At The Cross

John 19:25-30

Even while bearing the weight of all the sins of men, a brutal scourging, and hanging from a cross, Jesus was still concerned about his family. Enduring pain and struggles are difficult by default, but God offers strength that can help a person maintain focus on those things we tend to shun away when we suffer, but are of vital importance.

In our text, Jesus was at the tail end of His time in the earth, and wanted to make sure His mom was taken care of. From the cross, Jesus looked upon His mother with eyes of eternity, and made certain she would be cared for, despite all that was taking place. The disciple whom Jesus loved (John), was also near the cross, and took on the responsibility of housing Mary. It’s good to know that at least one of the disciples stayed near Jesus, when all the others were away in hiding. Jesus also had brothers, so some may wonder why He didn’t leave his mother with them. Well, John stayed with Jesus all the way to the cross, and this was enough for Jesus to know that he was the perfect person to entrust with His mom.

The moment you need people most, is when they scurry away into hiding, but those who are bold enough to stand with you, even if it causes them to suffer, will not hesitate to be strength to you, until the end.

A Big Deal!

Luke 2:28-35

From the time Mary and Joseph received words from the angel Gabriel concerning the Son of God, to the prophetic words from the just and devout Simeon, Jesus’ earthly parents could only marvel at all that was being spoken of the child sent by God.

Jesus would soon be a big deal, not only to his family, but to the entire world. Even when Mary went to visit her pregnant cousin Elizabeth to share the great news concerning God’s plan, John the Baptist leaped in her womb at the very salutation of Mary, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost at that moment. That’s intense! The shepherds who came to Bethlehem to see what God had made known to them with their very eyes, witnessed the child, then made known abroad all that was told to them by God, concerning Jesus. Mary pondered over those things which she had heard, as they were no doubt wonderful, yet possibly confusing at the same time.

When the days of purification were accomplished, Joseph and Mary brought the child to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. This is where Simeon would get his opportunity to see Jesus for himself. The Bible mentions, it was revealed to Simeon, by the Holy Ghost, that he would not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. After being led by the Spirit to go to the Temple (around the same time Joseph and Mary would arrive…God’s timing is impeccable!), Simeon finally saw the child, held him in his arms, and gave God thanks from his very soul. Just as Gabriel and the shepherds prophesied Jesus as a big deal, Simeon did the same. Joseph and Mary also marveled at the words the wise elder had spoken, in the same way they received the words of all the other prophecies.

Can you imagine being in the shoes of either Joseph or Mary? The hardest thing to overcome was the fact that Mary would be impregnated by the Holy Ghost. Coming to terms with that was literally impossible, without help directly from Heaven. But the young couple leaned unto the Lord’s understanding, and supported each other the entire time. In addition, hearing all the great prophecies from men of different backgrounds, also added pressure and encouragement to Joseph and Mary, as they would need all the support and strength available, to help them on this path.

Jesus was, and still is a big deal. Despite how men have negatively portrayed Him in the past, and still today, He fulfilled what was written of Him, all the way from the Old Testament, and will close out the latter prophesies soon, and very soon…

The Right Side Of The Ship

John 21:15-19

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “The Right Side of the Ship”! Starring, Peter, the Other Disciples, and the Risen Savior! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Peter: Brethren, it’s been a good while since we left this place of hiding, after our Lord was crucified and risen. It was an amazing experience to see Him miraculously enter our dwelling, even while the doors were locked, to breath on us, and give us the Holy Ghost.

Other Disciples: Yes, it was uplifting and life-changing to be in the presence of our risen Savior again. It was even more touching to see doubting Thomas believe, after our Master revealed to him His wounds.

Peter: Indeed our Savior has risen, and graced us with His resurrected body, but we must not abide behind these walls for too long, or our food and supplies will run out. I will go fishing, and bring back food, so that we may eat.

Other Disciples: That’s a good idea. We will come also.

Peter: Alright. Grab all your tools and supplies, then meet me by the shore.

(Peter and six of the disciples set out to go fishing)

Peter: (Shouts out orders to the other disciples.) Let’s get ready to sail gentlemen! You two, perform a detailed inspection of the ship and all the equipment! James and John, inspect all the standing rigging and the turnbuckles and cotter pins! Nathanael, point the ship toward the wind! Now turn the ship to the starboard side so it’s about 90 degrees off the wind!

(The men set out, in hopes of bringing in a decent catch.)

(After hours of fishing, night came, yet the disciples caught nothing. All of a sudden, a voice cries out from the shore.)

Mystery Man: Hello out there! Have you children caught anything yet? If not, try casting your net on the right side of the ship, and you’ll catch as many as you desire.

Other Disciples: Who is that standing on the shore?

Peter: I’m uncertain.

John: Hey, Peter…I think that’s Him!

Peter: Who John?

John: It’s Him Peter! It is the Lord!

(Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he quickly put on his clothes, then dove into the water to meet the Risen Savior.)

*How prepared will you be to meet Jesus when He comes? Will you tell Him to wait a minute, while you get things in order? Or, will you dive into the water, as Peter did, in haste and excitement?

Peter: Master! You come again unto us! It is a blessing to be with you again!

(The Other Disciples arrive on shore to greet the Lord also.)

Risen Savior: As you can see, I have already prepared the table for you to dine with me tonight, but bring the fish you caught also, so we can set them over the coals as well.

(The disciples enjoy a yummy dinner with the Lord, then the focus is centered on Him and Peter.)

Risen Savior: Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than these?

Peter: Yes Lord, you know I love you.

Risen Savior: Feed my lambs.

(Peter holds a look of confusion on his face.)

Risen Savior: Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?

Peter: Yes Lord. You know I love you.

Risen Savior: Feed my sheep.

(Peter continues to hold the gazed look of confusion.)

Risen Savior: Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?

(Peter was grieved because the Lord asked three times if he loved Him.)

Peter: Lord, you know all things; you know I love you.

Risen Savior: Feed my sheep.

*This story brings to remembrance, the moment when Peter denied Jesus three time. In the time when Jesus needed the most support, His most loyal follower denied Him. It’s one thing to say you love the Lord, but it’s another thing to prove it through your actions. Although he was forgiven of his error, Jesus reassured the disciple that his life still had purpose and meaning.

*If you feel down and in the dumps for not living according to God’s expectations, repent, and allow this story to reenergize and spark the flame of your purpose. Don’t let your past mistakes keep you down, no matter how severe, because God is love, and His forgiveness is certain. Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when confronted by Jesus. How would you respond if Jesus asked do you love Him? What side of the ship are you fishing on?

This concludes the exciting episode of, “The Right Side of the Ship”! Thanks for tuning in.

Against All Odds, Be Bold!

Acts 4:23-31

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “Against All Odds, Be Bold!” Starring, Peter, John, the Crippled Beggar, and the Priests and Sadduces. I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

(Crippled Beggar sits outside the gate called Beautiful, asking for alms)

Crippled Beggar: Pardon me madam, but can you spare a little change… excuse me sir, I am in need, can you… sigh…

(Men pass by the crippled beggar, ignoring his cries for help, but Peter and John now approach)

Crippled Beggar: Excuse me kind sirs, but please, can you help me with a little something… to get food. I don’t ask for much, but please…I am in desperate need.

Peter: Look at us.

(The crippled beggar fastening his eyes on them, expecting to finally receive alms)

Peter: Unfortunately, I don’t have any change to spare, but what I do have, I’ll give to you without hesitation.

(The crippled beggar looks with a gaze of confusion)

Peter: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

(Peter reaches to grab the man’s hand, and pulls him up. Immediately, his feet and ankle bones received strength. He jumps up and follows them into the temple, praising God.)

*This miraculous act caught the attention of nearly 5,000 men, many of which knew the man had been lame since birth. Peter wisely took advantage of the opportunity, to preach the Gospel.

Peter: Why do you men look so amazed, as if we did this of our own power? This man was healed by faith in the name of Jesus, who you all delivered up to Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But, your ignorance was all a part of God’s divine plan for man’s redemption.

(While he continued to preach, the priests, captain of the temple, and Sadducees came in to see what was going on.)

Priests and Sadducees: Alright, enough of this, bind these men, and take them in hold! It’s already late, so keep them there until tomorrow.

(The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection, so they were no doubt more disturbed of all those who weren’t in favor of the disciples’ message.)

*No matter how hard the enemy tries to hinder the Gospel, it is still powerful enough to change lives. Many of the 5,000 men who heard Peter’s words, believed in them. All your labor in the works of the Lord, are not in vain. When men attempt to silence you for doing good, keep going… don’t stop… don’t give up.

High Priest Committee: “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?”

Peter: (being filled with the Holy Ghost) “…by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom he crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.”

*Sometimes, a Christian can be intimidated when evil men come together against them, but despite the number of those opposed to your beliefs, trust that God alone is powerful enough to outnumber, and overcome any group of wicked men who desire to hurt or harm your bold faith in God.

(“And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.”)

High Priest Committee: Give us a moment to talk things over. (Whispering among themselves) What should we do to these men? It’s obvious that a miracle has taken place, and everyone has witnessed it, and we cannot deny it. Let’s threaten them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, so the people won’t be convinced to believe in Him.

High Priest Committee: Hey, you men come over here. Listen, it’s cool what you guys did for the lame man and all, but we command you not to speak at all, or teach in the name of Jesus.

Peter and John: Whether you think our action was right or wrong, that’s on you guys, but we can only speak the things which we have seen and heard.

*Peter and John would not bend, no matter how much pressure was applied to them by the high priests.

(“So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.”)

(After being released, Peter and John returned to their own company of believers, and shared their experience. They then prayed so intense, that the place they inhabited was shaken, and all were filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness.)

*There will be moments in our lives when we be afraid to share our faith in God, because people will make us uncomfortable and try to stop us. But like Peter and John, we must maintain our zeal for the Lord, and boldly confess Jesus before men, and He will confess us before the Father.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “Against All Odds, Be Bold”! Thanks for tuning in.

The Hard Side Of Love

3 John 1:9-12

How do you hug a porcupine, without getting poked with its pointy needles? It’s virtually impossible to come away injury-free when dealing with a porcupine, because he’s primed and always ready to poke anyone who gets too close. There are men and women in churches around the world, who are similar to porcupines. Rather than get along with brethren, they prefer to pick and poke at all that get too close, who try and correct their ways. The children of God were called to live by godly standards, and that includes behaving with the fruit of the Spirit, on a consistent basis, but how do you handle a person who seeks only to put themselves before others, and slander those who call them out for their wrongdoing? In the same way it’s difficult to hug a porcupine, it’s even more difficult to love an unruly church member. The flesh side of a man desires to slap good sense into those who refuse to humble themselves before the mighty hand of God, but the Spirit won’t allow them to give in to temptation. Instead, we are to continue to show love to those who are prideful and unruly, while making sure the body of believers isn’t affected by their evil doings. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV)

“What’s love got to do with it? Everything!” – Ell

Promise Of Power

John 14:8-14

What is greater than healing someone who was sick? What could be greater than turning water into wine? What’s greater than walking on water? What’s greater than speaking a word, and causing a man to rise from the grave? What was greater than feeding 5,000 men (not including women and children) with two fish, and five loaves of bread? What greater works can we do today, than the list of awesome works I mentioned that Jesus performed thousands of years ago?

God wrapped Himself in flesh (Jesus), and came to the earth to redeem man back to himself, but while in the earth, His works were limited to a single vessel (Jesus), a single location, and the technology of that time. Jesus did some amazing things during His time with man, and His works continue to resonate during this 21st century, but what did He mean when He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (vs. 12). Where Jesus was limited to a certain place, He now lives in all those who have surrendered themselves to God, and can literally be expressed all over the world, at the same time, through countless believers. Could this be an example of greater works? I dunno… maybe, maybe not. Jesus raised men from the dead, and this was definitely amazing, but we have His power of influence to awaken men from their dead state of living. Could this also be a greater work? I dunno… maybe, maybe not. Jesus was limited to the technology of His time, and worked accordingly with it, but we have access to all sorts of high tech gadgets, that allow us to reach as many as we can with the Gospel message, in a matter of seconds. Could this be a greater work? I dunno… maybe, maybe not.

The Saints of God have the Holy Spirit literally influencing their every move (if they have submitted themselves to Him) and need not follow the man Jesus, as the disciples did, but can carry Him everywhere they go, inside their hearts, to do those things they’ve been empowered to do. This is just awesome in itself! Each believer can operate in the same power as Jesus did, to perform the same miracles He performed, and greater, if the situation demands it.

I’m only limited to what I’ve experienced, and what the news chooses to share with the world, but I am totally convinced, there are men on this planet, who have performed miraculous works, in the name of Jesus. There may not be apostles as there were in the time of Christ, who did those things Jesus did, but we have the same power flowing through us, that walked with the disciples, and we too can be used to do great works, even during these troublesome days.

Don’t limit yourself to the opinions of others, nor by the evil in the land, because God still reigns supreme, and you have His authority to represent His awesomeness, as Jesus did, in your lifetime.

“What do you and God have in common? – Ell

Mary meets Jesus outside the tomb

John 20:11-18

Have you ever heard of a grave or tomb being used twice? Well, neither have I. When a person dies, where their body is laid, is usually where it will be forever, but the tomb where the body of Jesus was placed would only occupy the space for three days, then it could be reused by whomever desired it.

Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus had to rush and bury Jesus’ body before the special Sabbath began at sunset Wednesday to sunset Thursday. They were unable to complete the anointing process of His body due to the coming of the sabbath, so they wrapped the body in linen clothes with spices, as the Jews typically prepared bodies for burial. Days later, Mary, and the other Mary (as the text reads), came early in the morning while it was still dark, to the tomb. Matthew’s account goes in-depth, and reveals that as the women approached the tomb, there was a great earthquake, as the angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, and rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it. The appearance of the angel was so fascinating, until it scared the keepers of the tomb nearly to death. The women were reassured that Jesus had risen, as He said, and showed them where His body was laid. In John’s book, we read where Jesus told Mary not to touch Him, because He had not yet ascended to His Father, but the book of Matthew shows us where He had returned from His post resurrection ministry, and allowed the women to worship at His feet. Jesus told the women to not be afraid, and instructed them to go tell His brethren to meet Him in Galilee. Jesus no doubt used this endearing term to let His disciples know that He would not hold a grudge against them for their past behaviors and unbelief, because all their past was forgiven and forgotten forever.

This same redemption is readily available to all who accept Christ into their hearts today. Jesus’ death and resurrection was a plan set by God that satan didn’t see coming. While Satan was certainly more brilliant than any human on Earth, he isn’t omniscient or omnipresent, and totally missed what Jesus was planning to do. Salvation is what redeems men back to God, and the enemy hates it. Let’s try celebrating this Easter season different, by excluding all the bunnies and baskets of sweet treats, and focus on the true meaning of the day. Just as Mary and the others were overjoyed at the sight of the resurrected Savior, we too should give glory, honor, and praise to the One who died, was buried, and arose so that we could be relevant again in the eyes of the Creator.

Walk in love,

Ell