The picture painted in this scripture is one of mediation, redemption and damnation. It presents the story of salvation, as Jesus hung between two accused individuals. One received eternal life. The other did not. A mediator is a person who “goes between” to resolve conflict. Christ is the ultimate mediator, for Isaiah saw a vision of the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted and His royal robe filled the temple (Isaiah 6:1). Although Jesus was viewed as simply one who had also been accused, He was very much Lord, Savior and mediator on the cross.
Word #1 – 7 Last Words
Christ shed immortality and divinity to put on Mortality and humanity. On earth, He showed us what it looked like to be 100% man, while totally surrendering to God and keeping God in control. He became our perfect example, never once giving into temptation, or committing sin, showing us what a holy life looks like, and how our lives can be pleasing to God. If we follow His perfect example, we can rest in knowing that one day we will be with God in eternity. Christ sacrificed life in heaven where he was worshipped 24/7 to come to earth where he knew he would be ridiculed, ostracized, killed. He came to earth to this same mankind, knowing that humanity would betray Him, turn their backs on Him, reject Him. Despite all this, Christ chose to die for us anyway. It while he was actively dying, while He was on that tree, he uttered His first words: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” They were breaking a commandment, killing someone and Christ knew that the punishment for this crime was death. Christ knew that God was well within His right to punish humanity for killing His only son. Christ hasn’t died yet, so humanity hadn’t been pardoned for their crimes. Christ knowing this, begins to plead and intercede for us. In this moment, Christ shows us that in the midst of our storm, our trial and tribulation, whatever we are going through, we can still forgive those who plot, plan and scheme our demise. If Christ can momentarily stop dying to forgive those who he came to save, the we can indefinitely stop what we’re doing to forgive those who hurt us.
The Esther Challenge: Joy – Fasting & Prayer Day
Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God’s name. Don’t believe me, read Esther for yourself! Interestingly enough, there is no denying God’s presence in the book, and in Esther’s life. How do we know this? The life that Esther lived, the decisions she made, the way she carried herself, and her faith all reflected a God that she had a deep and personal relationship with. Her relationship with God was so infectious that those around her would surrender to Him, His will, and would pray with her even though they had never had a God Encounter.
Esther 2:10 tells us she kept her identity a secret, and vs 15 let’s us know that the King’s eunuchs knew that there was something special about her. Her relationship with God, her love for Him, radiated out of her and caused those in her presence to respect her, find favour with her, and reverence God.
The Esther Challenge – Fasting & Prayer Day
Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God’s name. Don’t believe me, read Esther for yourself! Interestingly enough, there is no denying God’s presence in the book, and in Esther’s life. How do we know this? The life that Esther lived, the decisions she made, the way she carried herself, and her faith all reflected a God that she had a deep and personal relationship with. Her relationship with God was so infectious that those around her would surrender to Him, His will, and would pray with her even though they had never had a God Encounter.
Loving Others – Fasting & Prayer Day
If we were to respond simply out of natural impulses, we would probably be nice to others only when they were kind to us. At other times, though, we’d likely be vengeful, angry, or hurtful. Yet Jesus clearly teaches us to love even when those around us seem unlovable. And He lived out what He taught: Jesus Christ loved us enough to die on the cross for us while we were still sinners.
Love God’s Way – Fasting & Prayer Day
What is God’s definition of Love? What is God’s Love Language? How does God view love? How do we view, receive, and understand God’s love? Does God have requirements for Love? If so, what are they? How does God show that He Loves us? Most importantly, How does God show that He loves us?
What’s Love Got To Do With It? – Fasting & Prayer Day
If you ask my dad to define love, he will laugh and say “Love is a feeling you feel when you feel you’re going to feel the feeling you’ve never felt before!” Merriam Webster defines love as “a strong or constant affection for a person. [An] attraction that includes sexual desire; the strong affection felt by people who have romantic relationship.” Love is Like, on a more intense level. Love, when done right, makes you feel happy, light and free. Love makes you want to show someone how you feel in more ways than one. Love doesn’t happen overnight but you will wake up one morning and realize that you have been falling in love with someone. Love is a gradual, slow and patient process. But it’s sooo worth it. Love is so important in our everyday world, that there are countless books, other than the Bible, that explains love. In Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, he explores the different ways in which we can love someone, and the ways in which we receive, interpret and understand love. The five love languages are Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Gifts of Love, Quality Time, and Physical Affection.
The Fruit of the Spirit – Fasting & Prayer Day
If you plant an orange seed, the tree will bear oranges. Likewise, if you plant an apple seed, the tree will bear apples. If you plant the Holy Spirit in your heart, your character will bear the Fruit of the Spirit. As Christians, we desire to have the Holy Spirit living and dwelling within us. We want The Holy Spirit’s transforming power to exist within and through us. What is the evidence that the Holy Spirit has taken a seat in our hearts? We begin to bear His fruits. Our reaction to stressful situations begin to change, we approach sticky situations with our “Jesus Glasses” on.
The Microwaved Christian – Fasting & Prayer Day
Uncle Ben’s 90 second rice, Cup of Noodle Soup, and Kraft Mac and Cheese, what do these foods all have in common? If you add water, or place in the microwave for a predetermined amount of time, you will have a meal. It’s not the most nutritious meal, but it will fill your belly and hopefully keep you satisfied until a better meal comes along. But how does this affect your overall physical health? It’s sodium, sugar and fat content is usually High, has minimal minerals and vitamins and if it’s your only form of nutrition, it can actually make you sick. How does this compare with our spiritual growth?
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