Today’s Scrip-Bit   29 March 2024 Isaiah 53:4.

29 Mar 2024 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Isaiah 53:4.       Surely he hath borne our griefs (spiritual sickness), and carried our sorrows (severe pains): yet we did esteem (reckon) him stricken, smitten of (struck down by) God, and afflicted.

And the loud shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ usually heard around the world on a Friday, the last day of the work week, are somewhat muted today, with a modicum of sorrow and sadness, because today we commemorate the crucifixion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on the rugged hill of Calvary. What an awful time that must have been for Him, abused, debased, and shamed to the nth degree, all for our benefit. And though we know it was the price that had to be paid so our sins could be forgiven, it’s still difficult and somewhat overwhelming the things, the unimageable ‘sufferation,’ He was forced to bear, so we could be set free from the terrible bondage of sin. 

The Father didn’t deal gently with him at all, such was the high price required for our freedom. But, knowing that all our hopes and dreams were on His shoulders, our Saviour bore it all in silence, bore it like the strong man, the humble Son of God that He was. And these prophetic words of the Isaiah, spoken long before Christ’s birth and death, tell us of some of the problems He had to bear on our behalf. Isaiah speaks thus of the ‘Man of Sorrows.’ 

‘Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm (divine power) of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form (no stately form) nor comeliness (splendour); and when we shall see him, there is no beauty (appearance) that we should desire him. He is despised (disdained, scorned) and rejected (forsaken, abandoned) of men; a man of sorrows (severe pains), and acquainted with grief (sickness, injuries): and (because of His personal suffering) we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised (disdained, scorned), and we esteemed him not. 

Surely he hath borne our griefs (spiritual sickness), and carried our sorrows (severe pains): yet we did esteem (reckon) him stricken, smitten of (struck down by) God, and afflicted. But he was wounded  (pierced through) for our transgressions (sins), he was bruised (utterly crushed) for our iniquities: the chastisement (correction, discipline) of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes (blows that cut into His body) we are healed. (Is. 53:1-5) 

Wow friends! What an accurate prophecy of Jesus, His life and sufferings on our behalf. And the scholars explain thus: ‘In these verses we see the personal Messiah, the Son of God, who alone can atone for sin. His message is rejected (vs.1); His person is refused (vs.2); and His mission is misunderstood (vs.3). Nevertheless His vicarious (second hand) suffering provides atonement for our sins (vs. 4-6); and though He suffers (vs.7) death (vs.8) and burial (vs. 9, He will ultimately be exalted (vs. 10-12). To miss the fact that Jesus Christ is the central figure in this passage is to stumble in unbelief over the cornerstone and foundation of all the gospel.’ 

And sadly many in Jesus’ time, and many today, still miss that central fact that Jesus is the foundation, the cornerstone of our faith. Now let’s get some broken down explanations from  the scholars. ‘They say: ‘The rhetorical question Who hath believed our report? is more of an exclamation than an interrogation. Speaking for all the prophets, Isaiah calls attention to the world’s lack of faith in general. The arm of the Lord is the emblem of divine power (cf. 51:9; 52:10). The Servant is described as a tender plant (suckling or shoot) and a root out of a dry ground, which has already been described as springing from the stump of Jesse (hence the Davidic line). 

No form or comeliness denotes His humble origin rather than His personal appearance. Beauty may be read “elegance.” This description does not mean that He will be homely or ugly, but that He will not appear on the scene in the regalia of a king. He will come as one who is common. Nothing could better describe the humble appearance of Jesus as a common rabbi.’ 

Ah mih people, Jesus suffered so much on our behalf, that’s it’s a crying shame that so many of us have rejected Him down through the ages, and are still rejecting Him, at a crucial time when we need Him the most, when our world is overrun by evil, ungodliness and all the other negative attributes of Satan. 

And as the scholars further explain: ‘The description of Christ’s suffering in the New Testament Gospels clearly indicates the severity of His physical suffering: the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, His battered face, the severe scourging (beating), and the torture of the crucifixion itself. His substitutionary atonement is clearly taught  by the words, ‘he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: stricken, smitten of God and afflicted, wounded for our transgressions, bruised (struck down) for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him; the Lord disciplined Jesus so that we could be at peace with Him.’ 

That’s how much our Saviour paid for us to have the right of forgiveness of sin and eternal life. And yuh know the best part of it all friends, is by his stripes (his terribles wounds, injuries) we are healed! Just imagine that nuh. Although we have all turned away from God, in a totality of sinful humanity, the Lord laid all of our sins, our transgressions on Christ, struck Him down violently, because that was the only way our sins could be paid for. And to the acclamation of Jesus, He opened not His mouth throughout all the ‘sufferation,’ but went quietly, like a lamb to the slaughter on our behalf! 

Please friends, let’s wake up and acknowledge that Jesus bore a lot for us, and we can only partially repay Him, by living sincerely for Him; being the salt of the earth and the light of the world, spreading His good news gospel all over the earth, so that others can come to know and LOVE Him like do. Let’s wake up this Good Friday and realize what a magnanimous gesture both the Father and Christ made on our behalf, and find the gratitude in our hearts to do the best we can, and not merely abuse the privileges granted us, as so many supposed believers are doing. Much LOVE!

…Good Friday…a day to contemplate…the extent of sin in our lives…

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 September 2019 Hebrews 12:1.

30 Sep 2019 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hebrews 12:1.    ​Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about (surrounded by) with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us.

 

Awright my people, let’s do our Monday morning thing nuh: arise, give thanks for seeing another wonderful day and being imbued with the grace and mercy to face it, then get ourselves together and get out into the war-like world and battle valiantly for Jesus! Oh what a joy and a privilege it is to fight under Jesus ‘banner! Especially since there is no doubt whom the victorious conqueror will be…Jesus Christ Himself! In fact, He’s already won the battle, having defeated the toothless lion Satan and taken away the keys of hell, death and the grave through His own sacrificial death, resurrection and ascension! All praise and glory be to our Lord and Saviour my brethren! 

However, since we’re only frail humans, it’s obvious that not all of us will be bright and beautiful and enthused so early in the morning, that’s why we have this antidote for what ever ails you on a Monday morning. We call it our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, and it’s specially programmed to get us in to the swing of things. (smile) So let’s declare it like we truly mean it nuh. 

As one now: ‘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!’ 

Gotcha mih breddren! The Holy Spirit is working miracles in you right now…I can see it! Your attitude has improved, you’re smiling and anxious to get into the fray now, singing psalms and hymns as you get ready, and promising to do your best, be diligent and excellent in Jesus’ name! And that’s the way it ought to be friends…Jesus’ people being ready, willing and able to do battle on His behalf at the beginning of each and every day, but more so on a Monday morning, the first day of the workweek, for generally speaking, how you begin is how you finish! 

That’s why it’s oh so important to believe and action what the scriptures tell us: ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about (surrounded by) with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us.’ What wonderful words of wisdom precious people of God! And yuh know what, to make it even better, we have the best example possible when coming to running the ofttimes difficult and always contrary race of life in our Lord and Saviour. 

As the author of Hebrews continues: ‘Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb.12:2) Yes my fellow saints, Jesus didn’t have it easy; He was shamed, ridiculed, despised, humiliated, flogged, suffering all the negative aspects of rejection, but He never gave up, He simply focused on running the race His heavenly Father had mapped out for Him…and so too should we. 

Jesus knew there would be rewards for His obedience…and so will we. Yes, it wasn’t easy for Jesus, and it won’t be easy for us either, but that’s why we were given the Helper and the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to assist us in doing it. The problem though is we have to buckle down and follow the Spirit’s leading and guidance, if we want to be successful in this earthly race. 

Now here are a couple of encouraging words from Bruh Paul on the subject. ‘Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize so run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery (competes for the prize) is temperate (has self-control) in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible (perishable) crown; but we an incorruptible (imperishable). I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body (discipline it), and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (be disqualified).’ (1 Cor,9:24-27) 

Yeh my people, if we don’t want to be disqualified from Christian ministry and lose our heavenly rewards for that service, then we need to discipline both our bodies and our spirits. That’s the ONLY way we can run a successful earthly race, and thus be able to say like Bruh Paul did to Timothy. ‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure (death) is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that LOVE his appearing.’ (2 Tim.4:6-8) 

Oh friends, I can’t say much more than that, except to implore us to go out today and fight a good fight, run a good race in Jesus’ name! Much LOVE!

…pray, believe and stay steadfast…so that you don’t get weary…in running your earthly race…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 March 2018 John 13:34.

30 Mar 2018 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

John 13:34. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another.

Well my friends and fellow believers it’s Friday, but a special Friday, one that only occurs once a year. And we call it Good Friday! I know some of us must be wondering how can we call a terrible Friday like that good, where our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was horribly crucified, shamed and violated without remorse.

But it’s not what happened, so much as the reason for the happening and the resultant consequences. Christ was crucified, gave His life for us, so that we could have eternal life. He took ALL our sins on His shoulders, so that we could have the option to return to a right relationship with Almighty God. That’s what’s good about it friends!

The once and for all sacrifice, the once and for all payment for our sins, that’s what makes it good! Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, the Lord washed clean all our sins, forgave us of our disobedience and welcomed us back as His children. Wow! How can we not call such an event good eh?

True, it resulted in the terrible abuse and violence toward Jesus, but that was the only way for our sins to become paid up; forgiveness called for a blood sacrifice. And today, as we flock to the Lord’s house to sing His praises and glorify His holy name, let’s remember the significance of this day.

And as always, before we hear the word, let’s offer up some praise and worship with sacrificial voices to our heavenly Father. And today we’ll sing one of my all time favourites, one that I cherished since I was a boy growing up in Tobago.

It appropriately describes the scene that took place at Calvary, two thousand years ago. The words apparently were written by Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895) and the music by John H Gower (1855-1922) and it was based on the scriptural texts of John 19:16-20 and Hebrews 13:12.

Please sing with me: ‘There is a green hill far away, outside a city wall, where our dear Lord was crucified who died to save us all. We may not know, we cannot tell, what pains he had to bear, but we believe it was for us he hung and suffered there. He died that we might be forgiven, he died to make us good, that we might go at last to heaven, saved by his precious blood.

There was no other good enough to pay the price of sin, he only could unlock the gate of heaven and let us in. O dearly, dearly has he LOVED! And we must LOVE him too, and trust in his redeeming blood, and try his works to do.’

Yeh friends, the story’s told simply and tenderly, but the reality of it all is oh so heart wrenching and tear jerking! Just imagine an innocent man nuh, being crucified; one of the worse methods of death and punishment ever subscribed to by man, to pay for the sins of a motley, unappreciative group of people.

And the beauty of the story is that He underwent that gruesome ordeal without a word of complaint, because He knew that He was the ONLY person who could pay for the transgressions of the entire world, and besides, that was what His heavenly Father required of Him. As the Good Book says: He was ‘obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ (Phil.2:8)

Ah mih people, yuh see what Jesus did for us, for you and I? But how many of us are obedient to the Lord’s doing nowadays eh? Not as many as there should be. But let me point out the most important part of our hymn above: ‘O dearly, dearly has he LOVED! And we must LOVE him too, and trust in his redeeming blood, and try his works to do.’

Yes precious people of God, that’s all Jesus requires of us in return for His sacrificial death on this day so long ago: LOVE as He LOVED; trust in His redeeming blood; and do the work He wants us to do!

Oh, my fellow believers, it does look simple and sounds good on paper, but from personal experience I know that it’s not easy to do. However, if we are serious about living and working for Christ, we can do it with His help, because we know that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Phil. 4:13)

Now let’s turn to our Bit: ‘A new commandment I give unto you, that ye LOVE one another; as I have LOVED you, that ye also LOVE one another.’ Yes friends, I purposely stayed away from the story of the cross, because we all know it and rehashing it isn’t going to make much difference at this stage of the game.

What we truly need to know and recognize is why Christ died for us; and the simple answer is that He LOVED us. And His earthly ministry was one of sincere LOVE. Plus the only new thing He told us is that we must LOVE each other as He LOVED us. And that LOVE is just treating each other and ourselves in a decent, pleasant manner, not necessarily going overboard in our attentions.

But unfortunately, in today’s cruel, crazy and godless society, those pleading words of Jesus have fallen on deaf ears. However friends and fellow believers in Jesus, I’m pleading with us, today, as we recognize Jesus’ immense sacrifice on our behalf, let’s learn that the lesson the cross really teaches us, is not one of death, but of LIFE and LOVE.

Jesus died because He LOVED us, and wanted us to have life eternal. Let’s show our appreciation by living the way He wants us to nuh. Much LOVE!

…living for Jesus…means living in LOVE…

P.S. Yes I know we didn’t sing the workingman’s song, or our Friday Chant, but this was a special Friday. (smile) Much LOVE!