The Messiah’s Secret - Entering into God’s rest.

Joshua 14: 6-14.  Matthew 12: 1-21.

Through the conquest of Canaan the Israelites expected to enter into God’s rest.

The Israelite Conquest of Canaan took place over three thousand years ago.                                                                  

On the first occasion when Joshua and Caleb returned from spying out the land of Canaan, they suggested that all Israel should go up at once and occupy the land. However, the men who had accompanied Caleb spoke out against it saying that the occupants of the land were too strong. The sons of Anak were giants also known as Nephilim.

As a result the people were afraid of entering into the land. On account of their disobedience Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land of Canaan. Numbers 13: 30, 31. 20: 12.

After the death of Moses, God instructed Joshua to go and possess the land that he had promised them. Joshua reminded the people that Moses had said that God was providing them with a place of rest, and he would give them this land. Joshua 1: 13.

After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, Moses' prophesies were fulfilled for Joshua and Caleb, who were the only two from the original 600,000 Israelites to enter the Promised Land. Numbers 14: 34.

Caleb had wholly followed the Lord his God. He knew in his heart, that the Lord would fulfil Moses’ promise to him, that the land he had spied out and his feet had trod would be his and his descendants inheritance, the city and lands of Hebron. Caleb drove out the three sons of Anak from Kiriath-arba  or Hebron and the inhabitants of Debir and took the land. Joshua 15: 13-19.

The Day of God’s rest.

When Israel entered the land and settled there, that was not the rest that God was referring to. The land of Canaan has been continually fought over right up to our present times. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews wrote, “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later of another day. So there remains a rest for the people of God; for whoever enters God’s rest also ceases from his labours as God did from his.” Hebrews 4: 8-10.

The Lord’s rest is not found under law.

The Pharisees watched Jesus’ disciples pick and eat the corn on the Sabbath Day which was forbidden; they brought it to Jesus’ attention. In response Jesus paralleled himself and his disciples to David and his men: The disciples were unlawfully eating the corn on the Sabbath day from which the bread was made.

In reference to David, Ahimelech the priest responded unlawfully to David’s request gave him the bread of presence which was only for the priest to eat. The twelve cakes of bread were kept always before the Lord on the table of the Shrew bread in the Holy Place.  1 Samuel 21: 6.

Other parallels.

King Saul pursued David he wanted to kill him because he felt threatened by David’s popularity. Jesus was pursued by the Pharisees in verse fourteen the Pharisees were out to destroy Jesus.

Mercy not Sacrifice

Both Jesus and David brushed aside the rules of the sacred things and were guiltless through the Lord’s mercy.

Jesus went on to say that he desired ‘Mercy not sacrifice’ the understanding of these words is found in Hosea.  “Steadfast love and not sacrifice and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6: 6.   1 Samuel 15: 22.

Jesus came into the world not to condemn the world but to save the world.  In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus referred to himself as the physician bringing reconciliation to the outcast, the broken hearted, desiring mercy not sacrifice. Matthew 9: 10-13.

They would not have condemned the guiltless had they know the God’s redemption of mankind through David his descendant Jesus. David was a man of the Lord’s heart. 1 Samuel 13: 14. 

Someone greater than the temple was in their midst. The one who instituted the temple. Jesus the bread coming from heaven, the bread of life.

The Messiah's Secret.
Jesus the grain of wheat that had to die before he could redeem the people of the earth and all creation. “Unless a grain of wheat fall into the earth and dies it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12: 24.

Rooted in Judaism.

It is important that every Christian knows the origin of their faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus fulfilled the prophesies in the Hebrew Scriptures concerning the coming of the Messiah or Christ, both names mean the same, ‘the anointed one.'

Moses inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote about mankind’s separation from God through the account of Adam and Eve, their disobedience led to the corruption of the human nature.
The Laws given by God to Moses reveals to all people, God’s nature and how the soul/spirit of mankind strived to conform to them, but failed. The law put in place a means (A blood sacrifice) to atone (cover) mankind’s failure to keep the law.

Jesus taught his disciples the process of coming out from under law. (blog Law and Grace) I realised this, when Mary of Bethany was nourished with spiritual food coming directly from the living Word himself, Jesus. He had removed the veil of the law of Moses from Mary. As she sat listening looking into the face of Jesus nothing separated her from the love of Jesus.
Jesus was looking to beyond the cross when he said to Mary “which shall not be taken away from her.” The cross is the end of the law of Moses. (blog 'Removing the Veil)

Gentiles need to understand the process of coming out from under law, as we are derived from God’s revelation of himself through Judaism.

Under law for a Gentile means that we try to keep the Ten Commandments as a set of rules. We also try to train our soul/spirit to subdue its longing for contentment: methods of meditation, striving to make it work, but the effects do not last long.

What the law could not do was to transform our corrupted nature of our soul. Our soul’s pride, self survival with all that pertains to it.                                                                                          

Our soul/spirit is discontent until it is transformed by Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, his redeeming work in our soul that brings contentment, peace and rest.  

Hosea prophesied the church.
“And I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness and you shall know the Lord.” Hosea 2: 19, 20.
Prophetic of the New Covenant the relationship between the Lord our God and his bride the church. Jesus paid the dowry for the bride. Jesus loves us, both Jew and Gentiles so much he became the final sacrifice for sin and the causes of sin against God when he died on the cross at Calvary.
The righteous love of God paying the price for our sin that separated us from God. After his resurrection and ascension Jesus sent the Holy Spirit into the world. When we come to Jesus in repentance and faith, his love and forgiveness goes into action as the Holy Spirit transforms our soul/spirit. Afterwards the Holy Spirit gives us knowledge of God, revealing Jesus to us in scripture.                                           

In our union with the Lord Jesus we enter into the rest of God.

“All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labour and 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: 27-29.
The rest of God has nothing to do with the physical body.  It is resting in God’s favour, the Father loves the child, nothing can separate us from the love of our Father. God’s steadfast love and in his love he continually forgives us. The Holy Spirit empowers the Christian to be Christ-like.

"A young man said to his father at breakfast one morning, “Dad I’m going to get married.” How do you know that you’re ready to get married asked the father, are you in love?” “I certainly am” said the son. “How do you know that you are in love?” asked the father. “Last night I was kissing my girl friend good night, her dog bit me and I didn’t feel it, until I got home."

This reminded me of in the churches mission. The dog, Satan is snapping at our heels trying to separate us from our beloved Jesus in order to disturb our rest in him. But we know that we have entered into the rest of God, even if we do not always feel it. We have the Lord’s word.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                              

The Messiah’s Secret – Called by God.

Hebrews 5: 1-10. Mark 10: 35 – 45.
The children's spot in the service: we had fun quiz on 'Good Manners' based on Jesus' teaching of showing humility and respect for others.                                

James and John the sons of Zebedee the fisherman, they had firsthand experience of Jesus' generosity and kindness. Regardless of a person’s background or position in society Jesus would attend to their need.

Jesus was so approachable; James and John were not overawed by him to go and ask directly a request, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”                                                                                                        

Jesus in his reply, he said, “What do you want me to do for you.” His words indicate that he would have responded positively. In his goodness, he wanted to please his disciples. They asked for either one of them to sit on his right and left in his glory.  

                                                               

Jesus always told the truth, James and John’s request could not be granted, as these positions were for those who God had appointed.

The writer of Hebrews reveals that Jesus had been appointed by God his Father to the position of Intercessor between mankind and God.

James and John were probably disappointed with Jesus’ answer. But when the rest of the disciples heard about their request they were not pleased.
We can understand when we read this account that our prayers are always answered as to what is best for us or for those for whom we have prayed.                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Jesus had been appointed by God to leave his heavenly home and come to the earth, to be born into this world as one of us.

Jesus came from a higher authority, King of all creation not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.                                                                                  

Jesus' teaching is relevant for us today.

Jesus had been invited on the Sabbath day to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, others had been invited too. 

Jesus had noticed on their arrival they chose to sit in the places of honour.
The most prominent men in Jewish society were the Sadducees, Pharisees, Lawyers and scribes, the members of the Sanhedrin, Rabbis, followed by the business people, the man with the dropsy probably the lowest person present.                                                                                            

                                                                  

The sketch was taken from the 60’S TV show ‘That was the week that was’ they made a joke out of the failed British Class system; the titled aristocracy, the middle class business man and the skilled trade’s man. The upper class looking down on the middle class and in turn he looked down on the lower class who 'knew his place.' However, the upper class was revealed as having 'innate breeding' but having no money. The middle class was still regarded as being common and the lower class man 'knew his place.' The pretense of the upper class of having breeding and no money was the leveling factor.
This class system has been replaced with the super rich, the rich and the less well off. The values of this system are reflected by some of our present politicians. The Tory Chief Whip recently has been brought to account over his comments to a Downing Street Policeman. The Chief Whip humbly gave an apology to all those involved. He has since resigned his office.                                                                                                               

The Lord calls us to be humble in respect of others.

This was reflected in Jesus’ parable to those dining at the Ruler’s house. “When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honour, just in case a more eminent man than you be invited by him; and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher’; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 12: 1-11                                                                                                                               

The Lord calls us to be humble before others, and so that he can exalt us, he first calls us to die to self interest.

In our reading Jesus said to James and John “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptised with the baptism which I am baptised?” They said to him, “We are able”. Jesus was referring to the cup of suffering and the baptism of dying for the sake of the gospel?"

Every Christian following Jesus will be asked by the Lord the same question. For all, it does mean dying to self interests and for some it may mean persecution and death.

Jesus taught by example.

 In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus was under great spiritual pressure to save himself from going to the cross. The writer of Hebrews refers to this, “”During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Hebrews 5: 7.

Luke records also Jesus' words, “Father if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22: 42. 

By Jesus dying to the desire to preserve his own life, Jesus gave over his life to God.

In our relationship with God dying to our self interest; it is like when two people get married each loses their independence.  Marriage is made in making an agreement to be joined together, working together in respect of each other and when arguments surface, love gives in to love.  In the kingdom of God there is no marriage between believers and there are no children born between believers. We are the children of God . Luke 20: 27-36.                         
                

No favouritism with God.

Jesus emphasised his point of seeking the lowest place by indicating there is no favouritism with God, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. A servant works for others, a slave is owned by others. It is a tremendous privilege to be owned by God in his service.

 If you feel that God is calling you to serve him in some way, ask the Lord for confirmation.

                                                                                             

“I recently heard a well known clergyman’s testimony of how the Lord called him to becoming a Vicar. At the age of 7 or 8 he was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up and he said a ‘Vicar.’ From that time he seemed to be on a conveyor belt, run by other people’s expectations right through school and on to University, where he read theology. On one occasion a fellow student asked him why he did not go to worship. His response was that he did not go to worship, on the grounds that he would be doing it for the rest of his life.                               

He went to Theological College but he was not sure if it was in fact a waste of time, he had doubts about becoming a Vicar. After making these comments to a friend, he attended ‘Compline’ an evening service and it was during the singing of John Wesley’s hymn “O thou who cameth from above . .  Verse 3 Jesus confess my hearts’ desire,” from that moment God spoke through it.

He now knew, that he was doing the right thing in becoming a Vicar. Jesus had called him to this ministry. He went on to say, that he never thought he would ultimately become a Bishop.” 

Through love and obedience for his Lord, Jesus lifted him up from a lower place to a higher position in his service.  I would encourage anyone who is being called by God to respond. It brings an inner peace of fulfilment.
I will, to do your will, my Lord and my God.
                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                            

The Messiah’s Secret – Held in the Lord’s hands.

The hands remind us of the Lord’s word in the book of Isaiah 49: 16 “Behold, I have graven you in the palm of my hands." 

Jesus places us in God’s hands to be looked after, loved and cared for by our heavenly Father.

In the recorded words of Matthew Jesus was stood on the Mount teaching the people and gave insight into the ways of God.                                                                                           

Harvest   Matthew 6: 25-33.

We give thanks for our food and clothing as Jesus reminds us that the birds, the flowers that are totally dependent on God. God who sustains their life and ours too.                                                                

Dove/bird – The dove is brought and placed into the cupped hands by a child.

Question -   What do birds feed on?    Answer - Worms, seeds, berries and insects.

What are they are covered, clothed with? Answer -  feathers.                                                     

The dove is a symbol of peace. 

Noah was maybe anxious when the raven returned with no sign that the waters had receded, he sent out a dove and it returned with no sign. He sent out the dove again and this time it brought the good news, dry land had appeared it carried in its beak an olive leaf.  Do not be anxious about anything God will take care of you.                                 .                                                                                                                            

The lily. The lily is placed in the hands by another child.

Jesus said consider how they grow, they don’t have to work to make themselves grow; they simply receive the water and nourishment from the soil. How majestic is their appearance. Jesus compared the lilies splendid appearance, as being far superior to the dazzling, sparkling robes of King Solomon.

God knows we need food and clothing and all these things are provided. Jesus wants us to look beyond food and clothing and to seek his kingdom living by faith and trust in God.

How do we grow in faith and trust in Jesus, we pray in faith believing that God will answer our prayer in what is best for us.                                          

It is like the Freesia bulbs I planted in spring; in due course the stems and the leaves appeared followed by the fragrant flowers. I expected them to grow, I had faith that they would.

I have faith that when I post a letter the Post man will pick it up from the Post Box and it will be delivered reaching its destination.

Do not be anxious about anything God will take care of you.

Jesus touches our lives when we come to him in faith and trust.

My eldest daughter, when she was ten, had a routine school medical were she was diagnosed with having a heart murmur. We were advised to take her to see a consultant. I was anxious, so I asked the church family to pray for her. When praying it’s a good idea to pray for all involved: the person and the medical diagnosis, the consultant, the nurses, the results of any tests.

The consultant paediatrician was very kind and explained what she had was not going to cause her any problems and no treatment was needed.  My husband and I were so relieved and thankful. The prayers were answered and in another way too, within eighteen months the consultant and his family moved into our locality and joined our church.

Jesus is alive and has the power to bring new life were we are worn and strength when we are tired when we feel unable to cope with everyday situations. 

“Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

 If I go to the heavens, you are there;

If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

 If I settle on the far side of the sea,

 even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.”

Psalm 139:10.

Dependance on God. 
Christians who are struggling to make ends meet; God will supply your needs. I remember my sister after her husband left her, the youngest child, (one of seven,) was under one. Her former husband did not pay her any maintenance and the state benefit did not cover basic needs.  Many a time she did not know where their next meal was coming from. My sister depended upon the Lord’s help and support. Out of the blue someone would call and supply their need.

Do not be anxious about anything God will take care of you.

Harvest Appeal

Our churches Tear Fund representative introduced the appeal with a three minute video and placed into the hands items that relate to Tear Funds activities abroad. Following this Gwen (not her real name) who had visited Uganda earlier this year, shared with us her experience. (She had brought with her some items, that she had brought back from Uganda and placed them in the hands.)
Gwen showed us pictures on the screen of how little the people had in their homes, food was scarce and of poor quality. The cycle of poverty was difficult to overcome because it meant that people had to change their way of life. Tear Fund’s representatives give advice and practical help to alleviate poverty and reduce illness by providing new ways to cultivate their land and they teach personal hygiene and cleanliness.

However, Gwen noticed that the Ugandan’s faith and trust in Jesus, shone. It reminds us of Jesus words; the 5 sparrows sold for 2 pennies and not one of them is forgotten by God. Their names are engraved into the Lord our God’s hands.

Do not be anxious about anything God will take care of you.

Paul’s letter to Timothy he encouraged them to pray for the well being of all people especially those who hold high positions.  1 Timothy 2: 1-8

Our leaders need our prayers as they strive to deal with the problems of our day. Today in the UK many Christians are concerned about the slide away from Christianity.

Last Saturday Christians world wide held a day of prayer, we held it at Wembley Stadium, sadly there was no mention on national TV or in the newspapers. Some would say it’s a sign of the times. We hear of the increased unrest in many countries, and the global effects of climate change on the seasons. There is urgency for people to hear the good news and make a decision about Jesus.

Bible teaches choice between - Heaven or hell.

Heaven is a place where those who follow Jesus and witness their faith, upholding his name. They will be forever with the Lord in the light of his kingdom.

Hell is a place where those who reject Christ will be totally separated from the love and light of Christ in complete darkness.

Paul wrote that God would see all people saved. 

(The hands 1 and 1/2 metrs long I made them out of cardboard carpet tubes) 

                                                                            

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                      

  

                                                                           

The Messiah’s Secret – Jesus is the Lord our God.  

 President Abraham Lincoln’s son Tad Lincoln used his accessibility to his father to help those people in greatest need who came to the White House to see his dad. When the person wanting to see the president entered the White House they gave their calling card to the valet. The valet would take the cards in order and then put them in a stack on a desktop. This desk was located in a hallway at the top of the stairs. As each person finished their business with the president, the valet would then go to the stack of cards and call the persons’ name that was on top of the stack. Many a time, however, Tad felt that this presented a problem: If others before them took too long and the hour approached 2, any remaining persons waiting would have to come back the next day and start the process over again, as that day's cards were thrown out. However not to worry! Tad was on the lookout. He made a regular habit of chatting with those waiting. If the person had a particularly "sob" story -- grieving widow, an unemployed family man and so forth -- then Tad would help matters along. He would quietly go up the stairs and move that person's card to near the top of the pile, making sure that they were seen by his father, President Lincoln.

Tad had access to his father, the President because of his relationship with him. Other people had to go through protocol and wait their turn.

Access to God.  Exodus 24.

Moses had access to God, he met with God on more than one occasion on Mount Sinai. There God gave him his laws and commandments to administer over the Hebrew people.

In our reading Moses wrote down the laws that he received from God approx 600. The Israelites having accepted these laws Moses ratified them with blood, the blood from the sacrificed oxen. Half of the blood was sprinkled on the book containing the laws and the other half on the people.
The significance of the blood; everything under law was purified by blood; the blood atoned for sin against God. Leviticus 17: 11. Hebrews 9: 22.                                                                                            

The people committed their lives to this agreement.

Moses went up the mountain again, with Aaron and his two sons Nadab and Abihu and the seventy elders, where on this occasion they all saw God, under his feet a sapphire pavement. It is interesting to note that the Israelites then and now have no statues or images of God in their places of worship. (The third commandment).

 Moses went up on the mountain again to receive from God the commandments written on tablets of stone and the laws regarding the sanctuary spending 40 days and nights on the mountain. Joshua accompanied him to a certain point. On this occasion Moses was given the plans to make a sanctuary, a dwelling place for God to be amongst his people. God travelled with them as they journeyed through the wilderness towards the Promised Land.                                                                                                                                                              

In the Gospels we read that everybody had access to Jesus the  Lord our God.
On Jesus’ arrival at Capernaum in Galilee a paralysed man was brought by his friends on a stretcher to be healed by Jesus. A number of scribes were present watching and listening, they overheard Jesus say to the man, “Take heart my son; your sins are forgiven.” Jesus knowing the scribes thoughts, “This man is blaspheming.” Jesus said to them, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’?
 The Jews believed that sickness was as a result of sin.                        
The book ‘Beyond Belief’  Y Course. Peter Medows & Joseph Steinberg with Donna Vann.
“Jewish people believed physical suffering was caused by the person’s sin. For a person to be healed meant their sin had been dealt with, and only God could do that."
God could forgive sin through an offering being made at the temple. Sin and the causes of sin came into the world through the fall of Adam and Eve.                                                                                        
 For Jesus to forgive and heal this man meant that Jesus proved he was God.
“But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” He then said to the paralytic – ‘Rise, take up your bed and go home.” Matthew 9: 1-8.
The Messiah's Secret page 57
Jesus referred to himself as the Son of man, a title belonging to the Messiah, the anointed one. Jesus was making the point that he had the authority from God his Father, as he and his Father are one, to forgive this man’s sin and through healing the paralysed man he proved that he was God made visible in the flesh. John 5: 17, 18.
Not all sickness is caused by a person’s sin. The man who was born blind, Jesus said that it was so that the work of God could be revealed in him. John 9
Jesus has made God accessible to us today through his cross.
The Communion commemorates and invites every believer to partake of the blessings of the New Covenant that has been ratified (legally binding) by the blood of Jesus. “This is my blood of the New Covenant.” Mark 14:24 The Covenant is based on love and forgiveness of sin and keeping faith in Jesus, in his words.
“Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my word, and my Father will love you, and we will come and make our home within you.” John 14: 23.
This becomes a reality when in faith we turn to Jesus in repentance saying sorry for our sins against God. Jesus has bore our sin upon the cross, so releasing us into the freedom of God’s forgiveness through his resurrection. As a result the Lord comes into our whole being and dwells within us.
 As a result we take hold of our position in our relationship with God our Father and Jesus Christ, and just like Tad Lincoln used his position to access his father, we have access to God’s throne of grace where we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. Whatever our needs are we can expect the Lord our God to intercede on our behalf. Like Tad the Lord uses us to intercede for others. We are seated with God in heavenly places far above all principalities and powers; Satan has no dominion over us. When we pray to Jesus our Lord and God, we address or end our prayer in his name.

Lord Jesus, we pray for those who are struggling with doubts about Jesus of who he is in relation to God, may they take hold of the words recorded by the Apostles, proving that Jesus is the Lord our God and may these words become real to them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.