Wednesday 14 April 2010

The Messiah's Secret - Jesus the King

“The Messiah’s Secret” - Jesus the King
Using the Revised Standard Version (RSV) Bible.

Visual Aids are used in this talk.
A Cross is made of textile material large enough to accommodate items on the following list.

Jewelled crown
Towel
Picture of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey
Picture of the empty cross
Purple Robe & Crown
Aid Agencies Brochure
Bunch of grapes

These are placed inside the cross.
Each one is pulled out in turn and its significance explained.
The verses of scripture can be handed out and read at the appropriate time.


Material large enough to accommodate the largest object. (An A3 piece of paper would be quite large enough)
A piece of cloth is cut to form two crosses and then sewn together along the dotted lines.
Leave open the four ends to enable the objects to be placed inside the cross and pulled out at the appropriate time. This cross does not have an image of Jesus on it because it represents the risen Christ.
The cross a place of change, a cross roads.
Life is often described as a journey and at some point we may be challenged to take a step of faith in the direction of Jesus.

Faith
A couple sat in their car on the hard should of a motorway as their car had broken down. Eventually someone stopped and asked if they could help. Only to find that the couple were deaf and they had been praying and waiting for some one to stop and give assistance. Their prayers had been answered.

Jesus born a King

When wise men from the East came to Jerusalem they asked Herod, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?” Matthew 2: 1, 2.
These men who visited Jerusalem were eastern in origin and probably came from Persia or Media.
They used a significant term; “Born a King” Jesus’ was not anointed a King by the chief priest or by a prophet like Samuel who had anointed Saul and David to be King. Jesus was born a king.

Jesus the Servant King

The description of the Servant King found in the Old Testament.
King Solomon had died and his son Rehoboam was made King by the people at Shechem. Afterwards they asked the new King to relieve them of the heavy yoke that his father Solomon had placed upon them.” Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke upon us, and we will serve you.” 1 Kings 12: 4
Wisely King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served under Solomon. The advice that they gave him pointed to the mark of a good King.
“And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants for ever.” 1 Kings 12: 7.King Rehoboam took no notice of the elder’s advice; instead he took the advice of his friends who encouraged him to increase the burdens upon his people.

The Elders description of the Servant King verse 7 in two parts:
Part 1 “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them.”
Jesus taught his disciples, if anyone would be first, he must be last and servant of all.
Jesus demonstrated this when he himself took upon the servants role in doing the menial task of washing his disciples feet. On arrival at the house were they were to eat the Passover meal. With Jesus showing complete loss of distinction, the greatest man who has ever lived becoming the servant of all. Jesus took off his garments and wrapped a towel around his waist and washed his disciples feet, afterwards he put his garments back on and said to them, ”Do you understand what I have done to you. You call me teacher and Lord. You are right for so I am.” Their Lord and teacher had taken off his garments and became their servant.
Jesus must have seen the basin, towel and water were already there in the room. It was customary to have their feet washed on arrival. No one from among his disciples had offered to do the servants job of washing their feet on entering the house. So Jesus used this every day task to demonstrate the greatest becoming the servant of all.

Part 2 “And speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants for ever.”
“Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28 – 30.
These are the good words of our servant King, ‘Come to me,’ Jesus’ personal testimony of suffering being weary and burdened with well doing and the cost of laying down his life. We learn to give our burdens to the one who was willing to shoulder them on the cross. At some point on our Christian journey we will suffer, if we lean on Jesus as we go through it, then we find suffering strengthens us. This results in lightening the burden. His call upon us, to follow him, and enter into his rest. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God for ever.

Jesus King of Peace

From my reading of the gospels Jesus had a great presence of peace about him. He always spoke the truth and with great authority interpreted the Hebrew Scriptures, with signs following his message of healing and miracles. I also see a side to him of meekness, unassuming kindness, being at everyone’s beck and call. It is not surprising that the people wanted to make him their King.
Leaders of the Jewish Sanhedrin would be aware of Jesus’ growing influence upon the people especially after Lazarus had been raised from the dead. The crowd who had witnessed this bore witness to others. The reason many of the people who laid down palm branches when Jesus entered Jerusalem was because they had heard about Lazarus. They recognised Jesus as their King, they shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
John records the fulfilment of Zechariah’s prophecy, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, sitting on an ass’s colt!” John 12: 13 – 17.
After Jesus entered the city he was soon surrounded by a crowd, when he finished speaking with them, John wrote, “When Jesus said this, he departed and hid himself from the crowd.” John 12: 36. Jesus knew that being recognised by the people as their King was good, but it was not the time to make him their King.

On another occasion
“Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him King, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” John 6: 15
After the miracle of feeding of the 5,000 people on the hillside, some of them wanted make Jesus their King. When Jesus heard of their plan, he withdrew himself, walked away.

Had the people taken Jesus by force to be their King without the approval, acceptance of the Sanhedrin. It would have been unlawful, insurrection. God would not allow that to take place, it was for the nation’s leaders to recognise Jesus as the Messiah. But that couldn’t take place until after Jesus’ death and resurrection and ascension. He had first had to accomplish God’s plan of salvation for Israel and the rest of the world.

The Jews did not believe that the Christ would come and die.
“And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and the other on his left. And they who passed by derided him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross”” So also the chief priests mocked him to one another with the scribes, saying,” He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.” Mark 15:26 – 32

They were taught under law that the Christ would not come and die. “The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that when the Christ comes he will remain for ever.” John 12: 34
The Jews at that time didn’t believe that God would allow their Messiah to come and die. They expected the Christ to come and take up the throne of King David and rule from Jerusalem the eternal kingdom of God. 2 Samuel 7: 12 – 17

Even Jesus’ own brothers did not understand his secrecy.
The Messiah’s Secret” page 72
“His brothers tried to advise Jesus to go to Judea even though they knew that the Jews sought to kill him there. They said,”For no man works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his brothers did not believe in him” John7: 3-5
After the ascension we read that his brothers were in the house waiting with the other disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1: 14.
Jesus’ brothers discovered the truth about Jesus and they were open about it. Our hearts search for the truth, but when we find it, it is not easy to overcome our pride and be open to others acknowledging a change of heart.

Jesus prophesied his death and resurrection on many occasions.
“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Matthew 16: 21
“And taking the twelve, Jesus said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and everything that is written of the Son of man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon; they will scourge him and kill him, and on the third day he will rise. But they understood none of these things; this saying was hid from them, and they did not grasp what was said.” Luke 18:31-34
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension Peter at Pentecost proclaims that Jesus’ death was in the plan of God. “Men of Israel hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs which God did through him in you midst, as you yourselves know this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God . . . . .”Acts 2: 22,23.

Jesus the king of the Jews

One of the charges brought against Jesus by the council, was that they accused him of making himself a king like Cesar. The soldiers platted a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple robe; mocking him they came up to him saying,”Hail, King of the Jews!” They also put a reed in his hand.

The chief priest opposed the inscription “This is the King of the Jews” being nailed to Jesus’ cross. Inspite of this the inscription was put on the cross in several languages.

Those authorities who did believe in him did not acknowledge Jesus openly for fear of being put out of the synagogue. John12: 42. The leading Jews had already agreed if any one should acknowledge Jesus as being the Christ they would be put out of the synagogue. John 9: 22.

Jesus the King of Love
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3: 16

Jesus descended to the dead
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took Jesus’ dead body down from the cross. They carried him to Joseph of Arimathea’s empty tomb. Matthew 27: 57 – 60.
Peter wrote in his letter to the Jews of the dispersion wrote that Jesus during those three days after his death he went and preached the gospel to those who were being held in what Peter described as a prison. Those who had died, without having the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Saviour during their life time.
“For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. In which he went and preached to the spirits in prison, who in former days did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.” 1 Peter 3:18 – 20
“For this is why the gospel was preached even to the dead, that though judged in the flesh like men, they might live in the spirit like God.” 1 Peter 4: 6.
Those who accepted Jesus rose with him on the day of his resurrection. “”And coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared too many.” Matthew 27: 53. “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men. (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth?”)
Ephesians 4: 8, 9.
Another teaching from this is the separation between the flesh and the spirit.
When God created us he gave a physical body and he breathed life into us so we became a living being. Comprising of body, soul and spirit. The soul and the spirit being the parts of us that leaves the body at death.
Taking an envelope in it we place the letter. The envelope is like our bodies and the letter like our spirit. When we remove the letter from the envelope it is like the separation that takes place when we die our soul/spirit leaves our bodies.
The envelope of our bodies returns to dust, dead matter, which cannot be destroyed and will one day be gathered by God, to form our resurrected body. Our soul/spirit is escorted by angels to be with Jesus in a place prepared for us in his Father’s house in heaven.

Living our lives in the Spirit
Just as in death a separation takes place between the flesh and the spirit/soul. When we accepted Jesus as our Saviour a transformation takes place within our human soul/spirit, this change unites us with Jesus, God our Father and his Holy Spirit, separating us from our former way of life.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4: 12.
As we progress on our Christian journey there can be a struggle between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit of God dwelling within us. Please myself rather than pleasing the Lord. The Holy Spirit will help us to discern and how to apply scripture to enable us to overcome them.

Jesus King of Kings

He said to Pilate, “My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world.” Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.”

Most Kings have titles: Supreme governor, Chief of Military, Defender of the Faith etc. Some of Jesus’ titles: King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah wrote, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called . . . . . . . . .of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9: 6, 7. Isaiah prophesied the Messiah’s reign.

The prophesies of King David had been fulfilled by Jesus.
“But God raised Jesus up, having loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. For David says concerning him ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will dwell in hope. For thou will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor let thy Holy One see corruption. “ Acts 2: 24 – 27. Psalm 16: 8 -11.”For David did not ascend into the heavens; but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make all your enemies a stool for your feet.” Acts 2: 34,35.

Jesus could only be received by the nation of Israel as their Messiah, after Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension.

Jesus would have brought in the times of refreshing, restoration of the land, establishing the eternal kingdom and throne of King David. If he had been recognised as the Messiah at and after Pentecost by the leaders of Israel.

It was at Pentecost when for the first time the disciples proclaimed Jesus as the promised Messiah. “Peter and John spoke to the crowd in Solomon’s Portico, ‘and now brethren, I know you acted in ignorance as did your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus. . . . . . ’” Acts 3:17 - 20.
Now was the time for the leaders of Israel to recognise their King and Messiah.

A word I was given on 30th May 1996 was that, “The disciples were setting up the kingdom in at the beginning of Acts.” It was as I understood to be in preparation for his return with the angels of God. Mark 8:38

The Aid agencies have schemes to buy a goat for Africans etc as a present for a friend.
It really does work! In a village in Bangladesh villagers have been given goats paid for by these gifts that make the difference between survival or death. 5 goats then sold to buy a cow.

Christian prophet Agabus prophesied a great famine over the entire world.
In the days of Emperor Claudius there was a famine over the entire known world. The Christians at Antioch sent relief to the Christians who lived in Judea.
King Herod was in authority to distribute grain and other food grown in Galilee. The people in Tyre and Sidon depended on their trade links with Galilee to obtain food.

“Herod Agrippa grandson of Herod the great was born in 11BC. He grew up in Rome. In AD37 Herod was given the tetrarchies of Iturea, Trachonitis and Gaulinitis by the Roman Emperor Gaius, who also conferred on him the title of King. Later he was given rule over Galilee and Perea, and still later, under Claudius, his rule was extended to include Judea and Sameria. (Eyre and Spottiswoode Study Bible.)

Centuries before trade links had been established, when Hiram King of Sidon had made a treaty with King Solomon. Hiram would supply Solomon with Lebanon Cedars and Cypress trees along with carpenters to help build Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. In exchange for 20,000 cors of wheat and 20,000 cors of beaten oil. 1 Kings 5: 1 – 12.
Much later in Ezekiel time he records the trade between Judah and Tyre. Tyre exchanged there merchandise for wheat, olives, early figs, honey, oil and balm. Ezekiel 27: 17

Herod Agrippa was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. The reason for his displeasure is not known. A delegation from Tyre and Sidon seeking peace had arranged with Herod’s Chamberlain Blastus to meet with King Herod.

Herod put on his kingly robes and sat on his throne gave an oration to the delegates from Tyre and Sidon. After Herod had spoken the delegates shouted, “The voice of a god and not of man!”
Herod’s demise, “Immediately an angel of the Lord struck Herod with an illness. He died 5 days later. First century historian Josephus wrote: “Herod fell into the deepest sorrow; a severe pain arose in his bowels, and he died after 5 days of illness.”
Herod’s death was seen by the writer of this account as an act of God because he did not give God the glory. In the following verse he wrote, “But the word of God grew and multiplied.”

Herod had earlier Killed James the brother of John and had arrested Peter and later by a miracle was freed from the jail by an angel. With the death of Herod Agrippa 1, the threat of Christians being arrested was diminished.

King of the Kingdom of God
Taking the view of the writer of this account in Acts 12: 23 “Immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not givethe glory to God; and he was eaten up by worms and died.” I saw this as evidence that God was upholding the disciples and followers of Jesus in their preparation for Jesus’ return within their life time. They were setting up the Kingdom of God in anticipation of Jesus’ return with the angels of God. Mark 8: 38.

Moses and John the Apostle prophesied the Messiah’s ruling with a rod of iron.
“Moses said, “The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up. You shall listen to him in what ever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed from the people.” Acts 3: 22, 23
“He who conquers and who keeps my works until the end. I will give power over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received power from my Father.” Revelations 2: 27


Jesus’ parable of the Vineyard
Israel the tenants were left in charge of the vineyard, the owner of the vineyard sent a servant to collect a proportion of the fruit. He was beaten and sent away empty handed. Another servant was sent but he was wounded and sent away. Finally the owner sent his son thinking that they would respect him. They killed him, casting him out of the vineyard. Jesus asked them a question, “What will the owner do? Jesus told them, “He will destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others to produce the fruit of it.”
The Pharisees who were listening when they heard, they said, “God forbid.”
Jesus continued and quoted from Psalm 118: 22 “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. Every one who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but when it falls on any one it will crush him.” These words at the end speak of the ruling rod of iron of the Messiah’s reign.

The Jews were a rebellious people. During their history they were constantly falling away from the Laws of Moses. Prophets had been sent by God to make them aware of their sin, but they were treated with contempt. Finally God sent his Son and the leaders took no notice of his word and when he was proclaimed the Messiah by the Apostles at Pentecost the leaders rejected their witness of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.
Those who did accept him were broken, “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart and said this to the apostles. What shall we do? And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2: 37, 38.
Those who rejected the message would be crushed. Woe to you Lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” Luke 11: 52

Jesus’ return delayed.
Clearly Jesus did not return within the life time of the Apostles. The authority the apostles had in setting up the Kingdom of God in preparation for Jesus’ return, changed with the destruction of the temple in AD70.

Daniel’s Vision of 70 Week’s“Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince there shall be 7 weeks. And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off, and shall have nothing; and the people and the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and sanctuary.”
Daniel 9:25, 26.

One week in Daniel’s vision is counted as 7 years
Total 69 weeks 483 years. 1 week still to be fulfilled.
The rebuilding of the second temple took place during the reign of Darius 522 – 486 BC and was completed in the sixth year of his reign 516 BC. Ezra 6: 15.
(Abraham’s prophecy of Israel’s slavery was 400 years Genesis 15: 13. Prophecy was fulfilled after 430 years Exodus 12: 40. Not to the exact prophesied year)

The Jews were expecting Daniel’s prophesy in to be fulfilled with the coming of the Messiah. The leaders of the council of the Jews considered whether John the Baptist was the Messiah.
“As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ.” Luke 3: 15
Fulfilment of these two verses of Daniel’s vision with Jesus’ coming near to the prophesied time and ‘The anointed one cut off’ speaks of his rejection as being the King and Messiah of Israel and as Daniel’s prophecy predicted the destruction of Jerusalem along with the temple by the Romans in AD70

Friday 2 April 2010

The Messiah's Secret - Jesus Son of God

The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus the Son of God
Using the Revised Standard Version (RSV) Bible.

Visual Aids are used in this talk.
A Cross is made of textile material large enough to accommodate items on the following list.

Bird
Picture of Mary and Jesus
Picture of Jesus feeding 5,000
Bible (small bible)
Picture or wooden cross
Picture of Tracker Watch
Praying hands
Picture with Newspaper article
Picture of Toybox Logo

These are placed inside the cross.
Each one is pulled out in turn and its significance explained.
The verses of scripture can be handed out and read at the appropriate time.

Material large enough to accommodate the largest object.
(An A3 piece of paper would be quite large enough)

A piece of cloth is cut to form two crosses and then sewn together along the dotted lines.
Leave open the four ends to enable the objects to be placed inside the cross and pulled out at the appropriate time.

The cross a place of change, a cross roads.
Life is often described as a journey and at some point we may be challenged to take a step of faith in the direction of Jesus.

Faith

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow or reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” Matthew 6: 25, 26
Christians are called to live by faith in Jesus and in God’s promises to us. These promises are found in the Bible. The greatest promise is given to us that we shall come to know God through faith in Jesus.

Jesus the Son of God

The Virgin Birth.
In 1978 Louise Joy Brown was born, she was the first test tube baby. It seemed incredible at the time. Drs Steptoe and Edwards made medical history when they developed the means were they were able to plant Leslie Brown’s fertilised egg into her womb. We take these breakthroughs in medical science for granted now, but I remember a comment at the time, ‘scientists were playing at being God.’

God intervened in human affairs when Mary gave birth to Jesus the Son of God.
Angel Gabriel had given her the message that she had been chosen, highly favoured by God to bear the Son of God. The Holy Spirit would overshadow her, God fertilised the egg in Mary’s womb, without her flesh being touched. Mary gave Jesus his humanity; God the Father of Jesus gave him his Divinity.

To have faith in the Virgin Birth is to believe that all things are possible with God. When a person receives healing through prayer, God heals within the body, without touching the flesh.

Angel Gabriel gave to Mary a prophesy that God would give Jesus the throne of his father David, and that he would reign over the house of Jacob for ever.
Even the angels were not aware that Jesus had to die on a cross, be raised from the dead and ascend into heaven, and come again before he could take up the throne of King David and reign over the house of Jacob for ever.

Jesus the Son of living God

Jesus had the words of eternal life; the words he gave his disciples have been recorded by them in the Gospels. “Jesus said to Philip, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or believe me for the sake of the works themselves.” John 14: 9 – 11

Jesus the only Son of God. It is recorded by eye witnesses at the time that he raised the dead, changed water into wine, manufactured bread and fishes, created new flesh were the person’s flesh had been ravaged by leprosy; Jesus healed all kinds of sickness and disease. He walked on water.

Jesus manifested God’s love in his involvement with people; he loved them, showing so much compassion for the ordinary person of any age. A lot of the people in his day suffered from ill health and they came to him in there thousands for his healing touch upon their lives. So many people were healed that he couldn’t go anywhere without the crowds following him.
There were also great miracles; the first one is recorded by John when Jesus was at a wedding. Just like most weddings something goes wrong. I remember being half an hour late for my wedding. At this wedding Jesus’ mother Mary came to him for his help because they had run short of wine. He didn’t send the servants out to the vineyard, but instead he told them to fill six stone purification water jars with water, each one accommodating 20/30gallons. Jesus then told the servant to draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast. A glass of it was taken to the steward of the feast, as he tasted it he exclaimed, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.”
John 2:1-11
Jesus transformed the nature of the water to wine. Through faith in him he is able to transform the nature of our hearts from knowing about God, to knowing God personally.

Bible

Jesus the Son of God came to fulfil the laws of Moses.
Jesus fulfilled the original laws of Moses and ignored any additions made by the Pharisees.
“Jesus said, “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger.” Matthew 23: 1 -4

“The Messiah’s Secret.” page 42

Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath.
Jesus asked the Pharisees the question: “Was it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, or to do harm, to save life or destroy it?” The Pharisees were furious. On another occasion the Pharisees said to the people there are six days on which work maybe done, come on those days and be healed and not on the Sabbath. Luke 6: 9
Jesus called them hypocrites, as they untie and lead their ox and ass to water on the Sabbath.” Which meant they too were breaking the law.” Luke 13: 11 – 17.”

Mark’s gospel records Jesus upholding the law. Jesus healed the man of leprosy and so he was instructed by Jesus to go and show himself to the priest and make an offering for his cleansing as Moses commanded in the law. Not one dot of the law would become void. God’s presence within the temple, ‘the Holy of Holies’ made the law holy and the people who kept the law righteous.

“The Messiah’s Secret” page 158
“Jesus lived up to the expectation of the Messiah regarding his miracles, but the leaders rejected his signs because he broke the Sabbath and other laws that were sacred to the Jews. The laws demanded obedience with ritual washings and sprinklings of water and sacrifices and punishment for breaking them. The Sabbath Day alone had hundred of rules over the centuries the leaders of the Sanhedrin had added their own rules to the laws given to Moses by God, because they were zealous they earned their righteousness under the law. These extra laws meant that the poorest people in Jewish society would not be able to afford the offerings that were necessary as atonement for breaking the law. The Pharisees called these people sinners. Jesus was accused of consorting with sinners and outcasts. In response he said that he had not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance, as those keeping the law were made righteous through keeping the law whilst God’s presence was dwelling in the midst of his people in Jerusalem.”

Jesus the Son of God and High Priest
Jesus was as a descendant of King David from the tribe of Judah. They were not of the priestly line under law. Jesus the Son of God did not exalt himself to be made high priest, he was not self appointed but was appointed by God as high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews gives us insight into the resemblance between Melchizedek and Jesus.
“Another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily decent but by the power of an indestructible life.”
Hebrews 7:15,16.
“So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee” as he also says in another place, “Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
“Being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5: 5, 6, 10.
“Melchizedek is without father or mother or genealogy, and has neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.” Hebrews 7: 3

Abraham (Abram) rescues Lot
The King of Chedorlamer and the three kings in allegiance with him conquered Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot and his family who lived in Sodom were taken captive by them. They took them north towards Damascus. One of Lot’s family escaped he went and told Abraham what had happened. Abraham gathered 318 his trained men and pursued them. They routed the enemy and brought Lot and his family back to Hebron.
Abraham having rescued his nephew Lot and His family brought them back to the Promised Land of Canaan. Abraham was given bread and wine and blessed by Melchizedek the high priest of God. Genesis 14: 12 – 20.

Melchizedek’s resemblance with Jesus.
The gospel of repentance had been preached by Jesus and his disciples throughout the whole of Israel. In doing so they rescued those lost to the law and brought them back into the fold. The disciples received the bread and the wine from Jesus the high priest of God. Mark 14: 22, 23
The incident between Melchizedek and Abraham took place before the law was given to Moses. Abraham’s faith in God was counted as righteousness.
Under law the Jews earned their righteousness by keeping the law
Jesus being a high priest of the order of Melchizedek. It is through faith in Jesus we are counted righteous before God.

The cross


“Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5: 8-10

“The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus is the High Priest and Shepherd.” page 143“Jesus fulfilled the office of high priest when he offered himself as the sacrifice, the ‘Passover Lamb’, the burnt offering, the sacrifice of atonement for the priesthood and for all the people. When he breathed his last breath, the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom, an act of God. It was customary for the high priest to enter the Holy of Holies once a year and sprinkle the blood of the sacrificed animal onto the mercy seat as atonement for the sins of himself, his family, the priesthood and for all the people of Israel. The offering brought for sacrifice was slain by the high priest at the door of the tabernacle. Leviticus 4: 4.
Jesus is the shepherd and he is the door by which the sheep must enter the sheepfold. John10: 9 The way to the door is through belief in him, belief in what he taught, and a way of life that love fulfils the laws of God. Jesus opens the door; his life laid down for our reconciliation with the Holy God of Israel, the cross, the sacrifice of himself puts us right with God.”

Jesus’ death a stumbling block to the Jews, they did not believe that the Messiah would become the high priest and the actual sacrifice of atonement even though their prophets had prophesied that he would. God himself had hidden it from their understanding.

These verses found in Old Testament
“The Lord had sworn and will not change his mind. You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110: 4
“Yet it was the will of God to bruise him; he has put him to grief; when he makes himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand; he shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many righteous; and he shall bear their iniquities.” Isaiah 53: 10, 11.

Rebuild the Temple
When Jesus said that he would rebuild the temple in three days; he meant the temple of his risen body. God raised Jesus from the dead. The apostles witnessed his resurrection and we read in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 15: 6 over 500 people saw Jesus during the 40 days before his ascension.

Jesus had fulfilled the law in the temple of his risen body.
“The Messiah’s Secret” Part Five: Fulfilment of the Laws in the Messiah page 92
Chapter 3: Love Fulfils the Law page 97

“St Paul writes to the Romans that love has fulfilled the law, “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and any other commandment are summed up in this sentence; “You shall love your neighbour as yourself. “Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” The cost of loving is demanding because it takes away self-interest, serving and caring for others. Paul stating that love has fulfilled the law does not mean that the commandments are no longer in force, the Holy Spirit writes the commandments into the heart of a Christian. Christ in you means that we have the nature of God dwelling within. The Holy Spirit transforms us we feel as God feels about sin, it is aberrant to us.”

Jesus had promised that both he and his Father would come and make their home within the believer, our bodies becoming the temple of God. He would send the Holy Spirit into the world, to equip the believer with his gifts.

The temple of Christ's body.
“Do you not know that your God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3: 16
“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not on your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20

Christ in You

My daughter uses a GPS Tracker when she goes our running. It is much bigger than a watch, and is worn on the wrist. Through the Tracker she is able to monitor her heart beat, pulse, steps, calories, speed, distance and a map of her route that she had taken. It is amazing technology. In a race she wears a tag which enables me to follow her on her route on my computer via the satellite link.
Christ in us is like wearing a tracker, it shouldn’t be surprising to us when the Lord knows our every movement, our thoughts, and he knows the condition of our body and our planned route the schedule of events in our life.
We put our faith in technology because we can operate it ourselves; we can control it.
In our relationship with the Lord, we are called to walk by faith. It means being reliant upon God to respond to our prayers. For us to listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit for guidance and to act on his promises to us.

This amazing relationship develops as we learn more about Jesus. Ever since I came to know Jesus personally, the Holy Spirit has shown me Jesus in the scriptures. I’ve had such a hunger and thirst to learn about Jesus and it has not diminished over time. In 1988 when we moved house, I found out that the store room in our old house was called the Bible room. I got such a surprise, for me it was a quiet place, near the kitchen.
We all need a quiet place where we can read, meditate on the Bible and pray.

Jesus High Priest of an eternal priesthood

Spending time in prayer, in conversation with God.“Consequently Jesus is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it is fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. . . . appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever.” Hebrews 7: 25- 28

We direct our prayers to Jesus who intercedes for us before God
When we pray we revere or Father God’s name as we seek to fulfil his will every day for our lives: we trust in his care for us, as he provides for our needs, like the birds and all his creatures.
To ask for forgiveness were we have grieved the Holy Spirit or were we have failed to love and offer to forgiveness when we have been wronged, or hurt by others.
For the Lord’s conviction if we are tempted to look to ourselves for inspiration, guidance in order to fulfil the Lord’s call upon our lives and for protection when the evil one comes near. We earnestly desire our lives to reflect the glory of the Lord’s kingdom here on earth.

God hears our prayers because we are in him and he is in us, it is not about status or how long we’ve been a Christian. It is simply praying through faith in our Lord from our heart.
Prayers of thanksgiving and prayer for our family, our extended church family and community. For the sick and lonely, our nation and currant world affairs. Seeking always for guidance from the Holy Spirit even speaking in the language of the Holy Spirit speaking in tongues. All things working for good to praise his name. The name above all names, Jesus Christ.

Newspaper Report on the ‘Man who had everything.’

In an article in ‘Evangelism Today’ by Keith Kelly he reported on the outcome of a house and its’ contents sale in Malawi. The first item in the sale was a painting of the late owner of his son. His son had died some years before his father. It wasn’t a good painting but it showed a resemblance of him. No one wanted it except the previous owner’s house keeper, she said, “I’ll take it, I want it, I loved the father and the son. This will remind me of the happy times we had together.” Everyone laughed at her. The auctioneer brought his hammer down. “Sold to the lady over there.” Then the auctioneer did a strange thing, he said, “The sale is now finished.” Gaps broke out all over, “What did he say?” “Finished,” “Why?” The auctioneer said, “The house owner left a message in his will that whoever wanted the picture of his son could have everything else free of charge.” So the housekeeper became rich for only 50 tambala and a little bit of love.”

If we want God’s Son everything else comes free as well. The abundance of God’s grace in coming to know Jesus as our Saviour and that God is our Father and that we have an extended family across the world. Those who through faith in Jesus have become children of God too.
“To all who receive him, who believe in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who are born, not of blood nor the will of the flesh nor the will of man, but of God.” John 1: 12, 13.

Love one another

Toybox is a Children's Charity set up in 1996 to rescue the street children of Guatamala. It works in conjuction with Los Ministeries de El Castillo, Christians working on the streets supported by "Toybox" Amersham, Bucks, HP6 5YT www.toybox.org
A word I was given on 30th May 1996 was that, “The disciples were setting up the kingdom in at the beginning of Acts.” It was as I understood to be in preparation for his return with the angels of God. Mark 8:38
“The Messiah’s Secret” page 110
The Apostles expected Jesus to Return within their life time
“The apostles were setting up the kingdom in preparation of Jesus’ return. They had been told by Jesus to be awake, watching, looking for his coming within their life time, to be about their master’s business.”

Jesus taught his disciples about his return through parables.
“The Messiah’s Secret” pages 53, 54“Jesus was expressing his desire to find the disciples busy at his work preaching the message of the kingdom. To love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, strength and will. To love your neighbour as yourself, to repent and believe in Jesus, the risen Christ, the Messiah. Jesus had told them that he would be returning with the angels and all the company of heaven, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. One can only imagine the splendour of his coming. It is amazing to think of Jesus in all his splendour, his majesty, the governor of the people of Israel, greeting his disciples and gathering them together around the table in his kingdom, and having them sit as he waits upon them like a servant. The humility of God, he suffered was mocked, scourged and crowned with thorns, crucifixion a violent death, and still he comes and serves. The disciples were not to be complacent; they were to be vigilant and must not think that he was delayed in his coming. Demands would be made of those who accepted the message of the kingdom and more would be required from them to prepare for the kingdom on earth, starting at Jerusalem in anticipation of his return.” Luke 12: 35-41

There are several parables were Jesus was concerned that the disciples should be looking for his return. Luke 12: 42-48.20: 18. Matthew 24: 44. 25: 13. Mark 4: 25. 13: 33.In some of these parables the ruling rod of the kingdom is evident.

“The Messiah’s Secret” page 108
“God was calling his people to repentance. Peter had told them that the rulers and people had acted in ignorance when they crucified Jesus; he had to die to accomplish the plan of Salvation for the Jews and for the world. If they would repent and acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus would return. The times of refreshing, after his coming he would restore the throne of King David, an everlasting throne and Kingdom, and the restoration of the land given to Abraham by God for an eternal possession. Those who were expecting, waiting would see the Kingdom come with power. Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

Saviour of the world
Peter confirms to them that Jesus is the one that the prophets had spoken of. “And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came afterwards, also proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God gave to your fathers, saying to Abraham, “And in your posterity shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you in turning every one of you from your wickedness.” Acts 3: 24 – 26.

As these words were being said the temple guards arrived and arrested Peter and John.
The Apostles were preparing for Christ’s return, but the leaders of Israel didn’t accept Jesus as their Messiah.

Approximately thirty years later, Paul invited local Jewish leaders to his house in Rome where he was under house arrest. “When they had appointed a day for him, they came to his lodging in great numbers. And he expounded the matter to them from morning till evening, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, while others disbelieved. So, as they disagreed among themselves, they departed, after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive . . . Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” Acts 28: 23 - 28