Sat down to check comments on this mornings post and received the following notification.
Okay who is the culprit?
Come on – someone took the 10,000th view of the blog. Don’t worry. There is nothing to fear. (hahaha)
I was pleasantly surprised that the blog has been perused that often Thanks eh?!
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
Occasionally I will be dwelling on a verse or passage, ruminating on the message, (or to be honest, wandering off into some undisciplined daydreaming), and the Lord will bless me with a truth that is so obvious, so fresh and such a blessing that I just want to share it with you.
Such is the following passage
1 Samuel 6:10-15 ESV – ……………. took two milk cows and yoked them to the cart and shut up their calves at home. And they put the ark of the LORD on the cart and the box with the golden mice and the images of their tumors. And the cows went straight in the direction of Beth-shemesh along one highway, lowing as they went. They turned neither to the right nor to the left, and the lords of the Philistines went after them as far as the border of Beth-shemesh. Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. And when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it. The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there. A great stone was there. And they split up the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD. And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the box that was beside it, in which were the golden figures, and set them upon the great stone. And the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices on that day to the LORD.
I was simply on my way to work, listening the 1 Samuel, when this passage started yelling at me. Yelling about the crucifixion and how the cattle of the story pictures the Lord Jesus.
Let me try to explain.
Consider the reason for the story. Israel had sinned and been soundly defeated. The glory of Israel had been stolen and resided in a pagan nation. The Philistines ruled over the Israelites.
Bad times!!!!
Eventually, the God of Heaven struck the cities of the Philistines with boils/tumors and His presence was repulsive to the Overlords (Titus 1:15 …to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure). They had to rid themselves of the ark of the covenant.
In comes the two milk cows that would carry the glory back to Israel. Did not the Messiah bring the glory of God into the nation of Israel, offering grace and truth?
In the ark was the glory, but it was brought on a cart that carried images of tumors and golden mice, symbols of the disease and death that came with the Ark when it entered Philistia. Did not the Messiah provide a solution to sin without reducing the glory of God? Did He not actually magnifiy the glory of God in the Crucifixion?
The cattle were never yoked before, speaking of the innocence (righteousness) of the Savior.
The cattle had a natural desire to return to their calves, yet this natural reaction was overridden by higher requirements. Did not the Lord of Glory leave all that He loved in order to complete His given work for His Father and brothers?
The cattle came unexpectantly to the people of Israel. Surely the nation of Israel did not expect the Messiah when He arrived, yet their prophecies spoke of Him coming, even within the generation living during the time. (They wanted a different kind of Messiah and refused to accept the Truth, but that is a different study!)
It is interesting that the cattle stopped of their own volition. It doesn’t state that the men of Israel steer, guided, man handled or stopped the cattle. The cattle simply stopped. In essence, speaking of their control of the situation. Was not the Son of Man in control, through all His trials and accusations, the beatings and lies, the tearing of flesh and ridicule, the shame and abandonment. He was (and is) in control.
Finally, when verse 14 was read to me, all I could see is the crucifixion.
The One who labored to deliver the glory of God back to the nation of Israel, was sacrificed upon a great stone. What a picture of the Lord Jesus and His life work.
The men of Bethshemesh sacrificed cattle to God, in obedience to God as a burnt offering. In the days of Jesus, the men of Israel sacrificed the Lord Jesus, thinking they were obeying God in condemning the Rabbi of blasphemy.
How completely good is the Lord and His dealings with His creation. In the midst of the darkest day on earth, His love and compassion, His mercy and kindness, His judgement and wrath were all typified in a story during the time of Samuel.
And me thinks the Old Testament is chock full of pictures of the Messiah in unexpected stories. He is good and He is the center and circumference of the Word!
Praise Him for His boundless love.
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The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #12 |
| Description |
| As Isaac’s seed, will bless all nations |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 22:18 |
| Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together. |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| Gal 3:16 |
| Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration.
351 Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Christ
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #11 |
| Description |
| The Lamb of God promised |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 22:8 |
| Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together. |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| John 1:29 |
| The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration.
351 Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Christ
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #10 |
| Description |
| Seed of Isaac (Gen 21:12) |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 17:19 |
| God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| Rom 9:7 |
| and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration.
351 Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Christ
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #9 |
| Description |
| The Last Supper foreshadowed |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 14:18 |
| And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| Matt 26:26-29 |
| Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration.
351 Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Christ
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #8 |
| Description |
| King of Peace and Righteousness |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 14:18 |
| And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| Heb 7:2 |
| and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration. Find link below.
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #7 |
| Description |
| A priest after the order of Melchizedek |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 14:18 |
| And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| Heb 6:20 |
| where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration. Find link below.
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #6 |
| Description |
| The Promise made to Abraham’s Seed |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 12:7 |
| Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him. |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| Gal 3:16 |
| Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration. Find link below.
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #5 |
| Description |
| Seed of Abraham will bless all nations |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 12:3 |
| I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| Gal 3:8 |
| And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” |
| Acts 3:25-26 |
| You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration. Find link below.
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #4 |
| Description |
| and let Canaan be his servant. |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 9:26-27 |
| He also said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem; and let Canaan be his servant. May God enlarge Japheth, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem, and let Canaan be his servant.” |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| Luke 3:36 |
| the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration. Find link below.
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
Sat down this morning to work on my next “Parable Surprise” post and realized that today’s post is Considering the Bible’s 499th post.
Should I ignore this milestone for the blog? Is it just one more number that comes and goes? Yes, of course it is. But it also represents something that has been coming to my thoughts recently.
Can I remember post 218? What about #62? Or even # 434? Why bring up these posts?
The day will come when I (and you) will be granted a complete and thorough review of not simply a story told or a scripture discussed, but of all our thoughts and actions through our entire life, and what each reveals.
Grace will shine that day, and I will understand like I am understood by Him. I do not deserve the kindness and grace He has showered on my life, and with every trial or blessing, I want to reflect His character in my thinking and actions.
Grace works that way.
He exhibits grace and the overflow of love of necessity has to pour out from the vessel. It is only right.
So, with this post, “Considering the Bible” has crossed a milestone that is somewhat unimportant, other than it reminded me that I have forgotten much. Much of the many ways He has protected, guided and provided for my family and I. Of the wonderful people I have had the privilege to know. And the pleasure of sharing my thoughts with you as you take time out of your day to interact with this blog.
Thank you
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #3 |
| Description |
| The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 5:24 |
| Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| Mark 16:19 |
| So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration. Find link below.
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #2 |
| Description |
| He will bruise Satan’s head |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 3:15 |
| I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| Heb 2:14 |
| Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, |
| 1 John 3:8 |
| Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration. Find link below.
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The prophecy of the Lord Jesus for our consideration and edification, written centuries prior to His earthly existence is
| Prophecy #1 |
| Description |
| Seed of a woman (virgin birth) |
| Old Testament Prophecy |
| Genesis 3:15 |
| I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” |
| New Testament Fullfillment |
| Gal 4:4-5 |
| But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. |
| Matt 1:18 |
| Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. |
If you are just joining this blog, or are a first time visitor, welcome to Considering the Bible. We would like to offer a document that provides over 350 prophecies of the Messiah found in the Old Testament for your consideration. Find link below.
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
Recently I have considered the faith we have in the Messiah, and how some may call it “blind faith” or that we have “faith in faith”, or that “it doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you have faith in something”.
What rot!
Our faith is a faith based in fact. Historical occurrences, where God has not done His work “in a corner” (Acts 26:26).
When I first believed, I received a book that spoke of the prophecies of the Old Testament and the fulfillment of these prophecies in the person of Christ. My faith was repositioning itself from a fear/feeling faith to a friendship/fact faith. (alliteration is somewhat difficult!)
Nevertheless, the prophecies of the Christ (as all of the Word) are provided to us so that we may have encouragement and endurance for the race ahead.
Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
With this introduction, I would like to offer a document providing over 350 prophecies found in the Old Testament, that the New Testament claims has found fulfillment in the Lord Jesus.
I make no claim to be able to comment on every one of these amazing prophecies in the future, but will occasionally bring one to the readers attention for their edification.
Hopefully you will follow “Considering the Bible” and begin an interaction with us.
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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
The deceivers were against Christ, speaking of Him as only a man, or only as God, not the God-man. (I understand two forms of Gnosticism were rising in the church at the time, either restricting the humanity of the Messiah, or the Deity of the Messiah.
That bit of information was a freeby, since the issue in this post is the responsibility of the believer to maintain the true teaching of the Word, in relation to the Son of God.
It seems John was giving the church a choice. You can abandon the teaching of Christ, and not retain God, or you can abide in the truth and have both the Father and the Son.
I can’t see how John would be addressing two different parties (lost and saved) in the same phrase, unless I was committed to a teaching that didn’t allow this consideration.
Your thoughts?
In the mid nineties, I had a little red Buick and a big ol’ bass box in the trunk, and would listen to “Christian Rock”, cranked to 11.
(What did you say? Huh? Can you say that again, I didn’t hear you….)
I have gotten away from that genre for many reasons, the least of which may be a loss of hearing, but some songs have stuck with me over the decades.
The artist’s I listened to sought to reflect Scriptural teaching for the most part. They ranged from “preaching” pop culture religion to significant theological teaching. As I listened to the lyrics, I found some to be quite challenging.
To be honest, I listened because I could justify the rock beat with “sanctified lyrics”.
Occassionaly I will post a song, supply the lyrics and make a comment or two. If you decide to listen to the tune, turn the speaker down unless you are already deaf. Some of the songs tend to have a certain “volume” about them!
This post will consider the song
Hide the Beer, The Pastor’s Here – by The Swirling Eddies
The song looks like a commentary on the average Christian’s fear of the Pastor, and how we seek to hide our real life from the professional beleiver. I think this song speak more to the hypocrisy in all our lives, and how the professional believer can find ways to mask his hypocrisy.
As she packed her bags and gathered her books
“Scripture Man” gave her that lustful look
Yes, lust is his brew, but no one sees through
His minty-fresh breath ain’t reeking
More to it than I first expected
Take a listen!
Hide the Beer, The Pastor’s Here – by The Swirling Eddies
The straw runs down his arm and leg
Under the carpet
Out to the keg
A secret party tonight at Point Loma
And the hate in your heart you’re hiding well
But the booze on your breath is easy to smell
There’s a six pack to hide on the Oral U side
Let’s drive through Oklahoma
And hide the beer!
The pastor’s here!
Hide the beer!
Think of your career!
He might find out that we’re human beings
Bring us all down to the wrack and the ruin
She had a beer as an evening snack
When the “Scripture Man” planned a sneak attack
Suspension’s the buzz out at Wheaton
As she packed her bags and gathered her books
“Scripture Man” gave her that lustful look
Yes, lust is his brew, but no one sees through
His minty-fresh breath ain’t reeking
When the coast is clear, you can kiss me, dear
Together we’ll have hell to pay
So wear a beard
The pastor’s here
Put the R-rated movie away
Let me know what you think of the lyrics, and of the tunes!
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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
In the mid nineties, I had a little red Buick and a big ol’ bass box in the trunk, and would listen to “Christian Rock”, cranked to 11.
(What did you say? Huh? Can you say that again, I didn’t hear you….)
I have gotten away from that genre for many reasons, the least of which may be a loss of hearing, but some songs have stuck with me over the decades.
The artist’s I listened to sought to reflect Scriptural teaching for the most part. They ranged from “preaching” pop culture religion to significant theological teaching. As I listened to the lyrics, I found some to be quite challenging.
To be honest, I listened because I could justify the rock beat with “sanctified lyrics”.
Occassionaly I will post a song, supply the lyrics and make a comment or two. If you decide to listen to the tune, turn the speaker down unless you are already deaf. Some of the songs tend to have a certain “volume” about them!
This post will consider the song
The Finish Line – by Steve Taylor
You are gonna get the impression that Steve Taylor was a favorite of mine, and you would be right. His truth-telling can be biting and he is a story teller. This song speaks of my failures and the goodness of our Father. I don’t like the following portion of the song, since it hits me a bit too much, but truth don’t care bout my feeling now, do they?
The vision came
He saw the odds
A hundred little gods on a gilded wheel
“These have tried to take your place, but Father,
by your grace I will never kneel
I will never kneel…”
Take a listen! But once you start, you gotta promise me that you will listen to the end!
The Finish Line – by Steve Taylor
Once upon an average morn
An average boy was born for the second time
Prone upon the altar there
He whispered up the prayer he’d kept hid inside
The vision came
He saw the odds
A hundred little gods on a gilded wheel
“These will vie to take your place, but Father,
by your grace I wil never kneel”
And I saw you, upright and proud
And I saw you wave to the crowd
And I saw you laughing out loud at the Philistines
And I saw you brush away rocks
And I saw you pull up your socks
And I saw you out of the blocks
For the finish line
Darkness falls
The devil stirs
And as your vision blurs you start stumbling
The heart is weak
The will is gone
And every strong conviction comes tumbling down
Malice rains
The acid guile is sucking at your shoes while the mud is fresh
It floods the trail
It bleeds you dry
As every little god buys its pound of flesh
And I saw you licking your wounds
And I saw you weave your cocoons
And I saw you changing your tunes for the party line
And I saw you welsh on old debts
I saw you and your comrades bum cigarettes
And you hemmed and you hawed
And you hedged all your bets
Waiting for a sign
Let’s wash our hands as we throw little fits
Let’s all wash our hands as we curse hypocrites
We’re locked in the washroom turning old tricks
Deaf
And joyless
And full of it
The vision came
He saw the odds
A hundred little gods on a gilded wheel
“These have tried to take your place, but Father,
by your grace I will never kneel
I will never kneel…”
Off in the distance
Bloodied but wise
As you squint with the light of the truth in your eyes
And I saw you
Both hands were raised
And I saw your lips move in praise
And I saw you steady your gaze
For the finish line
Every idol like dust
A word scattered them all
And I rose to my feet when you scaled the last wall
And I gasped
When I saw you fall
In his arms
At the finish line
Let me know what you think of the lyrics, and of the tunes!
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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
In the mid nineties, I had a little red Buick and a big ol’ bass box in the trunk, and would listen to “Christian Rock”, cranked to 11.
(What did you say? Huh? Can you say that again, I didn’t hear you….)
I have gotten away from that genre for many reasons, the least of which may be a loss of hearing, but some songs have stuck with me over the decades.
The artist’s I listened to sought to reflect Scriptural teaching for the most part. They ranged from “preaching” pop culture religion to significant theological teaching. As I listened to the lyrics, I found some to be quite challenging.
To be honest, I listened because I could justify the rock beat with “sanctified lyrics”.
Occassionaly I will post a song, supply the lyrics and make a comment or two. If you decide to listen to the tune, turn the speaker down unless you are already deaf. Some of the songs tend to have a certain “volume” about them!
This post will consider the song
By His Grace – by Van Morrison
My wife and I would take our kids to the library for five books each when they were young, and one afternoon I tripped over a double album of Van Morrison, called Hymns to the Silence. I signed it out of the library, took it home and listened to it constantly.
Years pass and I get my little red Buick, and this album shows up in my recordings – Don’t worry, I bought a copy after I returned the disks to the library.
Occassionaly, I would give that ol’ bass box a break, and cruise in that ol’ Buick, listening to Van. This particular song speaks of Philippians 2:12-13.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Or as Van Morrison might sing…
You’ve got to try for the Kingdom … By His Grace
Take a listen!
By His Grace – by Van Morrison
You’ve got to try, for the kingdom
You’ve got to try, for the kingdom
On high, you’ve got to try,
By His grace, by His grace
You’ve got to live your religion
Deep inside, when you try
For the kingdom on high
By His grace, by His grace
Open your mind to the wisdom
When you try for the kingdom, on high
By His grace, by His grace
Open your heart to the wisdom
In your mind when you try
For the kingdom on high
By His grace, by His grace
One day at a time, you got to try
Open your eye, it will come
By and by, when you try
By His grace, by His grace
By His grace, by His grace.
Let me know what you think of the lyrics, and of the tunes!
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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
Occasionally I will be dwelling on a verse or passage, ruminating on the message, (or to be honest, wandering off into some undisciplined daydreaming), and the Lord will bless me with a truth that is so obvious, so fresh and such a blessing that I just want to share it with you.
Such is the following verse.
Col 1:14
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
I recently published a few blogs on the concept of redemption and remembered that it has manifold meanings, but primarily the concept is that of buying, or more specifically that of buying back, to redeem something or someone.
It is in Christ we have our redemption. He bought us through His bloody tortuous death on the cross. This is a wonderful truth, a truth that needs to warm our hearts daily and encourage us to stand for the Master, to love others sacrificially, and to give of ourselves as He did for us.
Such love.
To redeem, as I said earlier, is to buy back.
I got myself a friend who’s child got in a wee bit o’ trouble with the law. He had to go down to the cop shop late one night and provide bail for little Joey. He was furious, and having “redeemed” his son from a night of deserved punishment, he drove home with Joey, but the trip was ominously silent. Of course, at home the mother gushed over Joey’s return, but my friend simply sent to bed.
Weeks pass, and no communication, no contact, no concern over the son’s condition. My buddy redeemed his son. That is true.
But that is all.
Not so with our Father in heaven.
He redeemed us, even though we were enemies. When He redeemed us, He “blew it all”! The ransom was the ultimate price.
And when He began to take us home, there was no silence, no begrudging the payment, no avoidance of relationship.
This added act of love was reinforced with the above verse. He ransomed us, redeemed us with His blood, AND forgave our sins. There is nothing between us, other than our own misunderstanding of the depth of love He has for us.
Praise Him for His boundless love.
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In the mid nineties, I had a little red Buick and a big ol’ bass box in the trunk, and would listen to “Christian Rock”, cranked to 11.
(What did you say? Huh? Can you say that again, I didn’t hear you….)
I have gotten away from that genre for many reasons, the least of which may be a loss of hearing, but some songs have stuck with me over the decades.
The artist’s I listened to sought to reflect Scriptural teaching for the most part. They ranged from “preaching” pop culture religion to significant theological teaching. As I listened to the lyrics, I found some to be quite challenging.
To be honest, I listened because I could justify the rock beat with “sanctified lyrics”.
Occassionaly I will post a song, supply the lyrics and make a comment or two. If you decide to listen to the tune, turn the speaker down unless you are already deaf. Some of the songs tend to have a certain “volume” about them!
This post will consider the song
Drowning Machine – by Tourniquet
These guys are about the heaviest I listened to during my Buick days! The hook for me was the incredible drumming by Ted Kirkpatrick.
This song speaks of addiction, and the dangers of self confidence.
The water is fast, but it ain’t deep
I waded out before
I could do it in my sleep
Another line, another fix
Another “I don’t care”
Take a listen! But be warned – this one has some volume…
Drowning Machine – by Tourniquet
The water is fast, but it ain’t deep
I waded out before
I could do it in my sleep
Another line, another fix
Another “I don’t care”
The place you thought you’d never be
Guess what, you’re there
Drowning machine
Drowning machine
Sow a thought, reap an action
Sow an action, reap an habit
Sow an habit, reap a destiny
Do anything, be anyone
But you’re not free
Drowning machine
Drowning machine
A three foot river drop
A circular hell
Drowning machine is
Ringing the death bell
Your lifeless soul floats to the shore
You couldn’t stop
Had to have more, more, more
Drowning machine
Drowning machine
Drowning machine
Tragic death scene
Let me know what you think of the lyrics, and of the tunes!
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
Considering the Bible 