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Esther Griggs

Christ's Return

I am Coming

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

As this new year dawns, let us reflect on Christ’s promised return. Promises kept, build trust and security. “God is not a man that He should lie.” Time and again, God kept His word and as promised, sent His Son Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sin. These foundational truths enable His children to rest in the promise, “I am coming!” He is coming unexpectedly. He is coming quickly. Stay alert!

Unexpectedly

First, His return will come unexpectedly. Jesus used the illustration of a thief who enters while others sleep. He also compared it to the days of Noah, when the people lived daily, oblivious even as they watched Noah toil on the ark.

Quickly

Second, His coming will come hastily. Jesus said that as the lightning strikes across the skies, so will His coming be. He also said that two would be at work in the fields and one would be taken. Paul says, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”

Stay Alert

Finally, stay alert! Peter says, “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God?” Keep the lanterns burning, by living in the presence of the Living God so that day will not find you unaware. This promise, like a glowing piece of coal straight from the Father’s heart is alive and burning. Keep it so in your soul.

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Christmas meditation

Tell Me the Old, Old Story: The Wisemen

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

While Abraham left everything to Issac, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them to the land of the east. Were the Wisemen descendants of Abraham? Isaiah wrote, “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Were these magi the fulfilment of Isaiah’s words? How about the words of Moses 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.” These scriptures indeed point to an historical event recorded by the disciple Matthew; a story of Wisemen from the east, who met with royalty, encountered the Christ child, and adhered to the highest call.

Met With Royalty

These foreigners met with royalty. While not everyone gets an audience with a king, these visitors from the east warranted an interview with King Herod. Though Herod was evil, his scribes found answers to the questions they sought. Soon the Magi journeyed to Bethlehem.

Encountered the Christ Child

In Bethlehem they encountered the Christ Child. The star stopped over the house where Jesus was. Imagine the relief that elicited such joy from these weary travellers. They recognized His kingship and gave Him gifts worthy of royalty.

Adhered to the Highest Call

These esteemed men of the East, seekers of the new King, recognized the Voice which is above all thrones and dominions, all powers and positions, and heeded His warning to return home another way.

These scriptures indeed point to an historical event recorded by the disciple Matthew; a story of wisemen from the east, who met with royalty, encountered the Christ child, and adhered to the highest call.

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Christmas meditationThe Shepherds

Tell Me the Old, Old Story: The Shepherds

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

From Genesis to Revelation, God’s heart is revealed through the imagery of the shepherd and his flock. Most significantly, Jesus the Son of God, is represented as a lamb. How fitting that God should make this announcement to the shepherds. It was like sharing the most precious aspects of life with those who understand, know the significance, and know the backstory. The shepherds heard from heaven, experienced the glory and proclaimed it broadly.

An Angel

In the darkness, an angel stood before them. Along with the angel came the glory of the Lord. Heaven had touched down. The angel told them not to be afraid. He had a message of good news not just for them, but for all people. It was a message of great joy. The message? A Saviour has been born. How would they know? They would find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly, a “multitude of heavenly hosts” filled the sky praising God and singing.

The Baby

Then all was still. The angel had retreated to heaven, and the night grew dark once again. But the shepherds, as Luke writes, “made haste to find the baby.” Amidst the earthly smells of hay and mule, in the dimly lit stable, they beheld the Lamb of God asleep in a feeding trough.

Proclaimed

They couldn’t keep it to themselves. They spread it widely to everyone they met, and all marvelled. And the shepherds, returned, full of hope praising God for all they had seen and heard. The promise of a Saviour was being fulfilled.

 The shepherds heard from heaven, experienced the glory and proclaimed it broadly.

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Joseph (Mary)

Tell Me the Old, Old Story: Joseph

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Joseph, weakly publicized, contributed significantly to the early life of Jesus. Since even a child is known by his doings, we understand the man he was from the tidbits we read in the scriptures. Joseph, from the lineage of King David, was a just man, in tune with the voices of heaven, and a man of action.

A Just Man

The Bible called Joseph a just man. His behaviour was morally correct and fair. We know from his actions when he discovered Mary’s pregnancy. He knew the rules and men had rights. Above the rules that would have supported stoning an unwed mother, or listening to tongues that waggled insinuations of her unrighteousness, God’s voice in his life clarified that things aren’t always how they appear.

In Tune

God spoke to Joseph. He spoke to him through angelic visitations in his dreams. Joseph didn’t pass it off as indigestion affecting his sleep but recognized the voice of God even as he slept. It communicates a relationship with God, of familiarity and respect.

A Man of Action

Joseph was also quick to act. Once he heard from God, he acted. He took Mary as his wife yet held back his rights as a husband until after the birth of Jesus. He took his role as stepfather to the Son of God. He also followed God’s instruction to flee to Egypt to protect the young family and used caution when the door opened for their return.

Thank God for Josephs, the men who step up when there are earthly vacancies, when there is a void of compassion in a world of rights, who live beyond their own ambitions, who in their dreams recognize the voice of God and are quick to act His will.

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Mary the Mother of Jesus

Tell Me the Old, Old, Story: 

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Mary

Today we reflect on Mary, a girl growing up in the first century, saying yes to God in a world that would not receive Him. We look to the power of faith, obedience, and humility.

Faith

Although Mary didn’t totally understand the angelic message, she believed it. She didn’t question the birth of a child who would be called Son of the Highest, or that the child would receive the throne of his father David or would rule over the house of Jacob or would reign forever. No, she was stumped at not knowing a man.

Obedience

When Gabriel explained, she said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Then she lived it out, telling Joseph, hearing the whispers of the community, watching the Son of God take on His ministry, bearing the load of witnessing His life as a sacrifice, the pain of the sword Simeon said would pierce her own soul.

Humility

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour, for He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant.” It was a song of praise, a song of humility.

Faith, obedience, and humility created the earthly home of God Almighty..

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John the BaptistPreparing the wayProphecy

Tell Me the Old, Old Story: John the Baptist

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

John the Baptist

In every season, the old stories sparkle differently. Today we reflect on John the Baptist, born to the priest Zacharias and his wife. What a gift John was to them. God the Father, in His divine plan molded the event so an aged couple could receive the blessing of a lifetime. It fulfilled prophecy, prepared the way for the Saviour and brought great joy.

Prophecy

First, the birth of John was prophesied. He was that big of a deal. Isaiah and Malachi predicted it, and the angel Gabriel did too. It was all in God’s plan of redemption.

Prepared the Way

Second, he was to prepare the way. God was sending His son to earth. While He raised up the Israelite nation to cradle His child, they were wayward, and He repeatedly called them back. It was vital for the way to be prepared for His son. It was about fatherhood. John would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.

Great Joy

Third, the birth of John brought great joy. Elizabeth bore the shame of barrenness until the day God intervened and in His great love and mercy redeemed their situation.

That‘s our God. The great God and father of us all, who in the colossal job of running the creation doesn’t neglect us, or put us off, but weaves our hearts and desires into His grand plans! He is the Redeemer always thinking those thoughts that are higher than ours to bring His children home.

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Uncategorized

Tell Me the Old, Old Stories: The Prophets

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

We often crave new and exciting tales. Still, we yearn to hear the old, old story, as A. Catherine Hankey wrote in the hymn “Tell Me the Old, Old Story.” Our soul’s hunger for truth, for substance, and for sustenance. The story relayed through the prophets by the Spirit of God foretold His redemptive plan. It created curiosity among the angels of heaven. The message of the prophets prepared the way for Jesus’ birth, foretold His destination and laid out His purpose.

The Birth of Jesus

 Isaiah prophesied the virgin birth in a dark time in Israel’s history. A virgin birth? Yes, a supernatural birth, a precursor to the believer’s spiritual rebirth. This birth would stretch the muscles of faith to understand a spiritual birth, which the apostle John described as not being of natural descent, nor human decision or a husband’s will but like Christ, of God to all who believe.

Destination

Then the prophet Micah speaks to Bethlehem: “From you shall come forth for Me, One who is able to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” And Hosea 1:1 “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” These prophecies were fulfilled when the wise men following the star found the child in Bethlehem, and the Christ child came out of exile in Egypt after the wicked Herod’s death. His destination was Earth, through the land of Israel, to the believer’s heart.

His Purpose

And from the prophets we learn His purpose. At the dawning of time, Moses recorded, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel.”

 God through Abraham created a people, a nation to cradle His Son, a nation through which He would bless all nations of the world. Isaiah writes, “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Before His birth, Joseph learned in a dream that His name would be Jesus and He would save His people from their sins.

The prophets told us of a virgin birth, of His coming to a small village called Bethlehem and of His redemptive purpose. This story of Christmas? It was in God’s heart all along.

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HabakkukThe Minor Prophets

Habakkuk’s Praise

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

In the Amplified version of Habakkuk 3:1 we read, “Set (this piece of writing) to wild, enthusiastic, and triumphal music.” The New Living Translation says, “This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk.” Either way, Habakkuk has come through this spiritual battle, his questioning of God in prayer, with a sense of triumph. In Chapter 3, we see where Habakkuk started, his lessons, and where he landed.

Starting Place

The prophet began with fear. The things he had heard about God left him amazed. He called on God for revival. He asked that in this time of great need, God would once again, as in years past, show Himself strong. But please, he implored, in your anger, please remember Your mercy.

Lessons

He envisioned the eternal God. The Holy One moving in brilliant splendor, filling the heavens. As He approached, the earth filled with His praise. His coming affected pestilence and plague as when he released His people from Pharoah’s iron grip. When He stopped, the earth trembled; when He looked, the nations trembled as did Jericho when it crumbled to the ground. He shattered mountains and leveled hills. God exercised judgement but moved to rescue His own, His chosen people by becoming their salvation.

Where He Landed

The vision of judgement on those who invaded the land of God’s chosen people left Habakkuk physically exhausted. His body shook with terror, and his legs could not hold him up. He knew it was coming, so he waited quietly. But above all, he would rejoice. No matter what the future held, whether famine, darkness, sword, he would rejoice in the Lord, the God of his salvation, the source of his strength.

The Amplified sums it up.

“The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering, or responsibility)! “

Whatever lies ahead, or for how long it might last, like Habakkuk, in our questions, and in our fears, we anchor our soul by trusting in the Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, and by hoping in His Promises.

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HabakkukThe Minor Prophets

God Answers Habakkuk

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Habakkuk bared his soul before God. How long would this suffering go on? Why should not the wicked Babylonians suffer for their brutality? Then he waited expectantly for the answer. God answered, told him what was to come and anchored his soul.

The Answer

The Lord answered. Write it down, make it plain to read, “that he may run who reads it.” It won’t happen immediately, but the time will come just as I have spoken. Wait. Be patient. It will not take longer or be delayed. “Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him, but the just shall live by faith.”

What Was to Come

In the answer, the Lord showed Habakkuk what was to come. Though the greed of the Babylonians drove them on, like death, it was never satisfied. They would soon receive retribution from those they oppressed. Through murder and corruption, they built their expensive homes in mountains, thinking they could protect their families. Yet, they gave shameful counsel to their house and sinned against their own souls. It would come back to haunt them. Their brutality to neighbours, disregard of forests and animals, would soon cause them to experience being cut down and terrorized themselves. In his time or ours, wherever the stench of wickedness hangs in the air, the just live by faith. For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God.

Anchored His Soul

After the vision, God anchored Habakkuk’s soul. The wicked create their own gods, gods without voices or knowledge, without heart or soul. But the eternal God is in His holy temple. From everlasting to everlasting, He lives, breathes, and reigns. All keep silent before Him. Faith and steadfast hope anchor the soul. God answers, shows us what was is to come and anchors the soul.

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HabakkukprayerThe Minor Prophets

A God Conversation

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

(Habakkuk)

After God responded to Habakkuk, you can almost see the wheels of his brain turning. How could he reconcile the information just received with his knowledge of God? First, he clarified what he had heard, then he questioned God on His actions, and finally positioned himself for a reply.

Clarification

First, he repeats what he has understood back to God. “You are the everlasting God. I see it now. We will not die. You have appointed the Chaldeans for judgement. You have established them to chastise and correct your people.”

Further Questions

But somehow it doesn’t sit right, so Habakkuk further questions the Lord. “You are of purer eyes than to behold evil and cannot look upon injustice. How then can you look on this plunderer? How can you watch and not say anything? Why do you make it so men cannot defend themselves? The Chaldeans are like fishermen; they gather and then rejoice over their catch. Then they sacrifice to their net because it allows him to live in luxury. Can this go on forever?”

Positioned For a Reply

Finally, Habakkuk positioned himself to hear from God. He had spoken plainly and considered himself to have been rash. He has, after all, been talking to Almighty God. But he will wait expectantly for His response and consider how to respond when God corrects him.

Like Habakkuk, as children of God, we too have the high privilege of conversation with God, to clarify what we believe He has spoken to us, to further probe Him with the unintelligible aspects of life, and to position ourselves expectantly for His loving response.

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