Do you know him as your Savior?
He came to save you.
For the son of man is come to save that which was lost. (Matthew 18:11)
Luke 15
4) What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5) And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6) And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7) I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Matthew 18:14
Even so it is not the will of your father which is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world,that he gave his only begotten son,that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,but have everlasting life
John 10:11-18
11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12) But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13) The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14) I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15) As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16) And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17) Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18) No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
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Here in these scriptures we see a tender love of a shepherd for his sheep. Jesus is the good shepherd.He seeks for all those who are lost without the safety of the fold of God. He is searching today for those who are lost. He cared so much that he was willing to give his life for the flock. Without his sacrifice of love, we would have all been lost without any hope
When we are born, we are unaware of our sins.As we grow older , somewhere in our life We come to knowledge of what sin is. Then we begin to realize our need to be forgiven. We have all sinned and come short of God's glory. You may be a good,Kind moral person but just being kind and moral will not get you to Heaven. Because of one man's sin (Adam) Sin was pronounced upon us all. A way had to be made for man to be reconciled unto God. It had to be a pure unspotted sacrifice and there was none found worthy but the one and only begotten son of God. Still God loved us so much that he sent him, knowing what he would have to endure at the hands of his own people. Could you have given up your child for mankind to be saved? God loved you and I that much my friend to give up his beloved son to bleed and die one of the most cruel death's that ever was.
Not only did God give his son but His son,Jesus was willing to lay down his life. He said that no man took it from him but he laid it down for us. For that precious lost soul he did this for you and I. Did you know you were loved that much? It is hard for us to comprehend such a love that He had for us.
I hope that if you are lost and do not know this good Shepherd that you will come to know him. Perhaps no one has ever told you that you are special in the eyes of God. Perhaps no one ever told you that you have a Father in Heaven who loves you so much it cannot be measured.
Perhaps you thought your life had no meaning or purpose but I am telling you that you are wrong. All of the above scriptures are the words of Jesus himself. He said it best.
Won't you read those words again and picture this Shepherd searching for you because he is. He wants to save you. There is danger on every hand. Satan, is going to and fro trying to devour whom he may. He wants your soul only because he knows that Jesus died for it and he doesn't want him to have it. Satan wants to destroy your life and make it miserable.He wants to keep you from that good shepherd any way that he can.If you go to seek the Lord, he will be right there to discourage you , but don't listen to him. Listen to the words of Jesus.
He cares so much for you and for your soul
His love is all around you.Can't you see the picture of this loving Shepherd, seeking and searching for you? Can't you see the love when he finds one lost one he loves it and lays it on his shoulders and tenderly carries it into the safety of the fold.He doesn't beat it or scold it. Can you see this shepherd rejoicing with his friends because he has found it? I could picture the angels in Heaven rejoicing the night that I was saved because the bible tells me that they were. We are loved that much!
Now Read with me King David's writings from the 23rd psalm.This same Shepherd that David wrote about can become your shepherd as well.
PSALMS CHAPTER 23
1 ¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
With the Lord as our Shepherd we never want for salvation again.When he saves us it is for eternity and we never will be in want for or have to ask for that again. He maketh me to lie down in Green pastures, in other words the green represents life. Eternal life! Still waters are peaceful arent they? Only Jesus can give your soul peace.He will lead us in the ways of peace.
He restoreth my soul;There are times that we are going to still fail God even after we are saved but God will forgive us and restore unto us the joy of our salvation.Jesus said he would never leave us or forsake us.When we are his child and we come to death's door he will even be there for us.We will have nothing to fear.He will guide us safely through. We will not have to fear death, it is like a shadow, it cannot hurt us if we belong to God.Even the shadow of the most ferocious beast cannot hurt anyone because a shadow can't hurt you. We have no need to fear when we know we are in the safety of his care.
There is a table spread before those who are saved. We can feast from it all the time.He blesses us so abundantly even our enemies will be able to see us enjoying our salvation and eating and gaining strength from the word of God. Our cups runs over! Oh he fills our heart with all that abounding love that he has for us.He helps us get through each day.He answers our prayers and we cannot help but just bubble over sometimes.Surely goodness and mercy will follow all the days of my life. Goodness and Mercy! Our Lord never runs out of goodness and mercy and he certainly bestows it generously to his children. We will dwell in the house of the lord forever. Our Salvation will never be taken away, once we posses it.Nothing will ever separate us from his presence or his great love.
Do you know this Loving Savior as your Shepherd? He loves you so much! Humble your heart.Call upon him from the depths of your heart.Seek him today while he may be found if you feel he is knocking on your heart's door. You must open your heart to him.
The Beginning
Genesis Chapter 1:26) And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Notice here that God is speaking to someone even before he created man when he said "Let us" make man in our own image. He was speaking to his son Jesus Christ. Jesus was there in the beginning. It says in one scripture that he was the lamb of good which stood before the foundation of the world(that is not quoted word for word).Jesus was there in the beginning. God had a desire to create us and he wanted to make man special, he wanted us to be made in his own image. He wanted us to be a mirror image of himself and he formed us from the dust of the earth. Dust is lower than dirt but he formed man a body from it. I like to note that all other things he spoke into existence but man he formed himself and breathed into mans own nostrils the breath of life and then man became a living soul Oh , How God loved his creation!
I can almost picture him lovingly forming Adam and when he saw Adam was lonely he made him a helper and took her from Adam's own flesh
Genesis chapter 2:7) And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
When God created Adam and Eve he created them perfect.They knew no sin.They were naked but they were not ashamed.They did not know good from Evil.They had everything they needed in the garden. The Earth produced fruit for them without them having to toil and sweat for it. There was peace and tranquility. God had given Adam all the trees of the garden to eat from except for one. He had given them every herb and ever beast.He only gave them one commandment or rule to obey. They were not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis chapter 2:17) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
GENESIS CHAPTER 3 1) Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2) And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5) For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 )And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 )And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
Notice that the devil had made his abode upon the serpent and He came telling Eve so much truth to get her to believe a lie. She knew what God had told them. The only rule they had to obey was not to eat of that fruit. But when she saw that it looked good to her and the devils words sounded so convincing she took of it and gave it to Adam and he did eat also. Sin doesn't come in an ugly form most of the time, it will come as apealing and enticing. The serpent himself was not a scary looking creature at the time or I believe Eve would have been afraid. When they disobeyed that one commandment , sin entered the world and right then man fell from that perfect estate that he was created in. Sin had come, immediately they had knowledge of their wrong, immediately they knew that they were naked and they tried to sew fig leaves together to hide their nakedness, then they tried to hide from their maker.
There is no hiding our sin from God. God knew exactly what they had done
Genesis 1:8) And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 ) And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10) And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11) And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12) And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 )And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
No we cannot hide from God. God called out to Adam "where art thou?" Adam had to answer for himself just like any sinner must do when the Lord calls them. Adam confessed what he had done, also like a sinner must do. God saw that they had attempted to cover themselves. I believe once again that Father's love stirred within him and he had compassion on Adam and Eve.He knew that man could not cover his own sins.He knew the fig leaves would never withstand the cold that would come now and the seasons. Adam needed a covering for his body but more than that now he needed a covering for his sins.
21) Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
A coat of skin he made for them. God made a way. We know this was speaking of an animals skin and for an animal to give it's skin it had to die. A sacrifice had to be made.Blood had to be shed for Adam and Eve's covering. This represented and showed forth what was to come. That there would have to be a supreme sacrifice ,unspotted to shed it's blood for manKind to reconcile him back to God. That supreme sacrifice would be the lamb of God.Jesus Christ. That is why Christ had to come and die for our sins. A way had to be made.
Just as Adam realized they were naked we too come to a place in our lives when we will come to that same knowledge of our sinful condition.We will realize that we have no covering for our sin.We come to the realization that we need to be clothed upon with his righteousness in order to have everlasting life. I came to that knowledge when I was twelve years old but there is no age limit. God can save the young as well as the old. If you don't have that covering for your sins today, the way is there.Seek him today with all of your heart. The bible says to seek and ye shall find. You have a Father in Heaven who loves you. We will be praying for anyone who might read this page that is lost that you will find this loving savior and be reconciled to God before it is too late
We have just discussed how that Jesus was to be born into this world for the sins of mankind to take them upon himself and die on the cross and shed his blood that whosoever might believe in him and call upon his name could be saved. We have a page called "A study of Christmas" That I think would now be a great help for you to read. It will walk you through the entire Account of Jesus birth. When you have finished this study I hope to have more added to this page so that you can come back for more guidance as you seek the Lord.
You may acces our Christmas page by going to our homepage at www.geocities.com/kkcandj/index.html and then click on the link at the top of the page that says "a study of Christmas"
You may also click on the cross at the top of this page to return to our home page
May God bless you.We are praying for you.
The Great Physician.
Matthew 9:12-13
But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them,They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth,I will have mercy,and not sacrifice; For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
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We will be focusing on Jesus the Physician.He was a physician that could heal physically but he also was a physician that could heal spiritually. As the above verse proclaims , this was his purpose. As we read of how Jesus heals the sick there is a message in these scriptures for the lost. Just as these folk were physically ill so were we spiritually ill. We were sin sick and dying in that condition until Jesus the great physician passed our way. So let us study this week and compare these similarities.Jesus said "they that are whole need not a physician but they that are sick" then he went on and explained to them that he was speaking of the lost sinners. Those that had not yet been made whole..
I hope this will be a blessing to you. If you are lost ,I pray that you will open your heart to God's word. May God bless the reading of his word. We will continue here in this chapter 9 verse 18:
Our Christian Duty
While he yet spake these things unto them,behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My Daughter is even now dead:but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
Who have we ran to the Lord for lately? What sinner dead in sin have we called on our Lord to come to? We must come on their behalf, we must have faith as this man did and we must ask for their sake that he would come and give them that life that only he can give.Eternal life.This is our Christian duty.
But notice before Jesus even got to her house, another came to him with a great need.She too was dying.She knew that he was her only hope. A sinner must realize their condition and have a determination to be made whole. 19-22
19) And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. 20) And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21) For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 22) But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
We read about this same woman in several of the other gospel accounts. She had been to many physicians and tried many things but was no better.She had paid all the money that she had and it was gone and still no better but she heard about someone who could make a difference.
A sinner has to hear the word, the gospel message of truth that there is someone who can make a difference.The bible teaches us however that it is not the hearer that is justified, but the doer.
When she heard she believed. A sinner has to believe that Jesus can save them. A sinner must have that strong of faith. She had a determination. No doubt she was very weak from her long illness. It wasn't easy for her to reach him because there were so many people in her way. God forbid we ever stand in the way of sinners. Have you ever heard a sinner say "If it werent for that certain person who goes to that church I might go because they claim to be a christian but they do the same things that I do" Sadly I have heard that myself. The truth is that we are all human and sin and come short of God's glory every day but we must repent of those sins each day.
Sinner if you are ever saved you will have to have that determination to step over those who might be standing in your way. She pressed through that crowd. Be so determined as this woman . If you have the great concern for your sinful and dying condition as this woman did and the determination and faith then God will save you. I urge you, do not let anything hinder you.
Nothing else will work, this woman tried everything else. Isn't it time that you also realize that nothing else will work except Jesus. Jesus can do the Job and when he does something it is forever. He spoke to her:"Daughter," He immediately addressed her as a part of the family. be of good comfort. Oh how she had sought comfort for twelve years. What sorrow she had went through. Disappointment after disappointment. But now she was comforted. The Lord can do the same for you. Can't you feel his love for you?
He is full of mercy and compassion. He already know's your need and your condition. He knows of all your heartache's and disappointments in life. He know's everything that you have tried to find satisfaction and fulfillment in. He is passing by and ready and waiting to give your soul that good comfort too but you must make the effort. We must go to him and seek him. When a sinner touches him by faith, he knows it. He felt it. You too can touch the heart of Jesus today if you are reading this and you are lost. You too can be made whole.
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A Hand that can touch the heart
Matthew Chapter 9 23 ) And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, 24 ) He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. 25 ) But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. 26 ) And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
The Daughter Of Jairus who was a ruler had died and Jairus had went seeking Jesus to come and touch her.. Jairus was a good example of what the church is to be which is concerned for those who are dead in their sins. We should be praying that Jesus would save them. Jesus arrived at the home and when he told them she was only sleeping they laughed at him. These people had no faith in him or his power to raise her and notice that they did not get to go in and see this miracle neither.Her parents did believe and they did get to see.
What a loving picture when he reaches down and takes her by the hand. The Lord always has to reach down for a sinner. A sinner must look up but the Father must reach down and do what we cannot do. We must depend on him for our salvation. In Mark Chapter five we read the account of this same story except Mark tells us that he spoke to her. I believe God speaks to every sinner when they are seeking their soul's salvation. We can hear his voice and we must obey whatever it is he tells us to do.
He took her by the hand. Jesus could have touched her anywhere but he took her by the hand. It is said that there is a vein in our hand which runs from one of our fingers straight to our heart. When Jesus touches you with salvation it goes straight from his heart to yours and will remain there eternally. From our hand runs a life line to the heart and that is what the Lord wants to reach in every sinner. He wants to give that same life spiritually to you who are lost. We often will hold the hand of someone we love, our husband, our children, our friends in Christ.It is a very personal gesture.
Jesus wants to know you personally. He wants to be your best friend and he will be if you will only let him. "And the maid arose" When a sinner obeys the voice of the Lord, whatever the spirit may command them to do they can rise up from that sinful dead estate that they were lying in. Every Christian at one time was dead in sin but we have been made alive in Christ. I am so thankful for the night that he took me by the hand. You know what? He has never let go of my hand. He said he would never leave us or forsake us and he never has me.
He is a wonderful savior but he's such a wonderful friend as well. Do you know him as Your friend?
He loves you.
If you are reading this perhaps he is speaking to you. I urge you to follow his spirit and whatever he tells you to do whether it is to pray or whatever it may be just obey his voice and look up to him.He will show you what to do to be saved. Perhaps he will tell you to let go of something you are holding onto but whatever is needed he will make it plain to you if you will seek him with all of your heart. He will be there waiting to take you by the hand and come into your heart.
In darkness but following the light.
Perhaps you remember on the dark Nights in Bethlehem how that wise men followed a great light . A bright star in the heaven's led them to Jesus. The bible calls a wise man someone who fears the Lord. A sinner must have some fear about them. He has the power to give life to a sinner but for those that refuse they seal their own fate. When death finds them in that lost condition the Lord will have to tell them to depart, that he never knew them.Their name is not recorded in the book of life. We know this is not the Father's will as we read in John 3:16" For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life". It is not God's will that any should perish but that all would come to him in repentance.
The Lord does not send anyone to Hell. A sinner chooses to go there. If you reject the Lord and his spirit you could seal your fate unless the Lord is merciful and gives you another chance before you leave this world. A sinner is in Darkness. The light is Jesus. The wise men followed that light even though in darkness and they found a savior. Those who are lost and seek their soul's salvation and will follow his guiding spirit just as the wise men followed that star they too can find salvation.
Let us read here of two men who were in darkness but they followed the light. They put their faith in this light and they received their sight. Never again were they in that same condition of darkness because they had that light within which was Jesus.
Matthew 9: 27 -31
And when Jesus departed thence,two blind men followed him,,crying,and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house,the blind men came to him:and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him,Yea,Lord.
Then touched he their eyes,saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened;And Jesus straitly charged them. saying,see that no man know it. But they,when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
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This happened right after he raised Jairus's daughter. The fame of him had went throughout the land. The testimony of what he had done for someone else had reached the ears of these two blind men. They had heard of his power and they believed that he could heal them. As we have mentioned before, a sinner must come to Jesus faith believing that he is able to save him. We must believe to the salvation of our soul.Without faith it is impossible to please our God.
It said "They followed him" This may have not been an easy thing for these blind men to do. No doubt there was always a crowd about him but still they made this great effort as all sinners must do. We must all seek him for ourselves. They cried out to him. A sinner must come fully depending upon God for their salvation. These two were crying out. They had a need and they had a desire for a change to be made in their lives. Their desire was so great that they did everything that they could to reach him. They did not give up. They were persistant and at last when they came before him he asked them one question. "Believe thou that I am able to do this?" they answered yes.
He tried that faith and said, according to your faith so be it unto you and they immediately received their sight. With all their heart , they had believed and had confessed . As all sinners must believe with all their heart and soul that he came to be the Savior of the world, that he alone can redeem from sin.That he is the son of God. We must believe. We must put our faith in him and when we do he will open up our blinded eyes and we will be able to see clearly. We will be able to see into God's word. We will see people before that we didn't like with a different outlook. We will have that love in our heart for everyone and just like these men we will not be able to contain such a change in us we will have to tell others about what God has done for us. We too will have something to say. We will have a testimony to share.
My prayer for you if you are reading this and you do not know Jesus as your savior that you will seek him with all of your heart. My Prayer is for you to be saved. My Hope is that this scripture has helped you in some way. My Hope is that you will put your faith in the Lord and call on him to be saved while you still have an opportunity. For those of you who are saved I urge you to share this with someone who doesn't know the Lord as their savior. If you would like us to pray for you we will be glad to do that but if you are lost you will have to pray for yourself as well. Salvation is a personal thing. Please let us know if we can pray for you or someone you love who is lost or just someone that you know needs the Lord. We are here to be of help to you in any way that we can. May God bless you is my prayer! How is it with your soul today?
Gone to far
Matthew 12:31-32
Wherefore I say unto you,All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men:but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Holy Ghost,it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world,neither in the world to come.
This is the words of Jesus.The bible does not leave man with any excuse. Jesus is speaking plainly here of someone whom the spirit is speaking to and pleading to for salvation and they are turning the opportunity away. Jesus called it blaspheming the Holy Ghost. Let us look at the meaning now of Blasphemy: Webster's definition:
Blasphemy:Impious utterance or action concerning God or sacred things; an act of cursing or reviling God;irreverent behavior toward anything held sacred or estimable. Impious meaning :Lacking reverence , in other words, not heeding to or paying any attention to or regarding something as the truth being irreverent to it, not moving to it.
Our God is a God of mercy and love. He gives everyone an opportunity to be saved. If he continues to deal with a sinner and extends his mercy a second time then it is just that, his mercy .Perhaps someone is praying that God would give that sinner another chance, just one more opportunity.
God is merciful and long suffering but somewhere there is a line a sinner can cross. If they are just determined to ignore the spirit that is dealing with their heart they are blaspheming the Holy Ghost. And we clearly read here that this will not be forgiven unto them. Some people go to far. They reject that spirit , they totally disregard it and blaspheme the Holy Spirit.
The bible says"My spirit shall not strive with man all his days"
This is not pleasant to hear but it is our Christian duty to warn a lost person that they can go to far. Jesus is warning them here in this scripture. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart and you feel that tugging at you and urging you to do something about your lost condition and you ignore that you could pass up your last opportunity.
Let us read another scripture referring to someone in this condition:
Matthew 12:43-45
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there:and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also also unto this wicked generation.
This is speaking of someone who has made a start but has turned back. Luke 9:62 says: And Jesus said unto him,No, man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God..
Remember the story of Ruth and Orpah? Orpah at first said that she was going with Naomi to bethlehem but when she got to considering the things of the world and having a husband and thinking of leaving all she knew including her Gods she turned back but Ruth clave unto Naomi. Ruth said Wherever you go I will go. She had that determined spirit as a lost person must have to be saved. She did not turn back as Orpah did. She told Naomi "Thy people shall be my People and thy God, my God". We read the story of her natural redemption which was a spiritual representation of the spiritual redemption. The bible says that "he that endureth to the end shall be saved"
As we have mentioned already this week, the two blind men.They could not see but they followed Jesus even though it probably wasn't easy for them, they were determined. The woman with the issue of blood had the faith that if she just touched the hem of his garment she could be made whole. You cannot touch someone if you are far away from them you must try to get as close as you can.It says she pressed through that crowd, showing forth her determined spirit. She let nothing discourage her or turn her back. Even one place in the scriptures where I believe it referrs to some blind men who were calling out to Jesus and the crowd tried to silence them but they cried out even louder for mercy. A sinner must be determined and have that much concern for their soul to keep on trying and seeking.
There will be dry places, your soul will be weary but there is no place to turn back. The bible teaches us in Matthew chapter five that he that hungereth and thirsteth after righteousness shall be filled. One must go all the way. Whatever the spirit tells you to do. Don't let anyone tell you that you are saved, let God give you that assurance. Man cannot look into your heart and see but God can. Pray and seek him until you are satisfied, until you feel that virtue come into your heart.
The woman with the issue of blood"felt in her body" that she had been made whole. It isn't just a change of mind or a decision it is a life changing experience that you will feel. Comfort will replace the discomfort.Joy will take the place of the anguish and sorrow. Peace will take the place of the unrest. Put not your trust in man but put your faith in God. A sinner has to pray through for theirselves, they have to ask for salvation for theirselves. I believe the prayer must come from their heart not what someone has written or tells them to say. Seek him as the bible records here for a sinner to seek him. In humbleness, with faith, being determined, acknowledging and confessing your sins and repenting of them and following that Holy Spirit and you will be saved. No one will have to tell you, you will know it.
Your salvation is something you want to be sure about. You will face eternity one day after while. How will it be with your soul? Do you have the real thing? Not every way that you are hearing today is the way of salvation. Many people are being deceived. Is it the way the bible backs up?
If it is not do not put your trust in it. Eternity never ends it is something you need to be sure about. I pray that you all will search your heart today and if you have never felt that change in your heart, if you don't have that special place that you can go back to in your mind when you "felt " it happen. If you do not have that testimony that you were dead in your sins but made alive in Christ then I urge you to pray about it until you get satisfied. It is something to be sure about.
The bible says that there are ways that seemeth right unto a man but in the end therof there is death. Make sure you are on that right way. The straight and narrow path way. The bible says that few there be that find it. But for those who do it leads to life everlasting.
The woman with the Alabaster box.
Luke Chapter 7 verses 36-50
36) ¶ And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. 37 ) And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38) And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39) Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
40 ) And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41) There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 ) And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43) Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44) And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45) Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46) My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47) Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48) And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 ) And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 ) And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace
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The focus here in this scripture is this sinner woman who came and knelt at the feet of Jesus. She was from the city, a known sinner. The way and manner in which she came to Jesus in such humbleness and humility , faith and love is the same way all sinners must come.
She came behind him weeping. So sorrowful for her sins. Kneeling down behind him,(it was known in that day that one would sit with their feet slightly behind them at the table) she began to wash his feet with her tears. Her head bowed low. Her hair she used as a towel. Such a display of meekness and humility and tender love and adoration. She anointed his feet with a very costly ointment. By doing this she showed her faith in Jesus as the anointed of God. The messiah, the savior of the world.
A sinner must come in this manner. She was showing forth her willingness to be just a maid servant . Their duties were to wash the feet of guests in their masters house. A sinner must come willing to be just that, a servant. Doing whatever the Lord would have us to do. Jesus spoke to this pharisee of a greater love. A love one that had been forgiven much would have for the one who had forgiven. She was showing that repentant love and he took notice of it and commended her to this pharisee whom had thought himself to be much better than this poor woman.
She ceased not to kiss his feet. What love! He spoke to her. Do you remember when Jesus spoke to you? He told her that her sins were forgiven her. He told her that her faith had saved her. Salvation only comes by faith in the Lord. He told her to go in peace. What peace comes into our soul when we are saved! Only the peace that Jesus can give us. The world cannot give us that peace. She had been in the world and had no peace until she came so humble at Jesus feet that day . Pouring her heart out to the lord and anointing him with that precious ointment.
This ointment was of a great value and of a great price. Our soul was so precious to Jesus that he paid the price with his life on Calvary to redeem us. when something is redeemed it is paid for or purchased for a price.
What a price to our dear Savior that he so willingly paid. How long has it been since he really felt the love and adoration from us that he deserves? I know if we praise him 24 hours a day it still is not enough. Let us show our love to him today.
Who was this woman? What became of her?
For the answer I want to take you to John chapter 11: verses 1 and 2.
1)Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2) (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
What a change occurred in this woman's life. From a well known sinner woman to someone well known in the bible for loving to sit at those precious feet she had once anointed and hear his words. She wanted to be at his feet.
I am sure you all remember the scripture where her sister Martha was serving and Became cumbered with many things. Mary was sitting at Jesus feet and hearing his words. When Martha asked Jesus to bid Mary to come help her he simply told Martha who was a wonderful Woman of faith also that Mary had chosen that good part which would not be taken away from her.
Oh it is so good to sit at his feet. Keep ourselves humble in his presence. Eager to hear his words and take them into our hearts.
When Mary heard that Jesus was near when Lazarus died she ran and fell right down at his feet and she wept and said "Lord if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died" and Jesus groaned in the spirit when he saw her weeping and the people that were with her.
After Lazarus was raised they had a big supper and Martha was serving and Lazarus he was sitting right at the table with Jesus and what did Mary do?
John chapter 12 verses 3-7
3) Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. 4 ) Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, 5 ) Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6 ) This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. 7 ) Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
Do you see the connection?
In Chapter 11 John had referred to Mary as the woman who had anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. This had happened in the past and the writer was identifying her with that . Lazarus was sick but then after Lazarus was raised from the dead and they were at supper she took out that alabaster box of ointment. Her brother had been dead and was alive again. What a time of Joy. Perhaps putting her in remembrance of that day when she had came to him dead in her sins but left alive and set free and so she went and got her alabaster box of ointment.
Jesus said "against the day of my burying she hath kept this". She had acknowledged him as savior and Lord by anointing his feet with this ointment the first time she came to him. By knowing the scriptures and believing in him as the messiah she must also have known that he was prophesied to give his life. This she had kept just for the purpose of when that time was near. She again just as humbly as she had before got down and anointed his feet with this ointment and wiped his feet with her hair. Perhaps the day she was forgiven freshly again running through her mind"Do you remember that day Lord when I washed your feet with tears and you washed my sins away? " No doubt the remembrance of that day was running through her mind and all the feelings that go with them. A sweet odor filled the room.
What a sweet smelling savor our love and adoration is when we worship the Lord. Once again she was spoken against for doing this. Once again Jesus commended her for it. A lot of people will scoff and be offended at us when we are doing our best for the Lord but the Lord is our defence and we never have to stand alone.
As Mary found a peace and comfort and love like she had never known at the feet of Jesus ,you too can find the same. My Prayer is that you know him as Mary came to know him. If you do not you can come to know him by coming the same way that she did.
New life begins at the feet of Jesus.
Click The Cross To Return To Love Notes From Heaven