Joseph's Greatest Gift

 

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20 (NIV)

Much is made of the young Jewish virgin Mary in her singular and wonderful role as mother of our Lord. She is mentioned from the conception of Jesus through His death and resurrection while Joseph receives peripheral mention.

Little is known of Joseph outside of the nativity story. We do know he was a tecton, a carpenter and handicraftsman, (Matthew 13:55), as was his foster-son, Jesus (Mark 6:3). Joseph was living at the time of Jesus’ twelfth birthday (Luke 2:42), and long enough to sire biological sons and daughters through Mary (Matt. 13:55-56). Nothing more is heard of him in scripture after Luke’s final reference (Lk. 2:48).  

There is a theme of a father’s virtuous legacy in Joseph for he was a righteous man and faithful to the law (Matt 1:19). He discovered during their marriage engagement that Mary was pregnant. They had not had matrimonial relations and he knew according to the law she could be put to death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10). He decided to divorce her quietly, probably to spare them both shame and embarrassment, and saving her life in the process. God guided him in his trust and faith, assuring and directing him by four dreams (Matt. 1:20-21, 2:13, 2:19-20, 2:22-23).

Joseph’s adoption, care, and training of Jesus were exemplary and to be fully commended in the Christmas account. He was as much a part in his fatherly influence in Jesus’ upbringing as His mother who was blessed among all women (Luke 1:42). Solomon speaks of the children of a virtuous woman standing in her behalf and calling her blessed (Prov. 31:28). It is safe to say the same for the virtuous man and father.

Joseph ben Heli is to be remembered as that type of loving and nurturing man. He authenticates the kind of loving and virtuous leadership our heavenly Father calls this generation of men to match, a leadership that leaves an indelible and significant legacy. That is the greatest gift any man can offer his family.

May the Christ who came to us as a child bless your celebration of His first advent and may the God-Man He grew to strengthen your heart to His return.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! 

Maranatha,

Ken

He Who Goes First

 

Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one. Isaiah 44:8 (NIV)

Indiana Jones hates snakes. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark was his discovery of the Ark of the Covenant hidden in the Well of Souls. Peering into the room from above he beheld the ark below with snakes writhing on the floor around it. A lot of snakes. Rolling back in shock Indy says, “Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?” His archeological associate, Sallah, looks and says, “Yes, asps. Very dangerous. You go first!”

In life who goes first, the LORD or you? As the sure Logos of God, we can know with certainty Christ always goes before us. When we face things that can make us tremble, we can remember what the LORD our Rock says of Himself, “Is there any God besides me?” There is not one who even comes close to His majesty, power, and wisdom, let alone match Him. He is a Rock on which we can firmly stand and in whom we can fully trust.

He is more than willing to meet and overcome our worries and fears. His light leads and shines into any pit of darkness, even crawling with things we dread. The God of Israel will go before you and will be your rear guard (Is. 51:12). He will crush the head of any serpent as He says, “Do not fear for I am with you. Follow Me. I will go first.”

Maranatha,

Ken

Through Cloud and Rain

 

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 (NIV)

I recently flew into Billings, Montana. It was raining on our final approach, and with just about 30 seconds left to touchdown the plane descended into a cloud that completely blocked all outside view. Light faded as rain streaked the window. My tension remained until light increased and we came out of the bottom of the cloud with a view of the city below and our airplane descending to the runway. During the flight both pilots and individuals working ground control were not in sight, nor were their communications heard, but their unseen skills brought us to a safe landing.

It is hard for many to trust in a God who is invisible and inaudible as we might be descending into a personal storm.  Somehow it seems more frightening as darkness and cloud totally obscure our sight and rain steaks the window. Is the invisible God with us in this storm? What is He like? Paul tells the Colossian believers that God’s Son, Christ Jesus, is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. He goes on to say of Him: He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (1^st Timothy 6:15,17).

Jesus taught that He has all authority in heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). A great part of our trust in Him is remembering that the clouds and the rain are in His hand and even wind and the sea obey Him (Matt. 8:27).

Our faith and hope in God are never misplaced. The Father is invisible yet ever present (Psalm 139:7-12). While He remains invisible, His Son is incarnate, in bodily form and the essence and His exact likeness in human flesh has been made known. Through clouds and rain, we can always know what God is like for to have seen the Son is to have seen the Father (John 14:9).

The rain streaking your window and that thick cloud obscuring your sight has a bottom and will pass. We can be assured we will drop out of that cloud and rain into daylight with our runway in sight and Christ as our Pilot in Command.

Maranatha,

Ken

Love Your Nabor

 

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)

Once while cleaning up a Sunday School room at my church, I came across a child’s lesson. In their innocent child-like way they had written in crayon, “Love Your Nabor.”

I smiled as I read it but was struck by something deeper in those simple words. While the spelling might not have been perfect, it was pristine of heart revealing the simple and trusting faith of a child.

As I considered it, if my choice were to live next to a nabor who got a D in spelling but graduated with a circumcised heart for God, I would choose them over any neighbor with a degree that came with a heart of flint. I have lived with both kinds of people, and I have always preferred the nabor.

Jesus taught that unless we are converted and become as little children, we will not enter the kingdom of God (Matt. 18:3). We must put off continued anger, resentments, grudges, or getting even. These things will eat at us and destroy our peace. If trust is an issue, remember trust is also a choice. Yes, it is possible to be hurt again, but it is also possible to find healing and reconciliation through its embrace. These good returns cannot be achieved without it. This was a mainstay in the teaching of Jesus Christ in trust and forgiveness (Luke 17:4).  

If we are to love like a child, we must approach the Lord in the innocence of child-like faith. He wants us to approach Him in a spirit of humility, and loving trust. He is much less interested that we know how to spell ‘neighbor,’ as that we practice being one.

Maranatha,

Ken

 

           

The Eloquence of Silence

 

The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. Mark 15:3-5 (NIV)

You know it is going to be a bad day when you are waiting behind some Hells Angels at a red light and the guy behind you lays on the horn as soon as the light changes. Your first words after waking up in the hospital are, “Hey, it wasn’t my fault!”

OK, so maybe that is a bit of hyperbole. Many of us have been the brunt of another person’s unwarranted wrath. Peter teaches a spiritual principle that applies to any such circumstances, and that is to patiently bear up under unjust accusation and suffering. He writes, But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God (1^st Peter 2:20). The fleshly side of my nature is not fond of this notion.

There is no credit in bearing a deserved punishment. It is gracious compliance to underserved suffering that finds favor in God’s eyes. Jesus Christ was the perfect example of gracious compliance to unjust accusation and suffering (Is. 53:7). The Roman prefect, Pilate, was amazed by this (Mark 15:5).

It is not easy to keep quiet when we are the focal point of someone’s negative judgments or wrath, especially when unjustified, however there is a trade-off that is right in God’s estimation. Taking it patiently is praiseworthy to Him. It creates blessing in very unfair circumstances for it demonstrates a heart that is right and commendable before God. When we do we exemplify our Lord Jesus Christ in a way that touches hearts and can leave them amazed.

Maranatha,

Ken

From That to This

 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone, the new is here! 2^nd Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

The coastal redwoods of the western United States are the largest coniferous trees in the world, some reaching heights of a 35-story building (365 feet or 110 meters). Their seeds are small enough to fit in the palm of the hand but fully grown can produce a tree that weighs as much as 200 tons (200,000 kilograms). As mammoth as these trees are, they are anchored by a shallow but strong root system that can withstand storms, wind, and even earthquakes. While most redwoods live between 500 and 1000 years, some Giant Sequoias of the Sierra Nevada mountains are between 2000-3000 years old.

Trees in Scripture denote sustenance, strength, and health. In Eden God gave Adam and Eve every fruit bearing tree, pleasing to the eye and good for food (Gen. 2:9). David speaks of those who trust in the LORD as strong and fruitful trees that prosper (Psalm 1:3), and in the time of complete reconciliation and redemption to come, the tree of life will again be available to bring health and wellbeing to the nations (Rev. 22:2).

What is meant by new creations in Christ? The Greek en Christos, denotes a relation of rest. To be a new creation in Christ means not only to rest in Him but allow Him to renew an individual to a new and better way of life. Christ will take all who believe from a new beginning, to a towering faith, that stands the test of time.

This kind of growth is not immediate but happens over time as we patiently persevere in our walk with Christ. Getting in a hurry with worry will not add one hour to our lives (Matt. 6:27), or a single centimeter to our height. Walking means one step at a time, and maturity in growth our daily occupation.   

The seeds that fall from your branches can plant themselves in hearts that will bear a harvest at the appropriate time. It helps to remember we are not the Holy Spirit; He does the work (Eph. 2:8). He only asks us to be faithful to plant His good seed in hearts that might one day reap a hundred-fold harvest (Mark 4:8).

You may not be aware of your growth but be assured others are taking note. Be encouraged. If a small seed can fall from a tree, bury itself, and grow from a sprout into a massive and unshakable tree, then you are on your way. In Christ it will happen and is happening for you even now. You are among the king of trees, rooted in the King of Kings. When the old is gone the new comes. You are a tree that cannot be shaken nor moved!

Maranatha,

Ken

And Everybody Laughed

And Abraham fell facedown, he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” Genesis 17:17 (NIV)

God can do anything.

He had just finished giving Abram and Sarai new names to reflect His promise of an heir in their old age. Abram meant Exalted Father. It is probable Sarai meant Princely. Abraham was now Father of nations and Sarah was Princess. She would be the mother of future princes and kings. Changing her name demonstrated God’s favor and acceptance of her into the Abrahamic Covenant.

What greater thing could God do for the one He had chosen to be the progenitor of the people to represent Him to all the earth? He had promised Abram that he would father a great nation and be a blessing (Gen. 12:2). At that time, Abram was around 75 years old, and Sarai 65.

In His promise God stopped their play clock for another 25 years, but both judged Him faithful who had promised (Heb. 11:11-12). Could God do that for a man and woman who were far beyond their abilities for childbearing? Abram thought so. When he received the good news, he fell facedown before the LORD and laughed in joy.

To commemorate God’s power and fidelity, Abraham named his son and heir Issac which means He Laughs. Each time he called Isaac by name, he would be reminded of the great God who had given him this dear son and how His promise had made him laugh with delight.

Later, Sarah would overhear this same word from the LORD and laugh too, but it would be a laugh of skepticism. When He called her on it, she denied it (Gen. 18:12-14). He graciously overlooked her momentary lapse of faith and prophesied that the following year she would deliver a baby boy when Abraham would be 100 years old, and she would be 90. It was so, according to the sure promise of God—who gives life to the dead—and calls those things which do not exist as though they did. (Rom. 4:17).

They were grateful to God who gave them this precious gift and how he brought laughter and joy into their household. This son of promise would in turn bless the nations with the laughter and joy of salvation that would come through his offspring (John 4:22). It would find its finished work in God’s Son Yeshua whose name means Salvation (Matt. 1:21, Jn. 19:28-30).

Yes, God can do anything. He promised a virgin would conceive a Son of Promise without a human father and call Him Immanuel (Is. 7:14), meaning God with us. This was seven hundred years before it happened! The angel Gabriel proclaimed it at the appointed time, and we have history’s witness to its fulfillment.

The Father has given us the greatest reason to laugh by giving us His own Son of Promise, a promise He first declared at the fall in Eden (Gen 3:15). He is a God in whom all power and authority exists, who can do abundantly above all we ask or think (Eph. 3:20). As the God of all flesh He asks, “Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jer. 32:27).

His loving kindness and personal relationship with us can easily cause us to bow in amazement before Him laughing with joy and thanksgiving as He fulfills His word to us. And as we look up, we can even find He is laughing with us for He is for us. He is that kind of loving Father, faithful and true. That is good enough to bring laughter to any heart.

Maranatha,

Ken

The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So the LORD brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon. 2^nd Chronicles 33:10-11 (NIV)

King Hezikiah had been a good king during his rule over Judah, a righteous man who insisted the Jews follow the Law of the LORD. God blessed and prospered his righteous reign. His son and kingly heir, Manasseh, came to the throne at 12 years old at the death of his father.

Manasseh was given to a defiant nature and rebelled against God and his father’s spiritual leadership and values. His rebellious streak lasted years and he did great evil in the eyes of the LORD, undoing everything good his father had done. He led the nation into the most egregious apostasies from witchcraft, sorcery, and setting up an idol in the temple, to sacrificing by fire his children to a heathen god (2^nd Kings 21:7, 2^nd Chronicles 33:6). He brought unmatched defilement to the kingdom of Judah.

Even though God in His grace allowed Manasseh’s rebellion to go on for a time even when His warnings were ignored, the floodwaters of his choices finally closed over his head. The LORD allowed the king of Assyria to conquer him, and the once grand king was taken prisoner and led into captivity like an ox, with a nose-chain, and bound by bronze shackles (2^nd Chron. 33:11).

While a story like this can usually end in justification, accusations, and bitterness toward God and others, this story has a positive ending. Solomon’s wisdom of raising up a young child in the way they should go in the Lord is spot on (Prov. 22:6). It is altogether possible the memory and teaching of Manasseh’s godly father was the major catalyst to his later repentance.

For parents who have children who have moved away from what they were first taught in Christ, may this be an encouragement. If God could touch the heart of a Manasseh, He certainly can touch the heart of any wayward child. God says of His power and will, “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Is. 55:11).

Manasseh cried out to the LORD in true repentance, not just because he wanted to be brought out of his bondage but because he got honest with God in wanting to serve and honor Him. It was a jailhouse conversion to be sure, but there have been many men and women who recognized and embraced the light they had been running from when it broke upon them in a prison cell. God not only forgave Manasseh but restored his throne and rule of Judah’s kingdom to him.

I am not teaching that God restores every penitent soul back to their former lifestyles and privileges. While that can happen, it is not always the case. We are dependent on God’s grace and plan for our lives. Whatever prison and brokenness He brings anyone out of, He will craft their life to His own purposes, designs, and glory. That is where the greatest blessing for anyone ultimately lies.

I once had a little maple tree that had been broken off close to the ground in a thunderstorm. I at first thought it was broken beyond saving and I was going to dig it up, but decided to wait and see what would happen. I pruned it and within three weeks it had amazingly sprouted new growth!

That was over twelve years ago, and at this writing that tree is around 20’ tall, healthy, and verdant. One would never know that at one time it had been so utterly broken and looked beyond saving. That life is not what it once was, but it is beautiful in its recovery now. So will we be in Christ’s care, no matter the pasts prison we have done time in.

Manasseh certainly did make a mess of things, but in His brokenness and contrite heart God in His grace picked up the pieces (Psalm 51:17). Manasseh did not need to clean himself up, before God would have him back, he just needed to come to Him as he was. When the Master Arborist finished pruning his life, He cleaned up the mess. A broken tree began to grow and budded into a life of beauty and strength that blessed a nation through which the Messiah would come. When life lets us down, that same Messiah, Jesus Christ, will lift us up, every time.

Maranatha,

Ken

No Less in God's Hope

“And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the LORD of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap” Josh. 3:13 (NIV)

As the children of Israel faced their final step into the promised land, they stood on the banks of a river flowing at its highest level. Years of desert wandering had brought them to what seemed an odd and impassable barrier. The Jordan was at the height of its harvest flood stage. God’s command seemed equally impossible; Possessing the land meant crossing that river.

OK, but how?

The LORD chose a way that would bring them safely across while demonstrating His glorious power and care for His chosen people.

With God the necessary can be done immediately and the impossible in the next second. The priests were instructed to carry the ark of the covenant on their shoulders and step into the river. As soon as their feet would touch the water, God would cause the river to part. The priests were commanded to stand in the middle of the riverbed while all Israel moved across.

The Israelis were warned not to come any closer to the ark than 2000 cubits or approximately 3000 feet (Josh. 3:4). Why? Probably as a reminder of the sacredness of the ark and to protect them from the power of God’s pure and consuming holy presence. One may wonder why the priests were not slain carrying the ark? The priests were of the Levitical tribe, appointed by the LORD through Aaron to minister to the people in His name and the only ones who were allowed to work in the presence of God.

When Israel put their best foot forward in faith, they crossed over into what was their land of possession sworn to them through Abraham’s promised son, Isaac (Gen. 35:12). God would later reaffirm that covenant to Moses at Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:4).

The land belongs to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all their offspring, given on the promise of Jehovah over 4000 years ago! That covenant promise with Israel is still in effect. It will continue, when Jesus Christ shall rule the earth in righteousness from Jerusalem (Ps. 2:6-9, Rev. 2:26-27). God does not lie nor renege on His promises (Ps. 89:34, Heb. 6:18).

In my walk with Christ, I have stood on the banks of a few Jordans and even experienced some panicky Red Sea scenarios. At the outset they all seemed hopeless, that is until the Lord bid me trust Him and put my foot in the waters. Christ was faithful to show me there is no “less” in His hope, only a hope that is filled with His righteous power and care.

Pharaohs’ dash to reclaim his slaves was brought to a standstill as the waters of the Red Sea closed in on his plan. The walls of Jericho were later breached at God’s command because of one remarkable day at the floodwaters of the Jordan (Josh. 6:20, Heb. 11:30). The same God had no problem doing either. He is already aware of your needs as you are contending at your own Jordan. He knows where and how He will take you safely across.

When Israel was terrified by the Egyptians at the Red Sea Moses encouraged the people when he said, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Ex.14:13-14). Being still means being firm and quiet in confidence.

Jesus Christ not only parts the waters but makes the ground we will walk on dry (Josh. 4:22-23). At these times all we need to do is trust the Lord of all the earth and just put our feet in the water. He who spoke the river into existence can also part it. He will always be faithful to take care of the rest. “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Maranatha,

Ken

Oh, You're Still There!

Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:6-7 (NIV)

When my grandson was around four years old, I had been on the phone talking to him when he suddenly stopped talking, turned away and began speaking to his mother about something that came to mind. I remember that in that moment I got to share in the experience of the innocence and wonder in his life. It was such a beautiful moment. When he had finished speaking to her he came back on the line and listened. He said, “Pepa isn‘t there. He hung up.” I chuckled and said, “No, I’m still here.” He giggled in happy surprise and said, “Oh, you’re still there!”

Most of us have experienced moments, or even seasons, in our lives where it felt like God had hung up on us. We wonder, "God, are you listening?" When He is quiet it can be very discouraging, and we can even wonder at times if there is something wrong with us. Why would the Lord ignore us? Has the line between us been severed? Has He stopped caring?

Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Both words, leave and forsake, can carry meanings of desertion and rejection. Neither define God for He always remains and accepts. As I remained with my grandson in my silence, my presence was still with him. Silence does not necessarily mean abandonment. In times when God is silent on my line, I take it as His commendation that He sees I have come far enough in my faith to rest in His Strength when He just wants to listen. His plan for my life always remains strong and in effect.

His love for us is much greater than any love we can hold for a precious child. Just because we do not hear Him does not mean He is not there. His ear is always open to our cry. For you personally, He has always known every word you will ever speak in your lifetime and hears every cry of your heart. His plan and work in your life is always current, up to date, and sound. It is still happening in the quiet times. David speaks to this saying, “You know when I sit and when I rise, you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways” (Psalms 139:2-3).

We may at times take His silence as absence, rejection, or even disapproval and believe our thoughts and prayers are thudding into impenetrable ceilings of disregard. It is just the opposite.

This is when He makes us giggle with delight in those golden moments as we hear His tender voice say, “No, I’m still here and I am listening.” Silence does not mean He is not there; it means He is hearing us. The very God who holds the power of Creation in His hands (Col. 1:16-17) has your name written on His palms (Is. 49:16). He hears and sees your need. Jesus promised, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Trust in that dear child. Trust in that.

Maranatha,

Ken

 

The Stone That Will Not Be Moved

It will come about on that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will injure themselves severely. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it. Zechariah 12:4 (NASB)

When Satan realized that salvation would come through the Jews (Jn. 4:22) it became his mission to destroy them completely. This appetite for slaughter was present in him from the start for Jesus said he was a murderer from the beginning (Jn. 8:44). No Jews mean there will be no group over which the Messiah can reign. The destruction of the Jews would be a great victory over God.

If you are following current events, you are aware that after a vicious and unprovoked attack on the state of Israel by the terrorist group Hamas, Israel has declared all-out war on the groups attacking it. Those who wanted complete annelation of the Jewish state initially achieved an attack of total surprise at the end of the 2023 Jewish feast of Sukkot.

The breaching of Israeli defenses was followed by savage and bloody rampages. At this writing, close to 1,400 Israeli deaths, mostly civilians, with perhaps 4,000 wounded have been accounted for so far. Many of the dead were women and children.

At the Hamas-attacked kibbutz at Kfar Aza, outside Gaza, 40 babies were discovered brutally murdered, with some having been decapitated. The dismembered bodies of adult Jewish citizens have also been found with whole Jewish families bound and tortured in their homes before being murdered. This entire outbreak has all the signs of an unrestrained and vicious demonic attack fueled by Satan himself. Not since the European holocaust by the Nazis have so many Jews been killed at one time.

How is it that a capital city in a nation the approximate size of New Jersey, became such a heavy and immovable stone of contention among the nations? The prophet Zechariah predicted this some 2,500 years ago. Armies throughout the millennia have tried to destroy this city and yet it returns, thrives, and grows heavier by the year.

When God opened the graves of European Jewry after the Holocaust and commanded their dry bones to return to the land given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He fulfilled His promise to restore the nation (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Suddenly the small stone of this lowly city began to grow. The war between the Arab Ishmael and the Jew Isaac (Gen. 21:9) that had smoldered for years reignited. The weight of this stone is messianic and grows year-by-year. It can no longer be ignored or dismissed as irrelevant. Those who come against it will be severely judged.

Throughout the ages, God’s hand has caused the children of Abraham to triumph through dire situations and impossible odds. Looking back, we marvel at how His miraculous power kept the identity of the Jewish people separate and undiluted for nearly 1900 years, restoring them back as a national presence, with the same language and moral values. That has not happened to this extent to any nation in the history of the world. The LORD declares if there is sun, moon, stars, and waves that roar Israel will exist (Jer. 31:35-36). His prophetic word to His city and nation has stood the test of time.

Israel has begun its first phase of neutralizing and destroying all the terrorist cells and proxies aligned on all its borders. Israel needs our prayers now more than ever as it begins its military infiltration into the Gaza Strip to permanently destroy these vicious entities. Hamas was surprised that Israel declared war and now understands their total destruction will be the only outcome. Posting videos of their own atrocities has only tarnished their image before the nations. Those things are in the public domain forever and once seen can never be unseen. These terrorists have documented the intent of their hearts to the world and are their own hostile witnesses. The greatest worry is the Iranian proxy Hezbollah's current involvement and the very real threat of an intervention by the Iran/Russia/Turkey triumvirate from Syria's southern border.   

I encourage all of us to continue to pray for the nation of Israel and to support it in any way possible. Let us also remember while the terrorists must stand accountable for their barbarous acts, that Christ’s blood was shed for them, too. Pray for a Christ-given moral clarity for them and that the convicting and life-changing work of the Holy Spirit will be evident in their lives.

For those worried and anxious over all this, do not fear. God is faithful to those He chooses. He will be faithful to you; He will be faithful to His people Israel, and Satan’s power is being brought to nothing. As Jerusalem stands so stands the nation. This stone will never be broken.

To Israel I offer the words the LORD gave to Joshua,

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” Joshua 1:5

Amen. As we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13), we pray, even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!

Maranatha,

Ken

 

If You're Discouraged in Your Faith

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Acts 9:15-16 (NIV)

Are you discouraged with your faith right now and ready to quit? Before giving up consider Saul of Tarsus. If anybody had a good excuse for walking away it was this man.

After Saul’s Damascus Road conversion (Acts 9:3-8) Jesus sent a believer named Ananias to him to encourage and pray for him and commission him to ministry to both Jew and Gentile. Christ Himself would tell him what his calling to serve Him would cost. There is no account of Saul’s response to that conversation with the Lord, outside of the historical evidence of his faithful commitment to it. Saul became Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God (Eph. 1:1).

Paul made three missionary journeys during his lifetime, traveling through the Middle East, Asia Minor (currently Turkey) and Europe. From AD 46 to AD 63 it is estimated he traveled 10,000 miles preaching Christ and planting churches and giving the witness of Christ before kings and emperors. It is amazing to think in those years of ministry Paul and his companions covered those miles mostly on foot with some by sea, but all under great hardship.

Paul gives an account of the things he endured in his obedience to Christ’s call. He was whipped five times by the Jews receiving 195 lashes (40 lashes x 5, save 1 for mercy), beaten three times with rods, stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19), shipwrecked three times, and spent a night and a day in the open sea. He was constantly on the move being in danger from rivers, Jews, and Gentiles, and in danger in both city and country. In addition, he was in danger from false believers.

He recounted times of intensive labor and toil, going long periods without sleep, and suffering without food or drink and being cold and naked. Besides everything else there was the pressure of his concern for all the churches (2^nd Cor. 11:24-28).

He would eventually be beheaded for his faith at the command of Nero. Paul realized what was coming and said he had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. He had the assurance that Christ, the righteous judge, had a crown of righteousness in store for him and all who longed for His appearing (2^nd Tim. 4:6-8). He was ready to lay down his life in the service and calling of Christ.

Paul was the person for the job and Jesus knew he would do it. Paul emphasized that faith is dependent not on human wisdom but on the Power of Christ (1^st Cor.2:4-5). Everyone has a calling, whether it is a bully pulpit with thousands of people or a weekly blog of only a few. Stresses and doubts will come and we might be tempted to throw in the towel, yet in service He exalts the humble (Matt. 23:11-12).

Sometimes the results of simple obedience are not readily seen, or ever in our lifetime, but as we receive our rewards from the hand of Christ perhaps the people our obedience touched will be the witness of the power that was evident in our work. How wonderful it would be to hear our Lord say to us on that day, “These witnesses are here because of the encouragement you gave them when they needed it. Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Whatever His call on your life, His strength will sustain you, whether it is walking 10,000 miles or giving a person a cup of cold water (Matt. 10:42). Whatever it is, be faithful. Grow and be fragrant where Christ plants you.

Paul’s encouragement to the Christians in the Galatian church is appropriate to our day: “And let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9). Hold fast to your faith. No matter if He asks a little or a lot, all He asks is all He requires. He is faithful, too.

Maranatha,

Ken

Who Will Deliver Us?

For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Romans 7:22-23 (ESV)

When I was a youngster, I accidently spilled a glob of black oil paint on one of my mom’s pink throw rugs. The spot was only the size of a quarter, but no amount of cleaning could remove it. The spot was set, and the rug was permanently marred.

Sin left a permanent stain on the human soul when Adam sinned. Its source was the highest created cherub of God, Lucifer (Satan), who allowed his beauty to corrupt his wisdom and righteousness so that he rebelled against the LORD, moving to unseat Him from His throne (Is. 14:13-14, Ezk. 28:12-19). After losing his holy position, Lucifer brought sin with him into the world, bringing mankind into his long war against God.

The continual warring of my inborn sin nature with the righteousness of Christ frustrates me. The Apostle Paul was frustrated by the sin in his own life, too. Like myself he wanted to do right but sin always tripped him up. In his frustration he cried out, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Rom. 7:18-19).

The Bible does not teach that our sin nature is eradicated at salvation. I wish that were so but like that oil stain in that rug, it is permanently set on our souls. We will not be free of it except through death or Rapture. Paul expresses what kind of man sin had made him when he cries out, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” (Rom. 7:24).

When Christ gave His life on the cross, He broke the power of sin to enslave us. Even though the curse of sin was not fully removed, there was still a great victory won at the cross. If sin remains a problem, it no longer has the legal right to force its mastery and control on us.

The good news is God the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4) empowers us to stand against sin in its war against the mind. When temptation comes to us with its chains of seduction that once held us, we now have the freedom and the right in Christ to refuse to put those chains back on. The Word of God is our Document of Emancipation. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Gal. 5:1).

God has for reasons of His own chosen not to explain why He did not take the stain of sin completely from us when we believed on Christ. However, since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, for nearly 2,000 years His loving power and saving grace have been extended to billions of the sons and daughters of Adam making them into new creations in Christ (1st Cor. 15:45, 17).

After Paul’s question of who will rescue him, he states in the emphatic, “Thanks be to God who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom. 7:25). It is Christ and the powerful working of the Spirit of Truth who delivers us, for He will be with us and in us (Jn. 14:17, 16:13).

Sin will certainly be eradicated one day, and we have the King of Kings’ true and faithful promise that He will make all things new and perfect again (Rev. 21:5). Until then sin remains that oily smudge we cannot be rid of. Who will save us from this body of sin and death?

We can all gratefully say with Paul, “Thanks be to God who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Amen. Let it be so, Lord Jesus, for in Your strength is our power to accomplish all things in righteousness (Phil 4:13).

Maranatha,

Ken

Yom Kippur 2023

But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people committed in ignorance. Hebrews 9:7 (NIV)

Today, Monday, September 25, 2023, is Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement, the holiest day within Judaism. It began yesterday, September 24, at sundown and will end at sundown today. This day was commanded by the LORD to be observed on the tenth day after the beginning of the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah, to allow Israel to atone for its sins (Lev.23:26-27).

In the tent of the meeting in the wilderness and in the temples that stood in Jerusalem were two rooms, the Holy Place where the priests ministered and the inner sanctum (aka the Holy of Holies). In this second room was the ark of the covenant which according to the writer of the Book of Hebrews held the rod of Aaron, a container of manna, and the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments (Heb. 9:4). The lid of the ark was crafted out of solid gold with cherubim, angelic beings, hammered in gold, on each side with wings outstretched over its top (Ex. 25:10-22).

It was here where the presence of God resided and where the high priest would yearly twice sprinkle the blood of an innocent animal sacrifice upon the lid, once for his sins, and once for the sins of the nation. The cover of the ark came to be known as the mercy seat because that was where God’s merciful forgiveness for the year’s past transgressions was granted to the nation. When done as God commanded it became an acceptable atonement for the sins of the people.

The atonement offered only a temporary relief of the sins of the people and was a covering of their sin. There would always need to be an offering made year-to-year. There was no sacrifice righteous enough that could be made once and for all, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls or goats to take away sins (Heb. 9:4).

Because Jesus Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:18) and not through an earthly father He was the Son of God, born without sin. He was that perfect sacrifice that just did not cover sin but fully forgave it. When Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering you [God] did not desire but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings you were not pleased (Heb. 10:4-6).  God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God (2^nd Cor. 5:21).

Yeshua was rejected as Israel’s messiah for various reasons, probably the most cited being He never established an everlasting reign on the throne of His ancestor David. Before His ascension the establishment of Christ’s kingdom was even on the minds of His own disciples and was their final question to Him. “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6).

Messiah’s eternal kingdom will be restored as Scripture says and with Yeshua legally and lawfully seated on the eternal throne in the lineage of David (2^nd Sam. 7:16, Matt. 1:6, Lk. 3:31). It will be a kingdom that will be glorious and everlasting, however, at the time of Christ’s first advent the establishment of a physical kingdom was not God’s priority. Destroying Satan’s slavery of sin and restoring the human heart into full fellowship with Him was. A happy and healthy kingdom can only come out of a whole and healthy people.

The second temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by Rome over 1900 years ago. Since there is no Holy of Holies or ark now where a high priest can make atonement, our Jewish friends are encouraged to take this solemn and holy day to pray, reflect, and seek God.

As believers, our own day of atonement happened when we confessed faith in the full power of the sacrificial Lamb God offered in Christ Jesus. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the will of God even to death on the cross to see it finished (Philippians 2:8). Because of that He can rightfully say there is no other way to God except through Him (Jn. 14:6).

God was pleased to hear from the mouth of His perfect Lamb that His plan to break the slavery of sin was successfully finished on the cross (Jn. 19:30). As our Great High Priest, He brought us to the Seat of Mercy when we believed, sprinkling our hearts with His own blood, making us holy and His own, once and for all time (Heb. 10:10). All glory and honor to our Great High Priest and risen King on this Day of Atonement. Shalom.

Maranatha,

Ken

 

Come and Dine

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 (NIV)

 

What fully satisfies and brings contentment? Believe it or not Scripture offers the secret of contentment. Paul found it and wrote about it in his letter to the believers in the Philippian church. What is this secret Paul spoke of?

God sustained Israel in the desert with a food the Israelites called manna (meaning “What is it?”). Manna was a bread-like substance that appeared within the camp every morning. Moses wrote that it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste was like wafers made with honey (Ex. 16:31). It nourished the nation for 40 years but did not give eternal life.

Bread has always been a life sustainer for all the nations of the earth, but even though it sustains life it is not capable of granting a life that will last forever. That can only be granted by the One who spoke life into existence (Gen. 1:1-2:1). 

In His conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus presented Himself as living water that would bring a spring of thirst-quenching inexhaustible life (Jn. 4:4-14). Later He presented Himself as the bread of life that would satisfy the hungry soul and give eternal life to its partakers.

The Christian life is not an easy life. Anyone who says differently is unwise in their judgment. It is a life defined by trust in Christ, determination, and focused obedience to the will of God. All the other choices the world offers leave us hungry, thirsty, and always wanting more. Name it; sex, work, relationships, marriages, family, food, possessions, or wealth are our major go-to's. While there is nothing sinful in any of these things when used according to God’s guidelines, depending on them for lasting fulfilment will only disappoint us when they fade. They will leave our soul famished, and always craving something new or more of the same wind (Ecc. 1:14).

The only thing that will leave us fully satisfied is the true and eternal bread of life, Christ Himself. The only thing that quenches the thirst for more of the unsatisfactory is the living water that He offers. Life’s pathway often leads into desert wastes where we can become entangled in addictive lifestyles and overwhelmed with disappointment. Nothing satisfies completely for everything the world offers will eventually fade away. So, what fully satisfies?

Jesus offended many of His disciples when He told them that to have eternal life, they had to eat His flesh and drink His blood. Outside of the manna in the wilderness He was the true bread sent from God that gives eternal life in Him (Jn. 6:53-58). He was saying in following Him we are to completely immerse ourselves into His being as our daily sustenance that nourishes in His strength alone. Paul writes of the secret of a satisfaction that brings contentment no matter the circumstances. Is that possible? Yes, it is. It is nothing we can do in our own strength to make it so. Paul realized the secret to contentment was to put his trust in the strength and power of Christ. (Phil. 4:11-13).  

While life can be joyous at times, sin brings mostly hard toil and difficulty, but in Christ, if it is not always easy, it can be satisfying. God’s Son, the Bread of Life, nourishes and fully satisfies. He leaves every fiber of our being fully alive forever more, proving the day-to-day satisfaction of His rich spiritual sustenance which is lasting and always enough. The Master calls us to come and dine. He is food for thought and the only one who can leave our hungry souls fully satisfied.

Maranatha,

Ken

When Grace Touches Us

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” John 9:1-2 (NIV)

It was widely believed in the Israel of Jesus’ day that a righteous life would always counteract evil outcomes. The righteous never suffer evil things. God would not allow it! So, the disciples of Jesus believed a man blind from birth might be guilty of sin and born under the judgment of God. 

If this man was the guilty party of his blind state, the question remains what was the sin he committed in his mother’s womb causing his blindness? If the answer is the sins he would later commit, then we would all be born in some kind of iniquitous physical condition for the psalmist writes, I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me (Psalm 51:5).

It is unfortunate that if someone is suffering, we seldom first consider that God may be working to refine and purify their lives and bring Himself honor and glory (Phil 2:13). Job was a virtuous man (Job 1:8) yet suffered unimaginably horrific trials and setbacks. We can do as his friends did in their unjust judgment of him, and automatically assume suffering’s cause is always hidden sin, and the suffering person is just getting God’s payback, but that is both petty and vindictive, and those things are not listed in God’s attributes of holiness. He is none of those things. 

Jesus’ reply to the disciple’s query was both on point in God’s estimation and gracious in His promise of help. He said, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” And the works of God were indeed displayed as Jesus healed this man’s sight and he became a believer on Jesus as the Son of God (9:38).

Being quick to think and slow to speak are the prerequisites taught throughout Scripture. God was very angry with Job’s friends for their arrogance and self-righteous judgments of this righteous man, and how that misrepresented God Himself! The LORD severely rebuked them (Job 42:7-8).  

God sometimes allows suffering in our lives that can forge our molten pain into spiritual steel. We come out of the furnace of affliction tempered and stronger in our faith and shaped on adversity’s anvil into His perfect instrument for service.

We can throw stones much too easily that hurt those who are already wounded. Let us open our fingers and drop any stones of angry contention. The only stone we need to be touching is the foundation stone of Christ Himself and His welcoming touch of grace. In that touch we can see how to do the same for others and for ourselves.

Maranatha,

Ken

The New Naos

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1^st Cor. 6:19-20 (NIV)

There are two words in biblical Greek for ‘temple.’ The first is hieron. It is the word Matthew uses when the disciples of Jesus pointed out its magnificence to Him (Matt. 24:1). It is the entire precinct or facility. The second Greek word is naos, which Paul uses. This word is from the root naio, to dwell.

Within the heiron was the naos, a separate room, also known as the Holy of Holies. This was where the Ark of the Covenant, containing the Ten Commandments, once sat, and the presence of God dwelt. According to the writings of the Maccabees the ark was supposedly removed and hidden by the prophet Jeremiah for its protection from foreign invaders. To this day its whereabouts remain unknown.

A huge curtain veiled the temple naos to separate the awesome Glory of the Infinite from the fallen and finite. Only the high priest was allowed to enter that room, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement to make penance for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16:2). Entering into the presence of the Living God was a fearsome task not for the fainthearted or careless. The high priest had to follow God’s instruction to the letter. Any deviation of doing anything his way would result in his death as it did with the two sons of Aaron (Lev. 10:1-2).

From the cross Jesus was heard saying that the work of salvation was finished (Jn. 19:30). This is when you, as a believer, were bought with a price, purchased at a cost of unbelievable sacrifice on God’s part. Darkness covered the land from noon to three in the afternoon with a rock rending earthquake tearing the temple veil from top to bottom (Matt. 27:51, Lk. 23:44). In tearing that curtain open God was showing humanity they could now come boldly into a new relationship with Him, obtaining grace and mercy through His Son Jesus Christ (Heb. 4:16).

Now, for all who accept the redemptive work of the perfect Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29, Rev. 12:11) the presence of the Holy Spirit has moved from the heiron into a new temple, or naos, not made with hands.  What can contain Him? Heaven is His throne and the earth His footstool (Acts 7:48-49). Living without He can live relationally within. When you believed, the Holy Spirit indwelt you and you became the new naos. You are now the Holy of Holies.

This is your promise and security. You are sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of full redemption either through the resurrection from the dead or in the sudden gathering of the Bride of Christ to Himself, that is to come (1^st Thessalonians 4:14-18).

Meanwhile we walk in the light of Christ and in that light we do not stumble in sinful choices, honoring God with our bodies. He gives us the Holy Spirit to live within being our comforter, advocate, guide, and teacher, to forever remain with us (Jn. 14:15-17).

Before the finished work of God’s perfect sacrifice in His Son, the people had to journey to the temple to deal with their sin. Now the temple walks among the people, offering mercy and forgiveness. We are His light bearers, the naos that presents the opening through the veil to a people it once separated.

As the new naos, you are revealing God’s grace, acceptance, and peace to a weary world that is now open and available to all (Matt. 5:16). May your light so shine that the many see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven!

Maranatha,

Ken

When Jesus Loves Us Anyway

You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48

What does the word “perfection” do to you? Recall too many past failures? Never being able to measure up no matter how hard you try? For years this word scared the daylights out of me. Perfection always expected me to clear the bar and brought me to shame when I always caught it with my foot.

Our English equivalent of the word has a very different meaning from the Greek (teleios). The English means flawless while this Greek word means to join-together, prepare, and restore. A huge difference from what we normally think perfection means.

For years I labored under the misconception I could not be a true servant of God unless I matched His perfection, but how can anyone do that? As Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician but those who are sick” (Lk. 5:31). That is why we are in need of a Savior. That is why God sent His only Beloved Son to us (John 3:16). So, I stumbled along in my imperfection, torturing myself by believing the lie that my acceptability to Him was based upon walking in sinless perfection in a nature that was depraved by sin (Rom. 3:10).

When I understood Paul’s anthem that the just shall live by faith (Rom. 1:17, Gal.3:11), I understood that if God in Christ loved me so much that He would die for me in my imperfection (Rom. 5:6-9), how much more would He accept me clothed in His righteousness? He never expects any believer to walk in sinless perfection, for only He is eternally perfect.

Because Jesus is your perfection He continually repairs and restores you. When you put your trust in Him, He polishes you to His brightness and clothes you in His perfection. In doing that He not only lifts an impossible burden from mind and heart but sets upon you His lighter yoke of genuine acceptance and love that brings rest to the soul (Matt. 11:29).

I must confess I still have days I need to return to Paul’s admonition that I am always justified in Christ and not my perfection. I live my life by faith through His redemptive work (Gal. 2:20). It is a life that is burnished to a shiny luster, and perfectly made new every morning. He reminds me that only He is without blemish or error, and I am perfect in Him despite the judgments of others. When I believed in Him, I became perfect in God’s estimation and esteem.

Restoration in Christ Jesus comes only through His perfection and mercies and those mercies never come to an end. In His grace you do not have to come to Him clean, you just need to come to Him in belief (Acts 16:31) and He does the cleanup and restoration. His mercies are new every morning; great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23), and that is where true perfection always lies.

Maranatha,

Ken

 

 

Jesus Was Not a Christian

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham begat Isaac, Issac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Judah and his brothers, From the Gospel of Matthew 1:1-2 (New King James Version)

If you are Jewish and on the fence about who Jesus is, then perhaps this may be a pivotal moment for your world view. Israeli born Jew and President of One for Israel, Dr. Erez Soref, says Yeshua, Jesus, as Israel’s promised messiah, is the best kept secret from the Jewish people. He says, “The kindest thing you could ever do for a Jewish person is to share Jesus with them.”

When many Jews read the genealogy of Jesus, a Jew who was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, they are very surprised if not shocked. Matthew, a fellow Jew, and personal disciple of Yeshua, was one of four who documented in their gospels the life, works and words, of the Jewish rabbi who revealed Himself as Israel’s promised messiah through many infallible proofs.

Three of the four men that wrote the gospels were Jewish, all born and raised in Israel. The fourth (Luke) was a Gentile physician who became a proselyte to Yeshua. Luke was a historian of the highest caliber and carefully documented the many witnessed accounts of Jesus’ life possibly from those still living at the time who had known Him personally. Luke’s quest for empirical evidence traced the Jewish genealogy of Yeshua from Joseph (Jesus’ supposed father), back through Joseph’s father, Heli, through King David, ending at the beginning of Creation with Adam (Gospel of Luke 3:23-38).

The surprise in hearing the responses of the many Jews who learned of the semitic roots of Yeshua is always interesting. They thought he was a catholic, the pope, or a Christian leader who wrote the New Testament as a guidebook to persecute and slaughter Jews. Listen to their testimonials of shock and wonder for yourself at ‘oneforisrael.com.’

When I do present the gospel to a Jewish person, I encourage them to read only the first two verses of Matthew’s gospel in the New Testament. "Wait, What? Really? This isn't what I've been told." It is enough to pique the interest of most to read further.

 Jesus was not a catholic, or a pope. He was not even a Christian. Christians are those who revere and follow His teachings. The term Christian was a cheap-shot moniker pinned on Jewish believers in Yeshua by Antiochian society around AD 40. It was originally meant to be a slur but it suited believers and was soon adapted by them as a sign of regard and reverence to Christ.

If you are interested in this person, Jesus, yet remain hesitant, let me offer a suggestion that can reveal understanding or at least the first glimmer of that spiritual sunrise you’ve been waiting for. Just ask Him. 

It’s OK.  Just pray, “Jesus, I’m not sure that you are who people say you are or if you are even real. I am asking you to reveal to me that you are real and the chosen messiah of Israel. Please show me. That is all I ask.”

You will not lose your Jewish roots and identity when you believe in Yeshua. You will find you become more Jewish, for Yeshua said, “Salvation is of (or comes from) the Jews,” (Gospel of John 4:22).

Jesus is not a Christian in the sense of the guy who shows up for Sunday morning church with Bible in hand. The only ‘bible’ Jesus had was the Tanach. He taught from the writings of Moses and all the prophets and said they foretold His coming (Gospel of Luke 24:22-27). He’s thoroughly Jewish and He is thoroughly wanting to reveal Himself to you.

As I heard one brother’s challenge to an atheist, “Why not trust Jesus? What have you got to lose?” you can do the same right now. Perhaps this devotional blog is that very answer and sign you have been asking for. It is no accident you are reading this. Today is your day of salvation.

 The challenged atheist I spoke of did ask, and Jesus showed him who He really is. This man believed and God was faithful to meet him where he lived. He went from rage to peace and has been a friend and brother in Christ to me for over 50 years. Whether Jew or Gentile I offer that same challenge. Just ask Him. Really, what do you have to lose?

Maranatha,

Ken

If you believe Yeshua, Jesus, is the promised Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world and want to know Him, you can pray this prayer from your heart and He will hear it: “Jesus, I believe you are the Promised One of Israel. I believe You came to bring us freedom from the tyranny of Satan and sin and will one day restore Israel to its rightful place with You. I want to honor and serve You now and I ask you into my heart and to forgive and pardon all my sin. Lead and guide me by Your Holy Spirit. Amen” 

Now, if you prayed that prayer and want to move further in your relationship with Yeshua, I encourage you to read the Gospel of John in the New Testament, then look for a fellowship that teaches the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. If you are Jewish and wish to join a Messianic fellowship, there is more than likely one near you and would welcome you. Get involved with other believers in Yeshua! It is a good beginning. This Jewish Jesus, Yeshua, is real and alive. May He grant you insight and understanding in Himself as your relationship grows. Grace and Peace to you.