THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 282

JESUS was wounded for our transgressions. JESUS was bruised for our iniquities. Upon JESUS was laid the chastisement of our peace and the stripes laid upon JESUS back was for our healing. Surely, Jesus did bear our grief and surely JESUS did bear our sorrows. Why? For the transgression of His people so that each and every one of us might be saved. That is the reason that He was smitten of God and afflicted.

JESUS said to Mary, “Touch me not for I have not as yet ascended." These words were not random words but stated for a reason. JESUS had been resurrected from the tomb on the First Day of the week of Sabbaths, early in the morning while it was still dark.

The Holy Spirit that had indwelt JESUS endured all the pain and scourging -- all that had taken place to that flesh body. The blows, pains, and cruelty that had been described earlier -- being applied to the body of Jesus -- impacted upon the indwelling Holy Spirit!

The pains, suffering and torment did not end when JESUS gave up His ghostly Spirit. Still, JESUS life as a natural flesh man died but the Spirit of Life lived on. At the same time, all that unjust punishment expended upon the body of JESUS was in reality received by the Spirit of JESUS which was and is the Holy Spirit.

Adam the first man was of the earth -- earthy -- whereas the second Adam was the Lord out of Heaven. So God, who had descended to redeem man from captivity was now to ascend. He that descended had no cruel markings but now since God’s descent, His spirit was wounded, and scarred.

Admittedly, the Holy Spirit being Spirit did not bleed but the body in which He had dwelt in whilst He walked among us bled, to the last drop of blood. This blood was the life giving blood that flowed in His body’s veins. The wounds and scars that were bestowed upon JESUS were wounds to the Holy Spirit.

But JESUS, arising from the tomb, as a quickening Holy Spirit was now returning from whence He had descended. Prior to His descent, as the scriptures declare was in the form of God. It was to this form that He returned to be GOD OVER ALL!

The Holy SPIRIT entering into that form takes into the HEART of God. It is in this context that we have a great High Priest who is able to succour us, regardless of whatever situation or plight we may be found.

Yes, the same God who created us is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. For He was here on earth - dwelling in a body such as the body we inhabit - and died, leaving us His Last Will - His Testament written in His Own Blood.

I am sure you will agree - there is no God like our God! Our God is Love beyond measure!