HE DIED TO SET US FREE

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 09 June 2012

Hi all,

Today we look at Jesus’ victory over Satan on Calvary. Satan’s objective since the fall was to murder anyone who could threaten his power and authority. He tried to eliminate Jesus shortly after He was born. He escaped to Egypt with Mary and Jacob. During His ministry, Satan tried to kill Him without success. Then Jesus passively allowed Satan to do his worst. Satan made Jesus die in the cross. Satan thought he’d won. Three days later, the resurrection revealed that His death on the cross was Jesus’ greatest victory! It’s why we are free!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

PO Box 1694, Randpark Ridge, 2156, South Africa.

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Saturday, 09 June 2012			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	HE DIED TO SET US FREE
Have you heard of the man who never was? You are probably fully acquainted with the movie made and distributed in the late 1950’s. It’s the story of one of the greatest deceptions on the 20th century. Certainly it’s one of the greatest hoaxes the Allies “sold” to the Germans in WW2. Both sides knew that there were only two places the Allies could land in Europe. Calais or Normandy. Calais was the shortest distance between England and France. The other was the beaches of Normandy. Only the Allies knew where. Planning for the invasion had been on the go for something in excess of a year before D-day. It was to be the greatest invasion of anywhere in history. The logistics and planning left nothing to chance. They knew that they would only get one chance to invade. General Rommel, one of the great German Generals was in charge of building a huge Atlantic Sea Wall. The Germans were determined to beat the Allies and drive them back into the sea. Furthermore, the German army was formidable. It was perhaps the greatest fighting machine of WW2. When the Allies decided to land in Normandy, it was essential to trick the Germans into thinking that the real attack would be via Calais. Somehow they had to convince Hitler and co that Calais is where it would take place. The Allies used every method they could scheme up to convince Hitler that Calais was the place they would attack. One of the schemes was “The Man Who Never Was” A corpse was carefully chosen and given a false identity. This “man” would carry a “secret message” meant for Allied eyes only. It was essential that this “man” appeared to be absolutely authentic. German counter intelligence were not fools. The corpse had to provide overwhelming evidence that Calais was where the Allied attack would take place. The hoax was an unqualified success. The Christian parallel with this story took place in and around Jerusalem when Jesus Christ was taken, tried, condemned to die and crucified on Calvary. After the fall and in Genesis 3:15, Satan was told that a man would one day come and defeat him. From that day on, Satan did everything he could to destroy all young male children who might grow up and be a threat to him. Examples include the death of male infants in Egypt. The murder of boys under three on Herod’s order when Jesus was born is another example. After He was born, Satan did everything he could to eliminate Jesus. He never quite got it right. Then, suddenly Jesus appeared to become passive. He allowed Himself to be taken prisoner, mercilessly beaten, mocked and abused. He even allowed Himself to be crucified. Satan was ecstatic. I’ve beaten Him he thought. He didn’t beat me. I’ve won! Of course, Jesus’ passivity was necessary. He had to convince Satan that if he killed Jesus, he would be victorious over God. Three days later, Jesus was raised from the dead. Satan had taken the bait hook, line and sinker. The tables were turned around. Not only did he lose to Jesus, but every man, woman and child in Satan’s clutches could no longer be kept there against their will. Paul wrote to the Colossians 15 “He took away the weapons of the powers and authorities. He made a public show of them. He won the battle over them by dying on the cross. Colossians 2:15 NIrV Satan was hoaxed. If he’d understood, there would have been no crucifixion. Jim & Phyllida Strickland			5 The good times of the wicked are short-lived; godless joy is only momentary. Job 20:5 MSG 15 I will make you and the woman hostile toward each other. I will make your descendants and her descendant hostile toward each other. He will crush your head, and you will bruise his heel." Genesis 3:15 GW 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness." Luke 22:53 ESV 14 Because God's children are human beings--made of flesh and blood--the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Hebrews 2:14 NLT 15 He took away the weapons of the powers and authorities. He made a public show of them. He won the battle over them by dying on the cross. Colossians 2:15 NIrV 8 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. 9 Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9 MSG 7 So obey God. Stand up to the devil. He will run away from you. James 4:7 NIrV 12 The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, 13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming. Psalm 37:12-13 ESV 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20 NLT 10 Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulphur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10 NLT	Satan thought that he had won the day when Adam fell. But God knew all about it. He’d planned for it as well. He knew that it would happen when He created time. He’d thought through the scenarios. All would work out fine. He even knew about it when Lucifer was made. That someday in the future, He would be disobeyed. I wonder what was in His mind when Satan came to be. Although He was expecting it, it was a tragedy. He knew He’d cast out Satan and his demonic host. But on the day that Adam fell, I think that touched Him most. The problem with omniscience is; nothing’s a surprise. Perhaps He thought that it would be a “blessing in disguise”. But as we look around us at all the death and sin, It’s difficult to realise the choice was up to Him. Because He knows the ending; He’s known right from the start, That all of this would happen. That sin would tear apart, The “fabric” of creation. But still He went ahead. The final outcome will exceed the comments men have said. I think it is a little bit like looking at the price, Our local bank has quoted us. The interest isn’t nice. But when the debt has been discharged and when the bond is paid, The difficulties that we have had, were really there to aid, Us with that first decision; it’s surely worth it all. No longer will that creditor be authorised to call! Perhaps I am mistaken. With God, there’s no mistake. No matter what may happen and all the time it takes, We’ll join Him and acknowledge that He had got it right. In spite of all the wickedness with which He had to fight. We get a little sample when looking at the cross. What Satan thought was victory became his greatest loss! They were celebrating; the Son of God’s was beat! But very soon He changed their victory into defeat. He spoiled their principalities; their powers put on parade! They were a “public spectacle” and openly displayed. It was His greatest triumph. The cross had done it all. He died to give us liberty; He has made void the fall. His life blood had been poured out. He died to set us free Satan has been vanquished on that cross at Calvary. Jim Strickland  Written 9th June 2012

LISTEN AND THEN DO

Time with Jesus - Friday, 08 June 2012

Hi all,

When Jesus asked the question, ⁹ “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? Mark 2:9 ESV What did He mean? Why would it be easier for Him to say it? Today’s meditation looks at this.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Friday, 08 June 2012			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	LISTEN AND THEN DO
From round about 1960 and going backwards in time, People had signature tunes. Those who remember Bing Crosby may remember his signature tune was, “When The Blue Of The Night Meets The Gold Of The Day”. Vera Lynne sang her way through WW2 with, “We’ll Meet Again” “Flannigan and Allen sang, “Underneath The Arches”. Acker Bilk – “MY OLD MAN’S A DUSTMAN”. Dean Martin – “Memories are Made of This”. Today they seem to have gone out of fashion. Springbok Radio had several. e.g. “Consider Your Verdict”. Some were used to advertise their product. Do you remember, “Brush Your Teeth With Colgate”? How about the Jungle Oats advert? And of course K.T. A. T. (Kelly Tyres are Tough) and “Ramble Round Rand Radio”? Wonderful memories. Mine is called, “Set Mt Spirit Free That, I Might Worship Thee”. It was in my head continually when I was going through divorce. About a year later, while driving alone in my car I’m sure I heard the Lord say, “I did!” I suspect that for some strange reason, I’ve heard Satan’s signature tune. It’s called, “It’s all about me!” Jesus taught us the Angel’s tune. It called, “It’s all about you!” The difference between them approaches infinity. I would have said “infinite”; but only God is infinite. Jesus did have a signature tune. The nearest I can suggest is, “Whosoever Will May Come” It sounds good but it isn’t that one. As we will see shortly. Please don’t think I’m being irreverent when I say there are times when I feel “sorry” for Jesus! What do you do when you know you are the Son of God and nobody knows except a few close “family” members? Of course I’m looking at this from the perspective of the sin nature. I’ve sometimes wondered what I would do in His was in His position. The first person I would have appeared to would have been Caiaphas. I would have done it just to say, “Hello there!” In Mark 2 we have recorded the miracle of Jesus healing the paralysed man. He was let down through the roof so that Jesus could see him. It’s an amazing story. The man’s four friends tore open the roof to get him to Jesus. He saw their faith and told the man his sins were forgiven. The teachers of the law started singing their signature tune under their breath. “Who does He think He is? Only God can forgive sins”! Jesus knew it without hearing them. It was time to reveal His true identity. So He asked a question. Is it easier (for God) to forgive sins or heal?” Of course for God, both are just as easy. To make the point, Jesus showed them His true nature. (A bit like Clark Kent showing he was Superman) In this instance He was showing that the “Son of Man” was God Himself! He told the man to stand, pick up His mat and go home. The man did exactly that. Thereby Jesus demonstrated that He was able to do both. Jesus’ command was such that the man “jumped” to his feet. Being Who He is, Jesus’ command was irresistible. Something like commanding Lazarus to “Come forth!” Nothing in all creation can resist His command. When He said, “stand up, take up you mat and go home”, Lucifer and all his gang together is unable to prevent it happening. Even if the man didn’t want to get up, it would be impossible for him to stay on his mat. Could it be that the man jumped to his feet involuntarily? The Son of Man; the Son of God had spoken. It was “game over” Jesus’ signature tune is surely, “This Is Voice Of God; Do It!” Jim & Phyllida Strickland			8 Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so He asked them, "Why do you question this in your hearts? Mark 2:8 NLT 19 And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead--and so was Sarah's womb. 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. Romans 4:19-20 NLT 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? Mark 2:9 ESV 23 "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." Mark 9:23 NLT 18 Then Jesus came to them. He said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Matthew 28:18 NIrV 40 He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:40 TNIV 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26 TNIV 8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, "O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? 9 Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Matthew 16:8-9 ESV 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NLT	“Why do you question in your heart”? He knew the things they thought. Forgiveness comes from God alone. That’s what they had been taught. “What right had He to do this? On whose authority, Was he allowed to do so? He thinks He’s Deity!” Christ was smiling gently. The time had come to show, That He was God in overalls. He wanted them to know, That only God forgives our sin; and God alone can do, Miracles of healing for the likes of me and you. Anyone who does them both is surely God Most High. A fact that even Jewish Priests can’t actually deny. For God, both things were easy; not difficult to prove. And if He could do either, for he who couldn't move, Then surely they’d acknowledge that He was from above; The Most High God incarnate, Who’d come to them in love. They really couldn’t answer, for what He said was fact. Their intellect said “Blasphemy!” but they did not react. “All right then I will prove it. I’ll show the Son of Man, Is able to do both of them and certainly I can.” Then turning to the person, who still was lying prone; “Arise”, He said, “pick up your mat and you can take it home”. The man was surely startled. He jumped up on his feet. Picked up his mat and walked away. His healing was complete. There really wasn’t anything that anyone could do. They’d all observed a miracle directly in their view. The onlookers were gob-smacked. How could they take it in? This wasn’t just a healer. He could forgive man’s sin! I’m not sure what this says to you; but what it says to me, Is Jesus Christ of Nazareth was Who He claimed to be. And yet in spite of everything, He didn’t act alone. He only ever did the things which Father God had shown. His power He had limited. The Spirit did the work. This wasn’t just an oddity, to talk of in the Kirk. With faith we can move mountains. That’s what He said for sure. It is the Holy Spirit Who brings to men a cure. And if we will believe it, than then even you and me, Can do the things the Master did. And greater things we’ll see, Because we do not do them. The Spirit is the One. The miracles we read about, each one of them was done, By God the Holy Spirit, when God the Father said. If only we could get this truth deep down into the head, Then we would see the same results. Just listen and then do, The very things the Father says to folk like me and you. If we will shift the focus, from our ability, And getting all excited about our ministry. Once more the Holy Spirit, the Father AND the Son, Will do the works which They regard as needing to be done. Jim Strickland  Written 8th June 2012