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Passover’s Path to the Resurrection

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The Old Testament is replete with prophecies of the coming Messiah… prophecies that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled. A powerful example of this is the Passover.

Passover's Path to the Resurrection - DoNotDepart.com

Passover – The Back Story

The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for 400 years when God chose Moses to lead them out of captivity. But getting out of Egypt wasn’t going to be easy. Despite God inflicting many plagues on the Epyptians, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he refused to let the Israelites go.

It was the tenth plague that finally did it. God declared that he would kill every firstborn son if Pharaoh did not change his mind. God provided a special means of protection for His people, the Israelites, from that terrifying tenth plague.

In Exodus 12, God commanded the Israelites in great detail how to mark themselves as His, so that the angel of death would pass over their homes and not kill their firstborn sons. Before this passing over even happened, God also commanded them to observe a memorial Passover feast annually.

Passover Prophecy

In the first Passover, as well as in traditions that have developed in the annual observance of the Passover feast, there is clear prophecy and symbolism foreshadowing the death and resurrection of Christ.

Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

The Israelites were required to choose one unblemished yearling lamb per household. After sacrificing the lamb, they spread its blood on the doorposts and lintel of their homes, signifying a covering of protection from death. Jesus Christ, who was without sin, was the unblemished lamb slain on our behalf. It is His blood on the doorposts of our hearts that provides a covering from eternal death. (Exodus 12:5, Exodus 12:7, Exodus 12:13, 1 Corinthians 5:7, 1 John 1:7)

The lambs’ bones were not to be broken. Nor were Jesus’ bones broken when He was slain (Exodus 12:46, John 19:33).

Passover – The Feast

Jesus Himself celebrated a Passover meal the night before His crucifixion, telling His disciples “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15)

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. Luke 22:19-20

Even in the modern Passover Seder meal, celebrated by Jews around the world, there remains symbolism that points to Jesus Christ. If you’d like to explore more, these sites detail the Messianic significance of the Passover Seder:

Christ in the Passover from Jewish Roots
How the Passover Reveals Jesus Christ from Evidence for God
Messiah in the Passover from Remnant.net
He Who is Coming – the Hidden Afikomen from Hebrew Streams (fascinating discussion of the Messianic meaning behind the still-practiced tradition of hiding a broken matzoh at the Seder meal)
For an engrossing, contemporary look at Passover, read through these letters from a Messianic Jew living in modern day Israel.

Our printable Passover Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus details a few of the ways Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection embodied the ultimate Passover.

Passover Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus - DoNotDepart.com
Click here to download Passover Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus

Is there a Messianic prophecy that speaks especially to your heart?
Have you ever experienced a Passover Seder meal? Did you notice any Messianic symbolism?
Share in the comments.

Resurrection Series on www.donotdepart.com

Preparing your heart for Easter bookmarks

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The inspired, God-breathed words of scripture pack so much power for us to tap into as we prepare our hearts for Easter. As we provide Bible Study tools this month centered around the Resurrection, new life themed verses provide rich truths for us to use in our prayer life.

Resurrection Series on www.donotdepart.com Praying new life scripture

Today we want to share a collection of 6 printable bookmarks. Each one provides a visual focus, along with a new life truth and a prayer of response. Just print off the 2 page PDF and cut the 6 bookmarks to separate them. You might print and use these in a variety of ways:

 

10 ways to use printable Easter bookmarks

  1. tuck into your Bible as you prepare to celebrate the resurrection
  2. attach one to a loaf of bread or bag of hot cross buns
  3. laminate and share with a Sunday School teacher
  4. include in your child’s lunch box
  5. leave on the dashboard of your husband’s car
  6. pin on the bulletin board at your coffee shop
  7. attach to a bill payment you’re sending in
  8. put under your neighbor’s windshield wiper
  9. lay on your child’s pillow
  10. tape to the bathroom mirror

May the great truths of new life flow easily from our lips, settle into our hearts, fill our thoughts, and soak into our prayers as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus!

New life is in Christ Jesus

Father in heaven, there is nothing I could have done on my own to make my old life pass away.  It’s all because of you that the new has come. Thank you for that you have moved me out of death and into Christ, making me a completely new creation in your eyes. I don’t fully understand it, but I’m so grateful.

 By the name of the Christ who brings the new, Amen

Photos provided by free resources from visualbiblealive.org, turnbacktogod.com & Julie Sanders.

Resurrection: Preparing our hearts to celebrate Easter

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We’re born wanting something we can’t have. Have you ever lost a loved one? Have you ever battled for your own life? Since death was announced in Genesis 3:19, people have searched for ways to prolong life, live forever, and outwit death. After all, Adam’s judgment echoes through the ages to all of us: “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”   (Romans 5:12)

From tombs full of riches for the afterlife to quests for the fountain of youth to modern medical technology, the hope of life and fear of death spurs men on to find the key to eternal life. Losses, disappointments, and decay tasted in earthly life point to our shared ultimate end: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Only One has power over death. There have always been skeptics; even the Sadducees of Jesus’ day scoffed at the thought of immortality. Scripture records the stories of a few who were powerless over death, but they saw God intervene and do the unimaginable: restore life.

Brought to Life In the Old Testament

  • The Widow of Zeraphath’s Son (1 Kings 17:17-24)
  • The Shunnamite Woman’s Son (11 Kings 4:20-37)
  • The Man thrown into Elisha’s Tomb (II Kings 13:21)

Brought to Life In the New Testament

  • The Widow of Nain’s Son (Luke 7:11-16)
  • Jairus’ 12 year old daughter (Mark 5:35-43)
  • Lazarus (John 11:1-44)
  • Tabitha (Acts 9:36-41)
  • Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12)
  • Saints buried near Jerusalem (Matt. 27:51-53)

These people did not raise themselves, but they were raised by God. His power worked independently, and occasionally through His servants, to defeat death itself. As foretold in Genesis 3:15, the Enemy’s plan suffered a fatal blow when the gospel triumphed in the risen Savior. The resurrected life of Jesus makes our abundant life possible. What man could never do, God did.

Resurrection is the conquering of death, the overcoming of the Enemy’s plan to thwart God’s gift of life. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.“ (John 10:10)

This month we celebrate the Resurrection victory over loss and pain and death. With “Easter” at the end of this month, we want to prepare our hearts with fresh appreciation for the Resurrection. All month long, we will share Bible Study tools to help you focus on this greatest of all mysteries that makes abundant life possible.

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed … the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality…“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”… thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Excerpts from 1 Corinthians 15:51-57)

Join us this month on Do Not Depart as we share Bible Study Tools to prepare our hearts for a celebration of the Resurrection.

Sharing the Word Through Service

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I love words, and words carry power.

But action itself speaks, meets needs, and shares God’s love (and, yes, His Word in action) in affective ways.

With less than a week until Christmas, we might be tempted to say, “I didn’t serve as much or as well as I wanted this season. And now it’s too late.”Sharing the Word through Service - Ideas from Do Not Depart

It’s not too late! Below are several ideas you can implement this week to share God’s love and His word through serving others. Build these activities into family time, and worship through serving others with His heart.

Sharing the Word with Action

Here are a few ways we can serve people now and share God’s love through action:

  • One of our team writers, Teri Lynne, shares 10 Ways to Help in Your Community on her personal blog. These ideas require little planning and most can be implemented in an afternoon.
  • Grab a few friends and/or family members and go caroling in a neighborhood. When you carol, choose songs spreading the joy of the season. Sing one or two, wish the neighbors a “Merry Christmas,” and then move on to the next house! It’s a non-pushy, fun way to spread word of His birth.
  • Set up Christmas lights between two trees or in your yard simply forming the word “peace,” “joy,” or “love.”
  • Prioritize your emphasis on the season and intentionally renew your focus on Him daily, inwardly and as an outward example. Christmas is not about a certain number of gifts or how busy we can be, but is about celebrating His birth, presences, and grace. (Verses that help me when I begin to feel stressed: Luke 2:10, Luke 10:41-42, and Ephesians 2:8-9.)
  • Make homemade gifts with your kids with the Word included, like these chalk pastel paintings, this “Joy” word sign, this Christmas carol plaque, or this verse-a-day gift.
  • Lead a group of (willing) neighborhood kids or a church preschool class in nativity-focused games and activities, like this Find and Fill Nativity Lesson.
  • If it’s cold enough if your area, make a few of these beautiful ice ornaments and include wooden letters spelling out “joy” or “peace.”
  • Stick these tags on your gifts and give away the bookmarks!
  • Donate to worth-while and Christ-focused causes.

A few ideas you can jump in on now and save for next year:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

 

How are you and your family sharing God’s Word through service this season (and throughout the year)? What’s one way you include His Word in your gifts or actions? Share in the comments below.

Christmas Gifts of Compassion

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If you’re like me, you aren’t done with your Christmas shopping either. In light of the tragic events of this last week, though, my spirit groans against the thought of bustling through a mall or settling for items with little meaning.

Weeks ago, our Do Not Depart team planned that we would share ideas for “last minute” Gifts of Compassion today, but it seems divinely timed. Maybe you are at a loss for a gift to give to someone you love or to someone you appreciate, like a teacher or a local first responder. This month, we’ve been talking about how to include the Word in Christmas.

John 1:14 tells us that the Word is Jesus. His coming is the greatest expression of love, and His coming makes life and hope possible.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 1 John 4:7-9

One of the best ways to answer evil is with the sending of love; God himself set that precedent for us. Today we want to share ideas for Christmas gifts you may still easily send, gifts that express God’s love, ways to “love one another” with love from God.

In tender times only God-sized love seems enough and gifts of the Word seem fitting.

Gifts for the Persecuted ~

Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Calendar ~ This beautiful calendar serves as a prayer tool on behalf of the many people who are persecuted around the worlBe Intertwined handcraftsd because they know God and call themselves by the name of His Son:  Christian. ($4)

Be Intertwined ~ This sewing cooperative of refugee women works together to sew with primarily donated material. Many of these women have known lives of fear and violence, yet they begin to find community, safety, and faith as they create colorful crafts to help support their families. Visit their etsy shop for one of a kind, handmade items.

Globally Generous Gifts ~ Give a gift in someone’s honor:

You don’t have to fight crowds, pray for a parking spot, or run out and buy a box of truffles for someone who doesn’t need them anyway. This is the perfect time to give a globally generous gift to express peace on earth, while speaking the very love of Jesus, the Word, to those close to you.

Here are some of our favorite Globally Generous Gift Sources:

Many of these sources provide similar opportunities and offer many more ideas than we can list here.

Do you have a favorite compassionate gift to add to our list or resources? Please share in the comments if you do.

10 Meaningful Family Activities for Christmas

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The real meaning of Christmas can get lost in the shopping, cooking, cleaning, and decorating. These 10 suggestions will help you and your family focus on Christ and also help you share His message with people who need to hear. You’ll have a lot of fun in the process too!

  1. Christmas card prayers – At the dinner table or at bedtime each night, pray for the families you received cards from that day. Use a basket or some other kind of container to hold the cards and keep it on the dinner table or nightstand.
  2. Play the Christmas story – Use a toy nativity set to act out the story of Christmas with your children or grandchildren. I bought a cloth version for my grandson at a craft show. Fisher Price has a really cute one too. Available at Family Christian Store. 
    Nativity, Christmas activities
    Cloth nativity is kid friendly!


  3. Gifts for needy children – Help your children experience the joy of helping others. Connect with a faith-based charity through which you can help provide for children in need at Christmas. Efforts like Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan’s purse and Angel Tree by Prison Fellowship are two good choices!
  4. Hang The Christmas Nail – Years ago someone gave our family “The Christmas Nail.” It’s a six-inch sturdy spike with a red ribbon through a hole in the top. Here’s the short poem that accompanies the nail:

This is the Christmas Nail. It is to be hung on a sturdy branch, a branch near the trunk, a branch that will hold such a spike without being noticed by well-wishers dropping by to admire one’s tinseled tree. The nail is known only to the home that hangs it. Understood only by the heart that knows its significance. It is hung with the thought The Christmas tree but foreshadows the Christ-tree which only He could decorate for us, ornamented with nails as this.

You can purchase your own nail here. I have also made nails – using spikes I purchased at a hardware store and red ribbon – to give to friends and neighbors for their own trees. Make hanging the nail a meaningful event. Gather the family around the tree and decide how the “hanger” will be chosen. For example, it could be the youngest or oldest. Pray and contemplate Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.

5.  Bread of Life for the neighbors – A yummy Christmas gift can double as a message of life. Gather the family in the kitchen and make an event out of baking small loaves of sweet bread. If the family doesn’t enjoy cooking, you can do the baking and then the family can help wrap the loaves and go together to make the deliveries to the neighbors. Wrap the bread in pretty cellophane and add a tag with John 6:35. “Jesus is the bread of life.” I have a recipe for Pumpkin-Cranberry bread that everyone loves. It’s festive and can be doubled or even tripled!

6.  Musically spread the Good News – We have at least one caroling group stop by our house every year. However, I’ve noticed the groups sing mostly secular Christmas songs. You and your family can share the real reason for the season with your neighbors. Make caroling a festive party by asking a few Christian friends to join you. Gather at your house first for a quick practice session. Make sure your carols spread the Good News by including songs like “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night.” After caroling in your neighborhood, serve hot cocoa and goodies back at your house for the carolers.

7.  Birthday party for Jesus – last week, Patti shared about hosting a children’s birthday party for Jesus. Read more about this outreach event.

8.  Read the Christmas story – We read the entire Christmas story on Christmas Eve. However, if your children are young, break the story up over several nights. I found two great downloadable resources at FamilyReadingBible.com you should check out. One is a Christmas story reading plan that lists readings from December 13 through Christmas Day. The other is a Bible story reading booklet to print!

9.  Watch “The Nativity Story” – The biblical Christmas story comes to life right in your living room when you watch this beautiful movie with the family. Rent it at your neighborhood video store, Netflix, or iTunes, or buy it at Amazon to watch every year!

10.  Celebrate the advent – Anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ arrival by adapting traditional advent activities for home. Focus on the Family has some great resources.

I’d love to know how these work for you. Also, feel free to share your suggestions for meaningful activities with us!

Adoption: It’s a joint effort

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The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that approximately 120,000 children are adopted in the United States each year. To be adopted is to be accepted, claimed, and raised as a child of promise. Last week Lisa helped us understand the difference between a Roman slave child and a family child and how adoption points back to the Father. Millions of children around the globe long for a father to accept them, claim them, and raise them as a beloved son.

I am AdoptedSonship happens for all those “in Christ Jesus,” who become “sons of God, through faith” (Galatians 3:26). The action of all three members of the Trinity has the power to move us from the position of the father-less to that of a secure son. As all three take part as One adoptive parent in a joint effort, something new and wonderful is born.

The Father Initiates

Slave children and adopted children of Roman culture lived side by side for their childhood years, but when the time was right, the adopted child realized the benefits of his adoption. The timing was not random or haphazard, but carefully planned. In the same way, “when the fullness of time had come,” (Galatians 4:4a) the Father initiated our adoption. Like many parents save and sacrifice today in order to bring home a child from places like Ethiopia, China, and Guatemala, the Heavenly Father paid a high price for the redemption of His cherished ones who long to be accepted into His forever family.

The Son Provides

The Son acted in our adoption by becoming the payment for our transfer from slave child to adopted child. “God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:5). Jesus did once and for all what we could never do on our own; He bought our permanent place in God’s family as sons of promise.

The Spirit Guarantees

The Father initiated our adoption, and the Son provided for it, but the Spirit was sent as our guarantee of a coming inheritance. “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father’” (Galatians 4:6) At just the right time, all members of the Trinity acted in union to make us children of God. We’re so loved.Paraguayan child

New Benefits with Adoption

With our adoption comes a new relationship, expressed when we cry out the familiar and intimate words of a child to their daddy: “Abba!” In today’s world, this change merits a new status update: “I’m a son now, not a slave!” (Galatians 4:7) If we become a son, then we become an heir through God (Galatians 4:7).

God the Father, Son, and Spirit act in a joint effort to make us their own, to give us a new relationship, to declare our new status, and to guarantee our new future. We leave scraps of bread to sit at a banquet table. We escape our dirty stone bed to nestle in the lap of our Abba. We erase the fear of tonight with the expectation of eternity. We “are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”

In many countries, children “age out” of the foster care and adoption system at the age of 16 or 18. Time runs out to find a family. But there’s no aging out of God’s divine plan for adoption and no limit on His love for those who want to come home.

How old were you when God brought you into a new relationship with Him?

How does it make you feel to know the Father, Son, and Spirit made a joint effort to make you their own?

Love Like Him: Love bows low

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Return visit to my village servant-friend

Coffee bushes and papaya trees encircle her cinder block home; stitched tribal garments hang near the door, distinguishing her as an honored citizen and village elder. When I first visited, she was adorned in her finest, spending the hottest part of the day as our self-appointed caretaker. Highly regarded, she chose to lower herself in humble servitude, preparing trays of fruit, refreshing our water, inviting us to sit so she could give. Setting aside her own needs, she ministered to our fatigue. 1 Corinthians shows how love is patient and how it looks when I am full of love.  Love is in its glory when a person of honor bends low to serve another.

Jesus bowed Himself all the way from the throne of heaven to a woman’s womb, so He could serve mankind.  Humility is the opposite of rivalry and pride, intentionally putting oneself below your rightful level or position. While we usually frown on making comparisons, to take hold of a first-Corinthians-kind-of-love, let’s discover and embrace the comparisons of Philippians 2:1-8.

Love takes hold when God’s people are the same … united in mind and love. (v. 2) Paul invites readers to compare themselves and see if they agree and share the same humble thoughts and passions. Opinions direct our actions; we only strive together in humility when we choose to go low together.

Love counts others more significant than self … “more than” how we count our self. Despite His perfect nature and divine sonship, Jesus valued our lives above His own. To “count” is to contemplate and direct attention to the needs of another. How do your thoughts about your own value and your own life’s concerns compare to how you think about those of others?

Love includes the interests of others … not only our own. We do look out for own interests, but “not only” our own interests. Humility requires measuring how much energy, time, and passion we allot for our interests in comparison to looking out for others = not easy in a world empathetic to our right to “be good to yourself.” If “self” dominates our attention, we need a change of heart and mind.

Love has this mind … not the other mind. “This mind” is a mind like Christ. Our opinion of self and others drives the way we strive in life. Jesus so valued man that He lowered Himself into a human embryo, grew up through the life stages of a man, and offered His perfect self to the very ones He created. In an ultimate act of humility, He was “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8). Jesus did the comparisons and saw that we are totally sinful, while He is totally perfect. Though the Person of greatest honor, He served beyond our wildest hope. He chose to be low. He chose to be obedient.

Jesus’ lowest moment was Love’s most glorious moment.

This summer I revisited my tribal friend to find her weak and suffering. Her hands trembled as she welcomed us into the coolness of her dim home with mat covered floors. With great effort, she brought trays of fruit and a costly bottle of water to minister to our needs, and she lowered herself to the floor to be with us. Love doesn’t insist on the place of honor. Our tongues spoke different words, but the language of her love was clear and strong. Love bows low in humble service to ones it values.

Following my humble friend home

 

When it comes to love, comparison challenges the hearts and minds of ones like me:  given to looking out for myself, seeking my own way, happy to give a “piece of my mind.” Do you dare to compare?

  • Do I have the “same mind” as other followers of Christ?
  • Do I think I’m “more significant” than others?
  • Do I look out for the interests of others, “not only” mine?
  • Do I have “this mind” of Christ or a selfish mind?

Let’s dare to compare with ones who bow low in love’s stance.  We’ll be in good company.

 

DO. GO. STAND.

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Open Prison Cells
Photo by Arvind Balaraman

Three weeks ago, the news was heavy: six of our partners imprisoned in a hostile country. Their court case won’t be heard until this Wednesday, but their chances for justice are, by earthly standards, slim. If they are miraculously given their freedom, there’s no chance they’ll stay shackled. They’ll go to where the freedom is, and they’ll celebrate their release.  But until this Wednesday, we pray.

Sin imprisoned all of mankind and all of creation in corruption’s cell; even the world waits for freedom (Romans 8:19-23).

If you can … DO!

In speaking to bondservants in the position of slaves, Paul encouraged that, “if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity” (1 Cor. 7:21). When one who has been captive gains freedom, there’s no reason to return to the master of cruelty. We are encouraged that since, “You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men” 1 Cor. 7:23.  The earth and all of mankind waited for a liberator.  If you can be free … DO!

Sin bound each soul since birth, but we are not without hope. Though we once gave ourselves as slaves to evil, we can give ourselves to a new Master. Our “kyrios” is the One who owns, possesses, and controls us; He is our Lord, and “the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor. 3:17).

If it’s there … GO!

There is a place of freedom within our reach. “For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification” (Romans 6:19).  Freedom for one-time prisoners awaits in the presence of the kyrios, the Master. If its’ there … GO!

Why would a prisoner return to his cell? Paul asked the Galatians, “now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?” (Galatians 4:9). Once the case is heard and the captives are freed, why would they return?  But some do.

If it’s done … STAND!

Christ sacrificed his perfect life for the sake of our freedom. “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).  If his work has paid the high price for our freedom, we should stand and stay in it, not turning back to our captor who would gladly re-chain us. Since we were called to be free (Gal. 5:13) we should,   “Live as people who are free, not using {our} freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16).  The payment for our release has been made, so we should stay that way and not make excuses to go back to our cell or corruption.  If it’s done … STAND!

Freedom in Christ!

We could offer to pay the price for the physical freedom of our friends. No one could offer a price high enough for Satan to free us. “For freedom Christ has set us free.”  He paid what no one else could, and the case is closed. No one has the power to recapture us; why would we ever want to give up our precious, dearly bought freedom? Why would we go back?

  • Our freedom from sin’s slavery is possible.
  • Our freedom is in the presence of the Lord’s Spirit.
  • Our freedom is completely paid for.
  • If you can … DO!
  • If it’s there … GO!
  • If it’s done … STAND!

Would you pray with me for the decision of those who will hear the case of our partners in chains? Their captors are but slaves, themselves. Oh that they would know the same freedom offered to each reader today through the Friend who paid our ransom prince. Our freedom physically and spiritually is a gift. Let’s DO, GO, STAND!

Keys to understanding

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It’s time to plan a summer vacation, but I dread the question of “What to do with the dog?”  When we camp, he comes, but when we travel far, he stays. And when he stays, I worry that his in-bred habit will be his fatal flaw.  Given the opportunity, he’ll bolt. Finding someone to watch Trace is a delicate business.

When his caretaker reads the following directions, they CAN NOT miss the vital meaning.

Our dog runs away. If you leave the door open, then he’ll run out. His breed has the urge to hunt, so they bolt. The front door has to stay closed so he doesn’t escape. So, above all, don’t leave the door open. He’ll slip through and run away!

To be a faithful steward of our house and dog, a house sitter must catch the key words of our message:  “run” (bolt/escape) and “door.”

When words are vital, they’re repeated for emphasis. In a Biblical book or passage, key words point to the text’s important meaning. To miss out on the repetition would be to let the most significant message escape.  Dependable caretakers notice the “If … then”  words in our directions that spell out a potential cause and effect.  “So” introduces an application we want to underscore, in light of the facts. Take a look at these examples of how God repeated key words in the text of scripture for our understanding:

  • The Gospel of John helps us understand who Jesus is by repeating “I am” throughout the book.
  • Revelation 1-3 includes the repeated phrases: “And to the angel of the church in ____ write … I know your …”  Repeatedly, John wrote the Lords words: “I know your works…”  Each letter to the 7 churches ends with, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches,” and he specifies promises “To the one who conquers.”  These are personal letters, from the heart of an all-knowing God, longing for His followers to be “conquerors” in the face of their challenges.

Look at how the meaning of a passage stands out when we focus our attention on the repeated language, the KEY WORDS.  Key words are the keys to understanding.

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11  I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14  I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15  just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. (John 10:7-16)

John 10:1-16 uses key words like sheep, sheepfold, flock, and shepherd to explain how Jesus is the good shepherd. The key words paint a picture of the relationship the shepherd has with the sheep.

It really helps me to “see” the key words in a passage when I highlight them in the same color OR draw a simple symbol over them. The most significant ideas jump off the page at me. When I see “shepherd,” I draw a simple shepherd’s staff.  “Sheep” gets a fluffy shape around it. Choose what symbol resonates in your mind to mark a key word. If you’ve been in Precept studies, you’ve done a lot of this, but you can keep it simple and make it work for you. By marking those important, repeated key words, the meaning jumps off the page and into our heart and mind.

The treasures of God’s word are too important to let them slip past us and escape our understanding. Key words are the keys to understanding. Ask God to help you discover the key words, and be a faithful steward of what He’s left in your care.

Practice looking for a key words in John 10:7-16 and uncovering the exciting truths they hold:

  • Go back to verse 9 and discover the “If/then” statement.
  • There are 4 verbs that “anyone” can do.  What is the first verb that produces the other 3? List them.
  • Look for every mention of the Shepherd. What is said about the Shepherd?
  • Go back and circle the pronouns that refer to the sheep; what do they reveal about the sheep?

 

Finally!

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Eager anticipation dominated the Christmases of my childhood. All the traditions of the season promised the arrival of the big day – the tree, the brightly wrapped packages, the lights, and the music. These things by themselves were not Christmas, but they signaled its coming. When I woke on the morning of December 25th all these traditions found their full expression.

Although I loved all the Christmas activities, I did not appreciate their full meaning until years later. (If you’re interested, here’s a great article from the Crosswalk.com archives that gives the spiritual significance of many well-loved Christmas traditions.)

Like the Christmas activities point to Christmas, so the Old Testament points to Jesus.

The Law, the sacrificial system, the feasts, and prophecies all find their full expression in the person of Christ. The Old Covenant that God made with the Israelites anticipates the New Covenant found only in the Son.

For the last three weeks here at Scripture Dig we have been exploring the “I Came” statements of Jesus. As we celebrate His birth, we did not want to miss the reason Jesus came. Here is what we’ve discovered:

Today, on our final post of this series, we see that Jesus came to “fulfill” the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Everything in the Old Testament pointed to Christ. Jesus was the goal, the purpose of the Law and the Prophets. Here are a few examples:

  • The Passover – Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
  • The Sacrificial System – Jesus, the “once for all” sacrifice, provided what the blood of bulls and goats never could (Hebrews 10:1-10).
  • The Day of Atonement – Jesus is our High Priest who enters the actual Holy of Holies on our behalf (Hebrews 9:11).
  • Manna, bread in the wilderness – Jesus is the Bread of Life, the true bread from heaven (John 6:30-32).

Jesus has always been God’s plan for establishing a relationship with His people. Jesus was not the backup plan when all else failed. Even before God created the world, He determined that Jesus would die to provide salvation for mankind (1 Peter 1:20). The Old Testament – the Law and the Prophets – anticipate the fulfillment of God’s plan. They find completion and full expression in Christ. Finally! He’s here!

What is your favorite picture of Christ in the Old Testament?

Not your average king

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The news from 2011 will reflect a wave of uprisings washing across Europe and the Middle East, crashing onto cities like London, Jerusalem, Cairo, and Athens. With an election year in the United States, voices of discontent call out and seek a champion for change. The port of Oakland, California was shut down Monday, Dec. 12 due to protests related to the Occupy Wall St/Oakland/Portland/… Movement.  Mankind has always sought rulers to lead well, measuring success in peace, prosperity, and power. As Israel awaited her prophesied Messiah’s coming, it was no different. They looked for a king to break the bondage of Rome and restore the glory days of earthly man-kings like Solomon and David. They weren’t looking for a Jesus.

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Jesus was not your average king, and yet Hecame to be King and bring even more than Israel asked for. He came to bring truth. He came to be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Lk. 2:32).

 

Word that the King of the Jews had been born somehow trickled down to all ears, despite the absence of YouTube and Twitter. Herod wanted to know where the reported king was, because a Jewish King was a threat to the heavy hand and unbending control of Rome. To the people of Israel, however, His coming meant a glimmer of hope.

 

After the arrest of Jesus, Pilate drilled the question at Him that all wanted to know: “Are you king of the Jews?” (John 18:33-37) The King himself said His kingdom is “not of this world;” He did not come for earthly dominion … yet. His kingship is spiritual, and He will ultimately bring all things under His rule. He was not arriving to bring a reign of immediate prosperity or even peace; He was coming for much greater riches than that. “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world— to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37).

 

Jesus was not your average king. He WAS born to reign, but not merely over things like economies and governments. When Herod searched for Him and Pilate questioned Him, He was no threat to their immediate future. And when some people followed and some people mocked, there was no question He would reign over their eternity.

 

He was born to reign, but not as they expected. He is the Son of God who will sit on the throne of David to reign forever, with no end to His kingdom (Luke 2:32-33).  Jesus came to be King and bring the truth.

 

So who will reign over the governments of Europe and the Middle East and Asia and the United States in unsettled cities in 2012? No one knows. Men await rulers to free them, bring peace, and create prosperity.

 

Let’s not be so consumed with looking for “average kings” to make our “here and now” what we want that we miss the One who came to rule and reign.

 

  • – Are you living like Jesus is the King of your life? Do you know the truth He came to bring?
  • – We can all start a campaign in our hearts for “Occupy ME!”

 

Calling All Sinners!

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Levi was at work, sitting in his tax booth, when Jesus walked by and said, “Follow me” (Mark 2:14). The Bible says Levi rose and followed Him. Then Jesus went to Levi’s house and many “tax collectors and sinner” were there, along with Jesus’ disciples. The scribes and Pharisees observed the scene and asked Jesus’ disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard them and answered, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).

I think of Jesus’ words when I feel like I’ve done too much to ask for His forgiveness again.

I think of Jesus’ words when I think I’m not good enough.

I think of Jesus’ words when I want to give-up on praying for someone else to come to know Him.

Jesus loves sinners. He loves that moment you realize you are a sinner for the first time. That’s why He came—to call you into a relationship with Him that’s not based on your resume of good works, but your need for Him.

Jesus loves you even as you continue to sin. As you wrestle and struggle and try to do better, He continues to call you to Himself. He provides forgiveness and He also provides rest. In this passage in Luke, Jesus is hanging out, caring for the sinners and tax collectors. They are comfortable in His presence because they can feel His love for them. He loves them enough to call them to turn from their sin and follow Him, as He called Levi to do.

Jesus came to save sinners. Praise Him today for your salvation and for the continued process of sanctification in your life. Pray for those who still believe they are well and don’t have need for a physician.

He Came to Proclaim

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Sometimes it’s easy to feel like we just here to do things like laundry, drive carpools, and empty the dishwasher.  People pull us into the black hole of meeting needs. Other times it’s easy to wonder why we exist at all. Do you know why you’re here? So much about Jesus’ coming was unique, including the fact that He knew exactly why He was on earth.

 

After healing crowds of desperate and hurting people, Jesus slipped away for some solitude and rest, apart from the black hole of needs. But they found him, longing for their Healer to stay with them. So relieved by His help, Capernaum wanted exclusive rights to Jesus. Even He faced pressure to keep His purpose the priority.

 “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose” (Luke 4:43).

It was necessary and right for the Messiah to announce the glad tidings that the Kingdom of God was coming. For people long focused on physical agony or even oppression by demons, the real life-changing news was the rule of Almighty God over all things. Unlike the words of prophets until that point, Jesus brought word that grace would reign because of the one time sacrifice of His life. By taking on human form without sin, Jesus provided for God’s mercy and rule. Though the crowds didn’t know it, hearing about the Kingdom and the news of salvation was the main message they needed.

 

Found in the solitary place by the grateful but greedy and needy crowds, Jesus did not waver in knowing why He came to earth.  “I was sent for this purpose,” to preach “the good news of the kingdom of God” to all. He was intentionally sent by God His Father to an appointed destination, earth, as Savior and Proclaimer to the world.

 

We’re here for so much more than laundry or shopping for presents or making cookies or addressing cards. Just as Jesus knew why He was sent here, we’ve been commissioned to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, NKJV).  Maybe we’ll use laundry or a gift or a cookie or a card to do it, but whatever we do, let’s do as Jesus did.  Let’s proclaim the good news. That’s why we’re here.

 

~ Is there someone in the “crowd” around you who needs you to proclaim good news to them this Christmas?

Why did Jesus come?

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Every year at this time we begin counting the days until Christmas. Only 27 days left for shopping, cooking, and wrapping until the big day is here. Hopefully we also spend the days thinking about the reason for the celebration – the birth of Jesus.

Many churches and individual Christians observe the four-week season of Advent as a way to celebrate Christ’s birth. The word “advent” means a coming into view or arrival. For Christians, “Advent” specifically refers to the eager anticipation of the arrival of God’s long-awaited Messiah. Christian Advent officially began Sunday, November 27th. Observers may pray, fast, and read Scripture while waiting for Jesus’ “coming,” celebrated on December 25th.

With the busyness and commercialization of Christmas, Advent is a wonderful way to keep Christ in the forefront of our minds. However, we shouldn’t limit our reflection to the truth that Jesus came to earth; we should also remember why He came. That’s exactly what we’ll be doing for the next three weeks here at Scripture Dig.

Why did Jesus leave the glory of heaven to be born as a human in a stable in Bethlehem? Many times I’ve heard the statement, “Jesus came to die.” And that is true. But did you know that was only part of Jesus’ mission?

Jesus told us why He came. The Gospels record more than a dozen “I came” statements of Jesus. We will be exploring many of these over the next few weeks. Christmas took on a deeper and richer meaning for me after I first studied these statements of Christ several years ago. This year we want to share them with you. We pray God will use His Words to enrich your Christmas celebration and grow your understanding of Him.

What are some things you and your family do to help you stay focused on the true reason for the Christmas season?

 

Jesus – The Same Yesterday, Today & Forever

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Today, we are wrapping up our study of Jesus in the Old Testament. I’m so glad we’ve been able to pull back the curtain of history and get a glimpse of God’s glorious revelation of Himself to mere man long before the birth of Christ.

During this most wonderful time of the year it’s easy to get our hearts fixed on the babe lying in a manger but Jesus is truly the Great I Am. He has always been. He will always be. He is God.

Revelation 1:8 declares the eternally, unchanging nature of Christ…

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Our precious Lord made Himself known in days of old declaring throughout the corridors of time not only that He is God, but that He loves us and desires a relationship with us.

We have found Him to be:

Aren’t you glad Jesus has chosen to saturate history with His presence and allow us to see He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

How has this study of Jesus in the Old Testament strengthened your faith? Have you learned anything new? What particular account of Christ in the Old Testament has ministered to your heart throughout this series?

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