In Luke chapter 22 we find one of the most well-known statements about mankind’s potential savior. Here we are introduced to the terror suffered by Jesus of Nazareth as He awaited the manifestation of His fate which had been established before He came to earth as the humble carpenter Who would become the Messiah, the Christ–the anointed One. That commission, which He had readily agreed to fulfill though knowing what it would entail, had brought him to the ultimate moment of His existence. This would be the point in time at which He would have to make THE DECISION. It was that decision which brought about the blood-sweating moment described in verse 44. So great was the stress bearing down on Him that He needed the help of an angel to be able to bear up under it (vs 43).

When thinking about this dramatic event in Christ’s life I am reminded of my favorite hymn in which the following words never fail to touch my soul. Those words written about my Lord and future Savior are as follows: “Leaving the splendor of heaven, knowing His destiny, on the lonely hill of Golgotha, there He lay down His life for me. And if that isn’t love ….” The fact is that Jesus knew exactly what would be His fate before He agreed to become Jesus of Nazareth. This Truth is brought out in Isaiah 46:10 where we are told that He knew the end from the beginning. He is the same yesterday (then), today and forever (Heb. 13:8). The Word (Jn. 1:1-4,14) knew exactly what His fate would be before agreeing to submit to it for the sake of the Godhead’s most precious creation–mankind–whom They created in Their own image and likeness. No other entity within the whole of Their creation was made using Themselves as the model.

For a Scriptural view of what man was created to be, read Genesis 1:26-28 where we find that Adam was given dominion (total control) over the earth and everything on and under it, the seas and everything in them and the sky above earth along with the birds that flew there. Keep in mind the fact that the Godhead’s plan for mankind has not changed. What Adam was designed to be, you and I are designed to be throughout this earthly life. Those who submit to Their spiritual design will spend eternity with Them in the earthly Kingdom of God. In the meantime, God is waiting for those who profess Him to live up to what He had planned for all of mankind from day one. I am doing my best to live up to Christ’s example.

For example, I was once attacked by four pit bulls which, when I turned to face them, stopped several feet away and would come no closer. Recently a wasp landed on my arm but did not sting me, to the amazement of my great grandson who has been a victim of those viscous creatures. Recently a severe hail storm was rapidly heading toward Athens, Texas where I live. The power of God caused the storm to split just before arriving and to go on either side of us. I once caused a rain cloud which was headed away from me to stop, reverse directions and come to where I was, bringing with it much needed rain. Three years ago I asked God to fulfill His promise to send rain to my property in due season (Duet. 11:14). Summers in East Texas are hot and dry, forcing me to water my yard repeatedly. I have not watered my yard since that day. I once cast a demon out of a man with a thought. I have cast out a demon over the phone. On another occasion I, through God’s power, raised a man to life who had been dead three days. I have told strangers things about their past that I had no way of knowing except through the holy spirit abiding within me. On three occasions God has shown me in vision that He was going to kill three people and why. He did exactly what He told me He would do. All three died of within three months and of no medical reason. One died a week and a half after God’s revelation. Two died because the rejected what I told them about God’s 7th day Sabbath. I have prayed over pieces of paper that, when the paper touched a sick person, the Holy Spirit in the paper healed the person. I DID NONE OF THOSE THINGS, ALONG WITH MANY OTHER MIRACLES. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ME DID EVERYTHING. I simply believe every Word in the Holy Bible and act on it. My faith is not of my creation. God gives faith to those whom He knows will use it in an obedient manner.

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE LORD. I am not special. I simply do what God declares that any obedient believer can do (Jn. 14:12). He is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). I simply believe His Word and act on my faith. He said: “According to your faith, so be it unto you” (any obedient believer)–Mat. 9:29. That statement is Biblically true IF, and only IF we obey His Holy Scriptures upon which true faith is built (Rom. 10:17). Read “Ye Are Gods.” Key word–Potential.

Do not depend on church doctrine for guidance from God. Church doctrine is merely man’s (Satan’s) interpretation (wishful thinking) of what God through His prophets and apostles. It is a sin to interpret God’s word (2 Pet. 1:2), for doing so constitutes idolatry. By interpreting His Word, man replaces God as the determiner of truth, just as did Adam and Eve. We all know how that turned out. The Bible interprets itself for those who use God’s commanded method when studying His Truths (Isa. 28:9-13). Jesus said that only God’s Word is Truth (Jn. 17:17). Do not believe church doctrine, rather, obey God’s command found in Second Corinthians 6:14-7:1. Now back to the focus of this series.

That Jesus of Nazareth was 100% human is brought out Scripturally in the series titled Jesus of Nazareth: God, Man or God-man? Key word–God-man. In the following posting we will learn exactly why He sweated water and blood when praying to God for guidance and power with which to endure what He knew was soon to take place. L.J.