“The RoseBouquet”

When Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered, “It is as you say.” Then He said not another word to all the charges railed about Him by the mob in the courtyard. This amazed the governor, Pilate. He knew it was out of envy they had handed Jesus over to him. But he did have a legal dilemma.

Adding to this, his wife sent a message not to have anything to do with this Man. She had suffered some bad dreams over Him. Trouble would surely come if He was crucified.

Pilate tried to solve his problem by offering the people a choice, to release Jesus or Barabbas, a notorious criminal, for it was the custom at this feast time to release one prisoner. Under normal circumstances the people would never have wanted Barabbas loose again, but they were determined to be rid of Jesus that morning, so they choose to set a thief and murderer free instead.

Pilate saw he was getting nowhere. Yet he was too weak to take authority over the crowd. So he washed his hands, hoping to absolve himself of responsibility, and turned Jesus over to be flogged and crucified.

What do you think? Did God use even a weak man in a back-handed way, to carry out the plan of salvation? What if Pilate had been strong, defended Jesus, and dealt firmly with the angry mob? It would have foiled God’s plan; Jesus came to die legally, for our sins. Pilate was probably miserable the rest of his life over this decision, but he was part of God’s plan.

PRAYER: Dear Lord God, I hope I don’t become a negative part of Your plan. I’d rather obey You willingly, and be Your channel of blessing through noble deeds. However, I see You are able to work through even the faults and weaknesses of non-believers to bring to pass what You have determined to do. I need not fear unbelievers so much – You will turn even their decisions and actions around to bless those who do love and obey You. Thank You Lord, for being so great, so thorough, that You use even the bad for Your glory.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. What high school grad would skip her banquet to dash away to help a friend in a crisis? Would you? Ruthe does this right at the beginning of this story. She can be quite daring for a shy, small town girl, when it is for others’ sakes. You’ll like her spunk! Get “Ruthe’s Secret Roses.” the softcover at Booklocker.com

Judas must have been near enough to watch what was going on. When the chief priests and elders came to the decision to put Jesus to death and took Him to Pilate for the official decision of the Roman government, and the actual deed, Judas was aware of it.

Now he knew things had NOT gone as he had planned. He had hoped to force Jesus’ hand into declaring Himself the King of the Jews, and overthrowing the Romans. He was filled with remorse, but we read nothing of his repentance. No desire for forgiveness.

He went back to the chief priests and confessed he had betrayed innocent blood. They shrugged, “What’s that to us?” So he threw down the money they had given him, and went out to hang himself.

The priests knew it was blood money, so they dare not use it in God’s temple. Instead, they bought the potter’s field for a spare burial ground for foreigners and strangers who died while passing through Jerusalem. It had a lot of clay, not good for anything else.

I think this story could have ended very differently if Judas had cried out to God for forgiveness. But he didn’t. He had remorse – Judas regretted what he had done, but he didn’t move to the next step and repentance, or admitting that he wanted forgiveness.

This still happens all the time. People wish they had never committed certain sins, but they won’t ask for it to be taken away – which can only be done by trusting in that precious blood Jesus shed for each of our wrongs.

PRAYER: Oh Lord God in Heaven, I hope I never stall at just this first stage, remorse. I do not want to end up like Judas! I do believe Your love and mercy is so great that You would have forgiven Judas if he has humbled himself and asked, and trusted in Your sacrificial Lamb. So then – You are willing to forgive the worst I have ever done too, right?

Hallelujah! Thank You, Father-God. Thank You, dear Jesus, my Saviour, My Lord, and My dearest, closest Friend!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. How can you be sure you would like an e-book before you pay for it? In a store you’d stand and read a couple of chapters first, right? Sit down, take your time; READ eight chapters of Ruthe’s Secret Roses for free!

Peter did love our Lord, and had followed as far as the courtyard of the high priest, because he really wanted to know what happened to Jesus, and he was terrified of these surprising and violent events.

He warmed himself at the outdoor fire with milling soldiers and servants. Suddenly a servant girl recognized him, and pointed Peter out as one of those that had travel led with Jesus. In Peter’s fright, he loudly denied that he even knew Jesus.

As he headed to the gateway, another servant girl (aren’t they observant though?) said, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

Swearing an oath, Peter insisted he didn’t even know that man.

Moments later someone else came up from the crowd and said, “Yes, you must be one of them, your accent gives you away.”

Vehemently Peter called down curses on himself if it should be that he knew that Man. Right then a rooster crowed at the first streak of dawn. Like a dagger stab, Peter recalled Jesus’ prediction that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. Conviction seized Peter as he hurried outside the wall and wept bitterly with remorse.

Have you ever experienced such sharp conviction that you have done wrong in the sight of God? It feels awful, doesn’t it? One’s own wickedness is so overwhelming. But that’s a good thing. It means the Holy Spirit of God is at work in us, to bring us to repentance. That true repentance is going to lead to forgiveness and healing.

PRAYER: Lord, it feels awful to realize I have sinned against You, but I guess I see that I should be grateful that my spirit is convicted when I do wrong. Otherwise, I would not be motivated to seek Your mercy and plead for forgiveness. It would mean my heart is too hard to want to be restored to You. So I’m glad that I can still weep with remorse when I have denied I know You, or have directly disobeyed Your Word. Thank You for convicting me.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Do you eat novels like chocolates? Here’s one with both weight and excellent flavour! For a satisfying treat, read Ruthe’s Secret Roses

Jesus’ arresters had taken him to the High Priest’s home, for of course, Caiaphas was behind all this, and these were his hired men. The religious teachers and elders had been gathered there too, for this illegal, impromptu court.

It appears that for some time they couldn’t get two witnesses to agree and make the same charge against Jesus. Finally two men did stand together and agree that Jesus had said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.”

It was an incorrect quote, and Jesus did not deign to answer it, even though the High Priest wanted to go with it. He asked Jesus outright to answer to this so-called testimony. But Jesus remained silent. It was not the charge He was sent to die for.

But when the Caiaphas asked Him directly, “Are You the Christ, the Son of God?” Jesus replied, “It is as you say. But I will say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Do you see that? Jesus is giving them the very thing for which they should be charging Him. It is for being the Son of God He meant to die. Not for a mis-quoted charge about destroying the temple and rebuilding it, which was referring to His own death and resurrection any way.

The high priest tore his robes dramatically and insisted that now they had heard the blasphemy for themselves. Everyone present agreed that this was worthy of death. Their vindictive hate was evident immediately as they boxed Him with their fists, and spit on Jesus. They had what they wanted.

PRAYER: Oh Lord Jesus! Did You really just hand them the best charge against You? You were thinking ahead and seeing the global picture, right? You came to die for us, and You made sure those evil people had the right charge. I wonder if I ever make sure people hate me for the right reasons? Namely that I am Yours, and wholly devoted to You. I need to work this through.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. You’ve heard of power naps at work, right? You rise refreshed, bright and alert. Take a break to refresh your spirit with a good inspirational story.

While Jesus was still speaking in the previous scene, there was the noisy arrival of Judas with the crowd that was armed with clubs and swords, sent by the chief priests and elders to arrest Jesus. Judas knew he could pick Jesus out in the dark, so he had told them to arrest the one whom he would kiss. The greeting happened quickly, and the rabble grabbed Jesus.

One of the just wakened disciples lifted a sword and cut off the ear of a servant.. (Another Gospel says it was Peter).

Jesus told him to put the sword away. Those who draw a sword will die by it. Then He added this profound insight, “Do you think I cannot call on the Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”

Here is where I hear something I haven’t noticed before as strongly. Jesus knew that even at this point He could call on the Father – pray – and at once have twelve legions of angels at His disposal. (In the Roman army a legion was 6000 infantry and cavalry). So He was not helpless in this arrest. Jesus allowed it to happen so that Scripture promises could be fulfilled. Promises God made to save all who would call on Him.

I wonder, do you and I pray enough so that we know what is at our disposal if we ask the Father for it? Do we know what God’s will is, so that we can restrain our power, and allow to happen what needs to happen so His will is carried out?

It is imperative then to spend quality time in prayer, so we know all these things and how they apply to us, before our crisis arrives.

PRAYER: Oh Lord God, again I hear a clarion call to come spend quality time with You, to learn to know Your will for my life. It will probably involve crises, but You can turn those around to use them for Your glory too. If You can put 6000 angels at our disposal to do Your will, then You will see me through every crisis too! Both wisdom and the strength to bear up are found with You!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. You don’t really have time to read on the couch, but if you’re like me, you do read snatches on the run, and somehow make time to read a GOOD book completely.

So how can you be sure this Ruthe in the book is not some kook? Read the eight sample chapters.

Again Jesus is disappointed in His disciples. He really wished for their prayer support, but they slept through His time of agony and need. They went into the garden where Jesus liked to pray, and He didn’t even count on the whole lot to pray with Him, but He did take Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with Him a little further.

Jesus confided that He felt overwhelmed with sorrow – to the point of death. He begged them to stay and keep watch with Him. He took a few more steps and fell down with His face to the ground to pray, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

He went back to look for that support from His closest disciples and they were sleeping! He asked them to watch and pray so they would not fall into temptation. He added that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

How true! I find that so nearly every day. I do intend to pray, but my body feels sluggish and dopey, and my spirit gives in, instead of rousing it with will-power, and insisting I WILL pray right now.

Jesus went aside to pray again, and again, when He returned He found them sleeping. It happened a third time. I feel sorry for Jesus that His friends were not faithful, but I see those poor disciples also missed out on a chance to really help their Lord. They would have been so blessed and strengthened for what was to come.

After the third time He said, “Let’s go. My hour has come.” He was ready for the mock trial, the beatings, and the crucifixion. They were not.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, I see here today that when we have a big crisis on our horizon we NEED that quality prayer time with our Heavenly Father far more than we need our sleep. You set a good example. Just like students sometimes stay up late and cram before an exam, we need to sacrifice sleep to pray through thoroughly before a big crisis. I’ve experienced it at times, but I want to be more consistent.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Wish you could have a heart-to-heart talk with God?

Ruthe does. All the time, where ever she goes, she’s having a running conversation with the one she calls Lord, or my Best Friend. You’ve got to meet Ruthe! AND her Secret Roses.

Whenever we hear or read this story of Peter vowing that he will never fall away from His Master, we find ourselves exasperated with this disciple. How dare he?

But this morning (and many others) I too find myself not so devoted to Christ as I thought. My mind drifts away, I hang my head and doze, and … and the minutes tick away.

Perhaps that is not on quite the same plane as Peter outrightly, vehemently denying that he even ever knew this Jesus from Nazareth. Still, this lethargy is also an affront to our dear Saviour, who suffered there on the cross for even these sins.

Jesus warned Peter that he would deny Him. He quoted Zechariah 13:7 to indicate that it was prophesied. “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” Peter denied he would disown his Master – even if all the rest did.

Jesus replied that it would happen that very night, before the morning cock would crow, and not just once, but three times.

Peter still insists, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never disown You.” All the other disciples said the same.

Later in this same chapter we will see that Jesus was right. They all fled, and Peter in particular, denied that he even knew Jesus. So the Lord knows our weaknesses and failures in advance too. Ah, but that doesn’t mean He rejects us!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I see that You do not reject Peter even though You know in advance that he will disown You. I’m sure that hurt You all the same when he did. My lethargy when I am intending to spend quality time with You also wounds and hurts You, doesn’t it? And You died for this! Oh, I repent! I’m sorry, Lord. Please do wash it away with Your precious blood, and fill me with Your Spirit to be awake and alive unto You, and ready to have good quality fellowship with You – right now!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. You will love Ruthe’s Secret Roses if you like;
* walking and talking intimately with God
* stories of compassion and dramatic conversion
* have a bleeding, caring heart of your own
* are a caregiving older sister
* love designing clothes and make-overs
* love giving gifts and surprises
* are a mentor or counseling kind of friend.

The disciples knew the routine. On the first day of the Feast of Unleaven Bread, they must find a location for the Passover meal. They came to Jesus and asked where they should set up for this. He gave them instructions to go into the city to talk to a certain man, who had probably offered his home in advance, and say that the Teacher was ready to celebrate the Passover at his house.

(Personally, I suspect it may have been Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathea’s home and the identity has been kept hidden all these years out of polite deference).

By supper time the rest had arrived, and they reclined around a table for the meaningful Passover, where every item was a symbol of the Israelites salvation from Egypt, and also of our salvation.

Jesus told them plainly that one of them was going to betray Him. In shock, they each asked, “Surely not me, Lord?”

He replied, “One who has dipped bread into the same bowl with Me, will betray Me. It will happen to the Son of Man just as it was written, but woe to the one who betrays the Son of Man. It would have been better for him if he’d never been born.”

To Judas, when he asked, “Surely not I?” Jesus said, “Yes, you.” That may have been so softly that not all the others even heard it.

Jesus also demonstrated that the bread, when broken, represented His body, and passed it around. He took the communal cup and said it represented His blood shed as a new covenant, poured out for all of us for the forgiveness of sins. He added that He wouldn’t be drinking it again until we are all in His Father’s kingdom.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, it is so easy for anyone of us to betray You! Maybe not in as dramatic a way as Judas, but even I, fellowshipping with You here around Your Word – I could betray You in small, unthinking ways. Even by simply dozing during my prayer times, and not being fully present, I’m ashamed to say! And You shed Your blood for this? Oh Lord, I’m sorry! Forgive me!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. So you love clothes, eh? I bet you’ll love Darlin’ Bonne’s Shoppe in my book, Ruthe’s Secret Roses. Ruthe helps a friend in need by sharing her dream of a dress designing shop. Oh the fun and experiences they have there! You ought to order this novel! e-Book edition Softcover edition.

On the other hand, opposite Mary’s devotion, we have Judas’ betrayal of his Master.

He went by the name, Judas Iscariot, and is always mentioned last with the disciples. He may have joined them out of pure motives, but somewhere along the line he was convinced that Jesus would deliver Israel politically from the Romans. When he became disillusioned with that dream, he was willing to sell Jesus out to His enemies. He went to the chief priests and asked, “What will you give me if I hand Him over to you?”

Immediately they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. That was the price of a slave. After that, Judas watched for opportunity to hand Jesus over securely.

It’s no wonder that through the centuries, people have hated this man, Judas Iscariot. But what can we learn from him to keep us from slipping down that path too? We are just as human as he was. Do we have certain expectations of Jesus and of God that are unrealistic? When we become disillusioned on that point, we are likely to turn on Jesus too. Countless numbers of people have.

Some believe that if a certain powerful healer touches them or prays over them, they will be wonderfully well. When that doesn’t happen, they may sulk a while and then – lo, we hear they aren’t going to church, they are studying other religions, or they begin to run down the Christians they know, and after a while they are vicious enemies of Christ.

Even mature Christians can recall times when they were tempted to doubt that Christ was enough to solve their problems. Judas is not so rare among us as we might think!

PRAYER: Oh Lord, we’ve pounced on Judas and renounced him as such a wicked betrayer, – when we stop to think it over, we’re in danger of being just as bad. Help me to have a clear grasp of who You are, and what You promise. Keep me humble and devoted to You – like Mary just before these verses. Amen.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Ruthe is afraid to tell her family back home for reasons of her own, and this leads her to live a double life. The pressures build. Sooner or later she has to take some of the advice she gives others, for she’s getting into serious trouble! Ruthe’s Secret Roses.

The New Testament talks of more than one Mary, and it takes an advanced scholar to keep track of which one appears where.

I’m not sure just which one it is that slipped into this dinner for Jesus at Simon’s house, but my best guess is that is is Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. She had a reputation for being devote, and with the resurrection of her brother, she had a lot for which to worship and praise Jesus.

She brought the best ointment she had. Maybe she had saved it a long time, or perhaps she had just gone out and spent all the wealth she had on this one bottle, but the men gathered around that dining table could tell it was expensive.

Mary broke it and poured it all on Jesus’ head. All of it.

Jesus could hear the men muttering to themselves and to each other across the room, about the wasteful expense of this action. He addressed them directly, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial….”

Huh? How did she know He was to die and be buried soon? She might have overheard Jesus tell His disciples that, and although they had not understood the meaning, Mary did. She was already mourning His death. She missed Jesus before He was gone.

Jesus added, that in the future, whenever the good news of His life was told, people would add this part of what she had done for Him here in anointing Him – her expression of extreme devotion and love. Truly, Mary has been famous for this for over 2000 years.

PRAYER: Oh, Lord, is that the secret to fame? To be utterly and completely in love with You, and to go to the nth degree in showing it? I haven’t thought of it this way before, but – yes, I’d like to be known as a woman sold out completely to You in devoted service.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. If you have difficulty building new friendships it might help to watch someone who makes friends easily and study her. Ruthe, the heroine in my novel would make a great subject for this! The whole book is from her viewpoint and shares her thoughts. You get to “feel” what it is like to start a new friendship, and then work at keeping it alive..Get “Ruthe’s Secret Roses,” the softcover at Booklocker.com