Would A God of Grace and Love Really Demand Judgement?

            When we look around us, even our human hearts cry out for justice.  Although, at times we may confuse what is true justice in a situation.  Because we cannot see everything or judge rightly, we sometimes feel outraged unjustly.  Still, our hearts desire what is right and just.  That desire: however, convoluted it may have become in this world is resounded forth by our youngest children screaming, “That’s not fair.”  If we want or demand justice, then why would we ever say that an All-powerful, All-seeing, Sovereign God of Grace and Love would never really demand Judgement?  We quickly stand up in defense when someone offends us.  Yet so many of us want to say, “If God truly loves then He could never condemn us for our sin?” How is that just or fair? Why would Jesus come and die to pay our penalty for sin unless justice was required?

            Furthermore, do not we humans scream at God to fix the injustices of this world?  We so often really demand judgement to fall on everyone else; but feel righteously smug within our own selves.  So, how can these human hearts determine what is just and right?  How can we understand the truth of mercy, grace, and love, while still understanding justice?  Or is that the key?  Once we understand the truth of justice, only then can we understand the depth of mercy, grace and love it took to forgive a sinner such as I.  It is then that we may begin to understand the patience with which God has dealt with humanity both individually and as nations.  That is when we can begin to understand that a God of Grace and Love must really demand Judgement of people and of nations. 

A Nation Under Judgement

How many years and with what patience has God always dealt with Israel as a nation? He continues to do so today.  Yet, we know throughout their history, it became necessary to for God to really Demand Judgement against Israel as a nation for their persistent rebellion and hardness of heart toward God.   It was necessary to destroy the evil sin that invaded the nation, to protect the remnant of true worshippers of God.    Like the wickedness that pervaded the world in the days of Noah, people who refuse to worship God or draw near to Him, drift farther and farther into depravity until that depravity threatens to destroy everything else around them.  They “exchanged the truth of God for the lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25).

So, it is that as Jesus is heading to the cross to die, paying the penalty of sin for all who would believe and accept Him as LORD and Savior, He also presented the case of why a God of grace and love must really demand judgement.  Condemnation against the nation of Israel came once more just as God demanded in 70 AD.  Yet, a remnant was saved.  History repeated itself and will repeat itself again in the future.  Love cannot be genuinely love, unless it stands firm on truth, justice, and righteousness.  Otherwise, everything and everyone would self-destruct over time.  We have witnessed that repeatedly during history.  Self-centered, self-exalting humans who are unwilling to bow before their creator in awe and wonder, always grow in the depth of depravity their own pride-filled hearts produce. 

God allows them to have what their hearts choose.  Hence their hearts become hardened.  Their eyes become blinded to seeing the truth.  And their hearing is dulled until they do not even know what is real or true. 

Why God Must Demand Judgement

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel [c]of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who [d]suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is [e]manifest [f]in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and [g]Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like [h]corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Because they Chose

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.  Amen

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their [i]women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the [j]men, leaving the natural use of the [k]woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, [l]sexual immorality, wickedness, [m]covetousness, [n]maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 [o]undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, [p]unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

The fact that humanity has not annihilated itself completely is due to God’s hand of grace sustaining the world.  When God’s hand releases a people to do as they desire, chaos and destruction always follows. 

Deuteronomy 32: 35-36 Their foot shall slip in due time;
For the day of their calamity is at hand,
And the things to come hasten upon them.’

“For the Lord will judge His people
And have compassion on His servants,

The Parable of the Vineyard from Luke 20

9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to [b]vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. 10 Now at [c]vintage-time hesent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 Again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast him out.

13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they see him.’ 14 But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is theheir. Come,let us kill him, that the inheritance may beours.’ 15 So they cast him out of the vineyard andkilled him.  Therefore, what will the owner of the vineyard do to them?  16 He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard toothers.”

And when they heard it they said, “Certainly not!”

Their response is that of people today regarding God when we tell them judgement will come.  They too, cry out “Certainly not!”   Yet, it just that which God did as He sent the gospel forth first to the Jew and to the Gentile as the church age was born.  Still there is the remnant of true worshippers saved and the nation of Israel will rise again as God’s people in the end times.  Meanwhile, we are bid to come and follow Him.  Why is God justified to really demand judgement? Has He not dealt will all with a magnitude of patience and grace?  Much more than you or I ever have toward others.  Let us look at Isaiah 5:

What More Could God Have Done?

Now let me sing to my Well-beloved
A song of my Beloved regarding His vineyard:

My Well-beloved has a vineyard
[a]On a very fruitful hill.
2 He dug it up and cleared out its stones,
And planted it with the choicest vine.
He built a tower in its midst,
And also [b]made a winepress in it;
So He expected it to bring forth good grapes,
But it brought forth wild grapes.

3 “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah,
Judge, please, between Me and My vineyard.
4 What more could have been done to My vineyard
That I have not done in it?
Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes,
Did it bring forth wild grapes?
5 And now, please let Me tell you what I will do to My vineyard:
I will take away its hedge, and it shall be burned;
And break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down.
6 I will lay it waste;
It shall not be pruned or [c]dug,
But there shall come up briers and thorns.
I will also command the clouds
That they rain no rain on it.”

7 For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel,
And the men of Judah are His pleasant plant.
He looked for justice, but behold, oppression;
For righteousness, but behold, [d]a cry for help.  (Isaiah 5)

What more could God have done?  God who has waited with patience, long-sufferingly awaiting each person to turn, repent and seek Him?  But alas, often to no avail for their hearts desire only themselves to be exalted above all else.  They desire to seek their own pleasures and powers, regardless of the cost to everyone else. 

So, now what?

Luke 20: 17 Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written:

‘The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone’?

18 Whoever falls on that stone will bebroken; buton whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

19 And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they [d]feared the people—for they knew He had spoken this parable against them.

Will judgement come upon our nation?  It appears we are there.  What about our world?  There too evil, lies and destruction are everywhere.  So much confusion of truth, destruction, while evil appears to win.  So, what about the individuals?  What about you or I?  Either we fall upon Jesus with broken, repentant hearts seeking Him or be crushed by the weight of the stone when God really demands judgement. 

Conclusion:  The Good News

Here though is the good news of the gospel message!  For all who believe that Jesus Christ is God Incarnate, the son of God who died on the cross and rose again the third day, we may run to the cross, lay our filthy garments at His feet in exchange for His Robe of Righteousness.  When I acknowledge my utter inability to earn my own salvation.  Come to Him, humbly bowing before Him.  Then, He saves me.  And much more, He takes it upon Himself to complete the work He began in me.  Hallelujah!  What a Savior. 

Then we can cry out with Paul. 

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,”

And 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, (In other words NOTHING) shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

So, yes, the fact that God is full of Grace and Love, He really must demand judgement.  But He also provided a way of escape from that judgement for all who choose to worship Him.  That is the good news of the gospel.  What we could not do, God did for us—if only we would believe in 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

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Broken Hearts in need of a Savior? Seek Him, Cry Out to Jesus
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)

Broken Hearts in need of a Savior? Seek Him, Cry Out to Jesus

As Jesus headed from Galilee to Jerusalem for His final journey to fulfill His destiny, He chooses to pass through Jericho. Jericho was one of the wealthiest areas.  Furthermore, the road to Jericho was one He had mentioned in the story of the Good Samaritan, as it was known for the thieves and robbers along its path.  Although fully aware of His own destiny at calvary, Jesus stopped along His way.  He had come to seek and save that which was lost.  There on the road to Jericho, amongst a crowd of people also going to Jerusalem for Passover was our Lord and Savior.  Ever mindful of those who genuinely believed and sought Him.  He saw the Broken Hearts in need of a Savior.  Those whom He knew did willingly seek Him and cry out to Jesus,  He answered their heart’s desire. 

He had not come to establish His earthly Kingdom, yet He had come to bring salvation to the world.  That is all those who recognized their own sin.  Those who had broken hearts made contrite recognizing their need of a Savior.  They were the ones who would seek Him and Cry out to Jesus for mercy.  From the worst of sinners, the rich and the poor, He came to provide hope and life.  Yet, to those who believed themselves righteous, He wept for their blindness for He knew that as a nation, Israel was about to face judgement.  Judgement for their own hardness of heart, pride, and determination to worship the creature more than the creator.  Much like the world today as well.

But for the blind man who cries out to Jesus and for Zacchaeus, it was a day of hope and salvation as Jesus passed through Jericho on His way to the cross.

The Road through Jericho

It was not the easiest route to take from Galilee to Jerusalem.  Furthermore, it was known for robbers and thieves.  Yet, this was His road to Jerusalem despite it being an arduous climb from the 800 feet below sea level to 3000 feet above sea level at the summit of the Mount of Olives.  Yet, the Samaritans had disallowed His journey through Samaria only a few months prior.

Luke 9: 51 Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem.

Then there were the Jewish leaders who wanted Him dead.

John 10:22-33 (BSB)

At that time, the Feast of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple courtsin Solomon’s Colonnade. So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”  “I already told you,” Jesus replied, “but you did not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf. But because you are not My sheep, you refuse to believe. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

At this, the Jews again picked up stones to stone Him. But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?”  “We are not stoning You for any good work,” said the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, declare Yourself to be God.”

The Plot to Kill Jesus

Jesus then came to Bethany when Lazarus had died, although He waited three days to ascertain the miracle.  No one could have remained in the tomb three days and come out unless it truly was a miracle from the hand of God.  So, to prove that He was the resurrection and the life, He waited and then He came.  Of course, this miracle outraged the Sanhedrin.  They met to plot His death. 

John 11: 53-57 (BSB) So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.  As a result, Jesus no longer went about publicly among the Jews, but He withdrew to a town called Ephraim in an area near the wilderness. And He stayed there with the disciples. Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover. They kept looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts, “What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?” But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where He was must report it, so that they could arrest Him.

Broken Hearts in Search of a Savior

Perhaps it was out of curiosity that many lined the roads outside Jericho.  Some were there by tradition watching the travelers to Jerusalem for Passover.  Still, did they wonder about this Jesus?  When He was approaching with many disciples, what did they think?  Had they heard about Lazarus or the people He had healed.  Were they curious as to why He was wanted by the Jewish Leaders?  Had they heard He dined with sinners?  Perhaps, at least had Zacchaeus heard.  Who remembered the rich young ruler and Christ’s statement?

Luke 18: 24-25 “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Cry Out to Him

Although it appears there were many skeptics in this crowd, there were at least two who rejoiced at the chance to see Him.  These two could not have been more different.  Yet both men had broken hearts. One a blind beggar and another a Wealthy Chief Tax Collector.  There are some questions raised by the timing of the blind beggar in the gospel accounts; but perhaps there were two—one as Jesus arrived and one as He left Jericho.  Either way, the story is the same.  The beggar cried out to Jesus, declaring “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  This proclamation declared before all that He believed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.  His faith gained Him sight and much more.  It provided for him the promise of salvation to come. 

Luke 19:

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, ]make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he [made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”

8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, becausehe also isa son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Seek Jesus

So, let us look for a moment more at this scene.  Zacchaeus was hated.   After all look at their response as they complained.  Furthermore, he was not able to pass through the crowd to get near to Jesus.  But he was willing to humiliate himself, just to get a glimpse of the Savior.  His heart already prepared and ready for even the slightest hope.  He ran ahead and climbed a tree to seek Jesus.  A broken heart, seeing his own riches as worthless compared to seeing Jesus.  His response was a transformed heart who desired to give it all away.

Two men vastly different.  Each with a broken heart, one cries out to Jesus and the other seeks Him.  Both knew they were unworthy of His grace. 

And Jesus

On the road to cross, He took the time to meet these men right where they were.  That is the Grace of God.  Though the time was running out for the Jewish nation.  Judgement would come.  Yet, the remnant would be saved once more.  Where are you along this journey?  Will you cry out to Him?  Will you seek Jesus with your broken heart, knowing that you deserve His wrath?  Yet, believing and claiming His Gift.  If so, know this.  Those who come to Him, are sealed for eternity.  Clothed in His Righteousness, so that they have access to the throne of God.  What a wondrous gift.  He took upon Himself our sins and all the wrath they deserved to provide for us the righteousness we could never earn.  Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.  That saved a wretch like me.      

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

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When Sorrow Overwhelms, how does Christ’s Resurrection guarantee Victory?
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)

BSB (The Berean Bible)

When Sorrow Overwhelms, how does Christ’s Resurrection guarantee Victory?

Life can be overwhelming at times.  Sorrows surround us.  Challenges keep growing.  There are moments in which I want to just stop.  My body does not recover like it use to.  There are all the difficulties of growing older.  Then the more I want to complete for Christ, the louder I hear the accuser screaming, “you failed again.”  Even at work there is that nagging sensation, I should get more done, faster.  Why did I not get more done?  Am I good enough?  Even more haunting is the question, “Am I good enough to accomplish all that God desires?” So, there are moments when doubt and sorrow overwhelms my heart.  It is such a time as this that I must remember the cross and Christ’s resurrection.  He has declared my victory.  So how does Christ’s Resurrection guarantee Victory? 

Let us take a moment to look at His death on the cross and our Victory because He lives.  It was a day when sorrow overwhelms the crowd, as Jesus was led to the cross.  Was it not sorrow in the garden of gethsemane that caused Jesus to cry great drops of blood?  Surely, as God, He knew the degree of wrath His Father would need to pour out upon Him to justly satisfy the payment for all our sins.  Did He see in the corridor of time the moment, one split second when He would feel as though He were abandoned by the Father?  Yet, if He were to be tempted in all ways as we are, He would feel that.  After all, do we not cry out that very cry?  We feel the pain as sorrow overwhelms; but He bore our greatest grief as well.

When Sorrow Overwhelms

I cannot imagine the depth of sorrow felt by Mary as her son was beaten, spit upon, mocked, and hung upon the cross.  The apostles confused, although He had told them of the plans.  Yet, they did not believe He would die on the cross.  Nor did they understand how He allowed the soldiers to take Him.  How could He guarantee Victory over death by dying?  It was all so confusing, and life did not make sense.  Then, as He hung upon the cross it was like no other day.  At noon, the skies when dark.  At that moment, the Father began to pour forth upon His Son all the fury against sin that could be poured.  Remember the flood?  Or the time when the earth opened so all those who rebelled against God were swallowed up?  Yes, God hates sin with a ferocious anger.

For Perfect Righteousness to justly pardon our sin, the full price had to be paid by someone.  That someone was Jesus Christ, His Precious and Beloved son.  Were He not to keep focus on the joy set before Him, Jesus could never have endured!  He keeps His eyes on us, with love.  We know this.  After all, one of His words from that cross was, “Father, forgive them.”  He forgave the one thief who believed the truth of Jesus.  Furthermore, with compassion He spoke to His mother.  Then the three hours of darkness fell upon Him.  When sorrow overwhelms, remember His cry, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”  He understands your desperate cry. 

Furthermore

Indeed, this was a psalm of David.   Psalm 22 began with these very words; but halfway through the song it says.  “You have answered me…  I will praise you.
You loyal followers of the Lord praise him.”  Did He remind Himself and His followers of the conclusion to guarantee victory?

Guarantee Victory

Then, He cried forth, “It is finished.  Into your hands I commend my spirit.  Then He bowed His head and gave up the ghost.”  His life was not taken from Him.  His voice remained strong.  No one had taken His life.  He gave it up for us.  No one noticed this more than the Centurion who witnessed it all. 

 Matthew 27: 45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.

51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Remember how Jesus had prayed, “Forgive them, they know not what they do.”  This Roman centurion who took part in His death was one of the first who were saved.  Is that not amazing? Such amazing grace. 

Christ’s Resurrection

But none of this would matter if He did not raise from the dead.  It was Christ’s resurrection that would guarantee victory over sin and death for all who believe in Him.  This life is filled with pains, sorrows, death, struggles and tragedies.  But when sorrow overwhelms our hearts, we must only remember that He knows our sorrows.  He provided the victory.  It is as Paul wrote, “ If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.”  But He did rise from the grave and left behind many witnesses and proof.  (To read more go to:   4 Reasons I know He is Risen and Hope Reigns )

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by [a]Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have [b]fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.  I Corinthians 15: 

The truth that does Guarantee Victory.

Yes, Jesus rose from the grave.  For that reason, When Sorrow Overwhelms, we need only remember Christ’s Resurrection.  We have that same power within us if we know Him as our Lord and Savior.  That truth does guarantee victory. 

Ephesians 115 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. 

18 (That) the eyes of your [f]understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality[g] and [h]power and [i]might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

This is my prayer for you and me today.  That when sorrow overwhelms, remember the exceeding greatness of His power toward you. 

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

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Joyous Praise of Jesus. What Would Make the Stones Cry Out?
What One Thing Must I really do to be Saved?
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)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Joyous Praise of Jesus. What Would Make the Stones Cry Out?

                Finally, it was time for Jesus to descend into Jerusalem as the Messiah.  Precisely what He had come to earth to accomplish.  Merely 4 days and He would be arrested, then hung upon the cross.  This was Passover. On the 10th of the month of Nissan, the sacrificial lambs were brought into Jerusalem.  The sacrificial lambs would be on display so all could see their perfection for four days before being placed on the altar. There was joyous praise as the ceremonies began.  This was Grace on Display.  Each year at the Passover the people were reminded of God’s gracious salvation of His people that first Passover in Egypt.  The blood of the lamb symbolized God’s love, protection, and forgiveness.  This meant life rather than death.  So yes there was Glorious Joyous Praise and celebration at this time of the year.

Now, it was the 10th of Nissan in the year 33 AD.  Long ago, Daniel had prophesied the Messiah would arrive into Jerusalem on the 10th of Nissan, 33 AD.  Precisely, he had written at the instruction of Gabriel.

Know therefore and understand,
That from the going forth of the command
To restore and build Jerusalem
Until Messiah the Prince,
There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks;
The street shall be built again, and the wall,
Even in troublesome times.  Daniel 9:25-26

TIMING is Exact.

The command sent forth to restore and build Jerusalem occurred in the month of Nissan 444 B.C.—that began the clock ticking toward the time the Messiah would arrive at the end of 69 weeks of years.  Their lunar years were 360 days, thus making the time referred to as being 173,880 days from March 5, 444 B.C.  This fell on March 30, 33AD which was the day the Messiah would enter Jerusalem.  These final 70 weeks regarding the story of God’s people Israel was to:

24 “Seventy weeks are determined
For your people and for your holy city

To finish the transgression. (Until the final transgression of humanity is done-the greatest of which was the crucifixion of Christ)
To make an end of sins. (Declaring Victory over sin and death).
To make reconciliation for iniquity. (By Jesus paying the price for our sin).
To bring in everlasting righteousness. (One day yet to come when Christ returns)
To seal up vision and prophecy. (When the final prophecy is complete).
And to anoint the Most Holy. (When every knee shall bow)   Daniel 9:24

So, Jesus was to come to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity.  Then during the 70th week (yet to come) He is to bring in everlasting righteousness and seal up vision and prophecy.  And to anoint the Most Holy.  So, all these Pharisees and Sadducees should have known, this must be the Messiah.  But alas they forgot this key verse which separated the times.

26 “And after the sixty-two weeks
Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself.  Daniel 9

Jesus came to die, that He might be the final sacrificial lamb who paid the price once and forever for your sins and mine.

So, Why Did They Not See?

They did not consider the mysterious gap in time between His coming to make reconciliation for sin and His ultimate reign as King of Kings.  Never did they consider His plan to save the Gentiles. Although He had told them many times in many ways.  Indeed, He told them to live righteous, Holy lives. To be light to a dark world, bringing salvation to others.  Ah instead they chased the dark ideologies and idols of the ones they were to save.  Either that or they followed the sins of the spirit: pride and arrogance.  Believing themselves so righteous, they believed the Messiah would come and destroy all the others, setting up His Kingdom with them as rulers.  How foolish they were to ignore all the prophecies about the Suffering servant.

And so, as He entered into Jerusalem, the joyous praise of His disciples disturbed the Pharisees and Sadducees.  This was the first time Jesus had allowed such joyous praise.  Because He knew it was not time until this day.  The exact day foretold by the prophets of old.  Had the Religious Scholars forgotten to read Isaiah.

Isaiah 53:

Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no [a]form or [b]comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no [c]beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and [d]rejected by men,
A Man of [e]sorrows and acquainted with [f]grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

4 Surely He has borne our [g]griefs
And carried our [h]sorrows;
Yet we [i]esteemed Him stricken,
[j]Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded[k] for our transgressions,
He was [l]bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes[m] we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord [n]has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from [o]prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
9 And [p]they made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.

Joyous Praise to the Righteous Servant Bruised for Us

10 Yet it pleased the Lord to [q]bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.
11 [r]He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great.
And He shall divide the [s]spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death.
…numbered with the transgressors.
He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.

Obedient Servants Do His bidding

Well, we would be foolish to think the disciples remembered that He was coming to die.  Neither did the apostles recall this fact, although He had just told them.  But let us look closer to the story as outlined by Luke. 

It came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’”  Luke 19

So, they went with no doubt to do exactly what He asked. 

32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”  34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” 35 Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him.   Luke 19

Soon they returned with the donkey colt and his mother (as we note in Matthew 21). 

Obedience with Joyous Praise, but did they know?

Did anyone realize this was the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy.

 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

Maybe some did, as they looked up some 200 feet and saw Jesus riding into town on the donkey.  Did they realize this was His perfect declaration of being the Messiah?  At any rate they began their joyous praise, hailing Him as King of Kings.  Surely, He had come to set them free!

37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying: ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of theLord!’
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  Luke 19

 But not every was happy. 

39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”  Luke 19

Tell them to stop praising you as though you are the Messiah!

40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent,the stones would immediately cry out.”  Luke 19

Why would the stones Cry Out in Joyous Praise?

Jesus knew that today was the day, the exact day prophesied in Daniel.  It was so important that He be proclaimed as the Messiah that if the people were silent, the stones would proclaim Him.  God’s prophecies and His will Always are accomplished exactly as He foretells.  

Jesus came in the Triumphant Messiah entered the gates of Jerusalem to be viewed in all His perfection and then to pay the price for all our sins.  David wrote this joyous praise song for such a day in Psalm 118. 

 21 I will praise You,
For You have answered me,
And have become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
23 [c]This was the Lord’s doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save now, I pray, O Lord;
O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.
27 God is the Lord,
And He has given us light;
Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.

29 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

The Heart of our Savior

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Luke 19

Why were their eyes blinded? 

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.                         2 Corinthians 4

So, which are you?  Are you filled with joyous praise to the King of Kings, trusting Him no matter what?  Is your hope based on trusting Him who will one day establish His Kingdom, willing to endure the trials and tribulations until then?  What will you do with all the gifts you have been given today?   Or do you only want Jesus to solve your problems today?

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

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What One Thing Must I really do to be Saved?
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)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

What One Thing Must I really do to be Saved?

Is there anything that I can do to be saved?  Could it be possible if I really try to live my life as a genuinely good person, then God would accept my works?  As we study the story of the rich young ruler who came to ask these questions of Jesus, let us pause to examine our own hearts.  Is there one thing we must do to earn salvation? 

Now behold, one came and said to Him, “GoodTeacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”  (Matthew 19:16 NKJV)

Not such an unusual question.  It is a question asked by most people at some time in their lifetime.  Nor is it unusual that we turn to ones whom we might respect as teachers, leaders, or even philosophers.  He had heard that this Jesus of Nazareth was wise in teaching the scripture.  Perhaps the young ruler wanted confirmation of what he already believed to be true.  His life had meaning.  He had found Being in this world.  As many in the day, he may have also believed that his wealth and position were given to him by God for his own righteousness. 

Even those of us who know Christ as our Savior, sometimes come to Him asking a similar question.  What one thing can I do to earn your blessing? 

Good Teacher

Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good?  No one is good except God alone. (Luke 18:19 NET) 

Note here that Jesus is compelling the man to see Him as more than merely a teacher; but also, as God Incarnate.  Furthermore, Jesus is about to burst this young man’s own concept of himself as being good. 

One Thing to Consider:  What really is life?

Jesus continues with, “But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17 NKJV)

At this point Jesus is pointing out more than just what the young man must do to have eternal life; but rather what he must do to be spiritually alive in the present.  For of a certainty, he was unaware of his spiritual death.  After all he believed himself to be very much alive. But actually he needed to be saved from his spiritual death.

 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life.  And he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”  (John 3:35-36 NKJV)

the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me.  You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. (John 5: 37-40).

Jesus is the Bread of life without whom life does not exist

For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.”And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. 

All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”  John 6: 33-40

Without Him…

 For to be [b]carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.   Romans 8:6

if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.  Galatians 3: 21-22

There is no true life without Him.  We are all spiritually dead until acknowledge our sin, repent, believe that God IS sovereign Lord, and Jesus died on a cross to pay the price for our sin.  Then He rose again from the dead.  Only then might we really know life because of faith in Him who is life.  First this young ruler must realize that.

What is the perfect will of God?

So, back to the story,  Jesus had said, “if you want life, you must keep the commandments. 

18 He (the young ruler) said to Him, “Which ones?”  (Matthew 17:19)

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 

So, Jesus begins to list some of the 10 commandments for the young ruler. 

To which the young man, excitedly replies,

“Teacher, I have wholeheartedly obeyed[ag] all these laws[ah] since my youth.”  Matthew 19:20 NET

Wow!  He though he had nailed it.  Completely obvious to the fact Jesus had just said there is no one good but God.  Then Jesus had presented to the young man the truth that life is more than this fleshly body, life is from God and spiritual life is necessary to walk with God. 

One Thing You Lack

21 As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him and said, “You lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:21 NET

What is the first commandment?

The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.  Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Jesus also taught,

“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 22:37-40

In Jesus request of the rich young ruler to give away all that he had to give the money to the poor, He was striking at the heart of the matter.  This young man’s heart did not love God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength.  Obviously, his wealth meant more than following Jesus.  Furthermore, he did not love his neighbor as himself.  Afterall he had no concern for their hunger or need if his were being met. 

Was his money the problem?  No, his heart was.  He wanted to know what good act or what one thing he could do to save himself.  Even when his sinful nature was pointed out to him, he did not see himself as unworthy.  He came there wanting his own opinion of himself to be validated.   When it was not, he left sad.  So to be saved, one must first recognize their own need of a savior.

22 But at this statement, the man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.

Who can be saved?

 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”   Matthew 19: 23-25

Why do you think they were surprised?  Much like today, we tend to believe people who appear to be blessed have God’s favor.  Sometime this is the farthest from the truth.  Those who are so blessed may know Christ or they may not.  We see so many who appear blessed on this earth yet their hearts are so hardened toward God they do not realize what they are missing.  When Jesus then was asked, who then can be saved?  He answered

Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans,[aw] but not for God; all things are possible for God.”

Salvation is of God. 

What was the one thing the young man lacked?  It was an intimate relationship with God, based on faith in Jesus Christ as His only begotten son.  It is like these words written by Horatio Bonar in 1861

There’s nothing that my hands can do
To save my guilty soul
I cannot cleanse my filthy stains
Or make my spirit whole
For nothing but the blood of Christ
Can all my sins erase
I dare not claim my righteousness
But hide within His grace
‘Tis Christ who saved me from the depths
God’s pardon I’ve received
I’m washed within His precious blood
My heart is sprinkled clean

What about us who do follow Jesus?

Peter began to speak to him, “Look we have left everything to follow you!”Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, there is no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive in this age a hundred times as much—homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, fields, all with persecutions–and in the age to come, eternal life.[  But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”  (Mark 10:28-31)

Note this one thing.  On this earth we will gain more than we ever gave up; but it is with persecution.  What we gain is life and a personal day by day walk with Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit within us to guide us.  Our riches are more than this world could ever understand, both now and eternally.  Saved by Grace alone. What greater treasure could we know than that!

One Thing about where our focus must be

Also Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  Matthew 19:28

Now the disciples became focused on this thought so much they did not hear the rest.  We know this because the next thing He told them was:

Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be [f]accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken. Luke 18:31-34

But where were they focused on? 

35 Then[bh] James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 They said to him, “Permit one of us to sit at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.” 

38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I experience?”[  39 They said to him, “We are able.”[bj] Then Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I experience, 40 but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared.”   Now[  when the other ten heard this,they became angry with James and John.  (Mark 10: 35-40 NET).

A lot like us, right? 

Sometimes we get so boggled down in the here and now.  Or in what do they have?  Does God like them better than me?  The truth is: sometimes the trials are there because only He knows how much pressure it will take to transform us to look like Jesus.  One day we will look like Him.  Every reward we receive at the judgment seat of Christ, we will recognize were gifts of His grace. He saved us and He lead us each step of the way. Then we would take every treasure or reward and lay them down once more before the feet of Jesus. 

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
One Detailed Review of the Prodigal Son Revealing Unfathomable Grace
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)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.