Bound to the Cross by Love

 

 

Gordon Robertson – President and CEO, CBN

Jesus … who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross. Hebrews 12:2

The last supper Jesus shared with His disciples was a Seder, commemorating how God set the Israelites free from bondage. It helps us see the enormous significance of Jesus taking the cup and saying,

“This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28).

He added, “I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

He was essentially saying, “I’m forsaking the pleasures of this world until the day when all the redeemed can gather in My Father’s kingdom. I’m doing this for your sake.”

After the Seder, they sang a hymn as they went to the Mount of Olives. There, Jesus would pray in Gethsemane, “Can this cup pass from me?” He understood what was ahead. He knew Isaiah had prophesied that His visage would be marred more than any man. Given that Jesus sweat drops of blood while praying in the garden, imagine what happened to Him on the cross as He became sin on our behalf, and God turned His face away.

It makes what the Romans did to Him seem small. It makes the scourging, the crown of thorns, and the nails in His hands and feet seem small in comparison.

If I were preparing for this, I would not be singing. Yet that’s what Jesus did on the way to Gethsemane.

A Seder’s last song is Psalm 118, which begins, “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!” It then commands Israel and those who fear the Lord—which includes the Gentiles and us today—to say, “His mercy endures forever.” So as Jesus was singing, He was declaring, “This is for all people, for all time.”

The psalm continues,

“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death” (vv. 6, 14, 17-19).

Verse 24 says, “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” It’s amazing to think that as Jesus went to Gethsemane, He could rejoice that the day appointed for the salvation of all people had come.

Then verse 27 states, “Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.” In Jewish tradition, sacrifices were not bound to an altar; yet Jesus sings this while preparing to be bound—nailed to a cross.

We’re the reason Jesus went to the cross—giving us freedom, forgiveness, mercy, and new life. And He was bound there by love so we can live with Him for all eternity. God bless you.

Figuring Out the Fig Tree

 

by Ryan Duncan, crosswalk.com

“Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” – John 2:19

Have you ever read the story of Jesus and the fig tree? It’s a curious moment in the New Testament, and for a long time, I had no idea what to make of it. It all begins in Mark 11, when Jesus grows hungry and approaches a fig tree looking for food.

“The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.” – Mark 11:12-14

Now, everyone experiences low blood-sugar from time to time, but for Jesus, this seems remarkably out of character. After all, didn’t he fast in the desert for forty days? Surely he could handle the disappointment of not finding a fig. Even then, why not just make the tree bloom? If he could turn water into wine, why didn’t he command the tree to bear fruit?

Later, I learned it was because figs had very little to do with this story. You see, after his run-in with the unfortunate shrub, Jesus made his way to the temple where the money changers were cheating worshipers (Mark 11:20-25). By driving them out, Jesus incurred the anger of the chief priests, and the next morning he and his disciples leave the city again. This is where Jesus encounters the fig tree a second time,

“In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!’ ‘Have faith in God,’ Jesus answered. ‘I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.’” – Mark 11:20-24

Like the fig tree, the Jewish faith looked good on the outside, but despite its appearance, it wasn’t producing any fruit. Because it wasn’t providing for his people, Jesus decreed that he would let it fade, and raise up something new in its place: the Church. We are the new creation God planted for those hungry to know God; let’s make sure we yield a bountiful harvest.

Jesus Got Angry

 

Kay Camenisch, cbn.com

While on an outing with two special little friends, we went to a gift shop that had a basket of colorful hair clips displayed near the floor. It was like a magnet to Megan, the 18-month-old. Her four-year-old sister, Mollie soon joined her.

My correction, “No, no. Don’t touch” had no effect in getting little hands out of the basket, even when repeated. Finally, I spoke a little stronger, “Obey.” Immediately, both girls withdrew their hands and backed away. Mollie’s eyes filled with hurt and confusion.

I’d been studying anger in the Bible for several months, and I realized that Mollie reacted, as if to anger. I didn’t feel angry. Nor, did I think I was angry. Yes, my voice became harsh for the final word, but I reasoned that I needed to be firm to let them know I meant business. The more I thought about it, however, the more I realized that my actions showed all the signs of using anger to get what I wanted. Their reaction told me that I must have been angry, whether I thought I was or not. I had manipulated the girls with harshness.

Obedience is important. If they don’t learn to obey earthly authority, they won’t obey God. It would be irresponsible not to address the issue. However, what appeared to be sound logic and justification did not erase the memory of both girls pulling away from me. They obeyed, but I had alienated them to gain obedience.

But Jesus got angry when He drove the traders and the livestock out of the temple. Therefore, it’s okay for me to get stern when I have just cause. Right?

When I looked more closely at the passage, I discovered that is not right.

Anger is generally a reaction rather than a response of action. However, because Jesus only did what He saw His Father doing, we know that His demonstration in the temple was not a reaction to the moneychangers. It was action in response to His Father.

Furthermore, if we are around someone who has an angry outburst, we want to fight back or withdraw and run. But that is not how people responded to Jesus.

1. The disciples were reminded of a verse from Psalms. (Mark. 11:17)
2. The multitude was listening to Jesus, making the chief priests and scribes afraid. (Mark 11:18)
3. The blind and lame came to Him for healing.(Matthew 21:14)
4. He taught in the temple the rest of the day and “the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things He did.”(Matthew 21:15)
5. The children were crying “Hosanna to the Son of David.” (Matthew 21:15)

People were drawn to Jesus after His “angry” outburst. Nobody pulled back like Mollie and Megan. The chief priests and scribes allowed Him to continue teaching and healing in the temple, and then reacted because of the response of others to Him. Could it be that rather than reacting in anger, Jesus was acting under authority?

Was He also taking authority – authority which was rightfully His as the Son of God? After questioning Him, the chief priests allowed Him to teach because He was acting as One under authority.

I’m grateful my relationship with my young friends was not permanently damaged, and that they have continued to learn and grow. I am especially grateful because I believe in this incident God’s purpose was for me to learn something.

Thanks to them, my eyes were opened to see that I was angry more often than I thought. I also saw how easily anger affects relationships. My harshness came from defending my own authority, not from a motivation to train in righteousness. I was seeking conformity to my way, not following the leadership of God. While trying to make them come under authority, I was out from under mine.

I still believe it is important to teach obedience, and that there needs to be consequences for disobedience. However, I’m learning to do it under authority so it will draw people to me — and to Jesus — rather than driving them away.

Give Me Simple

 

Peter Lundell, cbn.com

This remote control nearly takes my breath away. Complicated. That’s the only word I can think of when I look at it. Sixty-two buttons. And four of the buttons are color codes, which, in various combinations with other buttons, vastly increases the possible functions. A killer remote. That’s what this is. It will wreak havoc on the brain functions of the poor soul who tries to make sense of the whole thing. On the other hand, some people would probably love it because it does so much.

Complicated. This remote tells me that life is too busy and stuffed, that we want every conceivable electronic function—or every conceivable thing or activity. We fill up our lives the way the manufacturer loaded buttons on this remote. And if I ask ten people if their life is too complicated, probably nine will say it is.

Simple. This remote inspires me to long for more simplicity in life—both mine and the world I live in. Simplicity of less stuff and less busyness, of focus on what’s important, and of the freedom that follows.

A key factor in pursuing and maintaining simplicity is my values and calling. They give me clarity in every area of life on what’s most important and what’s secondary.

Jesus did this his entire time on earth. When word spread that he was a miracle man, and crowds came to receive a touch from God, he got up and left. Left! He walked away and said,

“I must announce the good news of God’s kingdom to the other towns also. That is why I was sent” (Luke 4:43 NIRV).

He could have done a gazillion things, but he focused on why he was here.

And when he visited Martha and Mary’s house, Martha was living the complicated life and doing all the work needed to serve the meal, and I appreciate Martha. It would have been a miserable supper without her. But Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and focused in simple attention to what was most important (Luke 10:38–42).

Jesus said, “… only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42 NIRV).

Many things are good but not needed. Mary’s focused hunger for God put everything else in its proper secondary place in a life of blessed simplicity.

What is that worth to you?

Easter Baskets or Empty Tombs

 

 

Martha Noebel, cbn

I was living up North several years ago when I first heard the phrase, “He Is Risen; He Is Risen Indeed!” The pastor loved to say the first part, He Is Risen, and wait with a big smile on his face for the congregation to finish the statement. (He Is Risen Indeed.) This was a favorite ritual every Easter Sunday morning.

Why did the pastor like saying it? I guess He knew it would fit with the sermon that day. He was sort of priming the pump, so to speak, for what was to come. Then a wonderfully, well-organized, properly prepared sermon on the death and resurrection of Christ would soon follow. Previous to this were three or four songs from the hymnal such as He Lives, He Arose, At Calvary, and At The Cross. It was the only Sunday we would sing these songs, so sing we did. We sang loudly and with a lot of heart.

I remember as a child that everyone wore fancy clothes on that day. It was the only Sunday that all the kids had new white shoes and pretty hats. Some of the girls even wore white gloves. Several of the moms and dads had a flower on their suits or dresses. Excitement was in the atmosphere. We knew an Easter egg hunt for all the children would begin after the service. There would be lots of beautifully colored hard-boiled eggs, jelly beans inside plastic eggs, hard candy-coated marshmallow eggs, and a very special large chocolate-covered candy egg. At home, I had a wonderful Easter basket filled with lots of candy and gum waiting for me too.

It marked the coming of spring. Pastel colors were everywhere. Flowers were blooming and the air was much warmer than a few weeks ago. It was such a happy time.

Now, I am older and I know Easter Sunday in a much different way. I now realize Easter is about death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus the Son of God was born so that one day He would die. He chose to become the sacrifice for your sins and mine.

The Bible says,

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23 NIV).

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NIV).

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV).

It’s so wonderful. By faith we simply believe in the great price that was paid for us. We sinned, Jesus died on a cross to pay for our sins, and on the third day rose from the grave. He is seated at the right hand of God making intercession for us.

He paid a very high price. He gave His life. He suffered so that we can live forever with God. If we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we are saved. There is no condemnation for the things we have done. And with each mistake we now make, forgiveness is still ours to receive.

The tomb where Jesus was buried and from where He rose was left empty. Only the grave clothes were left behind. Because of His great love for us, and the power of God living in us, we too will one day be caught up with Him in the air.

“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17 NIV).

Jesus is coming again for those of us who have asked Him to forgive us our sins. We are waiting for that day when the heavens will open and we will meet Him in the skies.

So you see, Easter isn’t at all about Easter baskets full of candy, pretty clothes, or spring flowers. It’s about an empty tomb. He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

What a Gift!

 

 

Shadia Hrichi, cbn

Have you ever forgiven a loved one who wronged you and said they were sorry? It’s difficult, but to save the relationship, often we find it in our heart to forgive – especially if the other person is sincerely sorry. But how about the person who wrongs you and is not sorry? Would they be dead to you? Should that relationship be pursued? Should they be shown forgiveness? Actually, it happened to each of us … about 2,000 years ago.

All of us, at one time or another, chooses wrong over right: to lie, steal, curse, or to be resentful, bitter, or jealous of another person. Because we are made in God’s image and created to be in relationship with Him, when we violate His character, we separate ourselves from Him and sever the relationship. Still, as a loving Father, God wants to restore this relationship and is willing to forgive even when we’re not sorry. Romans 5:8 says:

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (NASB)

God did not wait for us to come to Him; for God knew that left to ourselves, it would never happen:

“The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, Who seek after God. They have all turned aside, … There is none who seeks for God.” Psalm 14:2-3; Romans 3:11 (NASB)

And so, before the beginning of time, God arranged a rescue mission to extend forgiveness to those who didn’t know to ask.

Easter is the celebration of this amazing gift. 2,000 years ago, the Son of God willingly left the glory of Heaven and came to earth, wrapped in human flesh, to become the complete sacrifice for sin. Yet, when we look at the Cross, we often forget that Jesus suffered something far greater than physical death: He suffered spiritual separation from God the Father so we wouldn’t have to. Jesus laid bare His greatest agony when He cried out,

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)

The eternal God-head was torn apart for us. The penalty for sin is not the Cross; that’s the symbol. The penalty for sin is eternal separation from God, and only the eternal God could pay that price.

The greatest gift ever given is not God’s forgiveness that is now available to us, but rather God’s Son through whom forgiveness was made possible.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NASB)

The person who looks upon God’s Son who, as He was being nailed to the Cross, said,

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 (NASB)

… and turns away, will not spend an eternity regretting his sin – that’s done and paid for. Rather, he will be left to agonize over all the ways God tried to reach out to him, reveal Himself to him, and demonstrate His love in an endless pursuit to have a relationship with him — that God even decided he was worth dying for — but he turned away … however:

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, …” John 1:12 (NASB)

On that first glorious Easter morning, the dark tomb was empty. God the Father raised Jesus from the dead, restoring Him to His rightful throne in Heaven, demonstrating God’s complete satisfaction that the penalty for all sin, for all people, for all time, has been paid in full. Easter is resurrection day! The day Christians all over the world celebrate that their relationship to God the Father, once dead, has been restored to life — and not just life, eternal life!

God wants to restore a relationship with you and He is only a prayer away. If you want to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior – God’s greatest gift — you can pray a simple prayer something like this:

Father, thank you for loving me and sending your beloved Son to pay the penalty for my sin. Jesus, thank you for dying for me on the Cross. I am sorry for living my life apart from You and choose today to follow You. Please come into my heart and make me the person You created me to be. Amen.

And one day, when you enter your heavenly Home, you will run to your Father who will scoop you up into His arms saying, “Welcome home, my child!”

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

What love! What a gift! What an amazing God!

Diamonds in the Night

 

Susan M. Watkins, cbn.com

Have you noticed the stars lately? Taken the time to look up? Shining above us, they silently declare their obedience with stationary positions. The sky is endless — God’s blackboard of promises. It’s also the venue displaying His glory. I don’t know about you, but my night sky gets cloudy from time to time. Obscured by stormy circumstances, I lose sight of God’s tailored plan.

Clouds shrouded Abram’s view too. Dedicated to God and the original pattern of a surrendered life, like me, he felt a questioning that ebbed and flowed with passing years. The Bible reveals how God unwrapped His secret plans to this committed servant.

And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be” (Genesis 15:5 NASB).

Sparkling diamonds against black velvet skies. Stars used to tally a new nation. Abram stared up in wonderment as celestial promises were made regarding his posterity. From the expanse of heaven, Israel twinkled down, illuminating the darkness. Holy astronomy.

Sometimes, I stay indoors too long. Life’s demands keep me busy. So busy, that I’m focused inward with restricted vision; trained only on what’s before me. Like He did with Abram, I’m led outside, into the fresh air of purpose and inhale deeply. My eyes need adjusting to the view. His view. I’m invited to leave earth’s confines and move freely about God’s domain. Everything looks different from this vantage point. Suddenly, what appeared as insurmountable problems are now reduced to manageable sizes. Worries and concerns melt away in God’s majestic presence. Weights and pressures drug about like millstones become airborne as His faithfulness envelops me. My outlook assumes His, and I find myself lying down once more in His contented green pastures.

There are times the Lord must take us outside and separate us from what has become our routine, to look up instead of down, and reestablish His pristine rhythm. He must change the status quo and shift the gear for our acceleration. After all, His reputation is on the line. Over the decades of knowing Him personally, I’ve received numerous promises from Him. Hope for things unseen, yet authorized for fulfillment. A hallowed “Purchase Order” already in hand but the transaction incomplete. In this silent interim, we grow. Likened to pregnancy, each month, each trimester brings us closer to birth. We are secluded inside our tent. Waiting on a word we sometimes question will manifest. It’s easy to believe the promise, but what about the prolonged delivery?

“Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.” (Joshua 21:45 NASB)

Just like Abram, we must exit our tents and look up toward heaven, counting the innumerable. For unless we’re willing to change our geography and go outside, we’ll never see the stars. Our destiny is not inside the dusty tent, but rather in the open and displayed above us. God intentionally chooses the dark to reveal His light. Have you tried looking at the stars in the daylight? It’s in the dark, the secret places, that the Lord shines brightest and we see Him clearest. None are tasked to find stars at noon, only to exit our pre-conceived expectations that often lead to misunderstanding God’s movements. Without that shift, our purpose is hidden in plain sight and we can become hopeless. Or worse, think that God has stopped working on our behalf. He hasn’t. It’s all about perfect timing. We simply need to unfold that yellowed, dog-eared paper and reread our personal promises. After all, time crawled long before Isaac ever did. Let God take you outside. Maybe it’s time the two of you went stargazing again.

Victory at the Cross

 

 

Daphne Delay, cbn.com

“But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:27).(NKJV)

After the miracle of feeding the five thousand, Jesus had been alone praying when His disciples joined Him. Jesus asked, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God'” (Luke 9:18-20). (NKJV)

Jesus knew people would be talking about the miracle. But who did they think performed it? He warned them to tell no one, saying, “There are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

The first time I studied this, I thought “What did Jesus mean? His disciples died a long time ago and we are still waiting to see the kingdom of God.” But I lacked revelation. I assumed He was speaking of heaven, but in actuality, He was referring to retrieved authority.

In the beginning, when Adam sinned, the authority and dominion God had given man was transferred to Satan. Jesus came to retrieve this authority. The Bible says:

“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). (NKJV)

After the miracle of feeding the multitudes, Jesus said, “I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the [retrieved authority] of God.” He was speaking of His victory at the cross. It was drawing near.

This is proven in another context of scripture:

“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:28-31). (NKJV)

This passage is often referred to as the Transfiguration. As He prayed and talked with His two visitors, the countenance of Jesus changed this day. But what’s more interesting is their use of the words “decease” and “accomplish” in the same sentence. The words “endure” or “suffer” might seem more appropriate, but not the word accomplish, right?

Wrong.

“But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the [retrieved authority] of God.” His disciples didn’t understand. Then a week later, a couple of cheerleaders from heaven encouraged Jesus of what was about to take place. Moses and Elijah spoke with Him about His coming death, which was about to be ACCOMPLISHED at Jerusalem. Their mission was to encourage our Savior, for He was about to retrieve authority for all humanity for all time! His death on the cross, as hard as it might be in the flesh, was going to be a great victory for God and man.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) says, “…for the joy that was set before Him [He] endured the cross].”

In other words, He looked ahead at the victory that would be accomplished. He wasn’t focused on the cross itself, or the pain of the moment. Instead, His focus was on the resurrection!

This passage says He “endured the cross” which is absolutely true. But Moses and Elijah came to remind Him of His purpose—He was about to accomplish the greatest victory that has ever been or ever will be! The cross wasn’t going to be easy, and God didn’t want His Son to lose heart, so He sent these messengers to remind Him His coming decease would be a great victory.

No wonder His countenance changed! “As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.” Our countenance changes too when our focus and meditation is on the right thing (our victory in Christ).

So be encouraged today! God has rallied all of heaven behind you and I that we might run with endurance the race that is set before us. Remember, we are of those who have not tasted death, yet have seen the retrieved authority of God—for JESUS HAS RISEN!

The Sacrificial Lamb

Intouch, ministries

Hebrews 10:1-14

God’s grace has no limits. His mercy can reach the darkest part of our heart. What’s more, the forgiveness Jesus offered on the cross stretches back to earth’s first day and forward to its last. Christ not only erased our past, present, and future sin; He also paid for the wrongs of every generation.

When the Israelites brought a goat or a lamb to the temple for a sacrifice, they placed their hands on its head and confessed their sins. The priest then killed the animal and sprinkled some of its blood on the altar of atonement. The ritual symbolized a confessor’s payment for sin. But the lamb could not actually take on the sin and die in place of the Israelite (Heb. 10:4).

If an animal’s blood could actually erase a sin-debt, we’d still be offering those frequent sacrifices and Jesus’ death would have been unnecessary. Yet we must remember that though the act itself had no saving power, the ritual of sacrifice was God’s idea (Lev. 4:1-35). He established such offerings as a powerful illustration of the seriousness and penalty of sin. The practice also pointed to Christ’s perfect sacrificial death on our behalf and the salvation He offers. To use a modern metaphor, sacrifice can be thought of as similar to a credit card. God accepted the lamb’s blood as temporary payment. When the bill came due, Jesus Christ paid the sin-debt in full.

Modern believers do practice certain biblical rituals, but we are not pardoned through prayer, Bible reading, or even the act of confession. Like the Israelites, we must also look to a lamb—the Lamb of God. When we receive Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, we are forgiven forever.