ZIKLAG: WHERE PAIN NEARLY OBLITERATED WISDOM
IT IS OFTEN TRUE THAT PAIN CAN OVERRULE WISDOM. WHEN IT DOES, THE PERSON WILL CHOOSE OPTIONS THAT WILL NOT ONLY PERPETUATE HIS PAIN MAY ALSO DESTROY EVERYTHING HE VALUES
1 Samuel 30
ZIKLAG IN DAVID’S TIME
IT WAS THE PLACE ONE COMES HOME TO, A HIDING PLACE SO TO SPEAK, DAVID’S LITTLE CORNER OF THE WORLD
IT WAS GOD’S TEMPORARY GIFT TO HIM
THE ZIKLAG DISASTER
WHEN THE AMALEKITES RAIDED ZIKLAG, DAVID AND HIS MEN WERE NOT THERE. THE RAIDERS TOOK AWAY EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE OF GREAT VALUE TO DAVID AND HIS MEN.
YOU SEE, FOR A FAMILY MAN, THE VALUE OF ANY PLACE, ANY OBJECT, ANY HOME, DEPENDS ON WHETHER HIS LOVED ONES ARE THERE OR NOT. WITHOUT HIS LOVED ONES, THE HOME IS NO LONGER A HOME.
ZIKLAG NOW
IT WAS NOT MEANT TO BE A LASTING BLESSING AND IT SIMPLY HAD TO SERVE ITS PURPOSE AND THEN IT’S GONE
ZIKLAG WAS NOT JUST ANY PLACE
ZIKLAG WAS A PLACE WHERE OVERWHELMING PAIN TOOK OVER WISDOM THREATENING THE VERY EXISTENCE AND FUTURE OF EVERYONE
HOW DO YOU REACT WHEN YOUR CORNER OF THE WORLD IS DESTROYED AND YOUR LOVED ONES THREATENED? What do you do when your life and your dreams are rendered meaningless?
LESSONS FROM ZIKLAG
SOONER OF LATER, ONE GETS INTO A ZIKLAG SITUATION WHERE THE PAIN BECOMES A BIT TOO MUCH; WHERE WISDOM IS RENDERED POWERLESS BY PAIN, WHERE OPTIONS BECOME DIFFICULT AND EVEN DAMAGING
The Danger of a mishandled Ziklag is that it can destroy us completely.
Learning from David’s Ziklag experience
What Important Lessons Can Be Learned From David’s Ziklag Experience?
I- WEEPING IS AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO A ZIKLAG PAIN
A ZIKLAG SITUATION REMINDS US THAT WEEPING IS SOMETIMES THE FIRST AND CORRECT OPTION WHEN WE ARE IN PAIN
A ZIKLAG TYPE PAIN CAN HAPPEN EVEN WHEN YOU ARE LIVING RIGHTEOUS LIVES
A ZIKLAG SITUATION DRAINS OUR ENERGY
II- WORSHIP IS THE RIGHT RESPONSE TO OUR WEEPING
BURDENS LIFTED UP TO GOD IN WORSHIP
BLAMING SOMEONE ELSE AS A NATURAL RESPONSE TO PAIN
BEHAVIORAL CONFUSION AS RESULT OF LACK OF WORSHIP
III- WORKING TOGETHER AS WORSHIPERS IS THE RIGHT WAY OUT OF OUT ZIKLAG PAIN
HAVING HEARD FROM GOD, DAVID CONVINCED THE 600 MEN THAT WORKING TOGETHER IS THE KEY TO THE SOLUTION TO THEIR PROBLEM.
EVEN WITH GOD’S INSTRUCTION, ONLY 400 WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT. NEVER EXPECT A 100% COOPERATION OR WE WILL BE DISAPPOINTED
A Summary
I- WEEPING IS AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO A ZIKLAG PAIN
II- WORSHIP IS THE RIGHT RESPONSE TO OUR WEEPING
III- WORKING TOGETHER AS WORSHIPERS IS THE RIGHT WAY OUT OF OUT ZIKLAG PAIN
What is this lesson’s relevance to us?
A reminder that although we may not be able to completely avoid a Ziklag Pain, out options while carrying our pains can either destroy us or deliver us.
Pain has a way of corrupting our options just as it can also compel us to worship God. When our options are corrupted, we look for someone to blame. When our options are corrected, we see to worship God.
Respond by:
Avoiding the pitfalls of Ziklag (Blaming someone, destroying the solution)
Avail of the lessons of Ziklag
Ziklag is temporary
Weeping is alright provided it leads us to worship
Working together instead of destroying each other is the way to defeat the Amalekites in our lives
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
YOUR DEN OF LIONS MAY TURN OUT TO BE A BLESSING.
YOUR DEN OF LIONS MAY TURN OUT TO BE A BLESSING.
Your Conclusion About Your Difficulty May Be Logical But Logic Sometimes Does Not Consider God’s Sovereign Purposes
Text: Daniel 6
Except when otherwise indicated “Scripture is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”
Daniel in the den of lions: In a den of lions, only two events are possible: eat the lions or be eaten by the lions. Usually, the lion gets his food. But, there is a third possible event: the man becomes a good housemate of the lion. It is a story of faith overcoming a no-option situation.
Introduction:
The Last Persian Lion was spotted in 1942.
No Modern Daniel would ever be thrown into the Lions’ den.
But the truth is, we sometimes find ourselves in a different kind of Lions’ den- a No Option situation
What constitutes a “Lions’ Den” in Your life?
Your happiness is being threatened and while you know it, there really is nothing you can do about it.
Your very life is losing its possibilities- bankruptcy, piling of losses, friends distancing from you,-
You know your problem, you can “see” and “hear” them but there is nothing you can do.
Daniel and His Lion’s Den
Daniel was no longer young when he was thrown into the Lions’ den.
Daniel was thrown into the den because he would not compromise his faith in God.
Daniel opted to face danger rather than become an embarrassment to God
Daniel was the man who would say: I will not complain but rather I will glorify God in good times or bad times
Daniel 6 (NASB)
Dan 6:1-4. It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they should be in charge of the whole kingdom, 2 and over them three commissioners (of whom Daniel was one), that these satraps might be accountable to them, and that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. 4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. 5 Then these men said, "We shall not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God." 6 Then these commissioners and satraps came by agreement to the king and spoke to him as follows: "King Darius, live forever!
Dan 6:7-8. "All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions' den. 8 "Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.“ Dan 6:9. Therefore King Darius signed the document, that is, the injunction. 10 Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. Dan 6:12..Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king's injunction, "Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions' den?" The king answered and said, "The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.“ 13 Then they answered and spoke before the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the injunction which you signed, but keeps making his petition three times a day."Dan 6:14 Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. 15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, "Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed."16 Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions' den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you."17 And a stone was brought and laid over the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing might be changed in regard to Daniel. 18 Then the king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him; and his sleep fled from him. 19 Then the king arose with the dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions' den. 20 And when he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?" 21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, "O king, live forever! 22 "My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime." 23 Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 24 The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they cast them, their children, and their wives into the lions' den; and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
Sometimes, we find ourselves in a NO OPTION SITUATION
Joseph in the pit- He was on his way to become the Prime Minister of Egypt.
Jonah in the belly of the fish- He was on his way to shaking a prominent kingdom to repentance
Daniel in the Lions’ den- no way out, no way down, no way up- just simply no way to anywhere. However, in the morning, Daniel said goodbye to the lions and walked out of the lion’s den.
THE QUESTION TO GUIDE US
I DON’T WANT TO ENTER A DEN OF LIONS BUT IT IS A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY IN LIFE. And because I may actually find myself in such a situation, I NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHY WE HAVE OUR LIONS’ DEN AND WHAT IT ACTUALLY MEANS FOR US.
What do I need to understand about the LIONS’ DEN so that I do not end up being mangled but come out victorious?
1. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE ARE SO CRUEL AND UNCARING
Dan 6: 4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. 5 Then these men said, "We shall not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God." NASB
Consider what the men were saying:
“We can’t find an evidence against Daniel. He is untouchable because of his honesty. So, we will find evidence by manufacturing it.”
When people are cruel and uncaring, they end up hurting us, removing our joy and making us despair for our lives and the future.
There is so much cruelty in the world and sometimes we become victims.
Note this: God did not stop people’s cruelty against Daniel. What is the lesson?
2. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS EVEN WHEN WE HAVE FAITHFUL AND CARING FRIENDS
Dan 6:14 Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. 15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, "Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed." NASB
Think about this carefully:
The King was powerful and he was Daniel’s friend. He wanted so much so save his friend. He wanted to stop people’s cruelty but he was barred by legal restraints. .
Faith requires us to accept the fact that even when surrounded by faithful friends, we still can be hurt by the cruelty of people. That is why we need God to tide us over and brings us to the future.
Note this: A friend wanted to help Daniel but failed. What is the lesson?
3. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS BUT IT IS OFTEN THERE WHERE THE BIG MIRACLES TAKE PLACE .
Dan 6:21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, "O king, live forever! 22 "My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime." 23 Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. NASB
NOTE THE MIRACLES IN THE DEN OF LIONS
THERE WERE AT LEAST 2 LIONS: 2 MIRACLES
THE LIONS IN THE DEN WERE KEPT HUNGRY SO THEY WOULD DO A GOOD JOB OF CHEWING PEOPLE. 3RD MIRACLE.
THE ANGEL HAD ACTUALLY ENTERED THE DEN. 4TH MIRACLE.
THE ANGEL DID NOT JUST STAND THERE. He shut the mouth of lions. 5th miracle.
The enemies ?
A SUMMARY OF OUR LESSONS TODAY
1. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE ARE SO CRUEL AND UNCARING
2. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS EVEN WHEN WE HAVE FAITHFUL AND CARING FRIENDS
3. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS BUT IT IS OFTEN THERE WHERE THE BIG MIRACLES TAKE PLACE.
REINTERPRETING YOUR DEN OF LIONS . . .
The den of Lions is really the den of God’s sustaining grace.
The den of Lions is really the den of miracles.
The den of Lions is really the den of victory over our enemies.
The den of Lions is really the den of brighter glory, bigger freedom, higher recognition and safer tomorrow.
Laugh at the lions, smile in the den; you are on your way to greater glory.
YOU KNOW HOW THIS APPLIES TO YOU?
A LIONS’ DEN IS A REALITY WE MAY NOT ALWAYS ESCAPE BUT THINK OF IT THIS WAY:
What really matters is not what is in the den but WHO IS IN THE DEN WITH YOU. God is with you.
What will really count is not people’s cruelty but God’s kindness.
What will really make a difference is not the inability of our friends but the ability of God.
Your den of Lions is not a threat to you. Trust God.
SPECIFIC SUGGESTED RESPONSES
NEVER PUT THE ENTIRE MEANING OF YOUR LIFE ON WHAT PEOPLE DO TO YOU. YOU MIGHT MISS THE TRUTH THAT GOD CARES AND IS STILL THERE FORE YOU.
NEVER SAY IT’S HOPELESS SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY LIONS. IT IS NEVER HOPELESS BECAUSE GOD HAS ALREADY SURROUNDED YOU WITH HIS LOVE.
IF YOU ARE SO DISCOURAGED NOW, TELL GOD THIS: I AM DOWN BUT NOT OUT. I WILL NOT AND I CANNOT GIVE UP. I HAVE YOU AND EVERYTHING WILL TURN OUT RIGHT.
Your Conclusion About Your Difficulty May Be Logical But Logic Sometimes Does Not Consider God’s Sovereign Purposes
Text: Daniel 6
Except when otherwise indicated “Scripture is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”
Daniel in the den of lions: In a den of lions, only two events are possible: eat the lions or be eaten by the lions. Usually, the lion gets his food. But, there is a third possible event: the man becomes a good housemate of the lion. It is a story of faith overcoming a no-option situation.
Introduction:
The Last Persian Lion was spotted in 1942.
No Modern Daniel would ever be thrown into the Lions’ den.
But the truth is, we sometimes find ourselves in a different kind of Lions’ den- a No Option situation
What constitutes a “Lions’ Den” in Your life?
Your happiness is being threatened and while you know it, there really is nothing you can do about it.
Your very life is losing its possibilities- bankruptcy, piling of losses, friends distancing from you,-
You know your problem, you can “see” and “hear” them but there is nothing you can do.
Daniel and His Lion’s Den
Daniel was no longer young when he was thrown into the Lions’ den.
Daniel was thrown into the den because he would not compromise his faith in God.
Daniel opted to face danger rather than become an embarrassment to God
Daniel was the man who would say: I will not complain but rather I will glorify God in good times or bad times
Daniel 6 (NASB)
Dan 6:1-4. It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they should be in charge of the whole kingdom, 2 and over them three commissioners (of whom Daniel was one), that these satraps might be accountable to them, and that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. 4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. 5 Then these men said, "We shall not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God." 6 Then these commissioners and satraps came by agreement to the king and spoke to him as follows: "King Darius, live forever!
Dan 6:7-8. "All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions' den. 8 "Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.“ Dan 6:9. Therefore King Darius signed the document, that is, the injunction. 10 Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. Dan 6:12..Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king's injunction, "Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions' den?" The king answered and said, "The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.“ 13 Then they answered and spoke before the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the injunction which you signed, but keeps making his petition three times a day."Dan 6:14 Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. 15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, "Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed."16 Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions' den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you."17 And a stone was brought and laid over the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing might be changed in regard to Daniel. 18 Then the king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him; and his sleep fled from him. 19 Then the king arose with the dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions' den. 20 And when he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?" 21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, "O king, live forever! 22 "My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime." 23 Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 24 The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they cast them, their children, and their wives into the lions' den; and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
Sometimes, we find ourselves in a NO OPTION SITUATION
Joseph in the pit- He was on his way to become the Prime Minister of Egypt.
Jonah in the belly of the fish- He was on his way to shaking a prominent kingdom to repentance
Daniel in the Lions’ den- no way out, no way down, no way up- just simply no way to anywhere. However, in the morning, Daniel said goodbye to the lions and walked out of the lion’s den.
THE QUESTION TO GUIDE US
I DON’T WANT TO ENTER A DEN OF LIONS BUT IT IS A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY IN LIFE. And because I may actually find myself in such a situation, I NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHY WE HAVE OUR LIONS’ DEN AND WHAT IT ACTUALLY MEANS FOR US.
What do I need to understand about the LIONS’ DEN so that I do not end up being mangled but come out victorious?
1. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE ARE SO CRUEL AND UNCARING
Dan 6: 4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. 5 Then these men said, "We shall not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God." NASB
Consider what the men were saying:
“We can’t find an evidence against Daniel. He is untouchable because of his honesty. So, we will find evidence by manufacturing it.”
When people are cruel and uncaring, they end up hurting us, removing our joy and making us despair for our lives and the future.
There is so much cruelty in the world and sometimes we become victims.
Note this: God did not stop people’s cruelty against Daniel. What is the lesson?
2. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS EVEN WHEN WE HAVE FAITHFUL AND CARING FRIENDS
Dan 6:14 Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. 15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, "Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed." NASB
Think about this carefully:
The King was powerful and he was Daniel’s friend. He wanted so much so save his friend. He wanted to stop people’s cruelty but he was barred by legal restraints. .
Faith requires us to accept the fact that even when surrounded by faithful friends, we still can be hurt by the cruelty of people. That is why we need God to tide us over and brings us to the future.
Note this: A friend wanted to help Daniel but failed. What is the lesson?
3. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS BUT IT IS OFTEN THERE WHERE THE BIG MIRACLES TAKE PLACE .
Dan 6:21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, "O king, live forever! 22 "My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime." 23 Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. NASB
NOTE THE MIRACLES IN THE DEN OF LIONS
THERE WERE AT LEAST 2 LIONS: 2 MIRACLES
THE LIONS IN THE DEN WERE KEPT HUNGRY SO THEY WOULD DO A GOOD JOB OF CHEWING PEOPLE. 3RD MIRACLE.
THE ANGEL HAD ACTUALLY ENTERED THE DEN. 4TH MIRACLE.
THE ANGEL DID NOT JUST STAND THERE. He shut the mouth of lions. 5th miracle.
The enemies ?
A SUMMARY OF OUR LESSONS TODAY
1. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE ARE SO CRUEL AND UNCARING
2. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS EVEN WHEN WE HAVE FAITHFUL AND CARING FRIENDS
3. WE HAVE A DEN OF LIONS BUT IT IS OFTEN THERE WHERE THE BIG MIRACLES TAKE PLACE.
REINTERPRETING YOUR DEN OF LIONS . . .
The den of Lions is really the den of God’s sustaining grace.
The den of Lions is really the den of miracles.
The den of Lions is really the den of victory over our enemies.
The den of Lions is really the den of brighter glory, bigger freedom, higher recognition and safer tomorrow.
Laugh at the lions, smile in the den; you are on your way to greater glory.
YOU KNOW HOW THIS APPLIES TO YOU?
A LIONS’ DEN IS A REALITY WE MAY NOT ALWAYS ESCAPE BUT THINK OF IT THIS WAY:
What really matters is not what is in the den but WHO IS IN THE DEN WITH YOU. God is with you.
What will really count is not people’s cruelty but God’s kindness.
What will really make a difference is not the inability of our friends but the ability of God.
Your den of Lions is not a threat to you. Trust God.
SPECIFIC SUGGESTED RESPONSES
NEVER PUT THE ENTIRE MEANING OF YOUR LIFE ON WHAT PEOPLE DO TO YOU. YOU MIGHT MISS THE TRUTH THAT GOD CARES AND IS STILL THERE FORE YOU.
NEVER SAY IT’S HOPELESS SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY LIONS. IT IS NEVER HOPELESS BECAUSE GOD HAS ALREADY SURROUNDED YOU WITH HIS LOVE.
IF YOU ARE SO DISCOURAGED NOW, TELL GOD THIS: I AM DOWN BUT NOT OUT. I WILL NOT AND I CANNOT GIVE UP. I HAVE YOU AND EVERYTHING WILL TURN OUT RIGHT.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
He Has Risen! His Alive!
ALIVE FOREVERMORE
John 20:1-18/Lk. 24:1-12
Also Matthew and Mark’s Accounts.
4-22-00
Introduction:
More than 2000 years ago, one cold but tense morning, some women got up quite early, although it was not sure whether they had the privilege of falling asleep or not, and went the place of the dead. As was the custom in their place, they were to anoint the body of a dead person with the right spices. They should have done this the day before but it was a religious holiday and no work of any kind was allowed.
So now, very early, the women were on their way, eager to perform the acts of respect and kindness expected of them as friends and followers of the person who died earlier.
When the women got to the place of the dead, they were expecting to see a group of soldiers and would have asked permission from them to open the tomb by rolling the stone which was used to blocked the entrance to the tomb.
But, they saw something unexpected. The stone was rolled away and running into the tomb, they saw that it was empty. Almost immediately, they saw a sight talked about by their elders and teachers of the law but probably seen by them for the first time: There were angels there and these beings spoke to them. It was a difficult situation to understand. This was what happened more or less on the first day of the week, in the morning when Jesus rose again from the dead. Let’s note two important things about the resurrection.
I THE PROOF OF HIS RESURRECTION
1. THE TESTIMONY OF THE STONE ROLLED AWAY FROM THE TOMB.
1.1. GUARDS WERE POSTED AT THE TOMB. Mt. 27:65-66. Note: Although the word Guard is singular, it does not refer to one person. The word platoon is singular but refers to more than one person. The word for Guard is Custudia, which refers to a precise number of soldiers. Custudia has a minimum of 4 and maximum of 16 soldiers. It was not a guard as one person but a Custudia that was posted at the tomb. AT 4, or six, or 8, or 10, or 12, or 14 or a maximum of sixteen soldiers were there to see to it that no one without authority. IN fact, the word Guard is replaced by the plural Guards in Mt. 28:4 and they were in plural because they are referred to as dead mean.
2. THE TESTIMONY OF THE ANGELS
Why do look for the living among the dead? He is risen. According to Matthew, it an angel who cam and rolled the stone away. The Custudia or the guards became so scared of them and became like dean men. The angels rebuked the women who were there first on account of their seemingly lack of faith. Why are you looking for him among the dead? He is not here but He is risen.
3. THE TESTIMONY OF THE STRIPS OF LINEN
When Peter got to the tomb, he saw strips of linen by themselves but there was no more body. According to Mark15:46, these strips of linen were used to cover the body of Jesus. They wrapped his body in linen. So, if the dead had been stolen, the linen would have been gone too! In the first place, stealing the body was not possible because of the Custudia outside. Second, the fact that the strips of linen were by themselves gives us an idea of someone rising up and taking off the linen and putting on one side and then walked out of there. This is an appropriate picture because when the angel spoke about Jesus as no longer but risen, he was saying more than just stating that Jesus is alive. The word risen means arising and in control of one’s faculties. Of course, when you are in control of your faculties and realize that your are still wrapped in linen, you wold naturally remove the linen from your body and leave it on one side.
4. THE TESTIMONY OF HIS WORDS
The angels had to simply remind the women. Don’t you remember his words? He told you that he would die and be raised on the third day. That is what happened.
II THE PRACTICAL VALUE OF HIS RESURRECTION.
In the account in John, we have a most intriguing encounter between Jesus and Mary Magdalene or Mary of Magdala. Seeing Jesus after the resurrection, Mary had wanted to touch, naturally, one presumed to be dead and now standing in front of you, you want to touch. Then Jesus told her the mysterious words:
DO NOT HOLD TO ME, FOR I HAVE NOT YET RETURNED TO THE FATHER. GO INSTEAD OT MY BROTHERS AND TELL THEM, THAT I AM RETURNING TO MY FATHER AND YOUR FATHER, TO MY GOD AND YOUR GOD. John 20:17.
He could not be touched because He has not yet ascended to heaven to be with the Father who is in heaven. So He disappeared for one day. He appeared again during the night when He surprised his disciples were hiding in a room where the door was locked, he materialized in the room with them.
The conclusion is that early in the morning, he went o be with the Father, presented his report and now in the evening, he was back on earth and was with his disciples again.
Why was so important for him to first report ot the Father rather than go and see his disciples who were already at that time, so fearful of the events of the last few days? Well, Jesus knew that the reason for his coming on earth was for a very precise purpose coming from a very precise order from the Father. He came because, according to him, He was sent by the Father (John 3:16).
What exactly was it that He came to do?
1. TO REPLACE ADAM’S RECORD OF DISOBEDIENCE WITH HIS OWN RECORD OF OBEDIENCE. Rom. 5:19. The disobedience of one man brought condemnation. The Obedience of one man will make many righteous. Man id under condemnation because the sin of one person has become our sin (Romans 5:12). Now that record must be replaced. Someone must represent the entire human race and obey and his record of obedience will replace the disobedience of Adam. That is what Jesus did. His cry “It is finished had nothing to do with dying. He was referring to the work of obedience as having completed. Job number one, completed.
2. TO PAY FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD BY DYING ON THE CROSS.
1Pet 3:18 (NIV) For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
1Cor 15:3 (NIV) For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance }: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
3. TO RISE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD TO DEFEAT SIN AND TO OFFER JUSTIFICATION. Romans 4:25: He was delivered over to death for our transgressions but was raised back to life for our justification. That is why in Lke 24, he ordered the preaching of repentance and forgiveness of sins only after he died and was raised back to life.
There were three major reasons for his coming. God has a chosen people. They are also in the world. Also condemned and under the power of Satan. They must be set free. There are 3 requirements for their freedom and salvation. Their record of disobedience must be replaced by a record of obedience. Second. The penalty for their sins must be paid for. Third. The record of perfect obedience and payment for sins must be presented to the Father.
Put it another way. The life and work of Jesus has 3 distinct stages. The period of obedience- birth to the cross. The period of payment for penalty. Death from Friday to Sunday early morning. Resurrection to report to the Father . Early Sunday morning to later that afternoon.
WITHOUT THE CROSS-, the life of obedience would be incomplete for our salvation. Without obedience, Jesus would not have qualified for the cross. Without resurrection, the life of obedience and the cross would have been meaningless life and death.
When you become a Christian, this is what happens to you. God replaces your record of disobedience with a record of obedience. Then, the penalty for sin, he writes, paid for. The basis of this fact? He writes these words: According to the report submitted by and Jesus the Christ, the son of the living God.
So, on this resurrection Sunday, if you’re a Christian, rejoice and remember these three distinct blessings:
1. I have a perfect record of obedience before the father. When Satan accuses me, I will say, pinalitan na iyan ng perfect record.
2. THE PENALTY FOR MY SINS IS COMPLETELY PAID FOR BY THE DEATH OF JESUS.
3. THE PROOF OF THIS PERFECT RECORD AND OF THIS ALREADY PAID FOR PENALTY IS JESUS’ REPORT TO THE FATHER.
WHEN DO YOU BECOME ONE WITH JESUS AND HIS WORK OF OBEDIENCE AND PAYMENT OF PENALTY. Eph. 1:13.
John 20:1-18/Lk. 24:1-12
Also Matthew and Mark’s Accounts.
4-22-00
Introduction:
More than 2000 years ago, one cold but tense morning, some women got up quite early, although it was not sure whether they had the privilege of falling asleep or not, and went the place of the dead. As was the custom in their place, they were to anoint the body of a dead person with the right spices. They should have done this the day before but it was a religious holiday and no work of any kind was allowed.
So now, very early, the women were on their way, eager to perform the acts of respect and kindness expected of them as friends and followers of the person who died earlier.
When the women got to the place of the dead, they were expecting to see a group of soldiers and would have asked permission from them to open the tomb by rolling the stone which was used to blocked the entrance to the tomb.
But, they saw something unexpected. The stone was rolled away and running into the tomb, they saw that it was empty. Almost immediately, they saw a sight talked about by their elders and teachers of the law but probably seen by them for the first time: There were angels there and these beings spoke to them. It was a difficult situation to understand. This was what happened more or less on the first day of the week, in the morning when Jesus rose again from the dead. Let’s note two important things about the resurrection.
I THE PROOF OF HIS RESURRECTION
1. THE TESTIMONY OF THE STONE ROLLED AWAY FROM THE TOMB.
1.1. GUARDS WERE POSTED AT THE TOMB. Mt. 27:65-66. Note: Although the word Guard is singular, it does not refer to one person. The word platoon is singular but refers to more than one person. The word for Guard is Custudia, which refers to a precise number of soldiers. Custudia has a minimum of 4 and maximum of 16 soldiers. It was not a guard as one person but a Custudia that was posted at the tomb. AT 4, or six, or 8, or 10, or 12, or 14 or a maximum of sixteen soldiers were there to see to it that no one without authority. IN fact, the word Guard is replaced by the plural Guards in Mt. 28:4 and they were in plural because they are referred to as dead mean.
2. THE TESTIMONY OF THE ANGELS
Why do look for the living among the dead? He is risen. According to Matthew, it an angel who cam and rolled the stone away. The Custudia or the guards became so scared of them and became like dean men. The angels rebuked the women who were there first on account of their seemingly lack of faith. Why are you looking for him among the dead? He is not here but He is risen.
3. THE TESTIMONY OF THE STRIPS OF LINEN
When Peter got to the tomb, he saw strips of linen by themselves but there was no more body. According to Mark15:46, these strips of linen were used to cover the body of Jesus. They wrapped his body in linen. So, if the dead had been stolen, the linen would have been gone too! In the first place, stealing the body was not possible because of the Custudia outside. Second, the fact that the strips of linen were by themselves gives us an idea of someone rising up and taking off the linen and putting on one side and then walked out of there. This is an appropriate picture because when the angel spoke about Jesus as no longer but risen, he was saying more than just stating that Jesus is alive. The word risen means arising and in control of one’s faculties. Of course, when you are in control of your faculties and realize that your are still wrapped in linen, you wold naturally remove the linen from your body and leave it on one side.
4. THE TESTIMONY OF HIS WORDS
The angels had to simply remind the women. Don’t you remember his words? He told you that he would die and be raised on the third day. That is what happened.
II THE PRACTICAL VALUE OF HIS RESURRECTION.
In the account in John, we have a most intriguing encounter between Jesus and Mary Magdalene or Mary of Magdala. Seeing Jesus after the resurrection, Mary had wanted to touch, naturally, one presumed to be dead and now standing in front of you, you want to touch. Then Jesus told her the mysterious words:
DO NOT HOLD TO ME, FOR I HAVE NOT YET RETURNED TO THE FATHER. GO INSTEAD OT MY BROTHERS AND TELL THEM, THAT I AM RETURNING TO MY FATHER AND YOUR FATHER, TO MY GOD AND YOUR GOD. John 20:17.
He could not be touched because He has not yet ascended to heaven to be with the Father who is in heaven. So He disappeared for one day. He appeared again during the night when He surprised his disciples were hiding in a room where the door was locked, he materialized in the room with them.
The conclusion is that early in the morning, he went o be with the Father, presented his report and now in the evening, he was back on earth and was with his disciples again.
Why was so important for him to first report ot the Father rather than go and see his disciples who were already at that time, so fearful of the events of the last few days? Well, Jesus knew that the reason for his coming on earth was for a very precise purpose coming from a very precise order from the Father. He came because, according to him, He was sent by the Father (John 3:16).
What exactly was it that He came to do?
1. TO REPLACE ADAM’S RECORD OF DISOBEDIENCE WITH HIS OWN RECORD OF OBEDIENCE. Rom. 5:19. The disobedience of one man brought condemnation. The Obedience of one man will make many righteous. Man id under condemnation because the sin of one person has become our sin (Romans 5:12). Now that record must be replaced. Someone must represent the entire human race and obey and his record of obedience will replace the disobedience of Adam. That is what Jesus did. His cry “It is finished had nothing to do with dying. He was referring to the work of obedience as having completed. Job number one, completed.
2. TO PAY FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD BY DYING ON THE CROSS.
1Pet 3:18 (NIV) For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
1Cor 15:3 (NIV) For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance }: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
3. TO RISE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD TO DEFEAT SIN AND TO OFFER JUSTIFICATION. Romans 4:25: He was delivered over to death for our transgressions but was raised back to life for our justification. That is why in Lke 24, he ordered the preaching of repentance and forgiveness of sins only after he died and was raised back to life.
There were three major reasons for his coming. God has a chosen people. They are also in the world. Also condemned and under the power of Satan. They must be set free. There are 3 requirements for their freedom and salvation. Their record of disobedience must be replaced by a record of obedience. Second. The penalty for their sins must be paid for. Third. The record of perfect obedience and payment for sins must be presented to the Father.
Put it another way. The life and work of Jesus has 3 distinct stages. The period of obedience- birth to the cross. The period of payment for penalty. Death from Friday to Sunday early morning. Resurrection to report to the Father . Early Sunday morning to later that afternoon.
WITHOUT THE CROSS-, the life of obedience would be incomplete for our salvation. Without obedience, Jesus would not have qualified for the cross. Without resurrection, the life of obedience and the cross would have been meaningless life and death.
When you become a Christian, this is what happens to you. God replaces your record of disobedience with a record of obedience. Then, the penalty for sin, he writes, paid for. The basis of this fact? He writes these words: According to the report submitted by and Jesus the Christ, the son of the living God.
So, on this resurrection Sunday, if you’re a Christian, rejoice and remember these three distinct blessings:
1. I have a perfect record of obedience before the father. When Satan accuses me, I will say, pinalitan na iyan ng perfect record.
2. THE PENALTY FOR MY SINS IS COMPLETELY PAID FOR BY THE DEATH OF JESUS.
3. THE PROOF OF THIS PERFECT RECORD AND OF THIS ALREADY PAID FOR PENALTY IS JESUS’ REPORT TO THE FATHER.
WHEN DO YOU BECOME ONE WITH JESUS AND HIS WORK OF OBEDIENCE AND PAYMENT OF PENALTY. Eph. 1:13.
Holy Week Reflections: Good Friday and Black Saturday
(blog was inaccessible yesterday. Posting was not possible)
FRIDAY : THE FIFTH: "I am thirsty." Even In The Midst Of Our Most Difficult Experience, Obedience Must Still Be Complete, Satisfactory And Scriptural.
John 19:28: After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty." 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop, and brought it up to His mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit. NASB
Most people miss the point that when Jesus said: I AM THIRSTY, He was fully in control of His thirst and did not cry out of desperation. Read the text again and note that before the words I AM THIRSTY you will read these words: Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said.. Jesus was aware that everything had been accomplished except for one: the prophecy said He would speak of thirst so to fulfill the Scripture, He said I AM THIRSTY.
Obedience is easier when times are good and when pressure is absent. Obedience becomes difficult when we are under pressure and under persecution and under extreme pain. Jesus was going through the worst pain He would experience in this world. But, in the midst of all that, He remembered to obey completely, fully and Scripturally. What an example! Have you ever been empted to disobey and dishonor God because of a painful episode in your life? Are you gong through something so difficult and are you tempted to disobey? Fight the urge! Obey even when it very painful! Lesson: Obedience is the measure of our love and respect for the Lord. Therefore, obey at all times. Walang kapalit ang pagiging masunurin sa Diyos.
SATURDAY : THE SIXTH: "It is finished!" No Difficulty, However Terrible, Can Take Away From Us Our Victory. In The End, We Win.
John 19: 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop, and brought it up to His mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit.
The sixth and seventh sayings cannot be separated from each other for they were clearly spoken in almost the same span of a few seconds. Jesus had battled the worst pain, resisted the worst fear, defeated the worst enemy and although bloody and held in place on the cross by old-fashioned nails hammered by cruel people, He knew without a shadow of a doubt that victory had been achieved. He said: IT IS FINISHED. The fight for eternity is over. The greatest defeat has been inflicted on Satan. God’s will prevailed and the elect are secure in their salvation. Knowing all this, Jesus said: IT IS FINISHED.
Jesus, in effect, remained in control to the very end. Referring to His assigned tasks, He says: IT IS FINISHED. Was it an easy journey? It was not. Was it a fight with weak enemies? It was not. But, through it all, Jesus won. On that Old Rugged Cross, He won! Rightly so, He said: IT IS FINISHED, which is another way of saying: The victory is assured for the elect of God. Lesson: Don’t be dismayed by the gravity of the challenges in front of you. One day, you will overcome everything and you will say IT IS FINISHED. The Victory is yours!
FRIDAY : THE FIFTH: "I am thirsty." Even In The Midst Of Our Most Difficult Experience, Obedience Must Still Be Complete, Satisfactory And Scriptural.
John 19:28: After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty." 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop, and brought it up to His mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit. NASB
Most people miss the point that when Jesus said: I AM THIRSTY, He was fully in control of His thirst and did not cry out of desperation. Read the text again and note that before the words I AM THIRSTY you will read these words: Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said.. Jesus was aware that everything had been accomplished except for one: the prophecy said He would speak of thirst so to fulfill the Scripture, He said I AM THIRSTY.
Obedience is easier when times are good and when pressure is absent. Obedience becomes difficult when we are under pressure and under persecution and under extreme pain. Jesus was going through the worst pain He would experience in this world. But, in the midst of all that, He remembered to obey completely, fully and Scripturally. What an example! Have you ever been empted to disobey and dishonor God because of a painful episode in your life? Are you gong through something so difficult and are you tempted to disobey? Fight the urge! Obey even when it very painful! Lesson: Obedience is the measure of our love and respect for the Lord. Therefore, obey at all times. Walang kapalit ang pagiging masunurin sa Diyos.
SATURDAY : THE SIXTH: "It is finished!" No Difficulty, However Terrible, Can Take Away From Us Our Victory. In The End, We Win.
John 19: 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop, and brought it up to His mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit.
The sixth and seventh sayings cannot be separated from each other for they were clearly spoken in almost the same span of a few seconds. Jesus had battled the worst pain, resisted the worst fear, defeated the worst enemy and although bloody and held in place on the cross by old-fashioned nails hammered by cruel people, He knew without a shadow of a doubt that victory had been achieved. He said: IT IS FINISHED. The fight for eternity is over. The greatest defeat has been inflicted on Satan. God’s will prevailed and the elect are secure in their salvation. Knowing all this, Jesus said: IT IS FINISHED.
Jesus, in effect, remained in control to the very end. Referring to His assigned tasks, He says: IT IS FINISHED. Was it an easy journey? It was not. Was it a fight with weak enemies? It was not. But, through it all, Jesus won. On that Old Rugged Cross, He won! Rightly so, He said: IT IS FINISHED, which is another way of saying: The victory is assured for the elect of God. Lesson: Don’t be dismayed by the gravity of the challenges in front of you. One day, you will overcome everything and you will say IT IS FINISHED. The Victory is yours!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Holy Week Reflections: The Seven Last Words: 2010. 5th saying
FRIDAY : THE FIFTH: "I am thirsty." Even In The Midst Of Our Most Difficult Experience, Obedience Must Still Be Complete, Satisfactory And Scriptural.
John 19:28: After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty." 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop, and brought it up to His mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit. NASB
Most people miss the point that when Jesus said: I AM THIRSTY, He was fully in control of His thirst and did not cry out of desperation. Read the text again and note that before the words I AM THIRSTY you will read these words: Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said.. Jesus was aware that everything had been accomplished except for one: the prophecy said He would speak of thirst so to fulfill the Scripture, He said I AM THIRSTY.
Obedience is easier when times are good and when pressure is absent. Obedience becomes difficult when we are under pressure and under persecution and under extreme pain. Jesus was going through the worst pain He would experience in this world. But, in the midst of all that, He remembered to obey completely, fully and Scripturally. What an example! Have you ever been empted to disobey and dishonor God because of a painful episode in your life? Are you gong through something so difficult and are you tempted to disobey? Fight the urge! Obey even when it very painful! Lesson: Obedience is the measure of our love and respect for the Lord. Therefore, obey at all times. Walang kapalit ang pagiging masunurin sa Diyos.
John 19:28: After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty." 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop, and brought it up to His mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit. NASB
Most people miss the point that when Jesus said: I AM THIRSTY, He was fully in control of His thirst and did not cry out of desperation. Read the text again and note that before the words I AM THIRSTY you will read these words: Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said.. Jesus was aware that everything had been accomplished except for one: the prophecy said He would speak of thirst so to fulfill the Scripture, He said I AM THIRSTY.
Obedience is easier when times are good and when pressure is absent. Obedience becomes difficult when we are under pressure and under persecution and under extreme pain. Jesus was going through the worst pain He would experience in this world. But, in the midst of all that, He remembered to obey completely, fully and Scripturally. What an example! Have you ever been empted to disobey and dishonor God because of a painful episode in your life? Are you gong through something so difficult and are you tempted to disobey? Fight the urge! Obey even when it very painful! Lesson: Obedience is the measure of our love and respect for the Lord. Therefore, obey at all times. Walang kapalit ang pagiging masunurin sa Diyos.
Maundy Thursday
The word MAUNDY comes from the Latin Mandatum which means command, The atual phrase in Latin is Mandatum Novum or New commandment. This is taken from John 13 when the Lord told His disciples about a new commandment: to love one another.
The Seven Last Words: 2010. (Fourth Saying)
The Seven Last Words: 2010. (Fourth Saying)
Holy Week Reflections: The Seven Last Words: 2010
(Siete Ultimas Palabras)
THURSDAY : THE FOURTH: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" With Human Beings We Might Camouflage The Most Intense Of Our Pains; With God, However, We Should Be Free To Open Up The Innermost Part Of Our Being.
Mark 15:33: And when the sixth hour had come, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" 35 And when some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, "Behold, He is calling for Elijah."
Jesus was not the complaining type. He was persecuted, maligned, attempts were made against His life and He went through all kinds of sufferings in the hands of men but He did not complain. He kept His pains to Himself. But at this time, 12 noon, the sun disappeared until 3 o’clock. Shielded by the darkness from the sneering and jeering onlookers, Jesus had a chance to be in a private meeting with the Father. The Father understood what He was saying but those around did not understand Him. They thought He was calling on Elijah!
In this one on one meeting with the Father, Jesus said the words we will never hear again: My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Is it significant that Jesus called the Father as God instead of the usual Father? Yes, it is significant and one that we must take careful note of. Jesus Christ is God and the second Person in the Trinity, equal with God and inseparable with God. But Jesus also took on a human body and became a human being. As the Second Person of the Trinity, He calls God His Father. As the human servant of God in this world, He calls the Father My God! Here is then the cry of the servant whose work required experiencing so much pain, carrying so heavy of a burden and facing crippling fears; in complete honesty He says: My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” Lesson: Next time you go through something really difficult that even sharing with others becomes difficult, talk to God the Father freely and frankly. Open up your innermost being and unload your burdens. It may appear that He is silent but He will not abandon us or forsake us. Subukan nating manalangin ng malaya na tayo lang at ang Diyos. Buksan mo ang mga labi mo at sabihin sa Diyos ang kabigatan ng iyong puso. He will hear and He will understand.
Holy Week Reflections: The Seven Last Words: 2010
(Siete Ultimas Palabras)
THURSDAY : THE FOURTH: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" With Human Beings We Might Camouflage The Most Intense Of Our Pains; With God, However, We Should Be Free To Open Up The Innermost Part Of Our Being.
Mark 15:33: And when the sixth hour had come, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" 35 And when some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, "Behold, He is calling for Elijah."
Jesus was not the complaining type. He was persecuted, maligned, attempts were made against His life and He went through all kinds of sufferings in the hands of men but He did not complain. He kept His pains to Himself. But at this time, 12 noon, the sun disappeared until 3 o’clock. Shielded by the darkness from the sneering and jeering onlookers, Jesus had a chance to be in a private meeting with the Father. The Father understood what He was saying but those around did not understand Him. They thought He was calling on Elijah!
In this one on one meeting with the Father, Jesus said the words we will never hear again: My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Is it significant that Jesus called the Father as God instead of the usual Father? Yes, it is significant and one that we must take careful note of. Jesus Christ is God and the second Person in the Trinity, equal with God and inseparable with God. But Jesus also took on a human body and became a human being. As the Second Person of the Trinity, He calls God His Father. As the human servant of God in this world, He calls the Father My God! Here is then the cry of the servant whose work required experiencing so much pain, carrying so heavy of a burden and facing crippling fears; in complete honesty He says: My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” Lesson: Next time you go through something really difficult that even sharing with others becomes difficult, talk to God the Father freely and frankly. Open up your innermost being and unload your burdens. It may appear that He is silent but He will not abandon us or forsake us. Subukan nating manalangin ng malaya na tayo lang at ang Diyos. Buksan mo ang mga labi mo at sabihin sa Diyos ang kabigatan ng iyong puso. He will hear and He will understand.
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