JESUS CHRIST THE KING!

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 07 August 2012

Hi all,

The apostle John stated in his gospel, ²⁵ Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25 NLT Looking at our meditation from the Scriptures, we are left with the same reaction as John. How can we ever do justice to all He is!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Tuesday, 07 August 2012				Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
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	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	JESUS CHRIST THE KING!
Mentioning the Book of Revelation in the 21st Century Western Christian Church is a bit like playing leap-frog in a minefield. The number of different interpretations is extraordinary. For today’s meditation I’d like to take one verse for our mutual edification. What I write here may not be in line with your personal understanding. Nevertheless, let’s look at the expression below – “silence in heaven”. 1 When the Lamb broke the seventh seal on the scroll, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. Revelation 8:1 NLT This statement is extraordinary. We know that in the third heaven, the angels, elders and seraphim never stop praising and worshiping God. Did they stop while the lamb broke the seventh seal? In the first heaven, where we dwell, for humanity to be silent is equally extraordinary. We have been created sociable, talkative beings. For us, silence is almost impossible. If you’ve ever attended a corporate prayer meeting you will know that most are only silent until they get an opportunity to say something; anything to break the silence. For there to be silence in the first and third heaven for what is described as “half an hour” suggests something stupendous is about to take place. It is a “pregnant” moment full of breathless excitement and keen anticipation, along with a touch of the fear of God. I’m not sure we have anything on earth with which to compare it. Perhaps the nearest is the appearance of a dignitary. The crowd is silent for a moment or two before bursting into applause. Reading this morning’s Scriptures gives me a sense of intense anticipation. In each one, Jesus Christ is depicted as someone far greater than we can ever be. Trying to compress these seven Scriptures into one coherent poem is beyond me. So I’ve compiled six short poems which deal with all seven. It’s possible to write so much about each Scripture. They are dynamic and show us many aspects of His perfect, multi-faceted character. The Scripture which impacts me the most is John 21:1-18. There is a fascination about Jesus’ “fish braai” and discussion with Peter The scene is vivid; the dialogue and meaning challenges our thinking about the nature of true Christianity. This portion of Scripture is sometimes described as Peter’s restoration by the Lord. Restoration from his failure by denying Him. There is however, a “pregnancy” of Divine character, that makes us want to fall silent in deep reverence and love for the one who has “broken the fish”. Whether it’s the seventh seal or a fish meal, the feeling of anticipation is awesome. All creation pauses and awaits His instruction. He will give it! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			42 "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said, "David's son." Matthew 22:42 MSG 9 Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory. Psalms 24:9-10 TNIV 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16 TNIV 7 This honour belongs to those who believe. But to those who don't believe: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, 1 Peter 2:7 GW 22 Jews ask for miraculous signs, and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but our message is that Christ was crucified. This offends Jewish people and makes no sense to people who are not Jewish. 24 But to those Jews and Greeks who are called, he is Christ, God's power and God's wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 GW 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. John 21:17 ESV 8 Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, first hand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant--dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ Philippians 3:8 MSG	“What do you think about the Christ; Who’s Son, think you, is He?” “The Son of David”, they replied. “That’s Who He has to be.” “If He’s the Son of David, why does He call Him Lord?” The only person higher is Him Who is adored. If He was David’s Master, How could He be His Son? It’s clearly quite incongruous when all is said and done. Lift up your heads O ancient gates, ye doors swing open wide; The King of Glory is the One Who wants to come inside. Who is the King of Glory? The Mighty One is He. The Lord Mighty in battle, Who reigns eternally He is the King of Glory. The Lord of Lords most High. Who bears THE NAME upon His robes and also on His thigh. Jesus is the cornerstone, on which creation stands. The universe and everything were fashioned by His hands. The Stone that was rejected, as having little worth, The Lord has indicated is the Greatest on the earth! The Jews are seeking miracles; the Greeks for someone wise. But we declare Christ Crucified! The greatest in God’s eyes. None of them acknowledge that which God has said is true. They think that they have wisdom. But I would say to you, The people who are perishing are foolish and are blind. God’s power and His wisdom they seek and cannot find. It’s sad they are offended by what we all believe. That’s why the King of Glory they never will receive. Peter, do you love me?” “My Lord, You know I do!” “There’s nothing that You do not know. You know my words are true.” “Then feed my Sheep!” said Jesus, “for it is my command. That each of them is nourished as if from my own hand.”
				The things I thought important are dog dung now to me I heard Him call; Gave Him my all. The rest is history.	Now nothing will divert me, not even painful death My heart will beat Until we meet When I’ve breathed my last breath.
				Jim Strickland Written 7th August 2012