Robert Roush's Blog, page 6

Passion Week - Day 7: A Special Sabbath

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Ex. 12:7-20, 13:3-10; Romans 6:1-23

"The Festival of Unleavened Bread to the Lord is on the fifteenth day of the same month. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you are to hold a sacred assembly; you are not to do any daily work." (Leviticus 23:6-7) 

Today I want to look at two things. First, as we see above the 15th of the month of Nisan, the day after the Passover, was to be treated as a special day, in which no work was to be done. This would have been referred to as a High Sabbath, or Special Sabbath depending on your translation. We saw yesterday in our reading, in John 19:31, that John said the bodies on the cross should not be left there during the Sabbath. John notes that this Sabbath was a high, or special, day. 

Many people assume, as do some translations, that because Jesus needed to be taken off the cross before the Sabbath, that the crucifixion had to have taken place on Friday, the day before the weekly Sabbath. However, when you study the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, you see that the day after Passover was always a Sabbath, regardless of the day of the week. It was a High Sabbath. Each year, this High Sabbath fell on a different day of the week. Much the way, our 4th of July celebration falls on a different day each year. While it is possible that Jesus was crucified on Friday as tradition holds, what is known for certain is that Jesus would have been placed in the tomb by 6:00 p.m. at the end of the 14th of Nisan to avoid this High Sabbath. As I've said before, the day of the week isn't important. The fact that Jesus was the perfect Passover sacrifice, that is what is important.

The second thing I wanted to look at today is the significance of the celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. We saw in today’s reading that this celebration was in recognition of God delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt. This was the first day the Israelites were free from slavery to the Egyptians. Likewise, the 15th of Nisan was also the first day after Jesus’ death on the cross. Therefore, for a world in bondage to sin and death,  it was the first day of freedom from this slavery.

It is important to remember however, that God did not immediately bring the Israelites into the Promised Land. He first led them into the wilderness. This time provided a period of testing and trials for the nation. Often, the Israelites responded in disobedience and a desire to return to the slavery out of which they had been delivered. It wasn’t until this rebellion was removed from the nation that they were brought into the Promised Land. Likewise, God does not immediately deliver us from this world, but rather He uses our time here to sanctify and prepare us for eternity.

Questions for Reflection:
Do you ever find yourself drawn back to the slavery of sin from which you have been delivered? Take some time to pray and ask God to forgive your impatience and unwillingness to live as the new creation he has made you.

Passion Week - Day 5: The Passover (Part 1)

Today’s Scripture Reading:   Lev. 23:1-5; Luke 7-22

“This is My body which is given for you ... This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.”

At this point, it gets more complicated to avoid talking about specific days of the week. There were two traditions in Jesus' day for keeping the Passover one took place on the 14th of Nisan, the other took place on the 15th. Another complication in talking through what-happened-when is that the Jewish day started at sundown, not at midnight as we are accustomed. Therefore, it is quite possible that Jesus both partook of the Passover with his disciples and was crucified on the same day. (Which we would view as two different days.) So it would be wise to view today's post and tomorrow's as Part 1 and Part 2. Let’s take a look at how this day started. 

Matt. 26:20 tells us that when evening had come Jesus sat down with His disciples to share the Passover meal together. Just a note for clarification, this reference to “in the evening” could also have been translated “as the evening was completed.” Anyway, Jesus makes the statements that most of us are familiar with, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19b) referring to the bread, and “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:20b) referring to the cup. 

Given the way in which Jesus so perfectly and completely fulfilled all of the requirements of the Passover, I believe that He was not only referring to the bread and the cup, but also to His coming fulfillment of the Passover later that day. Most likely when Jesus said, “do this in remembrance of me,” He would have been referring to the celebration of the Passover as a whole, not simply the breaking of bread. We will see later how the Passover was connected to the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Jesus’ reference to the bread of which they were partaking has much more significance when viewed in light of the festival that was about to begin.

Questions for Reflection

If God is all knowing, do you think it is more likely that He perfectly orchestrated the events of Christ's Passion Week to align with all the Old Testament events, or that the events God previously prescribed were forward looking to this single pivotal event in history?Given that God's plans and ways are perfect, are you willing to trust Him enough to take control of your life?

Passion Week - Day 1: Lamb Selection Day

In light of today being Palm Sunday and this being the week to remember Jesus' sacrifice for us, I thought I'd repost some thoughts that I shared last year. These devotional-type posts reflect on the significance of the events that occurred on this week some two-thousand years ago in the form of daily devotionals. I'd like to encourage you to read the passages that are listed to gain a broader understanding of the many events that you and I often take for granted. 

While there is special significance in looking at the actual dates called out for these events, it can also lead to confusion and distraction from the more significant meaning of the events. In other words, the what is more important than the when. Therefore, I'm going to avoid as much as possible dwelling on the specific dates. Just know that they ultimately line up so well that it is clear that throughout the Old Testament, God is setting up the one week that forever changed history. Hope you enjoy these posts. 

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Exodus 12:1-24; Mark 11:1-11

“on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb”

God’s Word, in the Torah, states that the lamb would be selected on the 10th of Nisan. Jewish tradition had added the custom of the High Priest going out to Bethany on this day to select the lamb that was to be sacrificed. He would then bring it into Jerusalem and into the temple. 

Take a moment to reflect on the significance of Mark 11:11. 

Why would Jesus go into the temple to simply look around and then leave? 

Could it be because He was the Lamb of God (John 1:29) who had been selected by God to be the Passover Sacrifice? 

This is the picture the people of Israel should have had in their mind as Jesus came into Jerusalem from Bethany. The jubilant reception Jesus received from the crowds, the cries of “Hosanna”, indicate that they were aware that something of significance was happening. Some would even make the claim that prophecies such as Daniel’s 70 weeks in Daniel 9 can be seen to predict, to the day, this return of the Messiah.

However, the crowd did not consider the implication of Christ’s coming as the fulfillment of the Passover.  Why was the lamb led into the temple? So that four days later it could be sacrificed. Instead the crowds cried “Hosanna” which literally meant “Save us now!” They wanted deliverance from Rome, but God intended deliverance from sin, the fulfillment of the Passover Sacrifice. Many did not want to accept God’s answer, or His timing. Four days later the crowd can be seen crying "crucify Him."

Questions for Reflection:

How do you respond to God’s answers of your requests?Are you willing to accept His provision of your spiritual needs as more important than the satisfaction of your physical wants?Finally, are you willing to wait on God for His sovereign timing?

My First Kindle Free E-Book Offer

This week I'm running my first ever free Kindle e-book offer. As you can see above, it's doing pretty well in some categories. Gotta love that paranormal suspense classification. On one hand it is exciting to see so many downloads of In The Image of Man. With two full days remaining, over 500 copies have been downloaded. I can only hope that most of these are actually read. Of course, I'd also love to have many of them write reviews.

On the flip-side, it is tough to see that many copies downloaded without any resources being raised to donate to Living Water International. To this point, I've struggled with offering it for free for that reason. Then it dawned on me that if I were publishing and selling books for a profit, I would definitely run some free days, as do most authors, to build a readership and awareness, and potentially reviews.

It is really a cheap and quite effective form of promotion. One comment I read discussed the fact that because nearly all authors are offering their books for free at some point, many readers simply wait for the freebie rather than purchasing a copy. Probably quite true. The exceptions would be when someone's favorite authors come out with their new book. In a sense, this is what all authors hope to establish over time, and one good way to get readers is through free offers.

Either way, I am excited to think that so many people have the opportunity to experience the message of this book. That is after all the primary reason I write in the first place. If you know someone who might enjoy the book, let them know about the offer. Or, you can always pick up the paperback for them, and help someone get clean water as well.

'Till next time!

Rereading - In The Image of Man

With the completion of the first draft of Restoration's Journey, Book Two of the Unseen Dominion series, I have set about rereading Book One. I am not one to typically read a book more than once. Obviously, this is different. In reality, I've probably read this book several times over during writes, rewrites, edits, and more edits. However, this time is unique.

This is the first time I've read this book without looking to edit anything. Actually, it is in preparation for editing that I am reading it. Given, the time since the first book was originally written, I want to ensure a consistency of style and voice within the series. Therefore, I am reading In The Image of Man in order to lock the style, and choices I made with it, into my mind before entering the content edit of Restoration's Journey. This doesn't mean I won't make different choices with the sequel about style. But if there are changes, I need to ensure they are conscious and actually improve the reader experience.

So, what do you say. Want to join me in reading In The Image of Man this month?

'Till next time.

Book Review - Kracken by Ray Ellis

Kracken by Ray Ellis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an engaging story that continued to pull me in throughout. Important to the Sci-Fi genre, Author Ray Ellis creates believable characters and immerses them into a well described environment. At times, I would have appreciated even more detail as to the scene the author envisioned. However, there was enough detail to allow for the creative filling in of the rest. Ray did a good job of keeping the story pushing forward to an intriguing, unexpected, and somewhat open-ended conclusion. My primary struggle with this novel originated with the use of the omniscient point-of-view. At times, scenes jumped around a bit much and this kept me from being able to dive as deep into the characters as I wanted to. Overall, this was a good read and worth the investment of my time.

I received a free electronic copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Strike Up The Band - Restoration's Journey

It's time to celebrate. Perhaps the next best thing to a book hitting the shelves is typing the final words of the first draft of the story. That's exactly what I did this weekend.

For roughly eight months, I've been writing the sequel to my first release, In The Image of Man. If you've read the first book, this one follows young Ima Fredericks as she flees CeSiR Tech.

Initially, I set out to continue the story of Chris, Sarah, and all your favorites from Book One. Ima's flight was going to be the prologue. Well, the characters had different plans. In fact, Book Two, entitled Restoration's Journey, covers the week of time between when Ima exited the first story to where the first story ends. Have no fear, all the characters will be back in Book Three. I think. :)

I am excited for you to have the opportunity to meet and fall in love with this twelve year old girl. The bad news? This is only the first draft. While this first draft is not nearly as rough as my first draft of Image, there are still multiple stages of editing remaining before Journey is ready for primetime.

Unlike Image, which may have seemed to just show up one day on the electronic shelves, I promise there will be more notice and promotion of Journey. In fact, for readers of In The Image of Man who have written reviews and are interested in being a part of the process, we will be providing ARCs (Advance Reading Copy). This process helps to build excitement and anticipation, as well as getting the much influential reviews into the pipeline early in the book's release. Critical feedback from such readers will also be essential in keeping our editing costs in control, allowing us to help as many people in need as possible.

So, in the next few months, expect to see the unveiling of the cover art, more writing excerpts from the editing process, a preview excerpt, and more information on ARCs.

'Till next time!

Find Me on Goodreads!

Welcome readers.

I've mentioned it before, but I wanted to mention again a great website for readers. The site is called Goodreads. The site allows you to keep track of the books you've read, rate books, get suggestions for books you might like based on your ratings, and my favorite - interact with your favorite authors. You don't even have to remember another sign-in. All you have to do is use your Facebook account to login, assuming you have one. Another cool feature is that your Facebook friends will also become Goodreads friends.

You might be thinking, "why would I want another social network?" Well, unlike any other social media, Goodreads is completely oriented to readers and writers. You can see what books your friends like reading to help discover books you might like. Also, you can suggest books, like In The Image of Man, that others might like to read.

Not convinced? Let me offer one more reason to join Goodreads. If you like the ministry of Hearts of Compassion Publishing and/or enjoyed reading In The Image of Man, you can help the cause in a significant way. Here are some of the ways you can help:

1.  Give In The Image of Man an honest rating
2.  Give an honest review
3.  Recommend the book to friends you think would like to read it
4.  Become a Fan of Author Robert Roush.
5.  Join discussion groups with other readers

As I near the completion of Book Two of the Unseen Dominion series, becoming a Goodreads fan is a great way to stay up to date on the latest in giveaways, advanced review copies, release dates, and more.
Thanks for helping us out!

'Till next time.

Planning a Spring Break?

It's cold!

What better time to be thinking about a warm sunny trip to somewhere tropical for Spring Break? That is, unless you're an author. Several years back, we packed up the family (five kids) and headed to Arrow Springs, Missouri. Only problem, there is no such place as Arrow Springs, Missouri. Except in my book In The Image of Man.

In an effort to be realistic to the setting I had chosen for the book, we visited the location, walked around the fields, took lots of pictures, and discussed the town. The pictures above are actual pictures of the location of Arrow Springs. I still recall telling my oldest, "Right over there. That's where Sarah's house would be. River of Life Church would be over there. And we're standing in the River's Edge Bar."

Yeah, I know, a bit odd. In fact, my wife asked me why I hadn't written my book to take place in Hawaii. I told her that would be the next book. Actually, it's not. But, I did take her to Hawaii a few years back. A bit nicer than Central Missouri. No offense to anyone from Missouri. It's a bit nicer than pretty much anywhere on the planet. I love traveling as it provides a great opportunity to experience new places and people. You never know when you might need material.

What about you? What strange locations have you visited on vacation?

'Till next time!

Book Review - Checkmate: The Bowers Files by Steven James

I remember when I picked up my first book from Steven James. It seemed like everywhere I went, the cover of the book The Pawn--bright yellow with a tipped over pawn from the game of chess--jumped out at me from the bookshelf. Eventually, I had to pick up the book and give it a read. The Pawn was released back in 2007 and I can't believe that eight years and eight books later, I'm writing a review of the final book in "The Bowers Files" series.

In my opinion, Steven James is an excellent example that you can create a fast-paced, edgy, real-to-life crime drama without the need for excess profanity or gore. That said, I certainly wouldn't suggest these books for younger readers. In fact, I didn't allow my children to read them prior to adulthood, assuming that happens at 18. Steven deals with some very real challenges that face both adults and teenagers.

Aside from the disappointment that the series is really done, Checkmate will in no way disappoint readers of the prior books in the series. With twists, misdirection, and clues galore Checkmate, and the rest of the series, will appeal to both mystery and thriller fans alike. Steven exhibits a mastery of the ability to create believable characters, including frighteningly realistic psychotic antagonists. As an author, I find at times I'm intimidated to reveal the truth of the darkness that a creative mind is capable of dreaming  up for stories such as these. I can only imagine Steven must feel this at times as well.

Along these lines, I loved the struggle Patrick Bowers, the protagonist of the series, deals with as he faces his own demons while hunting down some of the worst criminals imaginable. What is justice when dealing with serial killers? How different are these psychopaths from the rest of us? How close to the line does one dare go before the pull of darkness drags them across?

Perhaps, my favorite line in the series appears near the end of the last book:

You strive for justice, you move toward the light when you can, and you shake off the darkness that clings to you from living on this fractured planet of lost dreams and sharp heartache.

This is a great illustration of the phrase in John 1:5, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." We all should remember that if it weren't for the grace of God, we all would find ourselves on the short end of being able to control the darkness that permeates our souls. Only the true light of Christ is capable of driving out the darkness and giving us an opportunity to pursue righteousness. Not our own, but that of Christ.

Thanks you Steven James for this intense, yet insightful series.

'Till next time.