Roma Y La Biblia

Roma Y La Biblia

Introducción

La leyenda cuenta que Rómulo y Remus fueron engendrados por Marte el dios de la guerra, siendo criados por una loba. Cerca del año 753 a.C ellos son quienes fundan roma. Las glorias de los sumerios, hititas, la babilonia de Hammurabi y los mejores periodos de Egipto, habían pasado y ahora Roma está en pleno auge. Estoy tentado a referirme a lo que el relato Bíblico que directamente aluden a roma como lo es el pasaje en Daniel 2:4046 pero ese no es tema asignado para hoy. También estoy tentado a mencionar a lujo de detalles como es que, en el conocimiento adelantado de Dios, permite a través del periodo intertestamental donde Aristóbulo II (rey de Judea y sumo sacerdote) fuera derrotado por el general romano Pompeyo quien incursiona en palestina y somete a Judea cerca del 63 a.C provocando el escenario en donde los judíos no iban a poder ejecutar a Jesús  por tener  como lo dice Charles F. Pfeiffer “el pie sobre el pescuezo”, ya que si ellos lo hubiesen ejecutado, las profecías con respecto a su arresto, sentencia y crucifixión hubiesen fallado, pero esto no es el tema que nos compete. De manera precisa abordaremos la relación que existe entre 3 elementos concretos; el imperio Romano, el relato Bíblico y por último la Resurrección de Cristo, esta lección es de carácter histórico, que podría edificar nuestro espíritu. Iniciemos:

FILOSOFIA ROMANA SOBRE LA RESURRECCIÓN

El animismo era la religión primitiva de Roma. Animismo significa que ellos creían que objetos podían ser dioses y que estaba ahí para ayudarles.  Con la caída de Grecia aún así su religión se preservó y luego roma adoptó muchos de los dioses griegos pero la creencia con respecto a la Resurrección no de los muertos como parte de la religión de los romanos no es clara. Lo que si tenemos claro es que al menos historiadores Romanos del primer siglo mencionan a Jesús como una persona física real o a los cristianos y sus luchar, estos dos historiadores son: Tácito y Suetónio. De manera despectiva Cornelio Tácito escribe: “Cristos el que originó el nombre, fue sentenciado a muerte por Poncio Pilato, procurador de Judea en el reinado de Tiberio. Pero la superstición perniciosa, reprimida durante un tiempo surgió de nuevo, no solo en Judea donde se originó el engaño, sino también en la ciudad de Roma”. (Anales XV, 44). El hecho de que se refiera despectivamente  más bien da un voto más de credibilidad.

Por su parte Suetonio también historiador Romano registra ciertas palabras que son altamente reveladoras de cual era la filosofía romana con respecto a la Resurrección, él dijo: “Nerón castigó a los cristianos  una clase de personas entregadas a una superstición nueva y engañosa” (Vidas de Césares, 26.2). El informe nos muestra que los cristianos morían y sufrían por su convicción de que Jesús había vivido, había muerto y que por último había resucitado de entre los muertos. Los Romanos realmente no creían en lo real de este evento. Pero desde el evento en Pentecostés, algunos judíos residentes de Roma habían ido pero no habían regresado porque se encontraron con el evangelio de Jesús. Algo estaba sucediendo, y roma tenía todavía que jugar un papel importante en el desenvolvimiento del plan de Dios y del relato Bíblico 

DOS MENCIONES DE LA RESURRECCIÓN EN ROMANOS

En el libro de Romanos encontramos la palabra Resurrección en dos ocaciones únicamente. Esto es particularmente excepcional considerando las 5 ocaciones que usó la palabra ἀνάστασις (anástasis) en 1 Corintos o en contraste con las más de 10 veces que es empleada por Lucas en el libro de los Hechos. El punto es que será mucho más fácil considerar el impacto de esta palabra a la Iglesia que se encontraba en una de las ciudades más importantes de aquel siglo; Roma. El texto lee:

que fue declarado Hijo de Dios con poder, según el Espíritu de santidad, por la resurrección de entre los muertos, y por quien recibimos la gracia y el apostolado, para la obediencia a la fe en todas las naciones por amor de su nombre; entre las cuales estáis también vosotros, llamados a ser de Jesucristo; a todos los que estáis en Roma, amados de Dios, llamados a ser santos: Gracia y paz a vosotros, de Dios nuestro Padre y del Señor Jesucristo.

Romanos 1:4–7 (RVR60):

El versículo 4 es el que contiene la palabra anástasis (resurrección), ¿cómo está la resurrección relacionada al imperio Romano y el relato bíblico en este versículo? El v.4 nos dice que Jesús fue declaro hijo de Dios con poder mediante la resurrección por los siguientes hechos:

1.     El vino como el Mesías prometido. No es lo mismo que un hombre resucite a que alguien quien vino como Mesías resucite. ¡Los Romanos no estaban exentos de saber esto!

2.     El sostuvo que era hijo de Dios pero con un grado de igualdad el Padre (Jn.10:30). Este hecho podría ser demostrado mediante los milagros que hizo. En Roma se atribuían cosas sobrenaturales a sus dioses, pero Dios en la carne, era algo nuevo. ¡Los romanos no estaban exentos de obedecer a él! (Rom.1:17).

3.     La Resurrección no fue una cosa ordinaria, Dios estaba detrás de esto.  El escándalo que causó este evento llegó por supuesto a Roma y aún a los iodos del emperador, tanto que después Nerón se encarga de ejecutar a Pablo porque considera esta doctrina como una amenaza tan magnifico imperio. ¡Los Romanos (cristianos) no estaban exentos de morir por esto (la resurrección) y por el (el resucitado) (Rom.8:18).

Por otra parte el otro pasaje se encuentra en Romanos 6 y dice de la siguiente manera:

Porque si fuimos plantados juntamente con él en la semejanza de su muerte, así también lo seremos en la de su resurrección; Romanos 6:5 (RVR60):

Aquí nuevamente el vocablo es usado en un contexto figurativo donde se muestra el misterio del cual nos había mencionado en Efesios 3; siendo revelado y explicado en absoluta claridad y simpleza. Observemos el poder de estas palabras en la estructura básica de lo que llamamos premisas y que juntas forman un argumento. 1) En el bautismo se asemeja la muerte. 2) Cristo no solo murió pero al tercer día resucitó. 3) Por lo tanto en el bautismo también somos resucitados. Pero el versículo está relacionado a nuestro tema en 3 aspectos también, observe:

1.     Solo una vez.  El vocablo griego σύμφυτος (sumputos) aparece una sola vez en todo el Nuevo Testamento y significa: plantar o sembrar pero simultáneamente. Esta es la palabra que se usaba cuando dos arboles eran plantados al mismo tiempo. Pablo les recuerda a su audiencia Romana que si un grano (un alma) es tirada a tierra para que muera y sea sepultada IGUAL que Cristo pero en Agua, también resucite al mismo tiempo con Cristo para vida. 

2.     Y solo una vez. Igual que un grano solamente puede ser destruido una vez y solo una vez, el bautismo aceptado por Dios es hecho una vez y solo una vez. Cientos de personas levantas sus manos para “aceptar” al Señor… pero la figura es ajena, Cristo no murió solo por levantar las manos, ni tampoco fue sepultado de esa forma. No llevar a cabo el proceso adecuado que es “en la semejanza de su muerte” sencillamente resultará en condena eterna pues no habrá semejanza para su resurrección.

3.     En el centro. De alguna forma el bautismo que en el centro de todo. El pasado llega a morir ahí y el futuro nace de ahí. Si Cristo no hubiese muerto por los romanos de esta forma, y no hubiese sido sepultado así, no tendríamos semejanza de nada en los absoluto y el bautismo sería solo una zambullida ligera sin poder. No le damos las gracias a los Romanos, de damos las gracias a Dios por su conocimiento anticipado y su soberanía al utilizar a este imperio Romano a quienes ahora el evangelio entraba. 

EL IMPACTO DE LA RESURRECIÓN EN PERSONAS FISICAS DE ROMA

Podríamos por mucho referirnos a tantos personajes de Roma o ciudadanía romana que son recordados con facilidad tal como lo es Cornelio el primer gentil Romano convertido al cristianismo o incluso el mismo Pablo que contaba con esa ciudadanía. Pero en vez de eso fijaremos nuestra atención en el capítulo 16 del libro de romanos y observaremos en 3 partes algunos de estos romanos que habían abandonado las glorias de Roma para ganar a Cristo.

Por la resurrección de Jesús de entre los muertos en Roma alguno estuvieron dispuestos a todo.

1.     A exponer sus vidas (Priscila y Aquila vv. 3-4)

2.     A ir a prisión junto con Pablo ( Andrónico y Junias v.7)

3.     A tener la Iglesia de Cristo reuniéndose en su casa (v.14 y 15) 

4.     A trabajar mucho (María v.6)

5.     A llevar una carta (Febe v.1 y 2)

Los nombres de estos ciudadanos romanos prueban que el evangelio tiene poder tal y como lo afirma Pablo en Rom.1:16 para salvación de  judíos así como también de gentiles. Nombres tan judíos como Aquíla hasta nombres tan romanos como Hermes o Pérsida pone en evidencia el enorme amor de Dios. Por años hemos utilizado acertadamente el epitafio que aparece en Rom.16:16 para identificarnos en nuestra sociedad de confusión, pero el contexto de este versículo es la armonía y amor que  compartían las iglesias de Cristo en Roma y el amor expresado de otras congregaciones hacía ellos y viceversa. 

¿Quién lo hubiera pensado no cree? Una Roma llena de supersticiones desde su fundación, aquello de Romulo y Remus hijos de el dios Marte, criados por una loba hasta abrazar la verdad plena del evangelio en el inmenso amor de Dios al enviar a su hijo a morir también por los que estaban en Roma y quienes por el poder de su Resurrección habiendo cumplido con la obediencia al evangelio por el bautismo (Rom. 6) ahora eran libres y salvos. 

Pero tenemos que concluir. Note con especial atención a un personaje de entre estas 26 personas a las que llama por nombre, uno de ellos dará nuestra conclusión. 

CONCLUSIÓN 

Su nombre fue recogido y citado por un hombre que tuvo miedo por su vida pero luego encontró valor y fue tan útil para el cristianismo que escribió el relato de la vida de Jesús de acuerdo a Marcos. En Marcos 15 leemos de un tal Simón  de Cirene que ayudó a cargar la cruz de Cristo pero el era padre de Alejandro y de Rufo. En Romanos 16:13 Pablo lo menciona al lado de su madre la cual era como madre de Pablo también. ¿Qué tenemos entre ambos pasajes puestos juntos? Una familia que servía al Señor fielmente en Roma. Pero ¿Cómo conocieron de Jesús?. 

Una calurosa mañana Simón de Cirene venía del campo y se encuentra con una turba enfurecida y se acerca para observar, lo obligan a cargar la cruz de un hombre, mientras se acerca hay algo en el ambiente que no es normal. Tan solo a centímetros del Gran YO SOY creador del universo entero con el poder su palabra, Simón cumple su tarea y observa minutos más tarde que ahí en la cruz, el hombre no intentó defenderse, ni maldijo ni se quejó sino más bien parecía como su voluntariamente y por amor enfrentaba tan desgarrador tormento. El sonido de cada golpe mientras los clavos penetraban las muñecas de aquel irreconocible y masacrado hombre mientras gritaba con angustia “perdonarlos porque no saben lo que hacen”… Simón volvió a su casa pensando en lo que había presenciado, el terremoto, las tinieblas este hombre…. 

Ese domingo el terror se apoderó de algunos cuando la noticia circuló que había resucitado ¿Qué habría pensado Simón de Cirene al saber de que al hombre a quien ayudó realmente era Dios? ¿Cómo se hubiera sentido usted?. El libro de Hechos en el 13:1 dice que habían maestros en la iglesia en Antioquia y hace referencia a Simón como uno de ellos. 

Aquel encuentro con Jesús por “casualidad” cambió la vida de este hombre y su familia la cual servían a Dios en una ciudad única como lo era Roma. Terminamos con dos hechos extraídos de esto:

1.     Cuando uno realmente conoce a Jesús, es muy difícil olvidarse de él y seguir en una vida normal. Quizás muchos ahora mismo lo estén intentado pero en el fondo saben que no pueden olvidarse el cristianismo y La Paz que solo viene de conocerlo a él.

2.     Posiblemente haya alguien que vive en Roma (un caos, una vida llena de excesos, placeres, envidias, todo tipo de pecados) pero tu puedes ser la gloriosa Iglesia de Cristo ahí donde estás, y cuando busque al Señor y seas plantado con el para muerte en el bautismo, también lo será en su Resurrección para vivir en una vida nueva y desde Roma, amar y ser amado entre los hijos de Dios.

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The Heart of Mary

The Heart of Mary

Looking carefully into the heart of Mary, the mother of Jesus, can teach us so much about dealing with what God has said to us even when we do not understand it. She obviously knew the words from heaven’s messenger and believed them. Gabriel said, “You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:31). She knew the words were true, she understood them to the best of her knowledge. These very words were in her unwritten “Bible”—the same words in our written Scriptures. How did she respond? “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

Isn’t that what happens to us as we hear the messages from heaven when we read the Scripture? We know what is said, but we try to figure out what they mean and how they apply to our lives. Unbelievers may deny what is said and ignore God’s words. We are not like them. We know they are true but immediately seek to find the meaning of the words.

There was so much that was happening in Mary’s life. Did she fully understand the words of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist? Was it possible that she might have known what the scribes knew about the city where Jesus was born? Is it possible she made that eighty-mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem having insight about how God was working in her life to fulfil His will? We do not know. We read the words and we know “the rest of the story.” She heard the words of God, but there was no way she could understand them as fully as we do.

After the shepherds left her with the Child wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in that manger, the Bible says, “But Mary kept all these things…in her heart” (Luke 2:19). They had told her what they had seen in the field and heard the words from heaven that the child wrapped in swaddling clothes was the Messiah (Luke 2:11).  There had to be so many unanswered questions, but she kept every word she had heard in her heart.

The text says even more. “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” One Greek scholar says this about the word “pondered.” “Placing together for comparison. Mary would go over each detail in the words of Gabriel and of the shepherds and compared the saying with the facts so far developed and brood over it all with a mother’s high hopes and joys.”

So, as you read the Bible and find difficult verses, do not ever forget them. Keep the words in your heart and ponder over them. Sometimes it may take a long time to sort things out, but never set them aside. Keep them, ponder over them and as you hunger and thirst you will be filled (Matt. 5:6).

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Publicity and the Gospel

Publicity and the Gospel

“There’s no such thing as bad publicity” is a saying attributed to P.T. Barnum and his famous circus. He had a lot of critics, but people kept coming to see what he was peddling, and it worked too. Oscar Wilde once famously said, “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.” Apathy is the lukewarm killer. It seems that even Jesus agreed with these sentiments. He once said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot” (Revelation 3:15). It was better to be absolutely for or absolutely against Jesus than to be lukewarm!publicity church

Sometimes I hear people say, “I don’t know how to teach the lost. I’m not a good evangelist.” That does not matter. What matters is whether you try. You will make mistakes, and that is okay. Some will say, “But I don’t want my friends getting a negative impression.” Please. Jesus himself made a negative impression frequently even though he was sinless. You cannot please everyone all the time! Sinners hate the truth. Give it to them anyway.

Jesus also said, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, For so did their fathers to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26). We are not intentionally trying to alienate anyone, but if speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) gives someone a negative impression, then we will just have to live with it. That is better than not saying anything at all! Jesus gags when we are lukewarm. “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16). Are we more like Jesus? Or the church in Laodicea? Silence is inexcusable.

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Birth of Jesus Christ Chronologically

Birth of Jesus Christ: Significant Events Chronologically

Joseph told of the conception: Matthew 1:18-25, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”  22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.” (NKJV)

This took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (NKJV)

When Joseph woke up, he did what the Angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.

Jesus, the Messiah, is Born: Luke 2:1-7, “And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.  4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (NKJV)

Angels Proclaim His Birth: Luke 2:8-14, “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (NKJV)birth of Jesus Christ

Shepherds Visit the Child Jesus: Luke 2:15-20, “So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” (NKJV)

Jesus Circumcised and Named: Matthew 1:25, “and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.”

Luke 2:21, “And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.” (NKJV)

Jesus Presented in the Temple at Jerusalem: Luke 2:22-24, “Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord  23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”),  24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”  (NKJV)

Simeon Expresses His Heartfelt Joy: Luke 2:25-35, “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: 29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”  33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (NKJV)

Anna the prophetess greets Joseph and Mary: Luke 2:36-38, “Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (NKJV)

The wise men come to king Herod: Matthew 2:1-8, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.'”  7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” (NKJV)

The wise men visit Jesus: Matthew 2:9-12, “When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.”

The family flees to Egypt: Matthew 2:13-15, “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

Herod orders the death of the innocent: Matthew 2:16-18, “Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.”

The family returns to the land of Israel: Matthew 2:19-23, “Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” 21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.  22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Luke 2:39-40, “So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” (NKJV)

The Significant Life of a Carpenter

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Psalm 111 – His Presense

Psalm 111 – His Presence

I am not sure about all the details of the assembly that the psalmist mentions in Psalm 111, but I do know that a great blessing awaits us in how the assembly applies to our lives. The psalmist said, “Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.” He calls that assembly, “the congregation.”

There is an assembly, a congregation, we know that is part of Christianity. Who does not know these words? “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some…” (Heb. 10:25). This is the church, and this assembly is when she gathers to worship. If the psalmist rejoiced at the opportunity to be part of the congregation when it assembled, how much more should we!

The psalmist described the assembly as the made up, those who were the upright. Peter describes our assembly as being “living stones,” who are part of “a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.” But, he does not stop with these words in describing those righteous ones who are in that assembly. He says, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” (1 Pet. 2:5, 9). These are those who assemble to praise the Lord.

Consider what a blessing it is to assemble with God’s chosen ones. Consider what happens every time I am part of that congregation of priests who serve Him.

These upright ones sing to me, and I sing to them as we join our voices in praising the Lord. The unseen guest in the midst of that assembly is Jesus (Heb. 2:12).

These upright ones listen, as I listen to the Lord speak in that assembly. He was the visible teacher in the Sermon on the Mount, but He is the invisible Teacher in the assembly, as we study the exact same words in our worship of Him.

These upright ones join me in prayers in that assembly. We pray together in His name because wherever two or three pray together, He is our unseen guest (Matt. 18:20).

These upright ones share the memorial feast remembering Him. We have communion in the body and the blood of that unseen guest. He promised He would be present and share it with us (Matt. 26:29).

He is present every week. I hope you are!

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