First I was listening to Marty Goetz and the song Psalm 1, which is from the Hope of Glory album.

Download:

It is a wonderful song. Over at Kineti L’Tziyon, Judah spoke of this song and how the lyrics (which come straight from the Psalm) talk about taking delight in the Law, and he contrasted that to how many today, do just the opposite when it comes to the Law. In a similar vein, what hit me was how the repetition of the idea of taking delight in something was repeated throughout the song. In the song delight is taken in the Law, but I got to thinking what people take delight in today.

I am not speaking of out and out sin and wickedness, but more subtly the things that we do every day in and maybe take delight in. Maybe some of these things can be re-thought. It seems like the Internet is a place so overflowing with negative concepts, negative thoughts. A place of one-upping the other guy in a comment. A place of mocking others. It is like it breeds descent, derision, scorn and bitterness. There are many sites dedicated to mocking and putting down things, whether it be our results of someones labor; differing thoughts, whether political, spiritual or other thoughts and concepts. Even emotions can be paraded and mocked for the whole world to see. I guess we can feel better about ourselves if we can put down, mock or laugh at someone else’s folly and foibles.

Anyway the song got me thinking as to where I sometimes take delight and where I should be taking delight. Should I be more taking delight in the Scriptures as the Psalmist (and Marty Goetz) wrote? Do I take more delight in the negative things of the Internet than I should? Something to think about. Something this song got me thinking about.

The second song is much different in style and intended content. It is not a song that was marketed towards believers, however I felt the lyrics had a pretty valuable spiritual message. The lyrics do use a Bible story as a theme. The song is One Good man from the Rossington Collins Band.

The lyrics tell about the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Ignoring the accuracy of the lyrics in regard to Scripture, the lyrics ultimately paint a picture of the need for one good man, in the city of Sodom or in someones life, either as parent or husband. Driving along listening to the song, I was taken as to the capacity that G-d has given within us. We have the capacity to change lives, to save lives by our actions. That is a pretty awesome thing. I think that is a capacity that we have most especially when we allow G-d to work through us, when we come yielding our lives and through that humble act, G-d can fill us and He can use that created capacity to do some wonderful things, whether making a family a place of love, nurture and growth, or being a righteous life in a dark and troubled world.

It is such a blessing to be spoken to while driving along, in a sense, hearing from the Almighty. Thank you L-rd for the blessing of music in my life.

(By the way, I chose this YouTube video because I loved the blending of old technology and new. Turntables and LPs are a part of my past and to see it hooked up to a computer and putting music onto YouTube and Internet was a pretty cool combination that I enjoyed seeing. It was good to see a record spin on a turntable again.)

May everyone have a blessed weekend. I get to be a part of a Bat Mitzvah for a special family so I am looking forward to it. Shabbat Shalom.

B”H

• "We Delight" Chord Sheet
• Heroes
• Song For Shabbat (January 11, 2008)
• I Want To Be Clone
• Why Slate Wants to Write About the "The Freaky Origins of Christian Rock"

I was thinking about this because for Yom Kippur I decided to read through different sections of Romans. Romans speaks a great deal about sin and sin is a major focus of the High Holidays, so it seemed like a good fit. On the day of Yom Kippur between the morning service and the break the fast, I sat down and decided to go through Romans 8. Reading it I saw what to me, was a very clear picture of the law for the believer.

Now there are lots of differing opinions about what is the law for believers today. I am not going to go there. I personally believe that is something between each of us and our Creator. After all, it is a personal relationship we are involved with. As such, I will not preach as to whether this means you should keep Torah, whether Torah is for Gentiles and Jews or just for Jewish believers or if Torah is only to be kept by those who are over five foot eleven inches tall and have brown eyes and a distinguishing birthmark on their left elbow. I will leave that to other blogs to discuss. For me though, Romans 8 does indicate that we should be following the Law. Lets take a look.

First thing that is brought up in the chapter is that there is no condemnation in Messiah. I have always seen that as a clear meaning that the Law will not condemn you if you are in Messiah. A power to pronounce guilt is not there. Can the Law still correct? I think so, but not condemn. So, in other words, I have always though that even if you follow Torah, failures in doing so will not be used as a means to bring forth eternal judgment. Following that comes a conflict of flesh and Spirit.

Verse two states:

For the law of the Spirit of life in Messiah Yeshua hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)

Many see that as describing two different laws, the Torah of the Spirit and the Torah of sin and death, but I see it as two different way to approach the Torah. I especially see that as the following verses speak about keeping the law in the flesh as compared to doing so in the Spirit. It is restated in verse six as a comparison of a carnal mind versus a spiritual mind. So, I see verse two in this light; “For following Torah in the Spirit of life in Messiah Yeshua frees me from following the law in my carnal mind.” Not two laws, but two ways to approach the one law. One way is good, works and leads to life; the other way is not good and will fail and lead to death.

Verse three says that Torah is weak. How is it weak? It is weak through the flesh. This is similar to Hebrews 8:8 saying that G-d found fault with the people as the reason for the need for a New Covenant (and then going on to quote Jeremiah 31:31-34). The Torah itself is fine and good, but sinful man is the issue and the New Covenant through Yeshua gives the capability to do Torah successfully as it removes the problem, the flesh.

So, when I read through Romans chapter eight, I do not come away with a sense of freedom to do whatever we wish. As a matter of fact verse twelve says we have a debt to pay, and it is a debt not to the flesh, not to ourselves, but to the Spirit, to G-d to actually turn from the things of the flesh. It say we need to mortify the deeds of the flesh in order to live. Get rid of just doing whatever one feels like doing and do what the Spirit, what the Word of G-d says to do. That would be following a law.

The chapter ends with some wonderful and hopeful verses.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love G-d, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

What shall we then say to these things? If G-d be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Who shall separate us from the love of Messiah? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35)

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of G-d, which is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)

Such awesome promises. G-d is actively working in our lives, even fixing up mistakes we make. Does G-d let us off scoff free? No, I think there are consequences to pay, however I think if a good parent uses consequences as a tool to teach a lesson and correct and do not use it to be mean and punish for the sake of punishment and as a result of anger, then how much more will our Heavenly Father use consequences in a manner that is for correction and not some sort of acting out of anger. But then in the end He works it all out for our good. A good parent does that for their child and thus I know that G-d does so as well. We can make it through all, we can finish this race because greater is He who is within me that is he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

It was a wonderful and meaningful Yom Kippur. I hope you had a wonderful season as well. Now that we have gone through a process started at Rosh Hashanah with the blowing of the shofar calling us to pay attention, we can now enter into G-d being with us, which is the heart of the next holiday, Sukkot. Have a wonderful, joyous celebration. Baruch HaShem!

B”H

• Fulfilled, What Does It Mean?
• Did God Leave Sins Unpunished?
• Obsolete and Dying
• A Look at Ephesians 2:8-10
• What To Look For When Reading Scripture

See if you did not know these verses if you would think they are from legalistic person wishing to put one under bondage.

• Respect for the commandments, seeking them and telling others about them (verses 6, 46, 117)
• A desire and commitment to learn, know and keep the Law (verses 8, 12, 40, 45, 55-57, 124)
• To keep them forever and never forget them  (verses 44, 93, 109, 112, 141, 153, 176)
• A pray to keep one focused on the commandments (verses 10, 78)
• And to hide these commandments in one heart to keep me from breaking them (verses 11, 83)
• Rejoicing, delighting and loving the Law (verses 14, 16, 47-48, 77, 92, 113, 119, 143, 159, 163, 165, 167, 174)
• The Law can actually counsel and is good to learn (verses 24, 33-34, 64, 68, 71, 73, 135)
• Wanting power from G-d to be able to keep the Law (verse 29)
• A commitment to keep the Law (verses 32, 115)
• The ways of Torah are better than prosperity (verse 72)
• The Torah is sweeter than honey (verse 103)
• The Law is good and truth (verses 138, 142)

What would be the react if you walked up to many believers and exclaimed “I love the Law!”? I would guess that there would be some that would want to sit with you, talk to you and pray for you. I guess they would try and explain to you how you have been freed from this prison and that you should escape from the Law. Some might tell you that the Law is dead and gone, a hopeless relic that has passed away. They might also tell you that these words were great and true for when they were written but now Yeshua has come so that we can have freedom and not have to walk in those commandments (or even desire to). They might say that Yeshua came, walked in them perfectly and did so for the express purpose so you would not need to. They might even have WWJD somewhere his person while they tell you this. Most likely though, they would not quote this Scripture:

Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (1 John 2:4-6)

So how did Yeshua walk? Would one consider the things of Psalm 119 the things that He did? If so, maybe might it merit more attention than one has given it lately?

Now why did I title this post with the line from a well know (and often covered song)? There are some other things that stood out to me about this Psalm. Reading through I did not see one that was confident in themself and their ability to keep the commandments. Far from it. I did not see someone who saw their salvation coming from a keeping of Torah. Far from it. I saw:

• A whole heart desire for these things, not just a simple keeping them by effort (verses 10, 58, 80)
• Knowledge that keeping them would not bring salvation, that salvation only comes from G-d (verses 17, 41, 124)
• That one is fleshly and that the Law of G-d can be difficult, especially in one’s own strength (verses 36-37)

and the final verse:

Verse 176 – I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

Look at that final verse once again. It is not like a legal system of I keep the Law, I will not get into trouble; it is even though I keep the Law I still go astray of it and need G-d and His mercy. Wow! That is not self righteousness or legalism or anything else but a humble heart. Sounds like someone who fought the Law and G-d won. A humble hearted Law keeper, now that is a goal worthy of attainment.

B”H

• Obsolete and Dying
• What To Look For When Reading Scripture
• Grace Does Not Mean Getting Away With Sin
• Promises
• A Look at Ephesians 2:8-10

One section stood out to me that I wanted to talk about briefly was Deuteronomy 30:11-14. These verses seems so at odds with what I think is a usual Christian interpretation of the Law. It seems like a typical teaching on the Law would be that it is too difficult for anyone to do and that it’s sole intent is to show us how we cannot do it. However these verse seem to say that it is not too hard nor beyond reach. I found this very interesting.

Am I saying that I think that we always walk perfect in the ways of G-d? No, I understand that this is the goal to which we should be pressing forward towards. However it seems that these chapters in Deuteronomy are speaking more about the hearts than of the actions. It seems to me if we have a heart for G-d and for the things of G-d, then these things will be in our mouths and in our hearts and with that we will be more able to do these things.

For me, rather than the quick rejection of the Law as too difficult and thus making it easy to discard, this helps me with confidence that as I grow with G-d that I can better walk fully in His ways, which without a doubt includes the ways of Torah. I am built up knowing that the Torah is not too difficult or beyond reach. May you be encouraged as well.

• Obsolete and Dying
• Psalm 119: I Fought the Law and the Law Won
• What To Look For When Reading Scripture
• A Good Example of the Sin Nature
• With Eyes To See

Psalm 103:10 gives a wonderful promise. The other day I heard it read on a Christian radio station in the area. It is a wonderful promise. I think many believers take this in and definitely want it as their own promise from G-d. It got me thinking though that so often I hear that something that is from the Tanakh or maybe something Yeshua said to fellow Jews of His day was for those Jews and does not apply today, because basically we are now on the other side of the cross (basically meaning after the work of Yeshua is completed). That is supposed to change everything. While that was a central point of history, I do not see it as changing the nature of G-d, nor of His promises.

I do, however, find it odd that in this type of theology, it changes only the curses and restrictions, since they all apply only to Israel, but it does not apply to the promises G-d made, like the ones in Psalm 103. It seems that based upon some theologies that the people Psalm 103 was written to, namely Israel, that G-d did deal with them according to their sins and because of their sins, in contrast to the verse. Is it that He has removed all the promises from Israel and given them to “the Church?”

Is not Psalm written by King David? Would it not be directed to Israel and the Jews just as much as any verse about tithing or food restrictions, etc.? Verse 7 says:, “He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel.” So Israel, the Israel of the Old Testament must be at least included in the audience for these words. As a matter of fact a number of verses speak of remembering and doing the commandments of G-d, and this is something more often associated with Jews than Christians.

My point is to those who want to look at Scriptural promises as for them, but then seem to divide up commandments, requirements and curses so as to exclude themselves and their behavior, well that seems a bit too convenient. If the promises are for me today (and I think they are), then maybe the other parts of Scripture from before the resurrection are also pertinent to my life today. Maybe there is something I can do with each command, for if I want the promises (I do, I do!), then maybe, just maybe it is sensible to take the whole package and not just pick and choose. That is how I see it.

• What To Look For When Reading Scripture
• Does G-d Change His Mind?
• Addition and Subtraction, Beginning and End
• Postmissionary Messianic Judaism – Part II
• Obsolete and Dying

I did a similar evaluation and spoke with the author of this paper about the faith of Mitt Romney back when it seemed like he might be the Republican candidate for President. Even though I might like his policies, it was hard to get past the fact that he accepts the Mormon teaching. Richard John Neuhaus writing in the Catholic journal, First Things stated:

Not to put too fine a point on it, the founding stories and doctrines of Mormonism appear to the outsider as a bizarre phantasmagoria of fevered religious imagination not untouched by perverse genius.

To me it was difficult to get past someone who accepts this “bizarre phantasmagoria” as truth to have the sound thought patterns to be the President of the United States. Of course, non believers would say that the faith I prescribe to is also hard to believe, but the point Neuhaus was making was that Mormon leaders do not allow questions of the faith, where the faith of the Bible is open to discussion and dissension. Also, archaeological findings that have confirmed some of the things spoken of in the Bible, wherein Mormonism has none of that. These same concerns are true for the presumptive Democratic candidate. Looking at this past gives at the very least a cause to pause when deciding whom to trip the lever for this November.

Another aspect of the paper that I found enlightening was that it revealed more than I could ever find via the typical outlets. We all have seen the YouTube videos. Outside of those little sound bites it helped me to learn more about Liberation Theology and Black Liberation Theology. I hope it will help you.

Regardless of your choice this coming election I would hope and pray that the choice is not based upon sound bites, but by prayerfully looking at the candidates, their positions and values and how they might represent you and this country. Choose the best candidate and not vote against the one that you have been lead to hate. That is what the 527 groups want and that is part of this terribly divisive time for our country.

May God continue to shine His blessings upon this country. May this country continue to bless Israel.

B”H

• Becoming Little Gods and Changing the World
• A Question Of Authenticity
• Alert the Media!
• Kvelling
• Vote For Me

First of all at the very start, the Jewish non-believer is likely to be hostile to the idea of the faith of Christianity. Not all Jews are well versed in the Old Testament, but almost all know the history of Christian antisemitism, including forcing Jews to debate the subject of the Messiah and also being forced to lose the debate. This might not be something many Christians today are aware of, but Jews certainly are knowledgeable about these debates. Zionism and Israel – Encyclopedic Dictionary, as part of its definition of antisemitism includes this:

Disputations – A characteristic persecution consisting of holding a public debate between a Christian priest or church official and a Rabbi or leader of the Jewish community. The debate was meant to “prove” the correctness of the Christian faith. At the conclusion of the debate, Jews were killed or subjected to mass conversion, or Jewish books such as the Talmud were burned.

Another Jewish view is the idea of “winning prizes.” Since Rabbinic Judaism is not interested in converts and actually discourages conversation in order to ensure that those wanting to convert to Rabbinic Judaism are truly dedicated and interested and not a passing fad. So, Jews often look at Christian evangelism as some sort of numbers game, a power play, so to speak. It can be at times and that is a shame, however most that share about their faith in Yeshua, or Jesus are doing so because their personal lives have been changed and they want others to find that joy and freedom as well. The distrust however is seen as business. Sometimes things like scandals involving TV evangelists give the impression that the numbers are about money, other times the distrust might be that the Christian is doing their good deed, earning their keep as a Christian, and thus roping in others is the way that Christians earn their stripes, so to speak. Believers, of course, once again are interested because of the joy they found, so it is natural and it is something that is instructed in Scripture, to share your faith with others. While the message of repentance can sink in with those that follow no god, a Jew will look at himself as in good shape spiritually, for we are the children of Abraham, the chosen people.

Rabbinic Judaism teaches a respect for Christianity, for non-Jews. Basically, it is taught that it is great, for them. It helps them, but we have our thing, our relationship with God. Michael Brown, one of the debaters in the article has an excellent article about the uniqueness of reaching the Jewish people called, Jewish Apologetics: Christianity’s Ongoing And Unique Challenge. Dr. Brown offers a number of suggestions and is a great resource in this subject.

Recent years have shown increasing numbers of Jews that are finding the Messiah. The time is drawing near. The Spirit is moving and calling many Jews back to the Scriptures. It is a wonderful time to see these happening and experience them. Messianic Judaism is even, in small ways gaining some acceptance by some in the Rabbinic or secular Jewish communities. That can only happen when our faith is genuine and our expression and love true. Forced debates server no purpose but stroke the ego of those doing the forcing.

Lastly, the article shows a great deal of traditional Jewish humor. It is true that traditionally, most of the Jewish holidays have certain foods associated with them, and many of them recount victories over enemies, so the association is natural and just humorous. Used here the author actually seems to be saying he defeated and enemy in a similar manner, so let’s celebrate the victory and eat. He closes the article with a quote from some unlinked site that finishes, “Above all, pray that many Jewish people will attend the meetings and be compelled by the evidence…”, and that serves to close his argument and call for the food. While many Christians might not see a problem, once again the word compelled might bring forth an idea of being forced. Better wording and what I will close with is:

Above all, pray that many Jewish people will hear the good news of the Jewish Messiah and that the Spirit move through the evidence revealed.

B”H

• Messianic Judaism, a Haunted House?
• Postmissionary Messianic Judaism – Dangerous or Needed?
• The Power of Adoption
• A Last Comment on "Talking Out Of Turn"
• Postmissionary Messianic Judaism – Final Thoughts

Doing this blog has given me a opportunity to converse with a great number of Christians from different backgrounds and beliefs. I have found out that there is not one face to assign to the term Christian. It is funny, as there is a saying that if you have 2 Jews, you will have at least 3 opinions, however that may be just a truth more accurate of all of humanity, for Christianity seems to have more opinions than there are Christians. By opinions, I am referring to doctrines. First, of all if I was to apply a definition of a Christian it would have to start with the doctrine of salvation. If there is one place that all Christians should agree, and I would expand that to all believers, Jew or Gentile, it would be that salvation is by faith and faith alone, that we are not justified by works, but by faith that we have in Yeshua as the promised Messiah of the Hebrew Scriptures. That is what provides salvation, and I think without that, those claiming to be Christians or believers are making a false claim. With such folks, there should not be any unity. There should still be a love for them, but not a unity of brotherhood.

Once we get beyond salvation, then things become interesting. We have Calvinism and within that, varying levels of points; a 5 point Calvinist, a 4 point and so on. We have Arminianism, we have Open Theism. We have Evangelicals, Reformed Churches, Baptist Churches, Pentecostals. We have deferent thoughts about baptism, gifts of the Spirit, music, almost any subject, almost any practiced mentioned in the Bible we have varying interpretations on how that should be done today, or not done at all. One challenge that arises is having a discussion when the person maybe a Christian but may hold to any number of different beliefs on subjects such as the Torah, Israel, and other subjects that a Messianic might post about. I cannot assume that the reader has any certain opinion about the Law, as some believe it is totally done away with and others believe in only a moral law remaining (and I am sure a number of varying beliefs therein). I can’t assume any thoughts about Israel and the church, about Replacement theology, about Biblical practices followed today by many Messianic Jews. There is a temptation to just lump everything together and say Christians think this, or believe that and then approach those beliefs and either agree, disagree, or discuss issues and subjects based upon that. However that temptation will lead to disappointment as one will find making the assumptions that all believers not associated with Messianic Judaism believe one thing will ultimately lead to the points expressed getting confused by varying levels of agreement and disagreement. It is confusing and a challenge and because of it, I have learned a great deal.

My blog, more than anything else is to help me learn, to help me work out my salvation, and as much as it seems like I just give my opinion, the conversations that take place have opened my eyes to a great many things. A recent post opened up a large conversation and when I tried to find unity amongst the believers discussing the issue, a comment back mentioned, “Jesus preferred the truth over unity and we should also.” This got me thinking about that and I think there is some truth to that thought, although Yeshua was all for unity as well. There is certainly enough Scriptures that point to that ideal, starting with Psalm 133:1, which in Hebrew is “Hinei ma tov uíma naíim shevet achim gam yachad.”

So how do I work that out? Well I think the truth is the truth of salvation. If we share that truth, then we can have unity, or we can work towards that unity. Now this unity does not mean that we must agree on all these other issues, however, we are unity in faith and that should count for a great deal. We should support each other through prayer and service when possible. Some difference might lead to no sharing fellowship, but it should not lead to becoming antagonistic against one another. That seems to do a disservice to the One we all serve.

So, there might not be one face to assign to Christianity, and that is probably a good thing and by design. However, if we are saved by the Messiah, let us work to share a unity in that salvation, for that is good and pleasing and will accomplish much for the Kingdom. I think one agreement most would have is that even if salvation is not about works, we have been saved for doing good works. Certainly Ephesian 2:8-10 sums up this thought, saved by grace for good works. Let us work together for Messiah.

B”H

• That They May Be One
• No Place For Unity
• Unity – If the People are One, Then Nothing That They Propose to Do Will Be Withheld From Them
• Uniquely Unified
• Agreeing to Disagree and Still Remain Unified

Reading through the comments on the post can give a great example of the variance of opinion on the subject. Some seem to believe in the concept of giving a tithe, however they give it as they see fit, to different groups and not necessarily to their home congregation. Others did not feel it part of a New Testament walk with God to have any requirement of a tithe. Still others felt that a tithe was about more than money, but seems to accept the idea of a tithe.

Well, here are a few thoughts of my own. First of all, I believe in the tithe, I think it is not something solely for Israel or Old Testament only. Secondly, I believe that the tithe is instructed to go to go to one place and one place only. The ultimate verse for this is Malachi 3:10. The word storehouse is singular, not plural, so I believe from that that the tithe goes to one place only, not to be spread around as one wishes. I do think giving to other groups and ministries is a wonderful thing, if so lead by the Spirit. That is usually referred to as a love offering. That is over and above the tithe. One comment presented the idea, that it all belongs to God, and He gives us the ability to manage it. I would add, that out of all of it that is God’s and He gives to us to manage, He only asks for 10% back, which is a pretty good deal. I heard a comment recently on how unfortunate it is that the government requires us to give more (taxes) than God does.

So, if I give 10%, and the Scripture promises a blessing, a huge blessing for doing such a thing, then, to me, whether you see this as a requirement or not, this is something I am taking God up on. God is promising a blessing so great that I will not have room enough to store it. Wow! Count me in. And all it takes is 10% given back to my storehouse? That is truly a deal too good to pass up. And that is how I handle it.

Once again, I do sometimes give to other ministries that tug upon my heart, but that will always, and I believe should always be beyond that 10% that goes back to the storehouse. To me, that is the generous giving that Scripture calls for. Certainly even in the Old Testament there is a call for giving beyond just the tithe is there not. Exodus 25:2 speaks of giving an offering that is coming from the heart, that is given willingly. Sounds very New Testament does it not? So it seems to me a time and a place for giving willingly to whatever is on one’s heart, and another time to give as commanded by God. Seems to me that God has a bare minimum (10%) and then wants us to give beyond that as the Spirit leads. At least that is how the Scripture speak to me.

So that is my two cents, which is ten percent of twenty cents, which I guess is what one of my posts are worth .

B”H

• Just What Is New?
• Promises
• Roots
• Process Oriented vs. Results Oriented
• The Face of a Christian – Truth, then Unity

*- The author of “The Long Silence” is unknown.
The present copy was taken from Lambert Dolphin’s site, www.ldolphin.org. Lambert once gave credit to Barry Setterfield, www.setterfield.org, but Barry has said he is not the author. Barry says he got the essay from George Spall, in Queensland, and believes George (deceased) may have been the author.
The earliest known copy of the essay appears in the book “The Cross of Christ” by John R.W. Stott (1986) but the essay author is not referenced in that book.

With the week of preparing for Passover upon us, it seems like very apt for us to consider and recall, how we have a God that can sympathize with us, for He as well has experienced it all. (Hebrews 4:15)

We can also rejoice that at this season not only did our Messiah suffer for us, but gained victory over death and by doing so, has paid the price for our sins and that we can get forgiveness and achieve right standing before God through that act of love. (John 15:13, 1 Pet. 2:24)

Anyway, enjoy the story and reflect this week.

At the end of time, billions of people were seated on a great plain before God’s throne. Most shrank back from the brilliant light before them. But some groups near the front talked heatedly, not cringing with cringing shame – but with belligerence.

“Can God judge us? How can He know about suffering?”, snapped a pert young brunette. She ripped open a sleeve to reveal a tattooed number from a Nazi concentration camp. “We endured terror … beatings … torture … death!”

In another group a Negro boy lowered his collar. “What about this?” he demanded, showing an ugly rope burn. “Lynched, for no crime but being black !”

In another crowd there was a pregnant schoolgirl with sullen eyes: “Why should I suffer?” she murmured. “It wasn’t my fault.” Far out across the plain were hundreds of such groups. Each had a complaint against God for the evil and suffering He had permitted in His world.

How lucky God was to live in Heaven, where all was sweetness and light. Where there was no weeping or fear, no hunger or hatred. What did God know of all that man had been forced to endure in this world? For God leads a pretty sheltered life, they said.

So each of these groups sent forth their leader, chosen because he had suffered the most. A Jew, a negro, a person from Hiroshima, a horribly deformed arthritic, a thalidomide child. In the centre of the vast plain, they consulted with each other. At last they were ready to present their case. It was rather clever.

Before God could be qualified to be their judge, He must endure what they had endured. Their decision was that God should be sentenced to live on earth as a man.

Let him be born a Jew. Let the legitimacy of his birth be doubted. Give him a work so difficult that even his family will think him out of his mind.

Let him be betrayed by his closest friends. Let him face false charges, be tried by a prejudiced jury and convicted by a cowardly judge. Let him be tortured.

At the last, let him see what it means to be terribly alone. Then let him die so there can be no doubt he died. Let there be a great host of witnesses to verify it.

As each leader announced his portion of the sentence, loud murmurs of approval went up from the throng of people assembled. When the last had finished pronouncing sentence, there was a long silence. No one uttered a word. No one moved.

For suddenly, all knew that God had already served His sentence.

B”H

• More About "Talking Out of Turn"
• Nicodemus and Balaam
• Who Are the Jews Who Believed in Him?
• Song For Shabbat (January 11, 2008)
• No Place For Unity