Lord's Day Devotion - The Scapegoat Sacrifice

Scapegoats...have you ever been one?  Not nice to be unjustly accused of something you haven't done yet many malicious people perpetuate such upon innocent persons.  There are scapegoats and there are scapegoats:  those who are innocent and those who are not.  The Bible in both Old and New Testaments introduce them to us and if you delve into ancient religions you will discover similar.

Uses of scapegoats in ancient times were to take  the sin of the people away and bring purification to the general populace.  In regards to ancient religions in times of drought, famine or plague or some other terrible natural disaster, a scapegoat would be found and offered up to their gods as appeasement and atonement.  

Animals were not always used either.  Often the scapegoat would be of human form such as a criminal or someone considered to be from lower society strata:  the poor or a slave.  Occasionally someone high bred such as a beautiful princess would "do the job" but then again, a scapegoat's scapegoat (from lower society) would oft-times be substituted.    Sometimes babies or other children would be used; for example offered to Kronos or Artemis (ancient Greek Olympian gods).  That is brutal truth.   

You can imagine then how a scapegoat would be looked down upon and avoided at all costs until sacrifice time.  The scapegoat would not always be executed, sometimes ostracized for a length of time, or chased away by stones being thrown at him or her or badly beaten but not to death.   Execution would take the form of being thrown from a cliff, burned, or stoned.  If the human sacrifice had been burned (on the altar) the ashes would be scattered to the ocean.  

Surprisingly there was great virtue in the scapegoat willingly volunteering to be "the victim".  This fell in with the...

"Greek ideology which stressed that the victim was pleased to go up to the altar, sometimes even hardly to wait to be sacrificed!"   -Jan N. Bremmer-

The sacrificial person would be fed with rich foods prior to being slain or sent away, given wine to drink and even good clothes to wear.  Before the actual slaughtering  'act' a prayer would be uttered to whichever deity, the victim held up and the throat slit.  Gruesome.

In the Old Testament we read of an actual goat that was a scapegoat (Leviticus 16).   It was the Day of Atonement.  The time for the purification of all the Israelites' sins.  The LORD spoke to Moses directing him to tell Aaron the high priest and his sons of the yearly ritual that needed to be performed for the sins of the high priest himself and his household, first and foremost, and then for the Israelite multitude.  He was to sacrifice a bull for himself and then the goat for the atonement of the people.  

They were to take two goats; these had to be without blemish of any kind.  They were to cast lots for the goats: one for the LORD and the other as the scapegoat.  When I was young, reading this always made me glad for the scapegoat goat even though it had to be "ostracized" outside the camp of the Israelites into the desert; at least it escaped death.   This second goat was seen as "the sender away (of sins)"  for "absolute removal".  

The goat for the LORD was sacrificed as a sin offering and deals with the pollution of sin while the scapegoat bore the burden of sin.  It took the sins away into the wilderness never to return.    Do note that God ordered animal sacrifice NOT human!

I think you know where I'm headed with all this.  All this is heavy with symbolism, prototype for the atonement Jesus wrought for mankind with His death and resurrection upon the cross.  In the month of December we focus on Jesus' birth.  Yet what was the purpose for His birth into this world?  Was it not to be mankind's scapegoat; Someone who was absolutely innocent of all sin.   It was to make atonement for the souls of all man kind.  He was to take away not only the pollution of sin but to also bear the burden of our sin and its doomed consequences; the full weight.  

He did that for us!  The sacrifice of all sacrifices; the once for all sin for all time for all people.  The yearly bulls and goats fell miserably short of that.  They needed repeating year after year after year as did the Greeks and others who followed those appalling ritual practices of yore at their spring festivals honoring their demanding gods. 

In the book of Isaiah you see Isaiah in chapter 50 and verse 7,

"...setting his face as a flint..."

...to endure with purpose the disgrace and shame he, as the prophet of his time, was given to do by God to get the message across. 

Jesus too, knew His purpose and willingly went quietly "as a Lamb to the slaughter".  

"As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51 NIV).

 He did this for you and for me and for the "whosoever" (John 3:16) so that He could atone for the sins of all; so we/they do not have to.  

"You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish."  So said Caiaphas the high priest as recorded in John 11:50 (NIV).

The author of Hebrews records the following in Hebrews 10:1-12 especially verses 9-10 where we see His willingness to offer Himself up and then the completeness of His sacrifice in giving atonement in verses 11-12 (NIV)...

"Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will...and by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all...day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God."

Perfect appeasement.  Perfect atonement.  Perfect purification for the soul.   

He sat down...doesn't that bespeak of finished business...completeness!  Praise God!  Thank-you, Jesus!!  You have accomplished what no one else in the whole wide world has been able to do.  As we willingly remember Jesus in His death and resurrection by passing the bread and wine n Lord's Day one to another of His children, who have benefited for all time and eternity, let us continually offer praise to our very own One who was our personal Scapegoat Sacrifice.  

Thank-You, Jesus!

                                                         ~ERC   December 2018~

  A Christmas carol to listen to, especially the third verse Listen to the Story


Besides Bible references as marked above here are some others from the web: 

Scapegoat

Pharmakos

The Strange World of Human Sacrifice

Burning Quest - Part 51

Killing for self-defense; do you take that shot or blow, or no, that is the question.  What do you think?  Think about it now because when push comes to shove, you may not have much time or chance to consider wisely.

It was a surprise to me to learn from one of the online authors on this topic state that the Bible only furnishes two classifications of killing:  "accidental and intentional".  That author said,

 "...self-defense is not an option in God's eyes although by the law of the land" [emphasis mine]

it is. *1


Dr. Sri K. Dhammananda, author of What Buddhists Believe writes that

 "Buddha advised everyone to abstain from killing" 

and that the best self-defense/protection

"is loving-kindness."

These are excellent points but Dhammananda does acknowledge one cannot always escape with those sentiments.  He resumes his opinions asserting,

"During the struggle to protect himself, if a man happens to kill, then he does not create bad karma resulting from that death" (Page 373). 

We discover from the Bible that in the case of accidental death, God provided the Israelites six different places called "Cities of Refuge" to which a killer could flee.  Once the killer reached that haven, the avenger could not avenge the victim.  The elders of each particular city of refuge would have to determine if indeed the victim's death was accidental, or done in cold-blooded murder.  However, if that accidental-or-not-killer did go outside the city of refuge, his fate was in his own hands.  The avenger had a right to avenge the death of the victim.

After the City of Refuge trial determined the murderer guilty of intentional murder,  killing in cold blood, then the avenger of blood himself would put the murderer to death (Numbers 35:9-28).

Besides the elders of the city of refuge, there needed to be witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15-21) and the testimony of the one who fled to the city of refuge.  There were scenarios in which they'd even have to call in the priests and to stand in the presence of the Lord, the Righteous Judge, to determine correct justice.  These are guiding principles to this day and age!

In today's world it's the governments that dole out sentencing and punishments, not the avenger of blood.  The avenger will take the other person to court and there will be that very long and drawn out process to a hopefully just end.  It is not the avenger, however, who is at liberty to execute the punishment.

Compelling Truth.org brings Exodus 22:2-3 (ESV) to our attention:

"If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him.  He shall surely pay...."

Compelling Truth mentions that time and place and situation have bearing on the instance in which self-defense can be engaged.  They also give some examples from the Bible such as in the case of Abraham rescuing Lot by force.  This is acting in defense of others.  We will see some further examples later on.

Another author I "googled" expresses the opinion that the Bible does indicate that mankind may take the life of another in only four particular circumstances.  We have discussed some of these already.  These four circumstances being: 

 "...self-defense; defense of others; acting in defense of one's nation against foreign aggressors and the state's civil duty to execute criminals who have been properly convicted of capital crimes". *2

It is good to distinguish whether a case is indeed an action of self-defense or that the person is acting in vengeance.   Are we, in indignant anger that an intruder broke into our home threatening potential danger to ourself and family, ready to send him or her the fatal bullet to pre-empt our personal harm, or is it true self-defense; that is the tricky question.

Bible Reasons has some good thoughts on the matter.  Please click on the link to see their views.

I do know that split second decisions are not easy ones.  I recall a time when some friends and myself were sleeping in the basement of a home.  The landlord got broken into in the night.   The daughter had her room invaded but engaged in conversation with the intruder, whose weapon of choice was a machete.  She pled with him to just take the money but leave her wallet and identification documents, so we learned later.  The man was actually heartbroken and desperate so that he felt he had to resort to such actions as he had a hungry wife and children at home; so he said.

I remember sorting through our possessions in my mind for what could be used as a "weapon" of self-defense should the fellow decide to come downstairs.  I was also praying that he would not come and that the family upstairs would be safe and the intruder leave quickly.

You see, self-defense was the first thought, and likely that of most people's who have time to think.  The daughter's self-defense was speech and entreaty; what she had at her disposal on the spur and heat of the moment.  My idea was something a bit harder.  Second thought only, was prayer.

Different situations call for different modes of handling.  This was a minor case and realize the intensity others experience is far worse and calls for greater reaction.

The Bible example of Esther and her people is an excellent one in regards to self-defense and the defense of others on a more major scale.  When the king of the Medes and Persians' decree to annihilate the Jews in the kingdom, instigated by Haman, could not be overturned, Esther negotiated a counter decree allowing the Jews to arm and defend themselves for the allotted time frame (Esther 8:10-13:9).  They were protecting their lives (8:11-12) against those who hated them (9:1-5).

Nehemiah's time of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem is another great example.  Each of the workmen girded themselves with sword in one hand and work tools in the other, preparing to defend themselves against those who wanted to hinder the construction (Nehemiah 4:10-13, 16, 18, 21).  They were on guard all the while they worked.

In the New Testament, note that Jesus didn't speak for or against self-defense per se.  He did ask the disciples in Luke 22:35-39 if they didn't have a sword to sell their cloak and buy one.  They said they had two.  Jesus answered, "That's enough".

If they were carrying swords, you'd expect they knew how to use them.  In fact Peter did cut off the high priest's servant's ear with one when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus.  (John 18:10).

Jesus didn't tell Peter to carry on.  No, He told Peter to...

 "...put up thy sword into the sheath" (John 18:11 KJV).

It's interesting to note that Jesus allowed the contingent to arrest Him despite it's being unjust.  Jesus willingly allowed His capture and didn't aggressively strike back.

Again I quote an article from the internet.  The author writes that Jesus seemed to be saying, 

"Though we have a right to employ our swords in defense of this unrighteous arrest we are intentionally putting aside our lawful right and I'm allowing myself to be taken without  resistance."

Could it have been that Jesus was saying, wonders the author, that the... 

"...sword is not always the appropriate response, especially in enduring persecution for Christ; that there is greater protection than swords".

Indeed, many persecuted believers the world over are led "like lambs to the slaughter" (Isaiah 53:7).  Jesus Christ is ever our perfect example in living the Christian life.

I'm not saying we don't get ourselves out of a situation if possible.  Jesus did ask His captors to let the disciples go free (John 18:7-9).

Sri Dhammananda makes a very valid point reflecting ideal Buddhist thought,

"...it is not how the killing occurs that is important, but the fact that the life of one being is unnaturally terminated."  (Page 374).

Followers of Jesus Christ are reminded that it is God who gives breath and who takes it away as He alone knows the number of our days (Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4; 32:8; 34:14-15).  He is our Avenger for He says,

"Vengeance is Mine; I will repay" (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:17-19)

A person does well to ponder on these things.  I don't think we just let someone rape or shoot us without trying to defend ourself.  There is need to extricate ourself as we can according to God's guidelines in conjunction with the government's law of the land in which one lives.

Yes, that can open another whole can of worms especially in countries where Christians and others of other religions are not protected and from which the governing powers do not base their individual selves or their laws on God's Word.

God gives life to mankind.  Mankind must hold that precious even in situations that require self-defense.  In the heat of the moment it may well be difficult to think before you shoot or bash a baseball bat on someone's head..  Avoid the death of another if at all possible.  Thinking about this now before such an unwanted event could occur, may well be pre-emptive of regret, post shot.  Yet...

"If any lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously..." (James 1:5 NIV).

                                                   ~ERC  December 2018~


Notes:

Some of the internet references used while writing the original draft of this entry seem to now be no longer available.  Below, you will find however, the reference web addresses:  perhaps access can be reached from elsewhere.

*1.  www.cgg.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/library.sr/

*2.  rippster4Christ.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-bible-and-euthanasia.htm

Another site about self defense:

Biblical Self Defense

The following is a secular view of self-defense.  It's very long (about 89 pages), written by a lawyer but in semi-layman's terms for greater understanding. 

Lawyer's view.

Worship King Jesus Christmas 2018

Dear All,

There is a poem by one Rebecca Barlow Jordan that has touched my heart for ever so long.  Can't recall where I first ever laid eyes on it but perhaps it was in a Christmas card. Several years ago I used this poem for a Sunday School Christmas message.   I'll give it to you in snatches as I add in my extra two cent's worth of thought with a modified version. It starts with...

Who is "His" Who has been born?   Is it not our Lord Jesus Christ? 

This speaks of "hope".  We hope to go swimming, get new clothes, get lots of this or that on our birthdays, and especially as gifts for Christmas.  Maybe it'll happen; maybe not.  This hope is not sure.

With Jesus you'll find that His hope is always sure.  He keeps His promises and you won't be disappointed.  With His birth into this world, something new and exciting was precipitated.  He came to make the way to Heaven where there will be no more suffering, pain, or tears.  There will only be happiness and JOY and contentment.

That Christmas carol comes to mind "Joy to the World, the Lord has Come!"  The JOY of Jesus.

Do you like to get new things?  Here's another something new.  What is it?  Strength!  Yes!  Our help comes from the Lord who gives us strength. And that strength can be renewed.  And the joy of the Lord gives us strength (Nehemiah 8:10; Isaiah 41:10).  We have new hope and new strength to be like Him and live for His glory.

People lift dumbbells or other weights.  That takes strength.  Who gives that strength?  God does.  He gave them good muscles to do so.  The more one lifts the weights the stronger one gets.

So too God can give us the strength to say "yes" to good things and "no" to the bad.  The more we say, "Yes" to "yes"  and "No" to "no", the stronger and more courageous we will be to say "Yes" and "No" to what we should.  We don't have to do so by ourself; He, Jesus, helps us.

What's next?

The third new thing now.  Acceptance.  What a blessed thing that is!  To be accepted for who we are and not because of what we have achieved! 

When someone gives you a gift - you take it - that means you 'accepted' it.

Jesus will accept you no matter how good or how bad you've been.  You need Him and He'll accept you.  God sent you His gift, Jesus.  Will you accept Him?

A person doesn't have to work for God's acceptance.  God doesn't say:

"Ok, climb Mount Kinabalu twenty times, on your knees, and then I'll accept you."  NO!

He doesn't say, "Give all your money to the poor and then I'll accept you."  NO!

He even doesn't say, "Read your Bible 100 times and pray two hours a day and then I'll accept you."  NO!

He says,  "I'll accept you no matter how tall or short; fat or lean, black or white, etc you are and no matter what you may have done.  He wants you and you and you alone.  He wants everyone so He'll accept you just as you are.

From the manger to the cross, Jesus lived about 33 years on earth. 

Most of us know what a manger is.  Baby Jesus was laid in a feeding trough for horses; the best bed His parents could find at the time.  If Jesus had never been born, He'd never have died on the cross.  We have both:  birth and death.  For 33 yrs, approximately, Jesus walked the earth from infancy to grown manhood; fully God yet fully man.  Everyone knew Him.  He was obedient to His earthly parents and learned carpentry.  Then He started with the miracles revealing His divine power if the people had wished to realize.    But His most important purpose was the cross.  To give His life for you and me and bring us salvation.  He knew His purpose of life and aimed for it. 

Because of that...

Jesus meets our every need, and desire.  That does not say "every want".  It says "every need".  Our biggest need is Him.  Have you accepted His gift of salvation?  Please do.  He lovingly offers His gift to you, and in turn you can gain purpose for living. 

Make Jesus your KING.  How do you make Jesus your KING?  Do we simply put a crown on His head and say, "Hello, King?"

Let's back up a bit...look at the character of a king.   How does one 'treat' a king?  One must respect, obey, and say, "Yes, Your Majesty".  If you don't obey or show proper respect, you get into trouble.  Right?

And then there are good kings and bad kings.  Jesus is a good King:  kind, gentle, loving, just, and we must make Him #1 in our lives; the most important Person.  Put Him at the top of your heart and let Him fill it.  Put Him above sports, clothes, computer games, etc.

How will Jesus get into your heart so you can make Him your King?

We've all done bad things such as lying, disobeying, disrespecting our parents or teachers; talking back, cheating, or kicking someone; perhaps as adults, committed adultery or become addicted to pornography, etc.

Jesus loves and accepts us but NOT the bad things.  Let me tell you, the good things are good but still not good enough to earn us salvation.  So how can a person have Jesus in their heart when there are so many bad things there?

Start with saying you are sorry to God for all those wrongdoings; admit you are wrong.  Have a willing heart to change that and humbly repent.   Ask Jesus to wash the sins away.  He died on the cross and shed His blood for just such a reason.  It's the...

"...blood of Jesus Christ that cleans us from all sin"  (1 John 1:7)

When a person has done that, he or she has made Jesus Savior of his or her life.  Then that person can start making Him king too, by obeying Him.  Read the Bible for instruction.  As a person reads and obeys, that is making Jesus king.  It is like putting the crown on His head and putting Jesus at the top of your heart.

He gives the power to stop the lying and cheating, and bad words, etc.  He gives us the power to obey Him; to live circumspectly for Him. 

Once we make Jesus the King of our life we can also worship Him.  We tell Him how good He is; how great He is for all He's done for us, and thank  and praise Him for giving us that new hope, strength, and acceptance.

Yes, Jesus is the greatest gift for all of us.  You like to get gifts right?  Jesus is like a GREAT BIG gift from GOD, sent by special delivery.

Now we want to worship Him.

If you have a birthday cake handy, light a candle on it because it is Jesus's birthday... you can sing the Happy Birthday song but an even better one for worshiping Him is...

Our God is an Awesome God!

                                      LET'S SING AND WORSHIP KING JESUS.

Father God in Heaven we love You because You first loved us.  Thank-you so much for the best gift ever, that of Your dear Son Jesus Christ Who came into this world to buy our pardon and give us the salvation we so desperately needed.  In Your Son Jesus's Name we give you praise.

                                                                      Amen.

                                                      ~ERC  December 2018~

Burning Quest - Part 50

May God have mercy on us all especially when it comes to mercy killing.  When a person believes that beasts and mankind are of the same flesh, they will also believe that mercy killing is or is not an option for man or beast.  If one believes there is a difference, then what?

Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda in his book What Buddhists Believe, says,

"According to Buddhism mercy killing cannot be justified..." (Page 372).

He asks the valid question...

"...if mercy killing is the correct method to be practiced on pets and other animals, then why are people so reluctant to do the same to their beloved ones?"

Mercy killing, or as some use the term, "euthanasia," is when, for example, due to terminal illness or irreparable injury of an animal or human being, the said creature is put to sleep (vet's terminology); shot (a horse perhaps), or given lethal injection (perhaps for a person suffering great pain from cancer or war wound).  This is to put them all "out of their misery."

Most followers of Jesus Christ differentiate between the animal kingdom (broad term including the birds and aquatic creatures) and human beings.   They do not do this arbitrarily either.  To substantiate, turn to Scripture; the Word of God of our loving Heavenly Father.

In an article I found online by a Dr. Werner Gitt writing about the "Difference Between Human Life and Animal Life", Gitt states eight major reasons.  (You can read his whole article by clicking on the link provided.) 

In essence, Gitt explains from Genesis 1:27 that mankind was created in the image of God.  It was only man (Adam), that got the 'kick start' so to speak, by receiving the "breath of God" breathed directly into his nostrils (Genesis 2:7; Ecclesiastes 12:7; 1 Thessalonians 5;23).  We consist of spirit, soul and body and upon death the "spirit returns to God who gave it."  That is not mentioned in regards to any of the animal kingdom.

The next point given is of great interest, and pleases me as I had never taken note of it before.  It is "only with man did God use His hands" (Genesis 2:7) to create any of His creation.  Apparently, so Gitt notated, the Hebrew word used connotates "actions of a potter" in how God used His hands to form man.

Man can communicate with God (in prayer, for example).  Yes many times on YouTube you'll see people who have supposedly taught their dogs to pray before eating.  It's the pet owner, however, I've actually heard voicing the prayer.  The dogs were only in a posture of prayer.

Animals do things by what they've been taught but left to themselves, more largely, act according to their own instinct.  Where I sat writing the original rough draft of this blog entry, I saw a squirrel running hither and thither, to and fro the bird feeder gathering seeds and suet for its winter store.  That is instinct.

Yes, we even see orangutans who have learned to paint and have a repertoire of signs to converse with human beings in sign language.  That is truly amazing.  However, left to their jungle habitat you'll see quite different behavior; its natural instincts will kick in and the alpha male will show who's boss.

Granted human beings often act thus and worse than animals at times. On the other hand, human beings have made multitudinous and amazing inventions; strides in medicine; painted wondrous works of art; etc, etc.   Yet mankind has "free will" (another whole subject) and "faculty of creative thought" (Psalm 8:5) showing distinctive creational category from the animal kingdom. 

The sixth point is that clincher for me.  Read 1 Corinthians 15:39 (ESV)...

"For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish."

Genesis 1:25 collaborates that:  animals (& birds, fish, creeping things) are different from human kind.  Human kind was designated to have...

 "...dominion over the fish...birds...livestock...earth...every creeping thing..." (Genesis 1:26).

This gives answer to why human folks are (and should be) reluctant to put their loved ones out of their misery.  It's God's call to give and take the breath of life.

Of course this does not give free license to simply kill animals for pleasure, or because we just don't want our pets anymore.  God did give animals for food post-Flood days.  He told Noah in Genesis 9:3 (ESV)...

"Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you.  Just as I gave you green plans, I now give you everything."

See also Genesis 1:29 for contrast...responsible stewardship (another topic in itself).

Dr. Gitt continues with the seventh point giving reference to Colossians 1:16 that states that creation by God was "created by God and for God." [emphasis mine].  I believe it.  Yet in John 1:12 we see Jesus came for the benefit of people and that only people can be called "children of God".  Thus an obvious pointed disassociative variance.

Gitt's final point is that "man is an eternal being".  He gives reference to the story of the rich man and Lazarus and their ongoing existence after departure from Earth (Luke 16:19-30).

The other reference given is 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 49.  When a person's body dies, it generally gets buried in the ground or cremated and its ashes either preserved in an urn or scattered to the winds.  That's that for our present earthly body.  However, there comes a day when those destined to be with Christ forever (those saved by faith and grace) will gain an imperishable body; it's going to last forever!

Human beings will not "cease to exist" upon reaching a utopia of self-attained righteousness.  Please be informed.  There is everlasting living to enjoy in Heaven or everlasting death to endure in Hell.  With Christ in Heaven will be joy evermore.  Without Christ in Hell, will be eternal suffering and torment that one cannot ever get out of.

Buddhist hell is one that they can get in and out of after serving their time.  But then their mental continuum inhabits what, through Buddhist rebirth?  A dog, an elephant, a cockroach?  A human being, again?  Then to start the cycle all over again and again unless of course they've reached Nirvana.   Is there hope in that?

This is a solemn question of destiny to contemplate.  Consider your investigation well.  This is far different than the end of an animal.

So, NO, mercy killing is NOT for humankind.  To make yourself or another's life "go away" is NOT a kindness in any way, shape or form.  Yet some may argue, but the person is a follower of Jesus Christ, they would have a glorious beginning with no more pain, tears or suffering if you helped them on their way.

Yes, I can understand not wanting to prolong suffering, especially that which is excruciating in body and/or mind.  Consider life on the 'other side'.  Couple that with it being God's prerogative to,

 "...to put to death and...to bring to life" (Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6; Genesis 9:6).

Other articles that may be of help in understanding this are as follows:

Christian Life Resources has a number of answers to a variety of aspects on this topic.

Animal Pet Euthanasia

Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda concludes

"As Buddhists, all that we can do is to help to reduce the pain of suffering in others" (Page 373).

I agree with this statement in regards to both beast and human being.  Nevertheless, to put down an animal is a mercy to said animal in pain and sickness as they do not need to think about an eternal destination.  Six feet under, and that's it.  On the contrary, it is a mercy to keep the human being alive despite the pain and anguish of earthly physical or mental state, and let God be the judge and accountant of the number of an individual's life on earth.

Do I say all this too glibly?  

Let me conclude with the example of my mother.  Currently she is living out the end of her days.  As I wrote the rough draft of this Burning Quest - Part 50, she had lived some ninety days, sixty of those days past her diagnosis "death sentence" date the human doctor had given her.  She has acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 

The doc's emphasis was on ONE month although he said possibly 1-4 to live.  To this day, as I type on my laptop, she is still with us, more than a year later.  She's still breathing although it's now getting very difficult to do so.  She gasps for breath at mere activity I'm told.  Morphine and oxygen have been her companions for breathing assistance.  

This "reduces her suffering" but we cannot "pull the plug".

Is it pleasant to have to gasp for breath?  Is it pleasant to helplessly watch?

No, it certainly is NOT!!

We can and do pray that she'll have the perseverance and peace needed to endure to the end.  We also pray, appealing to the God of all mercy that she will go peacefully in her sleep; sooner, rather than later now.

She's had a wonderfully productive 15 more months!!  She has brought good cheer to many.  She's knitted numerous baby hats for orphans.  She's written countless notes of thanks and encouragement to send out to others.

Would she be more than happy to leave this earth?  You betcha!  She looks forward to being with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ but she submits to Him and the number of her days.  She's at peace.  Her times are in God's hands and she's content.   She's at His mercy. 

                                                     ~ERC  November 2018~

Praise God...

"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth go before Your face."  Psalm 89:14 (NJKV).

Lord's Day Devotion - Highway of Holiness

"Unclean, unclean!" came the clarion call of the leper as he shuffled along.  He's shouting, but...

Wait...what is he doing!  Why is he coming here!!  He's supposed to go away.  Doesn't he know God said he's supposed to go away from everybody!!  (Leviticus 14).   The crowd shrank back gasping in fear and maybe even disgust, clutching their garments close, and letting the man pass by, hopefully, preferably, without making any contact with him.

Here he came, right up to Jesus. 

 "Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man" (Luke 5:12-15 ESV)!!!!

Anathema!

It was unthinkable to touch such a person.  Yet Jesus out of love and compassion and a willing heart, did so.  It must have felt like an electric shock coursing through the leper's body.

The leper knew Jesus could help but did not demand it.  He hoped.  He hoped from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet.  

"Lord, if you are willing..." 

What faith the man had too...

"Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean."

Yes, Lord.  Yes, yes, Lord.  We plead from the bottom and depths of our souls for His compassion and mercy.  Would we deny it for others?

Jesus did not.  Don't you just love His response that came with that touch!

"I am willing...Be clean!"

The man was immediately made whole.

Not partial healing, but whole!!

Jesus is still touching mankind and making them whole.  Sin sick people receive His salvation.  That is what we remind ourselves of every Lord's Day.  Salvation has put each of us who have become a child of God by accepting the gift of salvation, on the Highway of Holiness.  

Jesus made us clean in God's sight,

"The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7 ESV).

We are now entitled to walk on that highway, as Isaiah puts it in Isaiah 35:8 (NIV),

"And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness.  The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in the Way..."

Let us continue on this highway, living to please our Heavenly Father, Lord and God,  and Savior, through Jesus Christ Who is the Way (John 14:6), by examining ourselves and obeying His Word and being in the way of progressive sanctification.  God made us fit to walk there and will never kick us off nor can we get ourselves kicked off because He has made us worthy.  Let us be worthy of that worthiness though.

Examine your hearts, keeping short accounts with God and remember Jesus in His death as He requested, passing the emblems of the bread and wine one to another, thanking and praising Him with all gratitude for touching us and making us completely clean.

                                                  ~ERC   December 2018~

Note:

Robert Lowry penned the words which we often sing, 

"For my cleansing this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus..."