Friday, October 24, 2014

TRUTH

Today’s Reading: John 8

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

 

Sunrise over the Dead Sea from Ein Gedi. The Apostle John wrote of Jesus Christ, "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of Men." (John 1:3,4)

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: John 8:32

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

Truth and Freedom…these words stand out in our reading. The accusers of the woman taken in adultery were faced with “TRUTH!” The result was “FREEDOM,” not only for the woman, but also for the men. She was free from death and was not condemned by Jesus. They were free to admit their sin and to be freed from the guilt of hypocrisy. Jesus was the only One who could’ve cast a stone. He is without sin, and He chose not to! What right does He have to change the Law of Moses? The scribes and pharisees quoted Moses’ Law on the matter. Jesus has every right to change Moses’ Law, because, as He stated, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Jesus, in Himself the “TRUTH,” was the very One who had told Moses from the burning bush that His name was “I AM.” No wonder that the Jewish leaders, as recorded in the last verse of our reading, “took up stones to throw at Him.” He had given to Moses the Laws we’ve read in Leviticus, in order to show the impossibility of anyone living a holy life on their own. He is the One who provides forgiveness for our sins. The most often repeated verse in the Bible is, “His mercy endures forever.” For our worship today, we could read 1 Chronicles 16 and Psalm 136 (for both passages, click here). Turn to these amazing Words in your Bible, as I’ve done.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, “I Am,” I throw myself on Your mercy. I pray with the publican in the Temple, “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.” Just as You said that this person went to his house “justified,” so am I justified before You, O Holy God. Thank You, Lord, that as I daily abide in YOUR WORD, TRUTH MAKES ME FREE. AMEN!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I am honoured to know Dr. Paul Maier, Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. He is often called on by the major radio and TV networks for his expertise. He spent every day for a year with me on 100 Huntley Street as we explored the book of Acts. His Dad is Dr. Walter Maier, Founder and former preacher on “The Lutheran Hour: Bringing Christ to the Nations.” I wrote Paul as we read Leviticus. Without explaining the context of my enquiry, let me quote the Doctor concerning the Leviticus’ laws: “Most of these laws regarding ‘abominations’ are inoperative today, as they were in Jesus’ day 2,000 years ago. Rabbinical Courts rarely, if ever, applied them.” I asked Dr. Maier specifically about Moses’ law concerning the practice of homosexuality. I quote, “The practice of homosexuality is in an entirely different category, since it is opposed also in the New Testament and is against natural law.” As I pointed out in the Leviticus commentaries, FORGIVENESS for ALL sin, based on the animal sacrifices which pictured the sacrifice of Jesus, Who is our final and complete Sacrifice for sin, is taught in the operative Word of God (Romans 1:16-32).

Yours for a Holy Spirit taught understanding of TRUTH,

David

8 thoughts on “Friday, October 24, 2014

  1. I am a believer, yet as I read John’s account of his interactions with the Jews I wonder if my reaction to Jesus would have been any different than that of the Jewish leaders. Jesus teaching is very hard. Hard to understand and hard to accept within our human constraints. Jesus speaks with so much authority and confidence, that even now as I read it, I am awe struck of his conviction. He was not afraid of going against conventional thought or upsetting the authorities. He accepted rejection and even the hatred of those listening around him. I feel humbled for not standing up for Jesus at times when I should, but feared rejection. Thank you Jesus!

  2. Jesus’ confidence in what He was saying to the arrogant Jews was to be so admired. He only spoke the surprising truth to these people which resulted in severe antagonism to them. He’s my hero!
    What a lovely, lovely photo Reynold. I take pics. all the time too and send them into our newspaper and Global tv where they will occassionaly get displayed. Before sending them in I use iphoto to edit them. By the time iPhoto gets finished with them they look professional. Sort of like us plain janes/johns when our heavenly Father gets finished with us.
    Love this study and so thankful for your great teaching Rev. DM.
    Blessings dear saints.

  3. Wow ! I am learning so much from this blog, the older I get the more I want to know about our Lord. I realize that as I am spending more time in His Presence I am so much closer to Him. Hope your op went well Beverlee, have a great day one and all.

  4. FCarole, I hope you and your lovely family are well. I haven’t seen postings from you lately. Please see my post from yesterday. Beverlee, we pray your surgery is over and you are on the mend. Frank, I feel much of what you stated as well.

  5. Nothing can compare to God’s paintings of His creation; but your pictures Reynold come extremely close to that. Blessings on you and your family!!!
    Thank you Pastor David for bringing us into scriptures that affirm and confirm, the teachings of OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR!! How blessed we are be have The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD as our Greatest teacher!

    Have a Blessed day you all!!

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