Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always." --John 12:1-8
To My Sweet Daughters,
This supper takes place in the town of Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper...well, former leper. It occurred 6 days before Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and just prior to the most difficult week of his life. Neither Matthew nor Mark name this woman. John, however, does and identifies her as Mary of Bethany...the sister of Lazarus and Martha. We see Mary three times in the New Testament and all three times she is at the feet of Jesus worshiping or listening attentively . Her utter devotion to Jesus is in sharp contrast to Judas' treachery in this story.
There is so much in this one short section of Scripture...so many applications for our lives. The Scripture tells us that they made Jesus supper. Then it says that Mary took a pound of costly spikenard oil and anointed the feet of Jesus. In Mark's version we find that she broke the flask and poured it on His head also. Mary honored Christ with the best that she had. She did not want to give Him anything that cost her nothing. Her gift was lavish and from her heart. The amount spoken of would be equal to a year's wages. Her gift was sacrificial...it cost her much.
Scripture goes on to say that she wiped the feet of Jesus with her hair. The hair of a woman in Scripture represents her glory...Mary laid her glory at Jesus' feet in humble love and devotion. It is a beautiful picture of a heart given over completely to her Lord and Savior. The house was filled with the scent of fragrant oil...
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?--2nd Corinthians 2:14-16
One of the consequences of Mary's act of worship was criticism. Judas begins the criticism saying that the flask of perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor and the disciples join in. John tells us that Judas' motives were not pure...that he cared not for the poor but wanted the money for himself. In fact, even at the last supper the disciples were still thinking Judas was concerned for the poor.
Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, "Buy those things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. --John 13:26-29
Whenever, you give your best to the Lord, like Mary did, there will be people who will criticize and misunderstand. No matter how beautiful your best is, there will be attempts to sully it. They may have wrong motives like Judas or the glow of your light for Him highlights their own sin. They will defend themselves by attacking you. Rejoice! You have become the aroma of Christ. That. is. a. good. thing.
Jesus rebukes Judas and tells him to "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always." Now most commentators will say that Mary did not know what she was doing when she anointed Jesus with the oil of spikenard. Mary spent much time at the feet of Jesus listening to His words. Hanging on to them. I believe that she showed Him her love and devotion while He was still alive knowing He was going to die as He had predicted. Jesus had told the disciples and spoke plainly that He would be killed, buried and rise from the dead. Maybe they did not understand it...but I believe Mary did.
Jesus saw Mary's heart. It didn't matter what anyone else thought of her gift...Jesus was pleased. That should always be our goal...to please Him. Let others say what they may...Mary's name is associated with fragrant oil and what she did is written about in three out of the four gospels. Hear what Jesus says in the gospel of Mark about this specific act of worship by Mary.
For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." --Mark 14:7-9
Wow...a memorial to her. Jesus words have, of course, come to pass. Her gift of worship has blessed many who came after her and has served as a beautiful example of humble, singular devotion to Jesus. Though dead...she still speaks! Contrast Mary's pure love for Jesus with Judas' treachery and evil. Though dead he still speaks. His name is synonymous for treachery in the dictionary.
Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.
Love
Mom
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Notes on Revelation 5
And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?" And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals." --Revelation 5:1-5
The Scene: The Throne of God in Heaven...
The scroll - This was the title deed to the earth. John weeps here that no one was worthy to open and read the scroll or to look at it. Then one of the 24 elders tells him not to weep...that the Lion of the Tribe of Judah has prevailed to open the scroll and loose its seven seals. THIS. IS. GOOD. NEWS. Jesus is the One worthy...He is the heir of David and the Lion with power. Before Jesus could be the Lion in judgment and the King of Glory, He had to be the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! --John 1:29
When Adam and Eve sinned the earth was given over to the power of Satan. The cost of its redemption was the Son of God's sacrificial death on the cross for our sins and the Father's acceptance...the resurrection. Jesus did not take possession of the earth at this time. That time will come at the end of the Great Tribulation. Now, He patiently waits for whosoever will come and believe. This time of grace, however, will not last forever. Judgment will come.
And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.--Revelation 5:6
John saw a Lamb as though it had been slain. The language used speaks of a pet lamb. God required the Jews to bring the Passover lamb into their house for four days...essentially making it a pet, before it was slain. (Exodus 2:3,6) Jesus is the true Passover Lamb. Isaiah 53:7 says,
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.
John saw this Lamb "as though it had been slain." The scars then are clearly visible but it is alive. The scripture also tells us that this lamb...alive and standing but as though it had been slain, had seven horns. Horns in Scripture symbolize power. Seven of them signify complete or perfect power. This Lamb is not defenseless...complete and sovereign power, understanding and knowledge. Seven eyes...seven Spirits.
Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saint--Revelation 5:7-8
Our prayers are incense! They are a sweet smelling aroma. God has them all! Our God loves when we spend time with Him and share our heart. When we express our love and devotion in worship. Our prayers are precious to Him. A golden bowl full of incense!
And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth." --Revelation 5:9-10
THIS IS THE SONG OF REDEMPTION...THE SONG OF THE REDEEMED. IT IS OUR SONG...THE CHURCH'S SONG...THE ONES WHO BELIEVED FROM EVERY TRIBE AND EVERY NATION...IT IS ALSO THE SONG OF THE RAPTURED CHURCH WHO ARE TAKEN UP TO BE WITH JESUS BEFORE THE TRIBULATION BEGINS. JESUS WILL HAVE MADE US KINGS AND PRIESTS TO OUR GOD AND WE WILL REIGN ON THE EARTH WITH HIM DURING THE MILLENNIUM!!! WOOT! WOOT!
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!" And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!" Then the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. --Revelation 5:11-14
As the lamb takes the scroll praise breaks throughout the universe! The long awaited judgment is about to begin! Christ is going to return to the earth and establish His millennial kingdom. The curse will be reversed...the believing remnant of Israel saved and the church will reign with Him.
I love what John MacArthur says here about the harps and the bowls. The harps held by the elders probably symbolize all of prophecy which culminates in the momentous events about to take place. The golden bowls of incense are the prayers of believers throughout the ages...they symbolize the priestly work of intercession for the people. Taken together, the harps and the bowls indicate that all that the prophets ever prophesied and all that God's children ever prayed for is finally to be fulfilled.
The Scene: The Throne of God in Heaven...
The scroll - This was the title deed to the earth. John weeps here that no one was worthy to open and read the scroll or to look at it. Then one of the 24 elders tells him not to weep...that the Lion of the Tribe of Judah has prevailed to open the scroll and loose its seven seals. THIS. IS. GOOD. NEWS. Jesus is the One worthy...He is the heir of David and the Lion with power. Before Jesus could be the Lion in judgment and the King of Glory, He had to be the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! --John 1:29
When Adam and Eve sinned the earth was given over to the power of Satan. The cost of its redemption was the Son of God's sacrificial death on the cross for our sins and the Father's acceptance...the resurrection. Jesus did not take possession of the earth at this time. That time will come at the end of the Great Tribulation. Now, He patiently waits for whosoever will come and believe. This time of grace, however, will not last forever. Judgment will come.
And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.--Revelation 5:6
John saw a Lamb as though it had been slain. The language used speaks of a pet lamb. God required the Jews to bring the Passover lamb into their house for four days...essentially making it a pet, before it was slain. (Exodus 2:3,6) Jesus is the true Passover Lamb. Isaiah 53:7 says,
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.
John saw this Lamb "as though it had been slain." The scars then are clearly visible but it is alive. The scripture also tells us that this lamb...alive and standing but as though it had been slain, had seven horns. Horns in Scripture symbolize power. Seven of them signify complete or perfect power. This Lamb is not defenseless...complete and sovereign power, understanding and knowledge. Seven eyes...seven Spirits.
Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saint--Revelation 5:7-8
Our prayers are incense! They are a sweet smelling aroma. God has them all! Our God loves when we spend time with Him and share our heart. When we express our love and devotion in worship. Our prayers are precious to Him. A golden bowl full of incense!
And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth." --Revelation 5:9-10
THIS IS THE SONG OF REDEMPTION...THE SONG OF THE REDEEMED. IT IS OUR SONG...THE CHURCH'S SONG...THE ONES WHO BELIEVED FROM EVERY TRIBE AND EVERY NATION...IT IS ALSO THE SONG OF THE RAPTURED CHURCH WHO ARE TAKEN UP TO BE WITH JESUS BEFORE THE TRIBULATION BEGINS. JESUS WILL HAVE MADE US KINGS AND PRIESTS TO OUR GOD AND WE WILL REIGN ON THE EARTH WITH HIM DURING THE MILLENNIUM!!! WOOT! WOOT!
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!" And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!" Then the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. --Revelation 5:11-14
As the lamb takes the scroll praise breaks throughout the universe! The long awaited judgment is about to begin! Christ is going to return to the earth and establish His millennial kingdom. The curse will be reversed...the believing remnant of Israel saved and the church will reign with Him.
I love what John MacArthur says here about the harps and the bowls. The harps held by the elders probably symbolize all of prophecy which culminates in the momentous events about to take place. The golden bowls of incense are the prayers of believers throughout the ages...they symbolize the priestly work of intercession for the people. Taken together, the harps and the bowls indicate that all that the prophets ever prophesied and all that God's children ever prayed for is finally to be fulfilled.
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