ADULTERY! - (JOHN 8 VS. 1 TO 11)

Time with Jesus - Monday, 27 February 2012

Hi all,

Yesterday’s meditation and Scriptures were all about Covenant. You may recall that it referred to the fact that it was usually only the woman who was stoned to death for adultery. The man got off “scot-free”. I suspect that if women were stronger than men, it would have been the other way round! Being stoned to death for committing adultery is the topic dealt with in John 8 – one of today’s Scriptures.

This portion of Scripture is left out in some translations. Where it has been included, there is often a footnote or marginal-note stating that the passage is not in them. It’s been deliberately left out for a good reason. Many translators do not like to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is God! So they remove any section of Scripture which makes reference to His Divinity. After all, only God can forgive sin!

What is not mentioned is that if she was caught in the act of adultery and brought before Jesus, she was probably naked. Her deep humiliation and embarrassment would have touched Him deeply. To help her with this, Jesus didn’t look at her. Instead He wrote on the ground. It’s likely that someone threw her a covering of some sort during the time when the Pharisees left one by one. This would have quietened her trembling significantly. In other words, Jesus would not have been looking at a naked woman! I like this understanding, because of the deep care for women He displayed throughout His time in ministry. He would not have wanted to increase her embarrassment.

They thought they had “caught” Jesus out. The Mosaic Law was very clear. The penalty for adultery was stoning to death. If He had agreed, they would have stoned her to death there and then. If He didn’t He would have been siding with someone who had broken the law. His action was an act of God; repentance and forgiveness for an adulterer. No condemnation! “Go and sin no more”, was His injunction. Whether she did or did not we are not told. My guess is that her life was transformed by the incident. Jesus still does this today for sinners like you and me. Some of us have gone to Him more deeply entrenched in sin than this unfortunate woman. He forgave us and said, “Go and sin no more”! I’m so glad He did!

This little poem was written in 1985. However, it is as just as relevant today as it was back then. So I’ve included in today’s meditation. 

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Adultery! - (John 8 vs. 1 to 11)

He'd been on the Mountain of Olives, As well as our Temple in town. We had heard Jesus speak All the previous week And at dawn, He came in and sat down. We all began gathering round Him; All eager, His voice, for to hear; Perhaps we would see Him miraculously Cause a wondrous sign to appear! Then, up walked a group of our leaders With a woman they thought He should see. They said, "It's a fact!" "She's been caught in the act Of committing adultery." They said that, according to Moses, She should now pay the ultimate price; And, if He agreed, They would like to proceed. But first, would He give His advice? Now, all of us knew that the question Was designed to put Him in a flap. They wanted to see What His answer would be. Perhaps, He'd be caught in their trap? The woman looked horribly frightened. She stood there just shaking with fear. She was weeping aloud In front of the crowd, Convinced that her death was now near. But we were all looking at Jesus And wondering what He would say. We could see He was faced With His utter distaste For this harsh and unloving display. We didn't know how He could answer, Or the principle He would propound. But, we knew what He meant When He silently bent And His finger did write on the ground. The Scribes and the Pharisees gloated, Insisting He make a reply. They thought He was beat Till He got to His feet And looked them all straight in the eye. With a voice of authoritive passion, He uttered these words from His heart: “The one without sin May her stoning begin." Then, His writing, once more, He did start!	The leaders all stared in amazement; Confused by the answer they'd heard. For, the words that He spoke Nearly caused them to choke! To them, He had sounded absurd. But slowly the truth of His answer Started settling into each mind. Like the light of the day Driving darkness away, Their reasons for stoning, declined. Then, shamed by the wisdom of Jesus, The eldest departed the scene. How could he reply? He did not qualify! He knew what a sinner he'd been. And, right the way down to the youngest, They followed the eldest man's lead And left, one by one, Till each person had gone That accused her of doing the deed. The woman continued her weeping But, since only Jesus was near, Her trembling finished; Her wailing diminished And she was controlling her fear. Then, Jesus arose from His bending And glanced very quickly around. We could tell from His eyes He wasn't surprised Her inquisitors couldn't be found! "Woman, where are your accusers?" Jesus asked as the woman grew calm. "Where are the men Who seek to condemn? Is there no one that's seeking your harm?" By then, she was filled with amazement And relief that she couldn't disguise. "No one Sir!" she replied In a voice which implied That she didn't believe her own eyes. Then, Jesus looked full of compassion As He gazed at her straight in the eye; And His words set her free As He said tenderly, "If they haven't, neither do I!" Jesus knew that she'd truly repented Of what she'd been doing before; And so He did say That she could go away And added, "Don't sin any more!"
Jim Strickland – Written 1985

IN COVENANT

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 26 February 2012

Hi all,

How many times have you been taught about covenant from the pulpit? I've heard about the topic a few times. I've also taught about it on a number of occasions. Nevertheless, there isn't nearly enough understanding of covenant in the Church today. This is particularly true in Anglican, Methodist and other Episcopalian circles.

The first time I heard anything about it was in 1982 when I was in a local Bible School. I was greatly encouraged and greatly shaken by what I learned. I distinctly remember being informed that there was no higher commitment we could make with each other and/or with God than a Covenant. I was told that our salvation came about as a result of a covenant Jesus Had made with His Father on our behalf. It was a covenant sealed in Jesus’ blood and could not be broken; certainly not in the context being expounded. It was on this assumption that many believe that no matter what we do after cutting this covenant with God, it has no significance in our relationship with God.

The other aspect of covenant was it’s implications in marriage. We were taught, quite rightly, that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman. The only way out is death! Divorce is not an option. Adultery was punishable by death, because one of the parties had broken their covenant with their partner. Death by stoning would correct this breach of covenant. In the Old Testament, this took place. What bothered me was that it was only the woman who was stoned. It was originally intended as the penalty for both parties. But the man “got away with it”; presumably because he was male. (Male chauvinism?)

Phyllida and I have had a real life experience with the Lord concerning divorce. No names. No pack drill. In the light of our previous divorces, we now take the marriage covenant very seriously.

We have now been in a marriage covenant with each other for over 30 years. We have a marriage that is wonderful and as godly as we know how. Our commitment to each other is based on our covenant with each other and with God. If it could last for another million years, that would be fine by us. Realistically speaking we know that each day takes us closer to the end of our lives here on this planet. Until that day arrives we have the Lord and each other. Hallelujah!

Today’s meditation looks at covenant in more detail.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

In Covenant

When I was still in primary school, I joined a little gang. We didn’t seek to do a thing. We called ourselves “the Clan”. We had no plans for anything our gang would ever do. But somehow it appealed to us; and so our Clansmen grew, From four young boys to ten of us. That’s when we made a pact, That we would stick together and we would always act, In favour of each other. So we became a bunch, Of dedicated “Clangers”, till we went home for lunch. The next time that we met again, we thought we’d make a vow; To promise to be faithful, somewhere, some time, somehow. And so we took a little knife and each one cut his thumb. We mixed our blood in secret and vowed we’d be a chum, To all the other members. But it was getting dark; And we were all a bit afraid of night-time in the park. So all of us went home again; not sure what we would say, When we were asked by Mom and Dad, what we had done that day? I really can’t remember. My thumb was kind of sore. But Dettol and Elastoplast, made it feel fine once more. We didn’t understand it, but back there in those days, We’d touched upon a custom that teaches Bible ways. The reference was to covenant and just what it implied. A life-long vow of faithfulness; until the day we died. But we were only children and didn’t really mean, To enter into covenant endorsed by the unseen. For God records each covenant and tells us never break, The vow we’ve made with others. We never should forsake A promise made in covenant. There is no higher oath, That anyone can ever make. It’s like pledging our troth, To be forever faithful, as husband and as wife. Regardless what may happen, the promise lasts for life. We have a life-long covenant, with Jesus Christ our King, I never want to break it. I gave Him everything. I made Him Lord and Master. His slave I chose to be. And in exchange He promised He would take good care of me. This covenant we made that day was forged upon His cross. He gave me all His righteousness and He took all my dross! So now He gives the orders. My part is to obey. But I am not complaining. I’m loving it this way! Jim Strickland – Written Sunday, 26 February 2012

LOOKING FOR GOD

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 25 February 2012

Hi all,

Back in 1966, The Kinks recorded a song which was a parody of the shopping trends in London. A couple of us may remember it. It was called, “A Dedicated Follower of Fashion.” The lyrics were not Christian, but they were not obscene or smutty. A couple of lines of the song were: They seek him here, they seek him there; in Regent Street and Leicester Square. The connection is the promise of God that we will find Him if we look for Him wholeheartedly. ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² In those days when you pray, I will listen. ¹³ If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me. Jer 29:11-13 NLT

The exiles in Babylon were greatly encouraged by this. Much of the religious thinking of the day was that the gods were all localised. In the Israeli context it would mean that they were now under the control of some local deity. So for them to hear that God intended to take them home some 70 years later helped them enormously. It also indicated that God’s authority went beyond Israel’s borders. This would be a new thought for the nations in those days.

For me there is one word that needs emphasising. That word is “wholeheartedly”. It’s a magnificent truth to know that wherever we are, we will find Him. It’s as true today as it was in ±560BC. If we seek for Him by faith, wholeheartedly He assures us we will find Him.

To seek God wholeheartedly is the opposite of indifference or being lukewarm. In Revelation we are told His reaction to lukewarmness. ¹⁵ I know what you have done, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ But since you are lukewarm and not hot or cold, I'm going to spit you out of my mouth. Rev 3:15-16 GW

If I may be permitted to paraphrase Jesus Christ’s words: “Lukewarmness makes me sick enough to vomit!” What do we do with this sort of statement by Jesus written to Christian believers? If nothing else, it encourages me to seek Him by faith with all my heart. As mentioned recently, fear of the Lord has all but vanished from much of the body of Christ. Have you checked your temperature with God lately? If not, this is a good time to do so.

Today’s meditation takes a look at searching for God

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Looking for God

I wanted to find Jesus, so I looked everywhere, I tried behind the sofa and underneath my chair. I wandered round the bathroom; the bedroom and the “loo”. But sadly, couldn’t find Him, no matter what I’d do. I looked around the garden and tried the cabbage patch; But everything I spotted, could never ever match, Creation’s great designer. He just could not be found. I was so disappointed, I tried to look around, Alternative locations. The library, the stores, The Anglican cathedral, beneath its “sacred” floors. Eventually I realised the problem was with me. I never would locate Him; my search should never be, Confined to a location. The focus was too small, To look in a locality for Him Who’s all in all. Job had the self-same problem, back in antiquity. He wanted to explain to God his little tragedy. He thought that if he found Him, that he could make it clear, That he had been mistreated. If only He could hear, And give him His attention; He’d sort the whole thing out. And put things back together, of that he had no doubt. Down throughout the ages, mankind has thought the same. Perhaps the Lord Almighty had changed address and Name? Perhaps He was on holiday? But this they knew for sure. That He had all the answers and also knew the cure. But they had missed the reason, why He could not be found. They thought that they were innocent and if God was around, To try their little problem in the courts of heaven above. That He would find them innocent; and they just needed love! The truth is, if we seek Him by faith wholeheartedly, Our search would be successful as sure as sure can be. For God is never hidden. No! He is all around! He promised, if we seek Him, He surely will be found. We needn’t go to Bethlehem, Jerusalem or Rome. He’s right where He is needed. He’s made our heart His home. He’s said He’ll never leave us. So why is it we hunt? He will not hide behind us; He’s always way up front! There is no need for stumbling, complaining He has gone. He won’t walk off and leave us alone to carry on. He’s also told us clearly, He will not let us down. Albeit we are living in the country or in town. We know the Holy Spirit our comforter and guide, Is busily preparing us to be His Holy Bride. Jim Strickland – Written Saturday, 25 February 2012

CALVARY FOR YOU AND ME.

Time with Jesus - Friday, 24 February 2012

Hi all,

The great tribulation! Will the church of Jesus Christ be here when it happens, or will they have been “raptured” out of the way? Called the “pre-tribulation rapture”, this is the popular opinion today. Of course God is not subject to popular opinion. So this continues to be argued by Christians internationally.

My opinion is irrelevant. What is clear is that what has happened to Christians since the birth of the Church is liable to happen again. Furthermore, it follows that if it starts again in western “Christian Nations” it need not be part of the great tribulation. I say this advisedly because the persecution and martyrdom of Christians today is a reality in many countries. In other words, persecution is merely part of everyday life for those who are committed to Jesus Christ in the 21st century. It may not have been experienced by many of us. But this does not make it any less real. There is also evidence that persecution of Christians, in one form or another, has been ongoing since the days of the early church.

I’m not in a position to comment on the nature or severity of persecution of Christians during the great tribulation. Frankly, the severity being currently experienced is bad enough to intimidate many. Certainly the prospect of this breaking out in my locality is not something I am looking forward to.

As far as I am aware, the Lord has allowed His church to be persecuted for the past ±2000 years. So if it comes calling for us in South Africa, we should not be surprised. Nor should we jump to the conclusion that such persecution is part of the great tribulation. Our attitude should be that it is our turn to experience what much of the world has known for ±2000 years!

Those of us who are serious about serving Jesus Christ would be well advised to stop worrying about the great tribulation. We should focus on what could take place anywhere and at any time where you and I live. This tribulation is more than enough for me. My own personal Calvary may not be part of the great tribulation. But it will certainly be more than enough tribulation for me!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Calvary for You and Me.

There’s things about the Master, I do not understand. Things that have been taught to me, that do not seem too grand. We limit God the Father and “stick Him in a box”, Through things we only cling to if our head is full of rocks. So let us take a look at things which people have believed, To see if they are likely, or if we’ve been deceived. First we must acknowledge that without the Lord above, Nothing would exist and everyone could not know love. Everything created is the product of His hand; And this is true in heaven, the sea and on the land. There’s nothing we can ever do and no where we can go, That Jesus cannot look at, or hear, or see, or know. He knows when we are suffering. He knows when we are well. There’s nothing in existence, we can think about or tell. He doesn’t know the circumstance; the tiniest detail, Cannot be concealed from Him; He knows it without fail. Indeed He is the potter; and we are just the clay, And all that we have ever done, He knows in every way. There’s nothing which He cannot do. We must accept this fact. He always does what’s righteous, regardless how we act. He sits as a refiner, of silver and of gold; And purifies the people to do what He has told. He disciplines severely, each and every child, So we can be more like Him; pure and undefiled. We know He is the healer; He wants to see us well. But if we practise wickedness, He’ll send us off to Hell! He may allow the devil to put us to the test; But every time it happens, it happens for our best. He doesn’t bring us sickness, but it is also true, The trial of Job by Satan can happen unto you. And even when we’re hurting more than anything we’ve seen, He sometimes will allow it, for that is where He’s been. It happened to the Master. Why not to you and me? We have to learn obedience, to gain the victory! Our comfort’s not important and Christians have died, By facing up to torture and being crucified. Some have died in agony; by burning at the stake. Some have faced a cruelty far more than we can take. Millions have died this way; and if God’s word is true, The things that they experienced are ripe for me and you. Can it be avoided? O Lord I pray it could. But it appears the Father sees our martyrdom as good! It really makes me tremble. I’m not a masochist. But if it happens to me. Lord, help me not resist, The martyrdom you’ve chosen and allotted unto me. That I may follow faithfully and know my Calvary. Jim Strickland – Written Friday, 24 February 2012