Why did JESUS feel shame?

Something seems left unsaid as I hear about JESUS’s crucifixion.  Why isn’t the anguish of having all sin laid on JESUS mentioned?

It is written that when healing physical problems JESUS literally FELT what it took to heal each one for virtue/power went out of HIM to bring healing.  This struck me forcefully as a young Christian reading through the Bible for the 1^st time.

When I read, HE (JESUS) “was touched with the FEELING of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15) I thought, “HE doesn’t know what I go through with PMS.”  Immediately, I remembered or I should say (John 14:26) the HOLY SPIRIT reminded me a story of a woman with an issue of blood that I had read in the gospels. When she touched the hem of JESUS garment, JESUS actually felt the drain of power to heal her leave HIS body (Mark 5:30).  I realized at that moment “Yes, JESUS does know how I feel.”

That is why I am so perplexed at what is not said as to the cause of shame JESUS FELT on the cross and why HE despised it.

GOD hates sin: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity… (Habakkuk 1:13)

JESUS is GOD (John 1:1-3, 14) therefore JESUS also hates sin. With their awesome foreknowledge the GODHEAD knew before creating a choice creation (mankind) would sin. JESUS who hated sin therefore had taken counsel with GOD the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT and they agreed to a plan to cleanse mankind from sin before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8) therefore before there was a man.  What was the purpose?  Romans 8:29 gives us a glimpse-  so that JESUS would be the first of many brethren.

Though JESUS hates sin it is written, “For HE (GOD the FATHER) made HIM (JESUS) to be sin for us, (HE) who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Surely HE (JESUS) bore our griefs and carried our sorrows: (Isaiah 53:4) the Lord laid on HIM (JESUS) the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6) HE (GOD) shall see of the travail of HIS (JESUS) soul and shall be satisfied: by HIS (JESUS) knowledge shall MY righteous servant justify many; for HE shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11).

When all the sin of mankind was laid on JESUS on the cross, HE experienced the shame of each of those sins and the guilt. Next to that even the horrendous pain of being nailed to the cross and even the shame of hanging naked pales. It wasn’t merely the shame of hanging on the cross naked and being mocked but the unimaginable shame our LORD JESUS must have felt for the sins laid on HIM.  It is written that it caused our LORD JESUS deep travail/ anguish (Isaiah 53:11).

HE didn’t have to so why did JESUS endure it?  For the JOY of what HE was achieving for us HE endured it all (Hebrews 12:2).  What an amazing Savior we have. Let’s just praise HIS name! 

Hugs

Sharon

Something new

It’s so beautiful up at camp  and I saw something more about my JESUS in the messages. I’ll tell you all about it in just a bit.

From the mid-80’s to mid-90’s I had the joy of working at the Christian Camp Elim, about 7 miles north of Woodland Park.  Every fall they have a Senior’s (Harvest) Retreat and this year I was able to attend. They have great Bible teaching sessions, and one just fun special activity. 

This year’s special activity was a bus trip to Cripple Creek to ride their 2-gauge railroad and view the season’s changing colors. Am I ever so glad that the camp director had the foresight to arrange to save the train cars with roofs for our large group because it began to rain as we rode along. The colors have begun to change and there are lots of beautiful yellow and gold aspens mixed in with the evergreens  but although there is a touch of orange here and there, no red was evident. 

The bus ride with beautiful views of autumn colors as well as the train ride were nice the chapels were even better.  Our speaker used the harmony of the gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) to tell of JESUS’s prayer in the garden, arrest, HIS trials by the Jews and HIS 3 trials by the Romans and HIS beatings and the cross.    

It was in HIS trials by the Jews that I first saw a glimpse of JESUS that I hadn’t seen before.  I had always and only pictured JESUS going “as a lamb to be slaughtered” as scripture said HE would (Isaiah 53:7).  JESUS fulfilled that prophesy (Acts 8:42) for JESUS NEVER DEFENDED HIMSELF in any of the trials although nothing but lies were spoken about HIM (Matthew 27:12-14, Mark 15:3. Luke 23:7-12).

But, Rob brought out that JESUS did speak not as one on trial in defense of HIMSELF but as the ONE to whom all judgment has be delegated HE calmly pointed out where HIS captors/ accusers were breaking the law.

“For the FATHER judges no man, but has committed all judgment unto the SON” (John 5:22).

Jewish law states that you cannot arrest anyone at night. JESUS was arrested at night (Matthew 26:55-56).

Jewish law says no trials were to be held at night yet the 3 Jewish trials were held at night.

Jewish law says that if a priest ever tore his robe he would cease to be a priest (Leviticus 10:6-7, 21;10). When the High Priest commanded JESUS to speak in the name of GOD JESUS stated who HE was and the High Priest tore his clothes.

Jewish law says a person’s testimony about himself cannot be accepted in court (John 5:31)  but 2 witnesses must speak against him (Deuteronomy 19:15).  JESUS asked why they were asking HIM about HIS disciples and doctrine. 

Because JESUS reminded them of the law they struck him.  JESUS said “if I said if I have spoken well (the truth of the matter) why do you strike ME” (John 18:23).

Paul while speaking to the High Priest later clarifies JESUS statement in Acts 23:2-3) Then Paul said to him, “GOD will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”

During HIS 6 trials JESUS never spoke in HIS own defense for HE was on trial as a man and HE represented us (mankind). 

But each time JESUS did speak during those trials it was as GOD the SON showing man something. HE spoke the TRUTH for HE is truth (John 14:6) and as the eternal JUDGE (John 5:22) HE pointed out their actions were sin.

I had never seen my LORD JESUS in HIS dual role as fully GOD and fully man during HIS trials until Rob pointed it out.  Each time JESUS spoke it was in calm authority for HE is LORD of all and the eternal JUDGE.

It really has made me stop and think, “How much else have I missed about JESUS as I read through the Word of GOD?”  I praise the LORD for the promise that GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will show me more of JESUS when I am ready to understand (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!

Hugs

Sharon

Snake in the grass

The snake in the grass

As young girl of six, living in the mountains, I was very much a tomboy and climbed like a mountain goat up the mountains. Being my dad yearned to have a son, but ended up with three daughters, may have caused some of my tomboyish ways in competition for attention.

Daddy was a teacher. On one learning session he took the handful of students from his one room schoolhouse in June Lake, California on what today would be considered a field trip. We went down the hill the school was on and across the highway to the grassy meadow below. Then he led us down a path to the creek hidden by the tall grass and fuzzy brown cattails that grew on either side of the creek. I reached out and touched a cattail and loved the way it felt.

There by the creek Daddy spotted and caught a small harmless garden snake as it soundlessly slithered over the rocks and through the grass. Dad said the snake was harmless and I believed him.

Feeling very brave, I begged Daddy to let me carry it back to the schoolhouse, and with a wry smile he handed the colorful little snake to me. But the other girls who saw the snake, squealed, and scattered. So naturally, I began to chase them with the snake held out in front of me, laughing all the while.

The sneaky devil disguising himself entered a snake to entice Eve to commit the first human sin (Revelation 20:2). GOD put a special dislike of snakes in women, from that day in the Garden til now (Genesis 3:15) as HE began to reveal some of HIS strategy in dealing with sin by prophesying that her seed (JESUS) would crush the serpent’s (the devil’s) head (Revelation 20:2).

Many years later after delivering over a million Jews from slavery in Egypt though miracle after miracle HE began leading them to the Promise land. Over and over and over again, problems came up, and instead of asking GOD for help, the Jews murmured and complained.

They cried out, “Where is GOD?”

Even so, GOD, in HIS great mercy, always came through for them. GOD kept delivering them and providing them with food and water, keeping their clothes from wearing out and fighting their enemies, yet the Jews continued to murmur and complain.

They were sick and tired of daily problems, and delays (sound familiar)? They were discouraged, impatient, feeling they had reached the limit of their endurance. Plain and simple, they forgot all GOD had done and was doing for them.

Instead, they listened to that old serpent -the devil’s snide accusations and whispers focusing them to be tunnel visioned on their temporary struggles, so they forgot GOD.

GOD got them out of slavery in Egypt yet the Jews didn’t trust GOD to fight their battles, or meet their needs.

Sound familiar? Do we trust GOD to save us from the death penalty of sin but forget that HE is with us and wants to help us with our daily problems? Do we, like the Jews, listen to those snide accusing whispers of that old serpent leading to fear and tunnel vision onto our limited abilities and blocking our view of our all wise and powerful GOD?

One time the people became very discouraged because of the way and spoke against GOD and Moses. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among them. When a person got bit, they died. Immediately the people understood it was their murmuring and complaining that had caused this, so they ran to Moses and begged him to pray to the LORD for them. GOD told Moses to do a strange thing.

GOD told him to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole and put in on a high place, so all the million plus Jews could see it. If someone got bit, all he had to do was to look at the snake on the pole. If he looked, he would live. But, if he didn’t believe it would help, so refused to look at the snake that was lifted up, he would die. (Numbers 21:4-9).

JESUS talked about that very snake on a pole. When HE said, “As Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man (JESUS) must be lifted up. That whosoever believes in HIM, should not perish but have eternal life. For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM, should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:14-16).

Just as the Jews had to look to the snake on a pole, to be cured from the deadly snake bites; so, we must look to JESUS, who carried our sin on the cross, to be cured/ forgiven of our sins and given the righteousness of GOD (Romans 3:20-22).

Let us look to JESUS the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and refuse to listen to the snide accusations against GOD that come from the enemy. Did you notice it was the murmuring and complaining that got the Jews into so much trouble? It showed that they didn’t trust GOD or praise HIM for the wonderful things HE had done and was doing for them. Do you, do I, murmur and complain? Or do we look to the LORD and trust HIM to know best how to deliver us? Remember accusations against the goodness of GOD is weapon of Satan that began in the Garden of Eden and it worked so well he still uses it today.

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

hugs

Sharon L Manning

On a hill

Last night I joined many others as we gathered at a cross on the hill that can be seen from Highway 25 between Pueblo and Colorado Springs, CO. The other years I walked the long way up but this time this old lady caught a ride on an ATV. 

We came to remember and celebrate our LORD JESUS CHRIST’s work for us on the cross.  (the picture was taken as we were beginning to gather there at the cross.

Outwardly I was a very obedient child (goody two-shoes you could say) but the day I heard the preacher say JESUS died for your guilt, I was convicted and knew without question that I too was a sinner and needed a Savior. I ran down the stairs and up to the altar to accept JESUS as my Savior.  (Though I know now I could have been saved right there in my seat by simply calling on the name of the LORD JESUS to save me Romans 10:13).

I was delighted when the 1^st song we sang was “The Old Rugged Cross” for it was my favorite as a new baby Christian.

Now not all are outwardly obedient children.  Many, especially in the wicked times we live in, are openly deviant rebels.  One of my siblings and some of my offspring could easily fall into that category.

“the sons of rebellion shall all be as thorns thrust away, Because, they cannot be taken into hands.  But the one that touches them must be armed…” (2 Samuel 23:6-7 NKJV).

But GOD has made a way, just as HE did through the Red Sea.   Praise the LORD there is hope for us and our rebellious children! 

It was for us JESUS was, “oppressed, and HE was afflicted… (Isaiah 53:7).  And because of HIS suffering all have an opportunity to be saved and cleansed from sin and bondage.

“They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine” (Isaiah 29:24).

Yet as King David learned we come to our senses often through troubles. “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept YOUR (GOD’s) word” (Psalm 119:67).

(Take warning we who would spare others from seemingly hard things… pray for sure but remember GOD uses hard things to wake us up to reality).

A person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in JESUS CHRIST” (Galatians 2:16). “If righteousness could be gained through the law, CHRIST died for nothing!” (Galatians 2: 21).  

All mankind was dead in sin and trespasses (Ephesians 2:1-5) but when one believes in JESUS he is cleansed by the blood of JESUS CHRIST (Revelation1:5), the HOLY SPIRIT comes into that one (Ephesians 1:13), and the HOLY SPIRIT baptizes him into CHRIST JESUS (I Corinthians 12:13,27) and he is made alive (Ephesians 2:1-5) given the right to be a true son of GOD (John 1:12-13, 1 John 3:1-2).   

“as though GOD were pleading through me: I implore you on CHRIST’s behalf, be reconciled to GOD (2 Corinthians 5:20).”

“That if thou shalt confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in your heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, you shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Looking with wonder at the old rugged cross and what my LORD JESUS did there for me.

Hugs

Sharon

It is finished!

Have you ever had to do something you didn’t want to do, but it was necessary? Wasn’t it a relief when you had completed it, and could say, “It is finished!”

That is how JESUS felt about the cross.  HE knew it was necessary and HE willingly did it even volunteering for it.

Hebrews 10:7 Then said I (JESUS), Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of ME,) to do THY will, O GOD.

but it was such a hard thing to do JESUS wished there was some other way.  How do I know?  The Bible says so.

Mark 14:36 And HE (JESUS) said, Abba, FATHER, all things are possible unto THEE; take away this cup from ME: nevertheless, not what I will, but what THOU wilt.

But when HE had done what HE had to do JESUS said,

John 19:30 “…HE (JESUS) said, IT IS FINISHED: and HE bowed HIS head, and gave up the ghost (died).

For JESUS who never sinned to be made sin for us was so hard

2 Corinthians 5:21 For HE (GOD) hath made HIM (JESUS) to be sin for us, (JESUS) who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM.

but HE (JESUS) endured the cross by looking at the joy (of saving us) and when it was FINIFHED HE was satisfied (Hebrews 12:2, Isaiah 53:11).

Isaiah 53:11 AMP As a result of the anguish of HIS soul, HE shall see it and be SATISFIED; By HIS knowledge [of what HE has accomplished] the Righteous One, MY Servant, shall justify the many [making them righteous—upright before GOD, in right standing with HIM], For HE shall bear [the responsibility for] their sins.

JESUS died on the cross for everyone who would believe on HIM.  Do you?

Hugs

Sharon

What does the cross have to do with gravity?

What does the cross have to do with gravity?

Did you know that rockets must travel at least 25,000 miles an hour to escape Earth’s gravity?  There are a lot of mysteries concerning gravity, but one thing we know for sure, it is real.  The law of gravity is something GOD built into our world.  It is one of many things GOD decreed, determined to be.  And there are mysteries concerning HIS decrees.  But what HE has revealed we need to share with others (Deuteronomy 29:29).

There is a difference between GOD’s decrees, and things HE would just like to happen.  One of GOD’s decrees is the law of choice.  So, although GOD does not delight in (want) the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11) they will die, unless they turn.

JESUS spoke of an incident in the wilderness wanderings of the Jews when they were attacked by snakes.  If they were bit they would die.  GOD told Moses put a snake on a pole, and if someone got bit all they had to do was look at the snake on the pole, and they would live.  But, if they didn’t look at that snake, they would die.  The choice was theirs.  Although the invasion of snakes was a consequence of their sin, their choice whether to believe GOD and look at the snake or not, determined whether they would live or die (Numbers 21:5-9). 

Each person made that choice on the grounds of whether they chose to believe what GOD said would work, or refused to believe in what they didn’t understand.

JESUS went on to say. “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up (the cross); that whosoever believed in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:14-15).

The cross was decreed by GOD (Acts 2:23).  Yet man must choose whether to believe or not. Those who choose to look to JESUS dying for their sins and believe are saved (John 3:16), those who refuse to believe, will die in their sins.(John 8:24).  It is that simple.  The choice is theirs.

So, what does the cross have to do with gravity?  They are both decreed by GOD.

But, we don’t know who will choose to believe, or who will refuse the love of the truth.  Therefore, we must tell everyone what GOD offers us in JESUS.

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

On a hill

This evening many of us will gather at the foot of a cross on a hill to honor our LORD JESUS, the eternal SON of GOD, through WHOM GOD the FATHER made the heavens and earth yet WHO willingly (hung on the cross and paid for the sins of mankind).  On each side of our LORD hung a thief.  One ridiculed and mocked JESUS and the other came to believe in JESUS and called out to HIM.

“For whosoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

“He that believes on the SON has everlasting life; and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him” (John 3:36).

Why?

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” Romans 2:23 “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD” Romans 6:23.

Have you reached out to JESUS like the thief on the cross?

Hoping that you have,

Sharon

the cross

In this picture our amazing Creator is declaring HIS love.   In love GOD has done HIS part- “Having made peace through the blood of HIS (JESUS’) cross, by HIM (JESUS) to reconcile all things unto HIMSELF…” (Colossians 1:20).   Have you done yours? “For GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
hugs
Sharon