Scapegoat

A scapegoat is someone you blame for your problems.  And isn’t it easy to POINT the FINGER of blame at another?

But the LORD puts an unusual condition on hearing prayer in Isaiah 58:9 “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and HE will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression (demanding people do things your way), with the POINTING of the FINGER (blaming others) and malicious talk.

That is because to grow up/ mature and change one must own up to their own failings instead of blaming others for them.  We can’t even say the devil made me do it.  He may have lured us by suggesting something, but it is the individual himself who chooses what he will do.

Ironically, before the foundation of the world GOD appointed a scapegoat (Revelation 13:8) to carry the sins of all people.

A picture of this was given 3,000 years ago when GOD told the Jews to observe the Day of Atonement, which involves symbolically placing sins on the scapegoat’s head, who then escapes carrying the iniquities of the nation away.

There were 2 goats.  Lots (or dice) were tossed to see which was the LORD’s goat that would be killed and whose blood would satisfy GOD and forgiveness could come.  The second was the scapegoat which carried the sins away.  The LORD JESUS CHRIST the Messiah is both. 

As the Lamb that was slain (Revelation 5:6, 9,10) JESUS redeemed men to GOD by HIS blood. However, only those written “in the book of life of the Lamb (JESUS) slain from the foundation of the world” get the benefit from it (Revelation 13:8).

Hands were laid on the head of the innocent scapegoat which symbolically transferred the sins of the people onto it (Leviticus 16:21-22). Just as the sins of the world were laid on JESUS (Isaiah 53:6). The scapegoat then was released into the wilderness which indicated that the sins were not just forgiven but removed from the people. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath HE removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12)

The LORD JESUS CHRIST the Messiah is the scapegoat who took the sins of all mankind upon HIMSELF on the cross and carried them away. However, only those written “in the book of life of the Lamb (JESUS) slain from the foundation of the world” get the benefit from it (Revelation 13:8).

That is why it is so important to believe in JESUS whom GOD sent (John 3:16), who died for all sin of mankind (Colossians 1:14), to destroy the works and power of the devil (Colossians 2:12-15, 1 John 3:8) and was raised to life again by GOD the FATHER (Romans 10:9) and is seated with GOD the FATHER on HIS throne right now (Hebrews 1:2-3) awaiting for the set time to come for HIS church (rapture 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 4:1) and then pour HIS wrath out on the CHRIST rejecting world (the 7-year Tribulation also known as Daniel’s 70th week Daniel 9:24).

If you belong to JESUS, you too are called to be a little scapegoat. By that I mean you are called to bear the burdens, irritations and unjust treatment from others, and love them in return. The LORD, your Scapegoat, bore your burdens to bring you salvation, so as you follow HIM you are called to be a little scapegoat, to bear the burdens (take time to genuinely care about and put up with) those who need JESUS. Perhaps by seeing JESUS in you they may come to HIM (2 Corinthians 4:7).

I am convicted as I write I’m remembering times when I was not longsuffering, gentle or kind but acted in irritation.  It is quite an assignment for sure, but when GOD calls, HE equips (1 Thessalonians 5:24, Hebrews 13:21). 

“LORD, help me, in JESUS name I pray!”

Hugs

Sharon

Do we let HIM rule?

This morning after speaking with some people of a different mindset, a parable came to mind.  More exactly the words ‘we will not have this man to rule over us.’

JESUS spoke a parable because HIS followers thought the Kingdom of GOD should immediately appear.  “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.  And he called his ten servants and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, ‘Make use of it till I come.’  But his citizens hated him and sent a message after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us’ (Luke 19:11-14).

JESUS spoke of HIMSELF= a nobleman going to a far country(heaven) to receive a kingdom (where JESUS will sit on a literal throne in the Kingdom of GOD on earth= it begins with 1,000 yr reign-Matthew 25:31).  Before HE left HE gave HIS servants money (spiritual gifts) to use til HE returned. If you read down to Luke 19:26 you will see some used what they were given more wisely than others and when HE comes back they will be rewarded for their efforts. But note one who claimed to be HIS servant didn’t know HIM (Luke 19:21-22, Matthew 25:24) so could not have been saved but just associated with believers.  This is substantiated with that person’s end (Matthew 25:30).

But that part that came alive as never before this morning was: But his citizens hated him and sent a message after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us’

Why? Because HIS standards will demand something of them.

Every country has laws, they are necessary.  But what we are seeing not just overseas but in the USA the general world view hates JESUS and HIS absolutes of right and wrong.  They call good bad and bad good and they say in their hearts…  ‘We will not have this man (JESUS the SON of the living GOD) to reign over us.’ They hate JESUS because HIS standards oppose their doing whatever they want.

We know this is true, but it especially hurts when the ones saying it you know.  Because their end (unless they repent) is determined. “But those mine enemies, who would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither and slay them before me.’” (Luke 19:27).

It is so important that while there is still time (and I think the time is getting shorter) that we follow our instructions found in GOD’s word.

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the LORD’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that GOD will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:23-26).

People judge GOD by our actions. You and I open the door by our loving and gentle attitude and speaking the truth in love.  We open the door to the hearts of unbelievers to listen and hear GOD’s calling them (John 10:3).

Hugs

Sharon

Avoid controversies

The servant of the LORD must not strive but be gentle to all men) 2 Timothy 2:24

Just read this devotion by Charles Spurgeon and had to share.

Avoid foolish controversies” Titus 3:9

Our days are few and are far better spent in doing good than in disputing over matters that are, at best, of minor importance. The old scholars did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our churches suffer too often from petty wars over obscure points and unimportant questions.

After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion promotes neither knowledge nor love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field.

Questions about issues on which Scripture is silent, on mysteries that belong to God alone, on prophecies of doubtful interpretation, and on mere modes of observing human ceremonials are all foolish, and wise men avoid them.

Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle’s precept (Titus 3:8) to be careful to maintain good works, we will find ourselves occupied with so much profitable business that we will have no time to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings.

There are, however, some questions that are the reverse of foolish, which we must not avoid but fairly and honestly meet, such as these:

Do I believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST?

Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind?

Am I walking not after the flesh but after the SPIRIT?

Am I growing in grace?

Does my behavior adorn the doctrine of GOD my Savior?

Do I tell others about JESUS?

Am I looking for the coming of the LORD and watching as a servant should who expects his master?

What more can I do for JESUS?

Such inquiries as these, demand our urgent attention; and if we have been given at all to frivolous arguments, let us now turn our critical abilities to a much more profitable service. Let us be peacemakers and endeavor to lead others both by our precept and example to “avoid foolish controversies.”

Perhaps today

When I was in my twenty’s, way back in the early 70’s, I had a lapel pin that said, “Perhaps today!”  It spoke of the coming of the LORD.  Now that was nearly 50 years ago and we are still expectantly awaiting HIS return.  Certain things from time to time spark excitement, like the blood moons, but the dates pass and the excitement quiets down.  Yet one day when we don’t expect it JESUS will catch us away. 

As the new classes have begun I am diligently studying and putting together the homework lessons for our study in Romans. As I began I realized that to do justice to this great book I needed HELP bad, so text a intercessor and asked for prayer.  I could tell a change, more clarity soon afterwards.

Prayerfully compiling the lesson for Romans 2, I got to: “For the name of GOD is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you…” (Romans 2:24).   

The question was easy: What do you think Romans 2:24 is referring to, and do you think it is a serious offense?  I Timothy 5:14, Titus 2:5, 8

But then the light came on:

AW Towzer rightfully said: “What comes into our minds when we think about GOD is the most important thing about us.”

The Jews were supposed to be witnesses and ambassadors representing GOD to the nations (Isaiah 43:10-13), just as you and I are ambassadors of CHRIST (2 Corinthians 5:20) and sent out as witnesses of JESUS (Acts 1:8). Our actions represent the very nature of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY to the lost.  If we argue or are short tempered, they think GOD is the same. Therefore, when we act wrongfully (as those in Romans 2:24 did), we soil GOD’s reputation, and turn people away from listening to HIM.  Rather than being a porter who opens the door of the hearts of the lost to hear the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT through our words and actions (John 10:3-4), we actually slam the doors of their hearts shut when we act or speak wrongfully. 

It is said in 2 Peter 3:11-12 that godly words and actions can in fact hasten the day of the LORD. For HE is longsuffering and won’t come until the last who will believe accept JESUS (2 Peter 3:9).  That implies that wrong actions and argumentative words can actually delay CHRIST’s return. What a horrifying thought! Could it be our words and actions are why CHRIST has not yet returned? 

I am so grateful that the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, HIS mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning.  So, I can start today being more loving.

“The servant of the LORD must not strive but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves if perhaps the LORD will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).  I want to follow those instructions closer than ever, don’t you?

I urge you in Christ’s stead to consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(Romans 15:13) Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon