Category: Names of Christ

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ADVENT 13: JESUS – REDEEMER

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REDEEMER

In Isaiah 59:20, God declares ‘The Redeemer will come to Zion’. Many times in the Old Testament God refers to Himself as the Redeemer, but in this instance, He is talking of the One to come. We know this as this verse is quoted in Romans 11:26 and most definitely refers to Jesus. In his prophetic song of praise at the birth of his son, Zachariah, the father of John the Baptist, declares that the moment has come for Israel to be redeemed and that their salvation is coming. This is in the person of Jesus (Luke 1:68-69)

Text of Luke 1:68-69 against a background of wood with evergreens and red hearts bordering

BOUGHT BACK

So, what does ‘redeemer’ mean? I looked up the word ‘redeem’ in the dictionary and my favourite definition of the word is this – ‘to gain or regain possession of something with a payment’. It means to buy back something, but I particularly like the bit about regaining a possession. Because that is what God did through Christ. We were made for God, made to be the object of His love and to share in close intimate relationship with Him. Our sin and disobedience separated us from Him; in a sense we were lost to Him. He had to pay to get us back. And what a payment! 1 Peter 1:18-19 tells us that it wasn’t with silver and gold, that are precious but corrupt over time, but with His own precious blood that He redeemed us. Our redemption cost Jesus His life.

Text of 1 Peter 1:18-19 against a background of wood with evergreens and red hearts bordering

KINSMAN REDEEMER

 In the Hebrew the term redeemer implies something more than just buying back, it suggests the requirement that it be person of close relationship. Beautifully illustrated in the story of Ruth and Boaz, the kinsman redeemer had a responsibility to take under his care and protection one that was vulnerable through widowhood or abandonment. This wasn’t the act of a stranger, but someone closely related. Jesus chose to redeem us, not as a stranger, but as one who already loved us unconditionally. He took on the role of kinsman redeemer for us so that we can come under His care and protection. Not only are we bought back by Him, but we are brought into His family, to be loved and secure for all eternity.

How precious are we to Him that He was willing to pay so much for our redemption!

A cross on a hill, dark against a dramatic red, yelllow and white sky

Image of front cover of the book The Pilgrim

‘It cost Me this.’ This time it was a whisper and it sounded inside his head. All at once Hywel knew it was no human voice. He opened his eyes and looked up at the depiction of the crucified Christ above him, the hands spread wide, nail-pierced and bleeding. The twisted legs, the spear-wounded side, the thorn-crowned head bowed in agony. It was only a lifeless, silent carving and yet it spoke more than a thousand words could have in that moment. A life surrendered, a death embraced, a punishment borne. For him.

THE PILGRIM p 223

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

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ADVENT 12: JESUS – SON OF DAVID

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SON OF DAVID

The genealogies at the beginning of the gospels of Matthew and Luke both show how Jesus was physically descended from King David. This was the fulfilment of the promise given to David in 2 Samuel 7:16, ‘your throne shall be established forever’. The people of Jesus’ time knew that the Messiah would have the title ‘Son of David’ (Matt 21:9). As a descendant of David’s royal line, in human terms He had a right to the throne of Israel. The Angel told Mary that her son, although the Son of God, would also be given David’s throne (Luke 1:32)

Text of Luke 1 v 32 against a background of weathered wooden slats, surrounded by Christmas lights and pine cones

MAN AFTER GOD’S HEART

But why was it so important to God that Jesus was called the ‘Son of David’? 1 Samuel 13 : 14 tells us that God chose David to be King, as a man after His own heart. David was far from perfect, but held a special place in God’s affection, and knew a closeness with God that was ahead of his time. He was obedient to God, sought His will and direction, submitting himself to God’s care and protection. David was a warrior King who brought peace to Israel and established a strong Kingdom. But He was also a worshipper, giving us most of the Psalms, establishing 24/7 worship, and overseeing the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Jews of Jesus’ time would have looked back and revered David and his reign.

Text of Matthew 21 v 9 against a background of weathered wooden slats, surrounded by Christmas lights and pine cones

GREAT DAVID’S GREATER SON

And then the Son of David appeared. I believe David was a picture of Christ, albeit an imperfect one. Jesus was a man whose heart was completely and perfectly after God, He lived His life in submission and obedience, a life that worshipped God. A warrior king He would fight, to the point of giving up His life, in order to establish a new and eternal kingdom. David brought the Ark, the presence of God back into the heart of the kingdom of Israel. Jesus came to bring the presence of God into the heart of all who would receive Him. David was a man after God’s own heart, Jesus was the heart of God personified.

What does it look like for us to have a heart after God?

The star of David in blue and gold, with a stylized blue crown above, and the words 'Son of David' below
Image of front cover of the book The Healing

‘God gave everything He had for our salvation. He gave his only Son. Then, when we return to Him as Father, He loads us with even more good things: peace, joy, hope and many more blessings besides, as you are just beginning to experience. What then is our rightful response to all He has given us? What could we possibly give back to Him?’

‘I have nothing apart from my horse and a few meagre belongings now. What could I possibly give to God?’ And then he knew the answer. ‘I have nothing to give Him but myself,’ Philip whispered. It was the realisation of a powerful truth.

‘Which is all any of us have to give Him,’ Hywel replied softly, ‘and all that He ever asks of us.’

THE HEALING p 85

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

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ADVENT 11 : JESUS – IMMANUEL

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IMMANUEL

Immanuel means ‘God with us’ and we know that from Matthew 1 :23. The gospel writer, Matthew, quotes from Isaiah 7:14 as he tells the story of Joseph, and his dream encounter with the Angel. Joseph had just been told that the child Mary carried was the Son of God. In this context ‘Immanuel’ is a name, the name given to the child born of a virgin, who would be the Messiah, the Saviour.

Text of Matthew1 v 23, on a background of whitewashed wood, bordered by red and gold Christmas decorations

GOD AS A MAN

God Himself, in the person of His Son, descended into humanity so that He could live among us. We can put from our minds all thoughts of a distant, uninterested God. He was born into poverty, hardship, shame, fear and uncertainty, under Roman oppression. He chose to experience these things, as well as injustice, hatred, misunderstanding, loneliness, physical torture and death. He suffered these willingly, for our salvation, but also so that He could fully understand our pain and suffering (Hebrews 4:15).

SImple painting of Joseph and Mary, cradling the infant Christ, beside a manger. With the word Immanuel below.

OUR COMFORT

He truly made Himself ‘God with man’, and this is our comfort. There is nothing that we can face that He has not experienced Himself. We can never believe that He does not care, because He truly knows how we feel. He also had no problem identifying with the undesirables – from the shepherds, to tax collectors and prostitutes. He came to be with those who needed Him most, God with every man, whatever their status.

OUR BATTLE CRY

But ‘Immanuel’ occurs elsewhere in Isaiah, in chapter 8, verses 8 and 10. Here it is not a name but a cry of trust, from a nation facing humiliation and defeat; it is a yell, ‘Our God is With Us!’. Immanuel is our comfort but also our battle cry. Whatever we face, He, Almighty God, is truly with us. ‘I will never leave you or forsake you’ (Hebrews 13:5) is His promise.

Is Immanuel both your comfort and your battle cry?

Text of Isaiah 8 v10, on a background of whitewashed wood, bordered by red and gold Christmas decorations

‘Were you afraid on the ship?’

‘Honestly? Yes. Fear in itself is a normal human reaction. You would expect to feel fear every time you entered a battle?’ He glanced over at Philip who nodded in response. ‘I was afraid, but I have learned to do the things God requires me to do, even when I feel fear. He promises to ride the storm with me, every time.’ He continued, ‘I prayed the whole time that God would help me, to not let my fear become greater than the faith I had in Him to keep us safe. My mind was eventually able to find a degree of peace, unlike my stomach.’ He smiled wryly.

THE HEALING p 95

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

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ADVENT 10 : JESUS – SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

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SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

There are lines in the carol ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, that you’ve probably sung many, many times:

 ‘Hail the Son of Righteousness, Life and Light to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings’.

The scripture it comes from is Malachi 4 : 2, and it is not the ‘Son’ but the ‘Sun’ of righteousness. It makes more sense when you realise that ‘wings’ can also be translated as ‘rays’. The picture is of a bright shining sun, whose rays are full of healing life. Sunlight is necessary for all life and growth. As the sun rises in the morning it brings light and warm. In the same way, Jesus the Sun comes, and His rising brings – light that dispels darkness, warmth, healing. He brings life itself to all who will fall under His rays.

Text of Malachi 4 v 2 against a background of Christmas tree lights in soft focus

JEHOVAH TSIDKENU

 In 2 Samuel 23: 4, David speaks of a just ruler to come, with ‘light like the morning sun’, whose appearing will dispel the clouds, and dry the rain off the grass so that it springs back to life. This is the Sun of Righteousness; the Hebrew word translated ‘righteousness’ is the same word God uses to describe the one to come, the Branch, in Jeremiah 23 :6 –  ‘the Lord Our Righteousness’, Jehovah Tsidkenu. He is altogether right, just and Holy.

Photo showing a rising sun with it's rays dispelling dark clouds

HEALING IN HIS WINGS

This Sun is He whose face shone like the sun (Rev 1: 16). His coming was the dawn, the dayspring (Luke 1 : 78) that a jubilant Zachariah (the Father of John the Baptist) sang of. So now when you sing that carol and get to those lines you can sing with understanding  (you have my permission to change the Son to Sun, no one will notice!).

In His sunshine rays, spreading out from His glorious brightness are your life, and your healing.

Text of Luke 1 v 78 against a background of Christmas tree lights in soft focus

Image of front cover of the book, The Pilgrim

What was he doing on this pilgrimage? Yes it hadn’t been his choice to come, but now he had got this far, now he had seen what this journey meant to so many of his fellow travellers, he found his own heart purposed to complete it. It felt now like it was a necessary part of his own life journey, his own soul healing perhaps. His life up to this point had not gone as he had planned, and as for the future, he was more unsure of that than he had ever been. At least this journey had a purpose, and physical end point. But it wasn’t just getting to the Holy Island – Hywel knew that he needed to end this journey knowing the answer to the questions Gwrgenau had sent him away with, if he ever hoped to return to Cwmhir.

He longed for peace for his soul, and freedom from the burden of guilt that still plagued him. He wanted to know what his life purpose was; had God really called him, and for what? He could not turn back now. He could not return to Cwmhir unchanged, he knew it.

THE PILGRIM pp 185-186

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

advent, Bible, Christian Writer, christmas, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

ADVENT 9 : JESUS – STAR OF JACOB

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STAR OF JACOB

When we think of the prophets of the Old Testament who prophesied about the Messiah, we might think Isaiah, or Malachi, or Zechariah maybe. But did you know that an evil and self-serving false prophet of the god Baal was used by God to prophecy about His Son? Balaam, was his name, and if you don’t know his story, it’s worth a read. Not least because it features a talking donkey! (Numbers 22-24)

I love that God used a man with evil intentions and put His own words in his mouth. Frustrating his attempts to curse God’s people. Balaam says in Numbers 24 : 17, ‘I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A star shall come out of Jacob: A sceptre shall rise out of Israel’.

Text of Numbers 24 v 17 on a background of gold paint and stars

STAR IN THE EAST

 In Eastern tradition the image of a star was well known to refer to a great and illustrious ruler, especially used in conjunction with the sceptre. This prophecy had two fulfilments: the great King David who was yet to come, but looking much further ahead, it also pointed to King Jesus. It was very likely that this prophecy informed the wise men (Matt 2:2). The appearing of a bright and unusual star in the sky heralding the birth of a great and brilliant King set them on their journey to find and worship Him. He would be the one who shone with brilliance, lighting the darkness, like a bright star in the night sky. His brilliance would be a guiding light, and a symbol of hope.

Line painted image of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in a stylized stable, with a large star above and the words 'Star of Jacob' beneath

BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR

Turn to the book of Revelation and there you see Him as He is now (Rev 1 : 13-17), His face shining like the ‘sun in all its strength’. So glorious that John, the one who in life had been so familiar with the person of Christ that he had laid his head on His chest, fell flat on his face as if dead before Him. In Rev 22 : 16, Jesus says ‘I am… the Bright and Morning Star’. No more a baby in a manger, no more a humble man, He stands as the brilliant glorious resurrected and ascended King, the Star of Jacob shining for all eternity.

He still shines in our darkness today. His brilliance our guiding hope.

Text of Revelation 22 v 16 on a background of gold paint and stars

A far more wise and loving teacher.’ Hywel was serious now. ‘The Holy Spirit, God Himself, and I believe He has come to dwell inside of you. It is He that has brought the change about, He who has created a new man inside of you, He who will continue to guide, and teach, and direct you as you follow this new path. You do not have to fear what lies ahead for you, Philip, because He has promised to go before you, and prepare the way for you. It is a lot for you to understand at the moment, but I think you will more and more see His work in your life, grow to trust His ways, and hear Him speaking to you in the quiet of your heart.’

‘The rain has eased, I think,’ Hywel said, as he untied their sorry-looking horses. ‘We could rest longer, but I would rather push on so that we can arrive at Stay-a-Little before dark.’

Hywel was right, the rain had more or less stopped and the clouds had lifted slightly. Philip felt himself lighter also. He knew he needed to trust God for what was to come next for him. He would choose hope, as Hywel had taught him, and thank God for what He had already done to turn his life around.

THE HEALING p 132

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

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ADVENT 8 : JESUS – CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL

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SIMEON

There is a little story in Luke 2:25-30 that introduces us to Simeon. Simeon was an old man, a devout lover of God who had waited for years for the promised Messiah. He was led to be in the Temple by the Holy Spirit at just the moment that Jesus’ parents arrived with the infant Christ, and got to hold his Messiah in his arms and to prophesy over Him

Painting of Simeon, the infant Christ, Joseph and Mary in the Temple. An old man with a long white beard holds a baby in his arms. Alongside him are a young woman and man looking lovingly at the child. Others look on.

CONSOLATION: COMFORT

Luke tells us that Simeon was waiting expectantly for the ‘Consolation of Israel’. Now the word ‘consolation’ can be translated as ‘comfort’, ‘help’ or ‘encouragement’ and that is great. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Israel was in dire need of comfort, help and encouragement and it was no wonder that Christ was longed for. He is the bringer of comfort. Elsewhere in scripture we are promised the comfort of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9 : 31), the comfort of the Scriptures (Psalm 119:50) and the comfort of God Himself (2 Corinthians 1:3).

Text of 2 Corinthians 1:3, within a wreath of evergreen and berries

ADVOCATE

But a more exact translation of the word ‘consolation’ is ‘advocate’: it has legal implication. It is the one ready to stand by your side before the judge and give evidence on your behalf. Applying this to the person of Jesus makes much more sense. Yes, He would be the bringer of comfort, but He was also coming as an advocate.

He is our advocate before the Great Judge, His Father. He is our great High Priest (Hebrews 4 :14). What a comfort it is to picture Him standing beside us before God. When we know we need someone to speak on our behalf, because we mess up so easily. What a consolation to our troubled spirits, when guilt and shame threaten, to know that He gave His life, so that we can be free of those once and for all. He is our great encourager, our consolation.

Thank Him for being your consolation, in every sense of the word.

Text of Hebrews 4:14, within a wreath of evergreen and berries

Image of front cover of the book The Pilgrim

Where can I go from your Spirit? He had read that. He couldn’t remember when, but now he could almost see the words written on the page in his imagination. He closed his eyes and there they were.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.
 If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall fall on me,’ Even the night shall be light about me;
Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.[1] The words comforted him, and his mind stilled. The darkness suddenly didn’t seem as dark. Hywel turned over onto his side and sleep came quickly.

THE PILGRIM p202

[1] Psalm 139:7-12, NKJV.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

advent, Bible, Christian Writer, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

ADVENT 7 – JESUS – THE BRIDEGROOM

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THE BRIDEGROOM

One of the most beautiful descriptions of Jesus for me is that of the bridegroom.

John the Baptist exalted Christ, describing Him as the bridegroom coming for His bride. He described himself as the friend of the bridegroom (John 3:29). Jesus also described Himself as the bridegroom. He did so in response to the Pharisees who were criticising His disciples for not fasting . Why should they be fasting and miserable when the time they have left with the bridegroom was time for celebration (Matt 9: 15)?

The bridegroom theme was one that Jesus’ listeners would have been familiar with; God Himself described Himself as the bridegroom, the one who rejoices over His people as His bride (Isaiah 62: 5).

text of Isaiah 62 v 5 within a red heart. Above the heart is a string of Christmas lights, below it pine cones and berries.

COMING FOR THE BRIDE

In Hebrew tradition the bride would get herself prepared on her wedding day, and sit beautifully dressed waiting patiently at her home until her bridegroom and his friends came calling. Her bridegroom would then come and take her back with Him to His own home. What a wonderful picture for us. Jesus our bridegroom is coming for us to make us fully His.

Do you not feel you are worthy? Well in Rev 21:2 He tells us that the bride (the church) He is coming for is already beautifully adorned, dressed ready for her bridegroom –  because He has made us pure and spotless for Him.

Photograph of the upper body and hand of a bride, in bridal dress, taken through a thick veil.

BESOTTED BY THE BRIDE

And how does He feel about us His bride? Well just turn to Song of Solomon, which is a beautiful love song between the bridegroom and His bride, and a glorious picture of Christ wooing us. Song 4: 9 says ‘you have ravished my heart, My sister, My bride’. He is completely besotted with us. The romantic in me loves that Jesus is described in this way. He is the lover of our souls. Transfixed by our beauty, He can’t wait for the day when He comes and makes us fully His for all eternity.

Do you struggle to see Jesus being besotted by you?

text of Song of Solomon 4 v 9 within a red heart. Above the heart is a string of Christmas lights, below it pine cones and berries.

Image of front cover of the book, The Healing

‘He wants me to have it all, doesn’t He?’ The realisation of that truth was beginning to sink in. ‘God wants me to be happy, to be loved, to be fulfilled, to be useful. For me that could be as a husband, a custodian, a father, even. I still can’t quite believe it, that this is the reason He restored my life? I wanted to believe there was some great act of service I was to do for Him, some noble sacrifice on my part, a life of devotion to Him to pay Him back for what He has done for me.’

THE HEALING p 205

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

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ADVENT 6 : JESUS – RULER

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RULER IN ISRAEL

When the Magi came to Jerusalem they were looking for the promised King of the Jews and were expecting a prince born in a palace.  But this King was born in much more humble surroundings. The scholars of Herod’s court knew where to send the Magi, because of the prophecy in Micah 5:2 – that out of Bethlehem would come ‘The One to be Ruler in Israel’.

Text of Micah 5 v 2 in a wooden frame, on a background of Christmas decorations

As we saw yesterday it wasn’t just the promised King Israel was waiting for, but also for His righteous reign. Many of our favourite fairy tales and stories, from Robin Hood to Narnia, and including ‘The Lord of the Rings’, explore the theme of a good ruler coming whose power and authority would turn bad to good and restore society to what it should be. In this new King of the Jews the great expectation would be that He would be a ruler to crush Roman cruelty and restore peace and prosperity to Israel. But He was to be a different kind of ruler; a King of hearts and minds. His reign would be a spiritual one bringing the realities of the kingdom of heaven to earth.

RULER OF HEARTS AND LIVES

Our response to Jesus must be to submit to Him as ruler of our hearts and lives. He does restore, He does turn bad to good; He makes all things new, but requires us to acknowledge Him as King. It is His right, and one day He will reign over all creation. The government shall be upon His shoulders (Is 9:6).

Text of Isaiah 9 v 6 within a wreath of evergreens and berries.

The child the Magi found in Bethlehem was a king that would turn the world upside down; by His life and death He would prove Himself ruler of all. The ‘Lion of the tribe of Judah’, the one who carries the sceptre and wears the crown (Rev 5:5, Gen 49:10), who stands in heaven as the one worthy of all our praise and adoration.

Is Jesus the ruler of your heart and mind?

Image of a lion's face with the words 'Lion of Judah', and a golden crown.

‘Have you given your heart and your desires over to God, the lover of your soul, Carys? Have you asked Him to give you your heart’s desire?’

‘But I don’t know what it is my heart truly desires!’

‘The wonder of it is, when we surrender our lives to His love, and commit ourselves to His ways, then He gives us the desires of our hearts –  not necessarily the things we think we want and desire – but He gives us a desire for the things He wants us to have. The things He knows are best for us.’

THE BELOVED p 25

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

advent, Bible, Christian Writer, christmas, Jesus, Names of Christ, The Word of God

ADVENT 5 : JESUS – THE BRANCH FROM THE ROOT OF JESSE

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MY SERVANT THE BRANCH

We are back in the book of Zechariah today. Another picture of the Messiah found in the book of Zechariah is in 3 : 8, ‘I am bringing forth My servant the Branch’, God declares.

In Jeremiah 23 : 5 we read that the branch will be a ‘branch of righteousness’ and from ‘David’. Isaiah 11:1 also describes this ‘branch’, this ‘shoot from the stem of Jesse’.

A GLORIOUS KING

When we think of a branch we might picture the branch of a tree, but the meaning here is more like a sprout of new growth with the potential to become a strong branch. If a great tree like an oak is felled and a stump left, with it’s roots still in the ground, there is the potential for a new branch to begin to sprout and grow from it. The stump or stem in this case is the kingly line of David and his father Jesse, and the branch that will sprout from it a new and glorious King. Although a King not born in a palace but in a Bethlehem stable.

The prophets Zechariah, Isaiah and Jeremiah were speaking at a time when the Kingdom of Israel was disintegrating and suffering under a succession of evil and godless kings. The promise was for a King who would have a reign of righteousness; like David the great King who had once ruled a great Israel. But this new King’s reign would even surpass that of David’s.

FULL OF THE SPIRIT

The features of this King and His reign are described in Isaiah 11:1-10. Full of the Spirit and wisdom, fully submitted to God, and delighting in Him, the branch King will reign with righteousness, justice, faithfulness and compassion. His reign (Kingdom) will see the lion lying down with the lamb, and the earth full of the knowledge of God. Gentiles (the nations) will seek Him and His kingdom.

This is our Jesus, the King whose reign has begun but will come into its fullness in eternity, when the heavens and earth are made new, and sin and death, evil and darkness will have no longer have any power.

Is Jesus King in your life? He is righteous and trustworthy.

‘The tree will bear fruit again. We have seen it so many times before to know that it is true. Spring always follows winter. While the tree lives, even through the winter, then there is hope that it will flourish again when spring comes. So it is with us. We are sometimes defined, and altered, by the hard things that life throws at us, but we can learn to even appreciate the winter seasons. It is often in those hard times that God is doing the deepest and most important things inside of us, to prepare us for the more fruitful seasons of our lives that will inevitably follow. Our responsibility is to make sure our roots are deep and grounded in truth. In God, and what He says.’

THE HEALING pp 34-35

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

advent, Bible, Christian Writer, Jesus the Shepherd, Names of Christ, The Word of God

ADVENT 2 : JESUS – SHEPHERD

joymargetts
Text of Psalm 23 v 1-2 on a background of festively wrapped gifts

TRUE SHEPHERD

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most familiar and most quoted of all the Psalms. David, the Psalmist, describes the Lord as his shepherd, the one who leads, feeds and protects.  The theme is explored with even more depth in Ezekiel 34, where God describes Himself as the true shepherd to His people. In v 23 of that chapter He talks of the ‘one shepherd’ to come, calling Him his ‘servant David’. Now as Ezekiel was prophesying long after the death of King David this can only refer to Jesus, David’s greater son.

Isaiah 40 :11 describes this shepherd as feeding, gathering, carrying and leading His lambs.

Text of Isaiah 40 v 11 on a background of festively wrapped gifts

GOOD SHEPHERD

In John 10 :11 – 16 Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, as the one who would give His life for His sheep, and as the one who intimately knows His sheep. When He came, Israel was a people without a true shepherd (Matt 9: 36), weary and scattered. Sheep without a Shepherd are vulnerable in every sense. A good shepherd in Jesus’ time was much more than just a leader, he was one who cared deeply for the sheep in His care, would ensure they were fed, rested, and safe. He would give his very life to protect them and cared that not even one sheep went astray.

Image of a a flock of sheep being led by a shepherd in biblical times

Jesus came to offer Himself to the people of Israel as the true Shepherd His Father had promised them, and for those who accepted Him that is what He became. He offers the same for us. When we belong to Him, we are the sheep of His pasture and He is the Shepherd of our souls (1 Peter 2 : 25) who has brought the wandering ones back to Himself. We can trust Him, to feed us, care for and protect us, even to carry us close to His heart when that is what we need.

Is Jesus your Shepherd in every area of your life?

Image of front cover of The Healing

He was reading the Psalms mostly in his private study. He thought back to when he had read them in the early days of his recovery at Grand Selve, where it was the complaints of the psalmist that spoke most to him. Now as he read the Psalms, it was the cries of praise, the promises of hope, and the testimonies to God’s faithfulness that spoke most into his situation. He could meditate on these, and hear God’s voice speaking into his spirit and soul. He loved the Gospels also, and these he found himself reading as he was illuminating them, his pen being put to one side as the story of his Saviour gripped his heart. The man Jesus came to life in the words, and made him yearn to live a life modelled on His. THE HEALING p 151

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com