Born to Die

John 18:
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

Born to die...to bear witness of the truth...to those who will hear.

Are you truly a truth seeker? Or, as the Jews, caught up in your tradition? Crucifying truth (Jesus) by supposedly honoring His birth?

Or as Pilate, do you 'gloss' over "what is truth" because it feels good, doesn't cause waves, let's you fit in?

If christ-mass is really of God why is the world so eager to embrace and promote it? How different, and Biblically relevant are you?

How fervently do we stand for truth? Who do we resemble more?

Peter denying, wanting to NOT stand out?

Pilate, supposed to judge right, but compromising to keep 'peace'?

Crowds/world who want to 'feel good'?

Barabbas, pardoned, as a robber (stealing truth)?

Christ, willing to give all, integrity, truthful, honest. Sacrificial for truth.

So who do you look most like?

Jealousies

John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

This verse, in context, is about Jesus and John and how Jesus is 'drawing' people.

I found it a good reflection on being content with where you are and what you have.

It doesn't matter who you are or where you are, whatever we have is because it's given (or allowed) by heaven.

What are you striving, working, hoping for or about? Praying for His will, guidance, wisdom in all?

Are you dissatisfied, discontented, depressed when you look at others (get your eyes off the wind Peter)?

I need to remember to keep my eyes on Jesus, and pray for wisdom, guidance, and discernment. To not be dismayed or swayed by other people, situations or circumstances.

Stay the course, run the race with endurance, don't be entangled with the 'things' of this world.

Scripture

Acts 18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

What scripture was he using?

G1124 - From G1125; a document, that is, holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it): - scripture.  Used 51 times in 51 verses, singular and plural.

• G1125 - A primary verb; to “grave”, especially to write; figuratively to describe: - describe, write (-ing, -ten).

Scriptures - plural - used 21 times in 21 verses, all in the New Testament.

All of which use G1124, except:

2Ti 3:15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures (G1121), which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

G1121 - From G1125; a writing, that is, a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning: - bill, learning, letter, scripture, writing, written.

Christ Jesus uses the scripture (Old Testament) to validate Himself.

Joh 5:39  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 

Barnes Commentary on Acts 18:28:

Showing by the scriptures - Proving from the Old Testament. Showing that Jesus of Nazareth corresponded with the account of the Messiah given by the prophets.

Barnes on John 5:39:

The scriptures - The writings or books of the Old Testament, for those were all the books of revelation that they then possessed.

On the phrase 'search the scriptures':

Search the scriptures - The word translated “search” here means to “search diligently” or “search anxiously.” It was applied to miners, who search for precious metals - who look anxiously for the “bed” of the ore with an intensity or anxiety proportionate to “their sense” of the value of the metal.

How 'anxiously' do I search the Word of God, Old, New or both?  How hungry am I to be 'fed' by His Word.  To immerse myself in His Word?  To be conformed to His image?

Oh Lord, help me to love you, to desire you in all areas of my life, to feast on Your Word daily, to meditate on it.  O' Father cause me to fall deeper in love with You daily, desiring not to be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of my mind with Your manna.

Help me to be a bold witness, to speak Your word, to be able to give an answer for the hope which is within me, saturate me with Your word, fill me fresh daily with Your presence, create in me a desire for You and the things of heaven.

Untouchables

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Pondering upon those who we may deem as unworthy to hear the gospel.

Is there anyone in your family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, service personnel (clerks, sales people, receptionist, etc.) which you're reluctant to present the gospel?

To reach out a 'hand' and 'touch'?

Afraid of rejection?

Being mocked?

Criticized?

Scorned?

Laughed and derided?

Scatter seed everywhere, God prepares the ground and gives growth (or not).

We're not responsible for others attitudes and/or reception, only our own obedience and service to the Lord.

Footstool

Acts 7:49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

Have you considered how lowly we humans are? The place we dwell, live, work, have family and friends...is the footstool of God.

We think we're so lofty, achieving 'great' things, have we lost the sense of His greatness? Power? Control?

Do we remember we are but dust? Dust He used by His omniscient presence to craft into a being?

How humble are we to give Him all the glory and honor He deserves?