Category: Jesus

The Surprising Way God Reveals Himself

On By TimIn Holy Spirit, Isaiah 48, Jesus, The Father, Triune God1 Comment

Come near to Me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there I am. And now the Lord God has sent me and His Spirit.

Isaiah 48:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Perhaps what is present here is clear to you. In this portion of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking the words of God. He identifies Himself in the previous context as “I am the First, and I am the Last.” (Is 48:12)

Clearly, we can identify the One speaking in First Person here as God. We also know from other Scriptures in this portion of Isaiah this Person is the Maker, and He also ascribes Himself as Redeemer, Savior, and the Lord of Hosts. If we could identify the Person speaking by New Testament names, it’s Jesus!

If that is not clear, read the last line…

“And now the Lord God has sent me and His Spirit.”

One Person sent at least one other Person. I say that because it is clear in the text. Whether His Spirit is a person is not clear, but from the context it is hinted at.

What is apparent in reading through Isaiah, is there are two distinct Persons ascribed to God. The One speaking, Redeemer, was sent by the Lord God. And if the identity of the One sent is not clear, the next verse remedies that.

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way that you should go.

Isaiah 48:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The first sentence tells you Who is speaking, and He gives not one, not two… not four… But three attributions to Who He is. Then He sums that up with the name of God YHVH.

Do not let anyone tell you the doctrine of the Trinity was made up by some New Testament “church fathers.” It is right there in the text. The old rabbis knew it, taught it and then suppressed it after Christ’s ascension.

You Are the Children of the Living God

On By TimIn Hosea 01, Israel, Jesus, Redemption, Sovereign, The FatherLeave a comment

Yet the number of the children of Israel will be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, “You are not My people,” there it will be said to them, “You are the children of the living God.” Then will the Judahites and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.

Hosea 1:10–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The things that are hidden just below the surface reading of the text are amazing. In reading tonight there were many things to see. This one stands out.

The prophet Hosea took a wife by the command of God. Not just any wife, but he was told to take a wife of harlotry. In the entire account of Hosea, there is much to learn about relationships with people and to forgive them their foibles as we have our own, too. Most importantly, the book shows us God’s love for His people.

The union of Hosea and Gomer produced children. The first born was Ammi meaning my people. The second was Lo-Ruhamah meaning not pitied. The third was Lo-Ammi meaning not my people. Already one can perceive a story is written in the meanings of the names. It is in this account of the third which leads to the discovery at hand.

Here is God saying to those who are His people that you aren’t pitied and are not His people. Those who aren’t His people are to be His people. The overt meaning is that Gentiles would be called His people. This is the mystery hidden in the text. Part of which Paul wrote of about a body that consisted of Gentiles being called His people.

Being the people of God isn’t a birthright thing. This is part of what kept Israelites from believing Jesus when He came to them. They thought they had a physical birthright to the Father. And they did. But that alone didn’t make them His people.

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is God saying that any person could be His people.

Then… That word then imposes itself in the text. This adds a timey-wimey element to the discussion. In this case after when those “not His people” become His people something else happens. That something else is what we are eyewitnesses of today.

Of course, the translation I used says the Judahites and the children of Israel will come up out of the land… But is better understood that the whole of Israelites will be gathered together as one in the land.

Oh, I know there was a previous regathering of Israelis from the diaspora but that was limited to Judah and part of another tribe as they returned from Babylon. Throughout the prophets, there is a second exile that isn’t quite explained as a second exile. Maybe it was a continuation of the first. But the twelve tribes have not been regathered into the land until recent times.

A Child is Born, a Son is Given

On By TimIn Creation, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Freedom, Heaven, Isaiah 09, Jesus, Prophecy, Reconciliation, Resurrection, Salvation, The CrossLeave a comment

Here’s something that has occupied the spare processing cycles in my brain when the screen saver is active. In other words, there is something that I have been considering deeply.

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is one of those memory verses I learned from years of listening to Handel’s Messiah. In that first line is a distinction that is easy to overlook. A child is born and a son is given. It is a prophetic announcement of the birth of Jesus. A child would be born to us humans. Not just any child, but a Son would be given. That Son would be unique. This announcement clearly shows that Jesus is God, not that He came from God.

In a discussion on the Godhead I just perused, I again pondered this idea. This God-Man… This Son, or Word, that was given to us. The interesting part of the conversation prompted me to write my thoughts down and share them.

The discussion was over the Son or Word and whether saying He is begotten by God somehow darkens the idea of His existence from “eternity past.” It’s precisely what derives from the idea of being begotten means, and sort of considers the hypostatic union. That is the union of God and man that is Jesus.

I want to give a foundation from here. This is what God says of Himself in the final chapters of the Old Testament.

For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Malachi 3:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no change or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

James 1:17–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

From these two witnesses, it is clear that God doesn’t change. The writer of Hebrews adds to this.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

How does a God Who doesn’t change incarnate?

It sort of intrigues me that the God Who clearly says He is the same and doesn’t change somehow put on humanity.

It is precisely that idea that I think is too simplistic of an explanation. If He puts on humanity, He changes. Or maybe that doesn’t count as a change.

God has a Unique Relationship with Humans

I think it goes back to something foundational.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:26–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This idea of God making us in His image. What is that, really?

I know one of my favorite Bible nerds says we are imagers. Meaning we get to make God known to others in unique ways.

What if this image is something profound like it is something that is really a part of God?

No… I am not drifting off into pantheism or panentheism.

I’m not saying we are God. Yet there is something more here. When you read the Bible, you’re going to read some things that you might be tempted to glance over.

Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

1 John 3:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is something so spectacular reserved for humanity. It cannot be put into words.

For those whom He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.

Romans 8:29–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s this imager-thing. We are made in His image initially and will be conformed to His image. There are other texts that iterate these ideas like being a joint-heir with Jesus.

Jesus even spoke of this in some of His last words before the crucifixion.

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they may be one even as We are one: I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:20–23— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I don’t think we can even begin to ponder what is in store for each of us who loves Jesus.

Why a Kinsman?

On By TimIn Atonement, Daily Walk, Genesis 01, Jesus, Love, Matthew 23, ReconciliationLeave a comment

I was asked a question today.

“If GOD is all-loving then why can’t he just forgive Satan?”

Now that is a deep question! That requires lots of heavy study. I am going to try to sum it up succinctly, but will not show all of its points, nor develop them fully.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:26–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This might be easily passed over, but humanity bears the image of God. Built into the creation of humanity is a “kinsman” relation to God Himself. The only creatures mentioned as being created in the image of God are humans.

With that foundation of humanity, we must then understand who or what ha shatan is. Jesus personifies the idea. And from Old Testament Scriptures we can understand a few things about the person involved. (By person I don’t limit the term to human persons.)

From those Old Testament Scriptures we infer his name and his office. He was the best of the best of creation.

At the first advent of Jesus, He taught a principle:

He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. For he who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 23:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

If we understand the implications of what Jesus taught, then this adversary—the epitome of creation— would have to serve creatures made of dirt. Instead he rebelled wanting the creatures to serve him. Using the idea of a serpent to take dominion of this world from the humans because humans were to have dominion over even serpents… Required a kinsman Redeemer to restore humanity to God’s order.

That’s the basis, and requires lots of digging into the Bible.

That said, let’s look at some of the things God said.

“Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched-out arm and with great judgments.

Exodus 6:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is just one of many places where God put Himself in the place of Redeemer. Because humans are image-bearers of God, there is a kinsman relationship.

There is also another principle that was taught in the covenant given to Israel. It is summed up for us here:

For when Moses had taught every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded you to keep.” Likewise he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of worship with blood. And according to the law almost everything must be cleansed with blood; without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Hebrews 9:19–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Now… Blood is required. Not any blood, but that of a Kinsman. That’s Jesus. God Himself taking humanity on Himself that He could shed His blood for His kin—image-bearers.

We know that humans can be redeemed. And by extension human dominion can be redeemed.

But… Spirits do not have blood. Angels do not have a kinsman to redeem.

The way I think of it, as humans were necessary to quash the rebellion.

Judge, Executioner and Mediator?

On By TimIn 1 Chronicles 21, Daily Walk, Death, Encouragement, Jesus, Salvation, Spiritual Warfare, WisdomLeave a comment

So the Lord sent a plague throughout Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell. And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, but as he prepared to destroy it, the Lord looked and relented from the calamity. And He said to the angel bringing the destruction, “It is enough. Remove your hand.” The angel of the Lord was then standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

1 Chronicles 21:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

For David to have made a census of fighting men for Israel, a plague came upon them. It was sent by God.

It wasn’t the only thing sent by God to Israel. There was an angel with a specific task. It was to destroy Jerusalem, the seat of power in Israel. God stayed the hand of that Angel, relenting on destroying Jerusalem.

I think there is a myriad of reasons why God would stay His hand. That would be a task for you to dig out. There is something else of importance for our attention. It is the identity of the Angel.

This was a Theophany. That is the scholarly name given for an Old Testament appearance of God.

David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven with his sword drawn in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. So David and the elders, covered in sackcloth, fell on their faces.

1 Chronicles 21:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I think we can clearly see the Identity of this Angel. It is the same person we call Jesus Christ. This verse provides some clear hints. First, the Angel stands as a Mediator between heaven and earth. Second, then Angel has a sword. David and those with them worshipped before this Angel.

We can know that Jesus will indeed judge those who have sinned. It’s pictured right here. Jesus will carry out judgment on God’s people.

Then we see something else unfold.

David said to God, “Was it not I who gave the command to number the people? I am the one who has sinned and surely done evil. But these sheep, what have they done? O Lord my God, I pray, let Your hand be against me and my father’s house, but do not let Your people be plagued.”

1 Chronicles 21:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

David steps up. He wants the penalty of his own sin to fall on himself.

There is a principle we ought to remember from this encounter. Our sins don’t only affect us, they have a real and detrimental effect on others. Even to the point of others losing their lives as part of the judgment as part of the corruption sin is.

David repented of his own sin. He sought remission of it as God stated His own hand of imminent judgment.

This is something for us to remember. That sin brings swift death. Yet there is mercy. It’s that patient longsuffering that comes from the mercies of God that stays His hand. I would be wrong to not tell you why.

That stay is for you. It’s for you to seek remission of your sins just as David did for his own. David saw the condemnation looming. He knew the penalty was near-at-hand. It’s this same Jesus Who will judge sin that offers a Way out.

Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life.

John 5:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is that exchange, it can only happen in the presence of Jesus. You believe His Word and the Father that sent Him, and you’re moved from condemnation (judgment) and the death it brings into life.

God is right now staying His hand of judgment. Will you be like David and believe you can have remission of sins?

The alternative is death.

He is Just

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Jesus, Justification, Love, Righteousness, Romans 03, Salvation, Sanctification, The Cross1 Comment

This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously committed, to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:22–26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I am certain all of us are familiar with this passage. In a bit of insomniac tossing and turning last night, I had a half-hearted discussion with God and He brought this to my mind.

It was after a challenging evening where past lies were dredged up and that the one doing it reported those as my legacy. Of course, the other person was a bit short on facts. Nevertheless, those old scars can hurt.

The person who brought the stuff up is rather lonely, abusive, and very embittered. That one is certainly not a believer, but an avowed atheist. The bitterness has cost lots of people time, aggravation, and real money. Some have had to endure abusive (really demonic) behavior.

I would ask God why someone like that gets to breathe His air for so long.

He gently reminded me of how longsuffering He is with me. He also gently asked why He ought not be as longsuffering with that person. And as He always does, there was that verse gently impressed into my mind… He might be Just and justifier.

You see, when we stand before God to give account, us believers have already been judged for our sins, those list of ordinances against us are nailed to the cross.

But there are those unbelievers and God-haters who will stand before Him at the Great White Throne. Those will be gently reminded of all they’ve done to rail against God. Why will be painstakingly obvious to all who watch, will be the longsuffering of God.

It’s a simple fact that His mercies are new, and He suffers long that makes Him just.

How often do we seek immediate justice for wrongs done to us?

Seriously, really give that some long consideration. Swift justice is indeed just. Yet something else comes to mind.

He has told you, O man, what is good—and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is so much talk around about justice. It is hard to find where the Bible instructs is to seek justice. I don’t think it does because God does. We are told to do justice, in other words, to act justly. It is our behavior we ought to control. And by the example given to us by Paul about God.

He says in another place that mercy triumphs over judgment. It is this mercy for all of us, that is supposed to gently lead us to repentance.

Think about that the next time someone disrespects you for something, I don’t care why it is or if it is for the ten-thousandth time. Your God suffers long for you, why would He not suffer just as long for your adversaries?

Live Like Jesus

On By TimIn 1 Peter 03, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Jesus, SanctificationLeave a comment

Who is he who will harm you if you follow that which is good?

1 Peter 3:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a rhetorical question. One that Peter asks knowing the obvious answer. For us believers, as the previous citation of Psalms 34 teaches–the eyes of the Lord on the righteous, and He’s set His face against those who do evil. Considering that, there is nobody that can really harm us if we’re doing good.

It’s About Perspective.

In other words, we are to set our minds ahead, just as Jesus did. It is easy to see a simple explanation. Suffer here to live there, which is far better than living here to suffer there.

But even if you suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. “Do not be afraid of their terror, do not be troubled.”

1 Peter 3:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When we do good and suffer for it, there is a blessing in that. Peter cites Isaiah 8:12 to bolster the truth that for the believer, eternity is secure. It is our real home. Remember, earlier he says we are aliens and refugees in this world. We should not partake of its lusts.

There is nothing in this world from which we ought to be afraid. It’s the next world where we reside already. This is inherent as Peter discusses this. He uses the dichotomy of flesh and spirit. We would die in the flesh. But live in the spirit. We ought not live in the flesh and die in the spirit.
Be Ready.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and fear.

1 Peter 3:15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The expectation here is to be ready. Whether we are a newfound believer or not, we all ought to be able to give an answer to anyone that asks.

Given this era and the tendencies of the culture, suffering is right here in these sorts of discussions. Often the God-deniers would attempt to easily twist us up with all sorts of controversies. Their hope is that we will lose cool. But we are encouraged to learn to give an answer with gentleness. That is, to suffer under their needling.

We are to set aside the Lord in our hearts. This is to know that we have a ready-made sanctuary from where we can rest. It’s always in us as the Spirit of God dwells in us. Understand that. Rest in that. Even when being asked the most daunting of questions or confronting the most difficult of challenges—it is our conduct that brings shame to those who would accuse. Not the eloquent and erudite answers we might give.

Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, that you suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:16–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter has circled back to this juxtaposition of living it up here while in the flesh only to suffer in the next life. That is as opposed to suffering here to live in the next life. The latter is far better than the first.

In other words, there is no amount of suffering that can happen to you in this fleshly body that can even begin to compare of the suffering coming to those who do evil.

Live like Jesus

For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit, by whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison, who in times past were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

1 Peter 3:18–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a long sentence to digest. Jesus once suffered for sins. He being just, died for the unjust. He put Himself in flesh and made Himself subservient to even death. By His death, that suffering once for sins, He satisfied the wages of sin. (The wages of sin being death, not an eternity in Hell.) This provides a respite of judgment due for sin. That is, sudden and sure death, which is often alluded to as being cut-off.

That He Might Bring Us to God.

It is not an automatic thing. There is a tacit understanding in that statement that each of us has a responsibility to come to God. This is the long-suffering of God.

He has put up with all sorts of evil and wickedness from the foundation of the world. It surely grieves Him. Yet He subjected Himself to that same evil, and even died. For what cause may be a question on the mind. It’s for us humans… You, me… All of us.

He suffers through the grief we all give Him, waiting patiently for the maximum number of folks to be saved. He gently asks us to do the same, and even gives us provision to do just that.

He Was Made Alive by the Spirit.

And that is how we are made alive. It’s by the Spirit. Of course, as believers, He indwells us, that’s that provision I spoke of previously. But it is by the same power in Jesus’ resurrection that we are made alive. Remember how Paul said it.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

1 Corinthians 15:19–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s the resurrection. It’s the Spirit life that’s important.

He Went and Preached.

Jesus went and preached to the spirits in prison. Most scholars agree that Jesus descended into Sheol, the abode of the dead. There is some disagreement on who the spirits are. Some say it is the dead people, good and evil. Others say it was to preach to those real fallen angels who are locked in chains until judgment that their plan to overthrow God didn’t work.

Let me explain succinctly. Since the fall, when God promised to destroy the enemy by the seed of the woman, Satan has sought to prevent that from happening. Before the flood, he ensures evil was rampant knowing God would have to judge that generation. The goal was to destroy humanity. Thus destroying the advent of the Savior. Yet evil was so bad, God did have to judge.

So God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh is come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence because of them.

Genesis 6:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When the promise of the seed was given to Abram, Satan had a people to destroy. He set in motion all sorts of ways to waylay Abraham’s lineage to prevent the Anointed One from being born.

When the Messiah came, Satan knew it. He persuaded Herod to put babies to death in order to stop God’s plan. When Jesus began ministry as John baptized Him, Satan met with Jesus. He (Satan) knew immediately Who Jesus is, the very God Who made him. In his mind, Jesus had come into his domain. Satan had the power there, he could kill God and cement his dominion of creation.

How that plan backfired with the resurrection! For all those minions of the evil one in prison and held for judgment, Jesus did go and preach. He assured them by showing them Himself alive in the Spirit, that they had made a grave error.

When you read the Scriptures, note how we never here another word ascribed to Satan after the resurrection of Jesus.

A Way of Rescue.

Just as God had planned to destroy the evildoers, He had a way of rescue in mind for Noah and his family. They were saved through water.

It is with this imagery that Peter continues.

Figuratively this is like baptism, which also saves us now. It is not washing off the dirt from the body, but a response to God from a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.

1 Peter 3:21–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Figuratively… Peter is not going to say that the water saves. Think of the dichotomy that has presented before, the difference between living in flesh and living in spirit.

It’s not that water baptism saves us. Water can only can wash dirt off of the body. It is the same Spirit that made Jesus alive that makes us alive. It is the one baptism, that immersion in the Spirit that rescues us.

Figuratively, it’s a picture given to us by baptism, being buried in the grave and rising in newness of life. It’s a proclamation of the good triumphing over evil. It’s a reminder to everyone looking on, that God surely saves. Yet as He did with Noah in times before, He saves us now.

It’s by pledge of a good conscience that we do water baptism. It’s symbolic. It’s a reminder of reality. In a way, it’s spiritual warfare. Every single time someone is baptized in water, it’s a visual reminder of the promises of God to both the believer and the scoffer. Even to the fallen angels that are of the principalities and powers that are now subjected to Jesus.

Time is short for those who do evil, and the coming incarceration is inevitable. There is a time of escape for humans. And just as God called Noah and his family into the ark and left the door open for seven days, He is still waiting for you to believe; to cease living in the flesh, and to live in the Spirit, for Him.

You are the only one responsible for how you will spend eternity.

Jesus is our Example in Submitting to Suffering

On By TimIn 1 Peter 02, Daily Walk, Jesus, Spiritual WarfareLeave a comment

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God a person endures grief, suffering unjustly.

1 Peter 2:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is an ugly and brutal world. Back in our previous excisions (verse 13,) Peter encouraged us to submit ourselves to every human authority for the Lord’s sake. It is a timely message for today and for me, personally.

There are some who may read this who resist going to church. There are many reasons. Most of them center around some sort of selfish statements that often begin with I. It’s understandable. I mean, if a local body has errant leadership, errant doctrine, weird fellowship, hypocrites or any combination of these and others, why bother?

Yet Peter told us to submit to every human institution. I think that would extend to even those that we may initially discern as wrong.

Fellowship with others is necessary.

I may not have heard every excuse, but have heard plenty. I’ve even offered a plethora of my own. And still do, at times.

Yet we are called to assemble. That is what a church is, literally… called out ones. (As an aside; I don’t think there is scriptural precedence for leaving a local church.)

Maybe there is a different way to think about gathering together.

Servants, not leaders.

Look at how Peter addresses those he is speaking to in the cited text above. It is as servants. That is a proper way to think of ourselves.

Looking to the previous thought and leaning back into that, we are to honor all people, love believers, revere God, and honor the king. As king in our case, it’s the president. For some reading, this may be easy. For others, it can be challenging. The rest of this is going to really challenge.

None of us can do the things Peter said unless we are servants. We cannot honor all people unless we serve them. Neither can we love our brothers and sisters in Jesus, unless we serve them. Revering God requires service.

It’s an inescapable conclusion.

Employees serve, leaders serve.

The contextual emphasis of this portion of Peter’s epistle is mainly for those who are employed by another. We are encouraged to submit, even to those who spitefully use us.

Those of us who are at the bottom of the traditional org chart know that the junks flows down to the lowest point. Though there are bosses, managers, and leaders that perch above the lowest tier, at some point these are servants, too. Some may be gentle taskmasters, others ruthless lords.

It’s easy to work for a gentle taskmaster. Submitting to an overbearing lord is extremely taxing. Peter tells us this kind of suffering is commendable. It is the place where we really want to be.

For what credit is it if when you are being beaten for your sins you patiently endure? But if when doing good and suffering for it, you patiently endure, this is favorable before God.

1 Peter 2:20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There are many who will laud their own endurance. Sometimes we might need to do that. Though mostly the endurance we laid is for the suffering we’ve brought in through our own proclivities. Think about a life-long smoker suffering through cancer or a like malady. What Peter is saying is plain.

It is Jesus Who has shown us our org charts are really upside-down. In this case, the junk… Our junk… Flowed onto Him.

God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus flipped that org chart Right-side down, taking all of our rebellion on Himself.

Suffer for doing good.

The favorable thing before God is to suffer for doing good. Jesus did for us.

For to this you were called, because Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.”

1 Peter 2:21–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

If we’re Christians… It’s really our calling.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man shall come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay every man according to his works. Truly I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

Matthew 16:24–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love that. Remember, this was Jesus’ response to Peter after He rebuked him by saying, “Get behind Me, Satan!”

These words Peter knows intimately, having been one of our greatest examples of failing Jesus. He is all one of the best to give to us real hope. It is why he could die upside-down on a cross as a martyr.

We read of the martyrs of old. They lived this out. To follow Jesus requires sober thinking. It requires sacrifice. It isn’t for the faint-hearted. (I know. I was there at one time not too long ago, and still, succumb to that.)

We ought to do exactly the same knowing this is favorable to God.

A personal application.

As I wrote earlier of the local fellowship I attend, I would sometimes think to rather not.

Is everything perfect there?

No. (But just thinking it isn’t might mean I am measuring against my own relative notions.)

Would I change things?

You betcha! (That kind of thinking is also very self-centered. I told you this was going to get challenging.)

But the local fellowship I attend isn’t for me. It’s not mine, nor is it about me, my well-being, or even my comfort. It’s about attending to serve others. You know, honoring people, loving brothers, and fearing God. (That is our calling.)

I serve in a few official capacities. Some would call it being a leader. I don’t want to seem braggadocios. A leader is really a servant of other servants. This is the way God does it. First is last, last is first.

We should shoulder the burden with others, as more hands make the work light. That’s good and easy to do.

The hard thing?

There is a leadership covenant they would like all who serve to affirm and agree to. I have had some concerns with small but significant portions of it. (Mostly surrounding legalese, courts, and perceived personal rights of redress that are waived.)

I have spoken with good friends about my concerns. It is always God that answers… Though.

And I get it.

The previous blog post was telling us how to live as servants. That was to abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul. There is a lifestyle covenant contained within it. That can help bind together brothers and sisters in love.

It also helps us to live honorably amongst outsiders. Especially given the culture’s mores, a small part of the stipulations concern gender and sexuality. Of course, these ideas will be demonized by the culture as evil. On that final day of judgment, those who do such things will give honor to God having to acknowledge the good in what we do.

The covenant knits us together as one. Us I. The sense of those who are parties to it.

It may use legal language. And that’s okay. We are to submit to those human things for God’s sake.

Rest assured, my mind has changed considerably. Enough about me.

Time is short. Let us draw near to Jesus by drawing near to each other.

Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works. Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another, especially as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There’s no time for selfishness, really. How can any of us hope to spur one another to love and good works by being the lone maverick?

It doesn’t work that way. One cannot serve anyone by asserting personal rights and privileges.

Take up that cross.

Suffer for doing the right thing.

Especially as we see the day of God’s wrath quickly approaching.

The Living Temple of God

On By TimIn 1 Peter 02, Church, Daily Walk, Jesus, Romans 12Leave a comment

you also, as living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house as a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

From our previous excursion, we note some important things: What God is doing is new, and it is alive. It is not like the old covenant of bondage. Just as Jesus Christ is a living cornerstone, set firmly in place, we believers are also firmly set in place.

With Jesus as the foundation, God is building upon that idea a new temple. It isn’t like the tabernacle made of skins and cloth. It isn’t like Solomon’s temple arrayed in the finest and costliest of materials. Nor is it Herod’s temple that was never quite as splendid as Solomon’s. This new temple isn’t made with perishable things. It’s made of more precious living stones.

Why use stone as a metaphor?

At the time, building with stone made the most durable structures. The proof is the ruins we visit in modern-day. Stone, once set, is practically immovable. The metaphor may seem imperfect, but we know this world suffers corruption, and things can happen to remove set stones. The place where God works doesn’t have corruption, therefore the stones God builds with cannot be moved.

We are the living stones. We are set in place making a new spiritual house. Earlier, Peter tells his us that in this place we are strangers or pilgrims, our citizenship is elsewhere. In the previous post, this elsewhere is Zion, New Jerusalem, the City of God.

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the entire building, tightly framed together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God through the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Back to the present, God is in the middle of a building program. He is using living stones to make a living spiritual house. Any of us who fall on the Cornerstone for mercy are saved and become living stones that God builds with. He makes us part of the living temple He is building upon the foundation stone, Jesus Christ.

A Holy Priesthood

Though Peter’s audience is primarily the ten scattered ‘lost’ tribes of Israel, the message he writes can be useful for us. Not all of those lost tribes were believers. Peter is writing to the believers of those tribes. Though what Peter writes is Jewish in nature, it parallels what Paul writes. Believers are part of a royal priesthood.

Way back in 1 Peter 1:2, it is written about the sprinkling of blood. We know Moses sprinkled blood on the people to consecrate them to the old covenant (Exodus 24.) The sprinkling of that blood represented the sealing of the covenant. In Leviticus 8, Moses consecrated Aaron and his sons as priests. It was done with the sprinkling of blood.

The same is for you and I, if we believe and have been sprinkled with the blood of Christ. The significance is we’ve been consecrated (set aside, reserved) to a new covenant and a priesthood, as the types and shadows in the law teach us. When that old covenant was established with blood a new nation was born. Likewise, we are a new nation.

Think like Peter, with the sprinkling of the blood from Jesus. We are set aside for God as a nation under a covenant and set aside as priests. The job of the priest is to declare the goodness of God because we’ve been healed of our sin and rescued from darkness to light. This idea is also typified in the law, when a leper was to be cleansed from his corruption he was sprinkled with blood (Leviticus 14.)

That’s the goodness of God. We’ve been set aside, given a new promise, and cleansed. Teach the goodness of God to others.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may declare the goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Since we’ve been called from darkness to light, let’s live like it. We have already encountered this idea when Peter tells us to put off certain things. It is important to understand our identity in Jesus and to live it out. Peter gives us practical ways to do that.

Spiritual Sacrifices

As priests, we offer up spiritual sacrifices. The most important of these comes first:

I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Did you see how this connects?

The sacrifices we offer are acceptable to God.

In a similar fashion of casting ourselves on the living set cornerstone for mercy, we present our bodies a living sacrifice to Him. It’s a reasonable service of worship.

The first spiritual sacrifice is a living one, our own body. In so doing we give wholly of ourselves, not reserving anything selfishly. We don’t seek to take from God. Such a sacrifice requires us to not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. That connects back to what Peter said to desire the pure milk of the word.

Therefore let us go forth to Him outside the camp, bearing the reproach that He bore. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Through Him, then, let us continually offer to God the sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share. For with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Hebrews 13:13–16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The writer of Hebrews in what leads up to this passage, speaks of Jesus who suffered on the outskirts in order to sanctify us. This leads to the next ideas of sacrifice.

The second sacrifice we offer is praise. It is easy to do that in church with brothers and sisters surrounding us. But we are called to live differently as pilgrims and foreigners. And that means we are going to suffer persecution. Even in the midst of severe persecution, we are to offer praise. In the direst of circumstances, the martyrs of old sang praises to Jesus.

It’s to go outside the camp. That is an allusion to help us remember to remove ourselves from our current circumstances. Sometimes we can do that physically by removing ourselves from challenges. Most times it is difficult to extract ourselves physically. We must remember to go outside the camp in our minds by setting them on heavenly things and not our current circumstances. And there, to continually praise God.

With such a sacrifice, God is well pleased. It is acceptable to God.

Take careful note of the admonition to do good and share. This is another spiritual sacrifice. It is one of helping others by sharing what we have.

Why do we do this?

In times past, you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. You had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 2:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are set aside for a purpose. We are the chosen of God. Not for anything we did, but because of what Jesus did. He has set us aside by the sprinkling of His own blood because we’ve received mercy.

It is another poignant reminder of what was taught in the prophets who sought to look into these things, all the while knowing they were serving us believers.

Then the Lord said: “Call his name Lo-Ammi, for you are not My people, and I am not your God.” Yet the number of the children of Israel will be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, “You are not My people,” there it will be said to them, “You are the children of the living God.”

Hosea 1:9–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are the children of the living God. As we move on, Peter will continue to encourage us to live lives that are like it.

Jesus as Stones

On By TimIn 1 Peter 02, Israel, JesusLeave a comment

Coming to Him as to a living stone who is rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house as a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:4–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Peter presents Jesus in a metaphor using a series of stones. Beginning here, the worth of Jesus is going to be portrayed solidly (pun intended.) It will be in relation to some Old Testament passages he has in mind.

For also it is contained in the Scripture, “Look! I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes in Him shall never be put to shame.”
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious. But to those who are disobedient, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they are disobedient to the word, to which also they were appointed.

1 Peter 2:6–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is cited from Isaiah.

Therefore, thus says the Lord God: See, I lay in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, firmly placed; he who believes shall not act hastily.

Isaiah 28:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)
Jesus is the living stone.

I lay in Zion a stone. Zion is the mountain where Jesus stands in Revelation 14 with the 144,000. But we must understand the importance of the usage of Zion. The contrast is not addressed directly by Peter. It is an underlying tension for sure.

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels; to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven; to God, the Judge of all; and to the spirits of the righteous ones made perfect; and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant; and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than that of Abel.

Hebrews 12:22–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Coming to Mount Zion is in contrast of coming to another mountain, Sinai.

These things are an allegory, for these are the two covenants. The one is from Mount Sinai, which gives birth to bondage; she is Hagar. Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and represents the present Jerusalem, and is in bondage with her children. But the Jerusalem which is above is free, which is our mother.

Galatians 4:24–26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

A stone lain in Zion must be living. It is this Living Stone, Jesus. He is the unmoving and unchanging Mediator of a new covenant. This is in sharp contrast to the other mountain of the old covenant, Sinai. That is the mountain that gave birth to bondage. The Living Stone in Zion sets us free by sprinkled blood. (Remember How Peter used that term previously.)

Jesus is the tested Stone. He is the One Who did as God asked all the way to the cross, enduring its shame for the joy set before Him.

Jesus is the corner stone.

No builder erects a structure without a cornerstone. It’s the same thought as the Hebrews passage alludes to, the church of the firstborn. The firstborn is Jesus He is the Creator of all. Without Him, nothing exists. Every living creature owes fealty to Him just for drawing breath.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created. In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.

John 1:2–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He is worthy. He is precious.

Jesus is the rejected stone.

This idea comes from this passage.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

Psalm 118:22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The psalmist is saying that a stone purposed for a particular purpose can become unwanted. In this case, the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus as their King. The Jewish people were chosen as God’s heritage. They were the ones purposed in the old covenant to make salvation known to the whole world. In that essence, these were the builders of the kingdom of God.

God chose Him for that purpose of being the foundation for salvation. Jesus was firmly placed as attested to us in the Scriptures. He is unmovable and He could not be conquered by rejection. In this case, death. This is a continuing theme from the first chapter.

Jesus is the stumbling stone.

Peter also cites this passage.

He shall become a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, and a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 8:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Take the time to consider the truths of the Bible, that is to study its claims and test them. God says He will be found by those who seek Him. In that sense, the Stone lain becomes a sanctuary for those who take the time to seek Him.

But for the hasty, and the others who have ulterior motives, Jesus becomes a rock of offense. It is precisely because of Who He is that exposes such nefarious evil for what it is.

Though the people these Scriptures are taking to task were also appointed to the same word all are. They were to consider the revelation of the Jewish Scriptures carefully and expected to know Jesus when He came. In so doing, to believe in His mercies and be saved.

Mature by coming to Jesus.

He is the Living Stone of New Jerusalem, the firmly placed Cornerstone. For us who desire the pure milk of the word and to be like Him, He is a sanctuary. He is a place of rest from work.

To the builders, the ones working to make something for themselves, He is hastily rejected.