AWAKE, ARISE, AND TRIUMPH
Wednesday – December 23, 2020, Tevet 15, 5781
WOMAN BEHOLD THY SON
Greetings dear and precious friends and partners as we proceed towards Christmas, now just two days away. Wow, how did it happen? Have we been making good use of our time in the COVID-19 era or have we been too busy rebelling, being defiant, and having a generally bad attitude? You don’t have to answer. The world has been watching the Church (traditional organized) during this time of crisis and have only wagged their heads failing to find a righteous standard or a people and place of comfort. Now, let’s turn our attention to the Book of John. Welcome back to this ongoing Bible Study of the Book of John. God is so good to us. Please take a moment and share these teachings as widely as possible to expand the reach of the Truth. The featured picture today was provided by our good friend Joe Getchell Jr. What a beautiful sunset. Joe has a very good eye for what images are appealing.
I find it quite amazing that the text we are dealing with in this Christmas season is the Crucifixion of our Savior. The sacrificial Lamb of God, not that God needed a sacrifice for any sin He committed but we, mankind, desperately needed forgiveness and restoration (for all who will choose) to the family of God. Why someone would choose darkness is beyond me today however there was a time when I too choose darkness. You might be thinking this is not Resurrection Sunday week but Christmas. Jesus did not come to be a cute little tike in a manger (although no doubt He was) but THE sacrificial Lamb. Now, let’s turn our attention to our primary Bible text and read it aloud, yes, out loud.
John 19:25-30 (KJV)
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Jesus, the Lamb of God, is sure one outstanding Christmas present! How can we not give thanksgiving to God the Father, Jesus the Savior, and the Holy Spirit who empowered Him (as He does us today) day and night? We are certainly a unique and privileged people.
1 Peter 2:8-10 (KJV)
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Wow, what about verse nine?! That verse is talking about you and me dear brother and sister. That word “peculiar” simply means special although we do run into some that qualify for the traditional definition of the word. Dear ones there has never been a people like the Church nor will there ever be in the eternity before us.
Joel 2:2 (KJV)
2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. (Bold added)
As I end for today let’s take just a moment and look back at verse twenty-six. It appears that Joseph the husband of Mary has either died or is not in the picture for other reasons. It also seems that Mary has been living with Jesus in Capernaum. If she were living with another child why would Jesus be finding her a place to live the rest of her life? Also, be reminded that none of Jesus’ brother and sister believed on Jesus until after the Resurrection and ascension so they could not provide the proper spiritual environment for Mary. Jesus appoints the Apostle John as the one to care for His mother and makes it clear to His mother that is His will.
As we are just hours from Christmas please keep it simple, and keep your eyes on the reason for the season. Do not get frustrated with the gift giving and for sure don’t believe you have to bake until you drop. There is no reward in Heaven for either one. Lord willing, I will pick up right here tomorrow, Christmas Eve.
2 Chronicles 20:20b (KJV)
20 … Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
Until our next publication, as a Bible Teacher and Prophetic Voice I speak this blessing over each and every one of you, receive it, believe it, and speak over yourself and your family by faith in Jesus name! Quit asking God to bless you, you are already blessed, you have the Blessing, give Him something to do by the words of your mouth. Once you know the will of God, decree the thing (Job 22:28, Isaiah 45:11, Mark 11:23). (The Blessing is the Holy Spirit) We have left God way to long with nothing to do in our lives.
Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)
24 The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;
26 The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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