Faithful on Fridays Blog

Finding Jesus: Ezekiel

Have you ever tried the ‘trust experiment’ with a partner? It’s when someone is standing behind you and promises to catch when you fall backward … while you’re staying focused on what’s ahead of you. It’s frightening but quite effective. That’s faith. God promises to catch us, it’s inevitable, when we begin to fall. Faith and trust are action words that show our certainty in the character of God.

Ezekiel was a prophet of God, lived during the Jewish captivity in Babylon, and traveled the countryside pastoring his people. He spoke the truth of God’s Word, undoubtedly counseled and prayed with people, and had dynamic experiences with God. Through many visions and prophetic actions, which are hard to interpret, he spoke to the people of the destruction of their beloved Temple and city of Jerusalem. The Spirit filled and transported him to various places allowing him to experience the glory of His presence. This is quite an action-packed book, however, the purpose is to build trust in God.

Where do we find Jesus in Ezekiel? For a Christian it seems that chapters 34-39 have special significance. Alongside his message of repentance and returning are glimpses of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. As He speaks of Himself as a shepherd in search of His sheep (34:11-31) we are reminded of Jesus describing Himself as a shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10). Ezekiel speaks for the LORD in promising a new heart and new spirit (36:26-27) for those who will recognize the King from the line of David (37:24-28). We know this refers to Jesus Himself (Matt. 1:1, Rev. 22:16) as we read the New Testament. 

Ezekiel has the spiritual ability, as we’ll see in the remaining prophetic books in this study, to see the future but also, and more importantly, the far-future: the end times. There’s a war coming, unlike no other war we’ve seen in the Middle East (chapters 38 and 39) called the war of Gog (the name of a ruler) and Magog (a land to the north of Israel). Many see this as a united Russia with her surrounding nations. Some see this as happening before Jesus returns and some believe this will happen after He appears on earth. Whatever the timing, believers will be trusting in God to fulfill His Word; He will restore His covenant land and His covenant people. Ezekiel closes out his prophecies with the building of the third Temple in Jerusalem where Jesus will sit on the throne (43:7) ruling and reigning over creation with believers seated beside Him. Hard to imagine? Yes, but it’s true nonetheless. 

Believers, Jew and Gentile alike, have a wonderful future ahead in the Kingdom of God. It’s what gets us through the tough times, times of tribulation and pain, and keeps our focus straight ahead. He’s there behind you, the ‘trust experiment’ is real, fall back in His everlasting arms. 

Resurrections

We’ve established that miracles, signs, and wonders performed by God override the natural order of life, and always benefit His people, but Jesus stretched those truths to the ‘nth’ degree. There are three, significantly different accounts of Jesus raising the dead but each time shows His loving care to individuals and also families.

Widow of Nain (Luke 7)

At the beginning of ministry Jesus and His disciples encountered an unnamed widow following her enshrouded only son being carried to his burial. These were nobodies to the world, but treasures to Him, therefore, using the opportunity to prove His authority over death He stopped the parade. This hopeless, grieving widow, who didn’t even ask Him for help, listened to His words as He commanded the corpse to stand and her son’s body obeyed the voice of God. The huge crowd that followed Jesus acknowledged that God had visited His people, maybe as another Elijah or Elisha who raised the dead. Could He be the Messiah, the Sunrise, Zechariah (John the Baptizer’s father) had prophesied (Luke 1:68-79) who would redeem, rescue, and enlighten those in the shadow of death? Regardless, Jesus showed His power to reign over death and also restore a family. True grace.

Jairus (Matt. 9, Mark 5, Luke 8)

Next we encounter a ruler of the synagogue, a somebody, whose daughter was at death’s door. Unlike the widow, Jairus had the audacity to beg Jesus to go to her hoping she’ll be healed. Jesus agreed but was waylaid by a woman needing healing whom He wouldn’t ignore. Jairus could’ve been lost in the pressing crowd or simply patient in faith, but the Healer finally returned to him after receiving word his daughter had died. Jesus’ encouragement in the midst of tragedy was to simply have no fear and believe she will be whole again. Silencing the wailers He took His elite three and her parents into the home, defied expectations, and His sovereignty raised her from the dead. A mother/son and now parents/daughter resurrections; clearly Jesus loves families.

Lazarus (John 11)

Finally, at the end of His ministry we arrive at one of Jesus’ BFF’s whose sisters are devastated He didn’t come and heal their brother. He’d delayed His trip in order to show God’s glory but Martha and Mary didn’t know that; they’re discouraged and confused. In the midst of their faithlessness Jesus commanded Lazarus’ body to walk out of the tomb and it responded. There was no other explanation, it was undeniable, He proved to be the Resurrection and the Life. 

Miracles are God’s way of showing His love and care for individuals and families, at the same time authenticating He’s the promised Messiah. No one can replicate His miracles and no one can take any credit: It’s all about Him. These resurrections are a foretaste of what’s in our future as believers; we have the promise of eternal life, therefore, we need not fear death since it’s only temporary. Hallelujah!

Finding Jesus: Lamentations

Grief is an emotion experienced by everyone; I had my first taste as a ten year old. My oldest sister gave birth to my first nephew, Timothy: I became an aunt! She always made me feel important as I helped her with the baby, usually as her runner. But three years later this little guy breathed his last breath and went to be with Jesus. Grief. Loss. Confusion. Why God? 

Jeremiah, writing the book of Lamentations, must have felt those same emotions and more. His entire ministry was centered around one thing: being God’s spokesman. Sounds impressive, but watching God’s words of judgment being fulfilled must have been devastating for him. There’s no satisfaction in watching the consequences of sin being experienced by those you love. And so Jeremiah lamented, grieved through poetry, as he worked through his feelings of loss, hopelessness, and abandonment. If you’ve lost a loved one, you can identify.

In his grief he wrote as if Jerusalem was speaking; there was no one to comfort her. Jeremiah had warned this city that devastation was coming but she didn’t listen and experienced temporary abandonment from God. But take heart, God didn’t totally disown her, she’ll be back after she suffers the consequences of her rebellion. 

Isn’t that just like our condition when we fall into sin? God often allows us to suffer our consequences, as a wise Father, in order that we’ll turn to Him in our need. 

Lam. 3:20-27 uses the word ‘soul’ three times. That’s the Hebrew word nephesh and it means our whole being: body, soul, and spirit. God wants to be our center or core, our first call, but sometimes we’re hard-hearted and don’t want to listen. Jeremiah encourages us to turn to Him because,

The LORD is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. Lamentations 3:25 NLT

Where’s Jesus hidden in this book? You’ll find Him as the Husband to the widow in 1:1, the Father to the daughter in 2:1, our defense attorney in 3:58, our Protector giving us a shadow in 4:20, and most importantly, our King in 5:19. 

As we reflect on grief today let’s remember some truths from the Book of Lamentations. 

The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!”

For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He also shows compassion because of the greatness of His unfailing love. Lamentations 3:22-24, 31-32 NLT

Call on Jesus in humility during your time of lamenting; He’ll listen intently and be what you need Him to be: El Shaddai, our God Who is all sufficient. He has within Himself comfort, compassion, and unconditional love through Christ and it’s available to you; you simply have to ask.

Luke 5:1-11 and John 21:1-11

Once upon a time, as Jesus’ began ministry, He found Himself at the Sea of Galilee surrounded by multitudes of people eager to hear the Word of God. His ministry drew crowds that pressed in on Him with insistence and urgency, almost driving Him into the lake. Earlier in Luke Jesus was filled with the Spirit, tempted by Satan, and our first bookend miracle is ripe for harvest. People watched Him heal, deliver, and preach with some kind of power they couldn’t understand and now the Lord is ready to miraculously show where His power comes from with undeniable proof: He’s the Messiah. 

These bookend stories focus on Jesus and Peter, however, other disciples were present witnessing these unprecedented catches of fish. Out of necessity He spotted two boats, stepping into Simon’s (Peter) asked him to push out a little for His teaching. Simon was happy to comply, however, Jesus wasn’t finished since He had a divine assignment on that lake to prove, without a doubt, He was the LORD calling these men into ministry. He then requested Simon to go deeper for a catch, simple enough, however, Simon knew Jesus had no fishing experience, they’d already been fishing all night catching nothing, and now, in the middle of the day, He wants them to try again?

I can imagine Peter’s doubt, he even made his case, but these two sets of brothers pushed out again at Peter’s direction trusting Jesus’ word (rhema). What happened? The nets, connecting the two boats, drew a mega-catch which just about sunk them! That enormous haul of fish, undoubtedly directed by Jesus (He even controls fish), caused this future leader of the Church to realize He truly was the Son of God and responded with humility and repentance. As he witnessed the wonder-working, all-knowing, and loving God he received the rhema or ‘word’ into his heart and from that moment Jesus replied he’d soon be catching men: lower and upper story. 

The bookend lake-miracle found in John 21 is a repeat scenario that Peter and John must’ve recognized: a superabundant, miraculous catch after Jesus’ resurrection. They enjoyed a breakfast cookout with the risen Savior remembering their assignment to ‘catch men’.

The upper story of these encounters with Christ tell us a few things for our life in all kinds of ministry. First, when Jesus asks you to do something, obey, and if He asks you to do more, comply with expectation. It may not make sense or seem logical but receive His ‘word’ and trust Him. As the Spirit plants an idea in your mind seek others who’ll join you possessing the same passion; we work best as we co-labor in teamwork. Like Peter, stay humble, covering your endeavor in prayer, being willing to sacrifice some things: time, energy, maybe finances to pursue your vision. He promises a ‘catch of people’ who are ready to receive His Word.

Finding Jesus: Jeremiah

I read an article in Psychology Today that discussed the art of constructive criticism and how to avoid combative encounters with people. The Sandwich Method was cited as a good way to avoid the defense mechanisms that arise in those on the receiving end. The suggestion was to ‘sandwich’ the meat of the criticism in-between two positive comments. Sounds like a great approach, right?

I don’t think the prophet Jeremiah read the article. God chose him from birth to deliver His messages to His covenant people and they were very direct: repent and return. The fact is that God didn’t mince words or use the sandwich method very effectively either. He told Jeremiah what to say and this prophet obeyed.

Then the LORD reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.” Jeremiah 1:9-10 NLT

It was a dark time in the history of the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern tribes had been dispersed to the nations by the Assyrians almost 200 years before and now Jeremiah’s assignment was to warn God’s people that a similar event was coming if they didn’t obey. Well, they didn’t turn and repent, therefore, God deeded fulfill His Word. Jeremiah ends his messages, in 52 chapters, with the fall of Jerusalem and the burning of the temple by the Babylonians. 

Jeremiah may not have sandwiched his messages of rebuke but he did ‘sandwich’ Jesus in them; we find some of the most endearing prophecies of Christ in this book. Watch for the phrase, “the days are coming…” when reading the prophets; they always have some aspect of Jesus in them. 

• Jer. 16:14-15 tells us that Israel will not only return to her gifted land but will become a united kingdom again. They will prepare the city and the temple for the appearance of Messiah who we know to be Jesus Christ.
• Jer. 30 prophesies that Israel will be restored, not only to land and people but also to prosperity. Even though the are still dark days ahead, the time of tribulation that Jesus spoke of in Matt. 24, God will arise on her behalf. Jesus will return as Warrior and King. 
• Jer. 31 is a pivotal chapter. Jeremiah describes the New Covenant that God will make with Israel and therefore with all believers in Him. “I will be their God and they will be My people.” 

Even though reading Jeremiah can be tedious and downright depressing, it’s a necessary book that shows God’s heart of compassion and tenderness for His people. As a good Father, God allows us to make our own decisions in life but also allows the consequences. Let’s learn from our mistakes and watch Him restore us when we, along with Israel, repent and return to Him.

The Cana Wedding

John recounts Jesus’ first miracle after beginning His public ministry (John 2:1-11) which wasn’t coincidentally at a wedding; it’s as if He’s giving us the ending from the beginning. What I mean is, this lower story directs our attention to the upper story; we’re in a wedding! There’s an unexplainable, miraculous provision of wine at the Cana Wedding, however, Jesus is reintroducing the concept of His bridal wedding as well: the end from the beginning. 

And I will betroth you to Me forever. I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. Hosea 2:19 

This wasn’t foreign thinking to a Jewish person since God freely used the analogy of the husband/wife relationship in Scripture (Song of Songs 4:8-12; Is. 49:18, 54:5, 62:5; Jer. 2:2) referring to Himself and His covenant people. The Marriage Covenant guaranteed protection, provision, and faithfulness from the groom with God choosing the bride, paying the bride-price, and providing a joyous wedding day. There was a year-long betrothal period when the groom built a home for his future family, then leave to regain his bride, and the marriage was consummated (Ps. 19:5; Joel 2:16).

Back to the Cana story. It was significantly the third day of His ministry; foreshadowing divine provision (Gen. 1:11-13), protection (Gen. 31:22-24; 1 Kings 3:18), miracles (2 Kings 20:5-11; Acts 27:19), and resurrection (Hos. 6:1-3). From the beginning we know this’ll be a powerful story. This Cana Wedding is also prophetic since the word Cana means passionate jealousy in a marriage relationship. This place wasn’t chosen by accident: there’s an upper story. 

Mary, Jesus, and His newly chosen disciples were all invited to this prophetic wedding. She had treasury of prophetic words stored in her heart (Luke 1:26-37, 2:8-19, 46-52) and now anticipates the response of the Son of God; ‘they are out of wine, do what He tells you’. Even though Jesus didn’t realize He’d be performing a miracle the seed was planted; mothers will do that. You know the end of the story; He miraculously created new wine which kicked off His glorious reputation as the promised Messiah.

The ending of our story is also a wedding when Jesus leaves the place He’s prepared for us (John 14:3) on that third or resurrection Day. He’s paid the bride-price, His blood, our betrothal time completed, and we’re prepared with the ‘new wine’ of His Spirit (Mark 2:22; Eph. 5:18) that He’ll drink again with us (Matt. 26:29). Our wedding day is approaching when our Bridegroom comes to take us to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (1 Thes. 4:16; Rev. 19:7-9) as His pure, spotless, and holy Church/Bride (Eph. 5:25-32). In anticipation of Jesus’ Return, 

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.”

Finding Jesus: Isaiah

If you enjoy the night sky, locating and naming the constellations, an occasional planet, or other objects in space, then an experience with a telescope is for you. Allowing you to view what’s distant, as it appears larger makes it seem nearer. Telescopes are simply a tube with a lens at one end and multiple lenses at the other that slide into each other. It’s fascinating, yet a great picture, of the book of Isaiah.

Isaiah is the first and foremost prophet of the Bible; he’s called the Prince of the Prophets for good reason. Not only is he quoted more in the New Testament than any other prophet, his prophecies include both captivities (Assyria captured northern Israel and 150 years later Babylon captured southern Judah), the first and second comings of Christ, the end times, Judgment Day, and our eternal future with God here on earth. It’s easy to see why he’s a highly honored prophet.

The team of prophets, with 16 players, is clumped together in our Bible with Isaiah kicking off. We know that his words from God were fulfilled since history confirms both captivities and the first appearance of Messiah, Jesus. That’s a pretty good record but what about the remaining prophecies?

That’s where the prophetic telescope helps our understanding. Isaiah, writing on behalf of God, focused his lens on the future and the far-future by magnifying the events that are coming. He makes what is quite distant appear larger, therefore nearer, as a telescope is designed to do. Isaiah was given spiritual warnings for God’s people to return, repent, and reform their ways, however, his prophetic lens of the far-future is where we find Jesus in this book. 

Sprinkled throughout all sixty six chapters you can find references to Jesus. Details of His birth (ch. 9 & 11), His death (ch. 53), the latter days (‘end times’, ch. 2, 13), the Day of the Lord (Second Coming and Judgment Day, ch. 24-27), and our eternal future (new heavens and new earth, ch. 65-66) are pictured there. No other book encompasses so much of God’s heart for His people: Jew and Gentile alike. There is no other prophet whom God has chosen to reveal Himself as He does with Isaiah. 

God not only has a wonderful plan for your life but also for every family, every nation, and all of creation. That plan often seems hidden, nevertheless, it’s in place and it will not be altered. As we watch the news it may seem like Satan has the upper hand but that’s all the more reason to understand the prophets: especially Isaiah. Allow his words to bring you comfort and encouragement and even a heads-up on the future. Jesus is coming again as King and we wait expectantly for ‘that Day‘. 

As surely as My new heavens and earth will remain, so will you always be My people, with a name that will never disappear,” says the Lord. Isaiah 66:22 NLT

God, who literally spoke creation into existence, has absolute control and authority over heaven and earth, meaning, when He decides to override natural order He can; it’s called a miracle. Scripture gives many accounts of these wondrous works of God but keep in mind, they’re always for the benefit of His children. The heart of Christianity is God’s desire to display His care and concern for us, sometimes using supernatural experiences to make His point. He chooses the when, where, and how He’ll transcend our ordinary, natural laws defying them making sure we can’t take credit. Take the flood, for example. 

God’s beautiful creation became corrupted and evil with no hope of survival. His grief caused a decision to override natural law and cause a devastating flood to kill all life: preserving only Noah and his family. That’s one purpose of miracles, protection and preservation. As a good father instinctively loves and cares for his children, God our Father will go to extreme lengths to protect and preserve His children. Signs, wonders, and miracles prove His desire to be included in our lives with evidence that authenticate His supreme authority with no other explanation than ‘God did it’. Man can’t replicate it, take any credit, or cause the awe that follows a miracle, that’s His end-game, His purpose for the signs, wonders, and miracles: He has all power.

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God. Psalm 62:11

That power in Hebrew is bold, absolute, prevailing strength that brings Him glory and shows His love. It directs our attention away from reasoning in our minds to faith and trust in His care bringing comfort and encouragement; who doesn’t need that? When He intervenes it always has a redemptive purpose with the paramount miracle being the resurrection of Christ as the Scriptures foretold.

… and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Jesus was and is full of wonders which are incomprehensible acts of grace causing us to be awestruck and astonished but also comforted that what He did before He’ll do again. It builds our faith knowing He’ll use unsolvable acts to benefit us. 

Is anything too difficult or too wonderful for the Lord? Genesis 18:14a 

What’s your answer? If He imparted power to perform signs, wonders, and miracles to Moses, Joshua, Samson, Elijah, or Elisha, His children, wouldn’t He do it again if His son or daughter needed it today? 

… therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder;

Isaiah 29:14a 

God’s conspicuous displays of strength benefitting His children accomplish one main purpose: they build our faith and trust in His love and faithful character. 

You have multiplied, O Lord my God, Your wondrous deeds and Your thoughts toward us; none can compare with You! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told. Psalm 40:5

Finding Jesus: Song of Songs

Love, romance, sex, rejection, and disillusionment; these are all aspects of a great chick flick, right? Who doesn’t love that? OK, maybe the men reading this. But stick with me, the Song of Songs is an enticing book of the Bible for men and women alike. Even though it’s written as a drama or even a film script, there are different ways of interpreting it. Some translations entitle it after the author, Solomon (Song of Solomon), imparting the sense of the kingly nature of this often misunderstood drama.

1. It can be read as God speaking to His beloved Israel, married to her in covenant relationship. We observe this also in Hos. 2:16-19, Is. 5:1, and Ps. 45. God sings and speaks of His Bride, His beloved Israel: Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride. Your love is better than wine, your perfume more fragrant than spices (Song of Songs 4:10 NLT).

2. Secondly, it can be read as the marital love of Christ and the Church. As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one (Ephesians 5:31-32 NLT). Christ has a possessive love for His Church and He insists on exclusivity. My beloved is mine, and I am his … Song of Solomon 2:16a ESV

3. Lastly, and my favorite, it can be understood as the personal and intimate love that Jesus has for each one of us. I read this book as if He’s speaking to me personally, and I’m responding to Him. He says to me, “You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way. You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride. You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes, with a single jewel of your necklace. Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride. Your love is better than wine, your perfume more fragrant than spices. Song of Songs 4:7, 9-10 NLT

As sentimental and even lovesick as these verses are, there remains an aspect of the bride not responding to the King’s call. In chapter 5 we read of the rejection of the King and the desperation of the bride as she searches and cries out for Him. Jesus calls us every day to respond to Him, spend a time with Him, and develop that relationship with Him that any bride should experience. Remember, He’s passionate about us and when He returns, and this is where we find Jesus, He’ll set up an eternal kingdom where we’ll rule and reign with Him in a marriage relationship. Take advantage of your time now and get to know Him.

Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready; Revelation 19:7 ESV.