A place of refreshment, the porch of the Lord…
Pull up a chair, take in spiritual air.
Jesus always has time, and His is the power–
Receive there His touch in this end-time hour.
Like Mary, take time to sit at His feet;
Come to His porch for relief from life’s heat.
Only one thing is needful and truly can please–
His Word and His presence, felt on each breeze.
He offers living water, quenching everyone’s thirst;
And that’s yours there daily, by seeking Him first.
There’s joy on His porch, with your sisters and brothers,
As you find your needs met while caring about others.
The healing and peace which only Christ can bring
Are found there at all times—an everlasting spring.
Taste there His love, so generously poured;
Your “cup will run over” on the porch of the Lord.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things; But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'” Luke 10:38-42 NKJV
Jesus Christ of Nazareth had taken His destined place
On a cruel cross upon a hill–for the task He’d been born to face.
His sinless life had made Him the chosen Lamb of God–
Though now He sits at God’s right hand and bears a Shepherd’s rod.
Three days after Christ’s burial, and just at the brink of dawn,
Some, in love, had come to the tomb and had found that His body was gone.
But the pain of their grief concerning His death had then given way
To amazing angelic tidings on that glorious Resurrection day! Jesus, the Man on the center cross, on the hill of crucifixion had been
The focus of God’s judgement upon all of mankind’s sin.
But now, with joy, the angels reminded that just as He had said, Jesus, God’s Son, had risen in victory, up from the dead!
His Father’s gracious plan of redemption for all people had been met;
And, therefore, all of their sins, a holy God could now forget!
There’s just one requirement remaining; and it’s your choice–
To believe in your heart He’s Savior, and confess it with your voice.
Angels rejoice in heaven over one sinner who’ll repent,
And put their faith in Jesus Christ–the One Whom God has sent.
P. A. Oltrogge
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus….” Romans 3:23-24
“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10
“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (NASB)
“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, nowis the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
“Therefore, I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Isaiah 53:12
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
Resurrection references: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20
Christ and the Rich Young Ruler by Pauline Voorhees Eikenberry
A rich young ruler, with eternal concerns, made a mental list–
Then sought out Christ to see if there was anything he’d missed.
In contemplating heaven, he hoped he’d done God’s will
By following His laws, from his youth, but wondered still.
He addressed Christ as a good teacher, but didn’t realize
That Christ wasn’t just a good teacher, but God before his very eyes.
He asked the Lord what he could do to aid him on eternity’s quest,
And Jesus confirmed that to keep the commandments is best.
The young man replied he’d done that from as early as he could recall–
Then Jesus told him of his need to follow Him and surrender all.
His wealth and possessions had become too strong of a hold
And kept him from seeing the purity of God’s desires–true gold.
With sadness, the ruler left because he couldn’t see the reward.
He hadn’t yet grasped the higher life offered through Christ, the Lord.
You see, making Christ your Lord doesn’t actually cost–in fact, it pays,
With dividends of God’s blessings throughout all your days.
The greatest blessing of all is getting to know God as you should–
A loving heavenly Father whose care and plans for you are good.
Then, committing your life and resources, in faith, as He leads
Will help you to reach exactly those He knows of who have needs.
God knows that when possessions become your highest treasure,
You’ll fail to find the things that He knows are of greater measure.
Christ looks for our faith and love for Him and where our loyalty lies;
Let’s not fail to see that investment in His Kingdom is certainly wise.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now behold, one came and said to him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But, if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; 12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.
Hebrews 9:11-12
And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood, there is noforgiveness.
Hebrews 9:22 (NASB)
19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. 21
Luke 22:19-20 (NKJV)
He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.
John 6:56 (NKJV)
19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Colossians 1:19-23 (NKJV)
24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
Romans 3:24-26 (NLT)
If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
1 John 1:6-10 (NKJV)
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.
Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
1 Peter 1:1-2
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5
…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you
1 Peter 1:18-20 NKJV)
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12 KJV
The blood that Jesus shed for me Way back on Calvary The blood that gives me strength From day to day It will never lose its power It reaches to the highest mountain It flows to the lowest valley The blood that gives me strength From day to day It will never lose its power
It soothes my doubts and calms my fears And it dries all my tears The blood that gives me strength From day to day It will never lose its power
It reaches to the highest mountain It flows to the lowest valley The blood that gives me strength From day to day It will never lose its power
Some of the women who had loved Jesus set out at early dawn with spices they’d prepared…in order to anoint His body. How they might enter the tomb must have been discussed and shared.
When they discovered that the stone had been rolled away, they stepped inside the tomb and found…that Jesus’ body was not there–they were perplexed in looking around.
Suddenly, two men in dazzling clothing appeared to them–the women were terrified! The angels had come with a message about His resurrection…and death having been defied.
“Why do you seek The Living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen….” as the women could plainly see. Then the angels said to recall how Jesus had spoken of this very thing while still with them in Galilee.
Jesus had told them how the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men…and then be crucified; and on the third day, He would rise again.
So they remembered Jesus’ words and returned from the tomb to share with the eleven and all the rest. But the apostles couldn’t believe them–though Peter went to see for himself about this news that was blessed.
Two of the Lord’s followers were going to Emmaus on that very third day. They were discussing with each other the things that had happened in Jerusalem as they went their way.
Then Jesus Himself, not actually recognized by them, approached and began to travel beside them on the road. He asked them what they’d been discussing–their demeanors reflected that they were carrying a heavy load.
One of them, named Cleopas, asked how he could have been visiting Jerusalem and not have known or heard…of the fate of Jesus, the Nazarene, –a prophet mighty in deed and word.
They said that they had hoped He would be Israel’s redeemer…meaning by His leadership or even by being its king. But His death, instead, by crucifixion, had definitely changed everything.
Next, they shared that, on this third day, some women had gone to the tomb at dawn…and told them that, but for having seen there a vision of two angels, it was empty–His crucified body was gone.
Jesus addressed them, then, as foolish men, who were slow of heart to believe…in what the prophets had spoken of the Christ, implying that the wise would understand and receive.
Jesus went on to explain the things foretold of Him in the scriptures by Moses and other prophets, throughout. All this while, their eyes were prevented from recognizing Who was really with them on their route.
As they approached the village of Emmaus, their traveling companion, Jesus, acted as if he might travel on, but they urged him to stay with them, for the night was almost upon.
So Jesus went in to stay with them and reclined at the table to break bread. When He took it, blessed it, and gave it to them, their eyes were opened to see The Living One, risen from the dead!
Jesus then vanished from their sight, and they reflected on how their hearts had been burning…as He spoke of how the Christ needed to suffer these things–this “stranger” had been so discerning.
At that very hour they got up to return to Jerusalem to share with the eleven what had transpired. As they were telling these things, there came in their midst, He whom their hearts desired.
It was Jesus, Himself, the Master, saying, “Peace be unto you.” Startled and frightened, they needed His assurance, once again, to see them through.
He asked them why they doubted and then showed them His hands and feet. They still couldn’t believe it, for joy and amazement. He then asked for something to eat.
After having the broiled fish that they gave, He again opened their minds to understand all that had needed to be fulfilled. Repentance and forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His Name, starting from Jerusalem…and from there, it would build.
They were to wait until they were clothed with power from on high…. Then He led them out as far as Bethany, where He blessed them and departed from them up into the sky.
After worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy that was hard for them to contain. They were continually in the temple, praising God for their redemption, which had been made so plain…
and for their beloved King’s reign!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Why do you seek THE LIVING ONE among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen!” Luke 24:5-6
“Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.’ They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.” Mark 9:30-32 NLT
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“On the way, Jesus told them, ‘All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,
‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
“But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Mark 14:27-28 NLT
A poetic account derived from Mark 16:1-20:
…When the Sabbath was past…
Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome brought spices to the tomb.
That the large stone before its entrance would be rolled away, they couldn’t have presumed.
Nor could they have thought that an angelic being would, amazingly, greet them there…
with a message to give to Jesus’ disciples “and Peter,” which the angel began to share.
He said they weren’t to be alarmed that Jesus’ body wasn’t there, for He’d risen from the dead!
He was going before them into Galilee–and they would see Him there, as He had said.
Further, we read on, that the disciples were mourning; and, in despair, they had wept…
Mary Magdalene, to whom Jesus first appeared, came and told them of His promise that He had divinely kept!
But when they heard that He was alive and had appeared to her, they were in disbelief…
Two others shared, but only Jesus’ actual appearance as they sat at the table could halt their grief.
Jesus rebuked them for their hardness of heart–that they’d been so doubtful and yet…
He went on to commission them to share of Him…to be fishers of men with His great gospel net.
In Mark 16:17-18, Jesus tells of miraculous signs that would follow “those who believe.”
And those who trusted Christ as Savior would be saved–no condemnation would they receive.
After His sharing of this, Jesus ascended into heaven and sat down at God’s right hand…
Then, the disciples went forth preaching everywhere–His Word being confirmed with signs following, as God had planned.
And that great commission from Jesus continues to this day…
for He is risen!…a fact that all of the Lord’s believers know and joyfully say!
He is risen, indeed!
P. A. Oltrogge
In John 21, Jesus asked Peter three times if He loved Him. (Peter had denied the Lord three times on the night of His betrayal.) Peter affirmed that he did love Jesus, so Jesus told him that he was now to feed and tend to His lambs and sheep…
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“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:16-21
“He (Jesus) was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” Romans 4:25 NLT
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:20-21
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8
“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11
“But thanksbe toGod, whogivesus the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
It’s the day after Jesus died. Peter screamed until he could scream no more. He fell off a cliff into the abyss of broken souls. The force of his crash could have moved the earth. Fragments lay around him—the hideous replacements of his former self. Shame replaced love. Fear drove away hope. He watched his destiny plunge into a black hole.
Then to survive, Peter became a robot. He went fishing. It’s what he was programmed to do. Peter went through the motions. Avoiding feeling, suppressing emotion.
Now, the difference between Peter and Judas Iscariot is razor thin. The same fever of despair and regret burned in them both. It drove Judas to suicide. Why didn’t Peter kill himself?
Because Jesus prayed for him!
Nevertheless, Satan caged Peter in a lie. The same lie that tortures America right now: everything good is gone forever. And we are totally alone.
But Peter’s agony went beyond this. He found out he is a coward. Denying Jesus three times. The rooster still crows in his mind.
Not only that, but he found out he was a fool! Thinking he would save Jesus, he cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Malchus.
He fished all night and caught nothing.
Now another memory tortures him. It’s the day he met Jesus. Jesus interrupted his entire life. He fished all night and caught nothing. He had nothing to show for a brutal night out on the water.
Then the strange Teacher said, “Let your nets down again for a catch.” Peter half-heartedly did as he was asked. Suddenly the catch is so enormous it terrifies him. He begged Jesus to keep His distance, “I am a sinful man!” Peter cried. Instead of leaving, Jesus spoke the eternal words, “Follow Me and I will make you a fisher of men.”
But Peter is now convinced—after his failure and denial—it is too late. He believes his destiny is lost forever.
If not for these two little words: “and Peter,” the whole world would have been different.
Finally, it is dawn on Resurrection Sunday. An angel is talking about Peter! Mark 16:7 says, “But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that Jesus is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told to you.”
If not for these two little words: “and Peter,” the whole world would have been different. Think about it. The only pronoun the angel needed to use was “His disciples.” After all he would not have said, “Tell His disciples, and John” or “and Matthew.”
And now Peter rises from the dead. Oh, the unmatched glory of another chance.
God knew Peter would disqualify himself if the invitation was “for disciples only.”
You can imagine Peter insisting, “Are you sure the angel said my name?”
“Yes, the exact words were, “Tell the disciples, and Peter.”
And now Peter rises from the dead. Oh, the unmatched glory of another chance.
This is Peter’s destiny. More than that, it is his identity and reason for living
But wait, there is much more. Satan now has a new and terrifying enemy! The former coward is now the perfect weapon to shake the gates of hell.
Peter is utterly transformed. He is now a devastating witness. On the day of Pentecost He roared the global invasion of the Holy Spirit. “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel!”
Two chapters later, the man who couldn’t admit he knew Jesus stands before the Sanhedrin and calls them murderers.
Because of Easter you can come back from the darkest failure. Because of Easter God will look over you to protect your destiny.
How mighty was Peter’s destiny? For that we look back to that night Jesus healed Malchus’ ear. Jesus knew Peter must not be sitting on death row on the day of Pentecost. Jesus reattached the ear, in order to protect Peter’s destiny.
If Easter will ever mean anything to you, it is this: Everything that we hope for rests on the Resurrection of Christ. And that same power can do something in you. Romans 8:11 says “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
Because of Easter, you can come back from the darkest failure. Because of Easter, God will look over you to protect your destiny. And because of Easter, we are saved and alive forevermore.
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(This message was received from Mario’s Ministry and said it could be shared via Facebook and other means, but I want to specify …Copyright Mario Murillo Ministries)
...“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.” Matthew 28:1-4
After the Sabbath at the beginning of day, Mary and others were on their way to anoint the body of the Lord they’d held dear. But they were taken aback at the tomb as they came near, for they were greeted by an angelic being and could hardly believe what they were seeing. From the tomb the great stone had been rolled away, and on it was the angel, as bright as day. The angel pointed to where Jesus’ body had been lying, saying, “He has risen, just as He said”–truly death defying! The women went quickly to tell His disciples, as well, of the Risen Lord, who holds the keys to heaven and hell. With fear and great joy, they went on their way but met up with Jesus that first Easter day! They fell down at His feet, giving Him praise, rejoicing because He’d risen in three days. He greeted them with love and said He would be appearing again to His disciples in Galilee. Today, in His promises, we have a share, for the Bible says He will meet us again in the air. So though some are doubtful or wonder just when Jesus will really be coming again– Remember that He said He would rise from the dead, and He’s coming again—just as He said!
P. A. Oltrogge
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am there you may be also.” John 14:3
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:20, 21
I think that I shall never see as lovely a “bouquet” as a dogwood tree.
Pink-flowered, or purple, or snowfall white– In town or in a forest, they’re a breathtaking sight.
They’re reflections of the Master designer– Of all beauty He’s created, there isn’t much finer.
They do speak of the divine, for a legend they bear– On each flower’s center, a “crown of thorns” is there.
Like the beams of a cross, the petals connect, having rust-colored tips–of Christ’s blood they reflect.
It flowed from His veins, pierced with a spike’s metal, of which we’re reminded by a hole in each petal.
That dogwoods were once strong enough to be a cross is a story; After Calvary, God took pity on them to yet speak of His glory.
But though just a story, not Biblical fact– the legend has stuck and has made an impact.
For in springtime when blossoms of dogwoods begin, we think, not only of their beauty, but of our Savior within.
Then, too, it can be said that, after winter, when they flower, they remind not just of the cross, but of Christ’s resurrection power!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 AMP
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die….’” John 11:25-26 NASB
“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM;’ and He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM.’” John 8:58
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29
“He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. He was oppressed and he was afflicted. Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.” Isaiah 53:3-7
One Lamb, the “I AM”
Complete redemption is every person’s need, and there is just One Lamb, who was silent before His accusers–though He was, and is, the great “I AM.”
All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, but never did this One Lamb. He kept God’s Laws perfectly, while our own “righteousness” is a sham.
One Lamb bore our sins and sicknesses; we can look to Him still today. For as in when He walked the earth, He doesn’t want it any other way.
One Lamb, one sacrifice, alone, was sufficient on the cross at Calvary’s hill. There’s no other than this Lamb of God–there’s no need to be seeking still.
The Almighty God Himself ordained great grace through His One Lamb. Thank you, Jesus, for having humbled Yourself for us, despite being the great “I AM.”
P. A. Oltrogge
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
“…And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment…” Isaiah 64:6
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19
“Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:3
“Jesus said to them, ‘I amthe bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” John 6:35
“Again therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I amthe light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
“I amthe door; if anyone enter through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly.” John 10:9-10
“I amthe good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:11
“Jesus said to her, ‘I amthe resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.” John 11:25
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” John 14:6
“I amthe true vine, and My Father is the vine-dresser.” John 15:1
Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’
“Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.’” John 14:8-10
“By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” 1 John 4:13-15
…apologies for my posts today, where reference was made to Isaiah, but it should have been 53, rather than 5. Here is the NASB, which includes the words sicknesses and pains…in addition to our sins…
Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of dry ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we would look at Him, Nor an appearance that we would take pleasure in Him. 3 He was despised and abandoned by men, A man of great pain and familiar with sickness; And like one from whom people hide their faces, He was despised, and we had no regard for Him.
4 However, it was our sicknesses that He Himself bore, And our pains that He carried; Yet we ourselves assumed that He had been afflicted, Struck down by God, and humiliated. 5 But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; The punishment for our well-beingwas laid upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the wrongdoing of us all To fall on Him.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off from the land of the living For the wrongdoing of my people, to whom the blow was due? 9 And His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.
10 But the Lord desired To crush Him, causing Him grief; If He renders Himself asa guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand. 11 As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, For He will bear their wrongdoings. 12 Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the plunder with the strong, Because He poured out His life unto death, And was counted with wrongdoers; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the wrongdoers.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
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One Good Friday evening, I went to a showing of the movie of 2004–“The Passion of the Christ,” which depicts the suffering that Jesus bore.
I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to watch the movie again, for it is brutal; but it clearly shows that relying on good works to save our souls is futile.
For our holy God so loved the world, that He gave to all of us reprieve, by sending His Son to take our punishment–now all we need to do is believe.
And when we realize all that Jesus did–the love of His Father in Him reflected–“Oh, come let us adore Him,” for He is to be loved, honored, and respected.
Thankfully, God’s Holy Spirit is still mightily at work upon the earth, drawing people to repent and see their need…to enter into the “new birth.”
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,” is a GIFT to all, that’s free…Jesus bought this blessed gift for us, as described in Isaiah, chapter 53.
“Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way, And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
Isaiah 53:4-6
Poetic by P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.’” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.” Isaiah 53:5-7
“Then he (Herod) questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing.” Luke 23:9
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He was brought before Pilate by God’s divine plan; Pilate said, “I find no guilt in this man.” Questioned before Herod, Christ gave no reply, for He knew in His heart He was destined to die.
Then brought back to Pilate once more to stand– Pilate still found no guilt justifying a crucifixion demand. But the crowd was insistent–their voices prevailed; and God’s Sacrificial Lamb was thereby unveiled.
Led away with two criminals while women mourned to a place called, “The Skull,” where He would be scorned– There, He was lifted, nailed to a cross’s wood, though His service to God had been perfect and good.
An inscription said, “This is the King of the Jews.” He came to lay down His life–it was His role to choose. He was taunted by soldiers and a criminal in despair, who said if He was the Christ, He could come down from there.
The other criminal feared God, saying their misdeeds were strong, “But this man has done nothing wrong.” A promise of Paradise and a cry from Christ’s voice– “It is finished!” Thus, we can take Him as Savior by our choice.
Darkness had fallen, the temple veil tore in two– “Certainly, this man was innocent,” the Centurion said, too. So went the trial of an innocent man; but He was God and our Messiah by His Father’s divine plan.
P. A. Oltrogge
from Luke, Chapter 23 (NASB) and John 19:30
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will but as You will.’” Matthew 26:39
“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.” John 10:17-18 NASB
“And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, ‘Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?’ But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, ‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ Jesus said, ‘I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.’” Mark 14:60-62
“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’” Luke 23:33-34
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christlivesinme; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
The Porch of the Lord 