THE SHEPHERD

Time with Jesus -  26 Aug 2013

Hi all,

My Shepherd

History has a strange way of repeating itself. Some say that this world is in a cyclic mode. It goes round and round with yesterday’s events manifesting themselves tomorrow in a recognisable way. 

This should not surprise us. Satan and his deceptive ways can be condensed into three areas; sex, money and power. Virtually every sin we can think of can be narrowed down to one of, or a combination of these three elements. 

The apostle John in the KJV calls them; 1) the lust of the flesh; 2) the lust of the eyes; 3) the pride of life. ¹⁵ Do not love the world or anything in it. If you love the world, love for the Father is not in you. ¹⁶ Here is what people who belong to this world do. They try to satisfy what their sinful natures want to do. They long for what their sinful eyes look at. They brag about what they have and what they do. All of this comes from the world. It doesn't come from the Father. 1 John 2:15-16 NIrV

Hungry Lion

In other words, many of the things which happened to Jesus can be found earlier in the Old Testament. Usually we speak of Types and Shadows. However, in many instances, we miss the connection because it reads differently.

1 Sam 21:7 MSG	7 One of Saul's officials was present that day keeping a religious vow. His name was Doeg the Edomite. He was chief of Saul's shepherds.
1 Sam 22:9 MSG	9 Then Doeg the Edomite, who was standing with Saul's officials, spoke up: "I saw the son of Jesse meet with Ahimelech son of Ahitub, in Nob.
1Sa 22:17-19 MSG	17 The king ordered his henchmen, "Surround and kill the priests of GOD! They're hand in glove with David. They knew he was running away from me and didn't tell me." But the king's men wouldn't do it. They refused to lay a hand on the priests of GOD. 18 Then the king told Doeg, "You do it--massacre the priests!" Doeg the Edomite led the attack and slaughtered the priests, the eighty-five men who wore the sacred robes. 19 He then carried the massacre into Nob, the city of priests, killing man and woman, child and baby, ox, donkey, and sheep--the works.

Today, let’s have a look the life of Doeg and see how it corresponds with the characters in and around Jesus ±1000 years later.

1) Doeg – the word means “anxious,” or “cared for” was an “Edomite”. The Edomites were descended from Esau. They could be loosely described as “cousins” of the Israelites.

2) Doeg was a servant of King Saul, Scripture tells us that he was Saul’s “chief” shepherd. In the days of Jesus, the High Priest, Caiaphas was the Chief Shepherd of God.

3) Rabbinical legends speak of Doeg as the greatest Biblical scholar of his time. In the days of Jesus, Israel’s teacher was Nicodemus. No doubt this was contested by other Priests, Levites and Pharisees. These were the men who condemned Jesus to death. Many of these same men persecuted and murdered followers of Jesus after the stoning of Stephen.

4) Saul was the King of Israel, in much the same way Pontius Pilate was the “king” of Judea.

5) Saul gave the command and Doeg murdered the Priests of Nob. Pilate gave the command to murder Jesus.

6) The murder of the other priests was commanded by King Saul and the killing of man, woman, child, baby, ox, donkey, and sheep. This is much like the destruction of family and possessions by the Roman authorities by command of the Caesar.

7) Doeg denounced David and Ahimelech to King Saul. Caiaphas denounced Jesus to Pilate. Ahimelech was butchered by Doeg. Jesus was butchered on the command of Pilate.

One of the delights of the Old Testament is the reflections of Jesus revealed therein. 

I’ve heard it said that you can find Jesus on almost every page of the Old Testament. I don’t know the Bible well enough to agree or disagree. What I do know is that if you look for Jesus in the Old Testament, you won’t have to look far.

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – 26 Aug 2013			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	THE SHEPHERD
Few men in the Bible have been loved as much and hated as much at the same time as David and Paul. Few men, with the exception of Moses, have had the privilege of writing as much of the Scriptures as these two men. Both men did so under exceptional circumstances. David was the shepherd boy, psalmist/harpist, who became the king. The youngest of Jesse’s eight sons, to him fell the responsibility of taking care of his father’s sheep. His exploits as a shepherd are well known. Perhaps what is not realised is that he learned his job as he went along. A shepherd boy would lead a lonely life. But he didn’t waste time complaining. He spent those early years becoming adept at playing the harp and loving God. No doubt that was where he began his life-long relationship with God, composing psalms and hymns of loving praise. It has been said that his psalms reflect the wonder of his early shepherd boy life, along with other experiences as a fugitive from King Saul. A brief look at Psalm 23 reflects his experiences as a shepherd. But verse 5 tells us that it was written after he was anointed King by Samuel. It was also written before he became king so it was while he was a fugitive running from the mad Saul. It took a man of genius who has a close walk with the Lord to compose this Psalm. In spite of the fact that he had been anointed as the one who would replace Saul and was constantly on the run, he composed this brilliant Psalm. An extraordinary man. On occasions I’ve thought about Paul. He started life as Saul the Pharisee. Like king Saul, he was a Benjamite. When Saul first came across the followers of King Jesus, the “Son of David”, he behaved much like his ancient kinsman had done 1000 years previously. He pursued them with madness akin to that of his namesake pursuing the previous King David. It all seems so familiar. He slaughtered Jesus’ followers with madness liken to King Saul. Saul had his own shepherd. Doeg the Edomite was King Saul’s chief shepherd. On Saul’s command, Doeg slaughtered 85 of the priests of Nob in their priestly garments. But King Jesus, the “Son of David” intervened in Saul the Pharisee’s life. Saul was converted. I’ve often wondered if King Saul could have been confronted by the Lord. Then I realise he was. It happened at Nob. No Israelite would slaughter all the Priests and animals of those who lived in Nob. Doeg would, could and did; on King Saul’s command. Madness personified! By a shepherd? Jim & Phyllida Strickland			5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalms 23:5 NLT	O Lord, You are my Shepherd, there’s nothing that I need. Your presence hovers over me and I may safely feed. And where my enemies abound, I know that all is well. For there I am protected, from all the powers of hell. You honour me and care for me; and you anoint my head. My cup is overflowing. You’re blessed My child You said. I have had a sample of the food which You supply, Directly from the fountain which never will run dry. And every time I taste it, I realise it’s You! The flavour is exquisite; You’re good in all You do. In You I can take refuge. With joy, my heart abounds; And yet O Lord, I fear You, for godliness is found, In being in Your presence; and it’s intimidating. For Lord, You are an awesome God; and that is understating, Your glorious omnipotence; Your mercy and Your grace. Even strong young lions occasionally face, The fact that they are hungry. But men who trust in You, Will find they lack for nothing for You are just and true! O Lord this is Your mercy. We haven’t been wiped out. There’s still a few remaining and it’s beyond a doubt, That You will turn the tables. Your faithfulness is great. Unlimited compassion! Not leave us to our fate! You’ve assigned my boundaries. My lot You have made sure; My portion; my inheritance; my cup; all are secure. And since we know for certain that Lord, You own it all, Present, past and future; by you are all on call. In Jesus You have blessed us with everything required. Nothing’s been excluded; it’s just what You desired. Not that I lack anything. No matter what is sent, I’m resting in the Master; in Him I am content! So help me to be Godly. You’ve told me it will bring, Profit to a people; content with everything. Then Lord, I’ll know for certain, that generosity, Is what You are demanding in Christianity! Help us see the glory that pours to us each day. While we are all living in a proper Christian way! Jim Strickland Written 26th August 012
			8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! 9 Fear the LORD, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. Psalms 34:8-10 NLT
			22 the LORD'S mercy. We were not completely wiped out. His compassion is never limited. 23 It is new every morning. His faithfulness is great. Lamentations 3:22-23 GW
			5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalms 16:5-6 TNIV
			22 whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, 1 Corinthians 3:22 NLT
			3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:3 ESV
			11 I'm not saying that because I need anything. I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me. Philippians 4:11 NIrV
			6 A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have. 1 Timothy 6:6 GW
			19 You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Philippians 4:19 MSG

WHEN TO PRAISE THE LORD?

Time with Jesus - 25 Aug. 2013

Hi all,

Today’s meditation is all about praising God.

Frances Jane van Alstyne née Crosby (March 24, 1820 – February 12, 1915), more commonly known as Fanny Crosby, was an American mission worker, poet, lyricist, and composer. A lifelong Methodist, she was one of the most prolific hymnists in history, writing over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs, with over 100 million copies printed. This is despite her being blind from shortly after birth. 

Crosby is also known for her preaching, teaching, and her rescue mission work. By the end of the 19th century, she was "a household name".

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Sing, Oh earth, His wonderful love proclaim! Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory. Laud and honour give to His holy name! Like a shepherd, Jesus will feed His people, In His arms He carries them all day long; O ye saints that live in the light of His presence, Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song! Fanny Crosby

She was known as the "Queen of Gospel Song Writers", and as the "Mother of modern congregational singing in America". Most American hymnals contain her work. With the possible exception of Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley, Crosby has generally been represented by the largest number of hymns of any writer of the twentieth century in non-liturgical hymnals". Her gospel songs were "paradigmatic of all revival music". Ira Sankey attributed the success of the Moody and Sankey evangelical campaigns largely to Crosby's hymns. Some of Crosby's best-known songs include "Blessed Assurance", "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour", "Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home", "Praise Him, Praise Him", "Rescue the Perishing", and "To God Be the Glory". 

Isaac Watts

Because some publishers were hesitant to have so many hymns by one person in their hymnals, Crosby used nearly 200 different pseudonyms during her career.

Charles Wesley

Crosby wrote over 1,000 secular poems and had four books of poetry published, as well as two best-selling autobiographies. Additionally, she co-wrote popular secular songs, as well as political and patriotic songs, and at least five cantatas on biblical and patriotic themes, including The Flower Queen, the first secular cantata by an American composer. Crosby was committed to Christian rescue missions, and was known for her public speaking.

Fanny Crosby grew up blind. One of her most profound lines came not from hymn, but when asked about her disability. “If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me. If I had a choice, I would still choose to remain blind … for when I die, the first face I will ever see will be the face of my blessed Saviour.” (Courtesy Google)

Not long after Phyllida and I met, we visited a church, more from curiosity than any other reason. That’s where we first heard the expression, “There’s two times we need to praise the Lord. When you feel like it and when you don’t”. At the time were feeling “sorry for ourselves” because of the circumstances we were facing. The Lord used those words to change our attitude. This change in attitude changed our lives. 

Billy Graham

Since then we have tried to remember that praising God is one of the greatest weapons we have in our arsenal against the powers of darkness. We deliberately decided to praise Him, not for the circumstance but in the circumstances. Circumstances are not something we can change. But God can and does change things. Things do not remain constant indefinitely. They pass by.

The exact phrase, “It came to pass” occurs 453 times in the KJV! We usually understand them to mean, something happened. They most certainly do. But if “it” is seen to be your circumstance, we also see that “it” passed! On this earth, nothing is eternal. “It” will pass. One day “it” will be behind us. In the meantime, the best action we can take is to praise God!

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

Fanny Crosby lost her sight when she was a baby. Her eyes were damaged by an ignorant “medical attendant”. From then on she was blind. This is possibly the most tragic circumstance anyone could experience. To be blind for life! Merely thinking about it gives me the creeps. Fanny Crosby confronted her blindness with “Blessed Assurance”. Her attitude was, “To God be the Glory”. She knew she was “Safe in the arms of Jesus” and devoted her life to “Praise Him, Praise Him, Jesus our Blessed Redeemer”.

Cliff Barrows, Billy Graham
and George Beverly Shea

If Phyllida and I with our sight could achieve just one tenth of what she achieved as a blind woman, we will feel that our life will have been worthwhile. Frankly, we can hardly wait to meet this wonderful saint in glory and see the love in her eyes as she looks at Jesus.

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

D L Moody

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – 25 Aug. 2013			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	WHEN TO PRAISE THE LORD
One of my earliest recollections in Christianity was the realisation that feelings follow facts. It was a revolutionary thought to me back then. I’d never really put them together in a meaningful way. Like most new believers, my disposition was governed by feelings. If I felt bad about something, it had to be that way. It was a bit like taking medicine. I didn’t want to take it because it tasted horrible. How do you persuade yourself that you have to take it anyway? What I found was that taking it, made me feel better. In other words my feelings followed the facts. I took the medicine to make me feel better. If I didn’t take it, I felt worse. There is a strange logic hidden in this. My feelings followed the facts. It was taking the medicine that did it. That’s what controlled my feelings of wellness. The next time I spotted this was shortly after marriage. I went to bed feeling great about being married. I woke up the next morning feeling terrible about it. What had changed? Nothing really; only my feelings. I realised that I was just as married when I went to bed as I was in the morning. All that had changed were feelings. The same was true of being a Christian. I felt “saved” when I went to bed. I didn’t feel “saved” in the morning. But nothing had changed. I was not conscious of committing sin while I was asleep. That’s when I realised that feelings can never be trusted. In fact, when I believed something to be true, it very soon became the way I felt about it. Paul refers to this obliquely in the letter to the Romans. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 TNIV My understanding was that no matter what happened to me, Jesus was in my life, turning all circumstances to my advantage. He did it because I loved Him and He loves me! I found a very practical illustration of this in 1987. I’d just experienced a nervous break-down. We had to move from where we were to somewhere else. We didn’t want to go, but could do nothing about it. On the morning of the move we woke up to find our favourite kitty had been poisoned. We were both in tears. Then we remembered Romans 8:28. We said to the Lord, “We don’t understand any of this. But we do know that you will use this for good in our lives”. This was the first step in the direction we both were looking for; to leave Eskom and trust the Lord for everything. We didn’t know this at the time. But we soon found it in the full reality. Being “boarded” by Eskom provided us with a small pension and gave us the freedom to follow our calling! Now we look back on all things and praise Him for what He is doing! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 NLT	Praise Him when you're happy; Praise Him when you're not! Praise Him when you’re seated; Praise Him on the trot! Praise Him when you're wide awake; Praise Him when you sleep; Praise Him when your praises, make you want to weep Praise Him when you’re healthy; Praise Him when you're sick; Praise Him with expression; Never miss a trick. Praise Him when you’re laughing; Praise Him when you’re sad; Praise Him when you’re angry; Praise Him when you’re glad! Praise Him very gently; or when you’re feeling bold; Praise Him when you’re burning; Praise Him when you’re cold; Praise Him in the Summer; Winter or in Spring Praise Him in the Autumn, or what the seasons bring! Praise Him with your children; Praise Him with your spouse; Praise Him while you’re driving or working in the house; Praise Him when you want to; Praise Him when you must. Praise Him when your praises feel terribly unjust. Praise Him for your family, your husband or your wife. Praise Him for the influence He’s had upon your life. Praise Him when you’re crying bucketsful of tears. Praise Him that’s He’s been with you for all your many years. Praise Him when on holiday, relaxing on the beach. Praise Him when you’re angry that you’re standing in the breach. Praise Him at a distance; Praise Him when up close. Praise Him when your critics say that you’re verbose. Praise Him in the Hospital or flying through the air. Praise Him when the circumstance seems terribly unfair. Praise Him when arrested; Praise Him when in jail. Praise Him when you think you have a tiger by the tail. Praise Him for your diet; Praise Him for your food. Praise Him when you’re fully dressed; Praise Him in the nude. Praise Him when promoted; Praise Him when you’re fired. Praise Him when it’s hectic and you are feeling tired. Praise Him as a duty; Praise Him just for fun. Praise Him is the darkness; Praise Him in the sun; Praise Him as an instinct; Praise Him with your will. Praise Him out of habit; Praise Him for the thrill; Praise Him with a purpose; the best that you can do. Praise Him, He’s your Saviour; He gave His life for you. Jim Strickland Written 25th August 2012
			A psalm of David, regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who sent him away. 1 I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. 2 I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt His name together. Psalms 34:1-3 NLT
			11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 LORD Almighty, blessed are those who trust in you. Psalms 84:11-12 TNIV
			Of David. 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Psalms 103:1 ESV
			13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. James 5:13 TNIV
			18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:18-20 TNIV
			16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16 NLT
			25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Acts 16:25 NLT
			4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 TNIV