THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY

A LITLE SEED WAY BACK IN TIME
BEFORE THE WORLD WAS FLUNG IN SPACE
BECAME THE SUBJECT OF GOD'S PLAN
FOR RESCUING THE HUMAN RACE.

OMNISCIENCE SAW THE FALL OF MAN

WITH ALL THE CONSEQUENCE OF SIN
THERE WAS NO HOPE OF ANY KIND
BECAUSE OF DEATH THAT REIGNED WITHIN.

SO GOD DEVISED A METHOD RARE

AND HAD THE PROPHETS WRITE IT DOWN
A VIRGIN WOULD CONCEIVE A CHILD
IN BETHLEHEM'S SMALL JUDAH TOWN.

THE SEED IN MYSTERY WAS REVEALED

THE HOLY SPIRIT, THREE-IN-ONE
COMBINED IN FLESH THE LIVING WORD
AND PLACED IN MARY'S WOMB, A SON.

HOW STRANGE THE VIRGIN MUST HAVE FELT

ON HEARING GABRIEL SHARE THE NEWS
BUT JOSEPH'S DOUBTS WERE NOT AS CLEAR
SINCE IN HIS HEART WERE OTHER VIEWS.

WHEN GOD'S PREDESTINED MOMENT CAME

ETERNITY WAS PRESSED IN TIME
THE SEED BECAME AN EMBREO
AND HEAVEN'S STAR BEGAN TO SHINE.

WHAT MUSIC MUST HAVE FILLED THE SKY

AS ANGEL CHOIRS ANNOUNCED HIS BIRTH
SO WHEN THE SHEPHERDS SAW HIM THERE
PROCLAIMED HIS COMING TO THE EARTH.

THIS CHRISTMAS MYSTERY ONCE CONCEALED

IS OFFERED AS GOD'S GIFT TO ALL
SO EVERY PEOPLE-GROUP ON EARTH
CAN KNOW THE SAVIOR WHEN THEY CALL.
--B. Pent

RESURRECTION OF THE KING

                    Matthew 28

THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD

BY SAGE OR PROPHECIES FORETOLD
INVOLVED A MYSTERY ONCE CONCEALED
BUT NOW IN CHRIST HAS BEEN REVEALED.

THE SIGN OF JONAH IN A WHALE

THREE DAYS AND NIGHTS A LIVING HELL
GAVE PROMISE THAT WHEN JESUS DIED
WITHIN THREE DAYS HE WOULD ARISE.

THEN EASTER'S GOLDEN MORNING CAME

AS MARY AND HER FRIENDS EXPLAIN
AN ANGEL ROLLED THE STONE AWAY
ANNOUNCING RESURRECTION DAY!

THE GUARDS BECAME AS DEAD FROM FRIGHT

BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF THAT LIGHT

BUT WHEN THEY TOLD THE PRIESTS THE NEWS

THEY BRIBED THEM TO REPORT FALSE VIEWS.

THE WOMEN THEN RETURNED TO TELL

THE TOMB WAS JUST AN EMPTY SHELL
THAT CHRIST AROSE JUST AS HE SAID
“HE IS ALIVE! NO LONGER DEAD!”

BUT JOHN AND PETER DIDN'T BELIEVE

THAT OUT FROM DEATH LIFE COULD PROCEED
UNTIL THEY RUSHED INTO HIS TOMB
WHERE HOPE REVIVED, DISPELLING GLOOM.

IN GALILEE THE LORD APPEARED

REMOVING EVERY DOUBT THEY FEARED
THE POWER THAT RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD
BECAME HIS PLEDGE THEY WOULD BE LED.

THE KING THEN GAVE THIS LAST COMMAND:

“THE GREAT COMMISSION MUST EXPAND
SO EVERY PEOPLE-GROUP ON EARTH
CAN FIND THROUGH CHRIST A SECOND BIRTH!”

TO PROVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE WAS REAL

BAPTISM WAS THE SIGN AND SEAL
AND FROM A GROWING FAITH WOULD SHARE
THE GOSPEL MESSAGE EVERYWHERE.

THE FINAL PICTURE MATTHEW VIEWS

IS MEANT FOR CHRISTIANS AND FOR JEWS
SO EVERYONE REDEEMED FROM SIN
CAN KNOW THAT JESUS CHRIST IS KING.
--B. Pent

THE PASSION OF THE KING

                          Matthew 26-27

THE SHADOW OF A CROSS WAS SET IN PLACE

WITHIN THE MINDS AND HEARTS BENT ON DISGRACE

WHILE PHARISEES AND SCRIBES COLLUDE AS ONE

TO KILL THEIR KING WHO CLAIMED TO BE GOD'S SON.

THE PASSION WEEK BEGAN IN SIMON'S HOME

WHERE DEATH AND HELL CONVERGED ON HIM ALONE

WHILE MARY POURED RARE PERFUME ON HIS HEAD

SOME CALLED IT WASTEFUL; COULD BE SOLD INSTEAD.

IN THE UPPER ROOM DISCIPLES SHARED A MEAL

WITH BREAD AND WINE, COMMUNION'S VISUAL SEAL

BUT WARNED THEY WOULD FORSAKE AND TURN AWAY

AS JUDAS PLANNED TO CAREFULLY BETRAY.

THEN BY THE KIDRON VALLEY SLOPE THEY TALKED

AS UPWARD TOWARD AN OLIVE GROVE THEY WALKED

BUT WHEN THE WEIGHT OF SIN TORE HIM APART

HE PRAYED IN AGONY WITH BROKEN HEART.

THREE TIMES HE URGED HIS FAITHFUL FRIENDS TO PRAY

BUT SLUMBER WON, EXHAUSTED FROM THE DAY

THE CUP THAT JESUS SOUGHT TO PASS FROM HIM

NOW WILLINGLY HE DRANK TO PAY FOR SIN.

THE SOUND OF MEN WITH CLUBS AND SWORDS APPEARED

AS IF AGAINST SOME REBEL FORCE THEY FEARED

BUT JESUS CALMLY SPOKE AND TOOK HIS STAND

WITH JUDAS' KISS, A SIGN TO BIND HIS HAND.

THAT NIGHT HE STOOD BEFORE SANHEDRIN'S COURT

ACCUSED OF MANY CRIMES WITHOUT SUPPORT

BUT WHEN HE CLAIMED TO BE GOD'S ONLY SON

THE CRIES TO “CRUCIFY” INCREASED AS ONE.

THEN ON TO PILATE'S ROMAN COURT THEY CAME

BOTH PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES BROUGHT BLAME

WHEN PILATE ASKED WHOM THEY WOULD HAVE RELEASED

THEY CHOSE BARABBAS THOUGH HE WAS A THIEF.

THE GUARDS LED JESUS TO THE COMMON HALL

WHERE SOLDIERS SCOURGE THEIR PREY UNTIL THEY FALL

A CROWN OF THORNS WAS PRESSED UPON HIS HEAD

BEATEN AND FLOGGED TIL HE WAS ALMOST DEAD.

CONDEMNED TO DIE, HE BORE THE CROSS ALONE

A SPOTLESS LAMB FOR SINNERS TO ATONE

HIS NAIL-PIERCED HANDS AND FEET AND BLEEDING SIDE

BECAME THE SEAL UPON REDEMPTION'S TIDE.

THE FINAL CRY WAS HEARD AMIDST THE NIGHT

THE VEIL WAS RENT BEFORE SHEKINAH'S LIGHT

IN JOSEPH'S CARVED-OUT TOMB THE SAVIOR LAY

THREE DAYS TO HELL AND BACK THE SCRIPTURES SAY.

--B. Pent



PROPHECIES OF THE KING

            

                                 Matthew 24-25

WHILE LEAVING THE TEMPLE THE COMMENT WAS MADE
WHAT BEAUTY AND SPLENDOR THE BUILDING DISPLAYED
BUT JESUS RESPONDED THAT EVERY LAST STONE
WOULD FALL FROM ITS MOORINGS AND BE LEFT ALONE.

THE QUESTIONS THEN FOLLOWED WHILE CLIMBING THE HILL
EXACTLY THE TIME-FRAME HIS WORDS WOULD FULFILL?
AND WHAT WOULD THE SIGN OF HIS COMING PORTEND
THAT THIS WAS THE TIME FOR THE KINGDOM TO END?

THERE ON MOUNT OLIVET JESUS EXPLAINED

ALL THAT WOULD HAPPEN, ALL THAT REMAINED
TO FINALLY FULFILL WHAT THE PROPHETS FORETOLD
OF ISRAEL'S MESSIAH THE WORLD WOULD BEHOLD.

THE ARMIES OF TITUS WHO CONQUERED THE LAND

IS TOLD IN MARK'S GOSPEL SO JEWS COULD DISBAND
THE TEMPLE AND WALLS OF JERUSALEM FELL
A MILLION WERE KILLED AS JOSEPHUS WOULD TELL.

BUT MATTHEW RECORDS EVENTS THAT TAKE PLACE

WHEN ANTICHRIST RULES AND THE CHURCH IS REPLACED
THE PROPHECIES TOLD BY DANIEL WILL COME
AS JOHN MAKES IT CLEAR WHEN GOD'S JUDGMENT IS DONE.

THE FIRST FOURTEEN VERSES WERE SIGNS FOR EACH AGE

THAT JESUS MAY COME AND RE-ENTER LIFE'S STAGE
THAT FAMINES AND WARS AND DISEASE WOULD PREVAIL
AND FALSE CHRISTS AND EARTHQUAKES INCREASE WITHOUT FAIL.

YET SCRIPTURE MAKES CLEAR WHEN THESE SIGNS ALL CONVERGE

AND WIDEWORLD CONFUSION BEGINS TO IMMERGE
THAT JACOB'S DARK HOUR IS SOON TO BEGIN
THE GREAT TRIBULATION BECAUSE OF MAN'S SIN.

THE OLIVET DISCOURSE THEN OUTLINES THE TIME

WHEN SUN, MOON AND STARS NO LONGER WILL SHINE
AND ANTICHRIST RULES WITH THE POWER OF HELL
RELEASING GOD'S WRATH LIKE AN ATOM BOMB SHELL.

THEN OUT FROM THE HEAVENS ABLAZE ON A CLOUD

THE KING WILL DESCEND IN SHEKINAH'S BRIGHT SHROWD
ALL EYES WILL BEHOLD HIM AND LOOK ON HIS FACE
AND ISRAEL REDEEMED WILL FIND CLEANSING AND GRACE.

THE LORD TOLD THREE STORIES TO HELP ILLUSTRATE

THE KIND OF A MODEL HIS SERVANTS SHOULD MAKE
EQUIPPED AND CONTROLLED BY HIS SPIRIT DIVINE
EACH TALENT AND GIFT MUST CONSISTANTLLY SHINE.

THE STORY THEN CLOSES AT JESUS' RETURN

WITH NATIONS ALL GATHERED AT HIS JUDGMENT THRONE
THE SHEEP ARE THE RIGHTEOUS WHO HONOR HIS NAME
THE GOATS WHO OPPRESS HIS ELECT, DIE IN SHAME.
--B. Pent

FINAL PRESENTATION & REJECTION OF THE KING

 

                                Matthew 21-23

MATTHEW RECORDS THE LAST CALL TO HIS OWN

AS JESUS THE KING CLAIMS MOUNT ZION HIS THRONE
RIDING A COLT AMIDST SHOUTS FROM THE CROWD
“HOSANNAH! SON OF DAVID!” IN HONOR THEY BOWED.

HISTORY AND PROPHECY CONVERGE NOW IN TIME
FULFILLING THE WORDS OF ZACHARIAH 9:9
“SEE, YOUR KING COMES ON THE FOAL OF AN ASS!”
TRIUMPH AND VICTORY WOULD SOON COME TO PASS!

BUT SAD IS THE STORY WHEN VISION IS BLURRED
AND CRIES FOR A CROSS BEGIN TO BE HEARD
THE FIG TREE NOW WITHERED PRODUCES NO FRUIT
LIKE ISRAEL REJECTED, DESTROYED AT ITS ROOT.

THE TEMPLE THAT ONCE HELD THE GLORY OF GOD
WAS BUSY WITH MERCHANTS CORRUPTING ITS SOD
BY FILLING THE COURTYARD WITH LIVESTOCK AND DOVES
HIS HOUSE WAS NOW PRAYERLESS AND EMPTY OF LOVE.

AFTER HE CHASED ALL THE MERCHANTS AWAY
THE PHARISEES ASKED WHY HE DID IT THIS WAY.
HIS STORIES EXPOSED THE SINS THEY HAD DONE
LIKE LEASING A VINEYARD AND KILLING THE SON.

THE STONE THAT THE BUILDERS REJECTED WAS CHRIST
AS RULERS TOOK COUNCIL TO SHORTEN HIS LIFE
THE STORY HE TOLD OF A KING'S WEDDING FEAST
WAS MEANT TO CONDEMN EVERY SCRIBE, EVERY PRIEST.

SOME QUESTIONS WERE GIVEN TO TRAP HIM ONE DAY
LIKE MARRIAGE IN HEAVEN OR TAXES TO PAY
HE ANSWERED DISCRETELY FROM GOD'S WRITTEN WORD
EXPOSING THEIR MOTIVES HE CLEARLY OPPOSED.

JESUS THEN ASKED WHO MESSIAH WOULD BE?

“THE SON OF KING DAVID THE PROPHET'S DECREE!”

SO WHY DID THE KING CALL MESSIAH HIS LORD?
SINCE THAT'S WHAT THE PSALM MAKES SO CLEAR IN THE WORD?

THE RULERS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIS CLAIM
THAT HE WAS MESSIAH, EMANUEL WHO CAME
THEIR HEARTS BECAME HARDENED, REFUSING TO SEE
THAT HE WAS BOTH MAN AND SUPREME DEITY.

THE PHARISEES TAUGHT ALL THE LAW MOSES WROTE
YET FAILED TO APPLY WHAT GOD SAID WHEN THEY SPOKE
THEY GREEDILY SOUGHT APPROVAL AND FAME
BUT ALL OF THEIR DEEDS SHOWED DECEPTION AND SHAME.

THE KING THEN PRONOUNCED SEVEN WOES THEY DESERVED
CONDEMNING THEIR ACTIONS AND WORKS HE EXPOSED
YET FULL OF COMPASSION HE PLEADS ONE LAST TIME
THAT ISRAEL AGAIN LIKE A BEACON WOULD SHINE.
---B. PENT

INSTRUCTIONS OF THE KING

         

                                   MATTHEW 16-20

THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM THAT OPEN THE DOOR

TO THE HIDDEN MYSTERY NOT SHOWN THEM BEFORE
BEGAN WITH A QUESTION TO THE CROWD STANDING BY
“WHOM DO MEN SAY IS THE ONE FROM ON HIGH?”

MANY OPINIONS WERE GIVEN THAT DAY

“JEREMIAH, ELIJAH OR JOHN” SOME WOULD SAY
BUT PETER CONFESSED IN A VOICE LOUD AND CLEAR
“YOU ARE THE CHRIST, YAHWEH'S SON WHO CAME NEAR!”

JESUS THEN TURNED IN RESPONSE TO THAT “NAME.”

“YOU ARE A STONE! I'M THE ROCK THAT YOU CLAIM!”
THEN HE ANNOUNCED THAT THE CHURCH WOULD BE BORN
OUT OF HIS DEATH LIVING STONES HE WOULD FORM.

ONCE THE FOUNDATION OF FAITH HAS BEEN LAID

DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING MUST THEN BE MAINTAINED
DENYING ONE'S SELF AND BY BEARING HIS CROSS
VICTORY IS PROMISED, ALL ELSE IS BUT LOSS.

AS GROUNDWORK FOR THE CHURCH'S FOUNDATION

HE SPOKE OF HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION
REVEALING PROOF HE WAS THE ONE
THE PROPHETS SAID WAS YAHWEH'S SON.

UNTIL THEN, HIS GLORY WAS HIDDEN FROM THEM

HIS OUTWARD APPEARANCE LIKE ALL OTHER MEN.
THEN AT THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN ONE DAY
HE WAS TRANSFIGURED IN BRILLIAN ARRAY.

ELIJAH AND MOSES APPEARED WITH HIM THERE

AS JESUS' CLOSE FRIENDS CONTINUED TO STARE
PETER SUGGESTED THREE BOOTHS TO BE MADE
BUT GOD SAID: “MY SON IS TO BE OBEYED.”

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS WERE SHARED WITH HIS MEN

CONCERNING THE CHURCH WHO ON HIM WOULD DEPEND
ISSUES OF SERVICE, FORGIVENESS, DIVORCE
DEALING WITH FACTIONS THAT STEER ONE OFF COURSE.

AFTER SOME CHILDREN WERE BROUGHT TO BE BLESSED

JESUS MADE CLEAR THAT THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
WAS NOT BUILT WITH GOLD OR PRESTIGE ON EARTH'S SOD
BUT FAITH AS A CHILD FORMS THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

THE MASTER THEN LIKENED OUR SERVICE FOR HIM

AS GRAPES FROM A VINE WITH A HARVEST TO WIN
SOME PLANT OR WATER THE SEED THAT IS SOWN
GOD GIVES THE INCREASE FOR HIS PRAISE ALONE.
--B. Pent

REJECTION OF THE KING

                                  Matthew 14-15

THE SIGNS OF REJECTION BEGIN TO APPEAR

WITH THE MURDER OF JOHN, THIS FACT BECOMES CLEAR

THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL IS NOW SET ASIDE

THE DRUMBEAT OF DEATH BECOMES HARDER TO HIDE.

JESUS CONTINUED TO TEACH AND TO HEAL

THOSE WHO BY FAITH SOUGHT TO FOLLOW HIS WILL

WHEN FIVE THOUSAND ATE WITH THE LUNCH OF A BOY

EACH FAMILY WENT HOME, IN AWE, FULL OF JOY.

THAT NIGHT HIS DISCIPLES WERE CAUGHT IN A STORM

THE GALILEE WAVES LEFT THEM FEARFUL AND WORN

JESUS WALKED TO THEM WHEN HE SAW THEM FROM SHORE

HE SPOKE TO THE WINDS AND THE WAVES CHURNED NO MORE.

AS SOON AS THEY REACHED THE GENNESARET TOWN

THE NEWS OF HIS COMING WAS SPREAD ALL AROUND

THE SICK AND THE DYING WERE HEALED BY HIS WORD

AND MANY THAT DAY PUT THEIR TRUST IN THE LORD.

BUT CONFLICT BEGAN TO INCREASE EVERY DAY

BETWEEN WHAT THE LORD AND THE RABBI'S WOULD SAY

RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS WERE ONLY FOR SHOW

GOD'S LAW WAS INTENDED FOR PEOPLE TO GROW.

SO WHEN THEY ACCUSED HIS DISCIPLES OF SIN

JESUS REVEALED HYPOCRISY WITHIN

IT'S NOT WHAT GOES IN THAT DEFILES ONE'S LIFE

FOR OUT OF THE HEART FLOWS ALL EVIL AND STRIFE..

JESUS THEN WALKED TOWARD PHENECIA ONE DAY

WHERE CITIES LIKE SIDON AND TYRE ONCE LAY

A CANAANITE WOMAN OF GENTILE BIRTH

PLED THAT HER DAUGHTER BE FREED FROM HER CURSE.

DEMON POSSESSION ENSLAVED HER THROUGH LIFE

JEWS CALLED THEM “DOGS” WITH A CERTAIN DELIGHT

WHEN JESUS THEN TALKED ABOUT CRUMBS OFF THE FLOOR

SHE ASKED FOR ONE CRUMB THAT WOULD FREE HER ONCE MORE.

AFTER THIS MIRACLE JESUS PERFORMED

OTHERS WHO FOLLOWED WERE LIKEWISE TRANSFORMED

LATER FOUR THOUSAND WERE FED BY THE LORD

AMONG THEM WERE GENTILES RECEIVING HIS WORD.

--B. Pent

PARABLES OF THE KING

              

                          Matthew 13

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN PROCLAIMED AS “AT HAND”

DESIGNED FOR MESSIAH TO RULE FROM THE LAND
WAS STERNLY REJECTED BY RULERS AND PRIEST
ACCUSING THE KING GETTING POWER FROM THE BEAST.

SO MATTHEW BEGINS TO DESCRIBE THE NEW WAY
THE KINGDOM WILL FUNCTION WHILE HE'S GONE AWAY
THROUGH STORIES, HE TELLS OF A MYSTERY ONCE HID
SO THOSE IN HIS ABSENCE COULD SERVE AS HE BIDS.

THE FIRST OF THESE PARABLES JESUS EXPLAINS
TELLS OF A FARMER WHO PLANTED HIS GRAIN
SOME FELL NEAR ROCKS AND ON PATHS HARD AS CLAY
WHILE OTHERS NEAR THORNS COULD NOT LIVE FOR A DAY.

SOMETIMES THE SEED OF THE WORD THAT IS SOWN
FALLS UPON HEARTS THAT ARE HARDER THAN STONE
SOME PLANTS ARE CHOKED BY THE CARES OF THIS LIFE
STRIVING FOR RICHES WHILE LIVING IN STRIFE.

YET SOME OF THE SEEDS FELL ON SOIL PREPARED
YIELDING A HARVEST OF FRUIT TO BE SHARED
SO IS THE ONE THAT YIELDS ALL TO HIS WILL
LIFE IN ABUNDANCE IS FOUND IN HIM STILL.

THE STORY OF WHEAT THAT IS PLANTED WITH TARES
IS GIVEN AS WARNING TO ALL WHO WOULD SHARE
THE SEED OF THE GOSPEL WHERE CHRIST IS RECEIVED
WILL BLOSSOM AND PROSPER FOR ALL WHO BELIEVE.

CHRIST IS THE SOWER WHO PLANTS IN EARTH'S SOD
THE GOOD SEED ARE SONS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
BAD SEEDS ARE THOSE FROM THE KINGDOM BELOW
WHERE SATAN PLANTS WEEDS DESTROYING THE SOUL.

THE HARVEST WILL END AT HIS COMING AGAIN
AND ANGELS WILL GATHER THOSE CALLED BY HIS NAME
THE WHEAT PICTURES THOSE WHO WILL SERVE WITH THE KING
WHILE WEEDS ARE UNGODLY WHO DIE IN THEIR SIN.

THE MUSTERD SEED PLANTED THAT GROWS LIKE A TREE
WITH NESTING BIRDS LIVING WHERE OTHERS CAN SEE
IS GIVEN AS WARNING THAT EVIL LURKS NEAR
WHEN DOCTRINES OF DEMONS ARE TAUGHT WITHOUT FEAR.

THE LITTLE YEAST ADDED TO EACH LOAF OF BREAD
IS PICTURED IN SCRIPTURE AS EVIL INSTEAD
RELIGIOUS CONVICTION ONCE BASED ON GOD'S WORD
IS OFTEN REPLACED BY THE GODS OF THIS WORLD.

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN LIKE TREASURES OF GOLD
IS WRAPPED UP IN MYSTERY THOUGH SCRIPTURE FORETOLD
THAT HE WHO ONCE PURCHACED THE FIELD BY HIS NAME
VOWED ISRAEL, HIS TREASURE, WOULD ALWAYS REMAIN.

A MERCHANT THEN LOOKED FOR A PEARL OF GREAT PRICE
HE SOLD ALL HE HAD AT A GREAT SACRIFICE
THE PEARL IS THE CHURCH THAT IS BORN FROM THE SEA
AS PROOF TO ALL MEN HIS DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY.

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN DESCRIBED AS A NET
WITH GOOD FISH AND BAD FISH TOGETHER ARE MET
THE GOSPEL PROCLAIMED TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
WILL HARVEST MEN CHOSEN THROUGH SPIRITUAL BIRTH.

THE GREAT TRIBULATION OF JUDGMENT WILL END
AS THE KING IN A WHITE HORSE BEGINS TO DESCEND
THE GOOD FISH ARE MEN WHO WILL JOIN IN HIS REIGN
AND THE ANGELS WILL BANISH ALL EVIL AS VAIN.

OPPOSITION OF THE KING - part 2

 
                         Matthew 12

EVIL FORCES BEGIN TO ESCALATE
AS SCRIBES AND PHARISEES COLLABORATE
IN OPPOSITION TO THE ONE BORN KING
THE PROMISED RULER OVER EVERYTHING.

THE LEADERS HAD WRITTEN THIRTY NINE RULES
AGAINST SABBATH WORK FOR ALL OF THE JEWS
PLUCKING OFF CORN WAS LIKE REAPING THE GRAIN
WITH WARNING OF DEATH MADE PERFECTLY PLAIN.

THE TRAP WAS SET FOR THE KING AND HIS MEN
THIS TIME AROUND THEY WOULD FAIL TO DEFEND
WHILE EATING SOME GRAIN ON A SABBATH DAY
THEY WANTED TO HEAR WHAT THE KING WOULD SAY?

THREE CLEAR EXAMPLES WERE USED IN REPLY
DAVID WAS HUNGRY AND THOUGHT HE WOULD DIE
THE PRIEST GAVE HIM SHEWBREAD, UNHEARD OF, THEY SAY
YET NO CONDEMNATION WAS WRITTEN THAT DAY.

PRIESTS IN THE TEMPLE WORKED HARD AT THEIR TASK
WITH OFFERINGS AND RITUALS PERFORMED WHEN ASKED
YET BLAMELESS THEY STOOD IN THE SERVICE OF GOD
WHILE BREAKING THAT LAW WITH A PHARISEE'S NOD.

THEIR FURY INCREASED WHEN THEY HEARD HIM PROCLAIM
"I AM THE LORD!  THE 'I AM' IS MY NAME!"
IN ANGER THESE RULERS WITHDREW FOR A TIME
DETERMINED TO CRUSH HIM LIKE GRAPES FROM A VINE.

LATER A MAN WITH PARALYSIS CAME
GIVING THE LEADERS A CHANCE TO FIND BLAME
JESUS GAVE ORDERS TO STRETCH FORTH HIS HAND
FURTHER INSIGHTING THE WRATH FROM THEIR CLAN

MULTITUTES CAME TO BE HEALED BY THE LORD
FINDING RELASE THROUGH THE POWER OF HIS WORD
"IS HE THE ONE?" THEY BEGAN TO EXCLAIM
"BLESST SON OF DAVID, THE SCRIPTURES PROCLAIM?"

A DEMON POSSESSED, BLIND MUTE WAS THEN HEALED
PROVING AGAIN THAT THEIR HEARTS WERE STILL SEARED
ATTRIBUTING HEALINGS TO EXORCISE
AS COMING FROM SATAN'S OWN ENTERPRIZE.

SO JESUS WARNED AGAINST THIS KIND OF BLAME
OF CASTING OUT DEMONS THROUGH SATAN'S NAME
THIS BLASPHEMY AGAINST GOD'S HOLINESS
IS UNFORGIVEN FOR ITS GODLESSNESS.

THE PHARISEES ASKED HIM FOR ONE MORE SIGN
AS PROOF HE WAS TRULY GOD'S CHOSEN DESIGN
BUT JONAH, THREE DAYS WITHIN A LARGE FISH
WAS THE SIGN HE WOULD DIE FULFILLING GOD'S WISH.

WHEN JESUS' FAMILY STOOD OUTSIDE THE DOOR
WANTING TO TALK AND SEE HIM ONCE MORE
JESUS MADE CLEAR THAT HIS FAMILY WERE THOSE
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES HE CAREFULLY CHOSE.
--B. Pent

OPPOSITION OF THE KING - part 1

   
                              Matthew 11

THE CLOUDS OF DARKNESS NOW BEGIN TO FORM
AS OPPOSITION MOVES IN LIKE A STORM
WITH JOHN IN JAIL, THE KING STANDS ALL ALONE
THE OFFERED KINGDOM FALLS ON HEARTS OF STONE.

RULERS SWAYED THE CROWDS BY FLATANT LIES
ACCUSING CHRIST OF BREAKING SABBATH TIES
BUT OUTWARD RULES AND FORMS MEANT MORE TO THEM
THAN LIVES RELECTING HOLINESS WITHIN.

JOHN QUESTIONED WHILE IN HEROD'S PRISON CELL
IF HE WAS KING, THE PROPHETS DID FORETELL
FOR WICKEDNESS STILL TRIUMPHED OVER RIGHT
AND PROMISED JUDGMENT SEEMED SO FAR FROM SIGHT.

WITH HONEST DOUBTS STILL LINGERING IN HIS MID
HE ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY OTHER SIGN
THAT POINTED TO MESSIAH'S EARTHLY REIGN
OR WAS HIS WORK AND MESSAGE ALL IN VAIN?

THE ANSWER JESUS GAVE WAS LOUD AND CLEAR
THE BLIND RECEIVED THEIR SIGHT, THE DEAF COULD HEAR
HE HEALED THE SICK AND RAISED THE DEAD TO LIFE
AND GOD'S GOOD NEWS WAS SHARED WITHOUT A PRICE.

WHEN JOHN'S DISCIPLES LEFT TO SHARE THE NEWS
THE LORD ASKED THOSE AROUND ABOUT THEIR VIEWS
WHAT THEY EXPECTED WHEN THE PROPHET SPOKE
WHY THEY DENIED ITS MESSANIC HOPE.

LIKE CHILDREN WHO REFUSED TO PLAY OR DANCE
ALTHOUGH EACH ONE WAS GIVEN ONE MORE CHANCE
THEIR HEARTS REFUSED TO TURN AWAY FROM SIN
REJECTING BOTH THE PROPHET AND THE KING.

WITH BURDENED HEART THE KING DENOUNCED THOSE TOWNS
WHO SAW HIS WORKS BUT TURNED HIS OFFER DOWN
YET IN THE END THE OFFER IS THE SAME
ALL THOSE WHO TRUST FIND PEACE THROUGH JESUS' NAME.
--B. Pent

HERALDS OF THE KING

                     
                                  Matthew 10

TWELVE CHOSEN MEN WHERE CALLED TO SERVE THE KING
THEY LEFT THEIR WORK AND HOMES TO FOLLOW HIM
A SOLEMN CHARGE WAS GIVEN THEM TO KEEP
IT WAS A SPECIAL CALL TO HIS LOST SHEEP.

THE KINGDOM OF THE HEAVENS WAS BROUGHT NEAR
ITS MESSAGE WAS FOR ISRAEL NOT TO FEAR
THROUGH HEALING SIGNS AND WONDERS ON DISPLAY
HIS NATION COULD BE BORN ANEW THAT DAY.

THROUGH EVERY TOWN THEY TRAVELED TWO BY TWO
THEIR HEALING MISSION WAS TO REACH THE JEW
THEY HAD NO SWORD OR PURSE TO TAKE ALONG
THEIR FAITH AND TRUST WAS IN THE LORD ALONE.

YET THOSE WHO HEARD HAD HEARTS AS HARD AS STONE
REJECTING CHRIST THE ONE WHO COULD ATONE
SO MATTHEW TELLS US WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
WHEN TO THE WORLD HIS LIVING WORD UNFOLDS.

THE SECOND HALF OF CHAPTER TEN MAKES CLEAR
THAT ALL HIS SERVANTS WOULD BE TESTED HERE
YET WHEN THEY STAND UNFAIRLY TRIED BY ALL
THE SOVEREIGN LORD WILL MAKE THE FINAL CALL.

THROUGHOUT THIS DISPENSATION WE ARE TOLD
TO BE WELL TRAINED SOLDIERS BRAVE AND BOLD
AND EVEN IN THE FACE OF DEATH TO STAND
FOR HE WHO CONQUERED DEATH WILL TAKE OUR HAND.

BETRAYALS AND DECEIT HAVE FILLED OUR EARTH
ONCE LOVING HOMES LOOK LIKE A STILLBORN BIRTH
BUT HISTORY'S FINAL DAYS ARE SOON TO END
AND ON HIS PROMISE ALL HIS SAINTS DEPEND.

THE MASTER CALLS US TO INVEST OUR ALL
THE HARVEST FIELDS ARE RIPE AND WE ARE SMALL
BUT EVERY GIFT INVESTED NOW FOR HIM
WILL HEAR "WELL DONE" FROM CHRIST OUR COMING KING.
--B. Pent

CREDENTIALS OF THE KING - part 2

                Matthew 9

REJECTED BY THE GADARENES
THE LORD RETURNED TO "HIS OWN TOWN!"
CAPERNAUM WAS A COASTAL PORT
WHERE OFTEN JESUS WOULD RESORT.

WHILE TEACHING IN A CROWDED HOME
A PARALYTIC BORNE BY FOUR
WAS BROUGHT TO JESUS TO BE HEALED
WITHOUT THEIR HELP HIS FATE WAS SEALED.

THEY TORE THE ROOF TO LET HIM DOWN
SO WHEN CHRIST SAW THEIR EARNEST FAITH
HE SPOKE THE WORD AND HEALING CAME
FORGIVEN HE ROSE IN YAHWEH'S NAME.

A GRIEVING FATHER THEN APPEARED
AND ASKED THE LORD IF HE WOULD COME
AND TOUCH HIS DAUGHTER'S LIFELESS BROW
SO SHE COULD LIVE AGAIN RIGHT NOW.

ALONG THE PATHWAY TO HIS HOME
A WOMAN WHO FOR TWELVE LONG YEARS
HAD HEMORRHAGED WITH NO DOCTOR'S CURE
WAS THEN AND THERE TOUCHED AND MADE PURE.

WHEN JAIRUS FINALLY GOT HIM HOME
HIS TWELVE YEAR OLD LAY GAUNT AND COLD
AT HIS COMMAND SHE BREATHED NEW AIR
AND ALL REJOICED AND PRAISED GOD THERE.

TWO BLIND MEN LATER CRIED ALOUD
"PLEASE, SON OF DAVID, TOUCH OUR EYES!"
THE MASTER'S TOUCH MADE THEM TO SEE
SO FROM THEIR BLINDNESS THEY WERE FREE.

THEN IN THE VALLEY OF DESPAIR
A DEAF AND DUMB DEMONIAC
WAS HEALED WHEN JESUS CAST IT OUT
AS HE PRAISED GOD WITH ONE LOUD SHOUT.

THE KING HAD SHOWN HIS RIGHT TO RULE
THROUGH SIGNS AND WONDERS ON DISPLAY
BUT ONLY MATTHEW AND A FEW
WOULD FOLLOW CHRIST WITH LIFE ANEW.

THE SHADOW OF A CROSS SOON FORMED
WITH JOHN THE BAPTIST PUT IN JAIL
AND PHARISEES NOW MAKING CLAIM
CHRIST'S SIGNS WERE DONE IN SATAN'S NAME.

A DISPENSATION NEW AND FRESH
AS SEEN IN HIM THE WORD MADE FLESH
FULFILLS THE PROMISE HE FORETOLD
NEW WINE REPLACING WHAT IS OLD.

THE WHITE NEW ROBES THE GOSPEL BRINGS
THAT BIDS US FLY AND GIVES US WINGS
IS GRACE APART FROM WORKS OF LAW
AS GOD'S FREE GIFT TO ONE AND ALL.
--.B. Pent

CREDENTIALS OF THE KING - part 1

                  Matthew 8

TO PROVE HE WAS THE PROMISED KING
AND MASTER OVER EVERYTHING
TEN POWER SIGNS WERE USED TO SHOW
GOD'S CHOICE FOR ISRAEL HERE BELOW.

THE FIRST ENCOUNTER JESUS HAD
WAS WITH A LEPER LONE AND SAD
WHOSE LIFE WAS MARKED BY HOPELESSNESS
UNTILL HE FACED GOD'S HOLINESS.

SO WHEN THIS HEALING POWER TOOK PLACE
ALL THOSE AROUND COULD SEE HIS FACE
AS JESUS TOUCHED HIS ROTTING SKIN
HE WAS MADE WHOLE AND FREED WITHIN.

A ROMAN CAPTAIN THEN APPEARED
ONE HUNDRED SOLDIERS WERE HIS CHARGE
BUT ONE OF HIS MOST TRUSTED MEN
HAD PARALYZING WOUNDS TO MEND.

YET AS THEY STARTED TOWARD HIS HOME
THE CAPTAIN URGED: "JUST SPEAK THE WORD!"
AND THERE IN SIMPLE FAITH HE FOUND
HIS SERVANT HEALED AND WHOLLY SOUND.

THAT NIGHT THEY STAYED AT PETER'S HOUSE
BUT FOUND HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS SICK
THE FEVER LEFT AS ALL COULD SEE
ALONG WITH THOSE POSSESSED SET FREE.

THEN NEXT WE FIND THEM IN A BOAT
WITH JESUS RESTING AT THE STERN
WHEN SUDDENLY A GAIL FORCE WIND
WITH THREATENING WAVES CAME CRASHING IN.

FEAR GRIPPED THE BAND OF MEN THAT CAME
SO WOKE THE MASTER WITHOUT SHAME
WHO STOOD TO CALM THE RAGING SEA
THUS PROVED TO THEM HIS DEITY.

WHEN LANDING AT THE GADARENES
TWO MEN POSSESSED FELL TREMBLING
THEIR VIOLENT ACTIONS COULD NOT TAME
TWO THOUSAND DEMONS WERE TO BLAME.

BEFORE THE MASTER CAST THEM OUT
THEY PLED TO HAVE THEM ENTER SWINE
SO WHEN THEY LEFT, THESE MEN WERE FREE
BUT ALL THE PIGS DROWNED IN THE SEA.

THE CHAPTER LEAVES YOU WITH A CHOICE
TO FOLLOW CHRIST AND HEED HIS VOICE
OR ONLY SEEK TO PAD YOUR NEST
AND FAIL TO CHOOSE GOD'S VERY BEST.
--B. Pent

PROCRLAMATION OF THE KING - part 3

 
                        Mathew 7

BEFORE HE COULD SEND HIS DISCIPLES TO SERVE
THEY NEEDED TO HEAR ABOUT JUDGMENT'S RESERVE
THE SECRET TO GREATNESS IS CURBING THE TONGUE
OF LEARNING TO YIELD TO THE WILL OF HIS SON.

SCRIPTURE FORBIDS US FROM HARBORNING A GRUDGE
OF FINDING A FAULT AND BECOMING THEIR JUDGE
THE MOTIVES IN MAN GOD PERCEIVES FROM THE START
SO BEFORE PASSING JUDGMENT EXAMINE YOUR HEART.

THE NEED FOR DISCERNMENT GOD GIVES IF WE ASK
THE SEEKING AND KNOCKING IS PART OF THAT TASK
WHEN SIN LIKE A LOG IS REMOVED FROM OUR SIGHT
WE CAN HELP THOSE AROUND IN A SIMILAR PLIGHT.

THE PHARISEES SOUGHT TO MAKE RULES OF THEIR OWN
THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE WAS ALL THAT WAS SHOWN
BUT GOD'S HOLY STANDARD TRANSFORMS US WITHIN
SO OTHERS EXPERIENCE TRUE FREEDOM FROM SIN.

THE FRUIT-BEARING CHRISTIANS WHO KNOCK, SEEK AND FIND
WILL SHARE FISH AND BREAD WITH THE NEEDY IN MIND
BUT SAD IS THE STORY THAT OFTEN WE SHARE
A STONE OR A SERPENT WITH SO LITTLE CARE.

THE ROAD TO SURRENDER IS NARROW AND STEEP
THE CROSS OF REDEMPTION IS PRICELESS NOT CHEAP
BUT MOST CHOOSE THE WIDE ROAD WITH NO THOUGHT AHEAD
THAT HELL AND DESTRUCTION SOON FOLLOW THE DEAD.

THE FOOLISH MAN BUILDS ON A SURFACE OF SAND
THE WISE ON THE ROCK WHOSE FOUNDATION WILL STAND
THE CHOICE THAT WE MAKE WILL DETERMINE THE PLACE
BETWEEN FALLING AWAY OR WINNING THE RACE.
--B. Pent

PROCLAMATION OF THE KING - part 2

                    Matthew 6

THE MESSAGE THAT JESUS CONTINUED TO TEACH
BEGINS WITH A WARNING TO LIVE WHAT WE PREACH
IF SERVICE TO GOD IS NOT DONE FROM THE HEART
IT PROVES THAT OUR MOTIVES ARE WRONG FROM THE START.

THE FIRST STEP TO SERVICE IS LEARNING TO PRAY
HEEDING HIS WORD THAT APPLIES TO EACH DAY
THE HYPOCRITE WANTS TO IMPRESS WITH MERE WORDS
BUT PRAYER DONE IN SECRET RECEIVES ITS REWARDS.

THE PATTERN OF PRAYER OUTLINED FROM THE START
INCLUDES SEVERAL AREAS HE LONGED TO IMPART
NOT TO BE RITUALLY UTTERED BY ROTE
BUT TO INCLUDE THEM, WERE REASONS HE SPOKE.

PRAYER TO THE FATHER IN THE NAME OF HIS SON
DRAWS ALL OUR FOCUS ON THE GODHEAD AS ONE
THEN HOLINESS LEADS US TO SEEKING HIS WILL
SO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IN US HE'LL FULFILL.

THE BREAD THAT WE ASK FOR HE'LL DAILY PROVIDE
AND WITH HONEST CONFESSION HIS PEACE WILL ABIDE
THUS PROVIDENCE GUIDES US FROM SIN'S EVIL WAYS
WITH VICTORY ASSURED TO THE END OF OUR DAYS.

IF YOUR PRAYER IS A BURDEN BECAUSE OF LIFE'S CARE
OR YOU'RE SEEKING RELEASE FROM A SIN YOU CAN'T SHARE
THE PRACTICE OF FASTING IF DONE FROM THE HEART
WILL LEAD TO DELIVERANCE AND CLEANSING IMPART.

THE SEASONED DISCIPLE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD
WILL CAREFULLY FOLLOW THE MASTER'S CLEAR WORD
EARTH'S TREASURES NO LONGER ARE HIS TO CONTROL
SINCE GOD HAS POSSESSION OF BODY AND SOUL.

IF HIS KINGDOM IS FIRST IN OUR THOUGHTS EVERY DAY
THE TEMPTATION TO WORRY WILL SOON FADE AWAY
FOR THE GOD OF THE SPARROW AND FLOWERS THAT GROW
WILL PROVIDE EVERY NEED WITH RICH BLESSINGS BELOW.
--B. Pent

PROCLAMATION OF THE KING - part 1

                                 Matthew 5

JESUS BEGAN HIS DISCIPLESHIP COURSE
BY CLEARLY REVEALING ITS MYSTERY SOURCE
WHERE CONDUCT AND LIFE ARE LIVED OUT EVERY DAY
AS SALT FLAVORS FOOD OR AS LIGHT SHINES THE WAY.

THERE ON BEATITUDE MOUNTAIN HE STOOD
EX PLAINING HOW BLESSEDNESS COULD BE SECURED
FOR HEARTS THAT ARE OPENED WHEN HEARING HIS VOICE
ARE INWARDLY CHANGED WHEN THEY MAKE HIM THEIR CHOICE.

THE PATHWAY TO SERVICE BEGINS AT THE CROSS
WHERE THOSE POOR IN SPIRIT COUNT ALL THINGS AS LOSS
IN MEEKNESS THEY HUNGER FOR PURENESS OF HEART
WITH MERCY AND PEACE AS THEIR GUIDE FROM THE START.

YET PROOF THAT A SOLDIER IS READY FOR WAR
ARE TESTS OF ENDURANCE WHEN GIVEN A CHORE
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN WILL CROWN EVERY SON
WHO WALKS IN THE LIGHT OF THE CRUCIFIED ONE.

THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT ARE KINGDOM COMMANDS
BUT NOT LIKE THE RITUAL RELIGION DEMANDS
RIGHTEOUSNESS TEACHES THAT TRUTH IS FULFILLED
WHEN LOVE MOTIVATES US TO FOLLOW HIS WILL.

THE LORD THEN EXPLAINED THE REAL ISSUES INVOLVED
WHERE ATTITUDE PROBLEMS MUST FIRST BE RESOLVED
IF ANGER AND WRATH CAUSE A BROTHER TO FAIL
ITS LIKE MURDERING A MAN AND ENDING IN JAIL.

BUT ISSUES OF MORALS ARE FAR DEEPER STILL
WHEN LUST STIRS THE PASSIONS ENSLAVING THE WILL
THE SINS OF ADULTERY THAT LEAD TO DIVORCE
FIND MISERY FOLLOWS TO THE END OF LIFE'S COURSE.

THE FINAL TWO MATTERS WHEN SERVING THE KING
IS NOT TO GET EVEN BUT LEAVE IT TO HIM
LOVING A PERSON WHOSE HATRED IS SHOWN
PROVES TO THE FATHER TRUE QUALITIES KNOWN.
--B. Pent

PREPARATION OF THE KING - part 3

                     Matthew 3-4

THEN SUDDENLY A VOICE WAS HEARD
IT WAS A MESSAGE FROM THE LORD
"REPENT!" WAS JOHN THE BAPTIST'S CRY
"THE KINGDOM OF OUR GOD IS NIGH!"

THE CROWDS BEGAN TO FOLLOW HIM
AS THEY REPENTED FOR THEIR SIN
BUT OTHERS MOCKED AND WALKED AWAY
WITH HARDENED HEARTS LIKE DRIED OUT CLAY.

AS JESUS WALKED THE JORDAN SHORE
THE PROPHET SPOKE OF HIM THE MORE:
"BEHOLD THE LAMB FOR SINNER'S SLAIN!"
"HE IS THE ONE FOR WHOM I CAME!"

SO WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED THAT DAY
THE SPIRIT CAME ON HIM TO STAY
AS PROOF HIS MISSION HERE BELOW
WAS MEANT FOR ALL THE WORLD TO KNOW.

THEN FORTY DAYS OF TESTING CAME
AS SATAN TRIED TO BRING HIM SHAME
BUT POWER OVER SIN WAS SHOWN
THAT VICTORY COMES THROUGH CHRIST ALONE!

THOUGH JOHN WAS CRUELLY PUT IN JAIL
HIS MESSAGE DID NOT DIE OR FAIL
FOR CHRIST PROCLAIMED WITH EQUAL ZEAL
"THE KINGDOM OF OUR GOD IS NEAR!"

HE THEN CALLED TWELVE TO FOLLOW HIM
TO BEAR THE LOVE OF GOD WITHIN
SO AS HE HEALED ALL THOSE IN NEED
THE WORLD WOULD SEE, TAKE NOTE AND HEED.
--B. Pent

PREPARATION OF THE KING - part 2

  
                               Matthew 2

SOME WISE MEN SAW A BRIGHT NEW STAR
AND FOLLOWED FROM A COUNTRY FAR
TO BRING AS GIFTS TO ONE FORETOLD
SWEET FRANKINCENSE WITH MYRRH AND GOLD.

BUT WHEN KING HEROD HEARD THE NEWS
HIS ANGER FLARED AGAINST THE JEWS
AND SO HE ASKED WHERE HE COULD FIND
THIS FUTURE KING THEY HAD IN MIND.

BUT WHEN THE MAGI FOUND THE BOY
THEY WORSHIPED HIM WITH HOLY JOY
AND SO THEIR HEARTS WERE CHANGED THAT DAY
BUT TRAVELED HOME ANOTHER WAY.

AS THREATS OF DEATH CAME FROM THE KING
AND ROMAN SWORDS BEGAN TO SWING
THE FAMILY OF THE CHILD WENT DOWN
TO HIDE IN ONE SMALL EGYPT TOWN.

IN TIME THE ANGEL CALLED AND SAID
THAT HEROD HAD BEEN STRICKEN DEAD
SO NAZARETH THEN BECAME THEIR HOME
YET IN THOSE YEARS SO LITTLE KNOWN.
--B. Pent

PREPARATION OF THE KING - part 1

                           Matthew 1

FOUR HUNDRED SILENT YEARS WENT BY
NO VOICE WAS HEARD, NO PROPHET'S CRY
FOR DARKNESS VEILED GOD'S HOLY FACE
BECAUSE OF SINS FROM JUDAH'S RACE.

THEN SOVEREIGN LOVE REACHED OUT ONCE MORE
WITH PROMISE HE WOULD SOON RESTORE
THE YEARS THE LOCUSTS ATE THEIR GRAIN
AND BLESS THEIR LAND AGAIN WITH RAIN.

THE PROHET SPOKE OF FUTURE DAYS
WHEN BLESSINGS WOULD GIVE WAY TO PRAISE
AND HEAVEN'S KINGDOM WOULD REMAIN
THROUGHOUT MESSIAH'S WORLD-WIDE REIGN.

THE DRAMA ON LIFE'S STAGE TAKES PLACE
AS MATTHEW'S BOOK BEGINS TO TRACE
THE STORY OF THE SAVIOR'S BIRTH
WHO CAME FROM GLORY TO THIS EARTH.

THE GENEALOGY EXPLAINS
WHY DAVID'S LINE ALONE REMAINS
THE RIGHT OF MARY'S VIRGIN SON
TO RULE AS ZION'S CHOSEN ONE.

WHEN JOSEPH THEN APPEARS ON STAGE
HIS TROUBLED HEART SEEMED FILLED WITH RAGE
SINCE HIS BETROTHED MADE THIS MISTAKE
DIVORCE BECAME THE PATH TO TAKE.

BUT WHEN THE ANGEL CLOTHED IN WHITE
REVEALED THE MYSTERY THAT SAME NIGHT
HE TOOK THE VIRGIN AS HIS WIFE
IN SIMPLE TRUST THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE.

THE BIRTH OF JESUS THEN TOOK PLACE
EMMANUEL-GOD TO ADAM'S RACE
THAT PROPHECIES SO LONG FORETOLD
COULD NOW IN-FLESH GOD'S LOVE UNFOLD..
---B. Pent

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW

WHY THE FOUR GOSPELS?

"The Holy Spirit is not a reporter, but an editor!"  The Gospels were not attempts to give simple factual biographies of the Lord Jesus Christ, but rather written to emphasize four different aspects of His Person and work. 
1. MATTHEW, written especially for the Jews, presents Christ as King, the promised Messiah, with the
   emphasis on HIS ROYALTY.
2. MARK, written especially for the Romans, presents Christ as the suffering Servant of Jehovah who
    accomplished many mighty works, with the emphasis on HIS HUMILITY.
3. LUKE, written especially for the Greeks, presents Christ as the perfect Man, with the
    emphasis on HIS HUMANITY.
4. JOHN, written for all the world, presents Christ as the Son of God who gave His life to
    redeem mankind, with the emphasis on HIS DEITY.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MATTHEW'S GOSPEL

1. It stands as a swinging door between the two Testaments.  It swings back into the Old Testament
    by quoting over 60 references: showing the Jews that a great King was promised to
    Israel from David's line; that He would be rejected by Israel; but that one day He would
    return to reign with His repentant people.  It swings into the New Testament and tells of it's
    fulfillment and the establishment of a new creation "on this rock I will build my CHURCH."
2. It is the only Gospel that records the visit of the magi: "where is the one born king of the jews."
3. He is the only one who speaks of Jerusalem as "the city of the great king." 
4. John the Baptist was the first to use the expression, "the kingdom of heaven" which is only
    mentioned in Matthew ( 32 times).
5. He is given a kingly welcome into Jerusalem at His "triumphal entry."
6. When His rejection is apparent, He speaks of the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven."
7. Jesus tells Pilate He is "the king of the Jews" and is crucified under that title.
8. The word "Church" is only mentioned in Matthew and the future tense in 16:18 makes it
    very clear "I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."
9. Matthew closes his Gospel before His ascension as the risen King on earth possessing
    "all authority in heaven and on earth."

DANIEL IN THE LION'S DEN

                         DANIEL 6

WHEN CYRUS TOOK THE PERSIAN THRONE
HE GAVE TO DARIUS BABYLON'S RULE
WHILE HE CONTINUED TO EXPAND
HIS ROLE AS KING IN EVERY LAND.

SO DARIUS PARCELLED INTO SHARES
ONE HUNDRED TWENTY RULING PARTS
AND OVER THEM HE PLACED THREE MEN
ON WHOM THE KINGDOM COULD DEPEND.

SOON JEALOUSY BEGAN TO SPREAD
TOWARDS DANIEL, AS THEIR RULING HEAD
SO PLOTS WERE MADE TO BRING HIM DOWN
INCURRING WRATH FROM THOSE AROUND.

SOME TOP OFFICIALS SET A TRAP
WRITING A LAW THAT WOULD DECLARE
"DARIUS THE KING, FOR THIRTY DAYS
THE ONLY GOD TO WHOM MAN PRAYS!"

THEN DARIUS SIGNED THE NEW DECREE
WHICH NO ONE LIVING COULD RESCIND
AND ANY WHO WOULD DISOBEY
WERE FED TO LIONS THAT SAME DAY.

NOW DANIEL KNEW THAT GOD ALONE
IS SOVEREIGN LORD UPON HIS THRONE
DEMANDING WORSHIP EVERY DAY
BY CALLING EVERY MAN TO PRAY.

SO WHEN THE SPIES STAKED OUT HIS HOME
AND FOUND HE PRAYED THREE TIMES A DAY
THEY SHOWED THE KING HIS EVIL DEED
WHICH MEDO-PERSIAN'S LAW DECREED.

AS DANIEL STOOD BEFORE THE KING
TO HEAR THE VERDICT OF HIS FATE
THE HUNGRY LIONS PROWLED AROUND
AWAITING FOOD TO HIT THE GROUND.

WHEN THEY THREW DANIEL IN THE DEN
THE SEAL OF DEATH WAS STAMPED IN PLACE
BUT LITTLE DID THEY KNOW THAT DAY
HOW SHORT A TIME WOULD BE HIS STAY.

WHEN DARIUS COULD NOT SLEEP THAT NIGHT
HE KNEW THAT DANIEL'S GOD WAS RIGHT
YET WAS NOT SURE HE WOULD SURVIVE
UNTIL HE FOUND HIM STILL ALIVE.

THE KING THEN ASKED HOW THAT COULD BE
WITH HUNGRY LIONS ALL AROUND?
"THE ANGEL OF THE LORD TOOK FLIGHT
AND SHUT THE LIONS  MOUTHS ALL NIGHT.

SO DANIEL WAS RELEASED THAT DAY
AND THOSE WHO PLOTED HIS DEMISE
WERE ORDERED TO BE THROWN INSTEAD
AS LION FOOD, TILL THEY WERE DEAD.

THEN DARIUS MADE IT VERY CLEAR
THAT DANIEL'S GOD WAS LORD OF ALL
WHO MUST BE WORHSIPPED AND ADORED
AS KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
--B.Pent