#zechariah 3:1

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Vision of Joshua the High Priest

Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. — Zechariah 3:1 | The Reader’s Bible (BRB) The Reader’s Bible © 2020 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. All rights Reserved. Cross References: 1 Chronicles 21:1; Ezra 5:2; Ezra 10:18; Job 1:6; Psalm 109:6;Ezekiel 44:15; Revelation 12:10

[scripture-pictures]

[walkswithmyfather]

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.)” —Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:” —Ecclesiastes 3:1 (WEB)

“Crazy Faith” Devotional by Michael Todd - Day 3: “Crawl Before You Walk”:

“What I’m going to say next might surprise you: You’ve got to crawl before you can walk. I know I’ve just been talking about crazy faith, but the thing is, we’ve got to start somewhere. No one walks into a gym for the first time in two years and jumps into bench-pressing three hundred pounds, and nobody jumps headfirst into a pool for the first time and expects to perform like an Olympic swimmer.

The night I met my now-wife, Natalie, I didn’t get down on one knee, profess my undying love, and propose to her. She would have called me desperate! Instead, I took my time to get to know her, cracked a few jokes, spit some game, got the digits . . . you know, baby steps.

Crazy faith is where you find yourself after you’re dedicated to exercising baby faith. But the truth is, most people who want to be great don’t want to do anything on a small scale. They want Moses-parting-the-Red-Sea types of results, but they don’t want to go back to Egypt and face their pasts. They want to be safe on a giant, sturdy boat in the middle of a flood, but they don’t want splinters from sanding down the wooden planks needed to build it. I imagine that for Noah, cutting down that first tree took a small measure of faith and a huge amount of humility that nobody saw except him and God.

For you, baby faith might mean opening a bank account that you label Generosity Fund and depositing five dollars in it. Baby faith might look like filling out an application to enroll in an evening class at your local junior college. It might mean browsing your local furniture store and picking out the new sectional that you want to put in the living room of the new house you don’t yet own. Baby faith might mean writing a letter to that parent you haven’t spoken to in years.

I believe that soon you’ll be sprinting forward in your faith, but you can’t run if you don’t learn to walk first. Walking in faith comes from crawling in faith. And it’s okay to crawl.

Consider the area of your life that you identified yesterday as having the weakest faith foundation. What is one baby step of faith you can take to strengthen that foundation?”

[kdmiller55]

The Relentless Will of God

1 These are the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelite, 2 the third, Absalom, whose mother was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith; 3 the fifth, Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah; 4 six were born to him in…

[graceandpeacejoanne]

Revelation 21: How Firm a Foundation

There are several clues in John’s vision of a voluminous golden city descending through the sky that lead the reader to believe it symbolizes spiritual truths. #Revelation21 #NewJerusalem #TwelveFoundations #PearlyGates

There are several clues in John’s vision of a voluminous golden city descending through the sky that lead the reader to believe it symbolizes spiritual truths. In comparison to Babylon—portrayed as a woman of excesses—the bride motif of new Jerusalem symbolizes the far superior role as Christ’s beloved, than as the world’s. The purity and luminosity of the precious materials in the city’s…

[upstatechristian]

Verse of the Day 12-3-22

Verse of the Day 12-3-22

Jesus: The Light of the World Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12 In this verse Jesus declares himself to be “the light of the world.” This is the second of Jesus’ seven “I am” statements1. While the expression appears simple and straightforward on the outside, the…

[picklepie888]

We Don't Talk About Judas (Biblical Encanto Parody)

PETER

We don't talk about Judas no no no

We don't talk about Judas

But

It was the Passover

ANDREW

It was the Passover

PETER

We were all together and we're passing the bread and the wine

ANDREW

Passing the bread and the wine

PETER

Jesus comes through

With some upsetting news

ANDREW

Traitor!

PETER

Are you telling the story or am I?

ANDREW

I'm sorry dear brother go on

PETER

Jesus said 'I'll be betrayed'

ANDREW

Why would He tell us?

PETER

Upon this news, we're all dismayed

ANDREW

The whole room was in chaos!

PETER

Who of us would dare betray?

ANDREW

We're not naming names

But we'll just say

BOTH

We don't talk about Judas no no no

We don't talk about Judas!

MATTHEW

Hey! Grew to be weary of Judas's intentions

None of us suspected his crime beyond comprehension

I equate him to the sound of coins hitting the floor (clang, clang, clang)

How could we remiss

With a kiss, he touches

Failed to keep our Rabbi out of the Romans' clutches

Choking on his guilt until he can't breathe anymore

Gone forevermore

JOHN

Thirty pieces

Of silver in his sack

When the night ceases

He stabs us in the back

He had seeled our doom

Led Jesus to His tomb

ALL

(Hey) We don't talk about Judas no no no

We don't talk about Judas

JEWISH VILLAGER 1

They say He was sacrificed

To pay our cost! (No no)

JEWISH VILLAGER 2

The Romans had dragged Him off

To Pilate, their boss! (No no)

JEWISH VILLAGER 3

He said that Jesus of Nazareth

Would hang on the cross! (No no)

ALL

The Hebrews mourned

Our most devastating loss!

MARY MAGDALENE

He told me

That upon this day three

Not to worry for He will soon rise

He told me

The Messiah will come

And our souls will be made divine

PETER

He told me

Before that next morning

I'll deny him times three

Upon the cock's crowing

It's like I hear it now

It's like I hear it now!

I can hear it now!

MATTHIAS

Um...Judas

Yeah, about that Judas

I really need to know about Judas

Give me the truth and the whole truth

Judas!

ZECHARIAH

Hey the King of the Jews is here!

ALL

He has risen!

(Overlap of Peter/Andrew, Matthew, John, and Mary Magdalene verses)

ALL

He's here!

Don't talk about Judas

MATTHIAS

Why did I talk about Judas?

ALL

Not a word about Judas

MATTHIAS

I never should've brought up Judas!

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[mental-health-and-jesus]

9-17-2024 | Bible App Their Verse of the Day | Philippians 4:6

‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ Philippians 4:6

#Bible - Verse of the Day | Psalm 56:3

‘When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.’ Psalm 56:3

Bible App | Luke 1:68-79

Zechariah’s Song 🎵

‘“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past, salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, the oath He swore to our father Abraham, to grant us deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives. And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, to give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”’ ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭68‬-‭79‬

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[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Ar-Rabb— The Lord, the Master— on more than 900 occasions in the Quran. Ar-Rabb is the only one who truly takes care of the whole creation, nourishing it in the most perfect way. He is the one who created us, who sustains us, who fosters and regulates all beings from the earliest state to that of the highest perfection!

The Lord, the Master, the Creator and Nurturer

Rabb comes from the root raa-baa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be lord, owner, or master. The second main meaning is to take care of, nourish, sustain, and provide for, and the third is to raise or bring up.

This root appears 980 times in the Quran in four derived forms. Examples of these forms are rabbee (“my Lord”), al rabaaniyoona (“the Rabbis”), and ribbiyyoona (“religious scholars”).

Linguistically, Rabb is a term used for the owner (maalik), the master (as-sayyid), the one who takes care of, sustains, nourishes (al-qayyoom), and provides or takes care of everything (ar-razzaaq). [Lisan al-Arab by ibn Mandhoor].

The word tarbiyyah is also derived from the same root, and it means to take care of. It is often used to indicate how we bring up and nurture our children.

Rabb is also used with an adjective to refer to people, indicating the “master” or the one who is obeyed, for example rabb ud daar— the master of the house. Only Allah is Ar-Rabb; He is the true and complete owner of everything in existence and the only one who takes care, nourishes, and fosters everything that exists through every stage of existence.

Ar-Rabb Himself says: . . . [All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds [Quran, 1:2] . . .And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority . . . [Quran, 2:30] and . . . At that, Zechariah called upon his Lord, saying, My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication. [Quran, 3:38]

The Tawheed of Lordship

One of the types of tawheed a true Muslim should believe in and live by is tawheed ar-ruboobiyyah, the Oneness of Allah’s Lordship. This means that you affirm Allah is one and unique in His actions. Examples are creation, controlling affairs, provision, giving life and death, and sending down rain. It is firmly believing that only Allah nourishes and sustains and that no other being can do the things Allah ‘azza wa jall does.

For example the Mushrikeen among whom the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was sent did not disagree with this type of tawheed; they affirmed it in general terms. Allah Ar-Rabb says: And indeed if you ask them: Who has created the heavens and the earth? They will surely say: The All-Mighty, the All-Knower created them. [Quran, 43:9] However they did not affirm tawheed of worship and divinity (tawheed ul uloohiyyah), and worshipped idols.

Only affirming the Lordship of Allah is not sufficient for someone to be a true Muslim; you must also affirm what is implied by this— the oneness of the divinity of Allah— and thus devote your worship to Allah alone!

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Feel it when you say “Rabb-il-‘Alameen.”

In your five prayers, you recite surah Al-Fatiha seventeen times a day, and which ayah do you recite as part of this opening surah? Alhamdulillahi Rabb-il-‘Alameen– All praise and thanks are to the Lord of the Worlds. Next time you say this, feel the greatness of your Rabb and imagine He is not only the Rabb of the world of humans, but also the Rabb of the angels, jinns, and all the galaxies, and He takes care of everything in existence 24/7. Let this increase your love, fear and hope in Him each time you say “Rabb-il-‘Alameen!”

Did you also notice that in each prayer, in each rukoo’, you say ‘subhana rabbiyal-‘adheem’ and in each sujood ‘subhana rabbiyal-‘alaa’? Each time you say these beautiful phrases of remembrance, truly remember that Allah is your Rabb. Each prayer is filled with this beautiful name!

2. Live by tawheed ar-ruboobiyyah.

Realize what tawheed ur-ruboobiyyah means in your daily life and really live by the fact only Allah is your Lord, Provider, and Sustainer. How many times do we turn to other people instead of Allah for our needs, when we have to make certain decisions? So when you or others are in ill health or afraid to sacrifice in the path of Allah, know that only Ar-Rabb can give life and death. When you are worried and distressed, know that only Ar-Rabb can bring benefit and ward off harm, and when you need something, know that only He answers prayers.

3. Use the “Rabbanaa” supplications from the Quran.

The most comprehensive and beautiful supplications can be found in the Quran and Sunnah, made by the prophets, messengers and pious before us. In the Quran you can find a selection of supplications starting with Rabbanaa, our Lord, or Rabbee, my Lord.

Use them in your daily life and memorize these Quranic dua which cover a wide range of topics. You can read and listen to them here.

A beautiful example is the supplication to make for the parents: And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.” [Quran, 17:24]

4. Trust in your Lord.

Know that Ar-Rabb takes care of you in all situations and trust in all His actions because they are good for you. Take inspiration from this beautiful ayah: [Moses] said, “No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me. [Quran, 26:62]

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Ar-Rabb, we know that You are our Lord, Master and Sustainer. Adorn us with a firm belief in and acting upon the Oneness of Your Lordship and aid us to call upon You in the best ways, described in Your Book and the sunnah of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Beautify us with trust in You and contentment with all of Your actions, ameen!

[alwaysrememberjesus]

Luke 1:5-17

In this section of Luke, we meet a married couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth. God deemed them righteous in His eyes, yet they were unable to conceive a child because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years (a nice way of saying “old”). Notice there’s no correlation noted between those two facts; they were considered “righteous”, yet they were unable to conceive. Needless to say, they needed an act of God to bring a child into the world. The good news is, God had a plan for their delay. He waited for the perfect time in history to bless them with this gift. Zechariah was approached by the angel Gabriel and told that his prayers and petitions had been answered - they would conceive a child. But there’s even greater news: this baby, named John, would play a key role in foretelling and preparing the way for the coming Messiah. Gabriel said: “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17)

As you read this, you’re probably thinking, “what great news!”, but Zechariah’s initial response was doubt and fear. He had questions, and in his mind, there was no way this plan would work!

The John we read about here is famously known as John the Baptist. He is introduced in Matthew 3 by quoting the prophet Isaiah, “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” (Isaiah 40:3) John was sent to prepare the way of the Lord and to preach a message of repentance because the kingdom of Heaven was coming near. 

Heaven and earth collided when Jesus came to earth in the form of a helpless babe and John’s sole purpose in life was to prepare the people for His coming. As we know, many rejected Christ to the point of death on the cross, but many did repent and recognize him for who He truly was: the Savior of the world. 

So when you consider this story and the doubt that began with Zechariah, who do you see yourself in? Are you full of prayers and petitions for the Lord, but when the prayer is answered, you’re doubtful because it isn’t playing out the way you imagined? Or are you, like John the Baptist, standing firm on truth and speaking it even to those who may not want to hear it? Simply put: it comes down to fear versus faith. Which controls your life more these days? 

If you find yourself sitting in the fear camp today, pray and ask God to remind you of His faithfulness in your life. One of the best ways to combat fear is to remind our souls who reigns above all. When we realize we never had any control to begin with, we can rest easy knowing the Lord holds us in the palm of His hand. The Word says that God is the author and perfecter of our faith. If we’re lacking any, we can ask Him to help us and to give us faith! He is faithful to give it to us when we ask. 

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Lord Has Told You

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? — Micah 6:8 | New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible; New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 5:22; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 30:15; Proverbs 21:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Isaiah 56:1; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; Jeremiah 22:3; Ezekiel 33:14; Hosea 6:6; Hosea 12:6; Amos 5:24; Micah 6:9; Zechariah 7:9; Luke 12:14

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints &Reading: Wednesday, February 21, 2024

february 8_february 21

E PROPHET ZECHARIAH (ZAKHARIAH) THE SICKLE-SEER FROM AMONGST THE 12MINOR PROPHETS (520 BC)

The Prophet Zachariah the Sickle-Seer the eleventh of the twelve Minor Prophets. He was descended from the tribe of Levi, and seems to have been a priest (Nehemiah 12:4,16). He was called to prophetic service at a young age and became, in the wondrous expression of church hymnology, “a spectator of supra-worldly visions.”

The Book of the Prophet Zachariah contains inspired details about the coming of the Messiah (Zach 6:12); about the last days of the Savior’s earthly life, about the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem on a young donkey (Zach 9:9); about the betrayal of the Lord for thirty pieces of silver and the purchase of the potter’s field with them (Zach 11:12-13); about the piercing of the Savior’s side (Zach 12:10); about the scattering of the apostles from the Garden of Gethsemane (Zach 13:7); about the eclipse of the sun at the time of the Crucifixion (Zach 14:6-7).

“Enlightened by dawnings all above,” the Prophet Zachariah, “saw the future as it were the present.” According to Tradition, this “most true God-proclaimer” lived to old age and was buried near Jerusalem, beside his illustrious contemporary and companion, the Prophet Haggai (December 16). The title “Sickle-Seer” given Zachariah comes from a vision in which he saw a sickle flying in the air, destroying thieves and perjurors (Zach 5:1-3).

The holy Prophet Zachariah died around 520 B.C. His tomb was discovered in 415 in a village near Eleutheropolis (Sozomen, Hist. Eccles. VI:32, IX:17). At the prophet’s feet was the body of a child dressed in royal accouterments. His holy relics were transferred to the church of Saint James the Brother of the Lord (October 23) in Constantinople.

1 PETER 4:1-11

1Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles-when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

MARK 12:28-37

28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?" 29 Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. 30 'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. 32 So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33 And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But after that no one dared question Him. 35 Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36 For David himself said by the Holy Spirit:'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool." ' 37 Therefore David himself calls Him 'Lord'; how is He then his Son? And the common people heard Him gladly.

[walkswithmyfather]

“Jesus in the Old Testament” By Bible Love Notes:

“Don't miss the wonderful list that shows how God was "whispering" about Jesus in every Old Testament book!”

“After His resurrection, Jesus met two disciples walking to a village called Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). They didn't recognize Jesus, but "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself" (Luke 24:27).

Christ's redemption was part of God's plan from the beginning (Genesis 3:15). When we recognize this important truth, it enhances our understanding and appreciation of both Old and New Testaments.

Enjoy this list of "whispers" (clues, foreshadowings) that God placed in each Old Testament book, preparing us for the coming of Jesus.

In Genesis Jesus is the Seed of the Woman

Exodus…………………...Our Passover Lamb

Leviticus……………………..Our High Priest

Numbers........Guiding Pillar of Fire and Cloud

Deuteronomy……….The Prophet Like Moses

Joshua………………..The Mighty Conqueror

Judges…...…....………....…...Our Rescuer

Ruth………………...Our Kinsman Redeemer

1 & 2 Samuel……......…..The Seed of David

Kings & Chronicles…….....….Our Mighty King

Ezra & Nehemiah…..Re-builder of Our Broken Walls

Esther………………….....Our Way of Escape

Job……………...Our Hope in Times of Trouble

Psalms…………..…..Our Shepherd and Sacrifice

Proverbs & Ecclesiastes…….…..Our Wisdom

Song of Solomon…Our Lover and Bridegroom

Isaiah…………………...Our Suffering Savior

Jeremiah……………....The Righteous Branch

Lamentations…..…Prophet Who Weeps for Us

Ezekiel………..The Watchman Who Warns Us

Daniel……..The 4th Man in the Fiery Furnace

Hosea………………….Our Faithful Husband

Joel…............Our Baptizer in the Holy Spirit

Amos……………………..Our Burden Bearer

Obadiah……………..The One Mighty to Save

Jonah…………....The Sender of Missionaries

Micah……..The Messenger of the Good News

Nahum………..The Avenger of the Righteous

Habakkuk……....The One Crying for Revival

Zephaniah & Haggai….Giver of Another Chance

Zechariah…….…………...The Pierced Son

Malachi.........Sun of Righteousness w/ Healing in His Wings

As you read through the Bible, remember that you are reading the greatest story ever written—the story of mankind's inexcusable fall and God's Unreasonable Love.

💙💙💙

I did not create this list. I compiled and edited it from various non-copyrighted lists.”

There are a lot of links to devotions on this webpage. Check them out!

[bingejesus]

Spoiler Review of S4 Episode One

Ok so I gave a non spoiler review of episodes 1-3 buuuut it is now time for the spoilers I will be tagging these so no one who does not want to see them will. If somehow, you are reading this part, please please please be aware that from this sentence forward there are spoilers for season four episode 1 of The Chosen. Ok? Ok.

…

Episode One:

Ok so literally episode one John the Baptist is martyred. And it is breathtakingly beautiful. The dancer who played Salome was phenomenal, I don’t think she had a single line, her whole thing was practicing and performing the dance which I feel like really shows how this was all Herodias’ idea and she was really just a pawn. At the same time, we flashback to young Mother Mary visiting Elizabeth and Zechariah, which was funny and sweet and so heartwarming. It really is odd to see a woman clearly in her 70s or even 80s pregnant but knowing the story it just made me so happy. We also see Joanna going to tell the disciples and Jesus about John. It’s all intercut between Zechariah’s prophecy about John as a baby, the party, Joanna, and the actual death of John. The scene of the execution is somehow beautiful even as we know something horrible is happening. As John is being led away, he quotes what Jesus had his disciples tell him, “The lame walk, the blind see, the dead are raised,” and he says, “The way of the Lord is prepared.” Which just sent shivers down my spine. We see the silver platter John’s head will be served on and the soldier says that usually it’s used for a wedding banquet to which John says, “I’ve never been to a wedding banquet, but I’m going to one.” Which again, I’m just sobbing at this point. Right as John is about to die, he looks out a window and sees a spotless lamb feeding outside, like a final sign that his mission is fulfilled. Obviously we don’t see a severed head, but the swing of the axe is just as impactful. We cut to Jesus by himself, as if already preparing for the news. When he is told, we see him mourn. Rip his clothes, and cover himself in dirt. It’s heartbreaking to say the least. Also, it is important to note that Ramah returns and everyone is gathering together. Then, we see Joanna arrive and tell Andrew, and then everyone else. The last thing we see is Jesus approaching the group, torn clothes, dirt on his face, looking…disillusioned? It’s hard to describe it. Almost like he’s been too emotionally exhausted to have a readable expression.

Another thing to note, was that Zebeddee and sons have the olive oil ready and are giving it to the local synagogue for ritual purposes. Yousef says it is to benefit local enterprise, but Rabbi Akira is skeptical. Tamar goes with them but is not allowed in the synagogues being both a woman and a Gentile, obviously upsetting her. (Big James offers to stay with her instead of going in!!!!!!! The ship is real!!!!!)

Oh and I just remembered that Salome did have a line and it was just to say, “Anything?” When Herod says he’ll give her anything after the dance.

The interweaving of baby John and John’s execution was beautifully done. I was sobbing. The moment Zechariah can speak again, he begins prophesying and we hear it over John being led in by the soldiers. I like that John seemed nervous (as obviously anyone would be) but he wasn’t necessarily scared. It was that last moment of seeing the lamb that made him smile just as he died. Oh wow like I said I was crying.

It’s also incredibly hard to watch Jesus cry. I expected it to be, but obviously being a Christian and a follower of Jesus makes it so much harder. Especially after the love and laughter we’ve seen him experience as well. They do not shy away from humanity and that is such a welcomed thing.

Episode One was expected, but still managed to be utterly brilliant in writing and storytelling. We all knew John’s death was coming and it was made into a realistically sorrowful but beautiful reality. I cannot wait until I have it at my fingertips to watch again and again.

So that was episode one. Episode two coming soon!

[graceandpeacejoanne]

Revelation 21: God's Glorious City

For this city was made entirely of the purest gold and shimmered with every hue of gem and pearl. In fact, each of its portals was carved from one voluminous pearl a piece. The sentries were angels. Every part of the city was foursquare, infinitely stable