Did You See the Dignity Grace and Love that Jesus Displayed?

        As they lead Jesus to the mockery trials, He displayed such dignity, grace, and love.  Hard to imagine when one considers He knew the severity of what He was about to face, taking upon His shoulders all the sin, shame, and guilt of everyone who had lived and all who would come thereafter.  Sin, guilt, shame. Not something He had ever experienced. But He did know the depth of wrath that burned within His own righteous spirit against sin.  However, now He was going to be the recipient of all that wrath.  Even then, He never lost sight of love, joy and all that was to come because of this one act of total surrender and sacrifice. 

He endured this travesty for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 But How?

        Did He gaze into eternity and rejoice as we joined Him in heaven, preparing for the wedding supper of Christ?  What a wondrous marriage banquet that will be! Or did He laugh as He saw that one day we would reign with Him during the millennial reign?   Or did His heart overflow with joy just imagining absolute awe as we gaze upon the New Jerusalem.  The beauty and majesty of that city, filled with perfect righteousness.  I cannot imagine its beauty. 

Our Destiny Revealed in Revelations 21

10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the [h]great city, the [i]holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. 12 Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.

14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the [j]names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand [k]furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. 17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.

18 The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

The Glory of the New Jerusalem-THE DIGNITY, GRACE AND LOVE

22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine [l]in it, for the [m]glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24 And the nations [n]of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27 But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

I CAN HARDLY IMAGINE THE JOY OF SEEING JESUS FACE TO FACE. ALL HIS DIGNITY GRACE and LOVE THAT DAY AT THE TRIAL AND ON THE CROSS BECAUSE HE KEPT HIS FOCUS ON YOU AND ME WITH HIM ONE DAY.

The Pearl Gates

Dr. Criswell was the head of the Southern Baptist Convention for many years.  He preached at the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.  I was fortunate to have gone there for a time while he was the pastor.  He also led the Dallas Theological Seminary.  All that to say, he had a very insightful thought regarding the Pearl Gates.  He is quoted as saying, “There is a sermon in the fact that the gates are pearl, because heaven is entered through suffering and travail, through redemption and blood and through the agony of the cross. A pearl is a jewel made by a little animal that is wounded. Without the wound, the pearl is never formed”.

And he said that’s the way it is for us when we get to heaven. We’ll walk through the gates of pearl and, as we do, we’ll be reminded that the only reason we’re there is because of the suffering and the pain of the Lord Jesus who paid the wound for us, that we might be redeemed.”[1]  I cannot imagine the beauty there. 

So, as Jesus prepared to go to the cross, mentally, and spiritually, did He think about the pearl gates He was forming for us.  Was that in part how He kept His focus off the injustice and the pain? 

ACTS of DIGNITY, GRACE, and Love
  1.  He restored the ear of the Guard  (Luke 22:51)
  2.  Standing with head high, He faced the questioning of Annas and then Caiaphas.
  3. They spit on Him and slapped His face—He did not react with fear, anger, nor any emotional response  John 18
  4. He answers with truth and strength before the Sanhedrin Luke 23: 67-68
  5. Accused by a mockery court, He is led then to the Roman Court where they even change the charges against Him so the Romans would execute Him because the Jewish law would not permit them to:  They had broken every ordinance of law in this trial.
Listen to how Jesus Responded:

John 18:  36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.

Further Notes of Dignity, Grace, and Love; plus, a key

Certainly, this list can go on for a long time.  But note also how He responded, after being beaten beyond recognition, dehydrated, covered in blood, and wearing a crown of thorns on His brow.  Some began to weep as He walked toward Golgotha carrying His cross.

27 And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’  Luke 23

Concluding Thoughts on how to have dignity, grace and love

What Dignity, Grace and Love was demonstrated by Jesus, but note there is a key element here.  Where was His focus?

So, How can we face trials in this life by considering our focal point?

Let us be like minded and focus on all that He has done as well as all that we know He will yet do. One day, I will stand before Him completely transformed. Then I will understand the reason for each tear. I will see His tears shed for me and then, there will be no more tears. One day. Until then, let me keep my eyes on the prize, enduring all that I must face here on earth.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

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The Greatest Injustice of All Times! How should we respond?

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

[1] Jermiah David, https://sermons.love/david-jeremiah/4444-david-jeremiah-the-heavenly-city.html, quoting Dr. Criswell,  accessed 5/15/2021

The Greatest Injustice of All Times! How should we respond?

            Under the cover of darkness in the middle of the night that Jesus was betrayed by Judas.  Surrounded by the armed guards from the Sanhedrin with accompanying Roman Soldiers, Jesus was arrested around midnite.  There was no charge of a crime other than being Jesus of Nazareth.   Initially He was taken to the home of Annas, the “retired chief priest”, father-in-law to Caiaphas the current chief priest.  (John 18:13).  Every detail from His arrest through His trial was a travesty of Justice.  The rules of the Jewish courts were all broken throughout this trial.  The Lord of Lord and King of Kings was placed on trial by these self-righteous men.  The greatest injustice of all times, yet how did Jesus respond?

            Jesus spent the hours before His betrayal in agonizing prayer with the Father.  He knew every detail of what was coming.  So, it was as the crowd surrounded Him for His arrest, He walked out to them—calm, cool, and collected.  As they asked for Him, they were carrying torches and weapons.  They must have appeared frightening to have so many.  Jesus said, “whom do you seek?  They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus saith unto them I am He…as soon as He said, ‘I am He, they went backward and fell to the ground.”  John 18:4-6.  His voice was enough.  And His presence of strength such that they fainted briefly.  Yet, Jesus did not flinch nor run with this opportunity.  Instead, He stood firm and asked again, “Whom do you seek? And again responded, “I am He”. 

            Then Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant; but Jesus told Peter to put away his sword and Jesus restored the ear of the servant Malchus.

The Greatest Injustice of All Times and Jesus Response

There were laws set out in Deuteronomy regarding the sacredness of the judicial system.  “18 “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your [c]gates, which the Lord your God gives you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with just judgment. 19 You shall not pervert justice; you shall not [d]show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and [e]twists the words of the righteous. 20 You shall follow what is altogether just”  (Deuteronomy 16).

As such there were specific laws regarding accusing someone and the court cases.  There were lower courts outlined all the way up to the final Supreme Court within their system.  As part of that someone would not be able to be arrested without there being a specific crime.  In the case of Jesus, in darkness they had determined they needed Him gone because He might turn the people away from their rulership.  He was arrested in the darkness of night due to their fear of the people.  This went against the transparency inherit to truth being.

So, in the darkness of night when Jesus would be alone with His apostles where they went to rest “a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders” Mark 14: 23

Matthew 26 tells us of Jesus Response, “55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” 

“But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”  Luke 22: 53

A Mockery of a Court in search of a Crime

“12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was [b]expedient that one man should die for the people.”  John 18. 

During the former meeting carried out without allowing Jesus to present a defense and without any crime, Caiaphas had suggested it was better that one man die to save the rest.  What Irony.  He was speaking a truth of which He did not realize.  After all, Caiaphas meant to just keep the status quo with the Romans in which he enjoyed some prestige and power.  If this Jesus continued there might be a rebellion and Caiaphas stood to lose money and power, even if the people were released from Roman rule. 

So, Jesus was led to the home of Annas and then to Caiaphas (only a courtyard separated their homes).  Trials were not to take place in homes in the middle of the night.  But in the meantime, as they questioned Jesus, they sent people in search of witnesses to accuse Jesus. 

The Greatest Injustice of All Time:  False Witnesses found

Though they questioned Him, mocked Him, spit upon Him and struck Him while blindfolded, Jesus did not fight back.  Jewish law required there be a public hearing before the Sanhedrin with witnesses.  No one could even accuse themself of a crime.  It must be with two or more witnesses who could agree and confirm the crime.  Neither could a crime be that of speech only.  But rules nor justice prevailed or even mattered at this time. 

59 Now the chief priests, [k]the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 [l]but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two [m]false witnesses came forward 61 and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ” 62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”

64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! 66 What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.”  Matthew 26: 59-66

Further Breeching of the Law

Jewish law required there not be a unanimous decision, for at least one must show mercy.  In this case, there were none to show mercy.  Furthermore, the death penalty required three days prior to sentencing with the chief magistrate spending a full day fasting and allowing the witnesses time of reconsideration.  This too was overlooked in the case of Jesus, adding to the greatest injustice of all times being perpetrated.    They wanted Jesus gone.  Certainly, Satan nor the Sanhedrin wanted it on this day, as they began.  But God was in final control.  In His meekness, gentleness, strength and dignity, Jesus had infuriated them.  He showed no fear.  Nor did He bow before them.  Rather in calm, gentle strength, He had humiliated them.  That they could not tolerate, and their fury led them to rush on forward with their plan to destroy Him. 

Instead, they fulfilled everything that God had planned from the beginning.  It does not eliminate their guilt; but it does show that God is still Sovereignly in control even when it all looks upside down.  Even when every rule is broken and evil seems to prevail, God will accomplish all that He has planned despite the evil.  When God steadies His hand, waiting with patience, He is not taken by surprise at the evil.  Instead, He can from the evil bring about His Goodness, display His Mercy.  Never forget, justice will prevail.  One day, God will judge this earth and all of humanity.  On that day, all the injustices ever perpetrated will be punished.  There you and I will stand before His throne and be judged as to whether we accepted the atoning gift of salvation purchased by His son on our behalf or not. 

Concluding Thoughts-The greatest Injustice that God allowed because He loved You and me

There is no injustice that we may face on this earth to compare to the greatest injustice of all time that was bestowed upon God’s Only Begotten Son.  Yet, He humbly submitted to it, knowing that was the only way to purchase our redemption and remain perfectly righteous and just.  So, let us consider all this.  Today in this world, we face many hardships.  Injustice is rampant as we feel the grips of hostile hypocritical tyrannical forces choking out the truth, we hold so dear.  Yet, we too must not lose heart.  We know that God is in control.  This has been proven throughout the ages.  Every prophecy fulfilled in its perfect timing revealing to us the fortitude of the plan of God as it unveiled and continues to be performed.  We can trust in His plan always.

Even in our darkest night, He is there.  We may not understand at the moment; but He has a perfect plan for you and me.  The greatest injustice ever perpetrated occurred at the cross; yet, from there we know the victory over sin and death was won.  He rose from the grave victorious and sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for all who know Him as Savior and Lord.  He will return again as King of King and Lord of Lords.  Yet a little while and all the end day prophecies will be fulfilled. 

As I await the rapture, let me stand with His dignity, strength, and love pulsating through my heart.  Let me lay aside my own selfish, short sighted desires, that I might be a beacon of light to this ever-darkening world of injustice and evil where humanity believes themselves the moral compass, while themselves denying the one true God.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

Previous
The Humbling Effects of Forgiveness, Grace, and Love. How to Know

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Humbling Effects of Forgiveness, Grace, and Love. How to Know

                It was in the darkness of night.  No one really knew the how or why of it all.  A mockery of a trial that broke every rule of justice.  Little to no sleep.  Yet, Jesus had told them, this was coming.  He had rebuked Peter when he said, “it cannot be.” And had even called him, Satan to suggest it.  Still, who would have thought, the Jewish priests would carry on such a injustice, breaking every rule of their own court.  Peter had been even told of his impending failure, yet he did not believe.  In fact, he believed he would fight to the death to protect His Lord.  Now as the scene played out and Jesus was facing the trials of the Jewish leaders, Peter denied his Lord three times.  Broken, He fled the scene.  But He would soon know the humbling effects of forgiveness, grace, and love.

                How dark must have been those hours for Peter.  He could not forgive himself.  Not after all this.  It was cold and dark.  The world seemed to be completely upside down.  He had followed Jesus to the courtyard; but seemed hours there alone in the cold.  Surrounded only by the riffraff.  He wanted to warm his heart and soul by the fires.  Jesus inside before the elder priest and then taken through the courtyards to the house of Caiaphas.  What was happening?  He waited, wondering, remembering.  He had tried to save Jesus with his sword in the Garden and Jesus told him, no?  In fact, Jesus restored the ear of the guard.  So, what was happening?  Was it all over?  Could this be the end? Then, Peter did the one thing he thought himself was the unforgiveable offense.  He denied His Lord. 

An Unforgiveable Offense

Have you ever felt like you failed God?  Failed to follow His commands or found yourself falling into the same pit of temptation, repeatedly?  I have.   Peter did.  David did.  Then it is with a broken and contrite heart, one looks upon Him again.  Peter did not come to the foot of the cross as Jesus died.  Did he feel himself unworthy?  Perhaps. 

When Jesus had turned to look at him, Peter felt the eyes of Jesus penetrate his heart and soul.  All too often through my life I have also felt the sting—Jesus eyes penetrating my heart, condemning.  Yet, because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross,

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.  Romans 1:1-2

How do we know that?  Can we truly know the Humbling Effects of Forgiveness, Grace, and Love?  What is it to know that we are forgiven?  Then, with that same humility we forgive others because of the gracious love of Jesus in us. 

Romans 7  

13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.

16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Our Dilemma, as was Peter’s

Deep within us, we want to believe that we are different.  We desire to believe that we would make the right choices.  Be strong for Jesus.  Today and forever.  Yet, truth is:

Romans 3: 9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.

10 As it is written:

“There is none righteous, no, not one;
11 There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
13 “Their throat is an open [d]tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit”;
“The poison of asps is under their lips”;
14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17 And the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become [e]guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

What a humbling effect to know the depth of our own sin and then to realize the forgiveness, grace and love that Jesus bought for us on the cross. 

Oh, what humbling effect of Forgiveness, grace and Love abounds

It must have been with a broken heart Peter gathered with the apostles after Jesus’ crucifixion.  How heavy a heart, he must have had!  Yet, note that when Jesus was seen by the women, He told them to run and tell the apostles and tell Peter.  Oh, what grace and love abounded for Peter, regardless of his failure!  What precious love that Jesus has for each of His sheep, even when we wander astray.

Peter so excited that Jesus was resurrected, still did not understand his role going forward.  After all, he had failed God, so how could he be useful for anything.  He returned to fishing.  It was all he knew and what he was good at.  He could not continue to fail his Savior there.  But Jesus had a different plan. 

Back at the beginning, Jesus had met Peter at the shores of the lake.  Again, this night, there were no fish.  So perhaps even as a fisherman, he felt his ineptitude.  He was naked in that boat when he looked across the sea to see Jesus on the shore.  Quickly, he wrapped his naked body with a robe and began to swim across the sea.  Must like us, we want to cover up the nakedness of our sinful hearts when we come to the Savior.  But He see us and knows who we are. 

Jesus walked with Peter that day and with a simple question revealed the depths of His heart and that of Peter. 

A Burning Question:

Peter, do you love me with an agape “God-like love?”  Oh, Lord, I love you with a phileo (friendship love).  Then again, the same question.  Third time, Jesus asked,  Do you love me Simon Peter; yet this time he says it using phileo as the word for love.  Peter, said Lord you know my heart.  Now Peter understood the Humbling Effects of Forgiveness, Grace, and Love. Now He was ready for the ministry to which he was called. 

Peter then was ready to begin the ministry as God had called Him to.  He was later willing to die for Christ.  Although, he insisted on being crucified upside down due to his being unworthy to die in the manner that Jesus died. 

I Peter

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance [b]incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been [c]grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not [d]seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

In Him we Have Hope and Victory

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He [a]made us accepted in the Beloved.

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and [b]prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, [c]both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who[d] is the [e]guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.  Ephesians 1

Concluding Thoughts-The humbling effects

God is all that we need.  When we come to end of ourselves, He IS.  So, out of our brokenness, He reigns.  The humbling effects of truly seeing the depth of His forgiveness, grace and love toward one who has fallen so short of His Glory transforms my heart. One day I shall look like Him, One day when I stand before His throne of grace. Until then let me surrender to Him, every moment of every day that the humbling effects of His love might reach a world around me.

WHEN I CAME TO THE END OF ME

So many times I strayed so far from you

And wondered what was I to do

I tried so hard, my might, to do your will

I could not see I should stand still

What could I do? Bring you a gift?

The harder I tried, the farther I’d drift

I reached that point, reality

I’d broke your heart! You still loved me!

CHORUS: 

When I didn’t have the strength

You still stood strong

When my heart was filled with tears

God is my joy song

You are the love,

My Everlasting peace,

 You are the life that flows in me

When I didn’t have a hope

At the end of my life’s rope

And I couldn’t find my way

You came to save this wandering stray

And now I know a different me

It is your love that set me free

That in this world I now might see

All that you are, your majesty

When I came to the end of me

My love for You, Your love for me

CHORUS: 

When I didn’t have the strength

You still stood strong

When my heart was filled with tears

God is my joy song

You are the love,

My everlasting peace,

 You are the life that flows in me

When I didn’t have a hope

At the end of my life’s rope

And I couldn’t find my way

You came to save this wandering stray

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

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Jesus Surrendered Absolutely All to the Father’s Command. Will You?
Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Surrendered Absolutely All to the Father’s Command. Will You?

                Jesus surrendered absolutely all to the Father’s Command.  Willingly He took upon His shoulders the full wrath of God against the sin of all humanity.  He who had enjoyed only the Father’s love, admiration, and devotion, now would experience the full fury of God’s wrath against the sin of the world.  A sin that could not be overlooked, nor brushed aside.  What was the center of all this evil purposed by humanity?  Pride, arrogance, and a desire to not just be made in God’s image; but rather to be God.  Ruler and master of our own destiny.    No lie too outrageous to reach that goal.  The smallest piece of clay desiring to tell the potter what is best for all of humanity.  Yet, if we look around us that is precisely what we still see today.  Each person is given the choice. 

However, humans desire, all too often, to choose self over serving God.   To rise above the creator rather than remembering we were His creation, not His equal.  Yet, the only one who truly was equal, the perfect son of God willingly surrendered Himself to the Father’s will so that we might have a way of escape from the wrath we so justly deserved. We, who deserved all the wrath, have a way of escape by accepting the gracious gift of God, by surrendering to His Plan of Salvation.  All we need to is to choose joy, by believing that God is Sovereign Lord, Jesus died to pay our penalty; then with humble repentant heart to turn to Him.  As we surrender our life to Him, He provides all that we need and takes responsibility to transform our heart to be like His.

Jesus Surrendered Absolutely to the Punishing Wrath Against Sin

                Do not underestimate the degree of suffering that Jesus endured.   Some wish to minimize what Jesus suffered, saying, “After all He is God and could not feel the shame or pain as we do.”  Yet quite the opposite is true.   We who so deserve the wrath of God, could never understand the agony for Jesus to be separated from the Spirit and the Father for even a nano second in time.  Much less to be the recipient of all their wrath against sin for 3 long hours. Even His own wrath against sin magnified as He was on that cross.  Yet even there He was gracious, forgiving, and kind.  He thought of His apostles, the thief beside him, his mother and the roman soldiers carrying out the execution.  

We live our lives so often in a semi-spiritual state.  Occasionally we experience the glorious wonder of His Presence within us or surrounding us.  Yet, we cannot comprehend what a separation from the Father meant to Jesus.  Their love for each other beyond anything we might experience.  We understand only to a tiny degree, when we mourn for our loved ones what that separation experience is.  Jesus knew beyond a doubt the ultimate joy of God the Father’s presence.  He desired nothing more than that constant communion. 

Yet, He willingly came to earth in a human body to experience the sufferings here within a fallen and broken world, receiving the disdain and suffering that evil brings.  Then, Jesus surrendered absolutely to the most horrific separation from the Father and Spirit while receiving their wrath against sin being poured out upon Him.   

Never forget this.  Always remember His blood poured forth for your redemption.  Do not underestimate all that Jesus surrendered absolutely to purchase your salvation. 

Surrendered Absolutely with Grace

39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43 [f]Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.

44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46 Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”  Luke 22

Despite His agony, Jesus always placed His concern for His disciples as primary.  That is true love and devotion.  How often do we place the destiny of others over our own pain?  Are we willing to suffer so that others might find Jesus Christ and thereby change their eternity?  If indeed we are to be like Him, are we willing to surrender absolutely to the will of the Father?  No matter what! 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

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How to rejoice Always! Remember all God plans, Jesus amazingly completes!
Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

How to rejoice Always! Remember all God plans, Jesus amazingly completes!

As we remember every detail fulfilled by Jesus the last week leading to the cross, we can stand in Awe of God’s Sovereign control of every detail.  He is still in Sovereign control of every detail today.  So, as we look at the passages in Luke 22, let us look with awe and wonder.  Let us remember that all God plans, Jesus amazingly completes.  Therefore, all that He has planned for you and I will also be completed perfectly as God has planned.  Knowing this and remembering all He has already done, we have reason to rejoice always. 

As noted in previous lessons from the series in Luke, Jesus was born in the exact location where the sacrificial lambs were born, swaddled, and laid in the manager.  He triumphally entered Jerusalem exactly on the day prophesied by Daniel.  Additionally, that was the day the sacrificial lambs were also brought into Jerusalem, the 10th of Nissan (as the Jewish calendar does differ from ours). 

The Jewish leaders wanted desperately to place Jesus in jail until the Passover was past, then place Him on trial.  Their initial plans were not to crucify Him amid the Passover festivals.   Truth be told, neither did Satan want this to finalize.  Remember this scene from Matthew 16: 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, [i]“Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan!”

Satan’s temptations were always to thwart the completion of God’s plan of salvation. 

The Plans of Men to Destroy Jesus

So, it was there was an urgency to capture Jesus when He was away from the crowd.  He had been teaching in the temple every day.  So, it would have to be at night.

From the history of the time as recorded by Josephus, it had become necessary that not all the lambs could be slaughtered within the hours of 3.  Although this was when initially in Exodus everything was laid out.  The feast of the unleavened bread did not begin until the day after.  However, these had been changed slightly, as the northern Jews counted the day from sunrise to sunrise while the southern Jews counted it from sunset to sunset. 

Therefore the 14th day of Nissan began in the evening (Thursday evening) for those from Galilee as was Jesus and His apostles.   This provided a way to divide the sacrifices between the two days and still fulfill them as the 14th of Nissan.  It was perfect also for Jesus to be able to fulfill all righteousness with His apostles, partake in the Passover supper and still die exactly at 3 pm when the Passover lambs on Friday were beginning to be slain. 

God’s Plan and Timing is Perfect

Judas would have thought the perfect time to turn over Jesus would be at the supper, for Judas had already made a deal with the Jewish leaders earlier in the house of Caiaphas at a big meeting they held to rid themselves of Jesus.  Yet, notice.  Jesus did not tell them where the supper would be.  He sent them to follow a man carrying a pitcher of water.  (Usually only the women carried the water).  And He sent only two apostles, John and Peter.  As such, Judas did not have a chance to betray the place in time, as he was not able to get away once the festival began.  That is not until Jesus told him to go.  Then, Judas would have to take them to the Mount of Olives in the Garden of Gethsemane to betray Jesus. 

Then all these religious men who wanted Jesus out of the way, but not dead until later.  After all they certainly did not want a riot to occur.  Nor did Satan, however they became so furious with the answers Jesus gave, they could not help themselves.  They ultimately did exactly as God had planned from before the creation of the earth.

God’s Plan in Motion, Regardless of how it looks

John McArthur wrote it beautifully,

“God goes into motion. The religious leaders go into motion. The devil goes into motion. Judas goes into action, and the disciples move. And they’re all moving in preparation for the cross to accomplish the purposes of God.

On the surface, as you read this chapter, God is hidden. God is invisible. He is behind everything. But He is moving everything. Isaiah 53:10 says, “The Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief as a guilt offering for His good pleasure.” It is the Lord God who is behind the death of Jesus Christ. It is His plan and His purpose with which Christ is in perfect agreement.”[1]

God is the only one who wanted and designed that Jesus would die exactly at 3pm on Friday, just as the sacrificial lambs began to be slaughtered.  Jesus amazingly completes the Father’s plan.  He voluntarily agreed to do the will of the Father for the JOY that was set before Him in providing redemption for sinners with whom He would fellowship forever in Glory. 

Jesus precisely at 3pm, cried out, “It is finished.  Then, Father into your hands I commit my spirit.”  Jesus gave up His Life, ransom for you and for me.  He had just spent 3 hours receiving the full wrath of God against our sin, though He had never sinned.  So that He might justly provide our salvation.  Here He committed His spirit into the hands of the Father to do as He will and that was to raise Him from the dead in three days.  IN FULL AND ABSOLUTE SURRENDER, JESUS AMAZINGLY COMPLETES THE FATHER’S WILL.  Regardless of the cost to Himself.

Therefore, Remember Jesus

As we look at these verses, let us remember Jesus and all that He has done for us.  Remember where you began and all the acts of grace He has poured out on you throughout the years. Then know this, He is coming again that you may be with Him forever in paradise. Can you imagine heaven and all its wonders?  If this broken world holds so much beauty to explore, how magnificent heaven will be.   

Luke 22:

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.

3 Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. 4 So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.

Jesus and His Disciples Prepare the Passover

7 Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be [a]killed. 8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”

9 So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?”

10 And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. 11 Then you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” ’ 12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.”

13 So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.

Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper

14 When the hour had come, He sat down, and the [b]twelve apostles with Him. 15 Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

17 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I say to you, [c]I will not drink of 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 which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. 21 But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. 22 And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!”

Remember all God plans, Jesus amazingly completes!

Notice what Jesus said as they drank the wine?  “This cup is the new covenant in My blood whish is shed for you.”  Yet, just before that He had spoken these words, ““18 for I say to you, [c]I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 

In a Galilean wedding, the covenant is made with a glass of wine.  The groom takes a sip of the wine and then passes the cup to the bride to be.  She at that moment has a choice to either take of the wine, accepting the proposal or refusing the grooms offer by not tasting of the wine. Once she accepts, the bridegroom says, “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine again until I drink of it with you on our wedding day.”  He then goes to prepare a place for her, just as Jesus has said, “I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. “ (John 14:2-3)

In the Galilean tradition, the bridegroom nor the bride determine the day in which the wedding will take place.  That is determined by the Father of the bridegroom.  Again, Jesus said regarding His return, “   “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of [f]heaven, but My Father only. (Matthew 24: 36)

So, how can we rejoice, always?  Remember all that God Plans, Jesus amazingly completes.  He has always throughout the ages, and He will throughout eternity.  Never forget, He is coming again to talk us to be with Him. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

Previous
Would A God of Grace and Love Really Demand Judgement?
Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

[1] John McArthur, https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/42-268/gods-preparation-for-the-final-passover, written 1/20/2008, accessed 4/24/2021