Category: Philippians

  • Murder – death of Jesus for our sake

    four crows on a tree branch

    Today, I saw a murder of crows in the tree. In case you don’t know, a murder is the formal name for a gathering of crows.

    Seeing the crows brought murder to mind. I started to think about all the murder mysteries I have watched and read over the years. They all had something in common, besides the body. In all of them, as far as I can remember, the victim was unable to prevent his own murder.

    There is one murder, however, that I know of, where the victim willingly submitted to being murdered for a greater cause. I’m Speaking of course, of the murder of Jesus, planned by the Jewish leaders, and carried out by the Roman rulers.

    The Jewish leaders perceived Jesus as a threat, and when they could not discredit him, they planned to kill him. They used Pontius Pilate to have him crucified, a most ignominious death.

    Let’s set the scene, before Jesus was taken to Pilate, one of his disciples betrays him and shows up at the Garden of Gethsemane with troops to arrest him

    Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled. Matthew 26:50-56 ESV

    Jesus willingly goes with them and submits to being convicted in a kangaroo court on completely fabricated charges. He is mocked, rejected, tortured, and eventually killed on the cross.

    Why would the God of the universe permit himself such indignities? Because he loves us. He humbled himself, set aside his rights, and came to earth to die.

    “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8 ESV

    If that thought doesn’t amaze you, you need to stop and think about what he has done for you.

    Praise God for all his mercies.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

    For the Birds – God’s provision
    The Gospel – the best news you will ever hear

  • Advent Anticipation – Christmas is coming

    advent candles

    Time seems to be flying by of late. Many of the neighbors have  their Christmas decorations and lights up already. There are even some who have had their trees up for a couple of weeks now.

    This coming Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is celebrated on the first four Sundays leading up to Christmas. We anticipate our remembrance of the birth of Jesus. It feels strange to be looking forward to celebrating something that has already happened.

    Yet, it gives us an opportunity in the busyness of life to pause and remember what truly matters.

    The story of Jesus’ birth is a winsome narrative. After all, who doesn’t like the account of the poor infant born in a manger while angels and shepherds celebrate? 

    “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11 ESV

    Yet it’s really mid-story. His coming was planned before God created the world, because He knew we would sin and need rescuing.

    It was foretold in the prophets. On top of all the prophecies that there would be a Savior and His coming, there are at least seven fully fulfilled prophecies about His birth alone.

    His birth required a sacrifice from Jesus. He set aside all the rights that were owed to Him to come into Mary’s womb and be born on that dark night. He was born to die for us.

    Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7

    In remembering His birth, we can celebrate our freedom in Christ. Without His coming, you and I would be lost forever in our sin, doomed by our sin nature and our own sin.

    We can also celebrate our ongoing transformation. We are born again, being conformed into His image, and He will complete His work in us.

    Advent also serves as a clarion call to the world. Jesus has come and is coming again. Get right with Jesus today. In those four weeks, many nominal and adrift Christians come to the service to hear the news afresh. Many seekers will stop by as well. Seeds are planted and watered.

    I used to joke about what I called “playoff Christians”, those who come for Christmas and Easter. I was so wrong. I’m learning to recognize what grace God offers by calling them in, and I am thankful they respond.

    Studies have shown that people are most responsive to invitations to church at Christmas and Easter. Let’s make full use of that and invite people.

    Invite friends who have drifted from the faith, neighbors, casual acquaintances, and total strangers to celebrate the Advent and Christmas miracles with us. Let’s pray for them that their hearts may be opened.

    Who knows? Some of them might even come.

    Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

    Be blessed, 

    Kevin

    Some Seasonal posts

    On the seasonal theme

    The gifts of the wise men explained

    The Fallout of the Bethlehem Massacre

    Every Member Is Necessary — 1 Corinthians 12