The Word becomes flesh.

 

God the writer, made Himself known through His creation. Psalm 19:1. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. However, whilst they reveal His presence and power we do not meet Him or know what He is like. Our Lord God of Glory had to distance Himself from the descendants of Adam and Eve because Sin came between them. Still our Creator set out to make Himself known and to overturn the barrier. The Scriptures are the record of how He went about doing it.

More than that however, within the pages of our Bibles are ‘word paintings’ and historical encounters which introduce us to the unseen God. Jesus in John 5:39 summed it up so well, “you search the scriptures … and they testify of me.” As our Lord said to Philip “He who has seen me has seen the Father” John 14:9. Most of the New Testament letters give us more and clearer pictures of the unseen God because of the miracle at Bethlehem. The gospel of John puts the Christmas event in most forthright and dramatic manner. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ The Creator was to become the Redeemer. The writer of the plan of salvation was putting flesh upon His words. This was foretold in the psalms and claimed by the writer to the Hebrews to be Jesus. ‘Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “… a body you have prepared for me.”’ (Hebrews 10:5 and Psalm 40:6-8).

 The Gospels are the account of the one we believe is Emmanuel – God with us.  He became flesh so as to be our Redeemer after being tested in the flesh as we are. The cross was the final act by which the truth of His person would be revealed. Would His righteousness stand the ultimate test? Is Jesus capable of being our sin-bearer and barrier breaker? The empty tomb is His answer. The words “He is risen” are our reply.

However, the Lord has given His followers a mandate. We have to bear testimony to Him and what He has done. There are any number of ways to do this, but as writers we have a great tradition preceding us in bearing testimony to Jesus. John sets the scene for us as he closes his gospel account. ‘These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.’ (20:31)

As writers, in whatever genre you choose, we have the privilege of mysteriously, subtly, overtly, humorously, in rhyme or parable Etc. presenting Him before the reader. (Think of C.S. Lewis, Tolkien) We are to be similar to the woman in John 4. She was a Samaritan and met Jesus at the village well. It changed her life. In a flurry of excitement see raced back into the village and told the men. Her testimony aroused their interest. They came to check out this wandering Nazarene. After two days on investigation they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the World.” (John 4:42)

We have a wonderful privilege to be creators of words on which people can ‘tread’ to meet the Master. What results from their encounter is not in your power to predict. However, as your readers has been reading the way your characters are portrayed there is an identification taking place. Their circumstances, their conflicts of fear, doubt, unbelief and faith with falls and failures perseverance and hope link the readers to the grace of Christ Jesus. It may take more than the two days the men of Samaria needed but when your readers encounter Jesus He has great delight in making Himself known.

Those who put their trust in Jesus will not have many ready answers. However, the words of another man in John 9 is all that is needed, “One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” In a sense, as writers we can be the Lord’s ‘clay’ He puts on the eyes, mind and heart of a person prior to washing away their blindness.

 

 

The Engraver. Reading: Job 19:23-27.

 

When I learnt to write it was on a slate board with chalk. Today people have computers – with spell checks. At least I was one step ahead of those in ancient time who had to write. They 

virtually had to collect the ingredients, clay, then cut into it their words – hieroglyphics – then baked their tablet before posting it.

 It is from that background of the writer being initially an engraver we can appreciate certain facets of God’s word. A lot of our writing technology today is subject to decay at a faster rate than clay baked. Shards with inscriptions are still be found two thousand and more years later.

 It is worthwhile to note that God is the original engraver. The 10 Commandments were chiselled into rock by the finger of God, Exodus 31:18. The originals were placed in the Ark of the Covenant as a testimony to the Nation. The trouble was that the people honoured the writings but were deaf to its message. There were, of course, notable exceptions who stand out in Biblical history. As the Lord wanted His people to know His commands, judgements and statutes He had the people wear them as a sign upon their hands and between their eyes. The New Testament described them as phylacteries. Householders were instructed to have the commandments on their doorposts and gates. In my youth I called upon people whose house had these words printed on their veranda.

The trouble was it was all outward, not inward.

God’s intention is for His people, you and me included, to have them engraved on our hearts. This is another of the implications behind the picture of God as the potter. If we are the clay, and we need to be, guess what He wants to do? Engrave His word into our heart. Hebrews 10:16 quotes Jeremiah who in turn expressed the Lord God’s intention to write His laws into the hearts of His people. The wonder of this is summed up by the Psalmist “Your word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you.’ (119:11) As with clay we too must experience the baking process. For us it comes when what we hear from God’s word is written within the fire of doubt, fear, opposition and self-interest arises. It is the testimony of our faith and conviction that God’s word is true which causes the flames into toughen and preserve God’s word within.

 Psalm 119 is a wonderful psalm about the Word of God and its relevance to everyday life. As it is engraved on our heart so it will influence us consciously and unconsciously as 119:105 ‘ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’ It is worth the time to read the whole psalm for it seems to cover the writer’s journey from youth to Age, from sickness and opposition to praise and wonder.

 Job’s words in chapter 19:23-24 is a cry for people to properly understand his situation and hope in God. His story is unique but his cry is a challenge to us all. We have a unique testimony, simple or complex, everyday stuff or strange which the Lord could use to witness to His power, grace and providence. If for no other reason have a record of His dealings in your life to hand onto your family and friends in the future. In a sense let the Lord’s engraving within you find expression on paper or disc for others to know.

 Notice also the hope, confidence and longing of Job 19:25—29. He knows his Redeemer lives. – How sure are you of your relationship with the risen Christ? Job believes his Redeemer will set up His kingdom on earth. This is our position from the Lord’s Prayer. Job knows he will die yet is convinced he will live beyond death and behold His Redeemer. This is the wonder of our relationship too. We shall see Jesus face to face even though death may stand between us at the moment. Job had a desire which would see him through the tough times ahead. His heart yearns to be with his Redeemer. This is a hallmark of Christ’s followers too. I want to know Him! I want to serve Him! I want others to hear about Him! Most of all I want to see Him!

 Until that day we are to live out what He has engraved within. Until that day we are to us our writing skills so the Lord can become the Potter of another’s life whose heart becomes clay. Then when the ‘Finger of God’ engraves His word onto their heart they will declare “I know my Redeemer lives!”

 Ray H.

 

 

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Daniel 2:31-36. The Rock from Outer-space.

God has many titles. Moses called Him in Deuteronomy. 32:4. The Rock! Psalm.61:2. Isaiah 51:1. and many other references build on this descriptive name. He is the Rock of refuge and as the hymn says, the rock cleft for me. There is a children's song many an adult can remember singing; 'Build on the Rock and not upon the sand.'

In this final blog about God the Rock we look at the use of it in Daniel. It began when Nebuchadnezzar dreamed about an idol. It was gigantic but its meaning was unclear until Daniel was summoned. He had been taken captive to Babylon when Nebuchadnezzar's army destroyed Israel and its capital. Daniel was given the gift to interpret this, and other dreams.

The idol represented four World empires: Head of gold, Babylon, Chest of silver were the Medes and Persian empire. Next, the belly and thighs of bronze represented Greece and the final empire of iron was Rome. This final empire split in two and was of iron and clay. However, at some point in time Daniel said God steps in with His judgement. How does this happen? By the Rock from outer-space. Where does it strike? the feet! What is the twofold result? The idol is destroyed and 'blown away' and the 'The Rock' brings forth the long anticipated Kingdom of God. 

The significance of this dream goes beyond the scope of this blog. However please note the following: The idol representing the four nations was actually one. Therefore, one spirit was actually animating the four world powers. From further study you will realise that each kingdom sought the destruction of the Nation of Israel. Idols are a front behind which the Devil hides to receive worship 1 Corinthians 10:19-20. This is the force which infuses, controls the nations. You get a sense of this, more so in some than others, in the nations’ treatment and attitude to Israel. It will be this antagonism which leads them to the Valley of Decision. Joel 3:9-16.

Notice, the symbolism of the Stone cut from the Rock but not by Human hands. The symbolism of this is vital. It means the crushing Rock is of the same nature as The Rock. Remember what Jesus said. John 10:30. He and the Father and therefore the Holy Spirit are  one in essence.  Deity is not needed to be stated as its relationship is apparent. The Stone Daniel mentioned is also named The Lord of Hosts. He is the Lord Jesus in battle dress. What began on earth at Bethlehem with the Warrior Baby will then be completed by the returning Warrior Lord. He comes to vindicate His word, execute the Father’s wrath, deliver Israel from annihilation, see Israel’s conversion, bring judgement and establish God Kingdom.

 The Crushing Stone strikes the base of the Idol and it becomes dust. If the feet refer to the Roman empire then has Daniel or the interpreters got it wrong? Revelation 6-19 has information on this. What wasn't revealed to Daniel was the ‘sin binning’ of Israel due to unbelief in the coming of Jesus to be their Redeemer. This culminated in the Nation's uprising against Rome being dispersed around the globe. The emergence of the Church took up the testimony of the promised Messiah which causes some to imagine the Lord has  finished with those He termed 'His Inheritance.' This is insulting to God for it suggests He is unable to fulfil His promises.

Before the Day of the Stone from outer-space the Church's mission must be completed. It must be replaced by the final prophetic period  foretold in Daniel 12. How is the Church taken from the scene? By the Rapture, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. 

From the rejected Stone to the Smitten Stone then the Living Stone who is the foundation, corner and capstone and at the same time the Rock of Offence, the Stumbling Stone, Jesus will be the penultimate Crushing Stone. Only then will we behold Him as the Radiant Stone.

We must assess our relationship to Him. Will He be our Crushing or our Radiant Stone? That will be decided by your faith in Him as the Lord and Saviour, crucified, entombed and risen.

 

 

The Radiant Stone. Revelation 4:3-5

 I Went to the Zeehan museum on the West Coast of Tasmania. In there was a great collection of rocks. Their structure and patterns and colours made visible through strategic use of lights. Fascinating. Behind the plain exterior, often covered with mud and grime lies an unseen beauty.

This is a symbol of Humanity. Sin, unbelief and rebellion against God and goodness have covered its beauty. Part of the reason for the Lord Jesus’ coming was to remove the mud and grime. However to do that He had to take upon Himself the form of a man. Philippians 2:5-8.  Beyond all that, Jesus as the Messiah took upon Himself all the muck, sludge and filth which encrusts Humanity – you and me included, 2 Cor. 5:21

In Revelation we are given a glimpse of the risen Lord. Free from the sin of the World, no longer hiding His eternal glory through the dress of a servant, we behold Him as the Radiant Stone. In Revelation 4:3, two stones are highlighted, Jasper and carnelian. They are also the 12^th and the 1st of the precious stones on the High Priest’s breastplate, Exodus 28:15-21. Jasper is mentioned first in Revelation but is actually the 12^th. Its colour is considered to be green.  Carnelian (sardine in kjv) [ruby. Niv] is 1^st on the Breastplate and is the colour red. What is symbolized? Blood!

 Jesus is the redeemer. We are the redeemed. That is an accomplished fact. It will be eternally remembered. Green, death, and rise from its grip is the colour at the forefront in Heaven. The green rainbow expresses mercy. God knew Humanity could not pay the penalty for sin and live. God’s mercy paved the way to save those who believed in the One who could pay the price. That person is Jesus Christ. We are sharing in that faithful fulfilment. I’d like to think that the green represents our conformity to Christ and clothed in His life and righteousness.

  The glory of the One who is our Lord, Saviour and high Priest is seen in Revelation 1:12-16. It is so awesome that the beloved disciple, John fainted. Imagine that! He who had spent three years with Jesus, was a witness to His risen life and transformed body was overwhelmed. What a wonderful moment awaits us. When the Lord makes Himself known to the heart and mind of an individual it is overwhelming. Sometimes frightening. When He comes with Salvation we rejoice. When the Lord comes to us in His radiance it can be crushing.

 The power of His glory is detailed by how He deals with the Man of Lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2:8. It is simply by the breath of His mouth (the Sword of His Word) and the brightness of His unveiled glory.

 Finally, The radiance of Christ Jesus means there is no need of the light of the sun in the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:21-23. Also the city is permeated by this very radiance, Revelation.21:19-21.

 The Rejected stone, the Smitten Stone, the Stumbling Stone has become for us our foundation Stone, Capstone and the Radiant Stone. One day the Nations of this World will face Him as the Everlasting Stone. Daniel 2: 34-35.  7:13-14.

(Next blog)