Ephesians 4:12-13KJV — For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
This idea of being perfected is seen in multiple scriptures in the New Testament.
The glorious part of it all is our inability to be perfect without Christ.
All these verses are within the understanding that those who are being perfected have surrendered their lives to Jesus, for no one can be perfect without Him.
Matthew 5:48 KJV — Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
The perfection which one longs for, the desire to do good, is
Philippians 3:12-15 NKJV
[12] Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. [13] Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, [14] I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
It is a journey of being perfected, which brings one closer and to the Lord.
Romans 12:2 KJV — And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
This journey also brings glory to God as others, observe the perfecting, are brought into a knowledge of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV — Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
It’s a perfection one can only gain through the Lord, not the flimsy fabrication of the world’s.
Rather, it’s genuine, authentic, pure, for it comes from the only One who is: Jesus.
Be encouraged, it’s a beautiful process the Lord undertakes when one’s soul is surrendered to Him.
Hebrews 13:20-21 NKJV
[20] Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, [21] make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your wonderful works which brings us such incredible blessings. Lord, thank You for perfecting those who belong to You. Thank You that it’s nothing we do, we simply surrender to Your perfect will. Lord, thank You that You are good, holy, gentle, kind, compassionate, and so loving. Thank You that it is in Your salvation we find all we need, including the correction, instruction, and exhortation. Lord, thank You for loving me before You began perfecting me and for continuing to love me throughout. Lord Jesus, thank You for all Your wonderous works! I love You, Jesus. Amen.
“So,…what are you doing with the lambs? Why are you raising so many?” Bell asked me as we walked to the barn each carrying bottles.
I smiled, “There’s only four.”
She nodded and smiled back.
“Yeah, but what’s the plan?”
I paused, wanting to express my full thoughts on the subject succinctly.
“Well, because God opened the door. Obviously, I plan on raising them for meat, if they all survive, but possibly one or more will be for others.”
I’ve wondered, at times, why God has me putting so much time and effort into raising bottle lambs.
There’s the low cost side of things, as the meat is far less expensive than to purchase it.
It’s helping the ranchers I get them from, as they don’t have time to raise them.
It’s giving the lambs a better chance of survival than if they’d been left in the field.
But I think God has me doing this because I enjoy it.
I enjoy raising bottle sheep.
Yes, it’s a lot of work, but there’s many rewards.
Last week I was walking the lambs around the orchard and noticed a neighbor.
They had slowed way down to look at the four little white lambs bouncing or nibbling around me.
She smiled.
I waved.
There’s something special in sharing these cute fragile little creatures.
Our grandchildren love to come help me feed the lambs each year.
Recently, I was surprised by a video and text message from our daughter.
The video was of our two year old granddaughter holding a sippy cup, for her baby brother, who was crawling across the carpet.
It concluded with her smiling triumphantly at the camera.
I was a bit puzzled, then read the message and laughed heartily.
Joy (the two year old): *I know what I’m doing I’ve fed Grammy’s sheep!*
Raising bottle lambs is worth the work, because it blesses others and in so doing I pray I’m bringing my Savior glory.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 KJV — Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
My time on Earth is precious and I pray my daily tasks are unto my Lord Jesus.
Colossians 3:17 KJV — And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for helping me do things daily. Lord, I want to honor You in all I do, even those things which are less enjoyable than others. Lord, thank You for the opportunity to raise bottle lambs. Thank You for the things I am learning through the daily work.
My husband needed me to meet him, in a town nearby, with some items, he was heading out on a short work trip.
It made sense for me to swing by the store while I was there.
As I rounded aisles in search of things my attention kept going to my purse.
It was a second hand one I purchased four or five years ago, I can’t recall.
Frustrated with the thing sliding down my arm every few minutes, I tried ignoring it.
But it wouldn’t be ignored.
While bending down, to grab an item on the bottom shelf, it swung off my shoulder and nearly hit me in the face.
Embarrassing!
I grabbed at it and one finger went clean through the bottom.
My frustration evaporated.
“Thank You, Lord, for showing me this!”
My gratitude overflowed.
Not only does my purse carry a variety of important things, it holds both my inhalers and my other prescription.
My wallet is bulky and probably wouldn’t drop out, but my medication could.
“Well, it’s time for a different purse, but I’m not going to buy a new one, I’ll get a second hand one,” I thought.
The place I was currently shopping doesn’t carry purses.
There are three second hand stores not far from where I was.
It made sense to shop at one of those rather than drive another twenty minutes farther into our nearest city and shop at a department store.
My husband would be meeting me soon, down the road.
I paid for my purchases, carefully holding my purse, and left.
As I drove I started praying, “Which Second Hand store should I go to?”
Silence.
Not even an inkling was coming to mind only my own words:
“I’m not going to buy a new purse, I’ll get a second hand one!”
“Why the attitude? What’s my problem?” I asked the Lord.
A snob.
Conviction filled my soul.
That was it, I was being a snob.
All my excuses for shopping at the second hand store was really pride.
Somewhere, inside my heart, I’d started thinking better of myself because “I buy second hand” as if that was a great virtue.
Don’t get me wrong, being wise with one’s purchases is honorable before God.
But it is the heart’s motivation that is what is honorable, and the Lord had clearly shown me my motivation was not honoring Him.
Admitting my wrong, I sought His forgiveness, and asked where He wanted me to buy a purse.
Sunrise Thrift Store
Smiling, I drove up, went in, and prayerfully considered the purses for sale.
After a little while, I found the one I felt was it and looked at a few other things, praying my heart would honor the Lord.
It was getting close to the time to meet my husband and I began to head toward the check out, when I just felt I should swing past the dishes.
Here is an area of weakness for me.
I love dishes, and have far more than we can possibly use in a day, so I felt a little nervous.
“Lord, what am I looking for?”
I didn’t want to be greedy and just buy something cute that caught my eye.
I scanned the items and continued to seek God’s leading.
Nothing seemed to stand out and I’d decided it was my own desire which led me over here and not the Lord.
Then, I saw the mugs.
Four chunky large white mugs, exactly what I have been wanting for our cup rack next to the coffee maker.
I’d nearly purchase these identical mugs a few years ago for my husband to have a “man’s sized cup”, but couldn’t get peace with it.
Earlier in the week I’d had a passing thought, “Large white mugs near the coffee maker would be nice”.
And here they were.
God’s grace is astounding.
Not only did He show me the hole in my purse, before I lost something, He corrected my attitude, and then blessed me abundantly.
It was a terrarium moment.
Like looking on the whole of my relationship with God through a miniature under glass.
In a few minutes, God reminded me of how He has saved me from terrible loss, separation from Him for eternity, after accepting His forgiveness He has been polishing my character, and He continues to pour His blessings into my life, which I don’t deserve and could never earn, and thus I give glory to God.
1 Corinthians 1:29-31 KJV
[29] that no flesh should glory in his presence. [30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: [31] that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
It’s another beautiful moment in my walk with Christ.
And more memorials around me to testify of God’s faithfulness and love.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for not only showing me myself, but preserving me from loss. Thank You for convicting me of my pride and forgiving me. Thank You for showing me a better way. Lord Jesus, all these material things are temporary and of little value, but I thank You for blessing me through them, for providing them. Lord Jesus, please continue to help me be diligent to seek You, gentle in actions and attitudes, loving at all times and learning meekness. Lord, there are so many people in this world who are suffering greatly and my heart breaks over their desperation. Lord, please show me where I can be generous, how to use these things You have given me to steward in a way that’s honoring You. Lord, teach me to be aware of the need around me and to be open-handed. Lord, please help me to use the things You have placed in our lives to be a blessing to others. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Psalm 40:16 KJV [16] Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: Let such as love thy salvation say continually, the LORD be magnified.
These words spoke loudly to me this morning.
For some time, I’ve been learning about rejoicing in the Lord, and this year the lesson has multiplied.
The multiplication has come from a better understanding of my Savior.
As knowledge of God grows deeper, rejoicing blooms in my heart and from the overflow of the heart, my lips speak.
Therefore, seeking God and loving His salvation flowers continually into rejoicing and proclaiming:
The LORD be magnified!
Although, I do not always say those exact words, the point is the same; praising God.
As the psalmist declares, those who seek Him, those who love Him and trust in His salvation, find their spiritual sight cleaned of the stains and blinding muck of sin.
With this gift of spiritual sight comes a peace and joy which far surpasses anything of this world.
Through God’s Word one can find the cleansing, healing truth which waters the soul, for it tells of the redemption of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 119:111 KJV — Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for this verse touching my heart by confirming what I’ve been learning. Thank You for reminding me that I can always find reason to praise, for You are worthy of all worship. Thank You that even in the deepest sorrow or most frightening circumstance, I can rejoice in You, for Your Word brings me understanding and Your truth illuminates my soul. Lord, for those who are called by Your name and are struggling, please help their relationship with You to deepen. Lord, for those who are new to this relationship with You, please protect them from the lies of the enemy, the busyness of deception, and the snares of pleasing self. Lord, for those who have heard the truth and turned their back on Your Word and Your wisdom, I humbly request You remind them of what true love is, what the fruits of righteousness are, and how temporary this life on earth is. Lord, please break through the lies that chain them to false ways and set their feet upon solid ground. Thank You, Jesus. I love You, Lord. Amen.
Sunsets, waterfalls, mountains, misty valleys, flowers, trees, certain animals, people, especially children… beautiful!
Even man made things cause me to pause and drink in the beauty.
Paintings, timeless architecture, gardens, vignettes, beautifully decorated homes…even neatly organized closets or drawers or bookshelves…so many things touch that part of me which loves beauty.
But there’s a negative side to finding so much pleasure in what I see.
Life is messy.
Lawns grow, weeds take over, landslides demolish a bank of trees, animals are messy…
Looking out at the sheep grazing in the field is restful, lovely, picturesque.
Cleaning manure from the pens in barn…hard manual labor and filled with odors.
It doesn’t end with nature or raising livestock.
People are messy!
Living isn’t a bunch of still life photographs, for that kind of beauty isn’t alive.
And although I often weary of the continuing cycle of clean-dirty-clean-dirty…
Proverbs 14:4 KJV — Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
Life is a gift.
The beauty wouldn’t be if there wasn’t the work, the toil, the life God gave.
And doesn’t the effort involved cause one to appreciate more deeply?
Even if the effort is not our own, we should be grateful for the work which brought the beauty.
Genesis 1:1 KJV — In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your work. How great they are! Lord Jesus, thank You for Your gifts, including the work which comes with them. Lord, thank You for the pleasure which comes from a hard-day’s- work and the blessings of the ability to do things. Lord, thank You for those who work hard to care for others. Those whose work may go unappreciated and unseen, but are diligent and gently continuing on. Lord, for those who are unable to do things for themselves and are left to the care of others, help them to be grateful, patient, and understanding. Help them to see work they can do whether it be prayer, praise, or simply peaceful, for our attitudes have as much impact on those around us as our words or actions. Lord, thank You for Your innumerable blessings! Thank You for beauty here in Your creation. I know it’s merely a tiny reflection of the beauty in You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
My husband gave me a gift card for my birthday and I purchased the last of the trees for our orchard as well as some blueberries and herbs.
Which means the orchard is finished and the blueberry garden is halfway there.
We have four bottles lambs and they have to be fed regularly.
I start out their first week feeding them every two to three hours.
We’ve gotten a milking dairy goat, and two bottle goats, all Toggenburgs.
So, I am back and forth to the barn several times a day and up before the Sun to milk.
Our local FFA had a plant sale last weekend and we got our tomatoes.
Those are planted and our pea plants are growing and…
There will be strawberries!
I can hardly wait to show our grandchildren the first ripe berries of the year.
I’ve learned not to point out them unless the berries are close to ripe or our grandson will eat them.
He cares not if they’re green, white, pink, or ruby red.
But in the midst of all my activities, I’m enjoying the sight of white strawberry flowers.
I”m thankful for this season.
Although, full to the brim with duties, it’s also a season of anticipation.
The seeds sown, the baby animals born, the buds and blooms on trees and bushes are all moments of beginning which brings thoughts to what will come.
It is a perfect season to reflect upon the newness one finds in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV — Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
The drastic change which comes over the life of one who surrenders all to Jesus Christ rivals the beauty of the showiest flower.
For unlike the bud that opens, casts it’s fragrance aloft, is pollinated and then dies to make way for the fruit, those whose hearts are made new through the atoning blood of Jesus, grow in beauty daily, as they follow Christ, and are no longer in fear of death.
Titus 3:7 KJV — That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Let us, every one, find opportunity for reflection upon the glorious riches bestowed upon those who have put their trust in Jesus.
With every Spring flower may our hearts be reminded of the promises of God and that glorious future.
For to God be the glory, great things He has done and is doing!
1 Timothy 6:12 KJV — Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for the truth of Your salvation and the hope I have in heaven. Lord Jesus, thank You for the beauty all around me pointedly reminding me that there is a future and a hope. Jesus, thank You! I could never earn such a future nor be able to attain anything on my own. It is because of You and through Your Holy Spirit that I am able. How great You are and greatly to be praised! Lord Jesus may Your name be glorified! May Your truth be proclaimed! I love You, Jesus. Amen.
It had been raining all day and in one moment the Sunbeams broke through the clouds and bathed the wet landscape in gold light.
Then it was past.
The grey mist of stead rain dropped like a curtain.
The momentary pause of the passing storm, reminded me that the beauty of the Sunshine is constant, whether I see it or not, which is a testimony to God.
One day the Sun may stop shining, but God will never stop being God.
Which is even more reassuring, for God is loving, gentle, kind, just, righteous, and holy.
His never changing character brings stability and comfort.
Hebrews 13:8 NKJV — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
He is always faithful.
Even when the clouds of circumstance barr my ability to see Him.
It’s the same truth three men experienced.
Living as slaves in a foreign land, their owner demanded they worship an idol.
These three men knew the living God and refused.
Their disobedience enrages the man who owns them and he threatens them, that to continue to disobey his command would mean certain death.
But he respects these slaves, they’ve served him well, so he gives them another chance to worship the idol.
Their words are inspiring.
Daniel 3:16-18 NKJV — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
These three men knew God was not only aware of what they were experiencing, but that He had the ability to save them.
Yet, they also understood His Sovereignty.
They didn’t assume God would save them just because they knew He could, instead they trust God completely.
They had quiet assurance that either way, God would do what was best.
Daniel 3:19-25 NKJV [19] Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. [20] And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. [21] Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. [22] Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. [23] And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. [24] Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” [25] “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Of course it was.
Their Lord had saved them, and He has done the same for me.
What beauty there is in His faithfulness!
What blessed assurance those who put their trust in Him have!
Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV — The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for the beauty which I behold in it. Thank You for Your promises, Your love, Your salvation! It is only through You that people can find treasures which last beyond the grave. Lord Jesus, please encourage those who are Yours to remember Your faithfulness and not be discouraged or downcast from the clouds and rain we all encounter in one form or another. Lord, please help those who are called by Your name to walk in faithfulness and integrity. Lord, for those who have yet to know You, please break through whatever is barring them from the light of truth that they might see and turn from their wicked ways. Lord, I love You and I thank You for Your Word which is the daily proof of Your unending love. I love You. Amen.
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” James 2:1 KJV
The phrase, “with respect of persons” can be translated “with partiality” or “showing favoritism”.
Jesus Christ died once for all.
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Heb. 10:10 KJV
James continues:
“For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” James 2:2-4
Therefore, no one should look at their fellow man and withhold the truth of the Gospel.
Some might say, “But not all will be saved.”
This is true, but there is no person who can know the heart of another and thus, it is wrong to withhold the Gospel from any.
For man looks on the outward appearance, but God sees the heart.
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, ‘Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.'” 1 Sam. 16:7 KJV
One might respond further, “But you don’t know what they have done!”
True, but that question can boomerang, for does any know what each one of us has done?
Yes.
God does.
This is why He sent His Son, Jesus.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
Jesus was sent to pay the sins of all, and those who put their trust in Him and not themselves will be saved.
Therefore, those who have already accepted His free priceless gift should be careful in their behavior and attitude towards others.
No follower of Christ should be swayed by another’s status, appearance, ability, or any other thing which might attract or repell one to another.
Jesus wasn’t.
“And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ‘Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.'” Matt. 22:16
Neither should we.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” Matt. 28:19 KJV
Christ Jesus’ words to the disciples rings as true today as ever, for it is as needed today as that day.
People need the truth of the Gospel, the example of those who have faith in Jesus and share it as freely for others as it was shared with them.
All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the LORD’S: and he is the governor among the nations. Psalm 22:27-28KJV
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for teaching so clearly that we should never show favoritism when it comes to the Gospel. No one is more valuable than any other. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. It is through You that we find not only salvation, but reconciliation. Our relationship with You is restored. You not only redeem those who put their trust in You, but You work though the Word in our hearts and lives. You bring healing to the soul and understanding to the heart. You teach and exhort and grow those who put their trust in You. Lord, thank You! Thank You for working in and through our lives that we might be a testimony to Your work and Your glory. Great are You, Lord and greatly to be praised! Amen.
Yesterday’s sermon at church was inspiring and I asked permission to share it with you.
“Often you hear me refer to Charles Spurgeon, Matthew Henry, Billy Graham. While my natural desire in preaching is to write down some notes and comment as I feel led, that is not what I am going to do this Sunday. I would instead I like to use the style of Spurgeon, Henry, and Graham and read to you the sermon that was laid on my heart. This is a step out of my comfort zone, as reading out loud is not my strong suit, nor is staying on a single thought. Therefore, this is all the more reason to write out the sermon, to put in succinct order the thoughts on a subject that is vital to our faith.
Of course, the topic of today’s sermon is the Cross and the Resurrection. The very center of our Christian faith. How can one claim to be a Christian without the Cross and the Resurrection, of forgiveness without the hope of being forgiven? For just as 1 Peter 1:21 states:
21…who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him the glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
The Resurrection gives us faith and hope in God. Yet without the Cross we have no payment for our sins. As Deuteronomy 21:23 says of a man deserving of death:
23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.
Paul goes on to explain in Gal. 3:13 that Christ (Jesus) became a curse for us.
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’)
Christ was not deserving of death, but we, as sinners, are. Christ paid for our sins by the Cross, taking on our curse that we may have eternal life.
Ponder with me the Cross that Christ bore for you and me. What is the Cross? This wooden structure, placed just out of town, a symbol of Roman authority. The execution means of which only the vilest of men would die on. I wonder, was the Cross really was symbol of Roman authority or if the Cross should be taken as a symbol of justice? In the sense where someone, who has committed such an act deserving of death, would pay for their actions. It could be debated, that the man who premeditatedly murdered a fellow person may deserve a death sentence or life imprisonment. We would call this punishment: justice. While the punishment would not bring back the victim, there would be some sort of closure or payment for the crime. A sense of justice would prevail and those victims of the crime would say that the prosecuted “received what was due to them.”
Now with this mindset we look to the Cross. A place where the crimes committed against God were paid for and justice was made. For as the word says of the believer in Romans 3.
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Christ was the only one who did not have sin so he was the only one who could be the perfect sacrifice as stated in Hebrews 9.
14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
Christ’s perfect sacrifice is the only way to have a pure conscience, for the old covenant would only cover sins, but not pay for them. The sinner still was a sinner, but with a covering of a type of payment, that being the blood of goats and lambs. Make no mistake, there is a difference between the covering of a temporary sacrifice and a full payment of an eternal debt.
If my child fell on hard times and was not able to pay their house payment, I might be able to cover a payment or two, but this would be a far stretch of paying the debt off in full. The bank would come knocking, expecting a full payment when the covering ran out. The Old Testament law was such a covering. The sin offering was a payment to cover the debt, but not paid-in-full, the required amount to be paid. As the author of Hebrews states about the sin sacrifice, it was to be made once a year for the unintentional sins of the congregation. This was just a covering for the year. Not the payment in full. For this reason the Cross of Christ must be at the center of the our Christian faith. There had to be a payment of blood,
14 For the life of every creatureis its blood: its blood is its life.
And let us not forget that 23 … the wages of sin is death
Therefore, because the wages of sin is life blood, only the shedding of innocent blood would replace that of the corrupted sinner. And so, we see Christ the “just sin sacrifice” and the “justifier of our faith.”
As we ponder the Cross and the Redemption made for you and me, let us ask the question “Why the Cross?” Could not Christ have died by stoning or other means? The answer is: no. The offering for sin was to be bound and the blood to be poured out unto an altar. Just as we see in the picture God gave us with the offering of Isaac.
9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
Just as Isaac was bound at the alter so was our Savior bound to the Cross, a form of an altar according to Hebrews 13. The sin offering bound to the alter, just as our sins bind us unto death. There could be no other means of death for Christ, because the blood had to be poured out on an altar. Christ did this while laying bleeding as he was secured to the Cross and even moreover as the blood and water flowed from the spear entering his side. Thus, fulfilling the prophecy written in Isa 53:5 :
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Furthermore, Jesus had to die on a Cross, because it was foretold this would be the manner of death which he would die.
Psalms 22:16 ‘For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—‘
And also Zech 12:10
10 ‘And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.‘
To the Christian, the Cross is a symbol of mercy and the love of Jesus Christ. A symbol of where the debt was paid that we could not pay. As Hebrews says:
14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
The Old Testament sin covering replaced by the New Testament payment. For on the altar of the Cross Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, poured his mercy and love out for the wretched sinner. Giving access to you and me into the Most Holy Place.
We have talked about the altar of the Cross, but lets now look to the hope in the empty tomb. As previously stated, the Cross brings the means for payment of sin and the Resurrection brings faith and hope to those justified by the Cross. As Paul writes:
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep
Christ’s resurrection brings us hope that we will be with him. For in the Resurrection Jesus proves his deity. Just as Hosea prophesied.
2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.
The Resurrection of Jesus paves the way that we may have the hope of eternal life with him. For if there was no Resurrection, there would be no evidence of his deity. Thus, Jesus’ teaching would be likened to other “prophets”, who passed away. Jesus is not a prophet, but the Christ. His resurrection proves his deity, just as Jesus says about his own ability to raise himself up, is the confirmation that he is Christ. John 10:17
17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
If Jesus has the authority to raise himself up from the dead how much more does he have to raise us up, his creation? Christ’s ability to raise himself up should bring the Christian hope for the eternal life promised by our Lord which comes through the altar of the Cross.
Christ’s resurrection brings the hope of being a new creation. The acceptance of the payment given at the cross gives birth to a new creation that is brought to full fruition upon earthly death, in which we will be raised as a finished creation of Christ. As Paul writes in Colossians:
3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
The Cross of Christ and his resurrection should bring the Christian to a place where we seek those things which are above. Because our sin was paid for we have assurance of that payment by the Resurrection. For as the writer of Hebrews says:
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
This curtain being talked about is the curtain that separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. It is the veil that was ripped when Jesus died. This is why the Cross and Resurrection is so pivotal to our Christian faith. For by the Cross we gained access to the presence of God through our Lord, The Perfect Sacrifice. We have the hope of eternal life in seeing our Lord raised from the dead. We have the hope of being made new, of not only finding our hearts of stone being replaced with hearts of flesh, but the sinful man dead and the soul alive with Christ.
Therefore, oh man of God, rise up! Walk in the newness of the Resurrection of Christ. Put off the old man and be made new. Let the garment of salvation envelope you as it is bought at the most costly price but given more freely than any gift has ever or will ever be given. Isa 61:10 : I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.“
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word which gives us such clear insight into Your death on the Cross and Your burial and the Resurrection! Lord, if it be that any who may have yet to know You feel these words are the key to opening a relationship with You, please encourage them to seek to be cleansed by Your payment for their sins and to find hope and faith in Your resurrection. Lord Jesus, please reach those who have yet to know You with this truth and let the world be made aware of the truth of Your salvation through the blood You shed upon the Cross and the joy of assurance that there is eternity to look forward to, for those who would believe on Your name and accept the gift of salvation. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.
I’ve always wanted to make quilts for our children, but after attempting to do so learned; I’m not a quilter.
However, I’ve been very blessed to watch our oldest daughter learn the craft from a professional.
Recently, I had the extreme pleasure of watching them together.
Although both were very busy, they shared their enthusiasm over a blue ribbon.
Both of them put so much work into our daughter’s quilt.
(She pieced it, the professional quilted it, then Sis did the binding.)
It’s truly a beautiful testimony to their efforts.
Each quilt, in the show, bears a few words as to the story of the piece, and my heart was blessed to read the lines our daughter chose.
She made sure to include the lovely lady who has taught her so much.
To see the gift of a useful and beautiful craft passed on to our daughter causes me to rejoice.
For this is a gift from God.
James 1:17 KJV [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
In the Old Testament, God gives detailed instructions to Moses on every part of the tabernacle.
God not only gave instruction on what was to be made, He gave wisdom to the heart of those who would do the work.
Exodus 31:1-6 KJV [1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [2] See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: [3] and I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, [4] to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, [5] and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. [6] And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
The Israelites had been slaves for several hundred years,so it’s difficult to imagine that many of them had the education in these areas of craftsmanship.
But God is not hindered by one’s education, and He names two men who had been given the Spirit of God and wisdom for all the tasks at hand.
Matthew Henry had an interesting point as to Bezaleel.
“Bezaleel was to be the architect, or master workman, v. 2. He was of the tribe of Judah, a tribe that God delighted to honour; the grandson of Hur, probably that Hur who had helped to hold up Moses’s hands (ch. 17), and was at this time in commission with Aaron for the government of the people in the absence of Moses (ch. 24:14); out of that family which was of note in Israel was the workman chosen, and it added no little honour to the family that a branch of it was employed, though but as a mechanic, or handicraft tradesman, for the service of the tabernacle.” Matthew Henry
The idea that this man’s grandfather could have been the same one who stood holding up the arm of Moses during the battle brings new meaning.
Hur was used by God to support Moses, who in turn, was supporting, through prayer, the nation as the Israelites, lead by Joshua, fought against their enemies.
How fitting that his grandson should be used to help build the tabernacle where the entire nation would worship.
God supplied all that was needed in both settings and He’s still working in the lives of people through others, today.
He is still putting His wisdom in the hearts of people to grant them incredible abilities for the blessing of many.
God is the Master Craftsman, it is His creativity which mankind has been gifted with.
Psalm 115:15 KJV — Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for Your Word! Thank You for Your good gifts and the multitude of people You bless through those gifts. Lord, what great wonders of creativity are around us daily, all gifts from You, whether we recognize it or not. Lord, thank You for Your creativity and the creation which testifies of You every day. Lord, thank You for people who are gifted in special crafts. Thank You for those who teach others and pass the craft on to the future generations. Lord, thank You for those who bless others without looking forward reward or payment, but are generous because they have been blessed by Your generosity. Lord Jesus, please continue to help each of those who bear Your name to see the opportunities You give and to serve those around them. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 