Jesus doesn't ask much of us. Still, He has given us an opportunity, however uncomfortable, to do something for Him. But, in rebellion, even knowing that He, himself, was thrown out of the temple, we complain about masks, social distancing, and not being able to gather in the opulence and comfort of our churches. Some even, in thinking they're exhibiting great faith, dishonor Him by defying the instructions given through His servant; thereby denying His request to acknowledge the sacrifice He made, on our behalves, by simply meeting Him outside the gates. Such a small thing.
When I consider how uncomfortable it must've been for Jesus - humiliated, dragged outside the gates, beaten, and nailed to a cross, where He died burdened with our sins: To bear His shame in that, is doubtless, a far greater honor than I deserve.
Even if Jesus required much more from us, shouldn't we be, all the more grateful, because of all that He has already done, that we would simply do as our Holy Mother Mary advised?: "Whatever He says to you, do it." [John 2:4]
"Let us, then, go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore." [Hebrews 13:13]
The Message
Now, consecrate yourselves and your houses; for your house, though swept clean, has been left unoccupied for a time. Before reoccupation: Anoint everything in the temple (your body being also God's temple). Shepherds stand at the entrance of your sanctuaries; flocks meet your pastors there. Do not yet go in; for God hath set in Zion a stumbling stone. But rather, let the world witness your reverence, not to a building, but to our Sovereign LORD. Let us, therefore, HUMBLE ourselves and pray.
9-12 “Compassion is our only hope, the compassion of you, the Master, our God, since in our rebellion we’ve forfeited our rights. We paid no attention to you when you told us how to live, the clear teaching that came through your servants the prophets. All of us in Israel ignored what you said. We defied your instructions and did what we pleased. And now we’re paying for it: The solemn curse written out plainly in the revelation to God’s servant Moses is now doing its work among us, the wages of our sin against you. You did to us and our rulers what you said you would do: You brought this catastrophic disaster on us, the worst disaster on record—and in Jerusalem!"
"Inasmuch as there is none like You, O LORD (You are great, and Your name is great in might), who would not fear You, O King of the nations? For this is Your rightful due. For among all the wise men of nations, and all their kingdoms, there is none like YOU."
In Thy name we pray, Amen.
Commentary: Please don't misinterpret. I am not saying that Jesus is over here, or over there, that's not my place. I am simply relaying the instruction given in scripture.
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When I consider how uncomfortable it must've been for Jesus - humiliated, dragged outside the gates, beaten, and nailed to a cross, where He died burdened with our sins: To bear His shame in that, is doubtless, a far greater honor than I deserve.
IT'S AN HONOR JESUS
Thank You LORD.
Thank You LORD.
Even if Jesus required much more from us, shouldn't we be, all the more grateful, because of all that He has already done, that we would simply do as our Holy Mother Mary advised?: "Whatever He says to you, do it." [John 2:4]
"Let us, then, go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore." [Hebrews 13:13]
The Message
Now, consecrate yourselves and your houses; for your house, though swept clean, has been left unoccupied for a time. Before reoccupation: Anoint everything in the temple (your body being also God's temple). Shepherds stand at the entrance of your sanctuaries; flocks meet your pastors there. Do not yet go in; for God hath set in Zion a stumbling stone. But rather, let the world witness your reverence, not to a building, but to our Sovereign LORD. Let us, therefore, HUMBLE ourselves and pray.
The Prayer
Daniel 9
4-8 "O Master, great and august God. You never waver in your covenant commitment, never give up on those who love you and do what you say. Yet we have sinned in every way imaginable. We’ve done evil things, rebelled, dodged and taken detours around your clearly marked paths. We’ve turned a deaf ear to your servants the prophets, who preached your Word to our kings and leaders, our parents, and all the people in the land. You have done everything right, Master, but all we have to show for our lives is guilt and shame, the whole lot of us—people of Judah, citizens of Jerusalem, Israel at home and Israel in exile in all the places we’ve been banished to because of our betrayal of you. Oh yes, God, we’ve been exposed in our shame, all of us—our kings, leaders, parents—before the whole world. And deservedly so, because of our sin."9-12 “Compassion is our only hope, the compassion of you, the Master, our God, since in our rebellion we’ve forfeited our rights. We paid no attention to you when you told us how to live, the clear teaching that came through your servants the prophets. All of us in Israel ignored what you said. We defied your instructions and did what we pleased. And now we’re paying for it: The solemn curse written out plainly in the revelation to God’s servant Moses is now doing its work among us, the wages of our sin against you. You did to us and our rulers what you said you would do: You brought this catastrophic disaster on us, the worst disaster on record—and in Jerusalem!"
"Inasmuch as there is none like You, O LORD (You are great, and Your name is great in might), who would not fear You, O King of the nations? For this is Your rightful due. For among all the wise men of nations, and all their kingdoms, there is none like YOU."
In Thy name we pray, Amen.
Commentary: Please don't misinterpret. I am not saying that Jesus is over here, or over there, that's not my place. I am simply relaying the instruction given in scripture.
❤ GOD FIRST ❤
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