8-6-2012 The What and the Why

Diagram at Capernaum

When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.

And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

"'Go to this people, and say, "You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive."

For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'

Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."

He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,

proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.                        Acts 28:23-31

Glory in the highest to God and on earth,peace to men of good will 

Lord, what a challenge! After reading the end of The Book of Acts, chapter 28, I was reminded of a question that has been in the back of my mind for a long time: “How did Paul and other disciples who had not witnessed the resurrection testify to Your redemption work on earth?”  They didn’t have a New Testament back then and many of the people they were trying to reach out to were not very knowledgeable (if at all) of the Old Testament scriptures. Yet they were extremely effective and accurate in their testimony and Your church grew at a phenomenal rate.

I’ve come to realize that You’re convicting me to be able to do the same – after all, the New Testament is a collection of other’s experiences connecting the prophecies and history You prepared in advance of Your earthly walk. So why shouldn’t I be able to present Your story in the way those Asia Minor followers did? Am I prepared? Am I well versed enough in Your Old Testament (Tenach) to confidently and accurately use its message, witnessing to Your plan for the world?

Spiritually, I’m sensing this is what You’re encouraging all of us to be about. So mentally, I go back to our trip to Israel and recall the depth of Your plan, buried in the land and poured into Your people. I’m also reminded of when You introduced me to the HaYovel ministry – how their ministry would not have made any sense to me what so ever, had I not “dug in” to the land and Your word. Now I’ve come to realize how shallow my understanding has been and how much more there is to do to serve and connect with the geography and the record.

Repairing of a Jerusalem gate

Now I’m trying a different approach, Adonai. Instead of relying on someone else’s testimony (such as Paul’s or Peter’s experiences from the New Testament), I’m studying the “What” and the “Why” of Your path for redemption; becoming more familiar with the scriptures prior to Your walking the earth; and then, reflecting on my own encounters with You. After all, if I can’t effectively share with others how You have radically reshaped and blessed my life, what good is the reshaping and the blessing to others?  Am I an empty or a full vessel to be poured out?

This exercise brings Your plan alive in a whole new way for me; just as actually touching and observing The Land had done for me; just as seeing prophecy unfold via the mission of HaYovel had done: Now I’m looking at each chapter and verse of the Old Testament with one question on my mind – “Is Jesus present here?”

“Wait,” others might say. “Jesus wasn’t present before the New Testament.” Really? Then what is the verse John 1 all about? How can we explain Psalm 22? If You, Jesus didn’t exist and weren’t active in lives before You were born a man, then how did David know to call You Lord? So many examples – so much changes when I use Your active presence as the prism for my reading and my own life’s encounters – how did I come this far, if not for You Lord? How can my life now be so rich considering how poorly I have acted? The plan is clear, its Architect and its Builder are visible throughout the ancient text and today!

Ein Gedi wilderness trail

Jesus, help me with my vision, let my ears hear every word and let the result be a voice crying out in the wilderness so that others may hear and see and know You are Lord, Savior and God alone!

Shema!

Mark C.