What God Says, He Does....

When I read the account of Jesus’ betrayal I can’t help but think about the sovereignty of God. God orchestrated every single event, person, action, and word spoken. Just think, He knew Peter would betray Him (even told him he would). The Sadducees and Pharisees, who normally despised each other, united in this evil plot to rid Israel of this “so-called prophet”. They illegally arranged a hearing, trial, and sentencing at night, which also never happened before. Even the Roman government was brought in and helped in this Jewish problem (which is unheard of). Through all of this, God still arranged certain people to speak truth even in the midst of all of this injustice. The Jewish court witnesses couldn’t agree on a fabricated story to prove Jesus’ guilt. The Jewish leader Caiaphas’ declaration of, “its better for one man to die to save the people” speech, was without the realization of the deeper significance in what he said. Judas’ confession of betraying an innocent man. Pilates wife’s dream. Pilot’s own confession of Jesus’ innocence. And the Jewish crowd acknowledging their responsibility for Jesus’ death. Every word, action, and breath taken were all part of God’s sovereign will. Jesus knew this, it’s why He had the strength to endure it. As I’ve said before, “the safest place you could ever be is right in the middle of God’s will”. I need to start seeing this and living my life based on this fact. The Bible is crystal clear on fulfilled prophecy. What God says He will do, He does.

47 And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet Him with a kiss.” 49 So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave Him the kiss.50 Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested Him. 51 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword.53 Don’t you realize that I could ask My Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly?54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”55 Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest Me? Why didn’t you arrest Me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. 56 But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted Him and fled. Jesus before the Council 57 Then the people who had arrested Jesus led Him to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of religious law and the elders had gathered. 58 Meanwhile, Peter followed Him at a distance and came to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and sat with the guards and waited to see how it would all end.59 Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put Him to death. 60 But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward 61 who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ ”62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t You going to answer these charges? What do You have to say for Yourself?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I demand in the name of the living God–tell us if You are the Messiah, the Son of God.”64 Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”65 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard His blasphemy. 66 What is your verdict?”“Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!”67 Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat Him with their fists. And some slapped Him, 68 jeering, “Prophesy to us, You Messiah! Who hit You that time?” Matthew 26:47-68

He’s Been There, He “Gets It”...

Anytime you’re feeling down and wondering why you are experiencing sorrow, a sense of loss, or pure rejection, think of how Jesus felt when His own people, His creation, could treat Him this way. Here you have the creation spitting in the Creator’s face. He knows what it feels like to be rejected. He knows your pain. He completely understands. Cry out to Him, for He is the Great Comforter. He is the One and Only True God. And He cares for you very much. He will relate to you and be the One Who grabs your hand and walks you through your trial. Trust me on this one.

67 Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat Him with their fists. And some slapped Him, 68 jeering, “Prophesy to us, You Messiah! Who hit You that time?” Matthew 26:67-68

Move or Be Moved...

Following God involves constant awareness. Sometimes it means packing up and moving (action). And sometimes it means staying put (resting in Him). In either case our closeness to Him, is the determining factor, allowing us to know if we need to move or be moved.

36 Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. 37 But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. 38 The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys. Exodus 40:36-38

Obedience’s True Meaning....

When we are obedient to God, He blesses us. Always, every time. This may not be monetarily or an increase in wealth, but we certainly benefit from His blessings. Obedience to God is what we are created to do. What more can you say about honoring God than through doing what He says? True love, honor, and gratitude are proven through loving, honoring, and respecting one another. Doing what someone asks is the greatest way of demonstrating this kind of loyalty. In the end the one who proves his love is the one that was obedient. God rewards this kind of behavior, because it’s reciprocating back the love He gives us. Faith without works is dead, and love without obedience isn’t real love. Today, give God the love He desires from us without any reservation. You’ll find the most loyal, discernible, and unmitigated love you can give, comes from an obedient heart.

42 So the people of Israel followed all of the Lord’s instructions to Moses. 43 Then Moses inspected all their work. When he found it had been done just as the Lord had commanded him, he blessed them. Exodus 39:42-43

In Life’s Most Pressing Moments...

In times of great stress or sorrow, we tend to close ourselves off and retreat to the confines of self. Jesus, in this state of mind, moments away from His arrest and crucifixion, took James, John, and Peter, His three closest companions, with Him to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. This shows us the importance of having someone close to you when you are in greatest need. Most of the time, just being there is enough, not even saying a word. Here’s a Swedish proverb that helps illustrate this point: sorrow shared is half sorrow, and joy shared is double joy. Regardless of which situation you might be in, surround yourself with your closest friends, who will help share your burden. Or be the friend of one who is in need. Jesus’ example should be our example of what to do during life’s most pressing moments. Be there.

36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and He said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and He became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” Matthew 26:36-38

Truth and Justice...

My whole life I have always held truth and justice in the highest regard. Of course I need to work on the Grace and Mercy side of the equation. As far as truth is concerned, there is nothing more important in a man’s life than to hold Truth in the highest regard, living his life based on objective truth. And you will not find it anywhere more so than here, in the Bible. It’s value is more precious than gold.

10 Choose my instruction rather than silver,and knowledge rather than pure gold.11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.Nothing you desire can compare with it. Proverbs 8:10-11

We Have Everything We Need....

We have everything we need for life, for God created it all. It’s just a matter of rearranging it from those whose hearts are for God. Just imagine if all believers got on the same page? It’s the “unity” Paul talks about throughout his epistles. Nothing is impossible with God, nothing. It’s starts with me (you).

20 So the whole community of Israel left Moses and returned to their tents. 21 All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments. 22 Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. They brought to the Lord their offerings of gold–brooches, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind as a special offering to the Lord. 23 All those who owned the following items willingly brought them: blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; and tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather. 24 And all who had silver and bronze objects gave them as a sacred offering to the Lord. And those who had acacia wood brought it for use in the project. Exodus 35:20-24

4 Finally the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work. 5 They went to Moses and reported, “The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the Lord has commanded us to do!”6 So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Exodus 36:4-6