Tag: Jesus

A Christian Perspective

The Sun will be Darkened

Loring Schultz

“……the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” Matthew 24:29 NLT

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This coming Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass through North America. Its path starts in the South Pacific Ocean entering the mainland on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The path continues through Mexico entering the United States in Texas and traveling in a northeastern direction through the United States up through New England and entering Canada in southern Ontario exiting off the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. This eclipse is being dubbed as the Great North American Eclipse as the moon makes its way between the sun and the earth. Thousands of people are making their way to the best locations to view the eclipse in its totality. From the small cities of Kerrville, Texas and Russellville, Arkansas, to Cleveland Ohio and Buffalo, New York, and everywhere in between spectators will be lining up to view the astronomical event. It is estimated that close to 50 million people are in the solar path, not to mention those travelling to it. Total solar eclipses are rare occurrences but happen within the astrological timetable. But there will be one last astronomical event as we know it that will darken not only the sun but the moon as well.

Jesus told His disciples He was going away, but He was coming back. When Jesus ascended into heaven from on top of the Mount of Olives two men dressed in white said to those who witnessed Jesus’ departure, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:11 nlt) The Lord Jesus is going to return and plant His feet back on the Mount of Olives. Matthew describes this astronomical event as, “……the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Mt. 24:29-30 nlt)

As we view God’s creation of the sun, the moon, and the stars during the solar eclipse, may we remember that His Son Jesus Christ is returning in a way that will rock the world. He will come back and rule as King on the earth for a thousand years. The total solar eclipse will darken the sun for a few minutes in a very small portion of the earth, but when Jesus returns the whole world will see the darkening of the sun and feel the cataclysmic effects upon the earth. But the light will reappear when Christ begins His earthly reign. Astronomers through careful study can predict the next solar eclipse, but even the most educated theologians cannot predict the when the Son of Man will come back again. Everything is in place and ready for His return. Are you?

Devotionals

The Morning Light from Heaven

Loring Schultz

“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79 NLT

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During the last few weeks, since daylight savings time began, the rising of the sun has coincided with my wake-up time. Of course that will change as the days get longer, but nevertheless as I walk from the bedroom into the dining room the sun is shining brightly on the wall through the living room window. As I was reading Zechariah’s prophecy in Luke chapter 1 the other day, I couldn’t help but reflect on my recent morning light experiences. “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us.” (Lk. 1:78 nlt) The morning light of the sun is indeed from heaven for it is God’s creation and it is sure to break upon us every day. But Zechariah’s prophecy was not concerning the morning light from the sun, but the Son, Jesus the Son of God.

Zechariah’s prophecy followed the birth of son, John the Baptist. He praised the Lord God of Israel for sending the savior, Jesus Christ. “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.” (Lk. 1:68-70 nlt) Zechariah knew his son John was to be the forerunner to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah. “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord.” (Lk. 1:76 nlt)

The prophecy concludes as Zechariah encourages those who sit in darkness that the morning light is about to break through. Perhaps you’re sitting in darkness this day. The morning light from heaven, Jesus Christ, is ready to break upon you if you look to Him to give you the light of His salvation.

Read: Luke 1:67-79 NLT – Zechariah’s Prophecy – Then his – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Walking with Jesus

Loring Schultz

“They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’” Luke 24:32 ESV

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The first two people to walk with Jesus after His resurrection was Cleopas and his friend. They were returning to Emmaus from Jerusalem late in the day that first Easter Sunday when Jesus approached them and joined them in their walk. They had been discussing among themselves all that had transpired in the last few days. Jesus asked them in a curious way what they were talking about. They did not recognize Him even though they were told He was seen alive. Cleopas couldn’t believe their new walking companion wasn’t aware of the events around Jerusalem over that long weekend. He then preceded to give Him a detailed account of the last three days about Jesus the Nazarene.

Cleopas and his friend were sincere and accurate in their reporting of all that happened, but they missed the point as to the reason. They were looking for Jesus to free Israel from the Roman government and set up His Kingdom. Jesus then admonished them concerning Himself by saying, “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Lk. 24:26 esv) Jesus then explained to them the scriptures as they walked together.

Christians today have the same opportunity to walk with Jesus through the presence of the Holy Spirit. As we read the Bible, the Spirit guides us into all truth concerning the Word of God. The Holy Spirit guides us into the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus, our Savior. As we accept Christ as our Savior, He is constantly with us through the Holy Spirit as we walk in this life. Cleopas and his friend may have been the first to walk with Jesus after His resurrection unknowingly, but each of us today can know that it is Christ who walks with us as we put our faith in Him.

Read: Luke 24:13-49 ESV – On the Road to Emmaus – That very day – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

Come, See, Go, and Tell that Jesus is Risen  

Loring Schultz

“……. Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.  Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead.” Matthew 28:5-7 KJV

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Matthew’s account of the resurrection of Jesus from the grave agree with the other gospel writers with the women first to arrive at the tomb that first Easter morning. They came in the very early morning hours with spices to prepare Jesus’ body for permanent burial. Jesus’ death was on the day before the Sabbath, the day in which no work is to be done. With evening approaching, Joseph of Arimathea, a very wealthy man, asked Pilate for Jesus’ body wrapping it in clean linen laid it in his own tomb. The burial was incomplete due to the late hour. The women came to anoint Jesus’ body with the spices they had prepared as soon as the Sabbath was over as time would not allow them to do on Friday evening. But the unexpected happened.

There was a great earthquake as Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James the less, arrived at the tomb. Matthew describes it; “for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it. (Mt. 28:2 kjv) Enormous fear must have come upon them for the angel told them to fear not! Matthew records even the guards of the tomb became as dead men due to fright. (Mt. 28:4) The angel proceeded to give the women news not only to calm their fear but give them great joy. “I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.  Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead.” (Mt. 28:5-7 kjv)

The angel’s news along with further instructions to the women that morning is just as valid for us today, as if we witnessed the events along with Mary Magdalene and Mary, James’ mother. We serve a living savior. Our Lord is not to be memorialized with flowers of remembrance this Easter. He is alive and is to be worshiped. We do not come to tomb to remember and with respect as the women did that morning but rejoice with them that He is not there to be remembered, He is risen. All of us are invited to follow the angel’s instructions to ‘come’ and ‘see’ that He is not in the tomb. We are invited with the women to ‘go’ and ‘tell’ everyone that He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

Read: Matthew 28:1-10 KJV – In the end of the sabbath, as it began – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

The Patient Endurance of Injustice

Loring Schultz

“He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” 1 Peter 2:22-23 NLT

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The American judicial system is based on justice being administered represented on the facts of the case. The defendant is found guilty or not guilty by a judge or jury. The outcome is to ensure that justice was served by not punishing the innocent or letting the guilty go free. The courts, although not perfect, strive to uphold the law as established in the United States Constitution. There have been many cases over the years, even though brought properly through the judicial process, that have clearly not resulted in justice. The innocent is guilty and the guilty go free. It is extremely difficult for one who has been tried and convicted of a crime they did not commit to patiently endure the injustice done to them. But our Lord Jesus did just that on our behalf.

Jesus was arrested by the Jewish rulers for claiming the truth that He is the Messiah and claiming to be God in the flesh, another truth. Jesus was upending the Pharisees and the scribes’ rule over the Jewish people, so they sought to have Him arrested, put on trial, found guilty, and be put to death. Even in Jesus’ day, you need witnesses to confirm a crime was committed. Jewish law demanded at least two witnesses to agree, and after patiently waiting two came forward. “The leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death…. Finally, two men came forward.” (Mt. 26:59-60 nlt) The false testimony they gave along with Jesus’ truthful response satisfied the rulers as to the decision they made.

Jesus went through the mockery of perceived justice in the various trials He went through enduring the injustice done to Him. Peter writes, “He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.” (1 Pt. 2:22 nlt) Jesus, God the Son, never sinned. How could He commit a crime? Peter goes on to say, “He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” (1 Pt. 2:23 nlt) God always judges fairly, and in this case, Jesus endured the injustice as God’s plan of justice for the payment of sin. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, was sacrificed for our sin making us just and righteous in the sight of God as we accept Christ as our savior. False witnesses may have lied abut Jesus, but it was all part of God’s plan of salvation for all who believe.

Devotionals

We Have Access to God the Father through Jesus Christ

Loring Schultz

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.” Matthew 27:50-51 ESV

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For the religious Jews of Jesus’s day, the tearing of the curtain (veil) in the temple should have been a revelation of who Jesus is and His purpose in dying on the cross. Scripture says the curtain was torn at the moment Jesus died, yielding up His spirit. It was torn from top to bottom indicating no human could have done it, it was clearly an act of God. The curtain that was torn was the inner curtain that separated the holy place from the most holy place in the Temple. It separated God who is Holy from sinful man, and it contained the Ark of the Covenant and the law of God.

Entrance into the most Holy place, the Holy of Holies, was only once a year on the Day of Atonement. This was the most solemn holy day of all the feasts and festivals on the Jewish calendar. The High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies after offering a bull sacrifice for his own sins. He would then enter and sprinkle some of the blood on the Ark of the Covenant to atone for the sins of the people. Forgiveness and covering of sin were only through a blood sacrifice and repeated every year on the Day of Atonement.  

The events that took place on the first Good Friday are many. They started in the early morning hours past midnight with the unjust trials of Jesus, and after being condemned to die, mocked, beaten, he was finally nailed to a cross later in the morning. Darkness covered the earth from twelve noon until three in the afternoon, the time Jesus died. At that moment, the last event, access to God was made possible to all through Jesus’s sacrifice and shedding of His blood. The curtain was torn down, no more need for a yearly animal sacrifice to cover sin. A permanent sacrifice for sin was made. “For the death he died he died to sin, once for all.” (Ro. 6:10 esv) We have access to God the Father through the blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Have you accepted the sacrifice of Jesus in not just covering your sins but in taking them away completely? Access to God, Salvation, and eternal life is only made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ as we repent, confess our sins, and accept Him as our Savoir. This Good Friday make sure you have access to God the Father.

Read: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A32-56&version=ESV

Devotionals

Compassion of Christ

Loring Schultz

“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 NIV

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The shortest verse in the Bible speaks volumes of the compassion of Jesus. At the gravesite of His beloved friend Lazarus, scripture records that “Jesus wept.” The Greek word that is used here indicates a quiet weeping, the shedding of tears, a solemn approach to the grief He felt. Grief is undeniable to those who lost loved ones and friends in death. Individuals grieve in different ways, cope with it in different ways, and each one is on their own timetable in the various stages of grieving. But there is one commonality with them all, Jesus grieves with each one of them.

Jesus’s compassion for the grieving is rooted in the realization that death occurs to each of us due to our sin nature. We are born with a sinful nature.  David writes in Psalm 51:5, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” (niv) The separation and sorrow cause by death is the direct result of sin in our lives; for this Jesus wept. There is no escaping physical death in this world, but the good news is that we can escape the judgement of the spiritual second death. Hebrews 9:27 says, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” (niv) Jesus’s compassion for each of us is such that He willingly laid down His life to redeem us from the eternal judgment of the second death, eternal separation from Him and the heavenly Father.

As Easter, Resurrection Sunday, is fast approaching, we are reminded of Jesus’s words to Martha, Lazarus’s sister, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn. 11:25-26 niv) If we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, we will never face the second death, but will live eternally with Him.

What compassion Jesus has for us in our grief. What compassion He has for our eternal souls in sacrificing His life to save us who trust in Him for eternal life. Jesus absolutely rose from the grave that first Easter morning and is alive today to bring us continuing comfort and peace in our season of grieving.

 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Jn.14:27 niv)

FYI, Jesus did raise Lazarus from the dead.

Read the story: John 11:17-44 NIV – Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Signs of the End of the World (as we know it)          

Loring Schultz

“For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes.” Matthew 24:27 NLT 

Photo by Michał Mancewicz on Unsplash

As each new season of the year is about to make its entrance there are signs to indicate what’s on the horizon, but also what is setting. The spring season is here in the state of Pennsylvania. We had signs of warmer temperatures, less snowfall, longer daylight hours, and flowers starting to push up from the ground to confirm God’s faithfulness in the change of the seasons. These signs clearly showed ‘winter’ was coming to an end and ‘spring’ was arriving. God is faithful in all He does with every word in scripture to come about just as He said.   

We are living in unprecedented times and I’m sure you have heard many people say we are surely living in the last days. All that is going on in the world today adds fuel to the notion these are the signs of the end of the world. But we live in a fallen world where there is constant chaos and evil at every turn and always has been. This is not a reflection of the end. But Jesus does give us definite signs to look for when the end of the world is about to come.

Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” (Mt. 24:3nlt) Jesus gave them specific signs that will occur in the last days. They include false Messiahs, there will be wars and threats of more wars, nation will go against nation, and there will be famine and earthquakes. Jesus then tells them, “But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” (Mt. 24:8nlt)

It is obvious we have seen these signs for some time now and they seem to be increasing every day. There is nothing more in prophecy to be fulfilled for Jesus Christ to return for His saints before the tribulation if you believe in the rapture or His return at the end of the tribulation. We have seen the signs. There will be no doubt when He returns that it is indeed Jesus. “For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes.” (Mt. 24:27nlt) He will then set up His kingdom and reign on the earth for one thousand years and it will be the end of the world as we know it.

Read: Matthew 24: 3-28 NLT – Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

Jesus’ Seven Cries from the Cross                 

Loring Schultz

Our Lord Jesus suffered on the cross six hours that first Good Friday. He willingly laid down His life by way of crucifixion to pay the penalty for our sin. He made seven statements or ‘cries’ amid the pain and suffering for us to remember the importance of each one.

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“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide his garments.” (Lk. 23:34esv) Jesus is not only asking forgiveness for the Roman soldiers, but all who had a part in His crucifixion. His compassion and grace are on full display even as the soldiers are dividing up His garments among themselves. John MacArthur commenting on this cry states, “Some of the fruit of this prayer can be in the salvation of thousands of people in Jerusalem at Pentecost.”  

 “And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” (Lk. 23:43esv) Jesus assures the thief on the cross that he will be with Him in Paradise as he believed Jesus is the Christ and trusted Him for salvation. This is a precious promise that no one is beyond salvation and unredeemable even up to the eleventh hour. It also illustrates there are those who continue to reject Christ in our current day as represented by other thief.  

 “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’” (Jn. 19:26esv) For although He was suffering and in anguish, Jesus was not going to leave any unfinished business. As the first born according to the Law, Jesus was responsible for the care of His mother. He entrusted her to the care of His beloved disciple John. Jesus was not only obeying the Law, but He was also fulfilling it. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Mt. 5:17esv)

 “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying…. ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Mt. 27:46esv) This fourth cry from Jesus through His physical pain is now matched with the emotional the pain of abandonment. Jesus who only knew constant fellowship with His Father was now feeling the divine wrath of God on Him. Jesus experienced this spiritual death of the rejection of His Father in our stead as our sin was upon Him. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:21esv)

 “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said, ‘I thirst.’” (Jn. 19:28esv) Here the humanity of Jesus is seen as He states a matter of fact ‘I thirst.’ This was not an appeal to satisfy His thirst but demonstrates His suffering to the end for our sin.

 “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’” (Jn. 19:30esv) Our redemption for sin was marked ‘paid in full’ by Christ’s completed work on the cross.

“Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’” (Lk. 23:46esv) Jesus willingly laid down His life for your sin and mine. “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” (Jn. 10:18esv)

Devotionals

Perpetual Fire of Forgiveness

Loring Schultz

“The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.” Leviticus 6:13 NIV

Photo by Moaz Tobok on Unsplash

The third book of the Law of Moses is the Old Testament book of Leviticus. Its theme is God’s holiness, and God’s will for Israel’s holiness. God’s teaching to Israel in Leviticus is how to approach their holy God in worship and in the sacrifices required of them, especially those concerning their sin. Much emphasis is placed on the priests in establishing this reverent and holy approach to God. All animals sacrificed on the altar had to be perfect without defect. “In this way the priest will make atonement for them for the sin they have committed, and they will be forgiven.” (Lev. 4:35niv)

The Lord gave Moses detailed instructions for all the sacrifices the priests were going to perform. The most significant command was that the fire on the altar was to be continuous. “The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it.” (Lev. 6:12niv) The people of Israel were assured of God’s readiness to always forgive their sin at any time of the day or night.

The same assurance has been granted us today. God is always there waiting for us to come before Him with our confession. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn. 1:9niv) No need to bring a perfect animal to an altar for sacrifice every time we sin. A perfect lamb was sacrificed on the cross at Calvary to take away our sin. Jesus, the lamb of God paid the penalty for our sin ‘once for all.’ But we still sin and for that there is the perpetual fire of God’s readiness to forgive.