COME AND SEE

Time with Jesus - Monday, 24 June 2013

Hi all,

Driving round the suburban areas of the bigger towns in South Africa, we are sure to see a number of signs which read “Beware of the Dog”. More often than not, there is the head of a large snarling dog included on the sign somewhere. 
A variation on this was one which read, “Never mind the Dog,

Beware of the Owner”. Included on the sign was a picture of a rather large and threatening hand-gun.

For many of those whose roots go back to Europe, dogs are regarded as “man’s best friend”. But that’s not true of some nations. In the days when Jesus ministered “in the flesh”, to call a man a dog was an insult. The Jews disdainfully referred to all Gentiles as “dogs”. It wasn’t quite the lowest form of life to them. But it was far down the ladder of social and religious acceptability.

A Pharisee

A typical prayer from someone like a Pharisee was, "Blessed are you, Hashem, King of the Universe, for not having made me a Gentile, a slave or a woman”. I’m not sure of the order of significance. This prayer does however illustrate the importance attached of all three.

Slave

There was another category of people hated in those days. These were the tax collectors. In Jewish society, tax collectors were “the scum of the earth”. They were intensely hated, although they were all Jews. The Romans knew a thing or two. They realised that the best way of raising taxes was to use the local population. Thus they appointed Jews to the position. They told the tax collector how much they wanted. The tax-man could then charge more or less what he wanted and keep the difference. 

Tax-collector, a dog
or a woman

It follows that tax-men were relatively wealthy. They did it by overcharging their “clients”. This is why tax-men were seen as the dregs of society. A Gentile was thought of as a dog. A tax-man was thought of as less than a dog.
It was against this background Matthew, the Gospel writer, recorded some of the most poignant words in the New Testament.

A Woman

⁹ As Jesus was walking along, He saw a MAN named Matthew sitting at his tax collector's booth. "Follow Me and be My disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed Him. ¹⁰ Later, Matthew invited Jesus and His disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. ¹¹ But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" Mat 9:9-11 NLT

A Dog

This portion of Scripture always gives me hope for the future and a sense of deep thankfulness every time I read it. When Jesus looked at Matthew, He didn’t see a dog. He didn’t see one of the lowest life forms on earth. Jesus saw a man! Matthew knew it. He was the man. He recorded it for us in his Gospel. Mark and Luke refer to the incident in their Gospels. But Matthew shows us the significance of what had taken place that day, by the addition of two little words; “a man”. Jesus looked beyond the exterior and saw; not a gentile dog or a tax collector. Jesus saw a man.

A Young Man
Me

Thank God for this. One evening in October 1960, Jesus walked through Bainbridge Memorial Methodist Church and saw a man. Not much of a man admittedly. He saw a young man who had destroyed his own future and was an outcast. He saw me! “Follow Me” Jesus said to me. In spite of everything seeming to be as bad, if not worse than a tax collector some 2000 years ago, He saw me. He saw a young man! I got up from my seat in that youth meeting and have followed Him ever since. Thank you for seeing me Lord.

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – 24 June 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	COME AND SEE
From the day we docked in Cape Town on the Carnarvon Castle, we lived in hotels. That’s not something to boast about. It was like that, because during WW2, very few houses were built and even rental property was hard to find. In addition, most hotels were “Residential” and cheap. My Dad told me that when we moved into Hornby House in Humewood, Port Elizabeth, the hotel costs were £7 per person per month. In other words He paid £18 per month for all three of us. This included three meals per day. The last time I was in Port Elizabeth, Hornby House was still there. But now it had been converted into apartments, catering primarily for holiday makers. No meals provided. Since it is slap bang on the Humewood beach front, there is no shortage of holiday makers at ±R750 per day. When we lived there in 1950 the idea of such staggering rents didn’t even appear on our radar screen! At the beginning of 1952, through a friend of a friend, we rented a flat in Pearson Street. And shortly thereafter, rented a house in Park Lane almost next to St Georges Park. We had gone from a flat to a house. Such a possibility was unimaginable when we were in Hornby House. By 1959/60, developers were building more and more houses so it was easier to buy your own home, than to pay the rent. It wasn’t until 1960 that Dad could buy a house. Having lived in hotels and rented property since 1947, it was like going to heaven. If I had been asked in 1947 to describe my “dream home” I think my mind would have gone “tilt”. But now we were living in it. I was 5 in 1947. I was 18 in 1960. The imagination of a 5 year old does not measure up to the reality of what things are to an 18 year old. In many respects, what is described above is reminiscent of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians: 9 But as Scripture says: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him."1 Corinthians 2:9 GW We can never even try and guess the things God has prepared for us. It will be infinitely greater than the difference between the imagination of a 5 year old and an 18 year old. One thing we do know is that Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for us. Scripturally each one of us will receive a mansion. I’m reluctant to try and guess what this might be. This I do know. 8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.2 Peter 3:8 NLT Jesus ascended on a Thursday. Two “days” later takes us to the middle of Saturday. So He’s only been preparing for us for two days! Furthermore, if today for Him is Saturday afternoon then it’s His Sabbath. I’m not sure how much preparing He is doing today? Not that it matters. He’ll come when all is ready. I’ll wait! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			38 Jesus looked around and saw them following. "What do you want?" He asked them. They replied, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are You staying?" 39 "Come and see," He said. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon when they went with Him to the place where He was staying, and they remained with Him the rest of the day. John 1:38-39 NLT 2 There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? 3 And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live. John 14:2-3 MSG 20 Look, I'm standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I'll come in and we'll eat together. 21 I will allow everyone who wins the victory to sit with me on my throne, as I have won the victory and have sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Let the person who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches." Revelation 3:20-22 GW 15 For this is what the high and lofty One says-- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57:15 NIV 20 Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end." Matthew 28:20 NIrV 7 How precious is Your loving-kindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. Psalms 36:7 NASB	John’s disciples followed Him. “What do you want: said He? “Where are you living Rabbi?” He answered, “Come and see”? Two thousand odd years later, the same thing is still true. We ask Him where’s He’s living? He says to me and you, “Follow Me and I will surely take you on a road, That ultimately takes you to My heavenly abode.” He doesn’t show before-hand what it’s like in His home. To give a full description would fill a giant tome. You can’t describe what’s infinite with any English words. Just the thought of doing it is utterly absurd. How do you pour the oceans into a little jug? If you think you can do it, my friend, don’t be so smug! And yet the Lord has hinted at what it is we’ll see. He says it is a mansion He’s making just for me! And I am not the only one. He’s making one for you. And every other Christian will find they have one too! So Jesus has been busy since he went up above Building us a mansion which speaks about His love. Each mansion will be different. Each one is tailor made To fit the personalities of those who have obeyed. If you like fitted carpets, they’ll be upon the floor. All your aspirations you’ll find they’re there and more. For if you can imagine it, your thinking’s far too small. It’s infinitely better than what you can recall. I don’t know how He’ll do this; each mansion’s right next door, To where the King is “living”. You couldn’t ask for more. To live next door to Holiness, means you’ll be holy too. O Master I can hardly wait to be a bit like You! O Lord Your loving-kindness. It blows my puny mind. There isn’t any other God that anyone can find. O Lord, You are exclusive and totally unique. All You ever want to do, You only have to speak; And it starts its existence. It stands before your throne; Only You can do this. Just You and You alone! How can a man describe these things? Your Spirit indicates, The things we cannot guess at, or even estimate. For what you have prepared for those who seek to follow You. And follow in obedience, Your Holy will to do. Jim Strickland Written 24th June 2012

RUTH’S REST

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 23 June 2013

Hi all,

Naomi, Ruth
Orpah Returns to Moab

Men and women are usually classified. The “picture” of the male is of someone who is hard drinking, hard swearing; interested only in sex, money and sport, preferably in that order. The old saying, “What are little boys made of? – Snips and snails and puppy dogs tails!” The word “snips” being understood as “little bits of”. Other versions may describe boys as being made of "frogs", “snigs”,"snakes", or "slugs", rather than "snips". Not terribly complimentary! However, if you’re an ardent feminist, all four words fit rather well. 

On the others hand, “What are little girls made of? - Sugar and spice and everything nice.” Strangely enough, women, young ladies and girls don’t complain about this. By the way, (don’t tell anyone) the men tend to agree with this. Well, I do anyway.

Experience tells us that although there is a lot of truth in this, there are some who don’t fit the picture as well as they should. Queen Athaliah is a good example. She was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. For political expediency she married Jehoram, eldest son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. She was much like her mother. By political intrigue and murder she became the only “queen” to reign in Judah. This was forbidden. The monarch was always supposed to be male. Athaliah only reigned for 6 years.

The makings of little boys, is such that almost any man fits the

Boaz, Ruth, Obed, Naomi

picture. King David, for example, was like that. But he also had an artistic and prophetic side. The same man, a warrior and leader, wrote the most beautiful and heart rending Psalms. He played the lute with such ability; he could bring peace into the mind of the mad King Saul. David had an artistic, depressive temperament, ideal for a Psalmist. He could compose and lead an army second to none.

Where did he acquire the qualities he so clearly demonstrated? Yes indeed, they were God given. At the same time, God usually designs men and women through their ancestry. We saw a couple of weeks ago how God skilfully handcrafted Eve from Adam’s rib, to be the perfect woman for Adam. (Adam was “squeezed together” from mud) 

King David

There is a sense in which the Creator of all, “puts together a recipe” to finally produce someone who happens to be exactly what is needed for a given situation. Two women featured in King David’s genealogy that combined to bring forth the Greatest King the Children of Israel had ever known. Only Jesus Christ would be a greater King. But remember that King David was in Jesus’ genealogy.

The two women were his great grandmother and great, great grandmother; Ruth and Rahab. Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho. Ruth was a Gentile woman from Moab. In many ways, David acquired some of his understanding of outcasts through these two ladies. Moreover, through Bathsheba, the former wife of Uriah the Hittite, Solomon was born. He was destined to be known as the wisest and wealthiest man who ever lived.

In today’s meditation we look briefly at the story of one of these women. She is perhaps, one of the best known and best loved women in the Old Testament. The story of Ruth reads like a fairy-tale classic; with one major difference. The story is true. Ruth the Moabite met and married Boaz in extraordinary circumstances, no doubt choreographed by our Divine Choreographer. They had a son called Obed. His Son was called Jesse. Jesse’s son was King David. Only God Himself can get this right.

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – 23 June 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	RUTH’S REST
It’s always been a source of some amusement, that Elimelech, his wife Naomi and their two sons Mahlon and Kilion, left Bethlehem in Judah, because of famine in the land. They went to Moab. Moab means “of my father”. Moab was the incestuous son of Lot and his eldest daughter. Bethlehem means House of Bread. It makes no sense to leave the house of bread because they have no bread! The story of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz, the man Ruth subsequently married, is popular beyond the confines of Judaism or Christianity. We read how Ruth followed behind the reapers and picked up what they dropped. We smile when we read of Boaz instructing his harvesters to be deliberately clumsy! Surely there was more to this than meets the eye? Who knows? Was this love at first sight? This story of a poor girl becoming a princess has universal appeal. Furthermore, we applaud when we learn that subsequently as Boaz’s wife, she became the great grandmother of King David. What most of us fail to recognise is the open handed generosity of Boaz. How many of us would ask our workers to be clumsy for the benefit of a pretty, out of town stranger? How many would willingly take on the responsibility of a spouse with an impoverished and family related mother-in-law? Yet, that's what Boaz did. Why? Is this generosity the root of David being a man after God's heart? Perhaps? This man, who could have had his pick of any of the marriageable young women in the Bethlehem area, was moved by the plight of a destitute widow, who had no other means of support for herself or her mother-in-law. His generous heart opened to her. Why? He did it because it was required of him in terms of his commitment to God. In consequence of his generosity, Boaz "gleaned" something from God. Something or rather someone of greater value than he could possibly have guessed. Tucked away in a corner of God's field he found a wife; yet someone much more than a mere wife. He found a legend; someone who has become one of history’s favourite women. This story of how Ruth, Naomi and Boaz entered their “rest” is extraordinary. Ruth had to work hard. At harvest time, the fields are very hot from the scorching sun. Gleaning was not a task for the lazy. It took commitment by Boaz to Ruth and the customs of that day. In a way, Naomi became the tool in God’s hand, whereby a Moabite woman became the forerunner of David and Jesus. Four women are referred to by name in Matthew’s genealogy. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba. All are of questionable ancestry. God’s call enabled them to rest in the pages of Biblical history. Later another woman would feature. Her name is Mary, the mother of Jesus. Together they are now at rest in the arms of God. Jim & Phyllida Strickland			1 One day Ruth's mother-in-law Naomi spoke to her. She said, "My daughter, shouldn't I try to find a secure place for you? Shouldn't you have peace and rest? Shouldn't I find a home where things will go well with you? Ruth 3:1 NIrV 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, Hebrews 4:9 ESV 18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32:18 TNIV 16 Why wasn't I buried like a stillborn child, like a baby who never lives to see the light? 17 For in death the wicked cause no trouble, and the weary are at rest. Job 3:16-17 NLT 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them." Revelation 14:13 NIV 20 That is where Jesus has gone. He went there to open the way ahead of us. He has become a high priest forever, just like Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:20 NIrV 28 Then Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NLT 15 GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: "Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me-- The very thing you've been unwilling to do. Isaiah 30:15 MSG A psalm by David. 1 The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside peaceful waters. Psalms 23:1-2 GW	Naomi was the mother. Two sons she had brought forth. She was from a village a little to the North, Of Bethlehem in Judah. Her husband moved their home, Into the land of Moab. But now she was alone. Her husband and her sons had died. So now all she had left - The wives her sons had married! Now all three were bereft. Naomi then decided to go to the “House of Bread” To Bethlehem in Judah. If not, she’d soon be dead. Ruth went with her “mother”, Orpah stayed behind. They both needed a husband and thought that they might find, Someone who would marry them. So Orpah made her choice, To stay behind in Moab. Perhaps she would rejoice? If she could find a husband, where she was quite well known. But Ruth went with Naomi; she’d not leave her alone. The Ruth and Boaz story. He took her as his wife. Ruth then had a husband who’d take care of her for life. The story is a classic, of true love and romance. And how the God of Israel gives folk a “second chance”. She became a mother and so found peace and rest. King David was her great grandson. So she was truly blessed. Now resting isn’t idleness. She had a lot to do. To be a wife and mother and “rest” is never true. Her rest was from her searching to be taken as a bride. Now her quest was over, she put that search aside. We’re told that our God rested, upon the seventh day. But He was never tired. Not in the smallest way. He rested from creating. All He had planned to do, Was finally completed. He’d done it “right on queue’! And what about the Christian. He doesn’t lie in bed! He always does precisely, that which the Lord has said. And one day in his working week, he seeks to put aside, To being with his children, his family and bride. We call it “recreation”. And this word says it all. A time of his refreshing from duty’s busy call. Of being with his Maker. The Shepherd of his soul. To walking in green pastures and where still waters roll. Of getting inspiration right from its proper source, And how is it we do this? In Jesus Christ of course! Jim Strickland Written 23 June 2012