Musing – How might God react to America’s misbehaviors?

 Hebraic Musing – How might God react to America’s misbehaviors?

Reading through the accounts of the nation of Israel in the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah I ran across too many repetitive responses from God like this one.  “Through your own fault you will lose the inheritance I gave you. I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know, for you have kindled my anger, and it will burn forever.” Jeremiah 17:4a NIV   I wonder if that might apply to America?

These words caught my attention because we tend to think of God Almighty, and especially Jesus, as loving.  We tend to forget that chastisement is an act of love, but not always recognized as such.

This was Jeremiah’s explanation of how and why the LORD felt He had to deal with His beloved Jerusalem. “People from many nations will pass by this city and will ask one another, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?'  And the answer will be: ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and have worshiped and served other gods.'” Jeremiah 22:8-9 NIV   Wow!  Doesn’t that sound like it would apply to America today?!?!  And if so, what might be ahead for us?

Revelation 18:1-3 describes an angel giving Babylon a final warning as they were about to get what they deserve.  Then verses 4-5 warn us, God’s chosen.  “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.”   Does this mean Time’s up?  And/or, Christians, hold fast to your faith?  Or do not take the “Mark”?

What is the “Mark”?  What are we saying when we take it?  How might we take it?  “A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.  And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.”  Revelation 14:9-11

I repeat –  What is the “Mark”?  What are we saying when we take it?  How might we take it?

In how many ways might we find ourselves “Worshipping the beast”?  What is the “Beast”?

What should we to be doing?  Scripture answers in vs. 12 “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.”  Are we prepared, ready to endure?

And here is the reward!   “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshipped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4  

Final thought!  If you don’t want to believe the above message, or you want to ignore it, then these words above are like Jeremiah’s warning.  “Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the LORD has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.” Jeremiah 26:15

Points to ponder

What is the “Mark of the Beast”?

If God does not punish America, will He owe Sodom & Gomorrah an apology?

Will God judge differently the Nation, the Church, or us individually?

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   October 15, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing - How can we help Young Children to know God?

 Hebraic Musing - How can we help Young Children to know God?

My salvation testimony started at age 6 when I started first grade in a Catholic School; I proficiencied kindergarten!  (>:     The first lesson in the Blue Baltimore Catechism* consisted of three questions and answers; and these are the Q & A’a still locked into my memory to this day.
 - Q. Who made me?               A. God made me.
 - Q. Who is God?                  A. God is a supreme being, creator of all things.
 - Q. Why did God make me? A. God created me to worship and praise him forever.

I never forgot those questions and the answers.  They were instrumental in drawing me to Jesus 33 years later! 

Why can’t this simple teaching be taught to children as soon as they can comprehend?

And the most relevant Biblical reference is the account of Jesus Blessing Little Children! “Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:13-14 NKJV   This was just after Jesus had said “… it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” In vs. 18:14

And in Luke 18:16-17 Jesus told the adults, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”   Did Jesus just say to us that we need to have “child-like” faith?!?!

Since we’re talking about children getting to know God, and then Jesus, what does the Bible say about the salvation of souls of children below the age of accountability?  And for that matter, the salvation/souls of persons in a foreign land who do not hear the name of “Jesus”?

What did God say to the people when Joshua was to lead them into their Promised Land?  “Moreover your little ones and your children, who you say will be victims, who today have no knowledge of good and evil, they shall go in there; to them I will give it, and they shall possess it.” Deuteronomy 1:39   God recognized they “have no knowledge of good and evil”.    Hmm…yet they shall inherit the “Promised Land”!

Remember when King David was mourning the sickness of his child?  What did he say when he found out the child died?  “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?  But now he is dead; why should I fast?  Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.’” 2 Samuel 12:23 NKJV

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 NKJV

And one more verse to consider.  “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” Romans 1:20 NKJV   Can Almighty God be recognized in creation?

Points to ponder

At what age might children start thinking about the three Q & A’s above?

Might sharing these three Q & A’s open the minds of young children?

At what age or situation did you start thinking about God?

♫  Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world. Red, and yellow, black, and white,
            They are precious in His sight.  Jesus loves the little children of the world. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   October 8, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

* Baltimore Catechism - Lesson One --- THE END OF MAN

1. Q. Who made the world?
           A. God made the world.

2. Q. Who is God?
            A. God is the Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things.

3. Q. What is man?
            A. Man is a creature composed of body and soul and made to the image and likeness of God.

6. Q. Why did God make you?
            A. God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in heaven.

9. Q. What must we do to save our souls?
            A. To save our souls, we must worship God by faith, hope, and charity; that is, we must believe in Him, hope in Him, and love Him with all our heart.

10. Q. How shall we know the things which we are to believe?
            A. We shall know the things which we are to believe from the Catholic Church, through which God speaks to us.

11. Q. Where shall we find the chief truths which the Church teaches?
            A. We shall find the chief truths which the Church teaches in the Apostles' Creed.

12. Q. Say the Apostles' Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
   born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
   from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
   the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.

Musing – Have you shared your Testimony? Here’s mine.

 Hebraic Musing – Have you shared your Testimony?  Here’s mine.

My name is Joe Brusherd.  I’m a retired CPA, Int’l consultant and been a CFO for a variety of  companies.

Some 80+ years ago I grew up in Cicero, Illinois, as the oldest of eight children.  After college, my career started as a CPA.  My wife and I raised six children which has since multiplied to a family tree of 49!

For the first 37 years of my life I had a limited understanding of God; never tried to figure out God’s purpose for my life despite these Three Questions and Answers from my first grade catechism class that stuck with me:

Q. – Who made me?                          A. – God made me.
Q. – Who is God?                              A. – God is the Supreme Being    who created all things.
Q. – Why did God make me?           A. – God made me to worship Him; and to praise Him forever.

During those years my selfish ways, my anger, my unclean thoughts plagued me; and in desperation I agreed to go on a Marriage Encounter weekend to enrich our marriage, which desperately needed enrichment.  After that experience in 1976, I became a curious seeker of the God I had known as a child.  I enjoyed the fellowship with other couples.  One couple I especially admired and respected, Bill and Mary Blessing, had something I wanted, and they frequently referenced their “Cursillo” experience. 

On a Thursday in August 1977, friends of Bill Blessing drove me the 80 miles for a three day “Cursillo” retreat.  As I got out of the car I asked, “Aren’t you coming in?”  They answered, “No, we were just giving you a ride” and they drove off.  That act of sacrificial love was just the beginning.

On the second day a priest, Father Tony Tascheta, spoke and his message, presentation and style was awesome. I kept thinking that he missed his calling; he should have been a VP of Sales!  I was in a daze, so we went to the Chapel.  As we walked into the Chapel, I saw Father Tony Tascheta on his knees praying and thanking Jesus for all the words Jesus had given to him to speak to “the men out there.”    

My knees gave out and I found myself kneeling, crying crocodile tears into a puddle on the terrazzo floor and crying almost out loud “Jesus Christ, you are real.  I need to learn more about you.”  

At that moment I knew I would never be the same.  The peace in my inner being was unimaginable.  I no longer had feelings of desperation that resulted from knowing I was a sinner and, most of all, that I had been trying to hide by sinful ways from God, my Creator.

At the closing ceremony we entered big hall; I saw Bill and Mary Blessing in the audience.  They had cut their vacation short to be there for me.  I fell apart.  As part of the closing ceremony, we each had to stand up as the Holy Spirit led and tell what the weekend meant to us.  Eventually I went to the podium, froze, fell apart and finally blurted out “I talked to Jesus!”  That’s all I could say.  It was not much of a speech, but it meant volumes to me.  I was never so choked up in my life.

Very late Sunday night the Blessings gave me a ride home and I immediately woke up my wife and said, “Peggy, guess what happened to me on the weekend?”    She said, “What?”     I told her, “I talked to Jesus!”   And she said, “Does that mean you are ‘Born Again’?”    I answered, “I don’t know what you call it.  All I know is that I talked to Jesus. …  And I want you and all the kids to experience what I experienced.”   She smiled as she replied, “Too late Joe.  We already have.  We’ve all been praying for you.  (…for 10 years.”)

That was in August 1977.   I was 39 years old.  I know how blind a man, a husband and a sinner can be.  I found out why Jesus told Nicodemus “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”    That’s how Jesus came into my life.

And since my family was already “Saved”, it’s now my job to save the rest of the world as evangelist/teacher.

Points to ponder

What’s your Testimony?  I’d really like to read it!  (Yosef1@cox.net)

Do you have it in written form, ready to tailer to the situation?

“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.” Matt.10:32

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   October 1, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”    Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – What does it take to become a “Soul Winning” Church?

 Hebraic Musing – What does it take to become a “Soul Winning” Church?

This question assumes that your church wants to reach the world.  And if not, then why not?  Jesus reminds us that “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”  Matthew 5:13 NKJV   How to become Salt and Light?  Notice that one needs to be Salt before one can become a Light!  If a church is not Pro-Life and Pro-Family, are they really Salt?  What is Salt?   Seasoning; Antiseptic, Lasting, Taste.

How did the Apostles reach the whole known world so fast after Jesus’ death?  What started in Acts 2 and is to be continuing today?  When the day of Pentecost came “Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:3-4 NKJV  And the crowd “were all amazed and marveled.” v.7    Where have we seen Fire falling before?  God has been known to make His presence known by fire; here’s a few examples:

·         Moses called. “…Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush.” Ex.3:2

·         To Moses at the mountain. “… and the mountain burned with fire to the midst of heaven, …And the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire.” Deut.4:11-12

·         God answered Elijah with fire on Mount Carmel. “Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, … all the people saw it… and they said, “The LORD, He is God!” 1 Kings 18:39

·         At the Dedication of the Temple “When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.” 2 Chron 7:1

·         “David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the LORD; and He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering.” 1 Chron.21:26

·         Priestly Ministry Began when “… the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering … people saw it, … fell on their faces.” Leviticus 9:23-24

As a result of the disciples being on fire and filled with the Holy Spirit, what happened?  Peter, a fisherman by trade, preached his first sermon to the diverse crowd.  “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”  Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”  As a result of Peter’s speaking the truth, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” Acts 2:36-37&41

Later, Peter preached and was arrested in Solomon’s Portico after a lame man was healed. “However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.” Acts 4:4

Those were examples of mass “soul winning”; but sometimes we work individually as in the classic account of Phillip’s creative encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch.  An opportunity – “Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go near and overtake this chariot.’”  Not only did Philip explain the path to salvation, but the Eunuch’s decision also was followed up with immediate baptism!  BTW, to this day, Ethiopia is renowned as a Christian nation!

The account of Annanias & Saphira confirms that God wants us to use Salt to get Light.  “…And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.” Acts 5:10-11

Points to ponder

If you witness and they say “No”, did you plant a seed for them to consider?

How many times did you say “no” before you finally said “yes” to LORD Jesus?

Was Jesus speaking to you or someone else when He said
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”?

How do you feel when someone makes Jesus their Lord after you opened the discussion?

  Where is your mission field?  Are you a saltshaker?

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   September 24, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Pastor Tom Hatley’s September 8, 2024 message

Musing - Why is your Testimony your best Witnessing tool?

 Hebraic Musing - Why is your Testimony your best Witnessing tool?

Over the years I have shared my testimony often and I’ve also been known to encourage and ask others to share their salvation experience (testimony).  From their sharing, I learn a lot about their relationship with the LORD, especially by asking them to describe that moment Jesus came into their life.

The sharing of testimonies has opened the door for countless seekers to give their hearts to Jesus and to make him LORD of their lives.  Many have discounted the Bible, so sharing personal testimonies avoids the accusation of cramming the Bible; and thus, it becomes a way for the Bible to become real and relevant.  People may disagree with your preaching; they might even argue with your teaching; BUT they cannot argue with your testimony.  It is real and it is the truth!

Notice the importance and impact of “testimonies” in this sampling of NT Bible references:

• John 19:35-36 – The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.   NIV
• John 21:24 --  This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.   
• 1 Cor. 2:1-2 – When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.  
• Rev. 12:11 – They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;

What is the ideal outline for your testimony?  (whether the 30 minute, 5 minute, or 1 minute version)

1.      What was life before?  (the dissatisfactions with your prior life)

2.      What made you recognize a need to change?

3.      What happened at that moment when Jesus came into your life?

4.      What has life been like ever since?

Have you written your own personal Salvation Testimony?  Could you spontaneously deliver it?  Can you share it in a 30-minute speech; or in a 2–3-minute opportunity; or to someone in an elevator in a few seconds?  Why might that be important?   We need to respect the listener’s time.

Who do you know needs to hear your testimony?  Who would relate to your changed life?

Have you ever shared your salvation testimony?   What happened?

How might our personal salvation testimony help to fulfill the “Great Commission”?

We probably won’t be called before governors or kings as they were in the book of Acts, but we may be called to testify to our neighbor next door.  I have been surprised at how many people are hurting and seeking answers and thus they are willing to hear my (or your) testimony.  I’ve had some incredible conversations with people while introducing them to Jesus before, during and after sharing my testimony.

I would love to hear your Testimony in one or two pages.    Brusherd@cox.net

Points to ponder

As a Christian, can you testify as a “Satisfied Customer”?

Do you have your testimony written out, ready to share?

Is your Salvation Testimony ready, on the tip of your tongue?
Have you practiced sharing it?

Do you have a 30-minute, a 5-minute and a -minute version ready?
(You never know how much time you will be given to share it!)

BTW - You can also “testify” how God recently blessed you in a special way!

“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.”  Matt.10:32

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                            September 17, 2024

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage” “Musings - A Victorious Life”  “Musings - The Torah and New Testament”
Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      www.InsightsByYosef.com

Musing – Why might a “Professing” Christian be afraid?

 Hebraic Musing – Why might a “Professing” Christian be afraid?

Just because a person goes to church and claims to be a Christian, might they be missing the real definition of a Christian?  Most people, if asked, will confess to being afraid to die.  It is a step into the unknown; or is it?

Do we fully realize what it is to be a Christian?  We read about revivals, the Reformation, the persecuted, the martyrs and confessors and realize that those overcomers had to have real faith in Jesus Christ.  The were not afraid of death because they knew “It is well, it is well with my soul!”

What did John hear Jesus say to His Father about the real Christians? 

 - “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.”  John 17:6 NKJV  

 - “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.” 17:9

 - “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” 17:14 

What’s the typical attitude toward death, or the prospect of death?  What did Jesus say about those who are “in the world” and did not do things for His people?  “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41    You might want to read verses 31-46 for all that Jesus said to them.

We are often serving a trinitarian God.  How many people, including “professing” Christians, are still focused on worshiping their own trinitarian god?    Me, Myself, and I?

What does the Bible say about the faith of Patriarchs of old?  “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. …  But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. … for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16

Eventually, whether we belong to the world or to Christ will be the only thing that matters!  So “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” Philippians 2:12

Finally - “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 2 John 2:15-17 NKJV

Points to ponder

What is faith?

Which is more important?  This life; or the life to come?

Does our life go on forever?     Where?

Is Almighty God at the center of your life?    All the time?

Why does the World try to distract us from serving Jesus Christ as our Lord?

♫ What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face,
      The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand,
        And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   September 10, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Chapter 4 of “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go – Facing Death with Courageous Confidence in God” by Mancy Guthrie.

Musing – How many Resurrections are recorded in the Bible?

 Hebraic Musing – How many Resurrections are recorded in the Bible?

More than I originally thought!  What can we learn from these Biblically recorded accounts?

1. The first resurrection involves Elijah and the grief-stricken widow’s son.  “And he said to her, ‘Give me your son.’ …  And he stretched himself out on the child three times, … and said, ‘O LORD my God, I pray, let this child's soul come back to him.’  Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.  … Then the woman said to Elijah, ‘Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth.’”  1 Kings 17:17-24. NKJV Resurrection of the dead was testimony of the power and love of God!

2. The second resurrection involves the desperate Shunamite woman whose son died.  “When Elisha came into the house, there was the child, lying dead on his bed.  He went in … and prayed to the LORD.  And (FINALLY) …  the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.  And … when she came in to him, he said, ‘Pick up your son.’.”   2 Kings 4:8-37 is worth reading to fully appreciate the woman’s faith!

3. In Israel there are many caves where the bodies are placed, after death. After the flesh has rotted away, the bones are put in a bone box called as ossuary.  More than one body could be buried in the same place, in this case it was Elisha’s body.  “So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.” 2 Kings 13:21   Even the bones of God’s prophet, Elisha, produced life!

What impact did these NT resurrection examples have on the faith of the disciples?

4. Jesus resurrected a widow’s only son. “…behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. …, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’  Then He came and touched the open coffin, …  And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. … Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen up among us.’”  And the result of this resurrection is in verse 17.  “…  And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.” Luke 7:11-17

5. The synagogue leader in faith begs Jesus to heal his daughter.  “…he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter lies at the point of death.  Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.’  So Jesus went with him…, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, ‘Your daughter is dead.  Why trouble the Teacher any further?’  As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe.’  And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John …  He said to them, ’Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.’  …  Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, ‘Talitha, cumi,’ which is translated, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’  Immediately the girl arose and walked, …. And the three disciples were overcome with great amazement.”  Mark 5:22-24,35-42.

6. The resurrection of Lazarus is the most well known, next to Jesus’s own.  Shortly after the shortest verse, “Jesus wept” in John 11:35, “Jesus said, ’Take away the stone.’  Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, … Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’” And in vs.43 – “He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’  And he who had died came out.”  Thus they believed in Jesus!

7. At the moment when Jesus was crucified, “Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.” Matthew 27:51-53   God demonstrated His power by gloriously raising some well-known saints and prophets shortly after Jesus’ death, a stunning sign to all who witnessed it.

8. While mourning the loss of beloved Tabitha “Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. … he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.  Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.”  The result.  “And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.” Acts 9:40-42   What was the impact on Peter’s faith and the faith of many?

9. Paul was preaching an Havdalah message late Saturday night “And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was … overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.  But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, ‘Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.’”  Acts 20:9-10   Not an ordinary church service event!  How did this resurrection minister to Paul?   And to the Church?

Jesus Himself explained the importance of resurrections. “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—.” John 5:28-29

Points to ponder

Does this give you the faith and hope you need for your own resurrection?

Do you remember the day Jesus was Resurrected in your life?

Come quickly Lord Jesus

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd       September 3, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of Christian Faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”
Note – Inspired by Johanna Shager Hocker’s “Eight Resurrections, besides Yeshua, found in the Bible”