Merry Christmas

My dear friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, Dotse and I wish for you and your family the most wonderful Christmas Season ever, followed by a fantastic New Year. Please, let’s focus on Jesus Christ as the center of all our Christmas celebrations this year.

I will be taking a few days off starting December 23 and will resume the daily devotionals on January 6th. I look forward to being back with you next year.

Love, Jerry & Dotse  

 

I’m sorry about the “Merry Christmas” e-mail I attempted to send a little while ago.  Above are the words from that e-mail.

 

                                            

Christmas, Jesus' Birth

Chuckle: An Army recruit was on guard duty at 2 A.M. He did his best, but fell asleep about 4 A.M. He awoke to find the officer of the day standing before him. Remembering the heavy penalty for being asleep on guard duty, this smart young man kept his head bowed for another moment. Then he looked upward and reverently said, "A-a-men!"

Good Quote: "Yesterday is gone; forget it! Tomorrow never comes; don't wait for it. Today is here; use it!" --Unknown Author

THE BIRTH OF JESUS!

"And while they were there (in Bethlehem), the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn" (Luke 2:6-7 NLT).

For many years, when you walked in our front door at Christmas time, You would see a beautiful Hummel nativity scene that I purchased 30 years ago while stationed in Germany. It is precious to us not only because of its artistry, but because it visually captures the essence of the Christmas story for us like nothing else. Yes, we do other decorations, but the nativity brings us the most joy.

In our passage, we see a beautifully worded but simple account of the most miraculous and world-changing birth in all of human history. It doesn't matter that I have heard and read this story of the nativity hundreds of times, it never fails to touch my heart in a fresh and unique way. Although our first picture of Jesus is as a baby in a manger (animal feed trough), it should never be our last. The Christ child in a manger is a beautiful and lasting Christmas scene, but we cannot let the picture end there.

This tiny and helpless Jewish baby lived an amazing sinless life, died for your sins and mine, rose again on the third day, ascended to heaven, and will come to earth again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will rule the world and will sit in judgment of all people according to their decisions about him. Please don't let your mental picture of Jesus end with the nativity, but let Him be not only your personal Savior but the Lord of your life.

Notice how Mary wrapped the baby Jesus in strips of cloth (swaddling clothes). This wrapping of newborns was a common practice in Jesus' day and is still practiced in many Mideastern cultures. Obviously, such cloths were for warmth, but they also were used to give the infant a sense of security and safety. The cloths were also thought to protect the infant's internal organs.

Since he was laid in a manger, it's safe to assume Jesus was born in a dark and dirty animal stable -- not the atmosphere the Jews expected as the birthplace of the Messiah King. Stables were often caves with feeding troughs carved into rock walls. In my mind, it is only fitting that Jesus, as an humble servant, would enter this world in the most humble and unexpected way. Later in his life, Jesus said he "came here not to be served, but to serve others, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

A Christmas prayer: "Dear Lord, please restore the joy of Your salvation to us; let us experience the joy of Your presence in a refreshing new way this Christmas!" Amen.

Christmas, The Birth of John

Chuckle: "I got called back to a church which I didn't expect. I asked one of the deacons why. He said, 'We didn't want no preacher no how and you were the nearest no preacher we could get.' "

Quote: "The less I pray, the harder it gets; the more I pray, the better it goes." --Martin Luther

THE BIRTH OF JOHN

"Now it was time for Elizabeth's baby to be born, and it was a boy. The word spread quickly to her neighbors and relatives that the Lord had been very kind to her, and everyone rejoiced with her" (Luke 1:57-58 NLT).

John, the Baptist, was to be God's voice to prepare the hearts of the people for the coming of the long-awaited Messiah. Elizabeth was well past the child-bearing age, but God, through the angel Gabriel, had promised her and Zechariah a son. And, of course, Mary had been told by the angel Gabriel that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear a Son who would save the people from their sins. "When the baby was eight days old, all the relatives and friends came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, 'No! His name is John!' " (vv. 59-60).

At the time of John's and Jesus' birth, the circumcision ceremony was an important event in the life of every Jewish baby boy. During the ceremony, the people rejoiced with friends and family as the baby became part of God's covenant with his people. Passing family names down from one generation to the next was also extremely important in Jewish families. Thus everyone expected his name to be Zechariah, and were surprised by his being named John. But you may recall that the angel Gabriel had told Zechariah that the baby's name would be John (Luke 1:13).

In answer to their prayers, Gabriel had appeared to Zechariah to inform him that he and Elizabeth would have a son, even in their old age. He also told him the son's name would be John. Zechariah was skeptical that such a thing would happen. Because of his unbelief, the angel told him he would be unable to speak until after the baby was born (Luke 1:19-20). After months of silence, Zechariah praised God with his first words once his speech was restored. "So they asked the baby's father (Zechariah), communicating to him by making gestures. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone's surprise he wrote, 'His name is John!' Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God" (vv. 61-64).

Zechariah understood the mission of his son, John because Gabriel had explained to him that "He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival" (Luke 1:17). What an absolutely amazing sequence of events unfolded as the time approached for the birth of our Lord. One cannot read the story of John's birth, and that of Jesus, without doing as Zechariah did -- praising God from the very core of our being. As we focus on the Christmas story in 2016, rejoicing should be the reaction of all of us whose lives have been transformed by faith in the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" -- the Babe of Bethlehem.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

A Virgin Will Conceive

Chuckle: (church bulletin blooper): "The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, 'Break Forth Into Joy.'"

Quote: "Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from (within) it. He did not evolve out of history; He came into history from the outside." --Oswald Chambers

A VIRGIN WILL CONCEIVE

"Look! A virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him 'Immanuel,' (which means) God is with us" (Isaiah 7:14b NLT). "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6 NLT).

It's important for believers to have an appreciation for God's plan to send his Son into the world to live among us and to pay the price for our sins through his shed blood. Our passage was written some 800 years before Jesus' birth. This gives great credence to the fact that all Scripture is inspired of God and written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Belief in the virgin birth of Jesus is a cornerstone of our Christian faith. The term "virgin" in our text is the translation of a Hebrew word which describes a young woman who is unmarried even though she is sexually mature and of the age to be married. This young woman was destined to bear a son to be named Immanuel which means "God with us." Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah 7:14 to show fulfillment of this prophecy and identifies the virgin as Mary who bore a son, Immanuel the Christ.

God's people were experiencing dark and difficult times when Isaiah foretold Jesus' birth, as they were at the time of his actual birth. The coming Messiah would be the light of the world even in the darkest of times. The Holy Spirit being his Father, and the titles given him in Isaiah 9:6 allude to the deity of the Son to be born of a virgin. With Jesus birth came a message of hope foretold by Isaiah, and the establishment of his eternal kingdom in the hearts of people. He came as the redeemer of all people to deliver them out of the bondage of sin and the consequences thereof.

It is absolutely mind-boggling when we try to fully grasp the magnitude of God's love, mercy, and grace revealed in the Christmas story -- the story of the birth and ministry of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! "God gave him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9b-11 NIV).

God made one of the most complex and mind-boggling events in history so simple that even the common man could have enough understanding to stand amazed and rejoice in them. Let's take the time this Christmas to thank God for the gift of his love and the gift of his Son. And let's do so with great rejoicing!

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Showing Kindness

Chuckle: "What do reindeer have that no other animals on earth have? Baby reindeer."

Good Quote: "Twas a thief who said the last word to Christ: Christ took the kindness and forgave the theft." --Robert Browning

SHOWING KINDNESS

"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else" (1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV).

I wrote this ten years ago to the day. As you read, please think about the urgent need for kindness toward all those with whom we interact, and compare the level of kindness in people today with the way I described it ten years ago. 

A few days ago, Dotse and I were riding in the car and thinking about the approach of Christmas. I mentioned to her how kind everyone seems to be lately. We discussed it at length and wondered about it. My heart has been warmed in recent days by extraordinary kindness from people around me. I have always heard that Christmas tends to bring out the best in people, but this year something unusual is going on -- at least from my perspective.

I have recently had encounters with servers in restaurants, medical personnel, insurance advisors, financial specialists, and sales personnel, and everyone has been extraordinarily kind, courteous, and helpful. It's as if people have suddenly been inoculated against unkindness. Maybe the kindness serum has been mixed in with the new H1N1 flu vaccine!!. Not likely, you say. I agree. But maybe it's not from a vaccine but something even more powerful and effective.

Could it be that God is getting the attention of people who are becoming fed up with hateful, discourteous, dishonest, and hurtful attitudes that have been prevalent in our society in recent years. Selfishness, greed, and lust have made many of us disgusting people to be around. What's in it for me has replaced concern for the welfare of others. I wonder, also, if the severe economic downturn has prompted people to reexamine their values with the intent to discover the really important things in life -- relationships.

Notice in our passage that we, as believers, are first to be kind to one another. Then we are to show kindness to everyone else as well. "The Lord's servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people. They should gently teach those who oppose the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape the Devil's trap. . ." (2 Timothy 2:24-26 NLT). If you and I are living under the control of the Holy Spirit who resides in us, we will practice kindness because kindness is a supernatural fruit of the Spirit, along with love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22).

The unusual kindnesses that have been shown to me in recent days, have made me examine my own heart and prompted me to show more kindness in return. Treating people with kindness is such a simple solution to so many relationship problems. It's amazing that we aren't more faithful in its application. "A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble to himself" (Proverbs 11:17 NIV).

Love, Jerry & Dotse

When Crises Come

Chuckle: "I'd really like to die in my sleep like my grandfather. Not kicking and screaming like those others riding in the car with him."

Quote: "It is motive alone that gives character to the actions of men." --Jean De La Bruyere

WHEN CRISES COME

"Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, 'My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.' So Jesus went with him" (Mark 5:22-24 NIV).

As a pastor, my heart has often been deeply moved as I stood in the pulpit and looked out over a congregation, I saw people who were suffering through severe crises in their lives. Here are some examples of the pain and heartache that people suffer. There's the wife of an abusive husband. There's the grieving family who recently lost a loved one. There's a husband and father who has just lost his job. There are the parents in extreme emotional pain because of a rebellious child. Each of these situations represents a serious need for a loving, caring, ministering hand. 

More than likely you have been the recipient of a ministry of kindness and love in your own life in a time of crisis. If so, you are keenly aware of the comfort you felt from just knowing someone cared. Knowing that someone loves you enough to share your burden or hurt gives added strength to see you through even the most difficult of times. Jairus' heart was broken at the plight of his beloved daughter, and because of his sorrow, he set aside his pride and threw himself at the feet of Jesus. He was desperate for help and recognized both his need and his helplessness.

If you are suffering through a crises, the lesson for you here is that you must seek help if you are to make it through. Likewise, if you are aware of a crisis in someone else's life, Jesus would have you be sensitive to that need, as He was, and be willing to do what ever it takes to help that person endure the crisis and be strengthened by it. Because of his love and compassion, Jesus went with the man and restored life to his little girl who had died even as Jairus was searching for Jesus.

In Matthew 25, Jesus describes what our reaction should be to those in crises and need. We are to visit the sick, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, satisfy the thirsty, etc. Jesus saw such actions as indicative of our relationship with him, and he had harsh words for those who choose to ignore the needs in people's lives around them. We are taught to imitate Jesus in our ministry to others, and do so with the same love and compassion he has shown us.

So, if you are in a crisis, first draw close to your Lord, then swallow your pride, and seek help. If you know someone in crisis, make the time to minister to that need in the name of Jesus as you would want someone to minister to you. It is a struggle for each of us as Christians to find the right words or action that will help alleviate the pain. But the important thing is for us to be willing to help. Then God will show us the best way to minister to a given need. God will bless you as you bless others!

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Why Do I Exist?

           

Chuckle: At Sunday School, they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and she said, "Johnny, what is the matter?" Little Johnny responded, "I have pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife!"

Ponder This: “Mankind's role is to fulfill his heaven-sent purpose through a sincere heart that is in harmony with all creation and loves all things.” --Morihei Ueshiba

WHY DO I EXIST?

"For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible. . . everything got started in God and finds its purpose in him" (Colossians 1:16 MSG).

Do you ever think about and wonder how much value you are to God and to others around you? I suppose it is a common human trait to want our lives to amount to something -- to have value -- to make a difference. We like to think the world is a better place because we are alive. However, sometimes we become convinced that we are relatively insignificant and really aren't very important in God's grand scheme of things. Many people suffer from feelings of low self-worth which can bring on depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.

The truth is that you were made by God and for God. Until you understand this, life will never make sense. You have heard the old saying, "necessity is the mother of invention." In other words, the purpose of an invention/creation of anything is preceded by a need or purpose to be fulfilled by that creation. In the same way that you may have made something to fulfill a purpose, God has a purpose for your life to fulfill a need/desire in his heart. You and I are here on earth because God has a purpose for our lives.

Some time ago, I preached a message on this subject. I began by holding up a strange looking and ancient contraption and asked the congregation if anyone could tell me the purpose of the gadget. Some tried, but most were not sure. I made the point -- if you really want to know the purpose of a gadget, or your life, ask the one who made it. . . . God made you, so look to his Word for the answer to the question, "what is my purpose in life?"

It doesn't matter what your age is, if you have not come to terms with your purpose in life, it's not too late to discover God's plan for your life. Through prayer, study of God's Word, and input from others you can find purpose. Once you have a sense of purpose, it will surprise you how God will speak to you about how you can fulfill that purpose. He will provide you opportunity to accomplish his purpose for your life. You are unique, one-of-a-kind, and God has a purpose for you uniquely suited to your spiritual gifts, other abilities, and personality. A sense of purpose will add to your peace and contentment, and bring clarity of God's call on your life.

"A man (or woman) without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder--a waif, a nothing, a no man. Have a purpose in life, and, having it, throw such strength of mind and muscle into your work as God has given you." --Thomas Carlyle

Have a great weekend as you reflect on your purpose in life!

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Words From the Cross (7), Trusting God

Chuckle: "You are beautifully mature when you reach down to smooth the wrinkles out of your socks and realize the wrinkles aren't in your socks!"

Quote: “The Cross is a picture of violence, yet the key to peace, a picture of suffering, yet the key to healing, a picture of death, yet the key to life.” --David Watson

WORDS FROM THE CROSS -- TRUSTING GOD

Then Jesus shouted, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" And with these words he breathed his last (Luke 23:46 NLT).

Never has there been a more ghastly scene than when the one and only Son of God, the Sinless One, was brutally put to death by crucifixion. To the world, his death meant defeat, but the event along with Christ's resurrection brought the greatest victory the world has ever known. Jesus last words were not only a prayer of relief at the mercy offered by death, but also a cry of joyful victory that He had endured and completed his redemptive mission. "It is finished!" (John 19:30)

Today, we conclude our lessons on the Words of Jesus From the Cross with the most trusting prayer ever prayed at death. Like a tired child sinks into the arms of his loving father, Jesus sank into the waiting arms of his Father. What a difference it would make in our lives if we could trust our Heavenly Father as Jesus did.

The last words people speak on this earth are special, and Jesus' last words were especially significant. As he was about to commit himself to the Father, he quoted the Psalmist (31:5) in which David recognized God's mercy, faithfulness, and ability to protect and deliver. The Psalmist was asking for deliverance from death while Jesus asked for deliverance through death unto everlasting life. He made the words of an ancient prayer his own. He had lived the perfect life; and now he was dying the perfect death. He could call God Father in a way that was impossible for any other.

Genuine peace and security are the things only God can give us. The illusion that security can be found in worldly pursuit drives people to do foolish things. True security can be found only in God by authentic faith in his only Son, Jesus Christ of Calvary. God gives eternal security as well as peace and security in this life. A child's existence does not begin at birth. The child has already existed for nine months. At the point of birth, only the conditions of that existence change. So the believer can also view death in this way. At the point of death, the conditions of our eternal life change -- but not the fact that we do indeed already have eternal life if we know Christ as Savior.

If we want to know the joy that Jesus knew in His victorious cry at death, we must make the complete commitment He made. We must literally give our lives to the God that not only loves us, but has provided for our salvation in the death of Christ and will remove the guilt of our sin when we surrender ourselves to Him. Nothing else is sufficient or necessary! How beautiful it is to see someone possess quiet peace and confidence from their relationship with the Savior! I pray you have already trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. If you have not, to do so would be the wisest, safest, and most needed thing you could ever do.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Words From the Cross (6), Finished

Chuckle: "You are wonderfully mature when you and your teeth no longer sleep together!"

Quote: “The Cross is a tree set on fire with invisible flame, that illumines all the world. The flame is love.” --Thomas Traherne

WORDS FROM THE CROSS -- "IT IS FINISHED"

A jar of wine (vinegar) was setting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished" (John 19:29-30 NLT).

Today, we see the completion of God's redemptive plan. Until this time, a complicated system of sacrifices had atoned for sins. From the time of Adam and Eve, people have been separated from God by sin, and only blood sacrifices could bring forgiveness. Jesus, however, became the ultimate, final, and once for all sacrifice by his shed blood on the cross. The word "finished' means "paid in full." God's purpose for sending His one and only Son, was to finish God's work of redemption and salvation -- to pay the penalty for your sins and mine.

At least twice in Jesus' ministry, he proclaimed victory. One was at the beginning of his ministry and the other at the close. You will recall when he finished Satan's third temptation in the wilderness, he shouted, "Get thee behind me, Satan!" (Matthew 4:10 KJV), declaring victory over Satan's temptations. Now at the close of his ministry, he cried out in final victory, "It is finished!"

The first shout of victory followed forty days of hunger and temptation. The last followed many hours of anguish and excruciating suffering. No pressure was great enough to cause Jesus to divert from being God's suffering servant and sin bearer for the world. Even at our best, we are weaklings and often lose our resolve and direction, but Jesus was different! He never wavered from his course and never grumbled. He kept His eye on the Father and His purpose. He would not turn back. He was determined to finish His task which the Father had given Him. His cry of victory, "It is finished!" reveals three truths worth taking to heart.

First, Jesus has completed his suffering on our behalf. The suffering of Jesus was in full accordance with God's eternal plan and purpose. He bore on His body all that you and I deserve to suffer for our sins throughout eternity. This truth is too profound for us to fully comprehend! Jesus' suffering did not begin on Calvary; he was dogged by the Pharisees and Sadducees who made His life miserable by finding fault with everything He did. He was persecuted at ever stage in his ministry. But His greatest suffering came in Gethsemane and on the Cross: (1) He was beaten with thongs laced with pieces of bone or lead; (2) A crown of thorns was placed on His head and a purple robe put on Him; (3) He was nailed to the wooden cross. The price was paid.

Second, the prophecies of Jesus' life and death have been fulfilled. From the Garden of Eden through the last chapter of the last book of the OT, we have the "Messianic Strain." Every book makes Jesus known and presents a "drama of redemption." Every one has something to say about God's eternal purpose in the world. They predict the coming of Jesus and His death, burial, and resurrection. God's purpose was not to be thwarted. Every prophecy, every ceremony, and every ritual concerning the Savior's death for our sin were fulfilled.

Third, God's plan for our salvation has been finished. All that was necessary to atone for humankind's sin has now been accomplished. Of course, the glorious resurrection had to follow, but the price had been paid. The Father raised up the Son -- the Son paid the price. Jesus had completed the work God sent Him to do. It was finished! Praise!!

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Words From the Cross (5), Thirst

Chuckle: A wise old farmer's advice: "A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor."

Quote: “The cry of thirst which Jesus gave on the Cross was a statement of need. He spoke of a world in need; for the myriads who would hunger and thirst down the ages of history.” --Norman Goodacre

WORDS FROM THE CROSS -- THIRST

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled (Psalm 69:21), Jesus said, "I am thirsty" (John 19:28 NIV)

I have read that in the Swedish language the same word is used for thirst and fire. It describes the terrible agony that extreme thirst can bring to a person. Death producing thirst can burn like fire in one's mouth and throat as the all-consuming need for water intensifies. A person can live for weeks without food, but only a few days without water. It was inevitable that Jesus would have a terrible thirst as he was being tortured unto death on the cross.

When we consider Jesus' horrible thirst on the cross, it reminds us of other Biblical uses of thirst to teach spiritual truths. Early in his ministry, Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink of water(John 4:7). He used the occasion to introduce her to the kingdom of God and "living water." Those who drink this eternal water will never thirst again spiritually. Jesus began and ended his ministry on earth by asking for a drink of water. He often used thirst as a theme -- spiritual water for the soul and physical water for the body.

Jesus’ cry, "I am thirsty," seems relatively insignificant when compared to other brutalities Jesus suffered, in reality, it may have been the most severe torture of all. Dying of thirst is one of the most cruel and painful deaths. Have you ever been really thirsty -- so thirsty that water was all you could think about? I’m sure It is a hopeless excruciating feeling.

In answer to Jesus' plea, the soldiers gave him vinegar to drink. When we first read this, we are tempted to suppose that the soldiers intended to insult Jesus. A closer look at customs of that day, however, shows that vinegar was the common drink of the Roman army and likely to be readily available. Elsewhere, we read that Jesus was offered a medicated potion, wine mingled with myrrh, to deaden his pain. But He refused to meet death in a stupefied state. I can’t help believing that if He had escaped the pain and suffering through some sort of medication, he would not have born our sins completely. The vinegar, or sour wine, was refreshing but did nothing to deaden His pain.

Calvary was not a pretty place. Have you ever grasped how truly ugly Jesus' sufferings were and how we should shudder every time we read the story? Because he suffered, millions have been blessed with forgiveness of sin, personal eternal salvation, and strength for everyday living. Even in his cry of thirst we see him bearing our sins in his own body on that “old rugged cross.”

When we have met the Jesus and surrendered our lives to him, we will no longer thirst, for our needs have been met and God's Spirit will have taken up residence in our hearts. "But whosoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14 NIV). The message from the cross is that Christ can quench our spiritual thirst because he once thirsted. He can make us alive because he conquered death.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Words From the Cross (4), Loneliness

Chuckle: Somebody asked me if I always wake up grouchy? I said, "No, sometimes I just let her sleep."

Quote: "He knows not his own strength who has not met adversity. Heaven prepares good people with crosses." –Unknown source

WORDS FROM THE CROSS -- LONELINESS

At about three o'clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani," which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me" (Matthew 27:46 NIV).

When our pain threshold is exceeded, we go into a state of semi-conscious delirium where normal stimuli cannot reach us. We wonder how far Jesus, as a human, had gone toward his pain threshold when He cried out these words. But He was still conscious enough to reach back to Psalm 22:1 to express what He was feeling. By quoting this Psalm that pertained to God's purpose of redemption, He was giving witness that He was the Messiah. No doubt Jesus' physical agony was horrible beyond words, but even worse was the feeling of spiritual separation from his Father. Jesus suffered this double death to insure that you and I will never have to experience spiritual death with its eternal separation from God.

At Calvary, Jesus was traveling a lonely road in order to bring forgiveness to mankind. In our lives, there are also some duties we can share with others, but some must be faced alone. In Gethsemane Jesus had suffered just such an experience. There he prayed alone, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine" (Matthew 26:39 NLT). Now He was facing an even worse experience alone.

Of all the words Jesus spoke from the cross, these are the hardest to fully understand. Martin Luther said, "God forsaking God? No man can understand that." He was right, yet not completely right. For while "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19); and even though He "was come from God, and went to God" (John 13:3); He still died as a man. The early followers of Jesus were so touched by his cry of pain and loneliness, that they recorded it in Aramaic, the language in which Jesus spoke it.

Another difficulty in understanding Jesus' cry that God had forsaken him comes when we read his subsequent words from the cross as he entrusted (committed) his spirit into his Father's hands (Luke 23:46). It appears God did not totally forsake him; however, there is no doubt that as a man Jesus felt forsaken in his agony. Scripture teaches us that God is always watching over his own. Even in our darkest hours we have his promise of his presence with us. We all can remember experiences when we felt as if everyone had abandoned us -- maybe even God. But, one of the greatest heresies possible is to believe God forsakes his own. If you belong to God, he will be with you to the end! And we don't have to wait until we die to be in God's presence.

As a human being, Jesus suffered; a fact we must never forget. Although his Father was with him in times of loneliness and heartache, there came a time when Jesus had to pay the supreme sacrifice for human sin. No theologian can fully explain why it was necessary for Jesus to die in order for humans to live. But God willed that humans could only be saved from their sins by a divine sacrificial substitute -- and he had to do it alone as the once for all perfect sacrifice. Yet, Christ could have called on his Father "who will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels" (Matthew 26:53). "Nails Held Him there, but love made Him stay!" Jesus endured the agony, loneliness, and abandonment because of his love for you and me. What are we willing to endure because of our gratitude and love for Him?

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Words From the Cross (3), Duty

Chuckle: "When you become dissatisfied and wish you were young again, think about algebra!" --Will Rogers

Great Hymn: “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.” –Isaac Watts

WORDS FROM THE CROSS -- DUTY TO FAMILY

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple (John) whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, the disciple took her into his home (John 19:26-27 NIV).

Much about the relationship of Jesus with his mother remains a mystery, however, there must have been a deep love between them. Mary was the only person that knew by experience that Jesus was virgin born. Everyone else, including Joseph, had to accept that truth by faith. After all the events leading up to Jesus' birth, Mary "treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19 NIV). Mary suffered great grief and heartache as she watched her firstborn Son condemned and hanging on a cruel cross. However, she received some kind and loving words from Jesus when he said to John, "here is your mother." In his dying hours, he was mindful of her and made provision for her by entrusting her care into the hands of a trusted disciple and friend.

Even though Jesus' third utterance from the cross may seem to have a less profound and important message for our spiritual lives than the others, it may, in reality, have the most. Our love and concern for our families and the weakest around us exemplifies the attitude of Jesus when he reached out to those many others would have shunned as less important and not worthy of their attention. Have you observed that quite often, we treat those closest to us with less courtesy, compassion, and kindness than we do for casual acquaintances?

Even as He died, Jesus, as the eldest son, considered it his duty to provide for the welfare of His mother. His earthly father, Joseph, must have been dead by then, and Jesus asked John to care for his mother. In his time of agony, Jesus saw not only the weak men but the weeping women, especially His mother. With tenderness and love, he made certain she would be properly cared for and respected. He fulfilled his duty as her son and set an example for us in how we should relate to our mothers and fathers. Other than salvation, our families are our most precious gifts from God, and we should value them and care for them no matter the circumstances. This means putting their welfare ahead of our own. We should never neglect our loved ones.

Today, let's think of ways we can show exceptional love and kindness to those who are most precious to us -- our spouses, our parents, our children, and other family members. By doing so, you will bring them great joy and comfort, and God will bless you with joy of your own.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Words From the Cross (2), Salvation

Chuckle: Alex: “Weren’t you afraid when the robber pulled a knife on you?” Will: “No, I knew he wasn’t a professional. The knife still had peanut butter on it.”

Quote: “The Cross is where history and life, legend and reality, time and eternity, intersect. There, Jesus is nailed forever to show us how God would become a man and a man become God.” --Malcolm Muggeridge

WORDS FROM THE CROSS -- SALVATION

Jesus said: "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43 NIV).

As Jesus died on the cross, God used the anger of human beings to glorify himself. It also offered Jesus an opportunity to display his great love, grace, and mercy even as his own life slipped away. Today, let's look at the interaction between the repentant criminal and Jesus as they hung there on their respective crosses.

We often hear the phrase, "his/her last words were. . ." Some of the most enduring quotes are the final words of people before their deaths. The last words of the two criminals crucified with Jesus show the great contrast between them and revealed the type people they were. One continued to reject and mock Jesus with a sneer to the very end. The other must have understood the spiritual nature of Jesus' message and requested to be a part of Christ's kingdom. Our passage is the loving response of our Savior to the man's "deathbed" confession of his sins. Jesus said the man would share a life with him beyond the grave.

It doesn't matter how old you are or how many years you have lived a life of sin and rebellion against God, you can repent of your sins and be saved by God's grace through faith -- anyone can. A wise pastor once said: "I believe in deathbed confessions. I believe one can be saved in his last moments. I've seen several, and I know deathbed confessions are valid and accepted by God."

There can be no doubt about the authenticity and sincerity of the thief's confession because Jesus validated it with his response. It seems the dying criminal had greater faith than the rest of Jesus' followers put together. The thief was saying, "I'm sorry for my sins. I accept you for who you say you are. Please let me share with you wherever you go." This is all any of us can do, regardless of our age or circumstance. No one is saved by being good, but by throwing oneself on the mercy of God through repentance and faith. When we approach God in this way, we have his promise that our sins will be forgiven and that we will spend eternity in His presence. "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9-10 NIV).

A certain atheistic barber was talking with a minister as they rode through the slums of a large city. The unbelieving barber said, "If there is a loving God, how can he permit all this poverty, suffering, and violence among his people? Why doesn't he save them from all this?" Just then an unshaved and filthy man crossed the street. He had long scraggly hair hanging down his neck. The minister pointed to him and said, "You are a barber and claim to be a good one, so why do you allow that man to go unkept and unshaven?" "Why, why . . ." the barber stammered, "He never gave me a chance to fix him up." "Exactly," said the minister. "Men are what they are because they reject God's help!"

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Words From the Cross (1), Forgiveness

Chuckle: "Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint." --Mark Twain

Quote: "There he hangs, nailed to the Cross in the darkness and He loves us still." --Fr Andrew SDC

WORDS FROM THE CROSS -- FORGIVENESS:

"Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34 NLT).

Here, Luke records the first of Jesus’ seven utterances while he was hanging in agony on the cross, and His words give us insight into why He died. Three of the sayings were directed to His Father, and four to the people witnessing his crucifixion. The first laid the foundation for the ones to follow. If Jesus had not had a forgiving spirit toward his tormentors, he never could have been the world's Savior. Even in the face of human hatred and injustice, Jesus revealed the extent of His divine love and forgiveness.

At Calvary, three people died, Jesus and the two criminals/thieves, and there were three different approaches to the deaths that occurred. One died without hope because he was stubbornly unrepentant and rejected God's love. One died pardoned from sin because he repented and pled for mercy: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42 NIV). The One on the center cross died for the sins of mankind because He was the only one who could. Jesus' death came as a beam of eternal light in a dark world.

We must understand that Jesus' prayer for forgiveness (Father, forgive them) was not a universal request, but referred to those who were putting Him to death. The gospel teaches that for people to be forgiven and saved, they must repent of their sins, individually, and place their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. What then was Jesus asking his Father to do? As it relates to salvation, forgiveness releases us from the guilt and consequences of our sinful acts and attitudes. This forgiveness requires repentance on the part of those seeking forgiveness. Paul uses the word justification to describe those who have been saved and have begun the Christian life.

Forgiveness can also mean giving of one's self to restore a relationship (soul-union) between the one who was wronged and the one who did the wrong. God's forgiveness restores us to a personal relationship with him. This is why we must forgive to fully understand God's forgiveness. Those who have never forgiven cannot fully understand what takes place when God, for Jesus' sake, forgives them. Jesus said, "Love your enemies . . . and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44 NIV). Implicit in Jesus' prayer on the cross was the request that God gives his enemies opportunity to be sorry for their terrible sin, repent of their sins, and turn to the Savior.

A person becomes a Christian by experiencing God's forgiveness through what Christ did on the cross as atonement for sin that was perfected in his resurrection. I believe Jesus was asking His Father to withhold condemnation of those who crucified Him until they became aware of what they had done and repented of their sins. God has done that for you and gives you opportunity to receive Christ as Saviour and Lord. A beautiful poem: "The sandal tree perfumes, when riven, The axe that laid it low; Let man who hopes to be forgiven Forgive and bless his foe." --Source Unknown

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Why Jesus Died, Part 3

Chuckle: "Being a husband is like any other job -- it helps if you like the boss!!!"

Quote: "When Christ commanded us to be lights of the world, He had in mind brilliant beacons, not spiritual lightning bugs." --William Arthur Ward

JESUS DIED TO BRING YOU TO GOD

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God" (1 Peter 3:18 NIV).

Picture with me a giant chasm with you on one side and God on the other. The chasm is too wide and deep for you to jump across or build a bridge of your own making. From a human standpoint, there is no way for you to reach God. This giant chasm represents your sin that separates you from God, and there is no way for you to get to God on your own. But then the miracle of miracles happened -- God sent His one and only Son to bridge that chasm and allow you and me into God's presence forever.

Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6 NIV ). Jesus Christ is the bridge from sinful mankind to a holy and righteous God. There is no other way. Jesus said He is "the way," not one among many ways of coming to the Father. He is "the truth" that affirms the reality of all God's promises.

As "the life," Jesus joins His divine life to ours and only through Him can we receive eternal life as a child of God. When we are saved by God's grace through faith in Christ, we not only come to God but we become related to Him as His child. "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12 NIV).

So, we see in our passage that Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins and to clothe you in His righteousness, but He also died to bring you to God and into loving relationship with God Himself. Not only does God want you to become His child, He also wants an intimate daily fellowship with you. He wants you to love Him and relate to Him in every aspect of your life.

God wants to be your heavenly Father with whom you walk closely every day. He desires for you to relate to Him in prayer, Bible study, and worship (adoration and service). When we Christians reflect on the truth that Christ died to span the chasm of our sin and bring us to God, it doesn't make much sense for us to keep God at a distance in our daily lives. We should want to get up close and personal with Him. It's this intimate personal loving relationship with your Lord that brings unspeakable joy into your life.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Why Jesus Died, Part 2

Chuckle: "Middle age is when you've met so many people that every new person you meet reminds you of someone else." --Ogden Nash

Good Quote: “Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness.” --Bruce R. McConkie

JESUS DIED TO MAKE YOU RIGHTEOUS

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." (1 Peter 3:18 NIV).

This passage reminds us that we have no righteousness in and of ourselves. "There is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10 NIV). When Paul penned these words, his meaning was that "no one is innocent" -- no one is without sin. The term, "righteousness," simply means "rightness" before God. As proclaimed by Jesus, it is a gift to those who are granted the kingdom of God. By faith in Jesus Christ and his work of atonement a person receives God's righteousness. This truth should take away any thoughts we might have that we can somehow be good enough to become acceptable to God without divine assistance.

Some other truths are: God created us in his image, we are valuable to Him, and He loves us as only He can love. Sadly, even though we are of extreme value to God, we all have fallen into sin. But glory be to God, He will forgive us if we turn to Him. By His grace He has redeemed us through the atoning sacrifice of His Son. According to God's Word, we cannot deny our sinful condition and our desperate need of a Savior. When we come to this realization, it should motivate us to turn toward Christ.

Perhaps this passage will sharpen our understanding that it is only through Christ that we can have the "rightness" before God necessary for our eternal salvation. "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV). When we become Christians, the righteousness of Christ becomes our righteousness. Then when God looks at us, He does not see our sin, but sees the righteousness of Christ with which we have been clothed. We have become righteous in His sight.

The following reminds us that when we become clothed in righteousness we can resist the temptations of the world. ". . . clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature" (Romans 13:13-14 NIV). As Christians, we can do this in the power of God's Holy Spirit who lives within us.

Love, Jerry & Dotse