encouragement – Page 48

Who else longed to look into the Gospel besides angels?

Posted on August 21, 2017 by elizabethprata

We’re familiar with the part of the verse that tells us that angels long to look into these things. The full context of that verse is pasted below, it’s from 1 Peter.

Apostle Peter, formerly Simon, formerly a fisherman, is nearing the end of his life. It’s about the early 60s and Peter had been a leader of the church. The elect to whom Peter addressed his letter were beginning to suffer persecution, and his letter, which was to be circulated, was aimed at encouraging them. Peter strongly urges them to link doctrine and practice, a point he makes in chapter 1:12, 15, and he begins in the first chapter with elevating the glory of the Gospel. Here is where we remember that the Gospel is so great, so mysterious, that angels long to look into it.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12).

In reading the passage I realized that not only angels longed to look into the mystery of the Gospel, its wonder, atonement, wrath, crucified and sinless God-Man. The Prophets also wanted to know about it. They, who had the Spirit in them, inquired of the LORD as to the aspects of this religion they were required to speak. Here is the wonderful Barnes with his Notes:

Of which salvation – Of the certainty that this system of religion, securing the salvation of the soul, would be revealed. The object of this reference to the prophets seems to be to lead them to value the religion which they professed more highly, and to encourage them to bear their trials with patience. They were in a condition, in many respects, far superior to that of the prophets. They had the full light of the gospel. The prophets saw it only at a distance and but dimly, and were obliged to search anxiously that they might understand the nature of that system of which they were appointed to furnish the comparatively obscure prophetic intimations.

They were writing to us and for us. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, Peter wrote. Us. The elect saints in the church age would be the recipients of the further information than myriads of angels- who live with God- . and prophets – who personally spoke with God – longed to look.

Next time someone says they “want a fresh experience” or desire the Spirit to fall down and manifest some kind of event, or that they wish to hear Jesus personally calling, or that they feel stale and covet a miracle, please remind them of this glorious truth. We already have the benefit of the most glorious experience of all, the understanding of the plan of God with regard to His Son. The angels and the Prophets wanted to know about Him, who He would be, what would be his life and doctrine and character, and what would be the nature of the work which He would perform on behalf of the people. They didn’t know. They wished to know. They asked to know. They did not know. We do.

As Barnes says of verse 12,

By them that have preached the gospel unto you – The apostles, who have made known unto you, in their true sense, the things which the prophets predicted, the import of which they themselves were so desirous of understanding.

knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:18-21)
Have a blessed day, pondering these truths into which angels and Prophets inquired and longed to look.

encouragement, Uncategorized

Of Jesus’ love: My Value’s Fixed

Posted on August 20, 2017 by elizabethprata

Keith Getty’s song “My Worth Is Not In What I Own” is a lovely song. As Mr Getty describes the song at The Gospel Coalition, it

is a song that speaks to the subject of worth by reminding us that true significance is found in our identity in Christ. Kristyn and I recently wrote it with our good friend, Graham Kendrick, in an attempt to reclaim two glorious truths. The first is that we, as men and women created in the image and likeness of the Creator, are created with intrinsic worth.

But there’s another truth we want to convey: given our pervasive rebellion—what R. C. Sproul calls “cosmic treason”—against the king, we are all unworthy of the value with which he crowns us. Yet God sent his Son so our worth might be found in something far grander than ourselves. In Christ, no longer do we look to our own accomplishments and achievements to find significance. We look instead to his perfect work on our behalf, and there our souls find the true sense of identity we so crave. The chorus of our song draws from the rich imagery of 1 Peter, which depicts Jesus as an inheritance and treasure far greater than anything this world has to offer.

Getty goes on to describe some of the many themes within the song, but notes that the original thought was the phrase “my worth is not in what I own.”

However, another idea came to me that focuses on another part of the lyric. The value of the Gospel is inestimable. In 1 Peter, the passages from which Getty took the thoughts and doctrines for his song, angels and the Prophets longed to look into the glorious coming of the Savior. They were told they were serving not themselves but us. (1 Peter 1:12). They were extremely humbled and intrigued by the notion of the Savior and His coming in Gospel times.

In that sense, we who dwell in the Church Age, AKA the Age of Grace, AKA Gospel Times, have an inexpressible value, because we are saved by grace through faith in the Gospel. Since the Gospel is inestimably precious, we are inestimably precious. As the song says, “my value’s fixed.”

For those who struggle with low self-esteem, let this song and its lyrics and the verses behind it comfort you. Your value is fixed. Your identity is sure. After salvation, our value is linked to the Gospel which saved us by faith through the work of Jesus. Jesus cannot love us any less or any more than He does at this moment or since before the foundation of the world when He chose you. (Ephesians 1:4). His love for you is fixed and perfect.

If you struggle with a high self-esteem, then the same is true again. His cannot love you any less or any more than He does now. Your value is fixed. Nothing you say or do or work at or accomplish or are noted for will cause in Him an atom’s worth of further love, deeper love, or less love than expressed through His lovely Gospel and His saving. His love for you is not based on your worth, but His worth.

Be comforted by this. Be released from worry that anything you might say or do will cause a decrease in His love for you. Be released from the notion that anything you say or do will help yourself to greater love by Him. Your value is fixed in the palm of the One who already loves perfectly and completely.

14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every familyc in heaven and on earth is named, 16that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-18).

My Worth Is Not In What I Own
Keith Getty

My worth is not in what I own
Not in the strength of flesh and bone
But in the costly wounds of love
At the cross

My worth is not in skill or name
In win or lose, in pride or shame
But in the blood of Christ that flowed
At the cross

Refrain:
I rejoice in my Redeemer
Greatest Treasure,
Wellspring of my soul
I will trust in Him, no other.
My soul is satisfied in Him alone.

As summer flowers we fade and die
Fame, youth and beauty hurry by
But life eternal calls to us
At the cross

I will not boast in wealth or might
Or human wisdom’s fleeting light
But I will boast in knowing Christ
At the cross

Refrain

Two wonders here that I confess
My worth and my unworthiness
My value fixed – my ransom paid
At the cross

Refrain

encouragement, Uncategorized

Think about what Paul said- “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you…”

Posted on August 19, 2017August 19, 2017 by elizabethprata

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. (Colossians 1:3-5).

One of our pastors preached on Colossians last Sunday. He noted the above introduction in Paul’s letter. Paul prayed to Jesus in thanks for the saints.

Our pastor said, ‘What if we prayed like that? Instead of when we pray and getting straight to our petitions, or even instead of getting straight to thanking Jesus for what He’s given ourselves or done for us, we thank Him for our brethren?’

When was the last time I prayed in thanks for the saints around me, the saints around the world, the saints that have come before on whose works I rely? Hmmm, it’s been a while I think.

I am thankful for our elders. We have a Teaching Pastor, an Associate Pastor and two elders who lead us in preaching, confession time, prayers, and devotionals. They are Godly men, humble, and filled with a heart of love for Jesus and service to Him. I know I am blessed to be growing under such men, and I do thank Jesus for them. Therefore I say,

We have a cadre of elder folks who are seasoned, mature, kind, doctrinally solid, and constant in their attendance, devotions, and service. They aren’t coasting, they take nothing for granted, and they are always willing to lead, teach, encourage, or just silently be present. Therefore I say,

In a most remarkable blessing, the largest demographic of members and attendees in our church are youngsters. These are youths aged from upper teens to mid twenties. The college crowd. Many are in undergraduate or graduate school in the area. Their eagerness and fervor is a boon to us elder folks. Their zeal to serve is refreshing. Most of all, they love Jesus and devour His word. Despite a heavy class load or demanding work schedule, they arise before dawn or stay well after dark to attend Bible groups. They faithfully attend church services. They drive 40 minutes and stay two hours just to seek advice from an older member. They happily jump in to serve by setting up or taking down, the drudge jobs. They love each other and they joyously submit to leadership. They are amazing. Therefore I say,

Next time, I won’t lightly skim the intro to a letter, but as our elder preached, I’ll stop and truly ponder what the writer is saying. Paul dwelled on praise to Jesus for the brethren, and I want to adopt that same mindset in prayer by thanking Jesus for them both in my sphere and across the world.

encouragement, Uncategorized

Something positive, cute, and endearing

Posted on August 17, 2017August 17, 2017 by elizabethprata

Today, a little something different. We’re all used to the world’s dark news. The negativity of the world and the evil that is all around us can be discouraging. Here’s something I hope will lift your day and bring a smile to you.

From the internets:

Clipboard02

The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him! (Proverbs 20:7).

From the BBC, their new kids’ network CBeebies. It’s 2-minutes:

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. (Luke 18:17).

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28).

Even though there is persecution, false teachers, racism, riots, and evil, there are still fathers who love their children, and there are children with a child-like perspective that someday we will all be blessed with. The faith of children, pure, unadorned, unadulterated, and loving. May I be like a child!

Always remember, as long as there is Jesus, there is Hope!

Have a blessed day!

encouragement, Uncategorized

The Bible is so amazing

Posted on August 13, 2017 by elizabethprata

In my Bible reading there are some verses that have ‘jumped out’ at me lately:

do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. (Romans 11:18).

He supports me. Isn’t that a lovely thought? I do not want to be arrogant and take HIS glory away.

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Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16).

As a writer, I admire the beauty among this economy of words. Only the Spirit could inspire such gorgeous writing that proclaims such truth!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. (Psalm 11:7).

To behold such glorious righteousness is a thought that both encourages me and makes me tremble. What a day that will be!

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Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. (Proverbs 11:4).

I praise the Lord I do not have a lust for riches. I know people who do (did). Some spend their entire life accumulating, lusting for expensive things, hoarding wealth. Unless there was a miraculous deathbed conversion, they are languishing in a place where their riches do not profit them. Thank You Lord for Your righteousness that is indeed riches beyond measure.

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Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Matthew 24:35).

How amazing that we will personally hear Him speak these words someday!

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The Bible is so rich, so beautiful. The many verses and passages and stories convict, inspire, point to the glory of the Lord…it’s staggering that this Book contains so much and is so everlasting.

bible bunyan

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Movie Review: The Queen of Katwe

Posted on August 11, 2017August 11, 2017 by elizabethprata

I spend almost more time looking for and reading reviews of movies than I do watching them. I don’t have the time to waste on a bad movie during the school year, and though I have more time at home during the summer never do I want to watch something that will be blasphemous, offensive, or pass before my eyes things I can’t unwatch. I know you feel the same.

Here is a synopsis and review of a movie I feel is worth watching for the entire family (tweens and up): Queen of Katwe. The movie summary says: A school-drop out named Phiona (pronounced like Fiona) living in the slum of Katwe sells maize along with her brother to help her family survive. Her older sister has already succumbed to the lure of being a kept women and the widowed mother is wearily but with dignity striving to instill in her remaining children hope where it seems that life is hopeless. At this moment in their family life Phiona is discovered to have an agile and highly advanced mind and is a genius at chess.

(Common Sense Media’s review & synopsis here.)

That this is a true story and in fact it has recently occurred, which makes it all the more compelling. At the end of the movie you will see each character and what has become of them. In addition to the themes noted above by Common Sense Media is one that is often overlooked: the cycle of poverty.

The slum outside Kampala Uganda known as Katwe is one of the largest and most dire of slums in that country. The overwhelming filth, poverty, and dense living conditions are not glossed over in this movie produced by Disney. As Phiona rises through the ranks in chess championships and her world gradually expands, eventually she must come to terms with who she is and if her origins define her character or if her character will define her character.

The interplay of rich v. poor, impoverished origins v. entitlement impact the girl greatly. It’s a similar theme shown in My Fair Lady. As Eliza Doolittle rises from Cockney impoverished flower girl to genteel lady she wonders where she belongs and who she is if she is no longer “poor” and has to struggle for survival. Will Phiona take the daring leap into the unknown or retreat into what she is used to, even though that means remaining a cog in the grinding cycle of poverty? At points, the outcome is by no means certain and the movie deftly shows why.

For family viewing, several scenes are mildly intense. Phiona’s brother is run over by a motorcycle and Phiona’s desperate near-helplessness to get him to a clinic and obtain the medical services he needs are gripping. Throughout the movie I’d wondered why the slum shacks are entered by walking over planks or pallets situated over a deep trench. The flood scene showed me. Monsoon rains are beyond heavy and Phiona’s toddler brother nearly dies in a flood that sweeps through their derelict home. I read later that Katwe’s seasonal floods are so bad that people sleep on their roofs – if they have a roof – so as not to drown at night.

The scene that most affected me is when the chess team has traveled to a fancy championship location and they are put up in dormitories for the night. The youth pastor who leads the sports ministry, including this chess team, is momentarily startled when he arrives at their room to tuck them in, all the beds are empty and all the bedding remained where it was at the first, neatly folded and piled on the end of each cot. A momentary panic rises in his eyes until he sees all of the children huddled up on the floor in the corner, slum family style, their own clothes and brought scarves and fabrics for covers. It was what they were used to.

The movie does not gloss over the entrenchment of the cycle of poverty the difficulties in rising out of it, and the lingering issues that haunt those who do, including prejudice of the entitled against the poor. Though one of the main characters is a youth pastor, and his chess club is part of a sports mission, no mention is made of Jesus or what denomination he is from or any religious discussions at all. However, he is depicted as a trustworthy man fighting for his charges with love and devotion. It’s produced by Disney so the production values are excellent. Recommended.

encouragement, Uncategorized

Golden Girls go Sonny & Cher: A story of sanctification

Posted on August 4, 2017 by elizabethprata

I’m 56 years old so I came up in the 1980s. I was not saved then. The Golden Girls was a television show that ran for 7 highly successful seasons before one of the stars, Bea Arthur, decided to leave. The other three stars were Betty White, Estelle Getty, and Rue McLanahan. Arthur, Getty, and McLanahan have all passed on. Betty White at age 95 is still going strong.

The show’s premise was a co-living, roommate situation where widow McLanahan had advertised for two roommates to help offset costs of living in her large Miami home. Bea Arthur’s character moved her 80-year-old mother character (Getty) into the house during the first episode.

Even though the show was about four older (or elderly) women (three widows, one divorcee) it was well-written and hilarious. Others thought so too:

The Golden Girls received critical acclaim throughout most of its run and won several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series twice. It also won three Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Each of the four stars received an Emmy Award (from multiple nominations during the series’ run), making it one of only three sitcoms in the award’s history to achieve this. The series also ranked among the top-10 highest-rated programs for six of its seven seasons.

Being an Educator, I’m at home in the summer when school is out. During my down time, I watched a lot of the Golden Girl episodes. I also watched documentaries about the show, like how it originated, the biographies of the actresses, and the writer’s process

The show is funny, witty, and intelligent. It is also evil, gross, and of the world.

In one of the documentaries, Bea Arthur was talking about how they wrote the show to address social or moral issues that the writer, producer, and actors wanted to use to present their point of view. Do not ever think that television and other media are neutral. They are of the world, and they most certainly present satan’s point of view.

The show addressed HIV-AIDS, (“it’s NOT a judgment on bad people or sexual activity!” cross dressing (it’s OK), homosexuality (It’s OK), sexual promiscuity (it’s OK), same sex marriage (normal!), assisted suicide (duh, OK!) and so on. In one interview Bea Arthur proclaimed about how the show advanced understanding on these social issues for the betterment of society.

No. It didn’t. It advanced satan’s agenda to normalize sin, or at least de-sensitize us to it. Anyway none of this is anything new, except for the perspective. Oftentimes as I review my day, plead to Jesus to accept my confessions of sin, beg the Holy Spirit to grow me so I sin less against Him tomorrow than I did today, and then nearly despair because I cant see any progress in myself, I look back. Way back.

I distinctly remember enjoying the TV show and agreeing with all its premises. I thought it was the height of wit and worldliness- worldly in a good way. I’m saved now. After re-looking at the show these many years later, I’ve grown enough to be absolutely disgusted with it. After viewing some episodes, I stopped watching.

Only God can clean a soul to the degree where we not only can see the sin we used to love for what it is, but be repelled by it. Over time, you should see progress. The trajectory might be bumpy, or it might be smooth and steady, but either way, your sanctification will grow- up.

Sanctification means to be set apart for holy things. If you are saved, you are being sanctified, meaning, you are growing in holiness. We cannot sanctify our own self because there is no part of ourself where we are not touched by our sin. Our entire nature is drenched in sin. Therefore the Persons of the Trinity sanctify us. When we confess Jesus is Lord and ask for forgiveness of our sins He installs the Holy Spirit in us as a guarantee, and off we grow. (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Corinthians 6:11). Our part is to actively obey in trust.

The world loved and still loves the Golden Girls. I loved it but then again I was part of the world. Thank You Lord for taking me out of the world.

PS: Even though the show overall promotes things of satan and is crass…this one skit had me doubled over laughing. If you remember the singing duo Sonny & Cher, the formerly married couple had a variety show in the 1970s in addition to a singing carer that spawned many top charted hits. Cher had some tics and quirks in performing that here, Bea Arthur reproduced spot on, even her walk. It’s hilarious. The studio audience goes so crazy because Arthur really nailed it.

Below the GG skit parodying Sonny & Cher is the real Sonny & Cher. After retiring from show business, Sonny was elected mayor of Palm Springs California. Cher was known for her skimpy (and I mean skimpy!) costumes and belly button baring outfits on her show. Six years ago I wrote about the unfortunate decisions Cher’s daughter Chastity was making in becoming transgendered. Sin, sin being of the world, the world loves its own,…and the beat goes on.

encouragement, Uncategorized

A Quiet Life

Posted on August 1, 2017 by elizabethprata

I have another blog called The Quiet Life. It is named after the verse from 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12,

But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

Growing up, there was a set of unsaved women friends of my father’s who were loud. They’d drink a lot and then they got even louder. My father called them the Decibelles. Clever name, and apt.

I like quietude. I don’t like loud people, raucous laughter, a hectic home, or bells, horns, or traffic. (Jake brakes, ugh). I know, I’m picky, and sometimes unrealistic about how quiet I want things. But the Thessalonians verse is still important to me.

However, I learned that the verse doesn’t mean simply quiet in terms of decibels. Volume is not in view here.

In Walvoord’s Commentary on Thessalonians we learn that a quiet life means in terms of an inner restfulness.

First, his readers should lead a restful life. The word translated quiet (hēsychazein) means quiet in the sense of restfulness (cf. Acts 22:2; 2 Thes. 3:12; 1 Tim. 2:2, 11), rather than quiet as opposed to talkativeness (sigaō; cf. Acts 21:40; 1 Cor. 14:34). The former means “undisturbed, settled, not noisy,” while the latter means “silent.” Paul was telling the Thessalonians to be less frantic, not less exuberant.

A person who is constantly on the move is frequently a bother to other people as well as somewhat distracted from his own walk with God. The latter can lead to the former. But a Christian who strives to be at peace with himself and God will be a source of peace to his brethren. Such quietude constitutes a practical demonstration of love for others.

Constable, T. L. (1985). 1 Thessalonians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures.

Have you ever noticed what Walvoord mentions? A person on the move all the time is a bother to others? I have noticed that. There are people who are like a bird, flitting here and there, and never landing anywhere. I want to be a source of peace to others. I want to exude a quiet confidence that comes from the source of peace in my heart. We know that the peace Jesus brings is a rest from the long ar we had against Him as sinners. Now saved and forgiven, we no longer have enmity with God, but peace.

As John MacArthur preached on this 1 Thessalonians verse,

I mean, we live in an agitated, upset, disoriented, messed-up world so why would agitated, upset, disoriented Christians have anything to offer it? But Christians who are characterized by love, who lead quiet, peaceful, tranquil lives, who mind their own business with great care, and who faithfully discharge their duties as they were, are going to show a lifestyle to the world that may make Christianity attractive. Isn’t that interesting?

Yes, that is very interesting. Are you a source of clamor to others? Or a source of peace? Something to think about.

dinghy

encouragement, Uncategorized

No matter the darkness, Jesus and His Light is with you

Posted on July 30, 2017 by elizabethprata

By Chris Powers at Full of Eyes, making free visual resources for the Global Church. More information about this ministry below

Psalm 13:1,5, “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?…But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.“

In the darkest night of the soul, our hearts cling to the steadfast love declared on Calvary, and so have invincible hope in future joy.

By Chris Powers at Full of Eyes (fullofeyes.com) and Youtube. About Full of Eyes:

Full of Eyes is a ministry that seeks to create Christ-exalting, Biblically-submitted, heart-haunting imagery about the glory of God in Christ. This looks like creating free animations, study guides, pictures, and tracts intended to serve the Global Church in its work of evangelism, discipleship, and missions.

Check him out at his website or support his art work on Patreon.

encouragement, Uncategorized

The First Exile & Faithful Remnant

Posted on July 24, 2017July 24, 2017 by elizabethprata

We often read about the Remnant in scripture. As GotQuestions explains in the opening to their question about remnant,

Question: “What does the Bible mean when it refers to a remnant?”

Answer: A remnant is a left-over amount from a larger portion or piece, whether it is food, material from which a garment is fashioned, or even a group of people. Although remnants could be looked upon as worthless scraps, and many times are, God assigned high value to those of His people whom He had set aside for holy purposes, those He labels as “remnants” in several places in the Bible.

We also read about Exiles. Adam and Eve were exiled from the Garden. Cain was exiled from God’s presence. We know the Israelites were often exiled from the land as they were punished for their spiritual adultery against God by worshiping other gods. The People were exiled to Egypt, carried to Babylon and lived as strangers in a strange land. Exile will be the final and unalterable state of anyone who has not repented to Jesus, living bodily in an eternity in hell away from God’s grace and instead a life of exile in torment.

Exiled means to rejected and be apart from, denied entrance to. The same with remnant, a tattered thing that oftentimes, no one wants. A small quantity of something left over.

So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. (Hebrews 13:12-14).

In the Old Testament, God’s main threat for sin was a judgment of exile away from the presence of God. Remember, God’s glory inhabited the Temple, the one place where heaven met earth at the Ark of the Covenant. The notion of exile develops further in the New Testament and becomes clearer that judgment is to be eternally exiled from God’s presence…eternal abandonment by God.

As my pastor preached on Sunday,

Because God loves us, as sinful people, He did not want us to experience eternal judgment of the exile that we all deserve. So He sent Jesus. Jesus is the faithful remnant of One. The only truly faithful Israelite in history, who actually kept the Law of Moses. Jesus actually became, when He was crucified outside the city at Golgotha, the salt of the earth, the light of the world, the city on the hill, in His one person representing His people. He was abandoned, in exile, alone, crucified apart from the city outside. Abandoned by the people, the religious people, His disciples, His friends, and even by His Father.

The Bible is about Jesus.
His story
His work
His Person
His glory
His desire to gather a people to Himself
His kingdom
His priesthood
His judgment

Sometimes it’s good to cut through the Christian brouhaha, the nasty arguments, the forced intellectualizing of the faith, the confusing evangelism techniques, the added layers,…and remember the simple. It is about Jesus. Everything and all of history points to one person, Jesus Christ, God’s son, God Himself.

If you are reading this as a non-believer, a seeker, a doubter, then pray in repentance to Jesus who is in heaven but is soon to come. He will forgive your sins. If not, then unfortunately when you die you will discover that death is only a gateway to another life, one that you will live as an exile, not even enjoying His common grace as you enjoy now, the beauty of the world, the food you eat, the refreshing rain, the sunlight. There will be no hope.

If you’re reading this as a believer take time today to thank Him for writing your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life, setting you apart for His kingdom before the foundation of the world. Believers, take time today to cut through what you’re doing either secular work or spiritual and thank Him for the hope we have within us, that we are a remnant on earth but not a remnant, that we are aliens in a strange land but not exiled, but are and will be firmly and eternally ensconced into a loving family of every tribe, nation, and tongue. And why? Because of Jesus, it is only and ever about Him.
road