Reflection on Jeremiah 33:14-22

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Scripture

In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he will execute justice and righteousness in the land.

Observation

The Lord will fulfil the promises that He made to His people. A new righteous Branch of David will spring up to execute justice and righteousness. Jerusalem will be called “The Lord is our righteousness.”

There will always be a man to sit on David’s throne and a man in the Lord’s presence to offer sacrifices. This is as unbreakable as the covenant with day and night.

Application

Jesus is the fulfilment of the Davidic covenant. He reigns on the throne of God for ever, a descendant of David.

Jesus is also our High Priest, standing for ever in the presence of the Father offering an eternal sacrifice on behalf of all people.

This New Covenant, a continuation and fulfilment of the Old Covenant, began in a stable in Bethlehem 2000 years ago and continues into eternity.

Because of this covenant, we Gentiles and sinners have full access to God and guaranteed access to eternal life.

Prayer

Thank you Father for your great love shown in the Covenant you established in Christ. Amen.

The Start of a Revolution

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Every now and again I see a report that makes me think, “This is a radical breakthrough.” This I think could be the start of a huge technological revolution, as big as the digital revolution of last century.

From the ABC:

Cyber plants: Scientists create analogue, digital electronic circuits inside living flowers

Updated about 3 hours ago

An illustration of the electronically-augmented rosePHOTO: An illustration of the electronically-augmented rose.(Supplied: Linoping University)
MAP: Sweden

Scientists have created the world’s first electronically augmented plant, building analogue and digital circuits inside living flowers using semi-conductive polymers.

The team of researchers at Linkoping University in Sweden added the polymers to water, which were dissolved and absorbed through a rose’s natural vascular system where they formed electrical components that resembled wires.

The wires were able to spread evenly through the plant, forming conductive structures up to 10 centimetres long without restricting its ability to carry water and nutrients.

Everything occurs naturally, and we use the plants’ own very advanced, unique systems.

Professor Magnus Berggren

From there scientists were able to create simple transistors, switching the current through the wires on and off, and also used vacuum infiltration to send another polymer into the rose leaf, creating a basic display with pixels partitioned by veins.

The rudimentary display allowed the research group, under the leadership of Professor Magnus Berggren, to change the colour of the leaf to different shades of green.

“Now we can really start talking about ‘power plants’ — we can place sensors in plants and use the energy formed in the chlorophyll, produce green antennas or produce new materials,” Professor Berggren said.

“Everything occurs naturally, and we use the plants’ own very advanced, unique systems.

“As far as we know, there are no previously published research results regarding electronics produced in plants. No one’s done this before.”

The research, published in Science Advances, “paves the way for new technologies and tools based on the amalgamation of organic electronics and plants in general”, the report read.

“Distributed conducting wires and electrodes along the stems and roots and in the leaves are preludes to electrochemical fuel cells, charge transport, and storage systems that convert sugar produced from photosynthesis into electricity, in vivo.”

Reflection on John 18:33-37

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munkacsy_-_christ_before_pilate

Scripture
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”

Observation
Pilate summons Jesus and asks Him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus asks Pilate if he came tot his question by himself. Pilate then asks Jesus what crime He has committed to lead to His arrest.

Jesus replies that His kingdom is not from this world. His followers could have used violence to prevent His arrest but this is not the way of His kingdom.

Application
In a time of terrorist atrocities and refugee crises, we need to remember that God’s kingdom is different to the kingdoms of this world.

God’s kingdom is about the the power of love more than anything else. We face terrorist threats not be revenge but with firm love. We face refugee crises with genuine love and compassion not with hard-heartedness.

In our personal relationships the same principles apply, We might face workplace bullying, unfair systems, difficult families. The correct response is never violence but firm love.

God’s ways are not the ways of the world, and His kingdom advances by very different paths to the kingdoms of this world.

Prayer
Lord help me to live by kingdom values and not the values of this world. Please lead me in every situation, every relationship. Amen.

Will Our Elites Wake Up Now?

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At least 160 people dead in multiple terrorist attacks in Paris.

Six terrorists have been killed, but we don’t know how many others were involved. They can’t blow this one off as a “lone wolf” attack.

Our leaders need to start speaking the truth about what is happening in every Western country. The truth is that there is something very nasty about the so-called religion of peace. It is a violent political-religious ideology that is utterly at odds with everything a civilised society stands for.

The leaders of our nations- politicians, media and academics- have been trying to say that attack after attack has nothing to do with Islam. They pretend to be mystified by the motives of people who shout “Allahu Akbar” before blowing up/ shooting/ beheading a bunch of innocent people.

We need to recognise that multiculturalism is problematic when people come to the West in large numbers and refuse to take on board the values that actually make us what we are.

We need to recognise that the open borders policy that the EU has been promoting for so-called refugees, and which the Greens and Labor think are a wonderful plan for Australia, allow unfettered access by jihadists and terrorists.

We need to put away the stupid name calling that shuts down debate every time these things happen. Stop calling the people who criticise Islam racist or Islamophobic.

Islamic community leaders need to recognise that this is their problem. They could start by appointing a “Grand Mufti” who can actually speak English and articulate a plan or a desire to ensure that Australia is not likely to become the target of such an attack- preferably without demanding Government funding.

It’s time for us to get real about Islam. It’s time to get real about the motivations of those who perform these acts of terror. It’s time to get real about the extremists and the jihadists who seem to have free access to mosques to spread their poisonous ideas.

This is not an attack on individual Muslims. I’ve met many Muslims who are fine and wonderful people- genuine, sincere, caring, happy. The ideology of Islam is what needs to be attacked, not individual Muslims.

Reflection on Mark 13:1-8

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Scripture
Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he’, and they will lead many astray.”

Observation
The disciples marvel at the Temple, its size and splendour. But Jesus says, “Not one of these stones will be left upon another.”

They go to the Mount of Olives and the disciples ask Jesus when these things will happen and what will be the signs that they are near. Jesus says they must be careful that no one leads them astray. There will be wars, earthquakes, and famines but these are the beginnings of the birth pangs.

Application
The disciples look at the Temple as a magnificent creation but Jesus warns them that it will soon be utterly destroyed. A few decades later in 70 AD the Temple was totally destroyed, never to be rebuilt.

The Old Covenant with its system of sacrifices has been replaced by the one true sacrifice of Christ. The two covenants cannot coexist, and God allowed the old Temple to be forever destroyed so that there could be no more repetition of vain sacrifices.

We must take heed of of Jesus’ warning not to be led astray by false messiahs, and others claiming to have the latest revelation.

Hold firm to Christ, even in the midst of disaster, desolation and trauma.

Prayer
Father please help me to stand firm in Christ, to not be side tracked or deceived by anyone. Amen.

Reflection on Hebrews 10:11-25

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Reflection on Hebrews 10:11-25

Scripture
Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Observation
Every priest stands day after day offering imperfect sacrifices. But Christ offered His sacrifice and then sat down at the right hand of the Father. By a single offering, He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.

We have confidence then to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Christ. Let us approach the Father in full confidence. We must hold fast to the faith and provoke one another to love and good deeds.

Application
What an awesome sacrifice Christ has offered for our salvation- Himself. This sacrifice is perfect and covers every sin, every transgression. And there is no longer any need for other sacrifices.

Jesus has done it all.

One death perfectly offered covering every sin.

Nothing needs to be added to this perfect sacrifice.

Prayer

Thank you Father for the assurance that I can boldly enter your presence, any time and in any place, all through the death of Christ the perfect sacrifice. Amen.