The Lord is My Shepherd

Day 1 ... Sometimes life can be like a wilderness. Isn't it wonderful to know that we don't have to walk through our "wilderness" alone. Our devotions this week have a few questions in them. You can answer the questions by filling in the blanks or you can just think and reflect on the questions without writing...the important thing isn't the writing...it's the thinking. Try to find a few quiet moments today to reflect on this verse.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want..." Psalm 23:1

Here in Texas we see a lot of cows, but we don’t see many sheep…at least where I come from. Maybe you know a little about sheep…not me…so I did some research. It didn’t take long to learn that sheep just can't make it on their own. I mean really! If they don’t have a shepherd they are history.

Back in the ancient Bible days, sheep needed a shepherd just as much as they do now. Without a shepherd they would fall off cliffs, drown in wadis (a wadi is a narrow canyon that is dry except for in the rainy season…then it’s full of roaring water), they would be eaten for supper by jackals or leopards. Sheep depended on their shepherd for everything...I mean everything...because…now pay attention here…sheep are pretty dumb critters. And to be a sheep…in the wilderness…without a shepherd…it just didn’t get much more dangerous than that.

Life is a lot like that for us...and like the sheep we just can't make it on our own. We need a shepherd.

Does your world ever feel like a dangerous wilderness?


When the going gets rough and dangerous do you have a loving shepherd that you follow? If you do...think about how it helps.

If you don't...think about what it would be like to have a loving shepherd lead you.

During the day the sheep would follow their shepherd...but as it became night the shepherd would walk with his sheep…right there…next to them. They knew he was there. They could hear his voice and they felt calmer…safer. At night he would lead them to their sheepfold and then he would lie down in front of the gate. He guarded them through the night and kept them safe.

I have a Good Shepherd…and he is with me through each day and night. When the "night" comes...you know... those really tough, hard times that we all go through...the times when we can't see our way... what we need most is to find our shepherd and be comforted by his presence. He's always there, calling, waiting, for us to follow Him. He is my shepherd…and I am his sheep.

Let’s read Mark 6:34 (Jesus compares a group of people to sheep).

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:34

Jesus knew the people were like sheep without a shepherd...and just like Jesus felt compassion for them...he feels that same compassion for you and for me. Isn’t that a wonderful thought? Jesus feels compassion for you and me. There is a Shepherd…all we have to do is choose to follow him.

Good for you...you finished Day 1. It didn't take that long did it? As I drift off to sleep tonight, I am going to think about my Shepherd, Jesus... guarding the gate to keep me safe while I sleep. What a loving God we serve.




Day 2 ... One thing we have in common with sheep is that we get hungry each day. Try to find a few quiet moments today to reflect on this verse.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures;" Psalm 23:2

The pastures of Israel are definitively not like the knee-deep lush, green fields of Ireland. They don't look like pastures at all. They look like rocky, barren hillsides. Have you ever hunted for Easter eggs? Well that is what it is like looking for grass in the wilderness. It's there but it's scattered amidst the rocks. The sheep would starve without the shepherd to find enough grass for them each day.

Somehow when I was growing up I never pictured sheep grazing in the wilderness…but that is exactly what they do. The fertile land in Israel is used to grow crops. Sheep graze in the wilderness…or on the edge of the wilderness. That puts a whole new picture on so much of the shepherd language in the Old Testament. Talk about trust! Every day the shepherd would have to find the grass for the sheep and then lead them there. And the next day he would do the same. And the next. And the next. It was a daily reliance on the shepherd for their very survival…what an incredible picture.

As followers of Jesus, God wants us to trust Him day by day. The Good Shepherd doesn't promise us a life that is problem free, but he will give us the green grass we need for this moment...for this day. Do we really trust Him?

I know that there are times when worry and despair seem to wash over me. When was the last time you were filled with worry about tomorrow? We have a shepherd…and we can trust him. We just have to remember that he IS REAL…and that we can follow him. In Matthew chapter 6 we find the "Lord's Prayer"...some of you may know it as the "Our Father". In verse 11 Jesus talks about each day's need for bread.

Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11

Are we told to ask for monthly bread, weekly bread...or daily bread?

God so wants us to bring our worry to Him. It is a daily walk...a daily relationship. You may not see it now, but a new tuft of grass will always be there in the morning. He really is our Shepherd.

Good for you! You finished Day 2. When you wake in the morning the Shepherd will be right there with you.


Day 3 ... There is one thing we need each day even more than food. That's right...water! Now I know some of you say you don't drink water...but you do...just look on your soft drink label...see there it is...water. Try to find a few quiet moments today to reflect on this verse.

"He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul." Psalm 23:2-3

Ok...let's pretend...it's 5:30pm Friday afternoon and you’re at Wal-Mart...(I know your smarter than to go to Wal-Mart at 5:30pm on Friday but it's pretend) and you've been in the checkout line for 45 minutes...it's hot...you're tired...you're thirsty...you reach for a bottle of water (Coke, Dr. Pepper etc.) and just as you pick up your bottle the entire drink machine jumps off the ground and body slams you to the ground. Not a pretty picture is it. Aren’t you glad this was only pretend!

What do you believe is the most frequent cause of death in the wilderness? Did I hear you say starvation, thirst…maybe heat stroke? Would you believe that that most wilderness deaths happen because of floods? That's right...drowning in the desert. The sky can be clear, the sun shining, and suddenly a wall of water can roar through the narrow canyon. Anyone in the wadi will be washed away. That is what can happen to a sheep who finds his own water without the shepherd. Instead of getting a drink he is slammed to the ground and swept away.

It seems that people are so thirsty today…and they don’t always drink safe water…sometimes they try to quench their thirst with money, people, and business. And then there are those that stand in the middle of the wadi…while the flash flood siren is blaring…and quench their thirst on sex outside of marriage, drugs, alcohol. There is no quicker way to drown. Dangerous waters...safe waters...the choices are ours.

What are some of the "waters" people are thirsting for today?
Only our Shepherd knows what waters are safe for us to drink. There is a part of every person on earth that is empty or "thirsty" for God. I want you to read Psalm 63:1-8. It was written in the wilderness. If you have ever been really, really, thirsty try to think of that time when you read these verses.

Psalm 63 A Psalm of David When he was in the Desert of Judah.

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; withsinging lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right handupholds me. Psalm 63:1-8

In verse 5 the writer says "My soul will be satisfied..." Isn't that what just about everyone you know is searching for....they may be looking in the wrong places...but they want to get to a place where there is no anguish, worry, rejection, or pain. Maybe you can tell someone about that verse this week...someone who is really searching for satisfaction and peace...someone who needs a shepherd.

Good for You! You finished Day 3. I can think of nothing safer…warmer…than to sing in the shadow of his wings...thank you Lord.



Day 4... Do you remember in school when you had to walk in a straight line? No talking, no pushing...keep your hands to yourself...don't get out of line! Remember those kids who just couldn't do it? Sheep and Goats...a lot like walking in line at school. Try to find a few quiet moments today to reflect on this verse.

"He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Psalm 23:3

Did you know that sheep always travel in a straight line? Sounds good doesn't it. Well the bad thing is that they will not walk around a dangerous obstacle...even if it is a steep cliff...they will just fall straight down. That is why the shepherd guides them...to keep them safe.

In Hebrew the same word that is used for "straight" is used for "righteousness". The "straight paths" for the shepherd were the "paths of righteousness" mentioned in Psalm 23. Did you know that God is leading you down a straight sheep path? The question is...are we following?

Most people don’t know that most of the shepherds are children. There is usually an over-shepherd…maybe the father…standing up high on a hill overlooking the flock. And then there are the under-shepherds…usually children. The shepherd children love their sheep. They know their personalities, and their likes and dislikes. When the sheep begin to wander from the flock, the shepherds gently throw stones to one side or the other to guide the sheep back to the flock.

Has God ever had to gently throw a stone to get you back on the path?

If the shepherd's flock were all sheep, their job would be fairly easy…but it’s not…there are also goats. Goats have a mind of their own. They get out of line. They wander away from the "paths of righteousness" and get in to trouble. They try to lead the flock away. They break up flocks. If your flock has more goats than sheep…well…your flock is in big trouble.

It is really important to never... ever... follow a goat. Have you ever known a goat? Have you ever been a goat?

If you've known a goat you are not alone...if you have been a goat you are not alone. God can turn a goat into a sheep...it's his specialty. We pray... ask forgiveness...dwell in his word...give total commitment to the Shepherd...God's formula for turning a goat into a sheep.

Bible teacher, Ray Vander Laan says that as Christians, we are often called to be leaders...maybe of a Sunday school class, or our family, or people we are over at work...really our flock is anyone we have influence over. In each of these "flocks", we will have both sheep and goats. Our sheep bring us joy and we are thankful. They have obedient hearts and aren't too difficult to guide back to the right path...But those goats are a different story. They are not easy...they bring sorrow and strife. They insist on doing everything the difficult way and they just don't seem to learn, even when the discipline seems harsh. A shepherd can spend 90 percent of his time on 20 percent of his flock.

Remember, as Christians, we all are part of God's flock. If we lose sight of the Shepherd, we risk leading our own flocks into great danger. If you act like a goat and cannot follow, can you expect anything different from your flock?

Let’s look at John 10:2-5.

The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger. John 10:2-5

Some questions to think about...Do you know the voice of your Shepherd? Does your "flock" know your voice? Where will you lead them?

Good for you! You finished Day 4. Some serious things to think about today...I am glad that I don't have to figure it all out. One day God will separate the sheep from the goats...I just want to make sure that I'm a sheep!



Day 5... Today we walk through the valley...Did you know that in God's Word the valley is where the battles were fought? That’s right…a group on one mountain and a group on another mountain…with a valley in between. They both want the valley...they both can't have the valley...they fight and one group wins and the other loses. Battle valleys. Try to find a few quiet moments today to reflect on this verse.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Remember the wadis...the deep narrow canyons with very steep sides...that can flood without notice. This is probably the image of the valley that the Psalm writer was talking about. Imagine being a sheep and walking through a dark canyon like this. Sometimes this is where the sheep have to walk. It sure would help to have your shepherd near.

Sometimes it seems as if darkness will go on forever. That is when we need the shepherd the most. When the sheep are in danger the shepherd goes straight the middle of the flock…and he calls out to them. Did you know that they hear his voice and that they know it? Did you know that he knows each of them by name?

As we spend time with our Shepherd each day…dwelling in his presence…living in his word…we will hear and know his voice too. When we are in danger we will know that we are not alone…he is with us.

One of my favorite names for God is Almighty. It is the Lord God Almighty who is with us in the valley. Let’s read a Psalm 91:1-8 together…it is a beautiful Psalm of protection.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. Psalm 91:1-8


We dwell in the shelter of the_____?

We abide in the shadow of the _______?

The image is this...

You are standing in the shadow of a mountain (threatening obstacle) but God Almighty is standing on top of that mountain. You are no longer in the mountain's shadow...you are now in God Almighty's shadow...because he is overshadowing the mountain. The Psalm writer says he knows our name...what a thought.

In many ways each one of us is a "battle valley". Satan stands on one mountain and God stands on the other mountain...and we are in the middle. The battle is for our soul. Each one of us gets to choose who occupies the valley...who gets our fertile ground. Jesus paid a tremendous price to win this battle for us...but he does not force His victory on us...we have to ask for it. We have to ask for the free gift of salvation and turn from our sins.

After receiving that free gift there is still another battle to be won. It is for our heart and our devotion. Do you want Jesus just so you can stay out of Hell…or do you want to give God your all? Do you want to let God sit in the driver’s seat and let yourself become the passenger? Do you truly want to be lead down His straight paths? Let him fill you with His Spirit and let Him change the self-centered heart into a God-centered heart...what a difference it makes in the Wilderness. Let him continue to fill you with His Spirit…it’s part of the daily bread.

Good for you! You finished Day 5. As I drift off to sleep tonight, I am going to think of the mountains…and the valleys…and my heart. Thank you Jesus…for going to battle for me.




Day 6...We will finish Psalm 23 today and think about the wilderness, and the acacia tree...that's right we are sheep and we are also to be like a tree...God keeps it simple to help us remember and to understand. Try to find a few quiet moments today to reflect on these verses.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:5-6

Don't you love it when you read a good book and it has a happy ending! This Psalm has a really happy ending for the little sheep that is following the shepherd. He finds grass, water, safety, comfort and he can survive even with enemies surrounding him.

Do you have any enemies? How do you treat them?

God's word talks about people that treat us wrong or sin against us...Lets see what it says. First of all there are two types of people....unbelievers and believers...people who are not Christians and people who are our brothers in Christ. Would you believe Jesus tells us to handle them each in a different way. Let’s look at Matthew 5:39.

But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39

What does Jesus tell us to do when an unbeliever (evil man) slaps us on the cheek?

Yep...that's where the saying came from...turn the other cheek. Now read let’s look at a few more verses.

"And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (just as a footnote...rain is a good thing...it helps crops to grow...so God is saying he does good things for the righteous and unrighteous)

"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect (complete) , therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (complete)." Matthew 5:39-48

This is how we are to treat an "unsaved" enemy. Do you have any unsaved enemies?

What about our brothers and sisters in Christ...are they ever our enemies? There definitely can be problems in our churches...remember the sheep and the goats? Let’s look up Matthew 18:15.

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. Matthew 18:15

If our brother (that is someone who is within our Church) sins what are we to do? Do we turn the other cheek? Jesus tells us to do something totally different than before.

There are three steps.

Step 1 - “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” Matthew 18:15

Step 2 - “But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’” Matthew 18:16

Step 3 - “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. “ Matthew 18:19

Remember the sheep and the goats...these steps were given to keep the goats from leading the sheep away and breaking up the flock. What if our "brother" asks for forgiveness...which is the goal of these three steps. Does that mean that we can hold grudges against our brothers in Christ when they have sinned? Let's see....

Right after these verses one of Jesus disciples named Peter asks Jesus how often we are to forgive the brother who has sinned against us? What does Jesus tell him? Look in Matthew 18:21-22.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22

How many times? Wow!

There is one more thing we have to look at before we go confront a sinning brother....Let’s look at Matthew 7:3-5

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Matthew 7:3-5

What does Jesus tell us to do before we go talk to a sinning brother?

That's right...we have to check our own eyes for logs. Even in confrontation, reconciliation is the ultimate goal. Do you think it is easy or hard to follow the shepherd in these instructions? I think most of us would say it is not easy. It's hard to confront a sinning brother and it is hard to turn the other cheek to an "evil" unsaved man. That is why we have to spend time with the shepherd...we can't do all of these hard things on our own.

Before we go, let's think for a few minutes about the acacia tree. If we are following Christ we are living in a wilderness and we won't really be in a garden until we receive our reward in Heaven. The acacia tree of the wilderness has deep roots...seeking water...can take the heat...can take the cold...doesn't get knocked down and swept away by a wall of water. God’s word tells us that we can be like this tree.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Psalm 1:3

This wilderness tree has roots that go down to the water. It flourishes in the desert.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched...For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2

Good for you...You finished Day 6. I want to be like the wilderness tree...I want my roots to go down so deep into God's love...and his word...that nothing can knock me over. He is my shepherd...I am his lamb...oh how I love my Shepherd.

Never forget...you are Sought After.

Until next time,

Cynthia

If you want to dig a little deeper...

Shepherd Lifestyle - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=1658
Water for the Sheep - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=1659
Feeding the Flock - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=1660
Watching the Flock - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=1661
Sheep Paths - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=1662
Sheep or Goat - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=2010
Wadis - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=1572

Faith Lesson – The Lord is My Shepherd

Part 1: The Wilderness http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageAD=1779

Part 2: The Lord is My Shepherd

Part 3: Green Pastures

Part 4: Quiet Waters

Part 5: Paths of Righteousness

Part 6: The Valley, the Rod, and the Staff

Part 7: The Table Prepared

Part 8: Honey From the Rock

No Greater Love -

Day 1... Today—a love story…try to find a few quiet moments today to reflect on this verse.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20a

Before the sun was up she was awake. As a matter of fact it had been hard to sleep at all the night before…and even though darkness had fallen many hours ago… sleep still would not come. From the moment she had been born until now, her 14th year of life, she had never had such a hard time falling asleep. So much had happened yesterday…with one sip from the cup, her life had changed…things would never be the same again. It had all felt like a beautiful dream…but that wasn’t possible…for to dream you must sleep.

When they arrived yesterday her father had been there, at the door. He had greeted the visitors with all the hospitality a man had to offer. She remembered peaking around the curtain to get a glimpse of them. The older man’s eyes had sparkled…but the son…oh my…dark hair…dark eyes…a few stray curls decorating his forehead…handsome… strong…and that smile…since the day she had met him at the well she had never forgotten it.

In her amazement she had hardly been able to think…in her excitement she had hardly been able to breathe. She thought back to the scene from yesterday. They were here for her…she was to be a bride…would her father agree? What bride price would be asked for…would they be willing to pay? Her father’s voice was low…it was so hard to hear… what was the amount he had asked for … surely she had heard him wrong…the price was too high. Never before in the village had such a price been asked. For a daughter to leave a family was a great loss…for the father to set a price to cover that loss was normal…but one this high? She knew that her father loved her but she never dreamed that he thought her so valuable.

She listened as he agreed to pay the price… and before she knew it, she was called into the room and all eyes were on her. The one from the well held a cup in his hand…and as he drank from it his eyes never looked away…and then he stretched out his arm and offered the cup to her. Everyone there knew that if she took it and if she drank from it …she was his and he was hers.

She smiled to herself remembering the look of relief on his face when she had taken the cup and had brought it to her lips…and as he had watched her drink it he slowly exhaled and began to breathe again. The covenant was sealed and although he still had to return to his father’s home and prepare a place for her…and she still had to wait for him and learn how to be his bride they were bound to each other for life.

As she prepared for him to return, she knew that one evening she would hear the blast of the trumpet and see the light from the torches and he would come. He would claim her as his own…and he would take her home to be with him as his bride. Now as she waited…he was no longer just “The Man from the Well”…he was her “Beloved Bridegroom”… and she was no longer just a maiden from the village… she was known as the one who had been “Bought with a Price”.

This week we will learn about a bride and a bridegroom…a proposal and an engagement…a cup and a cross…a price and a payment. No matter who you are… you are part of this story…this love story.

Good for you…You finished Day 1. As go to sleep tonight I am going to remember my Bridegroom and his wonderful smile.

Day 2… It’s so popular today….waiting to see if he will propose…you know…on those reality TV shows…will he ask…will she accept…how big is the ring…will it last? There is no proposal greater than the one we will hear about today…stay tuned. Try to find a few quiet moments today to reflect on this verse.

In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:20

Are you married? If you are...how were you proposed to? Was it simple? Was it fancy? No matter what it was I am sure you heard words similar to this… “Will you marry me”? Well…it was different in the land of the Bible long ago.

In ancient Israel…when it was time for a man and a young woman to marry…the man didn’t just “go pop the question.” The prospective groom and his father would come to visit the young woman and her father. Both fathers would then negotiate a bride price. At first it might seem to you that the young woman’s father is selling her….not at all. To lose a daughter in marriage was a precious loss. To make up for this loss a bride price was paid to the bride’s family.

Now for the proposal…taking a cup of wine, the groom would drink from it and then offer it to the young woman. This was his way of saying that he wanted to make a covenant and would be willing to give his life for her. The young woman could then accept the cup or reject it. If she took it, she sealed the engagement by drinking from the same glass. From that moment on, she was referred to as one who was “bought with a price”. This meant that she was engaged.

Jesus knew how much people loved weddings. He knew how special it was to be “bought with a price” and before Jesus died on the cross, he had a special meal with His disciples. This meal was not an ordinary meal…it was one that they celebrated every year to help them remember the time God brought the Jewish people out of slavery. It was a meal where they only ate certain foods and each food had a special meaning. It was the Passover meal. There was a cup of wine during this meal that becomes especially important to our “wedding story” today.

Jesus took the cup and he picked it up…he stretched out his arm to His disciples and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” Luke 22:20. The disciples knew this language…it was wedding language…the words were filled with image of a marriage proposal. Now we know that Jesus was not asking the disciples to marry Him, so what was he saying? He was placing Himself in the position of the Bridegroom and He was placing His followers in the position of the bride. The essence of his words meant, “I love you as my bride, so I’ll pay the bride price.”

If you have become a follower of Jesus…received His cleansing and forgiveness…taken His cup…you are His bride. If you haven’t they can be about you if you will just reach out and take the cup of salvation that Jesus offers.

Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 together.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price… 1Corinthians 6:19-20

What does it say about being our own? What does it say we have been bought with?

The bride price for us was a very costly price. As a matter of fact there has never been a bride price that was higher. The Bible says that we have all sinned and that the payment for that sin is death. We deserve to die for our sins. Jesus loved us so much that he paid the price for our sin. He died in our place.

What does that say about the value that God places on each one of us?

Right before Jesus gave up his spirit and died on the cross he cried out. The Bible tells us that He said “It is finished”…the true meaning of the phrase is…“the debt has been paid.” With His arms outstretched on the cross He took our punishment...He paid our bride price.

Did you know that the Heavenly Father thinks you are so valuable that it cost Jesus His life to pay your bride price?

Good for you…You have finished Day 2. Have you ever felt like you are not special to one single person on this earth…I have good news for you…you are special to Him!

Day 3... Have you ever been lonely? I mean really lonely? Have you ever moved somewhere new and you didn’t know anyone? Sometimes we can live in a city and not feel like we are part of a community at all. Try to find a few quiet moments today to reflect on this verse.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3

In America today we live in many different types of homes and apartments. Big homes…little homes…fancy apartments…plain apartments…lots of places…lots of choices. In Jesus’ time families usually lived in buildings that were connected to each other. In the center of all of them was a courtyard. This type of place was called an Insula.

When a young man became engaged…his work really started. Now, engagement back then was really different than it is now. It was a commitment equal to marriage. To break an engagement you had to get a divorce. Even though a couple was engaged…and the commitment was binding…they could not be together as husband and wife until the young man had prepared a home.

Back then you didn’t just go out and rent an apartment…you didn’t just move in with your parents…you built a house. This house was a special type of house though…one that we don’t see today. The young man would return to his village and build new rooms onto his father’s home. These rooms were for him and his bride. His brothers would have built onto the father’s home as well. Are you getting the picture...grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins…someone to talk to when you are lonely…someone to share the load…someone to hold the babies when they are crying?

The young man would work and work and work to get this place ready. He knew that one day, his father would tell him that the building was complete. On that day, he could finally go get his bride and bring her to their new home.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-4

What was Jesus talking about?

He was talking about us…His bride…and He was talking about our future home together...Heaven. What a beautiful picture of Heaven…God’s insula…grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins…people to talk to…people to celebrate with…people to worship with. There will be no loneliness in Heaven…no tears…no death…no pain. It will not be boring…it will not be dull…it will be something greater than anything we can think of. The Bridegroom is there right now…getting it ready for us…his church…his bride. And one day everything will be new...a new Heaven and a new earth...joined together. God fellowshipping with us...dwelling with us...one BIG happy family.

One day the God the Father is going to tell Jesus to go get His bride. He is going to take us home to be with Him in the place He has prepared for us. Have you accepted His proposal?

Good for you…You finished Day 3. I came from a broken home...and I cannot even begin to imagine how wonderful my new "unbroken" family will be.

Day 4... Have you ever had to wait for someone? It is not always easy. Sometimes it is really hard. I remember one time I was waiting to be picked up for a date. I waited and waited and waited and he never came. Today we will talk about what to do while we are waiting for the One who will keep His promise and return for his bride. Try to find a few quiet moments today to reflect on these verses.

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father…Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:36, 42After a young woman became engaged she had to wait for her groom to return…it could be six months…it could be one year…it could be longer. I am sure it was not easy. What did she do with all that time on her hands? How did she prepare? How did she know when he was coming?

There were basically two choices a girl had back then. She could be a wise bride-to-be or a foolish bride-to-be. The wise bride-to-be made preparations right away for the wedding. She got her wedding clothes ready…she got her bridesmaids ready. She spent lots of time learning how to run a home and be a good wife. She didn’t know when the bridegroom was coming back and she wasn’t going to be found not ready.

The foolish bride-to-be didn’t rush around and make preparations to get ready for her bridegroom…she didn’t do much of anything. She took her own sweet time. Can you imagine what it is going to be like for her when the bridegroom returns and finds her not ready?

As followers of Jesus, we are in exactly the same place as the waiting bride. Jesus has come to earth and he has extended his cup to us and we have accepted it. He died on the cross and paid our bride price and then He returned to Heaven to prepare a place for us. And now, we are waiting for Him to return.

Sometimes it can seem as if the Bridegroom will never return. Sometimes it is hard to wait.

They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9

We are told not to forget a very important thing…did you see it there in verse 8?

That’s right, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” It has been two thousand years since Christ returned to Heaven to prepare a place for His bride … but God’s word tells us that those two thousand years are like two days…that’s right...two days. God’s time isn’t like our time. He has waited to come for us for a reason …and that reason is found in verse 9.

Now let’s look at 2 Peter 3:9. Is the Lord slow in keeping his promise?

Why is the Lord patient with all of us?

That’s right…He doesn’t want any of us to perish. He wants us all to come to Him in repentance. He wants as many people as possible to be part of His bride…He is waiting because He is still out there searching the lost lambs.

I want you to know that right now…as you read these words…there is not one person…that has ever lived…in all of the history of time…that is closer to the return of Christ the Bridegroom…than you are. Don’t lose hope…prepare yourself for Him for He is coming as He promised.

Good for you…You finished Day 4. What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see, as I look upon His face the one who saved me by His grace…what a day, glorious day that will be.

Day 5… I hear it….can you….it’s the bridegroom’s trumpet…I think I see him on the edge of town. He’s so handsome with the light of the torch shining on his face. She’s so lucky to have him. There’s not another man from any of the village who can equal him. Every girl’s dream was to be chosen…by someone just like him.

Try to find a few quiet moments today to reflect on these verses.

“…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed…and this mortal will have put on immortality…Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:52, 53b, 58

* When the bridegroom’s home was finished, the day he had waited for finally came. His father looked at him and said, “Son…go get your bride.” With torches lighting the darkness...he and his friends formed a procession. He held the shofar to his lips…and with a blast of the trumpet…he let the entire village know that he was claiming his bride. The lighted torch was held high…his wedding garments on…the flowers…the garlands…the wine…the oil…everything was prepared. His procession began to make its way to the bride’s home. She hadn’t known what day he would come…but she was ready…and so were her bridesmaids. As the joyous parade got underway… sounds of celebration…filled the night.

He thought of the moment he would arrive at his bride’s home…and how he would claim her. Then the procession would make its way back to his father’s house…to the new addition he had prepared… just for her. As all the other guests waited outside…in the courtyard...the bridegroom and his bride would enter the wedding chamber…and close the door. They would then consummate their marriage…for until they were one flesh…they would not be husband and wife.

The bridegroom knew that his friend, the one that attended him, would be waiting outside the door to hear his voice…and then…his friend would face the crowd and with a joyous shout declare, “They are married!” The celebration would begin…a feast for everyone…and it would last for 7 days.

Jesus calls himself the bridegroom…John the Baptist is the friend that attends him…and those that have turned to Jesus, and trusted him for their salvation…are the bride.

Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them?” Mark 2:19

(John the Baptist speaking) “You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.” John 3:28-29

He promises us a joy that is complete…a joy…that is complete. He is there now…working on our home…and one day…his trumpet will sound…for us.

Good for you…You finished Day 5. Oh how I long for my bridegroom…and I know that in a moment…in the twinkling of an eye…he could come for me…even today...and bring me to his father’s house.

Day 6…Today is such a special day. Today we get to peak at our "spiritual wedding" with the Bridegroom Jesus. It hasn’t happened yet but God’s word tells us what will occur. Christ will come for us...and He chose to use wedding language...to describe it. When the Bible tells us about the future it is called prophecy…and the Bible’s prophecy always comes true. It is one of the wonderful gifts God gives us to help us know that He is real. Listen for the "wedding language" as we peak through the window of Isaiah 60, 61, and 62...and see our "spiritual wedding" with Jesus...I can hardly wait.

Arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy…Isaiah 60:1-5

The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:19-20

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim ….the year of the Lord’s favor” Isaiah 61: 1-2a This is Jesus…the scripture is talking about Him. Luke 4:16-21 tells us that Jesus read this in the temple at Nazareth and he told the people that this scripture had been fulfilled in their hearing. Jesus stopped at verse 2a because everything that happened after 2a would be at His second coming…when He returns for His bride. Now let’s peak through that window into our future.

… to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty, instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Isaiah 61:2b-3a No more ashes…instead…a crown. The crown of beauty was a garland of flowers…wedding flowers…the oil…wedding oil…and the garment…a wedding garment.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:3a-4 We get a new home. Let’s skip down to verse 7.

Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance and so they will inherit a double portion in their land and everlasting joy will be theirs. Isaiah 61:7 This will be a joy that has never been experienced at any wedding yet.

Let’s skip down to verse 9b.

All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels. Isaiah 61:9b-10 The delight and rejoicing of the bride and Bridegroom…as well as all the beautiful wedding garments. Let’s skip down to 62:1

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn , her salvation like a blazing torch. Isaiah 62:1 We, the bride, are lit up by the light from the torch of our Savior…the Bridegroom.

The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. We get a new name!

You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. We will be a garland of splendor for our Lord.

No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah (which means “My delight is in her”), and your land Beulah (which means “Married”); for the Lord will take delight in you and your land will be married.

As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you (this means that Israel will reposes her land) Let’s skip over to verse 10.

Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations. The procession is getting to the gates of the Father’s House. The wedding banner is being raised!

The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth; “Say to the Daughter of Zion, See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.” He is finally here…My Bridegroom the one who paid my bride price…the one I have waited for!

They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed (He has bought me back with a price) of the Lord; and you will be called “Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted" parts of Isaiah 62:2-12 All the tears of rejection will be wiped away…all the broken places in my heart will be healed…I will never be deserted by anyone again…because my Savior…my Bridegroom has sought me out…paid my bride price and brought me to live with Him in His kingdom.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. (remember the abyss?) I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “ I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21: 1-5

God chose one of the most beautiful and personal images to show how much he loved us. There was not a happier occasion in the ancient land of the Bible than a wedding. We are the spiritual bride of Christ...and one day we will make our dwelling with him. We will be his people...and He will be our God...we will never be alone again. As we finish our lesson…our "spiritual wedding"…I hear the words of the Bridegroom in Revelation 22:20… “Yes I am coming soon.”

And I say “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

Good for you…You finished Day 6. My prayer for you all is that God will truly bless you with the knowledge of how much He loves you.

Never forget...you are Sought After.

Until next time,

Cynthia

* adaptation from Ray Vander Laan's book, Echoes of His Presence

For those who want to dig a little deeper…

The Insula (the father's house) - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=2094

Wedding Plans - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=2096

Jesus the Bridegroom - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=2097

Marriage Customs - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=1608

The Passover Cup and Marriage - http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=1642

Picture of an Insula -

http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=3414

WOW Conference 2007 - He Gave Us His Word! Part 3 of 3

He gave us His Word...such a simple phrase...such an incredible gift. We hold in our hands the very words of God...and His promise to each one of us. He gave us His Word. Do you ever stop to think about that? What if you went out to the mailbox this afternoon and there in a package with your name on it...was a letter from the president...or a movie star...or a sports hero...you fill in the blank. How long would it take you to open it?

God has written you a letter. To read it is not a "have to"...it's a "want to." To read it is not a "discipline"...it's an adventure. To read it is not a "so many minutes...or hours a day...or you won't get to Heaven" kind of a thing...it's a living relationship...a living conversation...with the living God.

Throughout the Bible, God's words are compared to bread...take the scroll...eat it...this bread is my body...that is broken for you. When was the last time you smelled fresh bread baking? Did the aroma make your mouth water? Could you hardly wait for it to come out of the oven? Did someone have to twist your arm behind your back to make you eat it...while it was warm and soft? When did we stop thinking of God's words...as delicious, baked bread?

I would like to end our conversation about God's Word with two stories. The first...about a man who was left out...the second, about a man who was passed by.   May God bless you with the knowledge of how much he loves you.

He had been to Jerusalem...to worship...and he was on his way home. What had happened to him there...and what was he feeling now? There was nothing more important than ascending the holy hill...and worshipping in the temple. I wonder what he felt, as he stood outside the gate...unable to enter? Was he watching the crowd? Was he watching the fathers with their sons? There was no greater purpose for a man than to have a son...many sons...to carry on his name...and inheritance. Seth-son of Adam...Shem-son of Noah...Isaac-son of Abraham...David-son of Jesse...but he knew his name would die with him.

He was not allowed to enter the temple...not even the outer court of the gentiles...because he was defiled. Sometime...earlier in his life...he had been violated. He had been castrated...emasculated...his testicles had been cut off. The very thing that made him a "man" had been taken away...and he would never be the same again. His body did not mature like other men his age. His muscles were softer...his hips were rounder...his voice was higher...his breasts were fuller...he was a eunuch...a dry tree.No one who has been emasculated by crushing or cutting may enter the assembly of the LORD. Deuteronomy 23:1
He was on the outside...looking in. To die without descendants was considered the greatest tragedy for a man. That was him...the barren man...the one who would never have a son. How did he feel as he stood outside the gate...and watched them all enter? Did his heart yearn to go in with them...did his soul ache for what had been taken from him? Did he long to hear the Torah read...its words explained by the rabbi? That would never happen. He could never bring an offering or a sacrifice...he could never be part of the assembly.

And now he was on his way home...reading the text...the words of the prophet Isaiah...trying to figure them out on his own.The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth." Acts 8:32-33That's where he stopped...right there...it felt so familiar to him. "In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth." The man the eunuch was reading about...had died childless...no descendants...in humiliation...just like the eunuch was going to one day. Who was this man the text was speaking of? Was it the prophet Isaiah...or was Isaiah writing about someone else? Who was this one that died in such a tragic way?

Can you only imagine what it must have been like for him...on the outside...no children...emasculated...no one to explain the scriptures to him. The party, with all its warmth was going on inside...and he was out on the cold porch...looking in...his nosed pressed to glass...alone in the darkness.

God saw him...sent an angel to a man named Philip...told Philip exactly what road to take...to intercept the eunuch. The eunuch had been seeking God...but he didn't know that God was also seeking him. Haven't you ever wondered about this story in Acts? Why an angel for just this one man? Read the New Testament...this is unusual...it's not an everyday experience. He wasn't the apostle Paul, or Peter...or John the beloved...he was a castrated man...on his way home.The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. Acts 8:34-35 NIVPhilip began with that very passage of Scripture...right there...Isaiah 53:8...he died with no descendants. What did the eunuch think when he heard this passage prophesying about Jesus? Jesus...God's son. Jesus...loved by God. Jesus...who died humiliated and childless.He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave. But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him and fill him with grief.

Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD's plan will prosper in his hands. Isaiah 53:9-10 New Living Translation
Can you see the puzzled look on the eunuch's face as he heard that the one he had been reading about...Jesus...would have a multitude of children...many heirs? How could that be? He had no way of knowing that he, himself was about to become one of the heirs.When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.
I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners. Isaiah 53:11-12 New Living TranslationThis man...Jesus would bear people's sins...and people would be counted righteous. The eunuch had never been allowed to bring a sacrifice to the temple for himself...is it possible that this man...Jesus...did it for him?"Sing, O childless woman! Break forth into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, even though you never gave birth to a child. For the woman who could bear no children now has more than all the other women," says the LORD.

"Enlarge your house; build an addition; spread out your home!"

"For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will take over other nations and live in their cities."

"Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. The shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood will be remembered no more," Isaiah 54:1-4
If there was hope for the barren woman...could there be hope for him? Did his heart begin to beat just a little bit faster as Philip continued reading. We tend to be people of verses...in Jesus' day...they were people of passages...multiple chapters were read at one time. I am convinced that Philip continued reading. Why? Because there was a special message waiting for the eunuch...right down the pages of the text.

Read along...look through the eunuch's eyes...hear the words. I know the passage seems long to some of us ...but not to the eunuch...he was hearing the very words of God reaching out to him...offering him food for his soul...offering to make a covenant with him...the dry tree...offering him love...offering to lift his shame."Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink — even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk — it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul!"

"Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake. I am ready to make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the mercies and unfailing love that I promised to David..." Isaiah 55:1-3

"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts"

"The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it."
"You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where briers grew, myrtles will sprout up. This miracle will bring great honor to the LORD's name; it will be an everlasting sign of his power and love. "

"Be just and fair to all," says the LORD. "Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you. Blessed are those who are careful to do this. Blessed are those who honor my Sabbath days of rest by refusing to work. And blessed are those who keep themselves from doing wrong." Isaiah 55:4-13, 56:1-2 NLT
Here it comes...the passage just for him...

Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the LORD say, "The LORD will surely exclude me from his people." And let not any eunuch complain, "I am only a dry tree."

Can't you see the look on the eunuch's face? Can't you see Philip stop speaking for just a moment...and turn with joy in his eyes...to face the eunuch...as he prepares to deliver the good news.

For this is what the LORD says: "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant —

to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. Isaiah 56:3-5
The eunuch must have been overwhelmed with emotion. He was in. No more standing outside the gate. He was inside...in God's house...within God's walls...no longer on the outside looking in. He was in...with Jesus...on the inside! A memorial...a name...better than sons and daughters! Something no one...I repeat...no one...could ever cut off!As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"
There was nothing standing in the way of the eunuch being baptized...nothing...he was in...he was no longer defiled...no longer an outcast. He was sought after.And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:36-39
The eunuch went on his way rejoicing. The God of the Universe had sent him a divine message of salvation! All of this...the angel...Philip...the words of the text...for one castrated man that we never hear about in scripture again! Do you see how awesome that is...doesn't it give you hope...that God sees you too!

Had anything changed on the outside? No...he was still a eunuch. When he gave his heart to Jesus his testicles did not miraculously grow back. But he was a changed man. He had a hope and a future. He had a promise of restoration...that would be complete and everlasting. He went on his way rejoicing.

Many of us have had things "cut off" down through the years. Some of us had our innocence "cut off...we were molested. Some of us have had our trust "cut off"...our spouses were unfaithful. Some of us have had our health "cut off"...we are sick. Some of us have had our descendants "cut off"...we are childless.

Many of us are lonely...feeling like we are on the outside looking in. Many of us feel like we haven't prayed hard enough...or been good enough...or righteous enough...or holy enough...because we or someone we love hasn't been healed. I don't know all of the answers...but this I do know. I know that I am not passed by...I am sought after.

The crippled beggar man that sat at the entrance to the Gate Beautiful had been passed by all of his life. Most beggars have their "spot." They beg at that "spot" their entire lives. If the crippled beggar had been at that spot...from the time he was a child...which is probable because the entire city knew him...he would have been at least 7 years old when Jesus came to the temple as a baby. Every year that Jesus went to the temple with his parents, every year that Jesus went to the temple as a young man...every year that Jesus went to the temple as an adult...Jesus probably walked past this beggar. The crippled beggar watched Jesus teach...he watched him drive the moneychangers from the temple. He heard how Jesus made the lame to walk. He knew Jesus was crucified and I am sure he heard of the resurrection. But all of it never touched him. He was still paralyzed...he had been passed by.

Yet, it was this man, that God chose to use, as the next greatest witness to the power of God after Pentecost. He was healed! He jumped for joy. God saw him after all! He had not been forgotten or passed by...and neither have you.

I absolutely believe that God has the power to heal...and does heal...but with that said...many are not healed...many of us feel abandoned by God...as we pray for healing that doesn't come. Is God impotent? Are we just not praying correctly? Or, is there something else...something beyond all of this... that we are missing.

The Old Testament is filled with scriptures describing God's people as being spiritually blind...they cannot see the truth of God...spiritually deaf...they cannot hear the voice of God...spiritually lame...their feet cannot walk in the path of God...spiritually mute...their voices do not praise God. Jesus came to fix all of that. He came as the final sacrifice...he came and died for our salvation.  He rose from the dead...the first fruit of all in Him who will one day be raised from the dead and have a body like his. And, he offers it all to us as a gift...if we will just take it...put our trust in him...ask for forgiveness of our sins...live in a relationship with him....love others like he loved us.

The best way to illustrate what Jesus did in the spiritual realm was to do it in the physical realm. He healed the blind, the deaf, the mute, the lame. This was a walking, living, word picture of what God does spiritually for each of us...these miracles were the first fruits of all restoration. When He comes again...He will make ALL things new.

When we are in eternity with Christ...our afflictions will seem as just a moment. We will not feel cheated. It is hard to imagine...but it is true. He will restore. He will renew...and we will be with Him. Lazarus was raised from the dead...but sometime later on in his life he died. Have you ever thought of that? Did people think that God didn't love him anymore? Every person that is healed will one day die of something else unless Jesus returns before their death. There has to be more to this picture than meets the eye.Our dying bodies make us groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and have no bodies at all. We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by everlasting life... That is why we live by believing and not by seeing. 2 Cor 5:4-7 NLT
Did you catch that phrase...so that which is mortal...our dying bodies...may be swallowed up by life? The ancient Canaanites worshipped the god of Death...Mot...who was said to have a throat that reached from the heavens to the underworld. When people died...Mot...Death... swallowed them forever. The prophet Isaiah reversed this image...He told us that God will swallow death.On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:7-8
Do you realize that when we die...we are swallowed by life? When I miscarried my baby...as horrible as it was...my baby was swallowed by life! When you pray for healing for Sister Sally Mae who has been faithful to the Lord all her life...and she doesn't get better...she dies...do you realize she has been swallowed by life? God hasn't let her down...she has been swallowed by life. It doesn't feel that way does it. But things are not as they seem.

The eunuch left...without a physical healing...for now...but one day...all will become new. That is why we live by believing...not by seeing.

All things will become new...He gave us His Word on it!Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Rev 21:1-5 NIV
He gave us His Word!

Until next time...always remember...You are Sought After!

Cynthia

WOW Conference 2007 - He Gave Us His Word! Part 2 of 3

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