Put Your Hand in His: 2020 to 2021

 Knee-deep in Covid; some up to their necks in it in the year 2020.  It's obvious the flood of it will not recede as we spill into the year 2021.  In fact, in places it seems a veritable tsunami!

Vaccines produced, inoculating the brave or naïve or the compelled.  Have you heard of the Covid passports?  You won't be able to fly,  enter to amusement parks, or do many other things unless you have this proof of vaccination.  Almost like the "mark of the beast;"  enough  to make the end-timers squeamish.

In 2019, many thought "positive".  In 2020, we all have wanted to think "negative" (pardon me, but I saw this in a joke online but the mirth of it turns sour-ish especially for those directly touched by Covid).  What should we think in 2021?

Maybe it's best to put our hands and hearts in the hand and heart of God, as we go into the unchartered days ahead.

I really like what one chap from the 1800's wrote,

"I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year,

'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown'.

And he replied,

'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God, that shall be better than light and safer than a known way!"  (M. L. Harkins)

Does that thought give you peace and comfort?

Whatever tidal waves crash your way in 2021, keep your hand in God's and hold on for dear life.

He'll guide you through, come what may.  You may be in for a storm tossed ride or a pleasant surprise but one thing would be for sure, Jesus never fails and His love is unfailing and unconditional.  He'll hold your head above the waterline and maybe, even like Peter of long ago, let you walk upon those waves and billows.  Keep your eyes fixed on Him.

Does that sound bleak?  Or does it sound like an adventure with the Savior?  Whatever, keep your hand in His.  He's holding you tightly and will never let you go.  From there you can look up into His shining face, radiating with love, care and concern for you.

As your Year 2020 morphs into 2021, may it be crowned with God's goodness and abundance; His best, for you.

                                                   HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021!

                                                    ~ERC  December 2020~

Sing along with Johnny Cash, Anne Murray and others, Put Your Hand in the Hand

                                               

Jesus' Resurrection

 Friday's awful events have passed.  That Friday when Jesus was raked over the coals of jealousy and hatred in the Sanhedrin camp, followed by His trial in front of Pilate and then Herod.  Then His sentencing back at Pilate's; His crucifixion; the suffering on behalf of all mankind -- taking the consequences of their sin -- the punishment meted out from God's hand and wrath; His burial by kind and caring men in the likes of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemas (they must be mentioned); and then the sight of the heart broken women, who had been watching.  They too had wanted to show their love and devotion by preparing spices and perfumes for Jesus' body -- just in the nick of time before the Sabbath set in when it was forbidden in our Jewish law, to do any work.

The Sabbath came.  

All rested.

How curious to note, Jesus was silent in the tomb.  What an eerie anti-climax.  Yet, He rested.  His purpose in coming to Earth, complete.  His work was done and so "He rested".

Doesn't that sound like the first Sabbath when God rested from His work of creation?  Here He is resting again.  His work of salvation accomplished to satisfaction.  What a Savior.

Early on the first day of the week, the day folks now term, "Easter Sunday" or "Resurrection Sunday," Jesus had risen.  This had been the third day and He had risen as He had said He would.

The women who had been watching, came to Jesus' tomb bearing their spices and perfumes.  They had been so passionate about doing this service for Jesus, they'd gotten up and out and over to the tomb while it was still dark out.

So they arrived at the tomb and what a shock they got.  The stone that had sealed the tomb, and that they had been wondering how they'd get it opened and  rolled back, was already rolled away.  They looked in but the tomb was empty except for Jesus' grave clothes.  Where was Jesus?!

Another heart-stopper...two angels appeared with earth shattering news.  "Jesus is risen.   Jesus is alive!! Go tell the apostles."

Go, go, go!  

Go tell this message!

Off they scuttled, hardly able to contain themselves, and being "full of fear" at seeing the angels, hearts pounding in hope within their breasts at this strange message, they rushed to deliver the news to the apostles.  Surely, they will be glad to hear this.

Alas, the apostles think the women speak nonsense.  On the off chance though, Peter (and John) venture forth to the tomb.  Wonder of wonders, they too, found  the tomb empty except for the grave clothes.

Amazed and dazed, Peter went home.  That's it -- dead end!  How perplexing!  What could it all mean?

To backtrack, the angels had admonished the women:  Mary Magdala, Mary the mother of James; Joanna, and other women who likely had followed Jesus up from Galilee to Jerusalem, to remember the message Jesus Himself had told them of what would happen to Him.  Remember that He had told them He would die a criminal death but would rise again on the third day -- a glorious resurrection!

"Don't you remember?" the angels queried.

Hark, what does this 'remember' encompass?  This is more than just recalling what Jesus had declared.

Look at three things here...

A person had to have understanding & insight about the message (do you really know what it is about in the inner sanctums of your mind and heart and soul?).  Do you "get it"?  If you do, then the person needs to have a proper response.  Think of what that could mean.  A proper response would be to believe the message; faith is the key element.  From thence, one can proceed to the third aspect, which is to then have a message to tell and so go tell it.

These women did have the three components and with urgency they went to proclaim the message of Jesus' resurrection.

What were the results of this?

Sad to say, when you read Luke 24:11-12, you'll find disbelief.  The apostles, Jesus' very inner circle of constant companions of three years-worth of ministry, did not comprehend; they believed the women spoke hogwash.

Why should the eleven have been so skeptical of the women's message?  Ahh, therein lies the clue:  the very word, "women".

The culture of that time did not think too highly of women.  The apostles obviously were products of that society despite Jesus' many efforts to show the worth of women to be otherwise.  Women of those times were "not legally accepted as witnesses".* (SPM)

That means in a court of law it the only witness to a crime had been a woman, the alleged convict could get off scot-free of a heinous felon charge.  Ghastly, we think nowadays, yet some of that sentiment has not changed.

A second reason for the apostles skepticism  was likely due to their lack of understanding and insight to the message given, leading to their improper response.  Therefore, they had no message to tell.  The end of the road, it appeared.

However, we do know that eventually they did take hold of that message and then...

WOW!

They had so many glad tidings to tell of Jesus and His love and salvation for the "whosoever will" (John 3:16) to accept.  Thousands came to Christ through them; especially through Peter as Scripture later reveals

Praise the Lord!

Taking a slight tack away to the tangent of The Shroud of Turin.  This is a controversial topic but I mention it briefly anyway.  There are still skeptics out there, wishing to confuse the issues and turn some away from the truth, if possible.

First of all, a shroud is simply a wrap that cocoons a corpse in preparation for burial in some cultures. and past eras.  Some say the Shroud of Turin was Jesus' grave clothes, that have been kept for thousands of years.

How to tell that this is not Jesus' grave clothes?  This Shroud of Turin is all one piece of cloth.  If you read the account of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemas preparing Jesus' body for burial, you'll discover they had used linen strips.  What's more, in the empty tomb, post-resurrection, the greave clothes were left lying there and there was a piece lying separately that had been wrapped around Jesus' head.

Some say this shroud is proof that Jesus has risen.  However, we do not need it to confirm it to us.  We must always rely on God's Word and what He describes for us in it.

Also, this shroud should not be worshipped.  Only Jesus, our Savior, is the ONE to worship and adore; give thanks and praise to Him.

Come back to the women, and Peter (& the other apostles).  Look,

                                  Women               vs             Peter & company

                                 understanding              amazed but no understanding

                                       insight                                and no insight

                                  proper response                 improper response

                                   message to tell                    no message to tell        

What about the rest of us?

May the LORD grant us all understanding and insight of His message of Jesus' purpose in coming to Earth.  He endured shame, suffering and death for our souls' sake.   He freely offers salvation.   May we know that because of Jesus' resurrection, salvation has been made possible for all mankind, the world over.

We serve a LIVING God and Savior.

God's not dead.

Let's all praise Him

                        and SHOUT,

"PRAISE THE LORD AND HALLELUJAH!"

 

 "JESUS IS ALIVE!"

Yes,

"Jesus is alive!"

and

"I'm FORGIVEN!"

Will we have proper response?

WILL WE HAVE A MESSAGE TO TELL?

                                             ~ERC  November 2020~

Based on Luke 24:1-12 NIV

Luke 24 - Part 1 video

Listen to David Phelps sing, "He's Alive!"  

Jesus Reveals His Risen Self Some More

 

In this continuing, true saga of the Risen Savior, I'll briefly review, for a few lines, about this Resurrection Sunday.  It would not be called that unless the Savior had been resurrected, so that is first in the line up of events  unfolding.

It was very early morning that a violent earthquake shook the tomb where Jesus lay.  It broke the seal and rolled the stone aside.  Jesus was not in there.  He'd already risen.

The women who'd brought their spices and perfumes to anoint Jesus' body gasped at the sight before them.  Tomb empty.  Except for the grave clothes.

Angels appear.  The women were  filled with fear and bowed before them.  The angels told the women, Jesus was not there.  He'd risen.  He's alive!  Go tell the apostles and disciples.  Hearts palpating double-time, no doubt, they went off to tell those apostles.  The apostles thought the women spoke nonsense.

However, Peter (and John) rushed off to the tomb to check it out for themselves.  Sure enough; only the grave clothes remained.  No body of Jesus to be found.

Peter went home, amazed but unchanged.

Next, two on the road to Emmaus were joined by Jesus.  They did not realize that Man was Jesus, though.  When they had reached Emmaus, they'd invited Jesus in and He accepted the hospitality.

Jesus revealed Himself when He took bread and blessed it in front of them.  Suddenly, they realized this Man, was Jesus.  Jesus immediately disappeared.

The Emmaus Two got up at once and returned to Jerusalem and reported what had happened along the way and that they'd seen the risen Savior, Jesus.

As they were giving their account, Jesus "suddenly appeared" in their midst (Luke 24:36-39).

In the Gospel of John, it tells us the doors of the meeting place were locked for fear of the Jewish leaders.  (After all, those were the same Jewish leaders who'd crucified Jesus.  They were Jesus' friends.  They too could have been arrested and tried.)  Jesus had suddenly appeared among them and He had NOT come in through the opened door (John 20:1).

They were terrified!  They thought Jesus was a ghost.

Jesus greeted them with "Peace be with you" ("peace" or "Shalom" was a typical greeting in Hebrew).

However, to see the risen Jesus suddenly appear must have been rather shocking.  Jesus put them at ease with His greeting.

Their doubts lingered in the air and in their minds.  Who was this Man?  It took some convincing.  Jesus showed them His hands and feet and invited them to touch Him.

Joy, hope and wonder began to blossom in these followers' hearts.  Yet, still, they did not fully believe.  Things happened so quickly and not in a "normal" way; it really put them all off balance.  Jesus graciously allowed them a further "test" of genuinity.  He asked them for something to eat and ate it front of them.  

This convinced them that He was truly their risen Savior, and not a ghost.  A ghost does not have flesh and blood and also does not eat; as Jesus pointed out to them.

Nevertheless, what do you suppose we could all uncover about Jesus 'body'?  On one hand, His body could appear through closed and locked doors.  He could appear and disappear very quickly.  On the other hand, the group gathered could feel Him and they saw Him eat.  What could it mean?

Obviously, Jesus resurrected body was different from before.  However, it was still a physical body because it showed his nail prints in His hands and feet; and the spear-pierced side scars.  He could eat in the usual manner of humans yet He could appear and disappear suddenly even though doors were shut.

It is important to note and know this.  If a spirit appears to you and says it's Jesus, be sure to look for these scars of crucifixion:  the nail and spear thrust prints.

Jesus was and still is the world's greatest ever Teacher and in Luke 24:44-49 we see him giving instructions to His apostles and disciples.  He reminds them that the events of the past week had all been written about in the writings we know as the Old Testament.  Also, He Himself had told them these things.

Then they had their minds opened to understand.  So now they have understanding and insight.  They must now have right response and belief.  Then they could tell out this message of Jesus.  His message of love, repentance; forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.  They are to be Jesus' witnesses.

However, Jesus' instructed them to stay in Jerusalem until He sent them the promised Holy Spirit from Heaven.

Forty days had elapsed since Jesus' resurrection.  It was time for Him to ascend back to heaven.  Jesus led His followers out of the city to the area of Bethany, as we read in Luke 24:50-53.  Jesus blessed this little company of disciples, with raised hands.   He blessed them, He departed and went back into Heaven.

May we too, be known for blessing others.

So, the little band of followers are "left alone", gazing up into the sky as the cloud covered over and Jesus disappeared from their sight.  What do they do now?  Break down and weep?

NO!  They are filled with great joy!  To me that seems opposite of what I'd have expected given their "track record" since Jesus' arrest.  However, they'd had their understanding opened and what a difference it made.

From the ascension site, they went to the Temple, spending huge chunks of time, almost 24/7, so it seemed, praising and giving thanks to God.

Can you imagine spending so much time at church?  Just praising and praising?  What jamming sessions those would be!

Well, we don't have to be at church to praise the Lord.  We can do so anywhere and everywhere.

If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, praise Him.

Praise Him for salvation.

Praise Him for forgiveness of sins.

Praise Him for everlasting life,

Praise Him for the Holy Spirit.

Praise Him for His faithfulness to You.

The beginning of Luke begins with joy and gladness at Jesus' birth.  Praise Him for this.

This was the birth of our Savior.  Praise Him for being Your Savior.

Now here at the end of Luke, there is more joy and gladness.  Jesus' work on earth has been completed.  Praise Him.

The little company of apostles and disciples had their understanding and insight opened and they passed the message of Jesus along.  Praise Him for this  that this message had reached our generation so many 1000's of years later.

This little band didn't realize the might of the promised comfort and power of the Holy Spirit Who was about to come and empower them, to be able to tell out this message of Jesus with such courage, at first.  I hope and pray all who read this will have this joy and gladness too, especially as you serve Jesus and share His message of love and forgiveness.  His Holy Spirit can and will empower you too.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; as one familiar song goes.

Go out with great joy and tell the story again and again.  Jesus is alive.  You are forgiven when you come to Jesus and accept His salvation which He accomplished on the cross; through His death and resurrection.   You are His child now.

Praise Jesus for all He has done for you.

                                                    ~ERC  December 2020~

Based on Luke 24:36-39; 40-49; & 50-53.

Based on SPM Luke Study Guide

Luke 24 - Part 3 video

Jesus Reveals His Risen Self

 

By now, most know and have a good idea of what Passion Week is all about.  It's the week from Palm Sunday when Jesus triumphantly rode into Jerusalem on the recently tamed, donkey back, crowds cheering and welcoming with joy.  This week went through until the time of Jesus' death, on Friday, and His resurrection on Sunday; the Sunday most now call Easter Sunday.

Look at the layout of the events and actions: the causes and the effects.

If one reads Luke 24:13-18, one will begin to see how the risen Savior began to reveal Himself.  The two on the road to Emmaus got the reunion of a lifetime.

Jesus had risen from the day very early that resurrection Sunday.  This we can ascertain because earlier we read that the women went early to the tomb with their spices and perfumes to anoint Jesus' body.  By the time they had arrived at the tomb, the stone had already been rolled away and Jesus' body was gone, leaving only the grave clothes.

The Emmaus Two spoke together of all these past week events when, out of the blue, some Man appears and walks with them.  They did not recognize the risen Savior, Jesus. They also did not understand why this Man seemed not to know about all "these things".

Reading further in Luke 24 and verses 19-24 (NIV), after Jesus had asked "what things" they meant regarding this Jesus of Nazareth, they explained but did not dare to call Jesus "Messiah" now.  Their disappointment and confusion that Jesus, Whom they'd believed to be "Messiah" come to rescue them from Roman rule and set up His kingdom, did not transpire.  

So was Jesus, the Messiah?  The doubts conflicted and bewildered them.  The sting of death, still clung and stung.

Instead the two referred to Jesus as "prophet".  A prophet whom they believed was considered by God and all the people to be powerful in all He did and said.  How could it have been as had happened to Him?  Must the religious leaders have been correct after all?

To confuse matters more, and lend further confusion of mind, there had been a very strange report given to them that very day.  It was the third day since Jesus had been in the tomb.  Some of the women had been to the tomb that morning, very early, but they'd found the tomb empty and could not find Jesus' body.

Angels appeared, the two continued, and told them to remember what Jesus had told them.  That is, Jesus would die, be buried but raised again on the third day.  The angels told the women to report that Jesus was risen and alive; go and tell the apostles.

The apostles didn't believe it, they thought the women spoke nonsense.  Peter (and John), however, did go and check it out.  Yes, the tomb was empty except for Jesus' grave clothes.  They could not find Jesus.

"How slow and foolish" they were, Jesus admonished, to believe all the prophets had said about the Messiah (Luke 24:25-27).  They did not believe the women's messages nor what Jesus Himself had taught before His death.

The Messiah had to suffer, Jesus re-informed them, and then enter into glory.  Jesus went on to explain all about Himself from the Scriptures, from Moses and the writings of the Old Testament prophets, as they scuffed along the Emmaus Road.  Still, the message didn't seem to take root in their clouded, grieving and befuddled minds.

They were on the verge of understanding and insight, however.  They'd arrived at Emmaus and Jesus had made to go on down the road, but they'd constrained Him to dine with them.  He relented and joined them, partaking of their hospitality.

As they all sat down to table for refreshment after that lengthy walk from Jerusalem, Jesus took bread.  He blessed it.  He broke it and gave to them.  

Ah-ha!

The Light dawns...

Their eyes were opened...at last, understanding and insight.  They recognized that this Man, the One who had been despised and rejected, the Man of Sorrows Who'd carried all our griefs and sorrows, Who'd given His back to the smiters, was Jesus, right there with them.

Jesus disappeared.

The Emmaus Two, looked at each other, and excitedly tell each other that now they understood that while Jesus had been explaining the Scriptures to them, why their hearts burned within them.  They knew something was up, but were not sure what until the "revealing" moment.

What a paradox!  While the Emmaus Two had their eyes "closed", they could see this Man, Jesus.  However, when their eyes were "opened" -- Jesus disappeared and they could no longer see Him (v. 31).

FAITH is believing even when one cannot see with physical eyes.  We'll see more about this another time.

These two then had understanding and insight.  Did they have proper response?

If you scan your eyes along Luke 24:33-35, you'll discover, they did.  Look what they did.

"They got up at once..." (v. 33).

FAITH, takes action.

Here's the equation:

Understanding & Insight  +  Proper Response (faith)  =  Message to Tell

So up they got and went back to Jerusalem.

They found the eleven apostles and shared their message.  They reported, the Lord had risen and indeed appeared to them.  They explained what had happened to them along the road to Emmaus and how they eventually recognized the Lord when He broke bread during their meal together.

Have you noticed the switch to calling Jesus, "Lord"?

Remember the difference between saying "Savior" and "Lord"?  Our Savior Jesus brought us salvation when we accepted God's gift.  When we then submit our will to this King of Glory and obey His Word, Jesus is then our Lord and Master; our LORD Jesus.

Hallelujah, the Lord our God omnipotent reigns forever and ever.

Imagine yourself among that assemblage of apostles and disciples.  How baffling these events have been!  A regular seesaw of hopes in sight and then seemingly dashed;  what a rollercoaster ride of emotions flailed about.  Notwithstanding, the extra-ordinary and supernatural occurrences were not yet exhausted.  

Pause and consider how you would have felt.

Could anything more inexplicable have occurred on this Resurrection Sunday?  Would there be excitement?  Disbelief?  Hope?  Proper response?  

That Sunday of astounding, unraveling developments; that day of wonder and resurrection, had not yet finished. 

What would happen next?

                                                    ~ERC  November 2020~

Based on:  Luke 24:13-35 (NIV)

Based on: SPM Luke Study Guide

Luke 24 - Part 2 video

Handel's Messiah Hallelujah Chorus  Royal Choral Society

Conspiracy of Love

 

The whole world is currently living under the conspiracy of the corona virus, COVID-19.  It isn't pleasant and outcome can be fatal if contracted.  Thank the Lord, many do survive it, though.  Consequently, many live under a tarpaulin of fear for their families both health-wise and economy-wise.  It's very tough to survive, for many people.

It's not a case of "packing up all your troubles in your kit bag and smiling, smiling, smiling".  Not at all!  However, as we reflect on the birth of Christ and the love, joy and peace He brought, let's let this season of celebration blanket the whole world in His love.  Just bathe in His love and relinquish the distress to Him. 

As one Hamilton Wright Mabie is purported to have said,

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love"

May one and all be cocooned in the love of Jesus.  His coming into the world was God's way of proving His love for all mankind, all around the globe.

Jesus' purpose was to bring the joy of salvation.  His love will never let you go.

Hold on to Him.

He's hanging tightly on to You.

                  MERRY CHRISTMAS & A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

                                             ~ERC  December 2020~

Sing along with David Phelps singing, Joy, Joy.

Jesus' Death & Burial

 

And so, Jesus was crucified.

He suffered and took on God's wrath which should have been all mankind's punishment for sin.  On the cross Jesus asked God His Father to forgive those responsible for His death.  Although those were ostensibly the Sanhedrin religious leaders, Pilate, the Roman soldiers and the Jewish throngs, one must point the finger at oneself as well.  Jesus said we all did not know what we were doing.  His compassionate forgiveness didn't fail and still is in operation to this day.

Merciful Savior, Jesus, Lord, thank-You.

From 9AM to 12 noon on that fateful Friday, Jesus hung up there on the cross for one and all to see in the broad daylight.  It was obvious that that Man in the middle was Jesus.

Many people saw Him.  Many mocked and insulted Him.  There could be no mistake as to Who He was.  He was Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.

Some people, I've heard, claim that it was not Jesus nailed to the cross that day.  They say it was some substitute; perhaps Judas Iscariot or some other scapegoat.  Scripture is clear that it was indeed Jesus who was up there enduring the pain and the shame for us.

Then...DARKNESS.

From 12 noon to 3pm there was dark, dark darkness.

WHY?

During those three hours of darkness that had followed on the heels of the three broad daylight hours, was the time when Jesus was at His lowest point of weakness.  Fever.  Thirst.  Physical pain.  Emotional and spiritual suffering.  Additionally, and most significantly, Jesus was separated from God His Father.  This was worst than all the other affliction put together.  In fact, Jesus cried out,

"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani?"

That translates as,

"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

Again, why the darkness?

This darkness was a miracle.  Total darkness at what was supposed to be the brightest time of day; NOON!  No one could see through it.  This is actually impossible unless God was involved; which He was.  I believe He was!  It was not an eclipse of the sun either, as some detractors want to make you believe.

Jesus, the LIGHT of the world, took our punishment for us.  Our sins heaped upon Him.  Separated from his Heavenly Father God, because of it.  THUS the darkness of those hours.

Jesus, Light of the world, came out of the darkness to shine on us.  Our mighty Maker, died for man's sin.  He was obedient unto death.

Then, something astonishing happened...

The curtain in the Temple that was between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies); that place that only the High Priest could enter and that only once a year and that NOT without blood of animals in each hand: some for his own sins and the other for all the other people of the nation of Israel, that curtain, was torn from top to bottom!

Phenomenal!

This terrified them all!

Indeed, to think of it makes me shiver and shutter in fear.  Yet, I do know better...now.

God was doing something very pivotal.  No longer do we need all those animal sacrifices.  I'm actually still tryin to get my head around that!  After all my upbringing, being taught God's ways and those that had been for thousands of years since God told Moses and Moses told us, the people of Israel.

Now, Jesus was the sacrifice.  He was our Lamb of God; our substitute.  I do get it but its all so profound.

Jesus was the Sacrifice for all sin, for all time, for all peoples of the earth, for all time and eternity on behalf of Jews and Gentiles alike; whether we like it or not. His presence would no longer dwell in a Temple made by hands, no matter how magnificent.  He would now dwell through his Holy Spirit in believers -- a temple built by HIS hands.  In believers in Jesus, through His salvation, that is.

The tearing of the curtain symbolized that Jesus' death had taken away the barrier of sin that had prevented mankind from coming directly into God's presence.  Now we can freely come into His presence because of Jesus' death on the cross for us.  We no longer need a priest, nor High Priest to offer up our sacrifices on our behalf.  Praise God, we can go to Him whenever, wherever, in the Name of Jesus.

I love Jesus' last words which He uttered on the cross.  He said,

"Father!  Into Your hands I commit My Spirit."

This portrays the truth and trust Jesus the Son had in God, His Father.  He had finished the work He was sent to do.  That is what this reveals.  Now He could commit His life back into God's hands -- work finished.*

In His life He had submitted himself to carrying out God's purposes and now similarly in His death, He continued to submit Himself to God.

The death of Jesus on the cross was the completion of God's plans in sending Jesus to die for the sin of all mankind.

This was fulfillment of God's purpose to save the world from their sin.  By His death on the cross, He took all the sin of the world, God's judgment upon Himself so now those who would believe in Him will not die for their sins but will have eternal life and can now enter freely into God's presence.

Isn't that Good News!?

I've mentioned some of the people milling about, around the cross where Jesus hung.  There's one particular Roman, the Centurion.  He was likely overseeing the three crucifixions.  This Gentile, so despised by us Jews, acknowledged what most of us Jews could or would NOT.  He said Jesus must certainly have been a righteous man and God's hand was in this happening.

Don't you just love this Roman soldier man?

Perhaps we will see him in Heaven some day.

What about the watching people?  Five days earlier they had been so welcoming of Jesus into Jerusalem.  They joyfully shouted, "Hosanna!" and "Son of David".  Such gladness and rejoicing.  Then on this Friday, early morning, their shouts turned ugly.  "Crucify Him!" they raged.  Their look at the cross was then so different as they observed the consequences of those angry shouts.

They beat their own breasts and went away.  They had had time to think of their actions.  Hopefully they had turned away, gone home to truly repent.

Now it came down to us.  The group of watching people standing vigil, yet at a distance from Jesus.  We are the ones who "knew" Him.  The apostles, other disciples, myself; some of the other women, who had followed Jesus up from Galilee.  We were His "friends".  Quite an assortment.  We were so sad and perplexed.

Can you tell?

We were so devastated.  The One we loved and who had cared so much for us, died such a horrible death.  This little band of followers just did not know how to respond to His death.  So we watched to see what would happen.

Some of the women kept tabs on Jesus, especially once He had given up His Spirit.

Enter now, two men who we were astounded to see in action in favor of Jesus.  Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemas (John 19:39).  Unbeknownst to us at the time, they had been secret disciples of Jesus.  Now they dared to show themselves and went and asked Pilate for Jesus' body.  It was really amazing and heart warming.

It had been about 3pm when Jesus had given up His Spirit; the darkness left and the curtain in the Temple had been torn.  

Pilate, surprised that Jesus had gone already, double-checked with his men if it were true.  Once it was confirmed, he allowed Joseph of Arimathea to take Jesus' body down.

Joseph and Nicodemas embalmed Jesus' body and carefully wrapped Him in strips of linen grave clothes.  Then they buried Him in Joseph of Arimathea's very own new tomb that had been hewn out of a rock.  All this according to Jewish custom.

By the time all this had been accomplished it was nearly 6pm.  The end of a Jewish day and the beginning of the next was upon us.

The next day was our Sabbath when no work was allowed to be done, according to the Scriptures and the Law of God handed to Moses and thence to the Israelites.

The Sabbath was about to begin but the Friday events, -- phew -- what a LONG day -- were not quite finished.

As I said, caring, devoted women had been on the watch to see what would become of Jesus' body.  They had followed and see where Joseph and Nicodemas had laid Him.  Even though these caring men had done the necessary, the women, out of last respects, love and care, despite the disappointment of His death had wanted to prepare spices and perfumes for Jesus body too.

Quickly then, they bought what they needed, scurried home to prepare them and to rest; just in the nick of time.

The Sabbath had begun.

What have I learned from these dedicated women?  In their disappointment and devastation, they still had it in their hearts to serve Jesus.  When life gets tough for us and doesn't go the way we'd like it to go, in our sorrow, will we still serve Him the best way we know how even with streams of tearing flowing down our cheeks?

All had gone home now.

The tomb was quiet.

Jesus, His work on the cross complete, rested from His work.

Let us be quiet now.

Ponder what this would have been like.  All the feelings and emotions swirling.

Rest...

                                                 ~ERC  November 2020~

Based on Luke 23:42-49 and 50-56 NIV

Also based on SPM Luke Study Guide*

Luke 23 - Part 3

Sing, Jesus, That Name is Love, Jesus Our Lord

Jesus' Crucifixion

 

So Jesus was sentenced to the cruelty of crucifixion.  He had stood trial in front of the Sanhedrin; taken thence to Pilate, who in turn sent Him to Herod.  Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate.  Both Roman rulers had declared that Jesus was an innocent man and had done nothing that deserved death.

Yet Pilate sentenced Jesus to be crucified up on Calvary's Hill; that "Place of the Skull".  This at the insistence of the Jewish throngs, cheered on by the Sanhedrin members.  Add in Pilate's wish to please the Jews and to keep control of the crowds.  The death wish upon Jesus was granted.

My heart broke as Jesus was led out bearing His cross.  He was not in any fit condition by this time with all the beatings and floggings he'd been pommeled with.  He was in a very weakened condition and was struggling to carry the cross which likely weighed between 14-18kg (30-40lbs).

That's  when Simon of Cyrene was laid hold of to help carry Jesus' cross. It was such a sad sight that the women along the route to Calvary's Hill wept for Him in great sympathy.  I didn't blame them; tears streamed rivers down my cheeks too.

Jesus must have been in great painful physical condition and in such a weakened human state by this time.  Additionally, that state where any man would have been quaking in fear of what was about to come next:  more pain.  The pain and shame of being hung on a cross was beyond imagining.  This must be all consuming in the mind of even the most hardened of criminals.

Nevertheless, the care and love and concern of Jesus for the people just could not be contained.  He wanted to warn the people to the last iota of His strength.  He tells the weeping women not to have sympathy for him but for themselves!

What a surprise to hear that.  They must have been thrown.  I think those women didn't know how to respond to those remarks.  Why would Jesus say to pray for themselves?

He warned that the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple was going to come.  Jesus said it would be so bad that it would be better if those women did not have any children!!

What!?

Shocking statement!

Not have children!?  We Jewish people love children and see them as a blessing, not a burden.  The message was loud and clear that the destruction was going to be exceedingly terrible if He would declare such a thing as it being better not to have children!  I cannot comprehend it.

On top of that, Jesus said the coming destruction would be so bad that they'd want the rocks and hills to cover them.  They would rather want to escape the coming wrath through death, than face the suffering and judgment for their unrepentant hearts at the brutal hands of an invading army.

It makes me shiver to think of it.

Jeremiah, one of our forebear prophets, in his book called, Jeremiah, and chapter 1, was sent to warn the Israelites of those times that destruction of Jerusalem was coming.  It did.  It came in 536 BC.  Yes, it was devastating!  The people of my time now, should recall that and realize these things could and do happen.  Jesus was warning that it would happen again.

Instead of sympathy Jesus wanted people to repent.  He was literally on the way to the cross so He could offer them the salvation they needed.  He would be/still is, the source of wisdom and strength to repent and to then live a holy life.

I'm forever grateful to Him for this.

This is how we can escape another kind of judgment and destruction that is coming, sure as sure.  The destruction of ending up in Hell at the end of our life on earth.  If a person does not repent and accept salvation through Jesus, their destruction will be terrible and for ever and ever.

Jerusalem got rebuilt but our eternal state can not be reversed or changed once we pass from life on earth to death and the after life.  Pause and consider and have right response to this message please; I beseech anyone reading this.  It is imperative that one finds our Savior's love and forgiveness here and now.

",,,behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV).

I do not want anyone to end up in total desolation in Hell, as it is a forever condition.  No turning back.

Come to Jesus Christ while you may.

I've mentioned that Jesus' crucifixion was carried out at "The Skull" or "Calvary".  This is where, for as long as I can remember, crucifixions have been carried out.  It was a hill or rock projection outside of the city of Jerusalem.  How did it get its name?  I've learned that in Latin, the Romans' language, that the word 'Calvary' comes from their word meaning, "skull".  As this became a place of death, the word is aptly used and it is no misnomer. 

Most people hereabouts know that The Skull is where particularly wicked criminals are hung on crosses; especially those that "reek" of treason.  There were three men crucified that day but only two were criminals.  Those were the two hung on either side of Jesus' cross.  The inscription placed above them declared to one and all the prisoner's particular crime.  It is to be noted that these two who hung alongside Jesus, were indeed of the treason type of iniquity.

Above Jesus, the sign hammered there read, "Jesus, the King of the Jews".  To claim to be a king other than the Roman kind, was deserving of treason death.  The more than subtle message here was that Jesus had attempted to overthrow Roman rule.  Pilate's insistence at not changing the wording of this sign sent another message, as if a spear had been hurled at the Sanhedrin.  Mocking them, and shaming them.

Pilate knew how to get his revenge. The Sanhedrin twisted his arm, causing him to yield to their demand of "murder" of Jesus, to happen; forcing him to crucify an innocent man.  He would not change that sign for anything, thus shaming the  Jewish religious leaders fair and square.  He showed them who was still in control;  he, Pilate, the Roman ruler!

Yet, the bitter gall and taint of such accusation could not be removed.  By association - Jesus was implicated as if He too, was a sinner, and every bit as wicked as those two criminals who were murderers and insurrectionists gasping for breath and suffering in agony along side of Him.  As a sinner, this Jesus Messiah could not be God.  What a dreadful message was proclaimed.  

Yet...

Yet, again, Jesus did not let all of that bother Him nor deter Him from still thinking of others.  This is one way in which He showed His care and even the 'duty' of a firstborn son.  I was touched He even thought of me in the midst of His suffering.  He "handed me over" to John for "safe keeping" and visa versa.

First, though, He was thinking of the destiny of those who had even propelled Him to the cross.  What of their eventual punishment for condemning Him, an innocent man, to death on the cross?  That, plus the fact that this "man" being the Son of God, their Messiah, their end would be great and terrible sentencing.

What did Jesus say?

"Forgive them, Father!"

It is inconceivable!  Even as I had watched at a distance, His words were rang clear.  What a great Man!  How divine!

Could you forgive someone who had treated you so abominably?

Jesus went further to exonerate them.

"Forgive them, for they do not know what they were doing"!?

He made it an "unintentional" sin (see Leviticus 4:2-3 for punishments for unintentional  vs the intentional sins; also Numbers 15:30-31).  An intentional sin had drastic consequences whereas an unintentional sin could be forgiven if atoning sacrifice was made.

Jesus is such a forgiving God!  In fact, the only forgiving God.  There is only one God.

We, His children and followers are called to be the same.  We must ask His help to be forgiving and to forgive.  After all, He has forgiven us our sins too, if we have accepted Him as Lord and Savior of our lives.

I still have so much I want to spill out here and my pen is going along well today.  Let's continue...

Jesus was crucified on the cross when He said those blessed words of mercy and grace and forgiveness.  This shows us how much Jesus loved His people despite what they had done to Him.  He was still able to forgive them.

The soldiers divided up Jesus' clothes among them.  They cast lots for them.  This is further humiliation and insult.  

Clothes removed.  

Possessions taken.  

Gross indignity and loss of identity.  

I wonder if they flippantly joked, "Oh, He won't need these anymore, considering where He is going."

Tears continue to stream down my cheeks creating multiple rivulets as I ponder on all these things.  It was such utter humiliation for Him.

There is something that put some hope in my heart though.  Even though the Jewish leaders and the Roman Soldiers continued to make fun of Jesus and see how much they could humiliate Him, the people may have been having second thoughts for the part they had played in this "tragedy".  They just watch.

Picture yourself standing there watching too.  Watching from the foot of Jesus' cross.  Looking up at Him, blinded by the sight of the deep whipping gouges scouring His body even as He struggled to take His next breath, what would have been your thoughts?  

Which category of people would you have been in?  

The subdued crowds?

How about the Jewish religious leaders who mocked?  

"He saved others - let Him save Himself.  If you are God, as You say You are, then do that!"

But Jesus stayed up there.  Nothing changed except perhaps to get weaker, physically.

How about the Roman soldiers?  Would you choose to join in with them?  Rough, godless men who mocked Whom they did not know?  "King of the Jews," they sniggered, "save Yourself!"  At least they did one infinitesimal act of kindness, they offered Him the wine vinegar - a type of sedative to ease the pain.

Jesus refused it though as He wanted to take the full heat of the punishment for our sins.  Which is another reason -- the BIGGEST reason -- THE Reason, He did not come down from the cross.  He didn't save Himself.  His agenda was much bigger than that.

He was there to save others, all mankind, from the curse of sin!  This was His big momentous moment.  His purpose for which He came.

Would you have been in Pilate's shoes?  His motivation was to allow the crucifixion to go forward out of self preservation.  

God still had the last word though.  HE was the ultimate one to control of Pilate's motivation to leave that inscription as it was worded above Jesus,

"This is the King of the Jews" (Luke 23:38).

This declared who Jesus was.  He was Who He said He was and that He was the King of the Jews; the Messiah, Whom they had all rejected.

Solemn.

Perhaps, you'd be like one of the criminals who'd been hung up along side Jesus.

There was that wonderful redeeming moment among the three men on the crosses. One of the criminals continued to join the mockers and hurl insults at Jesus.  However, the other having had time to think last thoughts and read, or hear read, the inscription above Jesus, realized Jesus was actually an innocent Man and that He was truly King.  

This criminal asked Jesus to remember him when he comes into His kingdom!  Jesus promised him he'd be with him that very day.  

FAITH was rewarded.

Faith was, and still is, what God looks for.  That, and a repentant heart.

What a merciful Savior we have.  Not only did Jesus ask God to forgive those responsible for His death, saying they didn't know what they were doing, He had compassion towards the criminal hanging next to Him and promises him, he'd be with Him in Paradise that day.

As you picture yourself affiliating with one or other of those groups, what are your thoughts?  Do they lead you to Christ in humble repentance?  To salvation through Jesus?  He will forgive you too.  He offers you everlasting life; His love and care.  Won't you accept Him?

Father God, it is with deep gratitude in my heart that I thank You for sending Jesus to endure such pain and agony at the hands of the ones You loved and cared for  and had sent Jesus to secure salvation for.  I did not understand the full extension of Your merciful love and grace for Your human creatures.  

Thank You, Father.  Thank-You Jesus, I whisper in awe.

In Jesus precious Name I pray and praise.

                                                 ~ERC  November 2020~

Based on Luke 23:26-41 NIV

Luke 23 - Part 2 video

In LOVING Memory Of...

Jesus.

The sweetest Name I know.

Now.

It used to be "Mom".

Still I turn to her with this or that tidbit of news, to share inner secrets, conflicts and confidences.  Or, sometimes to tell her what an awesome, autumn-hued sunset there had been "last night" and in the morning, oh, look, I could see the peak of our mountain this morning and even the sunrise had tinged the early morn with lovely strokes and blends of auburn.

But...she's not here to commune with.  She went on to Glory to be with Jesus, two years ago.  "Always remembered; sadly missed."

To whom can I tell all these things now?  There is no-one else so understanding, with unconditional love; so accepting and willing to listen.  

No one.  

The echoes are hollow as they ping and boomerang back.

Is there no one else on this earth of this caliber?

Recently, I've been re-reading, three of Hannah Hurnard's books:  Hinds' Feet on High Places; Mountains of Spices; and Winged Life.  Hurnard portrays Jesus as just such a One.

Hurnard makes Jesus sound like such a wonderful Friend.  One Who will admonish with His Word to teach you His ways.  One always ready to listen and catch your eye at a moment's notice and glance.  You can just reach out your hand and touch Him, confide in Him as if He is 'sitting' right there beside you or walking along together taking a meander in a park.  She reminded me of what I grew up having (although I didn't really appreciate it much a way back when).

Jesus, the One Mom taught me to love like that.  From my childhood up, Mom always talked about Jesus (along with my Dad).  Jesus was her Friend and Confidant.

But I had forgotten.

I had turned to Mom with all I wanted to share.  Well, in many ways that's ok.  After all, God gave my siblings and I to her and Dad to care for and teach His love and message of salvation and of how we too can have a Friend in Jesus.  He gave us "people with skin on" to reflect Jesus' character in a very tangible way.

Similarly, in the John the Baptizer way; that is, he did his job of pointing people to Jesus, that he, himself, lost disciples to Jesus, so too, Mom directed us to Jesus.

I had forgotten to look.

In many ways, Mom had been my 'idol'.  She was taken away as it was "her time" to go to be with her Friend, Jesus.

The shock of that...the dearth of someone to connect with and talk to at almost any time I wished, jolted me.  Threw me.  Set me adrift.  In a desert full of mourning and loss.

Yet, my Jesus had not left me without comfort and as I repent and turn back in what, I trust, is a more pure view and alliance with Him, I'll truly find that HE is the sweetest and so is His Name, than any other.

May all the readers of this "loving memory" find the same solace in Jesus even in lovingly remembering your very dear, "dearly departed".

May Jesus truly be the sweetest Name You know.  

He is for me.

                                                    ~ERC  December 2020~

Sing, Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know.

Continuing Saga of Jesus' Trial and Sentencing

 

The whole troop of Sanhedrin, Temple Guards and assorted others arrived at Pilate's Palace.

Now Pilate was not actually the ruler in Jerusalem but from another region called Caesarea. Thus, I'm not really sure why they would take Jesus to him.  However, to Pilate they went.

Due to the influx of Jewish people from all directions beyond Jerusalem, come to celebrate the Passover Feast, Pilate had come with a contingent of soldiers to help control the crowds.  They didn't want any riots or attempted coups.  No sirree!

Those crafty members of the Sanhedrin realized they needed to change tactics.  What accusations against Jesus would work among the Jewish crowd, would not be effective among the Romans.

You see, Pilate was  Roman and the Romans were the Jewish people's overlords and conquerors.  So 'crimes' worthy of death had to be conjured up to satisfy Roman rules. The religious leaders don't have much to go on so they fabricate the accusations.

They accused Jesus of having misled the people telling them not to pay taxes to the Emperor.  This was an outright lie!  Jesus had said no such thing!  In fact, He had said the exact opposite.

He had said,

"Give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar; and to God what belongs to God" (Luke 20:25).

There was absolutely no misleading there that I could detect...of course, what do I know, I'm only a woman in a culture that sees women as more of a possession than a respected person in their own right.

Another accusation was that Jesus claimed Himself to be the Jews Messiah -- a KING.  At least this was a true statement.  This was also something that would get Pilate's attention.  That, and, that they claimed He was starting, or stirring up, a riot and that all throughout Judea and beginning at Galilee -- Jesus' hometown.

Pilate then queried Jesus, and asked Him if He were a king.  Jesus answered, "It is as you say."  Pilate concluded...Jesus was an innocent man.  I'm not sure how he got that out of that but I'm happy He at least acknowledged Jesus' innocence.

However, the Sanhedrin INSISTED more strongly that Jesus was instigating riots; another LIE!  They also implied to Pilate that Jesus was a political activist and a threat to the Roman Kingdom, and this must be quelled and gotten rid of.

These charges Pilate could not be ignored.  Yet, Pilate saw through the subterfuge and wished to exonerate Jesus.  Thus his asking whether Jesus was a King.  Jesus explained that He was but not one of an earthly kingdom.

Maybe Pilate thought Jesus was a little off balance in His thinking cuz whoever heard of a kingdom not from Earth.  If a person didn't know much about Jesus, they might think that.  However, Pilate seemed to want to declared Jesus an innocent man.

Pilate also realized the connection with Herod who was also "in town" to control Jewish crowds and keep peace, and whose jurisdiction encompassed Jesus'  (our) hometown of Galilee. Pilate got the "bright idea" -- or maybe the "passing-the-buck idea" to send Jesus to Herod.  So off they all went to Herod's court  bringing Jesus who was somewhat battered already from the Temple Guards' beatings.

I heard that Herod was very pleased to see Jesus.  He wished Jesus to "perform" for him.  He wanted to see a miracle.  Jesus knew Herod was not a sincere seeker and so did not answer his questions.

If Herod had been sincere, Jesus would not have refused to answer him..  I firmly believe that and that any person of faith even to this day, would get an answer in God's good time.  We should always pray and seek humbly and expectantly.

Jesus got more aggressive treatment at the hands of Herod and his men.  Disrespect and contempt were on that menu of mockery.  Herod's soldiers put a fin robe on Jesus and pretended obeisance and sent Him back to Pilate, perhaps offended at Jesus' non-compliance to "perform".  Despite this, Herod could not find anything legal with which to charge Jesus.

I don't really consider this a particularly good thing that came out of this but Pilate and Herod became friends that day where beforehand they'd been rivals.

This is a good thing to beware of...what makes one person a friend of another?  What is it that binds us to another?  Is it something 'good'?

Back at Pilate's palace, Pilate called together three groups:  the chief priests, the leaders and the Jewish people.  He once again tells them that neither he nor Herod found Jesus of any crime deserving death.  He would just whip Jesus (for good measure, I suppose -- preemptive strike) and release Him.

Boy-oh-boy, the crowd's response played right into the Sanhedrin's agenda!  It was sickening.  The pit of my stomach does all sorts of contortions just thinking back on it.

"Kill Him!" they shout.

"Free Barabbas!" they cry.

What a wicked alternative!  Barabbas was a rebellious murderer!  How could the people have chosen him!!  He was the one instigating riots and committing crimes worthy of death.

Jesus, on the other hand, did not create riots.  He came to give life, not take it.  He was (and still is) Perfect Man -- Son of Man, who loved and cared for the crowd -- had done so much for so many of them.  He had not committed any crime worthy of death!

In the end, Pilate had declared Jesus innocent three times and wished to let Him go.  On the third appeal to the people he said he found nothing worthy of death in Jesus (v. 22).

The same crowds who had once clung and hung on to Jesus' words; who had been healed and fed by Jesus; who had had demons cast out; who'd even joyfully welcomed Him into Jerusalem less than a week prior, shouting "Hosanna!" and "Blessed be the Son of David" and "save us" as He rode in on a donkey, now SHOUT at the top of their lungs, the ugly words,

"Crucify Him!"

"Crucify Him!"

It was so difficult to imagine Jesus betrayed by His own people.  Being rejected by religious leadership who couldn't or wouldn't recognize their Messiah.  These have been very bitter pills to swallow.

The people power swayed the verdict to just what the Sanhedrin wanted; to be rid of Jesus.

I gasp in anguish, again.

The boisterous, shouting, clambering crowds caused Pilate to relent and give the Sanhedrin what they wanted.  He, too, likely afraid of riot.  He was there to quell and control the crowd NOT create turmoil.

Pilate released the Barabbas murderer and handed Jesus, the ever loving One, over to the Sanhedrin to do as they wished with Jesus.

How awful is that!

Does it make you want to weep for Jesus?

Pilate had known what the right thing to do had been.  He declared three times Jesus' innocence.  However, due to fear of riot or because of "popular opinion" he unjustly condemned Jesus to death anyway.

It was a case of human influence and Satan's evil schemes at work.  Yet Pilate also had free will to operate and choose the right thing to do and could have gone against popular opinion.

He valued other things above the 'right thing' though.  For one, his newfound friendship with Herod and secondly, pleasing the crowds more than giving justice to Jesus.

We should stop and think though, if there have been times when we were in just such a tight, sticky situation.  We knew the "right" thing to do was but did not do it because we were afraid of what others would say or think of you or even do to you in retribution?

These times of challenge do come I'm very well aware.  I also know we can call out to our Lord for mercy and grace to do the right thing that would please Him.

Pray and ask for help and courage.

I'm so glad He hears and answers us.

After all, despite the injustice, Jesus came with love to bring us salvation, and that again, despite, the horrendous way He died.

                                                     ~ERC November 2020~

Based on Luke 23:1-5; 6-121; 13-35 NIV

SPM Luke Study Guide

Sing, Jesus Paid It All, All to Him I Owe

Luke 23 - Part 1 video

Good Pamphlet - Can You Change If You're Gay?

 

"The opposite of homosexuality isn't heterosexuality -- it's holiness."

What a revolutionary and freeing statement made by David White in his pamphlet addressing the issue Can You Change If You Are Gay?

In this mini-treatise, White stresses the 'holiness' aspect.  Many followers of Jesus Christ do struggle with Same Sex Attraction (SSA) just as many struggle with other forms of sexual activity which God also says is not right in His eyes, such as:   fornication, adultery, incest, etc.

What is a believer, who really does want to please the LORD, to do when strong urges come upon them that does not please Him?

White, who does minister to sexually broken persons, tells us that,

"Obedience [to our Heavenly Father] flows from affection for God..."

This is response from His love for us and can be true for any believer battling against any addiction or sexual activity that He does not sanction.  However, it is so important to note, as White writes, that although our "new hearts" in Christ and "by faith," are "instantaneous",

"...the outworking in our lives is a lifelong process" (p. 10).

This is talking about 'progressive sanctification' and is "lifelong", starting at the point of salvation through Jesus Christ until the day we go to be with Christ.

Ultimately, we need to live to please and glorify the Lord.  Another thing White asserts is,

"God calls us to radical sexual fidelity within marriage because it is intended to mirror our radical spiritual fidelity to Him." (p. 11).

There needs to be self-discipline within a marriage and this takes similar self-discipline and self-denial for the single man or woman and for anyone who wrestles with SSA and wishes not to indulge that which displeases the Lord.

White goes on to explain that whether a person is heterosexual or homosexual, he or she needs to be "Christo-sexual".  That means, we, 

"...submit our desires and affection to Jesus, learning how to manage our bodies 'in holiness'" (p. 12).

This involves much self-denial, as mentioned earlier.  Redemption through Christ, and the "long-suffering" fruit of walking in step with the Holy Spirit are aspects that a believer can engage to help themselves.  They are not doing this alone.  Holy Spirit help and an understanding community of fellow-believers greatly aid the person of SSA or of any other attraction, along the road to maintaining self-discipline in keeping with pleasing the Lord and giving Him glory and honor in our lives, as well as living in holiness.

Does the SSA go away?  

Quite possibly not.  We live in a fallen world and even when a person is a child of God, the attraction to same sex persons can pop up even when least expected or even when unwanted.

The goal is to live by God's grace, in holiness.  There has been some, among White's acquaintances and associations with individuals who struggle with SSA with his ministry who have been able to live in such holiness and to even marry into a heterosexual relationship.  

They often do still need to guard against the SSA.  This would be similar to an alcoholic who had gotten him or herself 'dried out', who would have to guard against, even a drop of alcohol that would set them off again in the wrong direction.

Nevertheless, those of the SSA community who are believers, may be able to live in holy self-denial but could not even think of marrying into the heterosexual marital status.  These all need support with our agape love and even just "plain ole friendship", understanding, patience and compassion.

White stated that,

"The gospel invites [the SAA individual] to come out of hiding because God promises if you trust in him you will never be put to shame." (p. 14).

Much prayer and the support of caring believers need to be in community relationship.  Who among us can be that support?

Another point White makes is that,

"Sex is not the ultimate experience of life" (p. 17).

The apostle Paul remained celibate so he could be more fully engaged in the ministry of bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.  He did have many male friends whom He mentored.  Jesus had twelve men who lived in close relationship with Him and even had an inner circle.  This does not mean He had SSA relationships.  Not at all!  There are still good, wholesome friendships among those of our own gender that we can nurture and still keep within God-given boundaries.  This idea was mentioned in this pamphlet.

I know I'm using many quotations here, which is supposed to be a review, not a writing out of the work.  However, White writes so succinctly.  Let's think of this...

"Even if science found genetic (or any other) pre-dispositions to SSA, as they have found with alcoholism and anger, the Bible is our ultimate authority for determining behavior" (p. 24).

Our own free will, placed under God's authority, can, and does, move in the direction that honors Him.  

"Be holy as I am holy,"

says God's Word in 1 Peter 1:16.

God is holy.  Be like Him and keep on, keeping on.

Yes, it is easy to say for those of us who do not struggle with SSA.  Here is something I think would be encouraging for those who do wish to make the changes through living that holy life White suggests, which could apply to any sexual activity that does not honor God, and to any addiction, for that matter.

"Ultimately "change" is the Spirit-led ability to resist and turn from temptation and anyone in Christ can grow along that trajectory" (p.23).

In that there is hope.

                                              ~ERC  December 2020~

Can You Change If You're Gay?; David Write; copyright 2013 by Harvest USA; New Growth Press.