I wasn’t with Mary Magdalene

 

 

I wasn’t with Mary when she went to the garden tomb

It was early when she walked through the gloom

With heavy heart wanting to fulfil Jewish burial rites

And found the Roman guards had been put to flight

The sealed was broken, the tomb was open wide

Inside no corpse was there.  Mary wondered why.

I would have enjoyed seeing Mary’s expressions

When she heard “Mary!”  and the easing of tensions

Grief, uncertainty and fear would have dissolved

For now The Messiah’s identity had been solved.

What Scripture’s prophecies and allegories implied

Found fulfilment in Jesus Christ the crucified.

 To Mary the first to have seen the victor of Calvary

Was given the privilege of heralding His victory

To those disciples cowering in disillusionment

Her testimony aroused faith and passion with intent

That made Peter and John run there to verify

What Jesus stated, though crucified He would arise.

 I wasn’t there to see it myself, but I believe her story

For with the other disciples, Christ’s resurrection glory

Would cause much joy and sorrow in their new mission

To share the gospel about Christ’s offer of redemption

And The Holy Spirit put it all together in Scripture

To lead you and me to faith, hope and a new destiny.

©Ray Hawkins April 2019.

I wasn't on the Emmaus Road

The account of the two disciples travelling on the Emmaus road holds within it some captivating pictures. What a wonderful sermon they heard from 'stranger' who joined them that day. Why were they leaving Jerusalem when the news was spreading about the resurrection of Jesus? How wonderful to sit at the table and have the 'stranger' break unleavened bread only to leave them there and then. Luke 24 has the details on which the following poem is based.

I didn’t travel the Emmaus Road

 

I didn’t walk the Emmaus Road

Where two disciples strode,

Wondering about the news told

Of the Lord’s rising from the tomb,

And the joy replacing disciples’ gloom.

When joined by a stranger

Who asked “what news from Jerusalem?”

They talked of Christ’s resurrection.

The stranger then shared a lecture

About prophecies in their Scripture

Concerning the coming Messiah.

 

I wasn’t there at the Emmaus Road venue

Where those three shared in the menu.

It was the second day of Unleavened Bread

Celebrating a Nation redeemed from the dead,

Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage,

To become a Nation to do homage

To the Great ‘I Am’, and the Passover Lamb.

And remember their call to the Promised Land.

It was when the stranger broke the bread

They knew He was the Lamb of God,

Jesus the Messiah, risen from the dead,

 

 

Though He vanished from their sight,              

Eternal day has replaced Sin’s eternal night.

When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour

There's born within the heart a desire to sing

And gather together to remember Him

As the Passover Lamb, taking our place

 in agony, bearing our judgement and disgrace,

Destroying death's power by His sacrifice,
Fulfilling all of Heaven's demands for justice.
Now as the forgiven, we make the Communion time
Our testimony that Jesus is Lord and proclaim -
He is risen!
Christ Has risen from the dead

Hallelujah!

copyright Ray Hawkins

I wasn't at the resurrection

 

 

 

 

I wasn’t there that resurrection morn.

 

I wasn’t there that glorious Sunday morn
When, Jesus arose from the dead before the dawn.
Or sense how the soldiers felt as He drew near,
Causing them to retreat and cower in fear.
Soon, the message would be heard by one and all,
Jesus Christ is risen, now, in faith before Him fall!

Neither did I see Mary Magdalene’s

Joy at meeting Jesus, a beautiful scene,

But this I know, with eyes undimmed

I’ll behold Him, which His cross for me did win.

 No! I wasn’t there to be a witness to all this

But others were and their behaviour insists

That something had happened that day.

No threat, no sword, no loss would sway

From knowing, proclaiming Jesus’ worth,

Believing His kingdom will reign on earth.

The resurrection underpins their proclamation

And becomes our assurance on this confession

“I believe Jesus Christ is the risen Saviour, Lord,

In Him alone I trust, bow, worship and adore!”

 

©Ray Hawkins, February 2019.

 

 

 

I wasn't at Calvary.

I wasn’t there at Calvary.

I wasn’t there at Calvary
When the redemption prophecies,
Psalm 22, Isaiah 53 became a reality.
There the Lord, the great I AM
Became the Passover Lamb.
The crucifixion scene was merciless
But one thing astounds me, I confess
The silence of Jesus to Roman brutality

Inflicted by scourging, flaying and mockery.

 

                                                                                                                           

 

I wasn’t there so couldn’t hear

The whip, the fists nor the spears

Biting deep into Christ’s sinless flesh,

No curse, no cry, no sound of bitterness

Rose from His lips, or seen in His eyes

Aimed at those with orders to crucify.

Instead, from the cross was heard

“Forgive them Father” was His cry!

Then, in love’s victory, He died!

I wasn’t there at the crucifixion,

Nor felt the disciples deep desolation,

As hopes evaporated into desperation.

But, I am able to join their celebration

When, as foretold in word and allegory,

Jesus rose from the tomb in victory

Over Satan, Death’s curse and Sin’s shame.

Now forgiveness and newness can be claimed

By all who hear, believe and yield to His Name!

©Ray Hawkins

February 2019.

 Next week...I wasn't there at the resurrection

 

 

 

 

A Table in a strange place

 

‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.’ Psalm 23:5a.

It reads as though the Shepherd has taken the ‘sheep’ on a picnic. The word picture of ‘prepare’ indicates He had gone to a lot of trouble for it means ‘to set out in order.’ What has He placed upon it? Refreshment for the body after a day’s journey. What has preceded this ‘picnic?’ The possibility of or the fact of travelling through the valley of the shadow. Whilst fear may not have dominated, it would strike me as unusual if a wee bit of nervousness wasn’t tingling the spine. So, here is the Shepherd’s opportunity to settle the sheep and to provide nourishment for the next day. Treats with which to surprise and please may also be on the menu. David makes this a personal, one on one ‘picnic.’ We can understand the imagery of Shepherd waiting upon the sheep, but what about the Master waiting upon the servant? Jesus said He would do this for the servant found faithfully fulfilling his responsibilities when Jesus returns, Luke 12:37. The One who was prepared to wash the disciples feet is not adverse to being a waiter to honour the faithful. What a wonderful and gracious Lord we serve and worship.

When we apply the psalm to our circumstances can we recall the Lord ‘feeding’ us in a strange place? Mary and I were on a short term mission and study trip to Africa and experienced the Lord’s ‘picnic table.’ We were not so much in enemy territory, but in the midst of a different culture. What did the Lord do to refresh us? We went to a camp for refugees from a civil war. There we met some Christians who welcomed us, spoke English and shared a time of worship with us in their distinct celebratory style. Also, in the camp were family members of people we knew back home. What a joy to tell them of their loved ones and to be able to take messages back home! The stress and strain of ministry and travel were eased then swamped by God’s grace reaching us through His people.

The concept of the table is also more than simply sharing a meal. It is coming under the protection of the householder. Even if enemies found themselves within the same house and at the same table honour forbade them to begin hostilities. It was offensive to the owner and to the culture. In psalm 41:9 David speaks about a person who breached this trust. Such a person is personified in Judas at the Passover time in the Upper Room with Jesus. (A similar breach is told in Jeremiah 41:1-3.)

With that in mind I wonder if the following words of the verse take on a deeper meaning: Rather than David’s enemies prowling the perimeters or spying from hidden vantage points, they are sharing in the table time. This may be hard to accept until you realise the grace and power of the Shepherd. ‘When the ways of people please the Lord, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them.’ Proverbs 16:7. The heart of the Good Shepherd and His transforming power is written about by Paul in Ephesians 2. An implacable dislike, even hatred, between Jews and Gentiles, is overcome when both make Jesus Saviour and Lord. He is our peace. He breaks down our barriers. He puts us into one Body (the Church) and we are ‘built together spiritually.’

What then does this tell us about ‘sheep head-butting sheep?’ Something is wrong. The have been bitten by a parasite and its causing them to be ‘unsheep like.’ It also effects their relationship with the Shepherd. Something is overriding His indwelling grace. Something is creating a betrayal of their ‘table manners.’ Unless this spiritual ‘bug’ is removed it will devour faith, relationships and testimony. Imagine what would have happened after the betrayal of Jesus by all the disciples in the Upper Room. Guilt, self-righteousness, denial, shame and the ‘blame-game’ would have made null and void their future message – if they had a future. What did Jesus call on them to do to prove each of them as disciples? To love each other! (Read John 13). That was the power of Christ’s resurrection grace, redemption and forgiveness. It had overwhelmed their betrayal of their Lord. It also dealt with any recriminations they would have held against themselves and each other.

The Lord’s Table (Communion or Eucharist) is the ‘sheep’s’ table today. There our Shepherd wants to refresh us, equip us, sooth our troubled heart and mind, heal broken relationships and mend any shredded witness. Read why this is so important in 1 Corinthians 1o:16-22. 11:17-32. When Jesus is our Lord and He breathes His peace in us then we will be at peace with each other.

Then He can anoint our individual and collective heads – but that is for next week.

©Ray Hawkins March 2016

Comfort means more than a cuddly toy

It’s a command, not a suggestion. It’s personal as well. In Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort, yes, comfort my people!” says your God.” Those suffering, grieving, confused would sob “please!” Those, probably like you and I would want to know answers to two questions that verse raises. Who is defined as His people? How am I to express comfort, especially to those in far off places?

In the context ‘my people’ is referring to the Nation of Israel. God actually fulfilled His own command when Jesus was born into their Nation. Today, the Nation is in need of people and Governments offering ‘comfort’ and support. The attitude by some Denominational church leaders is to be thorns, not comforters, in the side of the Nation. That’s a sure way of getting into the Lord’s book of discipline

 ‘My people’ would also include Humanity in general for Yahweh is their Creator, according to Genesis. Therefore we have no reason for denying those in need because we have some racial dislike.

There’s another group (not extra-terrestrials) which come from out of both the classes above. It is called ‘the body’ or the Church. Over the centuries this people group have known the pain inflicted when they have withdrawn from one of the other groups. Why they withdrawal? They have joined up with Jesus Christ. They belong to an international and spiritual identity which, unfortunately often means they are given a hard time by former colleagues. 

When we consider the need of people for comfort the Lord is actually asking us to embrace one and all. Paul expressed it well in Galatians 6:10,”Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.’ It doesn’t take much imagination to know how to do good to the hungry, homeless, sick, lonely and others. This can be done in a detached and impersonal manner.

The words translated ‘comfort’ however calls us to be more personally involved to those who are hurting.

Psalm 23:4 tells us that God’s staff and rod bring comfort. The word means ‘it gives forth sighs.’ What does? The word is used in Psalm 119:50 and points us to God’s word. We are not peddling in pious and unthinking sentences. We are using the scriptures to offers hope and strength mixed with wisdom for the circumstances. Romans 15:4, ‘whatever things were written before [in the Old Testament] were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.’ As we read the Bible there is a realisation that God is sharing our scene and feeling for us. He sighs with us. We know we are not alone.

2 Corinthians 7:6, ‘God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.’ In this instant the word means that when Titus met up with Paul and company his presence was a blessing. What this young man had to share boosted the morale of the group. You may not have magical solutions to share with those who are downcast, but, coming alongside of them is a comfort. Giving them a hug as you shed a tear is therapeutic to their soul, and a joy to their heart. In Philippians 2:19 Paul says how he will be refreshed when Timothy comes with a report on the Church there. In Colossians 4 9-18 Paul once again reveals how the hurts, frustrations and house confinements were soothed by the friendship and visits, prayers and greetings of people.

I’ve conducted many funerals. Some have had a sense of hope that death was not the end. It was the entrance into an eternal realm of grace and glory with Jesus Christ. This is such a contrast to others who only see oblivion or perdition. There may be wishful thinking about being ‘up there looking down’ but that’s all they have to cling too.  What is the difference between the two funerals? It is hope grounded in the person of Jesus Christ. Because of who He is and what He achieved on Calvary’s cross and His resurrection our hope has substance. When we activated our understanding of the Gospel by faith and made Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, an eternal hope was born. Christians have comfort because they know Jesus keeps His promise. Christians want to share with all the wonder of what Jesus does in a life infused with hope, grace and comfort.

 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 informs us of a great ‘getting up from the grave’ event when we will meet Jesus Christ in the air. Then we will be forever with the Lord. It is by this promise, secured for us by Jesus Christ, we are able to comfort each other. How do we know He can and will deliver? The empty tomb, the risen Lord and the Bible are our guarantees.

I've been crucified - yet I'm alive

Heaven, however defined, seems to be the heart’s goal after life on earth. Most people imagine it to be an improved version of earth in which they simply make an entrance through death. Trouble with that is Heaven would quickly become the type of Hell we have made earth to be.

According to the Judeo-Christian Bible holiness is the atmosphere of Heaven. That poses a problem for Humankind. None of us would pass the moral and spiritual ‘X-Ray’ investigation of our heart and mind. Also, from the Bible’s pages it is evident that there is only a certain quality of life capable of enjoying the atmosphere where God dwells.

What does the Scriptures reveal about our inner condition that makes us unacceptable to scrutiny by the Lord? ‘Sin’ would be the most common descriptive word. Fair enough. But what causes this offensive moral, spiritual, relational force? Romans 6:6 defines it as ‘The Old Man.’ We may not like the Biblical explanation for the ‘Old Man’s’ existence, as given in Genesis 3, the sad fact however is, we are infected and indwelt by It. People try all types of moral and spiritual cosmetics to soften, dilute or disarm ‘the Old Man’s’ expressions and power so as to pass Heaven’s ‘X-Ray’. There is only one way to pass the test. That is to have this indwelling Heaven offending ‘monster’ removed.

How?

This would require a death and removal experience and at the same time a replacement to fill the void created by the ‘Old Man’s’ expulsion. All this is beyond our human capacity. For it to happen the Lord God of Heaven must choose to do it on our behalf and give us an indication that it has worked. Here again is another aspect of the wonder, the mystery and the power of the cross of Christ. The words of Galatians 2:20 unveil to our mind what Heaven has done to our soul: ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me…’

When Christ was crucified He accomplished and fulfilled a myriad of Biblical symbolisms, prophecies, justifications with death dealing removal of the ‘Old Man’. In Romans 6 Paul says we were ‘co-crucified with Christ.’ It was there on the cross Jesus saw you down the tunnel of time and reached out, embraced you into His agony, death, burial and resurrection. For you that only became a personal reality when you heard and believed the good news of Jesus and the purpose of His crucifixion and resurrection.

What was left behind when Jesus rose from the tomb? The ‘Old Man’ of our soul. For if Jesus embraced us on the cross, He held on to us in His resurrection. Faith infuses us with the knowledge that we share in His resurrection life. He shares our life through the presence of His Holy Spirit. That answers the question raised above as to the quality of life required for Heaven. It is resurrection life! It also solves the problem of the ‘X-Ray’ investigation of our inner life. There is no evidence of that corrupt, offensive and antagonistic presence of the ‘Old Man’ of the soul.

How do we celebrate this unseen yet very real life and destiny transforming reality? Roman 6 links it with baptism. The Holy Spirit takes us in a moment of time when we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord and puts us into Christ and his experience on the cross. This then is expressed outwardly by a personal immersion in water as a testimony and identification with and for Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38 and 8:38-39 plus 1 Peter 3:18-22.

Where does all this lead us?

We begin a journey of discovery, worship, service and spiritual battles with forces opposed to Jesus Christ and His purposes. Some of those matters we have looked at before and others are still to come. However, in the concluding words of Galatians 2:20 ‘the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.’

 

©Ray Hawkins August 2015.

The Untouchable Name

Babylon is the city and power, spiritually, militarily and politically, spoken against in the Bible. Its history as recorded details a concerted attempt to oppose the Yahweh and His purposes. Genesis 10:8-12 and 11:1-9. This city became the foundation and the fountain-head of the occult. Isaiah and Jeremiah have strong word to say about and against Nimrod’s creation. The book of Revelation lays plain Yahweh’s wrath and judgement stored up for a coming day.

Why is the Lord so implacable towards Babylon? It is more than its opposition to the person of Yahweh, for such can be forgiven. The issue is expressed through personalising the city’s boast. Such inflammatory words became a declaration of war. Isaiah 47:8 ‘Now then, listen, you wanton creature, lounging in your security and saying to yourself, “I AM, and there is none beside me…” (Nineveh had same spirit ‘she said to herself, “I AM, and there is none besides me”’ Zephaniah 2:15). To use the words ‘I am’ in such a way is to claim the untouchable Name. It is to challenge the legitimacy of the Lord God’s right to be God alone.

We become aware of God’s unique, untouchable Name in His call to Moses at the burning bush. ‘God said to Moses, “I AM THAT I AM:” and he said, “Thus shall you say unto the children of Israel I AM has sent me to you.”’ Exodus 3:14. Here also is His framework for the Covenant the Almighty made with Israel, for it is bound up in His Name. In giving to the Nation (and through them to us) the Ten Commandments God stresses ‘You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain.’ Exodus 20:7.

Mystery Babylon (Revelation 17:5) not only takes Yahweh’s Name in vain, it wants to, plans to, and will fight to claim it. That is why the Scriptures are so loud in their call for people to get out of this city. Its defeat and doom is spelt out in Yahweh’s word. To ignore such a call is to share in the consequences of the judgement.

The Eternal’s defence of His untouchable Name has implications for Jesus. It is recorded, especially in the Gospel by John that the Man of Galilee lay claim to being ‘I AM’. His use of such terms as ‘I am the Bread of Life’ or ‘I am the Good Shepherd’ may seem unthreatening, however, there is no getting away from John 8:58. ‘Jesus said to them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.”’ To His disciples in John 13:19 He makes a similar claim. In the Greek it reads “From now I tell you before it happens, that you may believe when it happens I AM.” Then in Gethsemane when Judas and soldiers came to capture Jesus He twice mentioned that He was ‘I AM’. On the second occasion the soldiers fell backwards and tumbled over.

Now how do we as followers of Jesus Christ know he isn’t on the same trajectory of judgement as Babylon? Have we sure and certain evidence that His claim is valid? Here is where the battle ground of faith is fought. The Bethlehem Baby, the Calvary Christ, is He the Son of God and the ‘I AM’? If so how do we know? By His resurrection from the dead! His claim is vindicated as well as His mission of redemption. Once again we are confronted by the words of Thomas in the upper room when he said “My Lord and My God.”

The untouchable Name will have no rivals. Nor will it allow those who take it in vain or pollute its holiness escape discipline and loss of reward. I AM is the unique revelation of our eternal God and the wonderful, wonderful and amazing fact is, by faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, our Saviour, we honour that Name (Philippians 2:10-11). In it we are baptized according to Matthew 28:19; Go...teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit…’

 

©Ray Hawkins 27^th July 2015

Yahweh in O.T. = Jesus in N.T.

Job, in the book which bears his name, expressed many a person’s dilemma. In chapter 23 are these words ‘Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his dwelling! I would lay my case before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn what he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.’

There is expressed Humankind’s problem regarding God. Where can he (if God is ‘He’) be found. Where would a person look? If someone stumbled across him, how would he be recognised? What if God never wanted to be found? When all of creation and life is considered, the greatest of all mysteries remains God. Unless he chose to reveal himself we would never find him.

Here is the most awesome, wonderful, and at the same time, disturbing claim of the Judeo-Christian Bible. The unseen God has revealed Himself. How? His existence is proclaimed through creation (Romans 1:20). His character and intent He made known to specific people, beginning with Adam and down the line to Noah, Abraham, Moses and the prophets (Amos 3:7). The Lord God’s self-revelation culminated in the Babe of Bethlehem, Emmanuel (God with us) who was given the Greek name Jesus (in Hebrew, Joshua).

To us, the strange revelation concerning God is that He is a tri-unity. That blows our mind. Some parody the concept (to their judgement) others sidestep it as too hard to grasp. However, God hasn’t left us in the dark on this. Genesis 1:26 and 31 begins the unveiling. The Aaronic threefold blessing stresses this mystery, as does Isaiah’s vision (6:3) Daniel in 9:19, Paul (2 Corinthians 13:13 and the Angels in Revelation 4:8. For me, it is when Jesus cries in agony on the cross “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me” undergirds the uniqueness of the eternal. Why did Jesus break the three fold emphasis? Emmanuel was on the cross!

In John 10:30 Jesus makes an astounding claim: “The Father and I are one.” The Greek word for ‘one’ is in the neuter gender and implies essence. Jesus asserts the Father and He (and the Holy Spirit) are of the same essence.  Here was a charge of blasphemy requiring death. It didn’t happen then but it was the charge that the High Priest used to justify the death penalty on Jesus (Matthew 26:63-65). The writer to the Hebrews in chapter one makes the most astounding statements regarding Jesus. As you read and examine what is written it takes your breath away and at the same time (should) make you bow in gratitude and wonder. It amplifies what Jesus said about Himself in John 14:8-11.

As those who are disciples of the Lord Jesus we may find the doctrine of the Godhead beyond us. It is to be accepted by faith. What we are called upon to believe is the great faith statement of Thomas in John 20:28 “My Lord and my God!” (Psa 35:23). Jesus never refuted it. How then does this Jesus measure up to the revelation of Yahweh in the Jewish Scriptures (the Old Testament)?

Yahweh                                           Title                                       Jesus

Exodus 3:14                                      I AM                                       John 8:58. 18:5-6

Isaiah 40:28.  66:2                          Creator                                  John 1:3. Col.1:16

Isaiah 45:22. 43:11                           Saviour                                  John 4:42. Titus 1:3-4

Isaiah 60:19-20.                               Light                                      John 8:12

Isaiah 41:4.                                        First & Last                           Revelation 22:13

Timothy 1:17. 6:14-16                      Lord of lords                         Revelation 17:14.19:16

                                                            King of kings

These are a selection of passages showing the identity of Yahweh and Jesus to be one and the same. The big issue which determines the truth of this comparison has to be the resurrection of Christ Jesus, bodily. If He didn’t arise then the high Priest was right. It is His resurrection which verifies who He is and what He has achieved.

Next week we will have a brief look at the defining word relating to God. That is ‘I AM’ and Jesus claim on it.

 

©Ray Hawkins. July 2015.

The Worm of God.

Pilgrim cross, Glendalough
Ireland

Worms play an important role in the story of the Judeo-Christian faith. The blood of the coccus worm gave its purple colour to various items, such as linen, in the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle is a portrait of the person, ministry and sacrifice of Christ Jesus. Therefore, the worm and its blood must have some prophetic and symbolic link with Jesus.

The first Biblical mention of the coccus worm in Job 25:5-6 is foundational for our understanding. ‘If even the moon is not bright and the stars are not pure in his (God’s) sight, how much less a mortal, who is a maggot, and a human being, who is a worm!’ This comment from Bildad might seem over the top and uncomplimentary to our self-esteem. I believe it is very insightful, if not prophetic.

Centuries later King David of Israel penned Psalm 22. The background to this awesome psalm is not clear. What is undeniable is its portrayal of a future event featuring Jesus. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” is the cry from the cross. (Read the whole passage and behold the crucifixion of Christ foretold a thousand years before the event).

What has that to do with ‘the worm’? Everything! ‘I am a worm, and not human; scorned by others, and despised by the people’ (Psalm 22:6). The events of the Passover crucifixion major on Jesus being the Lamb of God whose life and death provided our place of safety from God’s judgement. The symbolism of Jesus being ‘the worm of God’ seems a little bit tasteless. Yet, it actually deals with Bildad’s problem, and often, our unasked but perceived assessment, if not of ourselves, of others.

It is hard to imagine a creature weaker than a worm. Also, by inference, its dwelling place is in earth’s dirt. That is a fit Biblical description of the human condition morally and spiritually. When we come to grips with the symbolic and prophetic magnitude of the cross of Christ, we cannot but be stunned. Writers of the New Testament say many things about the cross.  One of the most revealing, for me, is Paul’s: ‘We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles … For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength’ (1 Corinthians 1:23-25).

Why do you think Jesus became ‘the worm of God?’ I understand it this way. He became the weakest of the weak so that no one has an excuse by saying Christ’s offer of saving grace wouldn’t reach down to his/her depth. The Bible insists that there isn’t anyone beneath what Christ became. We are also informed that as ‘the worm’ Jesus lived in the midst of Humanity’s filth but was uncontaminated. However, He absorbed all the rottenest of this world and was crushed under its weight and judgement by God the Father. Was the weakness of ‘the worm of God’ strong enough to die so as to rise again? Was His uncontaminated life verified?  Was Bildad’s description able to be reversed? That was answered on the third day of entombment. The angel sounded the victory song ‘He is risen!’ God the Father had accepted the identity with, the substitution for, and the victory over the wrath accrued on behalf of ‘Earth’s worms.’

What does this mean for we who believe in and commit ourselves to Jesus as the risen Lord and Saviour? Many things. However, to conclude the theme of ‘the Worm of God’, recall the fact that the coccus worm gave its blood to colour the Tabernacle. When Jesus poured out His life in the shedding of his blood, it made something eternally wonderful for you and me.  It includes being redeemed, purchased, justified, sanctified, washed and at peace with God. The blood of the coccus worm stained the Tabernacle linen purple. The blood of the Lord Jesus did what Isaiah wrote about as a promise of God: ‘Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool’ (Isaiah 1:18).

There are many titles given to Jesus Christ such as The Lamb of God, Lion of Judah, Bridegroom, Prince of Peace and Alpha and Omega. For me there is something awesome, special and precious knowing He is also the Worm of God on my behalf.

Jesus' Christmas Job Description.

The Angel declared the Job description for the promised Baby. His mission, to save people (among other things). As we finish celebrating Christmas it is a good time to ask ourselves “what does ‘save’ mean”. To help understand this I’ve used four personal illustrations.

When I was about 11 years old I was on a pontoon at a swimming beach and I was pushed into the water. I couldn’t swim. The other Y.P. thought I was fooling around until my mother screamed out ‘Save him’! Someone had to dive in and rescue me. I was saved from drowning.

When the Bible uses the term ‘saved’ it means someone had to ‘dive into that situation and rescue the person who cannot save himself. This is what Jesus Christ came to do at Christmas. That was part of His ‘Job Description’. But there is much more to being saved than being ‘pulled out of the water’ – or whatever other situation. When I accept Jesus as my Saviour He saved me from my sin and judgement.

When I was about 19 years I was going to church but I was only really play acting at being a Christian. After the evening service I was standing on the street corner, alone, and it was as though God said in my heart “Shape up or ship out”! The Lord was offering me the opportunity to be saved from hypocrisy and a wasted life. That wasn’t a fun time I can tell you. I chose to shape up. I was saved from being masquerading and a useless life. The alternative was too terrible to contemplate. This decision two years later led me into Bible College. At that moment my Saviour became my Lord.

My first few days in College were great, until one night. I sat at my desk and felt guilty about being there. Memories of my past mistakes, failures and disobedience flooded the mind. The devil whispered “you are no good. You should not be a minister. You are unworthy”. He was right. He didn’t have to lie or make things up. What was I to do? I opened the Bible and these verses from Colossians 2:13-15 leapt out at me. The Lord was saying to my heart “you are saved from your past. The Devil hasn’t any power to blackmail you. You are forgiven! You are cleansed! You have been set free by Christ’s victory at the cross”.  

Over the years I’ve been challenged by people who believe that all religions are leading you to the same God. However when I looked at the Bible it said something different. Acts 4:12, John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the only way to know and meet God and call Him ‘our Father’. The Bible means what it says. Therefore if anyone wants to know what God is like, how to meet Him and be accepted in time and eternity there is only one way. It is called ‘Salvation’ and it has been made possible because Jesus Christ came into this World to ‘make it possible’. To do this He had to live as a man and suffer an unjust death. More than that, to be the Saviour, He had to rescue us from sin and judgement by taking it from us and putting it upon Himself. However, if He was still in the tomb there is no way He could be our Saviour, only a failure. However as Matthew 28:6 and other passages tell us, Jesus conquered death and the tomb by rising again and by that became fulfilled His job description, to save all who believe in Him.  . No other religion or Faith has a message such as this, or a Saviour such as Jesus.

How then can you experience the salvation secured for you by Jesus?
First, you must recognise that you are ‘drowning’ in sin, hopelessness, and the wrath of God.
Second, you must accept the fact that Jesus is the only One who is able to reach out to you and place you on salvation’s ground.
 Third, you must invite Him into your life, by faith, and allow Him to be your Saviour and Lord.

 When you do this a whole new destiny awaits to be discovered, enjoyed and shared. You become a new person in God’s eyes. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. That is the Joy promised at Christmas. That is the reality secured at Calvary. That is the gift offered by Jesus Christ on behalf of the Father and it is yours to be claimed by faith. What a great way to end the year and face the New Year.

Today make it your day for claiming Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. 2 Corinthians 6:2

(© Ray Hawkins Dec 28.2014.)

 

 

Hope Even When Despair's Tear Fall

To look into the eyes of the displaced people from Syria, Iraq and elsewhere, what has God got to offer them? Does the Bible speak to their situation? Do all we have to say merely sounds like pious but hollow words?

There is a book in the Old Testament written especially for people caught up in war. It was written by the prophet Jeremiah after the destruction of his beloved city, Jerusalem. The book is called Lamentations. In any conflict the innocent suffer. The causes of the conflict will vary from that of Israel in Jeremiah’s day. You read of his anguish, his identification with its destruction and even his questioning of God. However in the midst of this book of tears the radiance of Hope bursts through. This isn’t a whistling in the dark, fingers crossed type of hope. It is founded on the rock solid faithfulness of God to His promises.

Jeremiah was distraught by the apparent hopelessness which the burning rubble of city and temple presented. He believed God had promised through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob a Messiah and King would come through the tribe of Judah. Was all that now abandoned by God because of human faithlessness, failure and folly? The nation was in captivity in Babylon. The city destroyed. God’s promise seemed null and void. Had the ungodly won the battle?

Even today this scenario is being played out, especially in Islamic countries. Rival Islamic militants are intent on destroying each other. All of those Islamic groups also have the desire to eliminate Jews and Christians. Where is the Lord Jesus Christ in all of this? The United Nations relief agencies are in the camps supplying food and shelter but where can hope be found? Where will the heart find comfort that truth, righteousness and justice will ultimately one day come? When the Christian suffering refugees bury their dead what will sustain their faith? What can they offer to the children who are hungry, naked and confused?

There can only be the promises of God spelt out in the Bible. These are not wishful thinking words. The promises of God are verifiable and tested by time and fulfilment in a number of areas. Jeremiah wrestled in his pain, poverty and loneliness with wondering if God would succeed in doing what He promised. The prophet wrote down his convictions in Lamentations 3. (see below). He also declared that God would bring back the nation to the Land after seventy (70) years. It happened! We also know that God kept His word in the sending of His son Jesus to be the Messiah. Christmas and Easter are testament to that.

Therefore, what hope can we offer to those who sit in the rubble of their world? What can we say when injustice, cruelty and corruption flaunt themselves and defile the Name and Word of God? ‘(God) has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead’. (Acts 17:31 speaking of course about Jesus Christ) Compare also Jude 15-25 Revelation 20.

The Bible is actually a book written to refugees assailed, expelled or threatened for their faith in Jesus as God’s Son, our Saviour. Those of us in the more stable countries at this moment need to pray for those who are suffering and dying for their faith, now. We may well be next. Therefore each of us needs to reconnect and take to heart the wonderful words of faith which held Jeremiah together even as his tears of despair flowed.

‘My soul … is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope; The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to and end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.’ (Lamentations 3:20-26)

Hope is founded on God’s character, integrity and track record in fulfilling what He promised. Now is the time to be strengthened in it through reading, believing and obeying His word. Now is also the time to make His promise of forgiveness and a new destiny by putting your trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. He is the One who will one day come to judge the world in righteousness. That’s hope sustained by God’s faithfulness!

Series: Discipleship. Christ's invitation



students @ Woolwich Bible College 1963

To be a disciple is to be a student. Therefore to be a disciple of Christ Jesus is to be in His classroom ad learning from His curriculum. From what I can see people were never called to make ‘decisions’ for Christ. They were invited to enter into His ‘classroom’. This would begin a series of student/Master engagements, both theological and practical, in groups and individually, in a set place or out in the ‘market place’.

How Discipleship Begins: John 1:35-39.

Someone who knows about Jesus (eg John the Baptist) points out to someone the person of Jesus. When that person (Andrew) shows interest Jesus (or now His servants) says: “Come and see” (v.39)

One of the key words of Jesus is “come”. Don’t rush into commitment or hasty vows. Check Him out. This use to be the role of such things as Sunday Schools, Youth groups, Gospel services, specific Bible Studies. Our society has by-passed most of these, unfortunately, today.

The early parts of the Gospels have this “come and see” aspect. You see the person of Jesus under all types of circumstances. You hear of His teachings. You watch His debates and marvel at His miracles. He also gives you areas of responsibility, Matt. 10. Matt.14:13 etc.

How Discipleship is Sifted: John 6: 22-71. Matthew 16:24-26.

It’s great and exciting in the early days and months of being a disciple. See and hear all types of things. Suddenly, you hit the proverbial ‘brick–wall’. It takes at least two forms.
1. Jesus lays out some tough sayings. Some cannot handle them or misunderstand the implications and metaphors. They drop out of class.
2. Then to those who remain comes even harder words: Deny self: Take up your cross: Follow.

In a sense this is the penultimate part of Discipleship. It is also a requirement which is never lifted. It says you are prepared to put to death all your personal ambitions, dreams, lusts and likes to obey Jesus. It says when you have a choice of serving self or obeying Jesus you deny yourself.

The ultimate test is when it seems as though the One you call Lord is beaten in battle and crucified literally or verbally. It’s as though all the teaching has been a fraud and He is either a liar or sad lunatic. Graduation from being a disciple into a follower/soldier etc arrives when the wonder, the reality, the awesome triumph of Jesus and His Word over the tomb and human philosophy grips your heart.

How Discipleship is Celebrated: John 21:12.

The Greek is “Come and breakfast (or dine)”. I find it interesting that after Acts the term ‘Disciple’ isn’t used. Actually we would be better called ‘sent ones’ (apostles) Matt. 28:19-20 as well as other descriptive terms such as ‘co-labourer, fellow-soldier, elder, evangelist, and collectively ‘saints.’

Was this a ‘graduation’ dinner? Those in the upper room and others were convinced about who Jesus is and why He had come. The profound statement by Thomas in John 20:28 sums Jesus up. “My Lord and my God!”

In this passage just before the ascension of the Lord (Acts 1) Jesus comes for a breakfast with His ‘ graduates’. One or two matters needing addressing but now they were to be commissioned. What did that involve? Matthew 28:19-20 ‘Go into all the world and make disciples…’ They were now the ‘sent ones’. That also spills over onto us.

From “come and see” these men and women of Jesus were now invited to “come and dine”. It reminds me of our personal calling. The Lord invites us to ‘come and dine’ regularly with Him around Communion/Eucharist. After sharing in that precious time we are sent into ‘our world’ as Christ’s witnesses. One day, when all the ‘sending out’ has been completed we will dine with our Lord at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-10).