William Andrew Dillard
Most
every Bible student is familiar with the great sin of the Apostle
Peter. Peter was a man quick to speak and a little slow to think. It
seems that he had to say something on every occasion, and often what
he said was wrong. In that regard many of us today can identify with
him.
Of course, what is remembered most is his boast to stay
with the Lord, and support Him no matter what the circumstances.
Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed he would deny Him three
times. That is exactly what happened. What must it have been like to
know that you not only denied, but cursed to emphasis that denial of
Jesus in the crucial hour of his trial and subsequent
crucifixion?
So, what did Peter do that was so right? In tears
he repented of his deed as he realized the weakness of the flesh and
what can happen when real danger knocks at one’s door. His
repentance was genuine, and the grace of God was sufficient to
forgive him and restore him to prominent service in His ministry.
Peter would never be the same. However, his bitterly disappointing
sin was totally forgiven and he was so much the wiser for the
experience.
God’s Word teaches us that “If we confess our
sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9. Peter sinned greatly, but
he genuinely repented, received the forgiveness of God and went on to
serve Him in a great and wonderful way. That is so right!
We
should never let past sins and disappointing deeds keep us from a
close relationship with the Lord. God is in the convicting business.
Additionally, He is in the forgiving business when one repents of
sin. He is in the restoration business of broken lives to meaningful
purpose in His great cause on earth. No one should miss out on the
fulfillment of spiritual potential in this life, and the reward that
it will bring in the next one.
Are you disappointed in yourself?
Are you disappointed in others? We are all sinners. We all disappoint
others from time to time. We also disappoint ourselves, especially
when we think we are strong, and we discount the weakness of the
flesh. It is not amazing that we should fail, but it is so important
that we repent, and go on in serving our wonderful Lord and Savior
Who loves us. In this, we can also identify with the apostle Peter,
and that is so right!
THE SAVIOR OF HIS PEOPLE
HEBREW HONEYCOMB
William Andrew Dillard
THE SAVIOR OF HIS PEOPLE
The Holy Spirit used the apostle Paul to say in one place, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11.
It is also most interesting to note that the angel of God delivered the name of Mary’s child to Joseph, saying: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21.
“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, There’s Just Something About That Name” the songwriter penned. Indeed, there is much, so much about that marvelous name. It is Hebrew in origin. In fact, it is the same as the name “Joshua,” and means “Jehovah is salvation.” The Old Testament Joshua, a type of Jesus (The embodiment of Jehovah) led the covenant people of God into the Promised Land through conquest and rule. Jesus will do the same as He leads His people into the fulfillment of promise of the millennial reign through conquest and rule with a rod of iron.
However, the angel declared the primary reason for the name is that He would save His people from their sins. Far beyond the new birth (saving from Adamic sin) that is universally offered, it is the saving of HIS people from THEIR SINS. John explained that “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” I John 1:8. But the wonderful truth is that Jesus is able to save them to the uttermost who come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7:25. Therefore, John went on to say, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9. What a Savior! He saves us! He keeps us! He forgives us! He blesses us!“…and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.”
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