“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:28-30 NLT
Believe it or not, there are approximately 4,000 religions in the world. Common sense tells us they all can’t be right. Although there are many religions there are five that are the most prominent. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism share roughly 80% of the world’s total religions. Again, they all can’t be right. Adhering to anyone of these in total faith and commitment cancels out all the others. You cannot be accepting to all these for the same reason. It doesn’t work. You may think it is inclusion and right for this world, but what about the next one when this life is over. You may be familiar with the ‘coexist’ image. ‘Coexist’ is meant to bring people together through the major religions that we may live in peace in this world. We all know it is not working. ‘Coexist’ is not the way to peace and salvation in this world and certainly not in eternity.
The Hebrew God said in Isaiah, ‘“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!’ says the LORD. ‘You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be.’” (Is.43:10 nlt) This same Hebrew God sent His Son Jesus Christ as the Messiah to be the savior of the world both to the Jews and to all who accept Christ in repentance for their sins. Jesus Himself said, “The Father and I are one.” (Jn.10:30 nlt) God the Father says, “I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior.” (Is.43:11 nlt) Coexist does not exist, it’s One God, One Savior.
“As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, ‘By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?’” Mark 11:27-28 NLT
Jesus’ final week (Passion Week) started with a huge celebration of His arrival. The people in Jerusalem welcomed the one they assumed was going to overthrow the Roman government and free them of heavy oppression. Much to the displeasure of the religious rulers, who saw Jesus as a threat to their power, the people marveled at His teaching and were eager to hear more. The welcoming attitude would start to fade by the end of week with the people, but not so with rulers, they were against Him from the minute He rode into town. After Jesus cleared the Temple, as we read last week, the rulers were livid and would question His authority to do so.
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Last week in our study we saw Jesus curse a fig tree on their way into Jerusalem on Monday morning. Being full of leaves the tree appeared to have figs, but it gave a false impression, it did not have any. “The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up.” (Mk.11:20 nlt) Peter recalling Jesus cursing the tree pointed out the tree had died. It had withered from the roots up which meant total destruction. The tree would never be able to produce fruit again. Jesus replied, ‘have faith in God.’ He would use this illustration of the dying fig tree to teach about having faith in God.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” (Mk.11:23-24 nlt) It sounds like Jesus is saying as long as we believe it, we can have anything we ask for in prayer. But is this what He is saying? Before we get too excited, I think not. That is not what He is teaching. Jesus liked to use visual illustrations, and since He was at the Mount of Olives with the Dead Sea at a distance in view this example fits. But what was Jesus saying? Jewish literature of that day used the phrase, ‘rooter up of mountains,’ which referred to great Rabbis and spiritual leaders who could solve difficult problems. It was a common metaphor. Jesus Himself never rooted up any physical mountains despite the continual request of the Jewish rulers for Him to perform some supernatural miracle. Jesus’ point is as we believe and have faith in God and in His power we will see His mighty powers at work in us. There is nothing God can’t do and won’t do for us if it is in His will and purpose for us.
Verse 25 of today’s text is often misunderstood. “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mk.11:25 nlt) The first thing to observe is Jesus is talking to His disciples and not those who do not believe in Him. If we fail to forgive, holding resentment in our hearts towards someone, our relationship with the Lord is also fractured. Christians are to have a forgiving attitude towards others, even those who have sinned against us. This forgiveness restores fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ and with our Lord. It’s impossible to pray effectively if we are holding something against someone. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (niv)
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Jesus and His disciples arrive in Jerusalem on this Tuesday morning and make their way to the Temple. As soon as Jesus enters the Temple He is surrounded and questioned by the religious rulers. They were all there, the chief priests, scribes, and the elders. Most likely Caiaphas, Annas, and the captain of the Temple were there as well. They questioned Jesus as to His authority in throwing the businesspeople and the money changers out of the Temple the day before among other things He was doing. It was said in Jewish tradition the Temple could only be cleared out and cleansed by certain people, the Sanhedrin, a prophet, or the Messiah. But their main argument was that Jesus disrupted their business in the Temple.
Jesus asked them a question, “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!” (Mk.11:30 nlt) Jesus threw them what we would call today a curve ball. They were in a tough spot. Heaven was a common Jewish term for God. If they said heaven (God), they would admitting what John the Baptist had said about Jesus was true. This would prove Jesus’ authority and that He was the Messiah. If they said John’s authority was only his own, the people would be in an uproar for many believed John to be a prophet. They took the easy way out and didn’t answer. “So they finally replied, ‘We don’t know.’ And Jesus responded, ‘Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.’” (Mk.11:33 nlt)
The religious rulers will not give up as we will see. Jesus was totally messing up their system of operation and they wanted Him disposed of. They will eventually succeed by the end of the week enticing the crowd to join them. But the most astonishing thing about this is it was God’s plan from the beginning for a perfect sacrifice to be made on our behalf. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jn.3:16 kjv) Until next week………..
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15 NLT
Christians have an obligation to be an example to others in this world in the things of God. He saved us for a purpose other than to fill another place in heaven. Jesus is not currently living on earth, but we are. We are His hands and feet during our time here. Jesus gave us many examples in Scripture to follow on how to live the Chrisitan life and lead others to Him. The question remains, are we doing that?
One of the greatest examples Jesus gave us was on the night before His death. He washed His disciples feet. Jesus humbly took care of a need His disciples had, to have their dirty feet washed. People we come across everyday have needs to be met. It may not be dirty feet, but dirty laundry in need of being washed. It may a ride to the store or having the store brought to them at our expense. It may be lending a helping hand in a difficult family situation. Jesus’ example of washing the disciples feet extends far beyond the scene itself.
Jesus’ main point is for us to be humble enough to address any menial task that comes our way, especially if it is someone in need. These examples we follow from Christ is the essence of Christianity. We do them to show people Christ, the light in a dark world. We do them in Jesus’ name to lead them to the Savoir their greatest need, and we do them to be the example the Lord desires us to be.
The historic Jesus did not begin at His birth 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. Scholars note the period of time Jesus was on the earth as history for our time, which is correct, therefore the term ‘the historic Jesus.’ True, the history of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth started on the night He was born, but the Biblical Jesus has a history that never began, yet it is still history. (I don’t understand it, either) Jesus never had a beginning, that is why He was able to claim to the Jews, ‘before Abraham was even born, I AM!’ (Jn.8:58 nlt)
The people knew what He meant because they picked up stones to stone Him for blasphemy. Jesus claimed to be God. The apostle John wrote concerning the deity of Jesus, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God.” (Jn.1:1-2 nlt) John is, with certainty, equating the ‘Word’ with Jesus. They are one and the same. John later writes in chapter 1, “So the Word became human and made his home among us.” (Jn.1:14 nlt) No doubt, John is referring to Jesus Christ. The Word is Jesus. The Word is God.
So, what does this have to do with us today. Our belief in Christ is to be more than doing the good deeds Jesus did and commanded us to do. Do them, yes, but also understand who He truly is and why He came. He gave up heaven’s glories to be born into this world to save those who will believe on Him. He paid an awful price, which was our debt, but he did it willingly. The historic Jesus is the one and only Jesus, God the Son, from eternity past who had one mission in which all His commandments flow. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45 nlt)
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 ESV
Following Jesus in today’s world is not easily done. Oh sure, there are people who have no trouble following the Jesus they have set up in their mind. This Jesus is loving and kind (which He is), cares for the poor and underprivileged (which He does), and is all about justice (and He is). Following Jesus in each of these character traits is a godly endeavor every Christian should strive to achieve. But only following these traits about Jesus is not following the Biblical Jesus. It’s not following Him completely. If we are following the Biblical Jesus there will be some suffering involved. Peter tells us, ‘For to this you have been called.’
Peter was writing to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor due to persecution for living out their faith in Christ. Living for Jesus involves all those things listed above and so much more. If attending only to those Christian deeds you probably won’t come under persecution, but if you stand for the truth of the gospel the stones will begin to fly. Peter encouraged his readers by saying, “But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called,” (1Pt.2:20-21 esv) Every true Chrisitan has received the efficacious call to salvation, and with that call the suffering of injustice when we live out and proclaim the truth of the gospel.
Jesus completed His mission in suffering and dying for our sins. That was the plan. What put Jesus on that cross was His outspoken words of truth against the religious rulers of the day. It cost Him His life, but that was the plan. Peter says Jesus left us an example that we might follow in His steps. Jesus patiently endured His suffering for us; may we patiently endure our suffering for Him. If you have not been suffering in any way for Jesus, who is the Jesus you’re following?
You may be thinking this is a ‘Christmas in July’ devotion, well almost, but not quite. My church is having Vacation Bible School this week with the theme ‘Wonder Junction’ a curriculum from ‘Answers in Genesis’. (1) It’s a week of wondering about Jesus and what better way to start than with His birth. Since we really don’t know exactly when Jesus was born, it could have been in July, so we may not be that far off. The main thing is Jesus did come down from heaven to be born of a virgin. Jesus, Immanuel is God with us.
The birth of Christ doesn’t cover a lot of pages in the Bible. In fact, there are only four chapters in Scripture that tell us the story. They are the first two chapters in each of the New Testaments books of Matthew and Luke. We have many references to Jesus the Messiah coming into the world scattered throughout the Old Testament. Our text verse notes that a virgin will give birth to Him who is called Immanuel, ‘God with us’. Of all the verses the predict Jesus’ birth, the most significant ones are those declaring His deity as God the Son. The prophet Isaiah also wrote this of the coming Messiah, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is.9:6 nlt)
It is vital for our salvation that Jesus is indeed God the Son. A perfect sacrifice was needed to pay the debt owed to God the Father for our sins. We could never pay it, but Jesus could, because He was the sinless Son of God, perfect in every way and willing to sacrifice His life for our salvation. Yes, let us remember Christmas is all about ‘God with us’ whether we celebrate it in July or on December 25th.
“Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in highest heaven!’” Mark 11:9-10 NLT
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Last week we followed along with Jesus as He made His final trip to Jerusalem. Chapter 11 begins the final week of Jesus’ life known as the ‘Passion’ week. Many events and plenty of teaching from Jesus take place during the next four days before He is led to a cross and crucified. “As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead.” (Mk.11:1 nlt) Jesus and His companions are now on the outskirts of the city. He sends two of His disciples to the next town over to retrieve a donkey for Him. The town was Bethphage, a small town east of Jerusalem, whose name means ‘house of unripe figs.’ Jesus told them they would find a young colt in which no had ever ridden. They were to untie it and bring it to Jesus. Jesus further instructed them, if anyone asks why they were doing that, there were to say, “The Lord needs it and will return it soon.” (Mk.11:3 nlt)
In our study we have seen many miracles from Jesus with His all-knowing attributes and here is one more. Jesus knows there will be a colt in that town no one had ridden, and they would give permission for its release. The disciples left and it all turned out just as Jesus said it would. “Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.” (Mk.1:7 nlt) In Jesus’ day to come in riding on a colt represented a man of peace. Jesus didn’t come into the city on a war-horse to conquer but to suffer as the suffering servant on a cross. That first Palm Sunday morning fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah. “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.” (Zech.9:9 nlt)
As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, crowds of people led the way as others followed spreading their coats along the road in front of Him while others spread branches on the road from nearby fields. The spread of clothing was a practice of welcoming a new king in those days. Notice the difference in Jesus’ acceptance of this response as to other occasions. Jesus’ avoided recognition in the past as to not interfere with the work He still had to do because His time had not yet come. But now, His has come. The people were beginning to shout, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!” (Mk.1:9 nlt) Many other translations use the familiar word “Hosanna!” meaning ‘save now.’ The people were shouting out in song from Psalm118, a Psalm usually sung at the Passover festival which was currently going on. “Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD.” (Ps.118:25-26 nlt) Another undeniable proof in the accuracy of seeing references to Christ all throughout Scriptures.
Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus headed to the Temple, His Father’s house. Mark records He looked at everything. You can be sure Jesus didn’t miss a thing of what was going on in the Temple. Jesus had the authority to look and carefully inspect every inch of the Temple, and that He did. Late in the afternoon, Jesus and the disciples left for Bethany where they were staying in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus each night of this week.
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The next morning, Monday of Passion week, Jesus and His disciples headed back to Jerusalem. On the way Jesus became hungry and saw a fig tree in the distance along the road. As they got closer, Jesus saw that it was full of leaves appearing to have figs ready to eat. Fig trees would start to bear leaves in late March or early April and be in full bloom with figs in June, however this tree was already full of leaves. Jesus did not find any figs to eat on that tree for it was not the season for figs. But the tree gave the appearance that it was able to meet the need of the hungry, it gave a false impression. So like many of the false teachers and preachers of our day who entice us with their appearance, style, and convincing words of joy, love, and positive thinking with a little Bible mixed in. Their fruit is not satisfying, nor is there much of it. Jesus cursed the fig tree for its falsehood. Today’s modern preachers need to beware. Individual Christians also need to beware of false impressions we may give without any fruit to show for it. The world will notice, and the Lord certainly notices.
“When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace.” (Mk.11:15-16 nlt) Jesus was using His authority on what He saw the day before as He looked over the Temple. This area was the outer court of the Gentiles. It was the only place where non-Jews could gather to worship God. The area was now a place of business, and corrupt business, taking away the right of worship from the Gentiles. Jesus said the Scriptures declare God’s house was to be a house of prayer for all nations and they turned it into a den of thieves. The book of Isaiah says, “I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the LORD, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant. I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Is.55:6-7 nlt)
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The Jewish leaders of the Temple were prohibiting proper worship from the Gentiles and had no regard for the sanctity of the Temple. The Jewish rulers (Scribes and Chief priests) saw their way of life being interrupted and were not pleased. They decided to do something about it, plotting Jesus’ death even though they were afraid of Him “because the people were so amazed at his teaching.” (Mk.11:18 nlt)
Jesus’ first day of Passion week was an eventful one. He returned back to Bethany with His disciples for the night. Tuesday begins another eventful day with Jesus’ teaching and debating with the religious rulers who are determined to have Him done away with. Until next week…….
It is said that things happen in three’s. I don’t believe that, for it leads to superstition and the like along with other non-proven sayings of the world. But having said that, the world has lost three famous and influential people in the course of a week. As I write this, news broke of the death of the most popular wrestler in the WWE, Hulk Hogan. Suffering a heart attack at his home in Florida, the 71-year-old was a hero to many people both young and old. Hogan (Terry Bollea) was known across the world representing professional entertainment wrestling for over four decades, he had a lot of fans.
This week started with the news of television actor/director Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death on Sunday by accidental drowning. A family vacation in Costa Rica turned tragic unexpectedly for Warner, 54, and his family. Known for his breakout role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1985-1992, he also had a large following of admirers.
Between these two deaths, Ozzy Osbourne, a pioneer in the startup of ‘heavy metal music’ passed away on Tuesday. Ozzy (John Micheal Osbourne) co-founded the band Black Sabbath in Birmingham, England in 1968 as the lead singer. Combined sales from the band’s albums and his solo projects total over 100 million copies. No doubt, he had millions of fans across the globe. Osbourne diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003 still continued to perform as he was able. His last performance was just 17 days before his death where it all started in Birmingham, England. Ozzy was 76 at the time of his death and left many of his fans wanting.
We all have people we admire and even call them our heroes. But as Christians we realize there is only one true hero, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will never leave us and never leave us wanting.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 NLT
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This week Jesus is making His final approach to the city of Jerusalem were He will fulfill His mission of serving others by giving His life as a ransom for many. This final trip with His disciples started in Ephraim going through Galilee, south to Jericho, and on to Jerusalem. The Scripture says they were going up to Jerusalem even though they are traveling in a southernly direction. Jerusalem is actually 2,500 ft above sea level. Their trip will take them down through the Jordan Valley, below sea level, then upward to Jerusalem in the south. Jesus was walking ahead of them which was rare for Him to do. “They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear.” (Mk.10:32 nlt) Many followers were frightened due to the threats upon Jesus coming from Jerusalem. Yet, they were amazed at His courage as He led them on the road.
Jesus reveals for a third time His upcoming death, this time in much more detail. Jesus confirms this is the trip in which it will all take place. He will be betrayed and handed over to the Jewish religious rulers who will sentence Him to die handing Him over to the Romans. “They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.” (Mk.10:34 nlt) Despite the fact this is the third time Jesus spoke these words to His disciples they still failed to register it in their thought process. What happens next reveals what their thoughts were.
After Jesus informed His disciples what would soon take place when they arrive in Jerusalem, James and John ask Jesus for a favor, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” (Mk.10:37 nlt) They clearly didn’t get it. It is as if James and John didn’t hear a word Jesus said. They were concerned about their own position in the future kingdom, which they still thought would be happening in the here and now. They were so focused on their view of the kingdom they failed to hear what the King said about the establishment of His kingdom. Christians today fall into the same trap of rewriting Scripture to reshape the kingdom as to what we think it should represent and how one is to come into the kingdom.
Jesus firmly answered James and John telling them they did not know what they are asking for. In the parallel scene of the disciples arguing who would be the greatest (Mk.9:33-37) Jesus taught the disciples what is true greatest. Here, He teaches them about humble, loving service. Drinking a bitter cup of suffering and being a servant to all is a humble, loving service shown as true greatest. The other disciples were indignant at what just occurred, but perhaps they were anticipating those positions for themselves. Jesus again teaches them all an important lesson.
Jesus noted how the rulers in the world ‘lord it’ over the people. They brag about their power and positions. Jesus then reverses the world’s value structure by saying, “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.” (Mk.10:43-44 nlt) The disciples were to be different. We’re called to be different. Christians are to lead by serving. The disciples were to learn to lead by serving. And Jesus gave us both the greatest example, Himself, when He said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45 nlt)
The reason Jesus came to this earth was not for recognition or to lord it over people, but to provide salvation for all who accept His sacrifice for sins. This is the ultimate act of serving lost sinners. We cannot achieve entrance into heaven on our own. We needed someone who is ready, willing, and able to serve us in this fashion, and Jesus came to serve us in our most important need. He did not come to be served, but to serve.
As chapter 10 closes, Jesus performs His last healing miracle outside the city of Jericho. This the first and last recorded visit of Jesus in the city of Jericho, a rebuilt city under Herod the Great, 1 mile south of the ancient Old Testament Jericho. “A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Mk.10:46-47 nlt) Bartimaeus was sitting just outside the city on the main road to Jerusalem. Being in his condition he would sit there asking for donations of those passing by on their way to Jerusalem. When he heard Jesus was passing through he shouted out to Jesus to have mercy on him. Two very important truths are noticed through the blind man’s words. He called Jesus, ‘Son of David’ meaning he must have believed Jesus was the Messiah, and he asked Jesus for mercy. Bartimaeus did not think God owed him anything but begged for mercy from Jesus the Messiah. We live in a world where at times people assume that God owes us something. He doesn’t, but He will bestow mercy on all who call on Him.
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When Jesus heard the man, he stopped. Jesus always stopped when those in need called out to Him, and this time was no different. He called for the man, and Bartimaeus quickly threw off his coat, jumped up and headed towards Jesus. The moment he had waited for many years had arrived; he would not be late. ‘“What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked. ‘My rabbi,’ the blind man said, ‘I want to see!’” (Mk.10:51 nlt) Bartimaeus was healed immediately. Both his physical and spiritual eyes were opened, and he followed Jesus down the road.
Jesus continues His trip up to Jerusalem with His disciples and those who have been traveling with Him, along with the people heading to Jerusalem for the Passover, and now Bartimaeus is tagging along with them. We pick it up next week………
Everything has a beginning; your life, a relationship, a new year, a new school year, a semester, a job, an idea leading to a new consumer product, even this essay. Everything has a beginning to point to. Unfortunately, everything also has an ending, after all, nothing last forever, but ‘not quite.’
The most recognizable quote of ‘in the beginning’ is in the Scriptures of the Holy Bible. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The earth and all of the universe had a beginning. There was a time when the universe did not exist but then came into being. This is not a debate as to the origins of the planets and the universe, this view is to be understood God created in the beginning, in the beginning of our time.
What exactly is ‘our time?’ NASA’s explanation of the universe is as follows, “The universe is everything. It includes all of space, and all the matter and energy that space contains. It even includes time itself and, of course, it includes you.” (1) Our time began when God created the universe, when He created all of space, matter, and energy. Our time began when God created man in His image, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Gen.1:27 nkjv) We had a beginning.
While we had a beginning, our creator had no beginning. There is no time in which God did not exist. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Who has done such mighty deeds, summoning each new generation from the beginning of time? It is I, the LORD, the First and the Last. I alone am he.” (Is.41:4 nlt) Identifying Himself as the ‘First and the Last’ constitutes God existed before the universe began and will be around after it is gone. Jesus, God the Son, also identifies as the ‘First and the Last’ in the book of Revelation for He said “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” (Rev.1:11 nlt)
While we contemplate our lives having a beginning and an end, it is often hard, if not impossible, to understand God who never had a beginning and will never have an end. Don’t even try, it can’t be done. It is accepted only through faith in the God of the Bible. Once we have accepted God, His true Word, and Jesus Christ His Son for salvation it becomes clear that God is from eternity past and future, although we still can’t understand it. But this should also be a great comfort to us for He has all things under control and knows our deepest needs both now and in the future. He was there in our beginning and will be there in our end and this is where the ‘not quite’ comes in.
Everything will certainly come to an end one day, except for a couple of things; the triune God, His Word, and the souls of people. We may have had a beginning in this life, but we were created with a body and a soul. The body will come to an end due to our sin nature, but our soul lives on into eternity. Those who have confessed and repented of their sin accepting Christ as Savior will spend eternity in the new heaven and the new earth, those who have rejected Christ will spend eternity in the lake of fire with Satan and his demons. “Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever……And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Rev.20:10, 15 nlt)
When you were born, you were born for eternity. Your body will die, but your soul will live on. You are living in the beginning of eternity. Where will you be living when your earthly life has ended? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nlt) The time is now to make the choice where you will spend eternity while you are still living ‘in the beginning.’
Word for the Soul 