SCRIP-BITS

EASTER  MONDAY

Ah mih people, it’s Easter Monday, and for those lucky ones who have the day off, the partying is still going strong. But unfortunately some working stiffs have to labour on what’s supposed to be a tremendously joyous occasion. That means we still need to sing our Monday Morning Battle hymn to help them on their way. That’s what good Friends are for! (smile) So with exceptionally loud and joyful voices that truly reflect Jesus’ resurrection, let’s belt it out in all faithfulness. On three now: one, two, three: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And for those of you going to work, may the Lord bless and keep you safe as you battle the evil enemy in His Name. Meanwhile, those of you who are lucky to be at home, or out enjoying food, drink and good company, please remember the reason for the season and your celebrations. Somewhere in the festivities please spend some time contemplating Jesus’ passion, which resulted in your wonderful free gift of Salvation and Eternal Life, and whisper, or better yet, shout up some thanks to heaven, acknowledging your sincere gratitude for His selfless sacrifice. Now let’s look at our Bit. ‘He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come see the place where the Lord lay.’ That’s what the angel of the Lord told the women who came to visit Jesus’ tomb on Easter Sunday. They were obviously afraid when they saw the stone rolled back from the tomb’s mouth and the angel sitting on it. But he convinced them that everything was okay and they should go and tell the rest of the disciples that Jesus was risen. Here is some interesting info from the scholars, re Christ’s Resurrection: ‘The resurrection of Christ included five accomplishments: (1) the physical renewing of His life; (2) the reunion of His body and His Spirit; (3) the subjugation of death under Him; (4) the attachment of His new position; and (5) His receiving a transfigured body. Application: Because of the Resurrection, the Christian receives both eternal life (John 11:25) and spiritual power (Eph 1:19,20). Christ’s resurrection also provides for the future resurrection of the believer (1 Cor.15:20) and is the key to victory in the Christian life because of our union with Christ (Eph:2:6)’ And all God’s people raised a triumphant shout of joy to heaven: ‘Oh thank you Jesus for saving our sinful souls from the pangs of death and eternal separation from the Father. Without your obedient intercession it wouldn’t be possible. We therefore praise and bless Your Holy Name! Amen!’ Yes Friends, please read those scriptures listed above so you can better understand what they’re talking about, and every time we think about Jesus’ unselfish action on our behalf, we ought to offer up some sincere thanks and praise, then try to live a life worthy of him and His principles, for that’s all we can ever do to show our gratitude. Now here is a scripture I planned to share and it just turns out to be the scholars First Reference in their info above. It comes from Psalm 16, Bruh David’s Michtam (Contemplation) where he seeks preservation and blessing: ‘I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest (dwell securely) in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer (allow) thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for ever more.’ (Ps.16:8-11) Oh my people the verse that the scholars talk about is (10) the one in bold lettering, but the whole passage was too appropriate to this Easter season with the promise of hope, joy and the Lord’s presence, that I had to include it all. The ole fella can get emotional! (smile) And here’s another verse that tells about resurrection and life after death from Psalm 49, Trust in God, not wealth: ‘They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give God a ransom for him: For the redemption of their soul is precious (costly), and it ceaseth for ever: But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.  Selah. (Ps.49:6-8,15) Ah Friends, that brings to mind some of Jesus words on the subject: ‘For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matt.17:26) And the answer to that Friends, is a big, fat NOTHING! Therefore let’s enjoy the Easter season, celebrate and rejoice that the triumvirate God we worship, LOVED us enough to pay such a hefty sacrifice to redeem our sinful souls. But now it’s time for us to go out and do our duty by spreading that good news to all the earth, so that all the earth can rejoice and be saved, thus glorifying God and furthering His glorious kingdom. Much LOVE!…when others get to hear about and know the real Jesus…they will accept and LOVE Him… just as much as we do…   P.S. Ah Friends, I don’t know if the Bit is as cohesive and coherent as I’d like, because I struggled through some external distractions as well as my own mental insufficiency. But I’m not worried since I know that true believers have the God-given ability to pick sense from nonsense. (smile) Much LOVE!