Significance of wine during Hebrew betroval tradition

 In ancient Hebrew betrothal ceremonies, the offering of wine played a significant role, particularly in the proposal stage. The man would offer a cup of wine to the woman as a symbol of his love and offer of his life, according to That the World May Know. The woman's acceptance or rejection of the proposal was signified by her drinking or not drinking the cup, as also noted by That the World May Know. The man's father might also offer him a cup of wine, which he would then present to the woman. This act of offering wine represented the man's commitment and the woman's potential acceptance of that commitment.

Here's a more detailed breakdown: 

• Symbolism:

  The wine cup represented the man's love, his offer of his life, and the potential union of their lives.
• Acceptance/Rejection:

  Drinking the wine indicated acceptance of the proposal, signifying a commitment to the man's life and a reciprocal offering of the woman's life.
• Man's Father's Role:

  The father's offering of wine reinforced the seriousness of the proposal and the family's blessing on the union.
• Ceremony:

  The act of offering and accepting the wine was a public declaration of intent and commitment, solidifying the betrothal agreement.

1 Thessalonians 3 Faith and Love – The church’s response to persecution

 Introduction

Thessalonica was known as a cosmopolitan and progressive city, mostly due to it being on a major trade route which saw the city swell with visitors. Thessalonians were always known for their liberal behaviours and sexual immorality. Paul’s preaching was opposed to this kind of lifestyle which offended the Thessalonian population.

As believers, Jesus never promised a rose garden, that is, that all would always be smooth sailing. In fact, as Christ followers, we can expect to be persecuted and hated just as Christ was hated and persecuted (John 15:18-19).

Paul and the church at Thessalonica experienced much persecution, in fact Paul only lasted a few weeks in the city prior to having to flee from rioting crowds. A number of Thessalonians lost their lives at the hand of the religious leaders of the time.

What should our response be, when our hopes and dreams are shattered by opposition, whether it be human or spiritual attack, knowing the real enemy is Satan (John 10:10), not people?

What lies at the heart of Paul’s letter, is a shepherd’s heart for his sheep (John 10:14), one who has laid down his own life for the sake of others. No greater love has a man than this, that he lay down his life for another (John 15:13).

In this letter, we will hear Paul’s love for the Thessalonians which resulted in his action to ensure their faith was steadfast and unwavering. In addition, Paul encourages the people around their responses to persecution. 

Purpose of this letter and Tmothy’s sending was to establish and encourage the church in their faith

1. Whilst Christ has called us to be in the world, he has said we must not be of the world (John 17:14-17). The very word church (Ecclesia in the Greek) means called out ones, but we are also to remain in the world as salt and light (Matt 5:13-16; 16:18).

 The word establish means “to set” like when we set a post in concrete.

 Jesus said those who hear his words are like the wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matt 7:24-27)

 Jesus is our rock (Matt 16:18) and cornerstone (Eph 2:20-22) on which to build our lives. 

 The word used for encourage is “parakaleo” the same root word used for the Holy Spirit

 Timothy was therefore to establish the believers in the way of the Holy Spirit.

 The first fruit of the Holy Spirit is “Love” (Gal 5:22:23).

 This kind of love refers to “Agape” love, that unconditional, sacrificial love that Christ had for you and I.

2. Paul chose not to send just a messenger, but his greatest apprentice, Timothy, to ensure the believers had survived the persecution.

 Sometimes, it takes the younger generation to deliver the message the older generation cannot. 

 We must invest in the next generation the seeds of faith to see the Gospel spread.

 Timothy was encouraged to “Despise not your youth …” (1 Tim 4:12) which came from the word of prophecy.

The Results of Paul’s preaching and Timothy’s work

1. Increased faith – faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not yet seen (Heb 11:1). 

 Faith is not just words but actions which produce real change lives.

 Faith is more than belief it is a verb which results in action.

 Hebrews 11 notes the patriarchs and matriarchs which trusted God and put their faith into action. 

 Moses opposed Pharoah and Abraham left his home to establish future generations, despite not seeing the fulfillment of these things in their lifetimes.

2. Increased love – If there is one thing which has transformed the world more than anything else, it must be love. 

 Not any kind of love but Agape unconditional Love, which God has for His creation. 

 Jesus went to the cross because of the Father’s love for us and whilst we are not called to die for sins of others (John 3:16), we are called to lay down our lives for others (1 John 3:16).

 In the great Co-Mission (Matt 28:16-20), Christ commanded the church to go into all the world.

 Jesus said we would be his witnesses (meaning martyr - Acts 1:8)

 It is this love and sacrifice which the Thessalonians displayed and has seen the gospel spread across the world, which has transformed billions of lives.

 Today there are countless churches and Christian organisations which work to share God’s love in our World. We are called to continue this work.

John 14:12-24 The Call of Discipleship

 The Call of Discipleship -John 14:12-24

Background

• Jesus is in the upper room celebrating the Passover with the disciples. 

• Jesus is about to leave his disciples, who believed he would remain will them and usher in a new “permanent” kingdom, which would overthrow the current Roman occupiers.

• Jesus shares with them 3 important aspects of discipleship which equates to his promises.

• In Matthew 28’s great commission, Jesus commands the disciples to go into all Nations and make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”

Disciples

The Greek term μαθητής (mathētēs) refers to any “student,” “pupil,” “apprentice,” or “adherent,” as opposed to a “teacher.” In Hebrew, the term Talmid refers to student.

The three main characteristics of a disciple: To follow the Rabbi where he went; to do what he saw the Rabbi do and continue the Rabbi’s mission when they left him.

Jesus is about to leave his disciples and is imparting to them, what is probably the most important message they need to remember as disciples.

1. “Whoever believes in me…..will do greater works then these…” Hard to believe, knowing all the things that Jesus did. Yet when we examine the combined works of the church today, it is amazing what has been done by the power and name of Jesus.

Consider the gov organisations which help countless thousands of people every day. Not to mention the churches on every street corner who continually and tirelessly preach the good news. That’s without knowing the countless acts of service which are committed by believers everywhere which see lives dramatically transformed.

The basis of these works has to be that we “believe” in Jesus. See Heb 11:1

Jesus asked the disciples what they believed about him and Peter replied “you are the son of God” and Jesus said this was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit and …he would build his church and the gates of Hades would not prevail against it. See Matt 16:16-18

Again, Jesus said in Matt 18:19 “that which you bind on earth, would be bound in heaven…” Jesus even went on to say that we would forgive people their sins and they would be forgiven. See John 20:23

2. If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

The word for love in Hebrew (Ahava) is an action word which is associated with giving. As a father, I first understood how this felt the moment I looked at my new born child. It’s almost impossible not to give them all they desire. 

Jesus commanded us to love one another – see John 13:34-35

• Jesus demonstrated true leadership by washing his disciples feet.

• John 3:16 God so loved…that he gave…”

• 1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

• Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

• John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

• Luke 9:23 “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Jesus said three times in the garden of Gethsemane “not my will but your will be done”, before going to the cross. See; Luke 22:42

• Jesus continually sought out and obeyed the will of the father. See Isa 50:7

Jesus commanded us to love one another and said the basis of the whole law hinged on two key commandments, that is: Love the Lord your God with all you heart, mind, soul and strength” and “love others as you love yourself”. See Mat 22:36-46;Deut 6:5

Jesus said we must “Seek first the kingdom of God…” – Matt 6:33 

3. I will send another comforter in my name. 

Jesus promised to send another comforter, one like himself.” In other words, the other comforter be do the things Jesus did for the disciples.

• Jesus was reassuring them that though he was leaving, he would send them one “like” him in his name. In other words, the Holy Spirit would come with the same character and mission that Christ had. They could trust the Holy Spirit to empower them to continue the work that Christ had begun.

• Paul said we have a spirit of adoption, sealed by the Holy Spirit that joins us into the family of God. See Rom 8:15

This word comforter comes from the Greek to mean advocate, that is one who stands alongside such as a lawyer in court. Jesus promised he would abide in you also and later promised he would come upon you with power to be his witnesses. See Acts 1:8

• Jesus as the Rabbi would have been responsible to ensure the disciples had everything they needed, such as food, lodgings etc. 

• The disciples’ believed Jesus was ushering in a new kingdom which would overthrow the current reign of Ceaser the Emperor of Rome had over the land of Israel. They would have been very fearful of losing Jesus and being tortured and killed as a result of their allegiance to Christ. See Acts 1:6

Walking in the Light by James Kenny

 Walking in the Light – 1 John 2:1-16

1. The purpose of this letter is so that you do not sin

• Romans 3-6 is one of the most comprehensive teachings we have on sin and grace.

• Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. Jesus was the only exception to this as he was not born with a sin nature (Adam’s seed) but born of the Holy Spirit.

• Genesis and elsewhere says sin results in death. Genesis 3:3; Rom 6:26

• Sin is rebellion or disobedience towards God. 1 Sam 15:23

• Adam and Eve’s sin was that they disobeyed God’s command. As a result of their sin their eyes were opened to their nakedness and were ashamed resulting in them hiding from God. Genesis 3

• God hates sin because it separates us from him. Isa 59:2

• Sin means to “miss the mark” whilst repentance means to “turn around”.

• Sin is often done in darkness due to the feelings of shame and guilt it produces.

• The story of the Prodigal defines sin and repentance. Sin is when we turn our back on the father and choose our own path. Repentance is when we turn our back on sin and turn back to the father and the path he has for us. Luke 15:11-32

• There are many great men and woman of the bible who sinned. David was one such man, yet God referred to him as a “man after his heart”. Acts 13:22

• The difference between believers and non-believers is the attitude of their hearts to repentance and conviction. 

• Grace does not give us a free ticket to sin, but the power to overcome. Rom 6:1-2

• Grace (unmerited favoured of God) is receiving something we don’t deserve. Mercy (our debt paid) is not receiving what we do deserve. Eph 2:8

2. Jesus is our advocate when we do sin

• Advocate comes from the Greek “paraclete” and means to come along side. 

• Jesus is in heaven, at the right hand of the Father, in the courts of heaven. Rom 8:34

• Jesus is our atonement (propitiation = make right) for sin and sprinkled his own blood on the mercy seat of heaven. 1 John 2:2

• Jesus Justified (paid the penalty of sin) by taking our place on the cross. Rom 5:1

• When we go to court, there are 3 positions of advocacy, in front, behind or beside.

• When the accuser comes before the throne with his allegations against us, Jesus stands with us and proclaims, “inadmissible your honour”, and shows the father our clean slate which is stained by his blood. Zech 3:1-2; Rom 8:33

• Jesus was tempted in every aspect, lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life. Matt 4:1-11; 1 John 2:16

• Jesus overcame temptation by the power of the Spirit (baptized in power prior) and the word of Truth (quoting God’s word).

• The Holy Spirit is also the advocate, who is now living in us, meaning he made his home in us. He continues the work of Sanctification (Holiness) in us, bringing us to perfection. John 14:26

• We are temples of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit which was in Jesus when he walked the earth. We are able to be and do like Jesus. 1 Cor 3:16; Rom 8:11

3. When we are in Christ, our fruit is that we walk in Light

• God (Trinity) is light, there is no darkness in them. 1 John 1:5

• Light indicates that we have Christ but also indicates we have knowledge and understanding of good and evil. 2 Cor 4:6

• Evil deeds are done in darkness. 

• Light shines in and dispels darkness. At night a city lit by light stands out.

• Jesus is Light to the World, but metaphorically and spiritually, bringing illumination to our hearts and symbolizing a light to those in darkness.

• We are a city on a hill, light of the world, called to spread light in the world. Matt 5:14

• Love is a direct result of walking in light. If we hate, then we are not walking in Light. Matt 22:35-40

• Love is a fruit of the Spirit, indicating we have the Spirit at work in us. Gal 5

• Walking in Light, results in our spiritual develop. From “children” to “young men” to “fathers”. Children need their parents; young men need guidance; whilst fathers bring direction and correction. Rod and Staff

LIGHT Acronym

L = LIGHT results in LIFE and is displayed in LOVE

I = ILLUMINATION, the work of the Holy Spirit in us to God’s truth.

G = GROWTH, which comes from being in the Light (SON).

H = HARSH, when we are in darkness, light can feel harsh, it expels darkness and often results in conviction of sin.

T = TRUST, we won’t be ashamed of our sin and honour God with our lives and remain in him and be at peace and safety.

Celebrating the Returning Son

Knowing the Fathers Presence

Knowing the Fathers Presence

Reading: Luke 15:11-32

Introduction

The story of the Prodigal, Coin and the Sheep are all analogies of redemption but in my view it is the attitude of the Father, the widow and the shepherd which gives the greatest insight in understanding the love our heavenly Father has for each of us.

Growing up, it was always my father who dispensed judgement upon my siblings and I when we were naughty. I always dreaded the words of my mother “wait till your father gets home”; knowing I was to be smacked and spent the remaining time praying my mum would forget my bad deeds in the meantime.

As children, we often bring our childhood image of our fathers and mothers into our adult lives which are sometimes conveyed in how we see our heavenly Father, at least I did. So when I was saved I expected my heavenly Father to be the dispenser of judgment for my sins. Whilst there certainly will be an end time judgment as described in Revelation and the Father certainly does correct those he loves as we read in Hebrews, this is not however, the overwhelming image that is portrayed in scripture and definitely not in Luke 15.

Whilst the sheep wandered off and the coin was lost, it was the prodigal who chose his own path and it is therefore this parable which displays more powerfully the amazing love our Father has for his children.

The word prodigal actually means extravagant waist and I believe this story is very much about extravagant waist, not only of the son in relation to his inheritance but also the Father in relation to his love for his lost sons!

There is so much to unpack from this parable but one verse in particular I find most interesting and it relates not to the prodigal but to his big brother who STAYED on the farm. Many of us would be forgiven to think this story is just about the younger son but there are in fact four main characters in this story, the prodigal, the older brother, the father and the servants.

Some cultural Relevance

According to Jewish tradition and taken directly from Deuteronomy 21:17, the older son would have received twice as much inheritance than the younger son. The older son would have been responsible for the fattened calf and as the older son had already received his inheritance also then the farm in essence would have also been his responsibility, in fact the older son is stead of the father. This sheds light on the response of the older son when he hears celebration when returning from work.

Skinny Goat

In vs.28 the older son brings his argument to the father which in many ways makes a lot of sense. You can almost feel his frustration with his younger brother and with his father’s decision to respond how he did. Stating “Yet you never gave me a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends”. This is actually translated “skinny goat” in the original text.

It is however the father’s response which takes the prize and the real subject which I wish to highlight. Stating, “But Son you are always with me and everything I have is yours.” Vs31.

You have always been with me

What an amazing statement from the father regarding the son’s position. Throughout scripture we find again and again the promise that God is and will always be with us.

Matthew 28 in Jesus’ final words to his disciples was “Lo, I am with you always until the very end”. Psalms tells us that even when we walk through the fires and water that He (our Father) will always be there for us.

Yet how many times throughout your life have you felt alone or isolated from our heavenly Father’s presence?

Are we alone or is it perhaps we who don’t recognise as the older son that God the Father is always with us, that we are in fact sealed with His Spirit and are now Temples of the Holy Spirit.

Eden

When reading Genesis 3 and the Fall of Adam and Eve we have a glimpse of how sin and shame may cause us to believe we are alone.

The word Eden in ancient Hebrew means “pleasure” but can also mean “Presence”, not because of its location but of the type of fellowship Adam and Eve enjoyed in the garden, walking and talking with God in the cool of the day.

It was a result of Adam and Eve’s sin which saw that fellowship change. Suddenly they saw that they were naked. The Father’s response to this is amazing, “who told you that you were naked?” Indeed when we sin and lose that intimate fellowship with the Father we can feel naked and alone.

Our Lord Jesus, whilst on the cross cried out to the Father “why have you forsaken me” after taking the sins of the world upon himself. This must have felt similar insomuch as being alone.

Sin separates

After the fall of Adam and Eve the result was both a physical and emotional distance between the Father and his creation. Yet it was the Father who went looking for Adam and Eve and not visa versa!

I battled in trying to understand recently why though God made coverings firstly from leaves and then by a blood sacrifice with skins and that they could still not stay in the garden. The answer came quickly when in discussion with a friend reminded me that whilst God redeemed Adam and Eve for their sins by shedding the blood of animals that they must also experience the process of sanctification.

When the soldier pierced the side of our Lord scriptures says “blood and water flowed”. This represents the redemptive and sanctifying work of the Spirit of Christ in each of our lives. In sanctification we understand why we must “wander” through the desert of our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal every area of our lives which needs the touch of the Father.

Abel

On a side note, it is interesting to understand that after Cain killed Abel he wandered into the land of Nod, which literally means wandering!!!

Though redeemed from the hands of Pharaoh, the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years. Through various miracles and lots of grumbling the Lord revealed the weaknesses of the people and ultimately prepared them for their inheritance!

 

 

The Holy Spirit is God’s seal of His presence in our lives

Acts 1:8, Jesus tells the disciples not to go until they receive the promise of the Holy Spirit. This was a direct response to the prophecy of Joel 2 when the Holy Spirit would finally be poured out on all flesh.

The comforter (Paraclete) is our advocate that never leaves our side and is our proof of God’s presence in our lives.

Just as for the Israelites in the desert, the Holy Spirit goes before us both night and day be our covering and shelter from life’s storms.

He (Holy Spirit) is leading us and preparing us daily to be the son’s of God. (Rom 8).

 

God is light and the light symbolises his presence in the world

·         Light in ancient Hebrew also a symbol of God’s everlasting presence in the earth.

·         A rainbow is also confirmation of God’s promise to never flood the earth again.

·         A rainbow is simply light refracting!

·         Jesus called himself Light of the World (John 8:12)

·         Jesus declared that we are both salt and Light.

·         Paul calls us Children of Light in Thessalonians 5 and Light in the darkness on Ephesians 5.

 

Symbols of God’s Presence

·         Smoking furnace, burning lamp – Genesis 15:17

·         Consuming Fire

·         Pillar of Fire

·         The Lords Furnace

·         Strange Fire

·         Wind, Fire, Oil, Light, The Dove, The Cloud, The Seal, Water, Wine

 

Prayer & Praise the Key to Knowing God’s Presence

I believe the Father, since the beginning of sin in our world, has been working to restore relationship and specifically his presence in every area of our lives. Not just for Sunday Revival services!

We have been called, literally, to come or draw nigh unto Him (Jam 4:4). He, the Father is longing like the father of the prodigal and his older brother for us to come to Him and enjoy his presence without a works mentality nor that of a slave but as true sons that we are.

Psalm 16 says “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

King David spoke of the Father’s presence in this way “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4

Despite his sins and at time poor judgement in making the right decisions in life, King David became known as a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22; 1 Sam 13:14).

What was his key to becoming this man? His amazing love and focus on nothing but our God and Lord!

 

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!

Matthew 14 Jesus walks on the water to the disciples whom went ahead of him in the boat. When they see Jesus they think it’s a ghost. Jesus reassures them it is him.

Vs 28 Peter says “if it’s you Lord, then tell me to come.” Jesus simply says “come”.

Peter steps out of the boat on to the water and walks towards Jesus. Vs 30, But when Peter “saw the wind, he was afraid”.

Colossians 3:2 says “Fix your eyes on things above, and not on things below!”

Hebrews 12:2 says to “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Where is Jesus? Seated at the right hand of the Father.

Where are we? Ephesians says we are seated with him in heavenly realms.

 

It is not the absence of Troubles in our life, but the presence of God that brings the victory!

Ten Benefits of His Presence

1. Faith, (Romans 10:17) “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”      

2. Wisdom- Proverbs 2:1-1        

3. Filling with the Holy Spirit    Ephesians 5:18    “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.   ¹⁹ Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to  always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

4. Joy  Psalm 16.11 “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. “

5. Prevention from backsliding      Isaiah 55:6-7 “Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. {7} Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon."   James 4:8  “ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

6. Spiritual Strength and encouragement.  Isaiah 40:31, Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.        

7. Divine Rest    Psalm 37.7 “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him”

8. Freedom from Sin-Having a pure heart.    Psalms 51:10-11 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. {11} Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”

9. Help during troubled times.    Psalms 46:1 NKJV) “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”

10. Salvation, deliverance, and victory      Psalm 40:1-4a

 

Discussion

Why did the older son not enjoy the presence of the Father?

What sort of things might make us feel the same as the older son in our lives?

When feeling alone, what promises do we have to comfort us?

Can we experience the Father’s presence all the time? If not, why not?

What does scripture tell us about the presence of God?

Embracing the Cross

 

Embracing the Cross

Scenes from the passion

Jesus entering Jerusalem, triumphant on a foul of a donkey.https://youtu.be/Lj7QAdOR5h4; https://youtu.be/dwHBPC5V8MA

Jesus being crucified.https://youtu.be/i_Iue93PsoE

Two opposing scenes, one of victory and grandeur, the other of brokenness and suffering, which when viewed as a disciples must have caused greatest angst and doubt.

 

The Cross

To the Romans, the cross was a symbol and instrument of death, pain and torment!

That which the enemy meant for evil, God turned for Good!

 

Scripture indicates Jesus went resolutely after the cross

Resolutely = admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.

In Isa. 50:7 and Ezek. 3:9 the "expressions, where the word is used, means that the "Messiah" would be firm and resolute amidst all contempt and scorn which "he would meet; that he had made up his mind to endure it, and" would not shrink from any kind or degree of suffering which would be necessary to accomplish the great work in which he was "engaged." (Comp. Ezek. 3:8, 9.) Isa 50 says Yet Christ set is face like flint for the cross, why?

 

The cross was a portal to the spiritual and kingdom realm of the Father

To the Roman world, the cross was a symbol of torture and death.

Christ Jesus understood the true value and purpose of the cross.

The cross represented his destiny and purpose, the Cross for Christ not only paved a path for salvation but also healing and reconciliation with the Father. Ultimately, the purpose of the cross was to see the exchange of our sinful identity with the righteous and holy identity of the Son of God.

 

Isa 53

Jesus death on the cross says “he was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities…by his stripes we are healed”.

 

Jesus died to fulfill the requirement of the law but also to once and for all, break the curse of the sins of our forefathers.

As a result, we have not only access to our heavenly Father, but have restoration back into sonship.

 

The cross and all that Christ achieved on the cross was to restore mankind to their true identity

But was an opening for man to return to their true identity as sons of God with all the provisions and blessings that sons should know.

From the outset man was created in the image, likeness and to identify with the likeness of the Godhead

That likeness was marred by sin

 

Symbolism of sonship based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son

Christ bore our sins, sickness and false identity – the attitude of the older “doing’ son

Two sons, one who waisted his inheritance, the other who did not enter into the father’s presence nor receive his provision/treasures.

Christ opened the kingdom of our father for all mankind to enter into all the fullness that was planned for all of us at the beginning of creation.

So whilst the cross was meant to be an instrument of death, Jesus embraced the cross as he new its power was temporal which opened a dimension to the eternal.

 

We were not created to be instruments of sin, but rather to know our Father and our true identity as sons of God. Jesus being the “firstborn of many brothers”. Romans 8.

 

We are called also to embrace the cross, not the same cross that Christ bore but our own.

Matt 16:24 – Then Jesus said to his disciples, “if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me”. This is repeated in Luke 14:26 and says “…if he does not, he cannot be my disciple”.

1 Cor 2:2 - Paul also encourages us, “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.…”.

Galatians 6:14 “But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world”.

 

Once again, the answer lies in the cross, Christ stepped down and identified with man

Philippians 2:6-9

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross. 9Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,…”.

Whilst the cross to the world symbolizes death and pain, it also represents the laying down of what we know to be obedient to the father.

 

We must be born again and become like little children

Jesus said we must come to him as little children, with the innocence and vulnerability of children.

Matthew 18:2-4 2He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 10:15 15Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Matthew 19:14 14Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

 

The concept of Self - Identity

In the domain in which I operate, the establishment of identity and “the self” lay at the heart to the development and maturity of an individual.

At an early age, self-concept ensures an individual has the prospects to ensure their wellbeing, without it, we are deemed vulnerable.

If we have an established identity, we know as CWs that the Y/P will have a good self image, self-esteem and be self-reliant.

Yet as we embrace the cross, first and foremost we are called to laydown all that we know to subject ourselves to the will of the Father.

Philippians says that Christ stepped down and became man, literally Emmanuel, became flesh.

 

Visit to see Tom and Oswald Chambers

Unlearning all that I have learnt throughout my life, so that I can become more like Christ.

 

Jesus calls you and I to embrace the cross of Christ and all that he achieved

 

Carrying our own cross and denying our own will and sense of self-worth

Taking up our own cross each day is about dying to all that we know and trust in our selves to completely and fully rely on Christ for all that we need.

Matt 26:39 - 3 times Christ prayed let this cup pass by me, yet not my will but your will be done father.

See Matt 6:33

 

My Testimony

My first opportunity to embrace God’s identity over my own.

1997, I was fired and quickly reinvented myself

2007. the Lord’s Rhema came to me and I began to embrace my identity in Christ in earnest.

2017, I was able to truly understand my identity was in Christ but at this time, everything that kept me safe was stripped away. I would be given the opportunity to not only have the concept of identity in Christ but through the stripping away, fully embrace it.

Everything that gave me a sense of success, my ministry, my company and business, my home that I built, my role as a husband and father.

Today, whilst I have many memories of the blessings experienced as a son, they are no longer connected to my concept of self-reliance but to and purely to my faith that all things will work together for good, for those who are called in Christ Jesus.

For the first time in 35 years of knowing Christ, I can honestly say, there is nothing left within myself that I can stand on as an assurance of who I am.

 

It is no longer I that live

I can hear the words of Paul and say it is truly no longer I live, but Christ who lives in me.

Solomon said his life of power and influence was a chasing after the wind

Paul was kicking against the pricks, referring to his attempts to stop the church.

 

What is the moral of this story as we take up our cross daily, deny ourselves and follow Christ?

Did not Christ die once for all humanity? Why must I take up the cross and deny myself to be a follower of Christ?

As we do this, we are letting go of the things which the world sees as successful, titles, roles, training, knowledge, and skills. We remove the structures such as our homes, jobs and even the people who validate and support us to maintain those worldly things.

Jesus set the prime example in embracing the cross, denying what he wanted to follow and pursue the father’s plans for all humanity.

Joseph had to lay day his dreams, be recognized as a slave and prisoner so that he could one day reign as a king.

Abraham had to leave his homeland and become a foreigner and never realized the dream of the nation of Israel or what it meant to be known as a Hebrew.

Moses toiled in the desert for 40 years with a bunch of wingers to only himself see a glimpse of the promised land.

David let go of his glory and majesty of his kingly rule to abide in a cave whilst his son illegitimately reigned in his stead.

All however, in letting go of what they wanted and those things which gave them a false sense of security, embraced the plans and true identity the Father had planned for them and received the greatest crown, to know Christ and all his suffering.

Romans 6:13 Offer your body not to sin but to God as an instrument of righteousness.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil and he shall flee.

Mk 10:28 Peter said he has left everything to follow you.

Luke 14:33 Jesus said, “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he cannot be my disciples”.

Phil 3:8 Paul said, “I consider everything a loss, compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ”.