listen.

Whatever Jesus has to do to communicate with me, I pray that it works.

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #106 (From the Apocalypse)

"His voice was like the sound of rushing waters" (Revelation 1:15b)

It seems like John changed metaphors here. In verse 10 he says the voice "like a trumpet." Now it is like the sound of powerful rushing water.

It was the trumpet voice that got Johns attention. It was the powerful rushing water voice that spoke with power and authority.

Sometimes before we can "hear" what Jesus has to say, He has to get our attention. He doesn't want us to miss what He has to say.

I wonder how many times and in how many ways has Jesus tried to get my attention in this life before He tried to communicate to me? I wonder how many times I still have not paid attention?

Out brothers and sisters in the first century were about to receive a Life and death message from Jesus. They needed to sit up and pay attention.

The words of Jesus are powerful. They only way that power is limited is if we are not listening. Of course, someone somewhere will listen. They have learned to stay focused on Jesus and let the power of His voice change their lives.

I pray that I am one of them.

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #105 (from the Apocalypse)

"His voice was like the sound of rushing waters" (Revelation 1: 15b).

When ?? talks, people listen. I remember that old E.F. Hutton commercial. In this case, it is Jesus who is talking and you/we had better pay attention.

Three boys were bragging to one another about their fathers. One of them said, “My father is a professor. When he is talking about nuclear physics, there are only fifty other people in the world who can understand him.

”The second boy said, “My father is a world class brain surgeon. When he is talking about his surgery there are only 20 other people in the whole world who can understand him.”The third boy said,

“That’s nothing. My dad is a preacher. When he is preaching, nobody seems to understand him.”

Well it is one thing to not listen to a mere man. It is quite something else to not listen to the Son of God.

Imagine trying to make yourself heard above the thundering sound of Niagara Falls. When Jesus has something to say, He will be heard!

The question is not, "Is He talking?" The question is, "Am I listening?"

"Speak, Lord, your servant is listening"

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #104 (from the Apocalypse)

"both feet furnace-fired bronze" (The Message, Revelation 1:15)

My thoughts turn to the words of the patriotic song "Battle Hymn of the Republic" where it says, "He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored." I am not even sure what all of that means, but the idea of trampling is pretty clear.
In scripture we are told of God stomping through a lot of places/cities because of their sin. Sodom came down. The nation of Egypt finally had to succumb. The Assyrians, Babylonians, Medo-Persians, Greeks and Romans couldn't stand before Him.
I guess my question is, "Why are we putting Him to the test now?" Are we daring Him to come marching through our land?
One old-time preacher once said, "If God doesn't do something soon, He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah."
Truth does march on. Truth will ultimately win the day. God will kick over and out anything and anyone that forsakes Him, His word, and His people.
Maybe we are preparing the pathway for His trampling and aren't even aware of it.

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #103 (from the Apocalypse)

"His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace" (Revelation 1:15).

There is no doubt what these strong looking feet were for. These were to carry out judgment.
In Micah 4:13 we find a similar symbol where God's people are told they will have "hoofs of bronze" and that by these they will be able to "break to piece many nations." These were the same nations that were gloating over Israel's disappearance from the scene into Babylonian captivity. But God will and does bring them back to carry out His vindication on those who would have scoffed at His apparent lack of power.
Most of the time we do not like to think of God as bringing judgment. However, if we do not attribute this characteristic to Him, then we have an unbalanced and incomplete picture of Him. He is a God who brings His judgment on those who do not acknowledge Him.
In Revelation it is the one attribute that completes the picture of Jesus.
Are those feet coming in my direction?

Blessings,


Larry

Who is Jesus #102 (from the Apocalypse)

"Eyes like blazing fire."

John saw these eyes again in Revelation 19:12. They were the eyes of the rider on the white horse whose name is Faithful and True.

Daniel, in a similar vision in chapter 7 of his prophecy, saw eyes that were like flaming torches and it sapped all the strength from his body. Then, and only then, was he able to be touched and strengthened in order to receive the message from God and fulfill the mission God was placing in front of him.

Those eyes are horrible and terrifying, but they are also purifying. Sometimes we need to let Jesus stake a huge penetrating look at us - even a judgemental look - in order to be brought to our knees so that our Lord is able to touch us with His blessings and will.

Don't forget Peter who met Jesus eye-to-eye (Luke 22:61) and was moved to the point of weeping once who he was and what he had done was brought to the surface. After tht cleansing he was able to be used by Jesus to become a pillar in the church (Galatians 2:9).

O Lord. take a good long look at me and penetrate my soul that I might become what you want me to be.

Amen.

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #101 (from the Apocalypse)

"His eyes were like blazing fire." (Revelation 1:14).

Do you know what it feels like to be talking to someone who can see right through you? It sure makes you feel vulnerable. All of a sudden all of your defenses that you have built up come tumbling down. You are seen for who you truly are.

These penetrating eyes of Jesus are that way. They see right through us. He sees us for who we truly are. There are no masks that I can wear, no barriers I can erect, no place I can hide that will keep Jesus from looking deeply into my heart and seeing me the way I am.

That shouldn't frighten me. Because I know that Jesus sees the things in me that I need to change in order to grow closer to Him every day.

There were certainly those in Jesus day who had to come to grips with how they truly were. Some decided to change and some didn't.

I am reminded about Jesus interaction with Nathaniel in John 1:43-50. Not only did Jesus see Nathaniel concerning where he was physically (standing under the fig tree back home) but he also saw where he was morally (a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false). Once confronted with the fact that Jesus vision was 100% perfect, Nathaniel couldn't help but confess that Jesus was the Son of God.

If we are not afraid to let Jesus have a deep look into our inner self, then we will confess with our entire being HE IS THE SON OF GOD!

Blessings,

L.T.

Who is Jesus #100 (from the Apocalypse)

The time has come to get back to this blogging thing. The passage we are exploring (Revelation 1:12-17) is perhaps the most comprehensive description of Jesus there is in the N.T. Everything Jesus was/is is pretty much found in this section of Revelation.
When I stopped blogging over a year ago we had barely made it halfway through this marvelous description of the Savior.
Let's remind ourselves that our first century brothers and sisters were needing to get a complete look at Jesus. Their situation was critical and was going to get worse before it got better. There could be a temptation to ask where is this Jesus anyway and just who does He think He is letting us suffer all sorts of persecution? Is He really even there?
YES! He is there! He hasn't left His faithful ones to their own resources.
And so, they get another - more comprehensive - look at Jesus; and what a look at is.
O.K. 21st century Christian. When life tumbles in, where is Jesus? Has He changed? has He left?
NO! He is there! Just take the time to look around and see Him for who He is and what He is doing.
The journey continues.

Blessings,

L.T.

Best Laid Plans

Was going to get my blogging engine up and running again, but something prohibitied me. I think you can see the picture. His name is Ty Austin Trcka and he is our second grandchild.

He was born on Thursday at 3:20 A.M. CDT. He weighed in at 7'11'' and was 18" long.

I think he is a real cutie and I know he is a keepr.

His mother and our daughter, Melissa, is doing fine as well as daddy Dee.

We are so blessed.

Blessings,

Larry

Return to Blogging

It has been over a year since I added anything to this page. There are a couple of reasons for that and several excuses. Much has happened in our lives over the past year. I started taking graduate courses. Three of our children have bought new homes and Aleta and I have moved into a new ministry in Clovis, NM.
We are now in the preaching ministry serving the 21st Street Church of Christ in Clovis. As of this writing we have been here a month. It has been a real blessing for us and we pray one for the church here as well.
It has been a move that has gone well and we believe we are where God wants us doing what He wants us to do.
It is my intention to get back on the subject of "Who is Jesus?" in the coming days and continue to explore the magnificent Son of God.
This coming Sunday is Easter Sunday and most churches will probably have a few extra people in attendance. I pray these irregular attenders will be moved by the Resurrected Christ to give it all up for and to Him.

Blessings,

Larry

Who is Jesus? #99 (From the Apocalypse)

White or whiteness tends to set things off - it distinguishes - especially from dark. I've been painting the exterior of my house lately and buying the paint all along as I need it rather than getting it all at the same time.
As you might imagine, one batch I bought didn't quite match what I had been using. I didn't notice it, wouldn't you know it, until I started painting with it. It was much whiter than what I had been using. It was obvious. I couldn't let it go. There was no way I could continue using that paint. The whiteness of it contrasted too much with the other paint I had been using. There would be no hiding it. Everyone would notice. It was a stark difference - the difference between light and dark - between white and black.
John saw, in his vision of the Christ, a stark and differentiating white. It was vivid. It was bright. It contrasted sharply with everything around it.
That's the way Jesus is. He shines brightly - especially into the darkness.
John said in his gospel - "The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it, (John 1:5). It is too different, too distinct. He so set apart from everything else.
"His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow...," (Revelation 1:14).

Lord, let your light shine and may I understand!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #98 (From the Apocalypse)

Life is full of changes. Started taking some graduate courses on-line a few weeks ago and had to let my "blogging" slide. Hopefully, I can be a little more regular.
Still from the book of Revelation and the image of Jesus in Chapter one where he is pictured as one who head and hair were as white as wool -- as white as snow.
I picture in my own feeble mind, John seeing this image and shading his eyes from the brightness that he is beholding. I think that would be my reaction.
How could/can I even begin to behold the countenance of the Son of God? After all, He said, "He who has seen me has seen the Father." Then we learn that no one can see God and live.
The light of purity and holiness is too far beyond us. There is nothing sinister or evil about Jesus. We can't begin to approach God much less gaze upon Him because we are blinded by his stark holiness contrasted with our sinful darkness.
But, somehow we can come to Him. John sees Him. It is by this very one who illuminates everything, that we can come to the Father. He paved the way. The light is not there to blind us, but to show us the way!

Show me the way!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #97 (From the Apocalypse)

"His Head and Hair were white like wool, as white as snow"
"Let there be light!" - the first words spoken by God as reported in the Bible. Maybe more correctly, "Let light be!" We understand/believe that Jesus was there with God at the creation of all things. He is part of the "let us..." (Genesis 1:26). John 1:1 says the Word (Jesus) was there in the beginning.
I find it interesting that the first thing associated with Jesus in the Bible (In Genesis) is light and one of the last things associated with Jesus (In Revelation) is light.
Could it be that the first thing that God wanted to show in his spiritual creation was light and the first thing he wanted to show in his spiritual creation was also light?

Then, as dark was the world was, Jesus came as light into it. Light that shines in stark contrast to the ways of the world.

Sometimes, my world is dark. Sometimes because I make it that way - maybe more often than I like to think. Sometimes, others make my world dark - especially that one who loves the darkness.

Regardless, the one with the head and hair as while as wool is there. The light still shines. The brilliance of His image and glory is real and in sight.

Show me the way to you, dear Jesus.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #96 (From the Apocalypse)

"His Head and Hair were white like wool, as white as snow"
"There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light,"(Matthew 17:2-3). When thinking about Jesus and "brightness" I can't help but move to the transfiguration account. I am not sure what all that means "to be transfigured" but I would like to have been there, I think. It appears that Peter, James, and John were definitely moved. If His baptism was the beginning of His earthly ministry and His ascension, the end, then the transfiguration must have been the certification of His ministry by His Father.
Just as with John's vision of Jesus in Revelation 1, brightness, whiteness and dazzling light are brought into the picture. This happens in the presence of God. A brightness that cannot be reproduced by man but only by God Almighty.
It must signify for us that Jesus is not only in the presence of God but is God himself. It is such a pure hue of white that we cannot achieve it on our own, but must be made dazzling clean by the blood of Jesus.
I can't imagine the white purity and holiness of God coming to earth to live among people like me. Sometimes I can only see my stain against His perfect purity.
"create in me a clean heart, O God!"

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #95 (From the Apocalypse)

"His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow..."(Rev. 1: 14). I have to consider the appearance of Moses after he has been in the presence of God. His face "was radiant"(Exodus 34:29). The people were afraid when they saw Moses' face aglow after having been in the presence of God Almighty.
This text from Exodus goes on to say that he kept his face uncovered while he delivered the law of God to "all Israel." Then he would cover his face until he could once again ascend the mountain and be in the presence of God.
I know that I used to believe that Moses hid his face because of the fear of the people when they looked at him. But II Corinthians 3:12ff tells a different story. Now, I believe that he covered his face so that the people would remember how he looked after coming from the presence of God. After a while, the radiance would begin to dim and he did not want the people to see that. When God called him, he would go back to the mountain and the radiance would return and he would let the people see him, as a reminder that he was in the presence of God, and then cover his face once again.
The fundamental point here for the Moses illustration is that when he spoke the law of God he was speaking from and for God because he had been in the presence of God. The brilliant radiance on his face was testimony to that fact.
What doea all of this have to do with what John saw and what does it have to do with us?
I will have to ramble on those questions tomorrow.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #94 (From the Apocalypse)

The next aspect of this description of Jesus that John sees is, "His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow..."(1:14).
White has many conotations, I think, in scripture. Purity comes to mind. Being made pure by the blood of Jesus - but what else?
Daniel saw a similar vision and told us about it in Daniel 7:9. "As I looked, thrones were set in place and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was as white as snow: the hair of his head was white like wool."
This "white as wool" seems to indicate the authorty of God. For John it reminded him and his readers that Jesus was God and was/is in the presence of God.
If a priest (last several blogs) was one who went to God in behalf of the people and Jesus is God, then....???
Too much to think about right now, but no wonder Thomas said, after he was convicted, "My Lord and my God.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #93 (From the Apocalypse)

Actually, I've rambled pretty far afield from the book of Revelation. This all started with the image of Jesus that John saw in Revelation 1. The "floor-length robe" part of the image is a reminder of His priesthood - His High Priesthood, at that.
So my thoughts have been many and varied on the subject of priests.
There had not been a priest in Israel in a very long time (II Chronicles 15:3). Actually there had been many priests because Jeroboam let just about anyone be a priest (I Kings 13:33). Beyond that, he would make anyone a priest who would do and say what he wanted. "He appointed priests from all sorts of people," (I Kings 12:28). His intent according to the immediate context was to make sure his people were not lured back to the southern kingdom, Judah, where Jerusalem, the temple and the priests were. He needed to have his own high places and his own priests that would serve his people, and that is exactly what he put together.
The Bible says in I Kings 13:34, "This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth."
If you have the wrong priests, serving in the wrong place offering the wrong sacrifices for a rebellious people, NOTHING RIGHT will come of it. The northern kingdom, Israel, was obliterated because of it.
Our need for a priest has not gone away. We just need the right one. We need the right priest in the right place at the right time offering the right sacrifices for a still sometimes rebellious people. God saw to this real need through His son, Jesus; our High Priest. He is right one. He is in the right place and he offered the right sacrifice. It is up to us if things are to come out right.
I need Jesus to continually goes to the Father in my behalf.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

P.S. Be it known that my granddaughter took her first steps on Sunday, January 8, 2005.

Who is Jesus? #92 (From the Apocalypse)

With all of this discussion about Jesus and His High Priesthood, I began to wonder if I even knew what the responsibilities of a priest were/are; at least what is recorded for us in scripture. II Chronicles 15:3 says that Israel had been "without a priest" for "a long time."
Introduction of the characters: Asa was king of the southern kingdom of Judah. Azariah was the son of the prophet, Obed, and brought the word of God to Asa. The priest? There was no priest in Israel. Israel was the northern kingdom, who under the reign of Jeroboam, separated itself from Judah under the reign of Rehoboam (both sons of King Solomon). Among the things that Azariah brought to Asa's attention was that Israel, the nothern kingdom, had no priest. Now what I find puzzling in this statement that there was no priest in Israel, is what we are told in I Kings 13:33,"...anyone who wanted to became a priest he (Jeroboam) consecrated for the high places." It looked like Jeroboam would let anyone become a priest. So how could the Bible say there was not a priest in Israel?
It appears obvious to me that what is meant is that there was not a God-appointed priest in Israel and hadn't been since the great division of the kingdom. So what happens when there is not a priest ordained by God among the people. In the case of the northern kingdom, the people started worshipping false god, building pagan temples, living in rebellion to God, etc.
So, somehow, the responsibilities of the priest are supposed to counteract all of this. Just because there is a priest, is there going to be complete obedience and faithfulness to God? No! But the High Priest must be present and fulfilling His responsibilities from God - and it will make a difference.
I have gone long enough today - more tomorrow.
Thank you Father, that you have not left us priestless.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #91 (From the Apocalypse)

I guess at some point, I have got to move on - but the idea of the High Priesthood of Jesus is just too powerful to leave behind. I know I haven't said enough or thought enough about this ministry of Jesus. If I am attempting to answer the question "Who is Jesus?" then this is certainly a big part of the answer - an essential part.
I was reading in Matthew about Caiaphas, the High Priest, "investigating" Jesus and the charges against Him prior to His crucifixion(Matt 26:3ff). I know Caiaphas had no idea that he was standing before the real and ultimate High priest - or at least the one who would shortly be a High Priest as well as sacrifice.
I know he didn't think about how diminished his priesthood would become when the High Priesthood of Jesus kicked in.
I know he was unaware of how ineffective and unnecessary his priesthood would shortly become when the High Priesthood of Jesus became active.
I know he was not cognizant of the fact that he was participating in the death, necessary death, of the new High Priest and His new preisthood. I am confident that the High Priest ,Caiaphas, would not have been willing to die for the people he presided over and for. Of course, His death would have accomplished nothing concerning the salvation of mankind and mankind's relationship with God.
So, here is the scene. One High Priest interrogating another - One High Priest pretty much not repsonding to the questions of the other. One High Priest about to the effect the entire world - One High Priest responsible for putting heavy burdens on people - even things he, himself, was not willing to do. One High Priest looking to heaven where His strength came from - One High priest looking inside himself. One High Priest upholding his religious traditions - One High Priest standing on the word and will of the Father.
Whose High Priesthood do I want/need?
Give me Jesus! (sounds like another song coming on)

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #90 (From the Apocalypse)

I have always been intrigued by the "cities of refuge." There were six of them: three on either side of the Jordan River. According to Joshua 20:3 they were built, "so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood." That in itself is also intriguing.
A person guilty of manslaughter could run to one of these cities and if he got there before this "avenger" got to him, he would be protected. The only catch was that he had to stay there until the death of the High Priest.
What does this have to do with Jesus? Everything! Not only is He our High Priest, but he is also our city of refuge to save us from the bloodiest of avengers - Satan.
I need to understand that Satan has been after me from the beginning and he has not let up. He wants my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. The vengeance he seeks will destroy me totally.
Somewhere along the way, I saw my city of refuge. When I gave my life to Him, I received relief from this terrible adversary.
Oh no, he has not given up, but I have a High Priest/city of refuge that I can take comfort in forever.
He is my refuge!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #89 (From the Apocalypse)

It's a new year and time for me to resolve to get back to blogging, having taken the last month of the year off.
It is my plan to continue with attempts to answer the question, "Who is Jesus?" Our church is going to continue with this theme for 2006 because it is such a great theme and too important to let go of right now.
So, I plan on continuing with thoughts about Jesus' priesthood, at least for the time being, probably with some interruptions from time to time about what is going on in our nation when it comes to "separation of Church and State," whatever that means.
Today, pray for those 13 coal miners who are trapped in that Virginia coal mine.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #88 (From the Apocalypse)

"But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God," (Hebrews 10:12).
No former high priest could even come close to making this claim. The Hebrews writer in the previous verse makes reference to the fact that those priests had to offer sacrifices in behalf of the people, continually. "They can never take away sin."
What greater power could there be than a "once for all" sacrifice? And, no priest had ever offered himself as the sacrifice! What a High Priest!
I can imagine the conversation occurring in heaven.
God: I have to make these people righteous by taking away their sins.
Jesus: That will require a sacrifice, Father.
God: I know and I need someone to go to them and make them aware of their need for a sacrifice for sin.
Jesus: I will go, Father.
God: Which of these functions will you perform?
Jesus: I will do them both. I will lay down my life for their sins and intercede for them before you.
God: You will be both the priest and the sacrifice.
Jesus: Yes, if that's what it takes.

We know the rest of that story; or, do we?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #87 (From the Apocalypse)

I do not believe we have said enough until we give Jesus, his rightful priestly title. For He is not just priest, but He is High Priest. There is no doubt that scripture teaches us that all Christians are priests (I Peter 2:9). We have both a blessing and responsibility to go to God in behalf of people...the fundamental duty of a priest.
But Jesus, He is High Priest. I remember some of those High Priests from history. The first one was Aaron. When it came to affairs and rituals of the temple, he was boss. It was up to him to see that things were carried out according to God's law. He was followed by Eleazar. Then there was Eli, don't know what kind of High Priest he was, but apparently he wasn't a good father (I Samuel 2:12). Jesus was put to death under the high priesthood of Caiaphas.
Our High Priest, Jesus, is so different from these in the Levitical priesthood. The Hebrews writer tell us that Jesus is "a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" (7:17). Puzzling?? Why would he not compare Jesus' High Priesthood to that of Aaron's. The one who was High Priest over God's people. All High Priests had to be of Aaron lineage. It was the first qualification. Jesus was not from that tribe of Israel. He was of the tribe of Judah.
What was different about His priesthood? I will need more time for this exploration.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #86 (From the Apocalypse)

The priest was one who went to God in behalf of the people. They, the people, brought the priest their sacrifices and offerings and he, in turn, presented them to God, according to the law, in behalf of the people.
The priest was a real stand-in or go-between as the people went through him to the Father. John saw Jesus in priestly garments (Revelation 1:13) and mentioned that first in his wonderful description of Jesus.
One who goes to God in behalf of His people... that is a very accurate description of the ministry and purpose of Jesus Christ.
I remember on a couple of occasions Jesus going to God in behalf of a lot of hungry people. I remember Him going to God in behalf of those twelve disciples who would receive kingdom responsibilities when He was no longer with them(John 17). I remember Him going to God in behalf of the very ones who put Him on that cross, "Father, forgive them..."(Luke 23:345).
Now it appears to be His fulltime job (Hebrews 7:25).
I need Jesus to go to the Father in my behalf. Yes, I have access to the Father myself because of what Jesus did on that cross, but I feel at time unworthy to approach the Father because of my sin and frailties. How wonderful to know that Jesus is going to Him for me...saying what I cannot say...expressing my soul's longings that I cannot put into words.
If I confess Him before man, he confessed me before the Father(Matthew 10:32). That is hard to even think about...my name be dropped in front of the Creator of the Universe. I am glad that Jesus is in such a priestly position to be able to do that.
I need Him to keep going to God in my behalf.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #85 (From the Apocalypse)

He was, "dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet with a golden sash around His chest, (Revelation 1:13).
A priest! John saw the vestiture of a priest on "the son of Man." These garments are described for us in detail in the Old Testament. We won't go there right now.
I find it both interesting and thrilling that this is what John describes for us first. He sees Jesus as priest. This is something that we are exposed to over and over again in the New Testament...the priesthood of Jesus.
Just exactly what did/does a priest do? Again, the Old Testament is full of details, sometimes gory details, of the functions and responsibilities of the priests.
The first thing that comes to my mind is that the priests were a unique group of servants that were set apart and specialized in service to God. Only a priest could execute the duties of the priest. We probably see them as offering sacrifices, primarily, but they had other responsibilities; pronouncing people clean or unclean, sanctification/purification rites and more.
The tribe of Levi, from which the priests came, were not even numbered among the people when a census was taken. Their cities were given to them, they didn't have to "take" them.
I believe their function can be best described as ones who went to God in behalf of the people. I often contrast them with prophets who went to the people in behalf of God.
The priests were appointed by God for their office.
Jesus serves as one. John saw that.
I wonder if the people to whom John was writing had forgotten that Jesus was constantly going to God in their behalf (Hebrews 7:25).
I wonder if we have forgotten. I wonder if I have forgotten.
The must be more to explore about this one in the long robe and golden sash!
Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #84 (From the Apocalypse)

"and among the lampstands was someone 'like a son of man,' dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with golden sash around his chest." (Revelation 1:13).
He was right there among the gold lampstands, the churches. John gets this marvelous vision of Jesus and sees him as "someone like a son of man." What's that, John - a son of man?
No matter what other people called Jesus - The Messiah, The Christ, Savior, or Son of God, the way Jesus most often referred to Himself was with this appellation...the son of man. To call Him the "Son of God" was certainly accurate. He, indeed, was the Messiah. He was the Christ.
What about this son of man? Could it be that through this name, Jesus most closely relates to me? In calling Himself the son of man, He is reaching out to me...right where I live. He is saying, "Larry, I know what you are going through. I know what you are dealing with. I know you made a wrong turn back there, but I am still with you. I understand the temptations and trials of life. I went through them, too. I know you feel like you have failed, but I was there to pick you up. I took the form of a servant, a man, to be able to reach out to you."
Without this description of Jesus... The Son of Man... where would I be? How would I know that He knows? The important thing about a Relationship with Him is that He can Relate. He not only knows what I am going through and doing, but He knows and is the remedy!
Thanks for being The Son of Man.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #83 (From the Apocalypse)

".. and among the lampstands was someone 'like a son of man' dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest," (Revelation 1:13).
I can't go on without more about these lampstands. I know that they represent churches; specifically, the seven churches that are in Asia. These churches, as far as I can tell, are representative of all the churches at that time.
But, why lampstands and not lamps? If God's people are the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:14), then why aren't they pictured as or symbolized by lamps/lights?
I think it could be that, because of the persecution that most were experiencing, that it appeared that their lights/lamps were being extinguished. The world was seeing, or perhaps wanted to see, churches that was diminishing and eventually would go away.
But maybe there is another reason.
"The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is the lamp," (Revelation 21:23). This is the key message. The light that we have is simply a reflection of the source of the light - Jesus. "In Him was life, and that life was the light of men," (John 1:4).
There was light with those lampstands. Just because there was no lamp on them, doesn't mean that there was no light. Further, these churches, along with myself, needed to remember that they/I am not the source of the light. We simply reflect the light.
Jesus gives light to all that are in the world.
Lord, please light up my life!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #82 (From the Apocalypse)

"I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned around, I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone 'like a son of man'" (Rev. 1:12-13).

The "ever-presence" of Jesus - that is what is pictured for the reader here. In order to get a grasp of what is going on here, we must understand the "lampstands." Revelation 1:20 says, "... and the seven lampstands are the seven churches." Lampstands represent churches - in particular the seven churches of Asia (Revelation 1: 11) whose individual letters are recorded for us in the second and third chapters of Revelation.
Lampstands were used to support oil burning lamps. Jesus mentioned this in the Sermon on the Mount. "neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house," (Matthew 5:15).
It is important that we see Jesus in and among these lampstands (churches). The Christians of this day, when John was seeing the apocalypse, were undergoing all kinds of persecution because of their belief in and obedience to God. Jesus had not distanced himself from them, but was right there with them. He knew what they were going through. He was going through it with them. Their persecution was His persecution.
Remember when Jesus confronted Saul on the road to Damascus and asked, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? (Acts 9:4). Saul's persecution of the church was taken personally by Jesus.
No matter what I am going through, Jesus has not forsaken me. He is right here and right now. Satan would like me to believe that Jesus leaves me in my troubles and misery - but that is a Devil's lie.
John saw Jesus right where He needed to be - right in the middle of His people. That is exactly where I need Him.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #81 (From the Apocalypse)

The first thing that grabbed John's attention about Jesus was "the voice." "On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet"(Revelation 1:10)" Then he reacted to that voice. "I turned and around to see the voice..."(Revelation 1:12).
The voice of Jesus caught John's attention though at the moment he heard it he may not have realized whose voice it was. "A loud voice like a trumpet" would certainly attracts my attention.
In John's day, a trumpet was usually used for some type of signal or announcement. The king arrives and a trumpet or trumpets sound. The army attacks or retreats and the trumpet blares out the appropriate signal.
In John's case maybe the trumpeting voice was doing both. This certainly announced the presence of The King of Kings! Jesus was right there and that fact needed to be brought to John's attention. Turn around, John, and look who it is that the trumpet is announcing. It is Jesus, your king!
So many of us respond to the voice of Jesus in so many different ways. However, no one responds with indifference. Some come to Jesus at the sound of His voice and some run away from Him.
The writer of Hebrews, quoting from the Psalmist, David, says "Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 4:7). You see, some reject Jesus when they hear His voice.
Jesus said that there will come a time "when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of Man and those who hear will live" (John 5:25).
A voice that brings life to some and breeds rejection and hearts of stone in others.
I pray that I may hear and have life.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #80 (From the Apocalypse)

John received in his vision recorded in the first chapter of Revelation, a picture of Jesus that is so powerful, so awesome and so frightening that he "fell down as though dead." This image of Christ is fresh on my mind, because we began a study of Revelation 4 weeks ago and just now made it through chapter one.
Everything, it appears, that we ever learned about Jesus from the rest of the New Testament is incorporated into this image that is in the middle of the seven golden lampstands. Here is what John saw as recorded in Revelation 1:12-18.

12. I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when
I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13. and among the lampstands
was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his
feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14. His head and hair were
white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.
15. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the
sound of rushing waters. 16. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of
his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining
in all its brilliance. 17. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then
he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and
the Last. 18. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever
and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

I have to dig into this passage and see what all of these symbols mean as they apply to my Lord and Savior. After reading this and meditating on it, why am I still sitting in this chair? Why have I not fallen on the floor of my office as if I were dead? Could it be I have never really died to self?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #79 (No one like Him)

Jesus, lover of my soul.

Jesus, I will never let you go.

You've taken me from the miry clay

Set my feet upon a rock and now I know.

I love you

I need you

Though my world will fall

I'll never let you go.

My savior, my friend

I will worship you until the very end

There is so much to say about the one and only Jesus. This is the song (done by Darlene Zschech) that is currently playing in my office as I work through several things as this work week begins. The song speaks of so many things Jesus has done for me, and my response to those things. He "loves my soul," has taken me from...and set my feet...," "my Savior, my friend." He is all that and more. He has done for me what He promised to do.

How have I responded. The song says "I love you, I need you," "I'll never let you go," and "I will worship you until the very end."

Are these just mindless words coming out of my mouth or do they reflect the life of commitment to the Savior that I so desperately want to live.

Jesus, thank you for being the, "Lover of my soul."

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #78 (No one like Him)

No other religion that I can think of has a Savior. Many have martyrs. Almost all have prophets - a long line of prophets. Hundreds, maybe thousands, have modern day teachers/scholars/heralds/proponents. No one has a Savior except Christians. He was more that just a good man, though "He went around doing good (Acts 10:38)." He was a potent teacher, "He taught as one who had authority, (Matthew 7:29). Even the woman at the well could see that He was a prophet (John 4:19). If His death didn't save us, then he would only have been a martyr. He would have given his life for his cause. BUT HE DIDN'T! He gave His life for my cause! "I serve a risen Savior" as the old song goes. Prophets are great. Teachers are needed. Martyrs are admired (by some). But a Savior -- a Savior changes things. No, a Savior changes me! Hallelujah, what a Savior! Be Strong and Courageous, L.T.

Who is Jesus? #77 (No one like Him)

Certainly, no one loved like Jesus loved. Of course He was a direct reflection of His father and "God is love! (I John 4:8)." To reflect God is to reflect His love; and, "God so loved the world...... (John 3:16)."
The uniqueness of all of this is how Jesus showed that love. Jesus wept at the tomb of his dear friend, Lazarus, and the people repsonded with, "See how He loved him! (John 11:36)."
The words of Jesus in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Jesus lived the very words that He spoke. If dying for your friends is the greatest expression of love and Jesus died for me, than I say, "Look, see how He loved me!"
We look into the scriptures and see how He loved his family. He obviously loved His friends. He loved those twelve, sometimes disappointing, disciples. He loved the woman at the well. He loved Zacchaeus. He loved the woman caught in adultery. He loved the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
No one fell outside of the love of Christ.
But he didn't stand on top of mountain or a tall building and yell through a bull horn, "I love you!" Instead it was on top of a garbage heap, nailed to a rough and rugged cross. When He said, "It is finished," I can almost hear Him say, "See, I told you I love you."
No greater love for someone like me.

Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.

Who is Jesus? #76 (No one like Him)

No one but no one had the "reach" of Jesus. For some reason an old song is going through my mind this afternoon. "Reach out to Jesus." The song has two really powerful verses and then comes the refrain:
"He is always there hearing every prayer, faithful and true.
Walking by His side, in His love we hide all the day through.
When you get discouraged, just remember what to do;
Reach out to Jesus. He's reaching out to you."
Those last five words are what get me. They are the summary of who Jesus is. He is reaching out to you/me. I see Him reaching out to the very young and the very old. I see Him reach out to the popular and the rejected. He reaches out to the intelligent and unlearned. He reached out to both blue collar and white collar workers. He reached out to the super-religious and to those ignorant of God. He reached out to the proud and to the lowly. His reach was to the happy and to "those that mourn." I see Him reaching for those who were alone and those who had a plethora of friends. He reaches to the kings as well as to the shepherds. He reaches out to the tax collector and well as to the governor.
No one escapes His reaching, but have I, in turn, reached out to Him?
Please, Lord, keep on reaching, I will take hold.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #75 (No one like Him)

Just returned from the Harding Lectures in Searcy, AR. I believe that this was the best lectureship I have ever attended. The theme was "Tell Me the Story of Jesus!" That got me to thinking, no one has a story like Jesus!
His biography is pretty short - all things considered. We know almost nothing about His early life. The gospel accounts of Jesus focus on the last three years of His life.
But look at what they do say! He was born like no one else. He had a mission like no one else. He loved like no on else. He lived like no one else. He struggled like no one else. He died like no on else. He was raised like no one else. Though these aren't the titles of the keynote lectures, they are the essence of them.
It all came into focus at the end of three powerful days.
Tell me the story of Jesus! Write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious. sweetest that ever was heard.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #74 (No one like Him)

No one came into the world quite like Jesus. I guess maybe John the Baptizer was close as his "ministry" on earth was delcared prior to his birth. But, Jesus was going to "save his people from their sins." His death was automatically announced in his birth announcement or pre-birth announcement. I am sure they didn't understand it that way; i.e. that to accomplish His mission He would have to die. Who would have understood it - except maybe those who had intently and honestly looked into the prophesies concerning the Messiah?
I know how excited I was when my wife informed me that "we" were pregnant with our children. There were four (not all at the same time) and the excitement never diminished. We prayed, before they were born, that they would be about God's business, that they would find the godly spouses that God was preparing for them, etc. But we could not have outlined their life in detail at the time they were born.
Jesus' life's work was wrapped up in His pre-birth proclamation "he will save His people from their sins." Thus they called him, "Savior."

Who is Jesus? #73 (No one like Him)

There has never been, nor will there ever be anyone who taught like Jesus taught! NO ONE!
Let's see - He made the religious scholars scratch their heads (questions about John the Baptist) and ultimately made them mad enough to kill him ("Woe to you scribes, hypocrites, den of snakes..."). He continually confused His disciples not because of what He said, but, from their perspective, what He wasn't saying.
There is a verse that I have always found interesting. Matthew 7:28-29, "When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority and NOT AS THEIR TEACHERS OF THE LAW! It is as if they knew that the teachings of their "scholars" were powerless, but that was all they had. It was a bunch of words with no dynamite behind it.
Jesus comes on the scene and they recognize in what He said and the way He said it that He was speaking in behalf of an authority above Himself. They had never heard anything like it and neither have I.
I have sat at the feet of some great teachers, but not one of them gave their life for me. Could it be that His teachings were more than just teachings, but they were a description of His life - right down to the ultimate point of SACRIFICE?
Lord, you are the master teacher, Rabbi; now, please help me to be the master student.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #72 (No one like Him)

No one gave people HOPE like Jesus! He met with the hopeless and downtrodden. He interacted with those who were at the end of their rope. He saw those who seemed to be wandering like aimless, shepherdless sheep and He gave them hope.
The HOPE he gave was/is something you could/can hang your life on. It was sure. It was real. It was available. Hope from Jesus is not a whim or a wish. It's an "anchor for the soul,"(Heb. 6:19). You can secure your life there.
It was "today" in paradise with Jesus for that thief. If was "go and sin no more" to the adulterous woman. He said a word of hope and the nobleman's son was healed.
The faithful Jew knew that the Messiah was their only hope and they expected Him to be just exactly that.
I sing the song, "My Only Hope is You," without really thinking about what I am saying. No one, nowhere at no time offers HOPE like Jews.
Jesus, my only Hope is You!


Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #71 (No one like Him)

No one knew, like Jesus, when it was time to speak and when it was time to be silent. What a lesson that I need to learn.
At one point during His excuse for a trial, Jesus said nothing (Matthew 26:63). That is not what I would have done. I would have been trying to defend myself.
The gospel of John records several things that Jesus said during his trial. None of them were attempts to refute the false charges but all were direct and to the point. They did nothing to "improve" the situation as far as his end was concerned. He was still going to the cross.
To speak or not to speak. On one occasion, Jesus walked right through a crowd ready to take his life for what he had been saying (Luke 4:30)
The power of Jesus came across even in silence.
The Bible records only seven things that Jesus said from the cross: the last, perhaps the most earth-shattering. "It is finished." With those three words (one word in Greek) a complete summary of His mission was pronounced.
Lord, please give me the wisdom to speak and to not speak and what I do say, may it be by You and Your power.

Be Strong and Courageous,


L.T.

Who is Jesus? #70 (No one like Him)

No one, but no one, stood up to false teachers and false teaching like Jesus did! Of course, He knew a false teacher when He saw one and He knew false teaching when He heard it.
False teachers were those who were deliberately leading people off into a belief in something other than the unadulterated Word of God. It wasn't that they were accidentally wrong or mistaken.
False teachers promoted their false teachings in order to draw people to themselves - to have a following.
Jesus nailed them with words like, hypocrites, den of snakes and "do as I say do, not as I do."
People's souls were at stake and Jesus couldn't just stand by and let false teachers have their way with the hearts of the people.
What I need to recognize is that a false teacher is not somebody who simply disagrees with me, but who intentionally leads people away from the truth of God's Word and into their own flock of believers.
The caution here is for me not to be a false teacher.
Father, sanctify me in Your truth.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #69 (No one like Him)

No one except Jesus could look right through a person and see the condition of his/her heart.
"Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." Our Lord made this observation about Nathaniel as he was being brought to Jesus by Philip.
Jesus, like His father, looks at the heart and see what is really there.
So often, we are duped by looking on the outside and "judging: right or wrong" what is on the inside. Jesus never misses. He is right on target.
Jesus saw who the Pharisees and Saducees really were. They, "honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." He knew the hearts of his accusers before whom He underwent a mockery of a trial - a "jealous heart."
Two items for meditation,
1. Therefore, Jesus knows my heart. I can't fake Him out. "Create in me a clean heart, O God." I want Jesus to see a cleansed heart when He looks inside me.
2. Since I don't have this acute ability like Jesus, maybe I should stay out of the heart-judging business. Wait, I have been commanded NOT to do that: Matt 7:1ff!
Search my heart, O Lord and make it pure before You!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #68 (No one like Him)

No one ever showed compassion for people like Jesus. The woman caught in adultery was a "dead duck" save for the compassion of Jesus. Only he could convict her of sin and still exude compassion for her.
He cried passionately over the city of Jerusalem because she had been given all the chances in the world to connect with God and didn't do it. Her rejection of Him didn't cause anger, but grief. They were sheep without a shepherd, not because there was no shepherd available, but because they had said "no" to the Great Shepherd.
His heart goes out to those at the tomb of Lazarus. They didn't understand His capabilities or His power. He wept because of that.
We get bent all out of shape with righteous indignation, even anger: completely skipping the compassion necessary to meet people where they are. Therefore we do not know how to help, how to comfort, how to instruct how to show people how to let God change their heart.
Compassion, I pray that Jesus looks down on me with compassion.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #67 (No one like Him)

Jesus was the only one who has ever lived who was totally in submission to the will of His Father.
There is probably not much difference between yesterday's blog and today's because perfect understanding of the will of God will lead to perfect and total submission - perhaps a debatable point.
Why was Jesus in the temple at 12 years of age? Because that is where God wanted Him.
Why did he confront the existing religious establishment? Because that is what God wanted Him to do.
Why was He tempted by Satan after 40 days of fasting? Because God knew He had to go through that experience.
Why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the grave? Because God, not Jesus, had to receive glory.
Why was Jesus denied and rejected by His own followers:?Because God knew His son had to go through this alone.
Why did He go through a sorry excuse for a trial? Because God needed the sacrifice of an innocent lamb.
Why did he die on the cross? Because needed a perfect sacrifice for our sins and Jesus was the only one.
My submission to the Father may not be on par with that of Jesus. But His submission gives me an example and encouragement.
"Lord, I surrender all."

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #66 (No one like Him)

Jesus was and is the only person who has ever lived or ever will live who understood the will of God, perfectly. So often he reminded his hearers, usually the twelve, that He had to be about doing the will of His Father. Those apostles didn't understand that. I am sure I wouldn't have either. I certainly don't have perfect understanding of it today.
There was nothing He did or said, that was outside of the will of His Father. Every breath He took was an expression of His Father. The will of the Father was the driving force in His life!
From being about His Father's business at age twelve until praying that the will of His Father be done while sweating drops of blood as though it were sweat, it was all about His Father's will and purpose. His Father's will for Him was the cross. There was no denying it and no avoiding it for Him.
He, unlike me, understood it perfectly.
Father grant me further and deeper insights into your will. I thirst!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #65 (No one like Him)

He is the only man who had perfect faith in God. He trusted His Father with every ounce of His being. He prayed to be spared from the cruel death that awaited Him, but was perfectly aligned with the will of His Father. At 12 he was "about His Father's business" because He knew that was the mission statement for His entire being. He not only trusted God who gave Him His assignment, but He trusted Him to equip Him to do it. He trusted God that things would carry on after He was gone.
It was indeed a perfect faith, never wavering, always on target, always moving toward the cross.
I am overwhelmed with the admonition to be like Him.
Father, I trust you to help me be more like Him.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #64 (No one like Him)

He is the one and only man ever born by way of God putting a seed in the womb of a virgin (Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:35). Everything about His birth was perfect: the time, the place, the audience, the circumstances, the rejoicing, the glory. We know the verse; John 3:16, "for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." He is unique. There is/was no one else like Him. From the very beginning, He was unique.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

P.S. Now that Summer is over, blogging continues.

Who is Jesus? #63 (Forgiver Cont.)

It was a penetrating and practical question. "How can I forgive someone if I hold a grudge against them for what they did to me?" The discussion ensued then regarding whether we can forget even if we do forgive.
I could only think of the Savior's forgiveness of me. He holds no grudge though I rebelled against Him. I was just as guilty as anyone else who mocked Him, beat Him and nailed Him to the cross. He looked down on me from that cross and said, "Father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing." He "remembers our sins no more."
I am not Him. He is perfect! He is awesome! He is all powerful! I am feeble, inconsistent and imperfect. Do I use that as an excuse not to forgive - truly forgive?
As far as my sins are concerned, I am glad He is forgetful.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #62 (Forgiver Cont.)

He was a common thief. Who knows how long he had been engaged in that lifestyle. Maybe he had been a thief since his childhood. Maybe he had only stolen one time, but got caught. He was punished for his law breaking right at the side of the Savior.
What right did He have to ask for forgiveness? "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom," (Luke 23:42). No, Jesus. Don't do it!. He hadn't remembered you or your father with his life. What is this - a last minute confession and repentance?
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise," (vs. 43). Jesus did it. He forgave him!
You know, we are not any different. It makes no difference when we come to Jesus to be forgiven. What is important/urgent is that we do it!
If I don't have the heart to "allow" the thief to be forgiven, then I do not understand Forgiveness or the Forgiver.
Today, Jesus, remember me!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #61 (Forgiver Cont.)

It is almost an impossible situation. Someone says there is no way that Jesus will forgive me. He doesn't know all I have done. I have been too terrible - too black - too sinfull - too rebellious. He will just look right past me.
I think I have felt that way, myself, in times past.
Let's take a look at the forgiver of sins.
Jesus forgave a prostitute. Jesus forgave a dishonest tax collector. Jesus' forgiveness gave a man spiritual healing when he came looking for physical healing. Jesus forgave that thief hanging right there beside Him. Jesus asked God to forgive those who were responsible for crucifying Him. Jesus forgave one who captured and brought Christians to their execution - Paul.
He forgave liars, adulterers, prostitutes, false witnesses, those that drove the nails in His hands, the ones who mocked Him, those who spit at him, those murderers who killed him.
Jesus' forgiveness meets everyone everywhere no matter where they have been.
Something for us to consider. Is it that we don't think Jesus can forgive us because we can't seem to forgive ourselves?
God's hand is not too short to reach out and forgive everyone.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Random Reflections

In the last couple of weeks, much has happened in our lives.
We married off our last child - all four have now committed themselves to their chosen partners for life. It causes me to stop and think. How have I lived out my commitment to my wife? I am afraid I have failed miserably way too often.
Marriage/family - there is nothing more important than this except, of course, God. Our families are being attacked daily if not hourly. Satan knows that the best way to undermine godliness is to weaken, if not destroy families; and, he is having a fair amount of success.
Isn't it time we stood up and said very straightforwardly, that we have had enough? We are not going to allow Satan any more inroads into our families! He has got all he is going to get! We will not tolerate any more destruction!
He will not stop until we stop him - until we stand up to him! It is way past time. Who's in?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #60 (Forgiver Cont.)

I wonder if the paralytic man knew he was in need of forgiveness?? Did he really have any idea of what was about to happen to him? Does what Jesus did even make sense?
I come to Jesus when I need help - when I am looking for encouragement, when I am needing to be strengthened. Maybe what I really need is forgiveness.
Could it be that my helplessness, discouragement and weakness have entered my life because I have given into sin? I have let Satan have the smallest of footholds and he has taken the greatest advantage of that "lapse."
What the paralytic thought he needed from Jesus was really secondary. Primarily he needed forgiveness.
When it comes right down to it, my spiritual health will get me a lot further than my physical health.
Please forgive!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #59 (Forgiver Cont.)

Two big F's that somehow go together - faith and forgiveness. Jesus saw the faith of the men who brought the paralytic and forgave his sins; He healed him later.
Jesus was always impressed with those who manifested a strong faith. He we repulsed by those who had a weak faith. I can remember several incidents from the gospels that point out those truths.
Faith - absolute trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith in Jesus is not just acknowledging His existence at a point in time in history, but having confidence in what He was all about, His power, His authority, His compassion, His love - Him totally.
In the story of the paralytic, someone/everyone needed to believe that Jesus had the power and authority to forgive sins.
Maybe that is the first step of faith in all of this. He can do it. No one else can. No man on earth has the power to forgive sins except Jesus.
I believe it!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #58 (Forgiver Cont.)

Why is it that sometimes, I don't feel "forgiven?" Is it because my sin is so great that I can't accept the fact that I am forgiven? Is it because I am looking for a "cleansed" feeling that only happens over time? Jesus came to forgive. I need forgiveness. Why don't I feel forgiven?

Matthew 9: they brought a man to Jesus who needed physical healing. He was a paralytic. The Bible says that "when Jesus saw their faith" he told the man his sins were forgiven.
There is some connection between faith and forgivenesss that needs exploring. What I believe about Jesus, who He was/is, His mission and His person all come into play here.
It's too much to think about all at one time.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #57 (Forgiver Cont.)

"...how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Peter asks a legalistic question from a heart that does not understand forgiveness. Jesus' answer, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times" is not an indicator of limited forgiveness. Jesus is not playing a numbers game here when it comes to being forgiven.
Jesus says my extending of forgiveness to others is to be like His forgiveness extended to me: total, complete, all inclusive, nothing held back.
The master of forgiveness points the way. I have to forgive it all - every time - just as He did and does.
That's tough. Satan plays with my mind. He want me to remember, to hold grudges, to take revenge - to not forgive.
Being able to forgive others is mastered only when I understand the Master's forgiveness of me.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #56 (Forgiver Cont.)

So, what if I sin and know good and well what I am doing? How can Jesus forgive out and out rebellion? How can He forgive me when I, in essence, am shaking my fist in His face and saying, "you're not big enough to make me stop."
I have done that. How can Jesus forgive that?
I am glad we have the example of Peter. The angel addresses the women at the empty tomb and says,"...He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter,....." (Mark 16:6-7).
Peter is specifically mentioned. None of the other disciples are mentioned by name here - not even the one that Jesus loved. This is the Peter that said he would die for Jesus but ended up denying he even knew Him. That denial made Peter remorseful - he wept bitterly. How he must have felt total rejection - failure - outcast.
But Jesus mentions him by name as one that needs to hear the news. Jesus brings him back into His good graces. This is acceptance - this is forgiveness.
Can I hear Jesus call me by name and encourage me back into His forgiving arms?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #55 (Forgiver Cont.)

A real forgiver of sins is one who will forgive me even when I do not know what I am doing. These are the exact words of Jesus from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." They didn't know they were nailing Jesus to the cross?? They didn't know they were exposing my Lord to the worst shame and disgrace imaginable?? They didn't know that this was the most agonizing death imaginable??
They knew, but what they didn't know was that they were playing a part in an eternal scenario that would bring forgiveness to the entire world.
But, there are times when I sin not knowing what I am doing. I am counting on, though I do not deserve, the complete forgiveness of the Master.
I wonder how many times He has observed me and turned to His Father and said, "Forgive him, he doesn't know what he is doing."

Be Strong and Courageous,

L. T.

Who is Jesus? #54 (Forgiver Cont.)

Forgiveness. I can't think of anything in my life that I have more earnestly coveted/needed than forgiveness. There was a time in my life when I offended and disappointed many people. I wanted their forgiveness and I needed God's.
David said it this way. "For the sake of your name O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great," (Psalm 25:11).
It is amazing how that the tremendous burden of sin can be lifted once I accept the forgiveness of God. How refreshing - a sense of stating over. Only God can do that.
The forgiveness of men is sometimes slow in coming, but God's is quick to remove the guilt from a penitent heart.
He will forgive, "though my iniquity is great."

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #53 (Forgiver Cont.)

Are there conditions for receiving the forgiveness of Jesus? Does He just offer it to everyone? Is it free of charge? Are there those who are disqualified from receiving it?
There was the man who was forgiven a huge debt and, in turn, refused to forgive his debtor a minimal debt, (Matthew 18:23-35). It would be like the bank writing off a $1,000,000 debt that I owed and then I turn around and refuse to forgive someone who owed me lunch money.
There must be something being taught here for me. Is my ability to receive forgiveness based on my willingness to forgive others?
If I do not forgive, I am losing something very important. Maybe it is the thought that if I am not a forgiver, I cannot fully understand and appreciate being forgiven.
Jesus concluded this story by saying, "this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart," (Matt. 18:35).
I don't want to be treated this way. I don't want forgiveness withdrawn! I need it and I need it desperately!.
Father, forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us!

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #52 (Forgiver Cont.)

What does it cost to be a forgiver? The Bible makes one things perfectly clear. "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness," (Hebrews 9:22).
That's a pretty high price to pay. To shed blood means to sacrifice, give up one's life - to die. But I haven't shed any blood. My blood hasn't been spilled to forgive my sins or anyone elses. Forgiveness only comes after bloodshed.
Whose then? My sins but whose blood? I am seeking forgiveness at the expense of whose blood? Who would do that for me?
The cost of forgiveness is too great! Who would offer to pay such a high price and why would He/they do it?
In this life, if I think something costs too much, I don't get it. I won't pay it. I almost feel like parking my car because of the price of a gallon of gas.
Forgiveness comes with a high price tag.
Where's the blood?

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.

Who is Jesus? #51 (Forgiver Cont.)

Is it possible that Jesus knows what I "really" need while I only know what I "think" I need? This paralyzed man, and his friends, came to Jesus for His power to heal physically and received that only after they experienced His power to heal spiritually.
What a bonus! Not! That was what he needed, first and foremost. It was his physical healing that was the bonus! He needed his soul cleansed and then, and only then, could he be healed physically.
Those lawyers were right - only God can forgive sins and He did exactly that on this occassion. Jesus, when I come to you with what I think I need, please give me what I really need - please forigve.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.