Category: John

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Scars of Victory

Last night as I was falling asleep, I began thinking about Jesus’ nail scarred hands. In the natural we often see scars as ugly, unsightly, something that needs to be covered but in reality, scars are a sign of a battle and a victory.

“It was evening of the first day of the week. The followers had gathered together with the doors locked because they were afraid of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said, ‘May you have peace.’ 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. When the followers saw the Lord, they were filled with joy.” John 20:19-20 NLV

Jesus’ scars showed the disciples the battle He had faced. They had been there, at the foot of the cross. They had seen the nails pierce His hands and His feet. They saw the spear cut through the flesh of His side. They saw Him die and their hearts filled with fear and defeat.

But now He stood before them and with His words He banished fear and with His scars He showed victory and brought joy.

“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” I Peter 2:24 NLT

His wounds, inflicted in the battle of His life, now have a testimony of healing.

“21 Then Jesus said to them again, ‘May you have peace. As the Father has sent Me, I also am sending you.’ 22 When Jesus had said this, He breathed on them. He said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you say that people are free of sins, they are free of them. If you say that people are not free of sins, they still have them.’” John 20:21-23 NLV

Once again Jesus speaks peace over them. He knows that fear tries to force out faith. Jesus didn’t start His ministry until the Holy Spirit descended on Him and now He is commissioning His disciples for the work ahead with the same Spirit.

“24 Thomas was not with them when Jesus came. He was one of the twelve followers and was called the Twin. 25 The other followers told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ He said to them, ‘I will not believe until I see the marks made by the nails in His hands. I will not believe until I put my finger into the marks of the nails. I will not believe until I put my hand into His side.’

26 Eight days later the followers were again inside a house. Thomas was with them. The doors were locked. Jesus came and stood among them. He said, ‘May you have peace!’ 27 He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger into My hands. Put your hand into My side. Do not doubt, believe!’  28 Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ 29 Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you believe. Those are happy who have never seen Me and yet believe!’”

Jesus is saying that to us. “Blessed are those who haven’t seen Me and believe”. We are blessed because we believe the message of the cross; we have heard that the scars are a sign of our salvation. They are scars of victory!

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Up Before Dawn

I have always found it hard to sleep the night before I had something big to do the next day. I can only imagine how it must have been for Mary and the other women as they prepared to go to the tomb. Jesus’ burial had been hasty and they were going now to properly care for His body.

Up, before dawn, they were on their way. Who would roll back the stone? Would the soldiers arrest them because they were Jesus’ followers? No matter the questions, they went.

“The Sabbath was over, and it was almost daybreak on Sunday when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 Suddenly a strong earthquake struck, and the Lord’s angel came down from heaven. He rolled away the stone and sat on it. 3 The angel looked as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards shook from fear and fell down, as though they were dead.” Matthew 28:1-4 CEV

I don’t know if the earthquake was felt throughout the entire city or just at the garden tomb but it was certainly something unusual. In fact, it was so frightening that season soldiers were paralyzed with fear.

When the women got there, the stoned was rolled away and the tomb was open. The angel appeared to the women and told them to go tell the disciples that Jesus was risen from the dead, just as He said he would.

“She ran to Simon Peter and to Jesus’ favorite disciple and said, ‘They have taken the Lord from the tomb! We don’t know where they have put him.’ 3 Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.” John 20:2-3 CEV

Peter and John got to the tomb and they went in. They found the cloth had He had been wrapped in and the cloth that had covered His face but there was no body. They left the tomb and went back to the other disciples but Mary stayed.

She was weeping. She stooped down to look inside, she knew Jesus wasn’t there so I’m not sure what she was hoping to see.

“and saw two angels inside. They were dressed in white and were sitting where Jesus’ body had been. One was at the head and the other was at the foot. 13 The angels asked Mary, ‘Why are you crying?’ She answered, ‘They have taken away my Lord’s body! I don’t know where they have put him.'” John 20:12-13 CEV

She was probably startled or even frightened by seeing the angels but her concern was for Jesus. Where have they taken Him? She turned to leave and she saw who she thought was the gardener.

“Jesus asked her, ‘Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?’ She thought he was the gardener and said, ‘Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.’ 16 Then Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him, ‘Rabboni.'” John 20:15-16 CEV

In her darkest hour, in her deepest grief, Mary was looking for Jesus. While Peter and John left and went back the other disciples, Mary stayed. Wondering, searching, weeping.

And then she heard Him call her by name. She knew that voice, she heard the compassion in His tone. It was her Savior and Lord.

It was Jesus! He called her by name.

Our relationship with Jesus is a personal one. He was sent to die for the sins of the world but when we come into relationship with Him it becomes personal. When our eyes are filled with tears and our hearts are fighting fear, if we listen we will hear Him call us by name!

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Why Was Friday Good?

Why is this Friday called Good? Good for whom?

The Road to the Cross stopped here. The sky was dark. The temple curtain was torn in two. The earth quaked. Jesus died.

“Then Jesus gave another loud cry and gave up His spirit and died.51 At once the curtain in the house of God was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks fell apart.” Matthew 27:50-51 NLV

Certainly, it wasn’t good for Jesus disciples and followers. They were crushed and brokenhearted by the events which had just taken place.

Good for Mary? She saw her Son brutally killed. No, it wasn’t good.

“When the Roman officer saw what had happened, he praised God and said, ‘Jesus must really have been a good man!’ 48 A crowd had gathered to see the terrible sight. Then after they had seen it, they felt brokenhearted and went home. 49  All of Jesus’ close friends and the women who had come with him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched.” Luke 223:47-49 CEV

“Jesus’ mother stood beside his cross with her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas. Mary Magdalene was standing there too. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and his favorite disciple with her, he said to his mother, “This man is now your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “She is now your mother.” From then on, that disciple took her into his own home.” John 19:25-27 CEV

The devil probably thought it was a good day. The religious leaders and their council thought it was a good day.

“What we preach is God’s wisdom. It was a secret until now. God planned for us to have this honor before the world began. 8 None of the world leaders understood this wisdom. If they had, they would not have put Christ up on a cross to die. He is the Lord of shining-greatness.” I Corinthians 2:7-8 NLV

For the thief hanging on the cross beside Jesus it was a good day. For each one of us, it was a good day!

“ But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. ” Isaiah 53:5 NKJV

For God, the Father, it was good and for Jesus, it was finished!

“Christ never sinned but God put our sin on Him. Then we are made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.” II Corinthians 5:21 CEV

“After Jesus drank the wine, he said, “Everything is done!” He bowed his head and died.” John 19:30 CEV

“We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 ERV

As I’m concluding this writing the words of an old hymn are bubbling up from my soul. Written in 1707, this song tells my story “When I Survey the Wonderous Cross”.

1 When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.

3 See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

4 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

Yes, Good Friday! The day the road ended at the cross.

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Facing Trials

We all face trials. In fact, Jesus had just told His disciples to pray because they were going to have trials ahead. That’s why Jesus prayed, He needed strength to make it through the next few days, those days when His earthly road would end at the cross.

“Jesus replied: Do you really believe me? 32 The time will come and is already here when all of you will be scattered. Each of you will go back home and leave me by myself. But the Father will be with me, and I won’t be alone. 33 I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” John 16:31-33 CEV

I have defeated the world! And He did, but first there were the trials and the battle.

When Jesus was arrested in the garden the soldiers took Him to Caiaphas the high priest and the council. These were the men who had given Judas the money for the betrayal. They questioned Him and then led Him off to Pilate, the governor of Jerusalem. All of this was done in the wee hours of the morning.

“Everyone in the council got up and led Jesus off to Pilate.” Luke 23:1 CEV

Their charge: He claims to be the Messiah, our King. After Pilate questioned Jesus he said, “I don’t find him guilty of anything.” The Jewish leaders persisted and said He started this teaching in Galilee and it has spread here.

That was Pilate’s out. If Jesus was from Galilee He should be judged by Herod, who ruled that region. So, Pilate sent Him to Herod. Herod was excited to meet Jesus, he was hoping to see a miracle.

“He had heard many things about Jesus and hoped to see him work a miracle. 9 Herod asked him a lot of questions, but Jesus did not answer.” Luke 23:8-9 CEV

The chief priest and the council made many accusations about Jesus to Herod, but all Herod did was mock and insult Jesus. He dressed Jesus in a royal robe and sent Him back to Pilate.

“Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people. 14 He told them, ‘You brought Jesus to me and said he was a troublemaker. But I have questioned him here in front of you, and I have not found him guilty of anything that you say he has done. 15 Herod didn’t find him guilty either and sent him back. This man doesn’t deserve to be put to death! 16-17 I will just have him beaten with a whip and set free.’” Luke 23:13-17 CEV

But that wasn’t good enough for the council. They wanted Jesus to die.

“18 But the whole crowd shouted, ‘Kill Jesus! Give us Barabbas!’ 19 Now Barabbas was in jail because he had started a riot in the city and had murdered someone. 20 Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, so he spoke again to the crowds. 21 But they kept shouting, ‘Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!’

22 Pilate spoke to them a third time, ‘But what crime has he done? I have not found him guilty of anything for which he should be put to death. I will have him beaten with a whip and set free.’

23 The people kept on shouting as loud as they could for Jesus to be put to death. 24 Finally, Pilate gave in. 25 He freed the man who was in jail for rioting and murder, because he was the one the crowd wanted to be set free. Then Pilate handed Jesus over for them to do what they wanted with him.” Luke 23:18-25 CEV

The physical abuse that Jesus suffered was horrific.

“…the Lord gave him the punishment we deserved. 7 He was painfully abused, but he did not complain. He was silent like a lamb being led to the butcher, as quiet as a sheep having its wool cut off. 8 He was condemned to death without a fair trial. Who could have imagined
what would happen to him? His life was taken away because of the sinful things my people had done.” Isaiah 53:6-8 CEV

This was written by Isaiah approximately 400 years before Jesus died on the cross.

Jesus knew before He came to earth what a brutal death He would endure and He came willingly! He faced the trial so we could go free! AMEN!

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Unstoppable

Yesterday we saw Jesus facing down His greatness enemy and He emerged victorious.

“Jesus returned to Galilee with the power of the Spirit. News about him spread everywhere. 15 He taught in the Jewish synagogues, and everyone praised him.” Luke 4:14-15 CEV

He came back full of power and ready to take on the world with the Good News of God’s love and forgiveness. He went back to His hometown and this happened.

“he was given the book of Isaiah the prophet. He opened it and read, 18 ‘The Lord’s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers, 19 and to say, ‘This is the year the Lord has chosen.’

20 Jesus closed the book, then handed it back to the man in charge and sat down. Everyone in the synagogue looked straight at Jesus. 21 Then Jesus said to them, ‘What you have just heard me read has come true today.’ 22 All the people started talking about Jesus and were amazed at the wonderful things he said. They kept on asking, ‘Isn’t he Joseph’s son?’…

 You will tell me to do the same things here in my own hometown that you heard I did in Capernaum. 24  But you can be sure that no prophets are liked by the people of their own hometown…28 When the people in the synagogue heard Jesus say this, they became so angry 29 that they got up and threw him out of town. They dragged him to the edge of the cliff on which the town was built, because they wanted to throw him down from there. 30 But Jesus slipped through the crowd and got away.” Luke 4:17-30 CEV

Now wait a minute!

At the beginning of the message they were excited to have Jesus there but at the end when He said that He had fulfilled the Scripture and that they weren’t accepting of Him, they tried to kill Him.

These were people who had seen Him grow up, people who knew His parents, people who had been kids and he probably played with them. Something, someone, had stirred up such anger toward Jesus that they physically dragged Him out of town and were trying to throw Him off a cliff.

I think it’s interesting that just days before this the devil had tried to get Jesus to jump off a cliff to prove He was God’s son and now an angry mob is trying to throw Him off one but He slips away in the confusion of the mob.

He is unstoppable!

The road to the cross was not an easy one. One moment people love you and the next they are trying to kill you. In spite of all of this He kept preaching, teaching, healing, loving and showing compassion.

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

If Jesus had stopped walking that road we would be lost and have no hope for peace with God. Thank God Jesus was unstoppable!

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Making A Public Stand

After Jesus talked with the elders in the Temple at age twelve, we know nothing further of his life until He starts His public ministry.

“Years later, John the Baptist started preaching in the desert of Judea. 2  He said, ‘Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here.’ 3  John was the one the prophet Isaiah was talking about, when he said, ‘In the desert someone is shouting, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord! Make a straight path for him.’ …5 From Jerusalem and all Judea and from the Jordan River Valley crowds of people went to John. 6 They told how sorry they were for their sins, and he baptized them in the river.” Matthew 3:1-6 CEV

John and Jesus’ mothers were cousins. John was a few months older than Jesus. They grew up in different towns. They each had a God-given purpose; they each had a message to deliver. An angel told John’s father:

“Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you must name him John. 14 His birth will make you very happy, and many people will be glad. 15  Your son will be a great servant of the Lord. He must never drink wine or beer, and the power of the Holy Spirit will be with him from the time he is born. 16 John will lead many people in Israel to turn back to the Lord their God…This is how John will get people ready for the Lord.” Luke 1:13-17 CEV

Get the people ready for the Lord!

“John told them, ‘I use water to baptize people. But here with you is someone you don’t know. 27 Even though I came first, I am not good enough to untie his sandals.’ 28 John said this as he was baptizing east of the Jordan River in Bethany.

29 The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said: ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 He is the one I told you about when I said, “Someone else will come, who is greater than I am, because he was alive before I was born.” 31 I didn’t know who he was. But I came to baptize you with water, so that everyone in Israel would see him.

32 I was there and saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven. And the Spirit stayed on him. 33 Before this I didn’t know who he was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water had told me, “You will see the Spirit come down and stay on someone. Then you will know that he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” 34 I saw this happen, and I tell you that he is the Son of God.” John 1:26-34 CEV

John’s life had one purpose – to prepare the way for Jesus. Up to that time he had lived in the desert in basic obscurity but now, God had led him to a very public ministry. His message resonated in the hearts of people; they were looking for the Messiah. John wasn’t Him but he had a message about Him, “he is the Son of God”!

We also have been given a message to deliver.

“We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God. 21 Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so Christ could make us acceptable to God.” II Corinthians 5:20-21 CEV

John’s message announced the path that Jesus would take, the road to the cross. And now it’s time we go public and take the message of the cross to those around us!

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Navigating in the Dark

Have you ever tried to walk in the dark? In someone else’s house? Or on a dark road in nature? It can be scary, unnerving at best. It’s always helpful and encouraging to have someone there to shed some light on the path.

I think that’s how Joseph and Mary must have felt. They were navigating through the darkness of tradition and propriety. Old Testament law said that the penalty of sexual intercourse before marriage was death and at the very least, worthy of being ostracized by the family.

Enter Joseph.

“This is how Jesus Christ was born. A young woman named Mary was engaged to Joseph from King David’s family. But before they were married, she learned that she was going to have a baby by God’s Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was a good man and did not want to embarrass Mary in front of everyone. So he decided to quietly call off the wedding.

20 While Joseph was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, the baby that Mary will have is from the Holy Spirit. Go ahead and marry her. 21  Then after her baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. 22 So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23  “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:18-23 CEV

There is no cross without a manger. No Easter without Christmas.

“Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, 31  and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. 32  He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High.” Luke 1:30-32 CEV

“ All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11 CEV

The angels came with a message, with direction, with hope and peace. Generally, their first words were “don’t be afraid”. Fear needs to be dispelled so that we can comprehend the rest of the message.

A child, a Savior, the Son of God is born. He IS Christ the Lord and He WILL save His people from their sins!

Jewish babies were born all the time, but none were like this one. He came from God’s right hand and He was miraculously conceived. He had a purpose.

“A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God…26 The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah from the Lord…33 Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what Simeon said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, ‘Many Jews will fall and many will rise because of this boy. He will be a sign from God that some will not accept. 35 So the secret thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that happen will be painful for you—like a sword cutting through your heart.’” Luke 2:25-33 ERV

Here we have the young parents and the old, faithful servant of God. Young parents who have the responsibility of raising God’s Son. The old man, who knows how this child’s life will end. God is faithful to them both.

He is also faithful to us. He has promised to never leave or abandon us; He will shed light on our path, even in the darkest hours, and will provide light for our journey.

“…Everything that was created 4  received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone…” John 1:3-4 CEV

Because of the cross we never have to navigate the darkness alone!

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A Donkey’s Tale

Here we are just two weeks before Easter and our road to the cross is about to come to an end.

Years back I wrote a short story entitled, “A Donkey’s Tale”. Did you know that the average lifespan of a donkey is 27 to 40 years? This morning, I will retell that story; I hope it makes an impact.

“There were two donkeys in a stable. One quite old and the other young who had never been ridden. Things were getting quite busy in Jerusalem; people were coming from all over the country. Preparations were being made for the Passover celebration. It was only a couple weeks away.

The animals in the stable sensed the excitement.

The older donkey began to speak. His bray was soft and low as he recalled a memory from 30+ years before. He had been a young donkey then; his steps were steady, and his back was strong. He said, ‘I carried a young woman to Bethlehem. She was very pregnant, and her baby was due anytime. It was a long trip – it took 5, or was it 6, days to make the journey.

When we arrived in Bethlehem, it was crowded and busy, just like Jerusalem is now. There was no place for my owners to stay so they made room for them in the stable with me. During the night the baby was born. It was so exciting!

Before I knew it the stable had filled with shepherds. They said they came looking for the baby. They said angels had told them about His birth. He was God’s Son, Immanuel, God with us. Mary and Joseph just called him Jesus.

After several weeks we returned to Nazareth and were there when a caravan of very important people arrived looking for Jesus. They gave Mary and Joseph gifts for him, so many gifts. They had traveled so far just to worship Him.

After they left, an angel came, and he told Joseph that we should take Jesus far away because there was a king who wanted to kill him. In the night, Joseph saddled me, and I took them to Egypt. It was another long journey. We stayed away for a long time until it was safe for me to bring my family back home to Nazareth. I knew I was carrying a king.

As the older donkey finished his story the young colt lamented, ‘I wish my life would have a wonderful story like yours.’

“Everyone in Jerusalem, celebrate and shout! Your king has won a victory, and he is coming to you. He is humble and rides on a donkey; he comes on the colt of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9 CEV

Little did this young colt know that God would soon be using him in a similar way to the old donkey resting next to him.”

Now I know this is just a silly children’s tale, but it reminds me that we who are older should be used to encourage those who are younger in their faith. Don’t be discouraged, don’t give up.

“ My friends, watch out! Don’t let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. 13 You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called “today.” If you don’t, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn. 14 We were sure about Christ when we first became his people. So let’s hold tightly to our faith until the end.” Hebrews 3:12-14 CEV

Now let me finish my tale. Just a few weeks later our young donkey had an encounter that changed his life.

“Jesus found a donkey and rode on it, just as the Scriptures say, 15 ‘People of Jerusalem, don’t be afraid! Your King is now coming,
and he is riding on a donkey.’” John 12:14-15 CEV

One donkey’s road led to a manger: the other’s to the cross.

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The Road to Follow

When we started this series, I titled it “The Road to the Cross”. It is a road that took the people of the Bible 4000+ years to travel. Bible scholars tell us, according to genealogy and history, that it was approximately 4000 years from the garden to the manger.

I often think about the practical aspects of living in those times. How did people communicate with one another? There were really no “major” roadways through the countryside; trade routes were in the beginning stages of development. How long did it take Abraham to go from Ur of the Chaldees to the Promised Land? They didn’t have an Atlas, there was no roadmap to pick up at the local gas station and there was certainly no app for that.

But there was GPN – very similar to GPS but better. GPN, God Provided Navigation. Remember what the Lord told Abraham, “Go to the land that I will show you”.

“You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path. 11 Be true to your name, Lord, and keep my life safe. Use your saving power to protect me from trouble.” Psalm 149:10-11 CEV

Yesterday’s verses told us that Jesus is our shepherd, and we hear His voice and follow Him. We aren’t left to stumble around in the dark, searching for our own way. No, God, our loving Father, has a path for us to follow.

“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk. 106 Your laws are fair, and I have given my word to respect them all.” Psalm 119:105-106 CEV

“Thomas said, ‘Lord, we don’t even know where you are going! How can we know the way?’ 6 ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life!’ Jesus answered. ‘Without me, no one can go to the Father.'” John 14:5-6 CEV

Throughout history the Lord gave direction, led the way and set the path. There was a time when the nation of Israel was in rebellion to the Lord and His leading. They tried other ways, followed other gods, and established their own path but they weren’t successful in their endeavors.

When they repented and turned back to following the Lord and His word this is what the Lord told them:

“ The Lord has given you trouble and sorrow as your food and drink. But now you will again see the Lord, your teacher, and he will guide you. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, “This is the road! Now follow it.” 22 Then you will treat your idols of silver and gold like garbage; you will throw them away like filthy rags.” Isaiah 30:20-22 CEV

Again, you may ask, how do I know God’s path and the way He has planned? I’m so glad you asked. I learned early on that when I don’t have a definite verse in the Bible that gives direction like “Thou shalt not lie”, I can and should be led by God’s peace.

“The Lord says, ‘My thoughts are not like yours. Your ways are not like mine. 9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.

10 ‘Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return until they have watered the ground.
Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat. 11 In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do. 12 So you will go out from there with joy. You will be led out in peace.'” Isaiah 55:8-12 ERV

God’s way is so much better than ours. His words are powerful and make things happen. When we look to Him and His guidance, we have His promise that peace will fill our hearts as we follow.

The road to the cross leads us to the Prince of Peace!

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The Shepherd King

We saw yesterday how God used a young shepherd to defeat the Philistine army. One young man who trusted God and did not doubt God’s promises to defend and save His people.

Israel had a king. A man they had chosen to lead them; one who stood head and shoulders above all others. He was a man who was a born leader and an able fighting man but he didn’t have a heart for God.

David did.

“Israel’s leaders met with David at Hebron and said, ‘We are your relatives. 2 Even when Saul was king, you led our nation in battle. And the Lord promised that someday you would rule Israel and take care of us like a shepherd.’

3 During the meeting, David made an agreement with the leaders and asked the Lord to be their witness. Then the leaders poured olive oil on David’s head to show that he was now the king of Israel.” II Samuel 5:1-3 CEV

Saul had been killed in battle, along with his son Jonathan. The nation came to David for leadership. God had set David apart as a young man because his heart was pure and now the nation had chosen him as their leader.

Their words, “take care of us like a shepherd”, were his direction from the Lord. David knew how to defend the sheep he had cared for as a youth. While looking after his father’s sheep David had protected them against a lion and a bear. His songs brought them peace and comfort. He knew how to bind their wounds and lead them to good pasture. He would do the same for the nation of Israel.

He would lead them as a living example of the true King. Through David’s leading, the nations of the world would be led to the cross.

” Later, God removed Saul and let David rule in his place. God said about him, ‘David the son of Jesse is the kind of person who pleases me most! He does everything I want him to do.’ 23 God promised that someone from David’s family would come to save the people of Israel, and this one is Jesus.” Acts 13:22-23 CEV

How does a shepherd king rule? I’m so glad you asked that.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.
2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
3     and you refresh my life. You are true to your name,
and you lead me along the right paths.
4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup until it overflows.
6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life,
and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23

David had a gentle hand with his sheep and an iron fist with their enemies.

“When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice. 5 The sheep will not follow strangers. They don’t recognize a stranger’s voice, and they run away…10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully. 11  I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” John 10:4,5,10 & 11 CEV

When we follow the shepherd He will lead us to the cross.

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