THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 391

Then JESUS opened their understanding so that they too might understand the scriptures. Amazingly, some folks endeavour to translate the New Testament by what they think the Old covenant is saying. But that cannot be done accurately. If we use the analogy of the scriptures being a jig saw puzzle, then we know that while there may be shadows, the shadows will have no relevance until that same shadow fits into the appropriate situational happening!

The apostles for example were always in the dark. Or at least without understanding. That is until JESUS expounded to them what the true meaning of His prophetic Word meant or conversely, the event concerning Himself that was about to be fulfilled!

Further, the New Testament reveals the true meaning of scriptural types and shadows, particularly those that are hidden in the Old covenant. Note that of those that are hidden in the old covenant, in all cases these speak of JESUS. For JESUS said that within the volumes of the book it is written of Me. We also learn from the scriptures that when the Son of God came, He gave us an understanding so that we may know Him who is true. Know that we are in Him that is true, even in His Son JESUS the Christ. And similarly know that He is the true God that provides eternal life. (I John 5:20)

Prior to the crucifixion, the Jews are called Israelite or the title of God's chosen people. After the crucifixion, they are called Jews -- a sign that through their rejection of the Christ the Kingdom of Heaven has been taken away from them and given instead to the redeemed believers from all nations. Therefore, the people who were not a people prior to the crucifixion of JESUS have been grafted into the tree of life. The natural branch was cut off because of their unbelief. This was when
Christianity came to the Gentiles.

The Gospel begins with the words. "The book of the genealogy [in Greek Genesis] of JESUS the Christ. The promised SEED implanted into Eve by the Holy Spirit and that SEED is the Seed that will bruise the serpent’s head. The second SEED of promise was implanted into Abraham and another genealogy is presented!"

Both of these SEEDS were the SEEDS of the Holy Spirit of God which travelled down through the ages until the fullness of time arrived. That time was when the Holy Spirit brought these two seeds of promise together into the womb of a surrogate virgin girl. The angel declaring to Mary that that which is conceived within her is of the Holy Spirit. These seeds coming forth from the Holy Spirit is declared to be ‘God with us' and the given name is JESUS.

Still, even in the face of the scriptures, many will still endeavour to establish that JESUS was the natural son of Joseph and Mary and that JESUS was buried in the family grave. This may, in part explain why the Jews were cut off -- because of their continuous unbelief.

Do you recall how the Jews had the Roman guards protect the tomb into which the body of JESUS was laid? At the time, the Jews were terrified in case someone should come and remove JESUS' body. But regardless of their efforts, the stone which blocked the entrance to the tomb was rolled away. When they looked in, the body garments were still lying in the same place. Only the head wrappings were set aside. These wrappings indicate that the HEAD of the Church body -- JESUS -- was finished with death. Yes, indeed. He arose from death!

JESUS wept over Jerusalem saying, "How often would I have gathered you under my wings and you would not come." Sadly, this is because unbelief prevents anyone from entering into the promised blessings! In fact many profess Abraham to be their father. But Abraham rejoiced in the SEED of promise JESUS! Abraham being the father of faith for it is recorded that Abraham believed God and his faith was accounted to Him as being righteous!