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.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, November 28, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, November 21, 2005
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.
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.
Friday, November 18, 2005
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.
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.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, November 14, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, October 17, 2005
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.
Monday, October 10, 2005
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.
Friday, October 07, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
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.
"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.
Friday, September 30, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
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."
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."
Monday, September 19, 2005
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.
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.
Friday, September 16, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
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.
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.
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