The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • Have you seen God?

    “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.”
    Job 42:5

    God created all things. We can understand that He created all things, including us, for his pleasure. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11). But have you ever taken time to hear about God? How about trying to see Him?

    What does it really mean when people say they have “seen” God? Can anyone really “see” God? Some things you see without physical eyes. This “seeing” is referring to the movement of God in one’s own personal life. A few books in the Old Testament reveal men wanting to know God better – in a personal way. Job, King David (in the book of Psalms), and King Solomon (in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon) were such men. We also see God move in the hearts and lives of these men. There is a great picture of this in the life of Job.

    Job opens with a behind-the-scenes event that Job never knew about (a very important fact for us to consider!). Satan presents himself before the throne of God. Remember; God knows all, see: “… for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts …” (1 Chronicles 28:9b). Yet we find that He asks Satan if he has set his heart upon Job. Read how Job is described: “… a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth (turns away from) evil” (Job 1:8). Satan wants to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). This fact is vividly portrayed in the book of Job. Job lost all of his wealth, his ten children, and eventually even his health. Yet through all of the adversity that Job endured, he never cursed God. He sought his own heart, and he acknowledged God and who He is. When he did not understand what it was that was happening to him, he appealed to God.

    And God answered him.

    Although Job never fully understood what happened, or why, we can read about it for ourselves in the book of Job. Job’s faith and trust in things of which he did not know is rather amazing. Yet through it all, Job’s faith and trust in God grew. Even knowing how God described Job at the beginning of the book, read what Job recognized about his own condition in the presence of God. “5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5-6).

    These events give us much insight, if only we will receive it. Although Job never knew that God allowed Satan to cause these events in his life, we find that he trusted God. There is an important thing that we should remember – God knew Job. He knew that Job could endure all of those things and even grow in his faith and trust in Him. When we are faced with things, we should understand that God won’t allow anything to happen to us that He doesn’t already know we can handle. If we just will! “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Temptation here means “putting to proof (by experiment [of good], or experience [of evil]; to try.” And the words to be tempted here mean “to test.” But my favorite part: the words God is faithful. The word faithful here means “trustworthy; faithful; true.” I can trust God because He is faithful through it all! Job understood this before it was even written.

    Have you trusted God to be faithful during your trying times?

    Posted also at Lighthouse Gospel Beacon

  • God’s Enduring Love

    “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
    Romans 3:23

    ‘Just as the Israelites were told of their sin and called to repentance, the same call is extended to us today. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). All are guilty of sin, and there is a penalty to pay. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). In addition, God provided one who paid the penalty for us — if only we would receive. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Just as God extended a call to the Israelites, warning them before judgment would fall, God warns us today. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). What response does God require? “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:8–10). What are we to do with that information? “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).’

    Have you called upon the Lord while he is near?

    Excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life, Year Two Quarter One, Lesson 9; God’s Enduring Love. www.biblicalpath.com

  • Remembering the History

    “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent …”
    Revelation 3:3a

    Do you remember anything you have learned from the Bible? It is important to daily read God’s Word. If you do not read it, you will not remember it. Remember is the key word. If we do not remember and hold fast to what we learn from God’s Word, we will never grow in Christ. The more we learn about God’s Word, the more we will want to be like Him. By learning the history in the Bible, we will understand the significance of why things happened. God had a plan, which is hard to understand unless you learn the Old Testament history. While it was happening, men did not fully understand what that plan was, but through faith, they believed. The more we learn, the more pieces of the puzzle we can fit together. Each piece helps us become better students of God’s Word, which helps us become better Christians.

    For instance, remember the book of Judges. The dominant theme within the book is this: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Notice that it doesn’t say they did wrong, men thought what they were doing was right. But also notice this: “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves” (Judges 3:7). Although it didn’t appear wrong to them, it was wrong in God’s eyes. They did not obey the commands God had given them.

    There was a vicious cycle that occurred in Judges:

    • The people forsook God.
    • God allowed the enemy to oppress the people.
    • The people cried out to God.
    • God sent a deliverer (a judge) to end the oppression.

    In Judges, the people as a whole rejected God.

    But then we remember the book of Ruth. It is a breath of fresh air in a time of turmoil in the nation of Israel, for it is a picture of redemption. Ruth was a Gentile (a Moabitess) who lived in a pagan land. She did not know the true God. When an Israelite family moved to Moab because of a drought in Israel, Ruth married into this family and heard of God. When her husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law died, she returned with her mother-in-law to the land of Israel. Because she had recognized a light in her dark world, she wanted to follow that light. She had learned of God and did not want to lose that. Her view is clearly stated: “16. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17.  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1:16-17). It was there after being redeemed by a kinsman, that she forever became a part of Jesus’ genealogy. She was the great-grandmother of King David.

    One important thing about studying the history in the Bible is to be aware of God’s plan for His people. As we consider what God’s Word says, we should understand how it fits together, much like pieces of a puzzle. As we try to keep in mind and hold fast to the things we learn from God’s Word, it will help us recognize God’s plan for our lives. We must remember what God’s Word says.

    Have you recognized God’s plan in your life?

    Also published at Lighthouse Gospel Beacon.

  • A Man After Mine own Heart

    “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
    James 4:17

    David is one of the most famous men in the Bible. God chose him when he was young to be the future king of His people. Although King Saul chased David wanting to kill him, David followed God, and God took care of him.

    When David became king, he was a great king. “And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people” (2 Samuel 3:36). We can read many places where David “enquired of God.” When David wasn’t sure what God would have him to do in a situation, he would enquire of God – and God would answer him. “And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him” (2 Samuel 5:10). The second book of Samuel is all about David’s kingdom.

    Everyone remembers David’s great sin. If you remember, he wasn’t where he was supposed to be. “And it came to pass …  at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 11:1). It was at this time that he took Bathsheba, who wasn’t his wife, and had her husband killed in battle. Although David knew this was completely wrong in every way, he did it anyway. “And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD” (2 Samuel 11:27). What made things worse was that after he made Bathsheba his wife, he continued in life as if nothing was wrong.

    God sent Nathan to speak to David. He told King David a story of man who took a beloved lamb from someone else that did not belong to him and killed it. After hearing the story, “And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die” (2 Samuel 12:5). David recognized that this man had sinned and deserved death. “And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man …” (2 Samuel 12:7a). Nathan proceeded to remind King David just what God had done for him, and his punishment for his great sin. “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (2 Samuel 12:13). Although there were many consequences for this sin, because David immediately repented of that sin, God forgave him. David truly had a heart of repentance, and we can read his prayer to the Lord in Psalm 51.

    What more does the Bible tell us about King David? “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). Have you ever considered that it might have been this moment in David’s life that caused God to call him “a man after mine own heart” knowing that when David was confronted with his sin, he would immediately repent? We know, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). However, read what David understood, long before it was written, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

    We can understand that God forgave David. However, see how great of a forgiveness it was. David wrote Psalm 103, which tells of God’s great forgiveness. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12)

    Remember what else God tells us of King David, “Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus” (Acts 13:23). God sent, through the lineage of David, His only Son who came to die for man’s sin – if only they would come to him in repentance and receive His forgiveness. “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). 

    Are you one who is after God’s own heart?

  • The Law

    “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
    Psalm 1:2

    We are taught that obeying laws is important and that there are penalties to be paid if we break them. Consider the importance of laws. We are to understand that God has laws. His laws are significant, and obedience is very important to God as we can see throughout His Word, and most notably in the Old Testament. Often we recognize God’s discipline on those who break His laws.

    The first five books in the Old Testament are referred to as “The Law.” Within these books we find the first 2,500 years of history recorded by Moses. The first book, Genesis, begins with the creation, records the ruin of man through sin, but it also reveals the sovereignty of God. The word sovereignty means “supreme in power; possessing supreme dominion; as a sovereign ruler of the universe.” We understand that God is the sovereign God of all who love and obey Him.

    One easy way to remember Genesis and the events within is to recognize:

    Four main events take place:

    • The Creation
    • The Fall
    • The Flood
    • The Tower of Babel  

    Genesis deals mainly with Four People:

    • Abraham
    • Isaac
    • Jacob
    • Joseph

    After about four hundred years, God’s people grew into a nation numbering around two to three million people in Egypt. This is where Exodus (which means “the way out” or “outgoing”) begins. At the culmination of the ten plagues, we see the mighty deliverance of God’s people from a land of bondage. Shortly after this they meet at the foot of Mount Sinai. It was at Mount Sinai that the Law was given (beginning with the Ten Commandments; Exodus 19-20). The Israelites were taught that obedience to God is necessary. They could not be a redeemed, set-apart people unless they obeyed God’s command.

    In Leviticus, God spoke to Moses from the tabernacle instead of Mount Sinai. The people needed to know how to live. God instituted the offerings, the priesthood, a clean lifestyle, and the different feasts. These things were teach the people how to live as a people wholly given to God in every aspect of their lives. Leviticus shows the ability to have fellowship with God when we come to Him as a sanctified people (because He is holy, and we are a sinful people). Leviticus ends with the blessings of obedience and the penalties for disobedience. Only about a month’s time passes during Leviticus.

    The name Numbers comes from a numbering of the people at the beginning of the book and then again at the end. There were two groups of people, an old generation and a new generation. When the twelve spies were sent into the land promised to Abraham, only Joshua and Caleb brought back report that God would allow them to conquer the land. When the Israelites disobeyed God’s command to cross over into the Promised Land, they were disciplined. The old generation would die and not enter because they refused to obey God. Only Joshua and Caleb escaped God’s discipline (wandering in the wilderness for forty years). Fewer than forty years elapse during Numbers where we see God guiding, providing, and protecting His people.

    Deuteronomy begins by looking back to what God had done for His people and then looking forward. The entire book shows the faithfulness of God revealing that God loves His people. Moses warned the people to not forget the words of God’s Law, revealing the blessings for following God’s Law and the curse of God if they failed to obey. Joshua is appointed the new leader of the new generation, and Moses dies.

    After remembering the books of “The Law,” see that they help us understand God and what He expects from His people. We also learn that it is quite impossible to obey every law that God has given us. In the New Testament we gain some insight as to why it is important to know “The Law” of the Old Testament. “24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:24-26).

    Have you understood “The Law” is a schoolmaster to show the need for Jesus?

    Originally posted at Lighthouse Gospel Beacon

  • The Appointment

    “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”
    Hebrews 9:27

    Have you ever had an appointment that changed the course of your life? What about a missed opportunity that you can never go back to correct?

    One cannot help but remember an event that took place in the Bible. Jesus had been teaching the people when a young man came to Him with a question. “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). This is an important question for each person to ask. He had the right question. Read Jesus’ reply, “ And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18). Jesus was making a point. The man recognized Jesus as a great man and a good teacher, but he had not acknowledged that Jesus was God. That makes all of the difference! Jesus asked this young man about the commandments (for people understood that God expects people to obey His commands). Jesus began to list from the Ten Commandments. “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother” (Mark 10:19). Each of these has to do with an outward duty as opposed to a change of an inward nature. They deal with people’s relationship with one another. Do you notice what is missing? The first four of the Ten Commandments that have to do with one’s relationship with God are missing. After Jesus had listed the final six of the Ten Commandments, see the young man’s response, “And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth” (Mark 10:20).

    Here we come to the heart of the matter – a time of decision. Notice that Jesus loved him, but would this young man follow Jesus’ requirement? “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me” (Mark 10:21). Did this young man truly desire eternal life? Was he willing to give the temporal things this world has to offer in exchange for a life pleasing God and eternity with Him? Would he continue as he was, or would he choose Jesus? Read his response. “And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:22). He was sad, yet he just went away grieved. He was not willing to part with his possessions for a relationship with Jesus. Read what Jesus had previously warned: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

    This young man had not understood a very important thing: “24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster” (Galatians 3:24-25).

    Remember: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This young man would be judged according to the decision he made concerning Jesus.

    Do you live under a schoolmaster?

    Or have you been justified by faith in Jesus?

  • The Way to God

    “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”
    1 John 2:1

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life: Year One Quarter Two.”

    “God has revealed himself gradually through the years. Hebrews 1:1-2a: ‘1. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2a. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son …’ (remember that Hebrews 1:1 refers to the incremental and progressive manner in which God disclosed Himself up until the appearance of the Son. It was fragmentary and piece by piece, sort of like pieces of a puzzle). We see him as the God of creation in Genesis 1. We then see he is a God who cannot look upon sinful man in Genesis 3. We see that there is a limit to his tolerance of sinful man in Genesis 6 (the flood that destroys the world), yet we also see that God shows grace to those who continually seek him (Noah; Genesis 6:8). God then revealed himself to an individual man (Abraham; Genesis 12) and extended that revelation to his descendants (Exodus 3:15). God showed Himself mightily to His people in the ten plagues and the exodus of His people from bondage (Exodus 7–14). He then showed Himself as their provider (in the wilderness; Exodus 15–17). We see He is a God who expects His people to hear His voice and obey Him (Exodus 19–20). Once the people accomplish the great task of building a tabernacle where God’s presence can dwell among His people (Exodus 40), He then reveals just what it takes to become a “clean and forgiven” people in the presence of a sinless, perfect God (Leviticus).

    God has mandated a blood sacrifice for man’s sins since the garden. When man sinned, God shed the blood of an animal to make a covering for man (for he was naked before God; his sins were exposed). When God made the clothes to “cover” Adam and Eve, it was a great picture of what the Old Testament sacrifices did for man. They covered mankind’s sins for a season. Throughout the Old Testament, we see the shedding of blood (from an animal) to cover mankind’s sins. It isn’t until we come to Leviticus that God reveals the intricacies and details of the way it is required. The ritualistic sacrifices (explained in Leviticus) that must be fulfilled, completely and perfectly, are to show us the great sacrifice it would take to cleanse sinful man from his sins. It is to reveal to mankind the impossibility of entering into God’s presence without the perfect sacrifice, only found in Jesus. All throughout the books of the Law we see God gradually reveal Himself to mankind, only a piece at a time, through revelation—only as much as we could handle.”

    “And he (Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). The word propitiation means “the means of putting away sin and establishing righteousness not by man’s ability to appease God with an of his offerings, (for man is unable to offer anything to placate God), Jesus is presented as the righteous One; … reconciling us to God, allowing us to be acceptable for fellowship with God (see also Romans 3:25). The propitiation of Christ is very personal – the propitiation for our sins.”

    Have you asked Jesus to be your Advocate with God, the Father?

  • Mom

    “2. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3. That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3)

    Exploring the Mystery of Marriage

    So many people knew my mom. She never knew all of the lives she touched. She had such a gift of writing and teaching that most will never attain.

    I will never stop learning from my mom. Her example of living a Christian life will always be remembered as a personal witness for not only me, but also everyone who knew her.

    She spent her final years formatting the letters she originally wrote for my sister into a book. She had taught the Bible Study to many ladies through the years. The greatest learning times were in those classes where she actually taught the lessons (and she lived out what she taught!). Nevertheless, the words that she put down in this book will touch many lives if they will only implement the principles found within – all from the Bible.

    Take time to order this book.

    Read it.

    It can change your life.

  • Understanding the Old Testament

    “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein …”
    Joshua 1:8

    It is important to know that all of God’s Word is essential. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:15). Not only is it important to know what it says, but it is even more important to understand what it says.

    An easy way to begin understanding the Bible is to become familiar with it. The history in the Old Testament is very important to further one’s understanding of the Bible as a whole. In Joshua 1:8 we can read that not only is the book of the law to not depart out of one’s mouth, but it is important to meditate upon it day and night. Meditate means “to dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind.” This is an important thing to understand as one learns to read the Bible. Reading the Bible involves much more than just reading a few verses or chapters and then continuing on with one’s day. Reading God’s Word involves meditating on it – to dwell on it in one’s thoughts, contemplating what it says. Although we can understand that this verse in Joshua is initially referring to the first five books in the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), the importance of knowing God’s Word does not end there. Remember that all of God’s Word is important!

    If one would just recognize that the Bible is very organized it would make it much easier to understand. For instance, the Old Testament has thirty-nine books easily broken into five groups. The first five books are called the “Law” where we can find the first 2,500 years of history and witness God actively involved in the lives of mankind. The second group consists of the next twelve books, often called “History”, where we pick up the history of the Israelites at the brink of the Promised Land, prepared to enter. The first nine books of History record the years in which the Jewish people occupy the land of Israel. This not only includes the times of the judges (when the people forgot God), the times of the kings (when the people rejected God as their king), but also the captivity of God’s people. The last three books of History reveal the remnant of Israelites that were allowed to return to the Promised Land, also known as Israel.

    There are five books in the middle that can be considered “Personal Books”, for they deal with individual’s experiences with God and are very personal. These books deal with individuals’ heart issues as they seek to know and better understand God. These are Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. The “Major Prophets” are the next five books, and the “Minor Prophets” are the final twelve books. Understanding the timeframe these Personal Books, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets take place are imperative in the understanding of the Old Testament as a whole.

    The New Testament is organized as well for the ease of understanding.

    Reading, learning, and understanding the Bible is the most important thing a Christian can do. Although many people are taught a lot of Bible “stories” as a child, understanding that these were real people and that God worked in these individuals’ lives will make these events invaluable! Remember some words with which Paul encouraged Timothy. “14. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

    Have you taken time to become familiar with God’s Word?

    Do you meditate (dwell on in thought, contemplate, and study) upon a portion of the Bible every day?

    Originally Posted at Lighthouse.pub: https://lighthouse.pub/blog/understanding-the-old-testament-/?src=n

  • Why the History is Important

    “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
    1 Corinthians 10:11

    After reading 1 Corinthians 10:11, one can understand that God’s Word was written for us. In the Bible, we find examples of how we are to live our lives and to show us a picture of God’s plan. We are to learn from what is written in His Word. Each Bible “story” we have learned through the years is just a piece of the “puzzle” to complete the picture of God’s plan. History may appear boring, but we must understand how fascinating, and especially important, it is to be in our lives.

    Because the history found in the Bible is so important, we should desire to know that history – just like Peter, Stephen, and Paul knew it. We are to understand that history is there to help us better understand and know Jesus. The more we read in God’s Word, the more we begin to understand that God had a plan. In the Old Testament, men didn’t fully understand what that plan was, but through faith they believed. In the New Testament, God’s plan was revealed through His Son, Jesus. Men still didn’t understand until Jesus died, resurrected and ascended into heaven. But once they understood, they could not keep silent. They shared what they learned with others so they could know of God’s wonderful plan as well. 

    After Jesus ascended back into heaven with the promise to return, Peter preached the Old Testament history. He had a new understanding of who Jesus was ,why He had come, and that He would return one day. And what an amazing response he received! Three thousand believed! And when he preached again shortly thereafter, five thousand believed!

    But there was another man named Stephen who preached the same history, and he found a very different response to his message. The religious leaders stoned him to death. There was one specific young man who consented to Stephen’s death. His name was Saul. His initial response to the Gospel message of Jesus was to seek out anyone who believed in Jesus and imprison or even kill them.

    He made a special trip to find anyone, man or woman, who believed in Jesus. But on his way, he met Jesus. There was quite a transformation in his life. Instead of wanting to kill those who believed in Jesus, Saul (later called Paul) became a mighty preacher, and teacher, of the history revealing Jesus.

    Each of these men came to the understanding that all of the Old Testament teachings were just pieces of a great picture. As they began to contemplate the truths they had learned, they realized that they revealed the picture of God’s plan to send Jesus into the world to take away their sin – if they would only believe and receive Him.

    Have you ever worked on a puzzle? Each piece is only part of a greater picture. The picture is not complete without all of the pieces. You could guess what the picture was going to be, but you wouldn’t completely know without the final pieces. Once you put all of the pieces together, you can see that greater picture. But when you are missing a piece, the picture is incomplete. This is much like knowing some of the events of the Old Testament and missing pieces of it. You cannot see the complete picture without reading and learning all of the events in that Old Testament text. Throughout history, people would try to understand what God was showing them. They trusted that He held all of the pieces and would fit them into place in His own time. Once Jesus came, many understood that all of the Old Testament was recorded for us to understand God’s plan to send His Son, Jesus, into the world to redeem a sinful people back to Himself. He wants us to understand this plan so that we will know just how important it is to place our lives into God’s hand by trusting in Jesus.

    Do you enjoy doing a puzzle that doesn’t have all of the pieces? 

    Have you ever been so excited about Jesus that you shared with others what you have learned so they could know of God’s wonderful plan as well?

    Previously published at: Lighthouse Gospel Beacon