Tag Archives: Crucifixion

Matthew Chapter A Day – 27

by

1

OK
Matthew Chapter 27 – Audio [Once started, go back to post to follow verses as he reads.] [You can have it read in other languages also.]

Matthew 27:1-66 KJV

Jesus Delivered to Pilate
(1)  When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
(2)  And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
Judas Hangs Himself
(3)  Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
(4)  Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
(5)  And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
(6)  And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
(7)  And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.
(8)  Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
(9)  Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
(10)  And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.
Jesus Before Pilate
(11)  And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
(12)  And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
(13)  Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
(14)  And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
(15)  Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
(16)  And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
(17)  Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
(18)  For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
(19)  When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
(20)  But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
(21)  The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
(22)  Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
(23)  And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
(24)  When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
(25)  Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
(26)  Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Jesus Is Mocked
(27)  Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
(28)  And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
(29)  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
(30)  And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
(31)  And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

The Crucifixion
(32)  And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
(33)  And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
(34)  They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
(35)  And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
(36)  And sitting down they watched him there;
(37)  And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
(38)  Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
(39)  And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
(40)  And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
(41)  Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
(42)  He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
(43)  He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
(44)  The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
The Death of Jesus
(45)  Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
(46)  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
(47)  Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
(48)  And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
(49)  The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
(50)  Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
(51)  And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
(52)  And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
(53)  And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
(54)  Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
(55)  And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
(56)  Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.

Jesus Is Buried
(57)  When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
(58)  He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
(59)  And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
(60)  And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
(61)  And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
The Guard at the Tomb
(62)  Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
(63)  Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
(64)  Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
(65)  Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
(66)  So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Beginning of Matthew, in case you missed the first post. Matthew Chapter A Day – 1

Good News

Scripture: e-Sword
Photos:
William Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) – The Flagellation of Our Lord Jesus Christ (1880) ©WikiC
Christ on Dying On the Cross – (Google)
Jerusalem Tomb of the Garden ©WikiC

Avian And Attributes – Reed

by

2

Reed Parrotbill (Paradoxornis heudei) ©Drawing WikiC

“When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head.” (Matthew 27:29-30 NKJV)

Avian and Attributes – Reed

REED, n.
1. The common name of many aquatic plants; most of them large grasses, with hollow jointed stems, such as the common reed of the genus Arundo, the bamboo, &c. The bur-reed is of the genus Sparganium; the Indian Flowering reed of the genus Canna.
2. A musical pipe; reeds being anciently used for instruments of music.
3. A little tube through which a hautboy, bassoon or clarinet is blown.
4. An arrow, as made of a reed headed.
5. Thatch.

Reed Cormorant

Reed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus) by Daves BirdingPix

TheReed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus), also known as the long-tailed cormorant, is a bird in the cormorant family Phalacrocoracidae. It breeds in much of Africa south of the Sahara, and Madagascar. It is resident but undertakes some seasonal movements.

The Reed Cormorant can dive to considerable depths, but usually feeds in shallow water. It frequently brings prey to the surface. It takes a wide variety of fish. It prefers small slow-moving fish, and those with long and tapering shapes, such as mormyrids, catfishes, and cichlids. It will less frequently eat soles (which can be important in its diet locally), frogs, aquatic invertebrates, and small birds.

Two to four eggs are laid in a nest in a tree or on the ground, normally hidden from view by long grass.

Reed Parrotbill

Reed Parrotbill (Paradoxornis heudei) ©Drawing WikiC

The Reed Parrotbill (Paradoxornis heudei) is a species of bird in the Sylviidae family. It is found in Manchuria and eastern China. It is threatened by habitat loss.

The northern subspecies P. h. polivanovi is sometimes regarded as a separate species, the northern parrotbill.

See Parrotbill article Good photos

More Avian and Attributes

Birds whose first name starts with “R”

Good News

*
[Definitions from Webster’s Dictionary of American English (1828), unless noted. Bird info from Wikipedia plus.]

Lee’s Six Word Saturday – 9/10/16

by

0

***

White-faced Scops Owl photo #owls by royspiccys From Pinterest

THEY LOOK AND STARE UPON ME

***

“I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.” (Psalms 22:17 KJV)

White-faced Scops Owl photo ©#owls by royspiccys From Pinterest

*

More Daily Devotionals

*

Sharp-Beaked Ground Finch – The Bloodsucker..

by

3

©realmonstrosities.com

Sharp-Beaked Ground Finch or Vampire Finch ©realmonstrosities.com

Sharp-Beaked Ground Finch – The Bloodsucker..  ~ by a j mithra

There is an interesting finch bird on Wolf Island, it is the Sharp-Beaked Ground Finch. The Vampire Finch (Geospiza difficilis septentrionalis) is a small bird native to the Galápagos Islands. It is a very distinct subspecies of the Sharp-beaked Ground Finch (Geospiza difficilis) endemic  to Wolf and Darwin Islands.

Sharp-Beaked Finch: (Geospiza nebulosa) belong to the highlands of the central and western islands. The vampire finch is endangered, being a small-island endemic. This bird is known as the Vampire Finch because it pecks the flesh of the backs of masked boobies, red footed boobies and Blue Footed Boobies to feed on their blood.

This pecking the flesh and feeding the blood at the back, reminds me of how Jesus was battered and bruised on the cross for my sins..

  • Of how my sins had ploughed his back on the cross..
  • Of how He drained all His blood on the cross and paid a price for my salvation…

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (Leviticus 17:11)
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]. Hebrews 9:12)

The four species of ground finches are similar in coloration — adult males are black, and females streaked brown. They all have bills of the “crushing” variety, useful for feeding on seeds.

Sharp-beaked Ground Finch (Geospiza difficilis) Female ©WikiC

Sharp-beaked Ground Finch (Geospiza difficilis) Female ©WikiC

The Sharp-beaked finch (Geospiza nebulosa) of the humid highlands of the central and western islands is highly endangered, unfortunately since some ornithologists believe it may be the closest to the ancestral form of all Darwin’s finches. On Wolf Island (or Culpepper, in the northwest corner of the archipelago) this finch is called the “vampire finch,” for its habit of pecking at the skin of boobies until they draw blood, which they drink. Such a behavior may have developed from eating the parasitic insects that are found in bird plumage (as ground finches do in other islands).

The vampire finch is sexually dimorphic as typical for its genus, with the males being primarily black and the females grey with brown streaks. It has the largest and most pointed beak of all G. difficilis subspecies, and overall looks like a miniature Common Cactus-Finch rather than, as the other subspecies do, a large Small Ground-Finch with a straight bill.

It has a lilting song on Wolf, a buzzing song on Darwin, and whistling calls on both islands; only on Wolf, a drawn-out, buzzing call is also uttered. This bird is most famous for its unusual diet. The Vampire Finch occasionally feeds by drinking the blood of other birds, chiefly the Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, pecking at their skin with their sharp beaks until blood is drawn. Curiously, the boobies do not offer much resistance against this.

Jesus knew that the only redemption for all my sin is shedding His precious blood. That is the reason He took up the cross and shed every single drop of His precious blood, rather I would say, like these boobies, Jesus let Himself be sucked of all His blood, just to redeem me from eternal death…

He not only took the cross but also did not offer resistance, but completely submitted Himself.

  • Silence is the most powerful of all languages.
  • His silence pronounced death sentence to folks of satan.

Jesus could have easily got away from this suffering, but He let His silence speak for me…

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)

I want to be like Jesus, but, do I keep my mouth shut when afflicted for no reason, I asked myself…

  • I know that there is life and death in the words that come out of my mouth…
  • But little did I know that, it is my silence that can bring life..

“A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;” Ecclesiastes 3:7<

It has been theorized that this behavior developed from the pecking behavior that the finch used to clean parasites from the plumage of the booby. The finches also feed on eggs, stealing them just after they are laid and rolling them by pushing with their legs and using their beak as a pivot) into rocks until they break. More conventionally for birds, but still unusual among Geospiza, they also take Nectar from Galápagos prickly pear (Opuntia echios var. gigantea) flowers at least on Wolf.
Nonetheless, the mainstay of their diet is made up from seeds and invertebrates as in their congeners. The reasons for these peculiar feeding habits are the lack of freshwater on these birds’ home islands.

This character of this bird, clearly showed me how I would be, if I don’t have the Living Water to quench my thirst..
Jesus showed me how He is ready to part away with all the blood and all the water to quench my thirst…

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:13,14)

He let all His blood out on the cross so that I may live and dwell in Him forever and ever..

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. (John 6:56)

>Have a thoughtful Passover!

Your’s in YESHUA,

a j mithra

Please visit us at:  

Crosstree

ajmithra21

See also:

Gospel Message

Vampire finches of the Galápagos

*

Cedar Waxwing – Fruit Passer…

by

0

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by J Fenton

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by J Fenton

Cedar Waxwing – Fruit passer… ~ by a j mithra

As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: (Leviticus 14:6)

Historians say that the cross that Jesus carried was made from Cedar wood. Of all the trees why did Jesus choose the cedar? The verse above which says about two birds, the cedar wood, the scarlet and the Hyssop does clearly reflects the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross. The two birds reflect Jesus and Barabas. One bird was sacrificed and the other was let free. Jesus was crucified and Barabas freed. The Cedar wood reflects the cross which Jesus carried. The scarlet reflects our sins. The hyssop reflects of how vinegar was soaked in a sponge and stuck in hyssop’s branch and offered to Jesus, when He said that He was thirsty.

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. (John 19:29)

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. (Mathew 27:28)

Twigs of Cedar placed with lingerie and kept in cupboards containing fur can keep away moth. The cross has the power to keep away all evil from our lives.

The Cedar is used to build the skeleton of the canoe. The cross has the power to take us through flood, fire and wilderness.

The most valuable constituent of Cedar oil is thujone. Native Americans of the eastern United States and Canada used thujone for generations to treat menstrual problems, headaches, and heart ailments. Loggers drank tea made from white cedar twigs to relieve rheumatism. During the seventeenth century, some people called the eastern white cedar the “tree of life,” because they believed that its sap had healing powers. In the late 1800s, the US Pharmacopoeia (the US compendium of quality control test and information on drugs) listed thujone as a treatment to stimulate the uterus and as a diuretic to increase urine flow. The leaves have the power to heal rheumatic, pulmonary, burns and prevent paralytic movement. It is also used as dye.

This tree is called the “Tree of Life”. Is that the reason Jesus, the life chose to carry a Cedar cross.. It was on the Cedar cross that Jesus, took the stripes to heal us from all disease.

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:2-5)

Cedar Waxwing Eating by Steve Slayton

Cedar Waxwing Eating by Steve Slayton

The Cedar waxwing may have been inspired by the qualities of Cedar from where it has borrowed its name. There is so much to read about this bird in this interesting website. But, one interesting quality of this bird stands apart. These birds are communal feeders. As we all know, the Cedar Waxwing eats berries and sugary fruit year-round, with insects becoming an important part of the diet in the breeding season. Its fondness for the small cones of the Eastern Redcedar (a kind of juniper) gave this bird its common name.

When the end of a twig holds a supply of berries that only one bird at a time can reach, members of a flock may line up along the twig and pass berries beak to beak down the line so that each bird gets a chance to eat. This reminds us of how we need pronounce the love of Jesus to the others so that they too may taste and see that the Lord is good..

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by Daves BirdingPix

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) by Daves BirdingPix

But, the sad part is we have never thought of doing this, spreading the gospel to the unreached. If only we all had done this, by this time our churches would be overflowing. If only we carry the cross…..?

At least on this Good Friday, the day which denotes the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for you and me, shall we make up our mind to do what we haven’t done for the Lord all these years? Shall we pass the fruit of the Holy spirit, so that those who haven’t tasted the Lord yet, may taste the goodness and mercy of our Lord?

These birds share the fruits, but, we call ourselves as Christians, borrowing the name from Christ, but when are we going to share the fruit of the Holy Spirit?

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psalm 34:8)

Have an awesome day at the feet of Jesus on the cross…

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

please visit us at:
Crosstree
ajmithra21

To see more of a j mithra’s articles – Click Here
*

Formed By Him – “Sword and Piercer” Birds

by

3

Two Edges by wrdpico

When Jesus was taken to the temple for His dedication, Simeon met Mary and Joseph and told Mary:

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2:34-35 KJV)

When Judas came to betray Christ in the garden, Peter took out his sword and cut of the right ear of one of them, but Jesus touched his ear and healed it.

And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people… And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. (Luke 22:47, 50-51 KJV)

Most know the facts about the death of Christ on the cross. It was prophesied before the Lord ever came to earth that He would die on the cross. Then:

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. (John 19:30-37 KJV)

Throughout this week, the Scripture has been presented that tells of the events that were unfolding during the week of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. We have come to the “sword” and the fact that Christ’s side was “pierced,” as was Mary’s heart. Any mother’s heart would be pierced to see their son crucified, but Jesus was no ordinary son. She had the privilege of being His earthly mother, by way of the virgin birth, BUT, His Father was God, and He was, as the centurion stated:

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Matthew 27:54 KJV)

Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) by Robert Scanlon

Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) by Robert Scanlon

If you have been following along this week, the “Palm” Birds, “Whip” Birds, and the “Thorn” Birds have been presented along with the events of Christ’s crucifixion. Now it is the “Sword” Birds and the “Piercer” Birds. A connection between the events and the names of the birds is being made to help us remember the Lord Jesus Christ. What love He has shown to us by laying down His life to purchase our salvation.

He created and loves the birds so, that when the little sparrow falls, He knows all about it. How much do you think He cares about me and you?

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:29-33 KJV)

Birds with “Sword” in their name:

There is only one bird in the list used here that has “sword” in its name, the Sword-billed Hummingbird. We have done an article on it already in – Formed By Him – Sword-billed Hummingbird.

Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) by Michael Woodruff

Birds with “Piercer” in their name:

Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea) by Michael Woodruff

Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea) by Michael Woodruff

The Tanagers and Allies – Thraupidae has a Genus of Flowerpiercers, called Diglossa. The Lord has created another facinating bird. The Flowerpiercer’s  common name refers to their habit of piercing the base of flowers to access nectar that otherwise would be out of reach. This is done with their highly created bills, although this is less obvious in the Bluish Flowerpiercer, which has an almost “normal” bill. Most flowerpiercers are restricted to highlands, especially the Andes, in South America, but two species occur in Central America.

Genus Diglossa
Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa baritula)
Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea)
Rusty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa sittoides)
Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa gloriosissima)
Glossy Flowerpiercer (Diglossa lafresnayii)
Moustached Flowerpiercer (Diglossa mystacalis)
Merida Flowerpiercer (Diglossa gloriosa)
Black Flowerpiercer (Diglossa humeralis)
Black-throated Flowerpiercer (Diglossa brunneiventris)
Grey-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa carbonaria)
Venezuelan Flowerpiercer (Diglossa venezuelensis)
White-sided Flowerpiercer (Diglossa albilatera)
Scaled Flowerpiercer (Diglossa duidae)
Greater Flowerpiercer (Diglossa major)
Indigo Flowerpiercer (Diglossa indigotica)
Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer (Diglossa glauca)
Bluish Flowerpiercer (Diglossa caerulescens)
Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea)

Black Flowerpiercer by Keith Blomerley of a bird moving around in a bush.

 

I trust you are enjoying and being blessed by the “Formed by Him” series this week. To see more  articles – Click Here

See:

The Gospel Message and the Wordless Birds

*

Black Flowerpiercer (Diglossa humeralis aterrima) ©WikiC
Black Flowerpiercer (Diglossa humeralis aterrima) ©WikiC
Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa gloriosissima) ©WikiC
Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa baritula) ©WikiC
Glossy Flowerpiercer (Diglossa lafresnayii) by Michael Woodruff
Glossy Flowerpiercer (Diglossa lafresnayii) ©WikiC
Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer (Diglossa glauca) ©WikiC
Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea cyanea) ©WikiC
Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea cyanea) ©WikiC
Masked Flowerpiercer (Diglossa cyanea) by Michael Woodruff
Moustached Flowerpiercer (Diglossa mystacalis) ©WikiC
Moustached Flowerpiercer (Diglossa mystacalis) ©©
Rusty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa sittoides) Female ©WikiC
Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) Female ©WikiC
Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) Nest ©WikiC
Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) by Ian
Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) by Kent Nickell
Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) by Michael Woodruff
Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) ©WikiC
Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) ©©ornitholoco

Formed By Him – “Whip” Birds

by

0

Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) by ©Judd Paterson

Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) by Judd Paterson

When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. (John 2:15 NKJV)

Whips have been used for many years. According to Wikipedia: The word whip describes two basic types of tools:-

A long stick-like device, usually slightly flexible, with a small bit of leather or cord, called a “popper” or a “cracker,” on the end. Depending on length and flexibility, this type is often called a riding whip, riding crop or “bat”. It is also sometimes called a “horsewhip” or “horse whip”.

The other type of whip is a long tapered flexible length of single-strand or plaited (braided) material (usually leather) with a stiff handle. Some whips of this type include the bullwhip and the stockwhip. Each design has many variations and lengths for different purposes, often with different names.

As well as these traditional whip types designed for use on animals, there are whip designs that had historic uses for inflicting pain on humans, such as the “cat o’ nine tails”, knout and others. These devices are used as flogging instruments, a means of control, corporal punishment or torture.

Cat o nine tails ©WikiC

Cat o nine tails ©WikiC

Yesterday’s Formed By Him – “Palm” Birds was about birds with “Palm” in their name and it was about Palm Sunday. Today’s Formed By Him is about birds with “Whip” in their name and helps us remember when they began to torture or scourge Christ with whips or by flogging Him.

Christ told His disciples, “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,  And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.” (Mat 20:18,19 KJV)

The different versions of God’s Word use various words to describe the torture. In verse 19, the word scourge is translated, whip(ped), scourge(d), or flogged. Matthew 27:26 and John 19:1 also use the same three translations of the word.

Then he let Barabbas go free: but after having Jesus whipped, he gave him up to be put to death on the cross. (Matthew 27:26 BBE)

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. (John 19:1 ESV)

Then Pilate had Jesus taken away and whipped. The soldiers twisted some thorny branches into a crown, placed it on his head, and put a purple cape on him. (John 19:1-2 GW)

This week we are remembering the events that led up to the death of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, on the cross. As we think of this time, maybe seeing birds with names of things that happened will help us not forget the events as we see those birds in the future.

The death of Christ on the cross is the ultimate sacrifice that provides Salvation for our souls.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)

Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) by Ian

Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) by Ian

There are only two families that contain “Whip” Birds.

The Whip-poor-will or Whippoorwill is a medium-sized nightjar from North and Central America. The Whip-poor-will is commonly heard within its range, but less often seen because of its superior camouflage. It was recently divided into two species, the Eastern and Mexican. The Whip-poor-wills are in the Caprimulgidae – Nightjars Family.

Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) at National Zoo
Mexican Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus arizonae)

The Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) is an insectivorous passerine bird native to the east coast of Australia, its whip-crack call a familiar sound in forests of eastern Australia. Two subspecies are recognized. Heard much more often than seen, it is a dark olive-green and black in color with a distinctive white cheek patch and crest. The male and female are similar in plumage. The Whipbirds are in the Whipbirds, Jewel-babblers, quail-thrushes – Psophodidae Family.

Papuan Whipbird (Androphobus viridis)
Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) ©©
Western Whipbird (Psophodes nigrogularis) See Photo

Photo of a Western whipbird – Animal Pictures – Pictures

See:

The Gospel Message

Wordless Birds

*