Daily Devotional By Archbishop Foley Beach

Today’s Political and Religious Climates Harden Hearts of Many “Believers” Who Turn Away from God - Jesus Followers Are to and Can Help Those with Hardening Hearts

Today’s Political and Religious Climates Harden Hearts of Many “Believers” Who Turn Away from God - Jesus Followers Are to and Can Help Those with Hardening Hearts

MESSAGE SUMMARY: No matter the hardness of a person’s heart, who has walked away from God, they will respond to your initiatives that are based on your love and trust. However, so many of us Christians are so focused on doing their religious or spiritual things and keeping to their “busy” schedules that they do not have time to love and care for the needs of other – physical and/or spiritual. Is there anything you can do for someone with a calloused heart or who has walked away from God because they were not discipled? Yes, you must start by praying for them – asking God to move in their lives; asking God to intervene in their life situations; asking God to break up the hardness of their heart. Also, you must build a better personal relationship, with this person, through your trust and caring love. In Mathew 18:12-13, Jesus presents God’s perspective regarding the pursuit of even one person that has walked away: “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Father, to you I acknowledge that I don’t want to go the way of powerlessness and humility. Like Peter, I want to know what you are doing with those around me. I love you. Help me to trust you with this day, with tomorrow, and with my whole life. In Jesus’ name, amen.        Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 92). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Compulsions. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit’s fruit of Patience. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Acts 1:8; Romans 2:15-16; Psalms 47:1-9.

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “He Is Risen: From Good Friday To Easter”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/

DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Followers Must Carve Out Quiet Times to Listen for the Holy Spirit Who Speaks to Us in His “still small voice”

Jesus Followers Must Carve Out Quiet Times to Listen for the Holy Spirit Who Speaks to Us in His “still small voice”

MESSAGE SUMMARY: God will speak to you, but you must learn to listen for Him. Learning to listen for and to God requires focused and "in-tune" listening in combination with a filter for all the in-life clutter that your lifestyles and culture create. As Paul tells us in Romans 10:17, followers of Jesus must listen and hear the Word from the Lord: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.". You are going all the time with stimuli from many different sources – how can God speak or be heard, in a still small voice, through all your noise? To hear and listen for God, "lengthy times in silence and solitude" with the Lord are needed. Times of quiet prayer with God permits the noise and clutter get taken away. Again, in Psalm 141:1, the Psalmist admonishes us to call upon the Lord and to listen for God’s Word: “LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you!".

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Abba Father, I admit that I am often afraid and embarrassed to openly tell you all that is going on inside me — even though I know you know it all anyway. Teach me what boldness in prayer looks like as I draw near your throne of grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 112). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Hatred. Rather, I will abide in the Lord’s Love. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Exodus 19:5; Daniel 9:9-14; John 10:2-16; Psalms 106a:1-12

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “He Is Risen: From Good Friday To Easter”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/

DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Easter Message from Bishop Foley Beach

Easter Message from Bishop Foley Beach

Letting God Be Lord Over Your Finances, which Are His but He Entrusted to You, Will Liberate Your Life!

Letting God Be Lord Over Your Finances, which Are His but He Entrusted to You, Will Liberate Your Life!

MESSAGE SUMMARY:  We are so focused on earning money and other financially driven life activities so that it is easy for money and finances to become our god. Making finances “our god” violates the Second Commandment. If Jesus is Lord over all Creation, as we are told in Psalms 24:1, then: “The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”; therefore, everything that has been entrusted to you is God’s. In James 5:1-3, the author of the Book of James provides insight into someone who does NOT make God the Lord of their finances: “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.”. Therefore, let God Be Lord over your finances, which really are His finances.

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus’ name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Psalms 24:1-10; James 5:1-6; Psalms 25:1-22; Psalms 45:1-17.

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “He Is Risen: From Good Friday To Easter” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/   

DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Easter Message from Bishop Foley Beach

Easter Message from Bishop Foley Beach

Agnostics, Atheists, Seekers, and Christians Watch Jesus Followers; Do They See Jesus or a Christian Hypocrite in You?

Agnostics, Atheists, Seekers, and Christians Watch Jesus Followers; Do They See Jesus or a Christian Hypocrite in You?

MESSAGE SUMMARY:  In 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Paul writes a complex statement that tells you, as a Jesus Follower, about the most important tool that God gives you for communicating the Gospel to others-- God lets others see Jesus in you through your life in Christ! Therefore, by living in Christ, your life becomes the most compelling argument for the Gospel – an argument that far surpasses the power for God’s Kingdom from written or spoken words. Paul’s 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 text reads: “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”. Do others, from your life, see Jesus in you?

 

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Lord, in order to be with you, I need you to show me how to “create a desert” in the midst of my full, active life. Cleanse me from the pressures, illusions, and pretenses that confront me today so that my life may serve as a gift to those around me. Amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 26). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will seek God’s perspective on my situation. For I know that in all things God works together for good to those of us who love Him and are called according to His purpose. From Romans 8:28

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Isiah 35:1-9; John 1:14; Isaiah 11:1-2; Psalms 44b:14-26.

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Palm Sunday” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/

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JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO)

JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO)

 

LYRICS TO MUSIC:

Go on brothers lay him down Go on brothers lay him down

Wrap his body with a clean white shroud Roll that stone leave him in the ground Go on brothers lay him down

 

Go on sisters cry for him Go on sisters cry for him

But wipe your eyes and dry your skin

The crying will be done in three mornings Go on sisters cry for him

 

Hold on children wait and see Hold on children wait and see

The death that’s come is a death too weak Can’t take my Jesus cannot take my King So hold on children wait and see

 

Oh glory glory won’t you come for me Glory glory won’t you come for me

I know your slumber is a momentary sleep I feel you rising up from the deep

Oh glory glory you will come for me

 

MESSAGE SUMMARY: 

Some of the most expensive, elaborate, and impressive structures in history are tombs. Throughout humanity great energy has been spent constructing a final resting place for the prestigious and powerful. The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, the pyramids of Egypt, and the terra cotta army in Xi’an, China are some of the most notorious. They stand as feats of architecture, design, and craftsmanship - each fueled by countless hours of work by a vast number of humans. Some of these structures are still visited today by hundreds of thousands each year.

Jesus too was laid in a tomb. And though purchased by a wealthy disciple, it seems to have been no more than a small, man-made cave. When Joseph of Arimethea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body, his request was surprisingly granted. After being wrapped in linen, Jesus was placed into a room ‘cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid’ (Luke 23:53).

Today, there remains uncertainty as to which specific site held the body of Jesus. Notwithstanding this fact, many travelers still seek out Christ’s tomb. Unlike many of the famous burial monuments however, those who make this journey do not come to be amazed by the architecture or awed by the craftsmanship. The spectacle itself is rather unimpressive - no more than a small hole cut into the side of a hill, void of any adornment.

Despite Jesus’ position, despite his seat ‘at the right hand of God’ (Mark 16:19), he was buried in a common tomb. Despite the ‘riches’ of his glory and grace (Colossians 1:27, Ephesians 2:7), Jesus’ body was laid to rest in a cave. How he continually clothed himself in humility!

So why then do countless Christians travel across the world each year to see where Jesus walked? Why spend the time and effort to visit a hole in the ground, that quite possibly Jesus’ body never actually entered? People come because of who Jesus was, not any place where he may have laid. They come to gain perspective. They come to refresh their spirits. They come because Jesus was real, and most critically, that three days after his death, the tomb stood empty.

Hallelujah! Death was beaten as God’s perfect plan for his Messiah was fulfilled. The tomb could not hold him. “He has risen, just as he said,” (Matthew 28:6), and he is alive now and forever!

Written by Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper golgothamusic.com // poorbishophooper.com // Second edition ©2022 Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Praise Jesus for his death and resurrection.

Ask Jesus for a fresh revelation of what the empty tomb means for you today.

Thank him for how he has saved you.

Pray for those who do not yet know the One who has conquered death, and do not understand what Jesus’ resurrection means for their lives. Give thanks that God’s perfect plan was fulfilled in

Jesus Christ, and that his love for you is unfailing and everlasting

Today’s Affirmation: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT: If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Mark 15:42-47: “It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.”. Further Reading: Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Isaiah 53:9-12.

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Contemplating the Mighty Acts – Palm Sunday and Holy Week”, at our Website: https://awtlser.podbean.com/

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JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO)

JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO)

 

LYRICS TO MUSIC:

From the sixth hour it came

A darkness like no man had seen

The sun’s light failed and through the black A voice that held all breathing

 

As his friends stood distant still

His thirst the wine his pierced side fulfilled Bowed his head the innocent

He left his life his spirit

 

And he cried ‘my God my God Why have you forsaken me’…

 

The veil was torn from the top to the bottom The tombs opened and the holy ones rose His murderers saw what they had done

A soldier spoke what he had come too late to know

 

‘Truly this was the son of God’…

 

MESSAGE SUMMARY: 

The physical miracles that surround the death of Jesus are many in number and beyond remarkable. Taking time to think about what surrounded Jesus’ final hours makes one realize that this moment in history was like no other. It was certainly an experience that would cause us all to join with the Roman soldier and exclaim, ‘truly this was the Son of God.’

It was noon when the darkness came. The darkness then stayed until sometime around three o’clock; a three hour disappearance of the sun in the middle of the day. Many scholars and scientists explain this event by saying it was a solar eclipse. If so, this would have been the most fascinating and miraculous solar eclipse in history. We know the events of that day occurred during Passover, which always took place during the full moon. This time of the month is one in which a natural solar eclipse cannot occur. Consider also that the longest eclipse astronomically possible is somewhere around seven and a half minutes in length. If the explanation for the ‘darkness over the land’ was an eclipse, it was nearly three hours longer than any other in history.

During the darkness, ‘the earth shook, and the rocks were split,’ (Matthew 27:51). Phlegon, a Roman historian and contemporary of Jesus, noted the earthquake at the time of Jesus’ death, as well as an extraordinary and unexplainable mid-day eclipse, where the stars in heaven were seen. Earthquakes are not uncommon in the region, but Matthew writes that the “tombs opened and the bodies of many holy people rose from the dead,” (27:52). Though the ground might have occasionally shook, the rising of the dead was no common occurrence.

As if this wasn’t enough, amidst the ground shaking, the sky turning black, and dead people walking, another massive and meaningful event took place. Skillfully made of fine twisted linen, a veil of blue and purple and scarlet separated the holy of holies from the rest of the world (Exodus 26:31-33). It sat in the temple, never crossed save once a year when the High Priest would enter into the presence of God (Hebrews 9:7). Some sixty feet high, thirty feet wide, and four inches thick, the Jewish historian Josephus records that two horses tied to either side could not pull it apart.

Yet at the moment Jesus took his last breathe, this massive man-made curtain was torn. The Gospel writers note that it was torn from top to bottom, highlighting that this was a task completed from above. It was an unaccessible height, and a feat too remarkable to be completed by any man’s hand. The separation from God was over - literally and figuratively destroyed.

But despite all of these wonders, witnessed by many, shocking and sensational, the most important miracle was that which went unseen. The events in the physical world assuredly revealed that this was no ordinary man being crucified, and testified to Jesus’ dominion. But much like the unmeasured weight of the cross, the work being done behind the curtain of the visual was a far greater phenomenon.

God the Father put upon his Son Jesus all the wrath and guilt we deserved. Jesus satisfied this wrath perfectly and completely. Jesus completed the task no sinful man could handle. He had no help. He was fully alone. All so the Father could demonstrate his love for us. For we were lost, unworthy sinners, and Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Jesus was tortured and raised on a cross for us. He breathed his last for us. He was ‘forsaken’ by his glorious Father for us (Matthew 27:46). And none of this could be ‘seen’ by the Roman soldier or any

other bystanders.

It is safe to say that when the centurion exclaims that Jesus is the ‘Son of God,’ he did not have the full ‘Christian’ understanding of what his words meant. He spoke out of awe, fear, and terror (Matthew 27:54). He has just seen the sky turn dark and the earth shake violently upon the death of what he now knows is no ordinary man. He had read the inscription above Jesus’ head. He most likely had heard rumors about who Jesus claimed to be. And in that moment, as the world is seemingly crumbling around him, this Roman soldier knows Jesus was the man others said he was. The miracles in the physical world were enough to convince him of that. But had this common centurion seen the weight of his very own sin being placed upon Jesus’ body (1 Peter 2:24), how much more would he have exclaimed! Had this man fully seen God’s cup of wrath being poured out on Jesus for his own sake, how much more remorse and regret would he have had? And simultaneously, how much praise, adoration, and thankfulness would have filled his heart?

The suffering of Jesus was beyond compare. A debt paid, that just as the centurion, we will never fully comprehend or understand. But the current age has seen the full story. We know Jesus did not stay on the cross, nor was he bound by the chains of death. And we know that he will come again on the clouds with glory (Mark 13:26).

Written by Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper golgothamusic.com // poorbishophooper.com // Second edition ©2022 Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Take some time to meditate on this moment in history. Ground shaken. Tombs opened. The curtain torn. Darkness.

Think about Jesus’ words when he cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Ask the Lord for a better understanding of the miracle that went unseen that day.

Praise and thank Jesus for drinking the cup of his Father’s fury! For carrying your burden and paying your debt.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Lust. Rather, I will abide in the Lord’s Perfect Provision. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Mark 15:33-39: “At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken

me?’).

When some of those standing near heard this, they said, ‘Listen, he’s calling Elijah.’

Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ‘Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,’ he said.

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’”. Further Reading: Matthew 27:45-54; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-30; Psalm 22:1-31.

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Contemplating the Mighty Acts – Palm Sunday and Holy Week”, at our Website: https://awtlser.podbean.com/

DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

JESUS ENTRUSTS MARY AND JOHN TO EACH OTHER – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO)

JESUS ENTRUSTS MARY AND JOHN TO EACH OTHER – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO)

 

LYRICS TO MUSIC:

Mother look upon your son

My dear friend behold your mother now

 

MESSAGE SUMMARY: 

Often referred to as the ‘Seven Sayings’ of Jesus, there is a long and rich history surrounding the liturgical use of Jesus’ remarks during his crucifixion. Primarily implemented as the focus of meditation during Lent, these seven ‘words’ or phrases are recorded in the gospels, and shed great light on Jesus’ heart in his last hours. Just as a dying loved one’s last words are often highly regarded, so too are Jesus’.

Along his road to the cross, Jesus primarily speaks to his Father in Heaven (Luke 23:46, Matthew 27:46). He also offers words to the thieves next to him (Luke 23:43), and possibly to his murderers (John 19:28, 30). But despite his situation, hung from a cross, wrapped in excruciating pain, he calls out to his mother and the disciple ‘whom he loved.’ Even amidst unbearable circumstances, Jesus is still concerned with what will happen to his mother and friend after his death.

Why would the God of the universe need to entrust his earthly mother to a man? Would Jesus not be able to see, know, and care for every detail of Mary’s life, even beyond his physical body? Of course he would. But he is still interested in her worldly well-being. Though he does not call her ‘Mother,’ but rather ‘woman,’ this is not out of disrespect. It seemingly attempts to lessen the pain caused by the horrific death of her special son, and turn Mary’s focus to her new child, John. Jesus’ words to his mother show his deep respect and commitment, a model of love overflowing.

But Christ’s words also meant a great deal to John. He certainly listened, for as John notes in his own account, ‘from that hour he [John] took his [Jesus’] mother [Mary] into his family.’ John didn’t wait until Mary was in the clutches of old age, he promptly began caring for her. His obedience was immediate, and evidently without second thought. At Jesus’ request, a new family was created, one which shared a unique bond - hearts devoted to Christ.

Written by Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper golgothamusic.com // poorbishophooper.com // Second edition ©2022 Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Even in death Jesus was interested in strengthening relationships and creating new community. Ask God for courage to receive those in need into your family, both physically and spiritually. Ask God to help the church follow Jesus’ vision of true community.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will think like Jesus. (Philippians 2:5f). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 19:25-27: “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” Further Reading: Matthew 27:55-56; Luke 23:49.

A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org.

THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Contemplating the Mighty Acts – Palm Sunday and Holy Week”, at our Website: https://awtlser.podbean.com/

DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

JESUS PROMISES HIS KINGDOM TO THE REPENTANT THIEF – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO

JESUS PROMISES HIS KINGDOM TO THE REPENTANT THIEF – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO

 

LYRICS TO MUSIC:

There next to him two unrighteous men Who’d wasted their lives on taste for their sins One spoke with no worry through his dying breaths

With mocking he cried out to Jesus

‘Are you not the Christ are you not the king Are you not the man that you claim to be Climb down from this tree kill the men at your feet And save yourself’

The other said

‘Have you no fear this is God whom you speak The one of us three who hangs underserving For our sins paint us black by our sins we were cast Can’t you see this man is white as driven snow

‘Lord remember me

When you come into your kingdom’…

‘Truly I tell you this very day

You will be with me in my holy place In paradise in paradise forever’

 

MESSAGE SUMMARY: 

In 1854, Frederick William Faber wrote a poem entitled ‘Souls of Men, Why Will Ye Scatter?’ It was soon after fit with a tune, and sung as a congregational hymn both under its original name and the now more common title, ‘There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy.’ Though it is difficult to differentiate between Faber’s original work and later additions, some versions contain up to thirteen stanzas. But the message of each is the same: how vast and great and wide is God’s love and mercy. Three of those thirteen stanzas follow:

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, Like the wideness of the sea; There’s a kindness in his justice, Which is more than liberty.

There is welcome for the sinner, And more graces for the good; There is mercy with the Saviour, There is healing in his blood.

Pining souls, come nearer Jesus, And O come not doubting thus; But with faith that trusts more bravely, His great tenderness for us.

We see this immense wideness in God’s mercy as Jesus hangs on the cross between two thieves. These two men, who admit their own guilt (Luke 23:41), call out to Jesus in very different ways. One gives him recognition as the Christ, the other as King. The same titles given as formal charges against Jesus in his trial before Pilate and the Jews.

The first criminal cries out for his own life and freedom, and asks Jesus to save them all. But the second criminal rebukes the first. The second criminal knows that Jesus has done nothing wrong. It is as though he somehow comprehends the power and glory of this particular King, despite the group’s present circumstances. This criminal most certainly understands that his punishment is deserved. Simultaneously, he knows that Jesus holds the verdict concerning his everlasting sentence. It is from this place that the man asks subtly for something he may not have fully understood in that moment. He makes one simple request, “…remember me…”

And Jesus’ answer must have been ever-sweet to his ears. “In truth I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (v.43).

How deep and wide and vast is God’s mercy! How overwhelming is his grace! This man, this thief, did nothing to deserve paradise. In fact, at his own confession, his brutal and cruel sentence of crucifixion was justified. Yet Jesus delivers him reprieve like no other. He welcomes the criminal into everlasting glory at his word.

History has routinely called this man the ‘Good Thief,’ though in truth he did nothing ‘good’ at all. However, he understood the person of the man next to him. He knew that Jesus was Christ and King, and in doing so, was allowed to taste the sweetness of God’s mercy that is offered to all. In that moment, this criminal was freed from his cross, because Christ’s mercy is wider than the sea. He is freed because Jesus’ kindness carries freedom, and in his blood there is full restoration. There on the cross this thief became a powerful example of Faber’s words. That we could simply ‘trust more bravely his great tenderness for us.’

Written by Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper golgothamusic.com // poorbishophooper.com // Second edition ©2022 Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper.

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: The faith of this criminal reminds us that there is nothing we bring to salvation. It is truly a gift. Meditate on this fact.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Fear. Rather, I will abide in the Lord’s Faithfulness. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 23:39-43: “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah Save yourself and us!’. But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’.” Further Reading: : Matthew 27:38-44; Revelation 2:7.

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THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Contemplating the Mighty Acts – Palm Sunday and Holy Week”, at our Website: https://awtlser.podbean.com/

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