THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 240

At the end of the day, it is important to note that the Christian New Testament teachings- the scriptures - unclothe the hypocrisy that is often found within institutionalized, man-made religion. Indeed, the self asserted church by their sorcery and traditions have in their teachings endeavoured to supplant the authority of the written Word of God even though the Word - God Himself - delivered the scriptures to be an inward light and door of enlightenment so that fallen man can obtain free redemption.

We learn more when we read about the wedding feast that JESUS attended. We do know that Mary was in attendance. The wine was flowing. In fact, as recorded in the scriptures, there was a thirst for more - the original estimated consumption of wine being inadequate. Indeed, it is stated that the wine ran out. Mary jumps in to solve the problem. She approaches JESUS relaying the message that there is no more wine. JESUS says to Mary, "Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come."

This is an important scripture because within this statement, we find that Jesus did not exalt His mother Mary to the same status as institutionalized religion does today. Historically, for those who might not be aware, institutionalized religion (around 300-400 AD) exalted the importance and status of Mary to that of a distinguished mediator. In so doing, Mary has been given an elevated status that pre-empts all others who approach JESUS on behalf of others. Simply put, this is ludicrous satanic thinking. For one, Jesus Himself did not exalt His earthly mother to this church initiated status. Two, as said previously, Mary herself proclaimed in the scriptures that “Her spirit rejoiced in God [her] Saviour!"

Let me at this point state that the Scriptures declared, "For this cause are many weak and sickly among us ... and many sleep" for a reason. (Note that in this context sleep refers to the sleep of death) For if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged. But when God judges us, we are chastened of God that we might not be condemned with the wicked. This is important to understanding how we fit within the body of Christ. Why? Because as a believer, you are the body of the Christ. Therefore, also, we need to believe in His Word!

Further, the Word of God is Spirit and life. The Word of God simply because it is the Word of God will quicken, or make alive your mortal body. Conversely, the rejection of the Word of God is likened to drinking poison. Rather than pursuing the latter - a dead end street - receive the engrafted Word of God which is sent to heal you. There is a reason that the scriptures state that “MY WORD IS SPIRIT AND TRUTH. " There is also a reason why we, as believers are encouraged to eat from the tree of Life. This is because JESUS is the very Word of God!

Mary and company wanted to converse with JESUS, but they were unable to do so. Why? Because there were many people blocking their way. As we read in the scriptures, one cried out to JESUS saying, "Your mother and your brethren are without trying to speak to you." Do you remember the responses? JESUS answered by saying, "Who is my mother and my brethren?" Jesus then added that those people who HEAR the Word of God and DO it, these are my mother and my brethren. In other words, Mary (apart from her believing) still was a part of Adam’s fallen prone to sin race.

In the same example, another shouts to JESUS saying, "Blessed is/was the womb that bore you and the breasts that you did suck." Again JESUS responded saying. “More blessed are they that hear the WORD of GOD and do it." Once again, Mary is not elevated to a superior status above Jesus but rather as part of the rank and file - that is, apart from her faith. So, believe upon the Word of God and you will be more blessed than Mary's womb and Mary’s breast were.

There is more on this topic to follow. In the interim, be redeemed and be born of God through obedience to the Holy Ghost's instructions. Therefore, repent (if you have not already done so) and be baptized into the Name of the Lord JESUS. Receive the promise of the Holy Ghost as your Comforter, who will lead and guide you into all truth. As a consequence, the Word of the Spirit of God - JESUS will quicken and make alive your body.

Go direct to the throne of grace and there you will find much more than you could ever ask or think of. Peace be in JESUS!