Tag: Isaiah 9

When This is That: A Man is Needed

On By TimIn Death, Isaiah 09, Jesus, ResurrectionLeave a comment

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.  (, MEV)

Isaiah 9:6

This text is a portion of Handel’s Messiah. That’s how I have it memorized, complete with the music, and how it Is sung. In the composer’s mind, Wonderful is a standalone name of Jesus Christ. As is Counselor.

I don’t think there is really any argument that this text is referring to Jesus Christ. He is called God’s Son. He is Unique in nature. I think that will become very clear.

There are many who get confused about how God portrays Himself in His Word. Technically, the Word is Him, too. By John 1, that is made clear.

He also says of Himself that there is none like Him. Meaning there is no frame of reference for comparison.

Isaiah 9:6 portrays God, specifically Jesus Christ. Oddly, the Child given, the Son born, He is called Eternal Father. How can the Son of God be the Eternal Father God?

That seems confusing. Buckle up!

This also comes from the Lord of Hosts,
who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.

Isaiah 28:29

It seems that Isaiah, writing God’s words, is drawing attention with those two words again. The Lord of Hosts is wonderful in counsel. The Lord of Hosts is Jehovah Sabaoth.

If you’re not picking up what God is telling of Himself… Jesus is Jehovah God. He is the Jehovah of Hosts. The One Who commands the armies of Heaven. The One Who goes to war. Of course, the idea that comes to mind may be this:

I saw heaven opened. And there was a white horse. He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written, that no one knows but He Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood. His name is called The Word of God. The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.

Revelation 19:11–14

There is a whole prophetic panorama to which this is a part. Jesus is prophesied to come as a newborn human baby, the Son given by God. He is obviously highly esteemed even in the Godhead. He is also called the Prince of Peace. This seems to an opposing idea to the Lord of Hosts. The passage in Revelation above speaks of a time of great judgment that comes on the people of the Earth when Jesus returns. He will handily vanquish His enemies, having the evidence clearly presented on His white robe.

There is far more than just this… Yet there is enough given for a foundation toward understanding… Jesus is God. Which brings this around to the age-old supposed gotcha question, “But did Jesus ever say He is God?”

Personally, being familiar with many passages in the Tanakh, understanding the audience He spoke to, and considering the phrases and words He used… It is a resounding “Yes!”

The casual reader may not ever pick that out. So why is that important?

Consider this passage:

Again, Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and you will die in your sins. Where I am going, you cannot come.”
So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself? For He said, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ ”
He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
They said to Him, “Who are You?
Jesus said to them, “Just who I have been telling you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true. So I tell the world what I heard from Him.”
They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father. So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing of Myself. But I speak these things as My Father taught Me. He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.

John 8:21–30

Look at that last sentence. What was said in this passage that caused many to get saved?

What does it mean they believed in Him?

Working backwards, some clues can help make it clear. Many then didn’t know that Jesus was speaking of the Father. Who is the God of the Israelis. It is John’s additional contextual clues that demand attention.

It came from a question; the people present wanted to know Who He is. They asked, “Who are you?” This came, even after He had told them exactly Who He is.

“For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” The English is a factual translation. The word He is added to make correct English. What Jesus really said is, “For unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins.”

Either way, there were some present with Jesus who knew that Jesus was saying to them, unless one believes I am (Jehovah), they die in their sins.

I’m always fascinated by this stuff. I can understand the skepticism and confusion of some in the crowd. Yet not the same consideration is extended to the skeptics of today. It seems to come from the idea of how could Jehovah be a man?

It is hard to consider, even presently. The Bible says that Jesus, Jehovah God, did something unique.

Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, being in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
But He emptied Himself,
taking upon Himself the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men.
And being found in the form of a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name which is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5–11

This text tries to capture the high-level view, while drilling down into some details that must be considered. I think the many names ascribed to Jesus are from the Father, Who is obviously well-pleased with His Son. He humbled Himself to die. It was not just any death. The text mentions the cross, as death is the ultimate humility.

I have really big and deep thoughts here. Ones that are hard to explain. Suffice it to say, this Jesus suffered the ultimate humility, not just death alone… But a shameful one.

Yes, Jehovah died.

I know how unsettling that thought is! A proper understanding of what death is and is not helps here. Death is not non-existence. Death is what happens to physical human bodies. When Jesus died, He did not cease existing. That is a key foundation to hold.

I think it is one of those really deep things that the God I know suffered the humility of death. He has been there and defeated it.

Yet, He had to die.

Paul writes a long treatise on the greatest victory ever. It is in 1 Corinthians 15. That victory is the resurrection! That one event is the greatest victory, ever, anywhere! He could not have risen again, unless He died first. That can only happen to a physical human body.

It was a war on death itself.

In this mountain the Lord of Hosts shall prepare
for all people a lavish feast,
a feast of aged wines,
choice pieces full of marrow, and refined, aged wines.
He will destroy in this mountain
the covering which is over all peoples,
even the veil that is spread over all nations.
He will swallow up death for all time,
and the Lord God will wipe away tears
from all faces;
and the reproach of His people He shall take away
from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken it.

Isaiah 25:6–8

For the reformers who embrace limited atonement, this passage eliminates that idea. The victory is over the thing that affects all peoples and all nations. That thing is death. Who is it that swallows up death for all peoples and all nations for all time?

It is Jehovah of Hosts… Jesus Christ.

As an aside, when I read this passage, there are precise details here that may be missed. It is Jesus Who goes to war. It is the Holy Spirit that ministers to people, wiping away their tears. It is the Father declaring the plan.

Jehovah had to be a Man to conquer God’s enemy… Death. The Bible clearly states that the last enemy to be defeated will be death.

The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

1 Corinthians 15:26

I find it fitting that there is one prophet who laid this all out beforehand. Knowing Jesus is the Right Hand of Jehovah and that death is the real enemy, this song of Moses and Israel comes to new life. Israel faced certain death, walled in on a beach with Pharaoh’s army quickly approaching. Who is the One Who wars against death?

Jesus.

This is that. When Moses says Jehovah is a man of war, it is true and prophetic, because only a Man can die. And only a Man can wage war on death. Only a Man can defeat death by resurrection. All hail King Jesus!

Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord and spoke, saying:
“I will sing to the Lord,
for He has triumphed gloriously!
He has thrown the horse and his rider
into the sea!
The Lord is my strength and song,
and He has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
The Lord is a man of war;
the Lord is His name.
Pharaoh’s chariots and his army
He has thrown into the sea;
his chosen captains also
are drowned in the Red Sea.
The depths have covered them;
they sank to the bottom like a stone.

“Your right hand, O Lord,
is glorious in power.
Your right hand, O Lord,
shatters the enemy.
In the greatness of Your excellence,
You overthrow those who rise up against You.
You send out Your wrath;
it consumes them like stubble.
With the blast of Your nostrils
the waters were gathered together.
The flowing waters stood upright as a heap;
and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

“The enemy said,
‘I will pursue. I will overtake.
I will divide the spoil;
my lust shall be satisfied upon them.
I will draw my sword,
my hand shall destroy them.’
You blew with Your wind,
and the sea covered them;
they sank like lead
in the mighty waters.

“Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like You,
glorious in holiness,
fearful in praises,
doing wonders?
You stretched out Your right hand,
and the earth swallowed them.

“In Your mercy You have led
the people whom You have redeemed;
You have guided them by Your strength
to Your holy dwelling.
The peoples have heard and are afraid;
sorrow has taken hold on the inhabitants of Philistia.
Then the chiefs of Edom were amazed;
the mighty men of Moab, trembling takes hold of them;
all the inhabitants of Canaan are melted away.
Fear and dread fall upon them;
by the greatness of Your arm
they are as still as a stone,
until Your people pass over, O Lord,
until the people whom You have purchased pass over.
You shall bring them in, and plant them
on the mountain of Your inheritance,
in the place, O Lord, which You have made for Your dwelling,
in the sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.
The Lord will reign
forever and ever.”

Exodus 15:1–18

Isaiah 9: The People

On By TimIn Isaiah 09, Jesus, ProphecyLeave a comment

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them the light has shined.

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

As we have seen in the previous post, it is the people who walk in darkness that see the great light. This is prophetically speaking, and in a literal sense speaks to the people of the nation of Israel. Yet we see that Galilee is to be the focus of the nations, this prophecy is a pattern. The people that walk in darkness apply to everyone. All of our minds are darkened by the corrupting influence of sin. That is why Paul wrote it this way:

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth through unrighteousness.

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

Sin hides the truth. It veils truth. It brings darkness. and because of sin, humanity is in a precarious position that is indicted by impending death. All men dwell in the shadow of death. Hebrews tells us that all men have an inescapable appointment with death.

As it is appointed for men to die once, but after this comes the judgment,

Hebrews 9:27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

After that death comes judgment. That’s the doom and darkness. Yet… That verse ends with a comma indicating the thought is not yet complete.

so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to save those who eagerly wait for Him.

Hebrews 9:28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the great Light. It’s Jesus! Isaiah is speaking to Him and His work to save all of humanity, first from the certain swift death justice for sin demands. He brings a stay of execution so that anyone may escape judgment.

It’s not just good news for Israelis, but for all men.

The night of the birth of Jesus… The sky erupted with stars. Yes, countless living stars proclaiming the goodness and goodwill. (Biblically, angels, and stars are treated as the same.) Doubtless, you know what happened.

And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night. And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid. But the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly there was with the angel a company of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men.”

Luke 2:8–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is good news! A Child is born unto men. But not just any child, One that would bring blessing to all. He would bring peace showing God’s goodwill toward humanity.

That’s the reality of what some celebrate today. The anticipation loaded in Isaiah’s words. The great Light had come and shined on the people, all of them. Even in Isaiah’s time.

Isaiah 9: Galilee

On By TimIn Isaiah 09, Jesus, ProphecyLeave a comment

Nevertheless there shall be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time He contemptuously treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

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

The prophet Isaiah is speaking of a time yet future for his contemporary Israelis. Instead of sending the lands mentioned into captivity, God will restore glory to them. Specifically, Galilee will become the future focal point of the nations of the world. Yet in the time of Isaiah, Galilee was a rather insignificant backwater.

This verse is also the only mention of Galilee in the prophets. In the order of the books in the Old Testament, it is the last reference to the region by the name Galilee.

It was in Galilee where the first sign of Jesus was done. It is considered the moment His Ministry began. That seemingly unnoticed yet long silence demonstrates the insignificance of the region that now commands attention.

Jesus left Galilee and went up to John the Baptist to be baptized. This is where God testified audibly to Who Jesus is. The Spirit testified visually.

As His Ministry grew, those in authority couldn’t help but to take notice. John records this in an interesting way. Those in the authority wanted Jesus arrested.

Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring Him?”
The officers answered, “No man has ever spoken like this Man.”
Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? Not at all. This crowd who does not know the law is accursed.”
Nicodemus, being one of them who came to Jesus by night, said to them, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”
They answered him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.”

John 7:45–52 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

At first, it was the religious authorities who didn’t know. One would think that the Pharisees would know their Scriptures, and notice that the attention of the nation is being drawn to Galilee. As Israel is under the rule, that concern would spread to the government of the nations of the world at that time.

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the Man was a Galilean.

Luke 23:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As with all prophecy, it’s a pattern given to be watchful for a match. That match can appear multiple times and in multiple ways. In this example, Jesus begins His Ministry in Galilee and consequently begins to draw the attention of the world to that region.

When Jesus spoke of His impending death to His disciples, take note of the place where they would go to Him.

But after I have risen, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Matthew 26:32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Matthew will continue to witness that Jesus is of Galilee.

Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”

Matthew 26:69 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What I am saying is testified to plainly in the Bible. When Peter preached at Cornelius’ house, it’s clear where Jesus started. (The testimony is so good, I will give most of it.)

Then Peter began to speak, saying, “Truthfully, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. But in every nation he who fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which He sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, the word, which you know, that was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. “We are witnesses of all that He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. But God raised Him on the third day and presented Him publicly, not to all the people, but to witnesses previously chosen by God, to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets bear witness that whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins through His name.”

Acts 10:34–43 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We see the pattern worked, and it expands. Jesus’ Ministry in a temporal body began in Galilee as Peter testifies. Just as Matthew tells us His Ministry in His Resurrected body began in Galilee.

Note some important details Peter introduced. God is no respecter of persons. That there are believers accepted by God from other nations. The disciples are called to deliver the message, that whoever believes in Him will receive not just forgiveness of sin, but remission of the same.

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. All the believers of the circumcision who had come with Peter were astonished, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and magnifying God.
Then Peter continued, “Can anyone forbid water for baptizing these, who have received the Holy Spirit as we have?” So he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Acts 10:44–48 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

They watched as the same Holy Spirit that baptized the Israeli disciples gathered on Pentecost (the inauguration of the church) fall on Gentiles. Gentiles could be Spirit-baptized believers, too.

This is yet another pattern we match back to Isaiah 9:1. And like the last mention of Galilee in the Tanakh, Acts 13 is the last reference to it by name in the New Testament.

Now we know that Galilee will be the gateway of the nations who come in peace to worship God. This pattern started with Jesus and will finish with Jesus. It points to yet a future time (for us) when glory is restored to Israel under the rightful King who will have dominion.

Keep all of this in mind as we move forward.

The Name: It is too Wonderful

On By TimIn Jesus, Judges 13Leave a comment

Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “What is your name, so that we can honor you when your words come true?”
The angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask my name? It is too wonderful.”

Judges 13:17–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Manoah is the father of the biblical strongman Samson. His wife was visited by the angel of the Lord. This we know as a Theophany or a pre-incarnate visit from Jesus. Manoah boldly asked for the angel’s name. It is answered.

I find it interesting that this is written long before the kings and prophets, and specifically Isaiah. It draws a particular target to a specific verse.

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)

The two words translated to wonderful are related and come from the same Hebrew root. The first usage in Judges is striking as the particular form of Hebrew hints at something secretively wonderful. Even the answer given to Manoah is ripe with intrigue.

The second usage is subtly different. It offers the idea of miraculous wonder. Again, given the way Isaiah writes, that idea is clearly conveyed in the text a human child is born, a divine Son is given.

I also hear that particular verse in Isaiah with the comma between wonderful and counselor. With the list provided, His name is too wonderful.

Therefore God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above every name,

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

It is the Name above every other Name. It is also the only Name by which anyone can be saved… That is rescued from perdition.

There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Acts 4:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is no other. When the Angle of the Lord said His name was too wonderful, it wasn’t braggadocios boast. It was a simple truth. Jesus is exalted above all.

He is the example for us and how to conduct ourselves.

Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. But He emptied Himself, taking upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the form of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He didn’t just teach us what servant humility looks like. He took on the dirt body we humans have. He submitted Himself to death, the penalty for our sins. (He didn’t have any.)

That Name is too wonderful. There are no words that can adequately explain all that it encompasses.

Yet… Every tongue will confess His Name and honor His position. For those under the earth, there is no benefit. But you are reading this now, there is a great benefit available for you. By calling on His name, you can receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Why wait?

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.

A Child is Born

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Jesus, Luke 02, SalvationLeave a comment

And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.

Luke 2:8–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was a night like any other for those shepherds. They were keeping watch over the clocks that would be used for the daily sacrifice in the temple in Jerusalem. From our perspective, shepherding is quaint and bucolic. Being a shepherd in that day was among the lowest of the rungs of that society. Meekly, they attended to their flocks with great care.

It was God (in Theophany) Who appeared to them suddenly. He came without notice of fanfare. His glory encompassed them in a flash. From darkness, it was suddenly brighter than daylight. It made them very afraid — as it would any of us.

But the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:10–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Fear not! It wasn’t a command to them. They are intended as words of comfort. God was announcing favor to those most undesirable. A shepherd’s testimony in that society trusted or even sought out. The favor announced to them wouldn’t be for them alone but to all people. Who could believe them?

Yet… This is Christmas!

God announces His favor to even you. I don’t know anything about you. If you’re like me, you couldn’t think God would be favorable in your direction. Yet He is. Christmas demonstrates it. For God has caused it to be written:

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)

Unto us, a child is born. That is for you and me, too. He is born just a wee human Babe from our perspective. God gave dearly… A Son. He didn’t give just any Son, but His unique Son. There’s not another like Him anywhere.

This Babe would eventually rule the world. He would be wise beyond His years. He is God, the One Who brings peace.

These are the good tidings to all people. God has set aside His anger toward people. Glory goes to God. Yet in the transaction, we get goodwill and peace from Him.

Suddenly there was with the angel a company of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men.”

Luke 2:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Take His Gift to you.