…A remembrance, on this weekend of “Palm Sunday”….
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9
We thought He would be the King of Israel, riding on a donkey, He came…
Instead, He was heading towards Calvary’s cross. There, He would be taking the blame…
for my sins and those of the entire world–God’s gift of salvation for all.
We waved our palm branches before Him–so worthy, for He was following His Father’s call.
P. A. Oltrogge
(the above from Matthew 21)
“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.”
“Then a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.’” John 12:27-28
“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.” John 3:16 Scriptures: NKJV
“And Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they told Him, saying, ‘John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.’ And He continued by questioning them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered and said to Him, ‘Thou art the Christ.’ And He warned them to tell no one about Him.
“And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, and said, ‘Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.'” Mark 8:27-33 NASB
________________________________________________
“But who do you say that I am?” Jesus asked His disciples….
Peter’s answer to the Lord that day was that He was the Christ, which was exactly right. But, thereafter, he spoke amiss, for he hadn’t yet fully discerned the Lord’s role in the world’s most important spiritual fight.
“Get behind Me, Satan…” was Jesus’ firm rebuke….
Peter had doubts in obeying Jesus, to cast out his fishing nets, having worked all night; yet, in another instance, he boldly walked on the water to meet Him, but, then, gave in to fright….
Again, at the Last Supper, when the Lord came to Peter to wash his feet, he didn’t initially understand the Father’s direction that Jesus was wanting to meet.
Then, when he denied the Lord three times after Jesus had been seized and led away, he became an example of one who repents and goes on to serve God, receiving mercy for a “new day.”
After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter eagerly jumped from his boat into the water to meet the Lord who had appeared on the shore. There, Jesus asked him three times if he loved Him, knowing he would love and serve Him now all the more.
Peter indeed went on to “feed My sheep” as Jesus, his Lord, had made request. We, too, though imperfect followers of Christ, can carry forth the gospel’s work, so that others will be blessed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’
“And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’
“Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.'”
John 21:17 NKJV
(And from John 13:1-17; Matthew 26:31-35; John 13:36-38; Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 22:54-62)
The following is the story of Rev. E. P. Scott and the hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” (written by Edward Perronet).
This beautiful hymn on the power of Jesus’ name was used by a missionary; and he found it to tame… a known, dangerous tribe, which he was endeavoring to reach, in the Indian subcontinent, where he desired to teach.
He wanted to share Jesus, of whom they’d not heard, knowing that “Go into all the world” was the Lord’s Word. Though warned by some friends against going to that area of land, he followed the Holy Spirit, regardless, and met with a band…
of warriors, who surrounded him, pointing their spears. But he took out his violin, actually, despite obvious fears. He began with the words, “All hail the power of Jesus’ name.” To that name, “let every kindred, every tribe” lay claim!
Having closed his eyes while singing, in their language, the song, upon opening them, it was clear that Jesus’ name had been strong. God’s Spirit, thereby, had quenched any dreaded attack; they’d lowered their weapons–shedding tears, sensing their lack.
For the following two years, the minister taught his new friends of Jesus, the Savior, on whom the soul’s cleansing depends. Not just for eternity, but God cares for His children here and now. They become heirs through the name, to which every knee should bow!
P. A. Oltrogge
“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 2:9-11 NKJV
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NKJV
___________________________________________
ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME
All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all.
Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed from the fall, Hail Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all; Hail Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all.
Let every kindred, every tribe, On this terrestrial ball, To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all; To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all.
O that with yonder sacred throng, We at His feet may fall! We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of all; We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of all!
Please, dear friend, be rich towards God, thinking not only of your own pursuits; But think about turning your heart to Christ and others, putting down good spiritual roots. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his own soul? Helping others spiritually and in tangible ways is God’s plan, in which we’re all to have a role.
Have you spoken to Jesus in a personal way today, or do you just run out to meet the day? A relationship with Him makes a difference for the better–it’s wise to take time to pray. One day Jesus will be coming back in glory and will repay His saints for selfless deeds. Not only for that reason, but for the joy that’s returned, ask Him to show you another’s needs.
God’s not against your having enjoyment of certain things… But doesn’t want you to miss the fulfillment which living for Him brings.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.” Matthew 16:25-27
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared? So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20-21
“Knowing What Belongs to Us” by Kenneth E. Hagin is a booklet which shares the benefits we have, in turn, as believers…available at http://www.rhema.org under “Bookstore” and emphasizes Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
The capital of the Assyrian Empire was Nineveh, and the Assyrians showed no mercy to those they overtook in any conquest.
God told His prophet, Jonah, that he should go to them, telling them to repent for their sins and idolatry, at the Lord’s request.
Jonah didn’t want to do this. They were Israel’s enemies; and, in his own way of thinking, they deserved to be punished without being warned.
So he set off for the seaport of Joppa and boarded a ship due to sail to distant Tarshish–the mission for God being thereby scorned.
Jonah went below and soon fell fast asleep, while the crew, above on deck, began to grapple with a storm that had begun to grow.
They tried very hard to keep things on course, but eventually decided the way to survive was that much of the cargo they’d have to forgo.
They perceived that such a fierce storm had something to do with God and began to pray to “gods” which they’d known by hearsay.
That didn’t prove to help and they thought of the passenger who’d come aboard, all the while they were dealing with wind, waves, and spray.
The captain went below and found, despite the storm, the new passenger asleep; and he woke him to pray to his “god,” or they’d all be lost.
A decision was made to cast lots to see who was to blame for the trouble, and they came up with Jonah as the cause of their being storm-tossed.
Jonah admitted to being a Hebrew from Israel–one who worshiped the true God who’d made heaven and earth, but whom he’d disobeyed.
He said he’d run away from a God-ordained task. The storm was surely because of that–and, therefore, a decision had to be made.
The only way to stop the storm’s fury, he said, was to throw him overboard; but the sailors ignored that, not wanting to do such a cruel act.
They tried taking to the oars, which ultimately didn’t work; so they finally took Jonah at his word, so their ship could remain intact.
They prayed that Jonah’s God wouldn’t harm them for taking the measure, but went ahead and tossed him over the threatened boat’s side.
Then the winds began to die and the waves to calm…. They gave thanks and honored his God on the deck in awe, that the storm did, in fact, subside.
As Jonah began to tumble down into the depths of the water, he knew he needed to call on God to rescue him from the harrowing situation.
So God appointed a great fish, of His design, to come and scoop him up in its mouth, providing an unusual underwater way station.
“I called out of my distress to the Lord, and He answered me. I cried for help…from the depth of Sheol, Thou didst hear my voice,” Jonah said.
“Water encompassed me to the point of death. The great deep engulfed me.” But his salvation was from the Lord, whom he thanked for life instead.
After three days and nights, God commanded the fish to release Jonah out onto the dry land; and he heard the Lord say that Nineveh was still on His mind.
The message to repent before forty days’ time or God would punish them and their city was to be presented to all. This time Jonah went, but never whined.
Well, the people’s hearts were receptive to the message that Jonah brought; and from the King down to the least, they fasted from water and bread.
They were repentant and called on God that He might relent and not harm them after all–and God, in His mercy, didn’t do what Jonah had relayed that He had said.
This displeased Jonah, who hadn’t had a heart for the people from the beginning of the assignment. He told God that He was too gracious as far as he could tell–
“a compassionate God, slow to anger, abundant in loving kindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.” (It was Jonah’s anger that began to swell.)
The Lord asked Jonah if he had good reason to be angry; but Jonah simply exited the city to watch if their repentance would last, or if God might yet send destruction.
After all, he felt the Ninevites didn’t deserve any mercy since they’d not shown any themselves. He kept fuming since he’d followed God’s every instruction.
While he was outside the city waiting to see if God would send, at least, some punishment to it, God provided a plant there to shade him from the sun.
This pleased Jonah very much. But God had a lesson in mind and sent a worm to destroy the plant the next morning, and its leaves withered to none.
Again, Jonah became upset and complained that his life wasn’t even worth living. Then, the Lord said that if he was sad about a mere plant’s death,
which he hadn’t even created, wasn’t He, as the Lord of creation, justified in caring about 120,000 persons to whom He’d given breath?
So we see that God uses messengers to cause men to repent and turn away from wrong–that there loom consequences to ignoring the true God and His ways.
But He does this out of the love He has for those whom He’s designed and created, simply wanting them to come under His kindness and blessing all of their days.
Thank God, there are many “Jonahs” today, sharing the message that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. More eager to do so than Jonah, they hope to reflect…
the love and mercy of the Lord themselves–and that God’s words through the Bible reveal that Jesus Christ is faithful, and so worthy of every person’s respect.
P. A. Oltrogge
Just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights, Jesus said that would be the “sign” to “this generation.” He said this, knowing and meaning He would be put to death on a cross for the sins of mankind and would be in the grave for three days and three nights, but would be resurrected then, with the accomplished, triumphant message that salvation is of Him, Jesus Christ. He told the crowds, “Something greater than Jonah is here!” And so, He is here today. May this present generation fully embrace the message of His life, death, and resurrection and offer of forgiveness and abundant life now and for eternity.
“And as the crowds were increasing, He began to say, ‘This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so shall the Son of Man be to this generation. The Queen of the South shall rise up with the men of this generation at the judgment and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh shall stand up with this generation at the judgment, and condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.’” (words of Jesus, from Luke 11:29-32 and Matthew 12:38-41)
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“He isn’t really being slow about His promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But He is waiting, for the good reason that He is not willing that any should perish, and He is giving more time for sinners to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9 The Living Bible
“He is merciful and tender toward those who don’t deserve it; He is slow to get angry and full of kindness and love.” Psalm 103:8 The Living Bible
“For God has shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” Romans 11:32-33
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 NKJV
Sometimes a part of creation may catch your eye… creatures that are bold or others that are shy.
Some keep us company, like a good dog or cat… they can be a calming friend with whom to “chat.”
The flowers of the field, the birds of the air… Jesus noted over all of them His Father’s care.
The Lord is so creative, and YOU are His design… unique and special to Him and, through Him, you shine!
P. A. Oltrogge
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous–how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm 139:13-16 NLT
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NASB
“The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1 NASB
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither, and in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 NASB
Like a tree firmly planted by streams of water–
that’s what each of us will become, as God’s son or daughter,
when we meditate, continually, in God’s written Word.
Our growth in Christ will increase–it can’t be deterred.
Jesus reminded us that man doesn’t live by bread alone–
It’s by regular feeding on God’s Word that we will have grown
to be strong trees in a mighty “forest,” the planting of the Lord–
rooted in God, our mighty fortress, our faith having soared.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 KJV
“For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore, for thy name’s sake, lead me, and guide me.” Psalm 31:3 KJV
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.’” Psalm 91:2 NKJV
You may enjoy visiting Covenant Family Church, http://www.covenantfamily.cc for “church” via conference call on Sundays at 10:50 a.m., (Eastern Standard Time). There’s no need to announce yourself; just make the call and enjoy the “live” message. The telephone number is (609) 663-1557.
A friend recently shared the following “vision” she’d gotten one day. She’d been standing in faith against shingles, a painful condition. As she was saying, “Lord, I present my body to you,” (Romans 12:1-2), she got a picture of herself as an unblemished lamb (cleansed from sin and redeemed from sickness through Christ’s finished sacrificial work at the cross). The Word proclaims that God forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases (Psalm 103:3).
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
A Living Sacrifice
Present your body, holy and acceptable to God–
of His mercies, being sure…
that by the blood of Jesus, God’s Lamb,
you’ve become a “living sacrifice” that’s pure.
Only lambs without blemish were presented to God
by priests who were following God’s ways.
No such lamb could have disease–
neither do you, the Word says–give Him praise!
He’s forgiven all your sins AND healed your diseases–
believe that, with your renewed mind.
God has made you a lamb without blemish through Christ–
that’s how you, as a Christian, are defined.
P. A. Oltrogge
“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.” Isaiah 53:5
“And when evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, ‘He Himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases.’” Matthew 8:16,17
“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
(The person who shared the above “vision” is J. Vetter, a guest contributor to The Porch of the Lord blog.)
Love, with no definite expression of outward action or word, isn’t love at all–since, by our hearts, nothing is “heard.” Kind words, loving service, time spent together, a gift, or a tender touch– without these things tangible, we can’t really feel love much.
Just like most plants need regular sunshine and water, we need regular caring expression from friend, spouse, son, or daughter. Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters can affirm and encourage– we all can, for this world holds much that can discourage.
Friends and family are meant to uplift us and be a fortress in life; and when loving gestures abound, there will be little, if any, strife. When love is firmly founded thereby, we’ll be ready to reach out to those needing love from us whom we may meet on a daily route.
Jesus also said that we should love those who don’t love us back; sometimes, such love can move relationships onto the right track. At times, we must look past the things in some that seem odd– we may need to pray for the grace of the unconditional love of God.
For that love has been found to lead others to tangibly feel the love of the heavenly Father in a way that is real.
P. A. Oltrogge
“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5
“These things I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17
“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:9-11
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful just as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:31-36
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11
Over the years, life brings to us many goodbyes, which is why it’s so important that we become wise, gaining life and death perspectives, as seen through Jesus’ eyes. He’s Savior, Lord, and King–and He never lies.
He wants us to understand before our lives are done, that there’s a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. He said heaven could be ours–that it’s a beautiful place–reserved for those who trust in Him and is offered by God’s grace.
“Absent from the body…present with the Lord” is the promise and future that we can look toward, for when the time comes for us to leave the earth. This is for anyone who has received Him through “the new birth.”
Life in this world is certainly a temporary thing; but, thank God, through Christ’s redemptive work, death has lost its sting. Seeing Jesus face to face and reunions with loved ones gone…will, one day, follow our own “goodbyes,” a glorious new dawn!
P. A. Oltrogge
“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)
“…in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, but at the proper time manifested, even His Word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; to Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” Titus 1:2-3 (NASB)
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 (NKJV)
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” Luke 23:43 (NKJV)
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” Matthew 7:13 (NLT)
See the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16.
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3 (NASB)
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 (NASB)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)
“We are confident, I say, and willing to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV)
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55 (NASB)
The Porch of the Lord 