Philadelphia Montage, Source Six images on Wikimedia Commons, Author en:User:Jleon (Transfered by MSClaudiu/Original uploaded by Jleon), (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
The following is by Kelly Campbell, a staff attorney at Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia https://clcphila.org/. CLCP is a faith based organization which provides free legal services to the poor through the dedication of volunteer attorneys, law students, and paralegals. CLCP staff members, also, pray with willing clients.
As poverty has always been an issue close to my heart, I am proud of having co-founded the predecessor to CLCP. Dennis Abrams, a respected trial attorney mentioned below, was a co-founder of both organizations. He is now the President of CLCP.
I encourage you to pray for CLCP and give, if you are able to do so. More information about the concept of Christian legal aid can be found above.
Jaimee Hatcher, CLCP Exec. Dir., explains it this way: “If our work is only legal then it dies when our clients die. However, if our work is both legal and soul focused it has the ability to have an impact that lasts for eternity.”
“Aurelia is a co-pastor at her Church, and she spends time praying with patients at a hospital in the city…Aurelia found herself in a predicament when she was wrongfully sued by someone she had once considered family.” Read more…
“The Resurrection of Jesus Christ” by Jacopo Tintoretto (1565), Church of San Cassiano, Venice, Source Web Gallery of Art (PD).
“But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!...'” (Luke 24: 2-6).
Wishing You All A Blessed Easter!
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
https://avoicereclaimed.com
“The Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus” (16th Century), Italian School, original oil painting in a private collection, Source https://henryzaidan.medium.com/italian-school-the-sanhedrin-trial-of-jesus-01-work-interpretation-the-bible-with-footnotes-39a0a516c279, (PD)
In First Century Jerusalem, the Great Sanhedrin was a court both of civil and criminal jurisdiction, comprised of 71 judges.
During the trial of Christ, there were multiple instances of procedural error and prosecutorial misconduct. Here are some:
Illegal Arrest
- The use of an accomplice to effectuate an arrest was forbidden. Since Judas had aided Christ in His ministry, he would have been considered such an accomplice [1A].
Improper Timing
- Christ was tried for a capital offense during Passover, though this was forbidden [1B].
Secrecy/Bias
- The Sanhedrin was lawfully in session only between the morning sacrifice at 9AM and the evening sacrifice at 3PM. Christ was arrested and tried there during the night [1C].
- Contrary to Jewish law, Christ was examined by a single judge at each of two private preliminary hearings – first by Annas, Pres. of the Sanhedrin (John 8: 12-14), then by the High Priest, Caiphas (John 18: 15-27) [1D]. However, private preliminary hearings and the use of a single judge were forbidden as fostering secrecy and bias [1E].
- Jewish law required two sessions by the Sanhedrin for condemnation, a day apart [1F]. A sentence of death had to be deferred until the following day, in the hope that some argument in favor of the accused might come to light. This requirement was ignored in Christ’s case.
- The Sanhedrin had already met three times with a view toward plotting Christ’s death (John 7: 45-52; John 11: 45-49, 53; and Luke 22: 1-2).
Fluid and Unsubstantiated Charges
- Not only were the charges against Christ vague, they shifted continually. These included treason against the nation of Israel (Mark 14: 57-60), blasphemy (Mark 14: 61-64), “perverting” the nation of Israel (Luke 23: 1), forbidding tribute to Rome (Luke 23: 1), fomenting riot (Luke 23: 5), and treason against the Roman Empire (John 23: 12).
Hampered Defense
- Christ was given no time to prepare a defense, to which He had a legal right.
“Satan before the Lord” (c. 1750), Vatican Museum, Source Web Gallery of Art, (PD)
“There are three root causes for war on earth: political conflicts, religious conflicts and economic conflicts.”
-Mikhail Gorbachev, “Perestroika“
Many people today would agree with the conclusion reach by Mikhail Gorbachev, the former President of the USSR. Indeed, the sentiment he expressed fuels the move toward a one world government [1][2].
Spiritual Warfare
“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail…So the great dragon was cast out…called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world…” (Rev. 12: 7-9).
But the war between good and evil has been ongoing since time immemorial [3][4]. In fact, it predates time and underlies all earthly conflicts (Luke 10: 18)[7].
Human hearts are the battleground on which this war is fought. Oh, it may play out across centuries and continents — in the air, on the land, and on the sea. But at stake is our eternal destiny, not material resources or territorial boundaries. Read more…
“Family Group” by Henry Moore (1949), Tate Museum, Britain, Author Wmpearl (CC BY-SA 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication)
Pro-Life advocates contend that the US Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) which overturned Roe v. Wade (1973) restored America’s heritage of protecting human life at all stages [1]. But that is only partially correct.
Much of the nation believes that Dobbs is a reversion to a dark time when desperate women were forced to seek back alley abortions at the risk of their lives.
Public opinion to that effect has yet to be changed [2][3].
Why Abortion?
“The abortion industry culture hates God and God’s image bearers. It destroys human life and leads its participants to be part of a dreadful slaughter [4].”
–Jonathan Alexandre, Sr. Counsel for Governmental Affairs, Liberty Counsel https://lc.org/
Women seek abortions for a combination of reasons [5]. These include financial pressures (40%), timing (36%), partner related issues (31%), and the need to focus on other children (29%).
Socioeconomic status, age, health, and marital status all play a part. Moreover, many women view abortion as less painful than giving up a child to adoption [6]. Read more…
Photo by John Moore/Getty Images, https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2018/03/world/us-mexico-border-cnnphotos/.
These days a discussion of the problem of illegal immigration quickly deteriorates into a dispute along political lines. However, the Felician Sisters of North America see in the faces of migrants fleeing brutal conditions in their home countries the face of Christ [1][2].
The article below is by Sr. Maria Louise Edwards of Aguilas del Desierto whose mission is to reduce the death and suffering of migrants in the desert along the southern border.
Aquilas receives over 2500 calls for help a year. Urgent calls are relayed to federal authorities closest to the suspected area.
Regularly scheduled searches (covering 10 to 12 miles/day) are conducted twice monthly by the Felicians. Most rescues are coordinated with the Border Patrol.
“…As Felicians, we are called to care for the marginalized with compassion and without judgment…There is a lot of debate these days about immigration and the security of our southern border, but the truth is, people are dying the the desert trying to get to the US. It doesn’t matter why, it doesn’t matter whether it’s right. What matters is that living beings are suffering. They need help, and they deserve dignity for the light of God inside of them…” Read more…
Diamond in situ, South Africa, Author Gery PARENT (PD)
We continue with an examination of the treasures of darkness.
Secrecy
“Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You” (Ps. 139: 12).
Nothing can be hidden from the Lord. No secret plot, no hidden motive by others can harm us, if God does not allow it.
Whatever may befall us, God will use for good (Rom. 8: 28). He has numbered the very hairs on our head (Luke 12: 7). We are safely in His care.
Security is, therefore, the fourth treasure of darkness.
Evil and Sin
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness…” (Isa. 5: 20).
We may at times be discouraged. It may appear that the world is growing ever more dark, ever more evil. But Christ has overcome the power of darkness. And we are promised justice – if not in this world, then the next.
Justice is, therefore, the fifth great treasure of darkness. Read more…
“Uncle Sam” diamond, Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History (Catalog No. G11741), Source https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/new-smithsonian-exhibit-showcases-extraordinary-american-diamonds, Author Smithsonian Institution (PD)
“I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel” (Isa. 45: 3).
Diamonds are one of the hardest natural substances known. Billions of years old, diamonds form deep in the earth, under tremendous pressures and temperatures [1]. They are considered among the most valuable gemstones in the world, and are mined only with great difficulty.
But the treasures of darkness which God promises us are infinitely more precious.
Literal and Figurative Darkness
The word “darkness” can be interpreted both literally and figuratively.
Strong’s Concordance informs us that darkness is not only to be found in mines (Job 28: 3). Darkness was over the surface of the deep at Creation (Gen. 1: 2). Darkness was one of the plagues God caused to fall on Egypt, giving it a supernatural dimension (Ex. 10: 21).
The word can, also, be used to signify ignorance; confusion/perplexity; doubt, depression, and mourning; secrecy; evil and sin; death, destruction, and judgment.
What treasures can these possibly yield? Let us examine them one at a time.
Ignorance
“…[T]he fool walks in darkness” (Eccl. 2: 14). But “…wisdom excels folly As light excels darkness” (Eccl. 2: 13).
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9: 10). Wisdom is, therefore, the first treasure of darkness. Read more…
Torah scroll, Author Linusorrgren, (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
With the beginning of Lent this week, Christians focus again on the passion of Christ.
Though we recognize Him as the Messiah, many Christians do not realize the large number of Old Testament prophecies Christ fulfilled. The odds against those prophecies being fulfilled by chance are astronomical.
Here is a partial list:
Gen. 3: 15 He will bruise Satan’s head
Gen. 3: 15 Born of the seed of a woman
Gen. 5: 24 Bodily ascension to heaven
Gen. 9: 26, 27 The God of Shem will be the Son of Shem
Gen. 12: 3 Of the seed of Abraham
Gen. 12: 3 As Abraham’s seed, will bless all nations
Gen. 12: 7 The Promise made to Abraham’s seed
Gen. 14: 18 A priest after Melchizedek
Gen. 14: 18 A King also
Gen. 14: 18 The Last Supper foreshadowed
Gen. 17: 19 The seed of Isaac
Gen. 22: 8 The Lamb of God promised
Gen. 22: 18 As Isaac’s seed, will bless all nations
Gen. 26: 2-5 The seed of Isaac promised as the Redeemer
Gen. 49: 10 The time of His coming
Gen. 49: 10 The seed of Judah
Gen. 49: 10 Called Shiloh or One Sent
Gen. 49: 10 To come before Judah lost identity
Gen. 49: 10 To Him shall the obedience of the people be
Ex. 3: 13,14 The Great “I Am”
Ex. 12: 5 A Lamb without blemish
Ex. 12: 13 The blood of the Lamb saves from wrath
Ex. 12: 21-27 Christ is our Passover
Ex. 12: 46 Not a bone of the Lamb to be broken
Ex. 15: 2 His exaltation predicted as Yeshua
Ex. 15: 11 His Character—Holiness
Ex. 17: 6 The Spiritual Rock of Israel
Ex. 33: 19 His Character—Merciful
Lev. 14: 11 Leper cleansed—Sign of priesthood
Lev. 16: 15-17 Prefigures Christ’s once-for-all death
Lev. 16: 27 Suffering outside the Camp
Lev. 17: 11 The Blood—life of the flesh
Lev. 17: 11 It is the blood that makes atonement
Lev. 23: 36-37 The Drink-offering: “If any man thirst”
Num. 9: 12 Not a bone of Him broken
Num. 21: 9 Serpent on a pole—Christ lifted up
Num. 24: 17 Time: “I shall see him, but not now.”
Deut. 18: 15 “This is of a truth that prophet.”
Deut. 18: 15-16 “Had ye believed Moses, ye would believe me.”
Deut. 18: 18 Sent by the Father to speak His word
Deut. 18: 19 Whoever will not hear must bear his sin
Deut. 21: 23 Cursed is he that hangs on a tree
Judg. 13: 5; Amos 2: 11; Lam. 4: 7 A Nazarene
Ruth 4: 4-9 Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed
1 Sam. 2: 10 Shall be an anointed King to the Lord
2 Sam. 7: 12 David’s Seed
2 Sam. 7: 14a The Son of God
2 Sam. 7: 16 David’s house established forever
2 Sam. 22: 44-45; Ps. 2: 7-8;
Isa. 55: 5, 60: 3, 65: 1; Mal. 1: 11 Gentiles flock to him
2 Kings 2: 11 Bodily ascension to heaven
1 Chron. 17: 11 David’s Seed
1 Chron. 17: 12, 13a To reign on David’s throne forever
1 Chron. 17: 13a “I will be His Father, He…my Son.”
Job 19: 23-27 The Resurrection predicted
Ps. 2: 1-3 The enmity of kings foreordained
Ps. 2: 2 To own the title, Anointed (Christ)
Ps. 2: 6 His Character—Holiness
Ps. 2: 6 To own the title King
Ps. 2: 7 Declared the Beloved Son
Ps. 2: 7,8 The Crucifixion and Resurrection intimated
Ps. 2: 12 Life comes through faith in Him
Ps. 8: 2 The mouths of babes perfect His praise
Ps. 8: 5,6 His humiliation and exaltation
Ps. 16: 10 Was not to see corruption
Ps. 16: 9-11 Was to arise from the dead
Ps. 17: 15; 49: 15 The resurrection predicted
Ps. 22: 1 Forsaken because of sins of others
Ps. 22: 1 Words spoken from Calvary, “My God…”
Ps. 22: 2 Darkness upon Calvary
Ps. 22: 7 They shoot out the lip and shake the head
Ps. 22: 8 “He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him.”
Ps. 22: 9 Born the Savior
Ps. 22: 14 Died of a broken (ruptured) heart
Ps. 22: 14,15 Suffered agony on Calvary
Ps. 22: 15 He thirsted
Ps. 22: 16 They pierced His hands and His feet
Ps. 22: 17,18 Stripped Him before the stares of men
Ps. 22: 18 They parted His garments
Ps. 22: 20,21 He committed Himself to God
Ps. 22: 20,21 Satanic power bruising the Redeemer’s heel
Ps. 22: 22 His Resurrection declared
Ps. 22: 27 He shall be the governor of the nations
Ps. 22: 31 “It is finished.”
Ps. 23: 1 “I am the Good Shepherd.”
Ps. 24: 3 His exaltation predicted
Ps. 30: 3 His resurrection predicted
Ps. 31: 5 “Into thy hands I commit my spirit.”
Ps. 31: 11 His acquaintances fled from Him
Ps. 31: 13 They took counsel to put Him to death
Ps. 31: 14, 15 “He trusted in God, let Him deliver him.”
Ps. 34: 20; Num. 9: 12 Not a bone of Him broken
Ps. 35: 11 False witnesses rose up against Him
Ps. 35: 19 He was hated without a cause
Ps. 38: 11 His friends stood afar off
Ps. 40: 2-5 The joy of His resurrection predicted
Ps. 40: 6-8 His delight-the will of the Father
Ps. 40: 9 He was to preach the Righteousness in Israel
Ps. 40: 14 Confronted by adversaries in the Garden
Ps. 41: 9 Betrayed by a familiar friend
Ps. 45: 2 Words of Grace come from His lips
Ps. 45: 6 To own the title, God or Elohim
Ps. 45: 7 A special anointing by the Holy Spirit
Ps. 45: 7,8 Called the Christ (Messiah or Anointed)
Ps. 53: 7 Silent to accusations
Ps. 55: 12-14 Betrayed by a friend, not an enemy
Ps. 55: 15 Unrepentant death of the Betrayer
Ps. 68: 18 To give gifts to men
Ps. 68: 18 Ascended into Heaven
Ps. 69: 4 Hated without a cause
Ps. 69: 8 A stranger to own brethren
Ps. 69: 9 Zealous for the Lord’s House
Ps. 69: 14-20 Messiah’s anguish of soul before crucifixion
Ps. 69: 20 “My soul is exceeding sorrowful.”
Ps. 69: 21 Given vinegar in thirst
Ps. 69: 26 The Savior given and smitten by God
Ps. 72: 10,11 Great persons were to visit Him
Ps. 72: 10,11 Presented with gifts
Ps. 72: 16 The kernel of wheat to fall into the Ground
Ps. 72: 17 His name will endure forever
Ps. 72: 17 All nations shall be blessed by Him
Ps. 78: 1.2 He would teach in parables
Ps. 78: 2b To speak the Wisdom of God with authority
Ps. 88: 8 They stood afar off and watched
Ps. 89: 27 Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kings
Ps. 89: 35-37 David’s Seed, throne, kingdom endure forever
Ps. 89: 36-37 His character — Faithfulness
Ps. 90: 2; Mic. 5: 2 He is from everlasting
Ps. 91: 11,12 Identified as Messianic; used to tempt Christ
Ps, 97: 9 His exaltation predicted
Ps. 100 :5 His character—Goodness
Ps. 102: 1-11 The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary
Ps. 102: 25-27 Messiah is the Preexistent Son
Ps. 109: 25 Ridiculed
Ps. 110: 1 Son of David
Ps. 110: 1 To ascend to the right hand of the Father
Ps. 110: 1 David’s son called Lord
Ps. 110: 4 A priest after Melchizedek’s order
Ps. 112: 4 His character—Compassionate, Gracious
Ps. 118: 17,18 His Resurrection assured
Ps. 118: 22,23 The rejected stone is Head of the corner
Ps. 118: 26a The Blessed One presented to Israel
Ps. 118: 26b To come while Temple standing
Ps. 132: 11 The Seed of David (the fruit of His Body)
Ps. 138: 1-6 The supremacy of David’s Seed amazes kings
Ps. 147: 3,6 The earthly ministry of Christ described
Song 5: 16 The altogether lovely One Read more…
Propaganda of North Korea, Source Flickr.com, Author Mark Fahey of Sydney, Australia, reproduction permitted by Article 32 of Copyright Law of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, (CC BY-SA 2.0 Generic)
The following article from Voice of the Martyrs Magazine has great relevance for America in view of the radicalization of youth underway in our own country. The media, educational institutions, and government all play a part.
We ignore this warning at our peril.
“The USSR, followed by China, Cuba and other Communist regimes, spared no expense in indoctrinating children. Lenin said, ‘We are the Party of the future and the future belongs to the youth,’ and persecuting regimes have emulated the Soviet ‘Young Pioneers’ ever since.
In Germany, Hitler was an early adopter; his ‘Hitler Youth’ movement was critical to the period preceding the Holocaust and World War II…
A decade later, North Korea, inspired by these examples, took it a step further. Kim Il Sung and his Soviet overseers established a comprehensive program of indoctrination that began at birth and established North Korea’s leader as the sole authority and focal point of worship within a religiopolitical system reminiscent of Roman emperor worship in the time of the Early Church.” Read more…
A Lawyer's Prayers 