GOD's Words, Jesus’ Voice
Thank GOD for giving Israel (through Judah) a road to walk on. Thank GOD for paving that road by the cousin of His Son, John the Introducer, immerser and unafraid. He made the way "smooth" for repentance and restoration, by challenging the unethical and reminding those who were watching and waiting that, "The Kingdom of GOD is near."
Thank GOD for those who dug up the Way, excavated the ground and removed the (symbolic) rubble, rocks and stones from the land of Israel and Judah.
When the Kingdom of GOD drew near and arrived, the Message of GOD was shared. It was the same, but different.
Jesus' central Message to His followers was to repent, believe and to love (obey) GOD and others above all else.
His Father's Teachings emphasized a life of forgiveness, humble service, and reliance on GOD. That reliance was done through human determination, because faith is action and effort, by the human..
When did Jesus ever tell His people to ignore what the Scrolls had written on them? When (where) did He tell one person that the Law was forbidden? The Law of GOD governed them ever since the Pillar and Cloud led and protected that mixed multitude out of Egypt.
Everything He said and taught, was 'golden honey'.
All His followers were called to work the fields in faith and obedience, unto His Father. In that work, they are to be peacemakers and to care for the less fortunate (by using just weights, no less).
There was a kingdom to come and His cousin John spoke of it, just as did He.
During His departure, He charged the talmidim (disciples) to be "introducers" of His Father, Himself and the Holy Spirit to the Nations. Those people would be anyone who is not of the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In another word, if you lived outside of Israel, you need to hear the Message and about the Way of the (39) Scrolls and the Words He spoke of as well.
There is some good stuff to hear. There is some hope to be shared.
Much like the times of famine during Joseph's leadership in Egypt, when "the world came looking for seed", it was time to do the opposite. Take the Seed to the nations (to share It) with the lost and dying world!
The "Good and transformative News" of GOD's kingdom is now for everyone, not just the Israelites. There IS Hope! His name is Yeshua!
Those dedicated disciples now knew their GOD, Word and Savior was to be shared with everyone. How?! By living a life of "good works" that would point people to GOD, through His Son. It would be by the Spirit of Truth Who was sent to the world to teach us all the Way to live, the Way of the Father, through the life of the Son.
So many of us preachers, followers, pastors, faithful and leaders have 'muddied the waters' by our lifestyles, greed, arrogance, sinful ways, double standards and “preaching another gospel".
"Love the ELOHIM of Israel and your Neighbor". Deuteronomy and Yeshua pointed to these Commands. Those (2) foundations have been consistently taught and assures His followers that "The MOST IMPORTANT Commandments are to love GOD with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. These were FIRST Scribed in Deuteronomy 6.
This Words you read and believe were given to the children of Jacob. It began with (5) Scrolls and the parchments of the Judges, Wisdom books and Prophets were added later. ...eventually canonized.
"Repent and Believe" was Jesus' initial reminder Message. Those faithful Words signified a call to change one's mind and actions to align with GOD's Ways.
The Kingdom of GOD arrived when ADONAI was born. When He turned (30), the central theme was the "arrival of GOD's kingdom", no longer a future event. The time of aimlessly wandering spiritually must stop.
That new and IN YOUR FACE reality was accessible through faith in Yeshua, the King. To know Him, was to know and see the Father. His Father. Talk about an overwhelming revelation...
Here is a kick in the pants... The Bible does not record Jesus using the word "grace" (kindness, pity and mercy) during His time here. That term was used in the writings of Paul.
However, we can see kindness, warmth, pity, and mercy on full display in how He treated everyone, especially the ones who were mistreated, unloved, marginalized, broken and forgotten. The CONCEPT of kindness and mercy are key components in His conversations, actions and confrontations.
Do you recall how He handled all His corrections with the Guidance given? Even in His frustrations when interacting with His followers, religious leaders and the misunderstood.
We could recognize the mercy demonstrated in His teachings and in His actions, such as his interaction with the woman caught in adultery and His restoration of Peter. Jesus Himself is considered the ultimate expression of GOD's Love. The (27) Writings later clarified the concept of our opportunity for redemption because of His Father’s compassion for the created. We ALL deserve death (then and now), but pity, kindness and mercy offered Salvation through His Son.
How is this "baptism" (introduction, through immersion of the Word) accomplished through us today?
Share the Message of the cross of Christ
Give Up Self (selfless living)
Serve Humbly
Forgive Radically
Seek God First
Make Disciples of man (for GOD)
Seek a Life of Transformation
Believers are encouraged to rely on Christ's work, allowing for the development of a righteous character and the FRUIT of salvation.