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Posts tagged ‘Saviour’

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:8-14 – Angels and Shepherds in the Nigh

Luke 2:8-14 – Angels and Shepherds in the Night

LK2:8 Now there were shepherds[1] in the same area who were living outside keeping watch at night[2] over their flock. LK2:9 Then YHWH’s angel[3] appeared to them and YHWH’s glory[4] shone all around them and so they became frightened with a great fear. LK2:10 And the angel said to them: “Do not be frightened. For, behold, I declare to all of you a great joy for all the people. LK2:11 Because today there was born to you in David’s city a savior[5] who is Lord Messiah.[6] LK2:12 And this will be your sign – you will find an infant wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” LK2:13 Then suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of celestial armies[7] praising The God and saying: LK2:14 “Glory to God in the heights, and on earth peace among men of goodwill!”[8]

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[1] Shepherds: Though Luke compiled his Gospel thirty years later it is still possible he was able to interview one or more of these shepherds. Certainly he could get facts from their children who would have been told the story.

[2] Living outside keeping watch at night: Suggesting it was not yet winter and was mild enough in the fall to sleep outdoors.

[3] YHWH’s angel: A Hebraism that occurs often in the Old Testament. [Genesis 16:7; Exodus 3:2; Numbers 22:22]

[4] YHWH’s glory: A Hebraism. [Exodus 16:7, 10; 24:16, 17; 40:34, 35]

“and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?”” (Ex 16:7 NIV)

“While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked towards the desert, and there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud.” (Ex 16:10 NIV)

“16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.” (Ex 24:16-17 NIV)

“34 ¶ Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” (Ex 40:34-35 NIV)

[5] A savior: Or, deliverer. The Greek SOTER is without the article. The designation is used of God and judges of Israel. [Isaiah 19:20]

“It will be a sign and witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a saviour and defender, and he will rescue them.” (Isa 19:20 NIV)

[6] Lord Messiah: Or, Christ, Anointed Lord, Messiah and Lord, Christ the Lord. [Daniel 9:24, 25]

“24 “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. 25 “Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens’, and sixty-two ‘sevens’. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble.” (Da 9:24-25 NIV)

[7] A multitude of celestial armies: Or, KJV: a multitude of the heavenly host; GDS: a throng of the heavenly army; AMP: an army of the troops of heaven.

[8] Peace among men of goodwill: Or, on earth peace, good will toward men; RSV: among men with whom he is pleased; ABU: peace toward men of his good pleasure; MON: among men who please him. [Isaiah 9:6] Compare Jesus’ use of Isaiah 61:2 at Luke 4:19.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6 NIV)

“to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,” (Isa 61:2 NIV)

“to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”” (Lu 4:19 NIV)

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Preceding

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:1-7 – A Firstborn’s Birth In Bethlehem

Matthew 1:18-25 – Genesis of Jesus Christ

Matthew 22:41-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Jesus Asks a Trump Question

Matthew 24:4-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Part One – Beware Being Misled

The Climax of Matthew’s story

Mark 8:27-29 Simon Peter said Jesus is the Messiah,the Son of The Living God!

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Additional reading

  1. Written to recognise the Promised One
  2. Truth, doubt or blindness
  3. Do not be afraid. Good news because a Saviour has been born
  4. For Getting to know Jesus
  5. The True Significance of Jesus’ Birth
  6. The sent one from God
  7. Jesus begotten Son of God #3 Messiah or Anointed one
  8. Afraid to see the man of the heavens opened
  9. No Other Name (But Jesus)
  10. The saviour Jesus his human side
  11. Today’s thought “outstretched arm of Jehovah” (February 01)
  12. Memorizing wonderfully 51 Acts 2:22-38 Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God
  13. Called My Son Out of Egypt
  14. Anointing of Christ as Prophetic Rehearsal of the Burial rites
  15. Let’s Think About Redemption Differently
  16. As near to God as you want Him to be
  17. Reason to preach #5 Trained to do it God’s way
  18. Wishing lanterns and Christmas
  19. Prayer theme for December: Pray for the coming of the Prince of Peace

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Related

  1. A Message of Hope from a Minor Prophet (Christmas Eve Sermon, 12/24/13)
  2. Luke’s Gospel-Chapter 2-Verses 8-14
  3. Sermon on Luke 2:8-14
  4. A Christmas Prayer – Luke 2:8-14
  5. Have I Got News For You #adventbookclub – Day 21
  6. Answer
  7. God Offers Peace to All
  8. A Journey to Bethlehem – Joy
  9. Birth of Jesus Christ: Good news
  10. The Reveal
  11. March 19 Gathering: Anointed
  12. TLIC Family-day – 50 – February 19 – anointed – 3
  13. Good Grief, It’s Christmas
  14. Charlie Brown Christmas
  15. Was Jesus anointed at the home of Lazarus or Simon the Leper? / Christian Theology & Apologetics
  16. @egwinspirational
  17. Merry Christmas
  18. “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
  19. What Christmas is all about
  20. The Meaning of Christmas…
  21. ♣ What Is THE Meaning Of Christmas?
  22. Let’s start talking to each other again!
  23. Remind Me Again, Linus, What Is Christmas All About?
  24. The True Meaning of Christmas (in which I quote Luke the Theologian via Charles Schultz)
  25. The True Meaning of Christmas Christmas time is here Happiness and cheer Fun for all that children call Their favorite time of the year Christmas
  26. ☆Merry Christmas!☆
  27. December 14th: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
  28. The Sunday Message
  29. 2012 NRA Christmas Message – Part 2
  30. Christmas Devotions: Angels
  31. Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men?
  32. Danger in the Manger!
  33. Christmas: Peace to Those on Whom His Favor Rests
  34. “Behind Every Cloud…”: Gen. 9.12-15; Luke 2.8-14; Acts 1.6-9; Rev. 1.7: An Advent Sermon

El-Shaddai God Almighty Who no-one may see and live

 

 

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1 NIV)

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; {Hebrew El-Shaddai} walk before me and be blameless.” (Genesis 17:1 NIV)

“2 God also said to Moses, “I am the LORD. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, {Hebrew El-Shaddai} but by my name the LORD {See note at Exodus 3:15.} I did not make myself known to them. {Or Almighty, and by my name the LORD did I not let myself be known to them?}” (Exodus 6:2-3 NIV)

“”Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11 NIV)

“Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly.”” (Exodus 18:11 NIV)

“But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no-one may see me and live.”” (Exodus 33:20 NIV)

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. {Or The LORD our God is one LORD; or The LORD is our God, the LORD is one; or The LORD is our God, the LORD alone}” (Deuteronomy 6:4 NIV)

“I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!” (Deuteronomy 32:3 NIV)

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV)

“”The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods.” (2 Chronicles 2:5 NIV)

“How great is God—beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out.” (Job 36:26 NIV)

“”Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”” (Psalms 46:10 NIV)

“[A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah.] Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain.” (Psalms 48:1 NIV)

“Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you?” (Psalms 71:19 NIV)

“Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvellous deeds.” (Psalms 72:18 NIV)

“Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” (Psalms 83:18 NIV)

“Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.” (Psalms 86:8 NIV)

“For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?” (Psalms 89:6 NIV)

“How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!” (Psalms 92:5 NIV)

“3 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; 7  for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, {Meribah means quarrelling.} as you did that day at Massah {Massah means testing.} in the desert, 9 where your fathers tested and tried me, though they had seen what I did.” (Psalms 95:3-9 NIV)

“For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.” (Psalms 97:9 NIV)

“He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant for ever—holy and awesome is his name.” (Psalms 111:9 NIV)

“I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.” (Psalms 135:5 NIV)

“Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no-one can fathom.” (Psalms 145:3 NIV)

“But the LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness.” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV)

“And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”” (Isaiah 6:3 NIV)

“The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread,” (Isaiah 8:13 NIV)

“To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to?” (Isaiah 40:18 NIV)

“I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no saviour.” (Isaiah 43:11 NIV)

“Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”” (Isaiah 44:8 NIV)

“For this is what the high and lofty One says—he who lives for ever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” (Isaiah 57:15 NIV)

“Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no-one like you.” (Jeremiah 10:7 NIV)

“I will accept you as fragrant incense when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will show myself holy among you in the sight of the nations.” (Ezekiel 20:41 NIV)

“I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.” (Ezekiel 36:23 NIV)

“And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’” (Ezekiel 38:23 NIV)

“The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.”” (Daniel 2:47 NIV)

“And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls.” (Joel 2:32 NIV)

“”Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.” (Zephaniah 3:9 NIV)

“”This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,” (Matthew 6:9 NIV)

“”Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No-one is good— except God alone.” (Mark 10:18 NIV)

“for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.” (Luke 1:49 NIV)

“God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth.”” (John 4:24 NIV)

“1  After Jesus said this, he looked towards heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:1-3 NIV)

“”I have revealed you {Greek your name; also in verse 26} to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.” (John 17:6 NIV)

“25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”” (John 17:25-26 NIV)

“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ {Joel 2:28-32}” (Acts 2:21 NIV)

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20 NIV)

“for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” {Joel 2:32}” (Romans 10:13 NIV)

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and {Or riches and the wisdom and the} knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33 NIV)

“4  So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” (1 Corinthians 8:4-6 NIV)

“that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.” (1 Timothy 1:11 NIV)

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” (1 Timothy 2:5 NIV)

“For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.” (Hebrews 9:24 NIV)

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16 NIV)

“Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”” (Revelation 4:8 NIV)

“saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.” (Revelation 11:17 NIV)

“And I heard the altar respond: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.”” (Revelation 16:7 NIV)

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The Aleppo Codex is a medieval manuscript of t...

The Aleppo Codex is a medieval manuscript of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), associated with Rabbi Aaron Ben Asher. The Masoretic scholars wrote it in the early 10th century, probably in Tiberias, Israel. It is in book form and contains the vowel points and grammar points (nikkudot) that specify the pronunciation of the ancient Hebrew letters to preserve the chanting tradition. It is perhaps the most historically important Hebrew manuscript in existence. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

God die Almagtige ’n Gees Wie geen mens kan sien en nogtans lewe nie

God die Almachtige Geest die geen mens kan zien

Allmächtige Gott denn kein Mensch wird leben, der Dich sieht

Dieu Tout-puissant Qui ont peut pas voir et vivre

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Nazarene Commentary Luke 2:8-14 – Angels and Shepherds in the Night

Luke 2:8-14 – Angels and Shepherds in the Night

LK2:8 Now there were shepherds[1] in the same area who were living outside keeping watch at night[2] over their flock. LK2:9 Then YHWH’s angel[3] appeared to them and YHWH’s glory[4] shone all around them and so they became frightened with a great fear. LK2:10 And the angel said to them: “Do not be frightened. For, behold, I declare to all of you a great joy for all the people. LK2:11 Because today there was born to you in David’s city a savior[5] who is Lord Messiah.[6] LK2:12 And this will be your sign – you will find an infant wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” LK2:13 Then suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of celestial armies[7] praising The God and saying: LK2:14 “Glory to God in the heights, and on earth peace among men of goodwill!”[8]


[1] Shepherds: Though Luke compiled his Gospel thirty years later it is still possible he was able to interview one or more of these shepherds. Certainly he could get facts from their children who would have been told the story.

[2] Living outside keeping watch at night: Suggesting it was not yet winter and was mild enough in the fall to sleep outdoors.

[3] YHWH’s angel: A Hebraism that occurs often in the Old Testament. [Genesis 16:7; Exodus 3:2; Numbers 22:22]

[4] YHWH’s glory: A Hebraism. [Exodus 16:7, 10; 24:16, 17; 40:34, 35]

[5] A savior: Or, deliverer. The Greek SOTER is without the article. The designation is used of God and judges of Israel. [Isaiah 19:20]

[6] Lord Messiah: Or, Christ, Anointed Lord, Messiah and Lord, Christ the Lord. [Daniel 9:24, 25]

[7] A multitude of celestial armies: Or, KJV: a multitude of the heavenly host; GDS: a throng of the heavenly army; AMP: an army of the troops of heaven.

[8] Peace among men of goodwill: Or, on earth peace, good will toward men; RSV: among men with whom he is pleased; ABU: peace toward men of his good pleasure; MON: among men who please him. [Isaiah 9:6] Compare Jesus’ use of Isaiah 61:2 at Luke 4:19.

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Preceding: Nazarene Commentary Luke 2:1-7 – A Firstborn’s Birth In Bethlehem

Next: Nazarene Commentary Luke 2:15-20 – Shepherds Find the Infant Christ

File:Rembrandt van Rijn - The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds.jpg

The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds – 1634, Rembrandt (1606–1669)

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  • The Peace of the Lord – Sermon for December 29, 2013 (pastorrichert.wordpress.com)
    It seems appropriate to consider why the angels were bringing tidings of peace when this child whose birth they were announcing would lead to so much bloodshed, when he himself would grow up to say, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” [Matthew 10:34]?
  • The First Christmas (1singlefocus.wordpress.com)
    And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”

    And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the
    shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”
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    Celebrate His birth like the Shepherds did: spread the Good News, glorifying and praising God, for Christ the Savior is born!

  • Joy. (wccollegedotorg.wordpress.com)
    God chose the shepherds to tell Mary about the baby. What does this say about God? What does this say about the shepherds?  Can God use you to tell some good news?
  • Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours! (freehealthandwellness.com)
    some of the words to the songs sung at this time of year are beautiful and very meaningful, but why do people wait to sing them now? Why not during the year? Some say that the Christmas story was told in the scriptures of the Gospels.
  • Merry Christmas to All of You!! (menofredemption.wordpress.com)
    behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
  • The Lord Sits #ThroneOfGod #YHWH #Jesus #TheLordsits (mrpatvincent.com)
    The Throne of God is mentioned several times throughout scripture. I won’t bombard you with all of them. Most famously it is described by Ezekiel (chapter 1). I’d like to mention also that the angel Gabriel refers to the Throne of God in Luke 1:32-33 because… he should know, he’s been there. He’s actually seen it!
  • God Love’s You! (thelbdessentialsforlife.wordpress.com)
    John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
  • Let Go and Let God #LetGodAndLetGod #YHWH #Jesus (mrpatvincent.com)
    Give God the reigns of your life. He is a much better driver anyways. Letting go is hard for us humans, isn’t it? We have to be in control of everything. It’s almost as if we’re admitting defeat if we let someone else take over. If someone is more qualified, then why not? And if anyone is more qualified, it’s the LORD. Why is this such a struggle?! It’s OK to let God in. It’s OK to let Him be the deciding factor.
  • Mary pondered these things in her heart: the art of pondering (johndgrigsby.com)
    God had been silent in the Bible for 400 years until the arrival of Jesus.  So the God of the universe had spoke to Mary, gave her a baby, and now these shepherds were witnesses to the authenticity.  I think she just pondered what would be next.  Where would these events take her life next?  Who else would come to visit the baby and how did they know of Him?  Would there be a different way of raising this God child?  She had no idea what would be next, but I think her mind would race with expectations.
  • The Norm Nativity | Angels visit the Shepherds (daily-norm.com)
    Above the stable, a particularly bright star grew even brighter, and in the stars around it, angel Norms started gathering to celebrate the birth, flying then from place to place to spread the great news. One of the first places they visited was a nearby field, where a group of shepherds sat about having a little evening supper after a hard day looking after their not insubstantial flock. When the shepherds caught sight of a group of angels coming towards them, they almost collapsed in shock – their poor little sheep didn’t know what to do with themselves and promptly hid behind their shepherd masters. Only when the excitement of the news relayed by the angels sunk in did the shepherds (and the sheep) begin to settle, jumping up with some excitement and declaring that they must visit the baby forthwith!

Story of Jesus’ birth begins long before the New Testament

Many people do think Jesus already existed before the people who were telling he was going to come. Lots of Christians do believe Jesus existed already before the world was created. They think because God knew Christ Jesus already before Adam was that Jesus should have been there before Abraham.

They forget that God already knows everything. He also knows you already from the beginning of the world, but we are sure that you did not exist already at the beginning of the world, idem ditto for us and Jesus.  What is very important to remember about the birth of the Messiah, the Christos or Christ was that he was foreseen by the Most High already very early in the existence of the universe.

Jesus story of Jesus’ birth does not begin in the New Testament. In fact, it goes back all the way up to creation.

Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in union with Christ,+as he chose us to be in union with him* before the founding of the world, that we should be holy and unblemished+ before him in love. For he foreordained us+ to be adopted as his own sons+ through Jesus Christ, according to his good pleasure and will,+in praise of his glorious undeserved kindness+ that he kindly bestowed on us by means of his beloved one.+By means of him we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one,+ yes, the forgiveness of our trespasses,+ according to the riches of his undeserved kindness. (Ephesians 1:1-3,4-7)

File:Formella battistero 1 adamo e eva.JPG

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, or at the Gates of Paradise.

We also were foreseen from the beginning to become in union with Christ. That is: God saw us already with Christ. God had chosen the Messiah and us to be in love before the creation of the universe to be holy and without defect in his presence. But that does not mean we already existed, nor that Jesus existed. From by the beginning we were planned by God to be His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God had beforehand ordained, that we should walk in them.  Even when we would not deserve it and God knew already what we were going to do right or wrong, and could see where we would fail, He was willing to provide a solution for are weakness. After Adam and Eve sinned God gave them the opportunity to try live a better life, but also knew they would not succeed on their own. Therefore he promised them and those who would come after them, a possibility to have an end of the penalty of sin. But everybody should be accountable for their wrong-going themselves.

Everything started going wrong in the Garden of Eden, where man did find God had too many rights. The first man and woman disputed the right of having all knowledge to God. By becoming adversaries of the Most High they got their penalty and we got their deficiencies or imperfections also to live with. Right after the fall into sin, God revealed  His first promise of the coming Saviour to the First Adam. Jehovah God told declared war between the adversary of Him and the woman, between the offspring of all the adversaries and hers. Woman was going to be multiplied by her pains in childbirth and because the man listened to his wife and ate from the tree that God commanded them not to eat from, ‘Don’t eat from this tree,’ the very ground became cursed because of them and getting food from the ground will be as painful as having babies is for the wife, both having to be working in pain all their life long. Until they return to that ground themselves, dead and buried. They and we started out as dirt, and shall end up dirt or dust.

“14  So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” 16  To the woman he said, “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” 17  To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat of it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”” (Genesis 3:14-19 NIV)

“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12 NIV)

This undeserved kindness he caused to abound toward us in all wisdom and understanding* by making known to us the sacred secret+ of his will. It is according to his good pleasure that he himself purposed 10 for an administration* at the full limit of the appointed times, to gather all things together in the Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth.+ Yes, in him 11 with whom we are in union and were assigned as heirs,+ having been foreordained according to the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things as he decides according to his will, 12 so that we who have been first to hope in the Christ should serve for the praise of his glory. 13 But you also hoped in him after you heard the word of truth, the good news about your salvation. After you believed, you were sealed+ by means of him with the promised holy spirit, 14 which is a token in advance* of our inheritance,+ for the purpose of releasing God’s own possession+ by a ransom,+ to his glorious praise. (Ephesians 1:8-14 NWT)

By this undeserved kindness you have been saved through faith,+ and this is not of your own doing; rather, it is God’s gift. No, it is not a result of works,+ so that no one should have grounds for boasting. 10 We are God’s handiwork* and were created+ in union with Christ Jesus+ for good works, which God determined in advance for us to walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 NWT)

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Blessing of Abraham and promise to him and his people. – :Book of Genesis Chapter 18-15 (Bible Illustrations by Sweet Media)

Throughout the ages people did hear their parents talking about that promise of the Creator. We also can read about the continued message given to many people of God, like the man and friend of God Abram/Abraham. (James 2:23) Though the many promises were made specifically to Abraham, God in His grace is willing to extend the same blessings to all who understand and believe as he did.

“The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”” (Galatians 3:8 NIV)

“1  The LORD {Jehovah, God} had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”” (Genesis 12:1-3 NIV)

The world had to come to live under the rulership of the one promised in the Garden of Eden, the Christ or Messiah.

“10  “‘So do not fear, O Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, O Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no-one will make him afraid. 11 I am with you and will save you,’ declares the LORD. ‘Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only with justice; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.’” (Jeremiah 30:10-11 NIV)

“31 “The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. 33 “This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”” (Jeremiah 31:31-34 NIV)

“21 and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. 22 I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. 23 They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offences, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God. 24 “‘My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees. 25 They will live in the land I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children’s children will live there for ever, and David my servant will be their prince for ever. 26 I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them for ever. 27 My dwelling-place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. 28 Then the nations will know that I the LORD make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them for ever.’”” (Ezekiel 37:21-28 NIV)

“I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.” (Romans 11:1 NIV)

“14 in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. 22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! 25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. 27 And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs,” (Romans 11:14-28 NIV)

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David between Wisdom and Prophecy – Paris psalter (BnF MS Grec 139), folio 7v

Also Moses came to know about the root or offshoot, which had to grow later, at the time when the world was ripe and there would be somebody who was willing to live totally according to the measurements of the Only One God. (Genesis 12, 17, & 22; Deuteronomy 18). The world saw a young simple man, God’s servant, becoming a king, but unfortunately he did not manage to stay truthful to his One God. But king David repented and still could be found right in the eyes of God to be the seed of which the root would come in to blossoming. (2 Samuel 7, Psalm 132).

“11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. “‘The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: 12 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.” (2 Samuel 7:11-13 NIV)

“The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne—” (Psalms 132:11 NIV)

In Abraham all families of the earth cam to be blessed. (Galatians 3:8 NIV) so they could find hope in what the many minor and major prophets had to tell (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Micah, and Malachi).

Many times in history over and over again the people of God forgot about the promises of their Superior Master, the Supreme Being. Elohim, the Most High was more than once placed aside for lower gods. The God of gods had to see how often they rebelled and served other gods, and sought their security not in the Almighty Jehovah God, the Most High, but instead through earthly alliances.

Of old people got to know that the Divine Creator God always kept His promises. From time immemorial God has always been faithful bringing Israel a remembrance of Who it was yet to come, the Seed promised to David, the Promised Seed of long ago through many of the prophets.

God spoke through the prophet Isaiah that the Most High Master was going to give His people a sign anyway. the world had to look out for a girl who was a virgin but would get pregnant without having contact with a man. The son she was going to get would be God His sign, His Word or His saying becoming flesh and at last the fulfilment of the promise would be a reality and bring The Promise of God under the people on earth. At last there will be a man who will be prepared not to do his own will but the Will of God. Because he could put himself aside and be humble enough to do the full will of his heavenly Father this man could really be called the Immanuel (God-With-Us). Than, and only then, there would come an innocent child on the world of which everybody could say that it was been born for us! Then would be the moment that there was the marvellous gift of God, by the presence of a son — for us! but the prophesies would not end at his birth. That Jewish man was not only going to give up his life for all man. He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings, assures us God. By the voice of the prophet Isaiah we get to know that the man born from this simple virgin shall rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 NIV)

“6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV)

“23 I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. 24 I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.” (Ezekiel 34:23-24 NIV)

“”But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”” (Micah 5:2 NIV)

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The Young lady chosen by god to be with child of the Most Highest – Annunciation – Jungfrau der Verkündigung – Masolino da Panicale (1383–1440) – The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei.

So when the time came ready to have the Word of God, spoken in the Garden of Eden to become reality, Jehovah God send an angel to the earth, in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. God had chosen a young women from the Essene Jewish sect, knowing that she was a real devout woman of God. To her appeared God’s messenger, the angel Gabriel in the Galilean village of Nazareth. This still then virgin Miriam (Mary/Maria), engaged to be married to a man descended from David, was posed with a very serious problem which could cost her life by stoning. The young craftsman called Yosef (Joseph), who belonged to the House of David, the tribe which was to foresee the King of kings, the promised Messiah could break his engagement, but he believed that his fiancée was truthful and sincere clean in the eyes of the Most High. He also found her beautiful with God’s beauty, beautiful inside and out! We do not know if he would have had doubts that God was still with her. but he also could see that his fiancée was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like she had received.

Mary was told not having to fear. God had a surprise for her. She was to become pregnant and to give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. She also was told that her child will be great, be called ‘Son of the Highest.’  and that The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David giving them to rule Jacob’s house forever — no end, ever, to his kingdom.

No wonder Mary questioned the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.” The angel answered that it would be by God His Power that she will be with child. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God.”

Once more in history Jehovah proved that nothing is impossible with God. He only wants to have God loving people and in Miriam or Mary (how she is better know today) God found someone who was willing to be His maid, ready to serve. So she was willing to accept God’s offer of being with child.

“26  In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.” (Luke 1:26-38 NIV)

It was only then with Mary then behold the fulfilment of the promise with the birth of our saviour in Bethlehem came to be (Luke 2). at that moment we can find that the Word of God, God His promise from the time in the Garden of Eden,  at last became reality, and came onto the earth by this child of human flesh and blood. The apostle Paul declares the fulfilment of all the Old Testament promises in Jesus.

“”From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Saviour Jesus, as he promised.” (Acts 13:23 NIV)

“26 “Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognise Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had travelled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people. 32 “We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: “‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’” (Acts 13:26-33 NIV)

“38 “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38-39 NIV)

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Please read also:

  1. The Real Christ
  2. God’s promises to us in suffering
  3. A “seed” for the blessing of all mankind would come through the family of Abraham
  4. Around pre-existence of Christ
  5. About a man who changed history of humankind
  6. The Word being a quality or aspect of God Himself
  7. Jesus begotten Son of God #6 Anointed Son of God, Adam and Abraham
  8. Jesus begotten Son of God #7 A matter of the Future
  9. Jesus begotten Son of God #8 Found Divinely Created not Incarnated
  10. Jesus begotten Son of God #9 Two millennia ago conceived or begotten
  11. Jesus begotten Son of God #10 Coming down spirit or flesh seed of Eve
  12. Jesus begotten Son of God #11 Existence and Genesis Raising up
  13. Jesus begotten Son of God #13 Pre-existence excluding virginal birth of the Only One Transposed
  14. Jesus begotten Son of God #14 Beloved Preminent Son and Mediator originating in Mary
  15. Jesus begotten Son of God #15 Son of God Originating in Mary
  16. Jesus begotten Son of God #16 Prophet to be heard
  17. Jesus begotten Son of God #17 Adam, Eve, Mary and Christianity’s central figure
  18. Jesus begotten Son of God #18 Believing in inhuman or human person
  19. Jesus begotten Son of God #19 Compromising fact
  20. Jesus begotten Son of God #20 Before and After
  21. The Beginning of the life of Jesus Christ
  22. The Seed Of The Woman Bruised
  23. Preexistence in the Divine purpose and Trinity
  24. He may found a kingdom and empire which shall be literally ‘universal’

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  • Jésus – Christ (chaosmatriarch.wordpress.com)
    The preacher was so seriously trying to make us think of hell, his glasses moved rythmically on his nose, he had quelque chose of a baboon in his countenance. This is Hell. Didn’t like this preacher too much, couldn’t concentrate on my book with all his Jesus talk. John dos Passos.
  • Jesus Christ was a liberal, despite what right-wing Christians think. (smd12364.newsvine.com)
    Have you ever wondered why right-wing Christians keep saying they love Jesus Christ, even though their toxic beliefs have nothing to do with what Jesus said, taught, or stood for?
  • Birth of Jesus Christ (pbsministries.wordpress.com)
    As we reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, let us share our love and heart with those less fortunate, with the widows and the orphans. Let us light up someone’s heart this Christmas with joy and peace and goodwill. Let us remember the weak and the incapacitated, for Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Our Christian walk is not about us, it about who we can bless. The Bible tells us, He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.  And He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
  • Samuel Adams re: Jesus Christ (tannngl.wordpress.com)
    I conceive we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world . . .
  • Charles Stanley – Jesus Christ, Our Messiah (mydelightandmycounsellors.wordpress.com) > Charles Stanley – Jesus Christ, Our Messiah
    Jesus didn’t go around flaunting His power or greatness. Since He had come to do the Father’s will (John 6:38), redeeming the lost was His priority and purpose. However, the Lord didn’t hide His identity from the world either. When necessary, Jesus clearly identified Himself as the Messiah.
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    Some modern thinkers would like to marginalize Jesus as simply a good man with a message of love. But He was the first to proclaim Himself as more than that. He is the virgin-born Son of God, who came to bear the sins of mankind and die on the cross. He is the Messiah.
  • The Attributes’ of the One honored at Christmas… (audacityandsupposition.com)
    For Jesus, spiritual conception occurred at his baptism. There the two halves of God’s spirit joined to produce a new, spiritually conceived, Son of God.
  • The Political and Legal Significance of Christmas (freedomoutpost.com) thinks it were early Christians who became distracted by arguments that  latched onto a pre-existing pagan holiday to establish the date of Christmas, but the early Christians never celebrated the birth of Christ, which was by the way on October 17, 4BCE. when the pagan ideas of Trinity was taken it was only a small step to take over other pagan traditions of which many churches are full of today.
  • Jesus Christ Is Our Healer! (spyghana.com)
    Today yet to like it or not is a unique day in your life. It does not matter the situation you find yourself, what people are saying or have said about you, the pedigree or fame of colleagues you started with, the illness that has taken control over you for long time, for you are still an important fellow in the sight and plans of God not to ordinary mortal homo sapiens (human beings) because being alive today in advance forms part of God’s predestined greatness for you.
  • Jesus Christ (crossquotes.org)
    We may note in passing that He was never regarded as a mere moral teacher. He did not produce that effect on any of the people who actually met Him. He produced mainly three results-Hatred-Terror-Adoration. There was no trace of people expressing mild admiration.    C.S. Lewis
  • Only let me get to Jesus Christ! (thehandmaid.wordpress.com)
    It is not that I want merely to be called a Christian, but to actually be one. Yes, if I prove to be one, then I can have the name…

For the Will of Him who is greater than Jesus

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Christ in Gethsemane. The Angel – 1850, Alexander Andreyevich Ivanov (1806–1858)

“14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:14-20 NRSV)

“6  Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10 And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.” (1 Corinthians 10:6-11 NRSV)

“31 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. 35  Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD of hosts is his name: 36 If this fixed order were ever to cease from my presence, says the LORD, then also the offspring of Israel would cease to be a nation before me forever.” (Jeremiah 31:31-36 NRSV)

“15  For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, because a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant. 16 Where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. 18 Hence not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. 19 For when every commandment had been told to all the people by Moses in accordance with the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the scroll itself and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you.” 21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. 22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. 23  Thus it was necessary for the sketches of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves need better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own; 26 for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:15-28 NRSV)

“1  Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, since the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sin? 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin year after year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. 7  Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written of me).” 8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. 10 And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:1-10 NRSV)

“39  He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.” (Luke 22:39-44 NRSV)

“34 And said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” 35 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.”” (Mark 14:34-36 NRSV)

“29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; 38 for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”” (John 6:29-40 NRSV)

“7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10  having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:7-10 NRSV)

“8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:8-11 NRSV)

“25 “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; 27 and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31  “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true.” (John 5:25-32 NRSV)

“28  You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.” (John 14:28-31 NRSV)

“1  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:1-5 NRSV)

“9  As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16 You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.” (John 15:9-16 NRSV)

“45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” 47  While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” 49 When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” 50 Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!”” (Luke 22:45-53 NRSV)

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”” (Genesis 3:15 NRSV)

“13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. 14 But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you. 17 “And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer.” (Acts 3:13-18 NRSV)

“29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”” (Acts 5:29-32 NRSV)

“3 how can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was declared at first through the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, 4 while God added his testimony by signs and wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to his will. 5  Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. 6 But someone has testified somewhere, “What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them? 7 You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned them with glory and honor, 8 subjecting all things under their feet.” Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, 9 but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10  It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”” (Hebrews 2:3-13 NRSV)

*

Preceding: On the first day for matzah

Servant for the truth of God

The Anointed One and the first day of No Fermentation

In Dutch / In het Nederlands: Voor de Wil van Hem die groter is dan Jezus

In French / En Français:  Pour la Volonté de Celui qui est plus grand que Jésus

In German / In Deutsch: Für den Willen dessen, der größer ist als Jesu

  • Cup (Lent #44) (bigrubberbandball.wordpress.com)
    A new commandment shared with a towel and basin, a new covenant offered in a cup.
  • The Betrothal of Christ (tamimyer.wordpress.com)
    During the Passover meal, He used both the gesture and the words of the traditional Jewish betrothal: drinking from a cup of wine and then handing it to His followers, He said, “This is my blood of the covenant.”
  • Day 88: 2 Samuel 4-7; The Ark and The Covenant (orcministries.wordpress.com)
    Well, if you have been reading the stories of David over the past week or so you have seen that all that David does, he does following what God tells him to.  Even today, as the now rightful king of all of Israel, David still inquires of God as to whether he should attack the Philistines.
    +
    God establishes a covenant with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses… each time we hear the covenant it evolves a little bit.  With Adam, we hear that humanity will not be left in sin but one will come to save us from our sins.
    +
    We have come now to the “Davidic Covenant.”  This is the latest building and addition to the covenant.  We read here that God’s covenant with David is an everlasting covenant and that David’s house will rule over Israel.  We also find out here the family line of the coming savior.  First we found out he would come as a human through Adam.  We then learned that He would come from the people of Israel.  Now we learn that the coming “Messiah” would be “of the house and line of David.”  We also learn that this is how God will keep his covenant with David, placing who we now know as Jesus as King and Lord of this world and of all things!
  • The Christ Hymn (conjecturesguilty.wordpress.com)
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