Even though Jesus was God’s Son,
he learned obedience from the things he suffered.
In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest,
he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. Hebrews 5:8-9NLT
Sallman Head of Christ
Christ is perfectly sinless—unstained among human beings.
He felt the full spectrum of temptation, yet never once gave in to evil.
Pilate could not find a flaw in him—no honest person ever has.
He is the Gracious Redeemer and the Sweetest Friend.
Christ is powerfully sovereign—uncontestable by earth’s rulers.
He alone has the authority to order our unquestioning obedience.
He alone deserves our undivided allegiance.
He is the Gentle Ruler and the Strongest Force.
Christ is permanently stable—unchanging in life’s twists and turns.
He will never let you down—He is your Solid Rock in trouble’s quicksand.
He will never lead you astray—He is your Compass in the world’s confusion.
Abraham’s Provider is your Confidence for tomorrow.
Moses’ Banner is your Victory over spiritual enemies.
Jacob’s Dream is your Vision of a bright future.
Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors is your Greatest Blessing.
Isaiah’s Commander is the Hand on your shoulder.
Daniel’s Decisiveness is your Noblest Purpose.
Job’s Optimism is your Ultimate Hope.
David’s Joy is your Morning Song.
Paul’s Hallelujah is your Secret of perseverance.
Peter’s Faith is your Motivation to make a conscious effort.
John’s Revelation is your Bright Morning Star.
He is the Great Reality and the Surest Foundation.
When you hear about wars and rumors of wars, be not alarmed; for it must be so, but the end is not yet. For nation shall revolt against nation. Mark 13:7-8a
Sadly, the world seems to thrive on war. Estimates for the total number of people killed in wars throughout all of human history range from 150 million to 1 billion. One war leads to another, then another. Retaliation kills and destroys, but does nothing to stop the deadly vicious cycle of greed and hatred. Combat’s bloody holocaust goes on and on, generation after generation, disturbing the peace of the world.
The pages of history are stained by the blood of millions slaughtered by killing machines, and civilians caught in the crossfire. Beautiful landscapes have been spoiled by rampaging armies trying to annihilate each other. Rolling hills and grassy slopes of Civil War battlefield sites today look nothing like they did when they were pockmarked by exploding artillery shells and covered in thousands of mangled bodies. World War I and World War II battles are romanticized in movies, but there was nothing pretty about any of them. Martin Luther said “cannons and fire-arms are cruel and damnable machines; I believe them to have been the direct suggestion of the Devil. If Adam had seen in a vision the horrible instruments his children were to invent, he would have died of grief.” I wonder what Luther would say today about cruise missiles and nuclear weapons of mass destruction?
Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “There never was a good war or a bad peace.”
Diplomacy only temporarily halts fighting. Sanctions do little to halt combat. Pacifism rarely softens militant hearts. Israel’s David’s Sling and Iron Dome stopped most of Iran’s drones and missiles. But what will happen next—a wider war in the Middle East, American involvement, World War III, Armageddon?
Will the next war be “the war to end all wars”? We’ve heard that before, so have reason to be skeptical. It looks like it will take the Lord of Hosts, the Captain of Heaven’s Armies, to finally put an end to the insane cycle of war. “He shall arbitrate between nations and decide disputes for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4 MLB). God speed the day!
From twelve until three o’clock darkness settled over the whole country;
and at three o’clock Jesus cried with a great voice,
“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”
Mark 15:33-34 MLB
When Jesus was crucified, a midnight shroud of darkness hung around the shuddering shoulders of the world. Jesus felt He was in a God-forsaken place.
The word “eclipse” is from the Greek ekleipsis, meaning to forsake or abandon.
Seeing darkness in Egypt, historian Diogenes said, “One of two things is happening. Either the world is coming to an end, or God himself is dying.” Obviously, the world didn’t end, though some today see an eclipse as a sign of end times, based on Matthew 24:29-30 (“After the tribulation the sun will be darkened. Then will the sign of the Son of Man be shown in the sky. They will see the Son of Man coming on clouds of heaven with great power and glory.”)
In the darkness obscuring that cross, the Son of God was dying for the sins of the world. “Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut his glories in when Christ, the mighty Maker, died for man, the creature’s, sin.” (Isaac Watts)
Those who trust and follow the Savior “show others the goodness of God, who called us out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT) Jesus Christ is the Light of the world—our hope in the shadowlands of a despairing world, our confidence in the chaos of a disturbing world, our joy in the sadness of a dying world.
The Creator of the sun, the moon and hundreds of billions of galaxies whispered the universe into being. The Redeemer forgives everyone who accepts His grace. The Spirit within our hearts befriends us through all our years. One day we’ll live in a city where there is “no night—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them.” (Revelation 22:5 NLT) Until we see his face, may we never allow anything to eclipse our humble gratitude for His eternal love.
In these final days, God has spoken to us through his Son.
Through the Son he made the universe and everything in it.
The Son reflects God’s glory; everything about him represents God exactly. Hebrews 1:2-3a NLT
Sallman Head of Christ
Christ is Heaven’s Vicar—God’s One and Only Son, totally like the Father.
No one else exactly reflects God’s kind nature and His holy purpose.
Worshiping him with all our heart is the recipe for effervescent joy.
He is the Way, Truth, and Life—the Sculptor of the universe.
Christ is Heaven’s Vitality—God’s Resurrection, triumphing over death.
No one else can create life from nothing.
Marveling at his awesome creativity is the secret of appreciating beauty.
He is the Good Shepherd—the Sustainer of all creation.
Christ is Heaven’s Virtue—God’s Goodness, guiding us mercifully in the maze.
No one else can be our Center of Gravity when everything falls apart.
Depending on him when perplexities crowd our heart is the recipe for calm.
He is the Lamb of God—the Savior of sinners.
Christ is Heaven’s Vindication—God’s pardon, dismissing hell’s case against us.
No one else can forgive transgressions and make our soul white as snow.
Trusting his love when guilt burdens is the only way we can learn to sing.
He is the King of kings—the Sovereign of eternity.
Christ is Heaven’s Victory—God’s authority, presiding over the final judgment.
No one else is worthy of reigning over every nation and every heart.
Submitting to his plan is the road to discovering a purposeful life.
He is the Light of the world—the Star of bright morning.
Christ is Heaven’s Vision—God’s promise, painting a bright future for believers.
No one else can solve the world’s intractable problems.
Hoping in the Prince of Peace is the ultimate antidote to despair.
He is the Alpha and Omega—the Song in the night.
Christ is Heaven’s Vocabulary—God’s Holy Alphabet, all He has to say to earth.
No one else perfectly understands the heart of God.
Paying careful attention to his voice is the path to timeless, infinite wisdom.
He is the Word of grace and truth—the Spokesperson for God.
Frederick Buechner writes this about Palm Sunday: “Despair and hope travel the road to Jerusalem together, as they travel every road we take—despair at what in our madness we are bringing down on our own heads, and hope in him who travels the road with us and for us, who is the only one of us all who is not mad.”
Journeying through life, we have mixed emotions—angst thinking about current events of war, starvation, international unrest, and political chaos; optimism meditating on the promise of a new Jerusalem, a new earth without sickness, pain, death or sin.
Konrad Adenauer, German chancellor, told Billy Graham, “If Jesus Christ is not alive, then I see no hope for this world.” Imagining what it would be like were there no resurrection, Paul wrote “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching amounts to nothing and your faith is futile, you are still in your sins, and those who have died with faith in Christ have perished.” (1 Corinthians 15:14-18 MLB) It’s like saying, “Suppose the sun did not rise tomorrow, then what? There would be only darkness and confusion and despair. But the sun has come up, and we walk in the light without fear.”
Jesus travels the road of life with us. He made a promise to remember— “I am with you all the days until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). And God is for us, so even death cannot separate us from his love (Romans 8:31, 38).
Years ago, someone gave me a piece of newspaper with these anonymous words: “Refuse to be discouraged by the many signs that planet earth is the insane asylum of the solar system.” Sometimes I wonder.
C.S. Lewis wrote of the trilemma—Jesus is either a lunatic, liar, or Lord. Considering Jesus’ teachings, life and love, we call him Lord. Reflecting on the condition of our world and our own heart, one question remains to be answered—Is Jesus Christ “the only one of us all who is not mad”?
Fyodor Dostoyevsky wrote about people who have many material things, but “care nothing about how long they have been given to live because they can no longer think up ways to spend their hours.” Believing a paradise without sadness or sighs will materialize is not a mark of insanity, but a sign of implicit trust in God (Isaiah 26:3). Hope triumphs over despair, bringing perfect peace to one whose mind is stayed on God, whatever happens in this crazy world.
Onesimus is no longer just a slave; he is a beloved brother, especially to me.
Now he will mean much more to you, both as slave and brother in the Lord. Philemon 1:16NLT
Christ represents you before God—interceding for potential slaves to sin.
Your Savior’s prayers on your behalf prove His unconditional love.
Your Defense Counsel argues your case before My throne.
Celebrate acquittal, rest assured of His love, be confident of His help.
The accuser points out failures—the Advocate pardons and protects.
The care of the Lord is your reason for hope.
You are forgiven.
Christ reconciles you to God—bridging the gap between us caused by sin.
The price of salvation joins our hearts—mercy unites you with your Creator.
The Sinless Lamb took all your trespasses on His shoulders.
In exchange, He gave you the love of His heart—that is unfair, but grace.
You were a runaway prodigal, but you came home—now there is peace.
The celebration of the Lord is your song of joy.
We are friends.
Christ redeemed you from slavery to sin—paying a debt you could not pay.
The path to serenity is open—He unshackles you from awful addiction.
Make sin a lifestyle and you will self-destruct—follow Me and you will soar.
Peace of mind is not found at the Devil’s carnival—only in My company.
Stay near My heart and I will teach you heaven’s freestyle jig of joy.
The cost of liberation has been paid at Skull Hill.
You are free.
Christ reinforces you to serve God—strengthening you to do My will.
The privilege of slavery to Me is a little-known secret—the key to joy.
To be My servant gives you a noble purpose and a promise beyond time.
When I make a difference in you, you can make a difference in your world.
Make Me your Master and you will never suffer bondage to the evil one.
The chains of love never chafe.
You are focused.
Then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love.
He saved us, not because of good things we did, because of his mercy.
He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.
He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ did. Titus 3:4-6 NLT
Without My love, hopelessness would depress you.
Dante was correct in placing a sign over hell’s entrance—
“Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.”
Without Jesus, eternity is an inferno—with Jesus, it is a paradise.
Deep heart treasures belong to all who trust and obey Him.
He is your Loving Savior, Faithful Guide, and Returning King.
Because of My Son, you have a bright future.
Without My mercy, hell would doom you.
All who surrender their entire personality to Christ will live forever—
all others have nothing to look forward to but My crushing wrath.
The old order of things will be replaced by the new Jerusalem—
chaos suppressed by calm, darkness scattered by Light.
Because of My sympathy, you have a beautiful forever.
Without My kindness, guilt would distress you.
Jesus’ death at Skull Hill was not fair—He had done nothing wrong.
He died for you—that is love; He swapped with you—that is grace.
I would rather you never sinned; but when you do, do not be devastated.
When your heart torments you, My heart forgives you.
When the accuser points to your sin, the Advocate takes your case.
Because of My support, you have a Best Friend in court.
Without My power, sin would defeat you.
Were it not for the Liberator, you would be enslaved to the evil one.
Were it not for the Light, you would scurry as a cockroach in the dark.
Were it not for the Savior, you would be emotionally imprisoned by sin.
I can cure you of cruel addiction to wickedness—victory is in Me alone.
Because of My Spirit, you have boundless freedom.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
Now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will give me on that great day of his return.
2 Timothy 4:7-8a NLT
I promise those who serve and follow Me meaningful, joyful, eternal life.
Will you decide finally, firmly, and forever to follow Me?
Live unflinchingly for Me.
Let nothing compete with Me as your life’s noblest purpose.
Fight until the battle is won—then we will celebrate victory together.
Die with your boots on—facing forward, facing the enemy.
Engage the evil one in combat, counting on grace’s ultimate conquest.
I will win the last war—the roaring lion will lose to Judah’s Lion.
God protects you. Don My armor—never quiver.
Look unforgetfully for Me.
Struggle on until you see My face—believe Me, I will not disappoint you.
Dark times are steppingstones to the Light—keep walking with Me.
On the threshold of each day, resolve to live with My return in mind.
Whatever happens, it will be worth it when you kneel for My blessing.
I will return in triumph—My Kingdom is coming and nothing can stop it.
Glory awaits you. Believe My promises—never question.
Last unflaggingly for Me.
Stay close to My heart and learn the secret of perseverance.
Run until the race is done—keep the pace, with your eyes on Jesus.
Never drop out of the Faith Marathon—I will embrace you at the finish line.
Complete what you started—do not disenroll from Jesus University.
I will strengthen you to survive—I am ready for any emergency.
Grace sustains you. Hold My hand—never quit.
If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 THE MESSAGE
I honor those who honor Me—
set your heart on My reciprocal honor.
Live gracefully—relate kindly to everyone.
Behind the scenes, all people around you fight a hard battle—be kind.
Living the Christian life is humanly impossible—be humble.
Count on My power to enable you to do what I ask—be strong.
Follow My example by living a life of love—be compassionate.
Guard against arrogance—honor Me by relying on My power.
Above all else, love.
Think calmly—respond peacefully in all situations.
Let Me know what is on your mind, what is troubling you—be tranquil.
Believe the future is as bright as My promises—be confident.
Anticipate the perfect tomorrow I have planned—be optimistic.
Climb into My grace hammock and be at ease in My care—be relaxed.
Guard against angst—honor Me by trusting My promises.
Whatever happens, look forward.
Serve faithfully—reach out to the lost with heaven’s Good News.
Share the Gospel with everyone who will listen—be concerned.
Remind unbelieving sinners there is hell to pay—be convinced.
Turn your good intentions into noble initiatives—be committed.
Invite others to join you on the journey to glory—be cordial.
Guard against apathy—honor Me by offering My pardon.
In My service, be loyal.
Endure unflinchingly—run perseveringly until the finish line.
When tempted to give up the fight, look again at the cross—be brave.
When you suffer for My sake, keep walking in My steps—be faithful.
When you feel like I have forgotten you, recall My love—be grateful.
When you wonder if it is worth the effort, struggle on—be tenacious.
Guard against apostasy—honor Me by copying My pattern.
By My grace, last.
