I Interviewed an AI BOT about Salvation - (2 of 3)

 My Interview with AI BOT - Who is Jesus

ME:

but who is Jesus really - historically, he's just a man, right?

AI:

The identity of Jesus Christ is a matter of faith for Christians and a point of debate among people of different religious beliefs. From a historical perspective, Jesus of Nazareth lived in the first century and is widely recognized as a religious figure who had a significant impact on world history.

However, for Christians, Jesus is much more than just a historical figure. They believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He came to earth to provide salvation for all people through His death and resurrection. Christians believe that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine and that He is the Savior of the world and the means by which people can have a right relationship with God.

Whether one believes that Jesus is just a man or the Son of God is a matter of personal faith, and people hold different beliefs based on their religious traditions and interpretations of the historical evidence.

ME:

How can God have a Son

AI:

The concept of God having a son is a central doctrine of Christianity and is rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. In Christian theology, the concept of God having a son is seen as a mystery that transcends human understanding and is ultimately a matter of faith.

The idea that God has a son is expressed in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, where Jesus is referred to as the Son of God and is described as having a unique relationship with God the Father. This relationship is described as being one of equality, yet also of distinction, with Jesus being fully God and fully human at the same time.

Christians believe that God the Father sent His son Jesus to the earth to redeem humanity from sin and death through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. They believe that through faith in Jesus, people can have eternal life and a right relationship with God.

The idea of God having a son is unique to Christianity and is not found in other religious traditions. How one understands this concept will depend on their faith and interpretation of the Bible.

ME:

You said Jesus is equal to God, and also His Son...

AI:

In Christian theology, Jesus is considered to be both fully God and fully human, a doctrine known as the "incarnation." This means that Jesus is equal in nature and essence to God the Father, while at the same time being distinct from Him as the Son.

The idea of the incarnation is rooted in the belief that God took on human form in the person of Jesus Christ to provide salvation for humanity. Christians believe that Jesus, as both God and man, lived a sinless life and died on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

This concept is expressed in several passages in the New Testament, where Jesus is referred to as both the Son of God and as one with God the Father. The idea of the incarnation is a central doctrine of Christianity and is a matter of faith for Christians, with different interpretations of how the divinity and humanity of Jesus are combined and expressed.

ME:

Does Jesus ever claim to be God?  if so, can you share those scripture verses.

AI:

Yes, Jesus claimed to be God in several passages in the New Testament. Here are a few examples:

·         John 8:58: "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'"

·         John 10:30: "I and the Father are one."

·         John 14:9: "Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?'"

These verses and others like them, in which Jesus claimed to be equal with God, were the basis for the early Christian belief in the divinity of Jesus and were a significant factor in the controversy that eventually led to His crucifixion.

These verses are also the source of much debate and interpretation, with some people seeing them as evidence of Jesus' divinity, while others interpret them in a more metaphorical or symbolic sense. Ultimately, the interpretation of these verses and the belief in the divinity of Jesus is a matter of personal faith and religious tradition.

ME:
What does it mean "Son of Man"

AI:

"Son of Man" is a title used to refer to Jesus in the New Testament. It appears over 80 times in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and is one of the most common ways that Jesus referred to himself.

The phrase "Son of Man" has its roots in the Old Testament, where it was used as a general term for humanity. In the New Testament, Jesus takes on this title and uses it to refer to himself in a unique way. By using this phrase, Jesus was emphasizing his humanity, as well as his divine nature.

The exact meaning of "Son of Man" is a subject of debate among biblical scholars, but it is generally understood to convey the idea of Jesus as a representative of humanity. This title encompasses both his identity as a human being and his role as the Savior of humanity. It also highlights his role as the judge of humanity at the end of the world, as described in the book of Revelation.

In short, "Son of Man" is a significant title that conveys the dual nature of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine. It emphasizes his role as the Savior and Judge of humanity, and his unique relationship with God.

ME:

Would this have been considered blasphemy to the Jews of that time - Pharisees, Priests and Sadducees

AI:

Yes, the use of the title "Son of Man" by Jesus would have been considered blasphemy by many of the Jews of his time, including the Pharisees, Priests, and Sadducees. This is because they believed that only God was worthy of the title "Son of Man," and that claiming such a title for oneself was an act of blasphemy.

The Pharisees, Priests, and Sadducees were the religious leaders of Jewish society and were deeply committed to the laws and traditions of their faith. They believed that the Messiah would be a political and military leader who would restore the kingdom of Israel and overthrow their Roman oppressors.

However, Jesus' teachings and miracles, as well as his use of the title "Son of Man," challenged their understanding of the Messiah and their religious beliefs. They saw his claims of being the Son of Man as an assertion of equality with God, and thus considered it blasphemy.

This was one of the main reasons why they sought to oppose and discredit Jesus, and why they eventually sought to have him crucified. However, his resurrection and ascension into heaven affirmed his claims and validated his teachings, leading to the spread of the Christian faith throughout the world.

ME:

I have heard of the Trinity - what does this mean

AI:

The Trinity is a central doctrine in Christianity, and refers to the belief in the existence of one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that these three persons are distinct but not separate, and that they are equal in their divine nature and attributes.

The concept of the Trinity is a complex one and is not explicitly stated in the Bible, but it is derived from a number of passages that suggest the coexistence of multiple divine persons within the one Godhead. For example, Jesus refers to the Father as his God and speaks of the Holy Spirit as a separate being, while the New Testament also speaks of the three persons of the Trinity as existing and working together in harmony.

The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith and has been widely accepted by the majority of Christian denominations. It is believed to be a fundamental aspect of the Christian understanding of the nature of God, and provides a basis for understanding the relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and their roles in the salvation of humanity.

In summary, the Trinity is the Christian doctrine that teaches the existence of one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are equal in their divine nature and attributes, and who exist and work together in harmony.

ME:

That's pretty deep - tell me about the Holy Spirit from Scripture

AI:

The Holy Spirit is a central figure in the Christian faith and is considered one of the three persons of the Trinity, along with the Father and the Son (Jesus Christ). The Holy Spirit is mentioned numerous times in the Bible and is described as having a variety of roles and functions.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit is associated with creation, empowerment, and guidance. For example, in Genesis 1:2, the Holy Spirit is described as moving over the waters during the creation of the world. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is described as a helper and comforter, providing believers with strength and guidance in their lives.

The Holy Spirit is also associated with the birth and mission of Jesus, and is described as having descended upon him at his baptism. Throughout the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is depicted as having an active role in the lives of believers, empowering them to live lives of faith, to perform miracles, and to spread the gospel.

One of the most well-known functions of the Holy Spirit is the gift of speaking in tongues, which is described as a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit is also associated with the process of sanctification, helping believers to grow in their faith and to become more like Jesus.

In summary, the Holy Spirit is an important figure in the Christian faith and is described in the Bible as having a variety of roles and functions, including creation, empowerment, guidance, comfort, and sanctification. The Holy Spirit is considered one of the three persons of the Trinity, and is a central figure in the lives of believers.

ME:

What part did the Holy Spirit have in the birth of Jesus?

AI:

The Holy Spirit played an important role in the birth of Jesus, as described in the New Testament. According to the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, the Holy Spirit was involved in the miraculous conception of Jesus.

In the Gospel of Matthew, it is written that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. This means that the Holy Spirit was involved in the creation of Jesus in a supernatural way, bypassing the normal biological process of conception.

In the Gospel of Luke, it is written that the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and overshadowed her, resulting in the conception of Jesus. This passage emphasizes the supernatural nature of the birth of Jesus, and highlights the involvement of the Holy Spirit in this event.

The birth of Jesus through the Holy Spirit is considered a central doctrine in Christianity, and is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the coming of a Messiah who would be born of a virgin. The Holy Spirit's involvement in the birth of Jesus is seen as a sign of the divine nature of Jesus and of the Holy Spirit's power and presence in the world.

In summary, the Holy Spirit played a crucial role in the birth of Jesus, as described in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit was involved in the miraculous conception of Jesus, bypassing the normal biological process, and is seen as a sign of the divine nature of Jesus and of the Holy Spirit's power and presence in the world.

ME:

what is the old testament prophecy about Jesus birth?

AI:

The Old Testament contains several prophecies that foretell the birth of Jesus, who is considered the Messiah (or savior) in Christianity. Some of the most well-known Old Testament prophecies about the birth of Jesus include:

Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." This prophecy is considered by many Christians to be a foretelling of the birth of Jesus through the Virgin Mary.

Micah 5:2 - "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." This prophecy foretells the birthplace of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem.

Jeremiah 31:15 - "This is what the Lord says: "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." This prophecy is considered by many to be a foretelling of the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem, which is described in the New Testament as having taken place after the birth of Jesus.

Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This prophecy foretells the birth of a child who will have divine attributes and who will rule as a king.

These and other Old Testament prophecies are seen by Christians as evidence of the divine nature of Jesus and of the fulfillment of God's plan for the salvation of humanity. The birth of Jesus is considered a central event in the Christian faith and is celebrated as the birth of the Savior of the world.

ME:

what are the chances that one person could fulfill all of these prophecies

AI:

As a language model created by (cannot disclose), I do not have the ability to make subjective assessments or predictions. However, it is widely held by Christians that the likelihood of one person fulfilling all of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the birth of the Messiah is very low.

According to Christian theology, there were many specific prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament, such as the place of his birth (Bethlehem), the nature of his rule (as a king), and the manner of his death (crucifixion). Some Christians believe that the odds of one person fulfilling all of these prophecies by chance are astronomically low, and therefore see the fulfillment of these prophecies in Jesus as evidence of his divine nature and mission.

Critics, however, argue that the Old Testament prophecies are open to interpretation and that the fulfillment of these prophecies in Jesus is due to selective interpretation and cherry-picking of texts. They argue that the prophecies in question are vague and could be applied to many people, and that the New Testament authors had an interest in making it seem as though Jesus fulfilled them.

In any case, the question of the chances of one person fulfilling all of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the birth of the Messiah is a matter of personal belief and interpretation. Some people believe that the odds of fulfilling all of these prophecies by chance are very low, while others believe that the prophecies are not as specific or meaningful as they are often portrayed to be.

ME:

I thought the Messiah would come from the blood line of David, tying all the way back to Adam.  With Mary's miraculous conception from the Holy Spirit how is Jesus from the line of David.

AI:

According to Christian tradition, Jesus is considered to be a descendant of King David through his earthly father, Joseph. In the New Testament, the genealogy of Jesus is traced back to King David through Joseph in Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38.

Mary's miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit is seen by Christians as fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. The belief is that Mary, a descendant of King David, was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, and that the Holy Spirit conceived Jesus in her womb. In this way, Jesus is considered to be both the Son of God and a descendant of King David.

This belief in the divine and human nature of Jesus is central to Christian theology and is a key aspect of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. According to this doctrine, Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, and is seen as the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior to humanity. The belief that Jesus is both divine and a descendant of King David is an important part of the Christian understanding of who Jesus is and what he came to do.

Prophecy 16: Jeremiah 23:5-6

Daily Thoughts – December 20^th

Prophecy 16: Jeremiah 23:5-6

"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness." - Jeremiah 23:5-6

Jeremiah 23:5-6 and cross references

I have noticed that we tend to put individuals on pedestals. We flock around them to hear their words of wisdom and learn from their actions. We watch and trust that they have our best interests in mind when they make decisions. We allow ourselves to become wrapped up in their lives and influenced by their choices; good or bad. This is very much like the Israelites in the days of Jeremiah. They were trusting in their leadership rather than on God. This had taken them from great power under King David to near ruins through the unjust and unrighteous behavior of the Kings and rulers of the time.

In this prophecy we see God taking the leadership of Israel into His own hands. Through the voice of Jeremiah, he strengthens His promise of a Messiah coming from the seed of David. The Messiah will come in the future as a righteous branch from David's line. A branch starts as a humble bud from the original and grows over time to become strong, sturdy and resilient. It is also over time that fruit will begin to blossom and seeds will be spread widely.

Recognize the scope of God's declaration is for all people, not just the Israelites. His appointed King will be just and righteous to all mankind. Declaring safety to Israel provided reassurance to His people that He was their protector, comforter and provider. The final statement of this prophecy though, secures their understanding that the Messiah would be God incarnate. Only God himself could provide justice and righteousness. So, for God to state that His Messiah would be the Lord Our Righteousness; He is stating to the people of that time that the Messiah would indeed be God himself.

This was also confirmed in Isaiah 7:14; "the virgin will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God with us)." As you celebrate Christmas, do not let this origin slip from your mind. The Messiah was brought forth from God directly to bring righteousness to all man-kind.

- Rich

© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Is God Still With You?

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” -John 1:14

Three days have passed since Christmas morning. I’m sure that sometime during the last 5 or 6 days you have read through or heard the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem as captured so beautifully in Luke 2. As the time passes and we become more engaged in our day to day life again, the stresses begin to accumulate, the worries start up again and for some the message of Christmas begins to blur again for another 11 months. We need to make a stand against the temptation to slide back into our pre-Christmas routine. As foretold in Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Things are not the same.

His life was foretold by over 20 different people as far as 800 years before His birth. Everything from who His parents would be, where He would be born, what His life would stand for, His persecution, His death and His resurrection. Most historical figures and leaders lived a great life and then their story was captured and documented for the interest of educating the minds of the future. But He was not like other historical figures. Unlike any other person in the history of the world, Jesus Christ, was biography was written before He ever breathed His first breath.

God was with Adam in the Garden, with Moses on Mount Sinai and David in his battles. He was with many other individuals throughout the scriptures. He carried these hero’s and saints through their struggles, trials, hardships and their weakness’. God not only gave them insight through His authority and power on earth, He gave them the wisdom and confidence to know that He was always there for them, no matter what. Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac because he knew God would provide a lamb. David battled Goliath because he knew God would overcome. Job gave up everything he had and relied solely on God’s love and promise as disease and experiences near death came upon him. These are just a few examples of what happens when God is with someone.

Jesus means Immanuel, God With Us. This single statement was prophesied by Isaiah, and restated by the angel to Joseph in a dream. When God was with the saints of old, we saw how He protected, nurtured and cared for them. Through the birth of Jesus Christ, that exact power and blessing is available to all of us. He came to us because He knew we could not come to Him in our fleshy, sinful state. God’s desire is for us to be with Him for eternity, so He took it upon Himself to come to us, and walk side by side with us through this life to allow that reunion one day. He will carry us when we are weak, provide knowledge and insight into righteousness, convict us when we fall and set us back on a path of purpose for His kingdom. God is with us – that means you, me and everyone since Christ’ birth. It is upon us to seek His guidance and love. Some believe that this promise was only for those who walked with Jesus for those 33 years. This could not be farther from the truth. He promised us a comforter, counselor and teacher in the Holy Spirit to be with us always, until the day of His return. His death was not the end, but rather the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise. Immanuel, God is with us, lives on through His resurrection and continues to provide strength, love, security, comfort, help and wisdom if we only reach to Him.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
You came to us through a child, born in the humblest of settings to fulfill a promise for all of mankind. You promised to walk with us, guide us and be our strength, if we would only turn to trust You. We come before You Lord, seeking Your will in our lives, Your wisdom and Your love. Just as You carried the saints of old through their struggles and temptations, guide our steps in a path of righteousness as well. Help us to recognize Your control and will in our life. In Your name we pray - Amen



© Sondove Enterprises, 2018
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

She Said “Yes”

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”  - Genesis 3:15

Take close note of the reference in this prophetic scripture -“…her seed…”.  We all know, or should know based on your age, that conception comes from the seed of the father and the egg of the mother.  This prophecy was directly from the Lord to the serpent in the garden after he had deceived Adam and Eve into sin.  In this case though God references “her seed” which can be connected to Isaiah 7:14 – “Behold, a virgin will conceive….” 

Mary, Did You Know

Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby, you kissed the face of God?

Oh, Mary did you know, ooh

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb

Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the great, I am
 

In Luke’s 1^st chapter, verse 30-31, the angel Gabriel comes to Mary, “So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you shall give Him the name Jesus.”  The child would be conceived without a man, but through the Holy Spirit coming upon Mary.  Therefore the zygote, the embryo, was conceived with perfect, sinless blood.  Unlike every other human up to that point and since (other than Adam and Eve) who are created through the seed of the man (filled with sin through generations from the original sin in the garden). 

Did Mary know everything the angel explained to her?  Who knows, but it is unlikely that she could fully comprehend everything that her son would go through in his life.  From scripture we learn that she knew:
- He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High
- The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David
- He will reign over the house of Jacob forever
- His kingdom will never end!
-  the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God

In the custom of that day she would have relied heavily upon her father as the spiritual leader of their household to understand scriptures.  Many prophecies had foretold of the Messiah, and here the angel Gabriel had told her that she would bear this child, the Messiah, the chosen one of God, Immanuel.  Could she have understood all of the prophecies which spoke of his persecution, tortuous death and resurrection?  Most likely not, but she trusted in God’s plan and humbled herself to be used in His plan, even if that meant being disowned by her family, her betrothed and her community.

In Luke 1:38, “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.”  She knew what the Lord wanted her to know and nothing more.  So when we think about this wonderful, beautiful song, Mary-Did You Know, we have to be honest and say, NO.  There is no way she knew everything that was to come and everything that her son would do for humanity.  But, we are all so blessed that she trusted in the Lord’s omnipotence and plan.

Be Blessed,

Rich

Join us on Facebook @ 10 Minute Reader Daily Thoughts or on Twitter @Sondove
If you would like to be added to the email distribution, please send an email here.

He Is Coming

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."  -  Isaiah 7:14

Veni, veni Emmanuel, Latin text documented first in Germany in 1710 has continued to be one of the most dramatic and deeply thoughtful Christmas songs recorded to date.  It has been played and sung by countless musicians over the centuries and translated into many languages to bring peace and joy to billions around the world. 

Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, O Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home,
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind,
Oh, bid our sad divisions cease,
And be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Israel, oh Israel – you have waited patiently for a King, a Messiah to lead your people out of bondage and suffering.  The prophets of old told you of his coming and you have set your eyes on the day of reckoning, when God would come to you, Emmanuel.  A Messiah would take the throne of David and lead once again, drawing you close to God forever more.  Oh, Israel, why were you so blind.

Jesus Christ fulfilled this prophetic verse from Isaiah.  Nearly 700 years before His birth, Isaiah, speaking to Ahaz as others were encroaching and planning war on Jerusalem.  To give him peace, and comfort the Lord spoke through Isaiah that a child will be born, who will bear the name Emmanuel, which means “God with us”.  This birth would be a prophetic sign from the Lord that He and He alone would save Israel from those who would attack, but on His timeline, not on man’s.  For God Almighty is Sovereign and Holy, above all earthly things.

Who are we looking for today, to come and save us from ourselves?  God has already sent His son.  Israel rejected Him, but the gentiles accepted Him.  Now there are many in Israel having personal encounters with the Holy One, the Son of God; while many of the gentiles are turning away.  Are we once again at risk of being blind when the Son returns to claim His bride; because we are so comfortable and full of our own pride and arrogance in this life? 

Read the full verse of Isaiah 7 about the people of Jerusalem and King Ahaz.  They lacked patience in trusting the Lord and turned in fear to those who threatened them.  Are we not the same?  How weak we are when we are not trusting in the Lord for our wisdom, power and authority.  In all honesty, we have become less focused on God and more on ourselves as we wait for the return of Emmanuel, the Christ foretold by Isaiah.  When He returns, He will not return as a child but as a heavenly groom, coming to take His bride home.  I pray that we do not miss it, and that we are on watch for Him through this Christmas season and the coming years.

Be Blessed,

Rich

Join us on Facebook @ 10 Minute Reader Daily Thoughts or on Twitter @Sondove
If you would like to be added to the email 

Mary Did You Know

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”  – Isaiah 7:14

 I sat in the waiting room just two weeks ago, waiting for the miracle of birth to enter into my family once again.  My daughter was giving birth to my 3^rd granddaughter – Isabella Grace.  As I sat there in the hospital waiting room, my mind was adrift in thought of who this baby girl would grow up to be.  Would she have blond hair like her mother, would she laugh with the same twinkle in her eye?  What was it like to be in the womb with God the Father right at that moment. What plans will the Lord have for her with the life He has given her?  How will she change the world for His Kingdom?  What an amazing life she will have.

Based on scripture in Luke’s 1^st book, Mary, the blessed mother of our Savior – Jesus Christ, knew that she carried the Messiah.  She knew that through God would fulfill this scripture of Isaiah 7:14 through her.  Nine months pass from the moment that Gabriel visited Mary with the news of God’s plan.  During that gestation period, Mary felt the Savior of the world developing and growing within her body.  There came that moment in the 4^th or 5^th month when her little waistline expanded beneath her robes.  Then she would feel a flutter, a tickle inside as the Savior rolled over within her womb.  With modern day technology time transported back to those days – an ultrasound would have shown Jesus Christ sucking his thumb, stretching his legs as a foot presses against Mary’s side as she feels him kicking. 

I envision Mary with her hands overlapped on her swollen belly, cradling her unborn child.  She sings him soft Jewish lullabys handed down from generation to generation.  Mary’s physical state would have been obvious to those in Nazareth by her 3^rd trimester.  Perhaps there were sneers and gossip amongst the neighbors.  Perhaps she lost the trust of her parents, or perhaps they saw the glorious plan of the Lord unveiling before their eyes and accepted it at face value.  Did Mary cry herself to sleep at night as she contemplated the scriptures of prophecy?  Especially Isaiah 53:5, describing how Messiah would be pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities and punished for our unrighteousness.  Did she comprehend these powerful words describing her son’s death?

On that glorious night in Bethlehem did Mary hold the baby Jesus close to her bosom with every intention of protecting him from any harm in life.  There’s no way she could have envisioned everything that Christ would bring to the world.  She could not have projected the miracles he would one day deliver.  We have no scriptural verification that Mary had any insight to Jesus saving grace, through God’s perfect plan.  As His body hung on the cross she wept bitterly.  She visited Him in the tomb just as she would any other beloved family member who had passed away.  None of this could have been envisioned by this young woman as she held her baby that night.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know,
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered,
will soon deliver you

Prayer:
Almighty God,
You brought the Savior of the world to a young, God fearing virgin just as You said You would.  You brought forth Your Son in the flesh to walk amongst mankind, that we might learn from His actions, words and love.  You have given us the scriptures to learn from and to hold close to our chest in times of need.  Lord, help us to not miss Your plan of redemption and tribulation when it happens just as the prophecies say it will.  Help us to be watchmen on the alert at all times for the return of Messiah – In Your name we pray – Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts

Oh Come, Oh Come Immanuel

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the virgin is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.”   – Isaiah 7:14

In Latin, the text was “Veni, Veni  Emmanuel” and it has been recorded and sung by dozens of artists since it’s origins in the mid 19^th century.  The lyrics of this Christmas Carol are hauntingly true over time as we cry out for our Savior to return.  Even before the days of the early Christian church the people of Israel would cry out to the Lord these very words.  The longing for Messiah was felt throughout Judea and the Jewish nations then and continues unto this very day.

I listen to this carol and my heart goes out to those who are in search of Immanuel.  Sent by God to save His people from their sins, as recorded in Matthew 1:21.  I truly believe that most people realize that this world is temporary and there is a greater Kingdom beyond what we see.  People are seeking something that is tangible, something that can be seen and touched and experienced.  They grasp onto whatever is trendy and in line with their lifestyle and convictions at any given moment.  What God sent in the man of Jesus Christ, was Immanuel.  Yet God’s plan of redemption through the sacrifice of this lamb for the sins of all mankind does not align with the understanding, logic and expectations of most people.  The desire is there to believe, but the understanding is not, most people struggle with the concept of God’s grace and love.  The world’s view is confused and generally unaccepting of Immanuel, because it requires faith in something intangible. 

Do we hear people in the street crying out for Immanuel these days?  In certain cultures and parts of the globe the answer is an absolute yes.  Are they calling out for the same reason and desperation that Israel had been calling out in 1^st century B.C.?  Yes, in some parts of the world they are desperate for God to save them from oppression, poverty, war and sickness.  Many of the Jewish faith continue to call out to God for Immanuel to come and save them.  Through their strife over centuries, the holocaust and  the historical and continuing wars over their land, they have endured upon the hope that God will send Immanuel to save them.  This prophetic verse is held close to the heart of many Jewish faithful as well as the Christian faithful.  We both long for the Messiah to come and usher us into heaven’s peace, love and glory.  As you hear this song through this advent season, lift up your prayers for the lost in the world, for your Jewish brethren and for God’s return.

Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Prayer:Loving Father,
in Your prophetic scriptures You have spoken to us about Immanuel.  We acknowledge the presence of Jesus Christ as Your deliverance and salvation by Your grace through His death and resurrection.  We thank You for providing a plan of redemption through the sacrifice of Your perfect spotless lamb.  Help us to be a light to others that they might also see Jesus Christ as Immanuel, Your presence with us.  In Your name we pray - Amen

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts