Bible Matters 519: Sandy Hook

Out of the mouth of three prophets and all eight New Testament witnesses, the Supreme made it clear that thou shall not judge!   Judge no one.   The scripture reflects on judgement, especially during the time of the crucifixion of Jesus.  Read these passages and reflect on your initial thoughts.

Mark 15:27-28 – And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.  And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

Matthew 27:38,44 – Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.   The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Luke 23:32-33 – And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 

Two thieves were crucified side by side with Jesus.  They paid the ultimate price for sinning against mankind and his laws.  Jesus’s remarks declaring himself to be the son of God and destroying the temple offended the Jews. 

Matthew 27:43 – He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

John 2:19 – Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

John 19:7 – The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

Man declared these three sinners and for their crime, death.  Thoughts….

Death by man, must coincide with everlasting life in hell, punished according to God’s will!   But is that really the case?  Luke gave testimony that the criminal on the right stood up for Jesus and for his testimony, that criminal will be in heaven with Jesus. 

Luke 23:39-43- And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou come into thy kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

That malefactor or thief was granted everlasting life by fearing God and for standing up for Jesus.  Not by water baptism.  Not by works of religion.  A gift promised for standing up for the doctrine that Jesus brought to this earth.  Man judges per the flesh.   God judges per the heart. 

Now, an answer to a question raised in Bible Matters 512 Respect.  Your born again or converted moment, starts with respect.  Respect in three parts.

1)     Respect for yourself.

2)     Respect for God and his word.

3)     Respect for your neighbor and the things of God. 

When you respect self and God, you turn from sin and live a life unto righteousness, serving God and man, by respecting your neighbor.  No judgement, just love. To love by living, God’s gospel of Love.

 -believe in one God

-repent of your sins

-judge no one

-love God

-love your neighbor

-endure to the end with the hope of eternal life.

Love is Action.  

Victoria Leigh Soto paid the ultimate price for protecting the things of God.   Try as they may, but man cannot look at Victoria’s religious background, make a judgement and tell you if she is in heaven.    

God looks at the heart.  Victoria could have busted out a school window and fled the building to save her own life, but she didn’t.   She chose to save the children of God.  Not her own children, but the children of strangers in her class.  

We don’t know if Victoria had made a commitment to God or was born again as the scripture tells you.  But it was clear that at that moment of time and out of great love for the things of God, Victoria choose to save the children of God rather than to save herself!   

John 15:13 – Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Glory to God for taking care of our Victoria in heaven!  

What you have done so far in this life, may have offended man and his laws.  It is time to repent and turn your life to the things of God. God is looking for your life and walk on this earth as a testimony of showing your love as directed by the Gospel of Love.  God is waiting!   

In this Easter season, decide to live God’s gospel of Love. 

To God be the glory in all you do, Amen.