Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

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Month: July 2012 Page 1 of 3

Professional Speaking :: Jesus The Captain of the armies of the LORD

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On July 31, 2012

In Christian, Professional Speaking

Joshua 5 records the encounter that Joshua the Israelite leader has with a man with a drawn sword. When Joshua lifted up his eyes and saw this man, he went to this man and asked, “Are you for us or are you against us (on the side of our adversaries)?” The response he received was “Nay, but as the captain of the host (army) of the LORD have I come”. Joshua spiritually recognizes that this was Jesus he had seen and falls down to the ground and worships him. Can we be sure that this was Jesus? Other parts of the Bible can help us come to that conclusion. When man tried to worship an angelic being, sent by God, the angelic being immediately stopped that person from worshipping anyone other than God and cautioned that man worships no one else, other than God (Revelation 19:10). This helps us recognize that the man that Joshua envisioned was not just an angel sent by God. 1 Timothy 2:5 refers to Jesus the one mediator between God and men as “the man Christ Jesus” and whom Joshua saw was “the man” Christ Jesus. Furthermore, just as Joshua saw the man with a drawn sword, Revelation 19:11-15 portrays, Jesus as the rider on a white horse, from whose mouth a sharp sword proceeds (Revelation 19:15), whom the armies of heaven followed (Revelation 19:14).

Points to ponder:
Shaitan/Shaytan from which we get the word, “satan” means the “opposer” or “adversary”. He has been at war with God since the time of is rebellion (Ezekiel 28) and the fall of man (Genesis 3:15). Jesus is the commander and chief of the armies of the LORD. He is The Captain. Are you part of his army or are you on the adversary’s side? And if we are part of Jesus’ army, is our response as that of Joshua, “What saith my Lord unto his servant?” (Joshua 5:14).

Joshua 5:13-15 (KJV)
13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant?
15 And the captain of the Lord’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

Revelation 19:11-16 (KJV)
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.

Professional Speaking :: Jesus The Cost Estimator

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On July 30, 2012

In Christian, Professional Speaking

In Luke 14:28, Jesus poses a vital question, which may seem rhetorical, but it provides the basis for anyone involved in starting any project, be it in their professional or their personal life. The question posed was “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” As effective managers of resources (temporal or physical), we are expected to ensure that we can finish what we begin, lest we are ridiculed.

Even though, Jesus Christ, was ridiculed and mocked, by his crucifiers (Mark 15:15-20), he successfully finished the work of redemption that God began in and through him. When he estimated the cost for man to be reconciled with God, he knew that it would cost God “all of God” and “nothing of man” for that work to be completed. And when his estimation was complete, he agonized over that fact that it would cost him his very own life to pay this cost, and hoped that this cost would be passed from him, but not willing his own but instead willing to submit to God (Luke 22:41-44), and out of his love for his people, he joyfully endured the Cross, despising its shame (Hebrews 12:2), and humbled himself willingly, becoming obedient to God the Father unto death, even death on the Cross (Philippians 2:6-8) from where he declared that the work of God’s redemption was finished, or in other words, the estimated “Cost” of man’s redemption was now “paid in full” (Tetelastai) (John 19:30).

Points to ponder:
Jesus, The Cost Estimator not only estimated the cost for man to be reconciled with God but he also paid it to finish the work that God had sent him to accomplish. As disciples of his, are we merely counting the cost of being his followers or are we paying the cost of being a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God (Romans 12:1)?

Luke 14:28 (KJV)
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Professional Speaking :: Jesus The Businessman

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On July 27, 2012

In Christian, Professional Speaking

Jesus Christ is known by many different names to many, but we often don’t view Jesus as a Businessman. So was Jesus a Businessman? At the age of twelve, Jesus asked his parents who thought that he was lost, when he was in the temple, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s (God’s) business?” (Luke 2:49). In other words, Jesus treated the work that God had sent him to do, which was to become the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14), as a business, and Jesus himself said, that he had come to do the will of God who had sent him and not his own will (John 6:38).

A business runs on the premise of being profitable and businesses that don’t make of profit become bankrupt and non-existent. When Jesus willingly offered himself to become the sacrifice that is acceptable to God, he could boldly proclaim from the Cross that “the business (work) that God had sent him to accomplish is now finished.” (John 19:30) In other words, Jesus The Businessman, ensured that by his life and death and resurrection, God, his Father, would profit to gain the whole world if they belief in his Son, that he had sent, for the redemption of mankind.

Points to ponder:
Jesus The Businessman was all about God’s business? Are you and I the same like Jesus? Has God profited with your soul? In other words, have you believed in Jesus The Businessman, who brings about reconciliation with God when you believe, and the sealing of your soul for eternal life.

Luke 2:49 (KJV)
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

John 19:30 (KJV)
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

1 John 4:14 (KJV)
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

Related posts: Let’s talk business :: From the Cross (A view of the Seven sayings of Jesus on the Cross from a business perspective)

Professional Speaking :: Jesus The Bookkeeper

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On July 26, 2012

In Christian, Professional Speaking

The “book of life” is mentioned eight times in the New Testament, once in the epistle to the Philippian Church (Philippians 4:3) and seven times in Revelation (Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 20:15; 21:27; and 22:19). Twice, it is specifically referred to as the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 13:8; and 21:27). Jesus Christ is the Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). So the book of life belonging to the Lamb is infact Jesus’ book of life. Whosoever’s name is not written in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire, which is second death (Revelation 20:14-15), but those who have believed in Jesus Christ have eternal life (John 3:16), and he that overcomes, because the Son of God, Jesus comes over them, when they believe, will not be hurt by second death and his/her name will not be erased from the book of life (Revelation 3:5); Jesus’ book of life, of which He is The Bookkeeper.

Points to ponder:
When Jesus is The Bookkeeper, there is no possibility of any man cooking the books to gain his salvation by any of his works. Salvation and eternal life (getting your name recorded in the Lamb’s book of life) is only possible when we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and allow him to be our Lord. Jesus said, rejoice for your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Can you rejoice, with Jesus The Bookkeeper? You can, if he has recorded your name in his book. Has he?

Revelation 21:27 (KJV)
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Luke 10:20 (KJV)
20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Professional Speaking :: Jesus The Architect

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On July 25, 2012

In Christian, Professional Speaking

The book “The Jesus Discovery” revisits the New Testament in the Greek and portrays that the earthly father of Jesus, Joseph, was a successful middle class architect and not necessarily a carpenter as is often understood. What is of importance is not what the profession of Joseph was, but what the profession of Jesus is? Is Jesus an architect? Absolutely. By him were all things created, that are in heaven and in earth, the visible and the invisible, whether they are thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by him and for him and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16-17). Jesus is The Architect.

Points to ponder:
Is Jesus your Architect? The Bible affirms that if any one is in Christ Jesus (i.e. if any one believes in Jesus), they are made a new creation; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Are you a new creation, architected by The Architect, Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:12-23 (KJV)
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Professional Speaking :: Jesus The Advocate

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On July 23, 2012

In Christian, Professional Speaking

Luke 10:25-37 records the conversation that transpired between a certain lawyer and Jesus. The lawyer addressed Jesus as “Teacher” and asked “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”, Interestingly, Jesus did not respond with an answer but instead sought the answer out of the questioner himself by cross-questioning as to “What was written in the law?” and “What was the lawyer’s understanding of it?”. The lawyer responded that “One must love God totally and love his fellow men/women (neighbors) as himself.” Jesus affirmed that the answer given was right and asked the lawyer to go and do likewise.

Close scrutiny of this account reveals to us that Jesus, the Teacher teaches us a valuable lesson. When someone questions as to “What they must do to inherit eternal life?”, it is important that we respond in the language that the questioner understands. Jesus knew the law and the lawyer had studied the law. Jesus used the opportunity to speak in the professional language that the lawyer would be familiar with. Jesus is the best professional lawyer you can have on your side. He is The Advocate who has never lost a case and who never will. The Bible actually teaches us that he is the righteous Advocate who represents us with God the Father (1 John 2:1) and he is faithful to preserve and present us blameless by totally sanctifying our whole spirit and soul and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

Points to ponder:
Is Jesus your Advocate/lawyer? Have you believed in him, so that he can represent you with God the Father?

1 John 2:1-3 (KJV)
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (KJV)
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Be ye Steadfast :: In your mind until death

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On July 20, 2012

In Be ye steadfast, Christian

The Bible counsels us to be steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58). Ruth 1 records the account of Naomi, asking her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth to return to their own people (the Moabites) when their husbands, the sons of Naomi, died. Orpah obliges but Ruth asks Naomi to not intreat her to return. She tells Naomi, wherever you go, I will go; wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people will be my people and your God will be my God, and wherever you die, I will die and be buried there. What is interesting to note, is that when Naomi noticed how stedfast Ruth was in her mind to go with her, she stopped asking Ruth to return.

Points to ponder:
Ruth was steadfast in her mind, to no only go with Naomi, but to stay (lodge) with her. She was steadfast in her mind to not only accept Naomi’s people but Naomi’s God as well as her  own. She was steadfast in her mind to go with Naomi until death.
Are we steadfast (in our mind until death) like Ruth, to be the followers of Jesus Christ?

Ruth 1:16-18 (KJV)
16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

Be ye Steadfast :: In perceiving faith

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On July 19, 2012

In Be ye steadfast, Christian

The Bible counsels us to be steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58). Acts 14:8-9 records the incident of the healing of a lame man, who was crippled from birth. This man was in Lystra, where Paul and Barnabas has fled, to escape the assault of the Jews in Iconium. He had never walked since birth. But what is of note is that Paul steadfastly looked at this man, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” and the man leaped and walked. One one hand, it was the man’s faith that he would be healed that healed him, but on the other hand, it was the steadfast look of Paul on that man, by which he perceived the faith that was in him, that made this miracle happen.

Points to ponder:
Do you and I  take the time to steadfastly look at those around us? And when we look, are we merely glancing at those around us or are we steadfastly looking at them and perceiving the faith in them; faith to be saved and be made upright; to walk in the newness of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:4). Let us be steadfast in perceiving the (saving) faith of those we look at and let us boldly proclaim for them to be saved by pointing them to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of their faith and ours!

John 14:8-10 (KJV)
8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:
9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

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