2007 11 November

It is the desire of this writer to present the "Seven Sayings From the Cross" for this devotion series. Each utterance is a sermon in itself, but time and space do not permit a lengthy dissertation so each utterance is presented in a condensed version. Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. Please take time to read Psalm 22, as it is prophetic and actually records four of the sayings from the Cross.

It is commonly believed that Jesus uttered this most gracious prayer at the time of the actual crucifixion, that is, when the Roman soldiers were driving the nails into His hands and feet. Our Lord was at the very moment of His initial suffering, when the nails penetrated His quivering flesh, praying for those who were committing this horrible act. At the time of this prayer the soldiers thought they were executing a common malefactor. They actually were murdering the Saviour of the world. Their work that day was fulfilling the Scriptures and the plan of salvation from before the foundation of the world. The knew not what they did. They did not recognize the awfulness of the crime they committed.

Let us not be too critical of these men, because many times we are actually participating in the very sins that nailed Him to that horrible cross. With every strike of the hammer you and I were driving the nails through His tender flesh and into that rugged, wooden cross. We are as guilty as the Jews and Romans, because our sins were nailing Him there too. Remember, All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23. We should praise the Lord that today we have the precious blood of Christ that cleanses from all sin. Remember we have I John 1: 7-9!

As our Lord's ministry draws to a close, He gives His disciples some very important instructions. In particular, at the last Passover that He observed with His disciples, He gives time an important symbolic observance. The Passover looked back to the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, but it also looked forward to the Lamb of God which would take away sin.

So this observance would come to have a backward and a forward look. For us it is a backward look at the sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross. At the cross Jesus Christ, who knew no sin; was made...to be sin for us...that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21. We need to realize that what we have in this observance, in the Passover, and in all of the worship under the old covenant is a message of substitutionary atonement. That is Jesus Christ died in our place.

His body was torn and his blood was shed. That is He died a bloody and terrible death as God's wrath was poured out on sin, and the demands of perfect justice was satisfied. The observance of the Lord's table is a memorial to this important event. When Jesus cried out it is finished from the cross the just penalty for sin for all humanity was fully satisfied.

As we observe communion, we ought to be reminded of the terrible price of sin, and the incomprehensible love of God for us. Without this continually pictured in our minds, we simply would not keep a proper spiritual perspective. It is in this hour that our Lord sets the example of servant leadership by washing His disciples' feet. There is simply no place for pride in our redemption.

The Old Testament has much to say about the coming Messiah and the works He must perform. There is no mistake that Jesus is the Christ, the payment of sin. Many Old Testament prophecies became reality at the birth of Jesus Christ, and the same is true of His death.

As Christ approached the last days of His earthly ministry, He knew what was in store. He knew, not only because He was God, but because He knew the Old Testament. Consider some of the things the Old Testament prophesied.

There are many more prophecies scattered all throughout the Old Testament which came true to Christ in the New Testament. Christ knew what was about to take place, yet He willingly went through all that and more, just because He loves you and me.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith: who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Another work or synonym for "ransom" is "redemption." A ransom is "the sum of price demanded or paid for the redemption of a prisoner or slave. That which procures the release of a prisoner or captive, and restores such a one to liberty.... In scripture, the price paid for a forfeited life or for the delivery or release from capital punishment. The price paid for procuring the pardon of sins, and the redemption of the sinner from punishment." (Webster's Dictionary-1828)

Scripture records that this is what Jesus did for mankind. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28. There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all. 1 Timothy 2: 5-6.

"Redemption --Loosing by paying a price. A term employed in theology with reference to the special intervention of God for the salvation of mankind. It's meaning centers in the atoning work Christ's the price paid for human redemption." (Unger)

"Christ gave up His life in expiatory sacrifice under God's judgment upon sin and thus provided a ransom whereby those who receive Him on this ground obtain deliverance from the penalty due to sin." (Vine)

Thought: The nearer we come to Christ, the nearer we come together." (The Lifeline)

In the midst of Our Lord's agony and suffering, our Saviour heard the discussion between the two malefactors who were on the crosses on either side of Him. Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. The first blasphemed Christ for not coming down from the cross and releasing him to go back to his sins and murdering way of life. The second malefactor rebuked his fellow criminal with the following words, But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath done nothing amiss. And then this son of Belial made his repentant request.... Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23: 40-42. That plaintive cry of a dying criminal was all it took for our Lord to forget His own suffering and hear the prayer of this wicked man who understood who Jesus really was and turned to the Saviour asking forgiveness of all his sins. Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him. Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Have you understood that recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, and that He died for your and my sins, is the only way of salvation? Confession is a humbling experience, it means the realization that we cannot work for our salvation, but rather we must trust Jesus and Him alone for the work accomplished that day on the cross. No baptism! No communion! No church membership! None of the the so called "seven sacraments"! No! None of these things saved that man that day. He was forgiven of all sin and bound for paradise.

IA study of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is not complete without considering His experience in the Garden of Gethsemane. After they observed the Passover, Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane. Her our Lord goes through a very interesting experience. He is so troubled in soul that He sweats what Luke describes as drops of blood. (Luke 22:44)

some Bible scholars conclude that there is only the spiritual and the physical. But our Lord's experience here does not seem to be primarily either spiritual or physical. The devil or demons are not in view. What is emphasized is the greatest sorrow of heart and soul. The word psychology comes for the Greek words for soul and study. Now we are wise to recognize that though the trouble is primarily one of the soul, we also see both spiritual and physical things involved.

There has been much discussion as to what this means and just what Jesus meant as He prayed earnestly ...Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me:...Luke 22:42. Some would say the cup here is a reference to His physical suffering on the cross. I don't believe that this is what troubled our Lord's heart so deeply. This is not what most of us would fine most troubling, but we are all sinners. I believer that Jesus was deeply troubled over being made sin for us. The thought of being made sin was almost more than His holy heart and body could bear. I really believe that this spiritual suffering was something far worse for Him than anything physical, and it resulted in the deepest emotional trauma. Thus God sends angels to minister to Him When we are in trouble, we ought not be ashamed to get help.

Mark 10:45 tells us For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. The chief purpose of Jesus Christ coming to earth was not to give us an example or to teach us doctrine. Although these are important, they were not the chief reasons of His coming. The chief purpose of His incarnation was to give His life to pay for our sins. Hebrews 2:9 says But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death , crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Here again the reason for His coming was to taste death.

In the same chapter of Hebrews verse 14 it says Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Since Christ died He paid the debt of our sins and gave us the victory over death. Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

What is meant by "vicarious?" It means "to suffer in place of another, acting or serving as a substitute." (Dictionary) "Acting for another; submitted in the place of another." (Webster- 1828) so when we speak of the Vicarious death" of Jesus Christ we are talking about Him taking our place on the cross, being a substitute for us.

"It is His shameful and vicarious death for sin by which we are redeemed." The biographies of other men rarely touch upon their deaths. It is their deeds, their lives that are told. But of the Son of God, though His works were mighty-- and His life perfect-- those who wrote His record consumed more space upon His death than any other subject. Nearly one third of the four gospels is occupied with the last week of His earthly life as He prepared to give His life a ransom for many. Why? It is by His death that mankind is eternally enriched.

Thought: "Stop wrestling with God's Word and start resting on it." (The Lifeline)

Sometimes we go through such pain and sorrow that we think that no one else really understands. It is not true that experiences like this are unique. God's word makes it clear that all of us have a common experience in this life. In 1Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:...This is important because it was essential that Jesus fully enter into our experience. We read in Hebrews 4:15 that Jesus...was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. There are not many things which are any more painful than being betrayed by a close friend. Jesus knew this pain. You see it was not only God's plan that Jesus die on the cross, but that it would be an apostle that would play an important part.

Judas' life demonstrated unusual strength. Otherwise our Lord would not have chosen him to be one of the twelve to be with Him (Mark 3:14). yet in spite of what people could see, he had a very serious character flaw. He was a thief;(John 12:6). It does not seem that we can attribute this terrible deed to simple greed alone. We read in John's gospel that Satan not only put it into his heart, but he actually entered into him. (John 13: 2, 27). It is a very dangerous thing to give way to sin in our lives. For to do so is to give the devil opportunity.

We don't find even the hint of bitterness when Judas betrays Him with a kiss. Rather Jesus responds by recognizing Judas was his friend. yet we also read where He says that it would be better for Judas had he never been born. He was indeed full of grace and truth.

Crowds have amazing power. Sit down some time and watch a basketball game. As the home team makes a couple or good plays the crowd will start to be filled with energy. Most any person in sports will tell you that a dead crowd is worthless, but an energetic crowd is of great value to a team. What if a crowd of people all agree on the same thing but you are the only one that disagrees with them? Often times that one person will remain quiet because he is afraid to go against the crowd. That is what we call peer pressure.

All throughout the Bible crowds are mentioned. On many occasions Jesus had crowd follow Him wanting to hear His teaching see His miracles. The Bible tells us that a few days before Christ's crucifixion He rode into Jerusalem where a huge crowd gathered to meet Him saying Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Mark 15:11 says that the chief priest influenced that very same crowd and caused them to grow louder and louder yelling, "Crucify Him." This is exactly what the high priest wanted. The people became the home crowd. Now, would any one dare go against that crowd? In John 19:4 Pilate admitted that he did not agree with the crowd when he says I find no fault in Him. But the power of the crowd prevailed. In Mark 15:15 Pilate was willing to content the people. Make no mistake, there is power in crowds. Be careful that you do not allow the wrong crowd to influence you with the wrong choice.

The heart of the gospel message (the good news) is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1Corinthians 15: 3-4.

The method whereby He died was by crucifixion. "It was preceded by scourging with throngs to which were sometimes added nails, pieces of bone, etc. to heighten the pain, often so intense as to cause death." (Unger). Jesus was scourged at the command of Pilate. John 19:1.

Prior to the scourging was the trial before Annas, and then Caiaphas, the high priest, and the Jewish council. He was falsely accused, struck by one of officers, mocked, had a crown of thorns placed on His head, dressed in a purple robe, and condemned to death by crucifixion.John 18 and 19.

Then delivered he (Pilate) He (Jesus) to be crucified, and they took Jesus and led Him away. John 19:16. And He, bearing His cross went forth into the place called the place of a skull (Golgotha) where they crucified Him. John 19: 17-18.

They hung Him on a cross and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. And Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH, KING OF THE JEWS. John 19: 19.

Thought: "Instead of the Bible changing the heart of men, the wicked heart of man wants to change the Word of God." (The Lifeline)

In the following verse, Matthew 27: 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me: We see the fulfillment of prophetic Scripture. Ps. 22: 2a My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Our Saviour was bearing the sins of the world on His shoulders and in His heart. It was at this time, "the ninth hour," about three in the afternoon, the time of the evening sacrifice. He had been left all alone. He was suspended between heaven and earth. This was not the death of a man. It was the death and payment of the incarnate God, who came to remove the presence, power and penalty of sin from the whole human race. Some say this was just the death of a man, and try to explain the darkness away by saying it was an eclipse of the sun. Never in recorded history has a total eclipse lasted for three hours. This supernatural darkness sent from the Father to shield His son from the scoffing sadistic "lookie-loos" who enjoyed seeing suffering and death.

Remember, he said in John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: So it was necessary to fulfill the Old Testament type as recorded in Numbers 21:9. Moses made a substitute, the brazen serpent, and hung it upon a pole, with a cross arm, for the Children of Israel to look upon and by looking they would be spared an awful death from the fiery serpent's bite. Even so, Christ was suspended between heaven and earth, that by looking to Him we might be saved from the venom of sin and the fires of hell. What a Wonderful Saviour!

Also, please consider John 8:28. Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

In the story Alice in Wonderland, the queen of hearts is heard to say that she wanted to carry out the sentence before the trial and off with their heads. As such, it was really a criticism of the corruption of the judicial system of the day rather than just a simple children's story. Serious injustice has ever been a part of our world.

We find that Jesus was tried both before Israel and Rome. It is hard to imagine any better places where one could find justice. In both of these trials, it is obvious that great principles of justice were ignored. The Jews did not really care to examine Jesus according to the law. They were determined to have Him killed. Why? They envied his power with the people. In Matthew 27: 18 we read where Pilate knew that for envy they had delivered him. Pilate was not ignorant of the facts. He simply gave in to mob rule and condemned and innocent man to death. Pilate had even said himself, I find in him no fault at all. John 18: 38.

Jesus was the only good man who ever lived, and yet He was condemned to death by people who followed their own interests above all else. This is a picture of the heart of fallen humanity. How can we not possibly realize that all humanity stands justly doomed and damned? apart from the grace of God, there is not a one of us that would have done any differently than Pilate and Israel. Such is the condition of heart corrupted by sin. Oh! how we need to realize that faith in God is an important part of justice. Sadly, today there are many who believe that faith in God perverts justice.

15th

The Theme of the Gospels

Optional Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the four Gospels in the Bible. These four books give us the earthly accounts of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. With these Gospels combined, one-fifth of the writings refer to the last week of Christ. In that last week of our Lord we find the fundamental theme and the meaning for the term gospel. The meaning of the term gospel and its theme are one and the same...it is "the good news". The good news is that Jesus offers salvation to all. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is declaring the gospel and says in verse 3 for I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. The good news is that we can have salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

All throughout these four books we see this same fundamental theme. Many times Jesus himself preached the good news of the Kingdom of God. Mark 1:14 tell us that Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. Christ made sure that the good news was given while He was here on Earth, and before he left He commanded that the gospel be continued to be given out. The gospel is of great importance to our Lord. Are we doing our part in spreading the good news?

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

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16th

Jesus' Burial

Optional Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11

One of the truths incorporated in the gospel is the fact that after His crucifixion Jesus was buried. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. 1Corinthians 15: 3-4 It must be important because all four gospel writers haverecorded it. Matt. 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19.

Even before He died Matthew records an interesting fact about Jesus' burial. Jesus was in the house of Simon the leper and a woman came with an alabaster box of very precious ointment and poured it on His head. His disciples, especially Judas, were indignant and said To what purpose is this waste? It might have been sold for so much, and given to the poor. Matthew 26: 6-9. Jesus said why trouble ye the woman? For she hath wrought a good work on Me. for in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Matthew 26: 10-12.

It was Joseph of Arimathea who went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. He took the body, wrapped it in a clean cloth and laid it in his own tomb. Matthew 27: 57-60. Nicodemus assisted by providing a mixture of myrrh and aloes which were wrapped with the body. Two secret disciples cared for the body. Where were His disciples/ The important thing is the body was buried as was the manner of the Jews to bury. John 19: 430.

Thought: "You have never tested God's resources until you have attempted the impossible." (The Lifeline)

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17th

The Fifth Words From the Cross

Optional Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 15: 1-8

In Psychology it is taught that the three main drives that control the human are thirst, hunger and sex. Our Lord had been on the cross for about six hours. The crucifixion began about nine in the morning and it is now close to three in the afternoon. On an earlier occasion in the day Jesus had expressed a desire for something to quench His thirst. The first time they filled a sponge with vinegar wine laced with a narcotic which was given the crucified to help them bear their suffering. He rejected their offer. Now it is growing close to His death and again he speaks the fifth time. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled saith I thirst. John 19:28.

Some are so bold as to say the Old Testament does not speak of the suffering Messiah, but lets look at several scriptures:

In the agonies of death He left nothing undone! He remembered there was yet one prophetic scripture to be fulfilled "I thirst". It was more than His parched lips, it was a divine soul crying out to His Father. His thirst was more than for worldly moisture, it was for the sweet warm fellowship He had had from eternity with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Lastly, He thirsted on the cross, that we might drink the water of life and thirst no more forever!

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18th

The Blood of Jesus

Optional Scripture Reading: Leviticus 17: 10-14

We are told in God's word that the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God. There are those who would place great emphasis on the death of Jesus Christ and conclude that only His death is important. They do not believe that the blood really matters. But this would ignore important teaching of God's word.

In Leviticus 17:11 we read where God says, the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. We read further in the book of Hebrews 9:22 that without shedding of blood is no remission. It is this symbolism that was behind the prohibition on eating blood. We find that even under the new covenant this prohibition against eating blood continues. As the apostles and the early church met to consider the relationship of gentile believers to the law, they concluded that gentile believers needed to ....abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication...Acts 15:29.

As our Lord observed the Passover with His disciples just before His death He too, a cup of wine and said, ...This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Luke 22:20. Our faith is only as good as it's object. Some focus on things like Church membership, baptism, and other works. But we read in the book of Romans 3: 25 that our propitiation is through faith in his blood, ...

It is even as the song writer has written, what can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

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19th

Christ's Death is Essential for Salvation

Optional Scripture Reading: John 3: 14-21

God the Father declared in His Word that sin has a penalty and that penalty is death. Romans 5: 12 tells us Wherefore, as by one man sin entered in to the world, and death by sin: and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Every man, woman, and child is faced with the same dilemma. We are all sinners and the payment for our sins is death. The Bible tells us in Romans 6:23 for the wages of sin is death.

From the beginning of creation God knew that the debt of sin would have to be paid. In His love and grace H gives all mankind a second chance. Instead of making man pay the debt, He gives him a choice of whether we want to pay the debt ourselves or allow Him to pay the debt for us. If He pays the debt for our sins, we will not have to see death. But even though we do not have to see death someone does.

John 12:24 is a beautiful picture of what Christ did for us. Verily, verily, I say unto you , Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. Christ was that corn of wheat for us. He died and was buried that we may be the fruit. Because of his death we can now have life.

John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man be lifted up.

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20th

The Ascension of Christ

Optional Scripture Reading: Acts 1: 1-11

Only two gospel writers record His ascension. After the Lord had spoken to the (eleven disciples) He was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God. Mark 16:19.

And He led them out as far a Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them (the disciples). And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. Luke 24: 50-51. Jesus hinted to His ascension in John 6:62 What and if ye shall see the Son of Man ascend up where He was before. He came down from heaven and ascended back into heaven after His resurrection and giving His great commission to His disciples.

Paul refers to this event in Ephesians 4: 9-10 Wherefore He saith, when He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men. He descended first into the lower parts of earth, and He that descended is the same that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.

He led them from the city, from the temple to Bethany, on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives, a favorite place, the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Jesus enjoyed being there. It was from here He ascended into heaven. The last picture the disciples had of Him was with His hands lifted up in blessing them, a priestly benediction. He began to walk away and He was carried (anaphero), borne up into heaven.

Thought: Never put a question mark where God puts a period." (The Lifeline)

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21st

The Sixth Words From the Cross

Optional Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53: 1-12

John 19: 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished; and he bowed his head,k and gave up the ghost.

"It is finished." This was not the despairing cry of a martyr. It was not an expression of satisfaction that at last His suffering was at an end. No! It was the declaration on the part of the Divine Redeemer that all which was needful to reveal of the glorious character of God was now accomplished. That everything necessary for the putting away Of sins for His people, and providing them with a perfect standing before God had all been done.

"The word for finished is an interesting word, and from the following verses we can better understand just what was involved. In Matthew 11:1, the word "teleo" is translated "made an end" of commanding His disciples.

Matthew 17: 24, it was used to "pay" tribute.

Luke 2: 39, it is translated "performed" and

Luke 18:31 the word is "accomplished."

Putting these four translations together we learn the scope of this sixth utterance:

Considering the circumstances and suffering of the cross each and every one of these quotations from the cross is profound, but this sixth one is so all inclusive and it covers every thing He came to do in His incarnation. We'll have all eternity to thank Him.

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22nd

The Resurrection

Optional Scripture Reading: Matthew 28: 1-15

There have been tales of people rising from the dead throughout history. In the Biblical record we even find where Jesus raised people from the dead. But we need to note that all other resurrections are different in character from the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The day came when all of these others, if in fact they were raised, died again. Not so when it comes to Jesus Christ. He rose and lives forevermore.

We also need to note that when Jesus died no one took His life from Him, and no one gave it back to Him. Jesus said, John 10: 17-18 I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again...No one else who has ever lived could make such a claim.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead proves that He was God come in the form of human flesh, and that He conquered death and hell. And just on the Day of Atonement when the High priest came from behind the veil alive, it was proof that God accepted the work of Jesus Christ in our atonement. Thus it is an essential part of the gospel message. 1 Corinthians 15: 14, 17-19...if Christ be not risen, then...your faith is also vain...if Christ be not raised,...ye are yet in your sins. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

Without the resurrection, there is no place for eternal values, or a hope that goes beyond this life. Thus those who embrace such are foolish.

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23rd

Not Finished

Optional Scripture Reading: Luke 22: 31-65

Sometimes a person has to fall flat on his face in order to realize that he never wants to have the same thing happen twice. Peter's last night with his Lord was a disaster and a great embarrassment. At the beginning of the night, Peter showed great commitment to Christ. Luke 22:33 and he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. Then the Lord said to Peter in the following verse, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. Luke 22:34. This prophecy would come true only after the disappointment in the garden.

Jesus took those who were most likely His three closest friends to the garden to watch and pray with Him. Less than an hour later Peter, James, and John fell asleep and failed to pray for their Lord. At the time leading up to the most important event of the life of Christ, His friends let Him down.

Shortly after this, Judas betrayed the Lord and the Roman soldiers took Jesus away. As Peter followed from a distance he was accused three times of being a follower of Christ. All three times he denied knowing the Lord. Can you imagine the feeling Peter must have felt as the cock crowed and the eyes of Peter met with the eyes of Jesus? The Bible tells us that Peter went out and wept bitterly. At this point, Peter was down but not out. Peter probably felt like a complete failure as do many of us at times in our Christian walk. Peter, however, came back to be used greatly of the Lord. Shortly after, Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and saw three thousand come to Christ. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:24

Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.

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24th

The Exaltation of Christ

Optional Scripture Reading: Philippians 2: 1-11

The Bible declares the fact of the exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ. To exalt means "To promote, dignify, elevate, glorify. (Dictionary). "To lift up." (Vine). Jesus Christ was exalted by God the Father, after He had raised Him from the dead. Acts 2:32-3.

"The bodily resurrection of Christ was the proof that His death made perfect atonement for sin; His ascension in that physical body and His consequent exaltation were the reward that God bestowed upon Him for having laid aside His heavenly glory to become flesh and to give His life a ransom for men." (English).

What is He doing there? He is interceding for us. He is even at the right hand of God, Who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:34.

Thought: "The Rock of Ages has survived all the rocks thrown at Him through the ages." (Christian Life, 1950)

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25th

The Seventh Words From the Cross

Optional Scripture Reading: John 10: 7-18

Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit; and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

The above verse is a fulfillment of a prophetic utterance He had made earlier and is recorded in John 10: 17-8 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

The sixth and seventh words from the cross are closely related to each other. When He said "it is finished," He was saying "Good-by" to the earth and all his suffering. But here in the seventh, He was saying "Hello" to heaven and all its glory. Remember He had spent eternity past in glory. He put off His royal robes and condescended to become a human to die the death of sin and all its ramifications. His new office at the right hand of the Father was to be even better than anything He had been involved in, in the past.

We have the power to take our lives, but not one of us will ever be able to take it up again. Jesus only had that power dwelling in Him, for He was, is, and forever shall be the God-Man. Very few Christians ever come to the understanding of the indwelling power available to us. The Holy spirit, the Comforter, was sent by Jesus to live in and indwell every area of our lives.

Unfortunately the Spirit is quenched by most believers. We try to do things in the power of the flesh and that's why we fail so miserably. If only we could learn to use the God given power available to us, to advance the cause of Christ and His Kingdom. The world has yet to see what a few Christians could do, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

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26th

Is the Atonement Limited?

Optional Scripture Reading: 1 John 2: 1-6

In our text we read Jesus, 1 John 2:2...the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. There are those who would tell us that Jesus died in behalf of only those who believe. They have come to understand something of the sovereign grace of God and assume that not only salvation but damnation is of God.

In defense of their thinking they would point to texts like Romans 1:8 where we read that the faith of Christians in Rome was...spoken of throughout the whole world. He the words whole world are most likely a reference to the Roman empire. Thus they see no problem in taking the words, whole world to mean the world of those who believe.

If one were to take God's word at face value without trying to reconcile its teaching with human reason, we would have to conclude that Jesus Christ died for all. We are told in 2 Peter 3:9 that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. In John 3:16 we read that ...God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son...Jesus Christ was God's gift to all and none are excluded but those that would exclude themselves.

Yes, God is the author of salvation, but man is the author of damnation. The picture of the damned in God's word is not one of those who have been overlooked by grace. To say so is to do damage to the very idea of infinite grace. Rather the picture of the damned is one of those who resisted grace that is freely offered to all who will believe.

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27th

The Actual Resurrection

Optional Scripture Reading: Matthew 28: 1-10

There are some who believe that Christ never really died, He only passed out and woke up later in the tomb. Many of us would think "how absurd." Though there are many who would like to discredit the Bible, would we have the answers to show them why we believe what we believe? did Christ actually rise again or did He merely pass out only to be awakened by the chill and the spices in the tomb?

Here are the facts recorded in God's word. John 19: 33-4 says But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. The soldiers pronounced Him dead when Joseph of Arimathaea came to ask for Jesus' body. In Mark 15: 42-5 Pilate made sure he was dead before he turned the body over to Joseph. In Matthew 27:65 guards are placed at the tomb. They knew the tomb was sealed, but when the stone was rolled back, where was Jesus? The guards were not the only ones surprised. Luke 24: 37 says But they (the disciples) were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

One of the most exciting and amazing facts is that when he appeared, there were no signs of Him being in a weakened condition from this death experience. But there is all kinds of evidence that supports His conquering death and offering life.

1 Peter 3:15...be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you...

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28th

Jesus Christ--Spotless Lamb

Optional Scripture Reading: Exodus 12: 1-14

Some were jostling for a closer position, others were standing afar off. There was much conversation as to what Jesus would do. Mary stood silent in recalling a prophecy given shortly after His birth, [At this point please read the above optional scripture, in order to have the context for the following verses].

Luke 2 34-35 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. That sword was piercing through Mary's heart as she stood close to the cross and looked up toward her dying Son.

There are those who would seek to destroy your faith in Christ and God's plan for salvation. However, I would enjoin you to think on this: If, as some say,k that He was not the Son of God, and Mary had voided her betrothal to Joseph by being unfaithful. Why did Mary not say something at the crucifixion? she should have spoken up and said it's all a lie, but she knew it was all true and kept her silence. Me thinks, this is one of the great records of the truth and integrity of the Scripture.

Lastly, the resurrection on the third day was God's stamp of approval on all that took place at Calvary.

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30th

A Promise to Keep

Optional Scripture Reading: Matthew 24: 36-44

There was much teaching and many questions answered on the last night of our Lord. Christ, knowing He had very little time left, offered some comfort to His disciples. In John 14:1-3 He told His disciples Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. In these comforting words Christ gives us all a promise and that promise is that He will come again.

In Acts 1:11 two men in white apparel said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Here again we see the same prophecy, only this time it is after His death, resurrection, and ascension. The promise is still clear, Jesus is coming again, but now the question is when. Matthew 24:36 gives us the answer to that question But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Because no man knoweth the day or hour, Jesus warns us to be ready and watching for His appearing. For His appearing could happen at any time. Are you ready?

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

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