Jesus in the Old Testament, Ruth

Jesus in the Book of Ruth

I can hear some of ya. OK, OK, I get Jesus in Genesis, well, all the Books, up to now. Of course, people like Moses and Joshua were Shadows of Jesus. Of course, Jesus is the Bread from Heaven, the Sacrificial Lamb, the Final Sacrifice. I get all that. I even see how Judges would point to Jesus being the ultimate Judge. But Ruth? Isn’t the whole Book about a Woman named Ruth?

Yes. Sort of. Who is Ruth? Let start at the beginning. Ruth 1:1-5

“In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.”

Ruth is not a Descendent of Abraham. She is a descendant of Abraham’s Nephew, Lot. Moab was born from Sexual Sin as Lot and his two Daughters left Sodom and Gomorrah going into the hills. His Daughters, concerned they would never Marry or bare Children, decided to get their father drunk and have sex with him. Two Sons came of this and their names were Moab and Ammon. Ruth was a descendant of Moab. I know I know, But this is what really happened.

So Ruth had no part in the Inheritance of God’s Chosen People. She was outside the Blessings and the Promise. Naomi heard that there was a Blessing of God on the Fields in Bethlehem and decided to turn back and head there. She tells Ruth to return to her Mother’s House and expected her to go as Orphah did. However, Ruth would not.

“And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.” {Ruth 1:15-18}

When she returned, people of Moab looked at her and said,

““Is this Naomi?” She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.”

After Elimelech, Mahlon and Killion all died Naomi tried to leave Ruth and Orphah there so she could return to Bethlehem hoping for mercy. Orpah didn’t stay with Naomi but Ruth clung to her. Think about this in your own life. You will find that some People only stay with you as long as it benefits them to be with you. Other people understand you are part of their Life, no matter what, and they remain with you through all of the Good Times and all the Adversity. Ruth clung to Naomi and they hoped together for a better future.

Bad things are going to happen. We must move on and always keep our focus up and not down. forward, and not back. Keep your company with those who are with you and of like Mind. Keep it in the Family if you will.

Continuing in Ruth we see Naomi and Ruth came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the Harvest Season. They were poor. Their allotted Inheritance in Israel was gone. They had no one to support them and take care of them. The Law required that, in Israel, the Poor were to be allowed to follow the Reapers through the Fields and glean, or pick up what the Reapers left behind.

Ruth knew that there was a Kinsman who could Redeem her. The law of the Kinsman Redeemer was given in Leviticus 25:25

“If your brother becomes poor and sells part of his property, then his nearest redeemer shall come and redeem what his brother has sold.”

Boaz was a Kinsman. He was a Mighty Man of Great Wealth. She went out into the fields to glean with the Poor, hoping she might find Grace in the eyes of Boaz, hoping that he would become her Kingsman. She went to the place where she was most likely to meet her Boaz, with the hope that he might be Gracious to her.

As Ruth went to the Harvest Fields, where the had the greatest prospect of meeting Boaz, we Sinners in need of Mercy are Wise to meet with God’s people in the House of Worship. There Christ walks with and reveals Himself to his Chosen Matthew 18:20

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Also in Revelations 2:1 we read.

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.”

Over and over again, Jesus talks about the Fields, Harvest, and the need for Workers. He calls The Word of God Seed, those that share it Sowers, and those that receive it, differing types of Grounds producing different amounts of Increase. We should go and seek out OUR Redeemer in the Fields of the Harvest.

However, I want you to notice this, although Ruth was going out seeking a Redeemer, the Redeemer saw Ruth before she could know who he was, and had compassion on her.

“Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.’ So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.” 

Then we see how, although she was not worthy, he made her equal to the other Young Women in his care.

“Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.” 

Then when Ruth fell down and “Prayed to Him” and began to question his Kindness.

“Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.”

So we see her Redeemer found her. He already knew her and all about her. He accepted her as she was, and he Redeems her. Jump ahead to Chapter 4:13-17

“So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.”

Ruth, the Pagan Moabitess, or Gentile, born into Sin, became the Wife of Boaz, Heir to all his Estate, including becoming the Great Grandmother of King David and was placed in the direct lineage of Christ.

All who accept Jesus, and come onto Him, are married to Christ, Heirs of God and Joint Heirs with Christ, and are made to be the Sons and Daughters of God Almighty.

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” {Romans 8:16-17}

All by grace! All through Christ our Kinsman Redeemer.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” {Ephesians 2:8-9}

Boaz set his eyes upon Ruth, took notice of her, and had Compassion on her before she even knew who he was. Even so, the Lord Jesus Christ took notice of us, loved us, and chose us before we, and even though we could never, know who He was.

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”{Romans 5:8}

Jesus IS The Way, Truth, Life, Door, Gate, Shepard, Key to Heaven, the Great I Am. He IS our Kinsman Redeemer.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!!

Psalm 140

Psalm 140

1 Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

2 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.

3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.

4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

6 I said unto the Lord, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.

7 O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.

9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10 Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

11 Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Jesus in the Old Testament, Judges

Jesus in Judges

Last time, we saw how Joshua was a prelude or shadow of Jesus. Even in his Parting Message, he gave an appeal to them to continue on and serve the Lord. We saw this in Jesus when He gave us the “Great Commission.” 

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” {Matthew 28:16-20}

Now we move from this to a period of time, about 330 years, known as the time of Judges. Now just a basic look, we can see that Jesus is typified in the Judges for He is the True Judge of all the Living and the Dead. But let’s get a little deeper.

Joshua leads God’s Chosen People into their own Land, now known as Israel. God chooses Israel, or His People, to be a symbol or an Image, a shining example of God’s Truth, Love, and Salvation. We see this over and over as God’s Army, Israel, overcomes many Amies lead by False gods.

In the beginning, Israel was a Theocracy. This means that God was King. No Human had this role to “Lord Over” the People. God was in charge of His people, Administering His rule through the Judges. This is why Jesus settled the dispute about who is the greatest in the Kingdom of God in this way.

“Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” {Matthew 20:20-28}

So even though God had this set up in this manner, it did not last in Israel. They, in essence, reject God and His Sovereignty and sought after Man. We read in Judges 2,

“Now the angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bochim. And he said, “I brought you up from Egypt and brought you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done?”

We continue on and read that they did

“abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the Lord to anger. They abandoned the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth.”

So God gave them up to their Heart’s Desire and gave them over to their Enemies. Did you know God will still do this? Look at Romans 1:21-25

“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.”

So God did what? Remember this is Present Tense as well. If you reject God, He will reject you. If you do not turn from your Sin, God can and will give you over to it.

“Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.”

So God does this in Judges to Israel. He gave them up. But they cried out to the Lord. What did the Lord do? Yup. Sent them a deliverer. Judges 3:15.

“Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The people of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab.”

Just the first three Chapters, we see what? People rejecting God and His Plan for them. God gave them over to their own Passions. Then Saved them. When they Cried out and Repented. Sound familiar?

We see this over and over. Sin, Payment, Repentance, Salvation. At least in a sense or foreshadowing of the time to come. We read over and over that the Consequences of Sin is Death. A Sin that is not followed by Confession and Atonement always results in Punishment. Repentance and Crying out to the Lord for Forgiveness always results, in time, to Salvation and protection from Enemies and even oneself.

The Sin of Idolatry was the greatest Sin of Israel during the time of the Judges. For their love of Money, and the deceitfulness of Riches, they made friends with the Canaanites. Soon, they had adopted their Idolatrous Practices. The same thing happens today when Christians make their associations with the World in order to better their Positions in Life. These are those Jesus said were by the Wayside when talking about receiving the Word of God.

“As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” {Matthew 13:22}

Jesus also answered Peter, when talking about forgiveness of Sin and wrongdoing. Matthew 18:21-22

“Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

If Jesus tells us, being Evil, to forgive those we ought if they Repent, “seventy-seven times,” some translations say Seventy TIMES Seven, in other words, every time. How much more do you think our Lord will forgive us as long as we Repent and turn to Him?

Israel was an example of God calling out His People. Blessing them. Giving them guidance and providing them a more perfect Way through the Judges and the Word of God. Today? God calls us out of the World through His Son Jesus, who?

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” {John 1:14}

If we repent and turn away, He is just enough to forgive us of our Sins and Save us from our Enemies and Ourselves. Jesus said,

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” {John 14:6}

We also see in Judges, God calling out and using Ordinary Imperfect People. Some of them?

Othniel: Caleb's youngest brother's son.

Ehud: A left-handed man and an assassin.

Deborah: A Female. Not common in those days.

Gideon: A member of an Obscure Family in the smallest Tribe; he was threshing wheat by a secluded Winepress when God called him. {Think of this what they said of Jesus. {John 1:46}}

Tola: His name means ''Worm''.

Jephthah: An outcast, the Son of a Harlot.

Samson: A Nazirite. Yes a man of great strength, yet his story demonstrates the weakness of Mind. He was gullible and easily beguiled by Women.

God showed this when Jesus chose the 12. They too were Ordinary Imperfect People. This is who God chooses to use.

The book of Judges closes with Civil War, Ruin, Destruction, and these Words:

“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Without a King, a Leader, the People fell into the Lusts of their Hearts, Sins of the Flesh, and the Ways of the World. Thankfully, we have a King. The King of kings, and the Lord of lords. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. He is the Creator of all that is, was, and ever will be. He is the very Word of God, and He is God. He is Jesus.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord.

Psalm 139

Psalm 139

1 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Jesus in the Old Testament, Joshua

Jesus In Joshua 

Up to now, we looked at the Torah. The First Five books, or the Law. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. We have seen clearly that even though the Scribes and Pharisees knew these Books, or “The Law,” like the back of their hands, they missed the most important thing about them. They all pointed to Jesus.

Jesus said,

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,” {John 5:39}

Now we are going to continue, into the Second part, if you will, of the Old Testament. Starting today with Joshua. Can we find Jesus in Joshua? Of course, we can. Notice how Joshua starts. Joshua 1:1-3

“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.”

What does the Word say about Jesus? He came to fulfill the Law. Romans 8:3-4

“For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Where the Law stopped, Joshua begins. Where the Law stops, Jesus begins. Just like Moses, being weak could not complete God’s Plan to bring His Chosen People to the Promised Land, our Flesh is weak. We cannot make it to God’s Promised Land by ourselves. This is why Jesus came to Earth.

However, we actually SEE the appearance of Jesus IN The Book of Joshua. Don’t believe me? We have already established that He is The Word, and was with God in the Beginning and “All things were created by Him and For Him.” Now we see this Supernatural meeting between Jesus and Joshua.

Now God tells Joshua to go and take over the great City of Jericho. This would, of course, be impossible without Divine Intervention. After forty years in the Desert, all the men of War in the Jews camps have died. Even young Males have become older Men. Joshua does attempt to do what he thinks is best here. He makes Weapons, Circumcised all the Males, and heads out in obedience to God to take over this walled and fortified City. When he arrives he is met by a Supernatural Being.

“When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?”

Joshua did not even hesitate to listen to this “Man” because he knew instantly who He was. Jesus answered him.

“ And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.”

Notice what this is meaning here? God tells Joshua what he must do. Since it was not really in his ability to do it, Jesus came and said in essence, “I have not come to fight with you. But rather to fight for you. I have come to take your place.”

None of us are able to live a Life worthy of God and or Salvation. However, we have One who is. Ephesians 3:20

''Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,''

It is absolutely clear that this is one of the pre- Bethlehem born Christ. Or as some call the “pre-incarnate” appearances of the Lord Jesus Christ.

You know the rest of the Story. Joshua and those with him marched around the City of Jericho once a Day for Six Days. They were preceded by the Ark of the Covenant and Seven Priests bearing Seven Trumpets made up of Ram's Horns. On the Seventh Day, they did this Seven times and the Priests blew the Trumpets. On one accord, the Children of Israel shouted with a great noise. When they did, the Walls of the City fell and the city of Jericho was taken as God had declared.

Why? Faith. Faith that God is Faithful and Just. Faith that God can do whatsoever He says. Faith that God is with His Children. Faith in God, even if it seems impossible. Matthew 19:26

“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””

And the Word reminds us of this in Hebrews 11:30

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.”

Faith that Jesus, is able and willing, to take our place, and accomplish that of which we cannot do on our own. Continuing on in Joshua, we read of Rahab. A Sinner who comes to Christ. Who believed and had Faith in God and His Church. Hebrews 11:31

“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.”

Remember she hung a Scarlet {Blood Colored} cord, {Representing that she was Covered and Protected,} as we are today, although we are worthy of Death with all the other Sinners, we are Covered and Protected by the Blood of Jesus.

We read a bit further of the Disobedience and punishment of God's Children. Yet rather we see the Redemption and Victory of them when they come to true Repentance.

For the sake of time, we will jump ahead to the Death of Joshua. He has led the Children of God from the Desert to the Promised Land. In his Parting Message to the People, He said this.

““Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”” {Joshua 24:14-15}

Jesus taught us over and over, we cannot serve both God and anything else. In His Parting Message, Jesus gave us this Command,

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” {Matthew 28:16-20}

As you can clearly see again, when you read the entire Bible, Old Testament, and New, you cannot escape seeing Jesus. Again these a brief touches on just some examples in each Book. you can without a doubt find many more examples on your own when you read it for yourself. Up next? Judges.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}
If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!!

Psalm 138

 Psalm 138

1 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.

6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

8 The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Jesus in the Old Testament, Deuteronomy

Christ in Deuteronomy

The first thing we are going to see here as we dive in today is that the Life of Moses is the very Shadow of Jesus. Follow with me here.

Both Moses and Jesus:

Were considered “goodly children” [Exodus 2:2; Hebrews 11:23; Luke 2:52]

Refused a kingdom given to them by any other than God. [Hebrews 11:26; Matthew 4:8-10]

Were both the object of a King's wrath [Hebrews 11:27; Acts 4:27]

Acted for the joy of the reward [Hebrews 11:26; Hebrews 12:2]

Were called out of Egypt [Matthew 2:13-15]

Were rejected at first by their own [Exodus 2:14; John 1:11]

Made the Sea Obey them [Exodus 14:15,16,21; Mark 4:39-41]

Had people who wanted to Stone them [Numbers 14:8-10; John 10:31-33]

Delivered a Parting Blessing to Israel [Deuteronomy 33:26-29; Matthew 23:37-39]

Had their Resurrection Contested [Jude 1:9; Matthew 17:3; 28:12-18]

They are even associated with the “Song of Eternity” [Revelation 15:3]

Stop and think about this little tidbit too. Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy three times in His Temptation in the Wilderness.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,” {Quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3,} "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” {Deuteronomy 6:16}

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,“‘You shall worship the Lord your Godand him only shall you serve.’” {Deuteronomy 6:13}

Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.”

Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy 6:13,14, 16, and 10:20. This was one of Jesus’s most trying times and not only did He focus on the Word of God, but Deuteronomy specifically. I think if He found it to be this important then we should as well, and not just think of it as a History Lesson or anything less important than anything else in The Bible.

Now let’s look at the Death of Moses, and see if we can see Jesus here as well.

Moses went up to die [Deuteronomy 34:1]. Christ ascended to Calvary [John 19:17,18] Moses was alone, except for God (Deuteronomy 34:6). Christ's followers forsook Him [Matthew 26:56] The Lord talked to him [Deuteronomy 34:4] [Hebrews 1:8-12]. Moses' faculties were unimpaired Deuteronomy 34:7]. Christ remained in control until His death [John 10:17,18] Moses died ''according to the Word of the Lord'' [Deuteronomy 34:5); literally, ''at the mouth of the Lord.'' Christ dismissed His own spirit when the work was completed [Matthew 27:50; John 19:28-30]

Then the two most important examples. We see Moses after his death. He stood with Christ and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration, 1500 years later [Matthew 17:1-3]. Jesus Rose again. [Acts 2:24].

In Deuteronomy 18:15-19 we read this. This is Moses himself talking here.

““The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers it is to him you shall listen just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ And the Lord said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.”

Then in John 6:14 we read this.

“When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!””

In Deuteronomy 32:43, we see that the coming Messiah would be Worshipped by Angels.

““Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his Children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people's land.””

Flip ahead,,, it’s ok. You can cheat. Flip ahead to Luke 2:13-14

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!””

Not to revisit too much, but we also see the City of Refuge mentioned again here in Deuteronomy 4:41. Remember “Cities of Refuge.” were a type of, or foreshadowing of, Christ. In essence, they were used for the sheltering the Sinner from Judgment. Numbers 35:12

“The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.”

Those that accept Jesus are Protected, even though they are deserving of Death, from the Condemnation of their Sins. We can take refuge in Jesus. John 10:28-29

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”

Are you starting to see it? Jesus said in John 5:39.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that bear witness about me,”

As we have been just touching the surface, we have now completed, again just a few examples, of the first Five Books of the Bible, or The Torah. The Jewish Bible. This is what the Jews of Jesus Day would be reading, and seeking The Savior. The Messiah, to come. They were reading them daily. Searching them out Yet, Jesus, who these all point to, was standing in front of them, and they did not even know it. They hated Him for even suggesting it. Yet as we see, and will continue next time in the book of Joshua, there is no denying it.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent of my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, Be Blessed, Be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord!

Psalm 137

Psalm 137

1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.

3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

4 How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?

5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.

6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

7 Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.

8 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.


9 Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

Jesus in the Old Testament, Numbers

Christ in Numbers

So far we have seen, Genesis speaks of Creation and Fall, Exodus tells the story of Redemption.
Leviticus is the book of Worship and Fellowship. And now we are on Numbers which focuses upon Service and Walk.

The first nine Chapters of Numbers is filled with every detail, you would ever want to learn about every Tribe and every Family and how they all had their own Work and how they carried it out. I want to zero in on one in particular. The Nazirite.

The Nazirite {or, Nazarite} in Chapter Six, says a Nazirite was a Layperson {ie., a Common Person, unrecognized as a Religious Leader} who was bound by a Vow of Consecration to God's Service. Certain practices characterized the Nazirite. First, he did not touch Wine. Second, the Nazirite never allowed a Razor or Shears to touch his Hair. His unshorn Hair demonstrated that he had taken the position of Weakness. 1 Corinthians 11:14

“Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him”

As we read in Philippians 2:7-8,

“but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” 

 2 Corinthians 13:4. Says this.

“For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.”

Third, the Nazirite kept himself from Defilement, even while among good People. Similar circumstances in the life of the Lord Jesus are indicated in Matthew 12:47-50.

“But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.””

Jesus was the Cloud and Pillar of Fire  Chapter 9

After the Israelites were all numbered, in place, and ready to go forward, then the Cloud would lift and they would march by day {Numbers  9:15-19}. Whenever the Cloud settled, they camped. The Pillar of Fire by Night and the Cloud by day indicated God's Leading by His Presence.
Similarly, we, the Child of God today, have the word of Christ. John 8:12

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Let’s look at the Bronze Serpent in Chapter 21. After yet another, the eighth time I believe, the Children of Israel Murmured and Complained. So God sent fiery Serpents among them in Judgment. When they were bitten by those Snakes, the Venom spread throughout their bodies. All across the camp of Israel, people were dying. So God commanded Moses to prepare a Bronze Serpent, that looked like the ones that had bitten the people, and place it upon a Pole. We know that this Bronze Serpent was a type of Christ lifted up on the Cross and made Sin for us because He said,

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” {John 3:14-16}

Notice this Fact. The Bronze Serpent on the Pole was Divinely Provided. God gave it to Moses. Salvation is of the Lord. A Gift to us, provided to us by God.

We then see that The Messiah would be a King. In Numbers 24:17

“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.” 

Jesus IS the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, and as predicted in Genesis, then told in detail in Revelations, that Jesus is the Mighty Conquering King that will defeat Satan.

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”” {Genesis 3:15}

Revelations 20:1-4

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.

Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”

Then we come to Chapter 35, and something called the “Cities of Refuge.” Now, what does that have to do with Jesus? Well, the Cities of Refuge were a type of or foreshadowing of Christ. In essence, they were used for the sheltering the Sinner from Judgment.

“The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.” 

Those that accept Jesus are protected, even though they are deserving of Death, from the Condemnation of their Sins. We can take refuge in Jesus. John 10:28-29

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”

The Believing Sinner, even though he is guilty, has the Promise from God's Word in
Romans 8:1

''There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus'' 

All throughout Numbers we see God foreshadowing the coming Jesus. To summarize,

Jesus is our High Priest in the order of Levites.
Jesus was a Nazarene.
Jesus is our Cloud and Pillar.
Jesus is the Conquering King of Kings.
Jesus is our Refuge.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent of my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, Be Blessed, Be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord!