Becoming More Impressed With Christ

Luke 22:37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”

Prior to heading up to the Mount of Olives, the Lord Jesus makes this statement to his disciples. It is in the context of Jesus telling them to get a money-bag, knapsack and a sword in preparation of the coming days.

The Scripture reference that the Savior sites are from the prophet Isaiah, specifically the twelfth verse of chapter 53. Of course, this chapter of Isaiah is one of the clearest conglomerations of Messianic prophecy contained in the Old Testament. Isaiah writes with prophetic precision as he foretells of the manner in which the Son of David would suffer and die while accomplishing redemption.

Notice though as you read this passage the articulation of resolve by Jesus, this Scripture must be fulfilled in me. Jesus interprets Isaiah as referring to him and the necessity of it being fulfilled. Jesus was intent on doing exactly what the Scripture said because Scripture says exactly what God wanted to be done. Here we see the beautiful marriage between the Word and will of God. What God has spoken shall indeed come to pass.

In addition, we see the reality of Christ being numbered with the transgressors. Exhale. This is still hard to fathom, particularly in light of the perfect life that we see modeled in the Gospel narratives. Jesus Christ, the incarnation of beauty, perfection, holiness, and purity is going to be brushing up and punished with the ungodly, unrighteous, evil, rebellious and sinful people. This is what Jesus said he must do.

I love reading this passage and hearing Jesus grab that pronoun he and velcro it to his chest, he is the suffering servant, he is the son of David, he is the one who would justify the many as he is pierced for our transgressions.

I read this passage and I find myself more impressed with my Savior who loves the Word of God, the will of God, the elect of God all and the glory of God.

Jesus Christ has it all together as he goes to die for people who can’t ever seem to get it right.

I love him because he is so different from me, so perfect and so full of a holy zeal for the glory of God. I love him because he is different from me and is everything that I want to be. Simply, I love him because he is Jesus, the one and only.

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This post was originally shared on The Gospel Coalition website at: https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/erikraymond/2017/09/01/jesus-grabs-that-pronoun-and-velcros-it-to-his-chest/

God's Faithfulness For The Unfaithful

Article by Courtney Deagon

June 4, 2017

Originally published at  https://littlefaithblessedgrace.wordpress.com/2017/06/04/gods-faithfulness-for-the-unfaithful/

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Many people claim the Old Testament features an ‘angry God’ or a ‘different God to the one in the New Testament’, but I think this couldn’t be further from the truth. The whole bible is written by God, about Himself; and when we look at each book, chapter and verse through the lens of “what does this say about God/Jesus?”, our eyes are opened by His Spirit to see, know and enjoy more of Him. My quiet times have been a perfect example of this of late.

I’ve been slowly but surely returning to my readings in Ezekiel for my quiet times, and let me tell you – it’s not a bed-time read. There are few books in the bible like the Prophets: so immensely powerful, direct, and densely packed with stark reminders of who God is.

Ezekiel 16 is such a compelling chapter within this awe-inspiring book. It outlines God’s response to Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness, by comparing her to a prostitute. Not only that, He goes on to say:

“Was your prostitution not enough? You slaughtered (my) children and sacrificed them to idols.” (v. 20b-21);

“Samaria (and Sodom) did not commit half the sins you did. You have done more detestable things than they, and have made your sisters seem righteous by all these things you have done.” (v. 51)

The picture God paints of the desires, actions and consequences of the sins of Jerusalem is grotesque and shocking. No words are minced here – we see the full evil of sin through the lens of God’s absolute holiness.

And yet, even after centuries of contempt and unfaithfulness on the part of Israel, God still shows mercy!

“‘So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” (v. 62-63).

And reading this, I was reminded of some gentle words our Lord and Saviour spoke to a woman found guilty of adultery (and facing death as punishment):

“‘… neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.’”

(John 8:11b).

Notice the title of this post refers to the ‘unfaithful’, not the ‘faithless’ – believers are never completely without faith, but the remnant of sin in us means we are still capable of unfaithfulness.

And yet, we have a God and Saviour so faithful, and at the same time, so holy and willing to save – despite our own imperfection and unfaithfulness! I find this so convicting, and so freeing – because this grace God extends to me, He extends to all people. Through our faith in Christ, our continued fight against sin, and knowing God more, we are conformed to the image and likeness of Christ. Praise God!

THE WAY INTO HIS PRESENCE

Sermon by Pastor Matt Chandler - The Village Church

April 2, 2017

Scripture: Exodus 27-30