:: one way. Jesus. ::

Sunday, August 27, 2006

I sometimes wonder- if I really do love Him with all my heart. Is He my best friend...as in...do I tell Him every secret of my heart. every pain. every joy? Or do I just treat Him like a Master of an assignment I constantly have to report to?

I wonder...

I don't want Him to be just a master. I want Him to be a friend. My best friend.

Help me Jesus.

History Maker - traveled on - 6:11 PM

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

My fears overtake me//There's no one I can turn to//Only You//Jesus//Hold me now in your hands//Don't ever let me go//I need You so//Jesus//Everyday//I cry out for you//Need you ever so much more//Every moment//That You're here with me//Makes Life worth the living//One day with You alone//Satisfies my heart//More than a thousand days//anywhere//When all I see is darkness//When all I feel are my fears//I'll turn to You//My Saviour [copyright@BenedictChua06]

History Maker - traveled on - 7:41 AM

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Matthew 25:1-13

Act 1

These were virgins (pure). These 10 women were not pagans (people who didn’t believe in God), nor were they evil-doers! They were those who knew Jesus- and believed in Him. They had gathered their oil (I’ll explain further what this represents) and “went out” to meet the bridegroom. Can I suggest, in those days, the bridegroom did not arrive at the brides’ doorstep and fetch them to the banquet? Instead, the bible records- later on, that the place where they waited for the bridegroom was the doorstep, not of their house, but to the banquet room. In that tradition, the bridegroom only needs to arrive at the banquet room to commence the celebration.

The thing that separated 5 virgins from the other 5 was that the earlier 5 (whom are called “wise”) was that they had taken oil in their vessels- along with their lamps. In a sense, they had reserve if their lamps run out.

Significance

These 10 virgins represent Christians- believers in Christ. Yet, we still have little idea about the significance of the oil. The bridegroom was of course, Jesus- whom all Christians await the arrival of.

Act 2

The bridegroom was delayed. And the 10 virgins “slumbered and slept”.

Significance

It seems like Jesus had been delayed. But we know, from the bible, that He is constantly working for the good of His people- and that rebuts the idea that Jesus was late. The truth is Jesus was delayed- but not late!

What could have delayed Jesus’ arrival? What will? In the bible, we know that “God is willing that none should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (1 Peter) And that, to God, a 1000 years is like 1 day. And He has no qualms about delaying one day...just to give 1 sinner the time to come to Him.

Could it have been that Jesus- the bridegroom was delayed because He wanted to give the 5 “foolish” brides the time to head back home to bring more oil along?

If it was so, the 5 brides had obviously not known the groom’s intention. The bible records that they fell asleep. Why was this written just after the statement that the “bridegroom was delayed”? I believe it was for a purpose.

They “slumbered and slept” because their hope were delayed. The bible says that “delayed hope brings about weariness of heart”. What was their hope? Their hope was not in God. Because if it was in God, they will “renew their strength; run and not be weary, walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 41)

Their hope, I suggest, was in the times that they were in. They were concerned about the hour that Jesus was to come- rather than on Jesus himself.

Many Christians, in trials, look for the hour (time) that the bridegroom will come to their rescue instead of looking to wards the face of the bridegroom himself. When you have no roads left to walk, I know a God who can cause you to “soar on eagles’ wings”.

I also propose to you that the 10 virgins were expecting the bridegroom to come at the eleventh hour. Many of us look for an eleventh-hour miracle. Thus, we become depressed and lose hope when He does not come when we expect Him to.

The brides were expecting for an eleventh-hour miracle, so were Martha and Mary (looking upon the ill-stricken Lazarus), and so do some of us. The brides fail to see Jesus arriving on the 11th hour. Martha and Mary saw their brother pass away- as the 11th hour faded away, without a sign of Jesus’ coming. How about us- with the same expectation?

Act 3
And at midnight, a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming, go out to meet him.”

Significance

If you are those who feel that God has passed you by at your eleventh hour...be prepared to be surprised! Know that the focus should not be on when he comes, but that he does come!

I know a God who can cause the dead to rise, chains to break, and who specializes in being the God of the impossible. Jesus does arrive.

At the 12th hour- when you least expect Him to come. Martha and Mary didn’t expect Jesus to come anymore- Lazarus was already dead. But yes, Jesus is saying to everyone who is still waiting for God’s miracle- “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he dies, he shall live!”

I know of 2 men who were imprisoned for the Gospel. These two needed a miracle. But. They were not waiting for the eleventh hour. They were waiting on Jesus. The bible says that “as they were singing hymns to God”, an earthquake struck and their chains broke. Not at the eleventh hour. But at midnight! These were men who knew that God can always reverse what has happened and turn what the Devil meant for evil to good. They were Paul and Silas.

When you do not see the miracle at your eleventh hour, know that Jesus has not forgotten you. The answer is coming. He neither sleeps nor slumbers. And He hears your prayers. Forget about what you expect Him to do...because He can do “exceedingly, abundantly, above all that you could ever ask or think”. Mary and Martha was surprised when Lazarus came out of the tomb...be prepared to be surprised!

Act 4

“...trimmed their lamps.”

Significance

Why was there a need to trim their lamps? Simply because the fire was running low. Listen- the answer as to what the oil represent is coming. At the time they slept to the time the bridegroom came, oil was lost.

In the bible, “oil” referred to anointing- usually for a promise in the future. David was anointed with “oil” long before he became King. In Psalms 23, we read that “He anoint my head with oil...my cup overflows.” But let’s not forget to read the next line. “Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...” The anointing, what was in the cup was a promise of the blessings and favour to be felt in the days to come.

So, “oil” can be looked upon as hope. That was why when the brides lost hope as to the coming of the bridegroom, oil was lost. But when David looked upon the promises of God, he was filled with “hope”. Hope has to do with promise.

Are you hoping in God today? For those who “hope in the Lord” shall renew their strength. But a lack of hope brings weariness. Is your hope in the “times” or is it in the One who paid a price for you? For the latter, your hope will only grow, it will not fail. “For it is Christ in you- the Hope of Glory.”

Act 5

“Give us some of your oil...No, lest there should not be enough for us and you, but Go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.”

Significance

Hope can never be shared. We can only share the gospel with those who would listen, but in the end, the hope must be experienced, it must be caught. Don’t tire yourself out describing the hope you feel in your heart to one who has never experienced it- tell him to find the hope in Christ. Paul says, “Give an account of the hope you have.” But he didn’t tell us to “Give the hope you have.”

I wonder where the 5 “foolish” virgins went to buy their oil (hope). Can hope be bought? In the first paragraph, we read that 5 “wise” virgins brought oil from their homes- it was not bought.

Hope must be brought- from the secret place that we have with God. Not bought. Where are we getting our hope today? Is it from the communion we have with God? Are we “buying” hope from motivational speakers, inspirational books, or even our friends?

These should rise up our passion- to seek God. It is only when we learn to seek God that we find true Hope in the God of Hope- that which can never be exchanged for anything. [in this case, the wise virgins were not lying. They were directing the foolish ones.] But, they missed out something- time was running out.

There is another thing to note. Why does the 10 virgins immediately awake when the bride comes? I believe the presence of God quickens us, every time we sense it. It is like our weariness, fears and worries dissipate as our spirits touch the spirit of God. But do you know something?

The 5 wise virgins were those, whom I believed, spent a lot of time with bridegroom- and they know him so intimately and well- that when he arrives, they can immediately burn once again with their reserve of hope. They are familiar with the secret place that they share with Him.

But pity the other 5 who are foreign with the presence of the bridegroom. They do not know how to enter. There are many people in church who can just stand in the presence of God, but not entering into it. They are spectators, not participants. They allow the Presence of God to pass them by.

Let us not be like those 5 “foolish” virgins. But let us learn the secrets of entering into communion with God, and fervently pursue Him. Know His heart. So that even we sometimes grow faint and weary, we can call to mind (like David) the times spent with Him, and gain renewed hope and strength.

Act 6

“And while they went to buy...those who were ready enter in with him to the wedding, and the door was shut...I never knew you.”

Significance

Don’t go finding hope in all places or peoples. But be where Jesus is. One preacher once said, “I am not looking for a great move of the Holy Spirit, but just for a place where Jesus stops.” The 5 foolish virgins went all around to “buying” their hope, when instead the Source of Hope is coming to them.

I wonder what would have happened if the foolish virgins just remain where they are. I believe in a God of mercy who is able to burn the fire in our hearts, and renew the oil- if we would just find ourselves positioned where He is. But they chose to listen to the other 5 who meant good. But even good intentions sometimes fail. Let us be directed by God.

Next time, when time is running out and you know all you can rely on is the mercy of God- throw yourself on it. He will “by no means, refuse” those would come. Even if you have no merits to show.

Some would say the bridegroom was cruel in not recognizing the 5 foolish virgins. No, he wasn’t cruel. He gave them mercy. But they didn't find their hope there-instead they looked to all other places for hope. (seeking to buy it, when Jesus' blood had paid for it.) Now, was a time of justice. When we reject the hope Jesus offers, we fall into God's judgement. Don’ think that God won’t close the door if you persistently won’t enter. The bible says, “Seek Him while He may be found, call on Him while He may be heard.” If you allow the season to pass by, you may never have the chance again.

Conclusion

Jesus paid a dear price for you and for me- to receive the gift of hope. The hope of salvation. Let us take it seriously, and let this hope dwell in us. “The eyes of God searches the earth, looking for men and women whose hearts are devoted to Him.” Devoted means to “hope in”, to “trust in”. Would we be found wanting when God searches our hearts today?

History Maker - traveled on - 8:18 PM

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Faith- what it can do? We all know that the bible says that without faith, it is Impossible to please God. But, do we really believe it? Even we are trying all we can...but things dun seem to happen...are we willing to throw ourselves completely into Him? And believe that faith is a substance of things we cannot see; evidence of things unseen? When God says, "test me on this..." He demands complete and total obedience and faith. Do we give him that? Or do we pack up and go? Don't miss out on His blessings and plans for your life. When the enemy asks you to go, stay on!

History Maker - traveled on - 1:42 AM

the traveller

Name: Benedict
Walked since: 1994
Walked For: God and God alone..His forever..with Family. Friends. Church. ...

past roads

[x]November 2004 [x]February 2005 [x]March 2005 [x]April 2005 [x]May 2005 [x]June 2005 [x]July 2005 [x]August 2005 [x]September 2005 [x]October 2005 [x]November 2005 [x]December 2005 [x]January 2006 [x]February 2006 [x]March 2006 [x]April 2006 [x]May 2006 [x]June 2006 [x]July 2006 [x]August 2006 [x]September 2006 [x]October 2006 [x]November 2006 [x]December 2006 [x]January 2007