The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:1-2,
"Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was
approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were
looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the
people."
In his introduction to the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, Luke provides
some background detail. The religious leaders of the day sought "to
get rid of Jesus", but were afraid of the people. They needed a way
but would have to do it in a manner that would not arouse the possible
opposition of the people.
The opportunity came their way through the agency of Satan. We are
told that "Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve."
Verse 3. This prompted Judas to approach the chief priests and
officers of the temple and work out a plan with them. Money would be
given Judas and so he watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to
them when no crowd would be present.
What captures my attention is that these religious leaders wanted to
get rid of Jesus. Why? Jesus taught the people about God from the
Scriptures, he performed wonderful miracles that freed people from
demon possession, illness, infirmity, even death. He fed people and
manifested a deep compassion for them. Why would these religious
leaders want to get rid of Jesus?
They did not know God. These religious leaders held enviable positions
in society, commanding respect and a living. But, they did not know
God. It was not that they were ignorant of the Scriptures, it was they
never embraced God who inspired the Scriptures. For this, Jesus called
them out, threatening their status as the religious leaders of the
day. Jesus called them hypocrites, blind guides, snakes and a brood of
vipers! See Matthew, chapter 23. They were threatened by Jesus and so
they sought to get rid of him.
This is true for all who fail to embrace God. Any mention of God
brings the cold reminder that all are condemned to spend an eternity
in a fiery lake of burning sulfur for their sins in this life. Since
all sin, all are condemned. Any thought, any mention of God often
brings opposition and anger. We see it in the tireless campaign to
remove any vestige of Christmas in the public square during that
season. We see it in the willful exclusion of the major influence of
the Judeo-Christian heritage that resulted in western civilization in
curriculum taught in schools. We see it in the many and various
crusades of political correctness in political and public discourse.
Indeed, in many quarters, any discussion of God is simply not
considered polite conversation. God has become a taboo subject in the
rising tide of a desperate effort to get rid of God.
The sad truth is that those who embrace Jesus Christ escape God's
condemnation and enter into his family. Jesus said, "I tell you the
truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal
life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to
life." John 5:24.
God exists, as well as his judgment, and the objective reality of this
is not contingent upon our acknowledgment or consent of it. Try as we
might to get rid of God, he isn't going anywhere. Just as futile the
efforts of the chief priests and teachers of the law to get rid of
Jesus, so is the futile effort of those today who attempt to get rid
of God. He isn't going anywhere.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
An astonishing prophecy - Ruminating in the Word of God
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:37,
"It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I
tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about
me is reaching its fulfillment."
Jesus told his disciples at the last supper what was written about him
was to now be fulfilled. So, what was this prophecy Jesus spoke of
that was to be fulfilled? There are many passages in the old testament
that foretold of the coming Messiah. The specific passage Jesus quoted
here is found in Isaiah 52:13-53:12. The portion provided us in Luke
22:37 comes from Isaiah 53:12.
The book of Isaiah was written in the last half of the eighth century
BC. An intact full copy of the book, dated from some two hundred years
before the birth of Jesus Christ was found among the Dead Sea Scrolls
and is within our possession today. Within the book of Isaiah are
passages foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ in startling detail
and accuracy. This passage of 52:13-53:12, the passage of the
Suffering Servant of the Lord, is simply astonishing and reveals very
specifically what Jesus Christ came to do seven centuries later. So
gripping and vivid an account, it ought to be read often and memorized
by us all. Here is that passage:
"See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and
highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him — his
appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form
marred beyond human likeness — so will he sprinkle many nations, and
kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not
told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will
understand.
"Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been
revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root
out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised
and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we
esteemed him not.
"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we
considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he
was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds
we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has
turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us
all.
"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was
led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers
is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he
was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut
off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he
was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the
rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit
in his mouth.
"Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and
though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his
offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper
in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of
life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will
justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give
him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the
strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered
with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made
intercession for the transgressors."
Certainly, of everything ever written throughout the history of
mankind, this has be counted as one of the most astonishing and
riveting. This prophecy foretells the coming event that will for ever
change the course of human history: the coming of the Son of God to
make us a way into his family!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:37,
"It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I
tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about
me is reaching its fulfillment."
Jesus told his disciples at the last supper what was written about him
was to now be fulfilled. So, what was this prophecy Jesus spoke of
that was to be fulfilled? There are many passages in the old testament
that foretold of the coming Messiah. The specific passage Jesus quoted
here is found in Isaiah 52:13-53:12. The portion provided us in Luke
22:37 comes from Isaiah 53:12.
The book of Isaiah was written in the last half of the eighth century
BC. An intact full copy of the book, dated from some two hundred years
before the birth of Jesus Christ was found among the Dead Sea Scrolls
and is within our possession today. Within the book of Isaiah are
passages foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ in startling detail
and accuracy. This passage of 52:13-53:12, the passage of the
Suffering Servant of the Lord, is simply astonishing and reveals very
specifically what Jesus Christ came to do seven centuries later. So
gripping and vivid an account, it ought to be read often and memorized
by us all. Here is that passage:
"See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and
highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him — his
appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form
marred beyond human likeness — so will he sprinkle many nations, and
kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not
told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will
understand.
"Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been
revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root
out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised
and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we
esteemed him not.
"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we
considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he
was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds
we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has
turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us
all.
"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was
led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers
is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he
was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut
off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he
was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the
rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit
in his mouth.
"Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and
though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his
offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper
in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of
life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will
justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give
him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the
strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered
with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made
intercession for the transgressors."
Certainly, of everything ever written throughout the history of
mankind, this has be counted as one of the most astonishing and
riveting. This prophecy foretells the coming event that will for ever
change the course of human history: the coming of the Son of God to
make us a way into his family!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Who is Jesus? - Ruminating in the Word of God.
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:70,
"They all asked, 'Are you then the Son of God?' He replied, 'You are
right in saying I am.'"
After Jesus had been arrested, he was asked by the chief priests and
teachers of the law if he was the Christ, "'If you are the Christ,'
they said, 'tell us.'" Luke 22:70. He explained that although they
would not believe him, he would nevertheless take his seat "at the
right hand of the mighty God." Verse 69. Their response was what
sounds like a victory cheer, "Why do we need any more testimony? We
have heard it from his own lips." Verse 71. Now, with what they
mistakenly took for blasphemy, they felt they had all they needed to
hand him over to Pilate to be executed. When Pilate asked Jesus if he
was king of the Jews he replied, "Yes, it is as you say." Luke 23:3.
The Scriptures consistently present Jesus Christ as the second person
of the Trinity, "The Son of God." In Romans 9:5 we read, "...from them
[the Israelites] is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God
over all, forever praised! Amen."
I love the way the letter to the Hebrews starts, "In the past God
spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in
various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,
whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the
universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact
representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful
word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the
right hand of the Majesty in heaven." Hebrews 1:1-3. The writer of
Hebrews goes on to say more about Jesus Christ in quoting Psalm
45:6-7, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and
righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved
righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set
you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy."
In calling God his own Father, the Jews understood what Jesus was
saying and expressed their hostility of the notion, "For this reason
the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking
the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making
himself equal with God." John 5:18.
It is the truth of this that lies in the heart of saving faith. Our
embrace of both who Jesus Christ is and what he has done is what
brings salvation. Romans 10:9-10 says, "If you confess with your
mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him
from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you
believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess
and are saved."
Jesus Christ is God, as the second person of the Trinity. All who
embrace him in faith must recognize him as such. This is what makes us
children of God, "to all who received him, to those who believed in
his name, he gave the right to become children of God", John 1:12.
As Jesus asked his disciples in Luke 9:20, so he asks us all today,
"But what about you? Who do you say I am?"
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:70,
"They all asked, 'Are you then the Son of God?' He replied, 'You are
right in saying I am.'"
After Jesus had been arrested, he was asked by the chief priests and
teachers of the law if he was the Christ, "'If you are the Christ,'
they said, 'tell us.'" Luke 22:70. He explained that although they
would not believe him, he would nevertheless take his seat "at the
right hand of the mighty God." Verse 69. Their response was what
sounds like a victory cheer, "Why do we need any more testimony? We
have heard it from his own lips." Verse 71. Now, with what they
mistakenly took for blasphemy, they felt they had all they needed to
hand him over to Pilate to be executed. When Pilate asked Jesus if he
was king of the Jews he replied, "Yes, it is as you say." Luke 23:3.
The Scriptures consistently present Jesus Christ as the second person
of the Trinity, "The Son of God." In Romans 9:5 we read, "...from them
[the Israelites] is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God
over all, forever praised! Amen."
I love the way the letter to the Hebrews starts, "In the past God
spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in
various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,
whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the
universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact
representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful
word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the
right hand of the Majesty in heaven." Hebrews 1:1-3. The writer of
Hebrews goes on to say more about Jesus Christ in quoting Psalm
45:6-7, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and
righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved
righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set
you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy."
In calling God his own Father, the Jews understood what Jesus was
saying and expressed their hostility of the notion, "For this reason
the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking
the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making
himself equal with God." John 5:18.
It is the truth of this that lies in the heart of saving faith. Our
embrace of both who Jesus Christ is and what he has done is what
brings salvation. Romans 10:9-10 says, "If you confess with your
mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him
from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you
believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess
and are saved."
Jesus Christ is God, as the second person of the Trinity. All who
embrace him in faith must recognize him as such. This is what makes us
children of God, "to all who received him, to those who believed in
his name, he gave the right to become children of God", John 1:12.
As Jesus asked his disciples in Luke 9:20, so he asks us all today,
"But what about you? Who do you say I am?"
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Friday, May 25, 2012
God observes us... Ruminating in the Word of God.
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:1,
"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the
temple treasury."
This comes from the account of when Jesus was at the temple at the end
of his earthly ministry and observed a poor widow who put "two very
small copper coins" into the temple treasury. He made the comment that
as she had given all she had to live on, although a much smaller
amount than what other worshippers were giving, she had "put in more
than all the others."
"As he looked up, Jesus saw…"
While here, Jesus, the Son of God, observed the actions of men and
women. He saw what they did, as in this account. Not only did he
observe actions, he knew the thoughts of men and women, "Knowing their
thoughts, Jesus said, 'Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your
hearts?'" Matthew 9:4. In Luke 16:15 Jesus told the Pharisees "God
knows your hearts."
God knows us. He knows what we think, he knows what we do, he knows
what we say, he knows what we feel. He knows all about us. He knows
those admirable things and he knows those things we might wish no one
knows. He knows us inside out. Nothing is hidden from him, nothing
escapes his attention and there is absolutely nothing we can do that
will evade his knowledge. Sobering, isn't it?
In Hebrews 4:13 we read, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's
sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to
whom we must give account." Knowing that each of us must give an
account of ourselves brings an important perspective to this life.
Although we may argue with one another the finer points and nuances of
whether this or that is appropriate, we will all find ourselves
standing before him with our mouths shut as we are measured by what
our Creator deems is acceptable or worthy of judgment. "He will bring
to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of
men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." 1
Corinthians 4:5.
Indeed, the purpose of the commandments, the law God gave through
Moses, is that it indicts us based on all God knows about us and what
we have said, thought and done. And, he knows all of it. "Now we know
that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so
that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable
to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by
observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of
sin." Romans 3:19-20.
Knowing this prompts a huge level of appreciation I have for what
Jesus Christ has provided us. He has already paid the penalty for all
the wrong things I have done. I can't hide what I have said and done
and I can't undo what I have said and done. Knowing that God knows it
all, all I can do is seek his forgiveness and that is just what Jesus
has provided me! How wonderful I find the words of Hebrews 4:15-16,
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our
weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as
we are —yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace
with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help
us in our time of need."
God observes… how wonderful Jesus Christ has made a way!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:1,
"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the
temple treasury."
This comes from the account of when Jesus was at the temple at the end
of his earthly ministry and observed a poor widow who put "two very
small copper coins" into the temple treasury. He made the comment that
as she had given all she had to live on, although a much smaller
amount than what other worshippers were giving, she had "put in more
than all the others."
"As he looked up, Jesus saw…"
While here, Jesus, the Son of God, observed the actions of men and
women. He saw what they did, as in this account. Not only did he
observe actions, he knew the thoughts of men and women, "Knowing their
thoughts, Jesus said, 'Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your
hearts?'" Matthew 9:4. In Luke 16:15 Jesus told the Pharisees "God
knows your hearts."
God knows us. He knows what we think, he knows what we do, he knows
what we say, he knows what we feel. He knows all about us. He knows
those admirable things and he knows those things we might wish no one
knows. He knows us inside out. Nothing is hidden from him, nothing
escapes his attention and there is absolutely nothing we can do that
will evade his knowledge. Sobering, isn't it?
In Hebrews 4:13 we read, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's
sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to
whom we must give account." Knowing that each of us must give an
account of ourselves brings an important perspective to this life.
Although we may argue with one another the finer points and nuances of
whether this or that is appropriate, we will all find ourselves
standing before him with our mouths shut as we are measured by what
our Creator deems is acceptable or worthy of judgment. "He will bring
to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of
men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." 1
Corinthians 4:5.
Indeed, the purpose of the commandments, the law God gave through
Moses, is that it indicts us based on all God knows about us and what
we have said, thought and done. And, he knows all of it. "Now we know
that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so
that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable
to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by
observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of
sin." Romans 3:19-20.
Knowing this prompts a huge level of appreciation I have for what
Jesus Christ has provided us. He has already paid the penalty for all
the wrong things I have done. I can't hide what I have said and done
and I can't undo what I have said and done. Knowing that God knows it
all, all I can do is seek his forgiveness and that is just what Jesus
has provided me! How wonderful I find the words of Hebrews 4:15-16,
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our
weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as
we are —yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace
with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help
us in our time of need."
God observes… how wonderful Jesus Christ has made a way!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Death: God's perspective - Ruminating in the Word of God
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:16-19,
"You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and
friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you
because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing
firm you will gain life."
This is a part of the prophetic perspective Jesus gave when he was
asked about when and what signs would precede the destruction of the
temple. He provided prophetic insight into both the destruction of the
temple and his second coming, "the Son of Man coming in a cloud with
power and great glory", verse 27.
One might be struck by the seeming contradiction of both "put some of
you to death" and "not a hair of your head will perish. By standing
firm you will gain life." It occurs to me that our lives here "under
the sun" (Ecclesiastes) are temporary and transitional. Since the
garden of Eden we all have a "shelf-life" and our stay here is
temporary. What is not temporary is what comes following our death
from this life. The next is eternal and Scripture refers to our
existence in eternity as either eternal life or eternal death. I
understand the above passage in this context. We face death, but
eternal life awaits those whose salvation is manifested in their
persistence in Jesus Christ.
Eternal death is described in Revelation 20:14-15, "The lake of fire
is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the
book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." However, we have
the offer of eternal life in the gospel. Jesus said, "I tell you the
truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal
life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to
life." John 5:24.
We will all perish from this life as result of God's condemnation of
sin. It is our punishment for our own sinfulness and rebellion against
God. None escape this, we all face physical death. However, one of
only two possibilities await us on the other side: eternal life or
eternal death. It is life in eternity that this life, "life under the
sun" is all about. Where we find ourselves in the next life is
entirely dependent upon our choice to embrace Jesus Christ in faith or
reject him.
Although we all deserve God's judgment for our sin (I know I do), how
wonderful he has made a way for us! As Jesus also said, "I am the way
and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
me." How can this not be something to get excited about?!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:16-19,
"You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and
friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you
because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing
firm you will gain life."
This is a part of the prophetic perspective Jesus gave when he was
asked about when and what signs would precede the destruction of the
temple. He provided prophetic insight into both the destruction of the
temple and his second coming, "the Son of Man coming in a cloud with
power and great glory", verse 27.
One might be struck by the seeming contradiction of both "put some of
you to death" and "not a hair of your head will perish. By standing
firm you will gain life." It occurs to me that our lives here "under
the sun" (Ecclesiastes) are temporary and transitional. Since the
garden of Eden we all have a "shelf-life" and our stay here is
temporary. What is not temporary is what comes following our death
from this life. The next is eternal and Scripture refers to our
existence in eternity as either eternal life or eternal death. I
understand the above passage in this context. We face death, but
eternal life awaits those whose salvation is manifested in their
persistence in Jesus Christ.
Eternal death is described in Revelation 20:14-15, "The lake of fire
is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the
book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." However, we have
the offer of eternal life in the gospel. Jesus said, "I tell you the
truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal
life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to
life." John 5:24.
We will all perish from this life as result of God's condemnation of
sin. It is our punishment for our own sinfulness and rebellion against
God. None escape this, we all face physical death. However, one of
only two possibilities await us on the other side: eternal life or
eternal death. It is life in eternity that this life, "life under the
sun" is all about. Where we find ourselves in the next life is
entirely dependent upon our choice to embrace Jesus Christ in faith or
reject him.
Although we all deserve God's judgment for our sin (I know I do), how
wonderful he has made a way for us! As Jesus also said, "I am the way
and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
me." How can this not be something to get excited about?!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Familial Intimacy - Ruminating in the Word of God.
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:29,
"I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so
that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Jesus tells his disciples they will be members of a "kingdom", a
unique family of people who will sit at his table to eat and drink
with him. These are special ones who will "sit on thrones", an
expression of stature and authority, even "judging the twelve tribes
of Israel", the nation God made of Abraham.
This reminds me of John's observation, "to all who received him, to
those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children
of God", John 1:12. All who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ
have become children of God. Because we are children in this kingdom,
this family, we share in the inheritance that belongs to Jesus Christ
as God's Son. "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we
are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs
of God and co-heirs with Christ…" Romans 8:16-17a. We also read in
Galatians 4:4-7, "When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born
of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might
receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the
Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba,
Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a
son, God has made you also an heir."
How remarkable that God the Father has made us into a kingdom, into a
family, that will share in all he has given his Son, Jesus Christ. To
think that forever we will have a place at his table and a place in
his heart as family members is astonishing. Where the world is
estranged from God and alienated from his purposes and agenda, we who
have been given "the full rights as sons", embrace our heavenly Father
in familial intimacy. We are his and he is ours!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:29,
"I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so
that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Jesus tells his disciples they will be members of a "kingdom", a
unique family of people who will sit at his table to eat and drink
with him. These are special ones who will "sit on thrones", an
expression of stature and authority, even "judging the twelve tribes
of Israel", the nation God made of Abraham.
This reminds me of John's observation, "to all who received him, to
those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children
of God", John 1:12. All who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ
have become children of God. Because we are children in this kingdom,
this family, we share in the inheritance that belongs to Jesus Christ
as God's Son. "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we
are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs
of God and co-heirs with Christ…" Romans 8:16-17a. We also read in
Galatians 4:4-7, "When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born
of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might
receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the
Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba,
Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a
son, God has made you also an heir."
How remarkable that God the Father has made us into a kingdom, into a
family, that will share in all he has given his Son, Jesus Christ. To
think that forever we will have a place at his table and a place in
his heart as family members is astonishing. Where the world is
estranged from God and alienated from his purposes and agenda, we who
have been given "the full rights as sons", embrace our heavenly Father
in familial intimacy. We are his and he is ours!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Monday, May 21, 2012
Remembering our Lord of anticipation - Ruminating in the Word of God.
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:19,
"This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
At the last supper the Lord instructed his disciples to engage in an
act of remembrance of him. As startling as it seems we would need such
reminding, he knows us all too well. I know I need to be drawn back to
my Savior... and often. It seems I can go all day at times without
giving the Lord I love so much a passing thought, only later to marvel
at my own simple-mindedness.
I am reminded when we celebrate communion, the Eucharist, we all share
together in the one loaf, the Bread of Life. He who gave his body as
payment for my sins is who I partake of as one of his children. All
who have embraced him in faith do. It is from this standpoint that
Paul can say, "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and
these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who
are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
Through partaking, in a spiritual sense, of the body of Christ, we all
become one. This is part of the celebration of the Eucharist,
acknowledging I have taken of the body of Christ he has given for us
all.
When ever I am asked how often believers should celebrate communion,
my answer is we should do it as often as we feel it important to
remember him. I count it a privilege to participate in this
remembrance and I am fond of recalling he said, "I tell you I will not
drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
Verse 18. It provides a connection for me. He is holding back
something for himself until we can all participate in it together. It
provides me with the notion he is anticipating the day the final
fulfillment of his sacrifice for us arrives: our gathering to him in
the kingdom in celebration! For me, it is just a wonderful thought.
How about you?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:19,
"This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
At the last supper the Lord instructed his disciples to engage in an
act of remembrance of him. As startling as it seems we would need such
reminding, he knows us all too well. I know I need to be drawn back to
my Savior... and often. It seems I can go all day at times without
giving the Lord I love so much a passing thought, only later to marvel
at my own simple-mindedness.
I am reminded when we celebrate communion, the Eucharist, we all share
together in the one loaf, the Bread of Life. He who gave his body as
payment for my sins is who I partake of as one of his children. All
who have embraced him in faith do. It is from this standpoint that
Paul can say, "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and
these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who
are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
Through partaking, in a spiritual sense, of the body of Christ, we all
become one. This is part of the celebration of the Eucharist,
acknowledging I have taken of the body of Christ he has given for us
all.
When ever I am asked how often believers should celebrate communion,
my answer is we should do it as often as we feel it important to
remember him. I count it a privilege to participate in this
remembrance and I am fond of recalling he said, "I tell you I will not
drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
Verse 18. It provides a connection for me. He is holding back
something for himself until we can all participate in it together. It
provides me with the notion he is anticipating the day the final
fulfillment of his sacrifice for us arrives: our gathering to him in
the kingdom in celebration! For me, it is just a wonderful thought.
How about you?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Friday, May 11, 2012
Ruminating in the Word of God: The season for excitement!
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:24,
"Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the
Gentiles are fulfilled."
Here is a part of Jesus' prophecy about the future of Jerusalem. While
he was walking near the temple with his disciples, they remarked on
the beauty of it. Jesus told them the temple was going to be
destroyed, so his disciples asked about the timing of it. Jesus
explained the temple was going to be destroyed when the city of
Jerusalem was going to be destroyed. This took place about forty years
after this prophecy when Rome sacked Jerusalem in 70AD.
Jesus' prophecy about the city of Jerusalem not only held the key to
the timing of the destruction of the temple, it also holds the key to
the timing of another event, an event all Christians await: Jesus'
second coming to Earth to bring this age to a close and set up his
kingdom from Jerusalem.
Jesus said Jerusalem would be in the hands of Gentiles, "trampled on
by the Gentiles", from its destruction until a time when their control
of the city would end. This prophecy has been the cause of much
speculation, fascination and excitement concerning current events in
Israel, and specifically Jerusalem. When the "times of the Gentiles
are fulfilled" Jesus said that mankind "will see the Son of Man coming
in a cloud with power and great glory." Luke 21:27. He also went on to
say, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your
heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Verse 28.
The return of Israel as a nation in 1948, with Jerusalem partially
controlled by the newly re-established Israel, and subsequent
reunification of the city in 1967 holds an exciting prospect... this
age coming to an end with Jesus Christ coming back to Earth from
heaven. While we do not know the specific timing, Jesus said, "Look at
the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see
for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see
these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near."
Here is cause for excitement and speculation! In another account of
this, found in Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, "No one knows about that day
or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the
Father." We won't know the day or hour, but Jesus told us we should
know when the season for the fulfillment of his return arrives.
These are exciting times!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:24,
"Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the
Gentiles are fulfilled."
Here is a part of Jesus' prophecy about the future of Jerusalem. While
he was walking near the temple with his disciples, they remarked on
the beauty of it. Jesus told them the temple was going to be
destroyed, so his disciples asked about the timing of it. Jesus
explained the temple was going to be destroyed when the city of
Jerusalem was going to be destroyed. This took place about forty years
after this prophecy when Rome sacked Jerusalem in 70AD.
Jesus' prophecy about the city of Jerusalem not only held the key to
the timing of the destruction of the temple, it also holds the key to
the timing of another event, an event all Christians await: Jesus'
second coming to Earth to bring this age to a close and set up his
kingdom from Jerusalem.
Jesus said Jerusalem would be in the hands of Gentiles, "trampled on
by the Gentiles", from its destruction until a time when their control
of the city would end. This prophecy has been the cause of much
speculation, fascination and excitement concerning current events in
Israel, and specifically Jerusalem. When the "times of the Gentiles
are fulfilled" Jesus said that mankind "will see the Son of Man coming
in a cloud with power and great glory." Luke 21:27. He also went on to
say, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your
heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Verse 28.
The return of Israel as a nation in 1948, with Jerusalem partially
controlled by the newly re-established Israel, and subsequent
reunification of the city in 1967 holds an exciting prospect... this
age coming to an end with Jesus Christ coming back to Earth from
heaven. While we do not know the specific timing, Jesus said, "Look at
the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see
for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see
these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near."
Here is cause for excitement and speculation! In another account of
this, found in Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, "No one knows about that day
or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the
Father." We won't know the day or hour, but Jesus told us we should
know when the season for the fulfillment of his return arrives.
These are exciting times!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Ruminating in the Word of God: Being used by God.
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:12,
"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you."
This is a part of the answer Jesus gave his followers when they asked
him about the destruction of Jerusalem and what signs to look for just
prior to his second coming back to Earth. One of the signs is a
persecution of Jesus' followers. Why would God allow this? Doesn't he
love his people? Since they have embraced God in trust, why would they
be given over to those who would harm them?
Jesus answers this as he continues, "This will result in your being
witnesses to them.", verse 13. God has a purpose for bringing
difficulties into our lives and will do so. Contrary to much of what
is being taught today in our churches, God's people will endure
difficulties and hardships. Often it is heard that if we but place our
faith in Jesus, our families, our marriages, our health our finances
will all be blessed by troubles being taken away because God loves his
own. While it is true that God loves his own, it is not his intention
to remove us from difficulties in life. As Jesus tells us here, God
will bring difficulties into our lives for his own purposes, his own
agenda, the things he wants to accomplish.
All we need do is ask Job about it. He endured horrific difficulties
as God used him to make a point with Satan. Paul learned of this when
he said, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the
hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great
pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even
of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this
happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises
the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:2. Here God took Paul and his companions
through hardships to teach them to rely on him. God brought difficulty
into Paul's life to bring about his own purposes for Paul.
In another place Paul speaks about the difficulties God brings into
our lives to mold and shape us into the image of his Son, that is, to
bring spiritual maturity to our lives. In Romans 5:3-4, "we also
rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces
perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Also,
Romans 8:35-36, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or
sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we
are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'" Why is it we will face
death all day long for Christ's sake? Paul tells us, "Those God
foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his
Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29.
God uses difficulties in our lives to shape us, to mold us into the
image of beauty he has for us.
God has grander plans for us than to simply provide us a bed of ease.
He purposefully brings difficulties into our lives to grow us and to
use us as he sees fit. While I can say that a bed of ease looks
awfully attractive, I have to admit that becoming a part of God's
agenda, being used by him for his purposes sounds much more
fulfilling, much more exciting!
How about you?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:12,
"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you."
This is a part of the answer Jesus gave his followers when they asked
him about the destruction of Jerusalem and what signs to look for just
prior to his second coming back to Earth. One of the signs is a
persecution of Jesus' followers. Why would God allow this? Doesn't he
love his people? Since they have embraced God in trust, why would they
be given over to those who would harm them?
Jesus answers this as he continues, "This will result in your being
witnesses to them.", verse 13. God has a purpose for bringing
difficulties into our lives and will do so. Contrary to much of what
is being taught today in our churches, God's people will endure
difficulties and hardships. Often it is heard that if we but place our
faith in Jesus, our families, our marriages, our health our finances
will all be blessed by troubles being taken away because God loves his
own. While it is true that God loves his own, it is not his intention
to remove us from difficulties in life. As Jesus tells us here, God
will bring difficulties into our lives for his own purposes, his own
agenda, the things he wants to accomplish.
All we need do is ask Job about it. He endured horrific difficulties
as God used him to make a point with Satan. Paul learned of this when
he said, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the
hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great
pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even
of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this
happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises
the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:2. Here God took Paul and his companions
through hardships to teach them to rely on him. God brought difficulty
into Paul's life to bring about his own purposes for Paul.
In another place Paul speaks about the difficulties God brings into
our lives to mold and shape us into the image of his Son, that is, to
bring spiritual maturity to our lives. In Romans 5:3-4, "we also
rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces
perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Also,
Romans 8:35-36, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or
sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we
are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'" Why is it we will face
death all day long for Christ's sake? Paul tells us, "Those God
foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his
Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29.
God uses difficulties in our lives to shape us, to mold us into the
image of beauty he has for us.
God has grander plans for us than to simply provide us a bed of ease.
He purposefully brings difficulties into our lives to grow us and to
use us as he sees fit. While I can say that a bed of ease looks
awfully attractive, I have to admit that becoming a part of God's
agenda, being used by him for his purposes sounds much more
fulfilling, much more exciting!
How about you?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Ruminating in the Word of God: What did the widow see?
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:4,
"All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of
her poverty put in all she had to live on."
This is the Lord's observation of the poor widow who gave all she had
out of her poverty, a modest offering of two copper coins. The
longstanding thought that has come to my mind over the years, of
course, is the dedication, the devotion and the love expressed by this
widow for the Lord as she gave to the temple treasury. How does my
ardor for the Lord, my love of him compare to such an expression as
this, someone giving all they have out of their poverty? Do I have
that kind of love in my heart for my Lord? do I have that kind of
devotion, that, although in need, I might give all I have to him? I
suspect we have all had these kinds of thoughts as we have
contemplated the account.
What has become fascinating to me about this passage over time is what
did this widow see in the Lord? Why did she feel compelled to give all
she had as a poor widow? Was it she found the Lord faithful in her
life that she knew she could always trust in his provision? Was it
that she found a contentment in a closer relationship with him, a
contentment that did not require the trappings this earthly life has
to offer? Was it that she found within the Lord a beauty, a splendor
of such a breathtaking nature, that prompted her to give as she did?
What was it she saw in the Lord? Was it because as a widow, and
possibly elderly, that she had placed all of her hope and expectations
in the Lord who has promised us so much in the resurrection? Was there
a thrill and excitement of being in proximity to the Lord in her act
of giving, that she found her life rejuvenated, enriched, energized?
Widow at the temple, what did you see?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:4,
"All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of
her poverty put in all she had to live on."
This is the Lord's observation of the poor widow who gave all she had
out of her poverty, a modest offering of two copper coins. The
longstanding thought that has come to my mind over the years, of
course, is the dedication, the devotion and the love expressed by this
widow for the Lord as she gave to the temple treasury. How does my
ardor for the Lord, my love of him compare to such an expression as
this, someone giving all they have out of their poverty? Do I have
that kind of love in my heart for my Lord? do I have that kind of
devotion, that, although in need, I might give all I have to him? I
suspect we have all had these kinds of thoughts as we have
contemplated the account.
What has become fascinating to me about this passage over time is what
did this widow see in the Lord? Why did she feel compelled to give all
she had as a poor widow? Was it she found the Lord faithful in her
life that she knew she could always trust in his provision? Was it
that she found a contentment in a closer relationship with him, a
contentment that did not require the trappings this earthly life has
to offer? Was it that she found within the Lord a beauty, a splendor
of such a breathtaking nature, that prompted her to give as she did?
What was it she saw in the Lord? Was it because as a widow, and
possibly elderly, that she had placed all of her hope and expectations
in the Lord who has promised us so much in the resurrection? Was there
a thrill and excitement of being in proximity to the Lord in her act
of giving, that she found her life rejuvenated, enriched, energized?
Widow at the temple, what did you see?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Monday, May 7, 2012
Ruminating in the Word of God: Impassioned submission.
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:42,
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will,
but yours be done."
I sometimes find it difficult to read the emotional intensity
surrounding the events I read of in Scripture. Like most, I certainly
want to gain an accurate understanding of a text to have a better
"feeling" of what is going on in the events being related. This is an
area of my Bible reading I find that makes me most dependent on prayer
as I enter its pages. I want to know, to feel, to understand what it
is I am reading about. The quote of the Lord in the above text can be
read in different ways. "Father, if you are willing, take this cup
from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" can be taken as a simple
routine kind of a request, as often heard in church services, or it
could be read as the anguished plea of a heart torn asunder,
contemplating all that will be involved in the physical torture and
the horrific separation and estrangement from his loving Father that
his Father's judicial demand for sin payment will involve.
As it happens, in this case, as the text sits today, it is easy to
read into the Lord's prayer the latter emotional and spiritual
backdrop to the event given the following two verses. In verses 43 and
44 we read, "An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened
him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was
like drops of blood falling to the ground." While we are told that
early manuscripts do not contain these verses, setting aside that
issue for now, they clearly point to the intense struggle our Lord had
as he anticipated his arrest and crucifixion. Our Lord was in need of
strengthening, he was in anguish and, physically, he sweat as though
he was bleeding.
In an event that all creation would only see once forever, God's Son
gives himself to die a miserable death to secure freedom from the
eternal consequences of the sins of all mankind. Knowing his Father's
justice and the horrific price that must be paid to make a way for
mankind to enter into eternal life, he asked that he might be spared
what was to come, and yet... to that very thing he bowed to his Father
in submission.
I don't read into the Lord's request a desire to not secure payment
for mankind's sin. In Luke 19:10 we read that his purpose in coming to
planet Earth was to seek and to save what was lost. My thought is the
nature of the payment that would have to be made was at the heart of
his request. I certainly could be wrong about that, but in any event,
I can't help but note how he couched his request, "yet not my will,
but yours be done." No greater an intentional sacrifice could possibly
be made, and it was not made in the context of a theological ivory
tower or a stately furnished church staffed with clergy donned in
flowing robes. Far from tidy and civil, this was an intensely
passionate event of the most horrific of any experience one could
endure and yet, an event with the most wonderful of any outcome
mankind will ever see for himself. All sins paid for!
This is impassioned submission!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:42,
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will,
but yours be done."
I sometimes find it difficult to read the emotional intensity
surrounding the events I read of in Scripture. Like most, I certainly
want to gain an accurate understanding of a text to have a better
"feeling" of what is going on in the events being related. This is an
area of my Bible reading I find that makes me most dependent on prayer
as I enter its pages. I want to know, to feel, to understand what it
is I am reading about. The quote of the Lord in the above text can be
read in different ways. "Father, if you are willing, take this cup
from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" can be taken as a simple
routine kind of a request, as often heard in church services, or it
could be read as the anguished plea of a heart torn asunder,
contemplating all that will be involved in the physical torture and
the horrific separation and estrangement from his loving Father that
his Father's judicial demand for sin payment will involve.
As it happens, in this case, as the text sits today, it is easy to
read into the Lord's prayer the latter emotional and spiritual
backdrop to the event given the following two verses. In verses 43 and
44 we read, "An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened
him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was
like drops of blood falling to the ground." While we are told that
early manuscripts do not contain these verses, setting aside that
issue for now, they clearly point to the intense struggle our Lord had
as he anticipated his arrest and crucifixion. Our Lord was in need of
strengthening, he was in anguish and, physically, he sweat as though
he was bleeding.
In an event that all creation would only see once forever, God's Son
gives himself to die a miserable death to secure freedom from the
eternal consequences of the sins of all mankind. Knowing his Father's
justice and the horrific price that must be paid to make a way for
mankind to enter into eternal life, he asked that he might be spared
what was to come, and yet... to that very thing he bowed to his Father
in submission.
I don't read into the Lord's request a desire to not secure payment
for mankind's sin. In Luke 19:10 we read that his purpose in coming to
planet Earth was to seek and to save what was lost. My thought is the
nature of the payment that would have to be made was at the heart of
his request. I certainly could be wrong about that, but in any event,
I can't help but note how he couched his request, "yet not my will,
but yours be done." No greater an intentional sacrifice could possibly
be made, and it was not made in the context of a theological ivory
tower or a stately furnished church staffed with clergy donned in
flowing robes. Far from tidy and civil, this was an intensely
passionate event of the most horrific of any experience one could
endure and yet, an event with the most wonderful of any outcome
mankind will ever see for himself. All sins paid for!
This is impassioned submission!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Friday, May 4, 2012
Ruminating in the Word of God: On being "sifted".
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:31-32,
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed
for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned
back, strengthen your brothers."
This is the fascinating account of Jesus' foretelling of Peter's
betrayal of him. Peter [Simon] protests with, "Lord, I am ready to go
with you to prison and to death." Yet, we read later in the chapter of
Peter's betrayal in accordance with how Jesus said it would take
place. Afterward, when Jesus had "turned and looked straight at
Peter", Peter went outside and "wept bitterly" over it. In John's
gospel we read of Peter's eventual "reinstatement" following the
Lord's resurrection at the end of a miraculous catch of fish.
I note Satan's intention of destroying Peter. Peter was a follower of
the Lord and the first disciple to acknowledge just who Jesus Christ
was: "the Christ of God." Luke 9:20. Satan desired to destroy Peter
and my perspective is that he had to go to God the Father to ask to do
so, "Satan has asked to sift you as wheat". No doubt Satan presented
to God an indictment of all Peter's shortcomings and faults and
attempted to exploit God's sense of justice to get permission to do
so. Apparently he needed God's permission, otherwise, why ask? It
brings to mind Peter's own observation in his concern for all
believers, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls
around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter
5:8. He tells his readers that other believers throughout the world
were undergoing "the same kind of sufferings." Here is something we
may find in our own lives, something best to consider for ourselves.
Believers will be in the devil's cross-hairs. Especially those who are
a threat to Satan's agenda.
I also note that Jesus prayed for Peter. He went before his father on
Peter's behalf. This secured Peter's outcome of becoming a wonderful
and great man in the early church. Satan wanted to destroy Peter, the
Lord interceded, and although Peter was not kept from Satan's
"sifting", the end result was a stronger man that became a greater
opponent to Satan's agenda. As we read of Peter in the book of Acts
and in his letters we find Peter strong and vibrant, a great force in
the spread of the gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and throughout
the world.
This brings to mind a comment of Paul, "Who will bring any charge
against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he
that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died —more than that, who was raised
to life —is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
Romans 8:33-34. Here we see indictments still being brought against
believers, no doubt based on accurate information concerning our
weaknesses and shortcomings, and the Lord interceding for us. Jesus
Christ, now in heaven at the right hand of the Father speaks to him on
our behalf! What we see with Peter still takes place today! And, what
is the outcome of this for us today? Just what Paul had to say in
introducing this, "We know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brothers." The outcome of suffering, "trouble or hardship or
persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword" is that we are
taken through a spiritual maturing process just as Peter was.
I am entirely convinced that this is the very nature of things for
each one of us believers here today. Imagine... Jesus Christ speaks to
God the father specifically for you and the end result is
transformation! This is a dynamic we all share in!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 22:31-32,
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed
for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned
back, strengthen your brothers."
This is the fascinating account of Jesus' foretelling of Peter's
betrayal of him. Peter [Simon] protests with, "Lord, I am ready to go
with you to prison and to death." Yet, we read later in the chapter of
Peter's betrayal in accordance with how Jesus said it would take
place. Afterward, when Jesus had "turned and looked straight at
Peter", Peter went outside and "wept bitterly" over it. In John's
gospel we read of Peter's eventual "reinstatement" following the
Lord's resurrection at the end of a miraculous catch of fish.
I note Satan's intention of destroying Peter. Peter was a follower of
the Lord and the first disciple to acknowledge just who Jesus Christ
was: "the Christ of God." Luke 9:20. Satan desired to destroy Peter
and my perspective is that he had to go to God the Father to ask to do
so, "Satan has asked to sift you as wheat". No doubt Satan presented
to God an indictment of all Peter's shortcomings and faults and
attempted to exploit God's sense of justice to get permission to do
so. Apparently he needed God's permission, otherwise, why ask? It
brings to mind Peter's own observation in his concern for all
believers, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls
around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter
5:8. He tells his readers that other believers throughout the world
were undergoing "the same kind of sufferings." Here is something we
may find in our own lives, something best to consider for ourselves.
Believers will be in the devil's cross-hairs. Especially those who are
a threat to Satan's agenda.
I also note that Jesus prayed for Peter. He went before his father on
Peter's behalf. This secured Peter's outcome of becoming a wonderful
and great man in the early church. Satan wanted to destroy Peter, the
Lord interceded, and although Peter was not kept from Satan's
"sifting", the end result was a stronger man that became a greater
opponent to Satan's agenda. As we read of Peter in the book of Acts
and in his letters we find Peter strong and vibrant, a great force in
the spread of the gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and throughout
the world.
This brings to mind a comment of Paul, "Who will bring any charge
against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he
that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died —more than that, who was raised
to life —is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
Romans 8:33-34. Here we see indictments still being brought against
believers, no doubt based on accurate information concerning our
weaknesses and shortcomings, and the Lord interceding for us. Jesus
Christ, now in heaven at the right hand of the Father speaks to him on
our behalf! What we see with Peter still takes place today! And, what
is the outcome of this for us today? Just what Paul had to say in
introducing this, "We know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brothers." The outcome of suffering, "trouble or hardship or
persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword" is that we are
taken through a spiritual maturing process just as Peter was.
I am entirely convinced that this is the very nature of things for
each one of us believers here today. Imagine... Jesus Christ speaks to
God the father specifically for you and the end result is
transformation! This is a dynamic we all share in!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Ruminating in the Word of God: Hating Jesus and hating his followers.
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:17,
"Everyone will hate you because of me."
As Jesus answered his disciple's questions of what lay ahead, he
pointed out that his followers will be hated because of him. Now here
is something truly remarkable! God's Son comes to planet earth to die
a miserable death to pay for all mankind's sins. He makes a way for
everyone to enter into God's family and enjoy eternal life in the
happiness and fulfillment of all God originally designed and intended
for us. He has done all the "heavy lifting" and all we need to do is
embrace him in faith. And... mankind hates him?! As astonishing as it
is, we know through the history of the church, this is the very way
things are.
Jesus pointed out to Nicodemus that many would refuse to come to him
because they want to cling to their sin. He said, "Whoever believes in
him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned
already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and
only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but
people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the
light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." John 3:18-20.
Jesus becomes a reminder that we are all accountable to God and any
mention of him to those who reject him becomes cause for that nagging
feeling that poor choices have been made and only gloom and despair
linger on the horizon... judgment day is coming.
People relish the free will they possess and rather than use it to
serve their Creator, no matter how much he loves them, many demand to
do things their own way. Cain was the prototype of this."The Lord
looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his
offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his
face was downcast." Genesis 4:4-5. The story goes on to say that Cain
murdered his brother in his anger over it. Cain wanted it his way and
because his innocent brother did it God's way, Cain hated him for it.
In observing this account John tells us, "Do not be like Cain, who
belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he
murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were
righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world
hates you." 1 John 3:12-13.
Jesus told us ahead of time. The world rejected him and the world will
reject us. The world hates Jesus Christ and the world hates us. The
world lives in a collective sinful nature that lives in hostility
toward it's Creator. Estranged and lost in deceitful hearts that are
incapable of seeing things as they really are, the people of the world
live in hostility of God's Son, his love and his offer of forgiveness.
The whole world can be pictured in God's posture toward Israel and her
hostility, "All day long I [the Lord] have held out my hands to a
disobedient and obstinate people." Romans 10:21 where Paul quotes
Isaiah 65:2.
How astonishing then to read of God's great love and patience toward
such people, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some
understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting
anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9. In
spite of the world's hatefulness and rejection, God nevertheless
continues to hold out his hands, wanting all to come to him... for
now...
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:17,
"Everyone will hate you because of me."
As Jesus answered his disciple's questions of what lay ahead, he
pointed out that his followers will be hated because of him. Now here
is something truly remarkable! God's Son comes to planet earth to die
a miserable death to pay for all mankind's sins. He makes a way for
everyone to enter into God's family and enjoy eternal life in the
happiness and fulfillment of all God originally designed and intended
for us. He has done all the "heavy lifting" and all we need to do is
embrace him in faith. And... mankind hates him?! As astonishing as it
is, we know through the history of the church, this is the very way
things are.
Jesus pointed out to Nicodemus that many would refuse to come to him
because they want to cling to their sin. He said, "Whoever believes in
him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned
already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and
only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but
people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the
light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." John 3:18-20.
Jesus becomes a reminder that we are all accountable to God and any
mention of him to those who reject him becomes cause for that nagging
feeling that poor choices have been made and only gloom and despair
linger on the horizon... judgment day is coming.
People relish the free will they possess and rather than use it to
serve their Creator, no matter how much he loves them, many demand to
do things their own way. Cain was the prototype of this."The Lord
looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his
offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his
face was downcast." Genesis 4:4-5. The story goes on to say that Cain
murdered his brother in his anger over it. Cain wanted it his way and
because his innocent brother did it God's way, Cain hated him for it.
In observing this account John tells us, "Do not be like Cain, who
belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he
murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were
righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world
hates you." 1 John 3:12-13.
Jesus told us ahead of time. The world rejected him and the world will
reject us. The world hates Jesus Christ and the world hates us. The
world lives in a collective sinful nature that lives in hostility
toward it's Creator. Estranged and lost in deceitful hearts that are
incapable of seeing things as they really are, the people of the world
live in hostility of God's Son, his love and his offer of forgiveness.
The whole world can be pictured in God's posture toward Israel and her
hostility, "All day long I [the Lord] have held out my hands to a
disobedient and obstinate people." Romans 10:21 where Paul quotes
Isaiah 65:2.
How astonishing then to read of God's great love and patience toward
such people, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some
understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting
anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9. In
spite of the world's hatefulness and rejection, God nevertheless
continues to hold out his hands, wanting all to come to him... for
now...
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Ruminating in the Word of God: Not all gifts are valued by God.
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:5-6,
"Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned
with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,
'As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will
be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.'"
As the disciples were observing the magnificence of the temple with
its "beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God", I note that
God himself was going to have it all destroyed. In Luke 19:41-44 we
read, "As he [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept
over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what
would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days
will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against
you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you
to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not
leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of
God's coming to you.'"
Although the centerpiece of Jerusalem, the temple, was crowned with
gifts to God, God was going to have it destroyed. We might think that
if one destroys gifts given him, he held in contempt either the givers
or the gifts for one reason or another. Here we see God condemning
gifts given him to destruction.
Gift-giving to God does not alter God's agenda in any way. Attempting
to please him in any manner whatsoever that does not further his
purposes is an act of vanity. In the case of Jerusalem, God sent his
Son to offer his kingdom. In rejecting God's offer to Israel, she
insured her condemnation and destruction by God. No amount of
gift-giving to God would change that.
Today, there are those who feel they have done God a favor in this
contribution and that effort. Defining for ourselves what we think God
should appreciate, we may think we can pave the way for our future
following this life apart from God's clearly defined agenda. I am
reminded of Jesus' words, "Make every effort to enter through the
narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not
be able to." Luke 13:24.
God cannot be bought off, he cannot be influenced, he cannot be
cajoled in any way. He pursues his purposes with a passion and what he
seeks will be accomplished. Whatever gift I may give God, it best be
consistent with his agenda.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:5-6,
"Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned
with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,
'As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will
be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.'"
As the disciples were observing the magnificence of the temple with
its "beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God", I note that
God himself was going to have it all destroyed. In Luke 19:41-44 we
read, "As he [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept
over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what
would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days
will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against
you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you
to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not
leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of
God's coming to you.'"
Although the centerpiece of Jerusalem, the temple, was crowned with
gifts to God, God was going to have it destroyed. We might think that
if one destroys gifts given him, he held in contempt either the givers
or the gifts for one reason or another. Here we see God condemning
gifts given him to destruction.
Gift-giving to God does not alter God's agenda in any way. Attempting
to please him in any manner whatsoever that does not further his
purposes is an act of vanity. In the case of Jerusalem, God sent his
Son to offer his kingdom. In rejecting God's offer to Israel, she
insured her condemnation and destruction by God. No amount of
gift-giving to God would change that.
Today, there are those who feel they have done God a favor in this
contribution and that effort. Defining for ourselves what we think God
should appreciate, we may think we can pave the way for our future
following this life apart from God's clearly defined agenda. I am
reminded of Jesus' words, "Make every effort to enter through the
narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not
be able to." Luke 13:24.
God cannot be bought off, he cannot be influenced, he cannot be
cajoled in any way. He pursues his purposes with a passion and what he
seeks will be accomplished. Whatever gift I may give God, it best be
consistent with his agenda.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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