I have been one acquainted with the night.
is a question that has been asked by many? This query is now over 2,000 years old and for many the answer is as elusive as ever.
When Jesus was about two years old magi (oriental king makers) arrived in Jerusalem asking where the "king of the Jews" (Mat 2:2) was to be born. The priests and teachers of the Jewish law told them he was to be born in Bethlehem of Judea (Mat. 2:5-6). The religious leaders never attempted to locate him for themselves.
However, Herod the king saw this baby as a threat. Therefore based on the report of the magi (Mat 2:16) he unsuccessfully attempted to kill Jesus by massacring all the boys in Bethlehem under two years of age.
Years latter Jesus and his disciples were in the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi. While walking the dusty roads Jesus asked them a very provocative question. “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (Mat 16:13). The response he received showed a wide diversity of opinion.
Some felt Jesus was a reincarnation of John the Baptist. Herod Antipas, who had ordered the execution of John the Baptist, held this view (Mat. 14:6-9). He told his advisors that Jesus must be John the Baptist because of the incredible miracles he was performing (Mat 14:2). The religious leaders held to a different view claiming Jesus was "possessed by Satan, the prince of demons" (Mark 3:22).
The name Elijah was also popular among the people because the Jews were expecting Elijah to come before the Messiah (Mark 9:12-13). This was based on the prophecy of Malachi (Mal 4:5). Others had suggestions which included Jeremiah or one of the other prophets (Mat 16:14).
After the disciples had answered this question Jesus posed a more important question: Who do you believe I am? (Mat 16:15). At that moment the Spirit of God illuminated the mind of Peter and he uttered his great confession “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mat 16:16).
Peter's words confirmed the conviction of the magi who had come to worship the Christ (see Mat 2). It confirmed the view of the demons who knew his identity (Mark 1:34). It was also a confirmation of God the Father’s words after the Baptism of Jesus “This is my dearly loved Son” (Mat 3:17).
Today the question is still debated. Some maintain that Jesus was a good man and skillful teacher — maybe even a prophet. Others will admit that he has had a tremendous impact on this world as his influence is still being felt 2,000 years later. Still others contend that he actually had political designs but made some major blunders and got himself crucified (Albert Schweitzer). However, a great many people like the religious leaders at the time of Jesus' birth, display the attitude that who he is does not matter at all.
Ultimately our answer to this important question is directly related to where we will spend eternity. The Bible teaches that God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all testify to the reality that Jesus of Nazareth is God incarnate. Scripture also teaches that it is God who has within his hands the power to condemn or save --- to send to hell or usher into heaven based on ones response to this question.
It seems forever--
who have the natural ability to draw large crowds to themselves. Such individuals are often politicians or spiritual leaders. Throngs hang on their every word often resulting in mass irrational emotional responses.
Can you imagine what it must have been like when Jesus arrived on the scene? All of a sudden "impossible" things were taking place by his hand. His first public demonstration of divine power was to turn water into wine (see John 2:9) at a marriage feast in Cana. That was only the beginning --- more and more incredible things were to take place. As a result, during the first year of his public exposure, many people were drawn to him.
There were a number of things about Jesus that drew people to him. First of all there was his ability as a teacher. As people listened to him they were amazed at his authoritative teaching, as opposed to that of the teachers of religious law (Mark 1:22). Jewish teachers constantly referred to Moses, the prophets or other writings. Jesus spoke as though he was the ultimate authority.
Secondly, demons responded to his commands (Mar 1:27). For example on one occasion Jesus ordered an evil spirit to come out man with the result that he regained his abilities to both speak and see (Mat 12:22).
A third reason people flocked to Jesus was because of his power to heal the sick. Doctor Luke in his gospel makes the observation that "No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one"(Luke 4:40). On at least three occasions he restored life to those who had already died (see Luke 7:11-17, 8:46-536, John 11:40-44)
Fourthly, Jesus had power over the natural world. On two occasions he fed huge crowds from minimal resources. From five loaves and two fishes he fed 5,000 men plus women and children (Mark 6:41-44). Shortly afterwards he feed 4,000 people from seven loaves and a few fish (Mark 8:1-10).
One day Jesus and his disciples were on the Sea of Galilee when a bad storm blew up. His followers were afraid that the boat would sink. Upon waking him up Jesus "rebuked the wind and the raging waves. The storm stopped and all was calm! (Luke 8:24).
As a result of his actions many began to see him as the political saviour who would help them throw off the bondage of Rome. They became convinced that he was the prophet they had been waiting for so they desired to force him to become their king (John 6:14-15). To prevent this he had to slip away from the throngs.
All of these reasons for following Jesus were earth bound in nature. Even his twelve closest disciples struggled to arrive at the appropriate reason for following Jesus. They also saw things in the context of an earthly kingdom and its accompanying power.
However, one day Simon Peter at least momentarily grasped the true reason for following Jesus when he stated "You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God" (John 6:69). Yes, the all important reason for following Christ is not related to the physical aspects of life because they will all pass away. The ultimate reason for following Jesus is the eternal life that is available to those who believe in the person of the Son of God.
Copyright. Bruce August 2007
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
Come with me back to the Garden of Eden. Adam has admitted to God that he and his wife are guilty of disobedience. However, Adam words his confession in such a way so as to blame God for his actions. It is the wife you gave me who caused me to sin (Gen. 3:12). A few moments later when Eve has a chance to speak she accused the serpent of deception (Gen. 3:13).
King David had an experience where he would have been tempted to blame others. Uriah the Hittite was in the army, away from home fighting the king's battles. During that time the king committed adultery with Bathsheba Uriah’s wife and she became pregnant. When David’s plans to cover up his immoral behaviour did not work out he ordered Joab to position Uriah where the battle was fiercest and then abandon him so that he would be killed (2 Sam. 11:15).
After Uriah’s death God sent Nathan to confront King David concerning his sin. The prophet framed his words of condemnation in the form of a question: "Why, then, have you despised the word of the Lord and done this horrible deed? For you have murdered Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites and stolen his wife" (2 Sam. 12:8-9).
Even though David confessed his sin to Nathan his actions still brought divine judgment. God decreed that from then on, his family would live by the sword and that one day his own family would rebel against him because of his sin. In fact his wives would be given to another man (2 Sam. 12:10-11). This turned out to be his own son Absalom (2 Sam. 16:22).
How did David react to his sin and God's words of judgement? In a Psalm written at the time he cries out to God that it is "Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just" (Psa. 51:4).
Although it was not easy David took personal responsibility for his actions, he confessed his sin to God. He also realized that his actions demanded certain consequences from the hand of the Lord.
The Mosaic law clearly indicates that God holds a person responsible for their own behaviour. The Law states that Parents are not be executed for the sins of their children, nor children for the sins of their parents (Deut. 24:16).
It takes courage to admit we are wrong. No one likes to take personal blame. However, when we do wrong we need the courage to admit and confess our sin. Consequences may come but God will be with us even in those times. Although God brought judgment against David it was not as severe as it might have been. According to the law he should have been put to death. At least in this case, in spite of great immorality, God extended a degree of mercy to his disobedient child by allowing him to live.
Copyright. Bruce August 2007
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
I let my neighbor know beyond the hill;
and is a source of continuing strength and encouragement. Yet many people who claim to love the Lord seldom if ever open it pages to search out the eternal truths of God. No wonder so many Christians are weak and inconsistent in their faith!
The reading of the Bible should be a priority for all believers. If we want to develop a specific skill we will do whatever is necessary to attain proficiency. A person who longs to know and obey God requires the same type of tenacity. Developing an understanding of Scripture demands a life long consistent effort. There are no short cuts to developing Biblical knowledge. Ultimately understanding the Word of God is more important than any other skill one could develop.
Joshua was a great military leader of Israel. Before he led the people into battle the Lord came to him with this great conditional promise. "Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do" (Josh 1:8). Success for Joshua was contingent upon obeying God’s truth. The Bible as a whole teaches that success and prosperity in God's eyes relates primarily to the spiritual (as opposed to the material) aspects of life.
Studying God's Word requires disciplined commitment. Ezra the priest understood this. He "determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach...the people of Israel" (Ezra 7:10). The second part of this verse indicates the great importance of passing on the Scriptural knowledge we accumulate to others. This responsibility can be carried out either formally or informally.
God is always willing to reveal truth to us. In the days of Nehemiah people were involved in the study of the Old Testament Law. One day "they discovered that the Lord had commanded...(Neh 8:14) a certain action through the prophet Moses. As soon as they discovered the truth they implemented the Mosaic instruction. When we apply biblical truths to our lives the Lord will allow us to discover more truth which in turn draws us into a deeper and closer relationship with the Lord (see Psalm 119: 32, 34).
The predominate theme of Psalm 119 relates to the importance and value in studying and meditating upon the Scriptures. They include, among many others, personal joy (1), actions that reflect God's decrees (5), staying pure (9), and avoiding sin (11). The psalmist also sees the Scriptures as sources of wisdom and encouragement (24, 28).
God has given us his word. He wants it to govern all aspects of life. The Apostle Paul knew the importance of the Bible. In his letter to Timothy he stated "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right" (2 Tim 3:16).
The Bible should be the most important book in our lives. It contains insights into the eternal God. It is his personal message to us. It shows us how to live in relationship with him. If we are truly honest how important is God’s book to us?
Copyright. Bruce June 2007
Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.
