You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life. I do not accept glory from men, but I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you. – John 5:39-42 BSB
Warrior
The entire Bible is about Jesus, it is HIS STORY, History. Religious men and women scour the Holy Scripture and read about Him, and then SIN- MISS the mark. Instead of a bridge to the Holy of Holies, Jesus became the chief stumbling block. We think we are so smart, but we are mere creatures. Have you heard of ‘The Road to Emmaus’? You will find it in Luke 24. We read of two disciples, Cleopas and an unnamed friend, walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the day that Jesus rose from the dead. As they traveled, a man joined them—it was the resurrected Jesus, however, they did not recognize Him. They were distraught about the death of Jesus. Jesus played along and asked, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” (Luke 24:17). The two disciples were surprised that the man had not heard of the recent events that had Jerusalem in turmoil. They proceeded to tell the stranger of Jesus’ crucifixion and the report of His empty tomb. Hear the Word of the Lord: Jesus said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself. (Luke 24:25-27) When Jesus walked this planet, there was no NEW TESTAMENT. Jesus is the NEW TESTAMENT, but He was still IN FLESH, before He became IN THE WORD. In Jesus’ day, scripture was the Old Testament. As Jesus said, HE WAS IN ALL the Scriptures. Jesus is the center focal point of the history of man. Our secular calendars are arranged around our Lord, Jesus. We date our calendars from the time of Jesus, incarnation- birth. B.C. means BEFORE CHRIST. Then we have A.D. – Anno Domini – it is Latin for “In the year of Our Lord. Meaning, A.D. 2023 is 2,023 years since the BIRTH OF JESUS. History, the Calendar, and the REASON for ALL SEASONS is based on Jesus. Is your focus, your pursuit, your day, your marriage, your mission, YOUR LIFE…BASED ON JESUS?
Leader, on the Road to Emmaus, Jesus illuminated all the CHRISTOPHANIES. Jesus began with Moses, and he went through all the scriptures that related to him. He reminded them how IT IS WRITTEN that the messiah must bleed, suffer, and die- to RISE AGAIN, so that others who call on His name will also rise again. In Psalm 40 David again channels the Messiah in a prophetic manner with his prescient words. Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll”. (Psalm 40:7) Psalm 50 is a great example of the OLD TESTAMENT testifying of Jesus; I have come as it is written of me in the volume of the book…it is of JESUS. Psalm 50 is a special reference to Jesus Christ and His 2nd coming. He came once as the Lamb of God, He will be returning as the LION from the TRIBE OF JUDAH. Psalm 50 is a prophetic reference to the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ and His judging of the world at that time. I believe the Bible is clear that before Jesus’ return, there will be a time of ‘Jacobs Trouble’, a time called, ‘The Great Tribulation”. Daniel prophesied about the INTENSITY of the JUDGEMENT OF GOD. Hear the Word of the Lord; “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.” (Daniel 12:1) Jesus Himself reiterated His Word to Daniel: For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:21-22) If you continue eschatologically in Matthew 25, 26 Jesus gathers the Nations for Judgement. He will sit upon the throne of judgement. Psalm 50 is Prophetic about ‘that part’ of the “life of Christ”. Eugene Peterson wrote a paraphrase of the Bible called The Message. It is NOT a translation; it is a paraphrase. I like to refer to it occasionally because it brings some understanding in a unique way. For today’s last part of the devotional, I would like you to read the paraphrased word of the Lord in Psalm 50, The Message Bible.
Conduit, The God of gods—it’s God! —speaks out, shouts, “Earth!” welcomes the sun in the east, farewells the disappearing sun in the west. From the dazzle of Zion, God blazes into view. Our God makes his entrance, he’s not shy in his coming. Starbursts of fireworks precede him. He summons heaven and earth as a jury, he’s taking his people to court: “Round up my saints who swore on the Bible their loyalty to me.” The whole cosmos attests to the fairness of this court, that here God is judge. “Are you listening, dear people? I’m getting ready to speak; Israel, I’m about ready to bring you to trial. This is God, your God, speaking to you. I don’t find fault with your acts of worship, the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer. But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull, or more and more goats from your herds? Every creature in the forest is mine, the wild animals on all the mountains. I know every mountain bird by name; the scampering field mice are my friends. If I get hungry, do you think I’d tell you? All creation and its bounty are mine. Do you think I feast on venison? or drink drafts of goats’ blood? Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve High God a feast of kept promises, And call for help when you’re in trouble— I’ll help you, and you’ll honor me.” Next, God calls up the wicked: “What are you up to, quoting my laws, talking like we are good friends? You never answer the door when I call; you treat my words like garbage. If you find a thief, you make him your buddy; adulterers are your friends of choice. Your mouth drools filth; lying is a serious art form with you. You stab your own brother in the back, rip off your little sister. I kept quiet patience while you did these things; you thought I went along with your game. I’m calling you on the carpet, now, laying your wickedness out in plain sight. “Time’s up for playing fast and loose with me. I’m ready to pass sentence, and there’s no help in sight! It’s the praising life that honors me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I’ll show you my salvation.”
