Jerusalem - The City which Fascinates.

Over the next three weeks I will feature some thoughts about Jerusalem. The Islamic world  seeks to deny history and dismiss Israel from ever possessing the land. Only the historically illitterate can speak such nonsense. I want to consider the Jerusalem theme today and next week, Jerusalem the                    poisoned chalice and finally Jerusalem - redeemed and crowned.

Jerusalem – the city which fascinates

 A city built upon a hill cannot be hid. If that city is Jerusalem, neither can it be ignored. This ancient city arouses passion such as no other. Every stone has a story locked within its grains. Secular and sacred history have left their imprint on the landscape of the human heart and mind. However, unseen though signed off in the Bible is the conviction that Jerusalem is where Yahweh’s heart is set. “I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name may be there … 2 Chronicles 6:6.                                                                                                      

It was the Lord of Hosts desire that Jerusalem would be the throne of His King of the lineage of David. When the tabernacle and then the Temple sat on Zion’s hill the glory of God could be seen. His presence was expressed from the Holy of holies through the visible Shekinah cloud. Whilst He dwelt there the city was indestructible. Unfortunately, the leaders and the people took God for granted. They imagined He would not fulfil his threat to express wrath over their sin. Never, no never, not ever imagine God doesn’t call to account. His holiness and justice demand He exercise what His word says.

Though judgement seemed a long time in coming its delay only increased its ferocity. It came in the guise of the Babylonian nation under Nebuchadnezzar. Twice His armies raided and cowered the people but Jerusalem remained. Why? God’s presence was evident in the temple. Then Ezekiel recorded the reluctant God vacating His dwelling. In chapters 8-11 you can read the slow, almost agonising retreat to the Mount of Olives. Now the nation was vulnerable. Now Nebuchadnezzar at his third attempt overran it. The significance of the Lord’s choice moving to the Mount of Olives will become evident in a later chapter.
Psalm 137 depicts the grief experienced by the people of Israel. Asked, probably with a mocking tone, to sing a song of Zion, the song would not come. ‘How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?’(Psalm 137:4). All that could be sung was a lament. Rejection of the Law and the breaking of the Covenant brought upon the Nation defeat and dejection. Since that time the presence of the Lord has never resided in a temple on Mount Zion. The closest time the Temple mount felt the tread of His presence was when Jesus worship and taught there.

Although the presence of God departed from the temple, His mission continued. He had promised that a descendent of David was to come and claim the throne. To this all the prophets attest. But woven within the mission was a more majestic, marvellous and mystifying purpose. Before the promised king can reign, the Suffering servant of Isaiah 53 must take centre stage. Would this person be able to fulfil both functions? This was the dilemma the leaders faced when evaluating the person of Jesus. Their verdict dismissed Jesus from both categories. To them He was the carpenter from Nazareth, a roving Rabbi who disturbed the people with His message of “Repent for the Kingdom of God” is near. With the help of the Roman dictatorship the Jewish leadership succeeded in having Jesus crucified. Unwittingly they had assisted in fulfilling Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22.

Israel still cannot sing the songs of Zion although resident in part of their promised land. Jerusalem must wait for a promised day when songs of joy will resound from Zion again. ‘Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord has taken away your judgements’ (Zephaniah 3:14). When that happens the Lord, as their King, will dwell in their midst once again.

Until then, Jerusalem will fascinate and capture our attention. As next week's blog  points out, Israel's capital is a cause of concern, a battle ground and will be a poisoned chalice to the Nations.

It's dangerous in the Temple.

Who said Jesus was meek and mild? Meek yes, in its true meaning! Mild, not a good word to use about Him. He was and remains passionate for that which is pleasing to the Father and beneficial to His disciples. People also like to major on Christ’s love and bandy it around as a panacea for everything – even a cover for personal misbehaviour. It is more convenient to ignore the fact that Jesus is also our Judge.

The Lord Jesus created a unique Fellowship when He was crucified and resurrected. The Holy Spirit gave it breath on the day of Pentecost. This body of people comprises the Church –the Body of Christ on earth. For Jesus, we who belong to Him through faith in Him and a transformed life by the Holy Spirit are precious. In fact, the New Testament describes us, individually and corporately as ‘His Temple.’ The term actually means ‘the Shrine’ – the inner sanctum of the temple, the Holy of Holies. This is exciting, beautiful to the mind and at the same time, dangerous.

‘If any man defile the Temple of God him shall God destroy (defile); for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple you are.’ 1 Corinthians 3:17. Jesus is very passionate about the Temple – both the literal historical one and His spiritual one. Remember what He did to those traders who abused the courts of the temple by their making it a den of thieves. In righteous anger, and for the honour of His Father’s name Jesus overturned their tables, fashioned a whip and drove them out. Do you think He will do anything less to any who abuse His spiritual temple?

History records depressing illustrations of the desecration of Christ’s Body! Not all of it from opponents of Christ. Too often ego driven, self-opinionated, ambitious and self-righteous individuals have defiled what Christ holds as precious. Their salvation status may not be in question, but they will be ashamed in Christ’s presence. As they stand before His judgement set – the Bema – His presence will consume what they imagine is worthy of a good report. Read 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.

In the New Testament are written instructions, advice and warnings to prevent us, any of us, from defiling Christ’s Temple. This applies both to the individual as to the local congregation. Such instructions are a chilling warning to all, but especially to those in leadership. The Lord Judge of all the earth isn’t interested in what wealth, fame or materialism you have accumulated. He searches the heart. He weights your deeds in the light of His Word, His character, His calling and the health and treatment you, I, have given to His Temple.

To lacerate, fracture or poison the spiritual Body of Christ on earth, or any of its members brings ‘defilement’ upon self. That is the spirit of Diotrephes’ (3 John 9-11). If there is a dispute that cannot be resolved it is better to weep, walk away and but pray for those by whom you have been hurt, and undoubtedly hurt them also. The account of Ananias and Sapphira is another troublesome story. Acts 5 details this as a warning not to play fast and loose with the truth, stewardship and ministry. I wonder how many funerals would be performed each week if the Lord still did this. Maybe on occasions He does, but only He will know that. Better not to take the gamble for you will lose if not now, when you and the Lord are face to face.

There are so many blatant and insidious ways to defile that which Christ loves or has designed. None of us will be one hundred percent innocent. However, we can be one hundred percent repentant and make restitution where possible. Read 1 Corinthians at least and read how they defiled their worship, relationships and Scripture. From envying, strife and division to Communion disorder and ungodly lifestyle the ‘whip of the Lord’ must have been itching to crack! Those in leadership are under a heavy burden to set the tone as well as honour, cherish and protect the ‘Body of Christ.’ Hebrews 13:17 is a good summary. If they are not worthy of this trust, pray for them as you seek out one who is (1 Peter 5:1-6).

Paul’s advice to Timothy to ‘guard that which has been committed to you’, is still relevant for us. Guard our mind, guard our tongue, guard our relationships, guard our worship, guard our faith and guard the honour of our Lord and His Temple. Guard it graciously, mercifully and biblically.

© Ray Hawkins June 25^th 2017.
[Next week the spirit of Diotrephes - read 3 John. 'What's in a Name)

Christ's return, not on the Horizon!

Earthquakes, wars and political upheaval beneath a (promoted) climate change has aroused prophesy gurus. Of late, my T.V. preachers are all warning that Jesus return to earth is imminent. Some of them conclude with a spiel to get their free book for more details.

Now, I’m deeply committed to the reality of Christ’s return to earth to set up His promised Kingdom. However, if the Bible is reliable (I believe it is), then as preachers, teachers and disciples we need to inform people according to what it says. This requires not avoiding the straight out Biblical timeline with its insights into characters, events and nations. 

To say Jesus might return tonight or this year or soon will get some agitated or switched on to ‘religion.’ When it doesn’t eventuate the band of scoffers grow. So, let’s be honest in our presentations. There are certain prophetic events and personnel which haven’t yet stepped onto the world stage. Who knows, they might be out there somewhere, but they haven’t stepped up and out.

What do I mean?

If the book of Revelation is taken seriously (and it should be) then the following (just a short list) have to be operational. In Revelation 11 there is mention of the Jewish temple being in existence. It is being desecrated by antichrist forces. Jesus in Matthew 24 defined this as the setting up of the ‘desolating sacrilege’ as foretold by Daniel. When and how is unknown. However, it will be built as Jesus foretold and 2 Thessalonians 2 supports. At the moment Islam is attempting to deny Israel any right to the former temple mount. This must and will fail. Rebuilding of the temple will take place sometime, date unknown.

Daniel 12 talks about a time of trouble never before experienced on earth. Its duration is in two sections of 3 1/2 years. Although worldwide, its epicentre will be the land of Israel. During this time there will be 144,000 specially prepared Israeli evangelists of impeccable character and faith. They will be speaking about Jesus the Messiah. No attempt to deny them their tribal heritage or have a false religious group claim them will succeed. Revelation is clear, uncomplicated and definite in explaining who they are.

Add to all the above, wars, rumours of wars, apostasy, earth and heavens in upheaval plus a rampant antichrist this is horrid time. Revelation, and other prophetic Scriptures point to events not yet appearing on the horizon. They might be just out of sight but when they appear those alive at that time will be in no doubt the countdown has begun.

Am I presenting a case for ignoring the Biblical teaching about Christ’s return? Certainly not! What I am trying to do is put His return into its rightful setting. That setting deals with Israel and not the Church. Therefore, as Christians we should be living with a more pressing and expectant hope. That hope is plainly set out in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15. It is that wonderful time of meeting Jesus in the air. When that happens 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:10 takes place. It is accounting time, not for salvation but for being awarded the garland for faithfulness. And remember this, the Lord Jesus could very well call anyone of us out of this life and into His presence at any moment. Therefore, we must be ready to meet Him, face to face!

The Bible is insistent concerning Christ’s return. Those of us committed to the author and His message are under a burden to rightly explain it. As James 3 plainly says, we who are teacher are under greater judgement for what we teach.

To any who read this let me say, “Check out what I’ve written!” Sit down and read the Scriptures for yourself and let their plain, straightforward words speak to your heart.

©Ray Hawkins Nov. 20^th 2016.

Where the Shepherd lives

 Psalm 23 is a sheep’s travel diary. He is being lead through green pastures and by still

waters. Along a right path he walks even though it goes through a foreboding valley. What is the ‘sheep’s’ expectation? To settle down with the Shepherd. How long was the journey likely to be? Unstated.

When we read the word dwell it is so easy to imagine it as meaning what Jesus said about ‘mansions’ in John 14. The two are entirely different. David’s imagery focuses on the tabernacle which is called ‘The House of the Lord.’ He knew however, that as a ‘sheep’ from a different tribe he wasn’t permitted to move in the Shepherd’s precincts. The tabernacle and later the Temple’s courts were segregated. The outer courts for non-Israelites, next the court of the women which butted onto the court of the men. Then it was the exclusive domain of the descendant of Levi who had their restricted areas. Then finally there was the area only accessible to sons of Aaron, the priests. There hidden from view was the Holy of Holies, the place of the presence of Yahweh.

It was this Sanctuary in which the Lord was able to dwell with His creation. He was ‘Immanuel’ for His people. Although it was strictly segregated the people saw it as a wonderful place. David wrote in Psalm 26:8, ‘O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides.’ Would the reference to God’s abiding Glory indicate that something like the Shekinah Glory radiated from the Holy of holies? There was certainly some heart drawing power for many, many people as epitomised by David and others. It would seem that although knowing the various restrictions the flock still wanted to be somewhere near where his Shepherd dwelt.

For us, because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus, we look on this part of the psalm differently. Belonging to the ‘other sheep’ Jesus talked about in John 10, He has made us into one fold. We, it must be admitted, would have been seen by the angels as wild, unclean, ‘morally and spiritually moth-eaten sheep.’ Here again is the wonder of Christ’s putting His brand upon us. We have been accepted into the fold by the Father. On top of that, the Holy Spirit has been pleased to make His presence at home within us, as promised by our Saviour. When we look back over our lives and our conversion encounter with Jesus it dawns upon us what an awesome make-over He has done on us and in us. But, there is still more work being done to us, as you would undoubtedly agree!

More than that, Jesus has done a cleansing of the heavenly house. In Hebrews 9:23-24 we read of Him purifying the Heavenly dwelling. Satan’s rebellion certainly made a mess throughout the universe. Our Lord told His disciples in John 14 that He was going to build new lodgings for His ‘sheep.’ I wonder how close it will be to the Heavenly Sanctuary. How is this possible? Because Jesus has been granted by the Father, the order of the High Priesthood of Melchizedek. The old Aaronic order still exists and according to Ezekiel 4o-45 has a future role to play. The new order has come into operation due to the cross and resurrection of Christ. His ministry realm is in Glory. It is there our Shepherd watches over us and prayers for us (Hebrews 7:25).  Hebrews beautifully and graciously outlines the superiority of Christ Jesus’ rule as Shepherd over His people. By faith we are walking with him. By faith we keep our focus on Him according to Hebrews 12:1-3. By faith we experience the spiritual reality behind what David wrote in very physical terms in psalm 23.

David’s longing was that his relationship would last forever, meaning while he had breath. For us our longing is open ended. We live under the conviction of His pastoral oversight in this life. We live with hope’s unshakeable certainty that when death embraces us we are released into the presence of our Saviour. For us the word forever is like the eternal ‘Now’ for it is the realm of the Good Shepherd. It is where He takes His flock. Sure, David and the original ‘flock’ will be there although it would be uncertain how many would have understood ‘forever’ in that way?

As we conclude our short ramble through psalm 23 I hope you have had a deepening appreciation of it. Familiarity can rob us of its richness and meaning for our own journey with our Good Shepherd. We, similar to David, will have our detours, stumbles, ‘head-butts’ and spiritual or moral parasites. But our Lord restores our soul and pours His oil over us and goes searching for us when we meander of the track. How eternally grateful we will be that He keeps His sheep who wear His brand for ‘His Name’s Sake!’

©Ray Hawkins March 2016.

Good enough for God!?

Good enough for God?

We tend to think so. This arises from out of our own construction of who we think he, she, it, is. God could not keep us out of Heaven because we have fashioned him, she, it. God may keep others, less nice or naughtier than us from entering for we are the ‘good enough ones.’ How then is it possible for those not up to our standard to have any hope of entering the Celestial city? Are they without hope, locked into fatalism and despair?

There is a historical record of two men considered the worst of their kind. From all accounts they had no chance of receiving a pass into Heaven. One was a king, the other a prominent religious figure of his day.

Manasseh was king over Judah for 55 years. He violated Judah and Yahweh’s covenant, placed idols around the country, in the Temple and worshipped the stars. This man sacrificed his sons to Molech and practiced witchcraft and sorcery. All this corrupted the spiritual and moral life of the nation. His story is in 2 Chronicles 33 of the Bible. Most would write him off. Not the Lord God of Glory who is revealed in the Christian Bible. This true and living Lord God caused Manasseh to be humiliated by Assyria, and terribly afflicted. Sorcery and power could not help him. The affliction did, however, wake up his dormant realisation of the holy and everlasting God. The king cried out for mercy. He repented of his ungodly reign, He sought forgiveness. He made restitution to his people and to Yahweh. He removed the idols and sorcerers. In all this Manasseh was supported by God’s true servants.

The other ‘un-good enough’ for God was religious, devout, moral and intent upon protecting his religion from corruption. He was intent on proving he was worthy of a free pass to Heaven. Paul the Pharisee saw it as his duty to destroy those who were disciples of the crucified Jesus of Nazareth. Surely, he would have been acceptable. Paul was sincere, scrupulous in religious observance and an aggressive defender of his belief system. However, in his words recorded in the book of Acts and Timothy he was the chief of sinners. Paul was on rock bottom. No one was under him. He was the worst possible person according to God’s estimation.

Something happened to him on the Damascus road. His self-righteousness and sense of receiving an entrance into Heaven was shattered. How? He came into contact with Jesus. Paul realised this Jesus was the standard demanded for Heaven. This Pharisee knew he was doomed. Was there any hope for the worst of sinners? His testimony in 1 Timothy 1:12-17 is awesome in its simplicity and powerful in its message of grace. Here is a part of it: ‘This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.’

These two men weren’t good enough for Heaven – yet they’ll be there! Manasseh and Paul actually demonstrate the fact that Heaven isn’t for good people. It is for ‘the un-good’ the failures in being worthy, sinners so defined. That means there is hope for all of us when we recognise we will never get a free pass to the Celestial City on our merit. We need something, someone to deal with our failures, un-goodness, and sinfulness. The Bible says that has been dealt with by Jesus on the cross. He forgives when we cry out for mercy. He cleanses when we confess our need for newness. He gives us the quality of life demanded by Heaven’s ‘gate-keeper.’ Therefore, when we admit we are not good enough for glory but are failure we actually open ourselves up to the grace of God. All of that is found in Christ Jesus and becomes ours when we claim Him as our Lord and Saviour.

As Christ Jesus on the cross was able to reach back to Manasseh (and beyond him) and

forward to Paul, He can reach you. The question is ‘will you let Him?’

©Ray Hawkins Jan 4^th 2016.

Love's deflation power.

Self-promotion is an art form today. It’s made easier with so much computer technology available. Such self-promotion may be advisable for job interviews but doesn’t do anything for personal relationships. In this part of 1 Corinthians 13 two close knit words are used to describe what Love isn’t. Boasting implies the flaunting of one’s abilities. Proud, or as the King James version has it, ‘puffed up’ implies vanity and self-deception. Both seem to arise out of Envy’s craving to be recognised, acclaimed, unrivalled. The aspect of Pride will be considered next.

The Corinthian believers had fallen into the spiritual snare of comparing their gifting and positions in the Church. “My gift is better than yours” smells of immaturity. Such childishness, as Paul alludes to in 1 Corinthians 13:11, was making a mockery of the Holy Spirit’s ministry. A grieved Holy Spirit does not produce a joyful saint. 

In relationships, self-promotion is the surest way to paralyse intimacy and cripple respect. Self-praise fills up the mind allowing no room to consider the needs or interests of others. It also breeds a form of loneliness, not always recognised, for few enjoy being around such an intrusive, careless, diseased ‘universe.’  Such a disease of the soul has unfortunate life-long consequences including, strife, resentment and disrespect. This fall-out from self-obsession is usually blamed on other things, or people.

The glory of the most excellent way is its ability to cure the “I” disease. If self-exaltation makes us deaf to the pain and needs of others, Love cleans out our ears. It helps us hear their tears and sighs. If self-adulation blinds, Love opens eyes to see how others are travelling. How does that come about? Love creates a sense of awareness of others whilst not denying the facts about personal ability or achievement. Love simply rearranges their priority. Now they see the worth of others. Now the mouth applauds their skill and achievements. This soul readjustment by the most excellent way begins with understanding who God is and what He has done.

In His presence we realise that no matter how important we think we are, in God’s sight we were slum tenements. The awesomeness of what He does in our life through our conversion experience is seen in what we are now called. We are Temples of the most High God. He has made us beautiful. That which the Lord has done for us, He can do for others. That old hymn still rings true today when it states, ‘Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.’ All within the community of grace are undeserved recipients of Christ’s favour and transformation. That’s an eternal remedy for ego’s ‘I’ disease. The one we should be boasting about is Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31.)

The most excellent way allows the Holy Spirit to unleash His word and influence through us without embarrassment. Love delights in the Lord. Therefore it can appreciate what He has made of others and equipped them to do. Through us, Christ in us ennobles others within our spheres of influence. He does this by His attitude and encouragement dominating our nature by our submission to Christ and His word. Mutual appreciation, intimacy and unity begins at that moment.

That’s the most excellent way!

Beware how you touch.

They had all the spiritual gifts yet they were the most carnal of believers. They had a heart for God (so they would say) but distaste for many of His disciples. They used their tongue to slay, wound or slander and at the same time sing praises to God. It didn’t seem to enter their minds that their professed spirituality was soulish and not of God. Why was their claim to being spiritual an insult to God? Because of the effect their attitude and actions were having upon the Church and witnessed by the community! Paul explained to them that in actual fact they were defiling Christ and His Church. ‘Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17. NIV).  The  Corinthian church’s carnality is running hot and strong in Western Christendom today. It is inviting God’s retributive justice to fall. When? That is His decision.

Temple = the inner sanctuary. This is a picture of the Holy of Holies in Solomon’s temple being transferred to a believer’s inner being. When the Holy Spirit comes into a person he/she becomes the ‘naos’, the inner sanctuary of the temple. It also applies to the Body of Christ on earth, His Church.  Therefore those who seek to corrupt one of God’s people actually touch the whole body. This in turn means that it is Jesus Christ who feels the effects of such action. (Remember Acts 9:3-6)  We all should keep this in the forefront of our minds when we interact, or react to people in worship, dispute, have business meetings or exercise rebuke.

Destroy = to corrupt or defile. The New Testament gives some very definitive examples of what this means. It also warns about Christ’s wrath and judgement upon such perpetrators. Acts 5 has the account of Ananais and Sapphira who tried to deceive the apostles and lie to God. Both were struck down. (If God continued this policy I wonder how many funerals would take place, daily).

There are numerous Scriptures which warn people about assailing, defiling, undermining the Church and its book. Such opposition arises after the local congregation, or an individual has had some wonderful expressions of God’s grace. These could be people saved, baptised, rescued from degenerative life styles. It may be after a new building has been dedicated and Christ is honoured. After God’s glory and grace is shared and witnessed too, the wrath of the kingdom of Darkness rises up.

Reading the New Testament letters it is apparent they were written to protect the Temple of God (the body of Christ) from defilement. The letters of Peter and Jude focus on false preachers and their greed, heresy and immorality. Six of the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 define the infiltrating purveyors of corruption. Also listed is their judgements. James warns against the runaway defiling power of the tongue plus the damaging power of lies, slander and coveting. Galatians unmasks those who degrade God’s grace through outward laws and regulations. Their words are as valid today as when written

The perpetrators ultimate experience is, they are defiled! The defiler ends up as a defiled, degraded and disallowed person in the Kingdom of God? Those who corrupt God’s people end up losing their own soul (Matthew 16:26). Why is the Lord so adamant in His opposition to such deceivers? I think it is because they belong to, or flirt with Babylon. Revelation 19:2 uses the same word as 1 Corinthians 3:17. It is translated corrupted. ‘He has condemned the great prostitute (Babylon) who corrupted (defiled) the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.’ Those who play by Babylon’s ethos or game plan share in ‘Her’ judgement. This is why the Lord God of Hosts word is ‘Come out of her before it is too late.’

The Body of Christ is being assailed by Babylon. The plan is to reject Biblical morality, the saving work of Christ on the cross, His deity, the inspiration and uniqueness of Scripture, the meaning and purpose of marriage, the sanctity of life, to name a few issues. How can we safeguard ourselves from being seduced or crushed by the Babylonian spirit?

'His (Christ Jesus) divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.' (2 Peter 1:3-4) 

 

You realise that the place where we find the knowledge of Christ is His word. He and his word are our escape route, our protection and our refuge.

 

©Ray Hawkins August 17^th 2015.

Agony in the Garden.

A garden on Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, East of the Temple mount was a favourite place for Jesus. There He could look at the temple adorned by King Herod but empty of the presence of God’s glory. This is still called Gethsemane and is a favourite place for pilgrims. It was to this garden Jesus and His disciples went to after the Passover meal in the upper room. It was night. The account of this evening is recorded in the Gospels and when put together is full of pathos, intrigue and mystery. In the presence of weary men who fell asleep Jesus wrestled in prayer knowing the cross was waiting for Him on the morrow.

We will never plumb the depths of Gethsemane and Jesus’ prayer battle. He who is called the Son of God/Son of Man was about to become the Passover Lamb. He would also fulfil the meaning of the bronze serpent mentioned in John 3. The Son who said He and the Father were one was on the verge of knowing a separation. The Son of Man who had come to do the Father’s will was about to be made sin and cursed! Not for anything He had done or thought. Jesus became such a hideous spectacle in the sight of Heaven on our behalf. He was about to take our place in God the Father’s judgement of our treason, rebellion, indifference and arrogance towards God and His commands.

I don’t believe Jesus’ agony in the garden was about a fear of failure. It was much, much more than that. The cry on the cross says it all: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!” It was at that moment when the Father and the Holy Spirit turned away from beholding Jesus that the horror Jesus wrestled with in the garden took place.

Gethsemane is the preparation and the battleground of the cross. Many are the accounts of brave men and women enduring inhumane treatment and death. Jesus was a brave man but more than that. He endured the wrath of the Father. That was when Jesus became our sin bearer. He endured the taunts of kinsmen, betrayal of friends and the glee of the demonic as He suffered. Jesus became the scum of the universe. No one will ever be beneath Him in this. The One we call Lord became the lowest form of life in all of eternity at that moment for us. This is so important. It means that the lowest of the low can still find hope, forgiveness and understanding from and with Jesus as the risen Lord. No one can say that they are too wicked for Jesus to forgive and make into a new person. Jesus can lift all of us out of our rottenness and being enemies of God and take us up to the Heavenly places!

Gethsemane became the culmination of Jesus commitment to doing the Father’s will (John 5:30). We should be humbled by the words of Jesus ‘”Not my will but yours be done.” It came from the Man Jesus whose body was soaked in sweat and blood, and who would have been weary and aware of what was waiting for Him.

I find it remarkable that in this garden, as the soldiers came to arrest Him, Jesus with a word caused them to fall back in disarray. (John 18:6) What were the words? I AM! There are more than 7 ‘I AM’s’ in John. In Gethsemane is the final one. Our Lord in placing Himself into the bonds of the soldiers did so confessing His eternal deity. This was repeated in a different manner before the High Priest under oath.

It was in Gethsemane that the battle for your salvation and mine was won. As we grow older in our faith and understanding may we become more and more grateful and committed to Him whom we call Lord!

As the festival of Passover draws near and the Easter celebration is linked with it, remember Jesus fulfilled it for you. What is our response to His act of redeeming grace?

Consider the Clouds...#8.

`The Cloud and the Mercy Seat



sunrise with clouds over Beauty Point



Teaching aids allows students to grasp what is being taught through something visual or tangible. The idea is symbolised and becomes more readily understood. This is a method God has used frequently in the Bible. A case in point is the Tabernacle and its furniture. Each aspect of this magnificent structure actually symbolises some aspect of Jesus Christ

For this closing devotional on ‘Consider he Clouds’ I’ve chosen the cloud which  covered the Mercy Seat in the Tabernacle’s Holiest of Holies. Leviticus 16:2: Tell Aaron not to come just at any time into the sanctuary inside the curtain before the mercy seat that is upon the ark, or he will die; for I appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

The mercy seat was hammered gold sitting as a lid upon the box (ark). It contained the Ten Commandments and the rod of Aaron which budded. At either end were Cherubim. Between them and undoubtedly enveloping them was the cloud of God’s presence. Into this space behind a thick curtain the High Priest could only come on the Day of Atonement.

Remember that the Lord God led the people out of Egypt and through the wilderness by the awesome visual expression of His presence. What was that? The cloud by day and the cloud of fire by night! His presence protected the people. However there was not any intimacy in the relationship. The High Priest knew that special relationship but only on a yearly basis.

What was all this pointing too? God’s plan of redemption which Jesus Christ secured at Calvary! The Gospel tells us that when He died on the Cross the thick curtain in the Temple  was split from top to bottom. The implication is clear. Christ had made the way open for people to enter the presence of the Father. Jesus as our High Priest has invited us to enter into the Father’s presence not once a year but as regularly as possible. We don’t go there in our own virtue or authority. Jesus has made His disciples fellow priest of the Most High God. Therefore we enter the Father’s presence in the company of Christ and in the role of commissioned priests.

This means the Eternal God is no longer remote from us or unapproachable. Because of Christ Jesus' victory at Calvary we can have an intimate relationship with the Creator, Redeemer Everlasting God. We do this by faith. One day it will be with sight.  At this moment it is as though we talk with the Father in the cloud. We see Him not but know He is there. When we leave this intimate time we don’t realise what has happened, but others see it. The ‘cloud’ has made our face reflect the glow of our heart. Now that is mercy bestowed because of intimacy enjoyed.

Ray (the Cloud lover) Hawkins

References if required. Hebrews 1:1 – 2:18.  4:14-16. 
                 2 Corinthians 3:12-18.  Matthew 27:30-31.