An Alternative Way of Living and Dying

Continuing to read The Incomparable Christ by John Stott as we continue into the Lenten season, looking toward Resurrection Sunday. The book is comprised of four parts, and today I am in Part 3 "The Influential Jesus (or How He Has Inspired People)." Sharing a quote with you today.

One more question must detain us. It is prompted by the long story of the church and is asked by Bishop Stephen Neill: "What kind of a stone could it be that, once thrown into the pool of human existence, could set in motion ripples that would go on spreading until the utmost rim of the world had been reached?"

My answer is: only the incomparable Christ. And if we are prepared to take the risk of familiarizing ourselves with his story and exposing ourselves to his personality, example and teaching, we shall not remain unscathed. Rather we too shall feel the power of his influence and say with Paul that the love of Christ tightens its grip upon us, until we are left with no alternative but to live--and die--for him (2 Cor. 5:14).

I do hope, dear one, that you have chosen this alternative for your own life and death. Then I shall look forward to seeing you as we reach Homeward.

Nobody Like Him

We are at the point in our Bible Study in Mark of Jesus' last week before His crucifixion. I've been drawn into the study more these past few weeks as it coincides with the weeks leading up to the rejoicing of Resurrection Sunday. The study reinforces in my mind and heart that Jesus is truly the Son of God and has authority over everyone and everything. You, me, my life, your life. Government and nations. Relationships. Life's choices. If we neglect that authority, it is to our detriment. If we embrace it, it is to our welfare, both now and forevermore.

For the past few years I've wanted to learn more and more about Jesus, so I've been choosing a book with Jesus as the central theme to bring Him into closer focus for the Lenten season. This year I've chosen The Incomparable Christ by John Stott. I had previously read another book with the same title by J. Oswald Sanders, and it was a favorite read for that year, drawing me closer to comprehending the impact of Jesus' death and resurrection. The book by Stott is somewhat more academic, viewing Jesus from four aspects:

(1) The Original Jesus--How does the New Testament bear witness to Him?
(2) The Ecclesiastical Jesus--How has the church portrayed Jesus down through the centuries?
(3) The Influential Jesus--What influence has Christ had in history?
(4) The Eternal Jesus--What should Jesus mean to us today?

As the author states,

My hope is that these studies in the Bible and church history will be able to justify the title, The Incredible Christ. There is nobody like him; there never has been, and there never will be.

I do hope you know that to be true, dear one. It is He who leads us Upward and Homeward. I hope to see you there someday.

On Forgiveness

I'm continuing to read The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders and following along as Nancy Leigh DeMoss discusses the chapter topics at Revive Our Hearts. It's a 40-day study as we prepare for the resurrection of Christ, and a few days beyond.

Sharing a brief statement from the book today about this verse.

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." ~ Luke 23:34

“It may be objected that not all who participated in the crucifixion were forgiven. The answer is that in every act of forgiveness, two persons are involved. Forgiveness must be accepted as well as bestowed. The prayer of Christ made forgiveness available to every sinful man, but not all availed themselves of it.”

~J. Oswald Sanders, The Incomparable Christ

I do hope that  you have availed yourself of the forgiveness offered you. You can learn a lot more about Christ and why He died and was resurrected, proving His deity, at ReviveOurHeartscom.

Manliness

I had not given much thought to Jesus' manliness before reading The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders. I'm following along as Nancy Leigh DeMoss (ReviveOurHearts.com) uses the outline of the book during this Lenten season to bring our thoughts to the incomparable Christ. Today's topic was the manliness of Jesus. Sharing some thoughts with you today as I dug a little deeper.

Many paintings of Jesus are rather effeminate and give us the wrong impression of him. The effeminate men I know certainly couldn't have done what Jesus did. Not only his death on the cross, but his daily life spoke of manliness. Jesus was courageous, intrepid, strong. When he asked who people were saying that he is, the response was that people thought he was John the Baptist, or Elijah, or one of the prophets. You could hardly mistake an effeminate man with those men.

Artistic license often paints the wrong picture.

I imagine that Adam was manly as well. In the beginning, that is. Until he and Eve gave in to the lies of Satan. Adam remained passive while Eve took the initiative and ate of the forbidden fruit. Sin's entering the world is laid at Adam's feet. Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men (Rom. 5:12). Passivity is not a manly trait. It leads to sin. Maybe it is sin. Maybe it was the first sin. Adam and Eve covered themselves and hid from God, as if they could.

Jesus, in all his manliness, was given the title of 'the last Adam.' He was sent to reverse the effects of Adam's sin. He is not passive. He takes the initiative in calling his bride to himself. We love, because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).  He leads and protects, physically, emotionally, spiritually. He leads beside still waters; he leads in the path of righteousness (Ps. 23)... that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless (Eph 5:7). You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Ps. 16:11).

As a woman, manliness is not my characteristic. So what is my takeaway from this? Encourage manliness in the lives of the men and little men in my family. Refrain from initiating leadership in relationship with My Beloved. Be patient and wait upon the Lord because perfect manliness is found only in Jesus, the incomparable Christ.

Preparing a Noble Life

I've been reading more of The Incomparable Christ, following along and listening to Nancy Leigh DeMoss as she uses the outline of the book for further teaching on ReviveOurHearts.com. Chapter 4 is about the childhood of Jesus, chapter 5 his youth. 

If you're a mom with children at home, I think her discussion the past couple of days would be an encouragement to you. 

Sharing an excerpt with you today from chapter 5, "The Youth of Christ."

"The influence, example, and teaching of His mother doubtless played an important part in His development. Everything indicates that she was one of those rare women whose glory it is to prepare a noble life, losing themselves in it, and desiring to be glorified only in its usefulness. Mary’s song reveals her as a devout, high-souled woman, fervently patriotic and a student of Scripture. Her song is patterned on that of an older saintly woman of the Old Testament, Hannah."

- J. Oswald Sanders, The Incomparable Christ

The Incomparable Christ

Settling in this evening with a good book and a cup of peppermint tea after being out in the cold earlier today with an appointment and running errands.

Did I say settling in with a good book? Not a good book. A wonderful book! This book is a re-read for me. I had read The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders a few years ago as a follow-along on ReviveOurHearts.com. Nancy Leigh DeMoss was beginning a 40-day series by the same title, following the outline of the book. She encouraged us to get the book and read through it during the Lenten season leading up to Easter. The book was such a ministry to me in getting to know Jesus in a deeper way, that by the time Resurrection Day came, it was hallelujah for sure! I've given copies to several people over the years. Gave another away just today. It's one of those books that I wish I were rich enough to give everyone.

Nancy is re-running that series again, starting today. I listened in and got an e-book. I thought I had my copy from before, but remembered I had given it to someone and had forgotten to replace it. There are several editions if you look for it online, and Revive Our Hearts has a special edition with a journal. The picture is the hard copy I had before. Be sure that if you purchase the book, that it's the one by Sanders. There are other books by the same title, different authors.

I'm ever-so-eager to listen and go through the study again. Nancy says,

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

So each day over these next weeks, we’re going to look at a different aspect or period of the life and ministry of Christ here on this earth. We’ll look at His birth, His childhood, His baptism, His temptation. We’ll look at the deity of Christ, what that means and why it matters, and the humanity of Christ. We’ll look at His teaching, His humility, His prayer life.
Then as we get closer to Passion Week, we’ll look at the trial of Christ, His atoning work on the cross, what that means for us. We’ll spend a day on each of the seven last words of Christ on the cross. Then we’re actually going to continue this series for a week beyond Easter so that we can consider His resurrection, His ascension, His high priestly ministry in heaven today, and His second coming—the great hope of every child of God.

I do encourage you to listen in at ReviveOurHearts.com and turn your eyes upon Jesus. I know there are days when we just can't fit in the 20 minutes or so, but each day is archived, so we can catch up when there's opportunity. You'll find the transcript there, too, if you have just a brief few minutes.

I blogged a few times about the book back in 2011. If you look in the right column in my "A few thoughts about" list, scroll down to the book title, click, and you'll find some of my thoughts on it. I'm sure to say more about it this time around.

A few introductory words from J. Oswald Sanders:

This volume does not purport to be a theological treatise, but rather a devotional and doctrinal treatment of the great facts of the person and work of Christ, in a form suited to the average reader.... It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit, who delights to reveal the things of Christ to us, will unveil His glory to those who read this book.

 I, too, pray that He does that for you. I'd be delighted to hear what you think about it!

Vickie

Home Again

Toast on the Hearth, Carlton Alfred Smith

Getting back into routine after being away for a few days for a Christmas visit with my parents and sisters in Alabama. Amidst the baking of three batches of biscotti to share and other holiday goings on, Mom and I enjoyed going to her favorite quilt shop and starting to work on her wall quilt. I turned a little coupon money into a few lovely cuts of fabric. It's fun to visit quilt shops and to savor their individual character. The weather was unusually good this time of the year for traveling, and although distance is no friend to families for a lot of reasons,  I'm thankful for interstates and scenic back roads. Looking forward to a visit with my daughters right after Christmas and hoping the weather is conducive to their travel as well. Many times they've come or gone over treacherous conditions.

I was chatting with the postal clerk yesterday as I dropped off some Christmas cards, and we were discussing our current culture's Christmas. It takes a concerted effort to avoid it and to keep Christ as the center of celebration. I'm convinced staying out of the stores as much as possible is a great benefit toward that end. Oh, but that doesn't include quilt shops! I think one of the things I really like about them is the human touch that naturally goes with the fabric as we gladly offer labors of love through it.

Reading from The Incomparable Christ this morning and sharing just a brief paragraph with you.

The mystery of the incarnation will never be fully explained until "we know even as we are known." But it is not the only mystery in this mysterious world, as Lecerf said, "The presence of mystery is the footprint of the divine." We are daily surrounded by mysterious facts, which are facts nevertheless. We may not understand how Jesus could be at the same time fully divine and yet really human, but that need be no insuperable obstacle to faith. The fact has been believed by many of the greatest minds of the ages.

~ J. Oswald Sanders 

Painting ~ Toast on the Hearth, Carlton Alfred Smith 1853-1946
Wiki Commons public domain

The Watershed of the Eternities

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last.  ~Luke 23:46

From The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders— 

With awe and reverence we now approach the watershed of the eternities. “When Jesus had cried a with a loud voice, He said, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost” (Luke 23:46). The body that had housed the Christ was about to be laid in Joseph’s tomb, but before He took leave of the earth, Jesus uttered His last word from the throne of His cross, and not in subdued tones, but with a loud, triumphant voice.

The bitterest ingredient in the cup of His suffering had been the midnight gloom that enveloped o only His body but also His soul, when His Father made the iniquity of us all to meet on Him (Isaiah 53:6). Three hours of torture at the hands of His creatures were succeeded by the infinitely darker three hours into which an eternity of suffering was compressed.

He does not now cry, "My God, my God!" but, Father." The communion He had enjoyed from eternity is restored, never again to be interrupted. Small wonder that He cried with a loud and triumphant voice. 

Transcendent joy must have flooded Him as His spirit rose from the miasmas of earth's sin to the warmth and crystal purity of the celestial air. His was no reluctant farewell to the scene of His suffering and humiliation.

Photo Richard Thripp

The Way to God Was Opened ~ Tetelestai!

From The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders--

The three English words, it is finished, are the equivalent of a single Greek word, tetelestai. With ample justification this has been called the greatest single word ever uttered.

It was a farmer's word. When there was born into his herd an animal so shapely that it seemed destitute of defects, the farmer, gazing on the creature with delighted eyes exclaimed, Tetelestai!"

It was an artist's word. When the painter had put the finishing touches to the vivid landscape, he would stand back and admire his masterpiece. Seeing that nothing called for correction or improvement he would murmur, "Tetelestai."

It was a priestly word. When some devout worshiper overflowing with gratitude for mercies received brought to the Temple a lamb without blemish, the pride of the flock, the priest, more accustomed to seeing blind and defective animals led to the altar, would look admiringly at the pretty creature and say, "Tetelestai!"

And when in the fullness of time the Lamb of God offered Himself on the altar of the cross, a perfect, flawless sacrifice, He cried with a loud voice, "Teletesai!" and yielded up His spirit.

God had entrusted to His Son the most stupendous task of the ages--the redemption of a world of lost and enslaved men. What irrepressible joy must have surged through Him as He cried in triumph, "It is finished!" Every obstacle standing between man's fellowship with God was removed, every demand of His law satisfied. There was nothing to add--the redemption He had secured was perfect and complete. Henceforth the way to God was open to all men. Henceforth they would know Him as a God of love.

The joy set before Him (Heb. 12:2) was already in sight, and now He could gladly summon His servant, death, and dismiss His spirit.

Tetelestai!

Why? The Agony of Silence

Ever felt forsaken? No doubt we all have at some time. Maybe many times. Maybe? Probably. Forsaken by friends, maybe by family. Maybe by God.

"My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" Jesus' words. On our lips? In our heart?

Jesus had been forsaken by humanity. But never by God. Nor have we. He is always there as our refuge, our help in time of need.

Jesus had never asked why before. He never did again. Yet this one time....

Why? "There is no experience of life through which men pass," wrote G. Campbell Morgan, "so terrible as that of silence and mystery, the hours of isolation and sorrow when there is no voice, no vision, no sympathy, no promise, no hope, no explanation; the hours in which the soul asks, why? There is no agony for the human soul like that of silence... "

But we can find in part the answer to His question in the very psalm from which He quoted (22:1, 3). The question of verse 1 is answered in verse 3: "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." He was forsaken that we might learn from the anguish of His experience the greatness of our sin that made it necessary, and that we might know how entirely He took it and bore it away. During the hours of darkness He "who knew no sin" was made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). That was the cause of His Father's averted face. It was not that God was ever hostile to His well-beloved Son--it was holiness turning away from sin.    

~ J. Oswald Sanders, The Incomparable Christ

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Today I reflect on simple thoughts and simple pleasures. My leads are somewhat similar to others in The Simple Woman's Daybook group, yet a bit different as well.  

A picture to share...  

Outside my window...

A new little birdhouse in the Japanese maple out my kitchen window. The birds haven't found it yet. How delightful to watch then when they do!

Thinking...

About our phone conversation with our younger daughter yesterday afternoon, hearing Elijah in the background and being reminded how fast he's growing and how much we're missing.

Learning...
To trust the heart of God, even when I don't see His hand. But it isn't easy.

Thankful...  
That my daughters seek after God.

This coming week I hope to...
Have my spirit settled.
  

Around the house....

My Beloved started tearing out the flooring that is warping from moisture in an upstairs bathroom . A bigger job than he anticipated. The 3-5 Rule at work again--Everything takes 3-5 times longer or costs 3-5 times more than you expect.

Noticing the sound of...

Singing birds after the rain.

Reflecting creativity, in His image...
Bought a spring flower pot for my cooking utensils. 
 
 

 








From the kitchen....

Making a coffee cake to take to Sunday School class in the morning. Sharing the recipe:

Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake 

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 beatern egg

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 cup choped pecans

Streusel:

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cold margarine

In a mixing bowl combine flour sugar, baking powder, and salt. 

Add egg, milk, and butter; beat well. 

Fold in blueberries and pecans.

Spread into a greased 9-inch square baking pan.

In another bowl, combine sugar and flour; cut in the butter until crumbly.

Sprinkle over the batter.

Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. 

A thought from my Quiet Time....

Reading through Genesis and came to 50:20, reminded again that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him, according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). It's the familiar account of Joseph and his brothers, who are fearful for their lives because of the harm they had done to Joseph.

"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive."

The purposes God has in the trials of life are known only by Him, but we can rest assured that they are for our good. When we see that good may be later down the road, and therein lies the challenge of our faith.

Currently reading...

The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders

Sharing a brief paragraph:

From the records it would appear that of all His characteristics, the prayerfulness of Christ impressed His disciples most deeply. They did not ask Him to teach them how to preach or heal or teach, but they did make a request that each of us could take on our lips at this moment, "Lord, teach us to pray."

You may also enjoy reading what other simple women are saying and doing these days. Just click here to go to The Simple Woman's Daybook site. I'll be posting my journal on Saturdays. Do stop by again.

The Incomparable Christ

As many of us enter the season of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I'd like to encourage you to tune in to Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss. She's tracking the book by J. Oswald Sanders entitled The Incomparable Christ, focusing on different aspects of the life of Christ. Nancy says this about her discussions:

We’ll look at His birth, His childhood, His baptism, His temptation. We’ll look at the deity of Christ, what that means and why it matters, and the humanity of Christ. We’ll look at His teaching, His humility, His prayer life.

Then as we get closer to Passion Week, we’ll look at the trial of Christ, His atoning work on the cross, what that means for us. We’ll spend a day on each of the seven last words of Christ on the cross. Then we’re actually going to continue this series for a week beyond Easter so that we can consider His resurrection, His ascension, His high priestly ministry in heaven today, and His second coming—the great hope of every child of God.

Nancy actually began this series on March 9th, but you can jump into it anytime. I just started listening and downloaded past broadcasts onto my ipod. I do hope you have an opportunity to listen in as Nancy shows us the uniqueness of the incomparable Christ.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Today I reflect on simple thoughts and simple pleasures. My leads are somewhat similar to others in The Simple Woman's Daybook group, yet a bit different as well.  

A picture to share... 

 The finished baby quilt with a safari theme. Yay!

Learning....

I'm TRYING to learn how to join the ends of binding on a quilt so it's continuous. I had to take out my attempts on this quilt at least ten times. I looked at several videos online and finally found one that explained it ever so well. I surely bookmarked that site!

 
Outside my window...

Forsythia in bloom out by the back fence. 
 

Noticing the sound of...

My Beloved editing Sunday's service for duplication.

Thinking...

About how much My Beloved and I appreciate our pastor and his dear wife, who love seeing God change lives. There is so much that they involve themselves in that most of us have no inkling about. They are truly instruments in the hands of the Redeemer.

Reflecting creativity, in His image...
Spruced up The Book Nook at church for an April look.
 

Looking to the ways of my household...

The rhythm of routine.

This coming week I'm planning to...
See my parents and sisters. Looking forward to the visit.

Thankful for...

God's redeeming grace and the salvation of a young man and his decision to marry his daughter's mother. So grateful for God's rescue of this young family!

From the kitchen....

Sharing the recipe for potato soup that we had yesterday. Nothing like soup on a chilly day. You can add the carrots or leave them out; same with the broccoli and eggs. Add what suits you!

Potato Soup

1 cup water

3 cups diced potatoes

1/2 cup sliced celery

1/2 cup sliced carrots

1/2 chopped onions

1/2 cup chopped broccoli

1 tsp. dried parsley flakes

1 tsp. chicken bouillon granules (or 1 cube) 

1/2 tsp salt

1.5 cups milk

1 tbsp flour

3 boiled, chopped eggs 

1 cup mozzarella cheese (or American, or whatever you like)

Combine first  9 ingredients in a large pan and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. 

Meanwhile, put eggs on to boil.

Combine milk and flour. Mix well.

Add milk mixture to vegetables, stirring until thickened.

Add chopped eggs.  Add cheese and stir until melted. 

Serves 3-4

A thought from my Quiet Time....

Reading through the Reese Chronological Bible about Noah and his sons. It's interesting to me that his sons were over 100 years old when their first children were born--after the Flood. Many others in that time frame had their firstborn in their 30s, but for whatever reason, God waited until after the Flood to send Noah grandchildren. Then they multiplied and replenished the earth. Are you waiting for children or grandchildren? Perhaps God has something very special in store for you further along.

Currently reading...

The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders

A brief paragraph to share as he writes on the "Person of Christ":

A strange admixture of dependence and independence was observable in the life of the Master. Although conscious that He had at His disposal every resource, human and divine, He yet craved the solace of human company and sympathy. He exhibited a sublime independence of the praise or censure of the crowd, yet the companionship of His inner circle of friends was warmly appreciated.

You may also enjoy reading what other simple women are saying and doing these days. Just click here to go to The Simple Woman's Daybook site. I'll be posting my journal on Saturdays. Do stop by again.