- Pastor в Church
- Страна South Africa
- Male
- Один/одна
- 01/22/1975
- Читают 5 человек
Недавние обновления
- God blessed day to you all. And what a blessed day it is. Today is Ascension day. 40 days after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus The Christ. Its in His holy Name I greet you all today.
Opening Scripture.
_“After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.’”_ — Acts 1:9-11
Take 30 seconds and read that slowly. Picture it. The disciples didn’t get a goodbye in private. They watched Him go up into Heaven.
Why Ascension Matters Today.
Jesus Christ’ work on earth was finished, but His work for us continues.
The cross dealt with sin. The resurrection defeated death. The ascension seated Jesus at the right hand of the Father.
Hebrews 7:25 says He _“always lives to intercede for them.”_ Right now, you have an Advocate in heaven. When you pray, you’re not shouting into the void. The risen, ascended Christ is presenting your name before the Father.
His ascension means He reigns.
Ephesians 1:20-22 says God _“seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority.”_
That means no diagnosis, no government, no broken relationship, no fear is outside His authority. When life feels chaotic, Ascension Day reminds us: Jesus is on the throne. Nothing surprises Him.
Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, then Ascension Day isn’t just meaningful - it’s breathtaking.
This is God Himself ascending.
The King returns to His throne.
This isn’t a man being promoted. It’s God the Son returning to the glory He had before the world began.
John 17:5: _“Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”_
On Ascension Day, that prayer was answered in front of human eyes.
Think about it: The One who spoke the universe into existence, who stepped down into dirt and blood and death for us, now returns to His rightful place. Not as a servant, but as the reigning Lord, As The King of Kings.
That’s why Psalm 47 says: _“God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.”_ Heaven erupted.
The throne is no longer distant.
For centuries, God’s presence was locked behind curtains, in temples, accessible to a few.
When Jesus Christ ascended, He carried our humanity into the very presence of God and sat down. Hebrews 10:12 says He _“sat down at the right hand of God.”_ Sitting down means the work is finished.
The beauty for us is this: The infinite, holy God is no longer unapproachable. Because of Jesus The Christ, the throne you once feared is now called the _“throne of grace.”_ You can come boldly, because the Man on it is your God and your Lord your Saviour.
The universe is being ruled by love.
The scary thing about a God who rules is that He could rule with cold power.
But the One on the throne has scars in His hands. The ascended Jesus Christ is still the crucified Jesus Christ. That means the universe is not governed by raw force, but by a God who chose to suffer for you.
Revelation 5 shows this: The Lion of Judah appears as a Lamb that was slain, and all of heaven worships. That’s the beauty - power and gentleness, holiness and mercy, all in one Person.
Heaven and earth are now married.
Before, heaven was up there and earth was down here.
At the Ascension, the barrier broke. Jesus The Christ, God and Man, ascended and pulled humanity into the Godhead. Colossians 3:1 says, _“Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”_
Your life is now hidden with Christ in God. That means your future is already secure in heaven. What God did for Hs Son Jesus Christ's’ body, He will do for yours. The Ascension is the firstfruit of your resurrection.
It’s the promise of His return in glory.
The angels didn’t say “He’s gone forever.” They said, _“This same Jesus will come back in the same way you saw Him go.”_
Ascension Day is beautiful because it’s not the end of the story. It’s the intermission before the King returns. And when He comes back, it won’t be in humility. It’ll be in glory, and every eye will see Him.
So the beauty of Ascension Day is this:
God Himself walked out of the grave, walked through death, and walked into heaven - not to escape us, but to draw us to Himself.
Heaven is no longer empty. Earth is no longer abandoned. And your life is now tied to the reigning, loving, scarred God who is coming back for you.
That’s why the Church has sung, wept, and worshipped on this day for over 2,000 years.
His leaving is how He stays with us.
This sounds backward, but listen to Jesus in John 16:7: _“It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you.”_
Because He ascended, the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. Now Christ is not limited to one place at one time. By His Spirit, He is with every believer, everywhere, all the time. His absence physically made His presence spiritually universal.
His ascension gives us a mission.
The last thing Jesus said before going up was, _“You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth”_ Acts 1:8.
We don’t stare at the sky like the disciples were tempted to do. We go. His reign is why we can go with confidence. We’re not sent alone, and we’re not sent to a lost cause. The King is with us.
Reflection for Today.
Ask yourself:
1.Where in my life am I acting like Jesus is still in the grave, instead of on the throne?
2.What would change today if I truly believed I have a High Priest interceding for me right now?
3.Who is the one person I can be a witness to this week because the risen King has sent me?
Ascension Day isn’t just history. It’s an invitation to live differently today with less fear, more boldness, and deeper trust.
For prayer: Bring one thing you’re worried about before God and end with, “Jesus Christ, You reign over this.”
For action: Encourage one person today. Remind them Jesus is with them. That’s what it means to be His witness.
For worship: Listen to or sing a song that declares Christ’s Lordship. Let your heart align with the truth that He reigns.
Let's Pray.
Abba Father God Almighty Lord Jesus Christ,
Today we remember that You ascended into heaven and took Your place at the right hand of the Father. Thank You that You are not distant, but present with us by Your Spirit. Thank You that You intercede for all of us right now.
Forgive us for the times we live like You are absent or uninvolved. Open our eyes to see that You reign over every part of our lives. Give us courage to live as Your witness today. Help us to fix our eyes not on the sky in longing, but on the mission You have given us on earth.
We surrender our fears, our plans, and our future to You.
For You are Lord, now and forever. We pray this in The Name above all other names in The Name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Amen and Amen.
God blessed Ascension day to each and everyone of you. May The Lord’s peace and love fulfill your day.
Love and respect
Past JJ.God blessed day to you all. And what a blessed day it is. Today is Ascension day. 40 days after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus The Christ. Its in His holy Name I greet you all today. Opening Scripture. _“After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.’”_ — Acts 1:9-11 Take 30 seconds and read that slowly. Picture it. The disciples didn’t get a goodbye in private. They watched Him go up into Heaven. Why Ascension Matters Today. Jesus Christ’ work on earth was finished, but His work for us continues. The cross dealt with sin. The resurrection defeated death. The ascension seated Jesus at the right hand of the Father. Hebrews 7:25 says He _“always lives to intercede for them.”_ Right now, you have an Advocate in heaven. When you pray, you’re not shouting into the void. The risen, ascended Christ is presenting your name before the Father. His ascension means He reigns. Ephesians 1:20-22 says God _“seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority.”_ That means no diagnosis, no government, no broken relationship, no fear is outside His authority. When life feels chaotic, Ascension Day reminds us: Jesus is on the throne. Nothing surprises Him. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, then Ascension Day isn’t just meaningful - it’s breathtaking. This is God Himself ascending. The King returns to His throne. This isn’t a man being promoted. It’s God the Son returning to the glory He had before the world began. John 17:5: _“Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”_ On Ascension Day, that prayer was answered in front of human eyes. Think about it: The One who spoke the universe into existence, who stepped down into dirt and blood and death for us, now returns to His rightful place. Not as a servant, but as the reigning Lord, As The King of Kings. That’s why Psalm 47 says: _“God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.”_ Heaven erupted. The throne is no longer distant. For centuries, God’s presence was locked behind curtains, in temples, accessible to a few. When Jesus Christ ascended, He carried our humanity into the very presence of God and sat down. Hebrews 10:12 says He _“sat down at the right hand of God.”_ Sitting down means the work is finished. The beauty for us is this: The infinite, holy God is no longer unapproachable. Because of Jesus The Christ, the throne you once feared is now called the _“throne of grace.”_ You can come boldly, because the Man on it is your God and your Lord your Saviour. The universe is being ruled by love. The scary thing about a God who rules is that He could rule with cold power. But the One on the throne has scars in His hands. The ascended Jesus Christ is still the crucified Jesus Christ. That means the universe is not governed by raw force, but by a God who chose to suffer for you. Revelation 5 shows this: The Lion of Judah appears as a Lamb that was slain, and all of heaven worships. That’s the beauty - power and gentleness, holiness and mercy, all in one Person. Heaven and earth are now married. Before, heaven was up there and earth was down here. At the Ascension, the barrier broke. Jesus The Christ, God and Man, ascended and pulled humanity into the Godhead. Colossians 3:1 says, _“Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”_ Your life is now hidden with Christ in God. That means your future is already secure in heaven. What God did for Hs Son Jesus Christ's’ body, He will do for yours. The Ascension is the firstfruit of your resurrection. It’s the promise of His return in glory. The angels didn’t say “He’s gone forever.” They said, _“This same Jesus will come back in the same way you saw Him go.”_ Ascension Day is beautiful because it’s not the end of the story. It’s the intermission before the King returns. And when He comes back, it won’t be in humility. It’ll be in glory, and every eye will see Him. So the beauty of Ascension Day is this: God Himself walked out of the grave, walked through death, and walked into heaven - not to escape us, but to draw us to Himself. Heaven is no longer empty. Earth is no longer abandoned. And your life is now tied to the reigning, loving, scarred God who is coming back for you. That’s why the Church has sung, wept, and worshipped on this day for over 2,000 years. His leaving is how He stays with us. This sounds backward, but listen to Jesus in John 16:7: _“It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you.”_ Because He ascended, the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. Now Christ is not limited to one place at one time. By His Spirit, He is with every believer, everywhere, all the time. His absence physically made His presence spiritually universal. His ascension gives us a mission. The last thing Jesus said before going up was, _“You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth”_ Acts 1:8. We don’t stare at the sky like the disciples were tempted to do. We go. His reign is why we can go with confidence. We’re not sent alone, and we’re not sent to a lost cause. The King is with us. Reflection for Today. Ask yourself: 1.Where in my life am I acting like Jesus is still in the grave, instead of on the throne? 2.What would change today if I truly believed I have a High Priest interceding for me right now? 3.Who is the one person I can be a witness to this week because the risen King has sent me? Ascension Day isn’t just history. It’s an invitation to live differently today with less fear, more boldness, and deeper trust. For prayer: Bring one thing you’re worried about before God and end with, “Jesus Christ, You reign over this.” For action: Encourage one person today. Remind them Jesus is with them. That’s what it means to be His witness. For worship: Listen to or sing a song that declares Christ’s Lordship. Let your heart align with the truth that He reigns. Let's Pray. Abba Father God Almighty Lord Jesus Christ, Today we remember that You ascended into heaven and took Your place at the right hand of the Father. Thank You that You are not distant, but present with us by Your Spirit. Thank You that You intercede for all of us right now. Forgive us for the times we live like You are absent or uninvolved. Open our eyes to see that You reign over every part of our lives. Give us courage to live as Your witness today. Help us to fix our eyes not on the sky in longing, but on the mission You have given us on earth. We surrender our fears, our plans, and our future to You. For You are Lord, now and forever. We pray this in The Name above all other names in The Name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen and Amen. God blessed Ascension day to each and everyone of you. May The Lord’s peace and love fulfill your day. Love and respect Past JJ.0 Комментарии 0 Поделились 18 ПросмотрыВойдите, чтобы отмечать, делиться и комментировать! - 0 Комментарии 0 Поделились 12 Просмотры 0
-
- Message for today; Lot's Wife.
Good day all I greet you all in The Name above all other names in The Name of Jesus Christ. Lately I have been in many discussions regarding Lot's wife. Saw a video this morning while waiting for The Lord to tell me what He wants me to talk, "teach about". Hope and pray that for who it is meant for will receive.
Please note my messages is not a copy and paste. It takes time and effort. Apologies for the inconvenience. But come in humbleness thank you for all the prayers last night regarding my foot injury as I understand Nation wide. I have no word's to express my gratitude. Love you all. Can share quickly, first miracle. Doctors said amputate gangerine. I said God will heal me. They laughed, We serve a mighty God that doesn't get mocked. Received news so far no sign of gangerine. Still a long way a head many operations and tests. But I love Jesus Christ only more and more. Faith like a mustard seed. He asked me in hospital again if I love Him. I said yes Lord I do. He answered then trust me.
The moral of today's message. Listen when God speaks to you. Its called obedience no matter the odds.
What is it exactly about Lot’s wife story and what lesson can we learn? Firstly we have to recognise The Lord standing with Abraham in His physical form. Trinity. Yes Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus teaches His Disciples in the last days it will be like in the days of Noah.
_Luke 17:32_ – When Jesus says “Remember Lot’s wife,” He’s using her as an example of divided loyalty. _Luke 17:33_
That’s a mix of two different accounts — let’s separate them _Genesis 18:23-33; Genesis 19:26_
1.Abraham pleaded with _the LORD. _Genesis 18:23-33_
_Genesis 18:23-33_ records Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah. _Genesis 18:22_ says “the LORD stood before him.” _Genesis 18:26-32_
The LORD agreed to spare the city if 50, then 45, then 30, then 20, then 10 righteous people could be found. _Genesis 18:26-32_
The LORD never promised to spare individuals based on appearance but what is in the heart. _Luke 16:15_ – “God knoweth your hearts.”
_Genesis 18:33_ The focus was on the city as a whole. _Genesis 18:32. The heart of the people in the case of Sodom and Gemorra. Loved sin.
Jesus is the pre-incarnate LORD who appeared to Abraham. _John 8:58; Genesis 18:1_ So in that sense, yes — Abraham was pleading with the One who is Jesus. _John 1:1; John 1:14_ But the Scripture itself just says “the LORD.” _Genesis 18:22_
Jesus _did_ know Lot’s wife’s heart _Luke 17:32; Luke 16:15_
Jesus wasn’t present at Sodom in His earthly ministry, but as God He is omniscient. _John 2:24-25; Hebrews 4:13_
_Luke 16:15_ – _Psalm 139:2-4.
_Genesis 19:26_ – She physically left Sodom but looked back, which showed her heart wasn’t fully committed to leaving. _Genesis 19:17_ The angels had commanded: “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee.”_Genesis 19:17.
So Jesus knew that looking back wasn’t just curiosity — it revealed where her treasure and desire really were. _Matthew 6:21_ – “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” _Luke 12:34_
The key difference. _Genesis 19:16; Genesis 19:26_
Abraham’s plea, was for the _city_ to be spared if righteous people were there. _Genesis 18:26_ God’s answer was tied to righteousness, not personal desire. _Genesis 18:32-33_
Lot’s wife was given a direct command to flee and not look back. _Genesis 19:17_ She disobeyed it. _Genesis 19:26_ God’s mercy got her out of Sodom _Genesis 19:16_, but her heart hadn’t left it. _Luke 17:32_
Luke 17:32-33: Jesus knew her heart _Luke 16:15_, and that’s why He holds her up as a warning. _Luke 17:32_ It’s not about God failing to save her — it’s about the danger of a heart that wants both safety _and_ the old life. _Luke 9:62_ – “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” _Philippians 3:13-14_
What does this say to you today about holding onto the past vs. following God fully? _Philippians 3:13-14_
That’s the heart of the warning Jesus gives in Luke 17:32 _Luke 17:32_
Jesus’ use of her story point to exactly that — her heart was still attached to Sodom, which represented sin and judgment. _Genesis 19:26; Luke 17:32-33_
WHAT WE CAN SEE FROM THE STORY? _Genesis 19:17; Genesis 19:26_
_Genesis 19:17_ – The angels told her clearly: “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee… lest thou be consumed.” _Genesis 19:17_
_Genesis 19:26_ – But “Lot’s wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” _Luke 17:32_
Looking back wasn’t just a moment of curiosity. In that culture and in Scripture, _looking back_ means longing, regret, or wanting to return.
_Matthew 6:21_ – “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” _Luke 12:34_
Her body left Sodom, but her heart hadn’t. _Luke 17:33_ That’s why Jesus uses her as the example right after talking about the suddenness of judgment. _Luke 17:28-30_
JESUS’ POINTS OUT IN LUKE 17:32-33. _Luke 17:32-33_
_Luke 17:32-33_ – “Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” _Luke 17:33_
The people in Sodom were “eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building” _Luke 17:28_ — normal life, but without regard for God. _Genesis 19:24-25.
Similar in today's time and age. In the last day's of Noah. He builded the Ark. Said it's going to rain. The people have never seen rain. Laughed at him, mocked him, said he is crazy, while continuing with their sinful lifestyle. The Church is crying Jesus Christ is on His way. He will return. Yet they mock.
The context in _2 Peter 3:3-6_ makes it clear they mocked:
_2 Peter 3:3-4_ – “There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” _2 Peter 3:3-4_
Peter compares those scoffers to the people in Noah’s day who ignored the warning of the flood. _2 Peter 3:5-6.
_Genesis 6:5-7; Genesis 7:1-5_
_Genesis 6:5-7_ – The world in Noah’s day was filled with wickedness and violence. _Genesis 6:11-12.
For 120 years _Genesis 6:3_ Noah built an ark on dry land, preaching righteousness _2 Peter 2:5_, while everyone around him lived like nothing was coming. _Matthew 24:37-39_ – “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage… and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away.” _Matthew 24:38-39_
THE PARALLEL; _Luke 17:26-27_
_Luke 17:26-27_ – Jesus Himself said “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” _Luke 17:26_
Just like people mocked Noah, they will mock the warning of His return. _2 Peter 3:3-4_
Hebrews 11:7_: Noah was mocked for obeying what he couldn’t yet see _Hebrews 11:7_, but he was vindicated when the flood came. _Genesis 7:1-5_ The same pattern holds today. _Matthew 5:11-12_
Similar with Lot’s ’s wife physically left that life, but her desire was still there. _Genesis 19:26_ She wanted to preserve the life she was leaving instead of fully embracing the life God was giving her. _Luke 17:33.
She saw the Ark, knew the rain was coming, but her heart was still, before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage…
That’s what it means when we say her heart “loved sin.” _1 John 2:15_ – “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” _1 John 2:15_ It wasn’t just the action of looking back. It was what the action revealed about where her love was. _Matthew 6:24_ – “No man can serve two masters.”
THE WARNING FOR US: _Hebrews 10:38-39_
_Hebrews 10:38-39_ – “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” _Hebrews 10:38-39_
God’s mercy got her out of Sodom _Genesis 19:16_, but He can’t force the heart to follow. _Revelation 3:20_ – “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” _Revelation 3:20_
_2 Corinthians 6:17_ – “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.” _2 Corinthians 6:17_ That separation has to be in the heart first. _Romans 12:2_ – “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Bottom line. _Luke 17:32_: God didn’t separate Lot from his wife. Her love for what she was leaving separated her from God’s deliverance. _Genesis 19:26_
That’s why Jesus says “Remember”. _Luke 17:32_ — so we don’t make the same choice. _Hebrews 12:1_ – “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.”
And we will be healed. When we love God with everything in us. He is for us not against us.
Let's pray: Abba Father keep us from the heart of the people in the days of Noah and from the heart of Lot’s wife.
Father, in the days of Noah the people were eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, and they didn’t see the flood coming. Don’t let us be distracted or numb to what You’re saying. Keep our eyes open and our spirit awake connected to Your Holy Spirit for our guidance towards Your salvation plan.
And Lord, don’t let us be like Lot’s wife. We don’t want to physically leave the old life but still look back with longing. We don’t want our hearts to cling to what You’ve called us to walk away from. Where our treasure is, let our hearts be there with You.
Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Give us the faith of Noah, to obey You even when what You’ve warned us of what You are going to do, eve of it isn’t visible yet. Give us the courage to not look back, but to press forward to what’s ahead.
Guard us from becoming a scoffer, from hardening our hearts and from loving the world more than You
Let us live as one who is ready, watching and prepared, walking in truth and not in pretense. I pray this In The Name above all other names in The Name of Jesus’ The Christ, Amen and Amen.
God bless you all.
Love and respect
Past JJ.Message for today; Lot's Wife. Good day all I greet you all in The Name above all other names in The Name of Jesus Christ. Lately I have been in many discussions regarding Lot's wife. Saw a video this morning while waiting for The Lord to tell me what He wants me to talk, "teach about". Hope and pray that for who it is meant for will receive. Please note my messages is not a copy and paste. It takes time and effort. Apologies for the inconvenience. But come in humbleness thank you for all the prayers last night regarding my foot injury as I understand Nation wide. I have no word's to express my gratitude. Love you all. Can share quickly, first miracle. Doctors said amputate gangerine. I said God will heal me. They laughed, We serve a mighty God that doesn't get mocked. Received news so far no sign of gangerine. Still a long way a head many operations and tests. But I love Jesus Christ only more and more. Faith like a mustard seed. He asked me in hospital again if I love Him. I said yes Lord I do. He answered then trust me. ❤️ The moral of today's message. Listen when God speaks to you. Its called obedience no matter the odds. What is it exactly about Lot’s wife story and what lesson can we learn? Firstly we have to recognise The Lord standing with Abraham in His physical form. Trinity. Yes Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus teaches His Disciples in the last days it will be like in the days of Noah. _Luke 17:32_ – When Jesus says “Remember Lot’s wife,” He’s using her as an example of divided loyalty. _Luke 17:33_ That’s a mix of two different accounts — let’s separate them _Genesis 18:23-33; Genesis 19:26_ 1.Abraham pleaded with _the LORD. _Genesis 18:23-33_ _Genesis 18:23-33_ records Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah. _Genesis 18:22_ says “the LORD stood before him.” _Genesis 18:26-32_ The LORD agreed to spare the city if 50, then 45, then 30, then 20, then 10 righteous people could be found. _Genesis 18:26-32_ The LORD never promised to spare individuals based on appearance but what is in the heart. _Luke 16:15_ – “God knoweth your hearts.” _Genesis 18:33_ The focus was on the city as a whole. _Genesis 18:32. The heart of the people in the case of Sodom and Gemorra. Loved sin. Jesus is the pre-incarnate LORD who appeared to Abraham. _John 8:58; Genesis 18:1_ So in that sense, yes — Abraham was pleading with the One who is Jesus. _John 1:1; John 1:14_ But the Scripture itself just says “the LORD.” _Genesis 18:22_ Jesus _did_ know Lot’s wife’s heart _Luke 17:32; Luke 16:15_ Jesus wasn’t present at Sodom in His earthly ministry, but as God He is omniscient. _John 2:24-25; Hebrews 4:13_ _Luke 16:15_ – _Psalm 139:2-4. _Genesis 19:26_ – She physically left Sodom but looked back, which showed her heart wasn’t fully committed to leaving. _Genesis 19:17_ The angels had commanded: “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee.”_Genesis 19:17. So Jesus knew that looking back wasn’t just curiosity — it revealed where her treasure and desire really were. _Matthew 6:21_ – “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” _Luke 12:34_ The key difference. _Genesis 19:16; Genesis 19:26_ Abraham’s plea, was for the _city_ to be spared if righteous people were there. _Genesis 18:26_ God’s answer was tied to righteousness, not personal desire. _Genesis 18:32-33_ Lot’s wife was given a direct command to flee and not look back. _Genesis 19:17_ She disobeyed it. _Genesis 19:26_ God’s mercy got her out of Sodom _Genesis 19:16_, but her heart hadn’t left it. _Luke 17:32_ Luke 17:32-33: Jesus knew her heart _Luke 16:15_, and that’s why He holds her up as a warning. _Luke 17:32_ It’s not about God failing to save her — it’s about the danger of a heart that wants both safety _and_ the old life. _Luke 9:62_ – “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” _Philippians 3:13-14_ What does this say to you today about holding onto the past vs. following God fully? _Philippians 3:13-14_ That’s the heart of the warning Jesus gives in Luke 17:32 _Luke 17:32_ Jesus’ use of her story point to exactly that — her heart was still attached to Sodom, which represented sin and judgment. _Genesis 19:26; Luke 17:32-33_ WHAT WE CAN SEE FROM THE STORY? _Genesis 19:17; Genesis 19:26_ _Genesis 19:17_ – The angels told her clearly: “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee… lest thou be consumed.” _Genesis 19:17_ _Genesis 19:26_ – But “Lot’s wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” _Luke 17:32_ Looking back wasn’t just a moment of curiosity. In that culture and in Scripture, _looking back_ means longing, regret, or wanting to return. _Matthew 6:21_ – “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” _Luke 12:34_ Her body left Sodom, but her heart hadn’t. _Luke 17:33_ That’s why Jesus uses her as the example right after talking about the suddenness of judgment. _Luke 17:28-30_ JESUS’ POINTS OUT IN LUKE 17:32-33. _Luke 17:32-33_ _Luke 17:32-33_ – “Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” _Luke 17:33_ The people in Sodom were “eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building” _Luke 17:28_ — normal life, but without regard for God. _Genesis 19:24-25. Similar in today's time and age. In the last day's of Noah. He builded the Ark. Said it's going to rain. The people have never seen rain. Laughed at him, mocked him, said he is crazy, while continuing with their sinful lifestyle. The Church is crying Jesus Christ is on His way. He will return. Yet they mock. The context in _2 Peter 3:3-6_ makes it clear they mocked: _2 Peter 3:3-4_ – “There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” _2 Peter 3:3-4_ Peter compares those scoffers to the people in Noah’s day who ignored the warning of the flood. _2 Peter 3:5-6. _Genesis 6:5-7; Genesis 7:1-5_ _Genesis 6:5-7_ – The world in Noah’s day was filled with wickedness and violence. _Genesis 6:11-12. For 120 years _Genesis 6:3_ Noah built an ark on dry land, preaching righteousness _2 Peter 2:5_, while everyone around him lived like nothing was coming. _Matthew 24:37-39_ – “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage… and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away.” _Matthew 24:38-39_ THE PARALLEL; _Luke 17:26-27_ _Luke 17:26-27_ – Jesus Himself said “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” _Luke 17:26_ Just like people mocked Noah, they will mock the warning of His return. _2 Peter 3:3-4_ Hebrews 11:7_: Noah was mocked for obeying what he couldn’t yet see _Hebrews 11:7_, but he was vindicated when the flood came. _Genesis 7:1-5_ The same pattern holds today. _Matthew 5:11-12_ Similar with Lot’s ’s wife physically left that life, but her desire was still there. _Genesis 19:26_ She wanted to preserve the life she was leaving instead of fully embracing the life God was giving her. _Luke 17:33. She saw the Ark, knew the rain was coming, but her heart was still, before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage… That’s what it means when we say her heart “loved sin.” _1 John 2:15_ – “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” _1 John 2:15_ It wasn’t just the action of looking back. It was what the action revealed about where her love was. _Matthew 6:24_ – “No man can serve two masters.” THE WARNING FOR US: _Hebrews 10:38-39_ _Hebrews 10:38-39_ – “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” _Hebrews 10:38-39_ God’s mercy got her out of Sodom _Genesis 19:16_, but He can’t force the heart to follow. _Revelation 3:20_ – “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” _Revelation 3:20_ _2 Corinthians 6:17_ – “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.” _2 Corinthians 6:17_ That separation has to be in the heart first. _Romans 12:2_ – “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Bottom line. _Luke 17:32_: God didn’t separate Lot from his wife. Her love for what she was leaving separated her from God’s deliverance. _Genesis 19:26_ That’s why Jesus says “Remember”. _Luke 17:32_ — so we don’t make the same choice. _Hebrews 12:1_ – “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.” And we will be healed. When we love ❤️ God with everything in us. He is for us not against us. Let's pray: Abba Father keep us from the heart of the people in the days of Noah and from the heart of Lot’s wife. Father, in the days of Noah the people were eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, and they didn’t see the flood coming. Don’t let us be distracted or numb to what You’re saying. Keep our eyes open and our spirit awake connected to Your Holy Spirit for our guidance towards Your salvation plan. And Lord, don’t let us be like Lot’s wife. We don’t want to physically leave the old life but still look back with longing. We don’t want our hearts to cling to what You’ve called us to walk away from. Where our treasure is, let our hearts be there with You. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Give us the faith of Noah, to obey You even when what You’ve warned us of what You are going to do, eve of it isn’t visible yet. Give us the courage to not look back, but to press forward to what’s ahead. Guard us from becoming a scoffer, from hardening our hearts and from loving the world more than You Let us live as one who is ready, watching and prepared, walking in truth and not in pretense. I pray this In The Name above all other names in The Name of Jesus’ The Christ, Amen and Amen. God bless you all. Love and respect Past JJ.0 Комментарии 0 Поделились 22 Просмотры -
- 0 Комментарии 0 Поделились 9 Просмотры
More Posts