TRANSFORMED TO BE LIKE HIM

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 26 January 2012

Hi all,

Somewhere in the depths of memory there is a hymn that went, “Changed in the twinkling of an eye”. I can’t remember the rest of it. No matter. These words express the essence of what Christians believe. Paul expressed it as follows: - ⁵¹ But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! ⁵² It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. ⁵³ For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. 1 Cor 15:51-53 NLT

When we read this for the first time, we have that distinct feeling that if this was not in the Bible it would be out of a children’s fairy story! It sounds too incredible! But it’s not incredible. It’s a fact! It will happen just as Paul stated. For those of us who are pensioners, the prospect of having a body that works properly again is fabulous. To be able to touch my toes! At present it seems that they are just too far away. As a pensioner friend stated recently, “If the Lord wanted me to touch my toes, He would have put them on my knees”.

But what will we look like? I love the way the Eugene Peterson in the message gives us an idea of our future appearance. ² But friends, that's exactly who we are: children of God. And that's only the beginning. Who knows how we'll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we'll see him--and in seeing him, become like him. 1 John 3:2 MSG

What will it be to be like Jesus? We don’t really know. It’s most unlikely that we will all be “clone look-alike’s” of Jesus. No doubt we will be able to recognise each other and Him. It seems that we will have bodies like His supernatural body! I can’t even begin to imagine what that will mean. Yes, He appeared to His apostles and many other folk. They touched and handled Him. Then He vanished. What kind of body is that? One instant He was “flesh and bone”. The next instant he was gone. But flesh and bone can’t pass through walls!

In the Old Testament, the Lord appeared to men and women occasionally. These pre-birth appearances are called “Theophanies” or sometimes, “Christophanies” In these instances, He walked and talked with people. He looked human. But then He was gone. In some ways we may be looking at the same thing. We can’t say this is true. But it does indicate that the Lord has the ability to “materialise” and “dematerialise”. I know this sounds something like an episode from Star Trek. But since Jesus is God, He probably has no difficulty in doing so.

From our point of view, does it mean that when we are with Him and like Him we can do the same? Will our new bodies be able to “materialise” and “dematerialise”? Frankly, we have no idea. All we know for sure is that when Christ is openly revealed, we'll see him--and in seeing him, become like Him.

Can we really understand this? I admit that I can’t. If you can perhaps you will assist me?

Today’s meditation takes a look at being transformed to be like Him!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Transformed to be Like Him

I’ve wondered what we’ll look like, the day the Lord returns. We know we will be like Him. That flame within us burns. We’ll have a glorious body. One that can walk through walls. That floats into a cloudy sky, the instant that He calls! It never will grow older. We’ll all be at our peak! For men that is at 33. I do not have the cheek, To comment for the ladies. I’ve heard it is eighteen. But will there be a gender? If no, what does that mean? It’s all too complicated. My head’s in overdrive. The rest of me is thanking God, that I will be alive! And what about our relatives? I hope they’ll all be there. But who knows their condition! We’re mostly unaware, Of whom the Lord has chosen to reign with Him on high. And none of us know what they did before their time to die! I’m not sure if it matters? Our master knows what’s best. And everyone who loved Him will surely pass His test. There has to be surprises! Who listened to His call? The big surprise for me will be that I am there at all! I know I don’t deserve it. It’s only by His grace That there can be the slightest chance, I might access that place. I’m sure it will be wonderful; beyond what I can think; And He’ll transform each one of us far quicker than a wink! I wonder what He’ll look like. But this I understand. There still will be the nail prints in both His feet and hands. I cannot guess their purpose, but this I know for sure. Each time I get a glimpse of them, I’ll think what He endured, So the people He’s redeemed, forever more can see, How much the Master suffered, for folk like you and me. I know He’ll wash away our tears. But I’ll still want to cry, “O God, You did all this for me; a sinner such as I?” For as I think about it now, my eyes just fill with tears. Thinking just how much You’ve done to drive away our fears. Perhaps I’m thinking far too much about this great event. And tremble as I realise that this is heaven sent. It’s time to get excited, because He’s coming soon. The thought of a new body. It makes me want to swoon. To be a brand new man again; once more back in my prime! Renewed to be like Jesus! O what a thought Divine! Jim Strickland – Written Thursday 26th January 2012

FATHERS AND FATHERHOOD

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 25 January 2012

Hi all,

The Lord blessed me with an extraordinary man as a father. He was not easy to get to know. He tended to be a thinker and was well read. I distinctly remember seeing the complete works of Charles Dickens in his father’s home. His father (my grandfather) was an extraordinary reader. He even read books walking too and from work.

My grandfather was something of a pianist. In the days between the wars, going to the pub was more or less the only form of entertainment available in North East England. He would walk into a pub and sit down at the piano; a prerequisite in those days. In no time there would be several “pints” lined up on the piano for Ernie the pianist. He would play for a couple of hours and then get up, walk out and walk home. I’m not sure if he would read then?

My father, another Ernie, was like my grandfather in many ways. He didn’t learn to play the piano, but he was very much like his father. Both of them were better at listening than at talking. So they were quite content to listen to the banter, take it all in and quietly go about the business of living life.

Dad had a touch for working on large turbo-alternators. As a fitter, he was able to line up the large turbine spindles with remarkable skill and accuracy. This skill put him into a reserved occupation during WWII. He spent most of the time visiting power stations and other plant that had similar equipment. Somehow he managed to get it going again in spite of Hermann Goering’s bombers doing their level best to destroy UK. He met my mother in 1938. They married in 1940, on the day after her 21^st birthday. (So her father couldn’t say no.) She was his first and only girlfriend. I was born in 1942 and was given the name – would you believe Ernie? True enough. Mom insisted they call me by my second name (James) Jim for short.

In some respects, his skill influenced our relationship. He was constantly being called away to fix things - turbines. Even when we came to South Africa he travelled around installing, checking and repairing similar equipment. So we were never really able to get close. In any case, he was my Dad. He was seldom wrong about anything. He only ever commented about topics he was familiar with. Looking back now, I think he overawed me and we were both content with that.

Was he a good role model for me? How would I know? He was the only father I had. I thought the world of him. It never occurred to me that he might not be right. Besides, he behaved much like his father. That’s the way it was back in the 1950’s for me and the 1930’s for him. No doubt it would have been much the same as my grandfather was treated at the beginning of the 20^th century! Before that? Who can say.

Was I a good father? In the light of God’s word I must say no. I treated my children much the same way as I’d been treated. It was the same way for each generation! All of it was terribly normal – whatever normal means.

Those days are now about 60 years ago! Knowing what I know now, I’m sure things would have been much different. But that’s the problem. Hindsight is always 20/20 vision.

Today’s meditation is all about fatherhood.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Fathers and Fatherhood

Take a little walk around Jerusalem today, It won’t be very long before you hear a young boy say, “Abba” meaning father. The little boy will run, And jump into his father’s arms. Why not? He is his son! It’s really quite delightful. It’s often on the go; And from a Christian standpoint, it’s wonderful to know, That fathers and their little boys, relate in such a way, That people in the Western world so seldom see today. We’re missing out on something. The father - son lifestyle, It’s something that we aught to know. It makes Our Father smile. But what about the fathers, that you and I have known? Have they truly acted the way the Bible’s shown? For what we have experienced, is what we’ll likely be. That is our role model, most unfortunately. Some of it was very good; some of it was not; And some of it was something far better off forgot! Some fathers are fantastic. They seem to get it right. They do just what the Bible says, by day as well as night. They clearly love their children the way a father should. So when it comes to fathering, we say that they are “good”! Some men are a “disaster”, if you’ll forgive the phrase. These men abuse their children in many different ways. Some of it is physical. They leave their children sore. Others psychological, which damages far more, Than giving a few bruises. They leave their children scarred, Some should be arrested and from all children barred. The problem which arises is, these children never trust Any sort of father, they treat them with disgust. And so because of what they’ve seen, they think that every Dad, Is better off avoided, or they’ll be driven mad. So when it comes to Father God, they think that also He, Will be as bad as what they knew back in their history. But this is a perception and never is the truth. We can’t compare God’s Fatherhood with knowledge from our youth. He’s infinitely better than anything we’ve known. We cannot rate His fatherhood – not even with our own. I may be a “good father”. But only God is good! The very best that I can be, it can’t be what it should. My fatherhood is limited to hours in the day. And when I’m busy sleeping, there isn’t any way, That I can be a father. As long as I’m asleep, What sort of standard can I set? I cannot ever keep, The standards He has set out. I also have my moods; And cannot feed my children on supernatural food. There is a gulf between us. I do the best I can. But I am not Christ Jesus. I’m only just a man. Jim Strickland – Written Wednesday 25th January 2012

JACOB AND JESUS REFLECT

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 24 January 2012

Hi all,

Today’s Scriptures speak about fruit; mainly the fruit of the vine. It’s also something of a panoramic view of Israel and Judah from the time of Jacob’s prophetic words over his sons to the time of Jesus Christ and beyond.

I don’t recall of anyone speaking about the words of Jacob to His sons shortly before he died. It’s a shame that this is so. In some magnificent way, it was as though Jacob was looking forward down the years to the reign of King David and ultimately to the time of King Jesus. Jacob’s words were both inspirational and prophetic in a way that Christians today should be far better acquainted with.

The Daily Light Evening Scripture only quotes a short portion of Jacob’s blessing on Judah, his fourth son by Leah. The previous three, Reuben, Simeon and Levi had so disgraced themselves in the eyes of their father (Jacob) that the blessings of the first-born son, was bestowed on Judah. These words constitute one of the most awesome prophetic words we can find anywhere in the Old Testament. Not surprisingly, Jacob speaks of the future king – King David and The Future King; King Jesus. So, for today’s meditation, I’ve tried to blend Jacob’s words with Jesus’ words into a double reflection. Part of the reflection is by Jacob looking forward and backward over his life. The other part is a reflection by Jesus on the vineyard of Israel.

Distinguishing the one from the other is not difficult. Apart from a short introduction, it “picks up” from the point where Jesus corrects the nation’s idea that they were God’s vine. The Lord Jesus states that He is the True Vine. He then adds that it is His desire and His Father’s desire that His people bear much fruit. The Scripture concludes with comments on the fruit of the Spirit, rather than the fruit of the vine.

Jacob’s prophetic words were given about 800 years before King David and about 1800 years before the first advent of Jesus Christ. This amazing man, who started life as a noted deceiver and cheat, met The Lord at Pniel. The change in Him was extraordinary. The Lord touched his hip and from that time on, Jacob walked with a limp. Furthermore, his words were no longer intended to deceive but to bring truth; truth for which Christians, some 3800 years later, are indebted.

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Jacob and Jesus Reflect

Of all the children from my loins there’s two of them stand out. Ephraim and Judah. It’s true without a doubt. Judah came from Leah, Ephraim’s Joseph’s son. They will lead my people till life on earth is done. Rachel was my favourite wife and Joseph came from her. They’ll be at each other’s throat, and conflict will occur. Both of them are special; each in a different way. Judah will bring forth the King whom Ephraim will obey! There’ll be separation. The grandson of the King, Will so offend the Ephraimites, they will do their thing. So, instead of one of them, the kingdom will be two. Both will look in envy at what they both can do. But the first intention was they should be a vine. Planted in a vineyard the Lord would say, “It’s mine.” There upon a hillside, in the finest richest soil, They’d produce the finest wine that couldn’t ever spoil. You’d think they’d make a go of it. You’d think the wine would be, The very finest vintage in all of history. But that is not what happened. The grapes they picked were sour. The wine was more like vinegar and worsened every hour. They were not even suitable to dye the royal robes red. And so the Lord would deal with them a different way instead. That’s when the Lord decided to chop the whole thing down. No longer would they prosper in that rather special town. They’d be in captivity for seventy long years. This would be their punishment, in spite of all their tears. Of course, they all pretended that the nation was God’s vine. The Son of God corrected them. He said, “The title’s Mine. Indeed I am the true vine. My Father makes it grow. He cultivates and prunes it in ways you’ll never know. And He is looking out for a special kind of fruit. That no one in their right mind could possibly refute. The fruit is of the Spirit and character is seen, Not in the normal way of man. That way is just unclean. That way is filled with vices and is utterly corrupt. But those who have the Spirit will find that they have supped, The bread of life eternal and on the choicest wine. In fellowship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God Divine. And walking in the Spirit, in harmony with Me, Will bring a revelation of what they aught to be. A people who will follow right to the very end. And in that certain knowledge, they’ll see Me as their friend.” Jim Strickland – Written Tuesday 24th January 2012.

THE CROSS OF CHRIST

Time with Jesus - Monday, 23 January 2012

Today’s Scriptures focus on Jesus Christ and the cross.

From a Christian perspective, the cross is the most important symbol we will ever know. The crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ is the central point in all of time and space. It is as though creation itself hinges around this event. Nothing is more important anywhere or at any time in history. God knew all about it before the foundation of this world was laid. This method of execution coincided with the time Jesus came to dwell among us. It’s almost as though all history leads up to and away from the crucifixion. Thank God it does! I can think of no other method of execution more fitting for sinful men like you and me. The pain and degradation of hanging stark naked somewhere between heaven and earth nailed to a cross seems about right for a monster of iniquity. It’s appropriate for those of us who have been openly and deliberately defiant of God’s love.

Symbolically, the cross can be seen to represent the cancellation of the letter “I”. It can be seen as stretching from heaven to earth and inclusive of all who have lived, are living and will live on this planet. It is a symbol of death. We have so distorted the crucifixion, that men and women wear the symbol on a chain round their necks as jewellery!

Of course the cross has been under attack by Satan and his gang since Jesus was crucified. They know it is a powerful symbol. So they deliberately seek to devalue it by trying to turn it into a toy. In the main, they have succeeded.

But not only has the cross been “devalued”. Satan’s attack has focused on the crucifixion as a whole. They have done their best to “demystify” it. They have persuaded millions of men and women that the cross is not important. Christ’s injunction to “take up your cross and follow me” has been spiritualised to the point where it has become meaningless. Instead of making unconditional demands on the lives of Christians, it has been changed into a sort of optional extra. Repentance is no longer necessary. All we have to do is receive Jesus. His grace will cover anything and everything we do/did from the moment we are saved. It will carry us all the way into the portals of heaven itself. Sadly, Christians have swallowed this hook line and sinker. The result is that many live a more debauched lifestyle than the one they lived before coming to Jesus. “God knows and understands!” is the cry from deluded millions. His grace will cover it all! Sadly, it won’t! That’s “Cheap Grace” and there is no such thing!

To take up your cross in Jesus day was to pick up your means of execution. You were on a one way path to an agonising and public death. You could not reason with the cross. It would do its work on you as it had done on countless thousands. When it was finished, you would be dead.

Taking up your cross today still means the same as it did in Jesus’ day. We cannot cover it with velvet padding. We cannot protect ourselves from public shame and nakedness. We can only submit to all its associated terrors and wait for the instance when we too, like our Lord and Saviour can say, “It is finished. Into Your hands I commit my spirit! This is the purpose of the cross. God help me! I’m scared of how I will react when the inevitable happens and my time has come to be nailed on mine. But if they could do it to my Saviour and Lord, can I expect any less? What do you think?

Today’s meditation looks at this in a little more detail.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

The Cross of Christ

A tragic thing has happened in the past one hundred years. The cross of Christ’s been modified to satisfy our peers. It’s now been velvet covered, so people don’t get hurt. They tell me it’s been sanitised, to take away the dirt. The blood has been excluded; it has been washed away. We mustn’t bother people who feel squeamish every day! It’s not a thing to carry. So put it on a truck. Put one on a necklace, so it can bring you luck! Never talk about it; it just might give offence, To the religious people who are sitting on the fence. It’s only fundamentalists who really care at all. So do not let it bother you. Their thinking’s far too small. You see, we know much better. The Lord is now our friend! And we have got a ticket on which we can depend. We got it many years ago, by visiting a tent. The preacher said please take it. There’s no need to repent. And while you have this ticket, you can enter heaven’s doors. The cross you’ll have to carry is from lollipops and straws. Now as I look around me, I see this everywhere. The church is entertainment! It now is free from care. Jesus came to sanctify, what used to be obscene. Just believe He’s saved you, and He will wash you clean. But there’s a major problem, when we think along these lines. It’s really not the gospel which Jesus Christ defines. In His day, taking up the cross, meant certain crucifixion. You would know for certain and without contradiction; That you were on a journey to an agonising end. There wasn’t an alternative; on that you could depend. You knew your life was over and you would soon be dead. No matter what the people all around you thought or said. There was no opportunity to bid your friends goodbye. Unless they wished to walk with you and watch you as you died. The cross made no allowances. There wasn’t an appeal, That you could make with anyone and shortly it would deal, With you in your entirety. It wouldn’t shrink or bend. But hold you there in agony till life came to an end. This is the cross Christ spoke of. So let us all obey. Take up our cross and follow Him. There is no other way. Jim Strickland – Written Monday 23rd January 2012