Saturday, April 10, 2021

Alive Indeed!


Bobservations Column
 
By Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The crucifixion and burial of Jesus devastated the Apostles and Disciples of our Lord. The scriptures tell us that they had hoped that Jesus was going to be the one to free Israel from its oppressors, primarily Rome, redeeming God’s people and freeing the nation. But on the third day after came disbelief, wonder, and confusion. Though their hopes had been dashed, the women in the ministry brought them unbelievable news. Jesus was alive!

A few had seen the empty tomb. Those few had heard the voice(s) of the angels at the tomb, telling them that Jesus had risen. And in spite of seeing Lazarus raised from the dead earlier, they were still not believing it!

Jesus’ words to two of the Apostles walking on the road to Emmaus could be applied to the two of them, or to all the remaining eleven. “Oh, fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:” (Luke 24:25). The Apostles were all Jewish, hand-picked by Jesus, and if they’d been paying attention in Temple, they’d be familiar with all the passages that spoke of their Redeemer/Messiah/The Holy One of Israel. Jesus affirms that not only is He Messiah, but He affirms that the Old Testament reveals not only His role, but His plan for us all: to redeem us from our own fleshly, sinful lives.

What they were instead familiar with were the words of their Priests, the Sanhedrin, and the Scribes. And few, if any of them, were filled with the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, the Jewish Prophets were filled with the Spirit, and the Temple leadership killed all the prophets through the ages.

Many New Testament Churches avoid teaching the Old Testament, thinking it’s not for Christians. But unless today’s believers have a firm foundation for their Christian faith, it can be shaken or washed away by those offering a different foundation other than God’s Word.

NASA sends rockets into orbit around Earth, around the moon, and around other planets. If those scientists are just 1/20 off in their calculations, their rockets will fly off into space, missing their mark. We have learned that Arsenic is only 3% poison, but ingesting it still makes you dead.

The Word of God, living and alive, tells us that He “...is the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man comes to the Father except by Him.”

 “For there are three that bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."  -  1 John 5:7



NOTES/REFERENCES:

1) “The word of the God (Jehovah, YHWH)” appear 48 times in the Bible.
2) “The word of the Lord (Jehovah, YHWH)” appears 255 times in the Bible, including “the word of the Lord” (lower case ‘ord’) as the people listened to Jesus’ words as He personally taught them.
[The Father is referred to as “Lord” in the text, and Jesus is “Lord.”]
3) John 6:63 – Jesus said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. “
4) 1 Corinthians 2:14 – “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirt of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know then, because they are spiritually discerned.”


Today's Audio Message

Luke 24:13-35 - "Alive Indeed"

As we look at the story of the disciples on the Emmaus Road, we find that these men had experienced a faith-shaking blow after watching Him die on the cross. Returning home that Sunday afternoon proved the finality of all of their hope. The men of Emmaus had no doubt: Jesus was gone and that was the end of their confidence. As they journeyed home, we can just imagine the conversation as they discussed all that had happened that final week in Jerusalem.

Their horror, and disappointment led to their failing to recognize Jesus when He approached. He hadn't disguised Himself, they were blinded by their own disbelief - slow of heart to believe the prophets concerning his death and resurrection.

These two on the road to Emmaus should not have been slow to believe in the resurrection report. Why? Because all the Scriptures had foretold these things. That’s why they were slow to believe in the resurrection. Because they were slow to believe in God's Word.

Can you imagine how amazing it would have been to sit with Jesus and listen to Him teach from Moses, through the prophets and the psalms? Can you imagine Him opening up our minds with clarity to the Scriptures? Can you picture yourself intensely listening to every word, as your heart burned within you with joy, bearing witness to the truth? Jesus did not leave us wandering around in this world hopeless and alone.  Jesus said, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." He sent us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit of promise who dwells within the believer.  The Holy Spirit is Spirit of truth, who will teach us all things, and guide us into all truth.  You don't have to imagine what it would have been like, seek Him diligently in His Word - it is there that you will find Him!




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