God is Merciful
God Is Merciful. Sometimes I forget, Lord, that You are merciful, offering pardon instead of just condemnation. Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy. (Isa. 30:18)
Jesus’ death in the Old Testament
Last week we discovered the truth about a future resurrection in the Old Testament from the book of Job.
Today, as we approach Good Friday, is there anything in the Old Testament about Jesus (Messiah) being crucified? Yes.
Old Testament and Jesus
In eleven days, we will be celebrating one of the most important Chrisitan holidays of the year, Easter. It is then that we read or hear the resurrection accounts in the four gospels and 1 Corinthians 15. Rarely if at all is the OT referenced, yet the OT refers a great deal to the Messina’s resurrection, suffering and crucifixion without recording the name of Jesus or the word cross.
Pray to Bless
Is there more to total forgiveness? Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. We are to pray and ask God to bless those who hurt us, and those who persecute us. This is truly the key that sets us free.
No Pay Back
Continuing with how do we know if we truly forgave, we consider Joseph’s concern for his brothers, thus far unrepentant and continuing to lie. Genesis 45:2 (Joseph) wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. These are tears of compassion; remember he had been holding back his identity and now no longer could. The last thing he wanted to do was to have his brothers fear him.
Forgive – Don’t Tell
Joseph, the man who had every reason to be bitter and angry was on God’s anvil shaping his character to be used later to serve the nation of Israel and alter the course of history.
Letting Go
Recently I was asked, “How can I tell if I have truly forgiven?” Good question! Forgiveness usually is not instant.
Incomparable
I would like to share a devotional that is very touching and encouraging written by, Julie Sunne, the daughter-in-law of Ruth Sunne. Julie has published a book due to come out in May of this year entitled: Sometimes I Forget.
Clenched Fist or Open Hand?
When you read through the book of 1 Chronicles, near the end of the book you come to long lists of people King David put in charge regarding the temple his son Solomon would build. The author mentions the material resources collected, duties of Levites, priests, family leaders, musicians, division of gate keepers and so on. In other words, it makes for less than interesting reading, and we tend to skip past these chapters and go somewhere else and read.
Lunatic, Liar, or Lord
The well-known author and atheist C.S. Lewis set out to disprove Christianity, like so many before him. Unlike many others he was willing to do his homework with diligence and determination only to discover that there truly is a God – the God of the bible and gave his life to Jesus Christ. As a result, Lewis became a rabid defender of the Christian faith.