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He
Could Have
Have you considered what it was
like to be tortured, and nailed to a cross, hung there to die, a
publicly humiliating and painful execution? The Messiah,
Immanuel, Jesus Christ, the son of God, the son of man, without
breaking his bones, his flesh cut and pierced, his wounds bled,
they gambled for his clothing, as it was written by David nearly
1000 years before in Psalm (chapter 22:16-18) "Dogs have
surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have
pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people
stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and
cast lots for my clothing."
This man was different than all
who came before. He was flesh like other men but he was more.
"For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily"
Colossians (chapter 2:9). This man could have commanded the
elements of nature in his defense as he turned water to wine,
written in John chapter 2, or he could have created an
earthquake, volcano, tornado, or storm as he showed that he
commanded the weather in Luke chapter 8, or he could have walked
away from the cross as easily as he walked on water in Matthew
chapter 14. This man could have commanded flesh from the bones
of those who crucified him as easily as he healed the victim of
leprosy in Mark chapter 1 and the paralytic in Luke chapter 5.
This man allowed his torture and humiliation because it was the
will of God the Father who made a promise and covenant for the
salvation of man who, after creation, had fallen into the
temptations of flesh. We pursued sin rather than the spirit and
will of our creator.
Jesus allowed his death and then
as promised in Matthew (chapter 16) and John (chapter 2), he
arose from the dead just as he raised the young girl, in Matthew
(chapter 9), and Lazarus in John (chapter 11). Jesus appeared,
resurrected from death, on many occasions and to hundreds of
people, 1 Corinthians (chapter 15). He comforted his followers
and charged them with responsibility.
Into the hand of Jesus is our
eternal fate, in him is our judgment, Jude 15, or our
forgiveness, Luke chapter 7:48. "If we claim to be without sin,
we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess
our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John (chapter 1:9)
Being a
Christian is choosing to be reunited with our Creator through
Christ.
To know God we must
pray through Jesus, our savior and redeemer.
A meaningful prayer: Dear Lord.
I am a sinner, please forgive me, teach me and lead in your many
ways as my Lord and savior. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Our Lord's time is near and now is
the time to get that Bible and read beginning with the New
Testament. Sincerely seek the truth with openness and you will
grow spiritually and gain comfort in these troubling times.
God's hand is held out for us and all we need to do is grasp it;
so praise God, for our Lord's blessing and forgiveness for
transgressions is ours. Take God's hand and walk in peace,
knowing always of your place which which was promised. Pray
always, confessing sin to the Lord and to strengthen your
relationship with God, study the Bible, associate with others
who love God in fellowship, and trust in the Lord's promise of
salvation through forgiveness.
W Tim Giles |