The Messiah’s Secret – Get on Board

Tuesday 24th April 2012 Mothers’ Union Meeting St Anne’s C of E Edgeside M U

A man lived by the river; now and again the river would rise above its banks and flood the man’s garden. On this occasion the flood waters kept on rising, the man’s neighbour came and suggested to him that he should leave his house and go up onto higher ground. The man refused saying, “God will look after me.” Steadily the waters kept on rising, so again the neighbour came to his house and beckoned to the man to get into his boat, but the man refused. The weather grew worse and his neighbour feared for the man’s life, he saw that he had climbed onto the roof, so he called for a helicopter to rescue him. But still the man insisted that God would look after him.
Sadly the house could no longer stand the strain and the walls collapsed and the man drowned. When in heaven he asked God why he hadn’t looked after him. God replied, “I did, I sent your neighbour to you on three occasions: for you to go with him onto higher ground, secondly he came with his boat to pick you up, and thirdly he sent a helicopter to rescue you”. But he did not recognise they were from God.

The Pharisees did not recognise the signs of the times.
“The Pharisees came to him asking for a sign from heaven. “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’. And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today for the sky is red and threatening!’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” Matthew 16: 1-4

Signs of the Times in Jesus’ day
The Jewish people were in great expectation of the coming of the Messiah. Luke records the people expressing this expectation, on the occasion when men came to John the Baptist and asked him if he was the Messiah. Luke 3: 15
Another sign is the prophecy of Moses were God would raise up a prophet like himself. Deuteronomy 18: 15-18.
The Pharisees were looking for the Messiah to be a great leader like Moses and give them a sign in using his power to rid them of their Roman invaders.
The Romans had invaded Israel in 64BC so it was nearly 100 years that they had been under occupation. The Romans allowed the conquered nation to continue with their own religious beliefs.
It is quite likely that some of the Jews would try to please influential Roman officials to gain from it. Whilst a few would totally object to the Roman occupation. Others would try to please both Roman and Jewish authorities.
"So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council, and said, "What are we to do? For this man (Jesus) performs many signs. If we let him go on thus, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation." John 11: 47, 48.
It is quite possible that Jesus had noticed how Roman culture and spirituality had infiltrated into Jewish society when he called them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation.’

Discerning Signs of the Times Today
Spring Council Saturday 21 April 2012
Guest Speaker Chief Executive of Mothers’ Union Reg Bailey

Reg Bailey, described the founder of the Mothers’ Union Mary Sumner as a lady who prayed, campaigned and enabled the women of her day, to speak with one voice on family issues, based on Christian principals. The Victorian era was not the golden age for the family, poverty, disease and lack of education was prevalent amongst the majority of the population.
These steadfast structures of prayer, campaigning and enabling are the basis of the Mothers' Union today.
Praying in faith for our nation’s family life has been a high priority amongst the members of the M.U. As a mum myself it has been heart breaking to see the decline in Christian family values across the nation. The Lord in answer to all our prayers calls us to act by putting our faith into practice and to get on board, and support the ‘Bye, Buy, Childhood’ campaign.

This campaign came into being, when concerns were raised at a meeting in York among MU members about the commercialisation of children and from the discussions that followed, the name ‘Bye, Buy, Childhood’ was given to the campaign.
The aim of the ‘Bye, buy childhood ‘campaign is for every child to enjoy their childhood without the sexualisation and commercialisation of their young lives

Mothers' Union believes children should be valued as children, not consumers. However, childhood has become a marketing opportunity worth £99 billion in the UK. Marketers target children's natural inexperience, through methods such as celebrity endorsement, in order to reach not only children's pocket money but also the household purse. These commercial pressures encourage materialism which negatively affects children's wellbeing, family life and peer relationships, and can encourage values that Jesus taught against. The use of sexualised content and the imposition of sexuality on children to market and sell goods are particularly concerning. Families can feel overwhelmed by this commercialisation of childhood and unsure how to challenge powerful marketing initiatives.

10 Downing Street
MP Sarah Teather Minister of State for Children and Families contacted MU Reg Bailey and asked if he would attend a round table meeting at Downing Street, and give the views of the MU on tackling the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood. The Prime Minister and Sarah Teather, hosted the meeting, seventy people attended.
The out come of the meeting Reg Bailey was asked to produce a report.

The Government asked Reg to look into this issue because they wanted a common sense approach to the concerns of many parents, who feel their children are under increasing pressure to become consumers, and that the world they live in is a more sexualised place than when their parents were growing up. Reg was asked to put forward recommendations to address the high levels of public concern, taking into account particularly the views of parents and the business community.

The report dealt with the real concerns that became apparent through the interviews.
1,000 parents and 600 children from 7 – 19 years of age were interviewed by Reg and his team. Along with children’s organisations and commercial companies.
This 99 billion market effects; values, aspirations and health.

Children interviewed:
Values.
Children are not aware of being exploited. Some children are on-line brand ambassadors they were paid to wear brand names on clothing, and fashion accessories on ‘Facebook Wall.’
A child said that there should be on the TV control another button beside the red one to blank the picture.

Aspirations.
The majority of children when they were asked what they would like to be when they grew up, they wanted to aspire to be famous, a celebrity.
The TV Talent Show ‘Britain’s’ got Talent’ the lyrics of Rihannas song caused hundreds of people to complain.

PM’s wife Mrs Cameron was appalled when she heard her daughter singing Lily Allen’s song from her album ‘It’s not me, its you.’ the words of the chorus shocked her.

Health
In most adverts the teenager in the picture has been hair brushed to have the perfect skin and proportions. Reg pointed out that children are not immune to low self esteem.

Parents interviewed:
80% of parents interviewed were concerned about inappropriate clothing but were afraid of their children being bullied by other children for not wearing the right clothes.
Concerns were raised regarding adverts on street advertisements on Bill Boards, Screens on buildings and in Bus Shelters.
Parents were unsure as to which organisation to complain to.
Music videos are not age rated and some of these videos are pornographic.

The responsibility for parents to make their children aware:
The pictures they take on their mobile phone are not private, they become public property.
Kids are media savvy: for some what they see and hear bounces off them, but for others they take it seriously and are damaged by what they see and hear.

The publication of Reg Bailey's report enables our nation to protect our children from sexulisation and commercialisation of childhood.
On October 11th 2011, a number of the organisations responsible for taking forward these recommendations were invited to provide an update on their actions. Individually they were interviewed by Prime Minister David Cameron and were asked directly for details of their progress on implementing the recommendations and areas where they expect to take further action.

The supermarkets have complied with the recommendations of the report, to either cover with a modesty board the front cover of Lads Mags that are displayed at I metre height or to put them on their top shelves above the eye level of a child.
40% of children's clothing retail sector have now signed up to the guidelines including Argos, Debenhams, George at Asda, John Lewis, M&CO, M&S, Next, Peakcocks, Pumpkin Patch, Sainsbury's, Tesco and TK Maxx.

BT, Virgin, Sky, Talk Talk in their packages give an ‘active choice’ on whether or not the purchaser wants to install parental controls. Parents will quite often leave the setting up of their computer to their children so this choice is left to them.

New code on public advertisements, the Advertising Association announced a voluntary ban on under-16s being employed to act as ambassadors for brand names or in peer-to-peer marketing campaigns.
The outdoor advertising industry also announced a voluntary ban on advertisements near schools for lap-dancing clubs and similar adult services.

Watershed – General Viewing Public. A consensus of opinion coming from the adult population. Ofcom issued new guidance on pre-watershed TV content to ensure programmes aimed at a family audience are always family-friendly and suitable for children.
Reg said that Ofcom has a new parents panel they have put in place a really tuff code.

Get on Board and take action.
If we see in our local shop that they have not yet complied with the recommendations of the report regarding 'lads mags', we should express our concerns to the appropriate person in the shop and if nothing is done we can complain to the newly set up on line ‘parent port.’
Ofcom joined with six other media regulators (the Advertising Standards Authority, Authority for Television and Video on Demand, the BBC Trust, the British Board of Film Classification, the Press Complaints Commission and the Video Standards Council) to set up and create the ParentPort website which provides a single accessible interface for parents to express their views and concerns about material they feel is unsuitable for children across the media, communications and retail industries. (extract from Sarah Teather's letter to the Department for Education)

Age rating for music videos is under consideration as the industry look for evidence to support this call for the introduction of age rating.

The government has asked to Reg and his team and all of us, to take an active role in working with voluntary groups like; Mumsnet and Netmums to hold business, organisations and Government to account.

God brought Jonah to account

Jonah had been given direction by God to take a message of repentance to the city of Nineveh. But Jonah did not want to go so he boarded a ship going to Tarshish. Due to the violence of the storm the sailors began to off load the cargo. The storm grew worse the sailors cast lots and the lot fell upon Jonah, he owned up to have been disobedient to his God and he volunteered to be cast overboard. When he landed in the water a huge fish swallowed him whole. After three days the fish vomited him out on to dry land. He knew hat he had been resurrected.
The conviction to take the message to the city of Nineveh was uppermost in his heart, so this time he went willingly. The people and King of Nineveh repented when they heard God’s message from Jonah. Jonah Chapters 1-3

God cared about Jesus and in his love for the people of the world, he sent him with a message for us to change our ways and believe in him.
When we take up Jesus' cross and feel the pain of sin, as he felt it, and die to it by saying sorry to God our Father, we enter into the freedom of Jesus' forgiveness. God raises us up into a newness of life.
We continue to take up Jesus' cross day by day as we experience Jesus' love reaching out to others. That is why Reg Bailey of Mothers' Union cares about the children and parents of our nation. Jesus' love touching the hearts of politicians, supermarket executives, company directors and advertising agencies, they have recognised the need to give our children their childhood.

The restraing work of the Holy Spirit.
"And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. The mystery of the lawlessness is already at work; only he who restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming." 2 Thessalonians 2: 6-8
Through Reg and his team along with the Mothers' Union's 4 million members across 83 countries in the world, are slowing down restraining the revealing of the antichrist. Along with other Christians are like salt that restrains the corruption of food, until it ultimately is corrupted. The Holy Spirit's work in the church is about making Christ known until the coming of Jesus whose feet will stand on the Mount of Olives.

The Messiah’s Secret – Resurrection

100 years ago today 15th April 1912 the Titanic sank with the loss of 1500 people. The circumstances that surrounded this tragedy are widely known. Shortly after hitting the iceberg, the passengers were told that the boat was going to sink, some them doubted because they had been told that this boat could not sink.

Thomas doubted Jesus' resurrection.
When Thomas heard from the other disciples that Jesus had been raised from the dead he did not believe them. John records his words, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and placed my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection.
Perhaps Thomas had been taught that after death there followed a long sleep before the general resurrection and judgment on the last day.
Job, Isaiah, the Psalmist and the latter day prophets Hosea and Daniel prophesied a resurrection and judgment on the last day. Job 19: 26, 27.and Daniel 12: 2.
Jesus in conversation with the Jews and the Pharisees said, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. John 6: 39.
It is not surprising that the disciples did not understand when Jesus spoke of his death and later after three days of his resurrection because it was contrary to what they had been taught so they could not grasp it and they were afraid of asking him what being raised from the dead meant. Even on the morning of the resurrection we read that they did not know the scripture that the Messiah must rise from the dead. Luke 18: 34. Mark 9: 52. John 20: 9.

On the evening of the day of the resurrection when Jesus entered the room where some of his disciples and followers were gathered. They very quickly discovered Jesus had been raised from the dead when they saw the print of the nails and the mark of the sword that had pierced his side, along with the scars from the flogging. Jesus stilled their troubled minds and hearts with the words, “Peace be with you." Seeing Jesus and hearing those words the fear of death would leave them. It is the same today one experience is worth a thousand arguments, when a person turns to Jesus in faith the fear of death goes. John 20: 19-31
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5: 24

Jesus breathed on them the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist prophesied that the Messiah’s baptism would be of the Holy Spirit and fire.
The Holy Spirit’s comforting presence was breathed upon them and Jesus anointed them with his authority to forgive the sins of any, they were forgiven; and if the retained the sins of any, they were retained. This is the refining fire of judgment that Peter enforced when the community of believers came into being at Jerusalem.

The early church community met in the temple daily at Solomon’s Portico where they shared the word and gave testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. In their homes they broke bread and they shared their food and possessions. Acts 4: 32-35

The Messiah's Secret
Ananias and his wife Sapphira were part of the community they proposed to sell a piece of property like others had done and give the proceeds to the community. However, with his wife’s knowledge Ananias kept some of the proceeds back and brought only a part and laid it at Peter’s feet. Peter knew what they had done and he told Ananias that he had lied not to men but to God. After Ananias heard this he fell down dead at the apostle’s feet. Three hours later, his wife came before Peter; he asked her what they had received for the land and she too lied to him telling him the false amount received from the sale. Sapphira died on the spot

Maybe they had doubts over Jesus’ resurrection and his return and with held a portion of the proceeds to secure their future needs.
Ananias and Sapphira the Adam and Eve of the New Testament and I believe that they will appear before the Great White Throne on the last day, the final judgment by Jesus. Revelation 20: 12.
“For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to those to whom he will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.” John 5: 21, 22.

Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection and he wanted to see Jesus before he would believe. 8 days later Jesus returned to the room where they were gathered and Thomas placed his finger in the marks of the nails and his hand in his side. He believed and said ‘My Lord and my God.’

Maybe we have doubts about Jesus’ resurrection and of his return.

Jesus the first fruit of the resurrection. “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies it remains alone, but if it dies it bears much fruit.” John 12: 24
The Wheat Seed Below;

Last years wheat seeds that have died off are sown by the farmer in the ploughed field. This reminds us of Jesus dying on the cross, being taken down and lay in a dark and cold tomb.

The seeds are watered by the rain and start to grow sending out roots and green shoots appear.


The seed gives its all to the plant emerging from it, its height, colour and texture. Eventually the ears that contain the seeds begin to appear, one seed produces many seeds.

The new plant reminds us of Jesus in his resurrection producing the new seeds that tell about Jesus. Those new seeds sown by faith into a person’s heart and are watered by the word quickened by Holy Spirit and grows into the likeness of Jesus within us to bear the seeds of the kingdom that are sown into the hearts of others.

Jesus’ return in two stages:
1/ Jesus calls out the church, the body of Christ
2/ Jesus returns to the Mount of Olives and the church comes with him

1/ Paul describes our meeting with Jesus in his first letter to the Thessalonians.
“For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until his coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord he will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-18

Jesus gave us insight into the resurrection and the churches resurrection when Lazarus was raised from the dead.
Mary and Martha had sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was very poorly, but Jesus did not respond immediately, he stayed a little while longer for two days in the place where he was.
Martha was told that Jesus was on the road approaching Bethany so she went out to meet Jesus and in her distress she cried out, “Lord if you had been here my brother would not have died.” Jesus re-assured her that there will be a resurrection,”Your brother will live again.” Martha replied, “I know that he will rise in the resurrection at the last day.”
Martha in her response confirms that she was one of the many Jews who held this belief.

Jesus told Martha about the resurrection of the believers in him. “I am the resurrection and the life: he who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11: 25, 26.

When Jesus arrived at Bethany Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days, after that length of time it was medically impossible for anyone to be resuscitated. Mary, Martha and Jesus went to the tomb, Jesus asked for the stone covering the entrance to be moved. Jesus prayed and then he called out, “Lazarus, come out” and to everyone’s amazement he did, he was resurrected from the dead.

Jesus’ own resurrection, the stone was rolled away and God raised Jesus from the dead, the linen cloths lay on the floor of the tomb. The trappings and sin of this life could not bind him. John 19: 40. 20: 6.
In the power of Jesus’ resurrection we are set free from all that Satan would try to bind us with because Jesus is our Lord and God.

We look again at Jesus’ words to Martha from the point of view of Jesus calling out his church from the earth,
“Though he was dead, yet shall he live?” Lazarus died in faith and Jesus called him out and raised him up from the grave. This illustrates that when the dead in Christ hear the call of Jesus, they will be resurrected to meet Jesus in the air.
“And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” Martha and Mary also heard Jesus’ call. Illustrating those who are alive will meet Jesus in the air when he calls out his church.
St. Paul wrote that we come together simultaneously to meet the Lord in the air and we shall be forever with the Lord Jesus. This true account taking place at the tomb is the picture of what takes place when Jesus calls out his church.

Jesus reminds us to watch out for the signs of his coming
Biblical prophesies that are being fulfilled in our life time.
Matthew 24: Jesus prophesied the conflicts between nations; we have had two world wars.
Ezekiel 34: 11-13. Ezekiel prophesied Israel’s to return to their home land. This prophecy was fulfilled approximately nineteen hundred years after their dispersion across the world in 70 AD.

Daniel 7: 24. Daniel prophesied a one world government; in my life time I’ve seen Globalisation taking us towards the world’s dependence on a global economy.
The World Bank was set up after the Second World War for reconstruction and development; it plays a bigger role today.
Globalisation of Industry and commerce; family run businesses like Cadbury’s chocolate and Terry’s of York have been swallowed up by the multinational company Kraft Foods. Another huge multinational company is Nestle; it is the largest food and nutrition company in the world and employs 280,000 people across the world. GlaxoSmithKline is the 3rd largest pharmaceutical company in the world.

The setting up of ‘the Library Group’ in America, 5 world leaders came together in response to the oil crisis in 1974. It is now the G8.
The world is moving towards one world government.

Jesus prophesied the distress of nations Luke 21: 25. Through global climate change every year we hear of severe famine in parts of Africa where the deserts are expanding and natural disasters are on the increase; volcanic eruptions, earthquakes followed by Tsunamis. During the tribulation period the earth will be effected by activity in the universe.

Daniel 12: 4. Daniel prophesied the increase of knowledge; civil wars we hear about them as they happen through mobile phones, we have seen the computer revolution and most recently synthetic biology; scientists have the capability to create some new form of life.

Apostasy Hebrews 6: 6.10: 26-31. in the 1960’s the Age of Aquarius the New Age Spirituality they declared the end of the age of Jesus Christ. More recently we have seen pagan religion recognised in England.

All these things point to the signs were Jesus could call out his church at any time.
Lord Jesus, may you give us the opportunity to sow the seeds of Jesus return today. Amen

Jesus having this expectation in himself of his coming, this expectation is in us, because Christ is in us.
This hope of Jesus’ coming is born in us through Jesus’ own desire to come from heaven and call out his church.
Jesus has given us assurance in his word that we shall meet him one day soon face to face. This is something really wonderful to look forward to, the most special event in the whole of our lives and it’s a shared event with our fellow believers in Christ.

The Messiah’s Secret – The Vineyard 'Christ in You'

Evening Service following the Lectionary Isaiah 5: 1-7. Mark 12: 1-12

Isaiah tells us that the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the house of Israel and the man of Judah.
God put everything in place for the vineyard on the hill to flourish, a wall and hedge around it, a watchtower was built and a pit dug for the wine press.

The Psalmist also wrote of Israel being the vine.
“Thou didst bring out of Egypt a vine, thou didst drive out the nations and plant it. “ Psalm 80: 8-19
The nation of Israel described as a vine when they left Egypt for the Promised Land where the vine was planted, the nation took root in the land of Canaan.
God tended, cared for and pruned the vine as they made their journey towards the Promised Land.

However, Isaiah prophesied Israel’s vineyard would produce wild grapes this was fulfilled in Jesus’ day. ”And he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded sour grapes.” Isaiah 5: 4.

The Parable of the Vineyard
Jesus described Israel as being tenants of the vineyard they were no longer the beloved vine. Jesus reproached the Pharisees for they neglected justice and the love of God; they were no longer producing good fruit.
Justice.
Jesus the true vine looked for justice; he taught that it was right to do good on the Sabbath Day. He acted on compassionate love very often going the extra mile to heal a sick person.
The Pharisees and Lawyers neglected justice they had taken away the key of knowledge; they added extra laws to the Laws of Moses these laws laid a heavy burden on the people, as they earned their righteousness under law. Luke 11: 42-52.
Love.
Jesus taught that the commandments were fulfilled in love: firstly to love God with all your heart, souls, strength and mind and secondly to love your neighbour as yourself. Loving the Lord with all your heart involves all the love we are capable of; with all the soul means giving the whole of our life to the Lord; with all our strength means doing everything to show love to him and with all our mind involves getting to know God especially through his word, for increased knowledge of him brings increased love.
The Pharisees, Sadducees, Layers and scribes their hearts were hardened, for them it was more important to keep the Sabbath day laws than for a person to be healed.
The towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were also condemned for their failure to repent after they had witnessed great miracles and healing. Luke 10: 13-16

The True Vine
Jesus said that he was the true vine, the root and stem of Jesse, the descendant of King David. Jesus bearing the fruit of God’s kingdom; healing the sick, raising the dead and the poor having the gospel preached to them.
John records Jesus prayer and towards the end of his prayer he spoke of being sanctified by the truth. “They, (his disciples) were not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.” John 17: 16 -19.

Sanctification – set apart for holy use.
Jesus sanctified himself by the truth of what he taught: The Sermon on the Mount Jesus spoke of plucking out and cutting off the offending member that leads us to sin.
Sanctification applies today in our walk in Christ; we are in the world but not part of it.
“The Word of God is living and active, sharper than a two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4: 12.
We are called to be led by the Holy Spirit abiding in the words Jesus heard from his Father.
The writers of the Gospels remembered Jesus’ words they would be precious to them and a sincere person would want to record them accurately. Luke in particular emphasises to Theophilus that this was a truthful account of the eyewitnesses and ministers of the word that he may know the truth concerning the things of which he had heard from the beginning.

The Tenants of the Vineyard
The owner sent his servant to collect some fruit from the vineyard, but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty handed. Another servant was sent but they wounded him and treated him shamefully. He sent another whom they killed him. Many others were sent some they beat and some they killed.
This is in reference to the prophets that God over many years he sent to convict the leaders and people of their need to turn back to God and repent.

Elijah spoke out against Israel’s King Ahab and Queen Jezebel’s dishonesty. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel desired Naboth’s vineyard, but Naboth would not give or sell his inheritance to them. Jezebel plotted against Naboth, she wrote a letter in King Ahab’s name to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people; and set two base fellows opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” The elders and nobles of Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had requested in the letter. Naboth an innocent man was killed by being stoned to death. As soon as Ahab heard from Jezebel that Naboth was dead, she encouraged him to go and take possession of the vineyard so King Ahab went and took possession of it. 1 Kings 21: 1-16.
Prophet John the Baptist was killed by King Herod for speaking out against his sin; Herod had married his brother Philip’s wife which was against the law.

Jesus the true vine did not unite himself to the sin of the Pharisees, Sadducees, lawyers and scribes.

Finally the owner sent his son, surely he thought that they would respect his son, but they treated him the same.
God sent his Son Jesus, the Messiah, Israel's leaders treated him with contempt.

Jesus prophesied his death, “This is the heir, let us kill him and the inheritance is ours.”

The unseen principalities and powers of darkness were hoping that by killing Jesus the devil had a claim on Israel’s vineyard.
Now it becomes clear as to why Jesus separated himself from the sin of the Pharisees, Sadducees and Lawyers. They were influenced by the inherited sin of their fallen nature.

The devil, who knew that Jesus was the Christ, but he did not know God’s plan of redemption through Jesus’ death and resurrection, which secured the victory over the devil’s power over death, sin and causes of sin, resulting in mankind’s fallen nature. Mark 1: 24, 34.

The tenants took the son they had killed and cast him out of the vineyard.
Another prophecy in the parable, Jesus was killed outside Jerusalem’s city walls, the Jews made a sin offering of a red heifer outside the city walls.
This sacrifice was to atone for “death.” its ashes were used for purification rituals and were kept at the gates outside the walls of the city.
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power over death, that is the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to life long bondage. Hebrews 2: 14, 15

Death has no more dominion over us.
The sin that leads to death has been dealt with by Jesus when he bore our sin on the cross and paid the price for it by lying down his innocent life and in his risen life we see the victory over death.
Through God given faith, hearing or reading, the living words of Jesus are received into the heart, the centre of our being. The Holy Spirit dwelling within us acts upon the words and by a miracle we are changed, our hardened hearts are transformed, made new, we know that death has lost its fear in us and that Jesus is our Lord God and Saviour.

The True Vine - Christ in You
Jesus the true vine, the natural make up of the vine, interpreting the way of abiding in Christ.
“If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.” John 15: 7
The branches are totally dependant upon its life’s source from the main stem and roots and we need the care and attention of the vinedresser to help the vine to produce good fruit.
The branch, the Christian is called to walk in the Spirit and bear the fruit of God’s word so it’s us working with the living word Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit.
A branch is complete, all that is required of it, is to grow and bear the fruit of its own harvest
and it is equal to all the other branches in its composition and description, the abundance of fruit does vary.
A Christian has the potential to be Christ-like using the gifts of the Spirit and is responsible for the working out of our calling in Christ’s body, the church.

The fruit of the vine the grape is widely used to make wine as it has more spirit content when fermented than other fruits.

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in his love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”
Love is the sap that rises from the root of the vine to the branches. The Holy Spirit fills each believer with the love of God,
The Holy Spirit’s gift of discernment is given freely to the believer, today more than ever we need this gift of discernment to help us stand against the wiles of the devil. Jesus tells us to ask and you shall receive.

In the parable the vineyard is given to another to bear the fruit of it. When we read Luke’s account of this parable, the others are the Gentiles.
The vineyard is comprised of both Jew and Gentile. The cross breaking down the barrier between Jew and Gentile. Ephesians 2: 11-22.

The Messiah’s Secret
At Pentecost was the first time the Apostles proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ. However, the leaders did not repent and bring the nation to accept Jesus as their true vine, the Christ.

Maybe if Jesus had been stoned to death under law the leaders of the ruling council would have considered that Jesus was the risen Christ. But as we know Jesus was killed by crucifixion which was a Roman execution therefore to a Jewish person God had allowed him to be defiled by the Gentiles which was against the law. The high priest Caiaphas was a Sadducee and they did not believe in the resurrection from the dead. These difficulties proved to be a stumbling block for the Jews to respond to the call as a nation to accept Jesus as the Christ and for them as a nation of priests to take the good news of the Christ to the rest of the world.
The Apostles were setting up the kingdom in Jerusalem in expectation of Jesus’ return with the angels and probably were hoping for a change of heart like that of King Ahab who repented of his sin against Naboth when he heard what Jezebel had done. 1 Kings 21: 25-29.

Counterfeit Vineyard of the Antichrist.
Paul in his letter to the church at Thessalonica he wrote informing them that they had not missed the calling out of the church.
They were suffering persecution and were watching and listening for Jesus calling out his church.
Paul re-assures them that the antichrist has not yet been revealed.
“The lawless one revealed by the activity of Satan will be with all power and with pretended signs and wonders and with all wicked deception for those who are to perish because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion, to make them believe what is false.” 1 Thessalonians 2: 8-12.

Battle of Armageddon
“Angels gather clusters of grapes for the wine press, trodden under the severity of God. Revelation 14: 17-20
This is the battle were the powers of darkness will be defeated and where Jesus reigns on the earth with a rod of iron.

The Messiah’s Secret - The days of Noah

Friday 16th March Christians Together Meeting in Haslingden, England

My nephew who now lives in Australia came to know Jesus as his Lord and Saviour through hearing about the prophesied signs that precede Jesus ‘second coming that are currently being fulfilled. One of these signs Jesus referred to was the days before the flood of Noah.

 

“But of the day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man. For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of man. Then two men will be in the field; one taken the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one taken the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24: 36-42.

Days of Noah before the flood
Jesus indicated to his disciples that the sign of his coming it would be like the days of Noah were murder, polygamy and violence were rampant.
Before the flood Cain murdered Abel, afterwards he became a wanderer, a fugitive; his sin separated him from God.
Polygamy is mentioned; Lamech had two wives Adah and Zillah. He boasted to them that he had killed two men in self defence.
However after Seths’ son Enos was born, “Then men began to call upon the name of the Lord.” Genesis 4: 26

Jared’s son Enoch walked with God. Enoch named his son Methuselah which means ”When he is dead it shall come.” The name of his son prophesied the coming judgment. (The flood judgment) “Dake’s Annoted Reference Bible” Published 1961

Enoch was translated when he was 365 years old, he did not die, as a result he did not go through the flood judgment. Genesis 5: 21-24
His son Methuselah was born when Enoch was 65 years old. Methuselah lived till he was 969 years old.
Methuselah lived 187 years when his son Lamech was born. Lamech was 182 years when Noah was born. Adding the two figures together, we find that Methuselah was 369 years old when Noah was born; it was in the 600th year of Noah’s life when the flood began. Methuselah died in the year of the flood fulfilling the prophecy in his name, ”When he is dead it shall come.”

Judgment
“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6: 5.

Noah was a man who walked with God and God asked him to make an ark. The ark would hold Noah and his family 8 persons in all, along with two of a kind of every living creature.

Extract from the Blog ‘Emmanuel.’ (Isaiah named his two sons with the prophesies given to him
The eldest son Shearjashub meaning ‘a remnant shall be saved.’ Isaiah 6: 13
Isaiah’s youngest son Mahershalahashbaz
The name meaning ‘The wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the King of Assyria.” Damascus and Israel and later Judah would be taken over by the King of Assyria. Isaiah 8: 1-8
Isaiah must have been delighted with the fulfilment of this word as it confirmed that his two sons were visible signs that God was with the people of Judah.)

Days of Noah the sign of Jesus’ coming.
St. Paul wrote of ‘Times of stress’ in the last days, “For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanders, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people.” 2 Timothy 3: 1-5
Add to what Paul wrote the following:
During my life time I’ve seen a dramatic increase in murder, a decline in marriage and divorce rates that have soared.
The majority of people do not place their hopes in Jesus or in the God given biblical prophesies in the Bible. Instead hopes are placed in science and technology as the means to provide answers to the ultimate question of ‘How did life begin? and ‘The securing of eternal life through science.’ Bodies that can have new parts as they wear out.
Synthetic biology is
A) the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems,
B) the re-design of existing, natural biological systems for useful purposes.
I ask myself how far will God allow mankind to travel along this path of human engineering.

Nuclear Energy
We have the unstable nations developing nuclear technology plus the natural disasters that can have devastating consequences like the Japanese Nuclear power plant hit by the earthquake followed by the tsunami.
The land surrounding the plant is now uninhabitable and the people who once lived there are now affected by radiation from the explosions and fire that took place as the nuclear rods over heated.

Space Exploration
Cain left the Eden and became a wanderer in the earth. Our failure to steward the earth’s resources plus the human fallen nature’s desire to control everything and everybody, which usually ends up in conflict between people. Our human instinct is leading us to wander across the universe looking for planets that would sustain life as we know it on the earth.

Have we got the answers to our current world problems? I do not think so. We are certainly living in the days like that of Noah before the flood.

Enoch’s Prophecy
Jude wrote of Enoch’s far reaching prophecy, “Behold, the Lord came with his holy myriads, to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness which they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” Jude 14, 15.

Jesus spoke of his coming death before he could bring in the Day of Judgment.
“I came to cast a fire upon the earth and would that it were already kindled. I have a baptism to be baptised with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished.” Luke 12: 49, 50.

The fire of judgment that the Messiah would bring in was not to be kindled until after his death, resurrection and ascension.
Jesus having accomplished the task that his Father had given him to do: to take upon himself sin and the causes of sin by paying the price with his life’s blood being poured out in his death on the cross, where he made that final sacrifice for sin. God raised Jesus from the dead, and Jesus was seen by over 500 people after his resurrection.
It is through faith in what Jesus has done for us on the cross we receive forgiveness of all that stood against us: the generational inherited sin of Adam and Eve and personal sin. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead by God so we are raised up with Christ. We are baptised into his death and resurrection and receive the gift of eternal life.

Water Baptism
Peter in his first letter tells us that when Jesus went to the place where the lost souls of Noah’s flood were held. They heard from Jesus the message of salvation and were given the opportunity to accept or reject it. Those who received his message were raised from the grave on the day of Jesus crucifixion. 1 Peter 3:18-22 Matthew 27: 52, 53. Ephesians 4: 8

The flood waters are like the bitter water found at Marah
The Israelites left Egypt and as they travelled towards the promised land through the desert, they found themselves without water. In their search for water they came upon a pool but the water was bitter and undrinkable. Moses prayed to the Lord, in response to his prayer the Lord showed him a tree he threw it into the water. Afterwards they found the water was sweet and drinkable. Exodus 15: 22-25.
This illustrates water baptism were the bitter water represents sin and the tree represents the cross forgiveness of sins, and the sweet water represents the new life in Christ.
The Flood
The Flood represents sin and judgment.
The wooden ark representing the cross, the cross carried the Saviour; Jesus paid the price for our sin and the causes of sin through his life’s blood being poured out as the final offering for sin against God.
The dry land representing forgiveness that opens the way to the beginning of a new transformed life.

Jesus having this expectation in himself of his coming, this expectation is in us, because Christ is in us.
This hope of Jesus’ coming is born in us through Jesus’ own desire to come from heaven and call out his church.
“Then two men will be in the field; one taken the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one taken the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”

Where ever Christians are found or what ever we are doing when we hear Jesus’ call, we leave the earth to meet Jesus in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4: 16, 17. Like Enoch who did not die and did not go through the judgment, we will be translated into Christ’s kingdom.

Mary, Martha and Lazarus. (Signs of the Times by M. R DeHaan)
Martha was told that Jesus was on the road approaching Bethany so she went out to meet Jesus and in her distress she cried out, “Lord if you had been here my brother would not have died.” Jesus re-assured her that there will be a resurrection, ”Your brother will live again.” Martha replied, “I know that he will rise in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus told Martha about the resurrection of believers in him. “I am the resurrection and the life: he who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11: 25, 26.
We look again at Jesus’ words to Martha from the point of view of Jesus calling out his church from the earth,
“Though he was dead, yet shall he live?” Lazarus died in faith and Jesus called him out and raised him up from the grave. This illustrates that when the dead in Christ hear the call of Jesus, they will be resurrected to meet Jesus in the air.
“And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” Martha and Mary also heard Jesus’ call. Illustrating those who are alive will meet Jesus in the air when he calls out his church.
St. Paul wrote that we come together simultaneously to meet the Lord in the air and we shall be forever with the Lord Jesus. This true account taking place at the tomb is the picture of what takes place when Jesus calls out his church.

"Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”
We need to be ready for Jesus’ coming. Noah believed God’s word to him that he would make an end of all flesh because of the violence and with them destroy the earth.
Noah and his family lived through the flood judgment by being kept safe in the ark; they escaped the judgment, like the Christians who will go through the tribulation their salvation will be kept safe in heaven.
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3: 4

The Messiah’s Secret – I AM the Resurrection and the Life

Jesus showing the characteristics of God his Father:

God loves and adores his children.
The magnificence of the Lord our God’s kindness to those who believe in his name.
His ways are meticulous and everlasting.
God’s love and mercies endure for ever; he never tires of caring for us.
God our Father is hurt when we do not go to him in prayer with our needs.
He is in the heights and the depths of humanity.
He rejoices over the good and strengthens the feeble.
Jesus is truthful and compassionate in all his ways.
The Lord never grows weak or loses patience; he gives grace to the humble.
Always ready to serve the needs of others especially the poor and downtrodden.
He comforts the lowly, a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief.
He made an offering of himself to save us.
Giver of eternal life.
“For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has bidden me.” John 12: 49

Jesus taught and put it into practice what he heard from God his Father.
Jesus was facing up to the fact that he was going to be killed, and in the foreknowledge of God he knew that he was to be raised from the dead. When Peter heard Jesus say this, it did not meet with his understanding of Hebrew scriptures. They were taught from the law that when the Messiah comes he would remain forever. Mark 8: 31-38. John 12: 34.

Jesus taught us that in dying to self, it is the means by which we live for God.
In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus was greatly distressed and troubled, his soul was sorrowful unto death and he asked his Father if the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what thou wilt.” Mark 14: 32-42. Jesus wrestled with the pressure of the fallen world of self preservation, he surrendered his own will to do his Father’s will and go the cross.
We can only please the Lord our God by acknowledging his sovereignty over us and in that he has our wellbeing foremost in his heart as we listen and assert ourselves to do the Lord’s will. ‘I will to do the will of God and not of myself or satan.’

Taking up the cross by dying to self.
Lent is a time when we discipline ourselves acknowledging what is worldly in our life like: comfort eating because of personal problems or even boredom, becoming addicted to watching more TV or socially participating in what conflicts with our beliefs and the word of God. It also prepares us for our meeting with Jesus that could take place at any time. This spiritual health check ensures that we will not be ashamed of how much stubble will be burnt when we come before the judgement seat of Christ for rewards. We are rewarded for what we do for Jesus in our witness and service in making Christ known. 1 Corinthians 3: 13-15

In verse 38 Jesus was looking forward beyond his resurrection when he spoke of his return with the angels. There are two events concerning Jesus’ second coming: firstly Christians are looking forward to his coming when he calls out his church from the earth, this meeting in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-18.
The second is were Jesus comes to the earth, his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives and the church shall come with him. Acts 1: 10, 11. Zechariah 12: 10

These expectations were taught by Jesus.
Jesus having this expectation in himself of his coming, this expectation is in us, because Christ is in us.
This hope of Jesus’ coming is born in us through Jesus’ own desire to come from heaven and call out his church.

This is illustrated in the resurrection of Lazarus.

Mary, Martha and Lazarus. (Signs of the Times by M. R DeHaan)
Mary and Martha had sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was very poorly, but Jesus did not respond immediately, he stayed a little while longer for two days in the place where he was.

Martha was told that Jesus was on the road approaching Bethany so she went out to meet Jesus and in her distress she cried out, “Lord if you had been here my brother would not have died.” Jesus re-assured her that there will be a resurrection,”Your brother will live again.” Martha replied, “I know that he will rise in the resurrection at the last day.”
Martha in her response to these words was looking to the resurrection at the end of the world. How many people today believe like Martha that the dead will rise together in a general resurrection at the last day?

Jesus told Martha about the resurrection of believers in him. “I am the resurrection and the life: he who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11: 25, 26.

When Jesus arrived at Bethany Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days, after that length of time it was medically impossible for anyone to be resuscitated. Mary, Martha and Jesus went to the tomb, Jesus asked for the stone covering the entrance to be moved. Jesus prayed and then he called out, “Lazarus, come out” and to everyone’s amazement he did, he was resurrected from the dead.

We look again at Jesus’ words to Martha from the point of view of Jesus calling out his church from the earth,
“Though he was dead, yet shall he live?” Lazarus died in faith and Jesus called him out and raised him up from the grave. This illustrates that when the dead in Christ hear the call of Jesus, they will be resurrected to meet Jesus in the air.
“And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” Martha and Mary also heard Jesus’ call. Illustrating those who are alive will meet Jesus in the air when he calls out his church.
St. Paul wrote that we come together simultaneously to meet the Lord in the air and we shall be forever with the Lord Jesus. This true account taking place at the tomb is the picture of what takes place when Jesus calls out his church.
This word is a love letter from the bridegroom Jesus to his bride, the church. Jesus giving us assurance that we shall meet him one day soon face to face. This is something really wonderful to look forward to, the most special event in the whole of our lives and it’s a shared event with our fellow believers in Christ.
After the church meets the Lord we celebrate the marriage of the lamb to his bride the church. This is followed by the marriage supper. Revelation 19: 7
Luke records Jesus telling his disciples that many will come and sit at table with Jacob and the patriarchs and there Jesus will help serve the meal. The humility of our Lord God he waits on all believers at the table in his kingdom. Luke 12: 37. Matthew 8: 11.
The marriage supper takes place before Jesus comes and stands on the Mount of Olives. Scripture states that we come with him and also accompanied by all the armies of heaven. Revelation 19: 14

Jesus’ coming to the earth
No sooner had Jesus ascended into heaven when he sent a message via the two angels that were standing with the disciples on the Mount of Olives. “And while they were gazing into heaven as Jesus went, behold two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1: 10, 11.
Jesus was looking forward to his return, he will come his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives and Zechariah’s prophecy will be fulfilled, “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of compassion and supplication, so that, when they look on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a first-born.” Zechariah 12: 10.

Jesus having this expectation in himself of his coming, this expectation is in us, because Christ is in us.

The Messiah's Secret - Transfiguration Kept a Secret

Mount Tabor

James, John and Peter were asked by Jesus to keep his meeting with Moses and Elijah a secret, until after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
I wondered what would have happened if the disciples had told the leaders and people about this meeting before Jesus’ death and resurrection. If the people had heard from the disciples that Jesus was seen with Elijah, it may have satisfied the people that Elijah had heralded and revealed the Messiah. However, it would have caused a real problem for Jesus, because he knew he had to die on a cross and on the third day be raised from the dead.

Also the people would probably have put an even greater demand on Jesus to make him their King which would have been insurrection, an illegal uprising.
We read of instances were the people wanted to make Jesus their King: On the first occasions; "Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew himself from the people because they wanted to make him their king. John 6: 15
The second was the triumphant entry into Jerusalem verse 36, ” When Jesus had said this, he departed and hid himself from them.” John 12 : 12-36

James, John and Peter did not tell anyone about the Transfiguration until after Jesus was risen from the dead.

"Trust and obey for there is no other way" This hymn reminds us that we can trust that the Lord knows our situations and he has prepared the way before us. We might look at the options but it is always best to obey the Lord.

In our reading as they came down the mountain James, John and Peter questioned Jesus about Elijah, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?”
Jesus pointed out that Elijah had already come and he had been treated with contempt as it was written about him.

The similarity between Elijah and John the Baptist’s ministry.
Elijah was known as the troubler of Israel. 1 Kings 18: 17
Elijah spoke out against King Ahab and Queen Jezebel’s idolatry. The King and Queen of Israel supported the prophets of Baal the Canaanite god and they killed the prophets of the God of Israel. Elijah challenged Ahab to see whose god would consume the sacrifice with fire. He built his altar and the prophets of Baal built theirs. But it was Elijah’s altar and sacrifice that was consumed by fire. Afterwards he slew the prophets of Baal. The reaction from Jezebel she intended to take her revenge by having Elijah killed. Elijah’s response to hearing this he fled to Beersheba.
Later we read that Elijah anointed Elisha as his successor. Elijah and Elisha walked crossed over the Jordan and whilst walking along the banks of the river a sudden whirlwind caught Elijah and he was taken up into heaven.2 Kings 2:8-12

John the Baptist troubled King Herod
John the Baptist spoke out against King Herod marrying his brother Philips’ wife Herodias as it was against the Law of Moses. Herod was so annoyed he had John arrested and put him in prison. Sometime later Herod held a banquet for his birthday. During the evening Herodias’ daughter danced before Herod and his guests he was so pleased that he offered to give her anything she wanted. After he said this she consulted with her mother and asked for John’s head to be brought to her on a platter. Herod was put in the position of upholding his promise to her so he reluctantly obliged. Matthew 14: 1-10

Elijah and John the Baptist were steadfast in their walk with God.

Jesus troubled the Jews
The high priest asked Jesus at his trial, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, ”I am; and you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Mark 15: 61,62. They all condemned him as deserving death.
“The Messiah’s Secret.” page 83
“As the people watched Jesus dying on the cross someone shouted,’Lets see if Elijah will come and take him down.’ Mark 15: 36. They expected Elijah to come at the Passover, he was to come and announce the Messiah’s arrival. The man who shouted wanted to see if Elijah would come and rescue Jesus before he died and proclaim him as the Messiah, then they would believe in him. “Come down from the cross and we will believe in him,” said the chief priests, scribes and elders.”
“At the Passover table a place is set for Elijah, the herald of the Messiah, and he would announce that the Messiah had at last come. For the rabbis say the Messiah is most likely to come on the night of the Passover, so the traditional cup and an empty chair awaits him.”
The man was no doubt disappointed as Elijah did not appear.
The peoples expectation of Elijah coming in person was very great. Jesus had told them that John the Baptist ministered in the spirit and power of Elijah. Matthew 11: 14. Luke 1:17.

At Jesus’ trial he said, “You will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Jesus has promised that he will come again, the first occasion is when he will call out his body of believers, the church.

Jesus having this expectation in himself of his coming, this expectation is in us, because Christ is in us.
This hope of Jesus’ coming is born in us through Jesus’ own desire to come from heaven and call out his church.

This reminds us of were Paul expounds Jesus' coming his calling out of the church: 'Those who have died in faith will be raised up to meet Jesus in the air and those who are alive will be taken up from the earth so together we shall meet the Lord in the air'. I see John the Baptist representing those who have died in faith and Elijah representing those taken up from the earth. 1 Thessalonians 4: 15,16.
in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he has given to us further understanding of this meeting in the air, “I tell you a mystery, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed in a moment. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and this mortal nature must put on immortality.” 1 Corinthians 15: 51-53.

God is able to do what seems impossible to us, to change our human bodies, to a body that will continue for ever.

When I was a girl I enjoyed watching the wild life in a nearby pond.
The Pond


The life cycle of a Dragonfly.
The dragonfly lays its eggs on the stems of grasses that grow around the edge of the pond. The eggs drop off the stem into the water where they hatch. The ‘nymph’ eat small fishes, tad poles and other creatures that reside in the pond. They live totally in the water they do not breath air and they know nothing of the world outside the pond.
They live in the pond between 1 and 3 years until a change begins in their bodies as they develop wings. Eventually they reach the stage were they climb up a plant stem and as they approach the surface, they breathe air for the first time and their wings are released. Then the moment arrives they fly away from the pond into a new world and a new life.


Just like the dragonfly I firmly believe that our creator God is able to change our bodies from being mortal bodies into immortal bodies.
We are born into this world knowing only about God our creator. It is when we hear and receive the good news about Jesus that the reality of knowing God transforms our inner being and unites us to the kingdom of our God and Saviour.

This life cycle also explains the resurrection.
The egg representing a person who hears and receives the good news about Jesus.
The water representing the hidden depths of our sinful lives and were Jesus forgives us and frees us from all unrighteousness. After confessing our sin to God, our sin is dealt with by Jesus as he bore our sin upon the cross, we are crucified with Christ.
The rising to new life represents were we are raised up and translated into Christ's kingdom. Colossians 1: 13.

Booths
At the Transfiguration why did Peter suggest making three booths one for Moses, one for Elijah and one for Jesus?
Was it to commemorate the meeting between the three of them? Or was it prophetic of a booth called the church that Peter would help to build along with the other Apostles and early followers.

Booths
Jacob made peace with his brother Esau afterwards Jacob and his family journeyed to Succoth and there he built himself a house, and made booths for his cattle.
The Jews commemorate this event with Succoth - The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths. Lev 23: 40-44

Succoth – The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths
This feast also commemorates the Booths the Israelites constructed and lived in on their wilderness journey to the Promised Land.
"It takes place in the autumn in September or early October and for seven days the Jewish people live in Booths made up of leafy branches, and branches of willow and palm. During that week at certain times in their services they rejoice waving their ‘Lulav’ thanking God for his provision of shelter for the Israelites on their journey. “The Lulav consists of a palm branch, myrtle and willow tied together by a golden thread. They also celebrate the harvest and take with them a citrus fruit symbolic of the fruit of the Promised Land”. “Feasts of Israel” by Victor Buksbazen

The word “Booth” had a double meaning: a structure made up of leafy branches, palm and willow and a tabernacle - A tent made of animal skins and later Solomon constructed a tabernacle made of stone.
Moses was given the pattern to make the tabernacle in the wilderness.
“And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst, According to all that I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.” Exodus 25: 8, 9.
“On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of testimony; and at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning.” Numbers 9: 15 – 23.

The prophetic message of ‘Succoth – The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths’ that there is shelter in the tabernacle of God under the wings of the God’s glory, for the Jew first, and also the Gentile.

Prophesy relating to the coming of the Messiah
“In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old. That they might possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by my name, “says the Lord who does this.”” Amos 9: 11, 12.

The Booth that Peter would help build was Christ’s Church.
Jesus said to Peter, “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church.” Matthew 16: 18
The Booth or Tabernacle of David is no longer a shelter made of leafy branches or a building made of animal skin or stone, but in a person Jesus Christ.

From my studies Peter was the first leader of the church at Jerusalem. He had been chosen by Jesus to shepherd the early church, “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter said to him, “Lord; you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” John 21: 15-17.
Jesus gave to Peter the keys of the kingdom. Peter using one key opened the door of the kingdom to the Jews at Pentecost and used the second key to open the door of the kingdom to the Gentiles, when he visited the Centurion Cornelius and his family with the good news about Jesus. Acts 2: 14, 22, 29, 36. 10:1, 34,35. 11: 19.

James the Lord’s brother was the second leader of the early church.
"The letter of James is traditionally identified as James the Lord’s brother. (Matthew 13. 55; Mark 6. 3) The brothers of Jesus did not believe in him during his ministry (Mark 3.21, 33-35; John 7. 3-9) after the ascension, however, the brothers of Jesus are found with the Jerusalem church (Acts1.14) and Paul speaks of the appearance of the risen Lord to James (1 Corinthians 15.7) who became leader in the Jerusalem church. (Acts 12.17; 15.13; 21.18; Galatians 1.19; 2.9, 12)". Notes taken from Eyre & Spottiswoode Study Bible Revised Standard Version.

James quoted Amos prophecy at the Jerusalem Conference
The Apostles, Elders and followers had gathered at Jerusalem to discuss the question about the Gentiles coming to faith. James reminded the assembly, “Brethren listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, “After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up, that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, Say the Lord, who has made these things known from of old.” Acts 15: 13-18

The temple with its tabernacle was still in place when James and Simeon quoted from the book of Amos. James implied that the ruins were not a building, but the re-establishing of the throne and kingdom of the Davidic line in Jesus the Messiah, Also that the Gentile who accepts the Messiah would enter into the kingdom.

Christ's body, the church, embraces and shelters all who believe in Jesus, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave or free, there is neither male or female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3: 28


Our bodies are temporal just like the booths.
When I write a letter I place it in an envelope,write on the address and put a stamp on it and post it believing that it will arrive in due course to its destination. The envelope is the means of containing the letter which is the important part. When the letter is received I expect the envelope to be disregarded and disposed of.

The envelope is like our bodies and the letter is like the soul/spirit of the person contained within our bodies, this is the most important part of us. When we die it is like the letter being taken out of the envelope and kept, so our soul is kept in heaven. Our bodies return to dust, but I believe that when the calls out his church, those Christians who have died their dust will be gathered and will have their resurrected immortal body, and together with those who are alive will meet the Lord in the air.
Even though I do not fully understand, I do not put limits to what our Lord God can do.

The Messiah’s Secret – Morning Star "Christ in you" Part 7

The Transfiguration
“And after six days Jesus took with him James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves; and he was transfigured before them and his garments became glistening, intensely white, as no fuller on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And suddenly looking around they no longer saw any one with them but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of man should have risen from the dead.” Mark 9: 2-9

This account of 'The Transfiguration' Mark's source coming from James, John or Peter. The Transfiguration was kept a secret until after Jesus’ resurrection. These three disciples saw a glimpse of the kingdom of God that day on the mountain, seeing Jesus speaking to Moses and Elijah.

Peter being an eye witness referred to the transfiguration in his second letter. In it he gives us further observations that are both natural and theological in content.
Peter wrote of the majesty of Jesus. He must have noticed the manner in which Jesus spoke to Elijah and Moses; his gracious demeanour.
I’ve noticed our Queen as she makes her way through a crowd of well wishers, she is so gracious and carries authority of her regal office were ever she goes.

Peter also noticed that Jesus received honour and glory from his Father God by being recognised as his Son, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
In reference to God, Peter used the words ‘Majestic Glory.’ The sovereignty of God, the kingly greatness of the Lord of all creation.

Peter went on to say making a theological point, “Jesus is the prophetic word made sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place.” The testimony of King David “The word a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.” 2 Peter 1: 16-19. Psalm 119: 105.

Peter was referring to the lampstand that lit the room called the Holy Place this room was next to ‘The Most Holy Place’ or also known as ‘The Holy of Holies’. It was a room with no natural light, the priests worked in there making the shrewbread, tended the altar of incense and filled the lampstand with olive oil, its’ seven lamps were kept lit, never to go out.

 

I purchased this miniature brass lampstand from the Jewish Museum in Manchester, England.

The lamp gave artificial light, but its symbolism refers to Jesus Christ ‘The light of the world.’

The lampstand had no joints or sections; it was made out of a single block of pure gold. It was beaten, hammered into shape. It had six branches going out of its sides, three branches on one side and three on the other.
These branches had flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms on them. On the shaft were four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. One bud was under the first pair of branches going out from the lampstand. A second bud under the second pair and a third bud under the third pair. The buds and the branches were all of one piece with the lampstand, in total there were seven lamps that made up the lampstand. Exodus 37: 17-23

The whole Lampstand – Jesus, the light of the world.
The gold from the earth, beaten into shape from one block. Jesus coming from heaven contained in his body the church. In Christ before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1: 4.

The composition of the Lampstand.
The Base - Jesus the source of our eternal life.
The shaft - bearing the branches as it serves the branches with the oil. Jesus is all in all, strengthening and caring for his family of believers.
The branches - the church enlightened by the Word, individually members of one another
The oil - filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Below some scriptures about the light of Christ.

”To give the light of the knowledge of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4: 6.

“Having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1: 18.

The seven churches in Revelation are described as being seven lampstands. Revelation 1: 20.
The church embraces the whole light of Christ. This light is able to penetrate the darkest of sinful lives, as a result enabling a person to have the opportunity to enter into the light, the knowledge of Jesus and his forgiveness and love and to know the power of his resurrection that transforms lives from the darkness of a living death, a tomb or a tunnel, or a pit of sludge or being stranded like a beached whale. Jesus saves us, rescues us, loves us and calls us his own.

We are the branches of the Lampstand
The Light of Christ in You
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory shall be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Isaiah: 60: 1-3

The Morning Star
“I Jesus have sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star. Rev 22: 16.
We see the stars shining brightly in the heavens, the stars are an emblem of a lofty position. Rev 2: 28
Jesus’ brightness like that of a morning star. This star shines brightly as the sun rises at dawn. Peter wrote, “Until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your heart.” 2 Peter 1: 19

The presence of God is within every believer in Jesus Christ.
The dawning in a person’s heart of the knowledge of the truth about Jesus is just amazing the presence of the Lord inwardly becomes real, not just to ourselves but to others as the light of Jesus is visibly seen in us.
I’ve seen the light of Christ shining in Christians on a number of occasions: In my twenties I saw the light of Christ in a young man who today would be described as having learning difficulties. It was lunch time and my sister and I were passing through a room where this young man was sat reading. We asked him what he was reading. He looked up and said that he was reading his Bible and began to quote from what he was reading; as soon as he spoke I saw his face was glowing in the light of Christ.
On another occasion a lady came to my market stall as we conversed she told me that she was a Christian as soon as she started to tell me this her face shone with the light of Christ.
I’ve also seen the light on a line of scripture in my Bible, some time ago.
On another occasion I was at a church function the room well lit and full of people. I happened to look across the room and saw around the head of the late Rev Ron Freeman, a halo around his head and in the light the word ‘love.’ I realised that others have seen the halo of light around the heads of Christians; many of the pictures of people painted on stained glass windows have the halo around the heads of them.

 

The light of the perfect day approaching.
When I thought about these two men talking with Jesus. Moses died in old age and Elijah was translated into heaven taken up by the whirlwind by the banks of the Jordon River. When Jesus calls out his body of believers Paul tells that those who have died in faith will be raised up to meet Jesus in the air and those who are alive will be taken up from the earth so together we shall meet the Lord in the air. I see Moses representing those who have died in faith and Elijah representing those taken up from the earth to meet the Lord.

Jesus having this expectation in himself of his coming, this expectation is in us, because Christ is in us.
This hope of Jesus’ coming is born in us through Jesus’ own desire to come from heaven and call out his church.

After Jesus has called out his church.
Elijah and Moses.
James, John and Peter seeing Moses and Elijah together with Jesus, is it possible that they will be the two witnesses identified by John in Revelation. The signs that were done by Elijah and Moses in their life time are performed by the two witnesses in Revelation 11?

Two Jewish men in the power and Spirit of Elijah and Moses.
Arnold Fruchtenbaum “Footsteps of the Messiah” suggests that these two witnesses will probably be two Jewish men whom God raises up at the beginning of the tribulation. He also writes; "The scripture clearly teach that Elijah is to return before the tribulation. But there is no scriptural warrant to make Elijah one of the two witnesses." Page 159
These men empowered by the Lord to perform signs similar to that of Moses and Elijah.

The Two Witnesses witness during the first part of the tribulation
In the last book of the New Testament ‘Revelation’ the Apostle John wrote about the two witnesses; two olive trees and two lampstands.
The produce of the olive trees provided oil for the lampstands.
The two witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit will give testimony to Jesus and prophecy for 1,260 days.
They have the power for: fire to pour from their mouths and consume their foes, to with hold rain from the earth during the time of their prophesying and they have the power over the waters to turn them into blood and to smite the earth with plagues.

Elijah brought fire from heaven and consumed his foes and his prayer held back the rain.

“Elijah the Tishbite in Gilead said to King Ahab, “As the Lord the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years except by my word.” 1 Kings 17: 1.
“After many days the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go show yourself to Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.” 1 Kings 18: 1.

Moses
Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and asked him to let the Hebrew people leave Egypt, but Pharaoh refused to let them leave. Moses holding the rod struck the Nile and its water’s turned into blood. Exodus 7: 20

Elijah was called ’the troubler of Israel’ as he spoke out against the idolatry of Israel.
In Revelation chapter eleven after the prophesied death of the two witnesses by the antichrist. Their bodies will be left on the street as a gesture of defiance by those spoken out against because of their sinful lives by the two witnesses; they will rejoice and celebrate by giving each other presents.
Their rejoicing will be short lived as God resurrects the two witnesses and they ascend into heaven.

Christians from the Tribulation gathered before the throne of Jesus
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands . . . . . Then one of the elders addressed me saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb.” Revelation 7: 9-17
The two witnesses bring forth a multitude of believers through their faithful witness. The palm branches held by the tribulation saints are in connection with “The Feast of tabernacles or Booths”

Assurance from the words of scripture.
The Lord has given us the light of his word that his church for today, that we will not enter into the Tribulation. “Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1: 10.

Let us rejoice in the hope that we have and pray for those who do not yet have this peace and assurance. Lord, may our witness today bring people to faith in Jesus. Amen