My family watched the “Passion of the Christ” again Easter night. We haven’t seen it in awhile & wanted to revisit & remind ourselves of what Jesus had done for us. It is a powerful, moving presentation and, as far as I’ve studied biblical history, is probably the most accurate, vivid account put to film.
If you haven’t seen the movie or read the account in the bible in John 18, Pilate was questioning Jesus. The religious leaders & the mob came to Pilate to have Jesus put to death. Pilate examined Him & found no fault in Jesus. He was puzzled at why Jesus didn’t defend Himself & wanted to know the basis for the insurrection happening. Jesus, knowing full well His purpose on this earth was to die for the sins of mankind, did not fight to stay alive. He spoke of truth.
Pilate had seen so many lies & political manipulation that ‘truth’ had become an abstract thought. The film depicted Pilate as a jaded, weary leader trying to appease people in constant turmoil & squabble. His answer belied the world weariness. He asked Jesus, “What is truth?”
A few chapters back (actually hours before this event) Jesus was telling His disciples of His pending sacrifice. They didn’t fully understand & were unsure of the future. Thomas asked about the uncertain days ahead. That’s when Jesus made a statement that has been shared thousands of times throughout the years: “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NLT
It is easy to become like Pilate or like the early disciples. We aren’t sure where to find truth. It seems most every political figure ‘spins’ the ‘truth’ & twists words to obtain media & public favor. Even many religious leaders seem to lie & distort truth for personal gain. It makes it awfully hard to know what ‘truth’ actually is! Each religion says they possess the ‘truth’ & all others are liars. Again, it makes you want to say, “What is truth?” All throughout scripture we read Jesus saying, “I tell you the truth...” In an absolutely uncertain & untruthful world, Jesus is the ONLY ray of truth. Search for Him & you’ll find truth.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Dave Jackson on facebook
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org cell 870-217-937
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Lamb of God
Our church family recently enjoyed Passover together. Almost 300 people joined as a family to partake of the Sedar & meal & eat ‘lots a Matzah!”
No, we’re not Jewish & yes, we realize Passover is over a month away. We joined together before Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, to realize just how much God had to do to make our sinful world right!
All through the evening we looked back at how God helped His people try to cleanse their sin. We were reminded the ritual was just that: a ritual that symbolizes God’s longing for a right relationship with us. As we ate the lamb it reminded us of how sin hurts the innocent.
The lamb was never meant to fully cleanse & pardon the sins of mankind. It had to be done every year until there was One Perfect Sacrifice. Jesus stepped in to be the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
God created us with a heart for choice, a free will to follow Him or not. While I don’t pretend to fully understand all the ways of God, it was obvious that He wanted us to follow Him of our own choice & not by command. Sadly, it took the death of the innocent to cover our mistakes though. So Jesus stepped forward to be that ultimate Passover Lamb.
This week remember all that Jesus went through for you & me. On the cross Jesus cried out just before His heart burst for the sins of man, “Telesta”! It is a Greek & Aramaic victory shout that means, “It is finished.” Not His life was finished. The price & sacrifice for redemption was finished. The wonderful, powerful message of Easter is not simply that Jesus died, but that He rose again!
One day those who have a right relationship with God will see this Risen Lamb face to Face. We’ll join the hosts of heaven in shouting these words!
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power
and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
Revelation 5:12
If you have any questions about Easter or a relationship with God feel free to call on me. I also invite all families with children to join us at Jacksonport State Park for a giant Easter Egg hunt. First Baptist Church will provide the giant inflatable games, Easter ‘tattoos’ & tracts. Area groups will provide candy & prizes for all.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Also Dave Jackson on facebook Now we have a new Blogspot to share the devotion with those on facebook called “Dave’s Desk.”
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org cell 870-217-9376
Our church family recently enjoyed Passover together. Almost 300 people joined as a family to partake of the Sedar & meal & eat ‘lots a Matzah!”
No, we’re not Jewish & yes, we realize Passover is over a month away. We joined together before Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, to realize just how much God had to do to make our sinful world right!
All through the evening we looked back at how God helped His people try to cleanse their sin. We were reminded the ritual was just that: a ritual that symbolizes God’s longing for a right relationship with us. As we ate the lamb it reminded us of how sin hurts the innocent.
The lamb was never meant to fully cleanse & pardon the sins of mankind. It had to be done every year until there was One Perfect Sacrifice. Jesus stepped in to be the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
God created us with a heart for choice, a free will to follow Him or not. While I don’t pretend to fully understand all the ways of God, it was obvious that He wanted us to follow Him of our own choice & not by command. Sadly, it took the death of the innocent to cover our mistakes though. So Jesus stepped forward to be that ultimate Passover Lamb.
This week remember all that Jesus went through for you & me. On the cross Jesus cried out just before His heart burst for the sins of man, “Telesta”! It is a Greek & Aramaic victory shout that means, “It is finished.” Not His life was finished. The price & sacrifice for redemption was finished. The wonderful, powerful message of Easter is not simply that Jesus died, but that He rose again!
One day those who have a right relationship with God will see this Risen Lamb face to Face. We’ll join the hosts of heaven in shouting these words!
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power
and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
Revelation 5:12
If you have any questions about Easter or a relationship with God feel free to call on me. I also invite all families with children to join us at Jacksonport State Park for a giant Easter Egg hunt. First Baptist Church will provide the giant inflatable games, Easter ‘tattoos’ & tracts. Area groups will provide candy & prizes for all.
www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport.
Also Dave Jackson on facebook Now we have a new Blogspot to share the devotion with those on facebook called “Dave’s Desk.”
ASUN website www.bcmasunewport.org
Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org cell 870-217-9376
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