One Came Back

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated the fourth birthday of my granddaughter Anna. It was fun to watch her open one present after another. Several times, though, she was so excited about the gift she received that she wanted to immediately run off and play with it right away! 

This created two problems…

1. In her excitement she forgot to say, “Thank-you,” to the gift-giver…

2. And, there were still more presents to be opened, but she was thoroughly distracted in her excitement.

It reminded me of an incident that is told in Luke 17:11-19 “Jesus Heals Ten Men with Leprosy”

Remember, leprosy was a horrific, disfiguring and extremely dreaded disease. I would imagine that, in Jesus’ day, everyone feared contracting leprosy. There was NO cure what-so-ever…at least back then. Left untreated leprosy is known to permanently damage skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. It is hard for most of us to imagine, because few of us have ever been exposed to the life-altering diagnosis and we probably don’t know anyone else who has!

But, because of the fact that leprosy was believed to be highly contagious, lepers were considered outcasts. 

• They were the “untouchables”
• They would not have been allowed to live within the city or village. 
• They were certainly never allowed to approach others…even family members. 
• And it was the law. The written law. 

So…

• They stood a good distance away…
• The lived apart…
• They watched the rest of the world go by in their own isolation 
• Or maybe they might have even tried to forget the life they lived before the scourge of leprosy…
• They most assuredly suffered without the comfort of home and family…

In colonies, in caves, in make shift dwellings…

Because they were, in every way, outsiders.

They only had each other.

Maybe even sadder, and more distressing, is the idea that they also lived without hope…

• With no hospitals
• No doctors… I’m sure even Dr. Luke was at a loss
• There was no hopeful research and magical cures on the horizon…
• They simply lived hopelessly 

Well, maybe they had a little bit of hope…

Somewhere along the way they must have heard about JESUS and, because of ONE amazing, miraculous encounter, everything changed for them.

Well, here’s what happened according to Luke…

¹¹ Now on His way to Jerusalem, 

Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.

¹² As He was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met Him. 

They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, 

“Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

¹⁴ When He saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” 

Leviticus 13 explains how leprosy was handled under Moses' law. The priests were the ones who decided whether leprosy was contagious or not. The priests had the power to declare these men healed and clean or to send them back to their solitary lives. Jesus was sending them to the priests for a purpose!

“Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And that is exactly what they did!

Amazingly enough...

• The scripture doesn’t indicate that they grumbled or complained about the instructions Jesus gave
• It is difficult to believe that they didn’t argue or give a few suggestions of their own
• Did they not even question Jesus? 
• No sarcasm? 
• No smart aleck remarks?
• It certainly doesn’t appear as though they did any such thing 

Instead, low and behold, these ten men were, if nothing else, obedient. 

And what happened?

And as they went, they were cleansed.

¹⁵ One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.

¹⁶ He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him—and he was a Samaritan. 

(Those Samaritans…gotta love ‘em!)

Amazing, isn’t it? Immediately…not sometime later!

• As soon as he realized he was well he went back!
• He didn’t send a thank-you card
• He didn’t send a messenger
• He didn’t put it off until he’d had a chance to adjust

“…when he saw he was healed, he came back…”

And he didn’t come whispering either!

• Maybe it was because he had been shouting at a distance for so long already…
• Maybe he didn’t have a quiet voice to use anymore

How did he come back? “…praising God in a loud voice…” 

• This wasn’t his indoor voice!
• I would imagine that would be the loud voice that we would reserve for football games or the World Series.

When was the last time any of us praised God with a LOUD VOICE?

• He was excited
• He was beside himself
• I don’t think he had a whisper in him!

This guy was so excited, so grateful, so thankful, so amazed that he didn’t just come back praising God with a loud voice…

¹⁶ He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him. 

That is a picture of thanksgiving…

• Uncontainable 
• Exuberant
• Heartfelt 
• Sincere

Here was a man who was probably so overwhelmed with the thought of being declared clean and being able to return to his family, his home, his friends and his life…but first he recognized there was a source of his healing…

There was Jesus and he wasn’t able to do what he wanted to do until he did what he needed to do…tell Jesus “Thank you!”

¹⁵ One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.

¹⁶ He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him—and he was a Samaritan.

A Samaritan…the way Luke words it makes it sound as though he was the only one who was a Samaritan. Maybe, but that’s a story for another day…

So…

¹⁷ Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?

¹⁸ Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”

¹⁹ Then He said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Jesus used a word there that is all-encompassing, it doesn’t just mean physical healing, but spiritual as well. And, if I read that right... “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” His faith was in Christ and he was made well spiritually, as well as physically. 

Let’s not forget the other nine guys in Luke’s account. 

• They were certainly respectful by keeping their distance
• They were obviously obedient...they followed Jesus’ instructions to the letter
• They may have even had a degree of trust in Him
• They just weren’t thankful!

Only one was wise enough to recognize the need to be grateful for the gift of healing that he had received.

• Only One!

There are so many stories in the Old Testament where God is frustrated by the worship of His people. 

• They may have made all the appropriate sacrifices
• And kept all of the feasts
• Obeyed the Rituals spelled out in the Law
• Prayed the prayers and washed their hands
• And they thought they did everything right...

It’s so easy to think we’re doing the right thing, but are we doing them for the right reason. 

• They forgot the heart part
• Sometimes we forget the heart part
• God is far more interested in the state of His people's heart than in anything we do

Is it possible that we can be so caught up in doing the right thing that we forget God Himself. 

• It’s especially easy to do if you don’t have a grateful heart!

So, nine men found healing, but only one man found Jesus. 

• Only one man acknowledge the source of his healing

Maybe you have heard this story of Alex Haley, the man who wrote the best-selling book and movie “Roots?” He had a rather unusual picture hanging on the wall in his office. It must have been a good conversation starter, because he was often asked about it. 

And then Alex Haley would reply, “Every time I read my words and think that they are wonderful and begin to feel proud of myself, I look at the turtle on top of the fence post and I remember that he didn’t get there on his own. He had help.”

Don’t we all? Don’t we all have help?

Nine men found healing, but only one man found Jesus.

On the other hand here is a story that represents far too many people...

The story is told of an older man who went into the Post Office with a blank postcard in hand. 

• He approached the postal clerk behind the counter and asked if he would address the postcard for him, which he did.
• Then the man asked the clerk to write a short message on the card for him
• Then he even asked the clerk to sign it for him. 
• After he was finished, the postal clerk asked, “Is there anything else I can do for you today?”

And with a scowl on his face, the man said, “Yes, at the bottom of the postcard could you write: “P.S. Please excuse the sloppy handwriting.”

I think Darryl DelHousaye summed it up well…

“Thanksgiving in everything is the key to joy. The experience of joy is all about well-being, a sense of security, a deep rest, the absence of fear. It’s enjoyment! 

The absence of thanksgiving is what makes joy fade. It’s God’s design for us to give thanks lest any of our joy slip away.”

Nine men found healing, but only one man found Jesus.                                                                              Only ONE man out of ten came back to say, “Thank you” to Jesus. 

There are two questions I would leave you with today…

1. Do you want…

• The miracle
• The healing
• The answer to prayer
• Or do you want the Source? Do you want Jesus?

2. Are you of the One or are you of the nine?

• Do you have a thankful heart?

I have adapted this prayer from Psalm 111

 I Praise You, LORD.

   I will extol You LORD with all my heart 

    Great are Your works, O LORD; 

   they are pondered by all who delight in them. 

Glorious and majestic are Your deeds, 

   and Your righteousness endures forever. 

You cause Your wonders to be remembered; 

   You, LORD, are gracious and compassionate. 

You provide food for those who fear You; 

   You remember Your covenant forever.

You have shown Your people the power of Your works... 

 The works of Your hands are faithful and just; 

   all Your precepts are trustworthy. 

They are established for ever and ever, 

   enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. 

 You have provided redemption for Your people; 

   You ordained Your covenant forever— 

   holy and awesome is Your name.

 To fear You, LORD, is the beginning of wisdom; 

   all who follow Your precepts have good understanding. 

   To You belongs eternal praise.

LORD, with hearts of thanksgiving I give You praise, this day and every day, in Jesus’ Name.

Daddies, Please Tell Your Daughters...

My dad called a couple of days ago...

My Son-in-law Mark with his youngest daughter Mary

In the course of our conversation he mentioned that he had been looking at photos on Facebook. Then he said, "You know you are a beautiful woman." And I replied, "THANK YOU, I don't think you've ever told me that before." Later, as I reflected on this conversation, I wondered if I had been waiting my whole life to hear him say that. I don't know if I have or not...not consciously anyway, but that's how I felt.

Then I was reminded of a scene I witnessed many years ago. A man standing with his wife and several daughters, all were dressed in their best and looking beautiful for a wedding. The man never told any of them that...that they were beautiful, but, when a couple other young women walked up to the group, he couldn't stop gushing over their beauty. I felt so sorry for the girls standing there listening to their dad. It still makes me sad when I think about it and I hope those young women aren't still waiting to hear him tell them how beautiful they are.

Thanks, to my dad for blessing me with those words and, with that in mind, can I encourage you...
Daddy, tell your daughter how beautiful she is!

The Rest of the Amazing, Incredible Story!

Psalm 65:5 says,
"You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior..."

I love this verse and I can certainly give praise for the many ways God has come through for me with awesome and righteous deeds throughout my life! What a great provider He has been. I stand amazed at His goodness and faithfulness.

The scripture also tells us that, "nothing is impossible with God," and, although with all my heart, I believe this to be true, I also know that He does not, as a rule, impose His will upon ours...no matter how many people might be praying that He will. It's that "free will" thing.

Over the years I have prayed for divine miracles, for changed lives and reconciled situations...especially in marriages (and probably beginning first with my own). And, so often, it has been to no avail. Stubbornness, hearted-heartedness, rebellion, unforgiveness, woundedness and a multitude of other issues...well you know what happens...divorce.

I think I can count on the fingers of ONE hand the marriages I have seen reconciled following a divorce. It just rarely, very rarely, ever happens. And my heart has been broken so many times as I have watched couples with irreconcilable differences part ways leaving a trail of brokenness that effects so many.

So earlier this year, at a time of deep heartbreak and sorrow, I wrote a blog entitled, There are Three Things I Hate! 
It was brief.
There were no sordid details.
I didn't preach or lecture or offer scriptural solutions...
Basically, it was my lament over my intense hatred for divorce... and specifically one particular divorce that took place this summer. I cannot even explain or describe the range of emotions that I dealt with...or didn't deal with!

Well, there is more to this story and I feel compelled to share what happened over the course of this fall. Again, without names or details, but with utter amazement, I can tell you that this couple (Well, can I say "they came to their senses?" Sure I can that is what I was praying) is working through their differences, they are doing all the right things to bring healing to their relationship and their family. I am so proud of them and blessed to see how they are allowing the LORD His rightful place in their lives.

My heart is full...and thankful. And I am reminded that my God can do what He says He can do!

Here is the "lament" I wrote earlier.

http://pavilionedinpraise.blogspot.com/search/label/Lamenting

So, how about you?

What are you praising Him for this Thanksgiving?

That’s My King by SA Lockridge

The Bible says...

He’s the King of the Jews 
He’s the King of Israel

He’s the King of Righteousness 
He’s the King of the Ages

He’s the King of Heaven 
He’s the King of Glory

He’s the King of Kings and 
He is the Lord of Lords

Now that’s my King!

David says The Heavens declare the glory of God

And the firmament showeth His handiwork 

No means of measure can define His limitless love

No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply 

No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing

He’s enduringly strong

He’s entirely sincere 
He’s eternally steadfast

He’s immortally graceful 
He’s imperially powerful

He’s impartially merciful

That’s my King!

He’s God’s Son 

He’s the sinners’ Savior

He’s the centerpiece of civilization 

He stands alone in Himself

He’s unique

He’s unparalleled 

He’s unprecedented

He’s supreme 

He’s pre-eminent

He’s the loftiest idea in literature 

He’s the highest personality in philosophy

He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism 

He’s the fundamental doctrine in true theology

He’s the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion

That’s my King!

He’s the miracle of the age 

He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him

He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously 

He supplies strength for the weak

He’s available for the tempted and the tried 

He sympathizes and He saves

He guards and He guides 

He heals the sick

He cleansed the lepers 

He forgives sinners

He discharges debtors 

He delivers the captives

He defends the feeble 

He blesses the young

He serves the unfortunate 

He regards the aged

He rewards the diligent 

And He beautifies the meek

Do you know Him?

My King is the key of knowledge 

He’s the wellspring of wisdom

He’s the doorway of deliverance 

He’s the pathway of peace

He’s the roadway of righteousness 

He’s the highway of holiness

He’s the gateway of glory 

He’s the master of the mighty

He’s the captain of the conquerors 

He’s the head of the heroes

He’s the leader of the legislators 

He’s the overseer of the overcomers

He’s the governor of governors 

He’s the prince of princes

He’s the King of Kings 

And He’s the Lord of Lords

That’s my King!

My King...
His office is manifold 

His promise is sure

His life is matchless 

His goodness is limitless

His mercy is everlasting 

His love never changes

His word is enough 

His grace is sufficient

His reign is righteous 

His yoke is easy

and His burden is light I wish I could describe Him to you

He’s indescribable 

He’s incomprehensible 

He’s invincible

He’s irresistible I’m trying to tell you

The heaven of heavens cannot contain Him Let alone a man explain Him

You can’t get Him out of your mind 

You can’t get Him off of your hands

You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him

The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him but they found out they couldn’t stop Him

Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him 

The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree

And Herod couldn’t kill Him Death couldn’t handle Him

And the grave couldn’t hold Him

That’s my King!

He always has been and He always will be

I’m talking about He had no predecessor

and He’ll have no successor 

There was nobody before Him

and there’ll be nobody after Him 

You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign

That’s my King!

Praise the Lord

That’s my King Thine is the Kingdom

And the power And the glory

The glory is all His Thine is the Kingdom

And the power And the glory

For ever And ever And ever 

And when you get through with all of the forevers

Then Amen

DYNAMIC VIEWS ON BLOGGER

I discovered something new here on "Blogger" yesterday. Someone has developed a new style for blogs called Dynamic Views. I like them, but I won't permanently change to them until all of my information can be viewed, as well.

But the exciting part is that you can view any BLOGGER blog in Dynamic View by entering /view/classic behind the URL like this... http://pavilionedinpraise.blogspot.com/view/classic
Check it out...notice that you can choose a number of styles to view the blog in... classic, magazine, sidebar etc. Just remember you can only do this with Blogger. Have fun!

Sometimes One Simply Needs to MYOB!

This thoughtful little piece was recently posted on Facebook. I "borrowed" it and added one more "word(s)" of my own... "Is it Really Any Business of Yours?"
Don't we just live in a culture where everyone's opinion counts?
I am free to express my feelings about anyone and anything...even if it is absolutely no business of mine what-so-ever!

Free speech rules, right?

Don't you dare try to take that away from me! That's the culture we live in.


Well, last week I overheard a woman making a number of disparaging remarks about the Duggar family. You know they recently made the very public announcement that they are expecting baby number 20 and this woman was highly disgusted. She ranted and raved about their irresponsibility and what were they thinking and what was the point and why would anyone, in their right mind, purposefully choose to have TWENTY children? She went on and on and on and I simply wanted to ask, "Is that really any of your business?"


This family is respectable, upright, decent and, for as much as we know, they are responsibly raising the children that "God has given them" to be just that...respectable, upright and decent. They are good people making a conscious choice and they are not creating a burden on anyone else, because they are a hardworking and industrious family. They built their own home for Pete's sake! These children will, more than likely, make a worthwhile contribution to the world.


So whose business is it if they celebrate number 20 with joy? Who would dare to question their right to be happy about this? God love 'em. They're doing a better job with "19 and counting" than many families with one, two or three. Why would you fight for your freedom of choice and deny them theirs?


I looked at this woman who was being so critical and, believe me, there are some very questionable choices she is making in regard to her family...but is it really any business of mine to point them out?


My one critique of the Duggar dad and mom would be that maybe they should just keep it all to themselves...but then that's not really any of my business either, is it?


^{Thessalonians 4:11} Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. ¹² Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
Psalms 123:7 says children are a gift from the LORD.


MYOB, for the abbreviated challenged among us, means MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.

The Christ of the BIBLE (Author Unknown)

More than 1900 years ago there was a Man born contrary to the laws of life.

This Man lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He did not travel extensively.

Only once did He cross the boundary of the country in which He lived and that was during His exile in childhood.

He possessed neither name, wealth, nor influence.

His relatives were inconspicuous, uninfluential.

They had neither training nor education. In infancy He startled a king.

In childhood He puzzled the doctors.

In manhood He ruled the course of nature, walked upon billows as if pavements and hushed the sea to sleep.

He healed the multitudes without medicine and made no charge for His service.

He never wrote a book, and yet, all the libraries of the country could not hold the books that have been written about Him.

He never wrote a song, and yet, He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined.

He never founded a college, but all the schools put together cannot boast of having as many students.

He never practiced medicine, and yet, He has healed more broken hearts than all the doctors far and near.

He never marshaled an army, nor drafted a soldier, nor fired a gun, and yet, no leader ever had more volunteers who have, under His orders, made more rebels stack arms and surrender without a shot being fired.

He is the Star of astronomy

The Rock of geology

The Lion and the Lamb of the zoological kingdom.

He is the Revealer of the snares that lurk in the darkness.

The Rebuker of every evil thing that prowls by night

The Quickener of all that is wholesome.

The Adorner of all that is beautiful

The Reconciler of all that is contradictory

The Harmonizer of all discords

The Healer of all diseases

The Savior of all mankind.

He fills the pages of theology and hymnology.

Every prayer that goes up to God goes up in His name and is asked to be granted for His sake.

Every seventh day the wheels of commerce cease their turning and multitudes wend their way to worshiping assemblies to pay homage and respect to Him. (AT LEAST they USED to!)

The names of the past proud statesmen of Greece and Rome have come and gone.

The names of the past scientists, philosophers and theologians have come and gone;

but The Name of this Man abounds more and more.

Through time has spread 1900 years between the people of this generation and the scene of His crucifixion, yet He still lives.

Herod could not kill Him.

Satan could not seduce Him.

Death could not hold Him.

He stands forth upon the highest pinnacle of heavenly glory, proclaimed of God, acknowledged by angels, adored by saints, and feared by devils, as the living, personal Christ.

This Man, as you know, is Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior.

A study of the Bible reveals Christ as its central subject and great theme.

What the hub is to the wheel, Christ is to the Bible.

It revolves around Him.

All its types point to Him.

All its truths converge in Him.

All its glories reflect Him

All its promises radiate from Him

All its beauties are embodied by Him

All its demands are exemplified by Him.

All its predictions are accepted by Him.

Abel’s lamb was a type of Christ.

Abraham offering Isaac on Mount Moriah was "a type" of God giving Christ, His only Son on Mount Calvary.

The Passover lamb in Egypt was a type of Christ.

The brazen serpent in the wilderness was a type of Christ-He told Nicodemus so Himself.

The scapegoat typified Him bearing our sins.

The scarlet thread that the harlot Rahab hung in the window of her home in Jericho typified Him.

Joseph, pictured to us by the Bible without a flaw, was a type of Christ. “Who did not sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.”

In the Old Testament He is spoken of as “the angel of the LORD,” and, as such, He appeared unto men…

He was with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

He was with Abel in his death.

He walked with Enoch.

He rode with Noah in the Ark.

He ate with Abraham in his desert tent.

He pled with Lot to leave wicked Sodom.

He watched Isaac reopen the wells that his father Abraham had dug.

He wrestled with Jacob at Peniel.

He strengthened Joseph in his time of temptation, protected him in prison and exalted him to first place in the kingdom.

He watched over Moses in the ark of bulrushes, talked to him from the burning bush, went down into Egypt with him, opened the Red Sea for him, fed him on bread from heaven, protected him with a pillar of fire by night and after 120 years of such blessed companionship that left no marks of passing time upon Moses, led him up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, let him take one long, loving look at the Promised Land and then kissed him to sleep, folded Moses’ hands over his breast, and buried his body in an unmarked grave, to sleep in Jesus till the morning of the great resurrection day.

He was the Captain of the LORD’s host to Joshua, led him over the swollen stream of Jordan in flood tide, around Jericho, in conquest of Ai, helped him conquer Canaan, divide the land, and say good-bye to the children of Israel.

He was with Gideon and his famous 300.

He was with Samuel when he rebuked Saul.

He was with David when he wrote the twenty-third Psalm.

He was with Solomon when he built the first temple.

He was with good king Hezekiah when Sennacherib invaded the land.

He was with Josiah in his great reformation that brought the people back to the law.

He was with Ezekiel and Daniel in Babylon.

He was with Jeremiah in Egypt.

He was with Ezra when he returned from Babylon and with Nehemiah when he rebuilt the wall.

In fact, He was with all those “who though faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were mad strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”

Abraham saw His day and rejoiced.

Jacob called Him the “Lawgiver of Judah.”

Moses called Him the “Prophet that was to come.”

Job called Him “My Living Redeemer.”

Daniel called Him the “Ancient of Days.”

Jeremiah called Him “the LORD our Righteousness.”

Isaiah called Him “Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”

All of this in the Old Testament? Yes, and much more besides. “To Him give all the prophets witness.”

Micah tells of the place of His birth.

Jonah tells of His death, burial and resurrection.

Amos tells of His second coming to build again the tabernacles of David.

Joel describes the day of His wrath.

Zechariah tells of His coming reign as KING over all the earth.

Ezekiel gives us a picture of His millennial temple.

In fact, my friends, it matters little where we wander down the aisles, avenues, byways or highways of the Old Testament.

Jesus walks beside us as He walked beside the two disciples on that dusty road to Emmaus on that glorious resurrection day long, long ago.

Its types tell of Him.

Its sacrifices show Him.

Its symbols signify Him.

Its histories are His-stories.

Its songs are His sentiments.

Its prophecies are His pictures

Its promises are His pledges.

And our hearts burn within us as we walk beside Him across its living pages!

When we open the New Testament, the Word which was in the beginning with God becomes flesh and dwells among us and we behold His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

There are four personal histories of His earthly life written in the New Testament.

One is by Matthew, the redeemed publican, and signifies His lineage.

One is by Mark, the unknown servant, which magnifies His service.

One is by Luke, “the beloved physician,” and tells of His humanity.

One is by John, “whom Jesus loved,” and it tells of His deity.

He is Christ The King in Matthew

The Servant in Mark

The Man in Luke

The Incarnate Word in John.

Concerning His royal lineage we learn that He was born in Bethlehem, the Seed of Abraham, the Son of David, the Son of Mary, the Son of God; and was acknowledged as “King of the Jews,” “Christ the LORD,” “God’s Son,” The Savior of Men,” by angels, demons, shepherds and Wise Men; and that He received tribute of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Concerning His service we learn that He labored as a carpenter, opened eyes of the blind, unstopped deaf ears, loosed mute tongues, cleansed lepers, healed the sick, restored withered hands, fed the hungry, sympathized with the sad, washed the disciples’ feet, wept with Mary and Martha, preached the Gospel to the poor, went about doing good and gave His life as a ransom for many.

Concerning His humanity we learn that He was born of a woman, as a little babe was wrapped in swaddling clothes, grew up and developed as a child in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and men. He worked with His hands, grew weary, He Hungered, He thirsted, He slept, He felt the surge of anger; knew what it was to be sad, shed tears, sweat drops of blood; was betrayed, went through the mockery of a criminal trial, was scourged, had His hands and feet pierced; wore a crown of thorns, was spit upon, was crucified, was wrapped in a winding sheet and was buried in a borrowed tomb behind a sealed stone, and was guarded by Roman soldiers in His death.

Concerning His deity we read that He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, spoke matchless words, stilled storms, calmed waves, rebuked winds, multiplied loaves, turned water to wine, raised the dead, foretold the future, gave hearing to the deaf, sight to the blind speech to the dumb, cast out demons, healed diseases, forgave sins, claimed equality with God, arose from the dead, possessed all authority both in heaven and on earth.

He was both God and Man; two individuals united in one personality. As man, He thirsted;

as God, He gave living water. As man, He went to a wedding; as God, He turned water to wine. As man, He slept in a boat; as God, He stilled the storm. As man, He was tempted; as God,

He sinned not. As man, He wept; as God, He raised Lazarus from the dead. As man, He prayed; as God, He makes intercession for all men.

This is what Paul means when he writes, “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” He was made unto wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

He is The Light of this world

He is The Bread of Life

He is The True Vine

He is The Good Shepherd

He is The Way

He is The Life

He is The Door to Heaven

He is The Faithful Witness

The First Begotten of the dead

The Prince of the kings of the earth

The KING of Kings and The LORD of lords

Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending

The LORD who is, who was and who is to come,

The Almighty.

“I am He that liveth, and was dead and behold,

I am alive forevermore and I have the keys of hell and of death.”

He is the theme of the Bible from beginning to end:

In Genesis He is the Seed of the Woman

In Exodus He is the Passover Lamb

In Leviticus He is our High Priest

In Numbers He is the Pillar of Cloud by day the Pillar of Fire by night

In Deuteronomy He is the Prophet like unto Moses

In Joshua He is the Captain of our Salvation

In Judges He is our Judge and Lawgiver

In Ruth He is our Kinsman Redeemer

In 1 and 2 Samuel His is our Trusted Prophet

In Kings and Chronicles He is our Reigning King

In Ezra He is the Rebuilder of the broken-down walls of human life

In Esther He is our Mordecai

And in Job He is our Ever-living Redeemer, “For I know my redeemer liveth.”

In Psalms He is our Shepherd

In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes He is our Wisdom

In the Song of Solomon He is our Lover and Bridegroom

In Isaiah He is the Prince of Peace

In Jeremiah He is the Righteous Branch

In Lamentations He is our Weeping Prophet

In Ezekiel He is the wonderful Four-faced Man

And in Daniel the Fourth Man in “Life’s Fiery Furnaces.”

In Hosea He is the Faithful Husband, “Forever married to the backslider”

In Joel He is the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit and with fire

In Amos He is our Burden-Bearer

In Obadiah He is the Mighty to Save

In Jonah He is our great foreign Missionary

In Micah He is the Messenger of Beautiful Feet

In Nahum He is the Avenger of God’s Elect

In Habakkuk He is God’s Evangelist, crying, “Revive thy work in the midst of the years.”

In Zephaniah He is our Savior

In Haggai He is the Restorer of God’s lost heritage

In Zechariah He is the Fountain opened to the house of David for sin and uncleanness

In Malachi He is the Sun of Righteousness, rising with healing in His wings

In Matthew He is the Messiah

In Mark He is the Wonder-Worker

In Luke He is the Son of Man

In John He is the Son of God

In Acts He is the Holy Spirit

In Romans He is our Justifier

In 1 and 2 Corinthians He is our Sanctifier

In Galatians He is our Redeemer from the curse of the law

In Ephesians He is the Christ of unsearchable riches

In Philippians He is the God who supplies all our needs

In Colossians He is the fullness of the Godhead, bodily

In 1 and 2 Thessalonians He is our Soon-Coming King

In 1 and 2 Timothy He is our Mediator between God and man

In Titus He is our Faithful Pastor

In Philemon He is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother

In Hebrews He is the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant

In James He is our Great Physician, for “The prayer of faith shall save the sick.”

In 1 and 2 Peter He is our Chief Shepherd, who soon shall appear with a crown of unfading glory

In 1st 2nd and 3rd John He is Love In Jude He is the LORD coming with ten thousands of His saints

And in Revelation He is The KING of kings and The LORD of Lords!

He is Abel’s Sacrifice

Noah’s Rainbow

Abraham’s Ram

Isaac’s Wells

Jacob’s ladder

Jacob’s Scepter

Balaam’s Shiloh

Moses’ Rod

Joshua’s Sun and Moon that stood still

Elijah’s Mantle

Elisha’s Staff

Gideon’s Fleece

Samuel’s Horn of Oil

David’s Slingshot

Isaiah’s Fig Poultice

Hezekiah’s Sundial

Daniel’s and Malachi’s Sun of Righteousness.

He is Peter’s Shadow

Stephen’s Signs and Wonders,

Paul’s Handkerchiefs and Aprons

He is John’s Pearly White City.

He is a Father to the Orphan and Husband to the Widow

To the traveler in the night He is the Bright and Morning Star

To those who walk in the Lonesome Valley...

He is the Lily of the Valley, the Rose of Sharon and the Honey in the Rock.

He is The Brightness of God’s Glory

The Express Image of His Person

The KING of glory

The Pearl of Great Price,

The Rock in a Weary Land

The Cup that runneth over

The Rod and Staff that Comforts and The Government of our life is upon His shoulders.

He is Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of the Living God!

My Savior, my Companion and My LORD and KING!