Joy to the World! He is Risen!

 

I know we don't usually say Joy to the World on Resurrection Sunday, but that is truly when the joy happened!  My favorite song for this morning is "Easter Song" written by Annie Herring and recorded with her brother and sister in the group Second Chapter of Acts (listen here).  Keith Green does a fabulous job with it, too, you can hear his version here. Turn up the volume and sing along!

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be born again
Hear the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He is risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He is risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that we can be born again
Hear the bells ringing, they're singing
Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He is risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He is risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah!

Overtaken

I hope you all had a wonderful Resurrection Sunday!  Ours was magnificent.  Our youth department did a drama both Sunday morning and Sunday night.  Les and I were the representatives from the senior saints department - he was the narrator and I helped with the singing.  Our youth did a great job.  I am so thankful for what happened that weekend more than two thousand years ago.

My Bible reading this weekend included Deuteronomy chapter 28.  I can't read that chapter without remembering a time when Elder Morton told me that the blessings of God would overtake me.  I've written about it before, but as I sit here this morning, still basking in thankfulness for the ultimate sacrifice, I'm reminded again of just how blessed I am.

Deuteronomy 28:1-3 says:

1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.
3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

This chapter goes on to list many, many ways the blessings of God are promised.  But in verse 15, the tone changes:

15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:
16 Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.

This chapter has 68 verses -  14 are dedicated to blessings, while the other 54 focus on curses!  So while I am overwhelmed by blessings, I am equally thankful that I have not been overtaken by curses.  The curses of the unfaithful far outnumber the blessings of the faithful.

I don't know why there are those who live righteously and still have a life of pain.  I don't understand why Rod was born with hemophilia and was taken from us too soon.  I don't know why Mom was stricken with cancer when she was only 50.  While I don't understand and I'm certainly undeserving, I never, ever, want to be unthankful!  So this post is simply to take the time to say, "Thank You, Lord."

Joy to the World!

I know we don't usually say Joy to the World on Resurrection Sunday, but that is truly when the joy happened!  My favorite song for this morning is "Easter Song" written by Keith Green.  You can hear his version here.  Second Chapter of Acts does a fabulous job with it, too (listen here).  Turn up the volume and sing along!

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be born again
Hear the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He is risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He is risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that we can be born again
Hear the bells ringing, they're singing
Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He is risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He is risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah!

Fear Not! He Is Risen!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!  I hope you take the time to rejoice that we have a risen Savior!

The greatest "Fear Not" in the Bible happened at dawn on the first day of the week.  Once again, an angel was dispatched with news.  Matthew chapter 28 records:

1) In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2)  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3)  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4)  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5)  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6)  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7)  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8)  And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9)  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10)  Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Several commentaries pointed out the word "ye" in verse 5.  The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary put it this way, "And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye — The “ye” here is emphatic, to contrast their case with that of the guards. “Let those puny creatures, sent to keep the Living One among the dead, for fear of Me shake and become as dead men; but ye that have come hither on another errand, fear not ye."

The Biblical Illustrator by Joseph S. Exell, M.A. said this:
Fears dispelled
Why should not the seekers of Jesus fear?
I. Because in seeking Him, they have an evidence that He has sought them, and found them, and touched their hearts.
II. They that seek Christ should rejoice; for in seeking they shall certainly find.
III. In finding Christ, they find everything suited to banish their fears. Christ has magnified the law. Sin taken away that troubles the conscience; death disarmed of his sting; the grave of its terrors; the dominion of Satan destroyed.
IV. Nothing shall finally separate them who have sought and found Christ

I know I posted this song earlier this month, but here it is again.  My favorite song for this morning is "Easter Song" written by Keith Green.  You can hear his version here.  Second Chapter of Acts does a fabulous job with it, too (listen here).  Turn up the volume and sing along!  You can't have fear and joy at the same time.

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be born again
Hear the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He is risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He is risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that we can be born again
Hear the bells ringing, they're singing
Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He is risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He is risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah!

How to Face Uncertain Days

I spent time playing the piano yesterday. Most of the songs I chose were about the cross and the resurrection. One of the songs I played was "Because He Lives." The song was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither in 1971.  Most of us are familiar with verse 1:

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Verse 3 is also pretty familiar:

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Verse 2 is what caught my attention yesterday.  In an interview, Bill and Gloria said, "Because He Lives’ was written in the midst of social upheaval, threats of war, and betrayals of national and personal trust. It was into this world at such a time that we were bringing our third little baby. Assassinations, drug traffic, and war monopolized the headlines. It was in the midst of this kind of uncertainty that the assurance of the Lordship of the risen Christ blew across our troubled minds like a cooling breeze in the parched desert. Holding our tiny son in our arms we were able to write:"

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

After our trip to the Philippines, I wrote about our Sunday morning in Lucena:  "We sang "Because He Lives" and it was just beautiful!  EVERYONE sang.  The entire church was the praise team!  These precious people, who have so little materially, sang, "life is worth the living, just because He lives," more beautifully than I have ever heard it."  I remember us singing verse two that morning and it struck me then, as it did yesterday, what a beautiful verse it is.

We are living in uncertain days.  Things as mundane as going to the store for toilet paper bring a level of uncertainty.  Of greater concern is the trajectory of COVID-19.  I spent 10 minutes reading the news and the only thing I am certain of is the uncertainty.  But we can face these uncertain days because He lives!  Look at the chorus to this song:

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, 
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

No, we won't be meeting in our churches on Sunday to celebrate the resurrection.  But that doesn't stop the fact that Jesus did rise from the dead.  We can face tomorrow.  We can live without fear because HE holds the future.  Life, even in isolation and uncertainty, is worth the living.  Not because of anything we have or have done.  Life is worth the living just because He lives! 

Joy to the World! It's Not a Hoax

I posted this on Resurrection Sunday 2017, but I think we all need to turn our hearts to the only real reason to have joy.  He is Risen!  There is no doubt in my mind and because He lives, well that is enough for me.

I know we don't usually say Joy to the World on Resurrection Sunday, but that is truly when the joy happened!  My favorite song for this morning is "Easter Song" written by Keith Green.  You can hear his version here.  Second Chapter of Acts does a fabulous job with it, too (listen here).  Turn up the volume and sing along!

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be born again
Hear the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He is risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He is risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that we can be born again
Hear the bells ringing, they're singing
Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He is risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He is risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah!

Update:
After posting this, I realized that today is April 1st.  Good old April Fool's day.  Many through the ages have called the resurrection of Jesus a hoax.  It started with the chief priests in Matthew 28:11-15:
Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Acts 1:3 says, "To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God."  If the resurrection had been a hoax, at least one of the disciples would have recanted.  They were eye witnesses and never changed their story. If Jesus had been a fraud, they would not have endured the torture they each endured:

1. Judas hung himself because he knew he had betrayed innocent blood.
2. James (son of Zebedee, AKA James the Greater): Acts 12:1-19 says that James was beheaded with a sword.
3. Simon, AKA Peter: Peter asked to be crucified upside down, so that his death would not be the equal of Jesus and the Romans supposedly obliged.
4. Andrew: According to 15th Century religious historian Dorman Newman, Andrew—the brother of Peter—went to Patras in western Greece in 69 AD, where the Roman proconsul Aegeates debated religion with him. Aegeates tried to convince Andrew to forsake Christianity, so that he would not have to torture and execute him. But when that didn’t work, apparently he decided to give Andrew the full treatment. Andrew was scourged, and then tied rather than nailed to a cross, so that he would suffer for a longer time before dying. Andrew lived for two days, during which he preached to passersby.
5. Philip: Philip, became a missionary in Asia. Eventually, he traveled to the Egyptian city of Heliopolis, where he was scourged, thrown into prison, and crucified in 54 AD.
6. Bartholomew: Bartholomew supposedly preached in several countries, including India. In one account, “impatient idolaters” beat Bartholomew and then crucified him, while in another, he was skinned alive and then beheaded.
7. Thomas: Apparently Thomas preached the gospel in Greece and India, where he angered local religious authorities, who martyred him by running him through with a spear.
8. Matthew: According to legend, the former tax collector turned missionary was martyred in Ethiopia, where he was supposedly stabbed in the back by an swordsman sent by King Hertacus, after he criticized the king’s morals.
9. James (son of Alphaeus, AKA James the Less): According to Foxe, James, who was elected by his fellow believers to head the churches of Jerusalem, was one of the longest-lived apostles, perhaps exceeded only by John. At the age of 94, he was beaten and stoned by persecutors, and then they killed him by hitting him in the head with a club.
10. Thaddaeus, AKA Judas or Jude: According to several stories, he was crucified at Edessa (the name of cities in both Turkey and Greece) in 72 AD. * more than 40 years after Jesus’ resurrection.
11. Simon the Canaanite AKA the Zealot: Simon preached in Mauritania on the west coast of Africa, and then went to England, where he was crucified in 74 AD.
12. John: John was the only one of the original disciples not to die a violent death. Instead, he passed away peacefully in Patmos in his old age, sometime around 100 AD.

2 Peter 1:16 says, "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty."  Joy to the world indeed!

Resurrection Power!

We had an amazing Resurrection Sunday!  We are currently in Hawaii and Pastor McGriffin was asked to speak/preach/teach to the Samoan congregation that meets in our building.  Their service starts at 1:00 and ours starts at 4:30 so it was a back to back kind of Sunday.  The Samoan Pastor and a few other members of their congregation have received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  They are hungering for more of God and asked Pastor McGriffin to preach on that subject.

The Samoan service was filled with worship.  It was genuine and I know the Spirit of God was in the house.  The Sunday school children did an Easter skit and one darling girl did an amazing job speaking bilingually.

Pastor McGriffin gave them the full gospel and then it was time to respond.  The people flooded the altars with hungry hearts.  They did not go home empty!  Eight people received the gift of the Holy Ghost!

While the service was winding down I noticed a young girl near me.  She continued silently crying and I could see that God was really touching her.  When I next turned around she was gone.  After the service I found her and had a sweet conversation with her.  My new friend is Mary Ann and she is nine years old.  I told her that I received the Holy Ghost when I was 10 and she wasn’t too young.  She touched my heart so much!  There was a tenderness about her.  I told Mary Ann that I am looking forward to the Sunday when she meets me between services to tell me that she received the Holy Ghost.

We are believing God for a great revival in this congregation.  There are so many hungry hearts and I know God is going to fill them.

We had about 45 minutes to catch our breath before our service started.  It was a beautiful Resurrection Sunday.  Our Sunday school department also did a great job.  The littlest ones sang “He Arose” and one little guy arose many, many times!  It was priceless.

I’m so thankful for the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  The cross split time, but it’s the power of the resurrection that changes lives!

Joy to the World!

I know we don't usually say Joy to the World on Resurrection Sunday, but that is truly when the joy happened!  My favorite song for this morning is "Easter Song" written by Keith Green.  You can hear his version here.  Second Chapter of Acts does a fabulous job with it, too (listen here).  Turn up the volume and sing along!

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be born again
Hear the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He is risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He is risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that we can be born again
Hear the bells ringing, they're singing
Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He is risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He is risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah!

The Second Day

I was out for a run this morning thinking about the events we celebrate this weekend.  On Good Friday we pause to remember, thinking of the sorrow. On Resurrection Day we rejoice.  This is a post I wrote 2010 about that day in between the sorrow and the joy...

If you count like I do, you've probably wondered about three days from Friday to Sunday. In my counting, that is two days. But according to Jewish calendars, Friday is day one, Saturday is day two, and Sunday is day three.

So here we are on the second day. If you've read your Bible, you know that on the third day Jesus arose. On the third day all was right again. If you've ever seen a passion play or Easter drama, the crucifixion scene is quite prominent, followed by a song or some narration, no more than 5 minutes later "He's Alive!" But there was an entire day, the second day, the sabbath. Travel with me in my imagination as I think about what happened on the second day...

Store fronts were buttoned up tightly. No business would take place on the sabbath, even with Jerusalem teeming with visitors who had arrived for the Passover. The only place they would go is the temple. Heavy hearts, guilty minds, relieved hypocrites, all were in attendance.

What now Caiaphas? Are you and Annas patting yourselves on the back? There is the nasty little business of Judas hanging himself, so you can't keep that money, but you've rid yourself of Jesus. Now you can relax. No one will be driving out the money changers from the temple again. Calling you a hypocrite! He should have known better.

I wonder about the man born blind. Sitting in his house, looking on the faces of his loved ones. He'd never seen a Roman crucifixion before, only heard the description. The vivid details are almost too much. Why the One who gave him back his sight?

There are soldiers dispatched to guard the tomb. They must have laughed, thinking how anyone would be able to steal the body. The silly Jews - always creating some kind of drama. Was there one boasting that it was his sword that pierced Jesus' side? Of course a surprise was coming their way on the third day, but the second day was just another day of duty.

What was it like in the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha? Lazarus spent four days in the grave. They knew the pain of grief. Was Martha silently weeping as she thought, "I just wanted to take care of Him and His followers, but I should have also spent more time at His feet. I told myself I would do so the next time He came. That chance is now gone."

What about the young lad who gave his lunch? His five loaves and two fish were used to feed thousands! But now... "Mother, why were you yelling 'His blood be on us and our children?' "

What were the thoughts of the lepers He cleansed? The woman with the issue of blood? Jairus and his daughter? So many whom Jesus touched. Had they all been swayed by the yelling crowd? Did anyone still believe He was the Messiah?

Where were the disciples? Faith seemed to be missing in Jerusalem that day. If they truly believed what Jesus taught, wouldn't they have been anticipating his resurrection? Shouldn't they have been making plans to be there when He arose? Only three women returned to the tomb on the third day, but only to take spices to anoint his body.

Somewhere, Barabas was sitting in wonder. He was a free man.

I just wonder if anyone sang this song:

VERSE 1
I was guilty with nothing to say
And they were coming to take me away
But then a voice from Heaven was heard that said
"Let him go and take me instead"

CHORUS
I should have been crucified
I should have suffered and died
I should have hung on the cross in disgrace
But Jesus, my Lord, took my place

VERSE 2
Crowns of thorns, the spear deep in His side
And those pains should have been mine
Those rusty nails were meant for me
Oh Jesus took them and let me go free

CHORUS
I should have been crucified
I should have suffered and died
I should have hung on the cross in disgrace
But Jesus, my Lord, took my place

Sunday Morning Roman Style (Rome Day 3, Part 1)

I'm writing this post out of chronological order, but I wanted to share a little bit about what we saw on Sunday morning in Rome.   We headed out early to explore the city.  Several items were on our agenda - Castel Sant'Angelo, the Mausoleum of Augustus and the Villa Medici.  To get to those, we needed to walk past St. Peter's Square.  We had visited the square and basilica in 2011 and did not plan to go again, but we watched as crowds were already gathering.

Security was tight and parts of the street were blocked.  Police were serious - we tried to go down one way and were quickly scolded and turned back.

Just a few blocks away was Castel Sant'Angelo.  We paid the entrance fee and were wandering through when we started hearing music.  We were several stories up so we found a place to watch as a huge procession made its way across the Tiber River.

Hundreds of participants marched while hundreds more observed.  They would march a while, then stop and sway in place.  We could see in the distance that a statue was being carried.  It finally got close enough for us to see...

This hurts my heart in so many ways.  I am thankful for the sacrifice of Calvary, but I serve a risen Savior.  We have no proof that Mary even held Jesus after His death.  It was Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea who took the body down and placed it in a borrowed tomb.

This large crowd embraces and prays to the mother of Jesus.  I believe they are 100% sincere, but they have been taught a doctrine that is far from what the Bible tells us.  After much digging, I learned that we were there on Trinity Sunday which always falls one week after Pentecost Sunday.

The purpose of this post, however, is not to bash Catholics or Catholicism.  But I couldn't help but wonder, how many of us treat our faith with this much devotion?  Do we know the Bible as well as they know the liturgies?  I don't know how far this group walked - it was more than half a mile just from the bridge to the basilica.  How often do I complain (even silently) about how long the song leader kept us standing or how short my Sunday afternoon nap is going to be because God moved during the service?

Since I am writing this in Hawaii, most of you who were going have probably already been to church this morning.  I hope you'll take the time to give thanks to a God who wrapped Himself in flesh and paid the ultimate price for you.

More pictures HERE.

Our God Is Risen!

Rejoice! Today is the day we celebrate the single event that had the power to split time!

By His stripes we are healed
By His nail-pierced hands we’re free
By His blood, we’re washed clean
Now we have the victory.

The power of sin is broken,
Jesus overcame it all,
He has won our freedom,
Jesus has won it all.

Hallelujah!
You have won the victory.
Hallelujah!
You have won it all for me.

Death could not hold You down
You are the risen king
Seated in Majesty
You are the risen king

Our God is risen, He is alive
He won the victory, He reigns on high!

Have a blessed day!

Mary Magdalene ~ Woman of the Week

I'm going to change the order of things in this post.  I usually conclude with how the woman might have reset, but the first thing we read about Mary Magdalene is how Jesus helped her reset her life.

Verses, in chronological order:  Luke 8:1-3; at the crucifixion - Matthew 27:55-61, Mark 15:40-47, Luke 23:55-56, John 19:25; at the resurrection Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 24:1-11, John 20:1-18

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings
The only thing we know of Mary's background is her home.  Magdala is situated on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, south of Capernaum. 

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?
Luke is the only Gospel that records Mary's early condition.  "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils."   Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible said, "The word “seven” is often used for an indefinite number, and may signify merely “many” devils. The expression is used to signify that she was grievously tormented, and rendered, doubtless, insane by the power of evil spirits. It has been commonly supposed that Mary Magdalene was a woman of abandoned character, but of this there is not the least evidence. All that we know of her is that she was formerly grievously afflicted by the presence of those evil spirits, that she was perfectly cured by Jesus, and that afterward she became one of his most faithful and humble followers."

It would be easy to think that anyone who Jesus healed or delivered would never walk away from Him.  But that was not always the case when He was here on earth, and it is not the case today.  John chapter 6 records, "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him."  Jesus also taught in Matthew 12 that an unclean spirit will come back to a man and will bring others with it and "the last state of that man is worse than the first."  Mary Magdalene remained healed and free.

Mary, along with Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance "From the things belonging to them. This is the first woman’s missionary society for the support of missionaries of the Gospel. They had difficulties in their way, but they overcame these, so great was their gratitude and zeal." (Archibald Thomas Robertson) 

What is she most known for? Victories? Defeats? How can I be like her? How can I avoid being like her?

In searching for information on Magdala, I read that Mary is the woman most often mentioned in the New Testament after Mary, Mother of Jesus.  I don't know if she followed Jesus while He was ministering, but she was in Jerusalem for the crucifixion, which was also during the passover.  Magdala was about 80 miles from Jerusalem, so at some point she made quite a journey.  Matthew Henry said, "It does not appear that she had any business now at Jerusalem, but to wait upon him, for the women were not bound to go up to the feast, and probably she and others followed him the closer, now that they knew their Master would shortly be taken from their head. The continued instances of her respect to him at and after his death prove the sincerity of her love."

Matthew and Mark both record the women "afar off," while John records Mary Magdalene standing at the cross with Mary, the mother of Jesus.  "These women were probably not suffered to come near the cross because it was surrounded by soldiers. They witnessed with intense feelings his sufferings from some convenient place as near as they could approach.  Attending him and providing for his wants. While multitudes of people joined in the cry, “Crucify him!” and forsook him in his trying moments, it does not appear that any of his female followers were thus unfaithful. In the midst of all his trials, and all the Contempt poured upon him, they adhered to their Redeemer. Never did female constancy shine more brightly, and never was a happier example set for all who should afterward believe on him!"  (Albert Barnes)  "These good women standing by the cross of Christ, may teach us to do, as they did, look upon a crucified Christ, view his sorrows, and his sufferings, and our sins laid upon him, and borne and taken away by him; we should look unto him for pardon, cleansing, and justification, and, in short, for the whole of salvation: we should also weep, as they did, whilst we look on him; shed even tears of affection for, and sympathy with him; of humiliation for sin, and of joy for a Savior: and likewise should abide by him as they did, by his persons, offices, and grace; by the doctrine of the cross, continuing steadfastly in it; and by the ordinances of Christ, constantly attending on them, and that notwithstanding all reproaches and sufferings we may undergo." (John Gill)

While most hurried home after Jesus died, Mary and the other women followed to His burial.  "And beheld, the sepulchre; took notice of it, what an one it was, whereabout it stood in the garden, that they might know, and find it again:  and how his body was laid; in what position, form, and order; and observed that it was only wrapped in linen, and not anointed, or embalmed." (John Gill)

The next day was the sabbath, so they had to wait, but they only waited as long as the law commanded.  Matthew 28:1 records, "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre."  Mark records it was "very early in the morning, at the rising of the sun."

All four gospels record Mary on resurrection morning, but John's gives the most detail.  Mary first goes to the sepulchre and finds it empty.  She then runs to Peter and John with the news.  Peter and John saw that the tomb was empty and return to their homes.  "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre," she couldn't tear herself away.  She had to make sure He was truly gone.  The angels told her, "He is not here: for he is risen."

Mary is then the first person to encounter the risen King!  "To a woman was this honor given to be the first that saw the risen Redeemer." (Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown)  His first words are "Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?"   She doesn't know it's Him, even thinks He is the gardener.  Then she hears one single word, "Mary."  "Christ's way of making himself known to his people is by his word.  This one word, Mary, was like that to the disciples in the storm, It is I." (Matthew Henry)  "This was spoken, doubtless, in a tone of voice that at once recalled him to her recollection." (Albert Barnes)

Mary's response was "Rabboni; which is to say, Master."  Les pointed out in his preaching on Sunday, that Jesus was not only Master of Mary's life, but now He was the Master of death.  He had overcome it all!  "The message is sent to the whole world. Mary Magdalene, formerly possessed by seven demons — the absolute slave of that dreadful power — is employed to communicate the knowledge of His resurrection to the companions of Jesus." (John Nelson Darby)

"Mary Magdalene came,.... Directly and immediately, being ready and willing to obey the commands of her Lord, with the utmost cheerfulness; and glad to go on such an errand, and carry such news to his disciples, even though her private interest and personal affection might have inclined her to desire to stay with Christ: and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord; not only that he was risen from the dead, and she had been told so by the angels, but she had seen him herself, and was an eyewitness of his resurrection, and which she firmly believed; this she said, not only with all the marks of pleasure, joy and transport, but with an air of assurance and confidence:  and that he had spoken these things unto her; as that he called them brethren, and bid her go unto them, and acquaint them, that as he was risen, he should in a short time ascend to his Father and theirs, to his God and theirs; all which she faithfully related to them." (John Gill)

Don't you just love a happy ending?!

Woman of the Week ~ Mary Magdalene

I hope everyone had a blessed Resurrection Sunday.  We sure did!  We had great teaching, preaching, singing and worship.  We closed out service with the resurrection power at work - one of our Sunday school children received the Holy Ghost!

Can you imagine being Mary Magdalene on that very first Resurrection Sunday?

Verses:  Matthew 27:55-61, Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 15:40-47, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 8:1-3, Luke 23:55-56, Luke 24:1-11, John 19:25, John 20:1-18

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings

What is she most known for?

Victories? Defeats?

How can I be like her?

How can I avoid being like her?

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?

He is Risen! To God be the Glory!

How can I say thanks for the things You've done for me?
Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love to me;
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude.
All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.

To God be the glory, to God be the glory,
To God be the glory for the things He has done.
With His blood He has saved me, with His power He has raised me;
To God be the glory for the things He has done.

Just let me live my life, let it be pleasing, Lord to Thee,
And should I gain any praise, let it go to Calvary.
With His blood He has saved me, with His power He has raised me;
To God be the glory for the things He has done.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus ~ Woman of the Week

This weekend we celebrate the greatest event that has ever taken place - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It was the single event that split time. While there were many gathered at the cross that day, I can't think of anyone who was hurting more than Mary.

Verses:  Matthew 12:46-50, Matthew 13:54-58, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21, John 2:1-5, John 19:25-27, Acts 1:14
The order of these verses, according to my chronological Bible, is John 2:1-5; Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, and Luke 8:19-21 record the same story; Matthew 13:54-58; John 19:25-27; and Acts 1:14

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings
We don't know anything about Mary's parents.  She had at least one sister who was with her at the cross. She was married to Joseph of Nazareth, a carpenter.  She was the mother of Jesus but also had other children.  Most importantly, Mary was not the mother of God.  She was the mother of the fleshly manifestation of God, she was highly favored, but she was still human.

What is she most known for? Victories? Defeats? How can I be like her? How can I avoid being like her?
Focusing on just the three and a half years of Jesus' earthly ministry we don't read much about Mary.  Of course Jesus was traveling and as far as we know Mary was not part of those travels.  She was there for His first miracle in John chapter 2.  "and the mother of Jesus was there; who seems to have been a principal person at this wedding, and was very officious; when wine was wanted, she signified it to her son, and ordered the servants to do whatever he bid them: and since she, and Jesus, and his brethren, were all here, it looks as if it was a relation of hers that was now married." (John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible)  When they run out of wine at the marriage, Mary gets Jesus' attention.  "It is not known why Mary told this to Jesus. It would seem that she had a belief that he was able to supply it, though he had as yet worked no miracle."  (Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible)

Some commentaries felt Jesus rebuked Mary, but others said the use of the word "woman" was not a rebuke.  Archibald Thomas Robertson gave a closer look at the word woman, "Vocative case of gunē, and with no idea of censure as is plain from its use by Jesus in John 19:26. But the use of gunai instead of mēter (Mother) does show her she can no longer exercise maternal authority and not at all in his Messianic work."  Albert Barnes put it this way, "The words sound to us harsh, but they might have been spoken in a tender manner, and not have been intended as a reproof. It is clear that he did not intend to refuse to provide wine, but only to delay it a little; and the design was, therefore, to compose the anxiety of Mary, and to prevent her being solicitous about it. It may, then, be thus expressed: “My mother, be not anxious. To you and to me this should not be a matter of solicitude. The proper time of my interfering has not yet come. When that is come I will furnish a supply, and in the meantime neither you nor I should be solicitous.” Thus understood, it is so far from being a “harsh reproof,” that it was a mild exhortation for her to dismiss her fears and to put proper trust in him."

Obviously Mary wasn't offended by Jesus' words.  She turned to the servants and said, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."  John Gill said, "She took the reproof in good part, and by the words he said, and the manner in which he spoke them, or by the looks he gave, and the gestures he might use, she hoped, and even believed, that the thing she moved for would be done; and therefore went immediately to the servants."  "Mary took comfort in the “not yet” (oupō) and recognized the right of Jesus as Messiah to independence of her, but evidently expected him to carry out her suggestion ultimately as he did. This mother knew her Son."  (A.T. Robertson)

Matthew, Mark and Luke all record Mary coming to where Jesus was at a later time.  There was a large crowd and she stood outside waiting.  "Not with a pure view to interrupt him in his work, or to divert him from it, lest he should overspend himself; nor from a principle of ambition and vain glory, to show that they were related to him, and that he was at their beck and command; but rather, to observe unto him the danger he exposed himself to, by the freedom he took with the Pharisees in his discourses, and probably to acquaint him with some conspiracies formed against him." (John Gill)

John Gill goes on to say, "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? These questions are put, not as if he himself was ignorant who were his mother or his brethren; or as suggesting as if he had none; or as denying that these were in such a relation to him; or as casting any slight upon them; or as intending to teach men disrespect to parents and kindred, according to the flesh; but as displeased with the man, or men, for interrupting him in his work; and to let them know, that the business of his heavenly Father was preferred by him to any his natural relations could have with him; and that he might have an opportunity of pointing out who were his relations in a spiritual sense."

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?
As Mary stood at the foot of the cross, she suffered the greatest pain a mother can face.  I really cannot imagine how she felt.  Yes, she knew all the prophecies, all the promises, but to stand there and watch the gruesomeness of Jesus' crucifixion, she must have been completely overcome.

John Gill had some powerful words, "the mother of Jesus, Mary; which showed her affection to Christ, and her constancy in abiding by him to the last; though it must be a cutting sight, and now was fulfilled Simeon's prophecy, Luke 2:35, to see her son in such agonies and sorrow, and jeered and insulted by the worst of men; and though she herself was exposed to danger, and liable to be abused by the outrageous multitude; and it also showed that she stood in need, as others, of a crucified Savior; so far was she from being a co-partner with him in making satisfaction for sin."

Matthew Henry wrote, "His torments were her tortures; she was upon the rack, while he was upon the cross; and her heart bled with his wounds; and the reproaches wherewith they reproached him fell on those that attended him.  We may justly admire the power of divine grace in supporting these women, especially  Mary, under this heavy trial. We do not find his mother wringing her hands, or tearing her hair, or rending her clothes, or making an outcry; but, with a wonderful composure, standing by the cross, and her friends with her."

Even in His last moments, Jesus was aware of Mary standing there.  Some of His last words were to her and the apostle John.  But He did more than that, He sent the Comforter.  We find Mary just one more time in Acts chapter 1:

"Mary, the mother of Jesus, is here particularly mentioned, showing that she now cast in her lot with the apostles." (Albert Barnes)  "She had come out of the shadow of death with the song in her heart and with the realization of the angel’s promise and the prophecy of Simeon. It was a blessed time for Mary."  (A.T. Robertson)  "Distinguished from the other “women,” but so as to exclude the idea of her having any pre-eminence over the disciples. We find her with the rest in prayer."  (A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments by Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown)

Mary was found with those waiting for the promise and she was not disappointed.  "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. " (Acts 2:1-4)  This was the gift that Jesus gave to his mother and offers to everyone who calls on His name.

Unworthy

I saw this quote today:

We are so unworthy of the price that was paid.  For there is none righteous, no not one.  But Jesus paid it all.  Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday tomorrow.  Go to iTunes and download this song by Keith Green (the 2nd Chapter of Acts version is a favorite in our home!)  Crank it up loud and rejoice!

Easter Song

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be born again
Hear the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell His disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah!!

Rejoice!

The Promise

Genesis 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:

15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

I took these pictures from our condo this morning and was reminded of the promises of God.  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"  John 3:16.  May your Resurrection weekend be blessed, and remember, every promise God makes will be fulfilled!

A Little Q and A

Les and I were chatting with a young lady from our church on Sunday about the lessons he taught.  She had two very good questions and I hope we had two very good answers!  I know many of my readers are young adults and teenagers, like this young lady.  Digging for answers is a good thing!  Understanding God's word is extremely important.  Here are her two questions and answers we gave her.

Q1  Why couldn't the religious leaders and Romans see that Jesus was God?  How could they abuse and crucify Him?
A  The Romans didn't care what Jesus did unless it interfered with their own wealth or pleasures.  Their main concern was keeping the Jews under their thumb.  The religious leaders were jealous of Jesus' following, but I also believe they were blinded (John 12:38-40)  Ultimately, there was absolutely no stopping Calvary.  Jesus was the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8) Jesus came to this earth for one purpose and it would be fulfilled.  Romans, Pharisees, Sadducees, Pilate, and Herod all played a part in fulfilling God's plan of redemption.

Q2  Why does Satan only attack Christians?  Why doesn't he go after other religions?
A  Satan only goes after those who believe the truth.  Those who are already blind don't concern him.  The only way Satan has to hurt God at all is to attack His children.  I blogged about the book "Demon: A Memoir" here, it was a fascinating read that gave me much to think about.  The main thing I took away from that book is that Satan hates it when man is given mercy.  We fall over and over and the blood of Jesus is there for us.  We are forgiven time and again.  Satan fell once and was never given a second chance.  He hates it when a sinner repents!  He is so jealous and he knows that destroying Christians is his only way of getting back at God. 

I mentioned yesterday that Les talked about all the hours leading up to the death of Jesus.  Jim Bishop wrote an incredible book about that subject called "The Day Christ Died."  Originally published in 1957, this book takes the four Gospels and puts them all together in order.  I highly recommend adding this book to your library.

The Unconquerable Symbol

I am reading a fascinating book.  I'm sure I'll do a full write up when I'm finished, but something jumped out at me last night that I had to share.

The book is called  Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor when Hitler came in to power in 1933.  I am only about 25% of the way through the story, the author has taken a lot of time to lay the ground work of who Bonhoeffer was before Nazi Germany.

As the Nazis began taking over Germany, one thing to come under attack was Christianity.  Chapter 11 is titled "Nazi Theology." Hitler said, "It’s been our misfortune to have the wrong religion. Why didn’t we have the religion of the Japanese, who regard sacrifice for the Fatherland as the highest good? The Mohammedan religion too would have been much more compatible to us than Christianity. Why did it have to be Christianity with its meekness and flabbiness?"

The new Nazi religion had a 30 point program outlining the way things should be.  These points included cessation of the publishing and dissemination of the Bible in Germany and clearing away from its altars all crucifixes, Bibles and pictures of saints.  And finally, point number 30:

On the day of its foundation, the Christian Cross must be removed from all churches, cathedrals and chapels . . . and it must be superseded by the only unconquerable symbol, the swastika.

Whew!  That just struck me!  The unconquerable symbol does not look like this:

There is only One Who is unconquerable and conquered all.  Jesus said in Revelation 1:18, "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."  The old rugged cross that "emblem of suffering and shame" is the unconquerable symbol!  It stands for the greatest event in the history of mankind.  When God Himself paid the ultimate price for US.  Yes, there's an unconquerable symbol, but it looks like this:

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.