Defining Moments: Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life - What will Yours Be
by Teresa(1,457)
Freelance writer/Speaker
Defining Moments is the title of the current series for the Wednesday night service at my home church. How fitting, being the crucifixion and the resurrection was certainly a defining moment in history.
I have been thinking about the pastor's message all day; the title of his sermon threw me for a loop. "Sing Karaoke", "what does this have to do with the crucifixion? As I sat intent on catching his meaning he said one other thing that had me sitting forward in my seat; "Jesus sang Karaoke". This thought has been ringing in my ear all day, so much so, that I almost titled this article "Jesus Sings Karaoke while hanging on the Cross".
The pastor talked about how his wife loves to sing Karaoke, and all he can think about is how weird it is to get up and sing a song written by someone else. I begin to see where he is going with all of this... I was so blessed, I had to share a bit of it with someone!
The Bible is filled with songs written by the saints of old. The book of Psalms is the most obvious. Nevertheless, we find various kings and even those in the New Testament singing songs and sharing stories as well. Interestingly, when we read the songs recorded in one book of the bible, we find the same one in another. Many of them, songs David penned. It seems Karaoke has been around for a lot longer than originally thought.
Getting back to Jesus -- He sang hymns with his disciples, and quoted more Scripture than any other man in the Bible. He was the one spoken of in the days of old. From his youth to the cross, he fulfilled the truth in every song and every prophecy written about him.
Jesus spoke the very words that King David prophesied several hundred years before he was to be nailed to the cross -- Jesus sang Karaoke.
"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Psalm 22:1
What does this mean to us and why is it a big deal?
Jesus, the Son of God, was the only one who could restore a sinful man to fellowship with God. Mankind fell from perfection in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and eat the fruit from the tree of Knowledge. It's not that God didn't want them to have knowledge, but He knew they would abuse it and rebel against Him even more. The sadness in God's heart was he knew what the result of sin would be; pain, misery, guilt. Eternal death. In God's goodness he gave the ultimate sacrifice and sent his perfect son into the world to pay the price for sin so that all those who trust in Jesus would be set free from its penalty.
His sole purpose for being born into this world, through the virgin Mary, was to be die; more importantly, rise from the dead, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to show that He has conquered death.
Most definitely a defining moment -- the question is how are we as individuals going to respond? What will our defining moment be -- will we receive , or reject God's gift.
Last year, I wrote a poem that spoke of my defining moment; the moment I surrendered to the love of God. Funny that we would fight the love of God.
I pray you will be blessed, encouraged, and challenged to call on God. Seek him as you would a hidden treasure, or a valuable item that has been misplaced. Open your heart; open the Bible and find Jesus.
The One who was Slain
I used to walk a road full of pain
I have been thinking about the pastor's message all day; the title of his sermon threw me for a loop. "Sing Karaoke", "what does this have to do with the crucifixion? As I sat intent on catching his meaning he said one other thing that had me sitting forward in my seat; "Jesus sang Karaoke". This thought has been ringing in my ear all day, so much so, that I almost titled this article "Jesus Sings Karaoke while hanging on the Cross".
The pastor talked about how his wife loves to sing Karaoke, and all he can think about is how weird it is to get up and sing a song written by someone else. I begin to see where he is going with all of this... I was so blessed, I had to share a bit of it with someone!
The Bible is filled with songs written by the saints of old. The book of Psalms is the most obvious. Nevertheless, we find various kings and even those in the New Testament singing songs and sharing stories as well. Interestingly, when we read the songs recorded in one book of the bible, we find the same one in another. Many of them, songs David penned. It seems Karaoke has been around for a lot longer than originally thought.
Getting back to Jesus -- He sang hymns with his disciples, and quoted more Scripture than any other man in the Bible. He was the one spoken of in the days of old. From his youth to the cross, he fulfilled the truth in every song and every prophecy written about him.
Jesus spoke the very words that King David prophesied several hundred years before he was to be nailed to the cross -- Jesus sang Karaoke.
"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Psalm 22:1
What does this mean to us and why is it a big deal?
Jesus, the Son of God, was the only one who could restore a sinful man to fellowship with God. Mankind fell from perfection in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and eat the fruit from the tree of Knowledge. It's not that God didn't want them to have knowledge, but He knew they would abuse it and rebel against Him even more. The sadness in God's heart was he knew what the result of sin would be; pain, misery, guilt. Eternal death. In God's goodness he gave the ultimate sacrifice and sent his perfect son into the world to pay the price for sin so that all those who trust in Jesus would be set free from its penalty.
His sole purpose for being born into this world, through the virgin Mary, was to be die; more importantly, rise from the dead, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to show that He has conquered death.
Most definitely a defining moment -- the question is how are we as individuals going to respond? What will our defining moment be -- will we receive , or reject God's gift.
Last year, I wrote a poem that spoke of my defining moment; the moment I surrendered to the love of God. Funny that we would fight the love of God.
I pray you will be blessed, encouraged, and challenged to call on God. Seek him as you would a hidden treasure, or a valuable item that has been misplaced. Open your heart; open the Bible and find Jesus.
The One who was Slain
I used to walk a road full of pain
until I heard of the One who was slain
How deceived I was-just playing the game
How deceived I was-just playing the game
until I heard of the One who was slain
Enjoying the fun and feeling no shame
Enjoying the fun and feeling no shame
until I heard of the One who was slain
Sin is fun-so very fun-as long as I'm not hurting anyone
Spiraling down a bumpy hill
Sin is fun-so very fun-as long as I'm not hurting anyone
Spiraling down a bumpy hill
as the sin in me has its fill
No where to run no where to hide
No where to run no where to hide
ashamed of the man I am inside
Yes, I used to walk a road full of pain
Yes, I used to walk a road full of pain
until I met the One who was slain
His light too bright-I turned away
His light too bright-I turned away
Sin calling me back for another day
Why did I let it lead me astray?
Why did I let it lead me astray?
My heart is sick--Sin no longer fun
Now I'm living on the run.
Now I'm living on the run.
Return to Me, cries out the Savior
Won't you let me do you a favor?
I am the One who can set you free
Please do not continue running from Me.
Please do not continue running from Me.
Once again, His light shines bright
This time I surrender to its warmth
This time I surrender to its warmth
clinging to it with all my might
Now I know true joy peace and love
Now I know true joy peace and love
having fun with the one from above
Sin no longer causing me shame
For I have been washed-given a new name
By Jesus Christ the One who was slain
Sin no longer causing me shame
For I have been washed-given a new name
By Jesus Christ the One who was slain
He is calling you-won't you do the same?
***
Sing the song of Love -- sing Karaoke
(C)Teresa Ortiz World Wide Bible Studies, all rights reserved.
***
Sing the song of Love -- sing Karaoke
(C)Teresa Ortiz World Wide Bible Studies, all rights reserved.
Article submitted Thursday, April 09, 2009 & read 534 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by P. Maddox from California (1 year 151 days ago.)
Thanks for sharing. I loved the poem.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Patti,
Thank you, I am blessed you liked it. Have a wonderful weekend! I can't wait to see you again!
Lots of love, Teresa
Respond to this comment
» left by Connor Davidson (1 year 147 days ago.)
Great article. Well done.I like the poem especially. I find it hard to write long poems but you obviously manage.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Connor,
Thank you for reading and the nice comment. This poem is the second poem that I have written. I don't know the rules to poetry, but this one flowed from my heart because it is a testimony of coming to faith in Christ.
Blessings to you on this journey of life. May you come to see the beauty of the Lord.
Your friend and fan, Teresa
Respond to this comment
» left by Lorrie Davids(1) (1 year 145 days ago.)
Teresa, I fear I am starting to sound like a broken record - another great article! Your pastor found an excellent way to get his point across. Thanks for sharing it with us.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Lorrie, thank you. I like broken records :-)
I was so encouraged by the message, I just had to share a piece of it :-)
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» left by David Pekrul (1 year 136 days ago.)
You always preach in love, that's what I like about your writings. If people can't see God's love through your writing, then they're just not looking for it.I also like the poem; great stuff.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi David, What an encouraging thing to say. Thank you and praise the Lord. It is my constant prayer. I am glad you liked the poem; coming from a gifted poet like you, I take that as a huge compliment :-)
Lord bless you abundantly. I am waiting to see one your amazing poems here( hint, hint) :-)
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» left by Ephrem Hagos from Addis Ababa (1 year 113 days ago.)
Our defining moment depends on Jesus' as the "resurrection and life" (John 11: 25-26). So, where is it?Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 112 days ago.)
Hello Addos,
Our definining moment depends on what we choose to do with the truth of Jesus' death and resurrection. I am sorry, please explain your question, "So where is it?" I am lost as to what you mean.
Thank you, and God bless! Teresa
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