I
recently fell ill for five months and found myself... not in my home
but in Brookdale Park, a Senior Independent Living community. It was
quite a change from my retirement to the woods where I expected to live
my final days and die in the comfort of my own home.
It's very
beautiful here and the residents and hosts are friendly but it doesn't
feel like home. Instead of cathedral ceilings, I have straight, cracker
box ceilings. It took everything I had left from my retirement (which
was basically nothing) after spending it on trying to heal Diane's
stomach cancer in order to purchase a double-wide trailer with cathedral
ceilings. Now it's taking everything I have to live here.
It's
alright I guess. It's just not what I'm used to. I was trying to get
away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and have enough room
between my place and the neighbors to work on my music without
disturbing them too much. Now I'm in an apartment and the neighbors are
close but so far no one has complained about the music. In fact, I'm
becoming a bit of a celebrity around here. Of course, I'm playing an
acoustic guitar right now and not my electric. There ARE some people
here who like blues but most of them seem to be into Country music (yuk)
rather than the type of music I generally play. I even got cussed out
by two different people for not knowing San Antonio Rose. Boy, those
old ladies can get MAD if you don't know their favorite song! I'm just
glad they didn't pick up their purses and start hitting me over the
head! Haha
I'm trying to make the best of things. I get one
meal a day... the large meal being lunch in the dining room. Sometimes
the selection isn't optimal for me since I have no teeth so I have to
get creative in my ordering. I don't REALLY want to order a ten dollar
hamburger everyday. They have a nasty habit of substituting a pasta dish
when I order potatoes... sometimes with cheese, which is bad for my
IBS, and the pasta makes me choke because it gets stuck in the flap
where I pulled out my vocal cords trying to pull out my breathing tube
after my second CABG. I guess I'm going to have to be more firm about
getting what I ask for instead of what they WANT to give me. I realize
that there are a lot of people ordering a lot of different things, but
they DO have electronic devices on which they can write the orders.
These are the same devices on which they charge you for your meal.
I
need to start cooking again. My sister did buy me some new pots and
pans. They're not the expensive ones I bought and are used to but I
COULD cook with them. I just have to wait for payday and see if I have
any money left for food. I have very little in my refrigerator and
pantry at the moment. That's another thing I have to get used to. It's
just strange being without a way to get the things I need. I can
starve myself of some of my medication if I have to in order to buy
food. They seem to be overdosing me on blood pressure medicine at the
moment anyway. Either that or my heart is just on its last legs with
the arteries being so plugged. I DO still seem to be getting around
fairly well with my mom's rollator though so as long as I don't have a
sudden blood pressure drop, I'm okay. I can cook what I need when I get
some food and what I need right now is spinach. Strangely enough, if I
start getting warts, I know that I need spinach. I had three on my
foot and ate spinach everyday for two weeks and they went away.
Fifty-nine years of trial and error has let me know what my body needs.
Oh, and I also need to learn to cook meat that's tender enough for me
to eat. My heart still needs it to heal. I really don't get enough
protein from Vegan diets or even eating just fish for some reason.
Eating beef seems to line out my blood pressure generally.
Socializing
is strange at first. I'm lucky that I smoke or I probably wouldn't
have many friends yet. Playing guitar and singing helps as well. They
keep wanting me to perform for the Fun Friday event but I'm not
performance ready at this time and I don't have the equipment that I
really need to make it a better experience. Some people are suspicious
of strangers at first because they're afraid that you're going to "narc"
on them for smoking cigarettes outside their door instead of going to
the designated areas. Heck. I don't care what they do. If they want
to drink in the smoking area (which I don't think is allowed since the
American Bistro serves alcohol), I don't care. It's cheaper for them to
buy their own than pay $4.00 a beer. I know what it's like to be on a
very strict budget. I just try to get along with everyone and stay out
of their squabbles with other tenants as much as possible. Being
probably the youngest tenant here makes things a little strange
sometimes and I feel like an outcast most of the time except when I'm
with my friends at the smoking table. I try to keep them laughing as
much as possible but there are some days that it's hard for me to joke
around. It would be nice to find someone who can make me laugh too. A
couple of the ladies come up with a nice zinger on occasion but many of
the people here can't hear or don't have the mental faculties to carry
on a conversation. Sometimes people avoid me because they think I'm one
of the staff unless I'm carrying around my guitar. I guess I need to
carry around my guitar more often.
I HAVE gotten the nickname
Superman here since I generally wear a Superman shirt when I play guitar
for the ladies. It was my performance outfit online so it may as well
be here too. The old folks like Superman anyway. As long as it makes
people happy, who is it hurting? The only people who seem to object are
my family. Ah well. I think they're at least used to it by now. I
really don't know what they have against Superman. Maybe they're Batman
fans. hah
If I had my vehicle, the Willowbrook Mall is only one
block away. I could probably make it with the rollator if I took
enough sit breaks but I'm a little uneasy about getting out of the range
of my locator until the doctor gets my blood pressure medications
straightened out. Right now my body is holding me captive from going
and exploring the hot spots. Of course, money is an issue at the moment
as well. After having someone somehow getting my new debit card number
(which I haven't even had a chance to use) and putting a bunch of
$39.00 charges on it, it hasn't left much to even pay the bills. My
sister went to the bank and thinks that she finally got it straightened
out. They cancelled the card again so HOPEFULLY they won't be able to
get the new card number AGAIN. Every time I ordered the MIDI cables for
my electric piano, my mom lost the card and cancelled it anyway so it
was useless for me to try to order anything online. I'm not sure what
happened this time. I went to the websites listed on the bank statement
and they appeared to be phishing sites though so I suspect that someone
tried to order something with my card, perhaps by accident.
I
guess the biggest adjustment to being moved into a place like this is
the loss of control over your own life. Yes, I forget people's names
sometimes and I can't remember telephone numbers since the mini-stroke
but other than that, my brain seems to be functioning fairly well.
Maybe I'm not functioning as well as I think I am but everyone here
seems to feel that I'm functioning just fine. Yes, I have problems when
the diarrhea hits and my blood pressure drops making me nearly pass out
or completely pass out once but I'm on a medication to help control
that now. If it works, I should be fine. That and not eating milk
products does make a difference. It's probably good to be in a place
where there are people in case something DOES happen, but it's still
hard losing control over your finances and possessions. I'm not BIG on
possessions but I WOULD like to have what I need to do the things I'd
like to do to at least bring a little happiness to others. Knowing that
you're probably serving a life sentence in a place, even if it's nice,
is a difficult adjustment. A nice prison is still a prison. I'm not
really confined since I can leave when I want as long as I check out and
back in so they know why the locator alarm is going off but it still
feels as if you're being monitored. I understand that it's for my
health but it's still disconcerting. I don't feel old enough to be in
this situation. I'm pretty sure that even the 80+ year olds feel the
same way. Still, I'm quite a bit younger than most of the people here
so my feeling this way is probably a little more justified.
I
guess I'll get used to it eventually. I might have to have a few good
cries with some of the other tenants who feel that they were snatched
from their lives and abandoned in a place out of the way of the family
on occasion, but I'll get used to it. It's just a major adjustment.
This
isn't the first time that God has moved me around. I know that I'm
helping people but I thought that I had finally finished my work and was
moving on in the place in which I chose for that purpose. Maybe I'll
be miraculously healed again and be able to travel around to other
places to cheer up the elderly again. Maybe I'll just finish my time
here. This place wouldn't be so lonely if I had a mate and a vehicle. I
envy those who do. I guess I'll just have to wait to see what God has
in store. I'm just having to do without so many of the things that I
used to have at my fingertips and having to do without the company of my
pets that I'm feeling stir-crazy. Well, it's almost 2:00am and my mind
is very tired so I guess I had better go back to bed. Maybe one of
these days I'll get used to this place enough to be able to sleep at
night.
My grandmother returned to her uncle's plantation home for a final visit before her marriage. Her mother died in childbirth which led to her being raised in a convent while her dad worked as an engineer on the railroad. He died on his way to see her engagement ring when his train hit a stretch of bad track. Her uncle was all the family she had left.
The outside of the plantation home was nothing but painted plywood, the home having been burned by the Yankees after the civil war. Because they had been treated as sharecroppers, the negroes stayed and continued to work their share of the crops. The sharecroppers houses out front remained undamaged and were a couple of acres in front of the main house. Out back, though, the old trees and reflecting pool remained.
My grandmother used to play here with her assigned "servant" whom she merely considered a friend. As she sat reflecting on those days, a servant about her age approached. It was Simone, her old friend from her childhood.
My grandmother jumped up and embraced Simone.
"How are you doing, Simone? It has been forever since I've seen you!"
"I'm doing just fine, Miss Delhomme. I heard you done got engaged!"
"What's this 'Miss Delhomme' nonsense? It's Lorraine just lime before. Yes, I met a man. His name is Albert Hamilton Tribe. He performs on the radio in the Rice Hotel in Houston. He's so dreamy! He finally popped the question! See the ring? Isn't it beautiful?"
Yes, it's beautiful, Miss Lorainne! I'd better keep the 'Miss' so the master of the house doesn't think I'm being disrespectful to our guests. What brings you back to Louisiana, Miss Lorraine?"
"Well, as you know, my father died and I just needed the company of some family. I'm an orphan now, you know."
"Yes, I know. I'm sorry, Miss Lorrraine. Let me give you a hug."
They embraced once again and my grandmother started crying on her shoulder.
"There, there, Miss Lorraine. We're still here for you and you know that your uncle loves you dearly. Besides, you'll soon be Mrs. Tribe and you'll have a man to look after you."
"Yes, I know. It's just hard losing my father. We were so close even though he rarely got to come home. It's a shame about all of those hobos who died in the wreck. My dad wasn't supposed to let them ride but he could never turn down a poor person who needed a hand. My step-mother took all of the money from the train company. She was always so jealous of me. Dad had to sneak away to come visit me at the convent."
"It's sad, Miss Lorraine. She sure weren't mother material. As much as you hated that convent, you were probably better off than being raised by THAT selfish witch. I feel for you."
"So, is Uncle Curtis still treating you alright? Have you married yet?"
"Your Uncle Curtis is treating me just fine. Things were tight last year because of the bad crops but he saw that we were fed and taken care of. I sure do miss the extra desert you used to sneak me when you were here when we were young though."
"Haha! I'll order double again tonight and you'll have your extra dessert."
"Oh, thank you, Miss Lorraine. It will be just like old times. Hehe"
"Just like old times. Now, if you don't mind, could you leave me here alone for awhile? I have a lot of things to think about at this old reflecting pool."
"Sure thing, Miss Lorraine. Just ring this bell if you need me. I'll be sitting in the shack over there catching up on my knitting."
Simone reached in her pocket and pulled out a small, ornate silver bell with an ornate handle and handed it to my grandmother. My grandmother took the bell and put it into her pocket.
"Thank you, Simone."
"My pleasure, Miss Lorraine."
My grandmother turned back to the reflecting pool as Simone walked to the shack. She stared at the Japanese Carp swimming and floating around the pond and started thinking about her childhood. She thought about the harp that her real mother owned... and her stepmother despised... and remembered how much she wished that her mother had lived so she could grow up listening to the harp being played as she grew up. She thought about how much she hated the convent and the cruel nuns who raised her but how much more special that made it she her dad came home to visit. She thought about how much she missed him and wept awhile. Her thoughts then turned to her future. She would soon be married and having children. She would no longer be mistreated by the Sisters in the convent. She would leave the church and become a Methodist like her husband. It was both exciting and scary at the same time.
Ah, the reflecting pool. She remembered listening to the workers working the fields and singing hymns. She remembered the feasts after harvest. She remembered everyone sitting with the workers and eating watermelon on hot days. It would soon be time to return to her apartment in Houston and get on with the business of planning the wedding. For now though, she had family and the reflecting pool.
The Lottery
"Step right up folks! Get your lottery ticket. If you win you get the person of your dreams! That's right! With our high tech equipment we scan your mind, your heart, and your soul and create just the kind of mate who is perfect for you! Don't be afraid folks! Step right up and see who will be the lucky winner!"
People lined up for miles around. It was too good to be true. The person of your dreams for the rest of your life created especially for you.
As each person bought their ticket, they were guided into a special waiting area where they all stood to see who was going to be the lucky winner. There was excitement in the air. One lady cried out in a shrill voice, "Oh I hope I win! I have just the man in mind!"
Everyone was so exuberant that it seemed like it would take forever for the stage hands to get the last of the tickets placed into the giant metal cage. Finally, it was done.
The man on stage pressed a button and the cage turned repeatedly insuring that the tickets were thoroughly mixed. Finally, the huge cage slowly spun to a stop. The host reached inside.
"And the lucky winner is... drum roll please... Number 6507519. That's 6507519! Would you please come up on stage?
A man pushed his way through the crowd and appeared on stage. The numbers were checked and they matched. The winner was placed in a special chair and his heart, mind, and soul were scanned. Soon there was a ding and a lovely lady walked out of the preparation chamber and came and took the man by the arm.
"That will be all for tonight," said the announcer.
He then reached over, pulled a lever, and the rest of the contestants were dropped into a giant vat of boiling oil.
Mark
16:15-20 King James Version (KJV) 15 And he said unto them, Go ye
into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow
them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall
speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents;
and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they
shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had
spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the
right hand of God. 20 And
they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with
them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
What's
Really Needed In the World?
It's amazing how a
seemingly unrelated post on Facebook can cause an epiphany!
I was reading
a post about Pat Benatar's husband's birthday and someone commented
that if her husband hadn't gotten her to change to rock she would
still be just a lounge singer. JUST A LOUNGE SINGER?
Well, as some of you know, I'm a fan of torch singers so I went on a
search for Pat Benatar singing one of her "lounge singer"
songs to see how she sounded. What I eventually found was this:
If
you haven't seen the film Metropolis to understand what it's about, I
recommend you do so.
I haven't yet seen the 1984 version from which this was taken.
I first saw the pieced together original version in River Oaks at a
theater there. I recently saw it again. When I saw this
clip, I realized what I had been wanting to say all along and how it
fit into my idea of WORLDstock, a vision that God had given me.
What is
WORLDstock?
I
have given my part of a shared vision, the idea of WORLDstock, to
Aliza Hava who has a better location... Jerusalem. After all,
what better place to take this message than the root of where these
things stem from? I feared that I might die before I could get the
vision moving and I just hadn't anticipated running into anyone who
would have access to the area and be able to put on a peace concert
there before I met her. She was working on a similar peace
project so she was perfect to share my part of the vision with.
Anyway, onto the story.
I
always related to Freder because I came from part of both worlds and
had trouble resolving the conflict within when I stepped out of my
life of relative privilege and saw what it was to live and work
amongst the workers. There was a terrible dichotomy inside me.
If only I could find someone to stand by my side to support me into
trying to bring a resolution between the two worlds like Freder did.
I need the love and encouragement to make it happen. I have the
connections. I just need those who have faith enough in my idea to
make it happen.
When
I saw this particular clip of Metropolis with Pat Benatar's song
Here's My Heart, it struck me. I think it shows how true love
can truly bring understanding and lasting peace between opposing
groups. The groups aren't opposing in reality but need each
other to exist. It's just that both groups have forgotten that they
need each other and need to be compassionate toward one another.
I
have seen the tensions forming on both sides. It's like a
repeat of the movie Metropolis. Both sides seem to be warring
with each other and it is about to become a revolution that could
destroy everything on earth. Deep down, the rich know that it's
not right to hoard everything and starve the workers who made their
riches and machinery possible.
Proverbs 11:26 King James Version (KJV)
26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
Isaiah 23:18 King James Version (KJV)
18 And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.
Proverbs 28:27 King James Version (KJV)
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Deep down, the poor know that
it's not right to kill the rich and to destroy everything that they
created which also supports them and their lifestyle. Instead
of a warring revolution with possible nuclear implications, what is
needed is a meeting of the hearts. Rather than revolution we
need conflict resolution. Though the following song is dated,
its message is what the world really needs right now... not war, not
revolutions, but true love.
James 3:13-18 King James Version (KJV)
13 Who
is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a
good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But
the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Proverbs 13:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Proverbs 6:34 King James Version (KJV)
34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
Jackie DeShannon - What the World Needs Now (with
lyrics)
Now,
it's true that at this point, the technology exists to tell the
corporate masters to go to hell. What people of those groups
don't realize is that it's not something that would happen
overnight. Some people can't afford completely self-sustainable
quarters and don't have the health to go out in search of their own
food. Not everyone can afford to relocate. There are
people living on the streets with no food and no housing. They
have no source of income and there are no jobs out there that they
are capable of performing. The
Venus Project has some great ideas but these ideas take money and
time to implement. If none of the people who support the ideas
have the money to make it happen, the ideas are irrelevant.
Still, a more compassionate view between the working class and the
management class could acheive similar results and there would be no
need for the wars and destruction that are likely to take place in
the very near future if something doesn't change. Don't be
fooled. The working class now has very powerful weapons at its
disposal. They have been stockpiling guns, grenades, missile
launchers, and have even obtained nuclear weapons and support.
Spending your life hiding in an underground bunker, no matter how
elaborate, is no substitute for living among others in a peaceful,
compassionate fashion. Shouldn't we find a way to make peace
rather than revolt? This was Jesus' vision. It was God's
message to mankind. It was why God sent Jesus to the Jews and
to all mankind. Let's make the following verse a reality
everyday as He intended.
Luke
2:14King James Version (KJV)
14 Glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Sometimes,
I don't think women realize what an inspiration a woman can be to a
man. She can wake all his hidden talents even if they've lain dormant
for decades. Ladies, don't fear your man's talents and abilities.
Don't suppress them. Help nurture and guide them so that he can make
the most of them and you... And maybe the rest of the world... Will
reap the rewards. The reverse is true as well. Support
your women in their talents and dreams.
John 16:33 New International Version (NIV)
33 “I
have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this
world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
world.”
True
love can overcome any barrier whether it be social class, race, sex,
or great distance. As long as we truly open our hearts to one
another, we will be surprised at how much more compatible we are than
we previously thought. I owe this to someone whom I truly
admire, and yes, love.
John 16:33
King James Version (KJV)
33 These
things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the
world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have
overcome the world.
I
don't fear the world or what it can do to me. I know that He who is
in me is greater than he who is in the world. I am quite comfortable
being of good cheer in dangerous times because I've been through
dangerous times and I know that He shall see me through until the
end.
1
John 4:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 Ye are of God, little children,
and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he
that is in the world.
We
should not be afraid of others. We should especially not be afraid
of those who would keep us from doing God's will through threats of
harm. These things will come and these things will pass.
Matthew
24:8-14 King James Version (KJV)
8 All these are the beginning of
sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up
to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all
nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be
offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall
rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall
abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto
the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom
shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations;
and then shall the end come.
I
know that tougher times are coming, but I've been there too and know
that God will give me the words to say when it is time to say them.
I shall endure unto the end. I shall be here until God calls me
home.
Luke
12:11-12 King James Version (KJV)
11 And when they bring you unto
the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought
how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach
you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
So,
be of good cheer. If you have accepted Jesus into your heart, fear
not. If you have not then I invite you to do it at this time. Here
is a simple prayer you can pray.
Dear
Jesus,
Come
into my heart and teach me the things I need to know. Teach me how
to love God with all of my heart and all of my soul. Teach me how to
love you and to love others as you did. Teach me your ways and teach
me of heavenly things that I might walk in your path until the end.
It's amazing how a seemingly unrelated post on Facebook can cause an epiphany!
I was reading a post about Pat Benatar's husband's birthday and someone commented that if her husband hadn't gotten her to change to rock she would still be just a lounge singer. JUST A LOUNGE SINGER? Well, as some of you know, I'm a fan of torch singers so I went on a search for Pat Benatar singing one of her "lounge singer" songs to see how she sounded. What I eventually found was this:
If you haven't seen the film Metropolis to understand what it's about, I recommend you do so. I haven't yet seen the 1984 version from which this was taken. I first saw the pieced together original version in River Oaks at a theater there. I recently saw it again. When I saw this clip, I realized what I had been wanting to say all along and how it fit into my idea of WORLDstock.
What is WORLDstock?
I have given my part of a shared vision, the idea of WORLDstock, to Aliza Hava who has a better location... Jerusalem. I feared that I might die before I could get the vision moving and I just hadn't anticipated running into anyone who would have access to the area and be able to put on a peace concert there before I met her. She was working on a similar peace project so she was perfect to share my part of the vision with. Anyway, onto the story.
I
always related to Freder because I came from part of both worlds and
had trouble resolving the conflict within when I stepped out of my life
of relative privilege and saw what it was to live and work amongst the
workers. There was a terrible dichotomy inside me. If only I could find someone
to stand by my side to support me into trying to bring a resolution
between the two worlds. I need the love and encouragement to make it
happen. I have the connections. I just need those who have faith
enough in my idea to make it happen.
When I saw this particular clip of Metropolis with Pat Benatar's song Here's My Heart, it struck me. I think it shows how true love can truly bring understanding and lasting peace between opposing groups. The
groups aren't opposing in reality but need each other to exist. It's
just that both groups have forgotten that they need each other and need
to be compassionate toward one another.
I have seen the tensions forming on both sides. It's like a repeat of the movie Metropolis. Both sides seem to be warring with each other and it is about to become a revolution that could destroy everything on earth. Deep down, the rich know that it's not right to hoard everything and starve the workers who made their riches and machinery possible. Deep down, the poor know that it's not right to kill the rich and to destroy everything that they created which also supports them and their lifestyle. Instead of a warring revolution with possible nuclear implications, what is needed is a meeting of the hearts. Rather than revolution we need conflict resolution. Though the following song is dated, its message is what the world really needs right now... not war, not revolutions, but true love.
Jackie DeShannon - What the World Needs Now (with lyrics)
Now, it's true that at this point, the technology exists to tell the corporate masters to go to hell. What people of those groups don't realize is that it's not something that would happen overnight. Some people can't afford completely self-sustainable quarters and don't have the health to go out in search of their own food. Not everyone can afford to relocate. There are people living on the streets with no food and no housing. They have no source of income and there are no jobs out there that they are capable of performing. The Venus Project has some great ideas but these ideas take money and time to implement. If none of the people who support the ideas have the money to make it happen, the ideas are irrelevant. Still, a more compassionate view between the working class and the management class could acheive similar results and there would be no need for the wars and destruction that are likely to take place in the very near future if something doesn't change. Don't be fooled. The working class now has very powerful weapons at its disposal. They have been stockpiling guns, grenades, missile launchers, and have even obtained nuclear weapons and support. Spending your life hiding in an underground bunker, no matter how elaborate, is no substitute for living among others in a peaceful, compassionate fashion. Shouldn't we find a way to make peace rather than revolt? This was Jesus' vision. It was God's message to mankind. It was why God sent Jesus to the Jews and to all mankind. Let's make the following verse a reality everyday as He intended.
Luke 2:14King James Version (KJV)
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Love, Hope, Peace, and Christ be with you,
Cal-el
P.S. Sometimes, I don't think women realize what an inspiration a woman can
be to a man. She can wake all his hidden talents even if they've lain
dormant for decades. Ladies, don't fear your man's talents and
abilities. Don't suppress them. Help nurture and guide them so that he
can make the most of them and you... And maybe the rest of the world...
Will reap the rewards. The reverse is true as well. Support your women in their talents and dreams.
P.P.S. True love can overcome any barrier whether it be social class, race, sex, or great distance. As long as we truly open our hearts to one another, we will be surprised at how much more compatible we are than we previously thought. I owe this to someone whom I truly admire, and yes, love.
The
Events Leading Up to and Including Jesus' Death
Covenant
of Hope Ministries Thursday Study_4_17_2014
Good
afternoon, and welcome to this Midweek Study for Covenant of Hope
Ministries. I am Elder Cal Jennings. You can find sermons posted on
Sundays and studies on Wednesday. Our locations are online only:
We
have email (instant messenger if you need me) through Facebook every
day. These are now extremely variable. We’re still working this out
between the two of us as to what will happen, our Elder, Cal Jennings
and I. I will inform you further regarding changes. These changes
were made due to health reasons. The sermon length has shortened
dramatically. We are unsure as to when there might be video
presentations.
Prayer
List: We have many on our prayer
list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have
their first names mentioned. Our prayer list has grown from last
week. This is our current prayer list for this week.
-
Please keep Elder Cal Jennings in your prayers as he is very sick
spending most of his week extremely weak and in bed.
-
Please pray for my friend Teresa’s sister who is in stage four
cancer.
-
Please keep our member Wayne Bartosh in prayer for his trials and
tribulations that he may receive mercy and hope in Jesus.
-
Please keep an elderly couple in your prayers still, they are in
their eighties, and the woman just had surgery. She came out of it
well, and is healing. May the Lord bless them and keep the two
together, even if just for a little while here on this earth.
-
Please keep others known by any of us up in prayer for whatever they
might need.
-
Please keep my friend Heather in prayer for patience and safe haven.
-
Please keep my whole family in prayer for the pain, suffering, and
chaos we are going through. My physical being is very weak still.
Those who have seen pictures have said so. Thankfully, with a new
medication the dizzy spells have lessened. Praise God and Jesus for
that.
-
Pray that the adversity and the pain we have seen around the world
would be relieved, and swept away. May we find common ground in many
ways, even if we start with just one step.
-
Remember those who have been lost either violently or peacefully this
week.
-
Pray that I may be able to get in touch with all of our membership,
even with the shortest of notes, just to say hello and I’m thinking
about each of you.
-
Keep the ministry in your thoughts, each member, no matter their
location, their circumstances, because a group of friends, a
ministry, should support one another.
-
There are many in our ministry who are searching for more in regard
to our presence with my health, and with the health of others. We
pray that there would be health found once more, and that we have
answers to all and for all.
-
Please keep a friend, Debby, in your prayers for a swift recovery
after major cancer surgery.
-
Continue your prayers for Phoebe Fair’s family as they continue to
grieve her loss.
-
Pray that the adversity and the pain we have seen around the world
would be relieved, and swept away. May we find common ground in many
ways, even if we start with just one step.
-
Keep the ministry in your thoughts, each member, no matter their
location, their circumstances, because a group of friends, a
ministry, should support one another.
-
There are many in our ministry who are searching for more in regard
to our presence with my health, and with the health of others. We
pray that there would be health found once more, and that we have
answers to all and for all.
Prayer:
Father
in heaven, we thank You for this day and for these who are here to
share it with us. We bring up to you in prayer our friends, family,
and membership who are in pain, sorrow, or are suffering difficulties
of any kind. We pray that they may be healed, brought solace, and
given mercy. We pray for those who we don't know of that are also
experiencing pain, suffering sorrow, or are experiencing
difficulties. We do all of this in Your Holy Name through the Savior
Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall
be.
Most
of us who have attended churches most of our lives and have reached
their 50s and 60s in age know about the events leading up to Jesus'
death. I'm going to put up a time line posted by About.com and talk
a little bit about what Jesus suffered and what we can compare it to
today. The article will be indented and my comments will be left
justified.
The
Last Supper (Matthew 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke
22:14-38; John 13:21-30)
Jesus, knowing that his time was at hand, decided to make some
announcements to the Apostles and let them know who was going to
betray him. This was a Passover feast or a Jewish Seder. The wine,
if it was a traditional Jewish Passover Seder was Kosher fermented
wine (Thanks to Sharon Dobson for the help with Jewish traditions).
I was unsure because the Greek word used in the passage for the Last
Supper was a word that could mean either fermented or unfermented.
This is where Jesus let the others know and let Judas know that he
knew who it was who was going to betray him.
Here is an excerpt from Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane.
Matthew 26:38-40
King James Version (KJV) 38 Then saith he unto them, My
soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and
watch with me. 39 And he went a little farther,
and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be
possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but
as thou wilt. 40 And he cometh unto the
disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could
ye not watch with me one hour?
Have you ever been in a time of deep sorrow knowing that something
horrible for you was approaching? Maybe it was a bill you couldn't
pay and the court was going to take action against you? Maybe it was
knowing you had to go to school the next day and face being beaten up
by a bully or bullies? Perhaps you had another experience of some
kind that was similar in nature? Now, imagine that you wanted your
friends to be with you because you were in great fear and sorrow and
they all but ignored you. Imagine also that you knew that one of
your friends was going to betray you and speak against you. How
would you feel? That is what Jesus faced here.
Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested (Matthew 26:47-56;
Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11)
This is where Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. He used a kiss of
greeting to show those who sought to kill him who the leader of the
Christian sect was. Matthew 26:47 says that there was a great
multitude with swords and staves from the chief priests and elders of
the people.
Matthew 26:47
King James Version (KJV) 47 And while he yet spake, lo,
Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with
swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Can you imagine the religious leaders of today coming at you with
weapons to kill you for committing such crimes as healing someone on
the Sabbath, teaching that you should treat your neighbors well, even
if they aren't your kind, teaching that money is the root of all
kinds of evil, and associating with the poor, lepers, tax collectors,
and prostitutes to try to teach them a better way of life? Jesus
seemed a little confused by it as well.
Mark 14:48
King James Version (KJV) 48 And Jesus answered and said
unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with
staves to take me?
This is right after Simon Peter cut off the high priest's
servant's ear and Jesus healed it.
John 18:10-11
King James Version (KJV) 10 Then Simon Peter having a sword
drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right
ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put
up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me,
shall I not drink it?
Yes, this was to fulfill prophecy, but Jesus was also trying to
teach his Apostles something. They were still expecting Jesus to set
up a physical kingdom. When he was asked about taxed Jesus told them
this.
Mark 12:14-17
King James Version (KJV) 14 And when they were come, they
say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no
man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way
of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not
give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye
me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he
saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they
said unto him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto
them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the
things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the
things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.” This was
another indication that Jesus' kingdom was not a physical one but a
spiritual one yet, at the time of his arrest, his Apostles still
didn't understand.
Imagine for a moment that you're laying on your death bed and you
have tried and tried to explain something to one of your children all
of your life and they STILL didn't understand. How would you feel?
Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt when he knew that he soon
would not be around to teach them anymore?
The Religious Leaders Condemn Jesus (Matthew
27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71)
Here Jesus was approached by the religious leaders and charges
were presented to Pontius Pilate.
Matthew 27:1-2
King James Version (KJV) 27 When the morning was come, all
the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus
to put him to death: 2 And when they had bound him,
they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
Can you imagine preachers and elders coming against you for
teaching something with which they disagreed and even wanting you put
to death for it... especially when you were trying to do good? In
this day and age, I certainly can. Pastor Steven Anderson, Pastor of
the Faithful World Baptist Church, in Tempe, Arizona, is praying for
President Barack Obama's death. Obama has claimed to be a Christian,
yet some want him put to death because they don't see eye to eye with
his beliefs on how to treat others. It could happen to any one of us
who truly try to follow Jesus and live as he taught us to live.
6 a.m.
Jesus Stands Trial Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37)
After all he had been through, Jesus stood before Pilate and, for
the most part, exercised his right to remain silent. If he had
answered and explained about his spiritual kingdom, Jesus probably
would have been let go.
Mark 15:2-5
King James Version (KJV) 2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou
the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest
it. 3 And the chief priests accused
him of many things: but he answered nothing. 4 And Pilate asked him again,
saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness
against thee. 5 But Jesus yet answered nothing;
so that Pilate marvelled.
“Thou sayest it.” I have to wonder if that was a phrase
similar to the one we use today, “You said it” meaning yes,
definitely? Jesus often used such a phrase when asked a question.
Pilate probably sensed that Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing
and marvelled at the fact that Jesus wouldn't speak in his own
defense. Because Jesus refused to answer any questions, Pilate sent
him to Herod.
Jesus Sent to Herod (Luke 23:6-12)
Herod was anxious to see Jesus because he had heard of the
miracles that Jesus performed and desired to see some of them. Jesus
refused to comply though and still refused to answer any questions.
Luke 23:10-11
King James Version (KJV) 10 And the chief priests and
scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11 And Herod with his men of war
set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous
robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
Here again the religious leaders accused Jesus. Being
disappointed that Jesus didn't perform any miracles for him, Herod
and his soldiers mocked him, placed a gorgeous robe on him, and sent
him back to Pilate. Can you imagine being mocked and having a robe
put on you because you said that you were a son of God? Jesus had
claimed to be the king of the Jews, though he meant spiritually, so
they placed a fine robe on him and mocked him and tormented him.
7 a.m.
Jesus Returned to Pilate (Luke 23:11)
Jesus was returned to Pilate but after discussing thins with
Herod, decided that Jesus had done nothing worthy of death.
Luke 23:12-26
King James Version (KJV) 12 And the same day Pilate and
Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity
between themselves. 13 And Pilate, when he had called
together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 Said unto them, Ye have brought
this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I,
having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man
touching those things whereof ye accuse him: 15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent
you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. 16 I will therefore chastise him,
and release him. 17 (For of necessity he must
release one unto them at the feast.) 18 And they cried out all at once,
saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: 19 (Who for a certain sedition
made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) 20 Pilate therefore, willing to
release Jesus, spake again to them. 21 But they cried, saying, Crucify
him, crucify him. 22 And he said unto them the third
time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in
him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.
Can you imagine being falsely accused of something and jailed and
hearing the judge say that you had done nothing wrong as far as he
could determine? Wouldn't you be momentarily relieved? I'm sure
Jesus was, but that didn't last long.
Jesus is Sentenced to Death (Matthew 27:26; Mark
15:15; Luke 23:23-24; John 19:16)
Luke 23:23-26
King James Version (KJV) 23 And they were instant with loud
voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them
and of the chief priests prevailed. 24 And Pilate gave sentence that
it should be as they required. 25 And he released unto them him
that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had
desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will. 26 And as they led him away, they
laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and
on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
The religious leaders were so jealous and angry that they demanded
that Jesus be put to death in place of someone widely known for
sedition and murder. Here you are, a peaceful man who did nothing
but teach of the kingdom of God and try to help others being
sentenced to death because the religious leaders didn't agree with
what you taught. They felt insulted because Jesus called them out on
wearing expensive clothing (robes) and trying to show how much more
religious they were than others. Can you imagine how it would feel
to have a religious leader wanting you nailed to a cross, burned at
the stake, shot, or put to death in some other horrific manner for
that? That is how angry they were at Jesus for exposing them for
what they were. Jesus' sentence was to be nailed to a cross and left
to die... crucified... for exposing their corruption and evil.
8 a.m.
Jesus is Led Away to Calvary (Matthew 27:32-34; Mark 15:21-24; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:16-17)
Three of the gospels have Simon, a
Cyrenian, bearing the cross behind Jesus as he was being led to be
crucified. John has Jesus bearing the cross.
John 19:16-17
King James Version (KJV) 16 Then delivered he him therefore
unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. 17 And he bearing his cross went
forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in
the Hebrew Golgotha:
Nowhere can I find Jesus bearing the cross and falling as has been
taught in most churches. It's not in the bible we use. I couldn't
find anything that talked about it being an oral tradition. If
someone knows where this came from, please let me know. As far as I
know it is something that was taken from scenes in movies that were
added to make the scenes more dramatic.
Matthew 27:25-31
King James Version (KJV) 25 Then answered all the people,
and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. 26 Then released he Barabbas unto
them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be
crucified. 27 Then the soldiers of the
governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the
whole band of soldiers. 28 And they stripped him, and put
on him a scarlet robe. 29 And when they had platted a
crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right
hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying,
Hail, King of the Jews! 30 And they spit upon him, and
took the reed, and smote him on the head. 31 And after that they had mocked
him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him,
and led him away to crucify him.
Jesus had been beaten, mocked, and spat upon by a gang of
soldiers. Have you ever been beaten, mocked, and spat upon by a gang
of people? If not, I can tell you that it is a very unpleasant
experience. When they finish, you are so worn out that you wouldn't
be able to carry much, much less a huge wooden cross. That is most
probably whey they called upon Simon to bear the cross for Jesus.
Perhaps after Jesus recovered from the beating a little he carried
the cross. Still, it's a bit of a mystery.
The Crucifixion
9 a.m. - "The Third Hour"
Jesus
is Crucified on the Cross Mark 15: 25 - It was the third hour when they crucified
him.(NIV).
The third hour in Jewish time would have been 9 a.m.
Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, "Father, forgive them,
for they do not know what they are doing."(NIV)
The Soldiers Cast Lots for Jesus' Clothing (Mark
15:24)
Jesus was crucified when he got to a place called Golgotha or the
place of the skull. As he hung there in pain between two thieves,
he asked God to forgive those who had condemned him and crucified
him. That was a huge act of love for his fellow man. Have you ever
known a person that loving and forgiving? They are very rare. Some
talk as if they would, but when it comes down to it actually
happening, especially being in such pain, such people are very rare.
The soldiers then gave Jesus wine mingled with myrrh which Jesus
refused. I looked up the uses for myrrh and found that it was an
analgesic. It also was known to speed up the blood flow. Perhaps
the soldier who offered it to him was really trying to ease his
suffering and let him pass from the pain quickly by increasing the
blood flow out of his wounds. It had been used in the past in Egypt
to embalm mummies. Matthew gives a slightly different account.
Matthew 27:34
King James Version (KJV) 34 They gave him vinegar to drink
mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not
drink.
Instead of vinegar, the NIV translates the word as wine.
Matthew 27:34
New International Version (NIV) 34 There they offered Jesus wine
to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink
it.
10 a.m.
Jesus is Insulted and Mocked Matthew 27:39-40 - And the people passing by shouted
abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. "So! You can destroy the
Temple and build it again in three days, can you? Well then, if you
are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!"(NLT)
Mark 15:31 - The leading priests and teachers of
religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they
scoffed, "but he can't save himself!"(NLT)
Luke 23:36-37 - The soldiers mocked him, too, by
offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, "If
you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"(NLT)
Luke 23:39 - One of the criminals who hung there hurled
insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"(NIV)
On top of having to suffer those things, Jesus was insulted and
ridiculed.
Matthew 27:39-40
King James Version (KJV) 39 And they that passed by reviled
him, wagging their heads, 40 And saying, Thou that
destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself.
If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
They were basically telling him that if he was the Son of God and
could destroy the temple and build it in three days to come down from
the cross and heal himself. Have you ever experienced anything
similar? Perhaps someone doubted your faith and said that if you had
the ability to heal others, why can't you heal yourself? Perhaps
they told you something like, “If you are a Christian, let me see
you do a miracle?” You may or may not have suffered such a thing
but it would be much more difficult if you were hanging from a cross
writhing in pain.
11 a.m.
Jesus and the Criminal Luke 23:40-43 - But the other criminal rebuked him.
"Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under
the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what
our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your
kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be
with me in paradise." (NIV)
Luke 23:39-43
King James Version (KJV) 39 And one of the malefactors
which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save
thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked
him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same
condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we
receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing
amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord,
remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily
I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
\
On one side, Jesus had a criminal hanging next to him who mocked
him. On the other side, Jesus had a criminal who admitted his
wrongdoing and spoke of Jesus innocence. Hearing the one who was
correcting the criminal who was mocking Jesus must have been a
relief. Wouldn't you feel good if someone stood up for you when you
had done no wrong? Jesus was so thankful that he promised that the
man who stood up for him would be with him in paradise.
Jesus Speaks to Mary and John John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing
there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, "Woman, he
is your son." And he said to this disciple, "She is your
mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home.(NLT)
Jesus
had been abandoned by most of his disciples because they were
afraid. There were three people who were close to him who were
present when he was having to go through all of his pain and
suffering. They were his mother Mary and Mary of Magdalene.
Jesus looked down upon them and must have felt incredible sorrow
that he was about to leave them. He knew he was dying.
John 19:25-27
King James Version (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.
Knowing that he was dying, Jesus looked at the unnamed disciple
and told his mother to behold him as her son. Jesus wanted to be
sure that his mother was going to be taken care of in his absence.
The unnamed disciple was John, his most beloved disciple with whom
Mary lived after Jesus' death. If your mother was in your care,
wouldn't you want someone to take care of your mother? Wouldn't you
want it to be your most beloved friend?
Noon - "The Sixth Hour"
Darkness Covers the Land Mark 15:33 - At the sixth hour darkness came over the
whole land until the ninth hour.(NLT)
1 p.m.
Jesus Cries Out to the Father Matthew 27:46 - And about the ninth hour Jesus cried
out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”
that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”(NKJV)
Mark 15:33-34
King James Version (KJV) 33 And when the sixth hour was
come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus
cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which
is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Darkness came over the land from the sixth hour of his hanging on
the cross until the ninth hour. Jesus felt alone, ashamed,
powerless, and abandoned. He then cried out to God the first line
of Psalm 22:1.
Psalm 22:1
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Suffering,
Praise, and Posterity of the Messiah
To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Deer of the
Dawn.”[a]
A Psalm of David.
22 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are
You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My
groaning?
\Jesus became very thirsty as he was dying and said that he was
thirsty.
Jesus is Thirsty John 19:28-29 - Jesus knew that everything was now
finished, and to fulfill the Scriptures he said, "I am
thirsty."A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a
sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips.(NLT)
The King James lists the word as vinegar. Wine, when it sours,
becomes vinegar. It was probably a bottle of wine that had been
sitting there for a period of time.
John 19:28-29
King James Version (KJV) 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.
Hyssop can cause epileptic reactions and seizures and stimulate
the gastrointestinal system in high doses. I don't know if this had
any bearing on its use or if it was simply a dry weed that was near
the cross. I'm sure that vinegar was the last thing that someone
hanging on a cross, dying, would want to taste to dry his or her
mouth. Whether it was intentional or just the only thing that was
wet that was around, it doesn't say.
2 p.m.
It is Finished John 19:30a - When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It
is finished!"(NLT)
Luke 23:46 - Jesus called out with a loud voice,
"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had
said this, he breathed his last.(NIV)
Jesus tasted the vinegar and gave up the ghost.
John 19:30
King James Version (KJV) 30 When Jesus therefore had
received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head,
and gave up the ghost.
They had killed Jesus, but they were in for more than they
bargained for.
3 p.m. - "The Ninth Hour"
Events Following
Jesus' Death
The Earthquake Matthew 27:51-52 - At that moment the curtain of the
temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the
rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people
who had died were raised to life.(NIV)
The earth shook and the veil of the temple was rent from top to
bottom. The curtain between the temple and the Holy of Holies was
very thick. The Holy of Holies was where the priest entered with a
rope tied around him to ask God forgiveness for the sins of the
people for the year. This was symbolic in that now people could go
directly to God to ask forgiveness for their sins through Jesus, the
Christ.
The Centurion
- "Surely he was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54;
Mark 15:38; Luke 23:47)
The Soldiers Break the Thieves' Legs (John
19:31-33)
The Soldier Pierces Jesus Side (John 19:34)
My Jewish friend speculates that perhaps Jesus' heart was still
beating when the soldier pierced Jesus' side and blood and water came
out. I don't know if the position of the body would allow gravity to
make the blood in a dead person flow or not. It has been a subject
of some discussion and may soon be the subject of more.
Jesus is Laid in the Tomb (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)
My
Jewish friend spoke of a Jewish tradition of placing a body in a tomb
for a period of time then moving it to another place for burial. It
makes her skeptical about the events as described. Still, we believe
that angels DID move the stone and Jesus rose from the dead. I
certainly have my own reasons for believing. Considering all that
Jesus went through, is it really too much to ask us to believe in
Him? It's all that he asks for the forgiveness of sin, for the
ability to talk directly to God, and to be able to do even greater
things than he did now that he is with the Father. God has given us
the ability to become sons and daughters of God, to have an interest
in His in his blood that was spilled for us. If you haven't accepted
Jesus as your savior, won't you accept him today?
After
this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give
us this day our daily bread.
And
forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is
the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew
6:9-13 KJV)
