JOHN 2 AND THE
"NEW WINE'' OF PENTECOST
The
Gospel of John provides numerous illustrations of the ways in which the
annual festival seasons of Israel picture important aspects of the
mission and attributes of Jesus Christ. For instance, Jesus' Passover
miracles and teaching recorded in John 6 reveal Him as the Bread of
Life, and His words during the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:37-39; 8:12)
proclaim Him to be the source of the
living waters of the Holy Spirit and the Light of the World (see Grace
and Knowledge, Issues 5 and 7).
In this article, I will discuss
yet another example of festival symbolism from the Gospel of John-the
Pentecost imagery included in John's description of the wedding miracle
at Cana (John 2:1-11). Here the symbolism is less obvious than that of
John 6 or John 7, but it has been convincingly described by scholars
(e.g., [3, 5]). We will see that in John 2, Jesus is portrayed as the
bringer of the new wine of a renewed covenant.
The Background: Pentecost and the Covenant
To understand the connection between Pentecost and John 2:1-11, it is
helpful to remember that by Jesus' time, Pentecost had become much more
than a festival of the spring harvest. It was also a celebration of
God's covenant relationship with Israel and His gracious gift of Torah
[3-6]. This is plainly evident in the Book of Jubilees, which was
written in the second century B.C. In Jubilees, God's covenants with
Noah and Abraham are said to have been made on Pentecost (6:1-17;
15:20), and Pentecost commemorates the covenants. According to Jubilees
6:17, ``...it is ordained and written in the heavenly tablets that they
should celebrate the feast of weeks in this month once a year to renew
the covenant each year.'' The Qumran community, which followed the
calendar of the Book of Jubilees, was one group that formally renewed
its covenant commitment to God during the Pentecost season [5, p. 132].
Also relevant to possible symbolic meanings of the wedding feast at
Cana is the fact that the Sinai covenant is portrayed in the Hebrew
Scriptures and subsequent Jewish tradition as a marriage covenant (see
Grace and Knowledge, Issue 3, pp. 28-29 as well as [2, Chapter 6]). In
Jewish tradition, a marriage covenant begins with a written contract
called a ketubah, and a wedding ceremony is conducted under a canopy
(chupah in Hebrew). In the case of Israel's marriage covenant, the stone
tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were written can be viewed as
the ketubah, while Mt. Sinai was the chupah.
We have seen
elsewhere in this issue (pp. 9-12) that it is very instructive to view
the Pentecost miracle of Acts 2 in the context of the events at Sinai
described in Exodus 19-20. Similarly, one can profitably study the Cana
miracle of John 2 in light of both Exodus 19-20 and Acts 1-2. Keeping in
mind these two sections of scripture, let us now turn to the second
chapter of John's gospel.
The Pentecost Symbols of John 2
The setting of Jesus' miracle is given in John 2:1:
``And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:''
Commentators differ in their explanations of the chronology of John 1-2
[1, p.97]. The ``third day'' of John 2:1 was probably the third day
after the calling of Philip and Nathanael in John 1:43-51, since some
time would have been required for Jesus to travel from the Jordan valley
to Cana; alternatively, it could have been the third day after John the
Baptist's testimony of John 1:29-34, with the first two days mentioned
in verses 35 and 43, respectively. In any case, this time reference may
have additional symbolic significance. Recall that before God's
appearance at Sinai, the Israelites were instructed to go through a
period of sanctification in preparation for that momentous event (Ex.
19:10-15), which occurred on ``the third day'' (vv. 11, 16). These days
just before God's fiery descent to the mountain (called the ``days of
bounding'' in Jewish tradition [5]) comprise yet another part of the
wedding imagery of Exodus 19, since a wedding itself was preceded by a
time of purification and preparation. Interestingly, the water which
Jesus turned into wine was contained in pots used for the sort of ritual
washings that were part of prenuptial purification (John 2:6).
A further connection between John 2:1 and the days leading up to
Pentecost is suggested by the way in which John refers to Mary in this
verse. Grassi [5, p. 133] observes that the precise phrase ``the mother
of Jesus'' appears in only one other place in the New Testament besides
John 2:1, 3: Acts 1:14, where Mary and the other disciples are involved
in their own time of sanctification as they await the coming of the
promised Holy Spirit. Those who were praying together in Acts 1:13-15
included Jesus' disciples, His mother, and His brothers, the same people
mentioned in John 2:12.
In designating Mary as ``the mother of
Jesus'' in John 2, John seems to be emphasizing her symbolic role in
this passage. A vision recorded elsewhere by John (Rev. 12:1-6) makes a
connection between the mother of Messiah and the people of God [1, pp.
107-109], and it is interesting to think about Mary as a personification
and representative of the Church as we move on to John 2:3:
``And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.''
In Acts 1, the disciples pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is
likened to new wine in Acts 2:13. In John 2:3, Mary tells Jesus that
the wine for the wedding party has run out, implicitly requesting that
He provide more wine. Mary's statement can be viewed symbolically as the
Church's supplication for the new wine of God's Spirit.
Jesus
answers in John 2:4 that the wine shortage is not a matter of immediate
concern for Him, since ``mine hour is not yet come.'' It is clear from
other verses in John's gospel (7:6, 8, 30; 8:20; 12:23; 13:1) that the
``hour'' Jesus refers to is the time of his betrayal, crucifixion,
resurrection and glorification. As John 7:39 states, a major granting of
the Spirit would not come until after these events had occurred. The
timing of this ``hour'' was in His Father's hands; in the meantime, He
had much to accomplish, and not even the concerns of His immediate
family could take precedence over the completion of His assigned
commission.
Still, Mary is sure that Jesus will in some way
respond to her request, and she tells the servants, ``Whatsoever he
saith unto you, do it'' (John 2:5). Verses 7-8 emphasize that the
servants are careful to carry out Jesus' instructions precisely. These
verses are reminiscent of the scene at Mt. Sinai in Exodus 19:3-8, where
Moses conveys the offer of God's covenant to the Israelites and the
people answer, ``All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.'' (See also
Ex. 24:3,7.) In the case of the New Covenant, it is Jesus whom the
people of God now must follow closely and obey (John 14:21, 23; 15:14).
Later, His disciples would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit after
faithfully heeding His directive to wait in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49; Acts
1:4).
The six stone waterpots (John 2:6) whose contents were
changed to wine held a great deal of liquid-probably about fifteen to
twenty-five gallons each [1, p. 100]. John 2:7 specifies that the
servants ``filled them up to the brim.'' This large quantity of wine
symbolizes a great outpouring of God's Spirit. Water was carefully
measured into the waterpots, but Jesus brought the Spirit ``without
measure'' (see John 3:34). The Pentecost account of Acts 2 stresses that
the disciples were filled with the Spirit (verses 4, 13).
John
2:9 mentions that the ruler of the feast ``knew not whence it [i.e.,
the wine] was.'' Indeed, that is the way it is with the Holy Spirit, as
Jesus tells Nicodemus in John 3:8. In Acts 2, the Spirit comes suddenly,
heralded by ``a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind'' (v. 2)
No one knows from whence the sound and its visible effects have come,
and the multitude gathered in the temple area is amazed by what is
happening (vv. 6-12).
The ruler of the Feast goes on to remark to the bridegroom,
``Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men
have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good
wine until now'' (John 2:10).
It is also true in God's plan of
salvation that He has ``saved the best for last.'' In Joel 2:28-32, a
universal outpouring of the Holy Spirit is promised for the last days,
and the disciples gathered at the temple in Acts 2 experience part of
the fulfillment of that promise (Acts 2:17-21).
Nearly fifteen
hundred years before, God had appeared in glory at Mt. Sinai (Ex.
24:16-17). Jesus' miracle at Cana was a preliminary manifestation of His
glory, leading His disciples to believe on Him (John 2:11). The
disciples could sense that they were seeing the beginning of the
Messianic age, which was to be characterized by an abundance of wine
(Amos 9:13-14; Jer. 31:12). Today, as we await a future wedding feast
with our Messiah, we can rejoice as they did in the great blessings that
He continually pours out for us, during the Pentecost season and
throughout the year.
Thursday, 26 July 2012
Monday, 23 July 2012
Daily Devotion – Food
Jesus said to them,
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”
John 4: 34
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we see a marked
difference between His priorities and the concerns of His disciples.
The disciples were often preoccupied with how to meet their physical
needs ( Matt. 14:15–17; John 4:8; Luke 18:28). Jesus repeatedly assured
them that the Father knew their needs and would provide (Luke11:11–13).
Jesus stressed that their priority was to “seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness”; the necessities of daily life would be provided
(Matt. 6:33).
When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, His disciples had gone
into a nearby town to get food. While His disciples were seeking earthly
nourishment, Jesus was giving this woman “Living water” that would
satisfy her soul for eternity. When they returned, the disciples urged
Jesus to eat. He replied that His “food” was to do the will of His
Father. Since their attention was on earthly matters, His disciples
misunderstood His reply. Jesus’s very life came from obeying His Father.
Because of Jesus’ obedience that day, the woman received eternal life.
In her excitement, she brought many others to Jesus to hear for
themselves, and many believed that He was indeed the Christ, the savior
of the world (John 4:39–42).The apostle Paul understood what Jesus had been teaching His disciples. When Paul wrote to the believers in Rome, he stressed that “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men” (Rom. 14:17–18).
When Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, Jesus quoted the Scriptures, summarizing the focus of His life and ministry: “Know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord” (Deut. 8:3).
Saturday, 21 July 2012
Bible reading
Pre-Tribulation Rapture to Heaven proponents, and many other
denominations, have been promoting a doctrinal precept that the Church
of God is to be seen as the Bride of the Lamb that is mentioned in
several verses in the book of Revelation. One of the main reasons they
promote this non-scripture-based idea is to place the Church of God up
in heaven (supposedly because it was caught up there seven years before
the beginning of the so-called "Great Tribulation") and can now be seen
returning with the Lord at His 2nd Advent. All of their contentions are
made by subtle inference and with no bold nor clear and distinct
scripture to validate those theories. Several days ago we presented
Chapter 11 (Jesus Possesses The Promised Land, Forever, When The Lord Marries The Bride!)
and follow up with another chapter that provides Bible proof that the
Church of God is not to be viewed as The Bride of the Lamb. The
following is another excerpt from "The End Times Passover" that
biblically refutes this notion:
[For those who have already scrutinized and or read The End Times Passover, you are aware that anytime we mention the phrase called out ones, we are referring to all of God's ecclessia, God's Children of Promise, known as the church and or the Disciples of Jesus Christ]
The Ecclesia: Is It the Bride,
Or a Radiant Church?
There are four main groups of scripture that dispensationalists cite to support their theory that the Christian Church is the Bride of the Lamb spoken of in the book of Revelation, Chapter 21:2, 9. They are Matthew 22:1-14, Matthew 25:1-13, 2 Corinthians 11: 2, 3 and Ephesians 5:22-23. Let’s look at the first of these four passages:
Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 ‘the kingdom of Heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those whom had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. 4 “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off – one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 “Then he said to his servants, ‘the wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come.’ 9 go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ 10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But then the king came in to see who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 ‘Friend,’ he said, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. 13 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen, (Matthew 22:1-14, NIV).”
This group of scripture clearly tells us (in parable form) how a person qualifies to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and it plainly states that no one comes into it unless they are wearing the proper wedding attire. All Bible scholars agree that the wedding garments represent the heavenly robes that the called out ones washed in the blood of the sacrificed Lamb of God, which they inherit once they believe in Him who shed His blood for the atonement of their sins. The passages clearly convey a picture (accepted and interpreted by most Bible scholars) of the overall gospel message, which tells us that a calling was made (first to national Israel), but the invitees went to take care of their businesses instead, while some remained to persecute the king’s servants (the prophets and the apostles) unto death. Then we see where the king (Almighty God) became enraged by their response and consequently sent His armies (angels) to destroy these murderers, and eventually burned their city. The king then instructs the servants (His prophets and apostles) to go out and gather (through the preaching of the God’s word) all the people they can find both good and bad, and then the wedding hall will be filled with guests.
It is interesting to note that there is no mention of the betrothal to the Lamb in this group of scripture nor is there any implication here that anyone will become married to anyone, for that matter. Rather, the main emphasis in this parable (in a wedding metaphor) is that only the ones who will be allowed to attend the banquet need be those who are wearing the garments. Obviously, the garments allude to those robes that have been washed in the blood of the Lamb! But yet, theorists continually use this parable in vain as biblical proof that the Christian Church should be viewed as the Bride, soon to be wedded to Christ, and up in heaven, no less.
But, if theorists view the Christian Church as the Bride that is to be wedded to the Lamb of God, then pray tell, who are these invited guests in attendance at this great wedding banquet? Let’s see if we can determine who these ‘guests’ may be that have been allowed entrance to this glorious wedding banquet.
This account is reported also in Mark 2:19 and Luke 5:34. These verses are extremely important to this chapter, in that they picture Jesus referring to himself as the bridegroom; but more importantly, they specifically identify the faithful believers (Greek: ecclessia=called out ones) as His guests! The KJV specifically uses the word (or phrase) children of the bridechamber; the Amplified uses wedding guests; the RV also uses wedding guests; the NAS uses attendants; the Living New Testament uses the Bridegroom’s friends; and the NIV uses guests. When we carefully examine both the Strong’s and NASB Concordance, we find that the word guests used in the original manuscript is the Greek word huios, which means sons or children. There can be no mistake then that the wedding guests, attendants, children of the bridechamber or the bridegroom’s friends are any other than the disciples mentioned in the preceding verse (14), which are the sons (huios) of God. These verses clearly identify the role that Christians will play at the wedding banquet. We (the ecclesia, God’s called out ones) will be the guests (Greek huios=sons of God) at the wedding banquet, but in no way can we be viewed as participating in the wedding banquet as The Bride of the Lamb!
In these three groups of scripture (Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19 and Luke 5:34), we see where Christ (the Bridegroom) did not require His attendants (huios=sons), to participate in any other fasting ritual besides the required fast on the Day of Atonement. Jesus told his inquirers (John’s disciples and the Pharisees) that while He (the messianic bridegroom) was with His guests, there was no reason to mourn. They (His disciples) were with their Savior. But soon, He would be taken from them (through crucifixion, resurrection and ascension), and then there would be reason to fast. We recognize that fasting for the Christian (now that Jesus is at the right hand of God) is one of the ways that we draw in a closer relationship to God through the power of the Holy Spirit. However, when Christ returns, we (called out ones) will never again have reason to mourn because we will be in His presence, not to be wedded to Him, but rather, to attend and serve the King of kings and Lord of lords during His eternal earthly reign.
More importantly, nowhere in these scriptural references are we to draw any inference of the disciples (who are referred to as guests) as being a collective bride. No connection is made that a betrothal situation with them will occur; but, a definite identification is made as to who the bridegroom represents, and a definite identification is made as to who the disciples are. They are the wedding banquet guests (Gr. huios=sons of God), not the bride!
Let’s look at the second group of scripture theorists use in an attempt to prove that the Christian Church is the Bride of the Lamb, those found of scripture in Matthew 25:1-13:
Here we find the famed parable of the ten virgins, of whom five were not prepared to greet the bridegroom because they didn’t have any oil for their lamps. Here, theorists use these verses as picturing the Christian Church (aka, virgins) as being caught up to heaven with Christ. The one verse, however, that provides the main emphasis for this group of scripture is verse 10, where it states, “The virgins who were ready went in with Him to the wedding banquet.”
The first group of scripture (Matthew 22:1-14) the author cited above plainly states that no one can enter the Kingdom of heaven unless they have the wedding garments, washed in His blood, which cannot be obtained unless they have believed that Jesus Christ died on the cross and shed His cleansing blood for their sins. This second group of scripture (Matthew 25:1-13) plainly states that no one can attend the Father’s wedding banquet unless they have the Holy Spirit. It is important to understand that this parable of the ten virgins is not talking about the Christian Church being caught up to heaven; but rather, the example is symbolic and clearly points out that some people will be allowed to enter the banquet and some will not. The prerequisite for attending the wedding banquet is the possession of the new nature that has been given to each called out one as a gift from the Holy Spirit (the oil, if you will), and only those who abide in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit will be able to enter.
Also, there is no mention in these verses that the five faithful virgins are the objects of marriage. If this were the case, the appropriate wording for this parable would have used two virgins in the parable, one faithful and ready and the other faithless and unprepared. The faithful one would thereby serve as an example of a virgin being prepared for the nuptial experience. But that isn’t the case. The parable clearly demonstrates that individual believers (the invited guests) have to possess the new nature bestowed by the power of Holy Spirit to enter the wedding banquet, which is held several days before the actual wedding. Once again, the virgins here represent those people who are invited and are prepared with the oil (the Holy Spirit), as was the case with those people who were prepared with their wedding garments, washed in the blood of the Lamb. These two prerequisites are essential to enter the Kingdom of God. Another small point to be made is that it really stretches the imagination (and scripture patterns) to believe that the bridegroom is hereby preparing to marry five individual virgins. If they are the only ones that represent the Christian Church, then very few people will occupy the Kingdom of God, which will not be the case. But an even more convincing argument that this parable does not refer to or picture the Christian Church as being the Bride of the Lamb is another section of scripture that harmoniously blends with this one. These following verses in Luke 12:35-38 graphically describe the need to be prepared for the wedding banquet by having oil (the new nature given to believers by the Holy Spirit) in their lamps.
Although a reference is made here to “men,” it is also made to “servants,” which includes both men and women believers. However, the more important message emphasized here is one of being prepared and not quenching the gifts of power given by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when the Lord returns, we will be found in a faithful labor and commitment to our respective ministries.
Isn’t interesting also that in the above mentioned verses (35 and 36) of this parable it states, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for Him?” If this is talking about the Christian Church being caught up to attend a wedding banquet in heaven, isn’t it interesting that it states they are waiting for their master who is returning from a wedding banquet, rather then going to one? What happened? The author thought (according to theorists’ claims) that the faithful servants were supposed to be getting married to the bridegroom and celebrating with Him at the wedding banquet, supposedly being conducted in heaven. According to these verses, the men (supposedly the Christian Church) are now waiting for Him to return after the big wedding celebration!
Let’s look at another verse theorists use to pad their Christian Church is the Bride of The Lamb theory, which is found in 2 Corinthians 11:2, where the apostle Paul is addressing the called out ones at Corinth:
It is understandable how theorists could extrapolate this one verse and try to use it as a building block to prove their point, an obvious reference being made to the fact that the word “husband” is used. The author points out that the word husband in this verse is the Greek word aner, which is used for both husband and man. However, the main emphasis is not that Paul is presenting the Christian Church to a husband as a parent betroths or presents a virgin daughter to the intended groom (as if Paul had any power or authority to even accomplish such a task); but, rather, the essence of Paul’s message was a fear he had that the Corinthians he helped convert to the faith would be weakened by false prophets and thereby be swayed by another gospel. He confirms this was the intent of his previous remarks by the following verse, where he stated, But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpents cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ, (2 Corinthians 11:3, NIV). Matthew Henry, in his commentary on 2 Corinthians, Chapter 2, brings this point home very profoundly:
"We have the reasons for what the apostle did. (1.) To preserve the Corinthians from being corrupted by the insinuations of the false apostles, v. 2, 3. He tells them he was jealous over them with godly jealousy; he was afraid lest their faith should be weakened by hearkening to such suggestions as tended to lessen their regard to his ministry, by which they were brought to the Christian faith. He had espoused them to one husband, that is, converted them to Christianity (and the conversion of a soul is its marriage to the Lord Jesus); and he was desirous to present them as a chaste virgin—pure, and spotless, and faithful, not having their minds corrupted with false doctrines by false teachers, as Eve was beguiled by the subtlety of the serpent. This godly jealousy in the apostle was a mixture of love and fear; and faithful ministers cannot but be afraid and concerned for their people, lest they should lose that which they have received, and turn from what they have embraced, especially when deceivers have gone abroad, or have crept in among them. (2.) To vindicate himself against the false apostles, forasmuch as they could not pretend they had another Jesus, or another Spirit, or another gospel, to preach to them, v. 4. If this had been the case, there would have been some colour of reason to bear with them, or to hearken to them. But seeing there is but one Jesus, one Spirit, and one gospel, that is, or at least that ought to be, preached to them and received by them, what reason could there be why the Corinthians should be prejudiced against him, who first converted them to the faith, by the artifices of any adversary? It was a just occasion of jealousy that such persons designed to preach another Jesus, another Spirit, and another gospel.” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary on 2 Corinthians, Chapter 2)
The author admires Paul’s zeal and desire to fulfill that promise to the Lord (present the church as a pure virgin); but Paul was also aware of the reality that preaching the gospel alone could not accomplish that task. There had to be a commitment and response on the church’s behalf by abiding in Christ with all its heart and all its might, and not be dissuaded by another gospel.
Nevertheless, Paul’s statement here does not state that the Christian Church is going to be a bride to Christ, but rather, that he desires that he might help to present the church as pure as a virgin; a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, holy and blameless! Nowhere in this passage are we to infer that Paul is telling us that the Christian Church is the Bride of the Lamb!
Another group of scripture that harmoniously blends and confirms that the past scriptural references cannot (and should not) be used to imply that the Christian Church is the Bride of the Lamb is found in Ephesians 5:22-33. It is this portion of scripture that is most often referred to by theorists and dispensationalists in their attempts to prove that the Christian Church needs to be seen as the Bride of the Lamb. Let’s examine this group:
Once again, one of the verses that provide us with the main emphasis to be received is verse 27. The message plainly states, throughout all of these passages, that the attitude that the ecclesia (the Body of Christ, His called out ones) should have towards Christ is one of total submission, with unconditional love and respect. In doing so, Christian husbands and wives will clearly understand what this great mystery is, which is that Christ loved us so much He was willing to die for the church so that it would now be blameless. And now Holy, and through the washing with water through the word, He can now present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless, (vs. 27). [Underline and Bold is by the author, solely for emphasis]
Paul didn’t say that Christ paid the price for sin to present her to himself as a “bride,” but as a radiant church! The analogy used here, which to unbelievers (and theorists) is a mystery (and to some believers too, unfortunately), is that husbands should not only have such tremendous and unconditional love for theirs wives, this love should be so strong and unselfish that husbands should do all to prove that love, even if it means dying for their wives, just as Christ loved the church so much He gave up His life for her. Throughout the New Testament, we see mention of the “mystery” (which is not the church) of God, and its main emphasis is on the grace, change and miraculous power of uniting the Gentiles and faithful Israel as joint heirs, through the power of the gospel. (See Ephesians 3:6, Galatians 3:8)
The mystery spoken of in this group of scripture is not that the Christian Church is going to be presented to Christ as the Bride of the Lamb, but rather, that through Christ’s death and resurrection, God was able to become one with His creation, as man and woman do so when they marry. The main message being conveyed in these passages is the great love God has for His creation, not a soon-to-come wedding. It’s that same type of love that He requires from husbands: sacrificial love! And from the wives, He expects them to respect their husbands. In Ephesians 5:22-33, what we truly see is a picture of oneness established in marriage between husband and wife, the same oneness that needs to exist with the ecclesia and Christ.. That’s the true mystery!
As the author stated earlier, this mystery is not understood by unbelievers, but even sadder, many called out ones are missing out on a myriad of God’s blessings because they don’t adopt this love toward their spouses like they should. Until they do, it will become even more difficult in perilous times to respond to the works that lay ahead for the “one body” (man and wife), which is perfectly conveyed by Paul’s analogy of Christ and His children of promise, the called out ones.
Lamb's Book of Life who are the only ones allowed entry into this city spoken of in Revelation 22:14-15? Theorists use the aforementioned four groups of scriptures to make such a claim. However, if these four groups of scripture we carefully examined are hereby being used to portray this picture, then we must ask the Holy Spirit to make His message much clearer than the way theorists infer.
Bible Study
Shalom,"After this Jesus knowing that all was now finished, said - to fulfill what is written in the Bible -" I thirst! "... When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said:" It is finished. "And he bowed His head and gave His life. "(John 19:28-30 bndg. Lk. 23:46)" And Jesus cried with a loud voice: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." And after said this, He breathed His (Jesus died). "What is the response of the children of God while reading or hearing the words of Jesus "It is finished" on Good Friday each year? It turned out that their response is generally understood that they were the words of Jesus himself, but the heart / cold feelings, always, there is no reaction at all resulted in the absence of worthwhile activities. Such conditions are the same as someone who underwent a surgery, after surgery she did not feel the pain of surgery performed in the anesthetized state to eliminate pain. As a result, the response to a doctor who says 'operation completed' is not so eager, just a thank you to the doctor who has handled it well.Question: how do we respond today after reading / hearing again the words of Jesus "It is finished"? Is also a flat or even no trace of anything in my heart because we do not experience such suffering? Should be after we heard this description of God's Word, something different happens in us until we better understand the meaning of "It is finished" and more able to live them to be able to do so intensively.We will learn the meaning of Jesus' words "It is finished" and to whom those words were addressed.Meaning "finished" implies he has done to complete the task. What has been done him? Christ completed the sentence of God to die to pay for all the sins of mankind.Saying "It is finished" Jesus addressed to:A. Father in Heaven.In prayer, Jesus said: "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you have given me to do it." (John 17:4 bndg. John. 12:27; Heb. 10:5 - 6).In this case to give an account of Jesus to His Father above who have completed the task done.2. Devil"... That through death he might destroy him who is the devil the power of death ..." (Heb. 2:14-15; bndg. 1 Cor. 15: 25-26; Col. 2:15, 1 Jn. 3:5 , 8)It turned out that his words "It is finished" to proclaim his victory over the forces of evil.3. World (humans who refused, denied, mocked, crucified Him).Through the words "It is finished" Jesus wanted to explain that "I have completed work of atonement for all of you! Believe you? Come to Me! "It is natural to thank the many people who helped us both in terms of health, finance, etc.. For example: a doctor who completed a successful operation would have done the best for their patients. The patient must be very grateful, but in fact the doctor did not suffer or lose their intelligence services instead of money he received; but not infrequently the operation itself was successful but there are side-effect of postoperative. Compare this with what Jesus did when he said "It is finished", He is not only say but also the perpetrators of rescue sinners who believe in Him by giving Him crucified and shed his blood to the last drop - dead - so that we obtain perfect safety because of his faith. His redemption is done absolutely perfectly / completely without any side effects / the remains of sin at all.On the cross Jesus spoke seven words as kata-kata/pesan last, He is the sacrifice of the smell the most fragrant and pleasing to God (Eph. 5:1-2 bndg. Gen. 8:20-22). What he spake?A. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)2. "I tell you, today you will be there with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)3. "Woman, behold thy son!" .... "This is your mother!" (John 19:25-27)4. "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46; Mark. 15:34)5. "I am thirsty" (John 19:28-29)6. "IS FINISHED!" (John 19:30)7. "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." And having said this he breathed his [= severing his life] "(Luke 23:46; John. 19:30)Indeed the seven words above can not be separated from one another but can be grouped into three sections:A. His great work of redemption → EvangelismWhat has been completed in connection with the redemption of Jesus?
Forgive the sins of mankind.As already known the relationship between God and man is lost because of sin and the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23) and even Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. It required a Person as an intermediary with the aim of restoring the relationship of God and man. Who is He? God sent His only Son - Jesus came as the flesh (human) to be a sacrifice (Heb. 10:5-7 bndg. 12:27; John. 3:16) because without the shedding of blood is no remission (Hebrews 9:22 b ) while the blood of bulls / goats can not take away sins (Heb. 10:4). Jesus who knew no sin was made by him to be sin for a man is justified by God (2 Cor. 5:21).The apostle Paul had a personal experience of God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ that saves a sinner and he confessed himself the most sinful (1 Tim. 1:13-15).Introspection: are we sure have been saved by the Lord Jesus? Or we still have doubts about the safety of his work?
Humans are in paradise again.Remember criminals next to Jesus who recognizes his evil deeds and ask Jesus to remember him when Jesus comes as King? Jesus immediately responded that he would be with Him in paradise.What is interesting about Paradise?- There is a tree (the fruit) of life (Rev. 2:7) as God promised to the Ephesians of victory. Remember, they had previously rebuked the Lord for having lost their first love.- Paradise = new Jerusalem where there is a tree of life in it (Rev. 22:1-2; 21:1-5).Attention: to enter the city of Jerusalem are those who are written in the Lamb's book of life, and his clothes have been washed (Rev. 21:27; 22:14). But they will lose the tree of life, when deleting the words of prophecy (Rev. 22:19).Introspection: how our relationship with God has forgiven us and also our relationships with others? Have no forgiveness between husband and wife, parents and children and so on.? If not forgive, we do not have the opportunity to enjoy the fruit of the tree of life. Remember, the spirit that animates us to enjoy the full joy is the word of life - the tree of life.Application: after being saved by the Lord Jesus, we are obliged to preach the gospel of salvation to everyone that Jesus is the only Savior who can solve all the problems of marriage, family, work, relationships, etc..B. Fellowship among members of the body → grazingWhat happened when Jesus was on the cross?
Acceptance among mothers and children"Mother, behold your son!" and "behold your mother!" (John 19:25-27)Widowed mother Mary - the mother of Jesus - is received by the disciple whom Jesus loved - John - and lived in his house. Because of the cross of Christ there was the alliance between the old and the young until there is no 'generation gap'. Parents need to support families while young people need guidance from the parents - each need each other.Applications: would not it be wonderful if there alliance of various kinds of different tribes and backgrounds (age, education, economy, culture, etc..) Because of grazing by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit? Cross of Christ is to eliminate all the difference!
Experienced the horror of separation between father and son"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" Meaning: My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? "(Matthew 27:46)Why did God abandon Jesus when their relationship as Father and Son was never released as the One Triune God? Jesus experienced the horror climax when Father left Him because He (the Son) was carrying the sins of the world (2 Cor. 5:21). Sin has separated man with God, the Creator (Isaiah 59:2) and He was numbered with the transgressors (Mark 15:28, Luke. 22:37; bndg. Yes. 53:12).C. Submission of (life) total for the forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation (point A) and the fellowship of recovered (point B)What happened in the last moments of Jesus' life before he broke up?
ThirstJesus knew that he had completed his task and that even what is written in the Scriptures (Psalm 69:21) He said, "I thirst". They then mencucukkan sponges soaked in vinegar on a hyssop and mengunjukkannya into his mouth.
"IS FINISHED"After completion of the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!"
Living in total submissionAt the last moment Jesus said, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit leave" (Luke 23:46) when He was forsaken by God (the Father).Can imagine the feeling of a child who has not recognized the child by his parents? Sure takes a long time to heal the wounded hearts of each party but Jesus only within 6 hours - from 9 am to 3 pm - willing to go back to God the Father, and gave him communion because of the triune God.When God the Father sees Jesus had completed His task - to bear the sins of mankind - and laid down his life, God forgive him. At that time all the sins we have also removed to clean and forgiven by our Heavenly Father and Jesus returned to His Father to unite / align again as written in 1 John 1:1-4, "What was from the beginning which we have heard , which we have seen with our eyes, we've seen and we have our hands handled concerning the word - that's what we write to you. Life that has been declared and we have seen it and now we testify and announce to you of eternal life that is with the Father and who has been declared to us. What we have seen and what we have heard we proclaim to you also that ye also have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is a fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. And all these things we write to you so that our joy to be perfect. "Create the perfect communion of joy / full and no joy the world can fill our hearts than fellowship with God and with the Father.Introspection: a husband and wife who have not felt the full joy of each should check yourself and do not blame each other; as well as family life is less / not harmonious.We need fellowship with the Triune God to fend off the antichrist who denies the Father and the Son of God as written in 1 John. 2:18-23, "... no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar? But he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. For whoever denies the Son has the Father. Whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. "Attention: we should stick to the truth of the Bible - the Word of God completely - and not to glorify the man of God because people no matter how great he can still experience the fall because of cunning being waged by Satan and his minions.The promise of eternal life is also given to us when we confess the Father and the Son is one (1 Yoh.5 :11-13). Jesus had completed all the problems in both the vertical - the safety and human relationship with God - and horizontal - evangelism and shepherding spread. Note, evangelism and teaching should be walking in rhythm! Evangelism is necessary for the safety of our nation as well as the pastoral needs of the church that God is not affected by the 'virus' antichrist.When the Lord Jesus has fully completed his task performed, what about us? Have we done His great commission and complete it well until our last breath and then we live in Paradise and eat (fruit) tree of life with Him? Note, "It is finished" is the key issue of human settlement on earth and in eternity. Amen.
Thursday, 19 July 2012
Daily Bible Reading
bible reading 7-19=2012Thursday, July 19, 2012 7:20 PMReading 1 Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 The way of the just is smooth;the path of the just you make level.Yes, for your way and your judgments, O LORD,we look to you;Your name and your titleare the desire of our souls.My soul yearns for you in the night,yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you;When your judgment dawns upon the earth,the world's inhabitants learn justice.O LORD, you mete out peace to us,for it is you who have accomplished all we have done. O LORD, oppressed by your punishment,we cried out in anguish under your chastising.As a woman about to give birthwrithes and cries out in her pains,so were we in your presence, O LORD.We conceived and writhed in pain,giving birth to wind;Salvation we have not achieved for the earth,the inhabitants of the world cannot bring it forth.But your dead shall live, their corpses shall rise;awake and sing, you who lie in the dust.For your dew is a dew of light,and the land of shades gives birth. Responsorial Psalm Ps 102:13-14ab and 15, 16-18, 19-21 R. (20b) From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.You, O LORD, abide forever,and your name through all generations.You will arise and have mercy on Zion,for it is time to pity her.For her stones are dear to your servants,and her dust moves them to pity.R. From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.The nations shall revere your name, O LORD,and all the kings of the earth your glory,When the LORD has rebuilt Zionand appeared in his glory;When he has regarded the prayer of the destitute,and not despised their prayer.R. From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.Let this be written for the generation to come,and let his future creatures praise the LORD:"The LORD looked down from his holy height,from heaven he beheld the earth,To hear the groaning of the prisoners,to release those doomed to die."R. From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth. Gospel Mt 11:28-30 Jesus said:"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,for I am meek and humble of heart;and you will find rest for yourselves.For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
bible reading 7-18-2012Wednesday, July 18, 2012 7:22 PMReading 1 Is 10:5-7, 13b-16 Thus says the LORD:Woe to Assyria! My rod in anger,my staff in wrath.Against an impious nation I send him,and against a people under my wrath I order himTo seize plunder, carry off loot,and tread them down like the mud of the streets.But this is not what he intends,nor does he have this in mind;Rather, it is in his heart to destroy,to make an end of nations not a few. For he says:"By my own power I have done it,and by my wisdom, for I am shrewd.I have moved the boundaries of peoples,their treasures I have pillaged,and, like a giant, I have put down the enthroned.My hand has seized like a nestthe riches of nations;As one takes eggs left alone,so I took in all the earth;No one fluttered a wing,or opened a mouth, or chirped!" Will the axe boast against him who hews with it?Will the saw exalt itself above him who wields it?As if a rod could sway him who lifts it,or a staff him who is not wood!Therefore the Lord, the LORD of hosts,will send among his fat ones leanness,And instead of his glory there will be kindlinglike the kindling of fire. Responsorial Psalm Ps 94:5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 14-15 R. (14a) The Lord will not abandon his people.Your people, O LORD, they trample down,your inheritance they afflict.Widow and stranger they slay,the fatherless they murder.R. The Lord will not abandon his people.And they say, "The LORD sees not;the God of Jacob perceives not."Understand, you senseless ones among the people;and, you fools, when will you be wise?R. The Lord will not abandon his people.Shall he who shaped the ear not hear?or he who formed the eye not see?Shall he who instructs nations not chastise,he who teaches men knowledge?R. The Lord will not abandon his people.For the LORD will not cast off his people,nor abandon his inheritance;But judgment shall again be with justice,and all the upright of heart shall follow it.R. The Lord will not abandon his people.Gospel Mt 11:25-27At that time Jesus exclaimed:"I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,for although you have hidden these thingsfrom the wise and the learnedyou have revealed them to the childlike.Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.All things have been handed over to me by my Father.No one knows the Son except the Father,and no one knows the Father except the Sonand anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."
BIBLE READING 7-17-2012Tuesday, July 17, 2012 6:05 PMReading 1 Is 7:1-9 In the days of Ahaz, king of Judah, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah,Rezin, king of Aram,and Pekah, king of Israel, son of Remaliah,went up to attack Jerusalem,but they were not able to conquer it.When word came to the house of David that Aramwas encamped in Ephraim,the heart of the king and the heart of the people trembled,as the trees of the forest tremble in the wind. Then the LORD said to Isaiah: Go out to meet Ahaz,you and your son Shear-jashub,at the end of the conduit of the upper pool,on the highway of the fuller's field, and say to him:Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear;let not your courage failbefore these two stumps of smoldering brandsthe blazing anger of Rezin and the Arameans,and of the son Remaliah,because of the mischief thatAram, Ephraim and the son of Remaliah,plots against you, saying,"Let us go up and tear Judah asunder, make it our own by force,and appoint the son of Tabeel king there." Thus says the LORD:This shall not stand, it shall not be!Damascus is the capital of Aram,and Rezin is the head of Damascus;Samaria is the capital of Ephraim,and Remaliah's son the head of Samaria. But within sixty years and five,Ephraim shall be crushed, no longer a nation.Unless your faith is firmyou shall not be firm! Responsorial Psalm Ps 48:2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8 R. (see 9d) God upholds his city for ever.Great is the LORD and wholly to be praisedin the city of our God.His holy mountain, fairest of heights,is the joy of all the earth.R. God upholds his city for ever.Mount Zion, "the recesses of the North,"is the city of the great King.God is with her castles;renowned is he as a stronghold.R. God upholds his city for ever.For lo! the kings assemble,they come on together;They also see, and at once are stunned,terrified, routed.R. God upholds his city for ever.Quaking seizes them there;anguish, like a woman's in labor,As though a wind from the eastwere shattering ships of Tarshish.R. God upholds his city for ever. Gospel Mt 11:20-24 Jesus began to reproach the townswhere most of his mighty deeds had been done,since they had not repented."Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!For if the mighty deeds done in your midsthad been done in Tyre and Sidon,they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes.But I tell you, it will be more tolerablefor Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.And as for you, Capernaum: Will you be exalted to heaven?You will go down to the nether world. For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom,it would have remained until this day.But I tell you, it will be more tolerablefor the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
pray for his blessingMonday, July 16, 2012 8:06 PMJesus says, "Learn from me, I am humble and gentle of heart." Yes, adoration of the Heart of Jesus has also gone way down in the Catholic Church. Today the Church ignores the Heart of Jesus on First Fridays, the source of so many graces. God's Heart scorned by his creations. The Heart of Salvation forgotten by those it saved! The Heart of Jesus must be in the artery of the life of the Church. It is the living spring out of which never-ceasing truth and graces flow. It enlivens and strengthens you towards Eternal Life. Through this Heart our Church is everything that she is. We stand here as children of the Catholic Church in the immediate and living proximity of the Divine Heart. We live from Him and eke out a living through his good deeds. Sink into the Heart of Jesus, let yourself be refreshed by the Heart of Jesus and let us live through the Heart of Jesus. The Divine Heart is the gift of sacrifice; in it is his Precious Blood. Heart and Blood reveal and make clear at the same time His Sacrificial Love and His Sacrificial Way of Being. And this He offers again and again in the Holy Mass. We honor the Heart of Jesus best when we acquire His Being. To love the Father over everything, to be entirely open to His Will. To love men to the extreme and to be good to them. MAY THE HEART OF JESUS LIVE IN PEOPLE AGAIN!! This is what we should always pray. bible reading 7-16-2012Monday, July 16, 2012 7:30 PMReading 1 Is 1:10-17 Hear the word of the LORD,princes of Sodom!Listen to the instruction of our God,people of Gomorrah!What care I for the number of your sacrifices?says the LORD.I have had enough of whole-burnt ramsand fat of fatlings;In the blood of calves, lambs and goatsI find no pleasure. When you come in to visit me,who asks these things of you?Trample my courts no more!Bring no more worthless offerings;your incense is loathsome to me.New moon and sabbath, calling of assemblies,octaves with wickedness: these I cannot bear.Your new moons and festivals I detest;they weigh me down, I tire of the load.When you spread out your hands,I close my eyes to you;Though you pray the more,I will not listen.Your hands are full of blood!Wash yourselves clean!Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;cease doing evil; learn to do good.Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow. Responsorial Psalm Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God."Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,for your burnt offerings are before me always.I take from your house no bullock,no goats out of your fold."R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God."Why do you recite my statutes,and profess my covenant with your mouth,Though you hate disciplineand cast my words behind you?"R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God."When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?Or do you think you that I am like yourself?I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God."R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God. Gospel Mt 10:34-11:1Jesus said to his Apostles:"Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth.I have come to bring not peace but the sword.For I have come to seta man against his father,a daughter against her mother,and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;and one's enemies will be those of his household. "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;and whoever does not take up his crossand follow after me is not worthy of me.Whoever finds his life will lose it,and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. "Whoever receives you receives me,and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophetwill receive a prophet's reward,and whoever receives a righteous manbecause he is righteouswill receive a righteous man's reward.And whoever gives only a cup of cold waterto one of these little ones to drinkbecause he is a disciple?amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples,he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns
bible readings 7-15-12Sunday, July 15, 2012 6:48 PMReading 1 Am 7:12-15Amaziah, priest of Bethel, said to Amos,"Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah!There earn your bread by prophesying,but never again prophesy in Bethel;for it is the king's sanctuary and a royal temple."Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet,nor have I belonged to a company of prophets;I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me,Go, prophesy to my people Israel."Responsorial Psalm Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14R. (8) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD --for he proclaims peace.Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase.Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.Reading 2 Eph 1:3-14Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,who has blessed us in Christwith every spiritual blessing in the heavens,as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,to be holy and without blemish before him.In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,in accord with the favor of his will,for the praise of the glory of his gracethat he granted us in the beloved.In him we have redemption by his blood,the forgiveness of transgressions,in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to usthe mystery of his will in accord with his favorthat he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.In him we were also chosen,destined in accord with the purpose of the Onewho accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,we who first hoped in Christ.In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,were sealed with the promised holy Spirit,which is the first installment of our inheritancetoward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.Gospel Mk 6:7-13Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by twoand gave them authority over unclean spirits.He instructed them to take nothing for the journeybut a walking stick--no food, no sack, no money in their belts.They were, however, to wear sandalsbut not a second tunic.He said to them,"Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave.Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,leave there and shake the dust off your feetin testimony against them."So they went off and preached repentance.The Twelve drove out many demons,and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
bible reading 7-14-12Saturday, July 14, 2012 7:36 PMReading 1 Is 6:1-8In the year King Uzziah died,I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne,with the train of his garment filling the temple.Seraphim were stationed above; each of them had six wings:with two they veiled their faces,with two they veiled their feet,and with two they hovered aloft.They cried one to the other,"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!All the earth is filled with his glory!"At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shookand the house was filled with smoke.Then I said, "Woe is me, I am doomed!For I am a man of unclean lips,living among a people of unclean lips;yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"Then one of the seraphim flew to me,holding an ember that he had taken with tongs from the altar.He touched my mouth with it and said,"See, now that this has touched your lips,your wickedness is removed, your sin purged."Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,"Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?""Here I am," I said; "send me!"Responsorial Psalm Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5R. (1a) The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.The LORD is king, in splendor robed;robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.And he has made the world firm,not to be moved.Your throne stands firm from of old;from everlasting you are, O LORD.R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed:holiness befits your house,O LORD, for length of days.R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.Gospel Mt 10:24-33Jesus said to his Apostles:"No disciple is above his teacher,no slave above his master.It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher,for the slave that he become like his master.If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,how much more those of his household!"Therefore do not be afraid of them.Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed,nor secret that will not be known.What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;rather, be afraid of the one who can destroyboth soul and body in Gehenna.Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge.Even all the hairs of your head are counted.So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.Everyone who acknowledges me before othersI will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.But whoever denies me before others,I will deny before my heavenly Father."
bible reading 7-13-12Friday, July 13, 2012 8:33 PMHos 14:2-10Thus says the LORD:Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God;you have collapsed through your guilt.Take with you words,and return to the LORD;Say to him, "Forgive all iniquity,and receive what is good, that we may renderas offerings the bullocks from our stalls.Assyria will not save us,nor shall we have horses to mount;We shall say no more, 'Our god,'to the work of our hands;for in you the orphan finds compassion."I will heal their defection, says the LORD,I will love them freely;for my wrath is turned away from them.I will be like the dew for Israel:he shall blossom like the lily;He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar,and put forth his shoots.His splendor shall be like the olive treeand his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar.Again they shall dwell in his shadeand raise grain;They shall blossom like the vine,and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.Ephraim! What more has he to do with idols?I have humbled him, but I will prosper him."I am like a verdant cypress tree"--because of me you bear fruit!Let him who is wise understand these things;let him who is prudent know them.Straight are the paths of the LORD,in them the just walk,but sinners stumble in them.Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-13, 14 and 17R. (17b) My mouth will declare your praise.Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.Thoroughly wash me from my guiltand of my sin cleanse me.R. My mouth will declare your praise.Behold, you are pleased with sincerity of heart,and in my inmost being you teach me wisdom.Cleanse me of sin with hyssop, that I may be purified;wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.R. My mouth will declare your praise.A clean heart create for me, O God,and a steadfast spirit renew within me.Cast me not out from your presence,and your Holy Spirit take not from me.R. My mouth will declare your praise.Give me back the joy of your salvation,and a willing spirit sustain in me.O Lord, open my lips,and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.R. My mouth will declare your praise.Gospel Mt 10:16-23Jesus said to his Apostles:"Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves;so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.But beware of men,for they will hand you over to courtsand scourge you in their synagogues,and you will be led before governors and kings for my sakeas a witness before them and the pagans.When they hand you over,do not worry about how you are to speakor what you are to say.You will be given at that moment what you are to say.For it will not be you who speakbut the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.Brother will hand over brother to death,and the father his child;children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.You will be hated by all because of my name,but whoever endures to the end will be saved.When they persecute you in one town, flee to another.Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israelbefore the Son of Man comes."
bible readings 7-12-12Thursday, July 12, 2012 8:12 PMReading 1 Hos 11:1-4, 8e-9Thus says the LORD:When Israel was a child I loved him,out of Egypt I called my son.The more I called them,the farther they went from me,Sacrificing to the Baalsand burning incense to idols.Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,who took them in my arms;I drew them with human cords,with bands of love;I fostered them like onewho raises an infant to his cheeks;Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,they did not know that I was their healer.My heart is overwhelmed,my pity is stirred.I will not give vent to my blazing anger,I will not destroy Ephraim again;For I am God and not man,the Holy One present among you;I will not let the flames consume you.Responsorial Psalm Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16R. (4b) Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.O shepherd of Israel, hearken.From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.Rouse your power.R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.Once again, O LORD of hosts,look down from heaven, and see:Take care of this vine,and protect what your right hand has planted,the son of man whom you yourself made strong.R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.Gospel Mt 10:7-15Jesus said to his Apostles:"As you go, make this proclamation:'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'Cure the sick, raise the dead,cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts;no sack for the journey, or a second tunic,or sandals, or walking stick.The laborer deserves his keep.Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it,and stay there until you leave.As you enter a house, wish it peace.If the house is worthy,let your peace come upon it;if not, let your peace return to you.Whoever will not receive you or listen to your wordsgo outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerablefor the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgmentthan for that town."bible readings 7 11-12Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:29 PMReading 1 Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 Israel is a luxuriant vinewhose fruit matches its growth.The more abundant his fruit,the more altars he built;The more productive his land,the more sacred pillars he set up.Their heart is false,now they pay for their guilt;God shall break down their altarsand destroy their sacred pillars.If they would say,"We have no king?"Since they do not fear the LORD,what can the king do for them? The king of Samaria shall disappear,like foam upon the waters.The high places of Aven shall be destroyed,the sin of Israel;thorns and thistles shall overgrow their altars.Then they shall cry out to the mountains, "Cover us!"and to the hills, "Fall upon us!" "Sow for yourselves justice,reap the fruit of piety;break up for yourselves a new field,for it is time to seek the LORD,till he come and rain down justice upon you." Responsorial Psalm Ps 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 R. (4b) Seek always the face of the Lord.or:R. Alleluia.Sing to him, sing his praise,proclaim all his wondrous deeds.Glory in his holy name;rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!R. Seek always the face of the Lord.or:R. Alleluia.Look to the LORD in his strength;seek to serve him constantly.Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought,his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.R. Seek always the face of the Lord.or:R. Alleluia.You descendants of Abraham, his servants,sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!He, the LORD, is our God;throughout the earth his judgments prevail.R. Seek always the face of the Lord.or:R. Alleluia. Gospel Mt 10:1-7 Jesus summoned his Twelve disciplesand gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them outand to cure every disease and every illness.The names of the Twelve Apostles are these:first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;Philip and Bartholomew,Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariotwho betrayed Jesus. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus,"Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"
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