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CHARISMATIC WEEK (21/07/21)
WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT Day 1
Theme: The Unrecognized But Great Friend From Heaven
Topic: JESUS, THE ONE THAT SPREAD HIS HANDS AT DEATH ON THE CROSS
Texts: John 1:9-11; 5:1-7; Matt. 8:23-27; Lk. 24:13-32
INTRODUCTION:
This period is a great period of emancipation. It is a period the Lord has set aside to open the eyes of whosoever cares, as to who Jesus really is, as Jesus Himself promised (John 15:26; 14:26). It is a period of revelation knowledge that leads to freedom unparalleled. It is, therefore, a necessity for me, for you and for all.
- PROOF THAT THIS PERIOD OF REVELATION KNOWLEDGE IS A NECESSITY.
Many are confused through lots of ideologies disseminated by the devils (comp. 1 Tim. 4:1; 1 Jon. 4:1). They do not know where the truth is or where to belong because all these ideologies claim to be the truth. Many have already fallen prey to the above scheme of the devils and have swallowed the errors hook, line and sinker, damning their souls therewith.
There are those in Christendom to whom the Person or ministry of Jesus do not mean much, hence they cannot develop enough faith in Him, so as to be forgiven their sins, regenerated, healed, delivered and satisfied. In the minds of some, religious rituals and sacramentals have replaced the Personality and ministry of Jesus, thereby hindering the necessary Christian experiences of salvation, sanctification, baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Besides, there are those in God’s house (i.e where the truth of God’s word and His Spirit are), who have (as it were) reached some limit in their knowledge of Jesus and cannot advance further. Now, they are rather depreciating by the day. There are also Christian workers and ministers who, though they are alive, yet need to know Him further, so as to be able to remove the mountains on their ways and on the ways of other, as well as apprehend those things for which they were apprehended by Jesus (cons. Phil. 3:10-12).
Now, let us go to take a look at Jesus, that unrecognised, but great Friend from heaven.
- JESUS, THE ONE THAT SPREAD HIS HANDS AT DEATH ON THE CROSS (Matt.26:33-35).
The posture of Jesus at death at the cross of Calvary must be seen in the right perspective this time around. It was not a mere traditional arrangement during executions. Rather it was one full of significance. It signified
accommodation for all (including His executioners) and the invitation to mercy and freedom through faith in Him. While yet alive, He had thrown this invitation (Matt. 11:28; Jon. 7:37 comp. Rev. 22:17), and acted this accommodation (Lk. 7:38-48; 19:1-7; 5:27-32; 9:49-50; 9:51-56; Mark 9:14-19; Matt. 26:36-46). Though one may argue that the malefactors who were crucified alongside Him were placed in the same posture, yet the difference is obvious. They were being executed for their offences, but He for no offence (Lk. 23:39-43; 1 Pt. 3:18). Besides, He manifested this accommodation and invitation right there while in agony (Lk. 23:33-34). Surely, His executioners did not realize the significance of the spread-out hands of Jesus though they put them that way, just as Caiphas did not realize that he was prophesying, though he was actually prophesying (Jon. 11:49-52).
THE IMPLICATION:
He is still inviting and accommodating all to freedom and mercy not minding how sinful we may be now. So, sinners, offenders and backsliders of every nature and magnitude should not miss this opportunity of having their sins forgiven – obtaining mercy and freedom. All others who have one need or the other of freedom and mercy should rush to Him now as He has already spread out His hands of invitation and accommodation to all.
