I Chronicles 1
Jesus fulfilled this for each of us. God saves us one-by-one.
Tell the Israelites: if any one of you bring a sacrifice to the Lord, you must offer an animal from your own cattle, sheep, or goats.
When you bring a burnt offering, ... you must offer a male that has no defects.
Jesus is God's Lamb, with no defects.
Offer it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting so that the Lord will accept you.
Don't go inside, while your sin is still on you. Stop at the door.
Place your hand on the animal's head.
To identify with the animal.
The burnt animal will be accepted to make peace with the Lord.
As your substitute.
Then [the priest will] slaughter the [animal] in the Lord's presence.
Because we are all born "in sin" with that Original Sin we inherited from Adam (the "sin-nature"), which entices us to make wrong choices; and the paycheck sin earns for us is the debt of death (Romans 6:23); so the animal dies instead of the person.
Showing how Jesus would take our place, individually, in death.
Aaron's sons, the priests, will offer the blood. They will throw it against all sides of the Altar that is at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
Without the blood shed on our behalf, there is no forgiveness for sin (Hebrews 9:22). This animal blood was splattered on the sides of the Altar to cover the sins of the penitent, so he could be forgiven; but animal blood can only cover, not take away, sins (Hebrews 10:4).
Jesus' Blood was splattered on the sides of His Altar, the Cross, and God's own Blood has unlimited value and power to wash away every trace of sin from each of us. Enough to save every person who ever lived, if they would only accept it (John 3:16-17).
The rest of this chapter goes into all the technical details of how this sacrifice was to be performed.
The tribe of Levi was scattered throughout all the other Tribes (Genesis 49:7), for the Levites were the teachers of God's Law to all the people. This was given by God to Moses to have the Levites teach this as the first sacrifice each person was to offer, before any other. We need to first be right with God before we can go on and walk with Him.
God's holiness is absolute. Anything that is not in agreement with His perfection would detract from the goodness of His Presence. That's why Jesus came. He came to live among us as one of us, so that He could cleanse us and make us fit to live with Him where He is. The whole Law was given to show us what Jesus would accomplish. He said that He would not destroy the Law, but fulfill it (Matthew 5:17), because the Law is only a "shadow" of the reality (Hebrews 10:1).
With His life, Jesus fulfilled all the civil and moral Law. And by His death, He fulfilled all the sacrificial Law. Beginning with the first one, the personal sacrifice each individual person was to offer first.
We must be clean for God to accept us and hear our prayers. He cannot accept anything that is dirty or wrong, or polluted by sin. When we admit to Him that we deserve death, and let Jesus take our death for us, as though we're the only one, individually; then God accepts that payment putting our sin on His side, and puts Jesus' righteousness on our side of His ledger. That's the only way to balance His book on us. He's the only One Who could pay our debt.
Any other view makes it not worth His leaving His Glory in Heaven to live as a human in this vale of tears and die a painful and humiliating death.
He considers you and me worth all that. His desire is for us to live with Him where He lives (John 17:24). So He suffered all that for you, and for me, and for each one of us who will accept His payment, receive Him as Lord (Boss) over our life, and follow in His footsteps into righteousness and Love.
He did all the work. We only need to change our thinking to realize He did it all, and just let Him do it. Then we will respond by loving Him back, and loving who He loves.
May we all who know Him tell everyone we know how much God loves us to do this for us. Find all His lost sheep, to draw them into the safety of His fold.
And He will reward us for what He is doing through us. He is so generous! We only need to be available for His use. He only requires of us faithfulness to Him and His ways.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Friday, August 17, 2018
The King's Heart
Proverbs 21: 1
The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.
God is Lord of all. He holds all Creation in His hand, and He directs all the "kings" of the Earth, to fulfill His Plan of the Ages. He even set up Obama to (I believe) prepare the way for President Trump to be elected, by an overwhelming majority of the geography of this Nation.
I pray for our Nation every day, that our gracious Father would protect President Trump, his family, and his staff and supporters; that he would be used of God to return safety and righteousness to us as a Nation.
And I pray that God would continue to wake up His true Church, to flood this Earth with His wonderful Truth and bring home all His lost sheep to His One Fold and One Shepherd.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.
God is Lord of all. He holds all Creation in His hand, and He directs all the "kings" of the Earth, to fulfill His Plan of the Ages. He even set up Obama to (I believe) prepare the way for President Trump to be elected, by an overwhelming majority of the geography of this Nation.
I pray for our Nation every day, that our gracious Father would protect President Trump, his family, and his staff and supporters; that he would be used of God to return safety and righteousness to us as a Nation.
And I pray that God would continue to wake up His true Church, to flood this Earth with His wonderful Truth and bring home all His lost sheep to His One Fold and One Shepherd.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Who Considered?
Isaiah 53: 8
Who considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke was due?
Our Father told us ahead of time so clearly and detailed what He is going to do. But our understanding is dull, and we do not see what is right before our eyes. Only after He has accomplished His Word are we able to comprehend what was laid out so succinctly before us.
Even those who were the experts in the Law, who had spent their lives studying what He revealed, did not mix their knowledge with faith to trust God, so did not recognize when Jesus fulfilled every detail of what Isaiah wrote in this chapter, and other Scriptures.
The disciples and apostles could perceive what they personally witnessed only after God's Holy Spirit opened their eyes and understanding.
Father, please open our eyes today to see Your Truth, and teach us how to share with others who need to know these things, so that we all will be preparing for what is ahead, and be ready to greet our Sovereign King, Lord Jesus, when He appears in His glory!
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Who considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke was due?
Our Father told us ahead of time so clearly and detailed what He is going to do. But our understanding is dull, and we do not see what is right before our eyes. Only after He has accomplished His Word are we able to comprehend what was laid out so succinctly before us.
Even those who were the experts in the Law, who had spent their lives studying what He revealed, did not mix their knowledge with faith to trust God, so did not recognize when Jesus fulfilled every detail of what Isaiah wrote in this chapter, and other Scriptures.
The disciples and apostles could perceive what they personally witnessed only after God's Holy Spirit opened their eyes and understanding.
Father, please open our eyes today to see Your Truth, and teach us how to share with others who need to know these things, so that we all will be preparing for what is ahead, and be ready to greet our Sovereign King, Lord Jesus, when He appears in His glory!
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Don't Be In A Hurry
Proverbs 19: 2, 8
It is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who makes haste with his feet errs.
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.
O my Father, I found these words and took them to heart back in 2009, when I was preparing to move. But You did not see fit to bring me a buyer until 2018. For 15 years I wanted to sell that property. I felt it was holding me hostage, that I couldn't leave it until I could sell it, to be able to move on.
But I didn't want to be hasty. I knew that You would bring the right people in Your time, not mine. And I wouldn't turn that corner until You knew I was ready. I did not "make haste with my feet," and waited for You to first show me what needed to be done, what I needed to learn and put into practice in my life.
I had no idea what would be around that blind corner, but I knew I could trust You. Now I have sold that place and moved out.
I didn't know then where I would move to, or if I would begin to travel right away, or what You had planned for me in this interim. But I knew that it would be good, because You are good, Father.
Now You have rewarded my patience with a beautiful little house, perfect for me. Show me, Father, how You would have me care for this abode while I dwell here, as I continue to prepare to be Your witness in all the World.
Help me, Father, to take each step confidently, straight on Your path for me, not wandering off to the right hand or to the left, and not pulling away in my own pride and rebellion. Lead me on, one step at a time, one moment at a time, one day at a time, incrementally progressing toward Your goal, Your destination for me, ultimately into Glory, at the Glorious Appearing of Your beloved Son, my Lord, my King, my Sovereign, and my betrothed Husband.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
It is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who makes haste with his feet errs.
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.
O my Father, I found these words and took them to heart back in 2009, when I was preparing to move. But You did not see fit to bring me a buyer until 2018. For 15 years I wanted to sell that property. I felt it was holding me hostage, that I couldn't leave it until I could sell it, to be able to move on.
But I didn't want to be hasty. I knew that You would bring the right people in Your time, not mine. And I wouldn't turn that corner until You knew I was ready. I did not "make haste with my feet," and waited for You to first show me what needed to be done, what I needed to learn and put into practice in my life.
I had no idea what would be around that blind corner, but I knew I could trust You. Now I have sold that place and moved out.
I didn't know then where I would move to, or if I would begin to travel right away, or what You had planned for me in this interim. But I knew that it would be good, because You are good, Father.
Now You have rewarded my patience with a beautiful little house, perfect for me. Show me, Father, how You would have me care for this abode while I dwell here, as I continue to prepare to be Your witness in all the World.
Help me, Father, to take each step confidently, straight on Your path for me, not wandering off to the right hand or to the left, and not pulling away in my own pride and rebellion. Lead me on, one step at a time, one moment at a time, one day at a time, incrementally progressing toward Your goal, Your destination for me, ultimately into Glory, at the Glorious Appearing of Your beloved Son, my Lord, my King, my Sovereign, and my betrothed Husband.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
God's Love In Us
John 17: 20, 26
I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who [will] believe in Me through their word. ... And I have made Thy Name known to them, and will make it known; that the love wherewith Thou didst love Me may be in them, and I in them.
This chapter has been called Jesus' High Priestly Prayer.
Jesus prayed for His friends, and He also prayed for us, even today, as we who believe have been taught by their words written in Scripture.
And He has given even us His Love, the same Love that the Father loves Jesus with. I find this incredible: That I am loved as much as the Father loves His Son. And that I can give this Love to others, without diminishing it in me.
O my Father, the Righteous One, I pray that this request be done in me; that Your love whrewith You loved Your own Son Jesus be in me, and He living in me, taking over my life to live His life in me, loving others through me.
O Father, so many years ago I gave my life to You, and You took over my life that same hour. You have done so much for me and in me and to me and even through me to bless others!
But I have, in so many ways, taken back parts and areas of my life to try to control them myself--I now release these faults, these sins, back to You again. Please take over my every thought, every desire, every dream, every motive, every goal, every purpose; that I may be all Yours, speak only Your words, do only Your actions, to accomplish Your purposes in my life, for Your glory.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who [will] believe in Me through their word. ... And I have made Thy Name known to them, and will make it known; that the love wherewith Thou didst love Me may be in them, and I in them.
This chapter has been called Jesus' High Priestly Prayer.
Jesus prayed for His friends, and He also prayed for us, even today, as we who believe have been taught by their words written in Scripture.
And He has given even us His Love, the same Love that the Father loves Jesus with. I find this incredible: That I am loved as much as the Father loves His Son. And that I can give this Love to others, without diminishing it in me.
O my Father, the Righteous One, I pray that this request be done in me; that Your love whrewith You loved Your own Son Jesus be in me, and He living in me, taking over my life to live His life in me, loving others through me.
O Father, so many years ago I gave my life to You, and You took over my life that same hour. You have done so much for me and in me and to me and even through me to bless others!
But I have, in so many ways, taken back parts and areas of my life to try to control them myself--I now release these faults, these sins, back to You again. Please take over my every thought, every desire, every dream, every motive, every goal, every purpose; that I may be all Yours, speak only Your words, do only Your actions, to accomplish Your purposes in my life, for Your glory.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Monday, August 13, 2018
A Cool Spirit
Proverbs 17: 27-28
He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is counted prudent.
This is good advice. Keeping our cool is the best way to go, as a hot-head talks his way into trouble.
If you don't know what to say, just keep quiet. This is something Peter had to learn: "not knowing what to say, he said..."(Luke 9:33).
O my Father, thank You for being with me, for putting Your guard on my mouth and tongue. I ask that You use what I have said to prick hearts, and show Yourself to those who don't know You yet.
Father, help me to continue to seek Your face and Your ways. Keep me humble, so that I may not be lifted up in pride in seeing what You do through me, in answer to my prayers. I know I am not someone who is great--You are great, my El Shaddai, God Almighty. I am but dust, a clay pot that You are shaping. Keep me maleable in Your hands.
Help me, Father, to say only Your words, in Your timing, to the people You have brought across my path. Keep me aware of my surroundings, and who is listening, so that You will be lifted up, not me.
Let others see what good works I am able to do in Your power, and give the credit, the praise to You. That You may be magnified, Your Name be exhalted, and Your Kingdom come.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is counted prudent.
This is good advice. Keeping our cool is the best way to go, as a hot-head talks his way into trouble.
If you don't know what to say, just keep quiet. This is something Peter had to learn: "not knowing what to say, he said..."(Luke 9:33).
O my Father, thank You for being with me, for putting Your guard on my mouth and tongue. I ask that You use what I have said to prick hearts, and show Yourself to those who don't know You yet.
Father, help me to continue to seek Your face and Your ways. Keep me humble, so that I may not be lifted up in pride in seeing what You do through me, in answer to my prayers. I know I am not someone who is great--You are great, my El Shaddai, God Almighty. I am but dust, a clay pot that You are shaping. Keep me maleable in Your hands.
Help me, Father, to say only Your words, in Your timing, to the people You have brought across my path. Keep me aware of my surroundings, and who is listening, so that You will be lifted up, not me.
Let others see what good works I am able to do in Your power, and give the credit, the praise to You. That You may be magnified, Your Name be exhalted, and Your Kingdom come.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Sunday, August 12, 2018
All Men Will Know
John 13: 35
By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
Love is the embodiment of all of the Law: to love God and to love one another. It is the basis and foundation to all the laws in the Universe. God's love put order into the stars and contellations, into the solar systems and our own relationship on Earth to the Sun and Moon and other planets. All the Heavenly bodies love God by obeying the laws He gave for them.
And we are to display to the World His love for us by loving one another as He has loved us: unconditionally and responsibly.
O my Father, please, I pray, that You would continue to wake up Your church! Please wake us up to the sins we are denying, hiding from ourselves; that we may confess them and forsake them. Cleanse us, purify us, that we might love one another as You love us, forgiving one another and "washing one another's feet."
Let those who are not Yours depart from Your churches, and let us not fight and bicker and complain. Please teach us to love one another, as You have said, so that others will be able to see our love, and be drawn to You.
O Father, so often those who are of this World seem to display more love than Your own children! Please display the hidden things, make plain the obscure things, broadcast from the mountaintops what has been whispered in secret--let the Truth be known of who are Yours and who are not, that all people will see our love for one another and Your Truth will be made known; and all Your lost sheep will be found from every tribe, every nation, every tongue; and there will be one fold and one Shepherd!
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
Love is the embodiment of all of the Law: to love God and to love one another. It is the basis and foundation to all the laws in the Universe. God's love put order into the stars and contellations, into the solar systems and our own relationship on Earth to the Sun and Moon and other planets. All the Heavenly bodies love God by obeying the laws He gave for them.
And we are to display to the World His love for us by loving one another as He has loved us: unconditionally and responsibly.
O my Father, please, I pray, that You would continue to wake up Your church! Please wake us up to the sins we are denying, hiding from ourselves; that we may confess them and forsake them. Cleanse us, purify us, that we might love one another as You love us, forgiving one another and "washing one another's feet."
Let those who are not Yours depart from Your churches, and let us not fight and bicker and complain. Please teach us to love one another, as You have said, so that others will be able to see our love, and be drawn to You.
O Father, so often those who are of this World seem to display more love than Your own children! Please display the hidden things, make plain the obscure things, broadcast from the mountaintops what has been whispered in secret--let the Truth be known of who are Yours and who are not, that all people will see our love for one another and Your Truth will be made known; and all Your lost sheep will be found from every tribe, every nation, every tongue; and there will be one fold and one Shepherd!
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)