Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 238

NUMBERS CHAPTER 20

CONT...

Job knew that. Abraham knew that. Moses knew that. Aaron knew that. Miriam must have known that. Physical death will come to us, but eternal life will continue our life after death. This eternal life is from God and not a natural life that everyone has. Only the elect.

Some people do know that they will soon die. The very aged, those with a terminal illness, those who face martyrdom, or who are engaged in combat. Each person will face this reality in different ways, but God continues to desire for the salvation of people, so He continues to work in the hearts of all people until death takes them. If they turn to God, they will be saved forever. if they refuse to do so, they will be damned forever. So, it is important for us to minister to those near death until the end, if we are able to be involved in the process with them. We are to continue to pray for them until the very end, as David did for his infant son. But when death takes the ones we love, we then entrust them into God's wise and just hands believing that he will always judge rightly. We do not need to pray for these loved ones once they have died. But we can certainly pray and minister to the ones left behind. There can often be open doors for proclamation of the gospel at such times. Sensitivity is important, but we should also be bold enough to speak as the Spirit leads us to do so.

Miriam and Aaron had easy deaths, it seems. The text does not say that either had illnesses or other factors that would lead to death. Just their advanced age and God's decree that they would die in the wilderness. The 40 years was up, as God had ordained. They must have known that they would die soon and that the people would enter the promised land soon without them. They were gathered to their people-to Abraham, to Job, to Noah, to Isaac, to Jacob, to Joseph, and all of the others who had gone before them believing God. And their faith was counted unto them as righteousness ( Romans 4).

NUMBERS CHAPTER 20

Cont...

The next section tells of Moses sending messengers to the king of Edom (Esau's descendants) asking for permission for the Israelites to pass through their lands on the way to the place they would go to enter the promised land. This would be going north on the eastern side of the Jordan River where Canaan and Edom bordered one another. Edom's king refused to allow this passage, coming out against the nation of Israel keeping them from passing through. The people travel from Kadesh eastward to Mount Hor.

The narrative shifts to God speaking to Moses that Aaron would soon die and therefore, Aaron must pass the rights, vestments, and obligations of the High Priesthood onto his son, Eliazar. So the three went up upon the mountain. Moses took the garments from Aaron and put them on Eleazar. Then Aaron died right there. He knew he was going to die. He knew his time in this life was up. He, too, must have looked forward to Christ as Moses did, knowing that there is an eternal land ahead for him.

It says that Aaron was to not enter the physical land because of sinning with Moses at the event when the water came from the rock again miraculously. But I do think also that Aaron was of the generation that was to die in the wilderness and not enter the land. Only Caleb and Joshua were said to be the ones of their generation to enter the land. So, neither Moses, nor Aaron expected to enter the physical land because they believed what God had prophesied to them on this matter.

When the people were informed of Aaron's death they mourned him for 30 days. Aaron must have been buried by Moses and Eleazar with the rest of the Israelites not knowing where his grave was located since only the three went up the mountain.

This chapter reminds me that we will all die. We do not know how much time we have left. But we can be confident that we will live eternally with God, even if we die physically. We know we will be resurrected on the last day.

NUMBERS CHAPTER 20

Continued....

Moses and Aaron went before the Lord at the entrance to the tabernacle and the glory of the Lord appeared to them, instructing Moses to take the rod (of Aaron) and SPEAK to THE rock before them. Was this a natural rock that was already in this wilderness or was this a rock that they carried with them throughout the wilderness journey? ( 1Cor. 10:4 says that the spiritual rock followed them; which was Christ)

Moses and Aaron then went out to the people. Moses derides the people angrily and strikes the rock twice. Water flows from it miraculously. God disciplines Moses for sinning in the way he carried out God's instructions. God did not tell Moses to strike the rock, just speak to it. Perhaps Moses had thought that since he had struck the rock the first time ( Exodus 17) that that is the way he was to always do this. God did not tell Moses to scold the people in anger. Unfortunately, Moses sinned by not following the exact instructions of God, but added to what God had told him to do. Moses credited himself to be the one to bring water out of the rock rather than give God the credit and glory for it alone. He did not sanctify God in this instance before the people fo Israel.

The result of this sin was that Moses would not enter the promised land. Moses did not argue with God. He did not bargain with Him. Nor did he intercede for himself. He accepted the will of God. He knew that there was an eternal promised land (like Abraham) he would enter that was better than the physical land. ( Hebrews 11:39-40) Moses knew of the Messiah, the gospel that that would come from Him, and the salvation that he would receive from Him ( Gal. 3:8).

So here, as in Exodus, the waters of Meribah were bitter-sweet. Bitter because the people received discipline from God, but sweet, because God was merciful towards them and provided the water they sorely needed.

Moses must have known that his life was coming to an end soon.

NUMBERS CHAPTER 20

In this chapter we hear of the deaths of both Miriam and Aaron. They did not enter the promised land as they were of the generation that came out of Egypt that were to wander in desert for 40 years.

The Israelites came into the Wilderness of Zin (again) in the first month (the beginning of the year in Spring). 40 years earlier they were there where the twelve spies were sent out and the people sinned in disbelief of God and His promises due to the evil report of the spies. As a result, the generation that left from Egypt was to die in the wilderness and not enter the promised land.

Once they had settled in this wilderness (Kadesh) Miriam died She was buried and the people mourned for her.

Now, forty years later, they come again to the Wilderness of Zin, the place of great rebellion against God, and the people grumble against God, Moses and Aaron again because there was no water for them. They were sure that God had brought them out of Egypt here to die of thirst. Again, they distrusted God and doubted His benevolence towards them and His power to sustain them in this situation. Once before ( Exodus 17) there was no water and the people grumbled against God an Moses. God instructed Moses to strike a rock and when he did water flowed out of it plentifully. God had provided water before, why would they think He would not do so again?

The land was barren. No place was found for seed or fruits or vines to grow. This area was a deep cleft in the terrain with high cliffs on all sides. It was very rugged territory. The people called it an evil place. Did they not know how close they were to the Promised Land that the spies had explored 40 years earlier? Did they not know that if they believed God and trusted in His goodness they would soon go into the land promised? If God had miraculously given them manna and quail all of these years without fail, why would they think He would not also give them water miraculously again?

Footnote to Luke 6:12 to 7:10

The prayer before picking out the Disciples who would be Apostles (the first four who were likely His first followers as quoted in Matthew 4:18-22) was going to concern the known traitor; Judas Iscariot. Psalm 41:9 being Holy Scripture was in His mind; no doubt along with other prophecies such as Zechariah 13:7 undoubtably Christ prayed ahead of time; knowing what He would have to deal with in the last days of His life. To have a known traitor there stealing money and who would lead to all the agony to come as well as dismay among Peter and all others who would run away in Gethsemene; would be something He would have to live with for the next 3 1/2 years.

As shown in the previous analysis of these verses; Jesus faced His Disciples during the Beatitudes. It is certain that He wanted them to understand from the get go the persecution they were facing; as well as demonstrating to the crowds that they would be the ones to eventually overcome; ruling and reigning with Christ ( Rev. 4:10-11 and other passages). They would also be given responsibility to continue the Great Commission even after He left this earth. Later there would be individual discipling and discussions with several Apostles who would be the prime focus of these efforts.

A day in the life of Christ..

I wish to put the focus of this study on the time before the last week of Christ's ministry leading to the cross; as His daily stresses and activities tend to be underplayed in comparison. I would be amiss not to discuss the Passion week; although I will need much prayer and planning for such a prodigious and solemn undertaking. A cursory statement here will suffice: Christ always had others in focus above His own needs; which was especially noticeable from the Last Supper on. This short week takes up a huge chunk of volume in the Gospels of His life; sort of like a zip file on a computer. We could spend a lifetime contemplating its meaning in regard to the unconditional love for us; undeserving sinners that held Him to that cross.

Putting that aside for now; suffice to say that the coming cross certainly was first and foremost as mentioned in the introduction; on the mind of Christ.

Let us begin our examination with Luke 16:12 to Luke 17:10. This was a very LONG day. Christ started with ALL NIGHT prayer before He chose the 12 Disciples. He was in that roundup to call them all; INCLUDING Judas Iscariot; who He knew was prophesied to betray Him (see verse 16). Immediately after that the crowds came to Christ and then He healed many (verse 17-19). Then He began the Beatitudes. Note that HE FACED HIS DISCIPLES when saying this discourse; which encompasses the rest of that chapter. The sermon had a specific message for them.

Chapter 7 begins with the story of the story of the Centurion. He showed great faith in understanding the authority of Christ and how a man in that position shouldn't be imposed on unnecessarily and that he was unworthy to have Christ in His house.

This gave great commendation from Christ. What we don't think about is the physical exhaustion that was somewhat relieved in not having to undertake the rest of the journey. We need to always look at Christ as perfect God and perfect man.

A day in the life of Christ: INTRODUCTION

In this and subsequent studies; I would like to examine a random day in the life of Christ. How He prepared the path He was destined to trod through prayer and other planning would make our heads spin.

The preeminent concern throughout Christ's ministry; of course in the long term was a long walk to the cross. We shouldn't neglect the disciplines that He displayed in the first 30 years of His life (which encompassed the vast majority of His earthly existance). This allowed Him to be as was expected in Jewish customs subject to His family. This work ethic and family committment shouldn't be underplayed; particularly as we see the decay of such things in society today in both family and work ethics. Food for thought. It also reminds us how maturity is helpful for those who seek a pastorate or other leadership role in the church.

Focusing on His ministry; we see how He went from having a roof over His head to the opposite situation ( Luke 9:58). After 40 days; the body starts to shut down and starts to cosume internal organs for nutrition; therefore Jesus in the wilderness was dependant on supernatural help just to be strong enough to get out of that situation; much like we see in 1 Kings 19:6 and following verses. First; however He had to go through the temptations that Satan lobbed at Him in which the Word was used as counteroffensive with each blow of the enemy.

An interesting sidenote that I never noticed before is that Jesus picked His disciples after a period of time; basically weeding them out among the whole group of disciples or followers (see Luke chapter 6 starting in verse 12). The story of individually meeting them is found in Matthew 4 starting in verse 18. It seems the Luke 6 account was later as Christ chose them also as Apostles at that time (along with Judas Iscariot).

Anyway; when we put the pieces of the 4 Gospels together we see the whole picture of each of Christ's narratives.

Sanctification; wisdom and experience

John 17:17 involves Christ's prayer for us to be sanctified; and involves His Word and the truth. James 1:23 and 24 reminds us that we need to be "doers"; and he compares a man in front of a mirror forgetting what he looks like as an example. I am not sure of the context; but I would also quote the verse from Hebrews 10:25 in this posting. The first passage shows the danger of ignoring our own walk; possibly showing us how we forget what we say; or invoking a memory that we are still with a fallen nature; the second passage also shows how forgetting to do corporate worship can also make us forget the experience.

I state this fact first because I find that no matter how long I learn the scriptures; grow in wisdom and understanding; etc. that it is in the fellowship of the saints where I once again recognize God's presence; and witness anew those with different gifts.

The danger of being prideful as to our own continued growth; particularly when it comes to learning things from other believers is one important reason to continue in regular church attendance as well as; of course witnessing with fellow believers; small groups; corporate prayer; etc.

The fact is; that as long as we dwell in this mortal flesh; there is potential to fall into sin. This is one reason we need to be careful not to idolize someone who appears to be someone mature in the faith. On the other hand; it is imperative to have others such as Paul with Timothy or Christ with the Disciples for instruction and discipleship; as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). Proverbs 27:6 states "faithful are the wounds of a friend." Surely this sort of relationship is rare and needed in the church today.

As a father with a child; instruction in righteousness should bring us to maturity in our own spiritual walk so that we can go out and make Disciples ourselves as Christ instructed ( Matt. 28:19-20). We need to get beyond "decisions" for Christ that way.

It appears; after looking at the KJV and another translation that Peter was simply to be used by God as a vessel to reach the Gentiles. There were individuals such as the Centurion at the crucifixion ( Mark 15:39) who truly believed; this would also be the case for the Samaritan woman at the well earlier (half Jew and half Gentile) in John 4; the Roman Centurion whose faith was great according to Christ when his daughter was healed in Luke 7:9; where Christ stated that He had hadn't seen such faith in all Israel.

We also; of course see individuals such as Nebuchadnezzar who was converted in charge of Babylon; a pagan nation as well as individuals assimilated in such as the mixed multitude in Exodus; Ruth and Rahab; and likely Naaman the Syrian not to mention for a time the population of Nineveh; at least in momentary repentance.

There was a time earlier when Jesus instructed the Disciples to only preach to the lost sheep of Israel ( Matt. 10:5-6). However; in the case of the woman praying for her daughter; the only other individual Jesus stated had great faith and also a Gentile went though a discourse in Matthew 15:26-27 and then her prayers were answered. This appears on the surface to be cruel; but Jesus was drawing her out; and this allowed His glory to be put on display and signifies to us for all time perseverance.

Acts 18:6 shows a similar pattern with Paul after he had more than worn out his welcome in preaching Christ in their midst. Now; Israel will have to wait until the Lord's return for all of the cities of Israel to be reached ( Matt. 10:23). Thus; until the "fullness of the Gentiles come in" ( Romans 11:25) Israel is blind in part.

These things are according to God's pattern; and eventually will fulfill verses such as Isaiah 56:7 when in God's Holy mount; there will be a place for prayer for all nations. Mark 11:17 shows how the Jews themselves failed in understanding their own destiny by making a marketplace in the Temple as a mockery.

Friend;

Jesus came not to abrogated the Law, but to fulfill it, Matt 5:17-20; & all who follow Him in the regeneration fulfills it too! For He is John 14:6; He leads us in the same path that He, Himself walk in, opening up the new & living Way for us, that we may 1 John 2:3-7; fulfilling all the requirements of the Law.

How is all of this accomplish? By picking up the Cross & following Christ in the regeneration unto the new birth. Both the dying indeed unto to sin by Grace appearance Rom 6:18,19; & by becoming partakers 2 Pet 1:4; through the exercising of the Gal 5:22-25; by Grace appearance. For He who show us what sin is & to be deny, also show us what righteousness is & how it is to be exercised. Rom 13:14;

This is what the Law couldn't do Gal 3:21-27; through the weakness of the flesh sold under sin, it couldn't restore us to the Life of God that we were created in. But the faith Rom 10:17; which is in Rom 10:8; that Paul preached could. Gal 3:2; obedience leads to ever increasing measure of His Spirit, an enduement of His Spirit of Grace, "Power".

The Law could not make us partakers of the Divine Nature, which against such there is no law, only with the coming of John 1:14; John 1:17; could this be fulfilled in us, through Christ by the Spirit in the new birth. Ephesians 2:15,16; He abolish it, by fulfilling it in His flesh, & so must all who are His, bringing us unto the new creature. Col 3:10;

"For when there was no one to help, not one to open the seals, Rev 5:1-5; to give knowledge, to direct the course of poor man's recovery, He came in the greatness of his love and strength; and though clothed with the infirmities of a mortal man, being within fortified with the almightiness of an immortal God, He traveled through all the straits and difficulties of humanity, and first, of all others, Hebrews 5:8; trod the un-trodden path to blessedness. Quote; No Cross, No Crown by William Penn"

Jesus has left nothing undone for us, we must follow His pattern.

Hi Cheryl1655 , that's a big question . The nature of God is very awesome and very different to our nature . God is eternal . All knowing all powerful and beyond what we call space and time . His knowledge and understanding are limitless . We are finite , weak flesh , short sighted and subject to our physical needs , food , drink ,sleep etc . We are God's creation and He knows every bit of His creation , from the individual bits of plankton in the sea to the planet Neptune . He knows all of our thoughts and feelings before we are even born ! This is quite a bit for us mere mortals to really understand . He already knew , from the moment He began creating the universe , who would be His and who wouldn't want to know Him or His Son . He knows the hearts and minds of every creature that He has ever created and will ever create . His wisdom and judgement are beyond question . We have to try to understand and accept this , this is part of having faith in Him , trusting in His righteousness , trusting in His wisdom and in His understanding and knowing the difference between the things that we can ask questions about and those things that we just have to take on faith and trust in Him . Keep reading your Bible , you will grow in understanding and in faith .

Act's 15 verse 7, why were the Gentiles (us) not able to received the word until the New Testament , did not God make us all.

Chris,

Thanks for the robust conversation. Yes, we will have to just disagree and move on, as I considered your beliefs and interpretation of the scripture but can't agree with you, without ignoring God, Christ, and ton's of scripture. I will always opt to follow God's word because we know Him if we keep his commandments, sin is the transgression of the law, God's words will never pass away.

Matthew 24:35

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

1 John 2:3

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."

1 John 3:4

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

It is a marvelous and beautiful thing that God speaks in simple language for the simple person to understand his Gospel. Amen

GBU

Friend,

though you cannot bare the weight of all the Scriptures that I brought in; Romans 6 is enough, in & of itself, to refute your train of thought in identifing with Christ in His death unto sin, & yet continuing to sin.

I would be very cautious in speaking to Christ young & tender one's, instructing them in His word, which counsel is against such plainly written instructions unto godliness.

With this I leave you to the Witness of Truth within conscience, who Himself will plead His holy cause.

Thank you...lately I've been up to it not enough days... that is, writing out my encounters with God. But when I grab a hold of the moment, I'll post some more. Like how it came to be that God took colds away from me for 20 years and on the 21st year he allowed me to have a cold. Right now I'm looking for His strength made perfect in my weakness. Love and peace to you and yours.

Thanks Frankie J.

I totally disagree with the way you interpret that

However I have no desire ro join that debate.

God bless.

You're welcome, S Spencer

May our Lord GOD bless and keep us, and give us His protection today and forever

Amen

quoting Spencer

We now are IDENTIFIED with Jesus death and resurrection.

Romans 6:3-11;

Yes, if we're truly indeed are "dead unto sin"

but if we continue in sin for life, as you have responsed to me, & believe that one cannot overcome sin in this life, than we're not IDENTIFIED with Christ death or resurrection. Consider what you're reading in Romans 6; It's speaking about Grace appearance within our hearts Titus 2:11,12; destroying all the works of the devil, Rom 6:14; by 2 Thessalonians 2:8; the man of sin, alais the son of perditon that rules the Adamic nature, the spirit of darkness who animates the son of disobedience. Daniel 2:22; for this purpose is the Son of God is manifested to destroy him, but what is that for those who continue in sin for life, but there condemnation.

Jesus name declares His works, Matt 1:21 not in their sins.

.

God bless.

Thanks Oseas for that explanation.

God bless.

Thanks Brother Ronald.

Matthew 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? THEY ALL SAY UNTO HIM, LET HIM BE CRUCIFIED.

Matthew 27:25 THEN ANSWERED ALL THE PEOPLE, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

also Mark 15:8-15

Through out the gospel the multitude rejected him.

only a few followed and the wasn't totally convinced until after the resurrection.

I believe we covered much considering I can't participate as much as I would like too.

I will continue on what I was working on with the Millennium kingdom and the approach to it later when time permits.

As usual it's been a great discussion with you.

God bless.

Friends;

Christ has already come & that in Spirit, He told His disciples; Mark 9:1; Matt 16:28; over 2000 yrs ago, which came in full power at Pentecost.

I will not leave you comfortless, but you will see me again, that your joy maybe full, & Christ doesn't come alone, He brings His Father within Him, They became Ephesians 2:22; John 17:21-23; & they Micah 4:3;

Hebrews 9:28; is Titus 2:11; diffusing the fragrance of His knowledge in every heart. 2Cor 4:6 This is Titus 2:13; describing His 2nd appearance in Spirit. Who continually gives of Himself that Titus 2:14;

As for this son of perdition; it's the old Adamic nature that is rule by Ephesians 6:12; who's coming 2Thessalonians 2:9; this spirit works even deceive the very elect, who, we all must engage with within 2 Cor 10:3-5; Jesus says; Matt 15:18,19; for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, so their within us. Think about this, we all have these thoughts spring up within us, 1 Pet 4:3; thus Jesus commands; Luke 14:27; The ones, Satan does deceive is explain, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; they refuse to believe the Witness, whom God has place within conscience. John 16:8; John 12:47-50; Jesus says, 8:24; Therefore were He has gone one cannot go.

Both seeds are spiritual, both kingdoms are within mankind.

This rapture theory John 17:11:15 "not to take them out of the world". But describes receiving 1Pet 1:5-9;The cumulation is the Baptism of the Holy Spirt, describing 2 Cor 10:6; resulting from Titus 3:5; by 1Pet 1:23; unto John 3:3; the chaff, ( old man sin nature is thoroughly purges out without a trace, Daniel 2:34,35; these earthen vessels, 1Cor 15:48,49; ) the wheat (new man created in the image of Him that created him) is gather unto the Gardener, we're His & He's ours, Acts 1:9-11; Daniel 7:13;

It's a spiritual encounter & habitation with the One true God, John 17:24; here & now, Acts 4:32,33;

Do you perceive the wonderous honor & glory of God's Great Salvation, on earth as it is in heaven.

Hi Judy.

To be baptized is to identify with.

Jesus was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness.

Matthew 3:15.

John's baptism was a baptism of repentance for the people of Israel.

John came in the spirit of Elijah to turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers,

Malachi 4:5-6.

Jesus is the fulfillment of all God's work in the world.

He is the goal and consummation of all God's saving activity.

God sent John as the final herald of the King's return, and now Jesus comes in line with this and fulfills it by submitting to John's baptism.

( He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, He was IDENTIFYING with all what was said of him in the OT. Prophet, King, Priest, ect.

Jesus was 30 years old, The required age to enter the Leviticus Priesthood.

Jesus was soon on his way to the cross where he would end that priesthood and covenant by dying and usher in a new covenant and a everlasting Priesthood.

see Hebrews 9:15-17

SIDE NOTE:

Jesus had no sin so he had no need of repentance.

John the baptist said Jesus would come and baptize with the Holyghost and with fire. Luke 3:16.

He done this after his death and resurrection, He gave us an earnest of his spirit and sealed us until the day of redemption.

We now are IDENTIFIED with Jesus death and resurrection.

Romans 6:3-11.

God bless.

Got questions seems to be a good sight for answers in that regard. Normally I would summarize or elaborate but it seems to sum things up pretty well.

I am sure there will be other responses here. This is what is often either ignored or deliberately avoided in Jewish communities; as the whole chapter is prophetic in regard to the crucifixion of Christ centuries later. Verse 53:3 shows that He was a man of sorrows; despised and rejected. This and so many other verses show how Christ was not revered for being God in the flesh; but often was revered for all the wrong reasons. Isaiah 52:14 in the previous chapter shows that He was marred beyond belief; so to speak. This was the ultimate expression of love; but love for His enemies and showed the cost of that committment. When Christ was followed He often had to weed those out looking for a free meal ( John 6:26-35); or those trying to justify themselves ( Luke 10:29). Those who wanted to follow Him often had loyalties more to money or family ties; and many if not most regarded Him as a Prophet or a great teacher ( Matt. 13:16-20). These verses indicate how only God can reveal that Christ is indeed; the "I AM" or God in the flesh (see also John 8:58). Such comments; no doubt would bring upon a reaction of madness from the Pharisees and others who could not accept this saying despite the prophecies such as in this book.

Verses 10 through 12 give us some indication of Christ's exaltation coming in the Millennial reign after we come back with Him to rule and reign from heaven. This will bring to fruition many other prophecies not yet fulfilled (such as Isaiah 61:2). This time delineation explains why Jesus only read the first verse in that chapter in Luke 4:18.

There will be complete fulfillment of all prophecies not yet complete after He returns to earth. Genesis 3:15 shows the first Messianic prophecy about Christ's wounds on His hands and feet which will always be present as a reminder; as well as Satan's ultimate defeat.

Thanks for sharing. I would love to hear more about your encounters with God!

God's condescension in Christ

Philippians 2:2-11 goes through a detailed synopsis of how Christ; a member of the infinite Godhead came to earth and humbled himself to live as a man and to die on a cross. We often focus on how Christ's intimacy with the Father was affected; with the peak of course being at the crucifixion ( Matt. 27:46). The reverse; no doubt would have been excruciating for God the Father as well. For Christ to die for His enemies is beyond our comprehension; but for the Father in His eternal plans to plan on crushing the Son ( Isaiah 53:10) is also beyond our understanding. Yet God was "pleased" to do this!

The victory was complete; when He said "it is finished" and gave up his spirit at death. ( John 19:30). Death could not overtake Him ( Acts 2:24-32).

Looking at the entire earthly existence of Christ we see how profoundly He humbled Himself as a servant. One who created the heavens and the earth chose to live with total abandon to the cause; He had no place to rest His head ( Matt. 8:20). No doubt there were transient lodgings as recorded in scripture; the only place where it mentioned Him sleeping was on the boat ( Mark 4:38). Often He was up before dawn praying; and before He chose the 12 Disciples He was up all night ( Luke 6:12). Being the Son of God of course He knew all things; but nonetheless prayer was a key factor indicating communion with God. In the case of Peter Jesus prayed against the Devil's schemes ( Luke 22:32); in that case He knew about Peter's eventual restoration and strengthening of His brothers before the denial at Christ's trial took place. Doubtless He also prayed similar ways for the others; and clearly in these passages He knew all would betray Him as the prophecies indicate ( Matt. 26:31 from prophecy in Zech. 13:7). He also demonstrated the ultimate care for His mother ( John 19:25-29); but always put God above men's desires ( Matt. 12:46-50).

Hebrews 4:15 allows Him to intercede ( Heb. 7:25).

isaiah 53 explained

Why was Jesus baptized?

Hello Oseas. Your comment was quite confusing. You wrote, "wouldn't the person of the Holy Spirit be the younger brother of Jesus - the lawful/legitimate brother of Jesus?" And then you wrote, "the person of the HS is the ancient of days".

Without getting into the lengthy Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, what are you writing here? Is the Holy Spirit referred to as the Ancient of Days, or is He the 'younger brother of Jesus'? As you study this important Doctrine & continue to read the Word, you will find that the Holy Spirit is neither - The Holy Spirit is a Person of the Godhead (the One God), where the Eternal God (the Ancient of Days) has sent forth His Holy Spirit (i.e. from within Himself) to indwell believers & God has sent forth His Word (in Human form as Jesus Christ, the Incarnate One) to redeem sinful man to Himself. So we see the Triune God reaching out completely to a fallen race of people to secure their redemption & love - just as He has loved us & that love compelling Him to act in such a manner.

Page 2. GiGi

So, I read that the Law of the Spirit of Life IN Christ Jesus is the New Law found in the New Covenant that superseded the Old - one that only revealed sin but incapable of how to be cleansed & to live in joy & victory.

b. Romans 7:7-13,22,23: I agree that there is "another law in my members" that wars against the mind; or another principle initiated by sinful corruption that is constantly at war with the enlightened enlivened knowledge of sin's depravity in a believer's life. Yet here, Paul is writing about his personal struggles with sin nature's drawing power & his battle to gain victory over it. Only through Jesus Christ can he find rest & victory (v25), yet in the meanwhile, the battle will always rage. I too don't see Paul in judgement of God's Laws at all, rather with his personal battle with sin (the 'other law' of sin vs spirit (mind) raging within). Paul's view of God's Laws was always of the highest order - it's the application of it to his life that was irrelevant, when he viewed himself as now controlled & obedient to the Spirit & not to the Law that only brought death.

So, I think that you can see the difference I make in considering the position of the Decalogue in the life of a believer. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the Truth & desired outcome that it brought, but it's irrelevance to the Spirit-filled, Spirit-led believer is now important. Had the Person & Work of the Spirit simply been a force or energy of God, as some would erroneously believe, then yes, we definitely need to grasp onto anything (any Law) that would help us to know God's Will & be obedient to Him. But thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gifts to us in Christ Jesus & His Holy Spirit, so that the letter, which kills, now is obsolete with the coming of the Spirit Who gives life & power to live according to ALL the Laws of God.

I trust you will have read my responses to others, as I've tried not to be repetitious here. Every blessing dear sister.