(05/19/2019) Judas Chosen By Jesus

A contemporary depiction of Jesus identified in the darkness of night to be arrested by the kiss of Judas (image reference below).

Today, reply is on the choosing of Judas as an apostle of Jesus in spite of the Savior’s awareness that Judas was likely to betray him. Judas represented Israel defiled through captivity and exile, that nevertheless was in perpetual covenant with divinity. It is written: 2^nd Kings 17: 14-15, King James Version (KJV): 14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God. 15 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. Jesus did not covet a large donation from the Temple at Jerusalem, as did Judas. Thus, the character of divinity revealed through the ministry of Jesus Christ includes faithfulness (fidelity), forbearance, forgiveness, grace, longsuffering, and wisdom. Jesus behaved with a conviction that the doctrine and tools provided by the Father and the Spirit would allow every man missing opportunities for repentance, and a portion as the new creation. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and Spirituality who uses the ID “David” (Level 7 with 173,130 points, a member since September 05, 2009) posted the following:

Why Did Jesus Choose Judas Iscariot as One of the Twelve While Knowing in Advance Judas Would be the Betrayer?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. (Psalms 65: 4, King James Version, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Blaspheming the Holy Spirit (05/08/2019); Accounts To Reveal Divinity (04/28/2019); The Use of Money? (01/07/2019); The Discernment of Godliness (07/13/2018); Judas Kept The Bag (03/22/2018); Someone Who Is Kidding? (03/24/2017); A “Successor” To Jesus? (02/22/2018); Doing GOD’s Plan (02/20/2014); “Prayer Death”? (02/21/2014)

“David”, Jesus’ choice of Judas must be seen in the light that all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD. Developing Christians are to understand that, because Adam and Eve transgressed the divine law, mankind is to exist displaying a condition of mortality, and now experiences life under a continuing sentence of condemnation and death. Even so, ongoing operations, relationships, and the official tribunals of judgment allow mankind to communicate, exchange and interact with divinity without bias, prejudice, and prejudgment. Sinners are granted opportunities to display their own integrity of being, their own content of divine substance, and their willingness to be returned to GOD through operations of the divine fullness (we also say, divinity; the Godhead; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

The assessment and weighing of human attitudes, behavior, and conduct are more to identify and reveal the character and nature of sin than to attach a list of offenses to someone’s name (reputation). Many are blind to the “exceeding sinfulness of sin,” and fail to realize that sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and the entire Creation. Sin is contrary to both divine and human nature; yet, sin may dominate consciousness and self-will (willpower) within created beings and living creatures. Through judgment, the harshness of divine condemnation appears balanced against sacred completeness, discernment, impartiality, lovingkindness, mercy, restraint, and righteousness.

Jesus knew “what was in mankind” (i.e., understood the possibility for a man to express either an animal, human, or divine nature—or even a nature that is a confusion of the three). He understood that those to whom he was sent were capable of hatred, murder, and violence against himself. Even so, he trusted that the outcome of operations by GOD through Incarnation would provide redemption, renewal, and salvation for both heaven and earth. A new creation and the fulfillment of eternal purpose would be accomplished by imparting fresh endowments of spirit substance from the makeup of GOD; immutable assurances, covenant, and testimony as well as forgiveness, clear expectations (hope), rebirth, sacred knowledge, and greater strength to endure suffering.

The ministry of Jesus was to provide grace to mankind. Jesus did not choose Judas desiring that Judas be a betrayer; and the Lord acknowledged Judas (and all the others) were capable of treachery. Jesus admonished and warned the twelve; however, he made no angry declaration of punishment against Judas or any one of the others. Jesus remained steadfast, and did not despair or quit his efforts to guide and prepare the full twelve. At the time they were introduced, Jesus recognized the pattern presented by Judas (ABCDEFG...XYZ is coming); and understood Judas would most likely be the one to betray the Christ. Even so, Judas was given opportunities to discover, to fellowship, to learn, repent, and be made new. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:

1. Ezekiel 18: 19-24, King James Version (KJV): 19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? 24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

2. Matthew 26: 20-25, KJV: 20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. 21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? 23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, 3. Romans 6: 15-23, KJV: 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

Image downloaded 12:36 PM, May 19, 2019 @ https://bibleartists.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/6a-the-kiss-of-judas-jesus-mafa.jpg

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(10/09/2014) Made in the Image of GOD?

Points are shared on language in the Scriptures that describe the active presence of deity through spiritual and visual events, figures, or persons.  The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers UK & Ireland” using the ID “Trying Good” (Level 2 with 218 points, a member since February 21, 2006) posted the following:


We are created from GOD's image? GOD who's unseen what would be that image?

There are many allegorical meanings in Bible perhaps... e.g. we are created from GOD's image? GOD who's unseen what would be that image? And if we are image of GOD all should look alike? Do we? ADVAITA: In here in east clearly we all know from Upanishads GOD thyself split to form us?


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:  Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,  The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,  The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:  And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.  (Deuteronomy 4:  15-19, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Jesus in GODhead (04/01/2014); The Image of GOD? (10/10/2013); Embodied Afterlife? (10/11/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); A Guide to Salvation? (04/10/2013); Candles of GOD? (12/26/2012); Hellfire and Brimstone Preaching? (12/27/2012)


“Trying Good”, here are a few points to consider that have been constructive among those in covenant with GOD as Christian believers:

(1.)  While the holy writings make use of the specific word “image” in certain verses and passages, its correct application and meaning requires discernment (i.e., the ability to use ones own spirit content from the makeup of divinity—some say, the breath of life, the Holy Spirit—to recognize and respond to spirit matter in such life experience as events, other persons, prophecy, purpose, and holy writ). 

(2.)  Clarification for divine intent when the word “image” is used has been provided within the Scriptures through related terms  (e.g., idols, likeness, manifestation, similitude).  

(3.)  While Jesus Christ is described as a physical appearing of deity having a bodily form (we say, in flesh, an incarnation), his human features were nondescript and ordinary, such that he would not stand out, or be recognized and responded to except on the basis of his words and deeds.  Because of this, someone close to him among his disciples had to be recruited to betray him, and this was done by Judas with a kiss.

There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  The spirit likeness of GOD also may be recognized in men, women and children, today, on the basis of their words and deeds.  Through the operations of sin, others may be seen continuing to condemn Christ—as deceivers, false witnesses, liars, and those who spread confusion—with a kiss.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.



THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/14/2012) Mockers in the Last Days

     Use by some of mockery rather than love is the topic, today. Also, there is more on unexpected expressions of affection, service to widows, and a holy kiss. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Sept” (Level 1 with 149 points, a member since September 18, 2012) posted the following:



Why do people against faith in God often employ hate, prejudice, mockery, favorism, and scorn, more than love?

It is kind of sad that they are quick to use these foolish things and slow to love. Doesn't it make you want to turn to God more, who is quick to love, quick to forgive, and slow to anger?



THE BATTLE AXE: A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012)—Through Jesus all believers inherit a duty to serve the fatherless and widows (James 1: 16-27, KJV). Just as a lifeguard at poolside must be vigilant and ready to deliver mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to save a swimmer who is drowning, and a firefighter must be prepared to rush into a building that is aflame in order for lives to be saved, those who serve in Jesus Christ must grow to a level of trust, unselfishness, and willingness to martyr or sacrifice themselves in order to recover souls. Mature believers do not question their own, or the motives of those clearly in need, and may not “second-guess” themselves. In the course of ministry, all that is said and done are taken on “face value,” and understood as lawful and legitimate expressions of the imparted, indwelling spirit of Christ. The work of the Spirit always conveys divine authority, confidence in GOD, faith, holy boldness, innocence, love, righteousness, truth and wisdom (see Philippians 4: 4-7, KJV). As with the casting of pur and the lot, the believer relies upon GOD for all that follows. This includes cleansing, healing for every injury or wound, the completeness and correctness for outcomes of interventions and responses as well as replenishment of all spiritual supplies (see 1st Peter 2: 15-16, KJV). Because sexual joining is an emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual expression, casual sex always results in a reduction of spirit power and purity; and should be regarded as fornication, a joining of ones spirit to other unknown and unseen persons. The perils to those who minister the gospel are not so much that they will be accused, sexually harassed, seduced and then punished as was Joseph. It is that they may fail to maintain the simplicity in Christ repeatedly displaying instead indifference, lack of balance, overconfidence, over familiarity, and presumption. Pastoral counseling and many other interventions are best performed by those having suitable training and experience in the things of GOD. It is very difficult for the novice to avoid inappropriate assumptions, premature and unauthorized judgment (i.e., condemnation) of others, and self-promotion (see 1st Timothy 3: 1-10, KJV).



THE GOLDEN ARROW: But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. (Jude 7-23, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Since You Asked (02/10/2012); Expect Healing (02/11/2012); Girdle 28: Grounded In Love (12/13/2011); Why Disobey? (03/18/2011); In The Rain? (03/07/2011); Q and A? (10/09/2010); A Demon Leader? (10/10/2010)



     Many choosing to use derision and scorn seek to disguise their ill-will against others (see Proverbs 26: 25-27 and Proverbs 27: 4-6, KJV). Because they fear exposure and punishment they “sugar-coat” their malice and venom, presenting the attack as humor, a joke, a casual remark, or even a heart-to-heart confidence that should bond and seal a friendship. Often, such persons are immature, presumptuous, and proud. They continue to repeat statements expressing contempt, disdain and disrespect against authority, family, law and sacred wisdom as though they truly were doing others a favor, or revealing hidden dangers, snares and pitfalls. Yet, what they speak emerges from anger, bitterness, and distrust rather than from godly insight, the sacred content of their own being, or genuine spiritual understanding.

     As an aspect of divine person and a dimension of existence, love is not a human device that can be applied, directed or manipulated in accordance with carnal, material and social concerns. Divine love is inseparable from other sacred substance, such as faith, holiness, hope, humility, longsuffering, righteousness, truth and wrath against sin. (So to speak, one cannot separate the wet from the water.) Through the indwelling spirit of GOD, mature created beings and living creatures experience love as an unselfish goal and godly motives that add value (edify), continue being, and ensure benefit to others.

     There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, many who mock and scorn when presented with the things given for salvation from GOD express anxiety, disbelief, embarrassment, and fear as very early indications that their development as a believer has begun. In the same way Moses was merely curious and unsuspecting when he turned aside to see the bush that burned without giving off smoke or turning into ashes, scoffers also are engaged with divinity where otherwise they are denied and rejected. Apart from their self-awareness and self-will, the Holy Spirit that brings created beings and living creatures into repentance may be introduced within their consciousness, prompt responses from their inborn spirit substance, and begin to dispel their spiritual confusion.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(11/13/2012) A Holy Kiss?

      When I visited a widow to share a birthday gift that would brighten her home, and encourage her gratitude toward GOD, I was embarrassed, surprised and a little shocked that a woman who is not the wife of my choice embraced me, and tried to plant a kiss on my lips. Those of you my regular readers who know my teachings on fornication will understand that I have been a little shaken, and upset since that morning. Today’s presentation, therefore, considers again what it means to share a “holy kiss” (see below); also, there is more on attending church.


THE BATTLE AXE: Attending Church? (11/12/2012)—In the same way community organizers make commitment to a peculiar neighborhood, and anchor themselves in the specific affairs and needs of those around them, mature Christian believers often accept a peculiar assembly or congregation of worshippers as their post. Without fanfare they operate with the understanding that church is where believers go to give and share; and they seek to make it that they themselves are always easily found at their post. Even without office or title as worship leaders such believers demonstrate faithfulness, and are the “life’s blood” for aid, fellowship, gathering, giving, help and pastoral outreach. The principles of oneness seen in those things for the church of Jesus Christ are traced from the beginnings of mankind where the male and female were both known as “Adam”, and later appear in the covenants for the promised land (first shared with the seven peoples, then with the sons of Jacob as the law of Moses) where the transgressions of one had consequences to all. Only GOD is immortal; yet, many aspects of the divine order that has been put forth are permanent and unchanging. Acceptable worship by finite beings and living creatures pertains to acknowledgment, agreement, consent and respect; and their worship expresses gratitude, joy, righteousness and wisdom never abasement, flattery, or self-promotion. For a universe marked by diversity, worship must be regulated so that all things may be done decently, and in order, without conflict and without confusion. Thus, just as there are laws for authority, miracles, prayer and sacrifice, there are laws for obeisance and praise that require strict obedience. Those opposing sacred law, judgment, and worship generally do so having their self-will under a foreign, nonmaterial, barely detectable influence called “sin”. Sin opposes the existence of all divine law, divine creation, and divine person.


THE GOLDEN ARROW: And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. (Luke 7: 37-43, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Binder 47: THE BLACK PHOENIX (11/13/2012); Family and Romance (10/13/2012); Double Standard? (10/12/2012); Wrong To Love? (08/17/2012); The Rules for Sharing Christ (03/15/2012); Birth Control and Sexism? (03/16/2012); Binder 29: Tried With Fire (10/26/2011); Binder 28: Purity (10/25/2011)

    
     I recently visited a widow who had been a neighbor for over twenty-five years. Before leaving this area, she experienced several falls in her home with hospitalization that followed. A breast cancer survivor, she presently is living across town in public housing for seniors; and has a cleaner, healthier home environment than ever before. Her husband deceased many years before I received the post, here, and so I never knew him except through the person of his wife.

      One of the first, most difficult challenges a believer faces is having to accept that you no longer have part and portion with those outside of Jesus Christ. Believers may not harass others, enter their homes uninvited, go through their belongings, and claim the property of others. Having no license from Christ to bully, intrude in anyone’s affairs, tell lies, show-off, or spy upon others, I lived here some fifteen years before learning the widow’s name, and during that time shared only the common courtesies I show to all. I knew she attended church regularly on Sundays, and had frequent visits from a pastor, who was also her friend. As a college-educated, African-American, Christian male who observes Sabbath as do those of the Mosaic covenant, I understood that my sharing with others would have to be with deeds, and not with words. When I began to take up the ministry and work of a Christian writer, this widow was one of the first to support my 1991 copy-righted, small press founding publication, THE INHERITANCE OF FATHERS: A Black Man’s Meditations on the Sacred Meaning of Marriage.
    
     In the past year, my efforts to serve the Lord by encouraging this widow have included using my private vehicle to assist her in grocery shopping and other local travel (wherein she always insists on “paying for the gas”), regular contacts to ensure her wellbeing, filing online unemployment claims, and allowing her to regard me as a friend who is not critical of her in any way (though I occasionally chide about gossip). On the one hand, I have refused being active in any relationships while having duty on the battlefield (see 2nd timothy 2: 3-4, KJV). On the other, I have sought to be the servant of Christ, and submit as an evidence of things unseen.

      Generally, a holy kiss of greeting within the church founded by Jesus acknowledges presence of the Holy Ghost, and is placed upon the forehead, not the lips or cheek. However, the actions of this widow are more akin to those from the woman with the alabaster box, and the woman who touched the hem of his garment. I am challenged to re-consider the first of these, because she continually kissed the Lord’s feet (not his lips), washing them with her tears, and drying them with her hair. Jesus did not ask for, or welcome her attentions, yet, he submitted to them in love. The woman who had an issue of blood that could not be otherwise stanched comes to mind because, when the widow kissed me, I felt a strange sensation, and had to wonder whether virtue had flowed out of me.

      In reviewing the experience, I asked myself, how do you suppose Jesus felt when those uninvited events occurred during his ministry in the earth? On neither occasion did Jesus respond with angry rebuke, condemnation, or denial when these women boldly took questionable risks to demonstrate their faith and trust. Even so, I’m convinced there was disappointment, embarrassment, surprise, and some concern regarding the standards for holiness, humility, and right respect. While Jesus proclaimed a message as an only begotten son of the Most High, and performed peculiar acts of reconciliation that carried out the will of GOD the Father rather than his own self-will, Jesus displayed humility and did not demand obedience, submission and worship for himself.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, carnal and sexual intimacy are to be taken into the experience of all who live in the earth at various points in their continuing as mortal beings. In the service of GOD, this is always and only to build up, edify, and strengthen a couple through sexual joining that is also spiritual. Only where there is unholy desire and selfish motivation does spiritual defilement result from sexual joining.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC