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 

EXTRA WEAPON - PRAYER!

(Eph 6:18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

This is an extra piece of armour that Roman soldiers probably didn't really understand nor comprehend. This armour is hidden inside the heart. PRAYER! The apostle Paul knew about this powerful piece of armour that while he was in prison, he was still touching heaven, changing earth!! The stronghold of the devil was crumbling even when the prison chains of Paul were unbroken! The enemy could chain his hands and feet but he could not chain his heart. A heart dedicated to prayer!!

Without a heart of prayer, friends, even we have the full armour perfectly worn, we can still be defeated. As time goes by, as we are successful in our life and ministry, we tend to believe we can do it all by ourselves. Slowly but surely, we begin to depend upon our own strength. We then become overconfident and throw away our sword. Unknowingly, we may also throw away our helmet, then our shoes, our breastplate, our shield and finally, our belt. We go to a spiritual sleep mode thinking we have done it all for God. And the enemy will eventually overpower us without even us knowing it! Therefore, pray and be alert! Pray unceasingly!

And pray for others too. Prophet Elijah thought he was alone in the battle with Satan. The Lord assured him that there were 7,000 in Israel that hadn’t bowed down to Baal. Today, the battle is heating up everywhere because the end is near. All the signs are here for the eventual return of Jesus to take control of the world. There are tremendous campaigns and efforts all over the world in terms of reaching out! This battle is not only involved you alone, but everyone who calls on the Name of Jesus.

Let the whole Church take up the full armour which must include prayer! Intercessory prayers plus physical groundwork are so powerful that they just rip the devil's works apart. Prayers prepare the ground for claiming more grounds from the devil's grasp as God's angels victoriously overcome the dark forces of the evil one. Many demons had vacated their places where once were their strongholds due to the prayers of the saints! Only after much prayers, we as full-armoured Christians then boldly proclaim the gospel everywhere. Reaching out to countless men and women who can receive their greatest gift on earth, the salvation of their souls!

The war is raging on today for souls of Christless men and women. Are you ready? Are you a full-armoured Christian?

Quoting one missionary’s words as my last words ending this Series, “It can be done! It shall be done! It must be done!”

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

(Eph 6:17) Take.... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

This is the only piece of armour the soldier uses to fight and win war! (There are many other weapons in the time of Roman Empire but Paul only mentions the Sword) Without this, he will only be defending although he can advance. Simply put, he can run, shout, kick and jump but he will not accomplish much! Like a child sitting in a merry-go-round, he has lots of movement but always ends up in the same place! If a soldier goes around without a sword, he will eventually be defeated. Sooner or later, he will either be captured or killed.

We have to wield the sword to fight the devilish opposition in our victorious campaign! The Greek word for the "word of God" here is Rhema. Rhema is used by Jesus when He overcame the devil in the temptation passages of the Bible (Matthew 4). The Spirit of God gives the Word of God a POWER PUNCHline to whatever temptations that may come our way! Hence, Sword of the Spirit! A specific wisdom for a specific occasion!

The “Sword” (Specific Word from God or "S-Word") is not only used to overcome temptations set up by the devil to defeat us. Much more than that, the Sword is used to break the chains from people who are bound by Satan. And to set them free from bondage! This is another weapon for advancing into the deep territories of the evil one just like the shoes and the shield! But the Sword is the only weapon that produces result and victory as far as the gospel preaching is concerned! The Word of God is living and active and cuts like a double edged Sword (Hebrews 4:12).

Remember the belt of truth? It holds the sword. We know what God said about us generally but in the war we have to use Rhema when the time comes to fight. That’s why we must tighten up our belt first, knowing what God said about us in His word before we can effectively use the sword.

More often than not, Christians are not wielding their Sword! We are blessed by the Word but sadly, we keep the Word to ourselves. We may have a doctorate in biblical studies, confidently living a life of prosperity because we follow the Word. All these are good but the devil is not concerned! Knowledge and wisdom in the Word can produce a good Christian but it would do no good to the Gospel if we keep our Sword hidden inside the sheath, buckled under our Belt. The sword hung on the belt is useless in the war of influencing lives for Jesus! Peter, in Acts chapter 2, knew just how to wield the Sword. As he preached to the people, the Bible tells us that they were cut to the hearts (v37).

Oh.. there are so many “Christless” people who are hurt and filled with anxieties of life! And dare we not hide our "Sword" which can be used to heal and to bring them into the eternal life God promised to all those who believe and accept Jesus' work on the cross!!

Come on, Christians, take out your Sword!

Next Article: An extra weapon.....P.R.A.Y.E.R.....
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/08/extra-weapon-prayer.html

LOCKERBIE BOMBER'S RELEASE: A CHRISTIAN'S VIEW

Al Megrahi was yesterday released from prison in Scotland to go back to his homeland, Libya to live out his remaining months of his life. He is suffering from terminal cancer and doctors only giving him three more months to live. He was supposed to serve 27 years in Scotland but after 7 years, he was released.

Why is the world so caught up with this news? Al Megrahi was convicted for murdering 270 people in 1988 when he took part in bomb attack of a plane in mid air. The plane then crashed down on Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all on board as well as people on the ground below.

The Scotland justice minister said that he was released on compassionate grounds, being merciful to him as mercy is the value system of the people.

There are much debate going on right now concerning this issue. The United States deeply regretted this (as most of those killed were Americans) but the strongest opposition is from those whose loved ones died mercilessly that day. They said why we need to show him compassion now when he didn't show compassion on those lives he took then.

What is our view as Christians?

First of all, I cannot speak on behalf of the families of the victims as there are no words to express their griefs and I couldn't express my feelings either as I am an outsider.

Al Megrahi's case is not the only one that Christians need to grapple with.

There is one Jeffrey Dahmer who killed and mutilated 17 people who was caught and sentenced to life imprisonment. He became a Christian. He was killed in prison.

And the trial of one Kaing Guek Eav nicknamed Duch is still going on today for his involvement of genocide by the notorious Khmer Rouge, torturing and killing prisoners. He confessed as being a born-again Christian.

As a Christian, I am just as appalled as anyone concerning mass murderers, disgusted at how a human being can behave in such beyond animalistic behaviour. I was asking myself whether does God look at sin as greater or lesser sin or sin is just sin.

I believe there is this truth of a greater sin and a lesser sin (John 19:11; implied by Jesus in Luke 12:42-48; Matthew 12:31; 2 Peter 2:20-21). The verses mentioned are taken in the context of punishment sin brings when one faces God unrepentant.

Mass murderers or cruel people in this world can escape the judgment of man but they will not escape the wrath of God. The Bible clearly says, the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Death here speaks of a separation from God and all things God. This means hell is real (Jesus Himself spoke of it often) and darkness and torment in hell are not fabrications. Like someone said, Hell is no playground! In my opinion, there is something like greater punishment and lesser punishment for hell bounders (Luke 12:42-48).

Most Christian would agree to the hell part although some would disagree with greater and lesser punishment theory. The big question is more towards how do we treat the wicked people now when they are still alive? How does God see them? The case becomes more complicated when these people accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Does God forgive them just like that?

First of all, God wants everyone to know Him and turn to Him for salvation. He provided salvation by sending Jesus, His only Son to die for the sins of the whole world (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16; Acts 4:12). This means God sees all people as being lost and hopeless without Him. All people here include mass murderers, they are all given equal chance to repent. This is called grace, a favour granted to undeserved and sin-infested humans. Amazing grace to be exact! The poor and the rich, the good, bad, ugly, all have equal opportunity in God’s eyes.

Sometimes I want an-eye-for-an-eye judgment in this life for those found guilty of crime which many would agree with me. This is what I called consequences of sin and of wickedness that will afflict those criminals. Consequences include the law and the judicial system and also the majority of common people going against these criminals.

As Christians, we may have a strong urge for judgment and not shedding a tear even when they die or like Al Megrahi about to die, we must also display mercy and grace for these whose lives may be lost forever. Yes, they deserve more than a death sentence for their inexplicable crime, God still sees them as lost souls. Most of us may not be as evil as them but we are as guilty to God as they are. Only God understands the feelings of those who lost their loved one in the Lockerbie tragedy. Each life is precious to God and when the time comes, all of us will die one way or the other. The most important thing we must ask ourselves while we are still alive is “Have I made right with God?”

I think it is not right to publicly cheer Dahmer or Duch who embraced Christianity as families of victims they afflicted are still licking their wounds. Cheering for Al Megrahi when he landed in Libya is putting salt in the wounds for the victims’ families. Let us all be sensitive to lives affected by these senseless crimes but look to God for His amazing grace to overcome the grief as well as to forgive.