Jesus: Cornerstone

As we cruise into the last few weeks of our series entitled "It's In The Name" we discussed Cornerstone today. One of the interesting things pointed out today was that different versions of the Bible state that Christ is either the cornerstone or capstone. We looked at Matthew 21 and how Christ is seen as an authoritative figure, like a king, how He makes his presence known. He doesn't calmly ask the people making money in the temple to leave...he overturns the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves and states, "My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a 'den of robbers'". Can you imagine the power behind his voice?! Those clowns probably jumped right out of their sandals!

Jesus Christ should be what we use as a basis for every situation in our lives. Defined as the capstone (large stone used to anchor and align the corner of a wall), He is ruler over us. The Hebrew word for "corner" is sometimes used as a metaphor for leader or ruler. Isn't it amazing how there are no coincidences in the Bible!

Because Christ loves us and died for us, we know that His authority and ruling are to protect us from harm, steer us from evil, and will never lead us even into temptation.

This week do a self-evaluation. Make sure He is the Cornerstone you base all of your decisions upon.

Jesus: Good Shepherd

As we continue our study of "It's In the Name" today we discussed Good Shepherd. We talked about the different characteristics of sheep...helpless, followers who are dumb (and fluffy) and why it is necessary for a shepherd to watch the flock. A shepherd has a vested interest in his sheep. He loves them and wants to keep them out of harm's way. He sleeps across the gate at night to keep his sheep from wandering and to guard them from predators. Visualizing Christ as our Shepherd in Psalm 23 is very powerful. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." He provides us nourishment, guidance, comfort and courage - even in death. He is always there to watch over us. In John 10, Jesus states, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep."

We are his little lambs that are led astray by the temptations of this world. Isn't it comforting to know that He loves us and cares for us enough that he will leave the entire herd to round us up and bring us back to His side? Thank you, Good Shepherd.

Jesus: Living Water

Did you know that the human body can go weeks without food, but can only survive days without water?

In ABF this week we discussed how Jesus Christ is our Living Water. The Lord provided life-sustaining water for the Israelites at the beginning and end of their wandering. He showed them that it is He who gives them life and he used Moses' faith to reveal Himself to the people. Jesus offered the Samaritan woman at the well a water that would "become a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The expression welling up is used as a vigorous expression, with a meaning like leaping up. Jesus was speaking of vigorous, abundant life.

Things of earth – money, power, pleasures, government, job, health, family, ministry – cannot refresh you forever. They all dry up eventually. Don’t look in these places for significance, satisfaction, or security. Only through Jesus Christ will our spiritual thirst be quenched once and for all.

Can you think of something in your life that is being temporarily satisfied?