Scourging, Crucifixion And Christ

Today, I am reading in the first part of John 19, where Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. I know something about scourging from previous light research. I wanted to read more about it today, both as a refresher and to learn new things. At the CBCG website (Christian Biblical Church of God), it is revealed that the Romans did not institute crucifixion, but they certainly perfected it. This vile form of maltreatment was generally reserved for slaves, foreigners, revolutionaries, the vilest of criminals and desertion by soldiers.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of scourging and the implications of crucifixion, CBCG provides a detailed account of these terrible punishments. It's not for the faint-hearted. If you are not aware, crucifixion was not unique to Jesus' torture and death. Crucifixion was a standard Roman punishment. I remember reading years ago that it was common to travel down a Roman road in ancient times and see hundreds of crosses with crucified victims on them. The abomination, outrage and enormity of Jesus' crucifixion is that he was pure and without any sin or imperfection whatsoever, and that he gave his life for me and you.

He was God's precious only son, and he was treated like trash and dirt, the lowest of the lowest on this earth. In addition, he experienced a moment in time unlike no other and totally devastating for that short period. He was separated from his Father completely, because of the sins, past, present and future, that he took and cleansed us from.

So, it was not that he was crucified that is so horrible, but that he was perfect and was sacrificed as a meek, submissive lamb. During that horrendous judgement, affliction and death, he endured even more antagonism, animosity and abuse than criminals, because of who he had claimed to always be. He really was slaughtered for each and every one of us. Why? Because it was needed. Because it was necessary that we have a total and complete sacrifice that no sin, imperfection or darkness could ever penetrate again. The reason is simple, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 And that precious son, who is God in the flesh, was obedient because he believed what the Father said.

Source: Christian Biblical Church of God website

Helping Children Who Suffer Cyber-bullying

The definition of cyber-bullying, the trends of this activity, effects of it on children, and solutions and preventions.

We CAN make a difference in the lives of children who suffer cyber-bullying and other forms of abuse. Don't add to the abuse by ignoring what they are enduring. Every little thing that we do to raise awareness, provide resources and shelter children makes a difference. Children depend upon adults all around them. Don't turn your back on them. 

I've added a new resource link to my page Children's Rights. It is titled A Comprehensive Cyberbullying Guide for Parents

Julia is a volunteer who works to help protect children online via online courses and guides. She advised the company that wrote this guide on cyber-bullying. She says, We try to educate parents and teachers alike on how to keep our kids safe online.

You can study this online guide by clicking the link above. It is an easy to read webpage with a table of contents list at the top.  Scroll down as you read and you will find subjects such as the definition of cyber-bullying, the trends of this activity, effects of it on children, and solutions and preventions.

You will find more resources to help children at my page Children's Rights. A tab link is also in the navigation panel at the top.

Dear Lord Help Us

A prayer and reminder for when you are feeling anxiety, distress, depression, hopelessness or unhappiness.

DEAR LORD:

Help us to keep our minds on you.

We thank you for the peace that passes all understanding and for joy unspeakable in the midst of struggle, fear and disappointment. We know that our joy in you is where our strength will always lie, and that YOU will keep us in perfect peace, because we choose to bring our minds back to you always.

AMEN.

Resting In Obedience

Jesus decides to wash his disciples' feet to illustrate a principle.

As Christians, when we finally get it we then try to do too much. In John 13:5-10, Jesus begins to wash the feet of his disciples. When he comes to Peter, the disciple in his ignorance rejects Jesus' humble service. When Jesus explains to him that in allowing his teacher to serve him he is acknowledging that they are one. He is showing that we can rest in obedience. Peter, however, goes overboard.

Jesus humbly begins to wash the feet of his disciples.

Peter enthusiastically says that if that's the case, he then wanted Jesus to wash his hands and his head! While it is commendable that Peter was so committed to his relationship with The Savior, all of that was not necessary. In the Christian walk, God shows us often that much of our activity is not necessary, and that we can rest in obedience. He explained to Peter that to be clean for the purposes and point that his Lord and Master was making meant that only his feet needed to be washed. 

Peter's ignorance causes him to reject Jesus' ministering.

There are deeper messages in this passage. For now, I will say that we as Christians try to do too much. The too much is what we perceive as pleasing God, or being a part of God's kingdom. We work hard to think of ways to please God. This is a form of orchestrated sacrifice. The best thing to do is to expend our energies towards learning how to better hear the still small voice of God's Spirit. When we hear what he is saying to us, we can then rest in obedience.

Peter goes overboard in his acceptance of Jesus's ministering.

When we are more experienced in discerning his guidance we can better obey his voice. The Word tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice. When Peter accepted the ministering to him in the way that Christ was determined that it should be done, that was the better way. He suppressed his desire to sacrifice through unnecessary activity. He obeyed his Master. We too can rest in obedience.

Then Samuel said,

"Is the LORD as delighted with burnt offerings and sacrifices as he would be with your obedience?

To follow instructions is better than to sacrifice.

To obey is better than sacrificing the fat of rams."

I Samuel 15:22 (GW)

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and resources for living a life devoted to God.

Images: FreeBibleImages.Org 

The World Has Gone After Jesus

The Pharisees were so disappointed that they could not stop Jesus' ascension to fame.

In John 12:19, the Pharisees were so disappointed that they could not stop Jesus' ascension to fame. They mumbled and complained among themselves about it, accusing each other of having no effect against the rising tide of his popularity. They said, "Behold, the world is gone after him." They must have cursed and stomped their feet at the significance of what was happening. They were losing control, and the very person whose effect they had tried to suppress was becoming more popular everyday.

Today, we worship God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Never has any one in history been able to stop the tide of love for Jesus and what he did on the cross for us. Because of his obedience to his Father, we are free today. We will be resurrected to life and don't have to fear the 2nd death. Our eternal destination is secure. Today, we worship God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We honor and respect him for his sacrifice on our behalf. Without him we would have no hope. Yes, the world truly has gone after Jesus, and we are still going after him today, just as God desired.

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articles, resources and encouragement.

Christian Poetry About God As A Deliverer

The Dear Deliverer Poem About God As Helper

The Dear Deliverer

Oh God, did you set up my deliverance
Decades ago?
Oh Father, did you set the stars to turn
In my favor?
You always come through,
No matter what the challenge
Or fear.
You help and deliver,
Free and clear.
To my heart and my soul,
You are dear.

©2018 SJHolland