If My People Which Are Called By My Name Shall Seek My Face! - Part 2805

"Ye that fear the Lord hope for good; and for everlasting joy and mercy. Look at the generations of old, and see, did never any trust in the Lord and was confounded? Or did any abide in His fear and was forsaken? Or, whom did He ever despise that called upon Him? For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering and very pitiful, and forgives sins and saves in time of affliction." (Ecclesiasticus 2:9-11)

Where else in the scriptures do we see the Lord is full of compassion?

"He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion." (Psalm 111:4)

"Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness: He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous." (Psalm 112:4)

"The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy." (Psalm 145:8)

What else does the Lord do? He saves us from our enemies.

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;3 the God of my rock; in Him will I trust:
He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour; Thou save me from violence. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies." (II Samuel 22:2-4)

And He gives us everlasting joy!

"... and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." (Isaiah 35:10)

"Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away." (Isaiah 51:11)"For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them." (Isaiah 61:7

Moreover, the Lord showers those who fear Him with endless hope for good! The prophet Isaiah speaks to this point, when he writes: "Art Thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. 

I, even I, am He that comforts you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forget the Lord thy Maker that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy and where is the fury of the oppressor?

The captive exile hastens that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.

But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: the Lord of hosts is His name. And I have put My words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of Mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, "Thou art My people!" (Isaiah 51:10-25)

And again, "And I will sow her unto Me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not My people, "Thou art My people;" and they shall say, "Thou art my God." (Hosea 2:23)

And just in case we missed it, let's hear the Lord's promise to His beloved one more time.

"And I have put My words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of Mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, "Thou art My people." (Isaiah 51:16)

This is why we can take comfort in the Lord's promises to His people.

"If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)

Lots of good scripture to meditate upon. Stand in the offering plate.

Alleluia; Salvation, And Glory, And Honour, And Power, Unto The Lord Our God - Part 2804

" ... for to shew in thee My power; and that My name may be declared throughout all the earth." (Exodus 9:16)

A question arose at Bible Study last evening -- a valid inquiry as to where all the mighty warriors for the Lord Jesus might be. Most certainly, we who believe understand the times in which we live. Indeed, it's a quick read of Revelation to know how this world will end. However, at the same time, we already know who wins the war. That is the King of kings and Lord of lords -- the risen Jesus -- who is both |Lord and Christ; Alpha and Omega; the first and the last; the beginning and the ending. (Acts 2:36-41; Revelation 1:8, 11)

The same Lord who has reigned from the beginning of time, optimistic that we who profess to believe will come into the full knowledge and understanding of His goodness and grace and mercy. 

"Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as Head above all. Both riches and honour come of Thee, and Thou reign over all; and in Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all." (I Chronicles 29:11-12)

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11)

It is in this context that we understand that the same God who created the world in the beginning was in fact also in the world. He came unto His own but His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) Why not? Because He came as a suffering servant -- not as the Messiah or King that the people were looking for. 

Do you remember how Jesus is described in Isaiah 53 ? 

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath borne our griefs,
and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opens not His mouth.

He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of My people was He stricken. And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth.

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities.

Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because He hath poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:1-12)

Yes, the Lord God of our fathers -- the God of the heaven and earth who created us in the very beginning -- His flesh body (the Word made flesh / yet without sin) had to be stricken, His precious, holy blood shed on a cross so that you and I might experience abundant life in Him. He paid the price once and for all so that you and I could find our purpose for living. 

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood." (Hebrews 9:8,14-18)

This is why we proclaim: 

"O Lord God of our fathers, art not Thou God in heaven? and rulest not Thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in Thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand Thee?" (I Chronicles 20:6)

This is why Jesus declared, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Mathew 28:18)

"... who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist." (Colossians 1:15-17)

"... which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set [Him] at His own right hand in the heavenly [places], far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all [things[ under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church ..." (Ephesians 1:20-22)

  "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." (Revelation 5:13)

Know too -- the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him; but His power and His wrath is against all them that forsake Him." (Ezra 1:8) 

From herein comes our hope! Stand in the offering plate. 

That Ye May Stand Perfect And Complete In All The Will Of God.- Part 2803

"Be still and know that I am God. Know too that there is no other Lord and Saviour beside Me." (Isaiah 45:1,5-6, Isaiah 43:11, Isaiah 44:6)

",,, And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:" (Co.lossians 2:10)

What does it mean to be complete in God our Saviour -- His name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace? Given the times in which we live, the idea of being complete -- regardless of the circumstances around us -- might seen unachievable. And yet, we can be complete if we stand perfect in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12)

How can we know this completeness? From stepping into by faith a personal relationship with the One and Only who is Jesus. As the scriptures declare, "He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world." (I John 2:2)

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Thessalonians 5:23)

 

Similar to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and by extension all humanity -- you and I -- our Lord God and Saviour desires that we become complete in Him as a consequence of His grace and mercy. Fulfilled. Joyous. Complete in the knowledge and wisdom that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus loves us beyond measure.

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man [or woman] that trusts in Him." (Psalm 34:8)

Moreover, when we believe in Jesus, we can be confident in this God-intended completeness that has been decided since the beginning. Indeed, even before the universe as we know the salvation plan was shaped. This is why -- when we open the scriptures, we begin to understand that the written Word -- God in the flesh-- established Jesus the Christ as the Head of the church. The scriptures similarly establish that Jesus alone saves.

That it is in Him -- Jesus our Lord God and Saviour -- that the safety of the members of His body depends. For it is Jesus the Christ who loves the church -- His betrothed bride. It was Jesus the Christ that surrendered His own sinless body of flesh up to death for His betrothed. It was Jesus the Christ who counted His own sinless flesh body to be incomplete without the companionship of His betrothed.

Certainly, creation alone could not break the shackles of sin that had engulfed His one and only love. We know this from the prophecies and journeys elaborated on within the Old Testament.

We also know that salvation required -- indeed demanded -- that any redemption plan that would save humanity had to include a pure righteous man. This is why Jesus laid down His sinless flesh on a cross for you and I. In so doing, Jesus rescued His betrothed, sanctifying and cleansing her.

His betrothed church body -- holy -- purifying and consecrating her. As a consequence, Jesus made her body free from all sin. The Spirit of God washed His own redeemed betrothed church body with the washing of the water of His indwelling. Loving words of His declared promises. She in turn willingly submitting to His words of love, and even following Him to death.

The Spirit of God then -- desirous to present to Himself a glorious church-body. His betrothed as a beautiful splendid bride -- a bride who has not one spot or wrinkle, blots or disfigurements. This redeemed church body -- the betrothed bride of Christ -- became His purchased possession. Now born again. Now faultless and perfect. The Spirit of God which was in Christ loves His betrothed body. He loves His betrothed bride even as He loved His own flesh. For indeed, she was His own flesh. She was created in the beginning for Him. She was the flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone.

Furthermore, there were no limits to His love. There was no orders to her to do this or else. In fact, Jesus did not just talk the talk. He also walked the walk too. For the God who created us, there was no mountain high enough or valley deep enough to keep His holy Spirit from His betrothed. So Jesus sacrificed His own natural body in order to woe her back from the house of bondage. He willingly sacrificed His own sinless body. He endured all things. Now that is love.

The good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep.  

That is, He brought His grace to man. Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary. His divine love so that you and I would be the betrothed bride of Christ. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come into him and will sup with him and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20) 

 Stand in the offering plate.

Signs Of The Times: Enduring To The End - Part 2802

"The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in His works." (Psalm 104:31)

"... looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Hebrews 12:2-3)

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13)

Whilst our world is in chaos, we are increasingly called to be shining lights for Jesus -- "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 4:19 And "if thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light." (Luke 11:36) Like a candle that never loses its flame -- even in the midst of tribulation. Like the salt of the earth. Like that city upon a hill that cannot be hid.

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." (Matthew 5:13-15)

Another way to look at this -- "And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense." (Isaiah 4:5)

It is in this context that the Lord would not have us ignorant of the times we live in. As we know from Revelation 17 and 18, the prophecies are being fulfilled. For those who have not read these chapters, it is important to understand that these things will occur, but we do not have to fear. Why? Because in all things, Jesus said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)

"... persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;" (II Corinthians 4:9)

For our edification and learning, Revelation 17 with some explanation follows:

"And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, "Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

And upon her forehead was a name written, "Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth." And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, "Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns."

The beast that thou saw was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits.

And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goes into perdition. And the ten horns which thou saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful. And He saith unto me, "The waters which thou saw, where the whore sit, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou saw upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil His will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou saw is that great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:1-18)

The woman is the false church that sits on seven hills. In prophecy, this religious system is contrasted with the woman clothed in white, which is the body of Christ church -- pure and undefiled -- whose head of the church is the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Within this contrast, we see that the woman clothed in purple and scarlet is wicked, full of names of blasphemy, otherwise known as the Mother of harlots, drinking from the cup filled with abominations and the filth of her own fornications. This includes the worship of pagan gods, the proliferation of false teachings contrary to the scriptures, and fornication -- (as in wicked and impure dealings) with kings and queens and governments of all nations - with the intent of provoking the Lord's anger. (Ezekiel 16:26)

" ... commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth." (Isaiah 23:17)

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" (Colossians 3:5)

Specifically then, Babylon the Great; the Mother of harlots is the church in Rome which reigns over all nations. And the beast - the world's evil political and monetary system -- who of late, have all one mind, going after strange flesh, suffering the vengeance of hell fire. (Jude 1:7)

Other thoughts? Through the church in Rome, inhabitants of the earth have been made “drunk” (i.e. intoxicated, stupefied, distracted, misled, fooled, conned, robbed, bamboozled and mystified - much like a drunken person) through the proliferation of false religious teachings (including catechism), and traditions, rituals and customs that have no scriptural basis. Sadly however, Rome has enlarged its borders by recruiting daughter churches (including those who once protested against Catholicism) and the heads of many non-Christian religions who together (as we see outlined in Revelation 17) join forces against anyone and everyone proclaiming the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus. Behold, the Lamb of God.

"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth." (Revelation 5:6) 

"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)

"... the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:" (Revelation 14:10)

"And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints." (Revelation 15:3)

"And He saith unto me, "Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." And He saith unto me, "These are the true sayings of God." (Revelation 19:19)

"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." (Revelation 21:22)

"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Revelation 21:23)

"And He shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him: and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads." (Revelation 22:1-3)

More to come. For now, be assured of your salvation. 

Stand in the offering plate. 
 

Renewed In Knowledge After The Image Of Him That Created Him - Part 2801

The Lord renews our strength so we can run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.

 
" ... but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

 
The Lord renews our minds.

 
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)

 
The Lord renews our inward man daily.

 
"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." (II Corinthians 4:16)

 
The Lord renews the spirit of our minds.

 
"... and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;" (Ephesians 4:23)

David also alludes to the Lord's renewing in the book of Psalms --

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right Spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)
" ...who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s." (Psalm 103:5) 

"Thou send forth Thy Spirit, they are created: and thou renew the face of the earth." (Psalm 104:30)

The Lord renews us in knowledge.

And then apostle Paul - "... and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him: where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." (Ephesians 3:9-11)

The Lord renews (stirs up!) the Holy Ghost within ...

 
" ... not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost!" (Titus 3:5)

Stand in the offering plate.

Not Troubled And Neither Distressed Because We Have This Treasure Within - Part 2800

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;" (I Corinthians 4:7-9)

Herein, is the message of hope -- even when the world around us is in chaos, that the treasure which dwells within is greater and more precious than all the material things in this world. But even more so, we know in whom we trust, and it is for this reason, that our souls are at peace.  In fact, there is a blessed assurance within of our salvation -- that He who paid the ultimate price for our souls, willingly dwells within. 

This treasure? The treasure is Jesus -- both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36-41) 

And this same Jesus whom ye crucified so that we might have eternal life is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Indeed, He who was in the world (the same world that was made by Him) and yet the world knew Him not -- the same One who came unto His own and yet His own received Him not, is now revealed -- the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. 

As Jesus said, "I am/AM the bread of life."

As Jesus said, "I am/AM the light of the world." 

As Jesus said, "I am/AM the living water wherein if you drink, ye shall never thirst again!"

Yes, Jesus -- "I am/AM the Great Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for the sheep."

Sadly, however, man-made religion is leading His people away from this same Jesus who declared, "I am/AM the way, the truth and the life!" (John 14:6-12)  Many standing in the pulpits don't even refer to the name of Jesus in their sermons. Others have replaced the infallible Word of God with man-made creeds based on imagination. The scriptures -- so life giving -- rewritten so many times these are almost unrecognizable. And as a consequence, he candles of those who profess to believe hidden from the public eye. The shining lights whom we were called to be hidden under a bushel. 

Is it any wonder then that Daniel pointed to the last days as a time when the holy people would be scattered? The prophet Jeremiah repeatedly points to false teachings that have continued in the false church today -- wherein the people burn incense to a queen of heaven, rather than the Lord God who created them. And this, even though the Lord of hosts (who is the God of Israel) reminds them of His continued promises. But to no avail. Some scriptural examples?

"The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger." (Jeremiah 7:18)

"Because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke Me to anger, in that they went to burn incense, and to serve other gods, whom they knew not, neither they, ye, nor your fathers ... but they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods." (Jeremiah 44:3, 5)

"But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine. And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her, without our men?" (Jeremiah 44:18-19)

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying; "Ye and your wives have both spoken with your mouths, and fulfilled with your hand, saying," We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her: ye will surely accomplish your vows, and surely perform your vows." (Jeremiah 44:25)

What do the scriptures conclude? That is, all that dwelt in the lands were committing great evil against their own souls, choosing instead to provoke the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, "in that ye provoke Me unto wrath with the works of your hands, burning incense unto other gods." (Jeremiah 44:8)

And then the Lord God asks them, "Have ye forgotten the wickedness ... they are not humbled even unto this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in My law, nor in My statutes." 

So what is to come next?  Yes, the prophecies from afore are coming to fruition. 

"And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." (Revelation 17:5)

"And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." (Revelation 9:20-21)

Is this the end? Time will tell, but we do know there is a choice to be made in the interim -- to either choose life within the Lord Jesus, or to choose death chasing the worldly manna wherein we will always hunger. It is for this reason that the Lord our God encourages us to choose life, and even better to choose life in Him, for He never fails! 

Indeed, He says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

The pearl of greatest price, and in this current dispensation of grace, His name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Shine Jesus Shine And Shine Increasingly Unto The Perfect Day - Part 2799

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." (Genesis 1:1-3)

John later describes the mystery made manifest in this fashion  -- "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

Then Jesus clearly states, " I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) And again in John 9:5: Jesus says, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." In another place, Jesus asks His disciples, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbles not, because he sees the light of this world." (John 11:9)

So whom then is the Light of the world? Apostle Paul summarizes the Light this way -- "... in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (II Corinthians 4:4)

Let's read this again -- the light of the glorious gospel of Christ -- who is the image of God -- He is the light. The same Christ whom Peter standing with the eleven declared -- this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And His name in this current dispensation of grace? His name is JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

But the good news is that Jesus the Christ wants us who believe to be shining lights for Him as well. 

Indeed, Jesus said, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15)

"... that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" (Philippians 2:15)

The time has come for believers to arise as shining lights for Jesus in every part of the world -- so that everyone that is in the house has come to know the Light which lighteth every man that comes into the world. 

And time to remember too - "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 4:18)

Stand in the offering plate. 
 

Did You Receive The Spirit By The Works Of The Law, Or By Faith? Hence, The Time of Reformation - Part 2798

"Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth [also], with all that therein is. Only the Lord had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and He chose their seed after them, [even] you above all people, as it is this day. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked ..."

"... For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regards not persons, nor takes reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger, in giving him food and raiment." (Deuteronomy 10:14-18)

From the new testament, apostle Paul asks, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:1-5)

And then further clarification -- "... the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:" (Hebrews 9:8)

Apostle Paul, who is an apostle (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead) is writing unto the churches of Galatia. As we see here, Paul is warning them against believing that they are now made perfect by the flesh or by traditions of men (re: physical circumcision). But Paul does not stop there. Paul continues, sharing our faith is not contingent on physical circumcision or the law, but rather, we are made whole in the Lord Jesus, wherein we become a new creature. (Galatians 6:15) This point is further validated in the next two scriptures:

"Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God." (I Corinthians 7:19)

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." (Galatians 6:15)

By way of background, it's helpful to understand the Old Testament can be likened to physical (under the law) but the New Testament is spiritual - wherein we are most thankful to be saved by His divine grace through faith. Or put another way -- heavenly. 

Another way to compare the old covenant with the new testament is by considering circumcision in the old as an act that is physical in nature (the cutting of the foreskin) -- an outward sign -- but primarily in the new testament a spiritual awakening -- an inward change of the heart, wherein, rather than being cut off, we are instead grafted in, as in circumcision of the heart.

This is not to suggest the old testament doesn't relate circumcision of the heart with the promised land and/or life, because in some places a comparison is made. (Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4) But as Jesus clearly said to those who followed the traditions of men, "Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." (Matthew 23:28)

Apostle Paul puts it this way: "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:28-30)

Hebrews 9 offers even further clarity, distinguishing between the physical under the old covenant and the spiritual in the new. For example, the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; and over it the cherubim's of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly." (Hebrews 9:1-5)

As we also know from the Old Testament, the priests went into the first tabernacle to accomplish the service of God. However, only the high priest went alone into the second (the inner chamber) with blood once a year. The blood was offered for both himself and the errors of the people. (Hebrews 9:6-8) Why? Because the Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest -- while the first tabernacle was yet standing. As we are aware, the first covenant was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices -- that could not make him that did the service perfect, when it comes to our conscience, which then only stood in meats and drinks, diverse washings and carnal ordinances. (Hebrews 9:6-10) These acts and sacrifices to be imposed upon them -only until the time of reformation.
:
So what significance :does the reformation have? In the scriptures, the reformation was the time when Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood; He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:12)

The question being, how much more shall the blood of Christ - who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? The answer - "for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives." (Hebrews 9:14-17)

Again, representing the physical it's important to understand that neither the first [testament/covenant] was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover He sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."

Therefore, as the scriptures state, it was necessary for God to pattern the things in the new testament after the old covenant so that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with better sacrifices than these. (Hebrews 9:18-23)

Do you see what is happening? "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; [for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world]: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:24-26)

In other words. God allowed His flesh body (sin-prone and yet without sin) to become the sacrifice on the cross so that we might find abundant life in Him -- patterned after the Genesis 17 account of God's renewed covenant promise to Abraham. Remember, Abraham was before Moses, and similarly, the Mosaic law. Many believers don't consider this timeline  -- one of the reasons for so much confusion even today -- between the law and grace. 

Some point to John the baptizer, Saul and Jesus who were circumcised as justification, and to argue forcefully that Gentiles should be physically circumcised too. (Luke 1:59; Luke 2:21 Philippians 3:5 ) But as we see in Antioch, uncircumcised Gentiles also received the gift (outpouring) of the Holy Ghost, as prophesied afore. (Joel 2:28; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 36:25-27; Acts 2:17, 28, 36-41) Peter eventually resolves the matter, declaring openly that those who believe in Jesus as both Lord and Christ (an inward change of heart|) and are then water baptized in His precious, holy name receive salvation. (Acts 15:1-5; Acts 15:8-13; Acts 2:36-41) 

Apostle Paul, Barnabas and James later confirm the same message -- agreeing the four additional instructions to the Gentiles seemed good to the Holy Ghost. (Acts 15:13-21; Acts 21:18-26; Galatians 2:3; Galatians 1:5-6) But I digress.

The first reference to circumcision of the hearts came in Deuteronomy 10:16 -- when the Lord declared who He was to the Israelites. Herein, they were instructed to circumcise their heart, and to love the Lord thy God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, and from His love to love one another. But when we understand the Israelites journey, we also begin to understand the need for a new covenant -- or as Jesus said, "Ye shall know them by their love!" 

And thus, as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27-28) 

Returning to scriptural examples of physical  -- "And He gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs." (Acts 7:8) 

The Lord from heaven -- Jesus was patterned after the physical Abraham -- ushering in physical circumcision in the former and in the latter, circumcision of the heart. Another way to look at this is in the example of Peter, when he came to Jerusalem. They that were of the circumcision contended with Peter, saying, "Thou went into men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them." (Acts 11:1-2)

Conversely, another new testament example of the division between the new and the old is when we see the pouring out of the new wine on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-4;36-41) In another place, "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 10:45)

It is no wonder the circumcision (the Israelites) marveled at those who were not circumcised (the Gentiles or non-Jews) when they received the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47) 

"... that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace!" (Ephesians 2:12-15)

The "covenants of promise!" (Ephesians 2:12)

Stepping back to the time when Jesus walked this earth, circumcision was raised often, particularly when He was challenged by the Jews. Still, Jesus reminded them -- "Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at Me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (John 7:22-24)

Also noteworthy is how those of the Circumcision and those of the Uncircumcision are identified. For example, take a look at apostle Paul's summation - when writing to the saints and churches in Ephesus: "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;" (Ephesians 2:11) Translated, those who are Gentiles (non-Israelites) are the uncircumcision and those of the circumcision would be the Jews.

|But now in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:12)

Apostle Paul takes this premise further when he asks, "What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision?" (Romans 3:1) Herein, Paul elaborates on our understanding of outwardly (physical) and inwardly (spiritual).

"For circumcision verily profits, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:25-29)

Paul asks even more questions: "Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised." (Romans 4:9)

" ... seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith." (Romans 3:30)

Paul further distinguishes his beloved ministry from Peter -- in that he says, the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (which he received by faith) was committed unto him for the uncircumcised, and Peter, to the circumcised. 

"... but contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (for He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles) and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision." (Galatians 2:7-9, 12)

" ... in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:" (Colossians 2:11)

And the promised land to come? "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." (Colossians 3:11)

" ... and Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me." (Colossians 4:11)

"For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? ... And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased." (Galatians 5:5-11)

There is much more to understand herein, but for now,  let it suffice to know that "we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." (Philippians 3:3)

Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Has Called His Beloved To Be His Witnesses - Part 2797

"... until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God!" (Acts 1:2-3)

JESUS went in and out among His disciples for a period of forty days and nights showing Himself alive by many infallible proofs. At the same time, Jesus spoke of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. After this time, Jesus ascended during which time He continued to communicate with His disciples through His holy Spirit. 

But as we read in the scriptures, prior to His ascent Jesus commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem. In fact, He told His disciples to wait there at Jerusalem until they receive the promised baptism of the Spirit of God! Similarly, JESUS said to them John (the baptizer) truly baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost!

JESUS further stated that they would be endued with power, resulting from the Holy Ghost coming upon them. It will be at this point that they/you shall be His witnesses here and beyond - even to the very uttermost parts of the earth. So the disciples as instructed by their Lord waited at Jerusalem. Indeed, for ten days they waited. 

Then, all of a sudden they heard a sound like a strong rushing wind. The sound seemed to be everywhere. As they sat there, tongues began to move uncontrollably as if they were on fire. As recorded in Acts 2, this uncontrollable experience happened to 120 persons who were gathered together in the upper room.

What was happening? The 120 persons were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit moved upon them. Indeed, they just kept speaking in tongues. All of this was in order to fulfill the prophetic scriptures which said, "And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,
and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and My people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids." (Joel 2:27-29)

Yes, even upon those who are servants and upon handmaids will I will pour out My Spirit causing them to prophesy, saith the Lord.

Even more so, I will show wonders in the heavens and signs in the earth. Strange happenings will occur - blood, fire, and vapour of smoke. At this time, the sun shall be darkened and the moon turned into blood. All of these wonders appearing before the great and notable day of the Lord's coming!

In these days, saith the scriptures, it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved! Please read Acts chapter 2. Commit your life to the Lord Jesus so that He can pour out His Spirit upon you too!

Stand in the offering plate.

The Good News -- For The Lord of Hosts Hath Visited His Flock - Part 2796

"And I will strengthen them in the Lord; and they shall walk up and down in His name," saith the Lord. (Zechariah 10:12) 

"Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.

Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the Lord of hosts hath visited His flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as His goodly horse in the battle. Out of Him came forth the corner, out of Him the nail, out of Him the battle bow, out of Him every oppressor together. And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the Lord is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the Lord their God, and will hear them." (Zechariah 10:1-6)

This is the Lord's promise to His beloved church, so when the enemy tries to wear us down, arise and stand knowing that it is not we who venture into battle but the Lord of hosts who willingly visited His flock to share the greatest love story ever told. 

And His name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS -- for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. And in the latter rain, He is still the Lord our God who hears our prayers. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

Are You Washed In The Blood, In The Blood Of The Lamb - Part 2795

What must we do?

It's an interesting question. If we follow the world, the answers to this specific question is all over the place, because the world doesn't hold to an absolute. But in the gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - we are introduced to the one and only absolute -- His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us! (Matthew 1:21-23) 

And thus, from walking with the Lord Jesus, the apostles knew the answer to the question -- what must we do? Indeed, all twelve apostles stood in one accord on the day of Pentecost, when Peter responded, saying, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38-39) 

As we understand from the Acts 2 account, there were 3,000 souls baptized that day -- which marked the beginning of the New Testament church. These people had repented of their sin, and water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as was every other individual baptized in the new testament after the cross. 

Other scriptures pointing to the Lord Jesus?

 
"And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)

"He that believes on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36)

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3)

John the baptizer answered, saying unto [them] all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Luke 3:16)

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire." (Matthew 3:11)

"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for [h/His] only [s/Son], and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for [h/His] firstborn." (Zechariah 12:10)

"Blessed [are] they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:11)

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." ( I Peter 3:18)

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24)

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience." (James 5:10)

"Thou believes that there is one God; thou does well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)

"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (II Thessalonians 3:6)

"Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [Him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him." (Colossians 1:16)

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth." (Philippians 2:10)

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

God's plan then was to redeem man back to Himself. This is why God Himself as a Son was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; Acts 20:28) He came to seek and to save you and I who would have otherwise been lost for all eternity. Why? Because we required a Saviour and because there was none other in heaven earth who was righteous enough to pay the price in full -- for the redemption of man, He came Himself. 

Now that is love! Abundant everlasting love for you and I -- and He was willing to shed His precious, holy blood on a cross so that you and I might have everlasting life. Yes, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and if ye have seen Him, ye have seen the Father and know Him. (John 14:6-12)

Stand in the offering plate.

Seek Ye The Lord Whilst He May Still Be Found - Part 2794

"Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children, for blessed [are they that] keep My ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed [is] the man that hears me, watching daily at the posts of My doors -- for whoso find Me find life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord ... teach a wise man and he will increase in learning." (Proverbs 8:32- Proverbs 9:9)

And it came to pass the day after Jesus had healed a certain centurion's servant that Jesus went into a city called Nain. We read that many of Jesus' disciples went with Him and much people as well. Now when Jesus came nigh to the gate of the city, behold there was a dead man carried out -- the only son of his mother, a widow. As it is in death, many people accompanied the woman.

But when Jesus saw the woman, He had compassion on her, saying, "Weep not." And He came and touched her and they that bare the dead man stood still. Jesus then said, "Young man, I say unto thee, arise." And he that was dead sat up and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all; and they glorified God, saying, "That a great prophet is risen among us, and, that God hath visited His people." And this rumour of Jesus went forth throughout all of Judaea and throughout all the region about.

And the disciples of John the baptizer showed him of all these things. And John calling two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? Or look we for another?" (Luke 7:19)

When the men were come unto Jesus they said, "John the baptizer hath sent us unto Thee, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? Or look we for another?" (Luke 7:20)

And in that same hour, He cured many of [their] infirmities, and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind, He gave sight. Then Jesus answering, said, "Go your way and tell John what things ye have seen and heard: how the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he -- whomsoever shall not be offended in Me." (Luke 7:22-23)

Note that once John's messengers had departed, Jesus began to speak further unto the people concerning John the baptizer.

"What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled and live delicately are in king's courts. But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you and much more than a prophet. This is [he] of whom it is written, "Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before Thee." (Luke 7:24-27; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1)

Then Jesus said, "For I say unto you -- among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:28)

And all the people that heard [Him] and the publicans justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John but the Pharisees and lawyers ... the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of John the baptizer. (Luke 7:30)

Apostle Paul later related after his conversion on the road to Damascus, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20:27)

But is this not what is happening within both the societal and modern day religious culture today? To the poor the good news gospel of repentance and reformation of one's heart is preached and wholly accepted as taught in His Word. In fact, His Word accepted gladly into our hearts without question. But the Pharisees and lawyers? Those which are "gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's courts" -- these mock the commandments of God because their souls were/are not of God. The scriptures are clear on this point. The Pharisees and lawyers chose to turn a deaf ear, preferring instead to reject the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of John the Baptist.

"But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7:30) Or, if we consider the more accurate rendering in the Greek -- "rejected for themselves the counsel of God."

However, note that the Pharisees and lawyers not only rejected John's baptism unto repentance but also Jesus the Christ who stood before them. The ultimate plan of salvation that was decided before the world was even formed -- the fullness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in Christ so that we -- you and I -- could be reconciled unto Himself.

These "learned" men despised the commands of God, including the baptism of repentance which was ordained of God. In so doing, these revealed their aversion and abhorrence to the gospel of the kingdom of God and His righteousness, rejecting the very instructions of our Lord and Christ. Sadly, the salvation message of repentance and water baptism in Jesus name is still being rejected today.

Even when we know that Jesus, "through the Holy Ghost" had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, and that we are instructed to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, there are those learned -- gorgeously appareled and live delicately in the king's courts -- rejecting the counsel of God. (Acts 1:1-4; Acts 2:37-42) Even though we see the counsel of God displayed on the day of Pentecost and His church in which Jesus is the Head established, we reject the counsel of God by not aligning our teachings on repentance and baptism with those taught in the scriptures.

When the people pricked in their heart asked Peter, standing with the eleven -- "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized EVERY ONE OF YOU in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-38)

The good news gospel message of the new testament. His life giving message. His love for us shown on an old rugged cross for all the world to behold. His precious blood shed so that we might have life in Him, clothed in His righteousness, and baptized into His name. We either accept His counsel gladly or we become like those Pharisees and lawyers standing in the place of Jesus -- in the king's court /man-made religion -- rejecting the counsel of God.

This is why the Lord Jesus then told the Pharisees and lawyers that rejected the counsel of God against themselves -- “Where unto then shall I liken the men of this generation? And to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, “We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.” For John the baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, “He hath a devil.” The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, “Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!” (Luke 7:29-37)

Yes, wisdom is justified of all her children. He hath made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

"Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children, for blessed [are they that] keep My ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed [is] the man that hears Me, watching daily at the posts of My doors -- for whoso finds Me finds life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord." (Proverbs 8:32- Proverbs 9:9)

Stand in the offering plate with Jesus.

The Church Which He Hath Purchased With His Own Blood - Part 2793

"Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God." (Revelation 21:3)

What is interesting herein is that whenever the great voice from heaven spoke (throughout the scriptures), it was so that we who believe would "hear ye Him." Not "them" as the promoters of a triad, triune multi-headed god(s) suggest, but the first commandment instruction (in both the old and the new) -- "hear ye O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

As the scripture saith, "He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people and God Himself shall be with them and be their God." (Revelation 21:3)

Not another God but the One and Same God who willingly clothed Himself in flesh (yet without sin) so that we might have abundant life in Him. Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)

Jesus -- the Great I Am - the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) When we have seen Him, as Jesus said, we have seen the Father and know Him. Indeed, Jesus -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own but His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

Don't be deceived by those who willingly preach a false gospel -- the shepherds in wolves clothing -- who are continually joining in unity against the true saints of the Lord Jesus Christ. Don't be deceived by false man-made creeds that are contrary to the Word that the Lord God Himself hath spoken. Rather, search the scriptures for truth, and hear ye Him -- for He [not them] will save His people from their sins.

Know too that the true believers in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ are taking heed therefore unto ourselves, "and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)

Stand in the offering plate.

How Beautiful Upon The Mountain Are the Feet Of Him That Brings Good Tidings - Part 2792

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knows them that trust in Him. But with an overrunning flood He will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue His enemies." (Nahum 1:7-8)

As believers, do we truly have a burden for our nation? Are we diligently standing in the gap for a city's salvation? Do we grieve (pray?) for the souls that are without knowing the Lord has a purpose for each of them? Are we determined to occupy this land until the Lord returns, or have we reconciled to enjoy His continued blessings and prosperity? (Luke 19:13) These are all good questions.

I'm sure Nahum the Elkoshite had similar questions, when he prophesied concerning the burden of Nineveh. Most of us remember the city of Nineveh, primarily because of Jonah (who had been swallowed by a whale) -- whom the Lord God had sent earlier to preach. But Nahum takes the conversation  a little further. God has now announced judgment on Nineveh's evil ways. As He puts it, there will be no more descendants to bear His name. (Nahum 1:14) Similar to prophet Zephaniah, Nahum points to how the Lord stretches out His hand against the north, and destroys Assyria; resulting in Nineveh becoming desolate and dry like a wilderness. 

Nahum further alludes, "For now will I break His yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder. And the Lord hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of Thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile." (Nahum 1:13-15)

So why Nineveh -- asks those in the rejoicing city?? Several reasons are cited:

" ... because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the well favoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts,
that sells nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts. Behold, I am against thee," saith the Lord of hosts, "and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame. And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazing stock. And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? Whence shall I seek comforters for thee?" (Nahum 3:4-10

Because the city has dwelt carelessly, and said in her heart, "I am, and there is none beside me." 

Because the Lord whose judgment is righteous confirms "how she is become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in" saying every one that passes by her shall hiss, and wag his hand. (Zephaniah 2:13-15; Ezra 28:2; Nahum 3:7, 19; Jeremiah 22:14; Isaiah 10:12)

And because the Lord of hosts has said, "I am against thee." In another place, "nothing can heal your wound" -- your injury is fatal.  (Nahum 2:13: Nahum 3:19)

In case we don't know what desolation looks like -- the flocks lie down in the midst of her; all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds" for He shall uncover the cedar work. (Zephaniah 2:13-14)  

Was it always this way? No.  Remember years earlier, when Jonah had preached to Nineveh and the people repented? Consequently, because of the people's response to the Lord, the city was spared. 

But now, as we read earlier, Nineveh had returned to its evil ways of idolatry and fornication -  worshipping other gods. Ironically, the city cites part of Isaiah's prophecy to make a case for their pride -- "that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the Lord, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:5) The exception being that Nineveh never accepted the none else belongs solely to the Lord.

Even still, we know the Lord never gives up on His beloved creation. Even then, as Nahum points out, “Look, there on the mountains, the feet of One who brings good news, who proclaims peace!” (Nahum 1:15)

Isaiah prophesied too -- "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation;" that saith unto Zion, "Thy God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7)

Sadly, Nineveh never heeded the Lord's call. Nineveh didn't understand the importance of seeking HIm who brings good tidings and salvation. Thus, sadly, the city was destroyed.

Fast forward 2,000 years and again, we see prophecy after prophecy being fulfilled. This time before that great and notable day of the Lord's coming. The difference worth noting now is Jesus isn't coming as a suffering servant but rather instead as King of kings and Lord of lords. 

Why now? Because just like Nineveh, the nations have returned to living carelessly, unrepentant of the goodness and grace of the Lord our God who willingly, in shedding His precious blood for us on a cross - became our Saviour, (Acts 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; John 10:30; Acts 2:36-41) Yes, from the beginning of time, the  Lord has continually invited each and every one of us into His kingdom, for He would that none perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16; I John 3:16) 

His message has never changed! 

"Unto thee it was shewed, that thou might know that the Lord He is God; there is none else beside Him." (Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; Deuteronomy 6:4)

Stand in the offering plate.

How By Revelation He Made Known The Mystery Of Christ -- That The Gentiles Should Be Partakers Of His Promise In Christ - Part 2791

"For the good man is not at home, h/He is gone a long journey: h/He hath taken a bag of money with h/Him; and will come home at the day appointed." (Proverbs 7:18-20)

"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:35)

 
"Another parable put Jesus forth unto them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in h/His field ..." He answered and said unto them, "He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man." (Matthew 13:24; Matthew 13:37)

"For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called h/His own servants, and delivered unto them h/His goods." (Matthew 25:14)

As we've learned from Matthew 20, the good man is the Lord God Himself. He has come on a long journey, bringing with Him a bag full of treasure -- intended to bring forth good things. When dwelling among us, He likens the kingdom of heaven to a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers for His vineyard.

"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28; Matthew 26:28; I Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 9:7-8) 

It is important to note that the Lord God is a debtor to no man. He willingly brought His gifts with Him and this self-same Spirit to this very day divides those gifts severally as He will. (I Corinthians 12:11) Equally important, the same recompense of reward given to those who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith is not based on some workplace seniority plan, but rather "according to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13)  The stark contrast, as Jesus points out earlier -- is that out of the heart the good man brings forth good things but an evil man brings forth evil things. 

From previous posts, the good man's mission is to ensure the good news gospel is preached to the Gentiles who are grafted in, and when their hearts respond to His love, they enjoy the same privileges and blessings as His chosen people from afore, whom the world was not even worthy. (Ephesians 3:3-6; Hebrews 11:1-13) 

Within the parable of the vineyard, there is a progression. While all of the labourers agree to work for a penny, or for whatsoever is right, the labourers hired late in the day receive the same pay as those who struggled through the noon hour heat. This led the labourers hired in the third hour of the morning to complain bitterly. Notably, their complaint was not against the labourers who worked shorter days-- but instead their murmurings were directed against the Master Himself. This might be a good place to observe that when the householder hired these men, they were standing idle - with nothing to do. 

So what was happening here? As we see, the Lord is setting before them an incorruptible crown. Like apostle Paul writes, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (I Corinthians 9:24-27)

Apostle Paul understood the importance of God's abundant mercies and grace and that the Lord our God can do no wrong. Sadly, however, the labourers that murmured believed the householder had committed a grave injustice against them -- even though the Lord had in actuality done them no wrong. (Matthew 20:13-14) As we know from the parable, the labourers receive their agreed upon pay rate for the day's work, By complaining, they essentially were stating their preference for the temporal worldly kingdom.

"These last have wrought but one hour, and Thou hast made them equal with us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day." The householder then -- calling him Friend - states, "I do thee no wrong; didst not thou agree with Me for a penny? Take that thine is; and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee." (Matthew 20:12-14) 

As you can see, they had no reason to complain. The householder had given the labourer his due reward. What he missed, however, is the blessings from the householder going forward. Indeed, he only looked for what was in the Lord's hand -- not what was in His heart. Again, up until He met the Master (the Lord of glory!) these were standing idle in the marketplace -- because no one up until this point had even hired them. The labourers also had no reason to envy their fellow servants, for it was the householder ultimately responsible for hiring -- according to His perfect timing. Again, quite the contrast to apostle Paul -- who said, "I labour more abundantly than ye all!" 

Later, Jesus offers even further clarity to His disciples, "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:." (Matthew 20:26-27) 

Therefore, at the end of the day, the labourers in the vineyard missed the higher calling -- His purpose that we are chosen to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to serve one another -- flowing through His love to those around us. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:20-31; I Peter 5:5' Ephesians 5:21; Romans 15:2; I Corinthians 9:19) 

Some other questions worthy of consideration -- should we be encouraged that the labouring herein is only for one day (and not longer?), or discouraged that the day we are now in is far spent? If the latter, are we ready (our lamps filled with oil) for the householder's return -- "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first." (I Thessalonian 4:13)

Certianly, there is much more to learn from this parable, but for now, let it suffice to close with a relevant scripture from apostle Paul -- emphasizing the mystery that was from the beginning of the world -- and only revealed now, in these latter days:

" ... how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel." (Ephesians 3:3-6)

Stand in the offering plate.

With Men This Is Impossible But With God All Things Are Possible- Part 2790

 "For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers in the vineyard, And when He had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into His vineyard. And He went about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto them, "Go ye also into the vineyard and whatsoever is right I will give you." And they went their way." (Matthew 20:1-4; Song of Solomon 8:11-12; Matthew 13:24)

This is not the only parable Jesus uses to explain what the kingdom of heaven is like. But it is a parable wherein Jesus uses it to respond to Peter's question in Matthew 19:27: "Behold, we have forsaken all, and have followed Thee, what shall we have therefore?"

Just prior to this, Jesus has just been tempted by the Pharisees attempting to trick Him. Then children were brought to Jesus so He could pray for them -- but the disciples choose to rebuke them. Next is the rich young ruler desiring to know what he has to do to inherit eternal life, to which Jesus responds -- "if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow Me." (Matthew 19:21) Exceedingly amazed at Jesus response, the disciples ask, "Who then can be saved?" To which Peter further asks Jesus, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed Thee' what shall we have therefore?" (Matthew 19:27)

All this must have been exhausting for the good man of the vineyard -- the good Lord -- who continually blesses both the good and the evil, and has repeatedly done so since the beginning of time. Nevertheless, Jesus continues. In Matthew 19:28, He offers a promise of reward. That is, "Verily, I say unto you - that ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Matthew 19:28)

In essence, Jesus was saying to His disciples that whosoever follows Jesus (in the regeneration of the Son of man); everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands -- for My name's sake -- shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Matthew 19:29; Luke 14:26)

Therein, His reward! A hundredfold plus everlasting life!

Jesus later shares -- "many that are first, shall be last; and the last shall be first." (Matthew 19:30; Matthew 20:16; Mark 10:31)

What we see is Jesus sharing the parable of the good man, the householder in the vineyard. Within this parable, Jesus teaches that the labourers hired early in the day would receive the exact same pay as those hired very late in the day -- and paid as well "whatsoever is right!" (Matthew 20:4,7) This led to some of the labourers hired earlier in the day murmuring against the Master (because the labourers hired late in the day were paid an equal amount) without having to endure the burden and heat of the day.

Jesus asks these labourers if He is doing anything wrong, particularly since the labourers themselves had agreed to work for a penny (a denarius) a day. Herein, Jesus hadn't broken any promises. Jesus hadn't withheld a certain amount of payment back from the labourers. In fact, He had paid them the exact amount that was agreed upon. That is, a penny a day. 

Notice however the complaint was not against labourers who were paid the same but worked less hours. Rather, in this case, the murmuring was pitted directly against the Master, who chose not to offer any reasons for His generosity, other than He had a right to distribute His blessings to whomever -- as He desired. 

Jesus asks them, "Is it not lawful for Me to do what I will with Mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good?" (Matthew 20:15; Deuteronomy 15:9) In another place, Jesus alludes to the light of the body being the eye, and if thine eye is single, thy whole body shall be full of light. "But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness?" (Matthew 6:23)

The disciples then (like the labourers hired early in the day) expected to be rewarded more for having followed Jesus. As Jesus indicates in His response to Peter, the disciples shall be rewarded according to "whatsoever is right!"  So again, Jesus ensures there is no unfairness or respecter of persons -- as witnessed from the parable.

But wait - it is herein that the labourers hired early in the day struggled. Picking up from the scriptures, we know that under Old Testament law, we can rightly discern between what we give and what we can expect to receive. The Mosaic and Levitical laws are clear on this point. As well, we can understand that if we obey these laws to the letter, there are clearly described / clearly defined, tangible rewards. 

But according to Hebrews 9 and 10, we who live in this current generation (Gentiles -- non-Israelites) are no longer under Old Testament law. Rather, since the appointed time when "the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing ... how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:8. 14. 15-18)

Indeed, we who are alive today live under the new testament dispensation of grace wherein the Lord Himself paid the price for our sins -- in full. (Galatians 3:19-29) It is this undeserving, unmerited offer of salvation given freely to us -- who are in essence the labourers standing idle in the marketplace - from the householder (the Lord of glory!) that is completely foreign to us. The Lord's mercy so all encompassing -- that when we receive Him, our debt is paid in full. It is finished -- Jesus said -- it is finished.

And, as the scriptures repeatedly tell us, His blessings come according to who He is, and not according to who we are. Like the householder in the parable, we can be assured that the Lord will never treat any of His beloved unfairly. If anything, the rewards bestowed upon us by the Master lean always on the side of excessive generosity -- again, whatsoever is right and for His own pleasure and purposes. But there is more. 

First, we should be thankful beyond measure that the Lord has chosen us to serve Him; that He did not venture on by you and I - to hire another labourer standing idly by. Indeed, He chose us before the foundation of the world was formed; and thus, at every opportunity we should willingly desire to serve the Lord in His vineyard. After all, we did not have to go to the cross. Rather, it was He -- Jesus -- who willingly shed His precious, holy blood so that we might have abundant life in Him, which Jesus alludes to in the verses immediately following this parable.

So, for a moment, imagine how Jesus felt --knowing that He would soon be betrayed; arrested for doing no wrong; recognizing that He was about to take on the sins of all the whole world -- on an old rugged cross -- so that even murmurers might be saved. What was Jesus thinking, knowing He would soon be mocked and ridiculed; beaten to the point of being unrecognizable; soon to be nailed to a cross by those very people whom He loved? Indeed, forgive them Father for they know not what they do!

Remember too that Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. There is a significant difference. And yet, He witnessed the labourers He personally sought out to hire for His vineyard murmuring because in their mind, the Master has not blessed them enough! 

A question we should all be asking -- what should it matter if we are first or last?

But then, as if all common sense and compassion in Matthew 19-20 had been lost, the Lord Jesus ventures along to heal two blind men sitting by the wayside -- who cried out (upon knowing that Jesus was passing by) -- "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Thou Son of David." (Matthew 20:29-33) 

Yes, Jesus' compassion for His beloved church/bride still shines brightly -- His invitation to those who are idle and want to serve Him still open. And, as He touched the eyes of the two blind men, the scales fell immediately from their eyes so that they could see. And they followed Him. (Matthew 20:34)

The outstanding question -- which side will you choose?

Stand in the offering plate.

Labour Diligently and Patiently, Seeking To Do Good, Promoting the Salvation of Souls, Resembling Jesus the Christ - Part 2789

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18)

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings." (Philippians 2:14)

Continuing with the study of Jesus' teaching to both the Pharisees and His disciples (from Matthew 20), we begin to understand how God's salvation plan was woven into place from the very beginning - even before the foundation of the world was formed. In part, we witness how the plight of Israel was negatively impacted by their ongoing willingness to serve the world rather than the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. More specifically, from Jesus' parable, we learn that when the first labourers agreed to work in the vineyard for the very same wage as those labourers hired later, they should have been grateful -- because they received the amount of wages they originally agreed to. 

However, as we see from the grumbling, their complaint wasn't that some labourers didn't have to work as many hours as the first hired did. Rather, their complaint was against the unexpected (unwarranted) generosity of the householder who decided on his own to give everyone the same reward. Remember, all the men worked and agreed to be paid "whatsoever is right" -- that shall ye receive. (Matthew 20:4, 7) But as we also know, the householder bestowed an additional gift (grace beyond measure!) on those labourers hired at day's end. That is, all the labourers received the same reward.

So instead of appreciating the generosity of the the householder, the labourers hired earlier in the day chose to find fault with their Master -- not because their wage was unfair, or that they had been dwindled out of pay -- but rather that other labourers hired later were made equal with them. In response, Jesus clearly points out the good man can do as He pleases with His own possessions. The good man -- in this current dispensation of grace the Lord Jesus -- desiring always to cure our blind eyes so we can receive spiritual sight that will draw our hearts after Him. And consequently, as a result of His invitation to labour in His vineyard, growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ. (Matthew 20:29) 

But then Jesus asks, "Is thine eye evil because I am good?" 

Interesting question. As background, we know the owner of the vineyard - the Lord of glory!- is the central character within the parable. Why is this important? Because the householder not only went out early in the morning to hire labourers for the vineyard but He continued in His work all the day long -- the third hour, the sixth hour, the ninth hour, and well into the eleventh hour. Equally important is His over the top generosity (as the good man of the vineyard), which, ironically, is the catalyst that gets Him into trouble. Indeed, the Lord has always delighted in blessing His people, even though He, as the sovereign Lord doesn't have to ever give account of His actions to His creation.

On a different note, remember that up until this point, the labourers were "idly" just wasting away their days. As represented in the parable, the labourers did not engage in work which was meaningful, which explains why they were available to work in the vineyard.

There is yet another point worthy of consideration. Jesus says in Matthew 19:30 -- "But many [that are] first shall be last, and the last [shall be] first." Later, Jesus clarifies His statement further saying,  "So the last shall be first, and the first last, for many be called but few are chosen." (Matthew 20:16)

Did Jesus change His mind between His initial conversation with the Pharisees and His disciples, and subsequently sharing the parable? Most certainly, in the parable, all the labourers hired were treated equally. As we also know, the householder gave whatsoever is right to each labourer, albeit, those labourers hired later in the day were not required to work as many hours for the same pay.  

So then the question begs -- why did Jesus share this parable? What was His purpose?

Well, we know Jesus was speaking to His disciples, and by extension, the body of Christ church. This is evidenced in Jesus' response to Peter when the latter asks,  "Behold, we have forsaken all; and followed Thee: what shall we have therefore?" (Matthew 19:27)  As we know from this example, Jesus promises His disciples twelve thrones -- giving each and every one of them special honour. (Matthew 19:27-28)

But what is the meaning of the first last and the last first? 

As stated before, the first could refer to the Israelites who were invited into the Lord's vineyard from the beginning of creation. The last are the Gentiles that upon hearing and responding to the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ also receive His gift of salvation and blessings. Conversely, on a more personal level, it could refer to those who begin their faith journey with little but through a spritual circumcision of their heart become very useful within the Kingdom. 

Another perspective is the timing of your acceptance of the Lord Jesus into your life (earlier or later in life) is not as important as what you actually do with His love, grace and mercy.  Or simply, that until we come to the Lord Jesus with humble heart, we waste our days in a sinful state -- serving satan in mindless and scattered idleness. 

The reality is that real life begins with Jesus as both our Lord God and Saviour in our life. And in the parable, He continues to call each and every one of us to labour in His Kingdom. 

It is interesting to note however, that even at the eleventh hour, no one had offered to hire these labourers before. Could this be those people in the hedges -- spoken of in Revelation - when those in the highways and byways find themselves far too busy to attend the Lord's most elaborate banquet? Note that these labourers mention that the reason they are not working is because no man hath offered to hire them. In essence then, no one had (yet) invited them to partake in the Lord's vineyard. 

Or perhaps, there is value in looking at Jesus' parable from the perspective of the religious (nominal Christians and proud Pharisees) who have repeatedly heard the Lord's invitation but have instead justified within their own hearts why they labour continually for earthly kingdoms. Put another way, in some minds, the penny received for labouring in the world outweighs the same penny received for labouring for the Lord's kingdom -- and sadly, this mindset even when, as evidenced by Jesus' parable, His rewards are so much more than any of us deserve.

Note what happens at the end of the parable. When evening is come, the Lord of the vineyard asks His steward to call all the labourers so that He could give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. (Matthew 20:8) Note that the Lord recompenses every service done for Him (even those who only contributed to the Kingdom for a short time), doing wrongly by none of them, whilst still showing extraordinary grace to all those who laboured in His vineyard. 

But rather than being content that the Lord has brought even more labourers (souls) into His fold, essentially making their individual job as labourers easier, and rewarding one and all with \whatsoever is right', there is a tendency (as we see herein) to become envious and proud, exalting ourselves to a much higher status than we deserve. Indeed, as we learn, they supposed that they should have received more! 

"And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house, saying, "These last have wrought but one hour, and Thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day." (Matthew 20:11-12) 

The labourers who grumbled about having to work longer hours for the same pay did not choose to rejoice and praise God for His endless mercies and abundant grace -- which He applies equally to everyone who comes to Him, which as we know, there is no respecter of persons within the body of Christ church. Everyone is equal and Jesus is the Head of the Church. 

Still, even though Jesus had said He had done them no wrong, the labourers still complained. Even though they had agreed to work for one penny, they still felt deserving of so much more. What does Jesus  - the good man of the vineyard -- say?

"Take that thine is, and go thy way; I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for Me to do what I will with Mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good?  So the last shall be first, and the first last; for many be called but few chosen." (Matthew 20:14-6)

Normally, this is where the teaching on this parable ends. Still, there is one more point worth including. That is, Jesus (on the way to Jerusalem) takes His twelve disciples apart to say, "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify [Him]: and the third day He shall rise again." (Matthew 20:17-19) 

Therefore, a much needed lesson here. Whilst we squabble and murmur among ourselves -- over who shall be first, and who shall be last, and who is more deserving and who is not, let's remember that the ultimate sacrifice - the ultimate death and suffering -- was paid in full by the good man of the vineyard, who (in spite of ourselves) still loves us as His beloved bride -- still willing to recompense untold blessings to us for a debt that only He could pay.

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15)

Stand in the offering plate.