Sunday Watching

Daniel 12;1-3

‘At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people – everyone whose name is found written in the book – will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.'

Daniel, living and working for the regime in Babylon at the time, continued to stand for his God Yahweh.  He had faced opposition yet continued in faith in the living God.  At time the Lord himself gave him messages, prophecies, for the people around him and for the world in general, that is you and I.  This is one such.

One day the life around us will end, Jesus will appear, and our world will be seen to belong to the creator Yahweh after all.  Our conception of life will end and he will be seen to be Lord of all.

Mark 13:1-8

'As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!’ ‘Do you see all these great buildings?’ replied Jesus. ‘Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.’ 

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?’ Jesus said to them: ‘Watch out that no-one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, “I am he,” and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth-pains.'

Jesus himself made clear the biblical story.  God created the earth and the heavens, through him, and one day will reclaim ownership.  Not only has he used a nation, the Hebrews, to teach the word about himself, though they failed, the Son of God, fully God and fully man, arrived on earth to take the wrath for our sinful natures on the cross, so opening a way to reconcile us to him who has no sin.  

We tend to see Jesus as weak and 'nice,' while he is in fact none of that.  Much of what he said was in anger against wrongdoing because he is Holy.  His Love shows in that he is patient and forgiving, but still will judge us one day for all our actions.  

The only way to safety is via the Cross of Christ, yet we look elsewhere.  Those who's names are found in the 'Book of Life' will be those who turn to Jesus now.  The end will come so we may as well be ready.  Life is for living and Jesus came to bring abundant life.  Let's take it now.

 

 

I made use of the day by watching as many football matches as possible.  All were dreich!  None worth the money I did not pay for them.  However, by using Viaplay International all watched so far had no commentator to babble nonsense all the way through.  This is good!  It is time all games had a switch to prevent us hearing these talkatike indivisuals and allow us to see the game properly I say.

The Promised Land

There is much understandable fuss today concerning the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel last year.  Most of what we read and hear is of course nonsense.   Ignorant and deliberate propaganda from both sides, and a great many other sides with something to say or a benefit to gain from this conflict, shout loudly to all around.  Israel has many backers, the US and UK amongst many others, supplying weapons and diplomatic and other support.  The Palestinians have support, much from Arabs all around them but also these same Palestinians have grieved neighbouring states with their war.  Not all Arabs supported Palestinians in the past, most just wish to get on with their lives and end their own wars.  

For as long as man has trod these lands war has been the main employment during the Spring and summer.  Raiding and warring has enlarged and destroyed the states all around.  The Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians then the Persians alone conquered and lost this land.  Since then Greece and Rome and Ottoman Turks have ruled and passed on.  War is a constant, therefore war is to be expected when the Hebrews return to a land they believe was given to them by the only God way back in Abraham's day.  

Either this was true, or this was a lie.

If it was a lie and the Jews deceived we can forget about this and move on.  

If it was true, and the only God Yahweh, gave this land to the Hebrews while working out his plan for eternity in this world, then we must look again and choose carefully what we say and do.

Either way, it would be fair to say that politicians on all sides have little understanding of how the Living God works out his purposes, and Bibi Netanyahu is probably not one to acknowledge Yeshua Messiah as Lord.

Thousands have died in this last 12 months, some cruelly, some from bomb or bullet, some from hunger, others from lack of medicine and care.  Some soldiers have enjoyed killing, many have grown up with hate filling their hearts on both sides.  Few have been raised with peace in mind.

I have no answer to the present Israel/Gaza war.  The human cause is possibly Netanyahu attempting to avoid coming before the courts for charges of corruption.  Israel have jailed similar men for corruption before now.  His desire to kill those in Gaza being an excellent excuse to avoid the courts.  As I understand it, he cannot be tried while Premier.  Years of conflict, thousands untold dying along the way, have prepared Israel for this outbreak.  It may last a  while longer.  Many more will die.  

Politicians will talk of peace while providing arms and support all the while.  Israel must be supported, even though few of these men understand what the Lord God is doing here, and that one day they will stand before him in judgement!

I do not understand the workings here, but I know God is working his purposes out.  He is shaping the middle east for Jesus return.  Can we understand this clearly from scripture?  You may be able to, I struggle with the clarity bit.  

Is the Israel in Israel the nation to be surrounded by enemies?  Or does this mean the church of God, the people following Jesus until he returns is surrounded and opposed?  I know not.  

Does Yahweh rejoice in the death of the wicked?  

Certainly not, that is why judgement on us all has not fallen yet.  

He cries out as always that he gave his Son so that you could live with him for ever!  

Our corrupt nature cannot be saved, yet Jesus died for us so a way is open to meet and live with God.

He suffered for us.  

He took our sin.

Turning to Jesus, accepting his death on our behalf, and living for him brings life.

No riches or wealth in human terms, but life everlasting and worth having.

Somehow all this is involved in Gaza today.  

Many there have already met Jesus, they are not all Muslim.  

Many continue to suffer for their belief in Jesus, and not just in the Middle East.  

Let us learn from the conflict there that Jesus is till in control, he remains Lord of all, in spite of our own troubles and what we see in our biased media.  

Let us put our trust in him.

Sunday Meditations

Still stuck indoors, this time because my arm aches from that fall and I resist the joy of walking in the rain to meet people.  So, I read the sheet for today and fine three interesting, possibly connected readings.  I say possibly because the reading follow the Anglican liturgy and these do not always make sense to me, they do not always fit together, so why use them I say?

Anyway, in Ezekiel 2:1-5 we see the young man respond to coming face to face with God.  Not unnaturally he falls on his face.  The supernatural reality of God is often ignored by many.  Their God is one cut down to a size that fits their understanding.  Sadly, our God is way beyond us and we, the created creatures, have to face that reality and bow down to his supernatural being.  How marvellous that that being is 'Love,' otherwise we would all have been destroyed long ago.  

The meeting with God is not accidental, Ezekiel did not 'just happen to be in the area at the time.'  No, this was God calling on a man he knew thoroughly and to whom he would give a task.  God knows all about those he calls.  Nothing about us can surprise him now.

Ezekiel's job was simple.  Here he was in Babylon, miles from Jerusalem where the people had been sent after God called the Babylonians to destroy the city in 586 BC.  Yet the strange thing was the Israelites did not consider they had done anything wrong!  Sin was not recognised and the move to Babylon was not understood as punishment, in spite of what the prophets had told them.  

Now Gods call was to Ezekiel to speak to an 'obstinate and stubborn people' as Gods prophet, and he would know what had happened to previous prophets!  Abuse and even death for some.  He is being sent to a rebellious people who will not listen.  How is that for a job description?  'See those people, they will not listen, but go speak to them and be rejected anyway,' says God.  Of course you might get hurt...

The thing is Ezekiel obeyed.

Mark 6:1-6.  The thing about leadership is a good leader goes first into any battle.  He does not ask his men to do what he has not done or is unwilling to do, he leads from the front.  Having sent prophets to the people at the right time God takes human flesh and walks among us himself.

He now takes on the responsibility of confronting sinful rebellious people face to face, and even worse, he does this among those he grew up with in Nazareth.  

The Mark passage is very short and does not contain the passage read by Jesus in the synagogue.  Isaiah 61.

'The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.' 

Jesus then stated this passage has been fulfilled today, something which astonished them, but then his words indicated he would also bring in the Gentiles.  This led to a reaction, mentioning his background as a mere carpenter and now telling them he was something great!  The gentile bit was the end for them.  They attempt to kill him but he walks through them and leaves.  A prophet is without honour is his own house indeed.  His family did not support him at the time.   

The supernatural God appearing as a man, not quite the messiah they expected, and talking about the gentiles was not a good way to make friends in such a village.  Jesus of course would have expected a reaction, did he not know them, but he was surprised just the same at their lack of faith.  I wonder if this indicates their faithfulness to the Jewish faith up to that time?

Note how Jesus obeyed the call to preach. 

Mark 6:7-13.  Jesus moves on but sends out his 12 disciples two by two, with clear instructions.  He gave them power over demons, power to heal the sick, and permission to preach repentance.  This was their chance to learn how to depend on the supernatural power of God rather than their own abilities.

They took nothing with them but God himself, and their needs would be met on the way.  What a lesson in apostleship!  Some would reject, some listen, some healed, some demons removed.  That is the world Jesus wishes all of us to participate in, not a s such preachers but in daily life.

Note how the disciples obeyed and went out.

Do I believe him?  Would I go out?

Do I trust him daily when in Tesco or on the bus?  Is this supernatural God not around when I need healing?  Or have I just not listened to him again?  And am I willing to be rejected by family, friends, and neighbours for following Jesus when the world is against him?

Easter Sunday 2024

Christ has risen,

He has risen indeed!  

Considering how many have taken off for the holidays we had a reasonable turnout this morning.  Several new families are appearing, all black African types, with children, which is good indeed.  We need young folks arriving, so many are not as young as they are, and those who were once young are now adolescent and have run off to find themselves.

A visiting retired speaker, whom we know and like, though he is a 'liberal' regarding theology, which is why I will not refer to his sermon as it was somewhat 'loose.'  At times I wondered what he really believes.  The Anglican church in England is indeed a strange place.  

Whoever decided to lose an hours sleep on Easter Sunday requires to be shot in my experience.  I was half asleep all morning, and even though I snoozed once I got home, I am still weary.  Lose an hour next Sunday and it would be OK!  

The weather is grey, the people I passed did not reflect joy and gladness, though dogs heading for the park certainly did.  Traffic was slow, the holidays mean people are away, Easter means chocolate eggs fill the kids hearts, and folks are visiting family.

For the most part we were happy, the visiting vicar loud and cheery which left me exhausted, and people ran for home and a large family lunch.  

I cooked mine in the microwave...

Friday/Saturday

A bit of a conflict high above us this morning.  These two Magpie's have taken to living amongst the trees.  This annoys the Crows who live here.  Yesterday two Crows buzzed the Magpie pair and saw them off.  Today one Crow was chased off by this fellow and his mate, but the Crow is still hanging around in the trees high up somewhere.  Possibly he awaits reinforcements?  The Crows from times past would not put up with this, and I suspect more conflict soon.  I just wish they would come down lower so I could get a closer picture.  

Naturally, I was so engrossed by the birds conflict that I forgot to scribble anything else on here.

Few noticed.

However, Saturdays have little to say other than shops, football, sleep and feeding the face.  Nothing out of the ordinary occurs at weekends, unless something personal does.  

I met my downstairs neighbour walking the dog, at least the dog was pleased to see me, and little else of note occurred.  

Nothing in the news, no accidents, no trauma, just lies from crooked politicians, and mostly made up stories about royalty.  What a disgrace the UK media is.

My weariness, and the fear of heavy rain which did not arrive, put me off walking to the Kirk.

Instead I read the chosen verses, Jer 31:31-33 & John 12:20-33.  This took me to Jesus telling the disciples, at least those close to him, just how troubled his souls was, to the point of death.  Yet he chose to follow his fathers will, for that is why he came.  What a moment it seemed to me, here Jesus was faced with the choice of avoiding the cross, yet he would go through with it.  Then he says 'If you follow me you must take up your cross.'  He gave up so much, lost life, faced Hell for me, us, and he chose to go through with it.  What I face is so much easier.  So why do I fail?  

I am not sure being at church today would be any stronger an interpretation than what this meant to me.

From Dreich to Mary

Dreich!

Monday saw me up and down the stairs three times before 10 am.  Today, nothing has been delivered.

I reckon the postmen have been flooding the area yesterday, today they are elsewhere.  Maybe it is the rain hammering down since last night?  Possibly Tesco café is full of drookit postmen avoiding work until the rain eases?  Tsk!  That never happened in my day...

I have searched the press for news of Michelle and her £200 million, but it appears the real news is found on Twitter as always.  There, the heart of the Conservative Party is revealed.  All Tories who comment are blaming her alone, all are moving far from her side, almost no-one in Westminster has ever met her, seen her, or heard of her it appears.  

In short, your on your own love.

Of course she can hit back, indicating the names of those who knew and approved.  All such are found hiding under bushes at the moment.   Interestingly, Lord Bethell, the man who lost all his mobile messages re the Pandemic, has found one from Michelle that incriminates her.  How convenient.  Maybe now the rest can be ordered to the Covid inquiry.  Mone is asking whether Sunak benefited from the Moderna Covid vaccine, he has connections, did he get paid?  Sunak has not commented.

Luke 1:26

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.’

34 ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’

35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.’

38 ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.

When you consider Women were pledged to be married by the age of 12, this means Mary was possibly 13 or 14 by the time she was to give birth.  Many have attempted to alter this as they feel this is incorrect by todays standards, but this was biblical times and many women would not see 40. 

Neither would the men.  

The 'pledged to be married' bit is not a forced marriage.  In such places marriages would be arranged by talking women over many years as the kids grew up.  It is likely most would therefore have been reasonably happy and secure.

Joseph, the lesser man in Luke's story is secondary here, not least because Luke appears to have spoken with Mary and learned from her the details of the birth.

The name 'Jesus' is given, though as you know that is the Greek translation of his name, the Hebrew being 'Joshua.'  That name means 'God saves.'  It was common in ancient times to give names that meant something about the person.  The ancient Sumerians did this down at Ur and Uruk, and it also applies, as we have all seen on bad Hollywood cowboy films, to the 'Red Indians,' as they were slaughtered by the incoming immigrants of the day. 

This teenager is suddenly confronted by an angel calling himself Gabriel.  

How would you react?

A quick glance through scripture reveals that no angelic appearance ever mentions 'wings!'

So why do we always see pictures of angels with wings?

This angel, standing in the presence of God, is instructed to visit Mary.  No arguments, no questioning whether she is worth it, no doubt about the job, just obedience.  An obedience based on knowing God and loving it.  This, I suggest, is an angel that enjoys his job.

'You will carry a child, he will be son of God, and will rule over all for ever.'

Quite an achievement for a 13 year old.

Her response?  Apart from a practical question as to 'How?'   

Mary responds with 'I am the Lord's servant.'

What faith/belief/trust in a wee girl, all based on Gods word alone.

I note she appears not to say anything to Joseph.  It seems like she left that to God himself so Joseph was able to understand just what he had got into.  Joseph may well have been no more than 19 or 20.

And so they prepare for life, and what went through their minds at this time...?

Psephizo For more detailed study 

Nazareth

Sunday Thoughts

It has been a tiring week.  My sullen hulk refused to go out yesterday leaving me with no option but to watch football all day.  This was tiring, especially as the football was mediocre English stuff.  I struggled through two games and gave up halfway through the third.  However, I did have the joy of watching Kilmarnock beat Rangers the evening before, and that cheered me greatly.  Always good to see the Old Firm struggle.  

One noticeable change in recent days is the Conservative Party candidates refusing to mention that they belong to the Conservative Party.  Here is my own MP, and Foreign Secretary at that, not only dropping the word 'Conservative,' from his poster, he, like the rest, have changed the Conservative Blue to a peely-wally green.  Possibly this is to convince people that the ones who have given licences for hundreds of oil and gas rigs to appear in the North Sea are doing so for 'Green Environmental' reasons.  The water companies pumping sewage into the sea with no punishment possibly don't count here.

A simple con, which will fool many let's be honest, but not all.  Whatever this crowd of gangsters get up to a third of the English population will vote Conservative.  Why?  Habit, fear of 'socialism, because the 'Daily Mail,' 'Daily Express,' 'The Telegraph,' or the 'Sun,' tell them the Conservatives will stop foreigners coming here on wee boats.  They believe taxes will be lower, and they will benefit.  The majority are no longer fooled, but many will still support this gangster party.

Wiki

Daniel 7:9

‘As I looked, 

‘thrones were set in place,

and the Ancient of Days took his seat.

His clothing was as white as snow;

the hair of his head was white like wool.

His throne was flaming with fire,

and its wheels were all ablaze.

 10.  A river of fire was flowing,

coming out from before him.

Thousands upon thousands attended him;

ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.

13 ‘In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

**************

This Sunday the church I didn't attend, was considering the transfiguration of Jesus.  The time he took three disciples up a mountain alone, and was suddenly transfigured, Moses and Elijah appearing beside him.  This, strangely enough, is a moment I and others I think often ignore.  We read it and move on.  However, if we read the powerful description in Daniel we see where Jesus came from, thus we can no longer imagine him to be merely a 'good man,' but we are forced to accept him as God on earth.

The supernatural is missing from many churches these days.  Those who accept and believe it often forget it during the working day, yet it remains the real world, and this earth a mere copy.  

Jesus transfiguration frightened the disciples, how much more we when God moves in our lives.  When God interferes with our lives on earth it can be frightening, we cannot control him, the supernatural is above and beyond what we know.  Yet, the image of God seen on his throne, pure and Holy, surrounded by myriads of angels, yet offering his Son, the one to be worshiped, simply to save individual people here on earth.  The Love that is revealed as this Holy God reaches down to me and you, dies as a substitute for my sin and yours, and knows all the corruption inside, and there is plenty in me, is quite astounding.  To think that this Holy God wants someone like you and me to be with him, enjoying him for ever is a thought worth considering.

Albert Goodwin - The Rain From Heaven, All Souls, Oxford

 

King of Kings, Majesty

The Risen Lamb of God

 

The Empty Tomb

John. 20:1.  Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus Appears to Thomas

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The Purpose of John’s Gospel

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Bible Gateway NIV UK

Good Friday 2023

If my memory serves me right, and it sometimes does, 'Good Friday' was always a holiday, and a day when most things closed down, at least in Scotland.  Clearly this is not the pattern today.  Shops are open, football is being played, and while many do have a day off for a holiday they do not comprehend it does appear that Jesus dying for you and me, taking our sinful nature and ending it on the cross, means little to those living out that nature and finding no satisfaction from it.

Now we know that while many more people attended church's of all denominations in times past, we also know the minority were true believers.  Most were nominal, though many had some depth of faith.  However, the nation accepted the Christian holidays as 'Holy Days' and forsook most activities on them.  Not all did of course, and many who did observe cared little for God.  The false religion has long since disappeared, 'Diversity' is God now.  A diversity that accepts no equal and has captured the nation and no-one noticed.  The church was asleep and soon the church in all its forms will be outlawed for speaking out the truth.

Jesus however, remains in charge.  His death, while ignored by most, will continue to speak for all who come to him.  He is alive to receive them and will never turn any away.

 

 

 

Jesus before Pilate

Matt: 26:.Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’  ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.

12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the great amazement of the governor.

15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus[b] Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ 18 For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.

19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’

20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

21 ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ asked the governor.

‘Barabbas,’ they answered.

22 ‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ Pilate asked.

They all answered, ‘Crucify him!’

23 ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’

24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’

25 All the people answered, ‘His blood is on us and on our children!’

26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
The soldiers mock Jesus

27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers round him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said. 30 They spat on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
The crucifixion of Jesus

32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.

38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!’ 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, “I am the Son of God.”’ 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The death of Jesus

45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).

47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, ‘He’s calling Elijah.’

48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, ‘Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.’

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’

55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph,[f] and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
The burial of Jesus

57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

NPR

ABBA and Judas

The 6th day of April is the day we commemorate the day the music died!  On that date in 1974 the 'Eurovision Song Contest,' which at that time still contained songs, was won by the Swedish group ABBA singing their cheerful, yet hollow 'Waterloo.'  Music was never the same again.

Since the early 60s we had seen music develop from the 'Del Shannon' and 'Pearl Johnson and Teddy Carr,' type of meaningless, bland lyrics into something not just filled with life, such as 'Little Richard' and 'Elvis,' but into real meaningful songs by the 'Beatles,' 'The Rolling Stones,' 'Cream,' 'John Mayall,' 'The Moody Blues,' 'Pink Floyd,' 'Deep Purple,' and hosts of deeply considered musical genius's.  

ABBA killed this.

Music that was attempting to change the world for the better was quickly erased and replaced by banal, bouncy, drivel, always accompanied by flashing lights, badly overdressed men and women, not always easy to tell apart, and cheap, cheery, meaningless trivia, which once again ruled the airwaves.

Where did this lead us?

The 'Eurovision' itself continued with dross for 15 years before realising deviants and weirdo's sold better than feeble music.  Now it is not the song but what kind of pervert that gambols across the stage that counts.  Any song with a meaning will not be tolerated, not that such will be entered anyway.  

The banal 70s bounced emptily across the screen leading only, along with Thatcher's encouragement of greed, to the absurd meaninglessness of the 80s.  Big shoulders and fancy perms, and the women were much the same, dominated while barren groups disturbed our ears with inconsequential noise.  No wonder some took to Rap as they considered this had a meaning for them.  Quite what that meaning may be is a mystery to me, however, it is the result of ABBA arriving on the scene and killing music.      

Excuse me while I cover my ears from ABBA drivel and revive myself with proper music, Jimi Hendrix and 'Purple Haze.' 

Oh that's better!

Arrest Duccio-di-buoninsegna c1310

Judas followed Jesus faithfully for three years.  He was risking arrest and death yet he remained.  We hear from the apostles afterwards that Judas stole from the money bag he carried.  Can we conclude that in spite of the work he had watched with interest, indeed, on occasion doing similar work himself, that he did not trust Jesus with his money, his future, his life?  

At the last supper Jesus informs his men that one of them would betray him.  Not one considered Judas liable to do this.  However, they all stated 'Not I Lord,' and meant it.  When confronted by Jesus Judas however, replies 'Not I Rabbi.'  The eleven saw Jesus as Lord, the Messiah.  Judas saw him as a Rabbi, a teacher, not as Messiah.  Whatever his motives, and it is impossible to understand what they were, money was a sideshow in this.  Judas was disappointed with his Rabbi and sold him for 30 coins, that is about a months wage.   

Once Jesus was arrested and threatened with death Judas offers remorse and attempts to undo what he has done.  The attitude of the Priests, 'That is your responsibility,' speaks much about them.  There is however, no indication Judas yet sees Jesus as Messiah, just a worthy man whom he has condemned.

Peter, having failed to remain awake while Jesus implored his father now fails again by running away and then in the house of Caiaphas three times denies Jesus.  He too faces remorse, yet he still believes in his Messiah.  I am right in thinking Judas did not see a Messiah and had no hope?  Simon Peter saw a Messiah and had some hope, though all appeared lost at the time.

Jesus himself, knowing his father and what lay before him remained in charge of what followed.

Bobby Walker, Jesus, the Temple and Anguish.

Bobby Walker was the greatest footballer of his generation.  Known by even English commentators as the man with ;twinkling feet,' and considered by no less than Billy Meredith the great Welsh winger (who had over 70 caps for his country) as the best footballer around.

He is of course almost unknown outside of Edinburgh today.

Born in 1879, not far from the origins of the Heart of Midlothian itself, this late Victorian young man moved to Gorgie, watched the Heart of Midlothian bring the Scottish Cup home in 1891, what a delight! and was destined to play for his club.  Beginning as a 14 year old at Dalry Primrose Bobby soon attracted the attention of the Heart of Midlothian.  Interestingly (I say) a picture, which I cannot find online, shows the team in 1896.  Bobby Walker sits at the front alongside his team, and looking at two or three faces around him I find I recognise them!  At least three of the young men pictured are identical with three of the young men who formed the crowd following the Heart of Midlothian during the 1960s.  The family resemblance is too strong to ignore.  I did not know these men as they came on other buses, but they are descended from members of this team.

During 1896 the Heart of Midlothian defeated Hibernians by 3 goals to 1 at Logie Green in Edinburgh.  Amongst the crowd was Bobby Walker, aged 17 and soon to sign himself for this great side.

From his first game for the club, a friendly two all draw against Sunderland, until his last in 1913, a Roseberry Cup semi-final against St Bernard's, Bobby Walker established himself as one of Scotland's greatest ever footballers.

If you read the Glasgow press this fact may have escaped you however.

In those far off days Scotland had two international sides, the SFA Scotland side, and the Scottish League side, both of equal importance then.  Of course we only played against Wales, Ireland and England, no other nation was considered worthy enough to challenge regularly.  However, Bobby Walker obtained a record number of International 'caps,' 29 in all, including an amazing 11 caps against England, another record.

Speaking of records, he managed to play against Hibernians 94 times!  There were many more leagues, cups and friendly games in those days.  He also scored 17 times against Hibernians at Easter Road, even John Roberson in the 80s could only manage 15 there.  Keep in mind Hibernians great centre forward Laurie Reilly only managed 7 against the Hearts and you can tell something of the mans talent.

There is no doubt that his talent was recognised by all in the day, only injury or his own desire stopped him getting more rewards for his ability.   

After football he continued to play in friendlies, though his health was not always good.  At least this avoided his participation in the Great War.  However, his financial dealings were not wise, his pubs lost money, his wife appeared to commit suicide, and he himself did not help by drinking.  A great curse amongst Scots is the drink!  Far too many die from the after effects.  It is to be hoped today's players are encouraged to a different lifestyle to aid long term health.

Bobby Walker died during August 1930, and was buried in Merchison cemetery not far from Tynecastle Park which he graced for so long.  Huge crowds lined the streets as his coffin passed by.  A rather tragic end to a great footballer.

This book comprised much written by Bobby himself in his autobiography, lots of photographs from the time, and masses of statistics at the end to please the most fervent statto.  It is a long read, going year by year of his career, and invites us into a foreign world from the turn of the  century and before the Great War.  So near in time, yet so different from today.  Yet the tale of one talented young man making it to the top in football is no different.  Spotted at a young level, signed and escorted by players more senior to him whom he knew.  And capable of making the most of his talent, and obtaining great reward for it.  He was earning £6 a week at times, a soldier only got 10/- (ten shillings) and many people earned less!  

For fans of football and history this is a book well worth reading.  The man speaks for himself, the pictures and reports speak for the times.  The talent speaks for itself.   

On Palm Sunday, though it was not called this at the time, Jesus entered the Temple and upset all the tables of those making money.  This was not just a bad temper, the area in which these money changers and merchants were operating was the 'Court of the Gentiles.'  This area was where all people could come and worship the God of the whole earth, not just Jews, the 'chosen people.'  Instead of prayer what we see are money changers.  A rule had arisen that only Temple money could be used, so someone was getting rich.  The animals brought for sacrifice were rejected as 'not good enough' and only those on sale, at a price, could be used, pigeons, for the poorest, lambs for the wealthier, all at a price using Temple money.  No wonder Jesus was upset!  This was a Temple area set out as 'a place of prayer, for all nations,'  and instead it was a capitalists dream.  No wonder the tables were overturned, the animals set free.  

The word 'sorrow' used here as you know is perilupos which is not covered by sorrow.  'Very sad,' 'deeply grieved,' or 'exceeding sorrowful,' says 'Vines Expository Dictionary of NT words.'  Here is a man who bows before his father knowing that this cross is the only way to save mankind.  Before him lies arrest, opposition, hatred, lies and beatings before being falsely found guilty of being what he is, the 'Son of God!'  

He takes his disciples with him, only eleven are left, with the closet three nearby.  Three times he appeals to his father for this to be taken from him, but there is no other way.  He wrestles with giving up himself to physical assault and then crucifixion, and then separation from his father for the only time in eternity, all for you.  Jesus the man has to choose whether to suffer this because you and I sin, and care little about it, or whether he should keep his body, return to his father and let us all be lost, suffering Hell, the separation from God for ever.  

He chooses to accept the fathers lead, all the while he struggles and his closest friends forget him and fall asleep.  How very like me.

New Years Day, 2023

 

The new year started with a damp saunter down to the Kirk.  The clouds did their best to hinder the sun brightening the morn.  Few were out this early.  A couple of dog walkers were dragged along by eager pooches, a car passed now and again, and a patrol car containing two sleepy officers wended its way down the road hoping everyone would stay quiet, at least until they were awake.  

Many were missing today from church, family gatherings, the cold bug, and left overs from Christmas keeping people inside.  A lot of old women will not come out when the weather is dodgy either.  Still, we managed to murder a couple of songs, pass our bugs onto one another, discover how many had fallen down or been manhandled by the kids or dogs over Christmas, and made our way home rejoicing, sort off.

I failed to 'see in' the new year last night, I was asleep by 11 pm, and even the fireworks from those who ought to know better did not trouble me much.  On YouTube someone walked about Edinburgh at night, offering the live view of the rain drenched city.  People massed about, glittering lights glittered, and wet streets offered an opportunity to break a leg or two.  The thought of mixing with crowds was far indeed from my mind as I watched.  I was glad to be sitting here wearying myself watching others.  

It is now when I come to understand the attitudes of the older generation I knew when young.  Why is it we understand things long after the time when we require to understand things?  And why do young folks have all the energy when people like us, over 35, need the energy more than they do?   

Life can be so unfair!

At this time people tend to either look back or look forward, to my mind it makes no difference.  Whether it is the 1st day of January or the middle of summer life, will go on as it is.  There will be hard times, tragedies, sad occasions.  There will also be good times, excitement, joy and happiness, often.  Just as life normally offers.  

You go into the year trusting yourself, and that has seen you through so far hasn't it?  I go trusting Jesus, well usually, knowing he will always be there, usually gnashing his teeth and asking "Why did you do that?"  He has been leading me for 50 years or so and I cannot fault him, though I have let him down often.  He is our only hope, in good times and in bad ones.  He never fails.

 

I hope you have a 'Happy New Year' indeed.