The Cost

The Cost

                                                       Love vs. Commitment 

Love is a very complex emotion least understood and commitment is a strenuous challenge. Both these words are very easily misunderstood by humanity. . Yet, Love and Commitment are inseparable and its is like the two sides of a coin!

       We use the word "love" in many different contexts- the love for our parents, best friend, romantic partner, grandparent, married couples, children, sibling, job, automobile, etc.; and also for ice cream if one likes it!

Love may well be one of the most studied, but least understood, of all behaviors as well. When we talk about love, we fail to understand to talk about the commitment which comes along with it 

Meaning of love: Love is a strong feeling of affection towards someone or something, characterized by care, compassion, and emotional attachment.

Meaning of commitment: Commitment is an agreement, or pledge to do something in the future days to come, despite hurdles. Commitment involves huge dedication, and that is dedication of oneself to a particular role belief, or cause, with unwavering determination. 

Greek has multiple words for love, each describing a different type of affection or connection, including agápē, érōs, philía, storgē, philautía, and xenía .^[i]

“And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” Gen. 3:9-10. 

Most Christians seem to have a hard time picturing God as weeping over His lost children. Hence, we use the more appropriate rendering of “where are you?” But while ayakah is an interrogative,* it is also an expression of grief. (*Interrogative means: conveying the force of a question)- Chaim Bentorah. 

God is grief- stricken because the sin has caused to hide man from His presence- the presence He longs to share with all of us. When we look around, and the effects of Fall in our Globe; (ayakah - this rendering makes more sense, in my search for God’s heart!- ayakah in Hebrew means where are you?) 

         Quintessential passages for the Doctrine of Christ are: Col. 1: 15-17;  Matt. 16: 13-16; Jn.1:1.

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist; Col. 1: 15-17.

        Now we can partly understand, why God in His great love had to give His Son, for the remission of this heinous crime, the terrible tragedy at the Garden, and the entrance of the Original Sin! ( Original sin is, Peccatum-Originale-in Latin).

       The cost of God’s love is High! Can we wrap our mind around this great love and His commitment for creating us in His image?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life; Jn. 3: 16. 

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another;  

Jn. 13: 34-35. 

Strong's Greek: 2537. καινός (kainos) -- New, fresh, unused, novel

The adjective translated “new” (Strong’s Greek 2537) appears forty-two times across the New Testament, proclaiming God’s decisive in-breaking to transform creation, covenant, humanity, …^[ii]

 “‘New’ (kainen) implies freshness, or the opposite of ‘outworn’ rather than simply ‘recent’ or ‘different.’” (Tenney)

“The ‘new commandment’ (mandatum novum in the Vulgate) has given its name to the anniversary of the Last Supper: Maundy Thursday.” (Bruce)      

        This commandment stands at the heart of communal ethics; moral ethics and as well as for individual devotion. It transcends mainly mere affection.  It is active for people to be in  selfless service, humility, kindness, and sacrifice. This is patterned after the example set by Jesus Christ in his earthly ministry towards people and his disciples.

Self is the root, the tree, and the branches of all the evils of our fallen state. Read whatever chapter of scripture you will, and be ever so delighted with it - yet it will leave you as poor, as empty and unchanged as it found you unless it has turned you wholly and solely to the Spirit of God, and brought you into full union with and dependence upon him.- William Law[iii]

This is also patterned on the love and commitment of Christ for His Bride, the Church; HE died for her in order to restore her. This is patterned for healthy marriages, and relationships. 

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[i]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+for+love&cvid=74ac

[ii] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=greeek+word+for+new&cvid=5

 [iii] William Law - Wikipedia

For the next few years Law is said to have been a curate in London. By 1727 he lived with Edward Gibbon (1666–1736) at Putney as tutor to his son Edward, father of the historian, who says that Law became the much-honoured friend

I was Blind!

I was Blind!

 

I was blind, now I see;

Jn. 9: 25.

 

Strong's Greek: 3467. μυωπάζω (muópazó) -- To be short-sighted, to …

By choosing this rare word, Peter invokes the plight of spiritual nearsightedness: a believer whose vision is restricted to present impulses and earthly concerns, forfeiting the larger horizon of salvation history[i] 

Myopia - Etymology, Origin & Meaning - Etymonline

myopia (n.) "short-sightedness," 1727, medical Latin, from Late Greek myōpia "near-sightedness," from myōps "near-sighted," literally "closing the eyes, blinking," on the notion of "squinting, contracting the …[ii]

 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind (Jn. 9:13). This explains that the healing of the blind man is for the glory of God.

Works of necessity and mercy never could be forbidden on that day by him whose name is mercy, and whose nature is love; for the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath; were it otherwise, the Sabbath would be rather a curse than a blessing.” (Clarke)

 

He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see; Jn. 9: 25.

       The blind man never even saw Jesus until later in the story. His first dealings with Jesus were while he was still blind, and Jesus was not there when he washed his eyes at the Pool of Siloam and could see.      

Despite the intense intimidation, the men stayed courageous in their confession of faith. Spurgeon eloquently described the horror of those who lose their courage at such times: “Remember also that by yielding to the fear of man you are demeaning yourself. ” (Spurgeon)

       Spirituality has most often been defined as a sense of being connected to something greater than oneself. Blind sees, and Jesus healed the blind. There is a spiritual blindness in all of us, only God can heal and open our eyes to see. Something happens in our brain, metaphysically and when we engage in it, this improves mental health, emotional well-being and our performance.    

Neuroimaging research indicates that some brain regions exhibit stable patterns of activation or deactivation across spiritual experiences.[iii]

      One of the things worthy to be noticed in our Lord’s character is his wonderful quiet spirit, gentleness, tenderness, especially his marvelous calmness in the presence of those who misjudged, miscalculated, insulted, underrate and slandered him. This is something we beleivers have to learn, when we are reviled and accused in these days to come.

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 1 Pet. 2: 23.

         As our heart remember previous life experiences and identity we had, it is very obvious that our past experiences of self become part of our heart. If our hearts are hardened towards our neighbour, that still means that we are not able to see what the Lord wanted us to see! Unless our spiritual eyes are opened by the Lord, we cannot see clearly.  

“Such a man sees the things of time, and fails to discern those of eternity … he sees himself and his fellowmen, but not God. This nearsightedness is destructive of a true Christian experience, and therefore makes advance impossible.” (Morgan)

This healing work of our Savior cost Jesus something; it wasn’t as if He had a magic bag of healing power that He drew from and cast about to the needy. It came at the cost of His own agony. “If His word and touch brought instant deliverance to men, it was because in a great mystery of grace He suffered in order to save.” (Morgan)

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable; 1 Cori. 15: 19.

God has put this glory into the believer right now. In heaven the glory will simply be revealed. “The glory will be revealed, not created. The implication is that it is already existent, but not apparent.” (Morris)

 

Neuroscientists reveal the brain ignores Truth and accepts whatever thoughts you repeat frequently as the Truth overtime. This is the effect of Fall, and we would rather believe a lie as truth! 

         The good thing of over coming nearsightedness spiritually, brings healing, and we begin to see more clearly; and it activates our brain for our overall goodness. Spiritual practices make one less vulnerable to disease by regulating the hormonal and neural systems.

Neurotransmitters: Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are boosted, improving mood, motivation, and attachment. Default Mode Network (DMN): This network deactivates itself during spiritual practice, reducing ego-centered thought and enhancing feelings of compassion and interconnectedness. In addition, developed states can show synchrony between different cerebral areas, leading to increased coherence and clarity in cognitive functions.[iv]

True Story: A good friend of mine, while driving in the snow, the wheels started spinning out of control, and she was skidding. She felt that her life was over that day; and she cried out to God, and asked Jesus to take the wheel, and took her hands off the wheel. The next thing she knew of when she opened her eyes was, she found herself in the car safely landed on the side snow bank. To her surprise, not a scratch on her, and she was safe. Sometimes in life experiences we have to take the hands off the wheel!

         Seeing is not the thing that the Lord simply pours into us as we passively receive; without us taking any effort to attain them. Instead, we are called to give all diligence to these things, working in partnership with God to add them. This is allowing God, to be in the driver seat and following Him faithfully, every step of our way. The Blind can See !

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[i] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=near+sightedness

[ii] Online Etymology Dictionary https://www.etymonline.com › word › myopia

[iii] https://neurolab.co/post/spirituality-and-neuroscience-

[iv] Neuro Lab 

The Secret: The Excellent Exchange

 

The Secret:

Excellent Exchange

Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by;  Zec. 3: 3-5.

Strong's Hebrew: 4171. מוּר (mur) -- To change, exchange, alter

The term conveys the idea of alteration, substitution, or exchange. In its fifteen appearances the concept is consistently negative when directed toward God or His holy things, but positive when highlighting …[i]

Strong's Greek: 3337. μεταλλάσσω (metallassó) -- To change.to …

The verb conveys the idea of an intentional exchange—replacing one object of value or allegiance with another. It presupposes a prior possession of something original, authentic, and worthy, followed by a …[ii]

The concept of the "Garment of Righteousness" is a metaphorical expression found within the Christian Scriptures, symbolizing the righteousness bestowed upon believers through faith in Jesus Christ. This imagery is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is often associated with themes of salvation, sanctification, and divine grace.[iii]

        His robes for mine; the excellent, wonderful, marvelous exchange, for the child of God. This is because we are clothed in His righteousness; we are justified and in our place He died. We are being draped in His righteousness, and we stand faultless, because of Christ’s  work, and conquering death.

        But the true, sad reality for a child of God in this planet earth, with the effects of Fall; is suffering and turmoil, and condemned by the world. We are talking about, the spiritual warfare, we all have to endure, while we battle to move forward. The things of the world, operate with the schemes of the Prince of the air, and is demonic.  So, what is at the best for the child of God?

         Often, until a believer is taken up to heaven, he is nothing but a brand plucked out of the fire, and we are called a peculiar people. The accuser of our brethren daily accuses him, of the sins of commission or omission and our defender is Jesus Christ our Lord. Believers: 'Brands plucked out of  Fire'. 

The Hebrew word translated filthy is “the strongest expression in the Hebrew language for filth of the most vile and loathsome character.” (Feinberg, cited in Barker)

      We have to remind ourselves often, that we are bought by such great love, and have to cling to Christ, and marvel at the cost! Very much like a Roman soldier,  we must rely on God’s armor to stand firm against the spiritual battles we face every day.

“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” “There is nothing worth living for, unless it is worth dying for.” “Leave it all in the Hands that were wounded for you.” “You can never lose what you have offered to Christ.” – Elisabeth Elliot

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[i]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Hebrew+word+for+exchange&cvid=e8aa5f3ef5be4ad8a13

[ii]https://www.bing.com/search?qs=UT&pq=Greek+word+for+exchange&sk=CSYN1&sc=15-23&pglt=3

[iii] Topical Bible: Garment of Righteousness

Peace in Good Shepherd

                          

Peace in Good Shepherd 

“For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up on a rock” Psa. 27: 5. 

Strong's Hebrew: 7473. רֹעִי (roi) -- Shepherd - Bible Hub

Isaiah 44:28 records the Lord calling Cyrus “My shepherd,” commissioning a pagan ruler to oversee Judah’s restoration. The title asserts divine sovereignty over nations and illustrates how God can …[i]

Strong's Greek: 4166. ποιμήν (poimén) -- Shepherd - Bible Hub

4166 poimḗn – properly, a shepherd ("pastor" in Latin); (figuratively) someone who the Lord raises up to care for the total well-being of His flock (the people of the Lord).[ii]

         God is our good shepherd, and He wants to bless us, lead us, guide us, and teach us. If someone is wounded; lost the focus of following Him, He is more than willing to  lead and guide. King David, believed that a life spent seeking God will make him understand the measure of safety and security, even in the presence of enemies all around.  

The term “ oppressed is from the Hebrew word adah ( אדה), which means “to be crushed under affliction” or “to have a heavy weight on top of something.” The word for “trouble” is tsarar ( צָרַר), which means “to be bound up”; it could also come from the root word batsar (בָּצַר), meaning “a pruning” (Chaim Bentorah).

 

“Two things make the head hang down – fear and shame; hope easeth the Christian’s heart of both these, and so forbids him to give any sign of a desponding mind by a dejected countenance.” (Gurnall, cited in Spurgeon)

 

“It was not the earthly temple itself that charmed David but rather the beauty of the Lord that was to be found at the temple in a special way.” (Boice)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast, (Ephe. 2:8-9). 

Strong's Greek: 5485. χάρις (charis) -- Grace, favor, kindness, blessing

Grace is the first word of the gospel, the sustaining power of discipleship, and the final benediction of Scripture: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all” (Revelation 22:21).[iii] 

The gift of grace, can be understood differently. For example think of a water hose. The water is the important part, and it is brought to us through the hose. The hose becomes the grace for the water  which comes to us and this quenches our thirst. But the hose (Grace) brings water to the place and we all can benefit from it.

Neurochemistry: The Role of Neurotransmitters

The feeling of grace is also linked with neurochemical changes:

Serotonin: Elevated serotonin levels are associated with mood regulation and feelings of well-being. Psychedelic studies show that enhanced serotonin receptor activity can induce mystical sensations reflective of grace. Dopamine: Often called the “reward” neurotransmitter, dopamine increases during positive emotional states, contributing to joy and motivation experienced during spiritual moments. Oxytocin: Known as the “bonding hormone,” oxytocin promotes trust, empathy, and social connection—key features in experiences characterized by grace. Endorphins: Natural painkillers produced by the brain can induce euphoria and reduce stress during deep meditative or prayerful states.[iv]

         Our thoughts may sink, our hopes may run out, the day may groan, our hearts’ string may snap, our soul may be in anguish, sin- burdened souls may writhe in pain and despair.  But, God who, individually fashioned us in our mother’s womb, has endorsed in our internal faculties (heart and brain), all that is necessary for survival in this planet earth.

       There is a science behind the feeling of grace. Experience of grace, can be described as the profound sense of peace: peace with Jesus Christ. We are more than conquerors (believers) overcomes with great power, motive, victory, and love in Christ. 

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[i] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › hebrew

[ii] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › greek

[iii]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+for+grace&cv

[ iv]The Science Behind the Feeling of Grace: Neuroscience and Spirituality

This article delves into the intersection of neuroscience and spirituality to explain the science behind the feeling of grace, exploring what happens in the brain during these moments and how spirituality might …

 

Blemished, Spotted and Wounded?

 

Blemished, Spotted and Wounded?

       Blemished, spotted and wounded, like a sheep or a little lamb who lost hope completely because of varied situations can find hope.

Strong's Greek: 3470. μῶμος (mómos) -- Blemish, fault, blame

Derived from a root descriptive of a stain, blot, or moral flaw, μῶμοι (Strong’s 3470) evokes the picture of something marred, disfigured, or disqualified. In Scripture such language moves easily from the …[i] 

The metaphysical aspects of man, the soul and the spirit and their connection to the body is often blissfully overlooked. Spirit of the person, and the soul (mind, will, intellect, emotions, thought and reasoning) play a huge role in the well-being of an individual. God who formed our inward parts, knows us well more than any human being, as it is written that we are wired individually, fearfully, wonderfully and fashioned specifically, and differently (Ref. Psalm 139). 

Questions to ponder?

1.      Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Job 38: 2

2.      Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go and say unto thee, Here we are? Job 38:35

3.       Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? Job 38:36.

4.      Can we wrap our mind around time, space and matter?

5.      What is my main purpose for my life?

6.      What is my real story? What am I struggling with?

7.      Do I believe in God?

8.      How is my story fitting into God’s story for me? 

Hebrew word study: lev – לב means, heart-  which is defined as the seat of all passions.

ayakah/ AYEKAH – איכה means  “where are you?” (Hebrew word study, Chaim Bentorah).

Ayekah is an ancient Hebrew word that is still used in daily life today. It means, “Where are you?” It is used today when a person, parent, friend, compatriot wants to know about your inner world, the heart experiences of you.

“And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” - Genesis 3:9-10. 

After searching for the heart of God and capturing a few glimpses of His heart, you may no longer see Him as a task master ready to whip you into submission to His will, but as a lover who has His arms open, ready to embrace you, to forgive you, and win you over to submission to His perfect will through His passionate love for you. - Chaim Bentorah, Hebrew Word Study- Revealing the Heart of God, (2016). 

In this fallen world offences happen often. Forgiveness is a slow process, but with the help of God and His word, and by the power of the Holy spirit we can forgive our offenders. The very act of forgiveness changes the relationship. We are not condoning the wrong, or acting as if it never happened, but we are letting it go with forgiveness because we are going to recognize the benefits of forgiving.

            The Flow of forgiveness: Vertical and Horizontal [ii]

a.       Confessing our sins to God, and to any other offended party.

b.      Forgiveness by God and by the offended party.

c.    Establishing a new relationship between God and the offender, and the offended party. Confession, forgiveness and reconciliation are very much related and in reconciliation, enmity and alienation are replaced by peace and fellowship.

Praying for the offenders

*In some hard situations, we forgive as Jesus forgave us all at the Cross! That is without expecting the other party to ask for forgiveness, and letting it go; and at the same time learning to put necessary boundaries. This is total commitment to our Saviour Jesus Christ and releasing that person in His hands; with the hope that God will work on that person’s heart the truth one day! This is the total work of the Holy Spirit.    

 

They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope, Jeremiah 29: 11.

           It is not a promise to immediately rescue us from hardship and suffering. But it is a promise that God has a plan for our lives, and regardless of our circumstances and sufferings, and current situation, He can work through our trials and give us a future and hope. In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose, which is to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.    

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren; Rom. 8: 28-29.

          It is very possible that occurring events around us are not pleasing to us. Hebrew word, Tela actually means to be blemished, spotted, or wounded.

          The lamb that the Good Shepherd is carrying is one that is not perfect, it is flawed, or has been wounded and cannot keep up with the flock. I see the consuming loving passion of the True Shepherd for this imperfect, blemished, dirty, wounded lamb! The wounded lamb, when they cry out, God does hear their cry. God always hears and answers our prayers. In the book of Matthew, Jesus makes this promise:

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7).

Corrie Ten Boom says, “to forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover the prisoner was you” (Notes form a crazy soul).

Jeanette Lockerbie says that “we will never be able to understand or explain the wonderful alchemy that produces sweetness out of sorrow, beauty from ashes, peace in the midst of pain.”[iii]

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[i] https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+for+blemis

[ii] Forgiveness, William T. Kirwan, Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling.

[iii] Jeanette Lockerbie | Christian Books - Moody Publishers

https://www.moodypublishers.com/authors/l/jeanette-lockerbie