Props

Exodus 8:18a And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not:

Nothing is as funny as when a magician’s prop fails. You are all set to be mystified and then the mystery is exposed in the prop failure. Illusionists are very practiced in their art. They can really be impressive with their sleight of hand work in a close up venue. The better ones can be very convincing. Even though you know it is not real, the eye, because it is slow, can be deceived.

Exodus 8:19a Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God:

God does not use props, therefor the props will never fail and God will not be mocked.

Matthew 20:19 and will hand Him over to the Gentiles (Roman authorities) to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and He will be raised [to life] on the third day. AMP

The prop in the crucifixion of Christ was the cross, but it was not God’s prop, it was Rome’s. While it failed for the Romans, it became the very symbol of salvation for those who believe.

Death became a laughing stock that day. The prop failed and the magic trick was exposed. There is life after death, resurrection is real. The finger of God pointed the Way.

Drive By

Deuteronomy 21:23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

I was listening to a friend give a talk and I heard this; “What if Christ were killed in a drive by?” Now mind you, my friend did not say that, but I heard it. He was witnessing how the scriptures relate to current events if you will only search them out. This is when I heard this Word.

How many lives are taken in drive by shootings in America? So many that it is a common occurrence with which the only ones who seem to be impacted are the mothers. As I gave thought to that I remembered that in Christ’s time, Roman soldiers were indiscriminately crucifying men all over the countryside. Crucifixions were not limited to Golgotha.  Few died there compared to the countryside.

What if the Romans had taken Christ out secretly by night and placed his crucifixion among the many, not seen within the sight of family and friends? Without someone to care for the body, without the tomb, prophecy would not have been completed, His body would have hung on a tree all night and the curse of Deut. 21:23 would have been in effect.

But no, that would not have satisfied the leaders of the temple who were called vipers by Jesus. They would not be satisfied with an inglorious death in anonymity, there had to be a public display. In doing so, they fulfilled the prophecies and were once again put to open shame because Christ is Risen.