A Look at the Book #287

A Look at the Book #287






The Devotional



What Does Papa “J” have to Say?



There is a Family Bible in most homes, yet there is no fear of the LORD. If that bible were opened beyond the family tree, one could observe the Tree of Life. Learn to Fear the LORD and lose the fear of death! Aw, go ahead scoff at this and bear the consequence. Proverbs 9:1-12



Have you given this some thought? Romans 5:1 is a statement of the foundation that all of the saints of the past, present and future stand on. Jesus stated to His disciple Peter in Matthew 16:18 that Peter's confession of faith in God the Father is the solid rock (a foundation) of faith where you will find the eternal Church of God. The writer of Hebrews states that this same faith is the only faith that pleases God. Hebrews 11:6, also the writer of Hebrews states that Abraham experienced faith in God, Sarah too! And he goes on to talk of many other Old Testament saints. All of these saints and the saints of the Church of God today are the foundations of a Holy City who's builder and maker is God Himself. When Jesus came into the world, the world was prepared to receive Him. Hebrews 10:5-10. He first authored, then provided the way to do the will of God, and that is for the people of God to live by faith. This Faith then does not belong to you or me individually and it is not the common human faith that we all express from time to time. This faith is first found in Jesus Christ in the fulness of time and it is freely given to all who will respond to God through this gift we so often abuse, called Grace. Ephesians 2:4-10.



The Gospel of John



John 19:25-27 The death of Jesus Christ is imminent, many people are standing around and watching the most important event in the history of mankind unfolding. As there are at every scene of trauma, danger and death there are people who are there as spectators and perpetrators. Often unnoticed are the love ones who are standing nearby who in the midst of the crowd feel empty, lonely and hopeless.



It is as if Jesus takes a time out from His suffering and death, He pauses to look at those who cling to the final moments of His life. Jesus eyes are fixed on John, His disciple and He directs His mother's eyes to John and says; “Woman, behold your son!”, then to His disciple; “Behold your mother”. These two statements are often overlooked but notice that Jesus is taking leave of His life and life's responsibilities. We too, must die to self and live for God.



Looking a little deeper into Jesus and His concern we can see a couple of important issues. One, Joseph, His step father is missing, possibly dead. Two, Mary His mother, at the death of her Son, will become homeless. John 19:27. These are important moments, things that may have been discussed with John and Mary before this moment. So the timing of His statement is not an afterthought, but more to say to them. The time is come, I must depart and you must do your part. Are we really doing our part these days as saints of God? Matthew 25:31-46