By Bill Brettschneider. April 19, 2011. BLOWING ROCK -- Each Tuesday morning, the Men's Connection meets at Chetola Mountain Resort, Blowing Rock, for breakfast (7:30 am), fellowship and Bible study. Blowing Rock News is pleased to share these weekly meditations, by discussion leader Bill Brettschneider.

Meditations by Bill Brettschneider

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Though I was unable to join the fellowship this morning, I am confident in the quality of time spent by those who joined the Men’s Connection at Chetola.  What a tremendous encouragement it is to see so many who have participated during the winter and now spring months.  It has been a joy to share this experience with all, even as we are looking toward the close of this season in 5 short weeks.  At that time, May 31, Chip Cash will again join us and provide teaching and leadership through the summer months.  We look forward to both his return and the return of so many who call the High Country home in the summer.

While not aware of the specific sharing and teaching that took place this morning. I offer herein some thoughts and notes reflecting the next phase of prophecy realized in the life of Jesus.  What were some of the distinctives of his ministry, features foretold and later fulfilled?  These thoughts are offered as an encouragement for you to explore and confirm on your own, even as we enter into the celebration of Easter.  Take heart that the Christ of prophecy became the Christ of history to become the Christ of redemption.  Where we began our journey through prophecy with the genealogy of Jesus, Easter provides the confirmation of God’s purpose and plan initiated at the birth of Christ.

When we consider the ministry of Jesus, we read in Matthew 4:23, “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” The focus of Jesus was such that he “touched” all with whom he came in contact:

Preach – proclamation of the Gospel to the multitudes

Teach – exposition of the Gospel to His disciples

Heal – illustration of the Gospel to individuals

This complete ministry began in Galilee, continued in Jerusalem, proclaimed a Jubilee to the world – both Jew and Gentile - and was accomplished through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, a process still alive today!

Consider these writings:

Beginning in Galilee

Forecast – Isaiah 9:1-2

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan - The people walking in darkness  have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Fulfilled – Matthew 4:12-17

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles -  the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

Continuing in Jerusalem

Forecast – Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!  Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! 
See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, 
lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Fulfilled – Matthew 21:1-11

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, 
gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’

Proclaiming a Jubilee to the World – (see Leviticus 25)

Forecast – Isaiah 61:1-2

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me 
to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, 
to comfort all who mourn

Fulfilled – Luke 4:17-21

and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

To The Jews

Forecast - Jeremiah 50:6

“My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray 
and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill 
and forgot their own resting place.

Fulfilled - Matthew 10:5-6

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.

To The Gentiles

Forecast - Psalm 18:49

Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; will sing the praises of your name.

Isaiah 42:1

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, hosen one in whom I delight; 
I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.

Fulfilled Acts 11:18

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Through the Anointing of the Holy Spirit

Forecast – Isaiah 11:2-3

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— 
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, 
the Spirit of counsel and of might, 
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD— 
and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.

Fulfilled – Matthew 3:16

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.

As you celebrate the Risen Savior this coming Easter day, embrace that the sacrifice of our Passover lamb was for YOU!  “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Join us this coming week Tuesday, April 26, 7:30 AM, as we explore the passion of Jesus at Easter – foretold and fulfilled.  Bring your Bible . . . and bring a friend.

Comments: