Posts Tagged ‘Jesus’

Scripture reading for April 1st: Luke 9:28-50

After Peter and the disciples acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ of God, Jesus told them that there were some who would not taste death until they saw the kingdom of God come.  (Luke 9:27)  Luke told the story of Jesus taking Peter, James, and John with Him up on a mountain to pray.  As Jesus was praying, Moses and Elijah appeared there as well.  These men all glowed with a glorious splendor that was like nothing on earth.  (Luke 9:29-31)

Peter, James and John apparently were sleeping during this process.  When they awoke from their “prayer nap”, they saw Jesus and the two men in their glorified state.  As Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter spoke up, “Master, it is good for us to be here.  Let us put up three shelters–one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Luke 9:33)  The Scripture notes that Peter did not know what he was saying.  At this point, a cloud came over them and a voice came from the cloud saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him.” (Luke 9:35)  After this, they found Jesus alone and were so puzzled that they kept this event to themselves and told no one about it.

As I ponder this amazing event, several things come to mind.  First, I note how like the disciples I am when it comes to prayer.  They had trouble staying awake and comprehending spiritual things.  These three disciples in the inner circle failed to stay awake here and at the Garden of Gethsemane.  My flesh is weak too, even when my spirit is willing and I often need reminding to watch and pray and stay awake.

Jesus met with Moses and Elijah to discuss His  own departure.  Moses was buried by God after being allowed to view the Promised Land. (Exodus 34:5-6)  Elijah was taken to heaven by a whirlwind in a chariot.  (2nd Kings 2:11-12)  God had these two men of faith come and encourage Jesus, His Son, before His death in Jerusalem.  Moses represented the Law and it’s failure to take man into the Promised Land and Elijah represented the faithfulness of God to honor His prophets.  Both these men were now in Glory and for the sake of Jesus’ followers, were allowed to be seen.  The Father, Himself, spoke confirming His Son!  How God shows mercy to us who are weak!

Scripture reading for April 21st: 1st Chronicles 22-27

King David had it in his heart to build a house for the Lord.  As King David approached the end of his time on earth, he sent for his son Solomon and commissioned him to build the house for the Lord.  David had begun preparations for this house but a word from the Lord had stopped him from building it. Because David had been a man of war and had fought many battles costing many lives,  God told him not to build His house. (1st Chronicles 22:8)

God told David that He would use his son Solomon to build the temple.  Solomon would be a man of peace.  God would grant him rest and peace with all his enemies.  Israel would enjoy a reign of peace and during this time, Solomon could build the temple. Solomon would become a “son of God” and God would be his Father and establish his throne over Israel forever.   (1st Chronicles 22:9-10)

David blessed his son and encouraged him to be strong and full of courage.  He assured him of the great financial resources that he had provided for the temple.  He also encouraged the people to support Solomon in the work.  Best of all, David prayed that the Lord would be with Solomon in this undertaking.  That help would make all the difference in the world!

As we reflect on this portion of Israel’s history, we can see definite parallels to the work of Jesus Christ in building God’s temple.  Jesus Christ was a man of peace–”the Prince of Peace”.  Jesus called people to come to Him and find rest for their souls.  Jesus Christ defeated all of our enemies, even death, to provide this rest!  God was Christ’s “Father” and Jesus was God’s “Son”!  God established Jesus’ throne and kingdom forever!  Jesus had success because he fully obeyed God’s commands and laws and was strong and courageous.  God provided Jesus with many “brothers and sisters” as helpers in building the true temple.  Jesus Christ would build the temple and the gates of hell would not prevail against Him!

This ancient record contains prophesy that is already fulfilled and also prophesy that will be fulfilled in the millennial reign of peace when Jesus takes the throne in Jerusalem and rules over a thousand years of peace!  (Revelation 20:4-6)  Praise the Lord for the Prince of Peace!

In this podcast Pastor John continues his summary of the book of Leviticus.

In this podcast Pastor John begins his summary of the book of Leviticus.