Confession that leads to forgiveness

 

Meditation from Isaiah 64,65

I enjoy the good promises from the Bible, but here, like other places we have words of confession of sin. Even the gracious Lord Jesus exposed sin as a root problem in all humanity – Mark 7:21

Isaiah 64:5

“But we are not godly. We are constant sinners, so Your anger Lord is heavy upon us. How can people like us be saved? We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away. Yet no one calls on your name, or pleads with you for mercy. Therefore You have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins.”

Then the prophet takes the humble place “We are the clay,  You are the potter….”

Then the LORD says (Chapter 65) : “People who never before inquired about Me are asking about Me. I am being found by people who were not looking for Me. To them I have said “I am here”.

I opened my arms to My own people but……………”

And so the good news for repentant sinner holds true:

‘Whoever will call upon the Name of the LORD will be saved ‘ (Romans 10:13) . 

 Let us take time to confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1) .

It is not the purpose of God for us to live in morbid introspection, but it is healthy to humble ourselves and see the situation as by the holy vision of the Lord.

Peter wrote “God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.” 

   (1 Peter 5)

The change God can make

 

As I return to my work with migrants the following Bible verse gives encouragement. Many have suffered much and lost much. But now they have an opportunity for good change. Best of all the opportunity to have God’s love, joy  and peace.

Isaiah chapter 61:

God gives beauty for ashes

Joy instead of mourning

Praise instead of despair

The Lord God through our Lord Jesus Christ is in the work of recovering wasted and crushed lives.

Are you one of those -  seek HIM today !

Heaven's activity

 

Present activity in heaven.

“Seek those things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God …… you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3)

Heaven seems a far off place – especially when we are too distracted by the things of this world. (love not the things of this world or the things that are in the world 1 John 2).

Heaven is a place of constant activity – every time a sinner repents and turns to the Lord God, the angels celebrate. (that means more than 2000 times each week).

It is a place of ultimate authority and the one who sits on the throne is aware of all things on earth. Remember Jesus said “My Father knows”. The patience of God, waiting for people to repent is amazing. He will decide when enough is enough, and will send out the angels as reapers in the harvest of the earth.

In heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ, is consciously attending to the prayers of His people.  With deep understanding and sympathy He enables the Holy Spirit to work in and for His beloved people.  For those who fail and fall, He intercedes as an advocate -  pleading the value of His once offered sacrifice to gain forgiveness and restoration for the wanderers.

Heaven is also involved in the conflict against evil. Satan accuses and persecutes the believers. The Lord Jesus, who sits on the right hand of the majesty on high, is well able to put him in place.

Most interesting -  in heaven the Exalted Christ is seen not as a despotic king in heaven, but as one with the purity and meekness of a Lamb.

And so the chorus echoes through the heights of heaven:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing forever and ever” (Revelation 5)

So much more could be written about activity in heaven – I encourage you to go search for yourself.

Alive and active

 

What makes the promises of the past have any value in the present?

For example, Jesus promised that his sheep would never perish! (John 10)

The promise is only true if the person who made the promise is alive , powerful and active. Otherwise it is a hoax.

And that’s just the reason, that the statement of Revelation chapter one is so significant.  The Lord Jesus Christ said:

“Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forever more, and I have the keys of death and hell.”

Because He lives, the present and future security of His sheep is secure. No one can snatch them out of His hand.

Among the many things happening in heaven, this gives great assurance to all believers, that the living Lord cares, and will keep His promises.

Trust in the Lord and don’t despair

He is a friend so true

No matter what your troubles are

Jesus will see you through.

Death Of Jesus Christ the Lord

 

Why is the death of Jesus Christ the Lord so important?

 

1.   1  It is mentioned directly by the prophet Isaiah and David. It is typified in the sacrifices of Abraham and Moses.

2.  2  Jesus Himself said He would be killed. He also explained before it happened that His death had a greater purpose – Forgiveness, ransom, and as the Good Shepherd He would lay down His life for His sheep.

3.   3 His death highlighted the brokenness of human nature – religious men refused to accept His claim to be “the Son of the Blessed” and condemned Him to die. The Roman judge, sent to crucifixion, one he had declared innocent. The crowd disregarded what great and good things He had done, calling for Him to be given the worst kind of death – crucifixion – so cruel in so many ways. How depraved mankind was and is.

4.   4The teaching of the Apostles by the Holy Spirit was clear, that this death had a distinct purpose –

Peter :  Jesus  as the Lamb of God paid the price to bring people back to God (1 Peter 1,3)

John: Fellowship with God is based on the cleansing (forgiveness) by the blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son. (1 John 1,2)

Philip: Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53 ‘His life is taken from the earth’ to become the risen intercessor for all who believe in Him.

Paul: God showed His great love toward us  - “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5)

---- and so much more…….

 

I venture an illustration  (true parable)

I received a speeding fine in the mail! But I was not in the vehicle. My son was driving my car. One might have challenged the camera operator, or gone to court to argue that no-one was in danger. Or I could plead for pardon (which is possible in Australia).

But no – I made a choice to pay the debt and incur the demerit points myself – thus letting my son go free even though he was the guilty one.

Jesus knew too well how offensive my disobedience, disrespect, failure to worship, my sin…,   was to God . But He, in the person of Jesus, chose to pay the fine and let me go free! In gratitude I love Him and follow Him.

Indeed God has the prerogative to forgive, but He chose to liberate the guilty by suffering the penalty HIMSELF – the wages of sin is death, and Jesus Christ died for our sins. (1 Corinthians 15)

 5 The words of Jesus, many years after , are very significant:

“Fear not, I am the fist and the last, I am He that lives, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen, and have the keys of hell and death”   (Revelation 1:17). {so full of meaning – pause to ponder}

6  The death of Jesus justifies the holiness of God – He forgives – “the Just one dying for the unjust” (1 Peter3:18)

7  The death of Jesus makes judgement day more terrifying for unbelievers :- judged for sin that could have been forgiven, judged for rejecting  Jesus the Son of God, judged by the very person who died to offer complete salvation. (Revelation 20,  John 5,  Acts 17).

8 Today is the great day of salvation:

“To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His Name, whoever believes in Him shall receive forgiveness of sins.” (Peter – Acts 10:43)

johnmckee@internode.on.net

The empty tomb

 

An empty tomb.

Does it matter?  Yes and no!

No – we have on good authority the good news that by His death and resurrection all can be forgiven. By His resurrection the gift of eternal life is certain.

 

Yes – to know that Jesus died on Golgotha (Calvary) is important. {Islam denies it}.  The prophecies of the Old Testament Prophets, the predictions of Jesus, the records of historians, the writings of witnesses,  all testify that Jesus actually died. The Lord Jesus Himself gave the purpose.

“The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep”  John 10

Yes -To be assured that Jesus lives is fundamental. {denied by atheists, agnostics, infidels, naturalists}. If Jesus is dead, all hope is lost. But no one could produce the body of Jesus. The Roman guards, the Jewish detractors or anyone. The disciples were powerless and afraid. Only the women had the courage to try to anoint the body of the once crucified Lord.

-        To them the Angels said “ He is risen….” (Luke 24) shortly afterward the disciples said “we have seen the Lord”. The Lord Jesus Himself said to them – “look at my hands and my feet….”

-        As the Lord Jesus ascended up into the clouds, two angels announced to the puzzled disciples :

“This same Jesus taken away from you into heaven, He will return”  (Acts 1).

 

I have not been to Jerusalem to see the empty tomb. God has not given us many authentic items from the life of the Lord Jesus – no books, no clothing, no paintings – why?? - lest we worship them. Even the original writings of the Apostles as lost – again lest people worship the book instead of the Lord. {as happens in several religions}. The verification of the Bible is clear from the 5000 portion and copies.  The experience of knowing personally, the living Lord Jesus by the Holy Spirit is very real – He is very much alive.

The fulfillment of prophecy points to the return of one glorious person – Jesus, the Son of God, Jesus the lamb of God that was slain.

The word spoken to John is very appropriate:

“I am He the liveth, that was dead and behold I am alive forever more”

  (Revelation 1)

Who shall I vote for

 

Elections

Many people for many reasons are calling for voters, to vote for them. And some with good intentions.

But across the world , inequalities and greed seem to spoil democracies. Dictatorships are crumbling and chaos seems to be the order of the day . Propaganda  causes one to despair of knowing the truth of the matter.  Is there any hope?

Yes – the greatest lawgiver of all time was known as the meekest man on all the earth – Moses. Why so? – because he communicated the law for God = ‘under God’.

Yes – the greatest rescuer, deliverer, restorer of all time , humbled Himself to serve God and man  --  Jesus.  That one solitary life has brought hope, peace and purpose to more people around the world, than any other.

Voters look for a ‘strongman’. For brave ideologists, for articulate orators, for those who will benefit them most.

The Lord Jesus stooped to heal the sick, stopped to bless the children, went out of His way to rescue a stranger, disregarded His reputation in declaring the truth, didn’t shy away from suffering for the salvation of lost people.

 A leader?  Yes but so much more:

He gave moral teaching for society and as a leading shepherd He laid down His life for wayward sheep.  He cared most for the greater need for people to be reconnected with God.  His greatest gift was eternal life available to all who truly believe in Him.

Hope beyond today

 

An unusual verse from Isaiah 49:4

“My work all seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose at all. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.”

In this Messianic section, we are caused to ponder the three and half years that Jesus served among the people. And at the end it all seemed to be a failure. He died very much alone. It was resurrection that changed the story.

Is there someone reading this who feels the same pain? You have served God as best you are able, and the results are discouraging.

I know many who have yielded all for Christ and seemingly “failed”!

Read this verse in your own Bible. Then that remember the Lord God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ operates on the long range view and ‘everyone shall have praise of God’. In the day when the heavenly account keeper opens the books, then we’ll understand!

Who is this man

 

The Word

John 1  “In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God….The Word was made flesh “

Written at a time when much of the dust had settled. The Jews had determined to oppose Christ and the Gnostics were being exposed. John writes about one he had known so well, now know fully by the Holy Spirit.

“In the beginning” – takes us back to Genesis 1, where God spoke and His word was effective in designing, creating and ordering His new creation.

Now John1:1 , the beginning is qualified as the outcome of a person , the Word, revealed in a visible person – “The word was made flesh and dwelt among us”. Emphatically the creation is the work of God.

 

“The Word was with God” – this expresses the companionship in the Deity.

“The Word was God” – many consider John the Apostle as going too far so they manipulate the text. But John states the same in his letter – “Jesus Christ , He is the true God”. The Jews understood the claim of Jesus “My Father” as claiming equality with God. So they took up stones to kill Him for blasphemy. Jesus went on to demonstrate by signs that His claim was valid. Thomas expressed it so clearly when he saw the risen Jesus – “My Lord and my God” (John 20).

“All things were made by Him.” He alone could make something precise out of nothing. A world so finely tuned! As Isaiah said “He made the world to be lived in. not a place of empty chaos.” (Isaiah 45). And so it was.

But darkness intruded and chaos followed. Who then could be the light to dispel the darkness? Moses was indeed a candle, and John the Baptiser a lamp. But of the Word – “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men”. As He  came , even in the form of a man, He was the light of the world.

Verse 14 “We have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” This unique person who was radiating the glory of  God the Father, could say:- “He that has seen me has seen the Father”

So much more could be written, but it is appropriate that I kneel and worship Him :

 “my Lord and my God”.

The Law fulfilled

 

The Law…..

“The LORD has magnified His law and made it glorious. Through it He has planned to show the world that He is righteous”  Isaiah 42:21

This significant verse has two interpretations.

1. The law was given through Moses to reveal the righteous character of God.

-God Himself as Holy

-God relating Himself to humanity as righteous (righteous meaning—right actions in all situations)

This righteousness is seen in both the unbending commands as well as the high standards of reconciliation by sacrifice. (nothing less)

2. The law was given to man, to Israel and they failed to honour it by persistent idolatry.  The law was fully and finally honoured in the person of Jesus. His holiness undimmed, unstained, along with His righteous behaviour in accord with God’s will as appropriate to the need and situation.

Well might God the Father say from heaven:

“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”  (Matthew 3)

Such could not be said of any other. 

And so the law is significant as a light to the nations.

The law has been fulfilled in the radiant Lord Jesus Christ. All may see the Holiness and grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.

The application is  - how precious that the Christian  is “in Christ”.

 

The fruit of living in the Holy Spirit

 

Lesson for today.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

 gentleness, self-control.

--These are the outcomes  (fruit) of what we believe:

God loves all the people of the world – so we love.

God is good and worthy of praise – so we are joyful

God is in control -  so we have peace trusting Him

God waits patiently for all to turn to Him – so we are patient with others.

God is kind , even giving His Son – so we are selflessly kind

God is good with no ulterior motive or sinister intent.

God is faithful , keeping His promises – so should we.

God is gentle, even with the rebellious – so we ought to react with mercy.

God needs no self control. He has no inappropriate impulse. But we do!

Waiting

 

Morning meditation:

Isaiah 29:18   “But the LORD still waits for you to come to Him, so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God.      Blessed are those who wait for Him to help them.”

Isaiah uses the word ‘wait’ many times. 

The LORD waits. A real person who wants to connect. He wants to show love and compassion. He operates on faithful terms  - we turn to Him in admission of our wandering ways, He restores our souls. The filial relationship enables us to walk in fruitful ways .

Then the verse ends -  we wait on Him as dependant, obedient children. Then we are empowered to know Him and walk in His sunshine.

The chapter goes on to describe that sunshine:

He will be gracious

He will respond instantly

He will be with you

You will hear His voice

The Lord will bless you.

Leading or feeding appetite

 

I hesitate to write this. But after much pondering about one of Australia’s deepest problems that is now affecting politics, labour market, families, church etc. I write for you to think it through.  Four destructive words – “What do you want…….?”

Sounds ok, sounds normal, even Jesus occasionally used them!

Yes, but please take time to ponder their destructive implications when used unwisely.

Illustration: You ask a child “what do you want for breakfast?” Almost always, the child will ask for something sweet and often unhealthy! Consequences – a life habit of feeding on flavour instead of healthy food.  Rather parents should wisely decide on healthy food for mental and physical wellbeing of a child. Good leadership would then say –“today we are having ………….. for breakfast – come enjoy!” Then the child would learn to  make wise choices.

This little illustration unveils a fundamental problem of Australian youth. Why do so many think the world ‘owes it to them’ ? I suggest that too many parents have fed the self centred ego by ‘what do you want?’ instead of leading  with ‘we are going to ….’.  By having choices and options for food, fun, friends, clothes, careers, cars etc, the young inexperienced mind considers it normal to EXPECT to have what it wants. Occasionally young ones are taught to make wise choices, but too often they are given what they WANT to keep them quiet. (obedience seems well out of date).

Does the Bible reflect on this – Absolutely and extensively.

“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequence of decay and death. Those who live to please the spirit will harvest everlasting life” (Galatians 6:8) – normal flesh choices versus wisdom and understanding given by God.

“If your sinful nature controls your mind there is death. If the Holy Spirit controls your mind there is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

Children need parents filled with the Holy Spirit to lead them. The world of media and education encourages children to gratify oneself, follow the dreams, in anyway they may choose without true reference to outcomes or God’s way.

True love is often “Tough Love” -  please read Revelation 3:19.

I mentioned politics – yes – years ago, people voted for the good of the country, now they vote to satisfy “Meism”. (what they get out of it).

Labour shortage – Most of us were happy to get a job as teenagers. Today they EXPECT easy work on max pay!

Churches – listening carefully to what the congregation WANTS, to keep the money rolling and the numbers up! (2 Timothy 4:3)

Families – working so hard to have enough money to keep the children up with the Jones’s  philosophy ‘What do you want?’.

Well, thank you if you read this through – you are welcome to disagree, but I ask you to ponder it a while, before you throw it away.