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This is the sixth in a series of blogs about Luke 2:1-52.

This concludes a series that began with the Incarnation.

Mary and Joseph have found Jesus. Jesus had chosen to stay in Jerusalem after the celebration of the feast of Passover and talk with the teachers of the Torah in the Temple. All things considered that doesn’t appear to be wise. At least three days had come and gone since Mary and Joseph had left Jerusalem with a caravan assuming that Jesus was present traveling with “relatives and friends” (Luke 2: 44, TLV).

His parents have been through an emotional ‘hell’. Upon finding Jesus, Mary has confronted her Son with the question, “Child, why did you do this to us?” (TLV)

I would like to interject this thought. To our knowledge, no angel has showed-up during this episode in the life of Joseph and Mary to give them instructions about what was taking place; what was about to happen; or what they were going to experience. God, the Father, did it differently. The parents were on their own. The angels had served their purpose in the formative stages of the life of Jesus. Now, no more angels. The Torah has and is governing the family.

Therefore, I propose to you that this episode in the life of Mary and Joseph becomes an awakening in their hearts to see and experience Jesus with a new understanding. Mary must realize that ‘Jesus is no longer a Child’. Joseph must recognize that ‘the Child is a Bar Mitzvah, a son of the commandment’. Jesus, according to the Torah now ‘Belongs’ to the Jewish adult community. But, what does that mean with regards to His relationship with His mother and father, right now, tomorrow, and the future ?

Where did they find Him?

He was sitting, conversing with the teachers of the Torah. And, it appears that He was holding His own in the conversation. The teachers of the Torah were amazed at His understanding and His responses. Can we safely assume that Jesus was expressing ‘wisdom’ that the teachers of the Torah believed was beyond His years?

(remember, the definition of ‘precocious’; it said of a child, that it was expressing ‘wisdom’ beyond his/her years?) (insert mine)

Jesus has been separated from His parents for at least three days. Jesus obviously has exercised poised resourcefulness. For me, this speaks of His upbringing, His ability to take care of Himself, and His personal strength.

Verse 49 (TLV) is Jesus’ response to the moment, to His parents, and about His future. Jesus says, “Why were you searching for Me? Didn’t you know that I must be about the things of My Father?”

Sounds like Jesus has everything under control.

I believe that Jesus understood what being 12 meant at this time in His life. Jesus had remained in Jerusalem because that is what His Father had directed Him to do. Jesus is no longer a ‘Child’ in the eyes of the Jewish community; He has ‘Become’ a ‘son of the commandment’; and He, now, ‘Belongs’ as an Adult to the Jewish nation into which He was born, but don’t forget, He is 12.

Can we conclude that Jesus is exhibiting a ‘Boldness’? He is seeking to do His Father’s will. This boldness has caused a ‘tear’ in the relationship between Himself and His father and mother; and though it has caused momentary grief, it is a necessary grief, that will initially hurt, but be healed; however, we are aware that a greater ‘tear’ ‘will be experienced by His mother, as she witnesses Her Son’s ministry that leads Him to the cross to be crucified.

Read the narrative carefully of the life of Jesus in Luke 2. Directing our thoughts to two verses, verse 39 says (TLV) “When Joseph and Miriam had completed everything according to the Torah of Adonai, they returned to the Galilee, to their own city of Natzeret (Nazareth).” Verse 41 says, “Now His parents were going every year to Jerusalem for the Passover feast.” Jesus is in Jerusalem at this time because Joseph made sure his family kept the Torah. Jesus is being bold and in His Boldness, He is being strong: body, soul, spirit. Jesus is keeping the Torah, accountable for His own actions and responsibilities.

Returning to verse 49, there is nothing in Jesus’ response that is “childish’. It speaks of Luke 2:40 (TLV), “The Child kept growing and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon Him.”

This 12 year old is manifesting the fruit of verse 40 in the presence of the teachers of the Torah and also expressing it to His parents. What His parents had witnessed for the past 12 years in their quiet, respectful home is now blossoming (remember that was part of the definition of the word ‘precocious’ that we considered in the previous blog). His blossoming is a manifestation of the ‘favor of God’ that was upon Him. That favor is Grace! The word “favor’ is the Greek word, ‘charis’-grace.

Simply put again, making a strong statement, this 12 year old ‘Bar Mitzvah’ standing before Mary and Joseph, responding to His mother is no long the Child as His mother had known Him.

I submit that verse 49, which is Jesus’ answer, respectfully responds to His parents with a quiet boldness that left them amazed by His answer; just as the teachers of the Torah had been amazed by His answers to them. Jesus is not challenging His parents; nor is He ridiculing them. Let’s look at Jesus’ answer again.

“Why were you searching for Me? Didn’t you know that I must be about the things of My Father?”

Luke provides for us what many of us may be thinking. To what degree of significance did His parents understand this moment in the life of Jesus at the age of 12 years old and coming to the feast of Passover? I would say that they envisioned their pilgrimage like the other family’s from their town of Nazareth. Their Son has turned 12; He has now passed from Childhood to being responsible as an Adult under the Torah; and He is responsible for His own actions. Nothing wrong with that, except, Jesus is more than a natural son, He is the Son of God/Son of Man. God in the flesh. He is unique. There is no one else like Him, then or now, or in the future. That is why what has transpired in the life of Jesus and His mother and father is significant.

Interruption: I just had this thought and I want to express it: Mary is ‘giving birth’ again. She is experiencing the ‘birth’ of an Adult Son. Do you see it? or am I imagining it? this time it is in her heart.

Verse 50 (TLV) tells us that “But they did not grasp the message He was telling them.” And if the teachers of the Torah heard this same conversation, I do not believe they understood it either.

And we know Pharisees and the teachers of the Torah didn’t understand Him when He was an Adult ministering for three plus years on His way to the cross.

Verses 51-52, are an incredible revelation in the life of Christ. Remember, Jesus is 12 years old. He has entered ‘Belonging’ to the Jewish community. He has been ‘Bar Mitzvah, a son of the commandment’; He is now recognized as being an Adult and responsible for His actions. As stated previously, it is easy to recognize that the ‘favor of God was upon Him’ based upon His interaction with the teachers of the Torah and His response to His parents. Ok, you have said this before; I know, but…

Question: How did this 12 year old young adult live with His earthly parents after having this spiritual encounter orchestrated by His Heavenly Father, in the Temple (His Father’s House) talking with the teachers of the Torah and causing disruption in His parents lives?

Verse 51 (TLV) tells us that He went back home to Nazareth with His parents and “was obedient to them.” Jesus didn’t flaunt His age before His parents. Jesus didn’t have an attitude that said, ‘I’m an adult now, and I will do things My way’. I am the Son of God, step aside. He didn’t think of Himself more highly than He ought to think. As the Son of Man, He continued to humble Himself and was obedient to His parents and to the Torah. (boldness mine)

Why are the words ‘humble‘ and ‘obedient‘ an important words?

Jesus is living out Philippians 2:5-8 (TLV) “Have this attitude in yourselves, which also was in Messiah Yeshua”…

“Who, though existing the form of God, did not consider being equal to God a thing to be grasped. But He emptied Himself–taking on the form of a slave, becoming the likeness of men (Incarnation) and being found in appearance as a man. He humbled Himself–becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (insert, boldness mine).

Remember Jesus is the Son of Man/Son of God, the Second Adam, in the flesh. He is living a sinless life. He is growing into Manhood. He is fulfilling the Word of God perfectly (See Matthew 5:48). I Peter 1:13-16 (TLV), the Apostle Peter exhorts us, “So brace your minds for action. Keep your balance. And set your hope on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Yeshua the Messiah. Like obedient children, do not be shaped by the cravings you had formerly in your ignorance. Instead, just like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in everything you do. For it is written, “Kedoshim you shall be, for I am kadosh.” (You shall be holy, for I am holy) (emphasis mine) This requires walking humbly before the Lord. What did Jesus teach about humility? Matthew 23:12 (TLV), “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

Holiness is the life that Jesus lived as the Son of God/Son of Man. He was perfectly Holy because in Him was no sin. Here is an acronym for the word H.O.L.Y. — Humble Obedience Loving Yahweh. This is the lifestyle that Jesus walked out here in human flesh.

Remember Philippians 5:5 (TLV) instructs us to “Have this attitude in yourselves, which also was in Messiah Yeshua.” That is a daunting statement. Apart from Christ in us it is impossible to fulfill. Only by the Grace of God can we learn to walk in the likeness of Christ.

This is the attitude that Jesus lived as He grew up in preparation for His Ministry, and the attitude that He continued to live while fulfilling His Ministry.

How long was He at home with His parents? To answer that question, we need to keep reading. Beginning with Luke 3:1 and following, we can find the answer to that question. Luke 3:23 (TLV) says, “Yeshua was about thirty years old when He began His ministry.” Doing the math, 30 -12 = 18. So Jesus apparently stayed home and helped His family for around 18 years; and since many believe that Joseph passed away while Jesus was still at home, then Jesus assumed taking care of the family, because He was the oldest Son. How can I say that with confidence? When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He spoke to John to take care of Mary His mother; and told Mary that John was now her son. He made sure His mother was taken care of. (John 19:26-27)

Simply stated, Jesus submitted to His father and mother and lived with them until the time came when He had to be about ‘the things’ of His Heavenly Father. That ‘thing’ was to be “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. (John 1:29)

Reflecting now on verse 51 (TLV), Luke writes about how all of this affected Mary.

“But His mother treasured all these words in her heart.” Sound familiar, the shepherds had come to worship the new born King. The shepherds had told Mary what had been revealed to them in the fields that night. Luke 2:19 (TLV) says that Mary upon hearing these words…”treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.”

Jesus’ words spoken to His mother, Mary, quieted her anxiousness, her sorrow and her fears.

I highlighted the words ‘treasured‘ on purpose. I found out in the Strong’s concordance that they are two different Greek words. The first one, used in Luke 2:19 means ‘to keep, observe, keep closely together; the second one, used in Luke 2:51 means ‘ to watch thoroughly, to observe strictly’.

Based upon these two different words, do you see a difference? The difference that I see, is why I am saying, a ‘birthing’ took place in Mary’s heart.

What I observe here is the ‘mothering process’ that explains about how Mary ‘handled’ the early years of Jesus’ life; and then how Mary “handled” the latter years of Jesus’ life. From Jesus’ birth to age 12, as a mother, she watched over Him, making sure everything was right. She was a ‘hand’s on’ mother that kept a ‘close watch approach on Him’, but was not suffocating. Now, at age 12, Jesus is entering the next official stage of His Jewish life. Mary needs to change her ‘mothering’ routine. Jesus is going to live out His Bar Mitzvah. This means that Jesus is no longer a Child. Mary musts take a ‘hand’s off’ approach as HIs mother. Realizing that He is 12, from now on she is to ‘observe’ Him living out His life as He matures into adulthood. This is the ‘birthing’ revelation that Mary had about Jesus in her heart– Birthed out of Childhood into Adulthood. Isn’t this the exact same thing that we as parents need to understand and embrace as we mother and father our own children.

In the beginning, before Jesus was born in the flesh, God, the Father, sent His angel to speak to both Joseph and Mary and tell them what was going to take place. God continued to use angels as they were necessary to establish this family in a safe place. Over the past 12 years the family has been dwelling in that safe place. The place is still safe; but the dynamics are changing because Jesus is now 12 years old. His Heavenly Father has come into the midst of this family through the Torah and showed Mary and Joseph that Jesus is now beginning a new stage of development at the age of 12. He now ‘Belongs’ to the Jewish community in a new way. From a practical parenting standpoint that means that the process of fathering and mothering must change with regards to Jesus’ age and development.

This brings me to a final comparison. Compare Luke 2:40 with Luke 2:52. What similarities and differences do you observe? (TLV)

This is what I would like you to observe ? Luke 2:40 is Jesus’ growth and development as a Child, as typified, by what Mary treasured in her heart. Luke 2:52 is Jesus’ growth and development as an Adult, as typified, by what Mary treasured in her heart. Luke 2:52 is the maturing of Luke 2:40. What Mary treasured in seed form, grew for 12 years and has now ‘birthed’ into what she will treasure watching her Son mature.

Notice the wording of each verse.

Luke 2:40 (TLV) “The Child kept growing and became strong, filled (to make full, complete,[picture to the brim]) with wisdom; and the favor [grace] of God was upon Him.” (inserts mine)

Luke 2:52 (TLV) “And Yeshua (not the word, Child) kept increasing(to advance in amount, to grow[picture what was originally given is now maturing])in wisdom and stature(as big as, how great), and in favor[grace] with God and men(His influence and recognition is expanding in the community; He was becoming an integral part of the community of Nazareth; His influence was beyond the ‘four walls’ of His household.) I would like to share a scripture that substantiates His integral part in the community showing how He grew in favor with men. Luke 4:16 (TLV) tells us, “And He came to Natzeret (Nazareth), where He had been raised. As was His custom, He went into the synagogue on Shabbat and He got up to read.” I believe that this is a testimony of the type of life that He had lived from the time He was 12 years of age until He began His formal ministry about 18 years later. (inserts and emphasis mine)

Do you see the process in its beginning stages of His Birth through Boyhood to age 12; then from age 12, His Bar Mitzvah, through His Adult life until it’s time to enter into His ministry about age, 30? All of this, Mary had been and was now treasuring in her heart. Mary was in the transition. Her transition required embracing a ‘birthing’ into the next level of her ‘mothering’ responsibilities in Jesus’ life.

The nuances between the two verses are significant. A seed breaks forth out of the ground into the sunlight; the plant begins to grow; the plant becomes strong; the plant blossoms; the plant blooms; the fruit of the plant is partaken of… and then the plant dies. Why?

Jesus said (John 12:24 TLV) “Amen, Amen I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” What is Jesus referring too? His sacrificial death on the cross, as the Lamb of God.

But He is also referring to much more.

I want to close with the following verses found in John 12:25-26 (TLV),

“He who loves his life will lose it, and one who hates his life in this world will keep it forever. If any man serves Me, he must follow Me ;and where I am, there also will My servant be. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”

To live out these words requires humility, obedience, and agape (God’s love).

In Christ, we ‘Belong’ to the Father; and we are all in the process of ‘Becoming’.

As we continue our walk with the Lord, we grow and blossom. I am sure that you are familiar with the words, ‘bloom where you are planted’. Those words are still true. Jesus bloomed where He was planted. And as we bloom where we are planted; we, too, will grow in favor/grace with God and man.

blessings, let us go forth, to serve in the Kingdom of God, deo

Part 6

This is the fifth in a series of blogs about Luke 2:1-52.

Your child is lost, you have spent a long time looking for your child, and finally you find him or her. What is your response? relief, anger, frustration, confusion, love…maybe all of them in some form or another, but most likely a lot of emotional mixture.

Without sounding too pious, in this circumstance, we must remember Who this Child is and what His parents have been chosen to do. We are not Joseph and Mary. But under these circumstances looking for our lost child, would that negate having a concerned ‘loving’ response when we found our child? I assume that many of us would be ticked off, and find it very hard to be loving. Is that true of all of us? Probably not; but I would hope that we could have a loving response; at least somewhat of a loving response. But under the emotional stress of looking for our ‘missing’ child, most of us don’t know how we would respond. Do you?

Can you imagine what it might have been like realizing that you didn’t know where Jesus, the ‘Son of God’, was, the One, who had been committed to your up bringing?

Let’s remember what the angel of the Lord had told each of them some 13 years earlier.

Matthew 1:20 (TLV) “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Miriam (Mary) as your wife, for the Child conceived in her is from the Rusch ha-Kodash (the Holy Spirit). She will give birth to a son and you shall call His name Yeshua; for He will save His people from their sin.” (inserts mine)

Luke 1:30-33 (TLV) the angel spoke to her, “…do not be afraid, Mariam (Mary), for you have found favor with God. Behold you will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you shall call His name, Yeshua. He will be great and will be called Ben-Elohim (the Son of God). Adonai Elohim (the Lord God) will give Him the throne of David, His father. He shall reign over the house of Jacob for all eternity, and His kingdom will be without end.” (inserts mine).

No pressure, right?

Both of them were probably really afraid. Where is the angel when you need him?

Jesus is ‘Becoming’. As I shared in the previous blog, God is ‘presenting’ His Son in the Temple. God, the Father, is giving Jesus, His ‘Bar Mitzvah”. Jesus has become according to the Torah (Law) a ‘son of the commandment’. Jesus is also now entering into ‘Belonging’, ‘Belonging’ to what? He is ‘Belonging’ to the Jewish nation of Israel as One responsible for His own actions and the keeping of the Torah.

This ‘Belonging’ has been directed by God, His Father, according to the Torah in the presence of the scholars/teachers of the Torah in the Temple. I would like to say that this is a ‘special’ moment for the Father in the life of His Son, Jesus.

verse 46 says, that Jesus’ parents “found Him sitting in the center of the teachers listening to them and asking them questions.” Jesus is exercising His wisdom interacting with the teachers of the Torah. Do you think that Mary and Joseph recognized this as a special moment in the life of Jesus?

Before answering that, I would like to share a thought that I cannot prove.

I wonder if any of the teachers involved in this encounter with Jesus, when He was twelve years old, were present in Jerusalem, listening to Him, when He, as an adult, was teaching in the Temple during His ministry? Consider this ‘aha’ moment: “I remember Him… He was… 12… we were in the Temple… He was sitting in the center…we were encircled around Him… we were talking back and forth…suddenly His parents showed up and…

verse 47 (TLV) records the reaction of the Temple scholars, “and all those hearing Him were astonished at His understanding and His answers.” That same amazement was paramount throughout His entire adult life. All who heard Him were amazed. Why were they amazed? They had a difficult time comprehending the depth of the conversation that was happening between them and Jesus. It was the ‘wisdom’ that He accumulated during His formative years .

I see, sitting before the teachers of the Torah, a well behaved, good looking, young boy who spoke like no other 12 year old they had ever encountered before and ‘the favor of God was upon Him’.

What we do not know is the pattern of formal education that Jesus has had as a Child growing up. But, I believe that it is safe to conclude that Joseph made sure that Jesus’ education as a Child was handled properly according to the Torah and to the educational opportunities available in Nazareth. His education provided the back round and the input that became His wisdom.

Deuteronomy 6:4-8 says, TLV

Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words, which I am commanding you today, are to be on your heart. You are to teach them diligently to your children, and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when to lie down and when you rise up. Bind theme as a sign on your hand, they are to be as frontlets between your eyes, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Part of the mystery of the Incarnation is stated by Paul in Philippians 2:5-8(TLV), “Have this attitude in yourselves, which also was in Messiah Yeshua, Who, though existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal to God a thing to be grasped. But He emptied Himself–taking on the form of a slave, becoming the likeness of men and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself–becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

At this time, all, I want to reflect upon is what does this mean in terms of His ‘wisdom’ as a Child? As God, He is omniscient; but, He emptied Himself of His prerogatives as God. What does that mean in real life, having been born as a Baby and then in the process of growing up as a Child? This is unknown to us.

I sought to find out what Jewish education consisted of at the time of Jesus’ Childhood. There was a lot to read. In short, the father is responsible for his children’s education. There were centers for learning; and there was a time table of education based upon the child’s age. Restating what I said earlier, I think that it is safe to conclude that Joseph made sure that his children’s education was properly taken care of, and that included Jesus.

Two blogs ago, I encouraged readers to read Luke 2:41-50 and consider the question why could, what has been described in this passage, been difficult for Jesus’ mother and father to comprehend?

Let me begin restating, I believe that since the family’s return from exile in Egypt, having been sent there to avoid Herod’s rampage to kill Jesus, they had lived a quiet, respectful, ‘normal’ life in Nazareth. I conclude this based upon Luke 2:39-42. However, we must consider this: that because of the special events surrounding the birth of Jesus, it seems reasonable to assume that His parents must have anticipated a time when things would change; the problem was not knowing when that change would occur and under what circumstances.

We, too, as parents know that a time comes when changes take place in the dynamics of our family life as our children grow up.

Guess what? The time for change has come, according to the Torah. Now that His Son has turned twelve, God, the Father, is moving His Son, Jesus forward, governed by the Torah. Jesus goes to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Passover traveling with His parents and stays behind to speak with the teachers of the Torah. His parents discover Him missing; like normal parents, they panic; and trace their steps backward to Jerusalem. And finally they find Him. Now what?

What is His parent’s response?

verse 48 (TLV): “When His parents saw Yeshua (Jesus), they were overwhelmed (KJV-amazed; NKJV-astonished)” “and His mother said to Him, Child, why did you do this to us? (inserts mine)

Question: Is this comment a negative confrontation by His mother? “Look! Your father and I were searching for you frantically (TLV)” (KJV-sorrowing; NKJV-anxiously). (insert mine)

I am not a theologian. I have not studied Greek. But as a parent, I think I hear exasperation; at least, surprise. In essence I hear Mary saying, “Jesus you’ve never treated us this way before.” Do you sense what I am sensing as a parent? Many years ago I wrote a note to myself in my Bible about this passage, wondering if, at this moment, Mary had forgotten, “What she had pondered in her heart” (Luke 2:19) (TLV), 12-13 years earlier, when Jesus was born, and she was holding Him, wrapped in swaddling clothes on that first night in a stable.

Looking up the definition of the word ‘frantically’, it means “distraught with fear, anxiety or other emotion; it also means in a hurried, excited and chaotic way.” (Oxford Collegiate Dictionary) . I conclude that Mary and Joseph reacted like normal parents, having been pushed to the edge emotionally, very anxious and distraught because their Child has been missing for three days.

In the KJV, it says, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” (emphasis mine)

In the NKJV, it says, “Son, why have you done this to us? Look! your father and I have sought You anxiously.” (emphasis mine)

In the TLV, it says, Child, why did you do this to us? Look! Your father and I were searching for You frantically.” (emphasis mine)

Question: Was this confrontation private, or in front of the scholars of the Torah? Did His mother and father walk into center of the circle and confront their Son? I don’t know for sure but just reading verses 46-48 (TLV), and taking the verses at face value, it appears to me likely that may have happened.

I do not know what the Greek tenses are.

Follow this thought: “After three days they found Him in the Temple sitting in the center of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all those who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and His answers. When His parents saw Yeshua (where was He? He was sitting in the center of the teachers), they were overwhelmed. And His mother said to Him (no indication of movement by Jesus to His parents or vice-versa; therefore, it appears that Mary interrupted the proceedings) “Why did you do this to us?” ” (I suggest Mary, seeing her Son, impulsively interrupted what she saw before her, and blurted out her question. Rude, yes; but I do not think it is totally out of the question.) (inserts mine)

But we do know how Jesus responded as a twelve year old ‘Bar Mitzvah’. I used that designation on purpose. His mother (TLV) called Him Child. Other translations use Son. He is most assuredly a Son, especially The Son; I wonder if His mother still considered Him a Child? I am assuming that the translators of the TLV know that meaning of ‘Child’ is an appropriate translation for the Greek word used. The word ‘Son’ (Strong’s Concordance) means child, daughter, son. So, I am back to my original question, does His mother still consider Jesus as a Child in her eyes, when in reality, He is 12, and according to the Torah, Bar Mitzvah, now an Adult Son? Let’s let the event do the talking.

The dynamics of this Divine Intervention by Jesus’ Father having His Son interact with the teachers of the Torah in the Temple has caused an ’emotional upheaval’ in the life of Jesus’ parents. Jesus’ ‘Belonging’ is undergoing transition. But doesn’t that happen to all parents as they go through experiences that affect their relationships with their children? Discernment is required for letting go; especially knowing when is the right time and how to let go.

So, I will conclude this section with another question.

If Mary considers her Son still a Child, what does that tell us about how Mary envisions her Son at this moment in her life? in her heart?

TBC, a journeyer in Christ, deo

Part 5

This is the fourth in a series of blogs looking at Luke 2:1-52.

In the narrative of Luke 2, the life of Jesus has been shared recounting His birth, His early boyhood, and His growth to age twelve. Events surrounding His growth from His circumcision and recognition in the Temple to His return to Jerusalem as a twelve year old is summarized in one verse, Luke 2:40 (TLV), which says, “The Child kept growing and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him.”

There are significant events that accompanied His early years recorded in Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew writes extensively about the coming of the Magi, their interaction with Herod, their worship of Christ, an angel’s intervention stopping them from returning to Herod, Herod’s fury regarding the birth a king, and Herod’s edict to kill all male infants 2 years old and younger. In the midst of this atrocity, an angel appears to Joseph and instructs him to take Jesus and his mother Mary to Egypt to escape Herod’s fury to kill the Baby Boy. Joseph obeys the angel’s instruction, flees to Egypt, and stays there until he is told by an angel to return to Israel because Herod has died. Joseph returns to Israel but is afraid of Herod’s son, who is now the king; an angel instructs Joseph to go to Nazareth fulfilling what was previously spoken by a prophet saying, “that out of Egypt I have called My Son.”; and the word spoken by the prophets that Jesus would be called a Nazarene. All of this is detailed in Matthew 2:1-23.

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus are in Nazareth. The family is growing and Jesus is becoming older, stronger, wiser, and blessed by His Heavenly Father. It would be interesting to know what all of that looked like in real life.

Luke 2:41-52 opens for us a window into the life of Christ. One can only imagine the details of Luke 2:40 that I just referenced and wondered about; yet, I believe that the wording is significant. So I will revisit the verse. Luke 2:40 (TLV), says, “The Child kept growing and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon Him.”

At the close of the previous blog, I asked a question. Do you think Jesus was a ‘precocious’ child? I am aware that one must be very careful ascribing adjectives to the person of Jesus because Jesus is unique. He is the Incarnate Son of God in the flesh; therefore, He is the Son of Man. He is completely sinless. He is without sin.

The word ‘precocious’ (according to the Oxford American College Dictionary, c. 2002) means (of a child) having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual. (of behavior or ability) indicative of such development: a precocious talent for computing. (of a plant) flowering or fruiting earlier than usual.” Is this true of Jesus? One can only speculate. We must be careful not to make outlandish statements. It is too easy to make assumptions using man’s wisdom. However, I think it is safe to say that Luke 2:40 encapsulates the meaning of the word ‘precocious’; and I would like to share with you why I believe that is true according to the passage before us, Luke 2;41-52.

verses 41-42, tell us that Jesus has journeyed with His parents to Jerusalem. Officially, as a twelve year old, He is required to present Himself before the Lord at each of the three feasts. He is coming to Passover, the first of the three yearly feasts(Exodus 23:14-17, Deuteronomy 16:16). Jesus is presenting Himself before His Heavenly Father according to the Torah. He is fulfilling the law; but it is more than that.

Is Jesus ‘strong’? There is no reason to doubt His physical growth. The word ‘strong’ (Strong’s Concordance) means to be vigorous. The root word that it is derived from means mighty. I believe that it is safe to say that Jesus has grown into a healthy young boy now 12 years old.

verse 43, tells us Jesus did not return home with His parents; He stayed in Jerusalem, and His parent’s were not aware of it. Question: Now that Jesus is twelve, and He has become ‘Bar Mitzvah’ (son of the commandment), has He decided to do His own thing? After all, He is now recognized as an adult, responsible for His own actions; is He selfishly testing the ‘waters of Belonging’? He can’t be acting selfishly. He is the Son of God/Son of Man without sin. If we don’t remember that, then we can easily accuse Jesus of being disobedient. The reality is that we know that Jesus will not sin. Paul said, 2 Corinthians 5:21(TLV), He (God, the Father) made the One (Jesus, the Son) who knew no sin to become a sin offering on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” The Apostle Peter wrote, 1 Peter 2:22(TLV) “He (Jesus) committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth.” End of speculation. (inserts mine)

I believe that Jesus was acting in ‘wisdom’ at this moment in His life. He was doing what was right.

But, His decision to remain in Jerusalem caused a panic when His parents realized that He was not in the caravan headed home.

verses 44-45, tells us, “Supposing He was in the caravan, they went a day’s journey, then began looking for Him. When they did not find Him (Opps!), they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. (insert mine)

I wonder what was going through their minds? I wonder what they were discussing? Is it possible they said to one-another ?, “He’s never done anything like this before.” “What has come over Him?”

Sounds plausible to me.

Have you ever had to look for your child? One that was missing ! Christine and I have had to do that. One time it was for Rebecca; the other time it was for Daniel. Not fun. Stressful. Anxious. Scary. But, we found them.

verse 46 tells us that after 3 days they found Him (huge parental relief) in the Temple. I wonder why it took them so long to go there to look for Him? (just curious) (inserts mine)

What do you think would be your response regarding finding your child under similar circumstances?

Let’s stop there for now, and let you ponder that thought.

Guess what? I am still a parent, concerned about my children.

deo

part 4

The blog that I am about to share has created in me, not a fear to write it, but a fear to publicly share it. Why? Because of a fear that I perceive is growing in this nation. I am wondering if a person still has the ‘freedom of speech’ to have an opinion different than the thoughts of our current administration and share that opinion without fear of personal ramifications, such as, being labeled as a threat to the nation. Sounds drastic, doesn’t it, but I am not sure if one’s freedom of speech and thought has been drastically curtailed if it doesn’t agree with the administration’s rhetoric. I will share my thoughts, and…we shall see.

B.U.T. Believer Understand This: “For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power and of love ad a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

As the hours, minutes, and seconds wind down to November 8, 2022, a fiery rhetoric has heated up to an exceedingly hot temperature that reminds me of a story in Book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzer, who was the king of Babylon, had made an edict that for the space of a month, the people of his kingdom were to bow down to a golden image that he had had constructed.

I am sure that many of you who are reading this blog are fully aware of the story. As you will recall, three Hebrew young men, refused to bow down to the image and obey the king’s edict. The penalty for not bowing down to the image was to be thrown into a fiery furnace.

Because these three Hebrew young men had defied the king’s edict, they were “cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.” (Daniel 3:21b, NKJV)

So intense was the heat of the furnace; and so ‘harsh’ was the king’s anger, Daniel 3:22 (NKJV) says, “Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (to the furnace to throw them in) (insert mine).”

As I mentioned earlier, assuming that most of you know the story, then you know the outcome. Three men were bound and thrown into the fire; but when the king looked into the furnace himself, Daniel 3:25 (NKJV) says, “”Look! he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the fourth is like the Son of God.”

The Spirit Filled Life Bible notes on this verse says (page 1237, for 3:19-27) “This is a dramatic illustration of the personal presence and protection of the Lord with His people who suffer for their testimony. The fourth man is a Christophany (pre-incarnate appearance of the Messiah) who Nebuchadnezzer recognized to be like the Son of God. ” 3:26-28 says, “Nebuchadnezzer acknowledged that the deliverance was of God.”

My concern is that the voting electorate of the nation has been challenged with a fiery rhetoric that commands us to vote as our current administration has told us. This is not the true spirit of democracy. The electorate’s freedom to vote for whomever it chooses is the definition of democracy not a fiery rhetoric that seeks to tell the voters of this nation how it must vote.

On November 8, 2022, the voting electorate must choose whether it will acquiesce to the fiery discourse of our administration or ignore its ‘command’ and be willing to be thrown in the fiery furnace of the results of the election and its consequences depending upon its outcome.

Like you and many others I have been praying for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (paraphrase Matthew 6:10) for this election.

I have been praying to the Lord asking Him to fulfill Psalm 64 in behalf of this nation. What does that mean? Pease read Psalm 64.

In short, I am asking the Lord to shoot His arrow as it says in Psalm 64:7.

Psalm 64:7-9 says (NKJV), “But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly they shall be wounded. So He will make them stumble over their own tongue; And all who see them shall flee away. All men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing.

Psalm 64 is the fourth man in the fiery furnace of this election that is being heated up rhetorically. Count on it, the rhetoric will heat up more these last few days. Nebuchadnezzer saw in the fiery furnace God’s sovereign intervention.

God’s A.R.R.O.W. is an acronym that says, A Righteous Revelation Of Wrong-doing. May God’s ARROW do its intended work.

If you are interested, you can go to livingwordsofencouragement.com and read The A.R.R.O.W. of God.

Let us go forward in the boldness of the three Hebrew men!

blessings, remember to pray, a brother in Christ, deo

I am sure that almost everyone has heard of the idiom “the straw that broke the camel’s back”. It is interesting to read its etymology. There does not seem to be a consensus of opinion. No problem. What I want to share with you is my own version of this idiom.

My idiom is ‘the straw that breaks religion’. Consider this acronym for the word straw. S.T.R.A.W. = (be )Still, Take His yoke, Rest, Abide, Wait.

The STRAW that breaks religion’s hold on the believer is to BE STILL, and TAKE HIS YOKE, so that you will find REST for your soul; and in your REST you will learn to ABIDE in Him, and become able to WAIT for the Lord.

Reflecting upon those words will loosen religion’s hold and grow your relationship with Christ.

I want to encourage you to do your own follow up regarding each of the words used in the acronym for the word STRAW.

For instance:

BE STILL: Psalms 46:10, NKJV says, “BE STILL and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

TAKE HIS YOKE: Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV says, “Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. TAKE MY YOKE upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For MY YOKE is easy and My burden is light.”

REST: Hebrews 4:9-10, NKJV says, “There remains therefore a REST for the people of God. For he who has entered His REST has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.”

ABIDE: John 15:4, NKJV says, “ABIDE in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it ABIDES in the vine, neither can you, unless you ABIDE in Me.”

WAIT: Psalm 27:14, NKJV says, “WAIT on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; WAIT, I say on the LORD!”

What you will discover when you use a concordance or the cross references in your Bible, is how many of these words intersect their thought in the scripture.

The nation and the world in which we are living is besieged with rhetoric that is inflammatory, deceitful, full of lies, and creating an atmosphere of lawlessness.

Christ is our Rock, our Refuge, our Shield, our Fortress in these turbulent times.

Christ is the Word.

John 1: 1-5, 14,16,18, NKJV says, ” In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him; and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth…And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace…No one has seen God at ay time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.“

Our refuge is in Him, and His Word.

Let us unite ourselves in Him afresh, by being STILL, taking His YOKE, finding our REST in Him, ABIDING in Him, and WAITING upon Him.

“Psalm 62:5-7, NKJV says, “My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.” (emphasis mine)

a sojourner in Christ, deo

Malachi 3:6 (NKJV) says, “For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”

What a statement of grace and mercy. God’s people have forsaken their God and chosen to live as the nations of the world. They have not kept the covenant between themselves and the LORD. God would have every right not to uphold His end of the covenant with His people and severely judge them. What keeps the LORD from doing that? He loves His people. He is a Righteous Judge; but He is also a God of Mercy. He will judge His people; but He is going to personally intervene in the life of His people and and the nations of the world.

Malachi 3:1-3 (NKJV), “”Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, who you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold He (The King is Coming) is coming,” Says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness.” (insert mine)

The Father sent the Son. Jesus came, born of a virgin, to be the Savior of the world. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, was crucified on a cross. He shed His blood for the forgiveness of sin. He died, was buried, and three days later, was resurrected from the grave. He ascended back to heaven. And one day, He will return again to this earth and finish His Father’s plan of salvation which was determined before the creation of the world.

The King is Coming…

Between now and His return there will be many signs and wonders, as outlined in Scripture, performed in/on the earth. Today (10-3-2022), I read this on Facebook. It said, I have stopped looking for the signs and wonders that are to happen before Christ’s return; I am listening for the sound of the trumpet.

The King is Coming…

I Thessalonians 4:15-18 (NKJV), says, “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet (emphasis mine) of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

In my previous blogs centered on Malachi 3:6, I have emphasized that Jesus told His disciples/apostles that signs and wonders would accompany their preaching of the Word. It was also pointed out that God performed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt confirming Moses words to Pharaoh when Pharaoh refused to let God’s people go. When studying the Old Testament, you will also read about God performing signs and wonders confirming the words of His prophets; and God intervening with signs and wonders miraculously helping His judges and kings as they governed God’s people.

Our God is an awesome God.

Signs and wonders permeate the Word of God. Signs and wonders are enumerated in Revelation. Their meaning and timing have caused an immense amount of study and speculation. The controlling thought regarding Revelation is Jesus’ own declaration found in Matthew 24:29-36 (NKJV).

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and the all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with and great glory. and He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. so you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near–at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My word will by no means pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (emphasis mine).

The King is Coming…

There will be much speculation. There will be many theories. There will be many who claim to understand. I am not saying that the Church will be groping in the dark.

The believers in Thessalonica were confused about the return of the Lord. Paul set the record straight.

I Thessalonians 5:1-11 (NKJV) “But concerning the times and the seasons brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep (see I Thessalonians 4: 13-18), we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”

The King is Coming…

As the tension increases in our nation and the world, we are not without hope. Our hope is in the Lord and His Word. There will be signs and wonders. God’s Word tells us that. This is a time to edify and encourage one another in the Lord.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV), “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The Day of the Lord is approaching. When is that Day? Only the Father knows; but we are encouraged and instructed by the Word of God to remain in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in the Lord, and to encourage and exhort one another.

The King is Coming…

May the Lord richly bless you, and strengthen you, and give you peace,

a brother in Christ, deo

A continuation of “I am the LORD. I do not change.” Malachi 3:6

When one reads the Book of Exodus, I wonder if people ponder the TENsion that was created in both the people of Egypt and the nation of Israel as they experienced the affects of Moses appealing to Pharaoh to let God’s people go and Pharaoh’s persistent resistance. I am sure you are aware of the basic conversation. Moses requests from Pharaoh the release God’s people. Moses was instructed to say, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.” (NKJV) Pharaoh’s reply was in essence, ‘No Way’. That is a simplistic summary of his response. But because of Pharaoh’s persistent decline to release God’s people, a series of 10 plagues were released upon the nation of Egypt. The nation of Israel lived in Egypt in the land of Goshen. The history of their presence in Egypt is the story of the Sovereignty and Providence of God in the life of Jacob, his sons, and in particular, Joseph.

Exodus 1:1-7 gives us a summary of their coming into Egypt. Beginning with Exodus 1:5-7 (NKJV), it says, “All those who were descendants of Jacob were seventy persons (for Joseph was in Egypt already). And Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation. “But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.” (emphasis mine) . Joseph, and his family have a legacy in the nation of Egypt. But over the course of time that legacy was forgotten.

It is now 400 plus years later. Exodus 1:8-14 sets the scene and the tone for the story of the conflict between the Pharaoh of Egypt and Moses, the hand-picked leader of God, for Israel. Let’s get a feel of the tension in the air.

Exodus 1:8-14 (NKJV), “Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happens, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.” Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage–in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which which they made them serve was with rigor.”

From Exodus 1:15 through Exodus 4:31, the narrative recounts the events surrounding the incarceration of Israel; the birth of Moses; the Sovereignty and Providence of God watching over the life of Moses; the ill-fated choices that Moses made; the fleeing of Moses into the wilderness; the change bought about in Moses’ life living in the wilderness; God’s revelation to Moses at the burning bush; the reluctance of Moses to lead; God’s determined will being done in the life of Moses. (see, Hebrews 11:23-26)

When Moses came back to Egypt from the wilderness, he and his brother Aaron “gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel. And Aaron spoke all the words which the Lord had spoken to Moses. Then he did the signs in the sight of the people. So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.” Exodus 4:29-31(NKJV)

(Isn’t it interesting that the words that Aaron spoke were followed by signs following. This is what Jesus told His disciples in Mark 16:15-18 would happen when they preached the gospel. Mark 16:20 (NKJV), And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.”)

In Exodus 5:1-3, the initial confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh is recorded. This sets the tone for what will take place between Moses, God’s spokesman, and Pharaoh, Egypt’s ruler. It reflects the spiritual battle between God and Satan. God calling His people out of Egypt, a type of the world, to worship Him; and Pharaoh, a type of Satan, the ruler of the world, seeking to keep Israel (humanity )in bondage. It contrasts the worship of the One True God, with the worship of the false gods of Egypt. Each of the plagues were against an Egyptian god.

Exodus 5:1-3 (NKJV), Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.” And Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel to? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go.” So they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go three days’ journey into the desert and sacrifice to the Lord our God, let He fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword.”

The initial confrontation sets the tone. The TENsion has been planted in seed form. What follows next in the Book of Exodus is God, through Moses, revealing to Pharaoh, to the nation of Egypt, and to the nation of Israel who He is, and why they need to obey His voice. Remember, it has been 400 plus years since the arrival of the family of Jacob coming into the land of Egypt. God had made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That story is the bulk of what is recorded in the Book of Genesis. God has not forgotten His covenant. He is also having His plan of salvation lived out on the earth.

Here is my premise. What has been planted in seed form at the time of the first confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh will sprout and grow into full bloom as God backs up His word as Moses confronts Pharaoh to let His people go. God backs up Moses words by sending 10 plagues throughout the course of the confrontations. The TEN plagues cause the TENsion to rise in the nation of Egypt and in the nation of Israel. The study of the 10 plagues is fascinating. The TENth plague is especially riveting because it follows a plague of darkness. The TENth plague foreshadows Christ as the Lamb of God who takes the away the sin of the world. Christ is the Passover Lamb. The TENth plague is when God passes over all the households in Egypt to kill the first born in each household. There is a death in each household where the Lord does not see the blood of a lamb, that had been killed, applied on the lintel and on the two doorposts of the house (picture of the cross).

Exodus 12:12-13 (NKJV), The Lord said to Moses, “For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night (the night of the TENth plague), and will strike all the first born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast. (Notice, there is no differentiation stated at point between Egyptians and Hebrews.); and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord(emphasis mine). Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you (the blood makes differentiation); and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” (parentheses mine).

A series of TEN plagues has been witnessed and experienced by the Egyptians and the Hebrews. All TEN plagues affected the Egyptians; however, not all TEN plagues directly affected the Hebrews as they did the Egyptians. The Hebrews lived in the land of Goshen situated in the nation of Egypt and God made differentiations between His people and the nation of Egypt. For example, when the darkness of the ninth plague blacked out the nation of Egypt for three days, there was light in Goshen. Exodus 11:21-23 (NKJV), “Then the Lord said to Moses, Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt. So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.”

God is Sovereign over all, and in His Providence He cared for, and differentiated for His people.

Israel had cried out to God (Exodus 2:23-25), He heard their cry, remembered His covenant, and providentially interrupted Moses’ life for a leadership assignment.

What God intended to do through Moses was not to make people feel good. His intervention was confrontational, revelational, and fearful. I submit is caused TENsion.

Pharaoh had boasted to Moses saying, “Who is Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go.” (Exodus 5:2, NKJV). The truth is that he did not know who the Lord was, , therefore, why should he acquiesce to what God was asking him to do?

The scripture tells us, man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks upon the heart. (I Samuel 16:7). God knew the heart of Pharaoh. God knew Pharaoh’s constant response to Moses would be negative and He knew that Pharaoh would hardened his heart as he repeatedly said, no. God will have His people released from Egypt. God will show Pharaoh, and the Egyptians who He is; and God will show the nation of Israel that He is the God of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and that He loves them and will keep the covenant that He had made with them.

From this initial confrontation, Pharaoh increases the burden on the people of Israel; Moses leadership is challenged by the people of Israel; Moses complains (Exodus 5:22-23, NKJV) to God; “God why have you brought trouble on this people?”; “Why is it You have sent Me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all.” I don’t get it God. God reassures Moses, I have got this under control,(my paraphrase). “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see (emphasis mine) what I will do to Pharaoh. For with a strong hand he will let them go, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.” (Exodus 6:1, NKJV). In Exodus 6:2-8 (NKJV), God has Moses undivided attention, and God continues, “I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name LORD I was not known to them. I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, in which they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. Therefore say to the children of Israel: “I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it you as a heritage: I am the LORD.” (emphasis mine).

I wonder if Moses had a mental flashback to his encounter with God at the burning bush. (Exodus 3:1-12) Notice the bracketing (vs 2 and vs 8) of God’s Word to Moses: “I am the LORD”. That is straight forward, succinct and all inclusive. Moses is hearing from God; the Holy One of Israel; the Creator of the universe; the One True God; the Almighty God; YHWH, the LORD, I AM THAT I AM.

Now what?

Exodus 7:1-5 (NKJV), “So the Lord said to Moses: “See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. You shall speak all that I command you. And Aaron your brother shall tell Pharaoh to send the children of Israel out of his land. And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh will not heed you, so that I may lay My hand on Egypt and bring My armies and My people, the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD (emphasis mine), when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the children of Israel from among them.”

God has spoken His Word to Moses. Moses is to speak God’s Word, through Aaron, to Pharaoh. God will confirm His Word with signs and wonders (plagues) following .

Moses will come before Pharaoh and speak to him God’s Word to let His people go. Pharaoh will respond in different ways; but the end result is always a negative response, and a continuing hardening of his heart.

There are TEN plagues. The TEN plagues are sent in response to Pharaoh’s refusal to let Israel go. The TEN plagues are miraculous interventions by God. God’s manifestations through Moses create a growing atmosphere of apprehension, of fear, and TENsion. Question: Does the continuation of the plagues make ‘believers’ of the people regarding God’s Word through Moses? Do they take it to heart? Is the realization setting in that when Pharaoh says, NO, Moses is instructed by God to ‘stretch out your hand toward heaven so that there will be… ‘ And what God says will happen does take place. Now now having seen and experienced the the outcomes of the previous nine plagues and being told what is going to transpire with the tenth plague, will God’s people, heed the instruction of God regarding the TENth plague.

Exodus 12:1-3,5a,6,7,11b-13 (NKJV), “Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, “This month shall be the first month of the year to you. Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household’…Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year….Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it…It is the LORD’s Passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the first born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD (emphasis mine). Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you and the plague will not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” (the blood differentiates. It did then, it still does.)

The TENsion that had been planted in seed form when Moses first spoke to Pharaoh has grown and will now culminate in death; except where the blood of the lamb has been applied “on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they (Israel) eat it(the lamb).” (Exodus 12:7 NKJV,)(emphasis, insert mine)

God has used a series of TEN signs and wonders (plagues) to authenticate His Word through Moses to the Egyptians and to the Israelites. It is interesting that some of the plagues, God allowed to afflict the Egyptians and the Israelites. As the plagues progressed, God differentiated between the Egyptians and His people. He allowed some plagues to affect Egypt but not affect Israel. The first two plagues had no distinction; in fact the magicians of Egypt were able to duplicate the plagues. God allowed it. Satan does have the ability to counterfeit things. However, when the magicians tried to duplicate the third plague, they were unable to do so; why? may I interject my thought? The dust of the ground was struck and life was created out of the dust of the ground. How was Adam formed? Out of the dust of the ground. This time the dust was struck and lice were formed. The point is that God is the Creator of life. The magicians of Egypt could not duplicate this. Their response was, Exodus 8:19, (NKJV), “Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them (Moses/Aaron) as the Lord had said.” (insert mine). Plagues 4,5,7,9 says that Israel was not affected by the plague. God made a difference. Plagues 6, 8 do not say that Israel was not affected. We need to remember that God is Sovereign of all; and that He is Providential toward His people.

I do not believe that I am out of place saying that the people in the land of Egypt were feeling the TENsion growing within them personally and in their surrounding atmosphere as the plagues continued to come just as Moses had declared they would. One wonders what took place in the minds of people who were not close to source of conflict between Pharaoh and Moses. There is no internet or cell phones, no fast communication. But, I do not think it is unreasonable to suggest that the Egyptians were wondering what will happen next?

God is making believers out of everyone in the nation of Egypt, whether they are Egyptian or Hebrew. Is it possible some didn’t believe? Absolutely. It doesn’t say. The one who was affected the most was Pharaoh. Is it safe to say that he came to believe what Moses was telling him was going to be true; but his heart was hardened so that he could not say yes until after the TENth plague. Only then could he call for Moses and tell him to take the people and go. His pride was strong and it hardened his heart. Exodus 12:29-32 (NKJV), “And it came to pass at mid-night that the Lord struck all the first born in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and the first born of the livestock. So Pharaoh rose in the night, he, all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead. Then he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have said. Also take your flocks and you herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also.” But it didn’t end there, “And the Egyptians urged the people, that they might send them our of the land in haste. For they said, We shall all be dead. ” Exodus 12:33, (NKJV). Israel exited in haste.

Why all the preparation? The TENth plague is coming. The TENth plague is the crescendo for the deliverance of God’s people. It is a foreshadowing of the teaching that points to the foundation of God’s plan of salvation. The coming of the Son of God, who is the Passover Lamb, the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world. He will come and be killed. His death on the cross will be an act of propitiation that will completely satisfy the wrath of God against sin. His death, burial, and resurrection will conquer death, hell, and the grave. His death renders Satan powerless. Death has died in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.

In the age in which we are living, there is a growing TENsion that is building in the atmosphere of this world. The Kingdom of God and kingdom of darkness are both maturing. The wheat and the tares are sown in the earth. We are witnessing an exponential rise of evil throughout the world. The enemy of our souls has become very bold. Jesus says in John 10:10 (NKJV), “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” There is spiritual warfare.

Remember, Romans 5:20,21, (NKJV), “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (emphasis mine)

I believe we are going to see a manifestation of God’s Grace by the power of the Holy Spirit in these last days. Just as God confirmed His Word, through Moses, in Egypt, a type of the world; He will confirm His Word through the His Church to the world today. The Lord will raise up a standard of righteousness by the power of His Spirit through the preaching of the Word; He will confirm the message of the Gospel with signs and wonders just as He said He would to His disciples in Mark 16.

Change is coming, the Holy Spirit will come with Pentecostal renewal and power to the Church, as it did on the day of Pentecost.

I believe in the ministry of the Word, with signs following.

So, I ask again, why all this preparation? Because there is going to be another deliverance of God’s people, those who are believers in Jesus Christ.

Acts 1:9-11, (NKJV), “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. and while they looked steadfastly t0ward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, “who also said, “Men of Galilee, who do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from y0u into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Before Christ returns again, there is going to be a growing TENsion. It is all part of God’s plan of salvation.

Are you under the blood? Have you passed from death unto life by accepting Jesus Christ as your Passover Lamb?

Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I do not change.”

Amen, Thank you LORD.

a believer in Christ, deo