Short Sketch – EXCESS BAGGAGE taken from sketches ‘Beyond the Pale’ by Peter Cosmash with David Milne and Andy Walton. Published by Moorhouse Publishers.
This sketch illustrates how we can try to follow Jesus still hanging on to: Pride, ambition and loose heart because these things weigh us down.
Jesus would ask us to let him deal with our pride, ambition and let him take care of our heart.
Jeremiah had Godly Pride
Soon after King Solomon died, the nation was divided Israel in the north and Judah in the south. God raised up Jeremiah as a prophet to Judah and Jerusalem during the following fifty years he saw both good and bad kings.
At that time King Josiah reigned over Judah, he was regarded as a Godly King, a good shepherd. During his reign Judah prospered and God was at the centre of Jewish life. After his death Jehoahaz succeeded to the throne, he was not a Godly King; he was soon deposed by the King of Egypt and taken prisoner there. The Egyptians allowed Jehoiakim to reign over Judah, but he was lukewarm towards God. Matthew Henry wrote,” the crimes for which he was reproved were pride, and affection and splendour.” Jehoiakim full of pride, self esteem, built himself a mansion with no expense spared. He had affection for material splendour.
This reminds me of the neighbour who parade their worldly wealth by having the most recent new car parked on their drive and demonstrates to everybody the latest gadgetry. Flaunting their possessions putting value on what they have rather than the person.
Jeremiah had Godly pride he saw through the king’s decadence, he spoke out for God. He saw in the almond blossom, God watching over his people.
Through the pot boiling over he saw in that God’s anger towards them in their self indulgence.
Jeremiah prophesied that Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar would plunder and burn the city of Jerusalem. God would allow this to happen because of the unfaithfulness of king and people. He advised the King to repent and set a good example so that the people would follow his lead, he ignored his advice. Jehoiakim later banned Jeremiah from delivering messages in public at the temple, so he gave his massage to his friend Baruch to read them out in his place.
Three of Jeremiah’s Prophesies.
• The Babylonian King conquered the land of Judah and later destroyed the temple exiling many of its people as slaves into Babylon for 70 years.
• The exiles returned under the occupation of the Persian King Cyrus.
• The raising up of the ‘branch’ the Messiah, the descendant of King David.
Jeremiah saw the day when the Messiah would come and reign over Jerusalem and its people.
Jeremiah a holy man he had a Godly ambition he was looking for the sovereign rule of the Messiah over God’s righteous kingdom. He knew in his heart that through the Messiah God would make an end of sin and lead the people like a shepherd into green pastures.
Today every Christian looks forward to seeing the righteous Kingdom of God filling the whole earth.
Jesus lived at the time when the Roman’s occupied the whole of Israel.
After the death of King Herod around 6BC Herod’s three sons: Archelaus, Philip and Antipas ruled over Israel. The land was divided up into three areas: Herod Antipas was king over Galilee and Perea.
After Jesus was arrested Pilate sent him to Herod Antipas for questioning. His accusers: the chief priests and scribes went with him; they vehemently accused Jesus of making himself their king. Jesus did not answer any of Antipas’ questions.
Jesus afterwards was taken back to Pilate and from there he was taken to Golgotha and crucified. Whilst Jesus hung on the cross the chief priests and the scribes taunted him. They shouted, so that everyone could hear, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” Luke 23: 35
In Mark’s account of this he wrote, “Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down from the cross that we may see and believe.” Mark 15: 32
They shouted this to Jesus because they did not expect their Messiah to come and die. God had deliberately hidden Messiah’s death from their understanding.
All the people had been taught by the chief priests, scribes and lawyers that when the Messiah came he would remain and reign as their king. Jesus’ words left the people perplexed.
Even when Jesus told his disciples that he was going to be put to death and be raised from the dead they did not understand couldn’t grasp it.
“Jesus said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.” Luke 9: 44, 45. Mark 9: 31, 32. Luke 18:31-34.
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus on the evening of the resurrection were discussing with the stranger about Jesus, “And they said to him,”Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel.”
These disciples had been taught like everyone else that the Messiah would come and reign over the kingdom of God.
Jesus’ words left the people perplexed.
The people also heard him speak of being crucified.
“When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. Jesus said this to show by what death he was to die.”
The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever, how can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?” John 12: 32 – 34
When Jesus’ words were fulfilled, Jesus on the cross was heard to say, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they are doing.” Luke 23: 34
Jesus knew that they had acted in ignorance when they crucified him, their king. His forgiveness was given to them before any repentance had taken place.
Today that same forgiveness is available to all who come to Jesus in faith.
Church’s special relationship with Israel
For almost 2,000 years we have been brought up to believe that the time for the Jewish people to receive Jesus as their King and Messiah was before his death. Since then the Jewish people have been put on the back burner by the church. But the days are coming were the church needs to understand it has a special relationship with and a responsibility towards Israel.
The Messiah’s Secret – Preface by John Young
“As one of the elders of a Messianic Fellowship whose congregation fulfils the desires of God to see Jews and Gentiles as one, this book will be extremely helpful to Jew and Gentile in understanding the plan, and purposes of God and for His people. The Church has long needed to understand it has a special relationship with and a responsibility towards Israel. Truth has been lost throughout the ages but like a treasure is always rediscovered. In these end times then let this book be dedicated to the One who inspired its writer and author as He did in times past. To those searching for the ‘truth’ this will be a very helpful book in bringing clear understanding and direction in where our focus should be.
I trust in the grace of God to open the eyes and to open the hearts of those searching for the ‘truth’ for it is only the Lord Jesus who declared He is the way, the truth and the life to all irrespective of colour and creed. Let this little work be to the glory of God and to the increase of His government in this world.”
John Young December 2000
A sign of the latter days
Today the nation of Israel is not very popular in the world. My view is that anti-Semitism will increase. It will get harder for the church to reach Israeli’s with the gospel.
“Remember that you (Gentiles) were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility . . . that he might create in himself one new man in place of two, so making peace and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end.” Ephesians 2:12-16
Roman soldier.
The soldiers who stood nearby repeated the Jewish leader’s accusation, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.”
They thought that Jesus as a man had aspired to be the King of the Jews. Earlier at Herod Antipas’ residence they had put on Jesus a purple robe, mocking him. However, the soldiers upset the Jews when they nailed this inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” Luke 23: 37, 38.
The soldiers did not know that Jesus was already king of the kingdom of God, and that he was born a king.
The two criminals
One of the criminals crucified alongside of him hurled insults at him and said,”Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us?” He thought that Jesus should reveal himself by coming down from the cross, and save them as well.
The chief priests, scribes, soldiers and the criminal were goading him to take action if he was the Messiah. They were appealing to Jesus’ pride, his self esteem, wanting him to elevate himself by descending from the cross in a spectacular way so that he could fulfil his ambition, which they believed was at the heart of it all, to be made the King of the Jews, the Christ.
Saved by Faith and Grace
The other criminal discerned that Jesus was genuine, in his humility he admitted his sin and had faith in Jesus when he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” This man was to die with Jesus and be raised up with him.
The cross is our meeting place with Jesus as we come to him in humility confessing our sin, having faith to believe that he is Lord and Saviour of mankind and we too die with him and are raised up with him in his resurrection and enter into his kingdom.
Excess Baggage
The Sketch points out that the cross is just the beginning of what Jesus wants to do for us. Pride and ambition to succeed in the world can weigh us down; there is an element of competition, to strive with others, like keeping up with our neighbour.
Jesus transforms our desires so that material possessions count for nothing they are not important any more. That does not mean that we should not have them, but it puts them in perspective, they are useful to us. What is important is knowing that we are valued and loved by the Lord. We have self esteem in humbly having a feeling of pleasure over a job well done.
Jesus transforms our ambitions.
Jesus taught his disciples and us to seek the lowest place so that we might be honoured when we are asked to sit in a higher place.
Jesus gave the example of when you are invited to a wedding feast. Do not go and sit in the places that are intended for the most immediate family guests, as it could be very embarrassing if you are asked to move. It is much better to sit in seats available for the other guests. If then, you are invited to go and sit with the bride and groom’s family, you are being honoured.
When we do these things it brings joy to our hearts we bond with Jesus.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
The Messiah's Secret - Jesus the King of Kings
The early English Jury system.
The Bible was used in court when a person took the oath to tell the truth, the whole truth. It made the person accountable under God, the supreme judge.
The Jury were made up of people who knew either the defendant or the accused. The reasoning behind it was that they knew the character of the people involved in the trial and that would help them to come to a just decision.
The Judge offered his advice in accordance with the law which guided the jury in coming to their verdict.
The system has changed. Just as in did in the latter days of Samuel’s life. 1 Samuel 8: 4 - 20
Role of a Judge
In the Bible when Joshua died, a great number of the people of Israel turned away from the law and sought other gods so the Lord raised up Judges.
“Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the power of those who plundered them.
Hebrew Judge – leadership in government as well as in legal cases. It was Gods theocratic government, were God was sovereign over judges.(Eyre & Spottiswoode Revised Standard Version notes page 402)
Theocratic – constitution of a state in which the Almighty is regarded as the sole sovereign and the laws of the realm as divine commands rather than human ordinances – the priesthood necessarily becoming officers of an invisible ruler. (Chambers Dictionary)
Judge Deborah
We have an example in Deborah, prophetess, who was judge over Israel. The people came to her to judge their case. Also as the appointed leader she was used by God to lead them to victory over their enemies. Judges 4: 4 - 10
God was sovereign over judges
Samuel was a judge as well as a being a prophet and priest. In his old age he decided to install his sons as judges but the people didn’t want them, they were seen as those who perverted Justice.
At an elders meeting they asked Samuel if they could have a king.
Embracing change
It was difficult for Samuel to embrace change he felt rejected, but God consoled him by pointing out that it was himself, their King, they were rejecting.
When change comes our first reaction is to come against it, but as we let go or let our heart felt worries be known, we can move on from that place and seek the Lord’s direction through prayer.
Samuel discussed it first with God and then put forward Godly reasons why they should retain God as their King and the judges.
God was their King.
Turning away from the Judges meant that Israel was turning their back on God as their King.
The nation of Israel was established under Moses and God was their king. He defended them against their enemies: God brought them out from slavery in Egypt. The lambs blood brushed on to the doorposts and lintels of their homes saved them from the death of the first born man and beast as the angel of death passed over their homes in Egypt. Moses lifted the rod and stretched out his hand God parted the Red Sea, so they were able to cross over on dry ground safely.
God provided for their needs: When Moses struck the rock with the rod; water flowed out from it. He gave them bread to eat, the Manna found on the ground every morning for six days and he gave them quail for fresh meat.
Making a man their King
Samuel warned them that they would be subject to authoritarian rule: they would have to enlist in the king’s army. Become his servants in his house, in the fields and make weapons of war. He would take ownership of their servants, orchards and vineyards and give them to his friends. Also he would take a tenth of their grain, grapes, flocks and they would become his slaves.
But the people insisted they wanted a king like the other nations, a man who would go before them and fight their battles.
Samuel spoke to God in prayer about their request for a man to be made their King. The Lord’s response was that they could have a king. The first King was Saul and the second was David the shepherd.
The Hebrew prophets longed to see the kingdom of God fill the whole earth, where God would cleanse the world of all wickedness and sin, hatred, bitterness, revenge ad wars. Where human beings would know God and have the nature of God.
Jesus the King of Kings. John 18: 33 - 37
Approximately a thousand years later Herod was King of the Jews when Jesus was born.
The wise men asked King Herod “Where is he who is born King of the Jews.”
Jesus was born a King, the King of the Jews.
A King has a kingdom
Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus’ response, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
Jesus gives us insight as to where he came from.
Jesus prayed from his position of the second person of the Trinity, (Son of God) from where he had come from before the foundation of the world.
“I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do; and now, glorify thou me in thine own presence with the glory which I had with thee, Father before the world was made.” John 17: 4, 5.
Jesus spoke of his Father’s kingdom and implied that he had been sent from that kingdom to complete a work for God.
Jesus came to the earth to fulfil God’s plan of reconciliation in uniting all things in heaven and on the earth, through his death, resurrection and ascension.
Jesus is the King of the Jews the same King, God himself, who in Samuael's day the Jews had rejected.
God sent his Son Jesus to be the King over the Jewish nation.
Nathan’s prophecy to King David from David’s descendant God would establish his eternal throne and kingdom. 2 Samuel 7: 16
At Pentecost Peter was standing with the eleven disciples and he confirmed that Jesus is the Christ through the prophecy given by Nathan to King David. He said, “Brethren, I may say to you confidently of the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ. . . . Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Acts 2: 29, 36
Jesus is the King of the Jews and also the King of Kings, as he is King over the Gentiles
God has revealed himself through his Son Jesus that he is sovereign over all the earth. There is no other name, by which we can be saved and through Jesus' name we come to know God in a personal way.
Jesus is our King
When we accept Jesus as our Saviour we are born into the kingdom of God and Jesus is the king of the kingdom.
These three scriptures below are promises from Jesus that are for us today to receive through faith.
“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
“If a person loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14: 23
Jesus said, “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, so they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou has sent me.” John 17: 20
The Spirit of God bears witness to the life of Christ dwelling within us.
As we are under the authority of the King we are equipped to witness about Jesus and the kingdom. This scripture in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is truly amazing as we are entitled to its fulfilment in our lives today.
“Even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus.”
So when we accept Jesus as our Saviour we are born into the kingdom of God.
My uncle John immigrated to America he had dual citizenship of America and the UK. We have received a Passport into the Kingdom of God we are citizens of world and also the Kingdom of God. In the world we are ambassadors for Christ.
In John’s gospel Chapter 17: 11, 15 In his prayer Jesus asked God to protect and defend his disciples. Jesus'prayer also for Christians today.
Marie Monsen found out that her attackers saw the Lord’s army.
“A Norwegian missionary, Marie Monsen, in China in the early 20th century, testified to the intervention of angels when Christians were in great danger. They had taken refuge in the mission compound only to be surrounded by looting soldiers and they were astonished to find that they were left in peace. A few days later the hostile men explained that they were ready to break the flimsy wall when they noticed tall soldiers with shining faces on a high roof in the compound. Marie Monsen wrote, “The heathen saw them, it was a testimony to them, but they were invisible to us.”
“A Barrel of Fun” by J John &Mark Stibbe.Monach Books.
The King’s provision for our needs
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” Ephesians 1: 3,4. 2: 3 – 7
We are loved and doted upon by our heavenly Father with an abundance of blessings, I do most of my shopping at Tesco's I receive money vouchers from their points system. It would be foolish if I didn’t cash them in.
When we ask the Lord in prayer we will freely receive, seek and we will find, knock and the door will be opened for us to receive. It is also as we walk with the Lord that the heavenly blessings are given to us to witness our faith in Jesus.
A Famous true story
“Things looked bleak for the children of George Muller’s orphanage at Ashley Down in England. It was time for breakfast and there was no food.
A small girl who’s father was a close friend of Muller was visiting the home. Muller took her hand and said, “Come and see what our Father will do.”
In the dining room, long tables were set with empty plates and empty mugs. Not only was there no food in the kitchen, but there was no money in the home’s account. Muller prayed,” Dear Father, we thank thee for what thou art going to give us to eat.”
Immediately, they heard a knock at the door. When they opened it, there stood the local baker.
“Mr Muller,” he said, “I couldn’t sleep last night. Somehow I felt that you had no bread for breakfast, so I got up at two o’clock and baked fresh bread. Here it is.”
Muller thanked him and gave praise to God. Soon, a second knock was heard. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. He said he would like to give the children the milk so he could empty the cart to repair it.”
Taken from the book “A Bundle of Laughs” by J John &Mark Stibbe.Monarch Books.
Jesus the King of KingsThrough this study I’ve made that connection with the God and King of the Old Testament with my faith in Jesus the King, the same sovereign king that Samuel knew.
God is sovereign over the Jewish people, defending and providing for their needs. The same God is sovereign over his church with lots more blessings than those given to Israel, because we are already citizens of his heavenly kingdom.
The Bible was used in court when a person took the oath to tell the truth, the whole truth. It made the person accountable under God, the supreme judge.
The Jury were made up of people who knew either the defendant or the accused. The reasoning behind it was that they knew the character of the people involved in the trial and that would help them to come to a just decision.
The Judge offered his advice in accordance with the law which guided the jury in coming to their verdict.
The system has changed. Just as in did in the latter days of Samuel’s life. 1 Samuel 8: 4 - 20
Role of a Judge
In the Bible when Joshua died, a great number of the people of Israel turned away from the law and sought other gods so the Lord raised up Judges.
“Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the power of those who plundered them.
Hebrew Judge – leadership in government as well as in legal cases. It was Gods theocratic government, were God was sovereign over judges.(Eyre & Spottiswoode Revised Standard Version notes page 402)
Theocratic – constitution of a state in which the Almighty is regarded as the sole sovereign and the laws of the realm as divine commands rather than human ordinances – the priesthood necessarily becoming officers of an invisible ruler. (Chambers Dictionary)
Judge Deborah
We have an example in Deborah, prophetess, who was judge over Israel. The people came to her to judge their case. Also as the appointed leader she was used by God to lead them to victory over their enemies. Judges 4: 4 - 10
God was sovereign over judges
Samuel was a judge as well as a being a prophet and priest. In his old age he decided to install his sons as judges but the people didn’t want them, they were seen as those who perverted Justice.
At an elders meeting they asked Samuel if they could have a king.
Embracing change
It was difficult for Samuel to embrace change he felt rejected, but God consoled him by pointing out that it was himself, their King, they were rejecting.
When change comes our first reaction is to come against it, but as we let go or let our heart felt worries be known, we can move on from that place and seek the Lord’s direction through prayer.
Samuel discussed it first with God and then put forward Godly reasons why they should retain God as their King and the judges.
God was their King.
Turning away from the Judges meant that Israel was turning their back on God as their King.
The nation of Israel was established under Moses and God was their king. He defended them against their enemies: God brought them out from slavery in Egypt. The lambs blood brushed on to the doorposts and lintels of their homes saved them from the death of the first born man and beast as the angel of death passed over their homes in Egypt. Moses lifted the rod and stretched out his hand God parted the Red Sea, so they were able to cross over on dry ground safely.
God provided for their needs: When Moses struck the rock with the rod; water flowed out from it. He gave them bread to eat, the Manna found on the ground every morning for six days and he gave them quail for fresh meat.
Making a man their King
Samuel warned them that they would be subject to authoritarian rule: they would have to enlist in the king’s army. Become his servants in his house, in the fields and make weapons of war. He would take ownership of their servants, orchards and vineyards and give them to his friends. Also he would take a tenth of their grain, grapes, flocks and they would become his slaves.
But the people insisted they wanted a king like the other nations, a man who would go before them and fight their battles.
Samuel spoke to God in prayer about their request for a man to be made their King. The Lord’s response was that they could have a king. The first King was Saul and the second was David the shepherd.
The Hebrew prophets longed to see the kingdom of God fill the whole earth, where God would cleanse the world of all wickedness and sin, hatred, bitterness, revenge ad wars. Where human beings would know God and have the nature of God.
Jesus the King of Kings. John 18: 33 - 37
Approximately a thousand years later Herod was King of the Jews when Jesus was born.
The wise men asked King Herod “Where is he who is born King of the Jews.”
Jesus was born a King, the King of the Jews.
A King has a kingdom
Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus’ response, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
Jesus gives us insight as to where he came from.
Jesus prayed from his position of the second person of the Trinity, (Son of God) from where he had come from before the foundation of the world.
“I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do; and now, glorify thou me in thine own presence with the glory which I had with thee, Father before the world was made.” John 17: 4, 5.
Jesus spoke of his Father’s kingdom and implied that he had been sent from that kingdom to complete a work for God.
Jesus came to the earth to fulfil God’s plan of reconciliation in uniting all things in heaven and on the earth, through his death, resurrection and ascension.
Jesus is the King of the Jews the same King, God himself, who in Samuael's day the Jews had rejected.
God sent his Son Jesus to be the King over the Jewish nation.
Nathan’s prophecy to King David from David’s descendant God would establish his eternal throne and kingdom. 2 Samuel 7: 16
At Pentecost Peter was standing with the eleven disciples and he confirmed that Jesus is the Christ through the prophecy given by Nathan to King David. He said, “Brethren, I may say to you confidently of the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ. . . . Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Acts 2: 29, 36
Jesus is the King of the Jews and also the King of Kings, as he is King over the Gentiles
God has revealed himself through his Son Jesus that he is sovereign over all the earth. There is no other name, by which we can be saved and through Jesus' name we come to know God in a personal way.
Jesus is our King
When we accept Jesus as our Saviour we are born into the kingdom of God and Jesus is the king of the kingdom.
These three scriptures below are promises from Jesus that are for us today to receive through faith.
“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
“If a person loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14: 23
Jesus said, “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, so they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou has sent me.” John 17: 20
The Spirit of God bears witness to the life of Christ dwelling within us.
As we are under the authority of the King we are equipped to witness about Jesus and the kingdom. This scripture in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is truly amazing as we are entitled to its fulfilment in our lives today.
“Even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus.”
So when we accept Jesus as our Saviour we are born into the kingdom of God.
My uncle John immigrated to America he had dual citizenship of America and the UK. We have received a Passport into the Kingdom of God we are citizens of world and also the Kingdom of God. In the world we are ambassadors for Christ.
In John’s gospel Chapter 17: 11, 15 In his prayer Jesus asked God to protect and defend his disciples. Jesus'prayer also for Christians today.
Marie Monsen found out that her attackers saw the Lord’s army.
“A Norwegian missionary, Marie Monsen, in China in the early 20th century, testified to the intervention of angels when Christians were in great danger. They had taken refuge in the mission compound only to be surrounded by looting soldiers and they were astonished to find that they were left in peace. A few days later the hostile men explained that they were ready to break the flimsy wall when they noticed tall soldiers with shining faces on a high roof in the compound. Marie Monsen wrote, “The heathen saw them, it was a testimony to them, but they were invisible to us.”
“A Barrel of Fun” by J John &Mark Stibbe.Monach Books.
The King’s provision for our needs
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” Ephesians 1: 3,4. 2: 3 – 7
We are loved and doted upon by our heavenly Father with an abundance of blessings, I do most of my shopping at Tesco's I receive money vouchers from their points system. It would be foolish if I didn’t cash them in.
When we ask the Lord in prayer we will freely receive, seek and we will find, knock and the door will be opened for us to receive. It is also as we walk with the Lord that the heavenly blessings are given to us to witness our faith in Jesus.
A Famous true story
“Things looked bleak for the children of George Muller’s orphanage at Ashley Down in England. It was time for breakfast and there was no food.
A small girl who’s father was a close friend of Muller was visiting the home. Muller took her hand and said, “Come and see what our Father will do.”
In the dining room, long tables were set with empty plates and empty mugs. Not only was there no food in the kitchen, but there was no money in the home’s account. Muller prayed,” Dear Father, we thank thee for what thou art going to give us to eat.”
Immediately, they heard a knock at the door. When they opened it, there stood the local baker.
“Mr Muller,” he said, “I couldn’t sleep last night. Somehow I felt that you had no bread for breakfast, so I got up at two o’clock and baked fresh bread. Here it is.”
Muller thanked him and gave praise to God. Soon, a second knock was heard. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. He said he would like to give the children the milk so he could empty the cart to repair it.”
Taken from the book “A Bundle of Laughs” by J John &Mark Stibbe.Monarch Books.
Jesus the King of KingsThrough this study I’ve made that connection with the God and King of the Old Testament with my faith in Jesus the King, the same sovereign king that Samuel knew.
God is sovereign over the Jewish people, defending and providing for their needs. The same God is sovereign over his church with lots more blessings than those given to Israel, because we are already citizens of his heavenly kingdom.
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