(1)Poverty of Jesus
Jesus, whose dominion extended over all the universe, came to this earth and wandered about without His own nation. [Jesus answered ‘My kingdom is not of this world’] (John 18:36).
Our Savior whose home used to be the whole universe, who had the entire heaven as His dwelling place, had nowhere to lay His head when He came to this earth, wandering from place to place. He said,[Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head] (Matt. 8:20).
Being the Owner of all the treasures of the universe, [The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine] (Hag.2:8), He live a life of extreme poverty, without even a penny in His pocket when He came to this earth. He said, [Go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you] (Matt. 17:27). Though He was the Lord of heaven who [gives all men everything] (Acts 17:25), He was scarce of bread and frequently went hungry, sometimes even skipping both breakfast and supper. One day, after skipping His breakfast [in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it (to find some figs to relieve His hunger) and found nothing on it but leaves] (Matt. 21:18, 19). And one evening as He was walking across the grain fields with His disciples, having skipped supper, they plucked heads of grain to relieve their extreme hunger. [Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat] (Matt. 12:1). But Jesus did not even eat the grain. And during His earthly ministry for His children, He had not ridden a horse or a donkey once. Regardless of the distance, with the exception of only one occasion when He, on His last journey, rode on a borrowed ass in order to fulfill the Scriptures. He always traveled on foot and was often [wearied from His journey] (John 4:6). [Jesus therefore being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water,] and He met her (John 4:6,7).
She was a woman cast out from the world, worthless in the sight of men, given in marriage five times and now living with someone else’s husband subject to her adverse fortune. Insignificant and rejected as she was by the world, in order to reclaim this one afflicted and lost sheep of His, our Lord walked about thirty-two kilometers (some twenty miles) and was very thirsty and hungry. But when He found His one lost sheep, He was filled with joy and gladness, forgetting His thirst and hunger. And His disciples brought Him food and said, [Rabbi, eat,” But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” Therefore the disciples said to one another, ‘Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?] But there was no one who had given Him food (John 4:31,32).
Besides these, we know well that He once starved for forty days in the wilderness for the sake of His children who had fallen by the power of appetite. By these facts, we can see that His life was a succession of poverty and hunger. But He never prayed nor spoke a word of care concerning His own poverty, lack of food, clothing or shelter. He never prayed, thought or shed tears for himself, only for others.
[You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich] (2cor. 8:9).
What is more, He was always persecuted and despised. [If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you] (John 15:20).
When He was led with the heavy cross upon His shoulders, to be slain under false accusation, [a great multitude of people followed Him and women also mourned and lamented for Him. But Jesus (loved them exceedingly and) turning to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children’] (Luke 23:27, 28) and went on. Even then, He had gone without food on an empty stomach for many days. He [loved His own who were in the world. He loved them to the end] (John13:1). And after all this, He died in hunger. [Father, into Your hands I commend My Spirit!] And He breathed His last (Luke 23:46).
Though He was the richest in the universe, yet for His children’s sake, He became the poorest, so that by His poverty they might become rich (2Cor. 8:9).
By His poverty we became rich.
By His hunger we became satisfied.
By His misery we became happy.
By His chastisement we have found peace.
By His bruises we are healed.
By His wounds we have received health.
By His sorrow we have found joy.
By His tears we can smile.
By His wailing we can sing praises.
By His captivity we have been made free.
By His humiliation we have become noble.
By His exceeding lowliness we have been brought up to God’s throne.
By His insult we are glorified.
By His death we have found eternal life.
Because He went down to the grave, we are privileged to see the glorious morning of resurrection.
Oh, immeasurable is the grace of our Lord Jesus!
Beyond all comparison with the heavens, with the sea, with the firmament!
Not by pen, nor by word, nor by anything can it be described!
[They are higher than the heaven – what can you do? Deeper than Sheol (grave) – what can you know?] (Job 11:8 N.I.V.). What can I do but give Him ceaseless thanks while wiping away the tears pouring forth from my eyes…
(2) Wealth of Jesus
* He was rich in love. [I and My Father are one,] and [God is love] (John 10:30, 1John 4:8). [By this we know love because He laid down His life for us] (John 3:16).
* He was rich in mercy. [I am the good shepherd… I lay down My life for the sheep] (John 10:14, 15). [But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.] [He was moved with compassion for them… so He began to teach them many things] (Matt. 9:36, Mark 6:34).
* He was rich in humility. He [who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.] (Phil. 2:6-8).
* He was rich in faith. [Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these will I do he will do also; and to him who believes] (John 14:2 Mark 9:23).
* He was rich in the Holy Spirit. [God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit … (He) went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil] (Acts 10:38).
* He was rich in power. [God anointed Jesus of Nazareth … with power.] (Jesus (perceived) in Himself that power had gone out of Him] (Acts 10:38, Mark 5:30).
* He was rich in authority. [All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.] [I give you authority … over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you] (Matt. 28:18, Luke 10:19).
* He was rich in living water. [If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me … out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.] [But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will … become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life] (John 7:37, 4:14).
* He was rich in the light of life. [I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk I darkness, but have the light of life] (John 8:12).
* He was rich in the bread (food) of life.[Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you] (John 6:27). [I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger] (John 6:35).
* He was rich in all things in the universe. [All things that the Father has are Mine.] [Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it] (John 16:15, 14:13,14).
In conclusion, our Lord Jesus was the poorest in the world of sin, and richest before God in the universe.
He said, [If any one serves Me, let him follow Me] (John 12:26). A servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.] [Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not I him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world] John 13:16, 1, 1John 2:15,16).
[Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me] (Mark 8:34). [If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife, and children, brothers and sisters yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple] (Luke 14:26,33).
Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come everlasting life.]
[Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the Gospel’s who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time – houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands with persecutions – and in the age to come, eternal life] (Luke 18:29, 30 Mark 10:29,30 Reference: Mark 12:50, Luke 22:35, Num. 11:23, 2Cor. 9:8,9).
[He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life](John 12:25).
[Most assuredly I say to you,] [a disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master.] [If you know these things, happy are you if you do them] (John 13:16, Matt. 10:24,25, John 13:17).
[If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor] (John 12:26).
Praise the Lord! May eternal riches and glory be with the followers of Jesus! Amen. Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
9. Jesus the Nazarite, A Faithful Servant of God
He [was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house](Heb. 3:2)
It is written concerning Moses in the Bible, [But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord know face to face, in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants and in all his land, and by all that mighty power and all great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel](Deut. 34:10-11). [Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth](Num. 12:3). [So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend] Exo.33:11).
Among all the prophets and servants of God who have arisen down through the ages since the beginning, there has not been one like Moses who talked with God face to face, working such great miracles, except for Jesus. As Jesus having been baptized came out of the water, God proclaimed, [This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased](Matt. 3:17). He sent Moses and Elijah down to meet Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, declaring, [This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!]Matt 17:5). Then His face shone like the sun as Moses' face had shone after his contact with God on Mt Sinai(Matt17:2). And as Moses experienced a face to face communion with God as a friend before going to Egypt in order to work great miracles there, Jesus also communed with His Father at dawn every morning before He went out to work great miracles and wonders in the world.
Therefore, the Bible bears testimony of Him, saying He [was faithful in all His house](Heb. 3:2). However, being the greatest prophet as he was, Moses cannot be compared with Jesus. [(Jesus) has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses in as much as He who built the house has more honor than the house](Heb. 3:3).
If Moses were to be accounted as a house , then Jesus would be the Master who who built the house because Moses was a creature created by Jesus, while Jesus is the Creator God who had endowed him his body and life. And [Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant ... but Christ as a Son over His own house](Heb. 3:5,6).
While Moses had been a servant of God who served Him for a time, Jesus was equal with God, [who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, ]and sitting at the right hand of the Majesty of heaven. Jesus was the unique partner and Son of God, to discuss all sorts of matters together, such as making the plan of man's redemption and administering the affairs of all the universe(Heb. 1:3,2).
For this reason Satan cherished dissatisfaction and rose in rebellion. As he saw God and Jesus having council and conversing with each other in regard to all the affairs of the universe, he desired to join Them. He said in his heart, [I will ascend into heaven; I will set my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation {of God) on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will be like the Most High](Isa. 14:13,14). But the Bible says, [shall the axe boast itself against him who chops with it? Or shall the saw magnify itself against him who saws with it? As if a rod could wield itself against those who lift it up, or as if a staff could lift it up, as if it were not wood!](Isa. 10:15) [Woe to him who strives with his Maker Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him who forms it, 'What are you making?' Or shall your handiwork say, 'He has no hands?'](Isa. 45:9). This is a comment directed at the unreasonableness of Satan's act in cherishing envy over Jesus who was his Creator harboring a grudge and making complaints about the way God handles His affairs, thus rising in rebellion against Him.
Though he, by persisting in his course, has been [brought down to sheol (the grave), to the lowest depths of the Pit](Isa. 14:15), he continues on his wicked course even today, striving to implant presumptuous evil ideas into the minds of men. We are to be on strict guard against him. Envy, covetousness, slandering, self-exaltation, criticism and reproach upon others are not to take the least part of our hearts or pass our lips; for those who do these things are servants of Satan and are his possessions.
Now back to the story of Jesus, the Son of God. Our lofty Jesus stands in exact contrast with Satan. On his throne in heaven or on earth alike, He was always meek and humble in heart, never displaying Himself as the son of God nor as the God nor as a Prince who consults with God about all the affairs of the universe. Rather, He took pleasure in doing God's will as a little Son in God's house, or even as a man of Nazareth. Jesus calmly says,[I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me](John 6:38). He never spoke a word or did anything of his own will but in a perfect accordance with what God who had sent Him told Him to do.[For I have not spoken my own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say, and what I should speak... Whatever I speak, just ask the Father has told Me, so I speak](John 12:49, 50). [When you lift up the Son of Man,then you will know that ... I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things](John 8:28).
When Jesus, the Son of God, the Nazarite saw and heard the deeds and words of man,He did not draw a conclusion or judge them on His own, God spoke of Him, [Who is blind but My Servant? ... Seeing many things but (does) not observe, opening the ears, but (He) does not hear](Isa. 42:19,19).
The Nazarite always chose the wisest, safest way; He said,[I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who sent Me](John 5:30).
What a wise and thoughtful course Jesus the Nazarite chose For this reason, He did not make a single mistake or commit one sin. He put all His trust in His perfect and omniscience Father, believing, concluding and judging all things in perfect accordance with the Father. So there was no way that He could be led thoughtlessly into a situation liable to cause Him to make a mistake or commit sin. In this way, Jesus became the sinless Savior by being the first and the only sinless person since the beginning of time.
If we also as His followers decide not to live according to our ideas, thoughts or judgments but choose to trust wholly in God, acting and judging according to what He says to us, then we can also live[apart from sin] (Heb 9:28)
Because Jesus the Nazarite was [one]with God(John 10:30). living hidden under the wings of His power, all the evil forces of Satan could not touch Him.[He who sent Me is with Me] John 8:29), said He who was surrounded by the safe fortress of God.
He who followed such a wise course in life also lived solely for the glory of God, becoming a person who, most please and glorified Him on this earth. He could say, [The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please him](John 8:29). Truly, Jesus the Nazarite was the Son of God, who was indeed worthy of hearing, the voice from heaven [This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.](Matt. 17:5). We are to follow His example in living a life of wisdom at any cost, for this is the only way to live a sinless life, leading us to God](John14:6)
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling ... consider Jesus,][who in the days of his flesh ... though He was a Son, yet he learn obedience... and having been perfected. He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him](Heb 3:1,5 5-9).
Praise the Lord! Glory, praise and thanksgiving to our Lord Jesus who taught us the only way for salvation through His personal example of obedience! Praise the Lord!
It is written concerning Moses in the Bible, [But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord know face to face, in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants and in all his land, and by all that mighty power and all great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel](Deut. 34:10-11). [Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth](Num. 12:3). [So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend] Exo.33:11).
Among all the prophets and servants of God who have arisen down through the ages since the beginning, there has not been one like Moses who talked with God face to face, working such great miracles, except for Jesus. As Jesus having been baptized came out of the water, God proclaimed, [This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased](Matt. 3:17). He sent Moses and Elijah down to meet Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, declaring, [This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!]Matt 17:5). Then His face shone like the sun as Moses' face had shone after his contact with God on Mt Sinai(Matt17:2). And as Moses experienced a face to face communion with God as a friend before going to Egypt in order to work great miracles there, Jesus also communed with His Father at dawn every morning before He went out to work great miracles and wonders in the world.
Therefore, the Bible bears testimony of Him, saying He [was faithful in all His house](Heb. 3:2). However, being the greatest prophet as he was, Moses cannot be compared with Jesus. [(Jesus) has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses in as much as He who built the house has more honor than the house](Heb. 3:3).
If Moses were to be accounted as a house , then Jesus would be the Master who who built the house because Moses was a creature created by Jesus, while Jesus is the Creator God who had endowed him his body and life. And [Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant ... but Christ as a Son over His own house](Heb. 3:5,6).
While Moses had been a servant of God who served Him for a time, Jesus was equal with God, [who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, ]and sitting at the right hand of the Majesty of heaven. Jesus was the unique partner and Son of God, to discuss all sorts of matters together, such as making the plan of man's redemption and administering the affairs of all the universe(Heb. 1:3,2).
For this reason Satan cherished dissatisfaction and rose in rebellion. As he saw God and Jesus having council and conversing with each other in regard to all the affairs of the universe, he desired to join Them. He said in his heart, [I will ascend into heaven; I will set my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation {of God) on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will be like the Most High](Isa. 14:13,14). But the Bible says, [shall the axe boast itself against him who chops with it? Or shall the saw magnify itself against him who saws with it? As if a rod could wield itself against those who lift it up, or as if a staff could lift it up, as if it were not wood!](Isa. 10:15) [Woe to him who strives with his Maker Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him who forms it, 'What are you making?' Or shall your handiwork say, 'He has no hands?'](Isa. 45:9). This is a comment directed at the unreasonableness of Satan's act in cherishing envy over Jesus who was his Creator harboring a grudge and making complaints about the way God handles His affairs, thus rising in rebellion against Him.
Though he, by persisting in his course, has been [brought down to sheol (the grave), to the lowest depths of the Pit](Isa. 14:15), he continues on his wicked course even today, striving to implant presumptuous evil ideas into the minds of men. We are to be on strict guard against him. Envy, covetousness, slandering, self-exaltation, criticism and reproach upon others are not to take the least part of our hearts or pass our lips; for those who do these things are servants of Satan and are his possessions.
Now back to the story of Jesus, the Son of God. Our lofty Jesus stands in exact contrast with Satan. On his throne in heaven or on earth alike, He was always meek and humble in heart, never displaying Himself as the son of God nor as the God nor as a Prince who consults with God about all the affairs of the universe. Rather, He took pleasure in doing God's will as a little Son in God's house, or even as a man of Nazareth. Jesus calmly says,[I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me](John 6:38). He never spoke a word or did anything of his own will but in a perfect accordance with what God who had sent Him told Him to do.[For I have not spoken my own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say, and what I should speak... Whatever I speak, just ask the Father has told Me, so I speak](John 12:49, 50). [When you lift up the Son of Man,then you will know that ... I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things](John 8:28).
When Jesus, the Son of God, the Nazarite saw and heard the deeds and words of man,He did not draw a conclusion or judge them on His own, God spoke of Him, [Who is blind but My Servant? ... Seeing many things but (does) not observe, opening the ears, but (He) does not hear](Isa. 42:19,19).
The Nazarite always chose the wisest, safest way; He said,[I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who sent Me](John 5:30).
What a wise and thoughtful course Jesus the Nazarite chose For this reason, He did not make a single mistake or commit one sin. He put all His trust in His perfect and omniscience Father, believing, concluding and judging all things in perfect accordance with the Father. So there was no way that He could be led thoughtlessly into a situation liable to cause Him to make a mistake or commit sin. In this way, Jesus became the sinless Savior by being the first and the only sinless person since the beginning of time.
If we also as His followers decide not to live according to our ideas, thoughts or judgments but choose to trust wholly in God, acting and judging according to what He says to us, then we can also live[apart from sin] (Heb 9:28)
Because Jesus the Nazarite was [one]with God(John 10:30). living hidden under the wings of His power, all the evil forces of Satan could not touch Him.[He who sent Me is with Me] John 8:29), said He who was surrounded by the safe fortress of God.
He who followed such a wise course in life also lived solely for the glory of God, becoming a person who, most please and glorified Him on this earth. He could say, [The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please him](John 8:29). Truly, Jesus the Nazarite was the Son of God, who was indeed worthy of hearing, the voice from heaven [This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.](Matt. 17:5). We are to follow His example in living a life of wisdom at any cost, for this is the only way to live a sinless life, leading us to God](John14:6)
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling ... consider Jesus,][who in the days of his flesh ... though He was a Son, yet he learn obedience... and having been perfected. He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him](Heb 3:1,5 5-9).
Praise the Lord! Glory, praise and thanksgiving to our Lord Jesus who taught us the only way for salvation through His personal example of obedience! Praise the Lord!
Friday, December 12, 2008
10. Jesus Christ, a Man of Prayer
[In the days of His flesh, (Jesus) offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears](Heb. 5:7). When He took human nature, He was as helpless a man of Nazareth as we are. He was indeed a man , Jesus of Nazareth was, just as we are, subject to hunger when starved, pain when beaten, weariness when He walk excessively, exhaustion when overworked, pain when injured shedding blood, and death if any one should kill Him. That is why He became an unwearied suppliant who offer petition to God night after night in order to receive a new supply of power. In order to come forth braced for duty to save the world and overcome trials brought by Satan’s ceaseless challenges. He had to receive fresh supplies of strength and power from His Father. Therefore, every morning He spent hours with His Father to receive the fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit, that He might impart the bread of life and light to men. He held unceasing communion with His Father through unceasing prayer. Prayer was to the Nazarite the source of His strength and the key to the mysterious power that flowed out from Him. [In the days of His flesh, (Jesus) offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear](Heb. 5:7).
If He had neglected prayer, He could not have become the savior of the world or the conqueror over the power of Satan. Without prayer, He could have ended up as an eternal loser. It was His prayer that made the man of Nazareth the powerful Conqueror and glorious Savior.
• While He prayed, the heavens were opened. [When Jesus … was baptized and while He prayed, the heavens were opened.](Luke 3:21).
• While He prayed, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. [While He prayed … the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form, like a dove upon Him](Luke 3:21,22).
• While He prayed, the voice of God was heard. [While He prayed … a voice came from heaven which said, ‘You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased’](Luke 3:21,22)
• As He prayed, His appearance was altered. [As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered … and became white and glistening] (Luke 9:29).
• By prayer He received power to cast out the devil. [Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out, and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed … And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons](Mark 1:35,39).
Every morning hours of prayer was of the greatest importance to Jesus. During these extremely important early morning hours, He held communion with His Father, receiving full strength, power and light. After these hours of prayer, He went about casting out demons and setting free all who had been oppressed by Satan. However, His disciples were different. During early mornings, they would usually be in deep sleep, waking up late in the morning. When they chanced to pray on some early mornings, they would mutter a few words and simply give up, contrary to their Teacher. And yet they desired to possess their Teacher’s power in casting out demons, but they could not. Once they came to Jesus and [asked Him privately, ‘Why could we not cast him out?] (Mark 9:28). And He said to them, [This kind can come out only by prayer] (Mark 9:29). In other words, “As long as you keep snoring at dawn every morning, such powers cannot come forth from you. And you cannot drive out demons.” This was a solemn rebuke to His disciples who so neglected prayer.
Yet He spoke again, [Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father](John 14:12). To say again, truly I say to you, if you are as fervent in prayer as I am, the power that comes out from Me will come out from you. And ‘greater works than these,’ that is, you will be able to cover greater regions than I did in exercising power by traveling to the uttermost parts of the earth. Later, after His ascension, they found out that the source of their Teacher’s power had been in His prayers, the ceaseless prayers He had offered up every night, every dawn and always. And so they [continued with one accord in prayer](Acts:14) until at last, they became second Jesuses as their Teacher had said (John 14:12). They went out into the world to set free all who had been oppressed by the devil and to heal all the sick. [Many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.] [And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord worked with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs] (Acts 2:43, Mark 16:20).
* As He prayed, great miracles followed Him. [And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray. And when evening had come, He was alone there. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea] (Matt. 14:23,25).
* By fasting and prayer He overcame Satan. [Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness … And when He had fasted (and prayed) forty days and forty nights] (Matt. 4:1,2). [The tempter came to Him ](Matt. 4:2, 3). But He defeated him completely in the threefold challenge (Matt.4:3-10). [Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him] (Matt. 4:11).
* By His prayer the disciples were saved. [Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he might sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail] (Luke 22:31, 32).
* By His prayer the world was saved. In the Garden of Gethsemane, [being in an agony He prayed more earnestly. And His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground] (Luke 22:44). [Then Jesus (on the cross) said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do’] (Luke 23:34).
* After praying all night, He chose His disciples. [He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day He called His disciples to Him and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles] (Luke 5:12, 13).
* He finished His daily work in prayer. [And when he sent the multitudes away, He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray ](Matt. 14:23).
* Prayer-hours of greater importance than multitudes (hearers). [The report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed] (Luke 5:15,16).
* His habitual life of prayer. [He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed … When He came to the place … He knelt down and prayed] (Luke 22:39-41).
Indeed, prayer was to Jesus the Nazarite, the only source of His strength, channel of power, secret of victory and communion with God. It was prayer that made Him victorious, great, and the glorious Savior.
Now if the Savior of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent constant prayer?
A life of fervent and diligent prayer is one of the most indispensable duties of God’s children. If we are to follow Him, we have no other way than to follow the path Jesus took before us by praying. In order to overcome as Jesus did, we are to pray as He prayed. Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence. It enables us to draw from its heaven’s riches, power, wisdom, strength, and God (the Holy Spirit).
Without prayer we can receive nothing from God and He cannot give anything to those who desire nothing. [Ask, and it will be given you … For every one who asks receives](Matt.7:7, 8).
To those who prayed today just as Jesus the Nazarite prayed, heaven will be opened, the Holy Spirit will be given, and the voice of God will be heard from heaven. Their appearance and character will be transformed into the image of God and shine brightly. Great powers and miracles of God will accompany them; and by them all sinners of the world will be saved. Yet, they will not be satisfied here but press closer to God, enjoying hours of being together with Him, hours which no one can interrupt. They will hold joyful communion with Him at dawn every morning and every night be embraced in His bosom. And keeping in close, ceaseless connection with Him in their daily duties of life, they will walk with Him as Enoch did. As they at times fast and pray through the night, He will answer their earnest petitions with the fullness of His grace and abundant gifts of love.
But those who offer formal, lifeless prayers occasionally will be in danger of skepticism, unbelief, and inviting darkness into their souls. Prayer is to be fervent and earnest with firm assurance persisting until it is answered from heaven. Such prayers will surely increase the prayer’s faith, joy, happiness and rewards more and more, enabling him to enter heaven sufficiently.
He who prays is a man of power,
He who prays is a man of happiness,
He who prays is a man who meets God,
He who prays is a witness for God,
He who prays is a man walking with God,
He who prays is a man like Christ,
He who prays is a man who will live forever in the house of God.
He who does not pray is a man with no power,
He who does not pray is a man of misery,
He who does not pray is a man who cannot glorify God,
He who does not pray is a man who denies God,
He who does not pray is a man who worries God,
He who does not pray is a man separated from God.
He who does not pray is a man who cannot be sanctified ever,
He who does not pray will not enter the house of God.
Glory, praise and thanksgiving to our Lord Jesus who has shown us the only way(John 14:6) to heaven through the example of prayer! Praise the Lord!
If He had neglected prayer, He could not have become the savior of the world or the conqueror over the power of Satan. Without prayer, He could have ended up as an eternal loser. It was His prayer that made the man of Nazareth the powerful Conqueror and glorious Savior.
• While He prayed, the heavens were opened. [When Jesus … was baptized and while He prayed, the heavens were opened.](Luke 3:21).
• While He prayed, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. [While He prayed … the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form, like a dove upon Him](Luke 3:21,22).
• While He prayed, the voice of God was heard. [While He prayed … a voice came from heaven which said, ‘You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased’](Luke 3:21,22)
• As He prayed, His appearance was altered. [As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered … and became white and glistening] (Luke 9:29).
• By prayer He received power to cast out the devil. [Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out, and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed … And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons](Mark 1:35,39).
Every morning hours of prayer was of the greatest importance to Jesus. During these extremely important early morning hours, He held communion with His Father, receiving full strength, power and light. After these hours of prayer, He went about casting out demons and setting free all who had been oppressed by Satan. However, His disciples were different. During early mornings, they would usually be in deep sleep, waking up late in the morning. When they chanced to pray on some early mornings, they would mutter a few words and simply give up, contrary to their Teacher. And yet they desired to possess their Teacher’s power in casting out demons, but they could not. Once they came to Jesus and [asked Him privately, ‘Why could we not cast him out?] (Mark 9:28). And He said to them, [This kind can come out only by prayer] (Mark 9:29). In other words, “As long as you keep snoring at dawn every morning, such powers cannot come forth from you. And you cannot drive out demons.” This was a solemn rebuke to His disciples who so neglected prayer.
Yet He spoke again, [Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father](John 14:12). To say again, truly I say to you, if you are as fervent in prayer as I am, the power that comes out from Me will come out from you. And ‘greater works than these,’ that is, you will be able to cover greater regions than I did in exercising power by traveling to the uttermost parts of the earth. Later, after His ascension, they found out that the source of their Teacher’s power had been in His prayers, the ceaseless prayers He had offered up every night, every dawn and always. And so they [continued with one accord in prayer](Acts:14) until at last, they became second Jesuses as their Teacher had said (John 14:12). They went out into the world to set free all who had been oppressed by the devil and to heal all the sick. [Many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.] [And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord worked with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs] (Acts 2:43, Mark 16:20).
* As He prayed, great miracles followed Him. [And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray. And when evening had come, He was alone there. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea] (Matt. 14:23,25).
* By fasting and prayer He overcame Satan. [Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness … And when He had fasted (and prayed) forty days and forty nights] (Matt. 4:1,2). [The tempter came to Him ](Matt. 4:2, 3). But He defeated him completely in the threefold challenge (Matt.4:3-10). [Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him] (Matt. 4:11).
* By His prayer the disciples were saved. [Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he might sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail] (Luke 22:31, 32).
* By His prayer the world was saved. In the Garden of Gethsemane, [being in an agony He prayed more earnestly. And His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground] (Luke 22:44). [Then Jesus (on the cross) said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do’] (Luke 23:34).
* After praying all night, He chose His disciples. [He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day He called His disciples to Him and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles] (Luke 5:12, 13).
* He finished His daily work in prayer. [And when he sent the multitudes away, He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray ](Matt. 14:23).
* Prayer-hours of greater importance than multitudes (hearers). [The report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed] (Luke 5:15,16).
* His habitual life of prayer. [He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed … When He came to the place … He knelt down and prayed] (Luke 22:39-41).
Indeed, prayer was to Jesus the Nazarite, the only source of His strength, channel of power, secret of victory and communion with God. It was prayer that made Him victorious, great, and the glorious Savior.
Now if the Savior of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent constant prayer?
A life of fervent and diligent prayer is one of the most indispensable duties of God’s children. If we are to follow Him, we have no other way than to follow the path Jesus took before us by praying. In order to overcome as Jesus did, we are to pray as He prayed. Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence. It enables us to draw from its heaven’s riches, power, wisdom, strength, and God (the Holy Spirit).
Without prayer we can receive nothing from God and He cannot give anything to those who desire nothing. [Ask, and it will be given you … For every one who asks receives](Matt.7:7, 8).
To those who prayed today just as Jesus the Nazarite prayed, heaven will be opened, the Holy Spirit will be given, and the voice of God will be heard from heaven. Their appearance and character will be transformed into the image of God and shine brightly. Great powers and miracles of God will accompany them; and by them all sinners of the world will be saved. Yet, they will not be satisfied here but press closer to God, enjoying hours of being together with Him, hours which no one can interrupt. They will hold joyful communion with Him at dawn every morning and every night be embraced in His bosom. And keeping in close, ceaseless connection with Him in their daily duties of life, they will walk with Him as Enoch did. As they at times fast and pray through the night, He will answer their earnest petitions with the fullness of His grace and abundant gifts of love.
But those who offer formal, lifeless prayers occasionally will be in danger of skepticism, unbelief, and inviting darkness into their souls. Prayer is to be fervent and earnest with firm assurance persisting until it is answered from heaven. Such prayers will surely increase the prayer’s faith, joy, happiness and rewards more and more, enabling him to enter heaven sufficiently.
He who prays is a man of power,
He who prays is a man of happiness,
He who prays is a man who meets God,
He who prays is a witness for God,
He who prays is a man walking with God,
He who prays is a man like Christ,
He who prays is a man who will live forever in the house of God.
He who does not pray is a man with no power,
He who does not pray is a man of misery,
He who does not pray is a man who cannot glorify God,
He who does not pray is a man who denies God,
He who does not pray is a man who worries God,
He who does not pray is a man separated from God.
He who does not pray is a man who cannot be sanctified ever,
He who does not pray will not enter the house of God.
Glory, praise and thanksgiving to our Lord Jesus who has shown us the only way(John 14:6) to heaven through the example of prayer! Praise the Lord!
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