PAUL, THE GREATEST EVANGELIST

“You may never see me again,” Paul spoke with a heavy heart.

The great evangelist had travelled thousands of miles to faraway lands way beyond his hometown, Tarsus, furiously preaching the gospel of Christ like there was no tomorrow. At the port where Paul was to travel to Jerusalem, the elders of the church in Ephesus were already sobbing even before they heard this shocking remark. Somehow they understood their beloved apostle, who never let opportunities slip without a fight. He had to go where the Holy Spirit led him, no matter what!

Churches endeared to the apostle sprang forth, like this one in Ephesus, all across Europe and Asia Minor where his anointed gospel feet trod. His first concern was always the proclamation of the gospel, his last, building strong churches. Consolidating and mobilising Christians were the two-pronged strategy of Paul in order for the gospel to reach even farther and with a wider “fishing” net!

The Gentiles-reaching call of Paul was the turning point of the gospel, thus fulfilling the promise of God to Abraham many thousand years ago, that all nations will be blessed through him. Abraham’s name itself conspicuously reminded of that great promise, the father of many nations. ‘Salvation came from the Jews’ was depicted not as a favouritism from God but a source of God’s miraculous working out of His promise. Anyway, the sovereign God constantly chose servants for his ongoing redemptive plan. When Paul became a disciple of Christ, he could never contain the good news to Jews alone. As far as he was concerned, Paul had a universal dream, as long as there were humans at any place on the planet, the gospel must be preached.

“I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace,” the apostle to the Gentiles spoke with steely passion. From the time he fell from the horse to rise up in faith in Christ, Paul did not escape hardships from all sides. Nor did he run from them. He confronted them head on. There was once right here in Ephesus, he had to be pulled away from the mob that prepared to lynch him to pieces. The gospel of God became like his staple diet of life, a cause he was willing to die for. His motto, “If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all”. His religious passion never left him, from the days of persecuting the church as a non-Christian to a high-riding apostle to the Gentiles. Even while he was in prison, Paul never stood watching from afar, he was busy writing to and praying for the saints.

“I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock,” Paul spoke with a tone of urgency. The fight for Christian followers had also begun with false teachers rearing their ugly heads. Obviously the main concern of this great evangelist would be the narrowing flow of rapid evangelisation if the churches were to be disrupted. He knew he would be stopped too on his way to Jerusalem. Never the one to fear anything, Paul continued his journey. His life was not life if it had not lived for God’s glory!

Knowing the end might be near for him, his concern turned towards the churches. He envisioned attacks would come from within and without. To Paul, the gospel must never be altered nor adulterated. He defended the gospel so fervently that he even rebuked Peter, his immediate leader in Christ. He wrote that even angels who changed the gospel must be condemned severely by God. Such was his fire for Christ and for his good news, igniting the churches, fanning their flames even brighter.

The day at the port where Paul bid farewell, the elders were deeply moved. They were powerfully impacted by his ministry, but more than that, they would never forget a life that lived out so fully for Jesus Christ right before their very eyes.

This article ends the Bible Actors’ Series. From the day when Adam and Eve sinned against God, God promised the world a Saviour. Redemption’s plan was thus in place and carried along throughout every book of the Bible. The miracle of the Bible was that it was written by more than 40 authors (Most of them did not know each other) spanned over so many thousand years, yet it has only ONE THEME – that mankind has fallen and God will save the world!

INTERVIEWS ABOUT JESUS: PETER

Question: Pardon us for asking you this question, after you betrayed Jesus three times, what went through your mind?

PETER: I felt like the whole world came crashing down on me. I was a total wreck! Completely devastated!

Question: I know this is hard for you, why did you betray Jesus, your master and God who loved you so much?

PETER: I need to be honest with you. I was scared to bits when I saw Jesus being so easily taken over by men. At that moment, I so much wanted him to show forth his power and turn things around. All the confusion and commotion at that time had caused me to act stupidly. All I can say was that I sinned against God. It’s terrible!

Question: Jesus had foretold about your betrayal. When he first spoke those chilling words to you, did you believe him?

PETER: Not at all. I was so full of myself and I thought I could do anything for Jesus. Before Jesus was arrested, I believe he came to destroy the domination of the Romans and restore Israel with his godly might and power. How wrong I was! I was completely ignorant of what he really came to do.

Question: Tell us what Jesus really came to do.

PETER: Instead of destroying the domination of the Romans and restoring Israel, he came to destroy the domination of sins of mankind and restore them back to God. Jesus’ death on the cross has far-reaching effects than my puny mind could comprehend for some time. God is interested in the whole world and not just Israel.

Question: Was it the time when you saw a vision of unclean animals where God asked you to eat that changed your narrow perspective?

PETER: That was the vision that started it all. But when the gentile Cornelius received the Holy Spirit, together with his family and friends, I was utterly convinced.

Question: Why did you hold on so much to Israel before that?

PETER: I love my people very much. I always taught to remember God’s promise to my forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Israel. And that the Messiah from the House of David will rule the earth from Jerusalem, where the Davidic kingdom was promised to reign forever. I did not understand then that the Messiah needed to go to the cross first! Even in Isaiah’s time, the prophet prophesied about the Suffering Servant!

Question: Will the Messiah rule the earth from Jerusalem some day?

PETER: Absolutely! When Jesus, the Messiah comes again, he will rule the earth from Jerusalem. His kingdom will know no end. Jesus Christ will be the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords!

Question: Back to your fall and then your subsequent restoration. Right after Jesus was crucified and died on the cross, what were you thinking?

PETER: I was actually so depressed that I sort of thinking maybe everything that happened to me was a nightmare. I went back fishing like I always used to. But at the back of my mind, I could never erase off the memories being with Jesus, the greatest Man who had ever walked on this earth.

Question: How did you take it when you saw the Lord again?

PETER: I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t even lift my eyes to see Jesus. I had this thought that Jesus would be very angry with me and he didn’t need me anymore. It was definitely the broken pieces of my heart that distorted my view of Jesus.

Question: When was the turning point?

PETER: When Jesus prepared breakfast for us, he lighted up the tense atmosphere surrounding us. Then after breakfast, it happened. Jesus spoke directly to me for the first time after his resurrection. He asked me three same, simple questions and in each time, the question became more intense. Why three times? I then figured out it was also three times I betrayed him, and each time it was with increasing intensity.

Question: Right after that fantastic restoration, how did you feel?

PETER: Totally free! I was overjoyed that Jesus still gave me another chance to serve him even though I fumbled big time. I leave with you these words, “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Question: You don’t mind dying for Jesus now?

PETER: By God’s grace, bring it on!

Next: Paul, The Greatest Evangelist
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/09/paul-greatest-evangelist.html

INTERVIEWS ABOUT JESUS: THE WOMAN AND THE LEPER

(The Woman: Taken from Luke 7:36-50)

Question: How did you take the courage to go to the Pharisee’s house just like that?

WOMAN: Two reasons. Jesus was there and I was desperate.

Question: What was your desperation during that time?

WOMAN: I had lived a very sinful life and I considered myself a walking dead. Alive on the outside but dead completely on the inside. (Hitting softly on her chest and wiping away tears)

Question: The Pharisees are angry with women like you and sometimes they are quite hostile to them. Did you envision that you would be harassed by them during that time?

WOMAN: I don’t care anymore. Remember I was dead. I was already numbed at all the verbal and physical abuses by men and women alike. But I went with one thing on my mind. I wanted a complete overhaul to my life.

Question: Did you think during that time, Jesus could really change everything for you? Remember you were in deep waters.

WOMAN: I really don’t know. But I could sense Jesus’ love from afar every time I watched Him performing miracles. In my head, there was always this thought, “I need a miracle too!” But the struggle was that I don’t deserve to be with the Son of God. But somehow that day, when He was eating and drinking with those Pharisees and I was thinking, if Jesus could be with them, why not me.

Question: Were the Pharisees surprise at your barging into the house?

WOMAN: Quite a commotion. Yes. All of them except Jesus! It was like Jesus knew I was coming.

Question: When you did all those things for Jesus, cleaning his feet by your tears, wiping them with your hair. You then kissed his feet and most surprisingly, pouring an expensive and sentimental perfume on those feet. Most people would do something like that on loved ones’ head instead of their feet. What were you thinking?

WOMAN: I don’t even deserve to have Jesus looked at me. Therefore, I bowed at his feet and doing my very best for him, praying that he would have compassion on me. Although the perfume in the alabaster jar was the only important property I had, I rather used it on Jesus than anyone else. I believed Jesus is God in the flesh!

Question: What was the turning point for you in this dramatic encounter?

WOMAN: (Wiping away tears) Jesus noticed even me. Not only that, he was so full of love for me. He accepted my small gestures with so much gratitude. Jesus even chided the Pharisee for his rebuke on me. But most of all, He forgave all my sins. And when I heard that, there was this inexplicable peace surging into my soul. I never felt so refreshed and renewed as if I was being born again.

Question: Last question. What’s next?

WOMAN: First of all, I want to turn away from all sins in my life. Then I want to follow Jesus wherever He goes and do what He tells me to do. Whew, I never felt so free in my life! Thank you, Jesus!

(The Leper - Taken from Matthew 8:1-4)

Question: How long have you had this devastating disease?

LEPER: I think it had been more than 20 long years.

Question: How did you cope for being an outcast and shunned by society for so long?

LEPER: It was terribly frustrating. I had contemplated suicide many times before. The most difficult part was my family kicking me out of the house.

Question: What was your reaction when you heard that Jesus was actually God and He had healed many sicknesses?

LEPER: At first I did not know what to do. I was so embarrassed to face anybody after being abandoned for so long. Then suddenly I thought of just giving it a try since I had nothing to lose. If Jesus was willing, then I would be healed, if not, so be it.

Question: Did you believe Jesus would heal you before you went to Him?

LEPER: I really don’t know. I just heard of His miracles and to me, He was my only hope.

Question: How did you feel when Jesus touched you? I mean, this was your first contact with someone after 20 years.

LEPER: I felt great! Now I know God loves me so much. He loves me and notices my need even though nobody cares for me.

Question: What is your advice to those who feel abandoned and live in hopelessness?

LEPER: Turn to Jesus! There is hope in Jesus. God loves us all without favouritism! And most of all, He has the power to heal!

Next: Interviews about Jesus: Peter
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/09/interviews-about-jesus-peter.html

INTERVIEWS ABOUT JESUS: NICODEMUS

Question: We heard that you met Jesus late at night. Why hide?

NICODEMUS: Truth be told, I was afraid of my peers. They hated Jesus. I figured the best if no one knew I was with Him.

Question: Would it affect your position if they knew?

NICODEMUS: I came a long way in the Pharisee’s sect and accepted by large number of my colleagues. As I am part of the ruling council, I wouldn’t want to risk my position. I know I was being selfish.

Question: What made you want to see Jesus?

NICODEMUS: All this while I believe in God and my line of duty but my curiosity of Jesus being God-sent got the better of me.

Question: After you spoke with Jesus, who do you think he is?

NICODEMUS: God! No doubt about that.

Question: What made you so sure?

NICODEMUS: You see, I am a lawyer, expounding laws of Israel but what Jesus said totally spell bounded me. The things he said were so simple and yet profound that caught me off guard. He spoke about Moses and heaven like he was there and not only that, he spoke with such authority. Whew! When I heard of Jesus doing miracles and all that, I already knew that God was with him but now, I am absolutely sure Jesus is God.

Question: What was the best thing that came out of the conversation?

NICODEMUS: Two words, “Born Again!”

Question: Can you elaborate?

NICODEMUS: We Pharisees always believe in following all the laws set out by Moses to get God’s approval. We thought that everything is under our control and we are the only approved people of God. But no, we are all sinners in the eyes of God. “Born Again” means the Spirit of God breathes life into my spirit, making it new. It is like God recreating us anew. It is God who forgives and transforms us, not by our works. That’s where God accepts us back as His children when all our sins are wiped away. That’s why Jesus said, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

Question: Can everyone be born again?

NICODEMUS: No. Okay, I was only joking because when I first heard this phrase, I was thinking of that ludicrous idea of going back to my mother’s womb the second time. Anyway, I was being sarcastic to Jesus. I apologise. Yes, everyone can be born again. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Question: Last question, what’s next?

NICODEMUS: I thank God I went to see Jesus, albeit suspiciously at night. Right now, I want to shout it out to everyone anytime, day or night!

Next: Interviews about Jesus: The Woman and The Leper
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/09/interviews-about-jesus-woman-and-leper.html

INTERVIEWS ABOUT JESUS: MARY

MARY, THE EARTHLY MOTHER OF JESUS

Question: What was your initial feeling when you first heard of the news that you would be pregnant even though you were not married yet?

MARY: The first feeling that came was fear. I was really troubled. Would anyone not be troubled?

Question: You mean the angel’s presence did not calm you?

MARY: Initially it was the angel that startled me and later, it was the message more than the messenger.

Question: When did you start to calm down?

MARY: The first thought was “O My God, I am a virgin, what will people say?!” I confessed it was a little bit selfish then. The angel spoke many words but when he mentioned about the continuing reign of King David and that his kingdom will never end, I remembered the prophecy concerning that. I was still afraid but when I thought I was chosen to be a servant for that, I started to calm down.

Question: Do you believe during that time that God can make you pregnant without the help of your future husband?

MARY: I was sceptical at first but when the angel spoke about the Holy Spirit’s power, I began to think everything is possible with God. Then there was the Elizabeth Factor. The angel told me she was pregnant even though she was very old. I think you should know of Abraham and Sarah’s story, right?

Question: Many people now believe that Jesus is God in the flesh. Do you really know that when you got the message then?

MARY: Not fully. I knew He would be a King and that He would rule forever. I know now I was carrying someone HUGE, if you know what I mean.

Question: How do you feel to be chosen as the servant for this huge task?

MARY: (wiping away tears) When everything started to settle down, there was this unbelievable joy that filled my entire being. This mission that I am carrying is obviously bigger than my life and deep within, I believe it is even bigger than Israel! I also want to thank God for a great husband who supported me all the way.

Question: Last question. What will be your next step?

MARY: To keep the baby healthy and safe, more importantly, to release Jesus, the Son of God, to do what He came to do.

Next: Interviews about Jesus: Nicodemus
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/09/interviews-about-jesus-nicodemus.html

DAVID, THE EXEMPLARY KING!

“Son, I am dying. It’s your turn now to rule this great nation,” King David spoke in between pauses.

He could never forget the story of his predecessor, King Saul, and how he denied God’s rule and covenant. Solomon, his beloved son and successor, must now carry the torch to shine God’s name throughout the earth. The young Solomon listened intently as his famous father spoke. The lad knew the circumstances surrounding dad’s adulterous relationship with mom. King David had openly and often with tears, shared vividly the consequences that befell him. Occasionally, he would burst into deep anguish while warning his loved ones not to sin against God. In his last days of life, many close to him had witnessed his old godly, cheerful self again. They would smile when they saw him humming and lifting his hands to praise God. Solomon himself was set free by David’s rejuvenating spiritual life knowing God had not only forgiven his dad but had relieved his pain.

“Follow the Laws of Moses and you will prosper,” David continued, a sudden burst of excitement came searing through his frail body. That Goliath-slaying “boy” might have lost his strength but never his enthusiasm. Not one time had he seen God forsaking him even when he was on the wild goose chase with King Saul. Samuel, the prophet priest and king makers, constantly assured him that God was grooming him to become a great king.

But when he was winning wars and terrifying opponents, pride entered his heart like a deadly weapon. That fateful day, when he was called to lead a fight, he delegated. It was abnormal for him to stand idle, wanting rest from duty. Some said it might be due to mid-life crisis but no one knew how it turned his life around. A lapse of concentration snowballed into endless suffering and constant heartbreaks. Sin could promise David’s immense pleasure for a short time but would never able to deliver him out of his consequences. One night in bed with Bathsheba, albeit forcefully, had turned into endless nights of nightmare. Even before prophet Nathan revealed his big secret, David was in constant pain. Consequences flowed like streams of water as God used them to clean and wash. The period of rebellion must end. God’s covenant must be revived. A great king come great responsibilities.

“If your descendants walk faithfully before God, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel,” David continued. He spoke slowly but clearly. It was always that inspiring story of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the promise of God that was carried unbroken, that helped him stayed focus. As a good father, he would never want his son to sway away from God and His Word. He wanted Solomon to continue to shout God’s fame! Tears rolled down his sunken cheeks as he was reminded of the rebellion of Absalom, another beloved son of his. It was much more easy to have a spear pierced his heart than Absalom betraying him.

“Lord, this one will be better than me!” David prayed, crying as he hugged Solomon. He prayed that his son would eventually fulfil God’s promise given to Abraham in regards to the land of Israel.

King David knew very well of the promise of God, given first to his fore father, Abraham. That kings would eventually be a reality in the land of promise. Kingship was always in the mind of God although His people wanted kings like other ungodly nations had theirs. In fact, kings were God’s leaders to ensure keeping of His sacred covenant. The first king of Israel failed miserably. Although king David was not a perfect king of Israel, it was his intense focus on God’s covenant and Laws that made him an exemplary king for all generations. David was the apple in God’s eye. His reign set the benchmark. Solomon understood his dad’s undying devotion for God and he knew of the grave consequences of any deviation. (Ironically, it was king Solomon whose sins had broken the nation of Israel into two factions)

God promised that Davidic kingdom would reign forever. The stage is set. God’s redemptive purpose would culminate in the eventual rule of King Jesus!

Next: Interviews about Jesus - Mary
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/09/interviews-about-jesus.html 

SAMUEL, THE MAN WHO MADE KINGS

David feels a warm wind blowing out of nowhere. He seldom gets anxious like this since that day a bear dashed out from the bush. He remembers vividly how it came so near to mauling some of the sheep. A wide grin appears on his smooth, handsome face as he reminisces that glorious day. He remembers that day, his whole body miraculously toughened and fear found no place in him. Strangling the ferocious animal by his bare hands made him marvelled then about the power of his God. Today he still marvels. His hands stretch towards heaven and immediately a song “melodies” in his mind. Beautiful words and fine singing fill the air as he calms down.

“Come out! Come out! All of you!” shouts Jesse, a tough old man who personally trains his sons to be tough for Israel. Now, all his sons are soldiers of the king except David. Although David is obedient to him, somehow father Jesse cannot fit him into any of his plans.

“Prophet Samuel is here! He is inviting all of us for the sacrifice!” the proud old man ushers the family out from the house. He senses something urgent and divine as he sees the prophet of God approaching his house.

Samuel asks them to bow before God, the Maker of heavens and the earth and he prays for them. “Present your sons to the Lord at the sacrifice afterwards,” he commands. Jesse savours every moment of it and is overjoyed to have found God’s favour. He knows from his heart that this day will finally come that God chooses someone from his family to become a great figure in the nation of Israel. Everyone hears about God rejecting King Saul, the first king of Israel who was called to unite the nation since the days of evil in the land many years after the death of Joshua. Although he is to lead the nation Israel to greater heights, the King turns proud and arrogant. Now God commands Samuel to look for a man from the house of Jesse to be the next king.

Meanwhile, Samuel’s heart is still reeling from the hurt that God rejects the disobedient King Saul. The prophet has looked towards this head-above-the-rest man to unite the struggling country under God when he anointed him as king. Samuel’s tears have just begun to dry but his anger hasn’t. As he ponders of the next king, Jesse’s family arrives, amidst much joy and expectation. He sees Eliab, the eldest and tallest son. The garment is too small for his body, those protruding muscles almost tearing it. Samuel is reminded of Saul when he first saw him. “Lord, this must be the one,” he guesses, his heart beats faster than usual. But the firm words of God cannot escape Samuel’s ears, the ability he has since he was a boy.

“Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

He cannot recall when was the last time he felt so embarrassed. He quickly calls Jesse to line his other sons so that he can inspect them too, one by one. There is no second glance of Eliab as the obedient prophet rejects what God has rejected. Abinadab is next and the Lord rejects him too. Then comes Shammah but Samuel promptly passes him by. There is no positive word from God as all the seven sons take their turns. Frustration fills Jesse’s heart as his plan falls apart one by one, literally.

“There must be someone else in this family,” Samuel corners Jesse. “Not him! It cannot be him. He’s too....” Jesse mutters in unbelief. "Send him to me right now!” orders Samuel, the Lord’s words just a little while ago have made an impact on him. Perhaps that one can be THE ONE!

David senses something’s different today. The weather is weird, the sheep aren’t grazing but keep staring at him and the birds are singing as though they are praising God for something. His suspicion turns to sheer surprise as he hears his name being called urgently.

"Father Jesse is calling for you. He says the prophet is here to see you! Go, let me take care of things here,” the servant quickly relays the message. “You mean THE prophet Samuel!!” David quips. Throwing the rod to the messenger, he dashes off like a sheep dog.

When he arrives, father Jesse sighs at his sweaty face and unkempt hair yet his good looking boyish appearance is undiminished. The God whom Samuel knows all throughout his life speaks somewhat differently this time. There is some excitement in that voice as if God knows David really well. “Rise up and anoint him. He is the one!”

Jesse raises his hand in amusement, shakes his head. “David??” The brothers bow their heads low in disbelief. Prophet Samuel wonders what is up the sleeve of God but has given his full trust to his Master. David meanwhile basks in the glory of God, being filled with God’s Holy Spirit in His fullness. As the family ponders over the future of their nation with the lowly shepherd, God and Samuel put their stamp of approval on David to be the greatest king of Israel!

Next: David, The Exemplary King!
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/09/david-examplary-king.html

JOSHUA, THE VICTORIOUS MAN

“You are witnesses... that the Lord God has fought for you. He has driven out nations before you and gave you this land. This is your inheritance!” Joshua spoke loudly, his voice still forceful even though he was advanced in age. He paused in his farewell speech as silence prevailed in the crowd of the victorious people of Israel. Few drops of tears rolled down from his eyes, a rare sight from this warrior man. He was one fighting machine!

“Be very strong. Be careful to obey the Law of Moses. Don’t turn to the right or to the left” Joshua let out each word carefully. He knew that once the people thought they were the ones who wrought the victory, defeat would swiftly overtake them.

Joshua was a man who always dared to dream. Despair and desperation were not in his dictionary, only victory. As a young slave in Egypt, his heart would fire up inside him every time he heard of the promise of God carried along by his fore fathers. “One day. That one day will come” he often encouraged himself. When Moses led the great deliverance of his people from slavery out of Egypt, he was one of the first to volunteer for anything. His passion for God coupled with his ever-willing heart to serve were what caught the eyes of Moses. Perhaps, slavery was to him a training ground for his mind and a grinding ground for his muscles. Joshua became an assistant every leader looked for. He became a mentee every mentor dreamt of. God Almighty, who had foreknown everything, could never miss Joshua in such a time in history. While Moses delivered Israel out of slavery into the wilderness, Joshua settled them down as a nation in the promise land. Thus, the promise of God fulfilled!

That day, as Joshua stood there with the rest of the history makers, he could not imagine that he was the one who led Israel into becoming a nation. He knew deep inside him that God’s every promise was to be taken literally. And with faith and patience, all promises would come to pass, no matter what. He heard about God’s promise that Israel would be a nation and that day, he saw it with his own eyes. Hittites, Amalekites, Perizzites and all the other “terrorites” fell like timber logs when the judgment of God came sawing through. Nothing could possibly stand erect when God attacked. No enemies could withstand the awesome might of God.

“But if you turn and serve other gods, God will attack you. You will be His enemies,” Joshua warned. In God, there would be no favouritism, no “specialism”. God formed and settled the nation of Israel to be His light. Joshua knew God’s love for Israel entailed an even greater purpose. Israel, a victorious overcomer by the strength of God must also be His servant. A servant that would shine forth God’s Name and shout His fame!

“Choose you this day whom you will serve, idols or the Lord God. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord,” the victorious leader wound up his speech. The people unanimously said a big “AMEN!!”

Preaching a great sermon was never enough for Joshua. He insisted on their display of allegiance to God by committing them to a covenant. As an altar call for his congregation, he had prepared a heavy stone for a memorial for all they promised God. The stone would stand firm against the powers of nature to be a powerful witness.

Joshua was a victorious man in his every endeavour but never once thought his victory came from his own strength. Like he always said, “God fights for Israel!"

Next: Samuel, The Man who Made kings!
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/08/samuel-man-who-made-kings.html

MOSES, GOD'S DELIVERY MAN

Moses with rod in hand, walked carefully on the slippery path, on the bed of the Red Sea. He could hear the echoes of the 'ooohs' and the 'aahhs' of a great multitude of his people, treading along walls of blocked waters, on the empty ground once filled with the mighty ocean water! “Come on, people, the Egyptians are coming!” the man of God would shout. The people’s unbelieving eyes slowed them down to marvel at the miracle of their God Almighty!

Past and future thoughts crammed Moses’ mind.

Past being the first baby step he took to side an Israelite while killing an Egyptian. He grew up in the luxury of Egypt and its system, being the adopted son of Pharoah’s daughter. Often he would go up to a high tower and look at the slaves, his own people suffering injustices at the hands of their masters. His heart would weep for them as he stood powerless to do anything. “I pray one day that they could live like me, free as a bird!” Moses cried.

After that day when he killed the Egyptian, he was torn between the luxury and helping his people. Of course, status quo would be the best but rocking the boat also seemed like exciting good alternative. But his heart for his own couldn't let him choose the former. And rocking he sure did when someone saw what he had done! He ran for his life. Surely he did not think that it could play out this way at all.

From a complete luxurious lifestyle to become a backward shepherd was what God had planned for him. Strangely, he felt no remorse for killing the Egyptian and saved one of his own. His heart ached for the suffering Israelites. Anger and resentment for Pharoah’s idea of enslavement would consume his heart as he heard stories of how Joseph, the heroic son of Israel, saved the Egyptians from famine. “Someone must teach this new Pharoah a lesson in history!” Moses often thought to himself.

As Moses pondered for many years how the Israelites were faring in Egypt, God appeared to him. The burning bush moment was a moment of frightening proportion. Not in a million years he could have thought he was the one that God called to deliver Israel out of Egypt. He knew too well the power that was. It needed nothing short of powerful miracles to get them out of the hell hole.

While Moses and the multitude were rushing out of the dry bed of the Red Sea, he had a mountain of faith in God. He remembered his infant faith when he tried all sorts of excuses to thwart the calling of God. Now he knew that he was just God’s delivery man. And the rest, it was God’s business. After ten mighty plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, he couldn't think of anything else God cannot do.

As he looked towards the end of the tunnel onto the other side of the shore, the future began to dawn on Moses. Finally, the possibility of a new nation was so real! God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and to Israel was inching nearer and nearer. With God, nothing is never ever impossible. He promised it. And that settled it.

And when the last man stepped onto the bank on the other side, they could feel the wind gushing from their side towards the path where they had just walked. A white figure looked like an angel 'whooshed' past them and stood behind. And the familiar clouds that had followed in front of them joined the celestial being. The clouds separated light from darkness. On one hand, darkness covered the pursuing armies of Pharoah and on the other, light shone on the Israelites. The multitude, still gasping for breath, their strength drew thin, stood in silence on the other side, waiting for one more big miracle of God.

At the instruction of God, Moses, the delivery Man, raised his hand and waters roared back with a vengeance. The Israelites cheered and clapped while Pharoah’s armies clamoured to escape. No one was spared from the overpowering seas of destruction. At last, the slaves were free and their task masters, trapped. God had advanced yet another step towards His promise of a blessed nation.

Next: Joshua, The Victorious Man

http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/08/joshua-victorious-man.html

JOSEPH, A MAN OF SUCCESS

Finally, Joseph’s heart was finally healed! The success of seeing his family in one piece, especially his dad and his own flesh and blood brother, Benjamin, was the most satisfying thus far. He would have rated this as far more successful than his rise to premiership in Egypt. When his brothers bowed at his presence not knowing he was their long-lost brother, Joseph remembered his God-given dream. “God, you are so absolutely awesome!” he praised His Saviour from the heart while shaking his head in disbelief.

The brothers thought that this lord of Egypt was upset with them again. They had to depend solely on this one man or else Israel’s vision of greatness may just evaporate in the sands of Egypt.

“Everyone, please leave this room, except for these foreigners!” Joseph demanded. The brothers were stunned. They were expecting harsh words from this “tyrant” and patience was their only hope.

Joseph took down his turban and folded up his hair for them to see who he really was. "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" he spoke, wanting reassurance from them.

"No! This can't be!" Reuben, the eldest brother cried. Judah knelt cupping his face with his palms and wept. No one dared to look directly at him except Benjamin. He stood up, staggered in disbelief, and touched his own brother, Joseph. "Tell me that this is not a dream," he hugged Joseph, who was weeping loudly.

“I am Joseph. I am your brother!” He cried while hugging Benjamin. His eyes then turned towards the brothers, "The one you sold into Egypt." The evil they did had come back to haunt them.

Joseph’s brothers wept while hitting their fists furiously onto the ground. Sensing their intense grief and brokenness, the Hebrew 'Egyptian' master stopped them and said, “Don’t! Don’t be angry at yourselves or be dismayed. I know now why I am here. It is to save lives that God put me here.”

While the brothers stood silent, Joseph added, "There has been a great famine in the land for two years and for another five, the drought will continue. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth. And God will save your lives by a great deliverance." 

With that, the brothers’ eyes widened, sensing the God that they and their fathers, Jacob, Isaac and Abraham worshipped was indeed a faithful God. Nothing escaped His eyes. No plan of His could be thwarted. Their evil deeds were turned into His favour. The famine was turned into His opportunity. His will would be done on earth as it was in heaven. The vision of blessings for the world carried by their father Israel was revived, when his long lost son, Joseph, who was not only kept alive but catapulted to great heights.

Pharoah and his officials were pleased that Joseph’s brothers had come. That was the extent how Joseph had been to his earthly master. The emperor invited Joseph and family to stay in the best land in Egypt and eat the best produce. With God, blessings knew no bounds. Even in famine! Flowers blooming in the desert land, was how God described to those who trusted Him. How true that was to Joseph. He was sold to slavery, yet succeeded in Portiphar’s house. Dragged to prison, yet succeeded in winning friends in high places. He was languishing in obscurity but succeeded to become a household name in emperor’s palace. And almost a forgotten guy to become the master of a great nation!

And in Egypt they settled until Israel passed on. Joseph held no grudge at all at his brothers’ evil intention towards him, knowing full well that it was God’s intention of saving lives!

So the family grew to become a community in the best part of the land which God placed them for few hundred years.

Next: Moses, God's Delivery Man
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/08/moses-gods-delivery-man.html

JACOB, A CHANGED MAN

“Let me go!” the man spoke firmly, even when he was held tightly by Jacob. “I won’t. I won’t let you go until you blessed me!” Jacob hung on. This would be the fight of his life, knowing very well that his opponent was some sort of a God-sent man from heaven.

Jacob had lived a colourful life, a chameleonic character that is. It had consumed a great toll on him. Even in his tender young age, he was fighting for prominence, egged on by his mother, Rebekah. His brother Esau was an easy victim of his cheats. He had to carry this "cheater" title for a long time (Jacob means cheater). When he tricked Esau of his inherited birthright, he left hurriedly to a world where he eventually met his match. Laban, his uncle, was waiting, to show him what was like to be cheated instead.

But even before he met Laban, God already unleashed the first zap into his soul. That dream in Bethel while travelling was a wake-up call that he was no ordinary man. Jacob, the cheater, was the carrier of the promise for the world, passed on from Abraham to Isaac and to him. As he journeyed on in his life, God had broken him again and again, until he finally succumbed to a true life that the Almighty intended him to have. A changed life with a new identity and a new purpose.

When he left Laban after many years, God had blessed him with a large family, including many livestocks and servants. When Jacob looked at all his blessings when they stood to rest, tears rolled down his dusty cheeks. That dream of God in Bethel he had was no fluke, so was the promise he inherited from his father, Isaac. His faith strengthened. He looked up to the sky and uttered, “God, thank you!”

He knew he had one more thing to settle, Esau. He fervently sought forgiveness from his brother but most of all, God’s forgiveness. Jacob. the cheater must repent and must repent totally!

When he was alone, he crossed path with a strange man and in his heart, he had the same kind of zapping feeling oozing from within him when he got that first dream. He knew God had come to finalise what he had begun. This time he wouldn’t want to let opportunity slip at all cost. Jacob leapt onto the man with such force that the man stumbled a little but firmly kept his ground.

Sensing Jacob’s determination to hang on, the man touched his hip and dislocated it. A sharp pain gripped Jacob’s body but did not deter his heart. Although weakened by the dislocation, he intended to hold on till the end. Finally the man asked, “What is your name?” “Jacob!” he declared his shame of the name without missing a beat. That name needed to be changed. That name needed a new wineskin to contain a new radical thing God was doing in him.

“Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel!” the man shouted! There and then, Jacob overcame the bad label of his name! Jacob was a son of earthly things and earthly prominence. From Jacob to Israel, a nation belonging to God would be born. A nation that would carry the promise of a Messiah for the world! Israel was forever to be known as a “struggle with God” but more importantly, a victorious overcomer! Yes, Israel still lived in an imperfect world, but with God's help, it would ultimately be the nation filled with the glory of God!

Jacob walked away from the fight satisfied! He managed a smile even though he was in pain. From now on, he would walk with a limp. This dislocated hip would always remind him that this Jacob had died and that Israel was born.

Next: Joseph, a Man of Success
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/07/joseph-man-of-success.html