Signs of Jesus' Coming

This week: thoughts on the return of Christ.

Image source: denisetompkins.net

The disciples came to [Jesus] privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
~ Matthew 24:3

When they asked this question, the disciples surely believed they'd see fulfillment within their lifetime. The date of Jesus' coming is revealed to neither them nor us. I wonder if that's why Christians instead contend about whether the rapture occurs before or during the Great Tribulation.

Since most prophecy is not presented in chronological order, I can wish for "before." But I more strongly suspect "during." In Matthew 24, Jesus uses the word "then" (Greek tóte) nine times, and "immediately after" is used once. (Though "then" is used often in Revelation, it there refers to the order in which John saw events, not the strict timeline in which they unfold.)

One might infer that Jesus presents events in the order they actually occur.

Without further interpretation, here is a summary of Jesus' prophecy:

"Beginning of birth pains" (verses 5-8)
• false christs deceive people
• wars and rumors of wars, between nations and alliances
• famines, plagues and diseases, earthquakes in various places

"Then" general tribulation (verses 9-14)
• persecution and hatred "by all nations" of those named Christian
• among believers: offense, betrayal, hatred, false prophets
• Gospel preached and witnessed to all nations

"Then" the end (verses 18-28)
• "abomination of desolation" at Jerusalem, accompanying flight of Jews
• Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22)
• great signs and wonders by false christs and false prophets

"Then" the coming of the Son of Man (verses 29-42)
• sun and moon darkened, stars fall from heaven (v. 29)
• all peoples see Jesus "coming on the clouds of heaven" (v. 30)
• great sound of a trumpet, "angels ... gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matthew 24:31; 37-41)

"Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!"
~ Matthew 24:32-33

Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Left Behind

This week: thoughts on the return of Christ.

Image source: Dance Your Shoes Off

Yesterday's post featured a video of the Resurrection Sunday Dance celebration of Christians in Budapest, Hungary. The Second Baptist Church (Houston) has posted a similar video, which ends with the above scene: a park filled with brand new shoes, left behind by dancers for donation to the needy.

And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
~ 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV)

Some depictions of the rapture show suddenly empty vehicles and airplanes careening out of control when their occupants vanish. It had not occurred to me until I saw the above scene that we will also leave behind our clothes in the moment we leave this world and are clothed from on high.

For many years I have contemplated that our departure will leave the world without our prayers of intercession. What else do you see that our rapture will mean to the world we leave behind?

Dear God, amid the pressures and needs of today, please show us how You might have us prepare our souls for That Day.

Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

The Hour Was Late

Image source: deplicque.net

When I was little, we waited until the hour was late to clean up—until my dad's car pulled into the driveway. We feared him enough to scurry upon sighting him, yet wanted to have our fun until the last possible moment.

Then those who went before and those who went behind cried out, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!" ... And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple, and He looked around at all things. But since by this time the hour was late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.
~ Mark 11:9,11 (author)

Jesus entered Jerusalem and the temple on Sunday. He had cleansed the temple once before, with a whip, at the beginning of His ministry. (John 2:11-17) His return to the premises as King ought to have filled greedy oppressors with fear. Shouldn't they have known better than to come back and set up shop again after an overnight opportunity to stay away?

Jesus used no whip this time, and His actions were anything but impulsive. No doubt the moneychangers and merchants were furious and were more numerous than the lone figure Who drove them out Monday morning.

But something in the patient wrath of King Jesus disarmed their own wrath.

Surely the wrath of man shall praise You;
With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself.
~ Psalms 76:10 (NKJV)

The King has already made an appearance in our lives. How long shall we have our way before the "Hosanna!"* on our lips which asks for a Savior is accompanied by **"Come have Your way among us—we welcome You here, Lord Jesus" which asks from the heart for Him to be Lord of our lives?

The Lord's eyes see all. He is patient.

But the hour grows late.

* Hosanna is translated, "Save us, Lord."
** Quoted lyrics are from the song "Hosanna" by Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown
© 2006 Integrity Music
Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

The Greatest Love Story

It is common, as I listen to love songs, to feel the passion of the Greatest Love Story. Usually, I hear my ache for Jesus. Other times, I've felt the ache of Jesus for His bride.

I hadn't heard "Unchained Melody" in years. It was played at a wedding last weekend, and it hasn't left my head and heart all week.

Has Jesus' waiting also seemed like a long time? I've been wondering, as Jesus sits at His Father's right hand, if among his prayers for us might be: "God speed your love to Me."

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
~ Mark 13:32 (NKJV)

UNCHAINED MELODY
Written 1955: Lyrics, Hy Zaret; Music, Alex North



Oh my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch
a long lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?

I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me

Lonely rivers flow to the sea
to the sea
to the open arms of the sea
lonely rivers sigh wait for me
wait for me
I'll be coming home wait for me

Oh my love, my darling
I've hungered, hungered for your touch
a long lonely time
and time goes by so slowly
and time can do so much
are you still mine?

I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me

Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Fairy Tale Not

Once upon a time a small girl lost her way in a dark forest ruled by an evil ogre, who captured the girl and shackled her with strong chains. The ogre often came by to amuse himself by frightening her, until the girl grew accustomed to him and to living in darkness and terror. And when she grew to be a maiden the ogre made her fully his.

Many years passed, and the young woman sometimes wondered if dreams of a loving papa and beautiful little girl in a sparkling city might be memories. But she once caught her reflection of dirty face and matted hair in a rain puddle, and saw her tattered rags and thought of her life with the ogre, and knew her dreams could not be real.

One day a woodcutter arrived in the forest. He offered her fresh water and fed her with warm bread and asked if she wished to someday follow him to the city. She feared the plain stranger and refused him, but he returned every day with food and the same offer.

When the ogre next came by, he found her well fed and raged against the woodcutter, warning her that the strange man sought to capture her so he might shame her filth and ugliness if she went to the city. The woodcutter returned the next day, and the ogre screamed that he could not have the girl for she belonged to the forest and to himself.

The woodcutter drew a sword and a key, bargaining his life for hers with the ogre, promising the girl he would one day return and marry her if she chose to be free. The ogre received the sword with a laugh and slew the woodcutter. The girl took the bloody key from the woodcutter’s hand, while the ogre ridiculed her dead hero and any thought of being a bride.

The girl long wept for the woodcutter, until one day she drew the key and unshackled herself. The ogre appeared at once and his taunts prevented her running away from him. But each night thereafter she dreamt of the woodcutter, who stood in clothes of gleaming white and spoke kindly to her and told her of secret treasures He’d hidden for her in the forest.

The girl began to venture farther and farther away from her chains, discovering beautiful garments and perfumes and jewelry and a rushing waterfall in which to bathe. The ogre never went away or ceased to torment her, but he no longer touched her and she came to stop fearing him. In her dreams the woodcutter had become a prince, assuring her that he lived to return for her, and she believed him and dwelt with joy even in the dark forest.

Then one day the living woodcutter become prince was crowned king, and he came for her on a white horse. She did not know that she radiated beauty in her joy and cleanliness and white garments, for she'd never quite stopped thinking of herself as a dirty little girl with matted hair in rags defiled by an ogre.

But her beloved woodcutter had always seen her as she would be this day, and had loved her from the beginning.

And they lived happily ever after.

~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~

"Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
~ Revelation 19:7-8 (NKJV)

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True ... And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
~ Revelation 19:11,16 (NKJV)

I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: truthinlove.com.au

Standing By

"He will never break His promise,
though the stars should break faith with the sky."
~ Rich Mullins

Standing By

It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.
~ Revelation 13:7 (NKJV)

Tuesday's post from Revelation 12:10-11 looked to the saints overcoming the devil with their Testimony.

But we see here in Revelation 13 that along the way, the enemy sometimes overcomes us.

It is in darkest moments of seeming defeat that we must call to mind: our Deliverer is standing by, waiting to make known His might.


My Deliverer



Joseph took his wife and child and they went to Africa
To escape the rage of a deadly king
There along the banks of the Nile, Jesus listened to the song
That the captive children used to sing
They were singing

My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by

Through a dry and thirsty land, water from the Kenyon heights
Pours itself out of Lake Sangra's broken heart
There in the Sahara winds Jesus heard the whole world cry
For the healing that would flow from His own scars
The world was singing

My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by

He will never break His promise
He has written it upon the sky

My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by

I will never doubt His promise
though I doubt my heart, I doubt my eyes

My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by

He will never break His promise
though the stars should break faith with the sky

My Deliverer is coming – my Deliverer is standing by

Lyrics "My Deliverer" © 1998 Myrrh Records
by Rich Mullins (1955 – 1997) and Mitch McVicker
GMA's Song of the Year 1999 (awarded posthumously)

Kiss the Son

"My eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord,
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored."
~ Julia Ward Howe, from "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," 1861

Kiss the Son

Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars... She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron.
Revelation 12:1,5 (NKJV)

" 'Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance ...
You shall break them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.' "
Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
~ Psalms 2:8-12 (NKJV)

John describes Jesus here as a King to rule over all nations with a rod of iron. Psalm 2 describes His rod dashing the nations to pieces.

This is the side of Jesus we rarely think about.

Not unlike the website on royalty etiquette where I found this photo, the psalmist instructs the kings of nations to kiss their divine Monarch in homage, to serve Him with fear, to rejoice with trembling—lest He be angry.

Though I hold reverent fear for my Father's discipline, I am at peace with God. On the day I see Jesus, I do hope to kiss Him. Whether I fall on my face and kiss His scarred feet, or am permitted to kneel and kiss His scarred hands, I look forward to finally expressing, face-to-face, my profound gratitude and love.

Lord Jesus, I long for our first kiss. Don't You? Have Your people not waited sufficiently? Maranatha! Come quickly, Lord!

I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source: www1.nst.com.my

The Necessity of Beauty

The look at the book of Revelation begun in January was interrupted. It will be picked up again, going back to the beginning for continuity.

"Though we travel the world over
to find the beautiful,
we must carry it with us
or find it not."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Necessity of Beauty

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
~ Revelation 1:3 (NKJV)

The Bible's last book—"The Revelation of Jesus Christ"—is exhaustively studied concerning end times and Christ's second coming. But what might the book reveal about the Person of Jesus as He prepares to receive not only a throne but also His bride, the church?

Ancient Israelite custom was for the bridegroom to prepare the couple's home and wedding, while the bride gave full attention to preparing herself as would please her husband. Among the betrothal gifts he gave her were garments, perhaps as an indication of his preferences.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church ...
~ Ephesians 5:25-27 (NKJV)

This journey through Revelation will look specifically at Jesus, the garments of righteousness He gives His bride, and how he defines His bride's beauty. We'll look again at the necessity of beauty, not for the world's sake, but in anticipation of pleasing our Beloved Bridegroom.

Lord Jesus Christ, You are King of kings, Lord of lords, and most especially our Beloved Bridegroom. Please give Your Holy Spirit as our divine Valet, to open our eyes to what most pleases You, that we might make ready for Your coming.

FOLLOW-UP NOTE: An invitation for response from the male perspective is included in Wendy's comment below.

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com Comments or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#Biblestudy
Photo from eternal-wedding-design.com

The Necessity of Beauty, Part Two

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful,
we must carry it with us or find it not."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Necessity of Beauty,
Part Two

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
~ Ephesians 5:25-27 (NKJV)

Today is an interlude between a look at Psalms and returning to the New Testament.

My rotation has been to follow Psalms with a Gospel. But since I've now blogged on all four Gospels, I thought I'd look at Jesus through the book titled "The Revelation of Jesus Christ."

The last book of the Bible is seen primarily as a prophecy of end times. My intent is to look less at the plans and promises of the Lord for His second coming, but at His Person. Every book of the Bible reveals the Lord Jesus. How much more so the book with such a title?

The Lord's second coming is not only to receive a throne, but to receive a bride.

For the ancient Israelite wedding, the bridegroom made all the preparations for both the couple's home and the wedding feast. The bride gave her full attention to preparing only herself. She did all within her means to make herself beautiful for her husband. He might even give her garments as betrothal gifts, perhaps as an indication of his preferences.

In looking at the Lord Jesus Himself, might we also discover what He looks for in His bride—His preferences? What might garments of righteousness which He gives to us look like?

Last Monday's Necessity of Beauty was a look at Christ's church as His witness to the world. We'll look again at the necessity of beauty, not for the world's sake, but in anticipation of pleasing our Beloved Bridegroom.

Since tomorrow's post will be on the topic of Lust for the Blog Carnival, I'll plan to open the book of Revelation on Wednesday.

Lord Jesus Christ, You are King of kings, Lord of lords, and most especially our Beloved Bridegroom. Please give Your Holy Spirit as our valet, to open our eyes to what most pleases You, that we might make ready for Your coming.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#Biblestudy
Photo from eternal-wedding-design.com

Heavens Shaken

"I like to think that the moon is there

even if I am not looking at it."
~ Albert Einstein

Heavens Shaken

My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth...
He who keeps you will not slumber...
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil ...
The LORD shall preserve
your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.
~ Psalms 121:2-3,6-8 (NKJV)

"... the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory."
~ Mark 13:24-26 (NKJV)

Though taking out the ash bucket isn't my chore, necessity required it of me a few nights ago. I was grateful for a clear night's full moon by which I could watch for coyotes. Then I reached the back of our yard, and was astounded by the glory of gorgeous moonlight shimmering off a field of fresh snow. The unpleasant task became the Lord's opportunity to sneak up on me.

The blessing's Part Two was a night later in a vivid dream. I usually sleep too deeply to even know if I dream. In this dream I saw a brilliant full moon. A hand appeared in the sky and palmed the moon, then took it away. I immediately awakened with a heart of peace. I was not alarmed to see the Lord remove the moon. I had joy to have seen His hand.

The hand of God is terrifying only to those who stand to oppose Him. For those who stand with Him, His hand preserves us from all evil—evil of the day and evil of the night, from this time forth, and forevermore.

Jesus said we'd know the signs of the end times. End times aren't coming. End times are here. They are no cause of fear to those who walk with Him called the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. For us, His coming is a cause of joy.

Father in Heaven, thank You for the great peace You make available to Your people at all times. Please speak peace and guidance to our hearts in these last days. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

#secondcoming
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from smokeandmirrorsaswego.blogspot.com

Days Ahead

"Fear does not exist anywhere except in the mind."
~ Dale Carnegie

Days Ahead
#secondcoming

Upon the upright rises light in the darkness—
gracious, compassionate, and righteous...
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings
His heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
~ Psalms 112:4,7 (author)

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
~ James 4:12-14 (NKJV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
~ Psalms 119:105 (NKJV)

Our pastor is preaching from Revelation, linking recent events to prophecies going back 2500 years with spine-chilling accuracy.

Countless prayer requests come to me for those without a job in an economy which continues to falter—and for loved ones struggling with illnesses which have ominous implications.

I often speak with people for whom I care, who face decisions with long-range impact.

At every turn are situations shadowed by uncertainty and anxiety for the future. If we only knew what awaits us in days ahead, we might better know how act today. But our Maker reserves to Himself knowledge of what tomorrow holds.

It’s one thing to say we must trust the Lord for the days ahead. It’s quite another to rest in that trust. The psalmist says of the upright (Hebrew yâshâr, meaning "straight" or "erect") that his heart is fixed. He stands tall, without fear, in the face of the storm. Rather than veer away from being gracious, compassionate, and righteous, the upright resolutely stays the course.

We have surely entered the days when darkness will not recede before the Son appears on the horizon. The one who fears God need not fear darkness or whatever may lie there, because the risen Lord is our Light. Amid darkness, sufficient is the Light for the next step.

Heavenly Father, Your Word is living and powerful and reliable. You are all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving. You bid us fear not, be not anxious, have no worry for the morrow. Please make us unmovable and unwavering in faith amid the perils which threaten. Ever open our eyes to Who You are.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
sjbrown58.wordpress.com

The Day of the Lord

"Spiritual warriors fight for love, fight for light,
and believe in what others say is impossible."
~ Maura Casey

The Day of the Lord
#biblestudy


Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power,
in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning:
thou hast the dew of thy youth.
~ Psalms 110:3 (KJV)

Your troops will be willing on your day of battle.
Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you
like dew from the morning's womb.
~ Psalms 110:3 (TNIV)

... when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe ...
~ 2 Thessalonians 1:10 (NKJV)

While the Psalms are all poetical, Psalm 110:3 is more so. The Lord has allowed to King David the prophet that his eyes should see the glory of the coming of the Lord. The majestic vision has evidently compelled David to use language even more evocative and figurative than usual. Of roughly 30 Bible versions I consulted, the translations for this particular verse were highly varied. As is often the case with poetry, no one understands it quite the same.

Here's what I see in today's passage from Psalms, translated to prose:

During the long dry months from perhaps April thru October, Israel's ground receives no life-sustaining moisture except the dew. For someone like David, in exile from Saul for many long years, and often in the desert wilderness, the dew was indeed a glorious display of life from the womb of the morning. His glimpse of the Day of the Lord was more glorious yet, for it was a day long awaited, accompanied by the Lord's bride in all of her own glory, willingly at her King's side as He faces His enemies.

Our adornment shall be the splendor of holiness. Holiness gets a bad name, because artificial holiness is a source of pride. True holiness is being like Christ, in all the beauty of His goodness and love, with all the strength of youth in its prime.

The Day of the Lord is awaited by Him with even more zeal than by us. When the hour finally arrives for the Lord Jesus to display His might, it will be as lovely as the early dawn—the best part of the day—and it will be only the first light of our Lord's reign.

Lord Jesus, we see the signs You said would tell us it is near—right at the door! How happy we are that we shall see you soon. How beautiful shall be the King and His bride. Prepare us, Lord. Make us beautiful in Your eyes.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from flickr.com

Anointed Ones

Note: Be looking for new thoughts on praise and suffering as we work our way through Psalms 101-125 til about Christmas.

For those guests visiting for the blog carnival on "Community" (hosted by Bridget Chumbley)—Welcome! Regular readers are invited to visit this link for more messages on the Community theme.

"If a man would follow, today, the teachings of the Old Testament,
he would be a criminal.
If he would follow strictly the teachings of the New, he would be insane."
~ Robert Green Ingersoll

Anointed Ones

He is the LORD our God ...
He remembers His covenant forever ...
for a thousand generations,
The covenant which He made with Abraham,
And His oath to Isaac ...
To Israel as an everlasting covenant ...
He permitted no one to do them wrong;
Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,
Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm."
Psalms 105:7-9,14-15 NKJV

Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob"; "and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins."
~ Romans 11:25-27 (ESV)

I wrote last Wednesday in the guest post on Peter Pollock's blog of the need for unity among Christians, in answer to what's been called "The Only Unanswered Prayer of Jesus." Today is an opportunity to expand on that message, with more relevance than might be immediately apparent.

I continue to be surprised by how many people consider both the Jews and the Old Testament of minimal relevance to Christianity. Jesus said "salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22) and made Himself known in the context of Judaism. He also said He came not to destroy the "Law and Prophets" of OT Scripture, but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17-18).

The New Covenant (or Testament) is superior to the Old; the NT provides fuller revelation of the OT and enhances understanding of it. But the new by no means does away with the old. Like an oil lamp long made obsolete (Hebrews 8:7-13) for most people, the OT still gives light to those who choose to use it, or who are ignorant of the better alternative.

Anti-Semitism has prevailed for hundreds of years, robbing Christianity of the riches of Judaism and full appreciation of the Old Testament. Even Martin Luther, one of Christianity's greatest reformers, was markedly anti-Semitic. The church has largely failed to see the unity between Jew and Gentile which Paul notes as God's plan (Ephesians 2:11-16). We define Christians as "anointed ones." Yet the Lord also called His covenant people of the OT "anointed ones."

I treasure the entirety of Scripture not merely for the knowledge it offers, but for its revelation of the Father, His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Not only do I see NT truth as a continuous revelation of the OT, I embrace the bond between faithful Jews and Christians. We will one day be fully united, and the Spirit is already bringing Jew and Gentile together in Messianic congregations around the world, in the name and blood of Yeshua ha-Mashiach (Hebrew for Jesus Christ).

If you are a student of eschatology (the study of end times associated with the second coming of Jesus), you know that the time is at hand when Christians and Jews needed to stand in UNITY against our COMMon enemy—one definition of community.

I celebrate that unity now, in the simple gesture of welding together on a single link a cross of gold and silver Star of David. It is the pendant I wear, and the bond I already feel in my heart.

Father in Heaven, please unite our hearts to one another, in the love and blood and name of the Lord Jesus Christ—Adonai Yeshua ha-Mashiach—that we may stand firm for Your name in any hour of trial.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Exhibit H: Covenant

"Pessimism is a luxury that a Jew can never allow himself."
~ Golda Meir

Blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
"The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
For this is My covenant with them,
When I take away their sins."
~ Romans 11:25-27 (NKJV)

The LORD will scatter you among the peoples ...

He will not forsake you nor destroy you,

nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.
~ Deuteronomy 4:27,31 (NKJV)

Paul concludes his case for Christ with an eighth exhibit—God's covenant with Israel. Israel stands as proof that God's Word and promises are reliable. The Lord cut off Israel in Paul's era. But Paul foresaw what is being fulfilled in our era: YHWH's restoration of Israel in fulfillment of His everlasting covenant with her.

Israel's survival alone is miraculous testimony to God's covenant. But on May 14, 1948, Israel's sovereignty was reestablished after 2600 years, testifying that she is indeed the Lord's chosen people. God is at work for full restoration as He has promised. The time for Israel to know and put faith in her Messiah is near.

Paul said that Israel's blindness to the identity of Jesus will endure until the fullness of Gentiles has come in. I believe God gives prophecy of future evens with enough specifics that we cannot dispute it after the fact, and enough ambiguity that we are forced to rely on Him as events await fulfillment.

No one has complete knowledge of how and when each end time event will unfold. Yet Jesus said we would recognize the signs of end times (Mark 13:27-29).

As God shows that His covenant with Israel is everlasting, we see the reliability of His covenant with Christ's followers—and a sign that the days of the Gentiles draw to a close.

Sovereign Lord, all Your Word is true and reliable. You have done great things for Israel and for those of us who are Christ's, and have promised to do so much more! Work mightily in our hearts and make Your bride ready for her Bridegroom.

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

The Ends of the Earth

"Proclaim, give praise, and say,
'O LORD, save [Hosanna] Your people,
The remnant of Israel!'
Behold, I will bring them from the north country,
And gather them from the ends of the earth."
~ Jeremiah 31:7-8 (NKJV)

He will set up a banner for the nations,
And will assemble the outcasts of Israel,
And gather together the dispersed of Judah [Yehuda, the Jews]
From the four corners of the earth.
~ Isaiah 11:12 (NKJV)

And so all Israel will be saved... For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
~ Romans 11:26,29 (NKJV)

The multitude of prophesies which preceded Jesus' arrival on earth made clear only in retrospect the nature of His ministry. The majority of Jews presumed that He must take the throne immediately. His timing required otherwise, frustrating their limited faith.

Presumption of many faithful Christians denies that Israel shall still be saved, despite volumes of prophecy to the contrary—despite seeing the gathering of Jews from the ends of the earth back to Israel, before our very eyes!

We cannot be so presumptuous that we believe we can know in advance how all will be fulfilled. Only in retrospect will we see with accuracy the how's of God.

I don't wish to be contentious. I refuse to be divisive on matters not foundational to salvation. I freely admit my limited knowledge, which is certain we shall escape God's wrath, but cannot conclusively support that the rapture shall precede the seven-year Tribulation. I do not see such clarity in Scripture, nor do many people far more learned than I am.

Many Christians presume the Lord will gather us from the ends of the earth immediately before The Tribulation. It is my firm belief we should wait upon the Lord without presumption, expecting the tribulation Jesus said we should expect.

Father in heaven, thank You for Your multitude of reassurances that people faithful to You should always escape the brunt of Your wrath. Please unite Your people in spirit and truth. Please complete final preparations to make us one, in anticipation of Your return for Your bride.

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Remember the Sabbath

Thus says the LORD:
"Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day ...
nor do any work,
but hallow the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers."
~ Jeremiah 17:21-22 (NKJV)

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work ... For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it [set it apart]."
~ Exodus 20:8-11 (NKJV)

They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison.
~ Revelation 20:6-7 (NKJV)

As with other biblical feast days, the Sabbath is both a memorial of what has happened and a remembrance of what is yet to come. The fact that it is included in the Ten Commandments rather than among the other 612 Old Testament laws sets apart this feast day as significant.

It’s been said that the Sabbath serves as a reminder and example of even God resting after work. I can testify to the fact that when I refrain from extra activities one day a week, I’m more effective on the other six.

The Sabbath is also an especially important sign of hope to us and to the world: God has promised a millennium of rest, when Jesus Christ reigns as earth’s King. Many scholars and Bible students (myself included) look for it at the end of the sixth millennium since creation—a millennium now closing.

In the face of unprecedented trouble and global unrest, each Sabbath serves as a sign of hope for the great rest soon to come.

Father in Heaven, You alone know the day and hour of Your Son’s return. Yet you have prepared us to recognize its time and season, and we acknowledge its imminence. Please use everything in our lives, including observance of the Sabbath, to make us ready for our Lord and Bridegroom. Maranatha Adonai Yeshua! Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Glory of Your People Israel

"My eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel."
~ Luke 2:30-32 (NKJV)

I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! ... But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles... Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear... Blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved.
~ Romans 11:1,11,20,25-26 (NKJV)

O seed of Abraham His servant,
You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!
He is the LORD our God ...
He remembers His covenant forever.
~ Psalms 105:6-8 (NKJV)

In my opinion, Israel's past glory climaxed when God's glory so filled Solomon's newly dedicated temple that the priests could not minister there. David had conquered her enemies and the nation was at peace. Solomon had yet to fall into the idolatry that would become rampant.

Israel shall yet reach the pinnacle of her glory. The children of Jacob wait for the Son of David they rejected at His first coming. Some argue there is no such thing as Jews of faith unless they believe in Jesus. I contend that Jews who call upon the name of the Lord live by the faith of the Old Testament covenant which YHWH did not break. Paul calls their blindness partial.

The day is at hand when the fullness of the Gentiles has entered the kingdom and Jesus returns. Even now, many eyes in Israel are being opened to see their Messiah.

Israel! Behold Your God! His name is Yeshua Ha-Mashiach (Jesus Christ). He brings glory to His people Israel. You need only say, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, have mercy on Your chosen people! Open their eyes and hearts to fully receive You. We gentiles do not deserve the grace You've shown us at their expense. Please come and establish the glory of Your people Israel. Please put in their mouths the words to herald Your return.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Exalt Jerusalem

O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance;
Your holy temple they have defiled;
They have laid Jerusalem in heaps....
We have become a reproach to our neighbors,
A scorn and derision to those who are around us.
~ Psalms 79:1-4 (NKJV)

If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
Let my right hand forget its skill!
If I do not remember you,
Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—
If I do not exalt Jerusalem
Above my chief joy.
~ Psalms 137:5-6 (NKJV)

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
~ Revelation 21:2 (NKJV)

The crown jewel of Israel has been Jerusalem since the day David brought the ark into the city singing and dancing. Twice, to thoroughly re-order Israel, the Lord has taken Jerusalem from the Jews—or perhaps it would be more correct to say that He took the Jews from Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is central to the Lord's people and His plan of redemption. His purpose to exalt Jerusalem mirrors His purpose to exalt His church, whom Jerusalem represents. Whatever reproach Christianity suffers in the present era, it echoes all that has happened to Jerusalem.

God has forsaken neither the Jews nor Jerusalem. Jesus promised to never forsake His church. We shall again see God exalt Jerusalem, for the church's ultimate destiny is to reign at the side of our King as His bride.

Beloved Bridegroom, Your bride awaits Your return as You make preparation for her. By the power of Your Spirit, please complete Your work in us that we will finish preparation for You, beautifully adorned in holiness.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

Oh, that You would rend the heavens!
That You would come down!
That the mountains might shake at Your presence ...
For since the beginning of the world
Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,
Who acts for the one who waits for Him.
~ Isaiah 64:1,4 (NKJV)

If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! [Maranatha!] ~ 1 Corinthians 16:22 (NKJV)

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" ... He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
~ Revelation 22:17,20 (NKJV)

Isaiah's words are over 2700 years old. All over the world, the Spirit of God is breathing new life into them. The Lord Jesus' return to earth draws near with mounting and tangible anticipation. When in all of history have songs of praise extolled Him with words of such unbridled desire?

The day of the Lord's return is not known. It may be many years away. But the fervor with which God's people look for His return is building. Even among Jews, expectancy mounts for the arrival of Messiah. It can be nothing less than God's Spirit putting in our hearts what is in Himself.

If we sing songs of desire and bid Him come, then let us make ready. Let His Word be continually before our eyes and in our hearts. Let our lives be externally purged of whatever repels Him. Let our souls be cleansed of all not holy.

Let the Bridegroom find a pure and radiant bride ready for Him.

Lord Jesus, can You feel our longing for You? Surely it is less than Your own for us. There are days when we seek little more than escape from this world's darkness. Please purify us with Your Light that we would instead make You manifest amid the darkness.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy

The Lord Waits

Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.
Isaiah 30:18 (ESV)

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' " ~ Matthew 23:37-39 (NKJV)

... what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God ...?
2 Peter 3:11-12 (NKJV)

Though I've for the most part "learned in whatever state I am to be content," I never stop waiting for things to change. I am entirely content sitting eight feet from the fire in my wood stove, but I also wait for the bite of frigid winter to give way for spring's gentle warmth.

It fascinates me to think that the Lord waits for us before He acts, for this hints at the power mankind has to move the hand of God. Prayer is perhaps the most apparent example of our influence with the Almighty, but there are clearly many other ways we affect Him.

Such is the nature of a relationship. We carefully watch and evaluate and respond to each other. We self-consciously wait for the responses to ourselves. In our relationship with God, we are painfully aware of waiting upon Him. How amazing that the Lord waits upon us as well!

Everlasting God, even time waits for no man—how is it that You should be so patient with puny mortals? Please move in our hearts, that we will readily respond to you. Please call us to times of prayer to express our love, to hear You speak, to repent, to share our hearts, and to move Your hand.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy