ABC salvation.

Thursday Sept. 7th-Jesus our Cornerstone!

2:00 PM

 


Thursday Sept. 7th


 

                                                               Read Ephesians 2                                                                       Jesus our cornerstone!

Since ancient times, builders have used cornerstones in their construction projects. A cornerstone was the principal stone, usually placed at the corner of an edifice, to guide the workers in their course. The cornerstone was usually one of the largest, the most solid, and the most carefully constructed of any in the edifice. The Bible describes Jesus as the cornerstone that His church would be built upon. He is foundational. Once the cornerstone was set, it became the basis for determining every measurement in the remaining construction; everything was aligned to it. As the cornerstone of the building of the church, Jesus is our standard of measure and alignment. [qot questions]

Did you know that you are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them? vs.10

Every one born into this world comes not knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  It does not matter what your nationality is or what family you are born into.  He created you!  He knit you together in your mother's womb.  You will have the opportunity in your life time to hear about Jesus and make a choice to receive Him as your Lord and Savior.   

It is because of God's rich mercy-tenderness of heart that He overlooks injuries, and treats an offender better than he deserves and His great love for us that we are made alive in Christ Jesus.  

How are we saved? We are saved by faith not because of anything that we can do or work for.  It is a GIFT from God.  If we could do it on our own we would not need Jesus to save us.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  For this is contained in Scripture:

“BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER STONE,

AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” 1 Peter 2:4-6

I ask you, do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

If so is He your cornerstone upon which you are living your life?  What is your foundation and how are you building upon it?  Do you run to Him only when you are in trouble?  Are you spending time with Him daily in His word?  Think about this:  living with someone on a day to day basis we get to know them very well.  Sometimes we can even know what they will do or say before they do.  Do you have that relationship with Jesus?  Do you spend everyday with Him in His Word?  Is He your cornerstone upon which you are building?  Or do you only think that you know Him?  

If you do not know Him, would you accept Him as Lord and Savior of your life today, right now at this moment?  

 


Jesus is the cornerstone for all who believe in Him.  We are not alone, we are fellow citizens of God's household.  Christ Jesus, Himself is our corner stone in whom we are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.  

Father, thank You for Jesus, whom You sent to save us from our sins and that we have eternal life in Him.  Thank you also for when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit now lives in us, to help, teach, and intercedes for us.  Father help us to remember that Jesus is our cornerstone and that we learn from Him how to walk this journey heavenward.  I thank You for my precious sisters, may they hunger and thirst after Your righteousness and spend time each day with You.  In Jesus name, amen!

How can we pray for you?

 

Lyn


Heb. 5:1-10

Jesus our King and High Priest forever! - Psalm 110

2:00 PM

 

Friday March 10th

Jesus our King and High Priest forever!


I love how the old and new testament come together. When I first began reading the bible I did not see that but, as I have grown in my reading I can clearly see that Jesus is in it and it points to Him. 

We have so much uncertainty in this world and I am thankful for a God who does not change His mind.  The world is always changing their minds.  He is firm, steady and His promises and Words are true and proven.   Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5

Jesus is the eternal mediator between God and man and the final authority as reigning king, soon to return and establish His physical kingdom in the same city where Melchizedek was from, Jerusalem. 

High Priest-mediator between God and man.  The first high priest mentioned in the bible is Melchizedek.  He was before the Levitical priests were anointed.  We do not know his beginning or end…there is no record of his mother or father.  Yet Abraham knew that he was the high priest and honored him by tithing ten percent to him.  The high priests made atonement for the people once a year.  Jesus’ atonement for our sins was done once, because it was His shed blood that takes away our sins.  He was born like us so that He experienced everything that we go through.  He gave totally of Himself, completing the atonement of our sins.  He now sits at the right hand of God vs. 1. 

Like Melchizedek, Jesus is ordained as a priest apart from the Law given on Mount Sinai (Hebrews 5:6). Like the Levitical priests, Jesus offered a sacrifice to satisfy the Law of God when He offered Himself for our sins (Hebrews 7:26-27). Unlike the Levitical priests, who had to continually offer sacrifices, Jesus only had to offer His sacrifice once, gaining eternal redemption for all who come to God through Him (Hebrews 9:12). One other important point about Jesus’ priesthood—every priest is appointed from among men.  Jesus, though God from eternity, became a man in order to suffer death and serve as our High Priest (Hebrews 2:9). As a man, He was subject to all the weaknesses and temptations that we are, so that He could personally relate to us in our struggles (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus is greater than any other priest, so He is called our “Great High Priest” in Hebrews 4:14, and that gives us the boldness to come “unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). [Got questions]



King- A sovereign; a prince; a ruler

Jesus is truly our ultimate authority! 

In one of Daniel’s dreams he was shown the coming of Jesus. "I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him.  And to Him was given dominion, Glory and  a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed." Daniel 7:13-14

Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth-Matthew 28:18. His name is above every name-Phil. 2:9-11. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords Rev. 19:16. His kingdom will last forever-Is. 9:6  His enemies will be made His footstool-Ps. 110:1 He is a merciful and faithful high priest-Heb.217-18 He sympathizes with our weaknesses-Heb. 4:14-16

Have you surrendered your life to Christ? Is He your ultimate authority? Do you come boldly and confidently before His throne of grace? Are you eagerly waiting for His return?

Lord You are our High Priest forever.  You took upon Yourself all of our sins, griefs and sorrows.  You experienced life on this earth as we experience it.  We can run to You for help because You totally understand what we are going through.  Through You we find forgiveness, strength, mercy and grace.  We can boldly come before Your throne of grace to receive mercy and grace for help in time of our need.  Your are faithful!  You do not change Your mind and Your promises are true.  There is no one like You the God of Israel who rides on the heavens to help us and on the clouds in Your majesty, underneath us are Your everlasting arms,  You drive out the enemy saying destroy him.  Amen!


Lyn

 

 

 

Jesus

Kiss the Son ~ Psalm 2

9:00 AM


Today's Reading: Psalm 2 & Hebrews 1:5
 
Welcome to our first week of our journey to becoming a woman after God's own heart!! I am so excited to get started!!! And I cannot think of a better place to begin than with verses 10-12 in Psalms 2,
 “Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him” (Psalm 2:10-12). 

In this second psalm, David presents two “ways” similar to Psalm 1—the way of human rebellion versus the way of submission to God. 

(Have you ever wondered why The Lord chose to begin the Book of Psalms this way?)

Pictured here in verses 10-12, is a kiss of reverence and submission. Not a kiss of betrayal like Judas (Luke 22:47-48), but a gesture of devotion, surrender in recognizing our helplessness and complete dependence on our Lord.

Far too many today imagine that they can reject the will of God and ignore the Lord’s grace and mercy He offers us because of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. Although they may choose to rebel against Him, the psalm makes it clear that all resistance to the One who “sits in heaven” is foolishness.

So, how about you? Which "way" have you chosen? Have you kissed the Son?

Surrender is actually a battle term. It implies giving up all rights to the conqueror. I believe it is summed up best in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

"There are different levels of surrender, all of which affect our relationship with God. Initial surrender to the drawing of the Holy Spirit leads to salvation ( Acts 2:21). When we let go of our own attempts to earn God’s favor and rely upon the finished work of Jesus Christ on our behalf, we become a child of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). But there are times of greater surrender during a Christian’s life that bring deeper intimacy with God and greater power in service. The more areas of our lives we surrender to Him, the more room there is for the filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we exhibit traits of His character (Galatians 5:22). The more we surrender to God, the more our old self-worshiping nature is replaced with one that resembles Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)."*

I truly desire to be wholly surrendered to the King of kings and Lord of lords, and wholeheartedly "kiss the Son". How about you?

Pause and Reflect:

_Have you surrendered to the lordship of Christ?

_What do you believe this looks like in your life?

Let's pray: 

Heavenly Father, every day we see people waring against You; plotting against Your Son and Your people. But You, O Lord, are enthroned in the heavens. You laugh at the rebellion of the nations, for You will judge them all one day. 
     You have established Jesus as Your Son and You have given Him the nations as His inheritance, the ends of the earth for His eternal possession. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Thank You, Father that you have revealed Your truths to each of us!
     Father, we pray that Your Gospel will spread throughout this world through Your church and bringing many to repentance. Give us a holy confidence in our King who reigns forever, and a boldness the world cannot intimidate away. Bring many to repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; may they kiss the Son and be saved from perishing. Thank You that we have found refuge in Jesus. May others find refuge in Him, as well! In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

Blessings,





cross

The Message of the Three Crosses

9:00 AM

 

Have you ever wondered why there were three crosses that fateful day and what was the significance of each? I hope you'll never look at the three crosses the same way again after today. 

 There was a hill just outside the city of Jerusalem known as Golgotha, which is often translated today as Calvary. Long ago the Roman soldiers raised three crosses on this hill and what happened next changed the world! 

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”-Luke 23:32-34a

Most people like to focus on the center cross, but today, I'd like us to focus on all three, for each is very significant. 

“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.’ But the other, answering rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you today you will be with Me in Paradise” -Luke 23:39-43


The First Cross was The Cross of Rejection 

"...one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.’

IF!? 
Such a small word, but so powerful here in this statement, for it holds the power to destroy a soul. It's clear in this thief's statement that his sins did not bother him even though he is about to die. He wasn't sorry for all he had done, but was simply searching for a way out of his predicament.  

Jesus, Himself was very clear when He said, "  “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6)

John once admitted in his gospel that there was plenty of evidence to point to Jesus as being the Messiah,  “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30,31) Yet men still reject Him in spite of the evidence even today. 


Max Lucado once wrote:

“You don’t turn your back on Christ, but you don’t turn toward him either.
You don’t curse his name, but neither do you praise it.”

Rejecting Jesus can seem very subtle at times, but The Bible is very clear- we are either for Jesus or against Him. We either believe or we don't believe. There has never been any middle ground. 


The Second Cross was The Cross of Repentance 


"But the other, answering rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ 


Notice this thief's faith and reverence in Jesus' presence in spite of all the pain he is in. He begins by recognizing Jesus as who He is,  “Do you not even fear God?”

  • And then immediately admits his own guilt when he says, “We receive the due reward of our deeds.”
  • He expresses his belief that Jesus was suffering “wrongfully”. But “this Man has done nothing wrong.”
  • He then openly confesses Jesus' deity when he calls Him “Lord.”
  • And lastly, we see genuine repentance and humility, “Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

Here on this second cross is the perfect picture of repentance, for repentance is simply a change of heart. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says it best: “For godly sorrow that is in accord with the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation..." (AMP)


The Third Cross was The Cross of Redemption 


"'And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you today you will be with Me in Paradise'” 


Someone once said that the greatest thing about this day is that there wasn't any miracles preformed that day. Jesus took on the weight of all our sins and died; paying sin's penalty for each of us. Here we have the picture of redemption. 


Jesus our Redeemer dying for the sins of the world. By His blood only we can be brought back to God. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”


It was a cross of suffering. Isaiah 52:14 tells us, "Just as many were appalled at Him—His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness" (emphasis mine)

A cross of shame and reproach reserved for the vilest of criminals, and Jesus suffered the mocking and verbal abuse of the people who had come to witness His crucifixion that day.

Our Lord was under no obligation to pay our debts for all we have done. Someone had to suffer for sin, so he was willing. Peter reminds us, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the un-just, that He might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit”- 1 Peter 3:18


Why would Jesus choose to give up all the glories of heaven to come down to this sinful earth to die for our sins? 

I believe John said it best in  1 John 4:9-10, “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Each one of us must choose the cross we will look to, for along with the two criminals on either side of Jesus, we too must choose between two eternal destinies:

  • Eternal separation from God.
  • Or Paradise with Jesus
I pray you too will hear your Savior say, "One day you shall be with Me in paradise."

Blessings, 

Sue

Challenge for 2022

My Determined Purpose is to Know Him - Hebrews 4:15

9:00 AM


 Does it comfort you to know that the Creator and Lord of the universe knows you personally? Every detail about you- your interests, your fears, failures, what upsets you and what brings you joy. He knows everything about you. But just how well do you know Him?

I decided to search out Scriptures that speak on just how well He knows and loves us this week and I pray these truths will bless you as much as they have me. 

He know you:

  • “The Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought” (1 Chronicles 28:9). 
  • He regards you as “the apple of his eye” (Zechariah 2:8).
  •  He can “empathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15). “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,” King David wrote, “You knew my path” (Psalm 142:3). 
  • “He knows the way that I take,” declared Job (Job 23:10). 
He delights in you: 

  • “The Lord delights in you” (Isaiah 62:4). 
  • “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine” (Isaiah 43:1). 
  • “I have written your name on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16).
  • “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 147:11). 
  • “The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. (Zephaniah 3:17)
He has adopted you and calls you His:

  • So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, ‘Abba, Father’”. (Romans 8:15) 
  • God sought you. He searched you out. Before you knew you needed adopting, He’d already filed the papers.  
  • For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.(Romans 8:29) 
  • God sent Him [Christ] to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. ( Galatians 4:5)  
  • You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. — (Galatians 3:26)
  • The moment we accept His offer we go from orphans to heirs:  You are His heirs… (Galatians 3:29)   
  • Heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17)
He Guides you:

  • “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (Psalm 37:23–24).
Protects you:
  • “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.” (Psalm 138:7)
  • “He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.” (Psalms 145:19)
  • “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
Loves you: 
  • Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)
O Beloved, I could go on and on. I've merely shared a teaspoon out of the ocean, sort of speak, of all the Bible has to say about our Savior's love and care for each of us. With the internet available to us these days it's easy to simply look up verses that speak of all His attributes and I hope you'll share more that are precious to you. 

I'd like to close with this quote from A. W. Tozer,  for I believe he said it best concerning Hebrews 4:15 ‘a high priest – able to sympathize’: 
 “Many men can be touched by the sorrow of another, but they are not touched with the sorrow.  It is one thing to see pain but another thing to be touched with the feeling of it.  Our pain, our depression, our trembling, our sensitiveness – Jesus was touched with these though he did not fall into sin that so often comes of them.  We must treasure this view of our Lord’s sympathy, for it may be a great support in the hour of agony and weakness.”

Jesus is our Great High Priest who knows all about us; who is able to sympathize with all we are going through and is forever before the Father interceding  on our behalf.

 Blessings, 

Sue

Heb.4:14-16

Thursday April14th- Shepherd and Guardian of your souls

6:00 PM


He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5

We have a Savior who gave it all for us.  Do you know of anyone else who has done this? 

Who do you turn to when you are troubled and don’t know what to do?  Do you run to a friend, co-worker, family member…etc.  My sister run to the Lord, who is the only one who can help you.  He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, He was despised, He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities.  He bore our sins, sorrows and griefs on the cross.  He can sympathize with us because He has been tempted in all things that we are and yet He did that without sin.  We can boldly and confidently come to His throne of grace, to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16                 

Remember you are never alone because His word says He will never leave us nor forsake us.  No matter where you are or what you are going through He is with you.

Selah,

Lyn

And don't forget to head over to Facebook and join the discussion. just follow the link. https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2

 

 

Challenge for 2022

The Gospel of Second Chances

9:00 AM


 

Then seizing him [Jesus], they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance.  And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.  A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”

 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.

 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”

“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.

 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”

Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.  The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”  And he went outside and wept bitterly. - Luke 22:54-60

Have you ever made a promise and failed to keep it? Let another down? Swore you would never do something and then did that very thing you swore you'd never do?

If so, have you received the gift of a second chance? Do you know the power of being forgiven? If only Peter could have known then, how his story would be shared throughout history. His story that would bless and encourage millions who have failed in one way or another, that there is a gospel of second chances. 

Peter suffered the brokenness of sin, shame and guilt. The Lord had warned him, and even in Peter's determination, he had managed to fail Jesus anyway. Seeing Jesus look his way the moment he failed, must have crushed Peter's heart. 

 I have had moments like that. Moments when you realize that you've dishonored the Lord and let Him down. It could be something as simple as promising to spend time with Him each morning, in His word and in prayer, but I rolled over again for a few more minutes of precious sleep. 

I believe Peter's story of denying His Savior is our great reminder that our failures don't determine our future with our Lord. 

God can take those times we've fallen short and failed Him and make something good come from them. 

Notice this passage in Mark 16, 

As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.  But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”-Mk 16:5-7

Did you catch it? I must have read this passage hundreds of times, but didn't see this until recently. Look again at the command the angel gives to the women after Jesus has risen. 

But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” (v.7 emphasis mine) 

I never noticed before that the angel singles out Peter, rather than simply telling them to go tell the disciples. It's as if he is saying, "go tell the disciples and especially Peter...". It seems that all of heaven had watched Peter fall and fail to keep his promise to Jesus. And now all of heaven wanted to help Peter get back up. Or had Jesus specifically told the angel to mention Peter? Either way, Peter's relationship with Jesus needed to be restored. But that doesn’t apply just to Peter. I believe we all are important. We all matter to Jesus, and He wants to make sure our relationship with Him is blameless and untarnished.

While our failures are not part of His plan for us, He can take our failures, slip-ups, sins and shortcomings, and restore us back into His plan. 

Don't ever give up! Even though Peter was ready to, all of heaven was ready to help. Just as they are for each of us! Let your sin break your heart as it breaks your Savior, and then come back and openly confess it to the Lord and be restored. He will bless you and use you to bless others once you return to Him.

Blessings, 

Sue

Challenge for 2022

A Servant to All _ John 13:1-17

9:00 AM

O Beloved, I've so looked forward to this series. Each year leading up to Easter I try to find ways in which I can truly meditate on the full weight of all Jesus endured for each of us and this year I'd like to be transported back to this time - this week; to truly study the culture of the day and understand all that was going on around them, beyond what is written down. Today, we'll look at Jesus' loving act of washing the dusty feet of His disciples.


John 13:1-17

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus… got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing,… and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him. — John 13:2-5

It has been a long day. The streets of Jerusalem have been crowded with visitors who have come to celebrate the Passover. Surely everyone who is anyone has heard the rumors of this man who speaks as one with authority- who has healed the lame, sick and blind and has actually just recently raised a man called Lazarus from the dead! Everywhere Jesus went people were pressing in to simply catch a glimpse of this man if nothing more.

It was a warm spring day and the streets were dusty and dry. The disciples were a long way from home and are ready to recline at a table away from the crowds and enjoy an evening meal with Jesus.

They enter an upper room that has been reserved for them, and one by one, they take their place around the table. They are all guests here in this room where there aren’t any servants waiting to serve and wash their feet as they enter. There is, however a towel hanging on the wall, and a pitcher and a basin sitting close by on the floor. Any one of the disciples could rise to volunteer to wash the feet of their friends, but no one does, for after all some have been wondering just who would be the greatest when Jesus comes into His kingdom and the task of  washing guest's feet was the job of the lowliest in the household.

 Suddenly, Jesus stands and lays aside His outer garment, wraps the towel around His waist, pours water into the basin, and kneels down before one of the disciples and begins to remove his sandals and wash his feet. One dusty foot after another, Jesus begins to work His way around the table.

John tells us that once Jesus made his way to Peter, Peter begins to object, but I have to wonder… was Peter the only one who voiced an objection? Were the others silent and stupefied – wondering why Jesus would do such a thing? 

The King of the universe was bending down again to serve. The hands that had created the world in which they walked were now washing away the filth on their feet. It was now only hours before Jesus would be arrested, beaten and crucified for each of them and us. Why has Jesus felt the need to do such a thing?

Jesus knew one pair of feet at the table will abandon and betray Him that very night. And the others will all flee as quickly as they can the moment Jesus is arrested, except one pair who would deny knowing Him three times before the rooster would crow.

Jesus knew each of these men would soon hang their heads in shame and look down at their feet, and He wants them to remember how He knelt down before them to wash their feet and the words He spoke, 

“Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.  “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:12-17) 

For one day very soon they would be given the task to begin the New Testament church. 

My takeaway (and I hope you'll share your insights with me as well) is Jesus was still about His Father’s business at this time knowing that His work on earth is about to end and He will soon be taken off the earth. I believe this act of washing the disciples' feet at this time is a symbolic act of cleansing and purifying, so that their spiritual walk following Him would be holy and spotless. 

And the neat thing is; He still does this today with each one who gives their heart to Him! He still carefully washes away our dust and grime with living water and then uses His own covering to refresh, restore and make us fit for His kingdom work.

Blessing, 

sue

 


 

Challenge for 2022

Approaching His Throne of Grace

9:00 AM

Girl with basket is a painting by Johann Georg Meyer von Bremen 

This was how I used to picture myself approaching God's throne. As a daughter weighted down by the cares of this world, ready to leave them at my Father's feet. Only if I'm honest, I didn't always leave them all there. Often I'd pick much of them back up and continue on my way once more. 

It must have broke my Father's heart for Him to see me pick them all back up and keep going just like I was. Didn't I trust Him? Or better yet, why didn't I trust Him with everything?

I believe the reason I continued to carry the weight of my worries is because I truly didn't know Who God was at that time! And if there are others like myself out there that find themselves anxiously worrying unnecessarily, who pray and immediately pick up their basket of burdens just as soon as they have prayed, I want us to pause for a bit this morning as we get set to study prayer during this month and focus on Who we are approaching. 


 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Not only is Jesus our Savior and Lord, Jesus is God's anointed High Priest, through whom we have been made fit to approach the awesome throne of God Most High. This means Christ's high priestly role is an eternal and continuous one.

He is our perfect Priest, who through His own sacrifice, has once and for all atoned for all our sins forever and ever. We've been sealed by His Holy Spirit which can't be rendered void. And our access to a Holy, Omnipotent, God has been sealed as well. 

Our Lord Jesus is the ultimate and final Word of God. He is the incarnate Word, who took upon Himself human flesh (John 1). And as our great, High Priest, He is forever interceding day and night for His Church. Jesus is the only Mediator between man and God. 

Imagine for a moment that Jesus, our Savior, not only died to pay for our sins and make a way for us to be with Him one day in paradise, but He is now interceding for us constantly before God! We need to remember this each time we seek to approach God's mercy seat. 

Beloved, Jesus is our righteous, Kinsman-Redeemer, who has become our Mediator. He was given the name that is above every name. He cannot fail! And all of us who have trusted in His death, burial, and resurrection, for the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life, have been called to "hold fast our confession." (v.14) 

We are commanded to stand firm in our faith that:

  • Jesus is the Son of God, 
  • Jesus is our great High Priest,
  • Jesus has put away our sin forever by His death on the cross
  • Jesus' resurrection gives us the assurance of eternal life 
  • Jesus ascended into heaven so that one day we too will be with Him in heaven. 
  • Jesus is forever interceding on our behalf until we all make it home.

When we put it this way... Wow! No wonder we are exhorted by the writer of the book of Hebrews to hold fast to our confession! 

To take God at His word and boldly approach His throne of grace in order to leave our baskets of burdens there at His feet; trusting the One Who is able to make all grace abound to us! 

He waits to hear from you!

I pray this month's study on prayer will not only increase our faith, but our prayer life as well! Will you pray with me...

Father of my Lord Jesus Christ I come. With a grateful and repentant heart I come to my Rock, my Lord and my Redeemer who has made this all possible for me at this moment. 

I know that You shall listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lay my basket of burdens before you and lift up my hands towards your holy sanctuary. Lord, please give Your people strength ...

I want to praise You, Lord, for You have heard my cry for mercy. You alone are my strength and shield.; The One i will place my trust You with all my heart. You are my help, and my heart is filled with joy! Thank You, Lord Jesus for making a way for me. My heart is full to bursting with thanksgiving for simply loving me. Amen.


Blessings! 

sue