Isaiah 52:13-53:12 ~ for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible


13 Behold, my servant shall act wisely; [shall prosper]
he shall be high and lifted up,
and shall be exalted.

14 As many were astonished at you—
his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance,
and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—

15 so shall he sprinkle [startle] many nations;
kings shall shut their mouths because of him;
for that which has not been told them they see,
and that which they have not heard they understand.


Isaiah 53

1 Who has believed what he has heard from us?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

2 For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He was despised and rejected [forsaken] by men;
a man of sorrows, [pains] and acquainted with [knowing] grief; [sickness]
and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised,
and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.

6 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.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.

8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation,
who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?

9 And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;
he has put him to grief; [he has made him sick]
when his soul makes [when you make his soul]
an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring;
he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

11 Out of the anguish of his soul
he shall see [he shall see light] and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one,
my servant, make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, [with the great]
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, [with the numerous]
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors.


Descent from the Cross, painted by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn


We were so fortunate to take our two sons to Washington D.C., we walked from one end of the city to the other. One thing caught the absolute attention of my youngest son, so much so we had to look for him. We went to several art museums. And in the National Museum of Art, we had to look for Alexander. When we found him, his mouth was open slightly and he was looking at Rembrandt's Descent of the Cross.

Anything interesting your child that much, interests you. I asked 15 year old Alexander what he thought of it and he asked quietly, "Don't talk yet." I looked up at this painting and my eyes filled with tears.

Alexander noticed me later and my expression watching the painting. He asked me what I thought. I said wonderful. Alexander said, "That's not the word I would use. This is God coming down from the Cross. I didn't even know what death looks like, but this is death. The weakness. How awful Christ's death was, but there are a few people who are taking Him down so ..... tenderly."

Alexander walked away and he was annoyed. I asked him why. He said, " It was such an awful death and then to see the tenderness of His mother at her Son's side. His mother. And the other people - it confuses me. What was God looking for? Why not make it all bad..."

"Alexander. That is what life is. The good and the bad. You know about Jesus. This is what He came for. If He didn't act as our sacrifice, we would not be here. We would not be part of eternity. We would be creatures of decay."

We didn't know it that day in 2007, but that conversation would be continued in September of 2008. Good Friday is not about my Isabelle, my daughter stillborn, but we learned what it was to have a child die.

There are times life plows it's furrows into you. God knows sorrow. God knows pain. First hand. Just as Jesus, God walking the earth, knew the tears of sorrow in Lazarus' death. God wept to see His Son suffer and die.

There are people today who find Jesus' death repugnant. Even when we are soul deep bruised, there is a greater reality. A higher power than just us. A bigger plan. God's purpose for Jesus was larger than Mary's pain. God planned it, God foreknew it.

God tasted His plan. He lived His plan. He did the hard work. He wept. He walked deliberately into fulfilling His Word. Knowing. Knowing mankind. Knowing in the Old Testament He warned them not to storm up Mount Sinai to see Him. God longed to touch us, to take our pain, to comfort us. So He lived among us, dwelt with us. Knowing what we would do to Him. And just as people see Jesus - GOD - as repugnant - God chose to do this amazing sacrifice - ending all sacrifices in God's Temple and the Temple itself - for All of Mankind.

Suffering? God is There. God Sees Something Important in Mankind Worth Saving.

What is this to you, an individual?

God does the impossible. He takes Jesus crucified, a mockery before men, torn apart. A mockery of being lifted up. And God makes Jesus King. Forever. 2,000 years the Church of God still blazes forth the Truth of His Glory. Eternally.

He places His Words in us to reach us. God takes bruised, bleeding, broken death and turns it into the Faith - it actually happened. Into Hope - He means me. And Love - I am invited to grab and keep God's love for me.

I have a dear friend, life kicked as hard as it will to knock her down. She stumbled, ended her fallen marriage to have an affair with a handsome man. Married him. Together they had a good times, weren't good parents, had a distant, casual relationship with Church. Even less a relationship with Jesus. He had a broken childhood with a mom who didn't teach him how to be a parent, how to know God. He put drugs into himself to compensate for his brokenness. My friend tried to get him to love her more than the drugs. She offered him a lovely home, people who loved him, but she told him he would be divorced over the drugs.

He was 39 years old when his wife discovered he wasn't taking a nap. He had overdosed. Life flighted. 4 days of tests. All showed complete brain death. His mom fled shrieking after the first day. Leaving my friend so alone.

A Hospital Chaplin asked her if she was Christian, she sobbed she was Presbyterian. That Chaplin reached out, took firm hold of her arm and told her she was not going to be alone. He was not going to leave her side until she was at peace.

The time came to pull the plug. That Hospital Chaplin, who's first name really is Rock, anointed her husband's head with oil. He made the sign of the cross. "Harry, Jesus is coming to give you life. When you see the light of Jesus Christ as Lord, reach out and take His hand. Harry, Jesus loves you very much. Reach out and take Jesus' hand."

Harry didn't even have pupils dilating. He was brain dead. Harry opened his eyes, lifted up his head, put his hand up, smiled and died.

My friend was baptized in a creek as soon as she could arrange it. Seeing Jesus come to love Harry changed her life. That is what God is. He comes into a situation - where nothing is right. Nothing is righteous. Only desperate need and willingness to receive Him. And ever particle of light transforms tragedy into Glory.

1 Corinthians 6:20
For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Faith - Jesus actually is who He says He is. And does what He promises to.
Hope - He meant for me
Love - All there ever was, inviting You to be Loved forever.

Jesus Christ. The Alpha and the Omega. God's Son. Given for you.

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Matthew 26 ~ the Son of Man will be delivered up

Matthew 26

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Archeologists have found a 6,500 square foot house with dungeon or pit for prisoners, historical documents agree it is Caphaias' house (below) frequently used for meetings. Located on Mount Zion. Just outside the Old City. Mt Zion and the Mount of Olives are about 2,000 feet apart.

3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. 5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

Caiaphas' Ossuary discovered in the family tombs in Israel in the 1960s. An alabaster flask found in tombs in Israel. Persian era. Museum of Israel. 6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

30 shekels from the days Jesus lived on earth

17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.

20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”

The Last Supper is found by following all of the Churches built upon the site known as the Upper Room, built above David's Tomb. Located in Mount Zion.

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Olive trees are at least 2,000 years old in Mount of Olives

33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”

HopePointe Church garden

39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.”

Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Jesus delivered up to Caiaphas, painted by James Tissot

57 Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward.

At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

Peter's Denial, painted by Ron di Cianni

69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Father God. Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Luke 18:31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled." Isaiah 49:7 This is what the LORD says--the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel--to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you." 7/19/20142 Samuel 1:1-16 ~ And he said to me, ‘Who are you?’" http://scripture-for-today.blogspot.com/2013/07/2-samuel-11-16-and-he-said-to-me-who.html 7/19/2014 Hebrews 10:26-31 ~ will be deserved http://scripture-for-today.blogspot.com/2010/08/hebrews-1026-31-will-be-deserved.htm link ♔ Lord Jesus Saves † <><














































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Luke 15:1-10 ~ joy in heaven

Luke 15:1-10

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

View from the Cross, painted by James Tissot



What would cause God to want to live and move and have His dwelling among us? Why would He want to bring us grace upon grace?

When we think about Moses bringing the Word to us, in this generation, we probably think of Cecil DeMille's movie - the lawlessness, revelry and golden calf waiting for Moses' return from the mountain. When the Children of Israel first arrived at Mount Sinai, God had all of them assemble at the foot of the mountain. Moses was going to speak His Covenant to them. God had them wait for 3 days.... then He would reveal Himself to all of them. They had to be warned not to rush up the mountain to God.

Exodus 19:2b-15
There Israel encamped before the mountain, 3 while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: 4 You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

7 So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 All the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord. 9 And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.”

When Moses told the words of the people to the Lord, 10 the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments 11 and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

12 And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. 13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” 14 So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people; and they washed their garments. 15 And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.”

The Father Chose to Give us His Son, Jesus, for a New Covenant.

Luke 15:20
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

John 10:14
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me

Luke 18:16
Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God."

Luke 6:19
And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.

Matthew 20:34
Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Mark 1:41
Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!"

Luke 4:40
Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.

This is the week the Son would go to the Father. Holy Week. Jesus continued to teach. He taught He is the Vine and His Father the Vinedresser. Jesus is the Father running to us. Grace upon Grace.

Blessed are You, Father. And Your Son, Jesus Christ. Redeemer. Holy Spirit.

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Isaiah 42:1-7 ~ I will give you as a covenant for the people

Jesus Heals the Sick, painted by James Tissot


Isaiah 42:1-7

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged [bruised] till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.

5 Thus says God, the Lord,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people on it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
6 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness;
I will take you by the hand and keep you;
I will give you as a covenant for the people,
a light for the nations,
7 to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.

When we look at the Gospel of John - to see what Jesus would have been doing on Tuesday of Holy Week, we see Jesus becoming emphatic, emotional about declaring Jesus Is God's Word - of Truth and Grace - choosing to live with us.

Jesus cried out. To Tell Us. His words:

John 12:44-48

And Jesus cried out and said:

“Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me! And whoever sees me sees him who sent me!

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

Jesus Teaches by the Sea, painted by James Tissot

John 1: 1-5, 9-14, 16-17

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.


Beloved in the LORD, this is the nature of God who loves you.

Thank You, Father God, You are grace and truth dwelling among us, in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Psalm 27 ~ the goodness of the Lord

Psalm 27

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold [refuge] of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.

3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet [in this] I will be confident.

4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire [meditate] in his temple.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
9 Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord will take me in.

11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they breathe out violence.

13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!

2008 years ago, just 2 of the Lord's days, Jesus is living Holy Week. To Jesus this would be the week of His sacrifice for us. His death.

2 Peter 3:8
Do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Jesus has made a choice, He knew raising Lazarus would lead to His arrest. Jesus is taking time with His disciples in Ephraim, Bethany, Bethphage, the Mount of Olives, brief trips to Jerusalem. Jesus is spending time with the ones He loved. The Gospel of John from Chapters 11 to 17 talk about the final week of Jesus' life before His trial and death.

Luke 12:49
I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!

Look at some of the small things. A celebration among friends - Jesus has saved Lazarus from death - so Mary, Martha and Lazarus have a dinner for Jesus. Martha serves dinner for Jesus, Lazarus rests with Jesus at the table. The house is perfumed as Mary anoints Jesus and the beautiful perfume fills the air. And what does Jesus do with this wonderful evening? He gives this joy to His disciples. He will, later this week, wash the feet of Peter and the other disciples.

Jesus has taken time to live in joy the remainder of His days. His joys, He will share. How do we know?

John's Gospel in the 17th verse, during Jesus' prayer for us:

John 17:13
But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

Jesus told us in Psalm 27. We will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Jesus dwells in the house of the Lord all the days of His life. Because the Kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus rests securely with His Father.

Father God, we are Your beloved. When two or more are gathered together You call us Your Bride. Jesus was never the reluctant Bridegroom. We attend to Jesus this week. We listen for Your voice and are filled with Your Joy at the Bridegroom's voice. Your joy is ours. This week You will atone for us, but You did not drag Your feet, but spent Your time in with the ones You love.

Your Fire is still burning, Lord Jesus Christ. This week help us to spread the Fire of the Holy Spirit. We ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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1 Samuel 30 ~ strengthened himself in the Lord his God

Pilgrimage, hiking Ziklag, part of the Negev desert and semi-desert region of southern Israel.
Archaeological explorations reveal some of the earliest presence in Ziklag is early Israel.

1 Samuel 30

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire 2 and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way. 3 And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. 5 David's two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 8 And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” 9 So David set out, and the six hundred men who were with him, and they came to the brook Besor, where those who were left behind stayed. 10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men. Two hundred stayed behind, who were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor.

11 They found an Egyptian in the open country and brought him to David. And they gave him bread and he ate. They gave him water to drink, 12 and they gave him a piece of a cake of figs and two clusters of raisins. And when he had eaten, his spirit revived, for he had not eaten bread or drunk water for three days and three nights. 13 And David said to him, “To whom do you belong? And where are you from?” He said, “I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite, and my master left me behind because I fell sick three days ago. 14 We had made a raid against the Negeb of the Cherethites and against that which belongs to Judah and against the Negeb of Caleb, and we burned Ziklag with fire.” 15 And David said to him, “Will you take me down to this band?” And he said, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will take you down to this band.”

16 And when he had taken him down, behold, they were spread abroad over all the land, eating and drinking and dancing, because of all the great spoil they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah. 17 And David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day, and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men, who mounted camels and fled. 18 David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all. 20 David also captured all the flocks and herds, and the people drove the livestock before him, and said, “This is David's spoil.”

21 Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow David, and who had been left at the brook Besor. And they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near to the people he greeted them. 22 Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children, and depart.” 23 But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us. 24 Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.” 25 And he made it a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day.

26 When David came to Ziklag, he sent part of the spoil to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord.” 27 It was for those in Bethel, in Ramoth of the Negeb, in Jattir, 28 in Aroer, in Siphmoth, in Eshtemoa, 29 in Racal, in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, in the cities of the Kenites, 30 in Hormah, in Bor-ashan, in Athach, 31 in Hebron, for all the places where David and his men had roamed.

David in the desert, or semi-desert. This is both a historical Biblical event and a allegory for us. The Negev dessert gave the Children of Israel a visual understanding of being cut off from the Living Water of God.

This is all about "the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord!'

Trouble had found David, doubled and re-doubled.

Psalm 11:4
The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD'S throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, And the one who loves violence His soul hates.

How did David handle this? More like Joan of Arc than a Project Manager. David realized this was deep, deep trouble. And David turned to prayer and an answer from God. David was "greatly distressed" yet he believed God had the answer for him. As the problem was solved before God, with David's actions God directed, David was able to be merciful - not just to his own family - also to the men who didn't travel or fight to release the kidnapped women and children from their captors.

This is an allegory of lost children, lost family and mercy towards others.

Matthew 18:6
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Colossians 3:25
25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Romans 11:
19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.

John 11:40
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

Acts 16:31
And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.


Job 8:4-6
When your children sinned against him,
he gave them over to the penalty of their sin.
5 But if you will seek God earnestly
and plead with the Almighty,
6 if you are pure and upright,
even now he will rouse himself on your behalf
and restore you to your prosperous state.

Father God, when the wild winds and storms of life are present, hide us in the shelter of Your wings. Let us draw upon Your wisdom to find our words, our work, our peace. Help us to rely upon You, in faith, for our loved ones. We ask You to send Your word of protection for ourselves and the ones we love.

Thank You, Father God for all the times of mercy, protection and love You've given us.

In the middle of our difficulties, let us remember to treat others as we would treat You. In the name of Jesus Christ help us to make the path straight for the way of Your Son, Jesus, our Lord. Amen.



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John 10:19-42 ~ I and the Father are one

Model of Solomon's Porch in Jerusalem
Photos of existing building thought to look like the interior of Solomon's Porch






John 10:19-42

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

19 There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me [What my Father has given to me], is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— 36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.

40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. 41 And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” 42 And many believed in him there.

At the Feast of Dedication, people would be brought to the Temple by the sounding of the shofar - a ram's horn. Jesus and the people would have heard the prayers called from Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 6:4-6
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your hearts.

How difficult it was for that generation to see Jesus as grace and truth dwelling with them. The Second Commandment said not to have images to worship; yet worship in the Temple in that era had been replaced by rules (Herod's appointments), buildings and (Roman puppet state and controlled religious) authority. In trying to follow the Law of not worshiping images - religion had become an image. As if God was safely tucked in the Ark and hidden behind the curtain - the every day work a day instead of Glory in a relationship with Him.

Isaiah 6:9-10
9 And he said, “Go, and say to this people:

“‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand;
keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’
10 Make the heart of this people dull,
and their ears heavy,
and blind their eyes;
lest they see with their eyes,
and hear with their ears,
and understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed.”

Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

The government was indeed upon Jesus' shoulders; God's given Son. In persecution during His ministry and the cause of death upon the cross is suffocation, from the weight displaced upon His shoulders. Yet Jesus is the Prince of Peace for us. In His victory and in His Eternal Kingdom, Jesus is the King. Hallelujah.

Genesis 49:10
The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,
until tribute comes to him;
and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

2 Samuel 7:12-16
When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.


Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].

Matthew 1:21
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus [God saves], for he will save his people from their sins.”

Isaiah 29:13
13 And the Lord said:
“Because this people draw near with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
while their hearts are far from me,
and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men

Deuteronomy 18:15
The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—

Deuteronomy 18:18
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

Isaiah 8:14-15
And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.”

Psalm 35:19
Let not those rejoice over me
who are wrongfully my foes,
and let not those wink the eye
who hate me without cause.


And of John the Baptist:

Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.

In the first chapter of John's Gospel, we see John, Simon, Andrew, Philip and Nathanael are ready to follow Jesus upon meeting Him.

John 1:9-18

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible

9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

Father God, You told Moses no one would see Your face and live, yet You gave us Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord to live among us. The Dead Sea Scrolls wrote during the time of Jesus: the lame would walk, the blind would see, the deaf would hear and the poor would have good news preached to them. Thank You, You are still working today.

Help us in Your example, knowing the days You lived in were filled with materialism, position, career, children, political strife, war and riots - remembering not to be the ones worshiping image as they did in the time of Jesus.

In Your mercy we are saved. Forgive us our wrong doings, our sins, forgive us and let the Light of Jesus Christ shine in our lives. Help us to remember what we do to one another - we do to You. In Your name let us take each day of our lives and give it to You knowing with the eyes of faith - we live the plan You have for us in hope and joy. We will live to Your Glory, In the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

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