Can you imagine living in a nation where everyone is separated by the color of their skin?
Unfortunately, that is what we had...have...

Who would we be, if we sold one another and gained our whole treasure, through something as sick as human oppression?

It appears we are still in the process of answering this question.

Can you imagine taking a land, through violent hands - through the selling of humans and making them slaves?

This is the story of the Americas - the one in the North and the one in the South. Nations built on a delusion of what the authoritarian “bridge builder” said.

You see, we have been led to believe what a pontiff says, a man in a robe we believe to be "Chosen by God." And what he says is what people believe, even if it's outside of what scripture says.

This is what I’ve learned...

First, it was never a “white man” who started our demise. It was a powerful Italian man who pretended to be God. It was a Spanish Queen who got what she wanted, and many African men, who wanted more power.

Once I did the research and stopped believing all the hype, I came to the realization about how "religious" we are.

History reveals that the trans-Atlantic slave trade did not originate from the common white man hating people for the pigment of their skin. No! History shows it was the Pope of the Catholic Church, and the powerful leaders who ruled over the world, who operated under Satanic strongholds, and put a nation of people into bondage.

Pope Nicholas V granted Portugal and Spain the right to invade, plunder and reduce persons of color to perpetual slavery.

What a divisive way to be! To oppress a person based on the color of their skin.

Satan loves for people to follow their flesh, and finds every way dig his claws in.

Satan loves to cause strife. Unfortunately for humans, that does not take much! Humans tend to be narcissistic and self-centered. They like to believe they are superior to each other.

Ironically, racism is antithetical to the blood of Christ - it’s bases oppression on the color of skin rather than looking at the biblical truth that we are all one blood.

What happened to loving our neighbor as we love ourselves? To identifying a person as another imager of God?

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were known as Catholic monarchs, and they invested in an explorer named Christopher Columbus. They sent Columbus out into the world to claim a land and make a name for themselves.

The rich men who lived along the West African coast, the ones who owned mineral-rich land that was loaded with abundant gold, were discontented and had to have more!

It is true! I am not lying to you! Look it up yourself! It’s gluttony at its best!

Spain decided to use African people to create wealth - human commodities for free labor. Other nations saw what Spain had done, and they decided they wanted to join in. Leaders from the Netherlands, France, Denmark and England, saw slavery as a way to earn economic and geopolitical power.

EVERYONE joined in the delusion. EVERYONE believed it was okay to de-humanize a person. EVERYONE believed in slavery “under the name of God.”

Over 12.5 million African men, women and children, were forced into slavery, and the sale of their bodies, and the product of their labor, laid the foundation to where we now live.

Unfortunately, the use of forced labor is not uncommon. Africans and Europeans have been trading goods and people across the Mediterranean Sea forever. And look at Egypt who enslaved the Hebrews - all because they had become prosperous Jews.

The truth is almost every nation and every people are guilty of it.

I mean take a long look at child pornography and sex trafficking - people using men, women and children to satisfy their sexually immorality. It's crazy to believe that human slavery could be such a lucrative business. How could another human being want to purchase adults and children?

It is so sad to think that our America, the land of the free, the land of the brave - was founded on human cruelty and delusional intent.

Don’t we get it?

People were oppressed, brutality beaten, forced into labor and murdered - and it was all instigated by royalty and religion! The Anti-Christ spirit is secretly at work. He justifies himself through social positions.

I mean really?

Who believes that ANY human is just?
Who believes that any human can play God, and make these kind of unbiblical decisions?

Seriously? How could people see Pope Nicholas V as just when he was clearly twisting the Word of God!

It still amazes me that people can be so naive, so easily deceived - believing that any human could have supreme authority is just crazy! How could a person believe that a pope or a priest, or a king or a queen, has divine authority when the Bible clearly states they do not!

I guess they don't understand what the Word of God says.

Don't they know that we ALL fall short of the glory of God, and we ALL need forgiveness for our sin because none of us do exactly what God said!

That is why Jesus came. He has always been the plan!

Jesus said, “Do not misunderstand. I did not come to abolish the Law of Moses or the writings of the prophets, but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17

Between the Holocaust and the genocide of Jews to the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the dehumanizing of souls, to the slaughtering of nations such as the Native Americans, to the division we see among races and nations - all was done "in the name of God" and all was done for the betterment of "a more humane civilization."

With all of this ridiculousness - its hard to believe that God still loves us! My God, humans are such a mess!

And yet - here we are today, continuing to make the same mistakes. We walk around holding up signs that make us feel proud!

“Black Lives Matters”
“White Lives Matters”
“Asian Lives Matters”
- and so forth and so on!

“LGBTQ Pride”
“Women’s Rights”
“Pro-Choice”
Literally, we could go and on!

It all really goes against God. Not an ounce of it is rooted in Christ.

How about we replace our PRIDE with the words, “I see you. God loves you. You matter to me.”
How about we say, “I can forgive you because God forgives me.”

Truly I tell you, I am amazed that people still want to segregate themselves based of their color.

With all that has happened, as found in history and in our Bible, it would make more sense to understand the truth of God based on what the Word of God says?

Acts 17:26 says,
“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.”

Take a moment to imagine what God must think when we raise our banners high and demand social justice. I wonder how God feels when we blow up places like Planned Parenthood? What would God say about the riots? Would he support or condemn this kind of social justice? What would God say about the organization Black Lives Matters? And how would He feel about us waving our flags?
Would He point and criticize, or would He teach us to trust and obey?

Here's the thing. I love people despite the color of their skin. I choose friends based on the heart within.

Brothers and Sisters In Christ, It is time to stand up and be the Church. The time has come for us to pick up our mat and walk!

The question is - “How do we move forward when we have endured a his and her story of pain, hurt and horror - without creating even more problems?"

My answer is this - it has to start with Christ.

Jesus is the ONLY foundation that can save us from sin and death! He is the ONLY ONE who covers our cracks.

We must get into scripture and see what the Word of God says.

We need to be Bereans. We need to compare the Word of God to Critical Race Theory and the intellectual trends.

The Critical Race Theory (CRT) that circulates many educational systems is based on Marxism and radical revolution. Reformation is not an option because it does not abolish "whiteness." CRT injects systematic guilt into the heart of our nation, and it condemns men, women and children for the color of their skin.

CRT is embedded in the same divination that caused oppression among blacks. CRT believes that white supremacy is inherit in every American thought - despite what the individual thinks. CRT turns us into the masses so that we don't have to focus on ill intent. CRT is based on the color of skin, and defines "whiteness" as inherently bad. CRT is in direct opposition to the teachings of Christ. Perhaps we should consider a scripture to address black and white racism. Oh wait - there is none! Instead, people should teach about love and forgiveness.

​The Lord said we are to forgive seventy times seven; sometimes we need to forgive one another, and sometimes we need to forgive ourselves.

Forgiveness is never an easy thing to do. That is why we are called "to endure" while living in this world.

All we have to do is look to the cross. God himself came to in the flesh, as THE sacrificial Lamb to pour out His blood, so that the angel of death will Passover us.

For this - Jesus is to be praised! Yahweh is the One who saves us. And we must always remember that we CAN love one another because God first showed His love us.

Social justice is not a biblical concept. It's based on humanism, utopian socialism and wealth redistribution - despite whether you worked for it or not!

But, this is not to say that we should not help those who are less fortunate than us. The scripture is absolutely clear that we MUST take care of orphans, widows and the poor.

And yet, the scripture says that able-bodied persons are required to work if they are to eat, and God defines this as social responsibility.

The Word of God is very clear!

Scripture says that we are to live socially responsible - everyone working and caring for one another.

Now more than ever, it is important for us to come together and remember - WE ARE ONE BLOOD.

It is time for Christians to stop twisting the truth and making excuses for ourselves! We must learn to endure and do what is difficult. Jesus picked up his cross and laid it all down for us! Now we have the opportunity to do it all for Him.

The Lord gave us His manual - the Book of Instruction that can help us get through this life.

We can do this because we are ONE BLOOD. We must pray for Holy Spirit wisdom. I already know the answer is not found in black and in white, but the answer is found within the heart.

Today's poetic sermon is extremely important.  In Matthew Chapter 5, verses 17 to 20, Jesus explains why He came to earth from Heaven.  This is a really important concept for followers of Christ to understand - if we are to walk in step with His Holy Spirit.  

In Matthew Chapter 5:17-20, Jesus says, “Don’t misunderstand why I have come.  I did not come to abolish the Law of Moses or the writings of the prophets.  No, I came to accomplish their purpose.  I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until it’s purpose is achieved."

You see, the "law” that Jesus spoke of is not what many of us think.  He is not speaking about the system of rules that human governments create to regulate the actions of their people.  No, the Law that Jesus speaks of is the Law of Moses - the commandments that God gave to Moses - to teach the Israelites how to live according to God's culture and customs.  

Let me tell you a story.  After Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers who were full of jealousy; and after God took the life of Er and his father Judah had sex with his Er's wife, Tamar - the Lord made a way for his people, saving a remnant through the Land of Egypt, and their Pharaoh.  And after several generations, the 12 tribes of Israel multiplied and filled the land with their people.  Eventually, there was a new Egyptian king who grew jealous.  He said to his people, "Look, the people of Israel now outnumber us and are stronger than us.  We must make a plan to keep them from growing."  Exodus 1:9

"So the Egyptians made the Israelites their slaves, and wore them down through crushing labor.  But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more the Israelites multiplied and spread, and the more alarmed the Egyptians became.  So the Egyptians worked the people of Israel without mercy.  They were ruthless in their demands."  Exodus 1:11-14 And this is when a king like Herod said, "Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River.  But you may let the girls live."

Well, God always has a plan, even when we do not understand.  "A man and a woman from the tribe of Levi got married and had a son, and they hid him for three months.  But when she could no longer hid him, she made a basket and put him on the bank of the Nile River.  Soon Pharaoh's daughter came down to bathe and saw the basket along the riverbank.  And the baby's sister came and asked if she should find a Hebrew woman to nurse him.  Later, when the boy was older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh's daughter and she named him Moses."   Exodus 2

And it's through the Mosaic Covenant that God established the Law with his people.  After stirring unrest in Moses, and causing him to give up his wealthy position, God spoke to Moses at the burning bush and directed him to lead his people.

Then the Lord told Moses, "I am Yahweh - the Lord.  I appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as El Shaddai - God Almighty - but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them.  And I reaffirmed my covenant with them.  Under it's terms, I promised to give them the land of Canaan, where they were living as foreigners.  you can be sure that I have heard the groans of the people of Israel, who are now slaves to the Egyptians.  And I am well aware of my covenant with them."  Exodus 6:2-5

And after Moses's brother, Aaron, had his staff turned into a serpent; and after the plagues that were foretold to Pharaoh; and after the First Passover, and the blood of the lamb on the doorposts - Israel received the release of Pharaoh and began their Exodus from Egypt.   From here we see the dedication of the First Born, the wilderness detour and the deliverance song.  We see the splitting of the Red Sea, bitter water made good to drink and manna from Heaven.  We see water from a rock, Israel defeating the Amalekites, and Jethro's wise advice - the very first court system (Exodus 18:13-27).

And then, in the 19th Chapter of Exodus, we see God revealing himself on Mount Sinai.  The Lord said to Moses, "I will come to you in a thick cloud so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you.'  "Go down and prepare the people for my arrival.  Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing.  Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch."  

When the Lord gave ten commandments for the covenant community, the people were afraid.  But Moses encouraged them and said, "Do not be afraid, for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning." Exodus 20:20  After the ten commandments came many more laws such as proper use of altars, cases of personal injury, protection of property, social responsibility and the fair treatment of slaves.    

The Lord went on to say that if the Israelites served Him only, then he would bless them abundantly.  But if they made treaties with other countries or their gods, then they would be trapped in idolatry.  Moses warned the Israelites that if they did not honor God with wholehearted commitment, then they would not receive the blessings, and instead experience curses plagued with confusion, madness, blindness and panic.  Deuteronomy 28

Well, you probably know what I'm going to say.  No man has been able to achieve this perfection.  No man or woman, Jew or Gentile, slave or free - has been able to offer God their whole hearts through full obedience - and that is why Jesus came.

The only person who has lived on their earth as fully submitted to God is Jesus.  The Lamb of God is the only one worthy to open the scroll.  

You see, the Old Testament is a reminder of why we need Him.  The Old Testament stories foretell the coming of Jesus.  And the Law of Moses shows humans how holy God is, and how impure we are.  It shows our need for a savior.

The New Testament book represents the eyewitness accounts of those who walked with Jesus, and received His Holy Spirit.  They understand that the Law of Moses was God giving us a mirror to show that every human is far from perfect for we all sin,  and fall short of the glory of God.  They understand the blood of the Lamb, and his unfailing love and faithfulness.  They realize that while God guaranteed to the Hebrews the land of Canaan, the gospel message guarantees eternal life and salvation.  They know that the Law of Moses forbids false witness, while the gospel of Christ requires that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. 

Jesus said, "Don’t misunderstand why I have come.  I did not come to abolish the Law of Moses or the writings of the prophets.  No, I came to accomplish their purpose.  I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until it’s purpose is achieved."

When you dive into scripture, fully digesting it - Holy Spirit helps you to see how the Word of God is woven through it.

Jesus has always been the plan.  The unfailing love of God to save his creation.  The Lord always keeps a remnant, for one drop of His blood covers a multitude of sin.

And now that I understand the Law that Jesus speaks of, I am able to understand the man of sin described in the second chapter of 2nd Thessalonians.

Paul says, "Dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the second coming of Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him.  Don’t be easily shaken or alarmed by those who say the day the Lord has begun.  That day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness (the man of sin) is revealed, the one who brings destruction.  He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call God and every objective worship.  He will even sit in the Temple of God, claiming that be God himself." 

Paul goes on to warn the church of Thessalonia that this lawlessness is already secretly at work and it will remain secret until the one holding him back steps out of the way.  Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed.  But the Lord Jesus will slay him with his breath.

We know that the man of sin will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power signs and miracles.  And he will use every kind of deception to fool those on their way to destruction for they refuse to love and except the truth.

My God!  We are so confused!  We see US as the center of the universe!  We believe that the laws we have made are just!  But the truth is - how can humans create any law that is righteousness when they are operating outside Jesus, or revelation from the Holy Spirit?  All we have to do is look at the laws that we decide are wrong and right.  We have decided that killing preborn children is just, because it's a woman's right to end human creation.  We have decided that the government can take taxes and use the money in a way they see fit.  We have taken God out of schools, and determined that we should teach all kinds of religions.  And more recently, we have taken God out of our courtrooms.  Jesus said, "I did not come to abolish the Law of Moses or the words of the prophets but to fulfill them."

"Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
"Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.  And they sang a new song with these words:
“You are worthy to take the scroll, and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation.
 And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God.
    And they will reign on the earth.”
  Revelation Chapter 5

“You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket, instead a lamp is placed on a stand where it gives light for everyone in the house to see. In the same way let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:14-16

“So live no longer as the Gentiles (today this would be unbelievers) do for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness and they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for less for pleasures and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.”
Ephesians 4:17-19

We should not be surprised to see a rise in socialized media and entertainment and their lies, nor should we be surprised by the rise in child sacrifice and in teenage suicides.

We should not be surprised by the rise in psychological distress, bitterness, strife and resentment.

We should not be surprised by God being taken out of our schools and the government, nor should we be surprised by the rise in divorce, the breakdown of the family or the changing definition of it.

We should not be surprised by the sexual immorality, promiscuity, homosexuality, pornography, adultery in marriage or obscene fornication - for it's a natural extension of our unfaithfulness - spiritual adultery in the flesh.  All is it is our lustful heart doing what it wants instead of remaining loyal and keeping in step with the Word of God.  

But thank God, even though we are unfaithful, God is faithful, and He is always waiting and willing to forgive us.  

This is why God sent his Son to pour out his blood as the final sacrifice for us.  He gives us an opportunity to remove our deadness, and put on the garment of His righteousness.  

With purity in heart we can be made whole again.  And it's through His glory that He brings His Kingdom of Heaven to earth.  

Ephesians 4:20 to 24 says, “Since you have learned the truth that comes from Jesus - throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, the Spirit of God renews your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature created to be like God truly righteous and holy.”

The apostle Paul goes on to say that we must trust and obey; that we must tell our neighbors the truth in love, for we are part of the same body. He says to stop letting our anger control us so that we stop giving a foothold to the devil. He encourages us not to use foul and abusive language, but to let everything we say be good and helpful.

“Imitate God in everything you do because you are his dear children.”
Ephesians 5:1

“Obscene stories, foolish talk and course jokes - these are not for you instead let there be thankfulness to God.” Ephesians 5:4  This means to say goodbye to sarcasm and condescension and replace it with speaking the gospel of Christ.  

“For once we were full of darkness but now we have light from the Lord so live is people at the light - for this light within you produce is only what is good and right and true.”
Ephesians 5:8

“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
Ephesians 5:16-17

“For we are to take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness instead we are to EXPOSE them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do IN SECRET, but the evil intentions will be exposed WHEN the light shines on them - for the light makes everything visible. That is why it is said, “Awake O Sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
Ephesians 5:11-14

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth but what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again?”
 
Perhaps the Lord means that without salt we add no flavor to Kingdom of God, much like the church of the Laodiceans who are lukewarm.
 
This message was given to the Church in Laodicea by the one who is the amen - the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God‘s new creation:  “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot or cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” Revelation 3:14-16
 
Can you imagine living a life that is totally distasteful to God?
 
Can you imagine having to face Him when he asks you why you didn’t trust and believe that He’s the father of creation?
 
Do you think He will consider whether you worked to build His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven?
 
Can you imagine being so filled up with your own grandiosity that you don’t even realize your need for Him at all?
 
He will look at you and say,
“You say I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!” And you don’t realize that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me - gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.”
Revelation 3:17-19
 
Spiritual fire is not fun. It can be very painful indeed. But it’s what the Lord does to burn off the dross of our sinful spiritual impurities.
 
Remember that God uses divine discipline to love and correct His children.
 
Hebrews 12:7-8 says,  “No discipline is enjoyable while it’s happening. In fact, it’s very painful! but afterword there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained by this way.”
 
We all know not to add salt to a wound, because the truth often hurts and makes one wiggle and squirm.  But when the truth is spoken in love, it can create freedom from chains that bind us.  

Salt in water is not only good for the soul, but it helps to pull the impurities out.  And God uses trials and tribulations to test the reality of our faith, in the same way that we use fire to purify gold and silver.   

So as I get ready to end this poem, let us throw off every weight that holds us down.  Let us speak out the written word of God, and learn how to speak the truth in love.  

I had a difficult time with understanding Daniel Chapter 9.  I struggled a ton with understanding Gabriel's message about the Anointed One.  A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for the Israelites and Jerusalem to finish their rebellion, put an end to their sin, atone for their guilt, bring in everlasting righteousness, confirm the prophetic vision and anoint the Most Holy Place.  Seven sets of seven (49 years) plus sixty-two sets of seven (434 years) will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem (I searched Ezra for an understanding of the command) until a ruler - the Anointed One (JESUS) comes.  

My guess was that there were 49 years separated from the 434 years because why else would Gabriel separate the years?  So the years may not be in consecutive order (483 straight years).  Also the Jewish calendar is different than the English calendar, so that may be another reason I don't understand.  I think the Jewish calendar has 360 days and ours has 365 days.  (Math was never my strength).  

Scripture says that after the 62 sets of 7 (which means both the 49 years and the 434 years have passed), "the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city (Jerusalem) and the Temple.  This equates to 69 of the 70 sets of seven prophecy.  That means there is 1 set of 7 years that is still to come.  

"The ruler will make a treaty with the people (what people?  the Jewish people?) for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time (3.5 years), he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings (the Jews will not be able to offer sacrifices and offerings - are they now???)  And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration (abomination of desolation) until the fate decreed for this defiler (Anti-Christ) is finally poured out on him.  

2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 shares the events that will happen prior to the Lord's Second Coming.  Scripture says not to be alarmed by those who say the Day of the Lord has already begun.  Don't believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision.  The Day of the Lord (found in Joel Chapter 3) will not come UNTIL there is a GREAT REBELLION AGAINST GOD and the man of lawlessness (son of destruction) is revealed - the one who brings destruction.  He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object they worship.  He will even sit in the temple of God (Is this the actual physical Temple Mount in Jerusalem where the Islamic Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque stand?)  claiming that he himself is God.

Paul tells us that someone or something is holding back the Anti-Christ, for he can only be revealed when his time comes.  He says that this lawlessness is already secretly at work (even back in the 1st century when he wrote this letter to Thessalonia).  He says he will remain secret until the one who is holding him back steps out of the way (I wonder who it is???).  Is it Holy Spirit?  Is it Satan himself?  Is it Jesus?  Who is holding back the Anti-Christ from coming?  Paul must have known.  When the man of lawlessness is revealed, Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming.  

Scripture says this man (an actual person controlled by Satan) (see Revelation 13 - The Beast of the Sea and the Beast of the Earth) will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles.  He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 

So God will cause them to be decieved, and they will believe these lies (all because they are prideful and stubborn and refuse to acknowledge the truth).  Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing in the truth.

Daniel 9 is a testament to Daniel's heart.  He humbled himself before the Lord and he humbled himself and served evil kings.  He was willing to die for his beliefs, yet he honored the kings he served and treated them with dignity and respect.  He spoke the truth in love, while listening to the prophet Jeremiah and believing him when no one else would.  Daniel interceded for his people and asked for God's grace and mercy for his own sins and the sin of his people.  Daniel fasted and prayed diligently, always seeking the Lord.  He is a beautiful man of God - one who God calls "highly esteemed."  

May we all learn from this truth. 

​Amen.  

Yesterday I saw how the ministry of Jesus began.  It started with an obedient heart, a water baptism and an open heaven where Father, Son and Spirit expressed the Trinity of God.  Then, right after the Father declared his utmost love, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested through the tempting of Satan.  And unlike what happened to Adam in The Garden, Jesus won - and the angels came to minister to Him.

Today, I will zone in and look at how the ministry of Jesus began. 

Matthew 4:12-17 says, "When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee.  Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali - to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”  From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

I am struggling to understand why Jesus went North when John went South.  It was recorded by Josephus Flavius, a first-century Romano-Jewish historian who was born in Jerusalem, that John the Baptist was imprisoned in Machaerus, a fortified hilltop palace located in Jordan, 16 miles southeast of the mouth of the Jordan River on the eastern side of the Dead Sea.  John was executed in approximately 32 AD, shortly before the Passover was about to take place.  I suppose it's because John's purpose had been done, and Jesus took over where John's ministry had left off.

Verse 17 says, "from then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near."  

I have to say I am amazed!  For me, typically, when people speak about Jesus, it's all sounds so "Christmas-y" - "peace on earth and joy to all" is what is typically heard.  In fact, I don't think I've ever heard that the ministry of Jesus began with REPENT for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.

I'm curious to dive in deep, and see how the teachings and the works of Jesus are tied to His preaching of repentance.  The Holy Spirit is definitely giving me new eyes to see through the faith gene of Christ.  

But wait...I was going to focus on the first disciples tomorrow...but since there is nothing more about stated about the ministry of Jesus, then I will take this moment to examine the first disciples of Jesus.  I wonder if they too had the faith gene?

Verses 18 to 22 says, "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  At once they left their nets and followed him.  Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."

I think that pretty much states it.  Of all the men that Jesus could have picked, He chose these men for a reason.  Perhaps He knew they would immediately accept His invitation.  All He said, "Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people."  At once, they left their loved ones, and their possessions, and followed him.  How many of us would do that?  But Jesus knew their hearts even before they did - that must have been why He picked them.

As an aside, I always wondered how Ezekiel was able to do it.  How was he able to walk away from his dead wife, his dearest treasure, without mourning?  But now, I get it - at least better than I did.  Since the glory of the Lord has shined down on me, through prophetic words, visions and dreams, I understand the wisdom seen in how Ezekiel was able to trust God more than his own feelings. (The Death of Ezekiel's Wife can be found in Ezekiel Chapter 24:15-27).

So, this brings me back to John the Baptiste and why, possibly, Jesus went in the opposite direction.  He must have been told by the Father not to pursue him - not to save him from an earthly death.  I mean, why would He?  He came to suffer the same thing - as the final atonement.  The blood sacrifice as the everlasting atonement.

"Son of man, on the day I take away their stronghold - their joy and and glory, their heart's desire, their dearest treasure - I will also take away their sons and daughters.  And on that day a survivor from Jerusalem will come to you in Babylon and tell you what has happened.  And when he arrives, your voice will suddenly return so you can talk to him, and you will be a symbol for these people.  Then they will know that am the Lord." Ezekiel 24:25-27

The Lord considers our dearest treasure, our spouse and our sons and daughters, as strongholds.  He considers our personal joy and glory, our self-love and self-esteem, as strongholds.  He says that our heart's desire is a stronghold!  I guess this is why Jesus also said, "Who is my mother and my brother" when Mary and his brothers came to see Him.  Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.  For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Luke 12:48-50

So, in the end, I have learned so much from this passage.  First, the ministry of Jesus is all about repentance!  The mission of Christ is to tell people to turn from their sins and turn to God because the Kingdom of Heaven is near.  Second, the first disciples dropped everything to follow Jesus.  The left their livelihood, their possessions, their family - all to follow Jesus.  Third, an heir to the throne of God, a brother and sister in Christ, is a person who does the will of the Father in Heaven.

Thank you Holy Spirit for revealing the Word of God to me.  May the eyes of the spiritually blind be opened.  Father, I pray these words that I write for you give glory to your name, and they be multiplied in your sight.  Amen.

​In ‭‭Matthew‬ Chapter ‭3 verse 15 Jesus says, "Suffer it to be..."
I wonder, what did he mean?

Well, the Greek word for Suffer, in this passage, is G863 and the word is Aphiemi.  It means to send away, to let go or to abandon; to leave so that what is left will may remain; or to depart from a person and not take him as a companion.
   
“Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John, his own cousin who lived in the wilderness, shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD!  Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!"

John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, why do you come to me?" But Jesus responded, with “Suffer it be."  "Aphiemi arti gar houto prepo esti hemin pleroo pas dikaiosyne tote aphiemi autos." 

Arti in Greek is G737, which comprises the phrase "it to be so now."  What Jesus meant is that there would be a suspension in time, this present moment would be raised up again.  

Jesus gave consolation and comforted John with the words, "for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.”  

The Greek word for "it becometh" is prepo which is to stand out in eminence through a recognized superiority.  John must have known that what Jesus says is true, for He can not operate outside of the Spirit of Grace and Truth.  

And Jesus spoke of their unity when he used the pronoun "hemin" to declare "us, we and our."  It's the same "us" that Jesus said, when he asked the Pharisees where the baptism of John came from.  After much deliberation, they said to themselves, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”  So they answered that they did not know where it was from. And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” Luke 20:1-8

So John consented, and agreed to fall in line, for he trusted and believed the order and timeline set by God.

And the reason why it had to be so orderly was because all righteousness would be given to whosoever believes.  The Greek word for all is G3956, "pas" represents both individually and collectively.  "Each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone and everything; all things, always, and whosoever believes." 

Then there is righteousness, which can only be found through Christ.  The Greek word is dikaiosyne which means the condition acceptable to God.  G1343 is a noun which means integrity, virtue, and purity of life that comes from correct thinking, feeling and behaving.  In the broader sense, it means the state of him who is as he ought to be, and in the narrow sense, it means justice or the virtue which gives each his due.

"And when Jesus was baptized, immediately as he came up from the water, the heavens opened up, and the Spirit of God descended upon him like a dove; and behold, the voice of God from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”  All at once, there was perfect unity.  Father, Son and Spirit - the Face of our Triune God - 3 persons in One. 

I used to believe that Jesus was being kind to John by offering him the opportunity to baptize Him; but now I see that John the was the eminent domain upon which Jesus could stake His claim.

“Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” was proclaimed by a man who had the Spirit of God upon him. All set ahead of time, perfectly fitted and perfectly planned.  So much wisdom can be found in the response that Jesus said to John; “Suffer it now so, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” - perfectly timed and perfectly planned.

You see, Jesus and John were conceived, simultaneously; joined together - by the faith gene. Created purposely, to bring life back to humanity.