Behold Thy Son

There is no question that Jesus had great love for his mother. During the day that Jesus hung on the cross, John records, “ When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! ” (John 19:26). It was a sad day at the place known as “the skull” (Mark 15:22). The hour had come when Jesus had to die, when his relationship to His mother is to be severed and yet, his mother was there, watching. Despite the fact that it was a great risk to even be there, his mother would not leave his side. Why?

His mother was there because she loved her son, Jesus. He had done so much for mankind and she was willing to stand by him no matter the cost. And truly, Jesus cared for his mother. While the weight of the sins of the world was on his brow, his thoughts were on others instead of himself. Every fiber of his being existed for others. For, he came to seek those who were lost (Luke 19:10), who came from God to do his will, not to do the will of himself (John 8:42; 12:49‐50). And so, even in death, his mind is focused on others.

No doubt, he was touched with the feelings of Mary’s hurt and pain. As for Mary, she may not have understood all that was happening that day, but she could love. And, for Jesus to say “Woman, behold thy son!” the very sound must have wrung her heart with addi7onal sorrow. Pure natural affection was there between the son and his mother and her presence there was the most natural thing in the world for a mother. Sure, Jesus might have looked to others on that day as a criminal in the eyes of the law, although he did no wrong (1 Peter 2:22). But, he was her son. His mother’s love followed Him, her tears came down her cheeks, knowing her son’s body was being destroyed by others and the love of motherhood is evidently seen in Mary at the cross. Her presence says a great deal about her.

So, Jesus makes provisions for his mother (John 19:27). He points to the disciple whom He loved (probably John), to care for his mother, to keep her in his home. Jesus asked John to be her son and to carry out the affection of a child toward her. Jesus, in his dying moments, filled with tender regard for his mother, secured for her an adopted son, obtained for her a home and consoled her grief by the prospect of attention from him who was the most beloved of all the apostles. What an example of love the dying Savior displays as he considers his afflicted mother and making her welfare one of his last cares on the cross while making atonement for the sins of the world. What an example of a mother who always stood by her son even though that pathway brought her and him to a cross. Truly, this is a great example of the bond between a mother and child.

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Compassion

The day after Jesus healed the sick servant of a  centurion in Capernaum, He travels eighteen  miles to a city called Nain. It is located on the  northwestern edge of a mountain called Little Hermon,  where the ground descends into the Plain of Esdraelon.  On this day, Jesus performed one of His greatest miracles  (Luke 7:11-17). As Jesus begins to enter the city, He  meets a funeral procession exiting the city gates, most  likely, going to the sepulchral caves along the steep  eastern approach from the plain. It is still the eastern  custom to carry the dead out of the cities and villages, as  Luke portrays in this event. Jesus immediately surveys  what is taking place, and notes that this funeral is for  the only son of a widow. Luke records, “ And when the  Lord saw her, he had compassion on her ” (Luke 7:13),  and raised her son from the dead.

This should not surprise us, since this was not the  only time he showed compassion for those bereaved.  When He saw those bereaving for Lazarus, “ Jesus wept ”  (John 11:35). There were many times during the earthly  life and ministry of Jesus that He had compassion for  others (Matt. 9:36; 14:14). He showed compassion  for those unfortunate, including two blind men on the  Jericho road (Matt. 20:34) and a leper (Mark 1:41). This  also is representative of the compassion of God, since  Jesus Himself is deity. God showed compassion on the  Israelites when they were in Egyptian bondage (Exod.  3:7). Although Judah had become wicked, “ the Lord God  of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising  up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on  his people, and on his dwelling place ” (2 Chron. 36:15;  cf. Ps. 78:38). Although His justice cried out to deliver  them into captivity, God showed compassion on them  by promising to deliver them back to Israel again (Jer.  12:15). “ But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion ”  (Ps. 86:15).

Therefore, it is no surprise to see the Son of God  showing compassion in this situation. However, for all  practical purposes, notice the response of the people:  “ And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God,  saying, ‘That a great prophet is risen up among us’; and,  ‘That God hath visited his people’ ” (Luke 7:16). Would  not more people respond to the gospel if we showed  more compassion like Jesus? People of God are to be  a people of compassion: “ Inasmuch as ye have done it  unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done  it unto me ” (Matt. 25:40). “ But whoso hath this world’s  good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up  his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the  love of God in him ?” (1 John 3:17).

Let us be more determined to be a compassionate  people, seeking and saving “ that which was lost ” (Luke  19:10).

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Jesus is LOL

Think about it, Jesus is LOL

So you read the title to this article, and you wonder what “lol” means. This is probably a good time to ask your children or grandchildren, for any of them could tell you.  Internet messaging, particularly text messaging, has given birth to a new language of abbreviations. BFF is used to describe one who is your “best friend forever.” SMH is “shaking my head.” JK is “just kidding.” PLOS is “parent looking over my shoulder.” One site lists 1,378 such abbreviations.

So, what does “lol” mean, and how can that have any application to the Lord? Sometimes, when one reads what another has written and seen the humor in it, he texts “lol” indicating that he is “laughing out loud.”

Does the Bible ever say anything about God laughing?  The answer is yes, particularly in the psalms. The second psalm is Messianic and several verses in that psalm are referenced in the New Testament and applied to Jesus. In the psalm, there is a description of the nations raging against God. The kings of the earth are seen as calling an assembly to break the cords with which God has bound them. There is something about power which corrupts men and governments. When little men attain positions of authority they seek to overthrow any restraints God has placed on them.  The Jews in Isaiah’s day were condemned for this.  “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness . . . “ (Isa. 5:20). We also live in a land that seems to think that it can, by legislation, change immorality into “morality” and then all is well. How does the Lord respond to such? Look at Psalm 2 again. “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.”  Jesus is lol at them!

Then, the psalmist describes those who were mocking the saints. Psalm 37:12-15 describes how they plotted against the just. They had drawn the sword to cast down the poor, the needy and those who are of upright conduct. How does the Lord respond to such? “The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming.” Jesus is lol at them!

Then, there is the response the Lord gives for His people.  Psalm 52:4-6 sees the wicked as their evil words seek to defile the saints. They are telling lies about His children. The affirmation is then made that God would destroy such wicked me forever. They were to be uprooted from the land of the living. How should His children respond to such abuse by the wicked?  “The righteous also shall see and fear, And shall laugh at him, saying, ’Here is the man who did not make God his strength . . .” So, instead of being filled with rage about all that is evil, just remember that Jesus is lol. So you can lol, too. For sure you can smile!

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Will Christianity Survive?

WILL TRUE CHRISTIANITY SURVIVE ON EARTH?

As we consider the direction of humankind toward secularism, hedonism, and continued war among nations plus division between races we may be quick to say: “no”! Yet; the majority of the world’s population is less-interested in true religion as any other people since time began. {i.e. the religion that Jesus Christ initiated when He arose from the grave according to the teaching found in the Bible}.

In recent months I have noticed a number of articles and short dissertations that openly suggest that the survival of the religion of Jesus Christ will disappear from the earth soon. These same authors also suggest that Jesus Christ is coming back to earth soon because man has so deeply corrupted himself and all religious institutions.

These serious questions and doubts that are appearing in printed and electronic media are contributing to despair and confusion in the minds of many people. The insistence of disastrous conclusions predicted by many of the authors about the false and evil actions of men and religious institutions are influencing many good people in their personal conclusions toward true religion {i.e. the religion of Jesus Christ – cf. see Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 2:1-47 in the New Testament. From these readings in the Bible {i.e. see the KJV for accurate translation of these verses}. These predictors of the death of true religion have not considered the “true predictions” found in God’s Book that specify man’s inability to destroy God’s Word or God’s plans for humankind. Please note the following Biblical facts …

Matthew 13:25-30 – 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 but when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, an enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 but he said, nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. {KJV}

The text explained …  The parable in verses 24-30 above. By a comparison we may learn:

1. the kingdom is likened to a man sowing good seed in his field.

2. the Sower is the Son of man, who sows by means of his kingdom

3. the good seed is the word of God as seen in its fruits, Christ’s followers.

4. The field is the world. It is Christ’s field. All power is given to him in heaven and in earth. His kingdom is rightfully the whole earth, but much of it is held still by the enemy, who has to be conquered. He will prevail finally, and the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdom of the Lord and his Christ.

5. The wheat raised from the good seed is the “children of the kingdom,” the Disciples of Christ converted by his word.

6. the tares are not bad church members, but bad men; those who have been under the influence of the wicked one

7. The righteous and wicked are to remain in the earth together. The righteous are not to exterminate the wicked. The evil and the good will be mixed until judgment day. 8. Then all shall be gathered at the throne of judgment. The righteous shall “inherit the kingdom.” All that are wicked shall be cast out of the kingdom. An eternal separation shall take place. —People’s New Testament.

Yes; true Christianity {i.e. that which Jesus Christ established approximately CE 33} will remain on the earth as long as honest and sincere men and women seek heaven for their eternal home –

cf. 1 Corinthians 15:19-28 – 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end , when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him; it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Indeed; the Devil will continue to corrupt mankind as long as the world exists; but the Devil’s end is predicted just as the second coming of Jesus Christ is promised to the faithful of every age of earth’s existence –

Revelation 20:10-15 – 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. {KJV}

GOD IS ETERNAL:

Since God is eternal the possibility of some failure to God’s promises and intentions is impossible. It was God who created all things and set all world operations into motion. To suggest that man will destroy the works of Almighty God is shear madness. God will continue from eternity to eternity without beginning or without end. This is mankind’s assurance that whatever God has revealed to mankind via His Book {i.e. the Bible – Jeremiah 10:23 – O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. {KJV}; that is exactly what will happen.

Genesis 21:33 – And Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God. {KJV}

Psalms 100:5 – For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. {KJV}

John 12:44-50 – 44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He that rejecteth me, and receives not my words, hath one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49 for I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. {KJV}

THE KINGDOM OF GOD {i.e. the church} IS ETERNAL:

2 Peter 1:10-12 – 10 wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. {KJV}

DO NOT BE DECEIVED:

Romans 16:16-18 – 16 Salute one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 for they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (KJV)

Consider this …

Therefore; since these things divinely revealed are true; man may confidently place his/her hope for the continued future of religion on the earth. I suggest that the projectors of the death of religion will be surprised come resurrection day when the following will occur …

2 Peter 3:10-14 – 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

BECOME A CHRISTIAN BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE …

1 Peter 4:17-18 – 17 for the time (is come) for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if (it begin) first at us, what (shall be) the end of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?

2 Corinthians 5:10-11 – 10 For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things (done) in the body, according to what he hath done, whether (it be) good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. {ASV}

Romans 14:8-12 – 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived (again), that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 but thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? Or thou again, why dost thou set at naught thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God. 11 for it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, to me every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God. {ASV}

IT IS AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION TO FAIL TO BECOME …       A Christian and live a faithful life in God’s service. Far too many people are missing the great privilege of being a part of the Lord’s Family on earth!

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Sorrow

“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

With these words, Jesus continued His great “Sermon on the Mount” With them He builds upon the first Beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) The one who is poor in spirit recognizes his dependence upon God and knows that if it were not for the mercy and grace of God he would be without hope. One who posses this attitude, will then find himself in a state of sorrow over the hopelessness of his sinful situation. Like Paul, he will sorrowfully cry out, ”O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24)

When we understand the terrible consequences of sin in our lives we should be moved to sorrow – this is a sign of an honest and good heart. Why? Because godly sorrow leads to repentance. In the First Corinthian Epistle, Paul sharply rebuked the brethren there for tolerating sin in their midst. This rebuke was well received and effected great change in the church at Corinth because in the Second Corinthian Epistle, we find that the brethren had repented out of sorrow for their sin. “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.” (2 Corinthians 7:9)

Paul then goes on to draw a distinction between their godly sorrow which led to true repentance and worldly sorrow. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10) Godly sorrow leads to repentance and then repentance leads to salvation. Worldly sorrow, which is not sorrow over sin, but rather sorrow over getting caught. When worldly people get into trouble and are punished and the punishment escalates to a level they can no longer deal with, then they will change – they will stop the behavior. However, this is not godly sorrow – this is worldly sorrow. Thousands of inmates in our prison system are sorry for their crime – sorry they got caught. Most are not sorry they committed the crime and because their sorrow is strictly of a wordly nature, they often go right back into crime after they are released.

As 2 Corinthians 7:10 implies, this kind of worldly sorrow leads to “salvation” that is “repented of”. In other words, they fall from their false sense of salvation and become lost in sin once more, because they never truly repented. Repentance is a change of mind toward or about sin, which in turn leads to a change of action. The kind of repentance that merely says, “Oops, I got caught and now I’m sorry” is unable save anyone.

If one is truly poor in spirit and mourns over sin and his own inability to overcome sin, then he will be moved unto repentance and will inherit the kingdom of God and in it, be comforted.

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