|
Women of the Bible Series
Eunice…A Teaching Mother (II Timothy 1:5) – PART 1 II Timothy 1:5, When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. I think of a young man who grew up in a home without a Christian father, but with a godly mother and a godly grandmother; and this young man became a major influence for the cause of Jesus Christ in the first century. His name was Timothy. Timothy had one of the greatest privileges that a child can have: strong Christian parents. His mother and grandmother were steadfast believers who were faithful to God's Word every day of their lives. This was and still is the key in any family. How did this young man from the city of Lystra, a mystical place given over to idol worship, develop into such a great leader for the cause of Jesus Christ? He was raised by a godly mother and grandmother. There had been three generations of genuine faith in Timothy’s family: first, his grandmother Lois; then his mother Eunice; and now finally Timothy himself. This faith pleased God (Hebrews 11:6). Timothy's faith in Christ was genuine and sincere; it was real and true. He honestly trusted Christ as his Saviour and Lord, and he lived for Christ. One of the major reasons for his strength in the Lord was the strong faith of his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. They had rooted and grounded him in the faith. What made this mother stand out were her qualities in her own life that she passed down to her own son. When Paul thought of Timothy's faith, he remembered the impact Timothy's mother and grandmother had on his becoming a believer. Eunice’s husband is not mentioned by name in the Scripture. Eunice was a Jewess, and believed; but his (Timothy) father was Greek. This suggests Timothy’s father was probably an unbeliever. The story of Eunice and Timothy gives hope to one parent homes or couples who are unequally yoked. What good things about Timothy can be attributed to the training of his mother. Timothy was strong Christian, and this was in part due to genuine faith of his mother. Even though faith is something intensely personal and each person must believe for himself or herself, we are nevertheless influenced in this decision by others. That was certainly true of Timothy. Eunice pass on her faith to her son Timothy by planting the seed of faith in his life. From the first day of his life, Timothy had a constant reminder of the importance of faith and that reminder was his name. Eunice could not put the fruit of faith in her son's life, but she could plant the seeds that she hoped someday would blossom into faith. She did that by giving him the name Timothy. In Acts 16:1-3, Timothy is called a disciple, well reported of by the brethren, and desired by the Apostle Paul on his journeys. Even Paul recognized the influence of Timothy’s mother in II Timothy 1:5. Materialism and wealth cannot compare to a child growing up to serve God and honor his parents. The name that Eunice gave Timothy showed her desire for Timothy, as his name means “dear to God”. What a person does is greatly due to what his parents taught him. The Bible reference to Eunice’s faith is referred to her belief in God and His Word. Paul said to Timothy that what he would be remembered most about Timothy’s mother was that the faith she had was genuine. Unfeigned faith begins salvation, and then continues as one consistently spends time with God and lives with Him. The word “unfeigned” means sincere or without hypocrisy. Hypocrisy comes from trying to “look like” instead of “being” what one should be. Children and teens can read their parents. They can see right through their teachers, and they can turn away in disgust from a believer who plays charades. Eunice passed down this unfeigned faith to her son Timothy because it was her. She put it in herself by having a steady diet of the Word of God (Romans 10:17). A child who grows up with a parent who takes seriously the things of God, has instilled in them a faith that will last their lifetime. Genuine faith produces a genuine Christian. A child’s convictions and what he or she believes are shaped by the child’s parents. Often when a parent who says, “I want my children to choose their own way” have already chosen it for them. A teaching mother will train her children in the things of God, but more importantly will live them. Eunice’s faith was portrayed in her life because of a heart that believed in God. You can’t help but teach what you truly believe. Sure, Timothy learned from Paul and others, but his foundation was under the influence of his mother Eunice. Paul tells us that Timothy had a real, living faith in his heart. He had more than just a profession of faith; he had an active faith. Mothers know that they have an especially important role they have been entrusted. In our troubled world it is a daunting task, but God will strengthen and guide you in your quest to teach your children and to encourage them to choose and to honor Him. The love and influence of Christian mothers is something we should all be thankful for every day of our lives. PRAYER: Lord I thank You for my parents who love and care for me. May I honor them and show my love and care for them for the many sacrifices they have made in my life. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
0 Comments
Women of the Bible Series
Jochebed...God Fearing Mother (Hebrews 11:23) – PART 2 Hebrews 11:23, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.” This passage describes both the faith of his parents and his faith. They had a faith that endured the ensnarement of the enemy. Jochebed was an Israelite, a member of the tribe of Levi. She, and her husband, Amram, were evidently very dedicated and godly people. They were willing to defy the order of Pharaoh and keep the commandments of God. Every mother needs a relationship with the Lord. Abraham Lincoln declared, "No man is poor who has had a godly mother." When Amram and Jochebed saw that their baby, Moses, was a proper child, they hid him for three months, defying Pharaoh’s commandment. Not fearing Pharaoh’s wrath, they trusted God to save their boy, though they had no idea how this would be done. They hoped for a deliverance as yet unseen. Pharaoh had commanded that all male babies be cast into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). However, Moses' parents courageously defied the King's orders and hid their son. This is parental faith! Moses' life and ministry hinged upon the faith of his parents. The same was true of Timothy (II Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Thank God for parents who stay true to God in the midst of a wicked world. Moses' mother and father ignored the pressures and intimidations of the world around them. The child of God is under constant pressure to conform to this world. According to Numbers 26:59, Jochebed had three children (Miriam, Aaron, and Moses) and all were used of God. This was not by accident, but due to the fact that she was a God-fearing mother. She wanted her children to value truth and justice, and more than anything, she wanted them to be loyal to the Lord and love the Lord with all their heart. A mother’s influence is so powerful since she is with her children in the early years. Childhood years are an influential, developmental, and molding time. May godly parents raise their children to be successful for the Lord in finding and doing His will for their lives (Romans 12:1-2). Moses was blessed with a godly mother. She poured out her life into the life of her son. Jochebed refused to give in to a godless system that would have cost her the life of her son. Knowing that Moses would be raised in a godless environment, she faithfully taught Moses the ways of the Lord. The world demands that parent’s hand over their children and allow them to be trained and taught the ways of the world. But children need and deserve better than that! The Bible instructs that parents will teach their children the ways of God and steer them clear of the world and its devises. It takes faith to go against the grain and raise your children for the Lord, but God will bless you, and them, for it! A Christian must determine that God’s law is higher than man’s law (Ecclesiastes 8:2). A mother’s influence on her child’s life is profound. It’s been said that, “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”. Children are influenced more by their parents than most people realize. A child’s desires and dislikes are shaped early in their life as they reflect your character and integrity (Proverbs 22:6). Parent’s are to train and teach their children what they are supposed to believe and how they are to live so that when they are grown, they will know what to believe and how to live. Children with no training (that are left to themselves and allowed to do whatever they please) will bring their mother to shame (Proverbs 29:15). Even though his Egyptian family educated and raised him in a heathenistic society and worshiped false gods, Moses never forgot what his Hebrew mother had taught him. Because of his mother’s faithfulness, he never stopped believing in the true God. A God-fearing mother has a strong faith in God and His Word. Hebrews 11 is considered the hall of heroes of faith. Jochebed displayed her faith in God when she obeyed God and took Him at His Word. When a person builds a house, there are blue prints they must follow in order for the construction to be a success. When a baker bakes, they must follow the directions according to the recipe. A mother molds the life of her child with the Word of God as it instructs her to do so. Parents, perhaps you will never know the complete impact of the child you are raising and what they may do for the Lord! Give them the best you have while you have them and turn out God-fearing, God-following young men and women who will live for the glory of the Lord! Young adults whom God can use for His glory out into the future. Young people who will instill the same values in their children that you have placed in them. PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for my mother. A woman who worked hard and made several sacrifices during my childhood that I may become the man I am today. Today, You have stirred my heart and have spoken to me about the importance of strengthening and building relationships. Help me be an example before the younger generation that would impact them to choose to live for You while their still young and to know You personally through Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, AMEN! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Women of the Bible Series
Jochebed...God Fearing Mother (Hebrews 11:23) – PART 1 Hebrews 11:23, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.” Quotes: No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you—life. “The most important occupation on earth for a woman is to be a real mother to her children. It does not have much glory to it; there is a lot of grit and grime. But there is no greater place of ministry, position, or power than that of a mother.” - Phil Whisenhunt. “The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.” - Henry Ward Beecher. Years ago, a young mother was making her way across the hills of South Wales, carrying her tiny baby in her arms when she was overtaken by a blinding blizzard. She never reached her destination, and when the blizzard had subsided, her body was found by searchers beneath a mound of snow. But they discovered that before her death, she had taken off all her outer clothing and wrapped it about her baby. When they unwrapped the child, to their great surprise and joy, they found he was alive and well. She had mounded her body over his and given her life for her child, proving the depths of her motherly love. Years later, that child, David Lloyd George, grown to manhood, became prime minister of Great Britain, and, without a doubt, one of England's greatest statesmen. We are introduced to a woman named Jochebed. She stands out as one of the greatest mothers revealed in the pages of Scripture. Her selfless love and sacrifice made possible the exodus of God's people from Egypt and literally changed the course of history. It would do us well this morning to look at the life of this great mother. As we do, we find characteristics that stand as reminders to all our mothers, teaching them what they should be as well. Jochebed’s name means “Jehovah glorified”, or “God’s glory”. Jochebed’s faith was rock solid. A God-fearing mother brings glory to God through her children. Not much is said about Jochebed, but what we do know is what she did for God. She brought glory to the Lord and it is seen in how her children turned out for the Lord. Jochebed’s children did some great things. Miriam was a prophetess (Exodus 15:20); Aaron was a high priest for the nation of Israel (Exodus 28:1); and Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:11). The events around the life of Jochebed are found in Exodus 2:1-10. Not much is spoken about her in Scripture. But what we do find is that she was a courageous, God-fearing mother. Jochebed was not afraid of the king’s commandment (Hebrews 11:23). She feared God rather than obeying the king’s commandment (Acts 5:29). Pharaoh commanded that every Hebrews son be cast into the crocodile infested Nile river. She trusted God and refused to sacrifice her child. Jochebed took baby Moses and placed him in an ark of bulrushes. She was convinced that her son would be used for an important work. She committed Moses to the Lord. Moses would become God’s servant who would lead Israel out of Egypt. It took faith to place the child in the river. This was the same instrument which was being used to destroy the other babies, (Exodus 1:22). It took faith for this mother to take her hands off the life of this child and leave him to the will of God. It takes faith for us to let our children go, but that day is coming. Some parents live in denial and try to hold on to their children far too long. But the day is coming, sooner or later, when that child must be allowed to become an adult. It takes faith to just leave them in the hands of God, but the child who has a praying mother, and a life filled with the Bible and training in the way of the Lord, has the advantage and will do well. Jochebed was raising her son to give him to the Lord. She gave up her son to save her nation even though she didn't realize the impact that she was making at the time. According to the Bible, God gave His son for us! When He did, God knew exactly what He was doing. In fact, when Jesus came and died for our sins at Calvary. That was the greatest expression of love the world would ever see (Romans 5:8). Jochebed gave her son for Israel. God gave His Son for the world (John 3:16; II Corinthians 5:15). He died for all! He died for you! When the will of Henry J. Heinz, wealthy distributor of the famous "57 Varieties" line, was read, it was found to contain the following confession: "Looking forward to the time when my earthly career will end, I desire to set forth at the very beginning of this will, as the most important item in it, a confession of my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I also desire to bear witness to the fact that throughout my life, in which there were unusual joys and sorrows, I have been wonderfully sustained by my faith in God through Jesus Christ. This legacy was left me by my consecrated mother, a woman of strong faith, and to it I attribute any success I have attained." PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for my mother. A woman who worked hard and made several sacrifices during my childhood that I may become the man I am today. Today, You have stirred my heart and have spoken to me about the importance of strengthening and building relationships. Help me be an example before the younger generation that would impact them to choose to live for You while they’re still young and to know You personally through Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, AMEN! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com WOMEN OF THE BIBLE SERIES
Ruth’s Reward (Ruth 1:14-17) Ruth 1:14-17, “And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” Northwestern University researchers have developed an adhesive by combining geckos and mussels which has resulted in a superb adhesive which lasts for over one thousand contact cycles. Here we see Ruth who was not going to take no for an answer. Her actions spoke of her loyalty and devotion. As she would faithfully stick by Naomi’s side, may this encourage us to faithfully cling to Christ. We can take comfort that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us. When Ruth promised her mother-in-law she would go where she went, live among her people, and honor her God, she showed an example of unconditional loyalty. When she committed herself to the very end of both their lives, she revealed the great woman she truly was. Ruth's decision beautifully portrays what every believer's relationship should be with Jesus. In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved His bride, the church, even to the point of death (giving His life for the church). God intends for human commitments, specifically marriage, to be unending, and there can be no commitment to another without the total giving of one’s self. We need more commitments like this one in marriage today. Ruth’s Fidelity. Ruth clave unto her (Ruth 1:14). What an example of human commitment and loyalty. The word clave means "to cling to, join with". It is a very strong word that carries the idea of a permanent bond. This speaks of Ruth's unwavering loyalty. Ruth’s Friendship. “…for whither thou goest, I will go” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth was showing herself to be a true friend. “A friend loveth at all times...” (Proverbs 17:17). “...there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). A true friend stands by those they love. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus is that kind of a friend to us. May we, as believers, be that kind of a friend to Him. Ruth’s Future. “…where thou lodgest, I will lodge…” (Ruth 1:16). She was saying, whether you live in a mansion or a shack, I will lodge where you lodge. Most will follow as long as certain conditions are met. However, Ruth was willing to follow no matter what. This is the kind of commitment Christ wants from His followers. Ruth’s Family. “…thy people shall be my people…” (Ruth 1:16). “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). We are His children. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:17). As Christians, we have been born again into the family of God. Ruth’s Faith. “…and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth left all behind for the sake of her new found faith. Paul said, “...I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). May we, as God's children, be as faithful. When we look back on Ruth’s life, we see that what she lost was nothing compared to what she had gained. Ruth’s full reward came about because of Who she trusted. How often have Christian’s missed God’s full reward because they only half trusted Him. God is still looking for people of deep conviction, those who will nurture a “for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part” kind of commitment. Can you say these words to Christ? “O’’m committed to You through thick and thin. Where You go, I’ll go. What You do, I’ll do. Whom You love, I will love. I’m with You not only to death but through death”? Maybe, like Ruth, you need to leave something or someone behind to follow Christ. There will be sacrifices; the journey of faith is costly. Even today, your commitment to God will be challenged and tested. But hold on to God, persevere in your faith, and don’t be afraid to love Him wholeheartedly. Because, like Ruth, you know what kind of God He is! PRAYER: LORD, You gave Heaven’s best to redeem me and give me the greatest security of all. How blessed I am to have a faithful friend in Jesus. Thank You for Your committed care and help me to trust You more. In Jesus Name, AMEN! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Women of the Bible Series
Esther (Esther 4:13-16) Esther 4:13-16, “Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” We see Mordecai’s charge to Esther. Mordecai told Esther that although she was in the king’s house, she should not feel safe from this decree to exterminate all Jews. In other words, he was telling her that although she was queen, she was still a Jew. He told her that she and her father’s house would be destroyed. If Esther hesitated too long, she might lose out on her providential moment. Mordecai's message was urgent, and procrastination could mean the death of Esther, her family, and the nation of Israel. It was vital that Esther learn there is no time like the present. Mordecai believed that it was God’s purpose to use Esther to save Israel, and that she had become queen for this very reason. However, Mordecai knew that Esther could miss being used at her most important time if she did not do her part in God’s plan. If she refused to help the Jews, she too would perish. Even though God has all power and authority to do as He chooses, His highest purposes most often include much human involvement and responsibility. This passage reveals the book’s basic message: God is involved in world events in order to save His people from its evil in order to accomplish his purposes of bringing spiritually lost people into a relationship with Himself. God can give ordinary people extraordinary influence at just the right time. God knows how to accomplish great things. All followers of Christ, we must remember that God is active in the events that surround our lives in order to protect us, work through us, bless us, and bring us to be with Him forever. Esther was willing to give her life in an attempt to save her people. She would do what was right and trust the outcome to God. Mordecai had confidence in an unstoppable God. Mordecai saw the possibility of God using Esther to deliver the Jews. This could only happen if she was willing to have enough faith in God to risk all, even her own life. Mordecai encouraged Esther with these words, “For such a time as this”. This was Esther’s opportunity to do something great for God. Mordecai was certain and confident of deliverance by the Lord. This was Esther’s one opportunity in her life to make a difference. In Esther 4:16, she states, “if I perish, I perish”. Esther had an attitude of submission to a mission. Her attitude was that if she died, then she died. She was willing to die doing the right thing and trying to make a difference. If she died, she was going to die promoting the truth, and die trying to salvage her people. She was willing to give her life to fulfill it. She was determined to fulfill God’s will for her life even if it meant giving her life. God's grace has no time limit, but God does have a very definite timeline. He has a plan for the work that must be done in each of us. Esther’s instructions were to fast for three days and then she would go the king. Researchers have studied the effects of prayer for decades, and one of the more interesting aspects is its influence of human emotion. There is mounting evidence that prayer helps people become more forgiving, especially towards people they are praying for. Another great quality that people can benefit from prayer is that of self-control. People who spend time in prayer are more likely to keep a cool head when faced with anger inciting situation. Esther chose to abandon her place of comfort and safety for the sake of the lives of others, embracing the divine appointment God had scheduled for her. Esther had a challenge before her and wisely she entered the throne of the Lord with her dilemma. Not only was it forbidden to approach the palace where the king was without an invitation from him, she could have been executed for such an act. Due to the urgency of the situation, she was willing to take this risk, but not without fasting and praying. Prayer strengthened Esther and gave her wisdom to save her people. With courage, she boldly advanced and demonstrated how the Lord is with His children every step of the way when we are doing His will. Are you facing an intimidating incident? Remember Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Point to Ponder: Don’t miss your window of opportunity. You can be confident that nothing can stop God from loving you (Romans 8:38-39). God not only had a "such a time as this" moment for Esther's life, but He has a plan for your life as well. Question to Consider: Is God calling you to show courage right now? How will you answer the call? Are we willing to give our life over to fulfilling the Lord’s will? PRAYER: Almighty Father, thank You that You are always sovereign and in control. Help me to see that my life is simply a way for You to display Your glory to an unbelieving world. Forgive me for fearing what I should be turning over to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Women of the Bible Series
Abigail (I Samuel 25:3) I Samuel 25:3, “Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.” There are many people in the Bible that will win your heart through their godly characteristics. In I Samuel 25, we see the life of Abigail, a beautiful woman who displayed wisdom and humility. As you study her life experiences, try to find ways to relate her life lessons to your own situation today. Let’s face it, in life we will have to deal with difficult people. You are called to bear with difficult people who can sometimes create trying circumstances for you. Your walk with Christ can thrive despite the chaos around you. Abigail was a wise woman of good understanding and who knew God, and therefore, knew how to live with an unpleasant and ill-natured man. Abigail was a wise woman not to try to forcibly mold her husband into a better man. Peter instructed, “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear” (I Peter 3:1-2). Trying to change other people, such as co-workers, friends, and family is no less uncertain. We can encourage, share Scripture, pray for, and be an example to others, but only God can transform their hearts. Abigail knew she couldn’t convince her husband to act honorably toward David, but she knew that she could choose to do what would mend the wound of David and honor the Lord. Life may have dealt you this kind of circumstance. I'm speaking of the kind of circumstance that you would have never chosen intentionally. So often we must deal with circumstances that come into our lives uninvited. Learn from Abigail that whatever is over your head—is under His feet. In I Samuel 25:7, 16 we see that David had protected Nabal’s shepherds and was now asking for a reasonable favor in return; that Nabal would give them provisions when they arrived. Nabal was rich, and so it certainly would not have been any trouble for him to comply, but instead of being wise and generous, he chose to be stingy, which only provoked David to fight. When her husband refused to help David, she intervened by taking the blame and supplying David’s need for food. Gathering an army of 400 men, David set out to destroy Nabal’s household, and had it not been for the wisdom of one woman, he would have. Abigail’s wisdom kept herself and many innocent people from being killed because of her husband’s foolishness. Abigail demonstrated her good understanding though she remained faithful to Nabal till his death, taking supplies to help God’s anointed and eventually marrying David. God desires that we pursue close relationships with people who will encourage us on our journey for Christ, but some relationships are thrust upon us, and perhaps in Abigail’s case, a hot-headed, difficult, and stubborn husband. While we have the right to make our own choices, we will be held accountable for those decisions. We do not get to choose our consequences. Pride will escalate a conflict, but humility can bring healing to the rift in a relationship. Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Abigail’s wise summation and humble approach caused David to take pause and consider her counsel to avoid bloodshed. Proverbs 29:23, “A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” Though Abigail was the one caught between a rock and a hard place, we see her courage and compassion as she bowed herself to the ground before David, interceding for her husband. David thanked God for her, called her blessed, and gladly conceded that her counsel had kept him from losing his head as he was about to take the head of Nabal. Godly wisdom displays itself through godly activity accredited to God’s work through us. Through Abigail’s example, we see the cycle of wisdom in action:
Points to Ponder:
Questions to Consider:
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the "Abigails" who are sensitive enough to You that they can be used as Your vessel to speak to Your servants and for Your service. Thank You for the wisdom of the people found in Your Word that I can also be sensitive to Your leading in my life and be used in ways to promote your kingdom work. In Jesus Name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com This is PART 7 of the 7 PART Series titled “7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross”.
7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross – PART - 7 PART 7 - Christ’s 7TH Saying (Luke 23:46) “…Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit…” Luke 23:46, “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit: and having said thus, He gave up His spirit.” The Word of God tells us that as He uttered these words, He bowed His head and gave up the ghost. Physicians report that when people are dying, they try to raise their heads for one more breath. He bowed His head. What is worth noting is that the sufferings did not take His life, excruciating as though they were; He laid it down of Himself! Hallelujah! What a Saviour! Christ had announced earlier in His ministry that He would give up His life on His own (John 10:18). Christ would give His life when He decided, not when man decided. Christ gave up His own life. Nobody took it from Him, because no one has the power to do so. He willingly gave up His life for you. Jesus had the power to destroy all those who were attempting to destroy Him (Matthew 26:53). But He restrained Himself and endured this horrible death because of our sin. While Jesus was dying on the cross, God was still God, He was still on the throne and reigning omnipotent. The events around the cross; the earthquake, darkness, the rent veil, and the actions of our Lord as He was suspended between Heaven and earth, convinced the Roman centurion that Jesus was not only a righteous man, but He was God. Jesus voluntarily gave His life for us, yielding every moment of His life, even unto death, to God’s plan and purpose. Jesus commended His spirit unto God and then gave up His spirit. This fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 31:5, “Into thine hand I commit my spirit…” The word “commend” in Christ’s seventh saying from the cross means to “entrust, to commit to one’s charge”. The Lord Jesus entrusted His spirit into His Father’s keeping. He entrusted, or committed Himself to the guardianship of the Father. As is stated in another text, “Christ . . . through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God…” (Hebrews 9:14). When the first drop of Jesus’ blood was shed, it sealed Satan’s fate forever. At that moment, He returned in spirit to His Father in heaven. At this moment, the temple’s veil was rent (Matthew 27:51), signifying that the death of Jesus had settled the sin problem and had removed the barrier between sinful men and a holy God, (Hebrews 10:19-20). Paul used the same word when he wrote to young Timothy. He wrote, “For I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (II Timothy 1:12). Because Jesus entrusted His spirit with the Father, we can entrust our spirits in His saving and keeping power. Since He committed His all to the Father, we can commit our all to Him, also. Throughout His earthly ministry, Christ magnified the sovereignty and authority of His Father (John 6:38, 44; 10:29). Lovingly trusting Him to safely guard His spirit, the Lord Jesus entrusted it into His Father’s “hands”. The God Who held Him in His hands of mercy in life could be trusted to hold Him in His hands of might in death. This is also true for you and me! Christ died honoring God by committing His most precious possession into God's hands. You honor a person when you entrust into their care your most priceless possession. Since Jesus committed His spirit to the Father in the hour of death, then the Father must be eternal. The spirit would live on with the Father on the other side of death. As Christ committed Himself into the hands of the eternal God with certainty, so all believers can be assured about the ages to come. Through Christ, we will not only live with the Father, but will live as long as the Father lives. Christ died with a prayer on His lips. Some die with a curse on their lips. You do not die praying if you have not prayed much in your life. The fact that you will face tribulation in this world does not lessen the power of God in any way. In fact, it should motivate you to tap into the reservoir of faith. Have you committed your life into God’s hands (Romans 12:1-2)? PRAYER: Father in Heaven, as Jesus commended Himself to You, my desire is to commit my life to Your service. May I seek to win more people to Christ by sharing the Gospel more often. In Jesus name, Amen! Thank you for reading PART 7 of the 7 PART Series titled “7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross”. Please visit this website tomorrow. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com 7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross – PART 6
This is PART 6 of the 7 PART Series titled “7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross”. PART 6 - Christ’s 6TH Saying (John 19:30) “‘…It is finished:” John 19:30, “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head and gave up the ghost.” From the beginning, Satan opposed the work of redemption. Beginning with Abel’s death, he attempted to hinder the coming of the Messiah, in Egypt, attempted to keep the Hebrews in bondage and to have all male babies drowned in the Nile River, in order to prevent the coming of the Messiah. God foiled Satan’s strategy delivering the Jews. Wicked Haman attempted genocide, the complete and utter destruction of all the Jewish people. Herod attempted to destroy all male Jewish boys to prevent the Messiah from taking the throne. Satan had tried numerous times to stop Calvary's plan. But he failed and Christ conquered victoriously. The Lord Jesus was not ignorant of Satan’s devices (II Corinthians 2:11). Through His life and ministry, He fought the enemy with the Word (Matthew 4:1-11). But in His death, glory be to God, the Seed of the woman crushed the head of him. “…that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). Praise the LORD, Jesus said, “It is finished”, and not, “I quit!” It is finished speaks of Christ’s success over Satan. Satan had opposed Christ going to the cross and dying in the way heaven had planned. The word “finished” occurs 3 times: a) Genesis 2:1 - At the completion of God’s physical creation. b) John 19:30 - When salvation was completed on the cross. c) Revelation 16:17 - “It is done” at the 7th vial judgment. Here our Lord Jesus used the Greek word “Tetelestai” meaning, “It is finished, and as a result it is forever done”. The very words of the Lord Jesus, “It is finished” make it clear that He did win! When Jesus cried, “It is finished”, the redemptive work He came to accomplish was done. Nothing else needed to be added to it. The word “Tetelestai” speaks of accomplishment, satisfaction, and victory! Examples of this are: 1. A servant reporting to his master would say, “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4). 2. A farmer would use this term when there was born into his herd an animal so well-rounded, beautiful, and healthy that it seemed to be without defects and fault. 3. An artist or sculptor who finished a great masterpiece would stand back and say, “Tetelestai. Tetelestai”, meaning that the painting is so perfect that nothing can be added to it. It needed no corrections, nor any improvements. 4. A merchant would say this when “The debt is paid in full”. As our Kinsman Redeemer, the Lord Jesus paid the exacted payment to set us free from the bondage of sin. 5. A priest would use this word when examining a perfect animal sacrifice when the devout worshipper brought a lamb without blemish, a male of the first year (according to God's instructions in Exodus 12:5), to be offered as a sacrifice. 6. The greatest and best example is when Christ said it to describe His payment for our sins on the cross. When our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, offered Himself as the Lamb of God on the altar at Calvary being such a full, complete, and perfect payment that nothing could he added to it. Jesus fully met the righteous demands of a holy law. He paid our sin debt in full. The Lamb of God shed His blood to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:24-28). His Sacrifice for sins which was perfect, pure, powerful, once for all, eternal, finished, and done forever. Amen and amen!!!! The Creator (John 1:1-3) was sacrificed for His creation. Everything Christ did was according to the Scriptures. While on the cross, Christ spoke of finishing the work of salvation. Calvary was the sacrifice that finished all sacrifices for sin which made salvation possible. Christ had completed perfectly the work assigned to Him. Jesus paid the perfect price for sin and bridged the gap between a holy God and sinful people. Jesus had proclaimed He laid His life down, in John 10:18, “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father”. The truth of this claim was verified in John 19:30, “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” Jesus was not robbed of His life; He voluntarily laid it down. John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” When Jesus declared “It is finished”, His work of atonement for sin was done. The demands of the law had been met. The debt for sin had been paid in full. Nothing can be, or needs to be added to Christ’s finished work on the cross. Jesus endured the punishment for our sins against God, He opened the way for people to have a relationship with Him. Paul said, “I have finished my course” II Timothy 4:6-8. Will you finish your life’s work that God has given you to do? PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for sending Jesus to shed His blood to die and pay the price for my sins. Thank You for giving Him the strength to finish the work He did at Calvary. He did it all; He finished the work You sent Him to do. In Jesus name, Amen. Thank you for reading PART 6 of the 7 PART Series titled “7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross”. Please visit this website tomorrow for Part 7. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com 7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross – PART 5
This is PART 5 of the 7 PART Series titled “7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross”. Christ’s 5TH Saying (John 19:28) “…I thirst.” John 19:28, “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.” We all know the common cry of daily thirst in our bodies. When the water level of the body falls below a certain point, the brain signals that we are thirsty. On a hot day, we have all become especially thirsty for water. But most of us have never known the thirst that accompanies suffering and death. Physicians have assured us that there is no suffering comparable to that of an unassuaged thirst. It’s been said that those who died on the cross became so thirsty that their tongues would swell and protrude from their mouths. The Lord Jesus had suffered in many inconceivable ways. He had been mocked, beaten, and scourged. Then He had the cross laid upon His bleeding shoulders and back. When He reached Calvary, His hands and feet were nailed to the tree. The cross was then dropped into a prepared hole as His body screamed with pain, indicating the intense level of His sufferings. Christ did all He did according to a divine arrangement and order. The words “after this” conclude the movements of this event. “After” His prayer for forgiveness; “After” His acceptance of the thief; “After” His mother and His disciple were addressed; “After” the Father withdrew His presence from the Son; “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished “…saith, I thirst”. The Jews, stunned by what they had already experienced, then heard a cry that stirred sympathy in the hearts of some of the crowd. Jesus again revealed His humanity by declaring "I thirst." In response to this cry, some of the people standing by took a sponge and filled it with vinegar and put it to His mouth. Jesus had refused the pain-deadening wine that was offered to those about to be crucified (Matthew 27:34). A soldier moistened Jesus’ lips with cheap vinegar on a sponge (John 19:29). “I was thirsty and ye gave me drink” (Matthew 25:35). When Jesus cried, “I thirst”, no doubt He was thirsting for the Father’s presence from which He had been separated. Perhaps He was also thirsting for the finality of His redemptive work. Remember as the rich man was thirsty in the tormenting flames of hell (Luke 16:24), so the Saviour, bearing our sins in His own body on the cross, was thirsty as He suffered the judgment for us. What infinite and precious love! It is clear that the Lord Jesus was concerned “that the scripture might be fulfilled”. In John 19, four references are made to prophetical fulfillments related to His crucifixion (John 19:24, 28, 36, 37). In His life and in His death, the Living Word did what He did in perfect agreement with the written Word. In order to fulfil the Scriptures, Jesus said, “I thirst”. He had just endured three hours of darkness when He felt the wrath of God and separation from Him (Matthew 27:45-49). Jesus experienced darkness, thirst, and isolation, as well as spiritual sufferings. “My soul thirsteth for God” (Psalm 42:1-2). This fulfilled Psalm 22:15, “My tongue cleaveth to my jaws.” This shows the deep suffering Jesus went through. Messianic themes in Psalm 69: Psalm 69:3, “my throat is dried.” John 19:38, “I thirst.” Psalm 69:4, “They hated me without a cause.” John 15:25, “They hated me without a cause.” Psalm 69:8, “I am become a stranger to my brethren.” John 7:5, “For neither did his brethren believe in Him” Psalm 69:9, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” John 2:17, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” Psalm 69:21, “they gave me gall for my meat: in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” John 19:28-29, “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.” Jesus had earlier said, “He that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35), and “If any man thirst, let him come into me and drink” (John 7:37). Jesus, who gave His life so man need never thirst spiritually, endured great physical thirst (John 4:13-15). The One Who had said that those who are thirsty are invited to come unto Him and drink was now thirsty. He thirsted that sinners might have their thirst quenched at the Fountain of the Waters of Life. Today, we can “give Jesus a drink” by sharing what we have with those in need. The Lord wants to draw your focus beyond the immediate to the eternal. Everyday we encounter empty vessels who are in desperate need for the Fountain of Living Water. Many in this world are spiritually thirsty, but they have found nothing to quench their thirst. They have pursued the waters of pleasure, success, fame, and fortune; but they have been chasing a mirage without the Living Water Christ offers. It is our moral obligation to guide these people to the Living Water, whatever the cost. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, my soul truly thirsts after your righteousness. My desire is to continually pursue You each day until Your Son, Jesus, comes back for me. In Jesus name, Amen. Thank you for reading PART 5 of the 7 PART Series titled “7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross”. Please visit this website tomorrow for Part 6. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com This is PART 4 of the 7 PART Series titled “7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross”.
7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross – PART 4 Christ’s 4TH Saying - (Matthew 27:46) “…My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46, “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” At the sixth hour, which is noon, suddenly, and without any warning, the light of the world went out. There was a total darkness that lasted for three hours. Both Jews and the Roman Soldiers must have been very troubled. It seemed that our Lord was silent for most of these three hours. No one was moving because of the darkness. What would happen now? The suspense built. Perhaps some of the Jews remembered that when their ancestors were down in Egypt in the days of Moses, God sent a darkness that lasted for three days and nights. How long would this darkness last? But then, in this awful darkness in the middle of the afternoon, He did not address God as His Father, but rather addressed Him as God. Even greater than this, Christ was then talking about God forsaking Him. While Jesus did not address His Father, He did call upon God. As man, Jesus cried out to God in obedience and love. Jesus was not questioning the divine plan. The last Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew (Matthew 27:46; Psalm 22:1). Jesus, in His dying hour, quoted prophecy, expressed faith in it, and fulfilled it. He totally understood the Messianic prophecy of Psalm 22:1. Jesus quoted this from Psalm 22:1. Isaiah prophesied that Jehovah’s Servant would be “despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). The Christ would be forsaken, not because of hard times and harsh conditions, but because “men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Jesus was forsaken by the Jews, His disciples, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. When Jesus came, we read that “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” (John 1:11). Jesus was forsaken and accused by the religious leaders of His day. Luke 23:10, “the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.” After the leaders apprehended Him in the garden, His own disciples “forsook Him, and fled” (Matthew 26:56). It is certainly clear that no other experience of abandonment in His earthly sojourn came close to His being forsaken by His Father. Though He had previously known only unbroken, divine fellowship from all eternity, Jesus experienced the horrible abandonment of His Father as God poured out His wrath on His Son as He bore the sins of the world. In what sense was Jesus forsaken by God? God approved His work. He was innocent. He had done nothing to forfeit the favor of God. God still loved Him. Christ’s intense sufferings were caused by our sins being laid on Him and the manifestation of God’s intense hatred of sin to His soul. This had never happened before. Why did the Father turn His back on the Son? Because Jesus was bearing the sin of the world, and God cannot look on sin (Habakkuk 1:13). The torture and agony of the previous few hours were horrible for Jesus, but the temporary alienation from God the Father was the ultimate pain. This sense of separation was intensified because Christ—as our substitute—actually took upon himself the full weight of guilt and punishment for every sin that had ever been committed, or ever would be (II Corinthians 5:21). We cannot even begin to comprehend the sense of abandonment that Jesus felt as He hung on the cross. Here we see God’s Son, the Creator of the universe (John 1:1-3), not only rejected by His creation, but also isolated from the One who is everywhere. No human ever endured such a strong sense of judgment and isolation from God. Even though He had never sinned, God made him “to be sin for us” (II Corinthians 5:21). He was “he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:4-5), and He gave “his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28; I Timothy 2:6). He died forsaken so that we would never have to be forsaken (Psalm 22). By his suffering, He restores to those who trust in Him a right relationship with God (I Peter 1:19). This cry speaks of the separation of the sinner from God, the worst punishment of all. Christ was taking the place of the sinner on the cross and so experienced this terrible separation. The plea, “Why hast Thou forsaken Me?” indicates that when Christ was made sin for us (II Corinthians 5:21), because of the terrible nature of sin, the Father turned His back on His Son. Jesus was forsaken by the Father that we may never be forsaken by Him. He cried out as an orphan that we may never feel like orphans. Christ was cut off that we might never be cut off from God and His grace. Points to Ponder: Because Christ was forsaken by His Father, God will never leave us or forsake us (Psalm 37:23; Hebrews 13:5). Jesus experienced separation from God for the sake of others who would not need to experience that same separation. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to shed His blood and die on the cross for my sins. Because of Jesus sacrificing Himself to pay the debt for my sins, I’ll never be forsaken by You. In Jesus name, Amen! Thank you for reading PART 4 of the 7 PART Series titled “7 Sayings of Christ on the Cross”. Please visit this website tomorrow for Part 5. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
April 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed