In Remembrance of Jesus
Gary Waddell - iamnotashamed.com - 04/07/2020
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
As “Resurrection Day” will come and go as in years past, let us all, as ‘followers of Jesus’, truly place our focus on our Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ. There are so many distractions from this world that Jesus has become just a “word” to mention periodically for some to prove they are “Christians.” The word “Easter” is mentioned once in the KJV Bible and “Passover” is used in other versions. There has been a division among people regarding the labeling of the two events however, I will not get into that battle as to what to call the day at this time. I will refer to this time as a “Remembrance of Jesus” and what He went through for all of us. When we ‘surrendered’ our lives to Jesus (John 1:12), He gave us the Comforter (Holy Ghost) to live within us. He is now and forever will be our Guide – Jesus residing in us. My job on this earth is to glorify God and “tell ‘em about Jesus”. That is your job also (Mark 16:15).
Jesus is alive and reigning on His throne in heaven but so many have turned that ‘remembrance’ into a pagan holiday of bunnies, chicks, decorated eggs, candy and tales for children of rabbits delivering baskets of goodies and toys. Christians have tried to let others know the message of Christ's crucifixion, death and resurrection, however, in my observation over the years, the majority of children simply see it as another venue to receive “goodies” and enjoy the game of locating colored eggs for prizes. The Bible tells us as “followers of Christ” to come out of this world. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2Co 6:17). God’s word has not changed, yesterday, today and nor will it tomorrow.
In New York there is the Easter Parade which is a colorful and joyful event in which many decorated floats travel down a designated route which is filmed and aired on the national networks and emceed by celebrities. Some churches are filled to capacity with women (and some men) donning new clothing and huge bonnets. And the following Sunday many of the visitors will disappear never to be seen again until Christmas. I think about the verse Rom 1:23 in God’s word: “And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things”. I personally have been labeled a ‘monster’ for telling my grandchildren that ‘bunnies’ do Not bring eggs and candy to their houses in baskets of straw. I was raised in a pagan household and I didn’t even believe it back then. It was all about wanting children to ‘have fun’ which is not a bad thing, but as a child, I needed to know the truth about a Savior who shed His blood to pay for our sins. Please tell your children and grandchildren the truth.
At this time (Apr 2020) in our nation when a worldwide flu-like disease is raging, churches have closed their doors* with the hopes to not spread this virus that has come upon us. So this Sunday (or any day of the week) perhaps we can spend time in God’s word, the Bible, and give glory and thanks to a gracious and bold Savior who suffered the most hideous and agonizing death in history – for us. As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: (Isa 52:14) He did it for us out of love to save sinful generations. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). What a Hero! How about the whole family spending an entire day with Him?
Please take time today, to read this incredible medical piece written by Dr. David Terasaka, M.D., several years ago regarding the crucifixion of Christ. If you haven’t read it before now, it may change your life and how you looked at the horrible crucifixion of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Remembering that He was all God and all man. He suffered terribly for us. So after you finish this short message, please take the time to read Dr. Terasaka’s medical aspects of the crucifixion. Again, I believe it will change your thoughts.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/terasaka_david/misc/crucify.cfm
My prayer for everyone reading this is message, is to start (if you have not done so) reading God’s word, the Bible, through completely. Resurrection Day would be a good day to start. It can be done in less than a year by reading 6 chapters per day which will amount to 30 minutes of your life. Would you trust a doctor who never opened a medical book? He or she would not even have the right to be called a ‘doctor’. So can you trust someone who claims they are a “Christian” or a “follower of Christ” when they haven’t read God’s word?
Something to think about.
Do it in remembrance of Jesus! And have a blessed Resurrection Day!
If you are reading this and do not have or know the Lord as your personal Savior, please know that it is not too late. The Bible says “as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Heb 9:27). We all have an appointment to leave this earth. The Bible also reads, for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved (Rom 10:13). Won’t you receive Jesus (Jn 1:12) into your life today? Like the Easter Bunny, this isn’t a ‘fairytale’ or a game. Jesus Christ came to earth to die on the cross as a sacrifice for all of our sins (for those who receive Him) – your’s too. He rose from the tomb (1 Cor 15:3-4). He is waiting for you. When you do this, let someone know.
You’ll be glad you did.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Rev 3:20).
* Written in 2020 and I vehemently disagreed with closing the doors of the church.
Thanks for “Taking 5" • Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
www.iamotashamed.com • God bless and bless GOD
