–Genesis 8:22(TLB)
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March is a transitional month.  It comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.  We have not had the howling or high winds, only a couple of days of a breeze that made the tops of the trees sway.  However, there is another thought that comes to my mind.  It is apropo that Easter falls on the last day of March.  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12, NKJV)  March 29 will mark Good Friday, the day that the Lamb was slain as the ultimate sacrifice to redeem mankind.  Easter–that day of power when the Lamb rose from the grave!
       Do not look away from the Lamb too soon, for in Him we have eternal life.  It was John who first proclaimed His appearance.  “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold!  The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'”  (John 1:29, NKJV)  The people were looking for a powerful Messiah who would rid them of Roman rule, but John saw something, even though vaguely, different.  Jesus came to become a victorious conqueror, but not in the way the people expected or wanted.  He would conquer death, hell, and the grave.  He would take the sting of sin and death away.  Paul brings forth this fact in his letter to the Corinthians, “Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, HCSB)  A conqueror, not in the fashion of the thinking of the people, but a conqueror over more formidable foes.
       March also brings forth the transition from winter to spring.  Thomas Merton wrote one Easter, “Peace and meaning. Sweet spring air. One could breathe. The alleluias came back by themselves.”  One could breathe–winter has passed.  Oh, there still may be a spring storm, but the death of the winter months has seen another year and spring is all around.  Just look, the flowers are blooming, the trees are budding and here in our part of Texas the leaves are already back.  New life has appeared.  Transition!  New birth!  “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.'” (John 3:7, NKJV)  
       The death of the old man is gone.  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV)  The new creature, the new life is not ours because of the Lamb who was slain.  We are now a walking “alleluia” but do we know it, do we show it?  More importantly do we live it?  New life has come, breathe in deeply of the “spring air” of the Holy Spirit.  Let your hearts be at peace, for the old has passed away; it was defeated by the Lamb of God.
       Let me close with one more thought.  “Now is the winter of our discontent,” wrote Shakespeare, a line that was borrowed by John Steinbeck in his last novel.  Some of you reading may be in the “winter” of your life.  There are more years behind you than lie in front–not to bring despair, but speak the truth.  Some, especially nonbelievers will try to remain young, live the Peter Pan Syndrome, or try to look like Taylor Swift.  Listen, it ain’t so, it ain’t gonna happen.  Death is the result of living!  It is inevitable, therefore instead of living the final days–winter–in discontent, take heart, for the winter of life is almost past and spring, eternal spring, is waiting.  In front of us lies the hope and promise of the renewal of life, the fruitfulness of grace.

                    –Psalm 89:2 (NLT)
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The child of promise–Isaac.  There was a celebration at his birth, but then he brought havoc to the family of Abraham.  Ishmael, who was fourteen began to mock the boy causing Sarah to tell Abraham to get rid of the boy.  At fourteen, there had to be a fairly strong relationship between Abraham and Ishmael, but Abraham did indeed send Hagar and Ishmael away.
       The child of promise–Jesus.  When He was born there was a celebration in the heavens, but also in the lowly stable where He lay.  Upon the birth of Jesus, He brought problems that Joseph and Mary did not perceive, but also brought havoc upon the community and the people.  Herod had the male children under two in Bethlehem killed, and Joseph had to flee with his family to Egypt.
       The day came, it must have greatly concerned Abraham when God told him to take Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice to Him.  Most likely Abraham’s life revolved around Isaac, especially now that Ishmael was no longer on the scene.  “Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’  Then He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.'” (Genesis 22:1-2, NKJV)
       God is omniscient, so why did God ask Abraham to do this?  We are not given a glimpse into the spiritual realm at this time.  James Whitelaw says that, “many events are going on behind the scenes in spiritual realms, about which we know nothing.”  But also, we are to see Abraham and Isaac as a type of the Father and the Son.  Abraham knew God’s plan revolved around Isaac.
       I never really thought about it much, the age of Isaac that is.  I never thought of him to be a child or a very young person because of the load he was to carry.  There is much speculation regarding his age at this time.  Most scholars believe he was an older teenager, 17-20 years old.  Josephus states that Isaac was twenty-five years old, while Adam Clarke states, “It is more probable that he was now about thirty-three.”  We know he was a young man, but that takes in a lot of years.  The Bible says this, “And Abraham said this to his young men, ‘Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.'” (Genesis 22:5, NKJV)  These words, “young lad” literally mean “young man.”
       But also, in this verse, we see the faith of Abraham.  “We will come back to you.”  He knew in his heart of hearts that God would provide.  At this time Isaac did not know of the plan or situation that he was soon to find himself.  He was told that God would provide the sacrifice, and though it was to be Isaac, Abraham knew that something had to happen–wasn’t he the child of promise?  God is faithful, He cannot lie or break His promise.  The wood for the sacrifice is laid upon Isaac’s back–Christ bore His cross made of wood.  
       This father was willing to obey the heavenly Father.  We see the idea of God the Father offering His Son as a sacrifice just as Abraham was willing to do.  But what of Isaac?  There is no sign of struggle.  We see that he is obedient to the will of his father.  He submitted unto death.  His thoughts are unknown as he lay upon the altar, bound.  He did not question, he did not cry out or object.  His life seemed to be one of obedience and accommodating.  Did he want to die?  Surely not, “let this cup pass from me,” he may have thought, but nevertheless as my father wills.
       Knife in hand, ready to offer up his only son, Abraham prepared to make this extreme sacrifice.  There would be suffering, both on the part of Isaac, but also upon Abraham, the father.  Then the words, “And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.  But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’  So he said, ‘Here I am.’  And He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.’ (Genesis 22:10-12, NKJV)  It was then that Abraham saw the ram in the thicket that was to be the sacrifice.
       The father was ready to give his all to the Lord.  This son of promise was to be the sacrifice.  How much does that show us of our heavenly Father who was to provide the ultimate sacrifice of His only Son.  The difference here is that the Father carried out the sacrifice for us.  Jesus willingly gave His life for our redemption.  Both Abraham and Isaac knew that God would be faithful and trusted Him.  Jesus, while on the cross, also knew that He would not be left in the tomb.  While God, His Father, did not provide another sacrifice, another means, Jesus would rise in glory.
       One more little note that I just recently noticed in this bit of reading.  In verse 11, there is the term “Angel of the LORD.”  This is referred to as a theophany, and most often to the preincarnate Christ.  The Son of God gave the order to Abraham to stay his hand from slaying Isaac.  That thought overwhelms me!  God is indeed, faithful and true!  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  (John 3:16, NKJV)

                         –Louis L’Amour  (The Iron Marshal)

       “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

                         –Romans 8:29(NKJV)
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Remember the little saying that was used so often that it became trite?  “God is good–all the time, and all the time–God is good.”  It became a device to get people’s involvement, and was used by some a little too often.  However, it is true.   In Psalm 111, we see the goodness of God displayed.  

          5 — He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
          6 — He has declared to His people the power of His works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
          7 — The works of His hands are verity and justice; all His precepts are sure.
          8 — They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
          9 — He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever:  holy and awesome is His name.
        10 — The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments.  His praise endures forever.  (NKJV)

Review last Monday’s study on Psalm 111.  I want to start with verse 4 as we read His wonders are to be remembered.   “God’s works are identified as wonders, which are usual but which are beyond the ordinary course of events” (Steven Lawson).  When we see His wonders, we are left in “wonder.”  Then that verse states that God is gracious and full of compassion, therefore, He is very kind to you. (Wood)
     Verse 5 shows that He provides food for His people.  But it goes further than that, God sustains us (Wood).  He gives us our daily bread, and He also clothes us, provides us with the necessities of life.  Paul states that “God shall supply all your need…” (Philippians 4:19)  I like what George Wood says, “Because God remembers your hunger–for food, security, relationship, or fulfillment–He will provide the ‘bread’ on the day you need it.  Don’t panic that tomorrow’s bread is not yet on your plate.”  God is good!
     Look at what He does for us in verse 6, He enlarges us.  We are never diminished, but He is ever expanding the territory of our lives, enlarging the sphere of influence (Wood).  The enemy will try to lie to you, but we know that if we obey God we will never have less than what is needed.  God is good!  
     God is faithful, we can always depend upon Him.  He is there in the midst of every and any situation, and His works are “verity” (justice, truth, faithful).  He will fulfill His promises.  Lawson describes it in this way, “God’s acts are just, meaning always right and equitable.  Moreover, all His precepts are trustworthy, meaning infallible, dependable, and they will surely come to pass.”  He is not a tease, one who dangles a carrot in front of you, urging you to take a swipe at it.  No, He is faithful and will never lead into temptation or give an illusionary fantasy to guide you.  We can depend upon Him–for He is good.
     The greatest good He has for mankind is seen in verse 9.  His greatest work, His greatest gift–redemption.  God provides redemption for His people.  The NLT renders it this way, “He has paid a full ransom for his people.  He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever…”.  His work of creation is great; His miracles performed on our behalf make us wonder, but above all His greatest work was to provide for our redemption.  He is good–“holy and awesome is His name”!
     The wisest thing we can do is praise the Lord.  This reverential fear “the necessary prerequisite of all wisdom…”.  The sobering awe of God is the beginning of wisdom; that is, the starting point and first principle of wisdom.” (Lawson)  This psalm ends where it begins–praise the Lord!  When we look at the world, we know that God is sovereign.   When looking upon any and all situations of your life–know that God is sovereign.  God is working for you, and He is working through you.  It may not be apparent, and the end result might not yet be seen, but remember that He is faithful and dependable–He is good!

               “O give me faith, and faith’s increase;
               Finish the work begun in me.
               Preserve my soul in perfect peace,
               And let me always rest on thee.”
                          –Charles Wesley

                    –Elmer Kelton  (Jericho’s Road)

       “Rise, let us be going.  See, My betrayer is at hand.”

                    –Matthew 26:46 (NKJV)
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“Beware the Ides of March,” so said the soothsayer to Julius Caesar, at least according to Shakespeare.  If you have read the play you know that this is the day that Julius Caesar was assassinated by the mob, led by his friend Brutus.  Brutus the betrayer.
     If you read Dante’s, “The Divine Comedy,” especially the section known as “The Inferno,” you will find that it was Dante who depicted different levels of hell.  Whether there are or not has led to much speculation and discussion, but it does lead to interesting reading, and it is thought provoking.  I do want to point out the lowest, deepest, most foul level, according to Dante, is that in which he placed, or saw, the most despicable sinners–Brutus and Judas.  Both known as the greatest betrayers in history.  Hmmm, wait a minute, that would leave room for one more, the greatest betrayer of all–Lucifer.
     Let me show you another betrayer; the one who betrays himself.  James speaks of the hearer of the word, “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” (James 1:23-24, NKJV).  Many students that I knew kept a mirror in their locker.  I would ask them why they look at themselves each time they open their locker.  Did they forget what they looked like from the last time?  Perhaps a pimple popped up or they had something stuck in their teeth.  Why is it that we continue to go back to a mirror, is there something we didn’t see the first time?  Or it is that the mirror might be betraying us?
     The self-betrayer is a dangerous person.  He can easily ruin his own life by doing so.  Here are some examples of the person who believes lies about themselves.  (Borrowing from Richard Dresselhaus)  
               “I am unloved.  That’s a lie.  God loves you…and so do others.  I’m uncertain of my eternal salvation.  That’s a lie…as long as you are abiding in Christ.  No one can erase your name from the Lamb’s book of life.  I am unattractive.  That’s a lie.  God made you.  So fix yourself up…and live with confidence.  My life doesn’t count.  That’s a lie…if you are living a life of obedience to the commands of Jesus.  Life is unfair.  That’s a lie.  Live for Jesus…and life is good.”
This is a short list, and true, others are deceiving and betraying you by saying these things, but you are betraying yourself by believing them.
     Then I think of the times that I have betrayed the Lord.  It was Judas who betrayed Jesus to the guards.  John writes, “And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.” (18:2, NKJV)  Matthew depicts the scene this way, “And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.” (26:47, NKJV)  Yes, it was Judas, one of the twelve, one who had walked beside Jesus, had shared food with Him, had slept around the same campfires.  But look at who he brought:  a multitude, the temple guards from the chief priests.  Were they not betrayers as well?  The leaders of the people; the ones to whom the people looked for spiritual guidance sent guards to arrest the only one who could actually do so.  Wasn’t that betrayal as well?
     How many times have I promised to do something for the Lord and failed–isn’t that betrayal?  How many times have I had to go to prayer in repentance?  Stumbling and falling along the way–the narrow way.  I said I would take up my cross, but there have been times I let it fall, and I pushed it aside.  Betrayal!  But there is something that John wrote; something that we should cling to when this happens for it is only real betrayal if we grovel in our sins.  It is only betrayal if we do not again pick up our cross.  John said, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NKJV)  Betrayal would be if we didn’t recognize our sin and did not go to the Master.  “[But] if we acknowledge and agree with God that we are sinners, He is faithful and righteous and will forgive us [of] our sins, and will cleanse us from every kind of iniquity and wrong.” (Harbuck)  
     That gives me hope.  We could stay in the dust and boohoo that we failed.  Or as many do, we could try to hide our sin, or say that it wasn’t really that big of a deal.  We read in Matthew that Judas was remorseful (27:3-5) but that is where is stopped.  He stopped with remorse and did not continue with repentance.  If we do the same, then we are betrayers as well.