Friday, October 29, 2010

Ascension Day

ASCENSION DAY
9 of 12
Luke 24:50-51
“When He [Jesus] had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up to heaven.”

Jules jumped up and down after throwing the ball to Bobby at recess. Her fairy costume’s wings bounced, glistening in the sun. “Are you guys going Trick-or-Treating tonight?”

“You look like you could really take off flying when you jump, Jules” Bobby said, wearing a tuxedo. “I’m slightly overdressed for playing ball, you know,” and threw the ball to Miguel. “I’m supposed to go to the Community Center’s Haunted House tonight,” tipping his top hat to her.
A sailor named Miguel caught the Bobby’s throw, saying, “Be careful tonight, Jules. How cool to have Halloween “Trick-or-Treat night be Friday? I’m going to my church’s party, because my folks don’t trust pranksters in our neighborhood. You do look like you could fly in that outfit, Jules!”

Catching Miguel’s throw, Jules said, “I sure wish I could fly. Wouldn’t that be too cool?”

Bobby scooped up Jules’ grounder, saying, “I knew this one guy…wouldn’t it have freaked you out watching Jesus ascend to heaven?”

Miguel caught Bobby’s throw, and said, “Yes, I think I’d have stared looking at the sky until He disappeared into a dot, and then—gone! WOW! I hope Jesus will descend where I can see Him.” He tossed the ball to Jules asking, “What’s your take on resurrection and going to heaven, Jules?”

“Oh, lots! Like I told you, The Feast of Trumpets, remember? There’s rumored to be a Rapture, and Messiah’s coming.” Jules tossed the ball into her own glove continuing to speak, eager to share. “It’s also about Judgment Day and Resurrection. I think it would be cool to see God toss the devil in the Abyss, as we’re taught during our ‘Day of Atonement.’”

Bobby and Miguel walked closer so they wouldn’t miss anything. “Tell us” they said together, all eyes.

“‘Our ‘Feast of Tabernacles’ celebrates Messiah reigning one thousand years. But, but, I never told you about “The Eighth Day! Well, 8th Day is also called the ‘Last Great Day.’ And there’s supposed to be a final judgment of all people on earth (Revelation 20:11).

Take Home Nugget
Jules couldn’t stop once she got going, her excitement evident. Christians have the same prophesy as the Jewish people. The two are sister religions—each with their own Holy Days and Festivals—worshipping the same God. Jesus was the Father’s first-born to be resurrected and ascended to heaven, showing us the way to follow Him to paradise.

Won’t you follow? Stay close.
Jesus showed us the way.
Who doesn’t want to follow Him one day?

J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Easter


EASTER
8 of 12
Mark 16:4-7
“But when they [Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James and Salome] looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, Who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here…But go, tell His disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will find Him, just as He told you.”


“So, Easter is your favorite holiday, Bobby?” Jules quizzed as she threw him the softball. “Why is that—or are you addicted to chocolate bunnies?”

Bobby smirked in answering, “I like the cute little chicks; they remind me of you!” He grounded the ball to Miguel who was laughing. “Really, I’m fascinated by Jesus’ resurrection.”

Miguel said, “Bobby really likes dying the eggs for his little sister to find.” He tossed the ball up high to himself, then said, “Christianity wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Easter, you know.”

Miguel’s correct. If Jesus hadn’t risen from the dead, why would anyone follow a dead prophet—especially a dead outrageous prophet! Everything Jesus did and said wreaked havoc on the people of His time. He ate with sinners—Yikes! (Mark 2:14-16). He spoke to a Samaritan woman—What is He thinking? (John 4:4-26). He said the craziest things—“If you want to be first, you have to be last” (Mark 10:31). One day, He will come again (Matthew 24:30), and won’t the trumpets sound then! Jules is talking to the guys about her favorite feast, The Feast of Trumpets. Listen:

“Do you really want to know my favorite Feast?” Jules asked. When they both looked at her, nodding, she said, “The Feast of Trumpets” catching Miguel’s throw.

“Why’s that?” Miguel asked.


“Well” Jules began, “because it’s wildly awesome—predicting Messiah’s coming, and all!” She tossed the ball to herself, catching it in her glove. “And, I love hearing the Shofar, calling all God’s people.”



“Does that have anything to do with End Times, like people are talking about today—with the global warming, and all?” Bobby asked.
“I guess. There is something about a Feast of Trumpets Rapture…where all people come together.”

Take Home Nugget


Can you see the parallel Holy Days of the Bible? The Bible is Jesus’ story. Both Old and New Testament align feasts and holy days around earth-shattering events. Isn’t it fascinating how the Jewish people celebrate similar feasts, with different names from our Holy Days?


The Bible stands like a towering mountain
Where one can learn God’s truth
Beyond what anything else can.


J.D. Griffith


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Saturday, October 23, 2010

Good Friday


GOOD FRIDAY
7 of 12
Matthew 27:50-54
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His Spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life…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!’”


Bobby stayed home from school two days, because of his cold. Upon his return, the group of ball players resumed their play at recess. “I feel lots better now” he said throwing the ball to Miguel.

“Did you practice throwing and catching while I was gone?”

“Yeah we did, actually” Miguel said, catching the ball, turning towards Jules.

“We missed you, Bobby” Jules admitted, continuing play. “There’s no one else that’s as much fun to play with.”

“Did you miss me as much as the Disciples missed Jesus after He died?” Bobby snickered, tossing a grounder. “Sorry, bad joke.”
“Sure is, you’re not anywhere near that guy!” Miguel said, short-hopping the ball.

“I’m as good as I can be” Jules said stooping for the grounder Miguel threw her. “I heard that Jesus never sinned. Is that true?”

Jules is right on target! She doesn’t realize that she just explained why Jesus was the perfect, and only possible Passover Lamb—ever. Jesus Christ, the Creator of the heavens, earth, and mankind (John 1:1-3) is way more valuable than all of His creation! Therefore, only He could die for all sinful mankind, becoming our Passover sacrifice.

The Father demands a perfect, unblemished sacrifice for Passover (Exodus 12:5). He accepted Jesus’ death as the final sacrifice to atone for sin (Hebrews 10:11-12), evidenced by the torn curtain in the temple. Jesus is God’s new covenant, and His death makes it possible for God’s kids to come to our Father now—for in Jesus, we’re made perfect (Colossians 1:28).

“I can answer that” Bobby claimed, catching Jules’ ball. “It’s true that Jesus never sinned. Pretty hard to grasp, isn’t it?”

“No fair—He’s God’s Son!” Miguel said, catching Bobby’s ball.

Take Home Nugget

Jules doesn’t know what to think. The bell rang, and she walked with Bobby and Miguel back inside. Before they reached their classroom, she flung her arm over Miguel’s shoulder. “Jesus must have been quite a guy” she admitted.
“Yeah, He sure is” Miguel confirmed, with a smile. “Want to meet Him sometime?”

Your ways are so much higher, Lord,
Your knowledge immense;
Give us strength to trust in You
When life doesn’t make much sense.

J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Maundy Thursday


MAUNDY THURSDAY
6 of 12
Matthew 26:26-29
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the [new] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.’”

This is the first time Holy Communion was served—the Sacrament where we partake of God, Himself—established by Him, all because of Him—for us, for the forgiveness of sins. Only Miguel, of the three kids we’re watching, has experienced Holy Communion, representing the body and blood of Jesus in this holy Sacrament. (SAC-ra-ment means atonement, a meal separate from the world). Bobby's seen certain members of his Kingdom Hall partake in The Meal. Jules doesn’t understand, because she only knows the Old Testament, observing Days of Unleavened Bread, other festivals, and Holy Days.

After the weekend, Bobby returned to school sneezing. “You guys ought to wash your hands after recess. I picked up this cold, and don’t want you to get sick” he said, throwing the ball to Jules.

Catching the ball, Jules asked, “Did you get the flu shot?” then she grounded the ball to Miguel.
Miguel fielded the ball, saying, “Yeah, we used little separate cups yesterday during Communion. It seems Jules’ yeast, sin, and germs travel freely throughout the whole world!”

Bobby fielded the grounder Miguel sent him, and agreed. “Yeah, you’re right, Miguel. We try as hard as we can, and still get sick—even the flu shot got me sick! I guess the yeast of sin has affected everyone. ACHOO!” He threw a ball high ball to Jules, who got underneath it, and caught it.

“What does Communion do for you, Miguel?” she asked.

“It reminds us that Jesus’ death purchased forgiveness of sins, Jules. I’m supposed to begin each day in my new skin, which is Christ: His attitude, His righteousness. I’m just not that good!”

None of us are.
Take Home Nugget

The Jewish and Christian religions counter balance; Together, their Holy Days represent the old and new covenants of God. It is good how the kids we’re watching in this series exchange their faiths’ understanding of Holy Days, and teach us about them, too.

Holy Communion is believers’ blessed fellowship
Honoring Jesus’ sacrifice.
Sensing a common bond of unity,
We remember that our victory came at a steep price.

J.D. Griffith

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Friday, October 15, 2010

Palm Sunday

PALM SUNDAY
5 of 12
Luke 19:32-44
vv.37-40: “When He came to the place where the road goes down to the Mont of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the King Who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!’ ‘I tell you,’ He replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’”
“Tell me more about how you and your family go on after such sad holy days like our Ash Wednesday and your Yom Kippur, Jules. I’d really like to know” Bobby said, throwing her the ball.

Jules, eager to share her faith, smiled when replying, “It’s never too long before we celebrate another feast. Like now, there’s seven days of Unleavened Bread.” She threw the ball to Miguel next.

“What’s unleavened bread?” Miguel asked, throwing the ball back to Bobby.
“Unleavened bread is like pita, or flat bread—made with no yeast” Jules answered, catching the ball that Bobby tossed. When she threw it to Miguel, she added, “yeast represents sin.”

Miguel caught the ball, and said, “Our entire Lenten season deals with sin…but Palm Sunday is our joyous celebration—when Jesus was cheered coming into Jerusalem—what fun, with Jesus riding on a donkey.” then he threw the ball back to Bobby.

Miguel is right to show Jules that her Jewish ancestors welcomed Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As the opening Scripture says, if Jesus would have hushed the crowd, the stones would have cried out. He would know—He created them! Jesus is not blowing His own horn, He’s claiming what’s rightfully His—praise and glory. But Jules’ point is well-taken, too. Comparing sin to leaven—or yeast bread—is a good analogy. Yeast saturates every portion of the dough, and ferments, causing the dough to rise. Sin penetrates people prompting their disobedience. Repenting of it is our best path to peace, freedom, and happiness.

Bobby caught the ball, adding, “Jerusalem’s celebration didn’t last long. Jesus knew what was ahead in a few days. Perhaps we should all eat pita or flat bread on Ash Wednesday, like Jules does during Yom Kippur and this “bread” feast, to remind us of our sins!” Bobby said. He passed the ball to Jules, with a smile and a wink.

Take Home Nugget

Palm Sunday, one week before Easter, reminds us Who is at center stage of our lives—our Savior and Redeemer—King Jesus.


Avoid sin’s tempting lures
By dodging sinful thoughts that subdue,
Never allow sinful things to take control
That may one day master YOU!

J.D. Griffith

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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Ash Wednesday

ASH WEDNESDAY
4 of 12
Matthew 11:21
“Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”

Repentance and forgiveness of sins is what our loving God is all about. Ever since the fall of humans in the Garden of Eden, God’s objective has always been to bring His children back to Himself. In the Bible’s Old Testament, prophets would tell the people that they were out of line, and God was angry. As a symbol of their being sorry, they’d dress in sackcloth, and put ashes on their heads. They would apologize to God and turn return to obedience. God never stays angry for long, and always forgives anyone who sincerely repents.

Early Christians would often copy the customs of the old days, and put ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday. Today, this somber day of repentance ushers in the Lenten season, seven weeks before Easter. While not many Christian churches expect people to put ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday—all hold this special service in the middle of the week to mark believers’ sincerity during Lent.

Christians aren’t the only people who recognize the need for being sorry for their sins, offences against others, or various crimes. Absolution (ab-sol-U-shon means pardon) is what all people seek when their consciences aren’t at peace. Is this God’s way to get His kids to return to Him?

“What did you mean when you commented that Halloween is so much better than Yom Kippur?” Bobby asked Jules when throwing her a grounder.

Jules scooped up the ball, and stopped. “I just meant that Yom Kippur is the most holy and solemn day of the year for us.” She threw the ball to Miguel.

Miguel asked, “So Yom Kippur is like our Ash Wednesday?” He threw the ball to Bobby.

Bobby said, “Sounds like it, to me. Do you fast then, Jules?” throwing her the ball.

“Well mostly, we pray for forgiveness. It is the ‘Sabbath of all Sabbaths’—whatever that means.” She thought, tossing the ball to herself up high. “We’re also supposed to remember keeping the promises we made to God, by fasting one day.”

Their recess got serious then. When the bell rang, they returned to class unsmiling, in deep thought.

Take Home Nugget


Jules’ high priest would enter the “Holy of Holies” on Yom Kippur, and offer a blood sacrifice for the people’s sins. Jesus, our high priest, currently makes blood atonement (a-TONE-ment means apology) for us. This frees God’s kids to live joyfully every day.
Lord, help us to appreciate everything You do
May our lives show heartfelt sacrifice for You.

J.D. Griffith
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Friday, October 8, 2010

All Saint's Day

ALL SAINT’S DAY
3 of 12
2Corinthians 5:1, 5
“Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, and eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands…Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose clothed with our heavenly dwelling…”


“I love this time of year!” Jules exclaimed, throwing the ball to Bobby. Halloween is a fun holiday. It’s a lot like Sukkot, and Feast of Tabernacles, so happy—way different than Yom Kippur.”

“What’s Sukkot?” Miguel asked, throwing her the ball.
“Sukkot…Feast of Tabernacles…Remembering Israel’s wandering forty years, we erect a tent in the back yard. This represents Messiah’s kingdom on Earth. Lots of sweet treats—just like Halloween.” She threw the ball to Bobby. “It’s a fun festival.” (Zechariah 14:16-19).

Bobby said, “To me, All Saint’s Day is weird and scary. I’m glad for Halloween’s fun.”

Bobby’s correct. All Saint’s Day was designed to mark the end of summer, praying for all the souls in purgatory (PUR-ga-TOR-ee: where souls go trying to work out forgiveness). This Catholic tradition combines with a pagan (PA-gan means nonreligious, or worldly) custom. The dead were believed to visit their homes on October 31st, represented by ghosts, goblins, witches, and black cats. Jack-o-lanterns, supposedly watchmen, searched for spirits. This is the only day where supernatural powers were thought to be in control; when the devil roams freely.




However, purgatory is a falsehood. Neither the word, nor its meaning is found in the Bible. But there are many Saints that give us plenty of reasons to honor their lives—so All Saint’s Day is worthy for giving them tribute. Consider the apostles, many who wrote books in the Bible: Peter, Matthew, Paul, John, Luke, to name a few. Hebrews 11 reminds us of Biblical saints, whom we also remember today. But as 1Timothy 4:9 points out, our hope is in the living God.

Living is our only chance to make good choices, pursuing that which inspires us. After we’re done, there’s no chance for “do-overs.” So, we’re not to pray for dead people. We serve an awesome God Who wants the best for us. Peace, happiness, all provisions and good things are His blessings. He delights when we have fun—playing and laughing out loud.
What costume will you wear this Halloween?

Take Home Nugget

Let’s stop dressing up as witches and goblins, but honor the living and the Saints. There are plenty of other choices: angel, doctor, teacher, fireman, policeman, Moses, to name a few. Today is a fresh start, for the Lord makes all things new each morning.

Shadows of night melt into mornings bright light
Where God extends to us a brand new day.
When we’re tired, grasp for His might
And follow where He leads, not going astray.


J.D. Griffith

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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Epiphany-Passover

EPIPHANY-PASSOVER
2 of 12
John 1:1-4
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus] was with God in the beginning. Through all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men."

Several lesson questions for the Introduction to Biblical Holy Days devotion concerned the Sabbath, and how Christ changed things. Galatians 4:9 says that we don’t have to be enslaved by the law ever again. Jesus ushered in God’s new covenant (Luke 24:20), which Christians observe today.

“So what’s your favorite holiday?” Jules yelled to Miguel as she threw him the softball.

“Christmas!” Miguel replied, tossing Bobby a grounder. “Isn’t yours Hanukkah, Jules?”
“Yeah, I suppose” Jules said. What’s your favorite holiday, Bobby?”

“I like Easter best” Bobby said after a moment. “Isn’t Jesus our Passover Lamb? It seems important to me that we celebrate--what's that called--when the world found out about Jesus?”

Bobby makes a good point. He’s referring to Epiphany (e-PIF-an-ee means a spontaneous understanding). The celebration of the Wise Men finding Jesus is the world’s victory. Isaiah 60:3 prophesizes: “Nations will come to Your light, and kings to the brightness of Your dawn.”

In Jesus, all peoples of the world are invited to receive His gift of forgiveness of sins, salvation, and eternal life. Not just for the Jewish people, Jesus came to save all races (Romans 1:16). That’s the Epiphany broadcast to the whole world. Jesus didn’t die just for one, or two, He died for all humanity (Mark 2:11). His death on the cross, while horrible, purchased forgiveness of everybody’s sins—past, present, and future.
Jules was confused. “What did you say about Passover?”

“Ummm, we don’t observe Passover, because Jesus’ blood covers us all forever.” Bobby said. “That’s what I meant about calling Him “Passover Lamb”—the final sacrifice that never needs repeating.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right” Miguel interjected. “Jesus’ life and death changed everything.”

"Oh" Jules mumbled, unsure, but nodding her head.

Passover is a major feast in the Old Testament. Jesus’ blood purchased forgiveness of sins for all believers, and He’s the reason for Christian Holy Days. Jesus paid the Passover debt in full for everyone who believes in Him.

Take Home Nugget


Jules is curious about what Bobby and Miguel’s faith. Passover is a festival she feels possessive about, being Jewish. When Miguel used this word and “Jesus” in the same sentence, her ears pricked up.


Passover blood painted door frames red.
The angel overhead protected all inside.
Jesus came, hung on a cross, and bled.
His sacrifice final, in Him we abide.

J.D. Griffith


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Friday, October 1, 2010

Introduction to Biblical Holy Days

INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL HOLY DAYS
1 of 12
Acts 20:7
“On the first day of the week, we came together to break bread…”

We get the word holiday from a contraction of holy day. October is the month which signals the start of many holidays that wrap up the year with the birth of Christ, or Christmas. It may surprise you to learn that not every holiday is Biblical, however. Biblical holy days come from the Bible’s Old Testament: twelve feasts and holy days are observed by devout Jews.

Miguel, Bobby, and Jules are fourth graders at the same school. Miguel’s family attends Mass at the Catholic Church. Bobby is a Jehovah’s Witness. Jules is Jewish. Despite their different backgrounds, they’re good friends, and have fun together. They pay more attention to each other’s likes than their differences when playing at recess every day. Their love for playing baseball and softball inspired them to throw softballs to each other, trying to improve skills for next season’s play. The fall weather remains warm in North Carolina.

“What are you going to dress up as at Halloween?” Bobby asked Miguel.

“Maybe a dragon, if I can find a costume I like” Miguel answered, then asked Jules, “How about you?”

“Not telling—you guys will just have to guess!”

There are eleven New Testament Holy Days, falling into two categories. Three are immovable Holy Days, being same date each year: 1) Epiphany is always January 6th, the day the Wise Men found Jesus,
2) All Saint’s Day is always November 1st, “Holy Evening” or Halloween, is always October 31st, and
3) Christmas Day is always December 25th.

There are eight Holy Days whose dates change year after year: 1) Easter is the 1st Sunday after 1st full moon of spring, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection,
2) Ash Wednesday is the 1st day of Lent, the 7th Wednesday before Easter,
3) Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter, Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem,
4) Maundy Thursday is when Jesus broke bread with His disciples before His death,
5) Good Friday is the Friday before Easter, when Jesus died,
6) Ascension Day is Thursday, 40 days after Easter, when Jesus went into heaven,
7) Whitsunday, or Pentecost Sunday is 50 days after Easter, when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples, (the birth of the church), and
8) Trinity Sunday is the Sunday after Pentecost, dedicated to the Holy Trinity.

Take Home Nugget

New Testament (NT) Holy Days are either based on NT stories, like Palm Sunday or a combination of NT and secular (SEK-u-lar, means worldly). Christmas, Easter, and All Saint’s Day (Halloween) are examples of Bible-inspired-man-invented holidays.
What’s Biblical is eternal, forever true.
Man loves to mold the Old with his new.

J.D. Griffith
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