Red-Letter Edition & the Word of the Lord

Originally, someone mentioned that a fellow was reading the "red-letters" of Jesus in the Bible, but the fellow didn't see that Jesus claimed to be Creator. These are my thoughts on the subject:

RE: Jesus as Creator, see John 2

There Jesus oversees the transfer of water into pots ... and of course, the water is then (according to the taste test) of the very finest variety of wine ... implying that it would have tasted like it was originally from grapes. There are chemical elements/properties in all wines I have heard of which are not in any water or quick leaching process, at least certainly not in the quantity required for good quality wine. It seems the leader of the wedding feast didn't have a clue what was going on, but Jesus of Nazareth, the disciples, and the servants watched the whole process. Mary was also quite confident that her son could do what it took.

This seems to be a "creative" type miracle ... requiring a creator. When a person looks at the creation, whether in a jungle or the desert, you do not see a large billboard in the middle of the wilderness saying: "Ahem, hello, did you notice that I made this? - God." God is not merely glorious, he is humble (cf Philippians 2:1-11). This sort of gentle approach is evident in Isaiah 41:1-14. God speaks, but in the most gentle & supportive of ways (though Israel feels like a worm.)

May we also expand the discussion just a little, along the lines that was following?

The Bible I have which has red letters, includes the list below (For those with spare time, it was for my own reference).

After going over this list, I couldn't help but remember that Jesus himself said, "If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead" (Luke 16:31) and "You diligently study [or, Diligently study (imp.) ] the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." (John 5:39-40)

While in none of these passages in "red-letters," does Jesus directly claim to be "Creator," his title as Lord implies that he is indeed God. CF: Jesus' discussion in Matthew 22:41-46, and the passage quoted from in Psalm 110.

How the red-letter edition started:
http://www.angelfire.com/la/prophet1/redlettered.html
"The words in red in many Bibles are neither more nor less important than the words in black. Jesus said to the seventy: 'He that heareth you heareth me' (Luke 10:16). This was his position concerning every divinely inspired writer or speaker."

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In Acts 1:4-8, Jesus urges the disciples to trust him, receive the Holy Spirit, and to be witnesses to Him in Jerusalem ... and to the ends of the earth.

In Acts 9:4-6, Paul has a dialogue with the Lord Jesus. The Lord's word are in red letters in my Bible. Basically, Paul is invited/called to also be a witness.

In Acts 9:10-16, Jesus appears to Ananias. Hmmm. Ananias is not an apostle listed anywhere that I know of. Yet he has a "red-letter" discussion with the Lord in a vision. Indeed, what we know from Acts 22:12, where Paul is giving his testimony is that "He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there." What does that do to our theology?

1 Timothy 5:18 "The laborer is worth his wages."

2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for [My] power is perfected in weakness."

In Acts 22:7, 8, 10, 18, 21, Paul quotes Jesus as saying:
"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
"I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting."
"Arise and go into Damascus; an ther
"Make haste, and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me."
"Go! For I will sedn you far away to the Gentiles"

Acts 23:11
"Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also."
Acts 26:14-18 is also mostly in red letters.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega ... who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:8 Revelation 1:17-18 ... "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and theliving One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades."

And of Course, the Lord Jesus, has a pretty long message to the 7 churches in Asia, (Revelation 1:11; 1:17-3:22) My Bible, also has these verses from the Revelation in red: 16:15; 22:7, 12-13, 16. The last thing I read in red in my bible: Jesus says, "Surely I am coming quickly."

==> I guess we better stay in fellowship with Jesus & get as many others
ready as possible.

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February 2007

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