Tag: Confession

I Laughed Today

On By TimIn Jesus, John 15, LoveLeave a comment

This week, someone said, “Jesus would’ve hated Charlie.” It made me giggle a bit. As I’m writing this, it still makes me giggle, but the laughter comes with the sad reality. Some don’t know Jesus.

I know Jesus. I know the Truth. Jesus loved Charlie Kirk. Charlie is with Jesus now.

A statement like this reveals that some don’t know much about the Bible, Who Jesus is, or what Jesus said. They know what others tell them, but have not verified anything.

As for hatred, it’s the world that hates Jesus and His followers. Consider this about hatred, and what it reveals about those who mocked Jesus, who mock Charlie and other Christians.

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, the world therefore hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My words, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not performed among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin. But now have they seen and hated both My Father and Me. But that the word which is written in their law might be fulfilled, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

John 15:18–25

Because the culture hated Charlie, one thing is certain: Charlie loved Jesus. It is the public reaction that brings out the truth Jesus spoke. They identify themselves.

From the personal testimonies of many close to Charlie Kirk. He was doing exactly what he was called to do by Jesus. He was a living witness to all of us that he was the man we all should be. Bold, loving, courageous, and with complete trust in our Savior. It is clearly demonstrated that Charlie was a servant. And he was not above his Master. Charlie even died a younger man than Jesus did.

It’s no coincidence that he was hated by the world. It is because Jesus is. Charlie is proof of that. As was John the Baptist, who was also taken out at a young age. These all spoke the truth; they unveiled the underlying sins of people to the light. Just like the text above says, if they hadn’t been spoken to, they would not have known sin.

The issue is clear. Evil does not like exposure. Exposure takes the stranglehold of its power away.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned. But he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the verdict, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that it may be revealed that his deeds have been done in God.”

John 3:17–21

When people came to Charlie, he didn’t set out to expose their evil deeds. He simply wanted to have conversations. In those interactions, he spoke truth to people. Truth, to a student culture that is purposefully implanted with delusion, then sounds offensive. Like Jesus said, had they not been spoken to, they would not have known of their sin. In that way, truth is an equal opportunity offender. It happens to everyone. There are things God says to me that I don’t like. Yet in not being offended and confessing those faults, I’ve learned to trust that He has my best interests at heart. Sometimes, they are ones that I have no conscious clue about.

Watching the plethora of videos of his encounters, it’s clear that truth worked in the consciences of those to whom he spoke. Sometimes, a mind was open and willing. Most often, minds were closed, and the people left clinging to their delusions.

That’s sad.

They think they know Jesus. All they have is that He’s a cool dude who was nice to everyone. That’s very shallow. I wonder if the folks whose tables were turned, or the Pharisees He called white-washed tombs thought He was nice?

Yes, Jesus loves all humans. He also speaks truthfully to them. Love and truth are inseparable.

The soul who sins shall die. I think we all know that inherently. When truth is spoken to any of us, we inevitably know our faults in missing the mark of perfection that God requires. It’s like Paul said about the truth of the law… It made sin alive in him, and he died.

Because many walked away from Turning Point USA events rejecting Jesus, Who is the embodiment of Truth. It brings profound sadness. People don’t want to know the truth. Like the person saying Jesus would’ve hated Charlie. That’s mockery revealing no personal knowledge of Jesus. They don’t know Charlie, and they really hate the Truth he represented.

The real problem is sin. The danger is dying in one’s sins. So, how do we humans deal with this inescapable doom of death?

I will tell you now, if you’ve stumbled upon this post and the words of Jesus have somehow pierced through, showing you were caught up in delusion, that’s a first step. The next is believing in Jesus.

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” This is the word of faith that we preach: that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:8–10

It is that easy. You can know Jesus today. He’s not dead, but very much alive! This is Who Charlie knew. This is Who I know. Jesus is not relegated to the past… He lives and loves today. He forgives sin, any sin, all sin. He also takes them away forever. Just confess it to Him.

Are you afraid to pray or even approach Him?

Don’t be.

I know the Truth, so how can Jesus hate anyone?

He doesn’t.

I mean this: He died for the sins of the whole world. Think about that. The creation cries out for justice because you and I have sinned. The death of Jesus satisfies that justice once and for all.

Almost 2,000 years ago, He died. His death provided a pardon for sins. You and I have been pardoned effectually and unconditionally. If you’re human, He did that for you.

How is that hate toward Charlie?

Charlie let anyone speak to him. He loved them enough to be truthful, which is exceedingly refreshing in our culture.

Get this, the Bible plainly states… There is no greater love than a man lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus laid down His life for Charlie.

He did that for you.

He did that for me.

I don’t care where you’re at, what you’ve done, or even who you are. I KNOW that for the sheer fact that you’re a human person… Jesus calls you a friend. One that He died to save.

Charlie was His friend. I am His friend. If He died for you, you are His friend; the question I leave to you…

Is He your friend?

If not, fix that right now.

Paneas and Resurrection

On By TimIn Atonement, Matthew 16, ResurrectionLeave a comment

From that time on, Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised on the third day.

Matthew 16:21

This is the beginning of a marked change in Jesus’ ministry. His ministerial focus moves from primarily around the area of Galilee toward Jerusalem. He must go to Jerusalem. This is where the elders, scribes, and priests are. It is also home to Herod’s Temple containing the Holy Place where the presence of God is. The very place the chief priest ministered in the presence of God once a year.

For Israelis, Jerusalem is the entire center of the religious world. It is there that the maturest and most venerated leaders of the religious world were. The chief priests were those who presided over the 24 courses established by Daniel. These had charge of the temple. And finally, there are the scribes. At that time, these worked as if in the position of prophets.

There are many hints as to what Jesus is going to face in Jerusalem written of long ago. David sang of them in the Psalms. A few come to mind, Psalms 22, 27, and 35. That is far from a complete list, but as the Pesach (Passover) Lamb, He must be presented to the household of Israel, where He must be inspected as perfect.

The importance of this moment is reflected in the way Matthew thinks of this moment. He writes “(f)rom that time on.” Signifying the paradigm shift in reality. Jesus was going to die. His resurrection, though, would remain mysterious in the minds of the disciples. For the disciples, the resurrection was unexpected until it happened. (This is one of my favorite ideas that shows the four Gospels to be authentic, you can read it here, It Was Unexpected.)

Passover

Many typologies in the Torah point to Jesus. An important one is Passover (Pesach.) In the Exodus, it was the perfect Passover lamb slain, and its blood splashed on the lintel and doorposts of the house. The significance of this sign spared the firstborn of the house from death.

Romans 3:23–26 (MEV): 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.

From my understanding, the blood of Jesus already abides on every person sparing the firstborn in that house from death. 2 Corinthians 5:1 teaches us that our body is a house. Because we are spared death when we sin, the blood of Jesus applies. The book of Revelation also tells us that the work of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world is not confined to one moment in time.

Good or bad, believer or not… It is the blood of Jesus that stops the angel of death when you sin. That is one typology.

Blood Atonement

There is another typology presented in Leviticus 16. That is the command for Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement.)

Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. Aaron shall bring the goat on which the lot of the Lord falls and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat on which the lot falls to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement with it, that it may be sent away as a scapegoat into the wilderness.

Leviticus 16:8–10

Already there is a distinction in the text. Two offerings, one dead and one alive. This points to the death of Jesus and His Resurrection.

Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, and bring its blood within the veil, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it over and in front of the mercy seat. And he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel and because of their transgressions in all their sins, and so he shall do for the tent of meeting that remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness.

Leviticus 16:15–16

The blood of the slain goat was sprinkled in the presence of God, for the people, for all of their sins. This is done even while they were yet sinners!

Remember when Jesus died, the veil separating the presence of God was torn in two. There is no more separation because the blood of Jesus is sprinkled in the presence of God for the people and all of their sins.

But only the high priest went into the second part once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people, committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was signifying through this that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet revealed, because the first part of the tabernacle was still standing.

Hebrews 9:7–8

But Christ, when He came as a High Priest of the good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies so that the flesh is purified, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:11–14

It is essential to understand these things as the Bible presents them. The presence of God is no longer reserved for a privileged few.

Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way that He has opened for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and since we have a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:19–22

Understand that it is only by the blood of Jesus that you are sanctified. Sanctified means to be set aside. That is true for all, believer or not. Everyone has respite from the wages of sin. I repeat it, everyone.

That’s the first part of the atonement. And it is unconditional for all people. The second part is also for all people with a condition.

Removal of Sin

When he has made an end of atonement for the Holy Place, and the tent of meeting, and the altar, then he shall bring the live goat.

Leviticus 16:20–22

As we have gone back to the typologies, the high priest leaves the presence of God. This is important, as it proves the offering of blood is accepted as the priest walks out alive. That is the work of the cross, Jesus is declaring to everyone they are free.

Watch how the priest uses that freedom. He makes his way to the living offering. He presses onto the head confessing sins, in a sense transferring them to the goat. The goat is sent away, carrying the sins confessed on it into the wilderness never to return.

That is what the writer of Hebrews is saying… There is a new and living Way opened through the veil of separation. It was done by the blood that any may approach the live offering to confess our sins and have them removed forever. Jesus is the live offering, and He has taken a seat at the right hand of the Father.

We just confess our sins to have them removed. For that, we need a living offering. Jesus rose again.

Conclusion

For by one offering He has forever perfected those who are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:14

You and I cannot add to what Jesus did. It abides on us, and we acknowledge and celebrate that. Furthermore, it is a call to action. If we are forever perfected, and we are… What is there to really fear?

If we mess up and sin, we have an Advocate. A Living Offering Who takes away sin forever.

God Asks Questions

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Exhortation, Genesis 16Leave a comment

Genesis 16:7–8 (MEV): The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness. It was the spring on the way to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from and where are you going?”
And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.”

I love the patterns established in Genesis. This particular exchange leads us back to God seeking Adam and Eve after they sinned.

Genesis 3:8–13 (MEV): Then they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. The Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
He said, “ I heard Your voice in the garden and was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself.”
And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”
Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?”
And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

There is a simplicity here that is often overlooked. When God seeks a lost one, one that has sinned, He seeks them out. Let’s remember that all of this happens before the law was given and before Jesus came. God seeks the sinner in order to restore the broken relationship.

When He finds the one, He gently leads to the problem by asking a question. He’s not asking for information, there is another purpose to His questions.

In each of these examples, God asks a question and it is followed by a confession of sin.

Oh, I know some of you are going to scoff. You’re going to say that there is no contrition or sorrow in the responses… As if feelings have anything to do with a confession of truth.

Sometimes just a simple acknowledgement of our foibles in the presence of a Holy yet loving God is all that is needed. We don’t have to pound our chests, or cry rivers of tears. A simple confession saying this is the problem is the first step to conquering the problem together.

When you sin, don’t wait until you actually feel sorrow or remorse for what you did. Go to your Heavenly Father and confess it. He’s waiting.

The Two-Fold Atonement

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 15, Atonement, Jesus, SalvationLeave a comment

If Christ is not raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins.

1 Corinthians 15:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul makes a surprising claim. If Jesus Christ is not risen and alive, we Christians are still in our sins.

Wait, what about that hymn, “What can wash away my sins?”

We sing in answer, “Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

If the blood of Jesus washes away sins, where does the resurrection fit in?

Paul is well-acquainted with the Old Testament. He participated in the annual ritual that is Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. The types and foreshadows of Jesus Christ would be plainly evident. The law is called a schoolmaster intent on bringing folks to Jesus.

On the Day of Atonement, two goats were chosen. (The ceremony for the Day of Atonement is in Leviticus 16.) Lots were cast and one of those goats was slaughtered and burned, with its blood sprinkled in the Holy Place. The Holy Place in the sanctuary is where the presence of God dwells. That blood of the goat was sprinkled in the presence of God. We also know that the priests of Israel couldn’t enter the presence of God without blood.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests would regularly go into the first part, conducting the services of God. But only the high priest went into the second part once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people, committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was signifying through this that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet revealed, because the first part of the tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the present time, showing that the gifts and sacrifices offered could not perfect the conscience of those who worshipped, since they are concerned only with foods and drinks, ceremonial cleansings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

Hebrews 9:6–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

At Jesus’ death, the veil of separation was torn in two. It opened the Holy Place to all. It signified that anyone could enter the presence of God.

The book of Hebrews also shows the reason for that.

But Christ, when He came as a High Priest of the good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

Hebrews 9:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is saying that Jesus Himself entered the presence of God as a Priest with His own blood on behalf of the people. It was for eternal redemption.

The blood did wash away sin, but not in the manner immediately thought. It was the first part of removing the enmity between God and the sins of humans. Since the presence of God was redeemed with blood, it was open for humans to boldly enter in.

It’s that two-fold idea in the atonement. There were two goats. One offered for God to make atonement in His presence. The second was led away into the wilderness and let go, to make atonement for itself.

But he must present alive ⌊before⌋ Yahweh the goat on which the lot for Azazel fell to make atonement for himself, to send it away into the desert to Azazel.

Leviticus 16:10 — The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

I used a different translation for clarity. Note the phrase make atonement for himself. This goat was used differently.

The first goat did a one-way adjustment for God. It reconciled Him to us humans opening up His presence whereby we may enter.

That live goat was led away, but not before the sins of the people were confessed in it by the priest pressing into the head of the goat. That offering took away those sins forever.

That is what Paul is saying. Without a live offering… There is nothing to confess our sins upon and have them remitted. We would still be in our sins. That’s how the statement reads make atonement for himself.

The two-way work is God has done His part to be reconciled to each of us. We must do our part to be reconciled to Him. We do that by confessing our sin on the live offering. Jesus lives today!

Sins confessed to Him are removed forever. Just as Paul said, if there is no resurrection, we are still in our sins. Because there is no live offering to remove them.

Know the Master’s Will

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Luke 12, SalvationLeave a comment

“That servant who knew his master’s will, but did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who unknowingly committed acts worthy of punishment shall be beaten with few stripes. For to whom much is given, of him much shall be required. And from him to whom much was entrusted, much will be asked.

Luke 12:47–48 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus often spoke in parables. These stories provided a vivid insight into reality and righteous behavior. The insights are for our introspection. They provide opportunities to examine ourselves more closely.

This part of this one brings to mind something I think is important and may not have been considered. I will address that, but first things.

There are lots of folks that know what the Master expects of them. The utmost importance is to believe and be saved. That’s what God expects. That’s His will for everyone. If you don’t do that and have been given the Gospel, things aren’t going to go well for you. That same news would go to the Christian that knows and isn’t doing what he’s been called to do by God.

The solution to both of those predicaments is to confess it. Call out to God. He is the Potter that can remake a marred vessel. Such can be fit for another purpose. If you’re in that position, fix it!

Now for that other thought… One that might surprise you.

For before the children had been born, having done neither evil nor good, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but through Him who calls, it was said to her, “The elder shall serve the younger.”

Romans 9:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This was told to Rebekah while pregnant. It is certain others knew this, too. Others would include her family. It’s not a stretch to say that both Jacob and Esau knew. But God says this about Esau.

As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”

Romans 9:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I’m certain you’ve probably understood this verse in light of election to salvation. To connect being elect to being saved doesn’t work well in the Scriptures. At least, not in the way it’s taught.

Look closely at what is being discussed by Paul. The older shall serve the younger. There’s nothing about the younger one being chosen to be saved… And the older not. It’s about knowing the Master’s will and not doing it.

In the case of Esau, his whole life was shirking off and running away from that specific call of service God wanted for him to do.

A Word to the Wise: How to Known When to Present Yourself at the Opening of the Womb.

On By TimIn Hosea 13, SalvationLeave a comment

The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is stored up. The pains of childbirth come for him. He is an unwise son, for he does not present himself at the opening of the womb.

Hosea 13:12–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God is patient and kind. These ideas we have are rooted in Who He is. Even in the writings of the Old Testament prophets, time and again we encounter this long-suffering compassion from the Ancient of Days. It is compassion that is demonstrated from the beginning of creation to this day.

Let us further explore this analogy akin to “You must be born again.” We all know, before a birth comes a warning. That warning comes in the form of labor pains.

We know before Israel was taken captive, there was a long siege against the nation. City after city fell to the invaders. Prophets were sent to speak forth of the coming judgment, urging the nation to repent.

What started as the discomfort was now impending judgment.

God is longsuffering.

Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

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

His goodness and tolerance are leading each of us to repentance. The simple truth is disobedience has a just recompense.

For if the word spoken by angels was true, and every sin and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation, which was first declared by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him?

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

God’s patient leading to repentance is like birth pangs. At first, there is a bit of discomfort, which over time becomes more insistent. It is designed to bring us to the throne of God where confession brings remission.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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

God patiently awaited those in His chosen nation to repent… Judgment was surely upon them. What started as raids in a few cities was now urgent. The impending doom was quickly becoming a reality—many would die and others led away to enslavement. What started as a bit of discomfort quickly escalated.

There is another application.

For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. For all these things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, epidemics, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Matthew 24:5–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These are the beginning of birth pangs. This is Jesus giving a briefing to His disciples with the signs that are the warnings of the end. Some of these have been around, others seem to be looming in the very near future. Days of which many think we are living in now.

Earthquakes are increasing in number. Famine and disease do not go away. Saber rattling is more popular than ever. Natural disasters occur with more frequency and severity.

With what is going on in the world we can match it to some of the things in the Bible. Scripture says these days may be the very beginning of birth pangs. Perhaps maybe we’re not even there yet.

That mild discomfort is going to steadily grow. Most importantly, to lead each of us to repentance and freedom from the condemnation of sure judgment coming.

Look… If you’re reading this it’s not by mistake. God may be leading you to repentance.

For the unbeliever, the stark reality is a confrontation with death. Our past deviations from goodness cannot be undone. The condemnation that comes from each of those deviations is death. We’re guilty many times over.

The believer knows the same fear of judgment. It may not be death unto perdition, nevertheless, it is what sin brings… Death.

You can have life. That is what birth brings… Life. If you’ve not ever belied God and confessed your sins… Do it now. If you’re a Christian and God is showing you your sin, confess it now.

And LIVE!

Sin is Stored Up, Present Yourself at the Opening of the Womb

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Hosea 13, SalvationLeave a comment

The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is stored up. The pains of childbirth come for him. He is an unwise son, for he does not present himself at the opening of the womb.

Hosea 13:12–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Like Israel, putting off repentance and redemption is unwise. One never knows what a day will bring, and already standing condemned in sin, swift judgment can come at any time.

Here, through the prophet Hosea, God is instructing Israel that He waits for them to repent from sin. He wants them to turn around, and come to Him while compassion can be found.

When we put off turning from our own sin, we are unwise. As sinners, each of us is condemned. The Bible calls it being dead. I don’t mean spiritually. We are dead. We are already part of the kingdom of this world where death reigns.

God wants to move us from that kingdom where death reigns to another.

I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem them from Death. O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting?

Hosea 13:14a — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In order to truly live, each of us needs to be birthed again. New birth brings new life. Yet here, Israel had put off that new birth. Their delay resulted in an abrupt judgment that came upon them.

God is waiting for someone to come to that point of redemption and He likens it to getting to the opening of the womb. It could be you.

The analogy is intentional. Perhaps your mind is being led like mine by Hosea’s point. It explains how Jesus expected Nicodemus to know “you must be born again.”

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)

Nicodemus didn’t make that connection. Yet Jesus expected him to know.

Now that you know… Would you delay and be unwise in that moment of redemption into the new kingdom where life is?

The unwise thing to do is remain in a state of condemnation where the power is Sheol controls.

You can change things right now. You must be born again.