Tag Archives: Son

March 27, 2020 · 9:52 PM

“KISS THE SON, LEST HE BE ANGRY . . .”


William Andrew Dillard

There are times when certain verses of scripture appear somewhat strange to the modern reader. An example is Psalm 2:12, “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little.” Think with me about this verse for a moment. It means something far different to the practice of those who spread their germs by repeatedly kissing a statue.
The context of the second Psalm has as its subject matter the raging of heathen, vain imaginations of people, and kings and rulers of the earth taking counsel together against the LORD (Jehovah), and against His anointed (His Covenant People). They want to break their bands, and cast away their cords. (Moral and spiritual attachments). It is a word picture of modern man in his determination to achieve an ill-conceived utopia apart from any acknowledgment of God. The grace of God allows them to continue to do this for a limited time.
Meanwhile, God shall laugh, and have them in derision, and shall vex them in his sore displeasure. The Son of God is given the heathen for inheritance, and the uttermost part of the earth for possession. He shall indeed break the nations with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. In view of that fact, the admonition and instruction of wisdom is written in the eternal Word: “Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.”
To kiss is to join with the mouth. “Kiss” is the translation of the Hebrew word, “Nashaq.” In Wilson’s Old Testament Word Studies, the Hebrew term is defined as “to kiss by joining the mouth to the mouth or hand of another in token of the friendly, affectionate union of hearts or of reverence and subjection.” (Page 239). Two really important accomplishments with the mouth are ingestion for nourishment, and projection of communication of the thoughts of the mind. Then one should discern from the terminology that to kiss the Son implies one should ingest in subjection the Word and Will of the Son. Furthermore, that one should then project from the mouth that which is sanctified and holy, even such as becomes the Son. Applied to modern day judges and governmental leaders, it seems a tall expectation indeed. In fact, it might just be considered such when applied to ministers and other church members. But all may rest assured that wisdom and life lies in the Son. He will be kissed in subjection and affection or those who refuse will be dashed in pieces in irrevocable judgment.

Leave a comment

Filed under dillard

Tagged as , , , ,

December 16, 2017 · 10:19 AM

THE MYSTERY OF DIVINITY


HEBREW HONEYCOMB

William Andrew Dillard
THE MYSTERY OF DIVINITY

In the words of Paul to Timothy: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” I Timothy 3:16. God is presented to us as a trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
Yet, in Christ Jesus, the Son, dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily! Since a Bible mystery is that which is unknown by the uninitiated, but known by the initiated, there are some things about God that are revealed to us. Think with me!
People are generally known as persons. It is normal to think of persons as material beings such as “he had no money on his person.” But the identity of person goes far beyond that thinking.
Consider that man is made in the image of God. If one understands man, he will have a better idea about God, and vice versa. The trinity of man is in the similitude of the Holy Trinity: Father corresponds to intellect; Son corresponds to physical body; Holy Spirit corresponds to the spirit of man. Moreover, these three are one, and yet three persons. It is concluded that the idea of “person” must be expanded upon in general thinking. A quick look at common dictionaries will reveal that “person, personality, and persona” are intricately related. The earthly idea springs from an actor’s mask by which a different persona is portrayed. These terms then are understood to denote the nature, and unique nuance of life force; the unique expression of human life in its total, individual presentation.
While the triune similarities of God and man are common to the race, there are vast and distinct dissimilarities as well. God is not intricately tied to one expression as is man. His thought and ways are higher to those of mankind as the heavens are high above the earth. But the three distinct personalities of God do not live in three distinct bodies. The Holy Trinity references more specifically three Holy Personalities in total unity dwelling in their fullness in Christ Jesus, the bodily form of God. The three may be manifest separately, but simultaneously, as in Jesus’ baptism, yet continuously dwell in the bodily form of the Son! Jesus said, “I and my Father are One!” John 10:30. Again, to Philip He said, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” John 14:9. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way: God Who at sundry times, and in divers manners hath spoken unto the father by prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son. . . who is the expressed (pushed-out) image of His person.” Hebrews 1:1-3. Thus in understanding spiritual things by the indwelling Spirit of God, one may know much about God, and be blessed and comfortable in the knowledge of the mystery of Divinity.

Leave a comment

Filed under Commentary, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , ,

July 15, 2014 · 12:14 PM

Washington’s Farewell toHis Mother.


Weekly Story: Washington’s Farewell to his Mother

Weekly Story

 

George Washington’s adopted son recalls President-elect Washington’s visit with his mother.

 

“But go, George, fulfil the high destinies which Heaven appears to have intended you; go, my son, and may that Heaven’s and your mother’s blessing be with you always.”

washingtonfarewellto-mother

 

Washington’s Farewell toHis Mother.

—————

 

IMMEDIATELY after the organization of the present government [spring of 1789], the Chief Magistrate repaired to Fredericksburg, to pay his humble duty to his mother, preparatory to his departure for New York. An affecting scene ensued. The son feelingly remarked the ravages which a torturing disease had made upon the aged frame of the mother, and addressed her thus:

“The people, madam, have been pleased, with the most flattering unanimity, to elect me to the chief magistracy of these United States, but before I can assume the functions of my office, I have come to bid you an affectionate farewell. So soon as the weight of public business, which must necessarily attend the outset of a new government, can be disposed of, I shall hasten to Virginia, and—”

Here the matron interrupted with—“and you will see me no more; my great age, and the disease which is fast approaching my vitals, warn me that I shall not be long in this world; I trust in God that I may be somewhat prepared for a better. But go, George, fulfil the high destinies which Heaven appears to have intended you; go, my son, and may that Heaven’s and your mother’s blessing be with you always.”

The president was deeply affected. His head rested upon the shoulder of his parent, whose aged arm feebly, yet fondly encircled his neck. That brow on which fame had wreathed the purest laurel virtue ever gave to created man, relaxed from its lofty bearing. That look which could have awed a Roman senate in its Fabrician day, was bent in filial tenderness upon the time-worn features of the venerable matron.

The great man wept. A thousand recollections crowded upon his mind, as memory retracing scenes long passed, carried him back to the maternal mansion and the days of juvenility, where he beheld that mother, whose care, education, and discipline, caused him to reach the topmost height of laudable ambition—yet, how were his glories forgotten, while he gazed upon her whom, wasted by time and malady, he should part with to meet no more.

Her predictions were but too true. The disease which so long had preyed upon her frame, completed its triumph, and she expired at the age of eighty-five, rejoicing in the consciousness of a life well spent, and confiding in the belief of a blessed immortality to the humble believer.

—George W. P. Custis, “The Mother of Washington,” Ladies’ Magazine
(September 1831).

1 Comment

Filed under Characters

Tagged as , , , , , ,

April 7, 2014 · 8:26 AM

The Danger of Evil Friends


Proverbs 1:10-15
“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not,” Proverbs 1:10.

At the moment, the rain fell lightly over the road. Earlier it had been raining heavily. Through the broken glass the light showers kissed the pale cheeks of the teen girl and boy. The tires continued to spin, as if they were still moving on the road, but, instead, were immobile as they faced skyward.
The evening started off with laughter at their friend’s house, then, as the evening progressed many of the teens became stoned, drunk or both.
In the wreckage, the young couple were barely breathing, still unaware of their situation as moments of their lives flashed through their minds. The boy remembered the pleadings of his father not to fall prey to the influence of drugs or alcohol and he promised his father he would not. The girl recalled the godly influence of her parents but because she wanted to be accepted by her friends, she disregarded their Christian values for false popularity.
Although this particular story is imaginary, a similar one is repeated much too often by youth and adults alike. While not everyone’s life gone astray ends in an accident, it is, however, a disaster waiting to happen. Ask anyone in a rehabilitation facility if he meant for his life to succumb to the influence of friends who really did not care, ones who were not really friends.

REFLECTION
My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path (Prov. 1:15).

Beverly Barnett

Leave a comment

Filed under Inspirational

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

March 17, 2014 · 9:54 AM

Jesus—Will Fulfill the Covenant


 Luke 1:31-33
“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end,” Luke 1:32, 33.

“Read my lips: no new taxes!” These were the words of then American presidential candidate, George H. W. Bush, as he accepted the Republican National Convention’s nomination to run for president in 1988. Many people feel this promise was what propelled him to win the presidency. It was not too long, though, before President Bush was forced to raise existing taxes to reduce the national budget deficit. Consequently, in the 1992 Presidential Campaign, President Bush’s words were used against him by his opponents who tried to show his untrustworthiness as president. His opponents’ defamation of his character apparently worked, and he lost his reelection bid.
When it comes to promises from God, however, we do not have to ask ourselves whether or not they will be accomplished; they absolutely will. The reason is that God is not the author of imperfection, confusion or deceit. I love the power of God’s promises. Notice the power of the word shall in verses 32 and 33: “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

JUST A THOUGHT
Will you trust in God’s promises today?

Mark Clements

Leave a comment

Filed under Inspirational

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

February 28, 2014 · 9:11 AM

Dedication of David’s House


 

Psalm 30:1-12

 

“Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper,” Psalm 30:10.

 

I will never forget the overwhelming feeling of helplessness as I held our firstborn son in my arms for the first time. At first, I was not thinking about how awesome fatherhood is or how blessed I was to have a son. No, my very first thought was, I do not know what I am doing, and I have no idea how to be a dad! Since then, God has blessed us with three more children, and each day we are reminded that we are walking in uncharted territory, desperately dependent upon God to be patient with us, to protect us from ourselves and to intervene when we make mistakes.

 

As David sang this song at the dedication of his home, the verse that rings out the loudest is verse 10, in which David cried out, “Have mercy on me.” History tells us that David did not always make the best decisions, and his erroneous choices caused much hurt to himself and others. David was familiar with pain and understood the importance of God’s mercy.

 

Today, as we seek to build our homes and dedicate them to God’s honor and glory, may we never forget to daily cry out for God’s mercy. As long as we are in the flesh, we will make mistakes that cause hurt and pain to us and to others. We need a God who is patient with us and who will intervene on our behalf because of His steadfast love.

 

 

JUST A THOUGHT

 

Will you cry out for God’s mercy today?

 

Mark Clements

 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Inspirational

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

December 28, 2013 · 9:32 AM

Kingdom Restoration


 

Amos 9:11-15

 

“In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old,” Amos 9:11. 

 

 

Adam lost the kingdom to Satan. Therefore, God created His Son to restore the kingdom back to God. This Son would be His Prophet, Priest, King and sacrifice. As the sacrifice, He would redeem mankind back to God. As God’s Prophet, He would bring God’s truth into the world of darkness. As God’s Priest, He would make the atonement and ask forgiveness for mankind’s sins. As God’s King, He will return on a conqueror’s war horse, wearing a golden crown, crush all the powers of darkness and set up God’s physical kingdom on the earth.

 

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:11-16). “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God” (Rev. 21:3).

 

 

Just Saying

 

God’s King can make all things new for anyone in the New Year . . .  if one will let him.

 

 

Robert Brock

 

 

1 Comment

Filed under Inspirational

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

November 11, 2011 · 8:44 AM

Predestination


Predestination – This is a subject that can be very confusing when one deals with a person that believes that God has died for some and not for others. They have a convoluted explanation that easily confuses me. Being simple minded, I use a simple explanation.

Let me begin with an undeniable truth. Christ died for all men. I Timothy 2:3-6 says “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

We find the desire of the Father and the Son that all men would be saved and toward the accomplishment of that purpose, the Son gave himself a ransom for all, not just some. We also must consider the verse found in Hebrews; Hebrews 2:9 which says “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Seeing that Christ gave himself a ransom for all and tasted death for every man then this predestination that is referenced is not a person that has been predestinated but must be the plan.

May we consider the passages written to the Church in Ephessus, Ephesians 1:4,5 which says “According as He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according the good pleasure of his will,…” Before the foundation of the world a plan was established to save man that would sin. It was predestinated that those that would be saved would be saved through Christ precious blood.

Paul reasoned with King Agrippa and told of his conversion and then Paul said to Agrippa, Acts 26:27,28 “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Verse 29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am except these bonds. Paul is expecting people to be saved by choice upon hearing the Words of God.

Ephesians 3:11 “According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:” Christ was predestined to come to earth and present Himself as the perfect sacrifice for man. That was His purpose in wrapping Himself in flesh and hanging on the cross and shedding His blood. Now Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” God predestined that those that would be saved would not be by good works but through Jesus Christ and would be unto good works. II Thessalonians 2:13 further clarifies “…God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” The predestinated plan of salvation is through the Spirit and belief in the resurrected Christ.

In Christ is the term we need to see.

5 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

May 28, 2010 · 6:37 PM

Epicurean Living


What is life about? A look at life, a true look at life can be very unsettling. Here is this existence we have but what is it for. Why do we exist? Is this life to be a simple emotional roller coaster we ride to the end? Our news programs reach for the emotion in us. They will move from a story about casualties from an earthquake in China, to a car bombing in Iraq, to the latest revelations about the declining housing market in the cities of America, then almost without a pause we move to the latest developing thunderstorms and then with a smile and a shuffle of papers we end “on a lighter note” with a story about a puppy rescued from a storm drain. Our emotions have suffered, we were mad, sad, sorry and glad within the the time of about 30 minutes. Is that what life is about? Emotion, Emotion, Emotion? Many live this way. They live unto themselves.

This is called Epicurean. Epicurus taught his followers that seeking pleasure was life’s greatest good. It teaches that pleasure and happiness are the primary and chief goals in life. It also taught that pleasure was essential in order to attain a state of tranquility and freedom from feat. Ultimately the pursuit of pleasure would eradicate mental suffering and physical pain.

Satan offered Jesus the Epicurean lifestyle when in the wilderness he approached Jesus and made several offers – Turn stone to bread, I will give you power and glory, prove your greatness. These were the same areas Eve was tempted in. Eve yielded, Jesus did not yield.

You know that there are many religious people that live the Epicurean lifestyle. It is reflected in their approach to worshiping God on His day. They set out with an agenda of what they want and how they want to worship. They have become self-willed and changed the worship of God to please themselves.

I like what Jesus said to the woman at the well – “John 4:22 – Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship for salvation is of the Jews.”  There are many in the same boat today floating in the waters of worship, know what they are worshiping because they have not determine through God’s Word how HE WANTS TO BE WORSHIPED. Their attitude is, if it is good enough for me and I enjoy it, it should be good enough for God. What a pathetic attitude towards the one that loved us so much He sent His son to die on the cross for us (John 3:16). God sets the standard for worship and that alone is what He accepts. It is time to decide whether we will worship God and revel in self and an Epicurean lifestyle.Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Leave a comment

Filed under Commentary

Tagged as , , , , , ,