Earth's Closing Hours

   

JESUS Has Risen…

    

The night of the first day of the week(Sunday) had worn slowly away. The darkest hour, just before daybreak, had come. Christ was still a prisoner in His narrow tomb. The great stone was in its place, the Roman seal was unbroken; the Roman guards were keeping their guarded posts. And there were unseen watchers. Host of evil angels were gathered about the place. Had it been possible, the prince of darkness(satan) with his apostate army(those angels, who broke their adherence( fidelity to GOD.) would of kept forever sealed the tomb that held The SON Of GOD. But, a heavenly host surrounded the sepulcher. Holy angels that excell in strength were guarding the tomb, and waiting to welcome the Prince Of LIFE.

“And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the Angel Of The LORD descended from heaven.” Clothed with the panoply (full armor, completely protected, a magnificent covering) of GOD, this angel left the heavenly courts. The bright beams of GOD’s Glory went before him and illuminated his pathway. “His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him, the Roman soldiers did shake and became as dead men.” The face they see is not that, of a mortal warrior; it is the face of the mightiest of The LORD’s Host. This Messenger is he who fills the position from which satan fell. The earth trembles at Gabriel’s entrance; the hosts of darkness flee and as Gabriel rolls away the stone, heaven seems to come down to the earth. The soldiers see him removing the stone, as he would a pebble, and they hear him cry out, “SON Of GOD, come forth; Thy Father calls Thee.” The soldiers see JESUS as HE comes forth from the grave, and hear HIM proclaim, “I Am The Resurrection, and The LIFE.” As JESUS comes forward in majesty and glory, the Holy Angels bow low in adoration, before The Redeemer, and welcome HIM, in songs of praise.

 An earthquake marked the hour when Christ laid down His Life, and another; proclaimed His Life regained in triumph. HE who had vanquished death and the grave came forth from the tomb, with the robust stance of a Conqueror. There was lightning and the earth quaked, with the admission of The Great KING. As when Christ is Coming Soon; to receive His Saints, whom are faithful. The earth will be shakened, as never before. The heavens will be opened up. The heat from the sun will burn up all life. Those who are His; will ascend up, along with our angelic guardians, to meet Him, in the air.

At the death of JESUS the soldiers had beheld the earth wrapped, in darkness at midday; but at the resurrection they saw the brightness of the angels illuminate the night, and heard the inhabitants of the heavenly beings, singing with great joy and triumph: “Thou (JESUS) has vanquished satan and the powers of darkness; Thou has swallowed up death in victory!” Christ came forth from the tomb glorified, and the Roman soldiers beheld this wonderous vision. Their eyes were fixed upon The Face, whom they had recently mocked and derided. In this Glorified Being; they beheld the prisoner whom they had seen in the judgement hall, the One for whom they had plaited a crown of thorns. This is The One who stood unresisting before Pilate and Herod. HIS Form had been lacerated from the cruel scourings. This was He who had been pounded to the cross. The decree of heaven had loosed The Captive. Mountains upon mountains over His sepulcher could not have prevented Him from coming forth.

 At the sight of the angels and The Glorified Saviour, the Roman guardsmen had fainted and became, as dead men. When the heavenly train was hidden from their view, they arose to their feet. Trembling, they finally made their way to the gateway. Hurriedly to the city, telling all of this miraculous ordeal. The soldiers were stopped and directed to the Jewish priests. They told of the specific details, of what they all had seen and heard. Their faces were colorless, still in shock. They trembled in their thoughts, of what had occured. Bearing The Testimony Of JESUS’s Resurrection. With painful utterance they said, “It is The SON Of GOD who was crucified; we have heard an angel proclaiming Him; as The Majesty Of Heaven: The KING Of Glory.” The priests were standing in total shock. Caiaphas tried to speak. He could not find the utterance of sound. As the soldiers were departing, he found his voice. Yelling, “Wait, wait!” “Tell no one the things you have seen.” A lying report was being told to the soldiers. For them to share a false account. The story was to be that, the disciples came late at night and stole His Body. This was not appropriate to the guards. If caught sleeping, at one’s post, was penalty of death. The priests justified this lying, to be kept in silence among them and Pilate. The priests offered money for their perjury. The soldiers accepted and left with money in hand.

 Meanwhile the report of Christ’s resurrection had been carried to Pilate. though he had been responsible and guilty for having given Christ up to die, he had been comparatively unconcerned. While he had condemned Christ unwillingly, and feeling pity, he had felt no compunction (remorse), until now. In terror, he now hid within his house, refusing to see anyone. The priests made their way, into his residence and told Pilate the prefabricated story, while asking for the dismissal of the soldiers’ charge, to be pronounced against them. Before consenting to this, Pilate privately questioned those guards. They feared not to conceal the facts, and Pilate dismissed the account. Pilate became soul-burdened from that time on.

 When JESUS was laid in the gravesite, satan triumphed. he dared to hope that The Saviour would not take up His Life ever again. he claimed The LORD’s Body, and set his guard about the tomb, seeking to hold Christ as prisoner. he was bitterly angered when his fallen angels fled at the approach of Gabriel. When satan saw Christ come forth in triumph, he knew that his kingdom would have an end and that eventually he would die. The priests were tools used by satan. Now, they were held trapped in satan’s snare. They saw no escape but to continue their warfare against Christ. When they heard of The Resurrection, they were extremely frightened from the wrath of the Jewish people; who were lead astray and also, those becoming believers of The Messiah. They perceived their threatened positions. They had bribed the guards and secured Pilate’s silence. Now, they had to conceive a plan showing that JESUS never left the tomb alive and that His Body was stolen by the disciples. But, many witnesses that the soldiers immediately spoke to declared the truth. And approximately two hundred who were in their graves, came out with new healthy bodies. They also, declared Christ’s Resurrection. These hateful men, now were burdened beyond all emotions. They feared the Risen Christ. They feared the Jewish multitudes and more people accepting JESUS’s Truth. Night and day they recalled their own words to JESUS, “His Blood be on us, and on our children.” Matthew 27:25. Over the rent of Joseph’s tomb, Christ had proclaimed to all; ”I Am: The Resurrection, and The LIFE.” These words could only be spoken by The Deity. All created beings live by The Will and Power of Almighty GOD. They/we are dependent recipients of the life from GOD. From the highest angel, to the humblest animal creature, all are replenished from The Source Of LIFE. Only HE; who Is ONE with The FATHER, could say, “I have Power to lay down My Life, and I have Power to take it up again.” In His Divinity, Christ possessed The Power to break the bonds of death.

 Christ arose, from the dead as the firstfruits of those who slept. From the harvest fields the first heads of the ripened grain were gathered, and when the people went up to Jerusalem to the Passover, the sheaf of the first fruits were waved as a Thank Offering to The LORD. The sheaf dedicated to GOD represented the harvest. For more than a thousand years was this symbolic ceremony performed. HIS Resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead. “For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so, them also which sleep, in JESUS will GOD bring with HIM.” 1Thess. 4:14. As Christ arose, HE brought from the grave a multitude of captives. The earthquake at His death had rent open their graves, and when He arose, they also, came forth as Him. They were those who had been followers of GOD, and at the cost of their own life, had borne testimony to The Truth. Now, they were total witnesses of Him. During JESUS’s earthly ministry, He had raised the widow’s son and Jairus’s daughter and His dear friend; Lazarus. But, these three were not clothed with immortality, as these two-hundred, from the grave. These were raised to Everlasting Life. They ascended with Him, victorious over death and the grave. “These”, said Christ, “are no longer the captives of satan; I have redeemed them. I have brought them from the grave, as the firstfruits of My Power, to be with Me, where I Am, nevermore to see death or experience sorrow.” These Redeemed went into the city, declaring that Christ had been resurrected from the dead, including themselves. These risen saints bore witness to The Truth, “Thy dead men shall live, together with My dead body shall they arise.” Their Resurrection was an illustration of the fulfillment of the prophecy, “Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.” Isa. 26:19.

 To the believer, Christ is The Resurrection and the LIFE. In our Saviour the life that was lost through sin is restored; for He has Life in Himself to quicken whom He will. HE is invested with The Right to give Immortality. The Life that He laid down in humanity, He takes up again, and gives to humanity. “I have come, that they might have Life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” “Whosoever drinks of The Water that I shall give him, shall never thirst; but The Water that I shall give him, shall be in him; a well of water springing up into Everlasting Life.” “Whoso eats of My flesh, and drinks of My blood, has Eternal Life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 10:10; 4:14; 6:54.

 To the believer death is but a small matter. Christ speaks of it as if it were of a little moment. “If a man keeps My Saying, he shall never taste death.” To the Christian, death is only a temporary sleep. A moment of silence. The life is hid with Christ in GOD. When Christ shall appear, then shall we also, appear with Him, in Glory.” John 8:51,52;  Colo 3:4.

 The voice that cried from the cross, “It is finished.” Was heard amongst the dead. It pierced the walls of the graves, and summoned the sleepers to arise. Thus, it will be; when The Voice Of Christ shall be heard from heaven. That Voice will penetrate all the ears of the dead. The Dead, In Christ shall arise. At Christ’s Second Advent; All the precious dead shall hear His Voice, and shall come forth to Glorius Immortal Life. The same Power that rose Christ; shall raise His Beloved Church. They will be Glorified In His Likeness.. above all principalities, above all powers, above every name that is named, not only in this world, but, in the new world to come…    Matthew 28:2-4, 11-15.

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  ” Why Do You Weep?”…

  The women who had stood by the cross of Christ waited and watched for the hours of The Sabbath to pass. On the first day of the week(Sunday), very early, they made their way to the tomb, taking with them precious spices to annoit The Saviour’s Body. They did not think about His Rising from the dead. The sun of their hope had set, and night had settled into the dusk. As they walked, they recounted Christ’s Works Of Mercy and His Words of Comfort. But, they remembered not His Words, “I will see you again.” John 16:22. Ignorant of what was even taking place, they drew near the garden, saying as they went, “Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher?” They knew that they could not remove the stone, yet they kept on their way. And lo, the heavens were suddenly alight with The Glory that came not from the rising sun. The earth trembled. They saw that the great stone was rolled away. The grave was empty. The women had not all come in the same direction, together. Mary Magdalene was the first to reach here; and upon seeing that the stone was removed, she  hurried away, to tell the disciples. Meanwhile, the other women arrived. A light was shining about the tomb, but the body of JESUS was not there. As they lingered, suddenly they saw a young man clothed in shining garments, he was sitting by the tomb. He had taken on the guise of humanity, so not to startle these women. Still a heavenly glow was all around him. The women became afraid, turning to flee, but his words stopped them. “Fear not ye, for I know that ye seek JESUS, which was crucified. HE is not here, for He has risen.” “Come, see the place where The LORD once laid. And go quickly, and tell His Disciples, that He is risen from the dead.” Again they look into the tomb, another angel inside spoke, “Why seek ye the living among the dead? HE is not here, but is risen: remember how He spoke unto you, when He was in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”

 “HE is risen!” HE is risen!” The women repeat the words over and over. No need for the spices to annoint Him. The Saviour is living; He is not dead. Quickly these women departed from the empty sepulcher “with fear and great joy; and ran to bring His Disciples word.” Mary had not heard the good news. She went to Peter and John with the sorrowful message. “They have taken away The LORD out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid Him.” The disciples hurried to the tomb and found it as Mary had said. They saw the shroud (linen that wrapped JESUS’s Body) but, they did not find their LORD. Yet, even here was testimony that He had risen. The graveclothes were not thrown heedlessly aside, but each piece was separately folded. John saw and believed. He remembered Christ’s words of His Resurrection. It was Christ, himself who neatly placed His own graveclothes. Order and perfection are seen in Christ’s handywork. Yet, a given testimony on the Saviour’s Touch Of His Resurrection.  

 Mary had followed Peter and John to the empty tomb. She stayed as the men left for Jerusalem to tell the other disciples. She looked into the place where her Saviour had been laid. Grief filled her heart. Looking in, she saw the two angels. They asked, “Why weepest thou?”(why do you weep?) Mary answered, “Because they have taken My LORD, and I know not where they have laid Him.” Then she turned away, even from the angels, thinking she must find someone who would tell of His whereabouts. Another voice addressed her, “Woman why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?” Through her tear clouded vision, Mary saw a form of a man, and thinking it was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou has laid Him.”(Tell me His whereabouts, if you have moved Him.) “I will take Him away.” If this rich man’s tomb was thought too honorable a burial place for JESUS, she herself would provide a place for Him. She knew of Lazarus empty tombsite to place Him, if needed. She desired to annoit JESUS’s Body with her spices. Offering a grieving for her heart, she desired to lay Him at final rest. But, now in His Familiar Voice, He said to her, “Mary.” She turned, seeing Her Saviour standing before her. She sprang to her feet shouting “Rabboni”/teacher. As she came to embrace His Feet, He raised His Hand and prevented her from doing so. “Detain Me not; I have not ascended unto My FATHER, and Your Father; and to My GOD, and your GOD.” JESUS disappeared.  Mary then, left to bring this joyous message to the disciples.

 JESUS refused to receive any homage of His People, until He had the assurance from His FATHER. HE ascended to the heavenly courts, and from Almighty GOD ratified The Covenant made with Christ, that He would receive repentant and obedient men and would love The Father and SON; as HE Loves His SON. Christ was to complete His Work and fulfill His Pledge to “make man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.” Isaiah 13:12. All power in heaven and in earth was given to The Prince Of LIFE, and He returned to His Followers in a world of sin, that He might impart to them of His Power and Glory…

 While The Saviour was in GOD’s Presence, receiving gifts for His Church (the expansion of His Chosen Followers). The disciples still mourned and carried the uncertainty of their Saviour. The day in which the heavens rejoiced and glory bursting forth. Was a day of belittlement of their uncertainty. They could not associate JESUS empty tomb, the women’s testimony or all they had perceived through His Former Words spoken to them. Their faith was not to be acceptable, to anyone, especially them. As, the angels had told the women, to tell Peter and the disciples, that they would see JESUS again, in Jerusalem. All the disciples had forsaken JESUS during His trial, torturing and crucifixion. Christ was still to see them all. He had not cast them off. When Mary Magdelene told them, she repeatedly called for them to gather together in Galilee. A third message she sent. JESUS had ascended to The FATHER. JESUS did appear to the other women, saying, “All hail.” And they came and held upon His Feet, worshiping Him. “Be not afraid, go and tell My brethren, that they go into Galilee, and there they shall see Me.” Christ’s first work, after His resurrection; was to remind His Disciples of His Earnest Heart for them. To give them proof, that HE is their Living Saviour. Breaking all the chains of death. JESUS had to give His Chosen; The Assurance of His Compassion and Love; which HE held, as their earthly Teacher. The disciples did not believe these women. They did not believe in His Resurrection. They seemed locked, within their prior mental memory, of His crucifixion and being placed inside Joseph’s tomb.  Now, they faced false criminal charges of stealing JESUS’s Body. They werte smittened with fear, anxious and deepening in despair; these men of JESUS were unbearable. They longed for The Presence Of JESUS, who had helped them in every perplexity. They met together, in the upper chamber, locking themselves inside, not to be found by Roman soldiers or the priests secret spies. Fearing the same fate of crucifixion be awaiting their sentence. The Joy Of Heaven and the lowness of His Chosen..

 How many times have we not heard His Calling?.. When HE is right beside us, and.. we just do not believe it is of Him..  How sad. Because JESUS lives, we shall live also. From grateful, believing hearts.. let the gladness arise. “Christ Is Risen!” HE lives to make intercession for us. Grasp this and hold it deeply within your soul. Believe, Dear ones, and you shall see The Glory of The LORD..  Matthew 28:1 5-8;   Mark 16:1-8;   Luke 24:1-12;   John 20:1-18.

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     Road To Emmaus…

       Late in the afternoon, of the day of His Resurrecton, two of His Disciples were on their way to Emmaus. It was a little town eight miles from Jerusalem. These disciples had no prominent place in Christ’s Work, but they were earnest believers in Him. They had come to the city to keep the Passover and were greatly perplexed at the events, which had taken place in the outskirts of Jerusalem’s walls. They had heard of the news, that the body of The Saviour had been removed. The reporting of the women’s encounter with the angels,  that they all spoke of JESUS’s Resurrection. These two men were returning back to their homes in Emmaus, to worship and pray. Sadly, while they pursued their evening walk, detailing the scenes of the trials and crucifixion. Never before, had they been so disheartened. Hopeless and shattered, they now walked in the shadow of the cross. They had not advanced far on their journey, when they were so joined by a stranger. They were so engrossed in their sadness, that they did not truly discern this stranger’s features. They continued in their conversation about Jerusalem’s lost. Seeking to reasoning in reguards to all that Christ had previously taught them, unable to comprehend His apparent Lesson. JESUS longed to comfort them. HE understood their conflicting, perplexing ideas which brought them to questioning His Divinity. Such torture and extreme humiliation, to be delivered to The SON Of GOD. Their grief could not be restrained. They were angered also, at the injustice of the verdicts given. They wept together, having lost their Dearest Friend. JESUS knew their hearts. HE longed to wipe away their tears and fill them with overpassing joy and gladness. But, He must give them, a never-forgotten lesson to hold onto.

 JESUS said to them, “What kind of conversation is this, that you have, with one another as you walk saddened? Then Cleopas answered, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there?” JESUS responded,”What things?” They both answered, “The things concerning JESUS of Nazareth, who was a Prophet, mighty in deed and word before GOD and all the people.” “How the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death and crucified Him.” “But, we were hoping that He would of redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today, is the third day, since these things happened.” “Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us.” “When they did not find His Body, they came also, saying they had seen a vision of angels who said He is alive.” ” And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.” JESUS said to the two, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” “Ought not The Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His Glory?” The disciples wondered who this stranger could be, that He could penetrate His Words to the very core of their souls. Speaking in His earnestness, tenderness and sympathy, and with such hopefulness. They both were filled with amazement. And beginning at Moses; the very Alpha of Bible history, and all the prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures; the things concerning Himself. If JESUS would of let Himself be immediately known, they would of been satisfied. Their faith had to be established further. In the establishing of the prophecies and the Holy men and women of GOD from the Old Testament. It gave the true witness to Christ’s birth and Kingship; unto All Of Eternity… Many professed Christians today discard The Old Testament claiming that it is, not readily needed. But, such is noted in Christ’s Teaching. So, highly has Christ honored it, that He spoke, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose, from the dead.”  Luke 16:31.

 It is The Voice Of Christ that speaks through the patriarchs and the prophets, from the days of Adam, even to the closing scenes of time. The Saviour is revealed in The Old Testament, as clearly as in The New. It is the light from the prophetic past that brings out the life of Christ and the teachings within The New Testament with clearness. The Miracles Of Christ are a proof of His Divinity. But a stronger proof and comparision of the prophetic teachings are contained in the Old Testamant; proving Him as The Creator; Saviour and Redeemer. Reasoning from prophecy; Christ gave His two followers, the reasoning ability to perceive His Purpose, to HIS human birth and as The Sacrificial Lamb. Thus, Christ discoursed to His two, opening their attainment to The Holy Scriptures. They did not understand fully to their roadside stranger’s conversation. They viewed Him, as a well-educated teacher, maybe a priest to become. They thought that this learned traveler was on His way home also, from the Jewish Passover celebrative feast. They all proceeded, along the mountainous road, in their journey forward, stopping at times to rest. During the traveled miles, the sun had gone down. As the two were about to enter their home, they asked for Him to join them. Their souls hungered to hear more, from Him. “Abide with us.” “It is toward evening and the day is far spent.” Christ agreed. The simple evening meal of bread was prepared. It is placed, before The Guest, who has taken the seat, at the head of the table. Now He puts forth His Hands to bless the food. The disciples are shocked in amazement. Their Companion spreads forth His Hands in exactly the same manner, as JESUS, use to do. They looked again, and saw the marks, from the pounded nails. Both, exclaimed at once, “It is LORD JESUS! HE has risen from the dead!” They rise to cast themselves at His Feet and worship Him, but He has vanished out of their sight. Then, they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us, on the road, and while He opened The Scriptures to us?” They hurriedly gathered, and prepared their way back into Jerusalem, to tell these tidings to the eleven disiples. In some trails, along the rocky mountainous road, it was difficult without the daylight sun. They have their pilgrim staff in hand, they press on, desiring to be as speedient as ever. But, their unseen Companion is beside them, through their return. The night is dark, but The Sun/SON of Righteousness is shining upon them. Their travel is energized with this heartfilled joy. They’re repeating quite often, “Christ has risen!” This is the news message, these two are taking forward, from now, till they asleep, in their graves. They must tell everyone of the wonderous journey to Emmaus. They must tell of their roadside Companion. They carry the greatest message ever given to the world. Its a message of grand tidings upon which; the hopes of the human family for time and for eternity depend…   Luke 24:13-33.

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    “Peace To You”…

 On reaching Jerusalem the two disciples entered into the eastern gate, which is opened at night, only on festive occasions. The houses are dark and silent, but the travelers make their way through the narrow streets, by the light of the rising moon. They go to the upper chamber, where JESUS spent the last hours of the evening, before His death. Here they know that their brethern are to be found. Late as it is, they know that the disciples will not sleep, till they learn for a certainty, what has become of the body of their LORD. They find the door of the chamber securedly barred. They knock for admission, but no answer comes. All is still. Then they give their names. The door is carefully unbarred, they enter in, and Another unseen enters with them. Then, the door is again fastened, to keep out spies.

 The travelers find all in surprised excitement. The voices of those in the room, break out into thanksgiving and praise, saying, “The LORD is risen! Indeed He has appeared unto Simon(Peter).” Then the two travelers, panting with the haste, with which they have made their journey, tell the detailed story of how JESUS had appeared to them. They are just finishing their testimony and some, out of the eleven, are in total disagreement, with the two travelers. Saying it is too good to be true. When appears another Person. Every eye is fastened upon Him. No one has knocked again, for entrance.. No footstep has been heard. The disciples are startled, and wonder what this vision truly is. Then, they hear the familiar Voice Of Their Master. Clear and distinct the words fall from His Lips, “Peace be unto you.”

 But, they wrestled with their thoughts, they were frightened, even terrified. And suppose it was a ghost? And He said unto them, “Why are your hearts troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My Hands and My Feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” When He had said this, JESUS showed them His pierced Hands and Feet.  The disciples beheld the hands and feet marred by the pounded nails. They recognized His Voice, like no other they had ever heard. ” And while they still yet not believing, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” They gave JESUS a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate it before them. So they could see that He was not a ghost. Then were the disciples glad. Faith and joy took place of their unbelief, then with acknowledgement they praised Their Risen Saviour. When JESUS first entered into the upper room. thomas was not with them. Thomas had heard the reports of the others, and received abundant proof that JESUS had risen; but gloom and unbelief was still upon his heart. As he heard the disciples tell the wonderous manifestations of The Risen Saviour, it only put him deeper into a despairment. It wounded his pride, thinking that JESUS would allow His other Followers to see Him, except him. He brooded over his inner thinking, for a week. Thomas admitted to himself; that if he placed his finger in the nailed fleshholes and put his hand into His pierced side; that he would not accept any other witness. Thomas loved The LORD. But his jealousy and unbelief took possession of his mind and heart.

 Most of the disciples had made the upper chambers their current residence. And in the evenings all would gather there, except for Thomas. Notwithstanding this separation, he gathered with them at an evening meal. With the doors being shut and locked, JESUS was suddenly standing in the room, “Peace be unto you.” Turning to Thomas He said, “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my Side: and be not faithless, but believing.” The doubting disciple knew that none other of his brethern had seen JESUS for that week. They could not of shared about Thomas’s unbelief. Thomas recognized The One before him; as LORD. He had no desire for further proof. His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at JESUS’s Feet crying, “My LORD and My GOD.” JESUS accepted his acknowledgement, but gently reproved his unbelief. “Thomas, because thou has seen Me, thou believes: blessed are those that have not seen, yet have believed.” In His Treatment for Thomas, JESUS gave the lesson for His Followers. His Example shows how we should treat those of lesser faith. JESUS did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach. He revealed Himself to the doubting one. Thomas stipulated his conditioning to belief. JESUS showed compassion and love, breaking down the barriers that Thomas held. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy. It is rather put upon as a tool of self defense to defend ones own belief. But, letting JESUS; in His Love and Mercy be revealed as The Crucified Saviour, and an acknowledgement might arise within, as Thomas spoke; “My LORD and My GOD.” Luke 24:33-48;   John 20:19-29.

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  Seashore Of Tiberias

 Seven of the disciples were in company together. They were dressed in the humble attire of fishermen; they were poor in wordly goods, but so rich in the knowledge and practice of The Truth. In the sight of heaven, gave them the highest rank as teachers. They had been taught and lived with The Greatest Teacher for three years, The Educator; the world has ever known. Under His Instruction, they had become elevated, intelligent, and refined agents through who others would be lead to The Truth. Much of Christ’s Ministry had passed near the sea by Galilee; at The Sea of Tiberias. The disciples gathered to find a safe area together. This was a reminder of JESUS’s many profound miracles. Where JESUS had walked, upon the water and stilled the tempest storm. Across the beach is where more than ten thousand were fed with a few loaves and fish. Near, was Capernaum; where so many of His Healings had been accomplished. These scenes brought many of The Words and Deeds of The Saviour, to remembrance.

 The evening was pleasant, and Peter who still had a love for fishing, coaxed his friends to attend, to catch some fish. They agreed with him. So they went out; toiling through the evening hours, with no success. During these hours, they spoke of The LORD, recalling the wonderous events they had witnessed with Him. They started to question their individual futures without Him and grew heavy of heart. All the while a lone watcher carried them in view, as HE awaited upon the shore. Becoming dawn, was at no relief to their empty nets. As they headed back, they saw a stranger, standing upon the beachshore. This stranger asked if they had caught anything. “Children, have you any food?” When they answered, “No.” HE said to them to, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they casted out and now they were not able to draw it in, because of the multitude of fish.

 John recognized the Stranger, and exclaimed to Peter, “It is The LORD!” Now when Peter heard that it was The LORD, he plunged into the sea. Swimming to the shore and then standing beside JESUS. The other disciples came in their boat, dragging the net, filled with fishes. “As soon then, as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals, with fish and bread. JESUS said to then, “Bring some of the fish which you just have caught.” Peter rushed for the net, which he had dropped, and helped his brethren drag it to shore. The net was full of large fish; one hundred and fifty-three yet the net stayed intact. JESUS said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” HE broke the food and divided it amongst them. This was the third time He showed Himself to His Disciples after being was raised from the dead.

 While Christ and the disciples were eating together, The Saviour said to Peter, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me more than these?” referring to his brethern. Peter had once declared, “Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended.” Matthew 26:33. But, he now put a truer estimate upon himself. :”Yea LORD; You know that I love You.” Then JESUS bids him, “Feed My lambs.” Again JESUS applied the test to Peter, repeating His former words: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?” This time He did not ask Peter whether he loved Him better, than did his brethern. Peter’s second response was like the first, free from extravagant assurance: “Yea, LORD: Thou knowest that I love Thee.” JESUS said to him, “Tend My sheep.” Once more The Saviour put the trying question: “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me?” Peter became grieved, he thought that JESUS doubted his love. He knew had caused The LORD to distrust him, and with an aching heart, he spoke, “LORD, Thou knowest all things; you know that I love You.” JESUS said to him, “Feed My sheep.”  Three times, before JESUS’s crucifixion, Peter had openly denied his LORD, and three times JESUS drew from him, the assurance of Peter’s own love and loyalty, pressing within. JESUS knew Peter’s heart. The disciples had gathered and shared with Him, the dept of Peter’s repentance, and showed how thoroughly humbled this once boasting follower, now was. Peter was naturally forward and impulsive, and satan had used these character flaws, against him. Just before Peter’s fall; of rejecting JESUS thrice(3x) in the Annas’s outer court yard, JESUS had told him, “satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for you, that thy faith fails not and when thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31,32. That time now had come, and the transformation in Peter was evident. the close hearted questions towards Peter, were answered in a genuine retentive humble state, not one of defiance. Peter was better prepared to act as shepherd to the flock. The first work that JESUS entrusted to Peter on restoring him to the ministry was to feed the lambs. This was a work, which Peter had little experience. It would require great care and tenderness, and much patience and perseverance. It called Peter to minister to those who were young in faith. Teaching them The Scriptures, and the essential Teachings; The Saviour had taught. These sheep were to be prepared, to further The Gospel, becoming new evangelists. Being converted from his former brazen attitudes, Peter now stood, before The LORD, as a teachable student, to become what Christ desire of him. Peter was to administer with his flock, as reflective as Christ’s attributes of Love… Knowledge, benevolence, eloquence, graditude, and zeal but the greatest essential is obtaining The Heart of Christ…

 JESUS walked alone with Peter, for He wished to communicate with him only. Before His death, JESUS said to Peter, “Whither I go, thou cannot follow Me, now but thou shall follow Me afterwards.” To this, Peter had replied, “LORD, why can I not follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy Sake.” John 13:36,37. “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify GOD. And when He had spoken this to Peter, He said, “Follow Me.” JESUS had made known to Peter the very manner of his death to come upon him. HE even foretold the stretching forth of his hands upon the cross. Peter was not dishearted this time, by his future committed sacrifice. The revelation was accepted by Peter’s new loyalty to His Master. Peter had known JESUS as a human Friend; as a Heaven-sent Teacher; he now, loved Him; as GOD. Peter had been learning the lesson, that to him, Christ was in All Things. Now, he was prepared to share in his LORD’s mission of sacrifice. When, Peter was brought to his physical death, he was placed upon the cross, upside down. He had requsted this position, of not to signify Christ’s sacrifice, but, to be honored as Christ, through this suffering, unto death. Christ’s Words of “Follow Me.” specifies to follow in GOD’s Planning, not to move ahead, and be confronted by satan’s hosts, alone. As GOD states, “Be Still, and know I Am: GOD.”  Psalm 46:10.

 As Peter walked beside JESUS, he turned and saw that JESUS’s beloved John was following. Peter asked, “But, LORD, what about this man?” JESUS said, “If, I will that he remain, till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” JESUS gave no assurance that John would live until The LORD’s second coming. HE merely stated; of His own Supreme Power, and that, if He willed this to be, that it had no reflection, upon Peter’s work. The future of both Peter and John was in The Hands of The LORD. Obedience in following Him; was the required duty of both. It is in our duty also, to adhere to JESUS’s Will for us, to become as He desires us to be; Faithful and Loving Almighty GOD and our fellow human beings…

 John did live to be very aged. He witness the destruction of Jerusalem, and the ruin of the stately temple,–a symbol of the final ruin of the world. To his last days; John closely followed his LORD. The burden of his testimony, he carried to the churches, “Beloved, let us love one another;” “he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in GOD, and GOD in him.” 1John 4:7,16. Peter had been restored to his apostleship, but the position of this honor, was not directed over his fellow brethern. The favor, which Christ had shown him, in forgiving his apostasy, and entrusting Peter with teaching new followers. Peter did gain a new confidence with his brethern. He did have influence in the church. But, the lesson Christ had taught him, by the sea of Galilee was carried throughout his life. Later, Peter in writing to the churches, lead by The Holy Spirit said, “The elders which are among you, I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also, a partaker of The Glory, that shall be revealed: Feed the flock Of GOD, which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre(money), but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over GOD’s heritage (flock), but being ensamples (examples) to the flock. And when The Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive The Crown Of Glory that fadeth not away.”

1 Peter 5:1-4 John 21:1-22.

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    JESUS’s Ascension…

 The earthly time, counted from JESUS’s resurrection from Joseph tomb until His ascension, was that of forty days. HE offered the evidence to His Disciples and all witnesses of this record, of His Divinity. To be presented throughout the ages, until His Second Advent. JESUS commanded His Followers to uphold His Truth; pertaining to the Kingdom Of GOD. To Go Forth.. Into All Nations…

 The time had come for Christ to ascend to His Father’s Throne. As The Divine Conqueror, He was about to return with the trophies of victory, to the heavenly courts. Before, His death He had declared to His Father, “I have finished the work, which Thou gavest(gave) Me to do.” John 17:4. After His Resurrection, He tarried on earth for a season, that His Disciples might become familiar with Him, in His Risen and Glorified Body. Now, He was ready for His Ascension. As the place of His Ascension, JESUS chose the spot so often hallowed(made Holy), by His Presence, while He dwelt among mankind. HE went to Olivet, which was so familiar to Him. Overlooking Jerusalem. The groves and glens of the mountain had been consecrated by His Prayers and Tears. Its steeps had echoed the triumphant “Hosannas” of the multitudes proclaiming Him as King. On its sloping descent He had found a home with Lazarus at Bethany. In the garden of Gethsemane, at its foot, He had prayed in agony, alone. From this mountaintop, He was to rise to heaven. Upon the summit, His Feet will rest when He shall come again. Not, as a man of sorrows, but as a Glorious and Triumphant King. JESUS will stand upon Olivet, while Hebrew “Hallelujahs” mingle with Gentile “Hosannas”, and the voices of the redeemed as a mighty host shall swell the acclamation; “Crown Him LORD Of All!”

 Now with the eleven disciples, JESUS made the upward climb toward the mountain. As they passed through the gate of Jerusalem, many wondering eyes looked upon the small group, led by One whom a few weeks before, the rulers had condemned and crucified. The disciples knew not, that this was to be their last interview with their Master. JESUS spent time in conversation with them, repeating His former instruction. As they approached Gethsemane, He paused, that they might call to mind the lessons, He had given them, on the eve of His great agony. Again, He looked upon the vine, by which, He had then represented the union of His Church, with Himself and His Father. Christ had sojourned in the world for thirty-three years; He had endured its scorn, insult, and mockery; He had been rejected and crucified. JESUS loves His Disciples and all whom He has died for.. HIS Promise to His Followers, “I Am; with you, always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20.

 Upon reaching the Mount of Olives, JESUS countenance had changed. There seemed to be, a beam of light radiating from Him. Words of the most tenderness had been spoken to His Men, as they followed Him. With outstretched hands of blessing, as if an assurance was given to them of His Protective Care; JESUS ascended from among them. HE was drawn heavenly upward by a power excelling any earthly attraction. As, He passed above them, the awe-strickened disciples looked with straining eyes for the last glismpse of their Risen LORD. A cloud of Glory hid Him from their sight; and the Words came back to them; as the cloud covered chariot of angels, received Him; “Lo, I Am; with you, always, even unto the end of the world.” At the same moment, there was the sweetest music and most joyous praise from The Heavenly Choir. While the disciples stood in unmoveable gazement, voices surrounded their spirit, as wonderous music. They turned and saw two angels, in the form of humans, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand here gazing up towards the heavens?” JESUS which has been taken up from the midst of you; shalll return, in like manner.” These angels had been appointed to be with JESUS throughout His life, while upon this earth. They had escorted Him up, in the air. Now, to further commend the disciples as JESUS’s Heavenly Messengers. Assuring these disciples that The Christ they had known for three years, will return again. “He will come with clouds; and every eye shall see Him.” “The LORD, Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with The Voice, of The Archangel, and with The Trump Of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise.” “The Son of man shall come in His Glory, and the host of heaven(holy angels) with Him, then shall He sit upon The Throne of His Glory.” Revel 1:7;  1Thess. 4:16;  Matthew 25:31. Thus will be justified The LORD’s own Promise to the disciples: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3.

 When the disciples had returned; after a Sabbath’s Day journey, into Jerusalem; their whole life was restored. They had gained a new hope and faith. Accounting of the resurrection and ascension of JESUS to the multitudes. They now held, a newness of strength and Willed Purpose to take to the peoples; for all who would hear. Many accepted their testimony, and became followers of JESUS. The disciples knew that their Friend was still with them; sitting at The Throne Of GOD. They were eager to present their needs and petitions to The Heavenly Father, now, in The Holy SON’s Name; of “JESUS”…. The Saviour; and The KING and LORD Over ALL….                Luke 24:50-53;   Acts 1:9-12.

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    These historic accounts reflecting Christ JESUS’s earthly life; are filled with Hope, Love,  Peace, Strength, Wisdom and Accountability. I hope they will become a deepened-heart memory, to assure your living. In the earnestness of The Saviour’s Love for you..            HIS Heart Is Yours..

   The Inspired Words; are from Scripture, Ellen G. White, and of my own sharing.

                                                                                  Sincerely,   Katherin Marie.