Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 4 (Blood on Doorposts)

 

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 4 (Blood on Doorposts)

Exodus 12:²¹ Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Pick out and take lambs for yourselves according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb. ²² And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning. ²³ For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you. ²⁴ And you shall observe this thing as an ordinance for you and your sons forever. ²⁵ It will come to pass when you come to the land which the Lord will give you, just as He promised, that you shall keep this service. ²⁶ And it shall be, when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ ²⁷ that you shall say, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice of the Lord, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.’ ” So the people bowed their heads and worshiped. ²⁸ Then the children of Israel went away and did so; just as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

 

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GOD provided very specific instructions to Moses about what was about to happen. Moses collected the elders of Israel and told them what to do. They had to place the blood of an unblemished lamb specifically on the top and two sides of the door posts. They obeyed.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was announcing the need for JESUS to die on the cross.
• GOD made a distinction between the Egyptians and the children of Israel during the plagues, but this time HE needed an outward showing of blood in three spots.
• JESUS would proceed through the streets and look at the mark of belief and HE would not allow the angel of death to enter that household.

 

Anyone who believed would place the blood on the door and the LORD would declare that household saved from the plague of death. “Belief” is the everlasting ordinance. Our belief in JESUS as LORD and Savior gives us a Passover from eternal death.

 

The markings include the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT and the arrangement on the doorposts represent the outstretched hands of JESUS on the cross. This symbolic gesture would save an entire family from tremendous grief.

 

Moses could not tell everyone himself. He had to enlist people to spread the word. GOD does the same with you and me. HE wants you too tell people that JESUS not only saves, but guides people who believe in wisdom and knowledge and understanding.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the placement of the blood on the doorposts?
• Is there a symbolic gesture you can do that publicly declares you belong to GOD?
• What public declaration can you make to show the world you believe you need JESUS daily?

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 2 (Passover Meal)

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 2 (Passover Meal)

Exodus 12: Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, ² “This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you. ³ Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household. ⁴ And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall make your count for the lamb. ⁵ Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats. ⁶ Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. ⁷ And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. ⁸ Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. ⁹ Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire—its head with its legs and its entrails. ¹⁰ You shall let none of it remain until morning, and what remains of it until morning you shall burn with fire. ¹¹ And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover.

 

¹² ‘For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. ¹³ Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

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GOD turns from speaking to Pharaoh to speaking to Israel. HE told Moses and Aaron how to prepare the Passover Feast. This would be a feast that is performed to this day.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was using a double entendre for the Passover meal; recognizing the historical significance of HIS grace for those who put the blood on their door, and the prophetic significance of JESUS being the Sacrificial Lamb / Scapegoat, shedding HIS blood to save mankind.
• GOD instituted the need for an outward sign of obedience by requiring a specific marking from a specific animal.
• GOD mentioned HE was executing judgment against “all the gods of Egypt” to Israel so they would not worship humans or idols.

 

There seemed to be a lot more going on here with GOD’s statement. We can get lost in the plagues of Egypt and forget that GOD made a promise to Abraham that HE would make a great nation out of his descendants. GOD not only speaks prophetically about JESUS dying for the sins of mankind, but HE mentions the need for a being who needed to be perfect to open the scrolls mentioned in Revelation.

 

A lamb without a blemish would be the requirement of the being who could open the judgment scrolls. JESUS was that lamb. But Moses had no clue about what GOD was talking about. It wasn’t about punishment; rather, salvation! GOD was taking down the mindset that humans could be gods and at the same time HE was announcing that HE would save you and me!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS prophecy?
• What outward action is GOD calling you to do to show you are related to HIM?
• How do you actively remember what GOD has done for you?

First Action to Dismantle a Mindset

First Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Exodus 7: ¹⁹ Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their streams, over their rivers, over their ponds, and over all their pools of water, that they may become blood. And there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in buckets of wood and pitchers of stone.’ ” ²⁰ And Moses and Aaron did so, just as the Lord commanded. So he lifted up the rod and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. ²¹ The fish that were in the river died, the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink the water of the river. So there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.

 

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GOD told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let HIS people go. That was the warning. But now it was time for action. GOD told Moses to speak to Aaron. So he did. Aaron took his rod and touched the water in the river and all water turned into blood. Even water in buckets and stone pitchers turned into blood.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave Pharaoh a chance to let the people go, but Pharaoh’s heart became hard and would not surrender to GOD.
• GOD said to Moses that he would be like GOD to Aaron, so Moses commanded Aaron to strike the water.
• GOD started the process of dismantling a belief system that openly opposed HIM.

 

When GOD made the promise to Noah that HE would not wipe out humans with a flood in the future, I believe HE was also saying HE was going to allow humans to choose HIM as GOD. Unfortunately, some humans saw themselves as god.

 

This belief system existed with the Egyptians. Pharaoh was revered as a god. But the true GOD was dismantling this belief. HIS first action was to turn the life sustaining water into blood. There was no escape. GOD was delivering HIS people from those who had a mindset that they could be a god. HE may have used blood on the first plague to show we need the blood of JESUS to sustain physical life as well as eternal.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses of the action HE took against Pharaoh when turning water into blood?
• Have you taken your eyes off of GOD and placed them in a limiting belief?
• What limiting belief do you have that makes you fear, worry or doubt that GOD can deliver you?

Something Precious

Something Precious

Hebrews 9: ¹⁶ In the case of a will it is necessary to prove that the person who made it has died, ¹⁷ for a will means nothing while the person who made it is alive; it goes into effect only after his death. ¹⁸ That is why even the first covenant went into effect only with the use of blood. ¹⁹ First, Moses proclaimed to the people all the commandments as set forth in the Law. Then he took the blood of bulls and goats, mixed it with water, and sprinkled it on the book of the Law and all the people, using a sprig of hyssop and some red wool. ²⁰ He said, “This is the blood which seals the covenant that God has commanded you to obey.” ²¹ In the same way Moses also sprinkled the blood on the Sacred Tent and over all the things used in worship. ²² Indeed, according to the Law almost everything is purified by blood, and sins are forgiven only if blood is poured out.

 

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After wearing some clothes for a while, I found them dated and out of style. It was easy for me to donate the dated clothes because I did not “want” to wear them anyway. But when I ran out of money, each garment became more and more precious.

 

• I gave when it was easy to give.
• I did not feel that anything was precious when I had plenty.
• I understood, on a small scale, when something was precious and highly valued.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains a very complicated subject, namely death. He begins by explaining that a will does not go into effect until a person dies. He then explained that Moses placed extreme importance on bloodshed as a symbol of redemption.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS was the most precious being to GOD, yet HE accepted HIS SON’s request to die for the world.
• A tremendous loss had to happen to gain all humans back.
• My belief in what JESUS did is precious to GOD.

 

My life is precious to GOD. I mean, JESUS want through all the trouble of dying just for me. HE was raised from the dead and placed over everything, just because HE was obedient to HIS own word. JESUS was precious and HIS bloodshed paid for the atonement of my sins.

 

Satan, who wants to be GOD, tried to stop JESUS from choosing to die for humanity. He tempted HIM and tried to scare HIM on numerous occasions. JESUS was relentless. I am glad JESUS followed through with HIS own sacrifice. I owe HIM everything!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the sacrificial ceremonies in the Law as the example?
• What would happen if you lost what is precious to you?
• Will you try to understand GOD, knowing HE lost something extremely precious and can empathize with you enough to provide eternal life through JESUS, who was raised from the dead?

Purified Conscience

Purified Conscience

Hebrews 9: ¹¹ But Christ has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here. The tent in which he serves is greater and more perfect; it is not a tent made by human hands, that is, it is not a part of this created world. ¹² When Christ went through the tent and entered once and for all into the Most Holy Place, he did not take the blood of goats and bulls to offer as a sacrifice; rather, he took his own blood and obtained eternal salvation for us. ¹³ The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a burnt calf are sprinkled on the people who are ritually unclean, and this purifies them by taking away their ritual impurity. ¹⁴ Since this is true, how much more is accomplished by the blood of Christ! Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself as a perfect sacrifice to God. His blood will purify our consciences from useless rituals, so that we may serve the living God.

 

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Wanting to serve the LORD was met with “Look at all the sinning you have been doing.” This battle was in my head and in my heart. I was trying to return to the LORD, but I felt my sins were too great.

 

• I did not feel “good” enough to serve the LORD.
• I did not feel “worthy” to serve the LORD in any way.
• I did not feel “secure” enough to know I am a sinner who is saved, therefore I let “my” sin get in the way.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives everyone some great news. “CHRIST has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here.” He then goes on to explain how JESUS was the perfect sacrifice, unlike “useless rituals” that would temporarily cleanse until the person sinned again.

 

My Observations:

• The Good News about JESUS has to remain “Good News” without the need for trying so hard.
• JESUS died for my sins and that makes my relationship with HIM permanent.
• By adding “useless rituals” onto JESUS’ death burial and resurrection, I am enslaving myself rather than being freed.

 

Feeling “not good enough” to serve the LORD is a major problem. I mean, believing that JESUS forgave me of all my sins should be enough, but sometimes I think there should be more. Perhaps I did something to make GOD mad or perhaps I said or did something wrong are the false thoughts that run through my mind. BUT GOD knows about this too.

 

HE took into account the fact that I would doubt HIS power to save me ultimately. HE knew I would try to jump in and start doing stuff to “prove” my worthiness to HIM. JESUS died for my doubt and for my trying to take control from HIM. HIS resurrection clears my conscience, knowing I am a sinner who serves the living GOD. I am glad JESUS took care of it “all!”

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the words “useless rituals?”
• Have you ever felt not good enough to serve GOD or to ask HIM for something?
• Will you consider that you are being lied to and that JESUS was raised from the dead and that is all you and I need for a perfect relationship that is full of power and authority because JESUS has it today?

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Philippians 2: ¹⁷ Perhaps my life's blood is to be poured out like an offering on the sacrifice that your faith offers to God. If that is so, I am glad and share my joy with you all. ¹⁸ In the same way, you too must be glad and share your joy with me.

 

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Working hard, day and night, seemed to pay off. Our team won an award and we were recognized throughout the company. We came together and traded “war” stories. “Remember when things seemed awful?” we reminisced.

 

• I worked hard to accomplish something for a job.
• I poured many hours into something I believed in at the time.
• I was part of a team who also shared in the pain and the reward.

 

Paul considers the hard work and hardship he went through as his “life’s blood.” He was not looking at this like a trophy or an accomplishment for a workaholic. He knew it took sacrifice to give up a life for GOD and the believers in JESUS were worth it.

 

My Observations

• It took JESUS’s blood to save me for eternity.
• It took HIS sweat like blood as HE prayed for me to be saved.
• It took HE tears as HE cried over me knowing I did not know what I was doing while sinning.

 

Blood, sweat and tears is a human term for someone’s life’s work. I mean, many people pour themselves into something they may or may not be known for. GOD sees how we spend our time and has criteria unknown to us that creates rewards for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior.

 

We fight, get knocked down and get back up because we serve people to bring many to CHRIST. We do not do this alone. We serve JESUS together and share in the joy when we see HIS fruit. I am glad to be part of an adopted global family who seeks joy through CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer excited about?
• What does faith have to do with life’s work?
• Can you share your joy with others so they can be encouraged that you are serving the LORD and are determined to continue at all costs today?

Proximity

Proximity

Ephesians 2: ¹¹ You Gentiles by birth—called “the uncircumcised” by the Jews, who call themselves the circumcised (which refers to what men do to their bodies)—remember what you were in the past. ¹² At that time you were apart from Christ. You were foreigners and did not belong to God's chosen people. You had no part in the covenants, which were based on God's promises to his people, and you lived in this world without hope and without God. ¹³ But now, in union with Christ Jesus you, who used to be far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

 

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Feeling “far away” made me not try in many instances. I remember being excited about being in a contest, but when I saw the winner, I gave up. “I will never be able to measure up to that” I said to myself.

 

• I felt so far away from perfection.
• I felt so far away from reaching any expectation people had of me.
• I felt so far away from where “successful” people were.

 

Classism and racism were prevalent amongst the church leaders. Paul explains that the church leaders placed labels on the Gentiles, flaunting their superiority of being “chosen.” They made a point to show just how far away the Gentiles were from GOD. BUT GOD took care of that.

 

My Observations

• GOD wanted to be close to me so HE allowed JESUS to die for me.
• JESUS was raised from the dead and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT pleads on my behalf, guides me to comfort and brings me hope in hopeless situations.

 

JESUS brought me close to HIM by uniting with me and I with HIM. HE took away my sins so there would be no barrier between us. HE declared me clean and to keep me clean, placed HIS SPIRIT inside me. Whenever I sin, HE looks at my heart and sees the HOLY SPIRIT who has already asked for forgiveness for me.

 

The FATHER removes my sins as far as the east is from the west. HE does the same for those who believe in HIS SON. HE cannot get any closer than living inside me, so HE is never far away. HE promised to never leave me nor forsake me. I am glad HE chose to be close to me.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer imply about racism or classism?
• Have you ever been labeled so you can be excluded from a group?
• Have you ever felt far away from GOD?
• Will you listen to the truth that GOD loves you so much that HE is willing to live inside you and never leave you and is going through what you are going through with you today?

Provided For

 Provided For

Romans 3: ^25-26 God offered him, so that by his blood he should become the means by which people's sins are forgiven through their faith in him. God did this in order to demonstrate that he is righteous. In the past he was patient and overlooked people's sins; but in the present time he deals with their sins, in order to demonstrate his righteousness. In this way God shows that he himself is righteous and that he puts right everyone who believes in Jesus.

 

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“How will I eat?” and “Where will I sleep?” and “Will it be cold or hot?” and “Bugs… Will there be bugs?” were some of the many questions I asked as I volunteered to go on a missions trip to another country. The missions trip leader relaxed my mind by saying “Don’t worry, everything is taken care of.” This rested my mind a little, but the unknown was still ahead.

 

The unknown can sometimes raise many questions inside me.

The unknown can sometimes make me feel uneasy.

The unknown can sometimes make me question if I will be taken care of.

 

Paul continues writing about the Law of Moses. The Law was given to the Jews but the Gentiles benefit from it because GOD wrote the Law in everyone’s heart. The Law is used to show our need for GOD to save us. But doing the Law does not provide salvation. GOD provided “the means” for which we are saved, namely belief in JESUS.

 

GOD knew I would not choose HIM so HE chose me.

GOD knew I needed to be saved so HE chose to die for me.

GOD knew someone had to die to pay for all the sins of the world so HE chose to die so I could live.

 

Trying to be “good” is fine, but what happens when I mess up? Do I get a “do-over?” GOD showed compassion for me and forgave me of all my sins. HE then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me so I can be guided daily. HE also wants the best for me, so HE corrects me when I sin. I am glad HE is righteous and I accept HIS correction and eternal salvation.

 

Are you worried about your future?

Do you think your skills or talents got you where you are?

Will you place your faith in JESUS and allow HIM to correct you while providing you with everything you need to fulfil the purpose HE has for you today?

Declared Holy

Declared Holy

John 18: ²⁸ Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. ²⁹ Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”

³⁰ They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”

³¹ Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.”

Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” ³² that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.

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After watching the movie filled with sex, violence and racy humor, we all laughed and went home. The next day I attended church and they showed clips from various movies to illustrate a point. I would be so embarrassed if everyone at church saw what I just watched the night before.

• There were places “I” declared holier than other places.
• There were things “I” did that I declared holier than other things.
• There were words “I” said that I declared holier than other words.

The church leaders were bent on murdering JESUS to gain back their popularity. They led HIM to a place they declared unholy, therefore they would not enter. When asked what accusation they had against JESUS, they could not answer forthright.

• JESUS wants me to know that my declarations of righteousness are like filthy, blood soaked, dung filled rags.
• JESUS wants me to know that any graceless words I use on others will be used on me.
• JESUS wants me to know that trying to live a double life between sin and holiness is impossible.

All have sinned and fall short of GOD’s glory. So where is the hope? JESUS is the hope. HE was the only one who did not sin. Though HE was tempted in every way a human could, HE resisted and died for the sins of everyone. HE is the only Holy ONE, and I put my trust in HIM to wash away my many sins. I need JESUS to declare me holy because HE IS HOLY.

• Do you compare yourself to others?
• Do you say “Well, at least I’m not like ‘that’ person?”
• Will you look at your mounting sins and ask GOD to cleanse you of ALL unrighteousness by believing in JESUS today?

Have to be told

Luke 22: ¹⁴ When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. ¹⁵ And he said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. ¹⁶ For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfilment in the kingdom of God.’

¹⁷ After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, ‘Take this and divide it among you. ¹⁸ For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’

¹⁹ And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’

²⁰ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

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“An apple?” I questioned in my mind. I mean I wanted some doughnuts or something good to eat and this “old” person hands me some fruit. “Say thank you” another adult commanded me. “Why should I be thankful?” I questioned in my head. Not too long after, the lady passed away.

• Many times I had to be told to be thankful.
• Many times I had to be pointed in the direction of what someone had done for me.
• Many times I had to have my eyes open to the blessings that have been poured out on me.

JESUS tells HIS disciples something they could not understand. HE thanked the FATHER then explains that HE would be murdered for them so please remember HIM when you eat. HE then said “This cup is the new covenant in MY blood, which is poured out for you.”

• GOD had to tell me to be thankful otherwise I would not see HIS blessings.
• GOD had to tell me what HE has done for me otherwise I would be full of complaints.
• GOD had to tell me HE rescued me otherwise I would think that I am responsible for all my blessings.

“Remember ME” is what JESUS tells me when I try to manipulate GOD into giving me what I want. I mean HE sees when I am trying to be good so I can ask for something I want to have. During those times, HE wants me to remember HIM and what HE did for me.

When I am doubtful of HIS love, “Remember ME”. When I am feeling low “Remember ME.” When I have just about had enough “Remember ME.” JESUS doesn’t give me elaborate instructions to build a temple with my bare hands. HE simply wants me to remember HIM.

• Have you forgotten what GOD has done for you?
• Do you think you deserve more than you have?
• Will you praise JESUS today and remember what HE has don for you?

Preparation

Mark 14: ²² And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”

²³ Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. ²⁴ And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. ²⁵ Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

²⁶ And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

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Searching for the right nail only took a few minutes. I hung this particular frame with care. It was my diploma and what was so special about it was it was earned with a huge struggle. I remember the struggle when I gaze at the sheet of paper most would overlook.

• I have many reminders I can look at.
• I have many items that bring me back to memories both fond and difficult.
• I have many things I can look at that reminds me of what I went through.

JESUS served HIS disciples with a purpose. HE alone would be blamed for every sin of every person. HE would be killed because a sinless human had to be responsible for the mess humans were in. JESUS showed them symbols that were important to HIS upcoming actions.

• JESUS wants me to recognize that HE blessed the bread to HIS FATHER.
• JESUS wants me to think about HIM giving thanks before HE served the wine.
• JESUS wants me to understand that HIS preparation also included singing.

Each time I remember what JESUS did for me, prepares me for the plan HE has for me. HIS death, burial and resurrection inspires me to get up another day and face the challenges and the blessings. HE prepares me for HIS wonderful blessings. One day I too will drink with HIM in the kingdom of GOD.

• Do you know you are being prepared?
• Can you recognize GOD has a plan for you?
• Will you take a moment right now and remember what JESUS did for you?

Even More Than I thought

Zechariah 9: ¹¹ As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
    I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit.
¹² Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope;
    even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.

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GOD’s promises are wonderful! In the middle of captivity, GOD promises not only to free me from my sin, but to restore me to a better place. GOD is deeply concerned about me, though the world would say different.

• The world may make me worry.
• The world may make me doubt.
• The world may make me think I am less than I am.

Those in the world may carry poisonous words, treading upon my peace in an attempt to place me in a waterless pit. BUT GOD’s blood through the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS, frees me from my prison. HE tells me to return to my fortress because of my hope in HIM.

GOD’s restoration is a promise, not a wish. HE sees every situation I get in and has grace enough to restore me to a place that is better than I could ever imagine! GOD is wonderful!

• Where is your hope?
• Do you think you are down and out?
• Can you place your trust in GOD today, knowing HE will restore you fully?

Hated and Appalled

Isaiah 52: ¹³ See, my servant will act wisely;
    he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
¹⁴ Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
    his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
    and his form marred beyond human likeness—
¹⁵ so he will sprinkle many nations,
    and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
    and what they have not heard, they will understand.

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“Hey ” the crowd called out in a mocking fashion. “Not so powerful now are you?” they jeered. One person spit, then the next. Soon the crowd got comfortable and because everyone else was focused on this one person, they joined in. No spotlight on anyone in the mob, rather the beacon shined directly on one poor soul.

• It is easy to join in the crowd.
• It is easy to be part of the mob.
• It is easy to say what is wrong and become part of the problem rather than being part of the solution.

Mobs look for what is wrong and try to rally people to their cause. Labels are quickly put in place that everyone around agrees with and suddenly the mob can do what they want to do because “everyone else” is doing it. This is unfortunate for the mob.

• JESUS was appalled by HIS own creation.
• JESUS was beaten to the point of disfiguration.
• JESUS was marred beyond human likeness.

Which side of the mob would I have been on? Would I spit on JESUS or would I risk my life and step into help HIM. This test happens daily. The hard choice to follow GOD is placed in front of me on a daily basis. Will I hide my relationship with JESUS in order to get ahead? Will I slander “that” person in order to look right in everyone else’s eyes? Will I go against GOD’s word and sin anyway?

GOD has done far more that I can imagine for me. HE went out on a limb to save me and has faced far more than I have ever faced. HIS ridicule and defacement won’t last though. HE acted wisely and took on every human’s sins, even mine. HE is now raised and lifted up. HE IS highly exalted!

• Are you part of the mob?
• Do you try to rally people to “your” cause rather than spreading GOD’s word?
• Can you stop slandering and start spreading the GOOD NEWS?
• Will you recognize what JESUS has done for you today?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have all enemies subdued?

Psalm 81: ¹³ “If my people would only listen to me,
    if Israel would only follow my ways,
¹⁴ how quickly I would subdue their enemies
    and turn my hand against their foes!
¹⁵ Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him,
    and their punishment would last forever.
¹⁶ But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
    with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

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Wouldn’t it be great to be free from fear, pain, doubt, lust, deception, misunderstanding, pride, covetousness and more? When I look at the list it actually grows longer the more I read. If I could just be sinless then GOD would subdue my enemies, right? Well, sort of…

• I have heard from many people that life can be lived sinless..
• I have heard from many people that they believe they have dropped all of their sins.
• I have heard from many people who feel they are righteous because they have minimal problems so those who have many problems must be sinners.

What a burden! I mean seeking a god who is ready to drop me at a moment’s notice once I sin! This is very bad news because my thoughts are sinful and I complain to GOD about HIS ways. “I’m really in trouble” I thought to myself. BUT GOD said something very different.

• GOD said to me “MY thoughts are not your thoughts. MY ways are not your ways.”
• GOD said to me “MY grace IS sufficient.”
• GOD said to me “There no one who is righteous, no not one.”
• GOD said to me “Confess your sins to ME and I will be faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you of ALL unrighteousness.”

If I say I am not a sinner I am a liar to myself and to GOD. HE wants me to realize I need HIM daily and there is no humanly escape for sin because I was born a sinner. No matter how righteous I pretend to be, I will never be righteous enough to “please GOD.” What can I do?

GOD wants me to trust HIS plan for me. HE decided to become a human and be blamed for my sins. HE was falsely accused of what I did and sentenced to death. Then, I turned to HIM and blamed HIM for my situation, casting more sins at HIM. HE said “Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” and HE was right.

GOD wants me to believe HE has the best in mind for me. HE wants me to trust HIS plan and understand the HE was VICTORIOUSLY raised to life and put above everything! HE wants me to believe and trust!

• Do you think you can persuade GOD with your righteousness?
• Can you stop trying so hard to please GOD and simply follow HIS ways because you love HIM?
• Will you drop the pretense of being righteous and tell people about your sin so they will turn to GOD?

Sometimes GOD just needs to be praised!

David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. ² He said:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
³     my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
    from violent people you save me.

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³¹ “As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
³² For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
³³ It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
³⁴ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
³⁵ He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁶ You make your saving help my shield;
    your help has made^[i] me great.
³⁷ You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.

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This is the day in which JESUS was handed over and falsely accused. Preachers, ministers, deacons, deaconesses and elders of the church were the primary accusers of GOD in the flesh saying HE is not GOD. Their expectation of a worldly leader had not been met.

Instead of praising HIM for all of the miracles HE performed, they accused HIM of trickery and deceit. HE said nothing and absorbed the pain hurled at HIM as HIS own creation looked at HIM with wrongful eyes.

• GOD should be praised not blamed.
• GOD should be exalted not hidden.
• GOD should be talked about not implied.

Saying the name JESUS has power. Just speaking HIS name out loud has far more meaning than any “helps” program that could come from any church. Praising GOD means nothing else matters at this moment.

• Are you praising GOD?
• Can you stop asking HIM for stuff for one day and praise HIM?
• Won’t you focus your attention on GOD’s worthiness to be praised instead of looking at what’s going on around you?
• Can you open your mouth and say “JESUS thank YOU for being my savior”?

Noble Character

Ruth 3¹⁰ “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. ¹¹ And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 

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“I saw your car last night” someone said to me suspiciously. I mean how could you miss it? It was mustard yellow, rust everywhere and a vanity license plate with my nickname on it. There was no denying it. My car showed others that I was in a place that I shouldn’t have been. I wonder if the person’s suspicions were a question of my character.

• People are watching me whether I see them or not.
• People pay attention to me whether I see them or not.
• People look at my actions and listen to my words whether I see them or not.

My character is defined as an action done when no one sees me doing it. What I do in the dark is what will be brought out in the light. There have been many moments that I have been told I was being observed and unfortunately I wasn’t doing what GOD wanted me to.

• GOD can see every action so I should focus my attention on what HE wants.
• GOD can hear my thoughts so I should focus my thoughts on what HE has written.
• GOD can read what’s in my heart so I should fill my heart with HIS people.

Character is not an act. It comes flooding out of my pores and there is nothing I can do to stop it. The only thing I can do about my character is to focus it towards the living GOD and let people know my flaws are accepted by HIM and theirs can be too.

• Are you busy trying to clean yourself up?
• Do you have character flaws that you may be blind to?
• Can you ask GOD to handle your character for a while?
• Won’t you bridal your negative thoughts and point them towards GOD?

Only one person could have done this

Deuteronomy 21: ²² If someone guilty of a capital offense is put to death and their body is exposed on a pole, ²³ you must not leave the body hanging on the pole overnight. Be sure to bury it that same day, because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse. You must not desecrate the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.

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Miraculous is the only word I could think of when it came to JESUS’ life. Yes HIS birth was amazing and HE did some amazing things when HE was alive, but what about death? HIS body was declared dead as HE hung on the pole or tree or cross as we would say. How was HE going to get down and avoid the curse?

• JESUS was murdered because people wanted power they shouldn’t have.
• JESUS was placed on a pole, otherwise known as the cross, as an act of evil to make HIM an example to others, but it became symbolic instead.
• JESUS was declared dead and they miraculously did not break HIS legs or leave HIM on the pole amazingly fulfilling laws.

What does all of this have to do with me? GOD declared a curse on humans, earth and the surrounding planets and galaxies. Every human born is susceptible to this curse. I deserved to die along with all humans unless one sinless human died for all mankind.

IF JESUS remained overnight on the pole HE wouldn’t qualify as sinless. HE would be under the same curse as all of mankind. BUT GOD made it possible that the guards fulfill the laws even when they didn’t know what they were doing.

Maybe they felt lazy and just wanted to go home. Maybe they were tired of JESUS after beating HIM up. Whatever was the case, they released HIS body and HE was buried properly.

• Sometimes it’s good to ponder our LORD and Savior.
• Sometimes it’s good to remember that JESUS volunteered specifically for me.
• Sometimes it’s good to remember there is a much higher purpose for my life.

JESUS gave HIS life so HE could save mine. There is nothing I can do or accomplish to repay HIM. HE only wants a little of my focus to thank HIM whenever I can remember HIM.

GOD lives here too

Numbers: ³³ “‘Do not pollute the land where you are. Murder pollutes the land. Only one thing can pay to remove the pollution in the land where murder has been committed. The blood of the one who spilled another’s blood must be spilled. ³⁴ So do not make the land where you live “unclean.” I live there too. I live among the people of Israel. I am the Lord.’”

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“GOD lives here too.” This seemed very profound to me.  HE lives in my house and sees everything I’m doing. If I tried to do something in secret, HE knows.  Even when I try to justify why I am sinning GOD knew the seed of sin was the problem and HE doesn’t even listen to any excuse I could come up with.

HE made a clear way back to HIM.

• My sin requires atonement through bloodshed.
• My sin requires that I be put to death.
• My sin requires that I spend eternity separated from GOD’s love.

Since my birth made me a sinner, I seemed destined to spend eternity separated from GOD.

• JESUS volunteered to take my punishment.
• JESUS paid the penalty of my sin by shedding HIS blood for me.
• JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me, sealing my relationship with HIM for eternity.

While the Earth is still polluted with my sin, GOD rescues me through HIS own power in the middle of my sin. HE doesn’t even expect me to clean myself up in order to have a relationship with HIM. HIS love is sufficient!

• Have you done something in secret?
• Do you think you are hiding what you have done from GOD?
• Can you confess what you have done or are planning to do and let GOD deal with it?
• Won’t you accept HIS love the way HE wants to give it?