“He Shall Rise Again To Life” ( Matthew 20: 17-19, WYC ) by Carley Evans

Jerusalem (Photo credit: swallroth)

Jesus teaches some truths privately. He takes aside His twelve disciples — including Judas the betrayer — to tell them about their trip to Jerusalem. We’re going up there to the city of God so that I can be condemned to death. I’m going to be ‘scorned, and scourged, and crucified.’ But I’m also going to ‘rise again to life’ on the third day. He may even speak an aside in Judas’ direction, This will thwart the plans of Satan, those plans in which you are to be deeply involved very soon.

Imagine the twelve looking at each other. What did Jesus say? What are we doing? Why are we going to Jerusalem? Did Jesus really mean He is going to die? And what else did He say? He’s going to rise again to life?

“And Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and took his twelve disciples in private, and said to them, [And Jesus, ascending up to Jerusalem, took his twelve disciples in private, and said to them,] Lo! we go up to Jerusalem, and man’s Son shall be betaken to princes of priests, and to scribes; and they shall condemn him to death. And they shall betake him to heathen men, for to be scorned, and scourged, and crucified; and the third day he shall rise again to life. [And they shall betake him to heathen men, to be scorned, and scourged, and crucified; and the third day he shall rise again.]”

Then, upon entering the city, the crowds greet them with waving palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna! to the Son of David! Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21: 9, KJV)  You can almost hear the disciples, What are we to make of this? These people don’t seem to want Jesus to die? What’s going on? Is our Master mistaken?

These men walk about in a daze, not fully knowing. The next thing Jesus does is clear the temple of money-changers, saying to them, “My house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13, KJV) Next He heals the blind and the lame. Then, He tells the chief priests and scribes that God has “perfected praise” in the mouths of infants. (Matthew 21:16, KJV) He laments over Jerusalem, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them who are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matthew 23:37, KJV)

From the moment Jesus enters Jerusalem, He challenges the chief priests, scribes, Pharisees and Sadduces as well as the Herodians. Eventually, the plot to kill Him is fully developed and His statement to His disciples comes to pass. Soon they know.

“Free From Fear” ( 1 John 2: 2, NIV ) by Carley Evans

The author of 1 John writes simply, “[Jesus] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Now and then in the Word, God sums up the gospel in a brief, powerful statement. Here it is again — the three major elements of our salvation: Jesus, His atoning sacrifice, and our sins. Jesus says it Himself, “The Son of Man is not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

Jesus calls Himself a “ransom”; the author of 1 John calls Jesus “the atoning sacrifice.”

Today, a “ransom” is paid when someone has taken a child from a family. Today, not many of us fully understand an “atoning sacrifice.”

I gather that theologians wrestle with these concepts — did Jesus pay off Satan? or God? Did He substitute for us on the cross or did He carry away our sins on the cross?

I’m not a theologian. When I read the words “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins” and the words I Am come “to give [My] life as a ransom for many” I only know what it means to me –  I am not punished because Jesus paid a debt I owe. Whether He paid it to God the Father or to Satan or in some fashion to both, I do not know. I only know I am free from fear.

“A Conditional Treaty” ( 1 Samuel 11: 2, HCSB ) by Carley Evans

The Ammonite Nahash besieges Jabesh-gilead. The defeated men beg Nahash to make a treaty with them on the condition that they serve him. But the conqueror replies, “I’ll make one with you on this condition: that I gouge out everyone’s right eye and humiliate all Israel.” The elders of Jabesh say, “Don’t do anything to us for seven days. And let us send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. If no one saves us, we will surrender to you.” (1 Samuel 11:3)

Nahash must not be very intelligent. Why allow messengers to go about the territory seeking help for a conquered people? Nevertheless, Nahash allows this very thing! He allows these defeated people to seek a savior.

The messengers reach Saul’s hometown, Gibeah. They tell Nahash’s terms to the people who begin to weep loudly. Saul, coming in from fieldwork with his oxen, becomes aware of people crying. When Saul hears the reason for their sorrow, “the Spirit of God suddenly takes control of him, and his anger burns furiously.” (1 Samuel 11:6)

In his fury, he takes a team of oxen, cuts them into pieces, and sends them throughout Israel with — I presume — the same messengers. The message Saul sends is: “This is what will be done to the ox of anyone who doesn’t march behind Saul and Samuel.” (1 Samuel 11:7) The people “go out united” because the “terror of the Lord falls” on them.

The messengers return to Jabesh-gilead to tell the people there that deliverance is at hand. Rejoicing, the men go to Nahash and say, “Tomorrow we will come out, and you can do whatever you want to us.” (1 Samuel 11:10) The next day, Saul — with troops in three divisions — invades the camp of the Ammonites and slaughters them. “There are survivors, but they are so scattered that no two of them are left together.” (1 Samuel 11:11)

Obviously Nahash would be better off if he’d just make that treaty with Jabesh-gilead — plenty of servants, the result. No need to set such a wicked condition as gouging out the right eye of every man, woman and child. For Nahash winning is not enough. He wants total humiliation of his enemy.

Ever think of that way — that Satan isn’t satisfied with ruling in hell. It’s not enough for him that he ‘escapes’ the realm of heaven and roams the earth, that he controls demonic forces and defies God at every turn. He must bring us down with him — he is unable to bear the fellowship Adam and Eve enjoy with God in the garden. He must destroy this joy. He must totally humiliate us before God. Happily, God provides more than a Saul or a Samuel for us. Our deliverer is Jesus, the Son of God. With God, no conditional treaty is needed. Utter defeat of our enemy so that “no two” of his forces “are left together” is what we enjoy because of the power of our God.

 

“Guarded From The Evil One” ( 2 Thessalonians 3: 3, HCSB ) by Carley Evans

A bodyguard forms a living shield between assailant and target, whether the assailant is armed and highly dangerous or unarmed and highly annoying. The bodyguard is willing to take a bullet or a verbal barb as the protector.

Jesus is our bodyguard. He stands between us and our adversary, who prowls around like a hungry lion, seeking anyone he may devour. Jesus “directs [our] hearts to God’s love” and to His own endurance. (2 Thessalonians 3:5) In this, Jesus gives us His protection, His perseverance, and God’s awesome love. In Him, we are strengthened.

Jesus is the ultimate shield from the evil one. After all, “from the beginning, God [chooses] [us] for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He calls [us] to this through [the] gospel, so that [we] might obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

Therefore, “may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loves us and gives us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

“Satan’s Song; God’s Answer” ( Isaiah 14: 12, ESV ) by Carley Evans

Lucifer, called ‘Day Star, son of Dawn’ and functioning as one of God’s great angels, decides at some point in his service to the Almighty to seek to “ascend above the heights of the clouds; [and to] make [himself] like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:14) Lucifer’s pride and haughty spirit goes before his fall. (Proverbs 16:18) Since the fall of Adam and Eve, mankind reflects Lucifer turned Satan. Truly, mankind is made in the image of God, but our reflection is now of Satan, not of God.

God the Holy Spirit says to Satan, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who lay the nations low! But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. Those who see you will stare at you and ponder over you: ‘Is this the man who makes the earth tremble, who shakes kingdoms, who makes the world like a desert and overthrows its cities, who does not let his prisoners go home?’ ” (Isaiah 14:12,15-17)

And, we are Satan’s prisoners. We are his prisoners until and unless we are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. “For God so loves the world, that He gives His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God does not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already.” (John 3:16-18)

“Open Talk” ( Mark 8: 32, HCSB ) by Carley Evans

While traveling between villages, Jesus asks His disciples who the people believe He is. They say, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” (Mark 8:28) Oddly enough, these opinions of Jesus’ true identity show that belief in resurrection from the dead is not an issue for “the people.”

Jesus then asks the disciples, “But you, who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29) And Peter’s response is immediate. Peter calls Jesus “the Messiah!” (Mark 8:30) Jesus warns Peter and the disciples to keep this information to themselves.

As they continue, Jesus begins to teach them about His upcoming rejection, trial, scourging, crucifixion, and His ultimate triumph: His resurrection. “He is openly talking about this.” (Mark 8:32) And this bothers Peter so much that he takes Jesus aside. “Come here, Jesus.” He “begins to rebuke Him.” (Mark 8:32)

If you will indulge me some conjecture, imagine Peter standing tall over Jesus like a big brother telling Him, “You mustn’t talk about these things; don’t You know how upsetting this is for those of us who have given up everything to follow You? Don’t you know we’re scared? Can’t You tell that we keep anticipating Your triumph over this evil regime? What are you talking about? Come on, get Yourself together and let’s make this happen already!”

Jesus turns away from Peter, and “looking at His disciples, He rebukes Peter and says, “Get behind Me, Satan, because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns, but man’s!” (Mark 8:33) Then He calls out for the crowd that has obviously been following closely and says, “If anyone wants to be My follower, He must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his life? What can a man give in exchange for his life? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My Words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:34-38)

“By Trust In God” ( Acts 26: 18, NEB ) by Carley Evans

Paul testifies of God’s message to him. God says to Paul, “I send you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, from the dominion of Satan to God, so that, by trust in Me, they may obtain forgiveness of sins, and a place with those whom God has made His own.” From the mouth of God, His own Word succinctly states the good news — the gospel.

Notice God creates a place for His own. Notice God calls His own by sending someone — a specifically selected someone — “to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.” Notice God makes people His own, saying: “By trust in Me, they obtain forgiveness of sins.”

Jesus says, “I Am the vine, and you are the branches. He who dwells in Me, as I dwell in Him, bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Those seven words [in the English translation, anyway] hold the essence of our reliance upon God. “Apart from Me you can do nothing,” says Jesus. “Nothing.” Even our trust in God comes from God, as a gift. The news is good — God saves us of His own free will.

“Where Is Job?” ( Job 1: 8, NIV ) by Carley Evans

Where does it say that God knows the location of His servant, Job? In the Book of Job, the angels come “to present themselves before the Lord.” (Job 1:6) Satan is present with these angels. God says to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8)

God’s question implies that He knows where Job is located and what he is doing.

Jesus confirms, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” (Matthew 10:26) We are not capable of hiding from God. Remember, “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 10:30)

“God At Work In You” ( Philippians 2: 12-13, NEB ) by Carley Evans

Paul says, “You must work out your own salvation in fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you, inspiring both the will and the deed, for His own chosen purpose.”

 

Here Paul shows the unique cooperation which occurs in the Christian life between us and God — we work out our salvation while God simultaneously works out our salvation. We believe while He provides the faith. We love because He first loves us. Without God, there is no salvation.

 

In Eden, God has already decided the means for our salvation — He even warns the serpent that Eve’s child will crush Satan’s head while Satan will only bruise the heel of her Son. God has a plan — a plan He demonstrates repeatedly throughout history until the birth of His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ.

 

Who works out our salvation “in fear and trembling?” The person who feels and displays the greatest “fear and trembling” for our salvation is Jesus as He kneels in the garden of Gethsemane wrestling with His dread of suffering, death and separation from His Father. What could be more terrifying? Nothing we experience can compare to the fear Jesus feels that night and on that cross. Whose purpose is being fulfilled? God the Father plans everything out to the last detail. He knows all; nothing takes Him by surprise.

 

For our part, Paul exhorts — “Show yourselves guileless and above reproach, faultless children of God in a warped and crooked generation, in which you shine like stars in a dark world and proffer the Word of Life.” (Philippians 2:14-16)

“The Forces Of The Universe” ( Romans 8: 38-39, NEB ) by Carley Evans

“For I am convinced that there is nothing in death or life, in the realm of spirits or superhuman powers, in the world as it is or the world as it shall be, in the forces of the universe, in heights or depths — nothing in all creation that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

I love to imagine “the forces of the universe” attempting and failing to “separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Satan has been attempting this feat from the very beginning. Even then, in the garden of Eden, the serpent was aware of his ultimate failure, knowing his defeat would come with Jesus’ death and resurrection. Nevertheless, the serpent continues his assault against us to no avail.

 

Ultimately we belong to God for we are bought at a price — an immeasurable cost to God Himself. Since He paid for us, He does not allow anything “in all creation” to “separate us” from Him. “Nothing in death or life” is capable of destroying the finished work of Jesus Christ crucified in hell and resurrected to heaven.

 

Through His great love for us, we know we will “be shaped to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the eldest among a large family of brothers; and it is these, so fore-ordained, whom He has also called. And those whom He called He has justified, and to those whom He justified He has also given His splendour.” (Romans 8:29-30)