SCRIP-BITS

John 6:27.    Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
 
Ah Friends, we’re already three days into the new year, time certainly does move fast, and the festivities of the Christmas season are winding down, but hopefully not the spiritual reawakening that we’ve experienced during that period. Please, I beg of us to keep that fire for Jesus burning brightly in our souls and bodies. That enthusiasm will give us the wherewithal, the belly, the backbone to stand strong and steadfast in His Name, working diligently to further His glorious kingdom. Remember, that’s our earthly reason for being, and only as we are strong, faithful and persevering will Jesus’ work be done successfully. And that can only happen if we adhere to His advice in our Bit. ‘Labour not for the meat (food) which perisheth, but for that meat (food) which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.’  Now my intention yesterday was to talk about the last part of our Bit: ‘for him hath the God the Father sealed,’ but it was usurped by the fire this time. (smile) Today though, there’s nothing to disrupt the plan, so let’s plough on straight ahead, as Jesus did, and desires us to do. And what do those words mean, ‘for him hath God the Father sealed?’  Basically it involves the foretelling of Jesus’ coming, with the Father acknowledging Him as his own Son, shining His approval on, and His confidence in Him, knowing that Jesus would not shirk His responsibilities and do a good job, and finally setting Him on high before the world. Now there are plenty scriptures which signify this, so let’s get into some of them right away, starting with words from Psalm 2, why do the heathen rage? ‘Yet have I set (installed) my King upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree (of the Lord): The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen (Gentiles) for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.’ (Ps.2:6-8) Prophetically that refers to Bruh David and his line, in particular Jesus, who as a descendant of Bruh David also faced stiff opposition in His earthly ministry. Then hear these most appropriate words from Isaiah 42, titled, ‘the Lord’s servant.’ ‘Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect (chosen one), in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgement (justice) to the Gentiles. He shall not cry (out), nor lift up (raise his voice), nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking (dimly burning) flax shall he not quench (extinguish): he shall bring forth judgement unto (justice for) truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgement (justice) in the earth: and the isles (coastlands) shall wait for his law.’ (Is.42:1-4) Yes my people, you can see that from way back, the Lord sent messages to us about the coming of His Wonderful Son. That plan has been in the works from day one and every word of it came to pass some two thousand years ago with the birth of Jesus and His earthly ministry. Now hear this acknowledgement in Jesus’ time, when John baptized Him in the Jordan. ‘And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ (Matt.3:16-17) Wow Friends! That must have been a rather special moment down by the old Jordan, with the Spirit alighting on Jesus and the voice from heaven confirming His divinity. Now let’s end with another stunning moment; the transfiguration, where Jesus takes Peter, James and John, his inner circle, up to a mountain, ‘and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment (clothing) became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller (launderer) on earth can white (whiten) them. And there appeared unto them Elijah with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. For he wist (knew) not what to say, for they were sore (greatly) afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save (except) Jesus only with themselves.’ (Mark 9:2-8) Oh my people, our God gave us so many instances of what He was planning, but we were too blind, too taken up with our own selfish, petty lives to pay much attention to it. But luckily now, we have it all laid out before us in spades, we don’t have to decipher it, so please let’s accept it, let’s grab hold of it and take it to heart so that we can profit from all the good things that our most wonderful God has planned and prepared for us since the beginning of time. That’s the only way to fully enjoy this earthly life, and enjoy it we should, since it’s one of the reasons Jesus died on that old rugged cross. Much LOVE!…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…