PALM SUNDAY THIS WEEK.  

This week before resurrection Sunday I am reminded of Jesus and my need to know Him not only as savior and redeemer and Lamb of God, but as LORD, King, God, source of Life. 

Let us note from the scriptures that large crowds were coming to see Him.  And by their proclamation, “BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel”, it may be that they thought Him to be the Messiah.  However, it’s also possible they may have just thought Him to be a prophet/teacher, a healer of some kind, because the text makes it clear that many came because they had heard the testimony of the risen Lazarus, and wanted to see Lazarus as well.  In fact, enough attention was on Lazarus, the chief priest wanted him killed as well because many were believing in Jesus because of him.  Either way Jesus was pointing forward to the power of life, resurrection life, being in Him.   I must also say, it is possible that some, perhaps many, misunderstanding Who He was as Messiah Son of God, wanted to make a nationalistic or political king of Him. 

[John 12:9-18 NASB95] 9 The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also; 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus. 12 On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and [began] to shout, “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.” 14 Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written, 15 “FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF ZION; BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING, SEATED ON A DONKEY’S COLT.” 16 These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him. 17 So the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to testify [about Him.] 18 For this reason also the people went and met Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign.

The sad commentary here is that it is often easy to look past Jesus as the Christ, Messiah, Son of God, the Redeemer and Savior. Easy to simply seek Him based on information about Him, and for what we think  He can deliver to us only. And even more easy to fail to seek Him, to seek to know Him, personally and intimately as LORD! …  and as the source of LIFE, and give Him the preeminence as God, and that is His in God’s eternal purpose. 

You may not have realized it, but there is another palm waving celebration coming, and it comes out of those that have found Him as the center and giver of LIFE even in the midst of great tribulation…and recognize Him as Lamb on the throne, King and Lord/Shepherd. 

[Revelation 7:9-17 NASB95] 9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and [all] tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches [were] in their hands;10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and [around] the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, [be] to our God forever and ever. Amen.” 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” 14 I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 “For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16 “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; 17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

I am not sure I understand the full importance of this in John’s Revelation of Jesus. But I do know that I do not want to seek Him from only that which I may know about Him or for what He can do or provide for me.  

I desire to know Him and serve Him as Lamb (redeemer/savior) and LORD (King and God).  He who alone can shepherd me intimately, guiding me to springs of water of life, even out of great challenge or suffering. 

[Philippians 3:8-12 NASB95] 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from [the] Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which [comes] from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained [it] or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

Very rich stuff here from Paul in the light of knowing Him as Lord, the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed to His death to attain resurrection from death.  And, after salvation and deliverance from death, pressing on to be completely given to His purpose in making me His.  

Let us consider it as we celebrate His triumphant entry into the City of God, laying palm branches before Him and shouting “BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel”,

{Side Note the feast of booths implemented the cutting of branches for celebrating deliverance from Egypt/the world.

[Leviticus 23:40-43 NASB95] 40 ‘Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. 41 ‘You shall thus celebrate it [as] a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It [shall be] a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month. 42 ‘You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths, 43 so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.'”

And the feast was restored  as they returned from Babylon celebrating deliverance from captivity in Babylon/man made religion when they were rebuilding Jerusalem.

[Nehemiah 8:14-18 NASB95] 14 They found written in the law how the LORD had commanded through Moses that the sons of Israel should live in booths during the feast of the seventh month. 15 So they proclaimed and circulated a proclamation in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hills, and bring olive branches and wild olive branches, myrtle branches, palm branches and branches of [other] leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.” 16 So the people went out and brought [them] and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim. 17 The entire assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in them. The sons of Israel had indeed not done so from the days of Joshua the son of Nun to that day. And there was great rejoicing. 18 He read from the book of the law of God daily, from the first day to the last day. And they celebrated the feast seven days, and on the eighth day [there was] a solemn assembly according to the ordinance.

Palm branches also became a sign of Hebrew nationalistic pride according to historians and books  (Maccabees) that indicate they were used in celebration at the rededication of the temple and celebrating independence, and are said to have been minted on some Judean coins as such. Chances are good that at the time of the Palm Sunday of Jesus entry, the people were seeing, and seeking, Jesus as more of a nationalistic and political entity type of deliverer, than as a spiritual Savior and Deliverer.  Misunderstanding His the Kingship/Lordship}

In finishing that admonishment and exhortation, I wrote “You may think you are not equipped to encourage others because you are not a preacher, teacher, or don’t know enough.  Let me encourage you. You are equipped. The Holy Spirit is the The Encourager.  Jesus promised He would send a Helper,  a “parakletos” – one called alongside to help, an advocate, a defending attorney. He is in you for this very work.” 

I’d like to pick up there with a  bit more on the equipping to encourage this week. And, then take a look at one of the best examples of an “encourager” (if you will) in the scriptures. Barnabas, the son of encouragement

CALLING  TO ENCOURAGEMENT

Ephesians 2:10 tells us we are all created as His (God’s) workmanship and have been purposed for good works in Christ.

[Ephesians 2:10 NASB95] 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

We, in fact have, in the eternal purpose of God, been saved with purpose in Christ to do good, His, works.  Don’t get confused. We are not saved BY those works (see vs 8-9), but we have been saved and created specifically FOR those works. And, again, don’t get confused.  These are not works we dream up to somehow appease or please an angry God. No, these are works that He, God, has prepared and called us to walk in, in His eternal purpose in Jesus. 

We are to be in Christ doing what He did, what He does, what He is doing. If we look at His ministry on earth, I think we can all agree He encouraged disciples. So, the chances are very good He is still doing so now, and intends to do that through us. 

Last week we touched on Hebrew 3:13 which shows us the primary shield we have against the deceitfulness of sin is encouragement from one another.

[Hebrews 3:13 NASB95] 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is [still] called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Do note that this is not simply a suggestion. It is a directive, a mandate.  And, it is to be consistent.

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER! ….. DAY AFTER DAY AS LONG AS IT IS STILL CALLED TODAY. In other words, day after day after day after day …   …. …

Perhaps from these two verses we can see and understand we are called and purposed for encouragement.

EQUIPPING FOR ENCOURAGEMENT

[John 14:16-17 NASB95] 16 “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 [that is] the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, [but] you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

As alluded to last week Jesus promised His disciples another Helper. And, this one will be with you forever. The word Helper here is Greekparakletos:  One called alongside to help, to aid. An advocate, one to plead your case before a judge, counsel for the defense.  In John 13 Jesus had told them He was going away, but not to worry because He would come back to them. But, in the meantime I am going to send ANOTHER helper. And this one will never leave you, but will be with you forever.   I think He uses the term another because He personally had been their parakletos  while with them, but was going to send this Helper to be with them by being IN them forever..

This Helper, He says, is the Spirit of truth. It is the Holy Spirit. He tells them they know Him because He abides with them.  This inference I believe is that in the same way He told them they have seen and know the Father in verse 7-8 of John 14, so have they also seen and known this Helper the Holy Spirit. The only difference coming is He will be in you and He will be with you forever. 

Again I make no pretense of being a Greek scholar. I do know This word parakletos is from a root word parakaleo which is most often translated ENCOURAGE (as it is in Hebrews 3:13). So this Helper is an/the “encourager” in fact, He is the source of all encouragement as our defender, and the One that leads us into all truth.  

The reason our encouragement is so critical is that our adversary is busy accusing us day and night. The deceitfulness of sin is consistent.   Let us not fear for the accuser is defeated, and conquered. But, let us not let our guard down in terms of encouraging and protecting one another as Hebrews 3:13 directs.  

[Revelation 12:10 NASB95] 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.

Here are a few scriptures that speak to us about the work or the Encourager/Helper that has been sent to us and that is abiding within us. The things He does, He also equips and enables us to do; the work of  encouraging one another. 

[John 14:26 NASB95] 26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Let us encourage by teaching and reminding one another consistently what Jesus has said and is saying. 

[John 15:26 NASB95] 26 “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, [that is] the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,

Let us encourage one another  consistently  testifying of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, all His benefits and love for us as the Spirit of truth enables us to manifest His life as His body, the church, the fullness of Him. 

[John 16:13 NASB95] 13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Let us encourage one another consistently that Jesus is the truth, all truth, and the only truth is in Him. Let us encourage one another with what the Spirit speaks to us, reveals to us, and about the hope we have in what is to come.  

[John 16:7-8 NASB95] 7 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;

Let us encourage one another consistently that the Holy Spirit has come and is with us, and let Him show us what is wrong , what is right, and that Jesus has lifted us out of judgment. 

We have been equipped to encourage one another day after day as long as it is called today. 

THE SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT

I hear a lot in our times about restoring the church of the first century.  I’m not so sure we need a restoration of the church of that time, but I think a restoration of the love for one another, and commitment they seemed to have to one another and the kingdom, would be wonderful. 

Sometimes, I wonder if they didn’t labor under the misconception that the Lord’s bodily return was to be quick (see Acts 1:11), and so they holed up in Jerusalem, looking for His return rather than the opportunity to minister to the world around them.  We, for sure, can be inspired by their sense of community and their unity in sharing all things in common. But, let us not mistake economic equality for spiritual unity. Spiritual unity is not dependent on economic equality but rather holding all things in and before Him as we function under His Lordship. 

In Acts 4 we are introduced to some of this sense of community… and to Barnabas.

[Acts 4:32-37 NASB95] 32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one [of them] claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. 36 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), 37 and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Our first introduction to Barnabas  shows him to be a man who was unselfish.  I think perhaps he had been given the name “Barnabas” before this gift was made, because Luke seems to indicate the Levite, Joseph” was called Barnabas/Son of Encouragement by the apostles making me think it is a handle he had earned before. 

So the first thing we can learn by his example is that encouragement, in all its forms, is founded in an unselfish attitude. One who would encourage others will sometimes, if not often, be required to give of themselves putting the interest and needs of others before themselves, and encouragement may come at a personal cost.

Secondarily, some would say an encourager will “encourage leadership” as in embracing “supporting the  hierarchy”. I would take issue with that, as I see Barnabas laying the gift it at the feet of the apostles, not to honor them or their “leading”, but rather as a practical matter of showing his interest in supporting , and his passion for, the church and ministering to those in need among the household of faith. Either way, it speaks of His passion for the church and unselfishly serving others.  He was seeking the Kingdom first, knowing an attitude toward possessions reveals an attitude of heart toward the Lord and His Kingdom. Seeking the Kingdom first knows ..It is all His and He will provide.   

We know He gave from proper motive in love and honesty.  Ask Annanias and Sapphira in Acts 5 how we know. 

In Acts 9 we find Saul (who will be Paul the apostle)  breathing murder against the church at Damascus with authority from Jerusalem. He is knocked off his feet by a flash of light and asked by Jesus why he is persecuting Him. He is gloriously converted and begins preaching Christ in the synagogues to the point the Jews are plotting to do him in, but he escapes to Jerusalem.  The homeboys at Jerusalem feared Saul, but now entered the son of encouragement, Barnabas.

[Act 9:26-28 NASB95] 26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples;but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.

In the midst of fear and thinking Saul was deceiving them we read Barnabas took hold of him/Saul. Barnabas defended Saul to the apostles. Barnabas supported Saul giving testimony of His meeting Jesus and Paul sharing boldly that Jesus is the Christ. 

At Acts 9:3 we read  31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.

Again by the example of Barnabas we learn that encouragement is people oriented. It is willing to take hold of people, to get to know them, give them a chance, to discover the truth regarding who they are in Christ and encourage their calling. It will meet those who are rejected with acceptance.  It is again rooted in unselfish counting of cost. Barnabas laid both his life (if Saul was deceiving them) and his reputation on the line to meet and embrace Saul. Encouragement is willing to believe people and that they can be radically changed by encountering Christ and to support them in those changes.  Barnabas did not let exceptions in others in the past dissuade him from taking the risk to love and support someone else, like Saul. 

We know Barnabas was consistent in this attribute of encouragement because we read in Acts 15:37-41 that he and  Paul (Saul) came to such a disagreement over John Mark’s failures that they parted company after many travels and much ministry together. Paul and Silas going one way, Barnabas and Mark another. Barnabas would not give up on Mark. Later in 2 Timothy 4:11 we see Paul has evidently learned from Barnabas’ example as well and He writes  bring Mark for he is useful to me for service.

Encouragement stays consistent even in the face of moral or practical failure.

(side note: Can’t prove it, but I believe Barnabas knew about bouncing back to calling from rejection, because I think he may well have been the Joseph considered for the open 12th disciple/apostle position when the lot fell to Matthias in Acts 1:23-26 [Act 1:23-26 NASB95] 23 So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen 25 to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.)

From Acts 9 through 12 we consistently read “Barnabas and Paul” and from Acts 13 onward “Paul and Barnabas.”  I believe Barnabas  helped disciple, support, and move Paul forward in ministry and calling until a point that Paul took his place in ministry. Barnabas was a consistent encouragement to Paul in His calling in the gospel and particularly to the Gentiles.

In Acts 11 Jerusalem was receiving word of Gentiles coming to Christ at the report of Peter, and were skeptical. And when reports came Greeks were being converted at Antioch, the homeboys at Jerusalem sent their man Barnabas to once again check out if they were true conversions.

[Acts 11:20-26 NASB95] 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and [began] speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and [began] to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain [true] to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. 25 And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

I believe Jerusalem sent Barnabas because of their experience with him testing the conversion of Saul. They knew he could tell if the LORD was in it. More than that, they knew he would encourage the converts in the Lord to be faithful and true to he LORD. When Barnabas arrived and saw what the Lord was doing by grace, he REJOICED  and he ENCOURAGED THEM!  He encouraged them in his Christ likeness. 

Barnabas was qualified to recognize the grace and work of God on the lives of others! He was qualified to encourage them in serving and walking with Jesus.  What a report!!! “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit (the source of encouragement) and faith! And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.” These were Gentiles or Hellenistic Jews!

And what did Barnabas do on top of that. Did he just bask in the glory of it? No! He chased down Paul, one he had encouraged and worked to disciple, and brought him along because he knew of Paul’s calling and passion for the Gentiles.  And he continued to work with, I think encouraging, Paul in his gifts and calling, for a year as they made disciples of,  and taught, CONSIDERABLE NUMBERS.  In fact it was there the saints were first given the derogatory moniker of  “little Christs” or “Christians”.

From the example of Barnabas may we also learn to be Sons of Encouragement…

1) Seeing Unselfishness as the basis and root of all encouragement.

2) Giving of ourselves sacrificially in finances and practical service as required of the Lord Jesus.

3) Encouraging those gifted to serve and equip others (not necessarily lead in hierarchical position ).

4) Encouraging out of concern for church, people, and a passion for the Kingdom of God first.

5) Being people and relationship oriented.

6) Taking a chance on supporting and encouraging those changed by Jesus.  Even at the cost of being vulnerable, our reputation, judgement or rejection.

7) Taking time to get to know people, establish relationships, and find out the truth about people in Christ.

8) Not letting a few “bad apple” experiences sour or dissuade us from trust of those changed by Christ.

9) Although it may cost us, giving anyway.

10) Being excited about what new things God is doing with people, and encouraging them in Christ.

11) Encouraging others in Christlikeness. Hopefully like we have displayed in our character in Him.

12) Supporting others gifts and calling, and giving opportunities for others to grow and be released in His purpose.

Encouragement takes commitment.  Commitment is a decision of the will to act in a certain way no matter what, because it is what God is asking of you. 

Build relationships. Build up the Church. Remember people are the only stuff of eternity we touch here, and the only “things” going to the other side. 

Invest deeply.  Make the calls, messages, e-mails, write the letters, do meals together, practically serve and give. Encourage one another day after day.

Webster’s dictionary defines it as: to inspire with courage and hope; to stimulate, foster and incite courage.

In our Western culture this necessary nutrient for our well being is sorely lacking. The body to be properly nourished distributes nutrients through the circulatory system. The circulatory system for the Body of Christ, the church, is fellowship/relationships in Jesus. So, it is a sad commentary to think of encouragement as lacking in the Body of Christ.   

Please understand I did not say that encouragement comes through teaching! Particularly not platform to spectator type instruction based in the transfer of data, knowledge, and information about the bible or even about God. NO! NO! It comes through the circulatory system of relationship and fellowship in Him, in His Body, sharing life in knowing Him.  

I think, sometimes, it is lacking in the Body of Christ because we don’t see others as “needy” for being encouraged. 

This stands, I suspect, grossly opposed to the early church where they had to encourage one another just to hang on. They had to encourage one another on an ongoing basis because they were persecuted and had problems. They had to encourage one another in order to just stand and hold on to their hope. They had to have those kinds of relationships with one another.

May I be so bold as to suggest we are blindly kidding ourselves if we do not see ourselves and others as needy regarding encouragement. We, the ekklesia, today still need ongoing encouragement to just stand for Him and hold on to our hope in Him, in the face of a darkening culture, existentialism, humanism, and more.

I taught, in a more traditional pastoral position back in 1982, that I was convinced the most important thing we could do to build up one another in the Body of Christ is encourage one another regularly and often. I still think this is true!  

If you want to see the Body of Christ come into the measure of the statue of the fullness of Christ Jesus, and If you want to see the body of Christ functioning in growing itself up in love (see Ephesians 4:13,15-16), If you believe God has purpose for that to happen, and for that to be a part of our passion for the ekklesia… Then, encouragement is the nutrient for that maturity and growth. And, it is delivered in the “one another” relationships and fellowship we have in Jesus. 

God has placed within each of us, in the makeup of man, a desire to be needed. We want to feel important and necessary to someone or something.  I believe the LORD has put that in us to cause, or drive, us to find purpose in Him.  We will not find that He/God needs us. Or, that we are necessary to Him. Because He is complete and sufficient in Himself. But that desire moves us to search out our origin and purpose. To one day ask: “What is it all about? Why am I here?”  Existential philosophy and Humanism will leave you empty. In fact, outside of finding life and purpose in Christ Jesus, all else will be empty.  But in Christ, as a believer and functioning member of His body, we not only find salvation from judgment; we find purpose in co-laboring with, or in Him, in the eternal purpose of God.  It is, in fact, why the gospel has been preached.

[1Peter 4:6-11 NASB95] 6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to [the will of] God. 7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober [spirit] for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a [special] gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, [is to do so] as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves [is to do so] as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The gospel has gone forward, preached to dead men – those dead in sin and judgment – that they might live in the Spirit (“according to”- Greek “kata” in, as, by, daily with)God. NOTE: the “one another” stewardship that is oulined – love, hospitality, service with gifts given you specifically by God, speaking of and for God, service with God enabled strength!  All that God may receive Glory through Jesus personally, and through us as His body. All these acts are ways that  are a part of ministering to/encouraging one another. And none are primarily done at or through traditional church meetings or platform-to-spectator teaching! 

With that said let us consider the place of encouragement.

[Hebrews 10:19-25 NASB95] 19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since [we have] a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled [clean] from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging [one another;] and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

This passage starts out with an overlooked word:  “SINCE” … because, because this is the reality… certain things are true and established.  With that in mind let’s discover what follows. 

We, believers, now have confidence by the blood of Jesus to enter the holy place. The place of God’s presence, His glory, His mercy, His provision – all the provision the ark symbolized –  the holy of holy is now open. Jesus has made a new and living pathway through the veil that once kept us out. As His flesh was pierced  the veil in the temple was torn.

And another Since.… because… we now have a great high priest, and intercessor, in Him/Jesus; Let us (we can)  draw near with full assurance of faith, hearts cleansed by the sprinkling of blood cleansing an evil conscience, and bodies washed with pure water to minister before God.  Let us (we can) hold our hope without fear or wavering.  

These things set up by Since… because this is true … are foundational. They are the foundation for our moving in relationship with our Holy God and IN Jesus in relationship to one another.   Since – We have been cleansed, We have a high priest, We have forgiveness and righteousness in Jesus and before God, the end result is four things:

1) Let us (we can) draw near

2) Let us (we can) hold fast the confession of hope

3) Let us (we can) consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds

4) Not forsaking ( we ought to be) getting together, but doing so for the specific purpose of encouraging one another

The outworking of encouragement is to work these four things into, and through, our relationships.

Through encouragement we can be aiding one another in developing a personal relationship with the LORD, drawing near to Him.  Speaking of His faithfulness, His love and mercy, His ways, even His just judgments and holiness, about who He is and knowing His nature and character. Let us speak to one another of Him the way that David and the psalmist did, speaking to their souls, moving our soul – mind, will, and emotion, toward Him in all circumstances. Battles, trials, and high times of intimate praise/worship.

Through encouragement we can build up one another in fundamental truths and our hope. Confessions regarding knowing that we are saved and have eternal life, the surety of His coming, the resurrection, communion, His purpose in the church, and more.

Through encouragement we can stimulate one another to love and good deeds.  The word stimulate here means provoke. Literally, if you will, “egg one another on”.  I picture Mohammed Ali … how he would provoke his opponent in the boxing ring to come after him…”Come on. I’m so pretty, and fast.. come on… bring it on! Just see if you can touch me!”   Only we’re saying …“Come on… love me, love that brother….serve that sister… help that one… speak to that situation. Your God in you is more than enough!”   A part of this is considering another’s trials, difficulties, and their weaknesses and strengths. Then, provoking active love to deal with one another where they/we are. Provoking active love for one another.  And, provoking practical service to one another in good works. 

Ephesians 2:10 indicates that we have been purposed for and called to good works in Christ.  Let us also encourage specific calling and gifting in others, like Jonathan to David. Stimulate one another to hold to what God has called them to and given them to do.

In verse 25… not forsaking assembling.  We generally take this to mean large once a week gatherings, so called “church meetings”.  I don’t think the early church met in large buildings with large parking lots (camel and donkey corrals) and only on the Lord’s day. They met house to house. They were often persecuted.   So, I believe the instruction here is more about groups on a smaller basis and more often. The writer was simply saying don’t stop getting together….small or large gatherings, or otherwise – one or two, persecuted or not. In fact, get together all the more, in the day of troubles. 

Christianity was never meant to be walked out alone.  We are a body, a family, a community.   We need one another, and we find our place and purpose, reason for being here, in fellowship and relationships in Him. 

Finally, There is safety and security in our encouragement of one another.

[Hebrews 3:12-13 NASB95] 12 Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is [still] called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Clearly encouragement is the defense and shield against unbelief and the deceitfulness of sin. We must stand together because we cannot stand alone, and were not intended to. 

Revelation 12 says the accuser of the brethren accuses them day and night. We live in a time when such inspiration to unbelief, and sin’s deceitfulness is as near as a cell phone, t.v., computer and any media screen. Let us encourage one another day after day. We often hear of prominent leaders falling, and “Christian” celebrities “deconstructing” their faith. 

Without much exposition … let me suggest you read Numbers 14 where the people wanted to turn back and were appointing leaders to take them back to Egypt after the spies returned from a look at the promised land.   Be Caleb, be Joshua. Encourage people to hope in God and go forward for the promise is good and near, and God is for us.  They may want to stone you for your confidence, but when you stand for Him…. the glory of the LORD may appear and be obvious to all.  

[Numbers 14:6-7, 9-10 NASB95] 6 Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; 7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. … 9 “Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.” 10 But all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Then the glory of the LORD appeared in the tent of meeting to all the sons of Israel.

You may think you are not equipped to encourage others because you are not a preacher, teacher, or don’t know enough.  Let me encourage you. You are equipped. The Holy Spirit is the The Encourager.  Jesus promised He would send a Helper,  a “parakletos” – one called alongside to help, an advocate, a defending attorney. He is in you for this very work of encouragement. 

Again, encouragement is, perhaps IMHO,The Most Important thing we can do to build up the Body of Christ. For years, since the 80’s, I’ve suggested, sometimes strongly,  believers use the technology we have at hand – phone calls, letters, cards, visits, e-mail, text, visits,  breakfast-lunch-dinner-coffee meet ups- etc. as tools for encouragement. By far and in large part, without wanting  to condemn anyone, I’ve not seen much change.  I continue to do so even now, because I believe that in most fellowships, if each one were simply making 3 calls per week  to other believers (or in some way contacting or practically serving a couple of others), we could move most fellowships from meeting focused to relationship focused. How much time does a few calls or text take?  Our technology and transportation advances make this an easy thing.  Eventually, if the church is building itself up in love and the full stature of Christ, we can turn fellowships, and even cities, upside down, as we provoke the world to jealousy over how we love one another.

As I wrapped up last week I shared two pertinent scriptures.  One that makes it clear that the kingdom is a present reality and that it is “in your midst” or within you. And, a second that tells us to live seeking it and trusting in its present provision. 

[Luke 17:20-21 NASB]20 Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!‘ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

The King James  version uses the term “within you” which may be a better literal translation as the word for within/in your midst according Strong’s is “entos”: 1)within, inside 2) within you i.e in your midst i 3)within you – i.e your soul.

[Luke 17:20-21 KJV] 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

This makes the present reality of the kingdom clear, but also makes it obvious that you, we believers – the church, will be the physical manifestation of the kingdom most will encounter, just as Jesus was when He walked the earth as He spoke these words.

The second scripture is very familiar and often quoted.

[Matthew 6:31-34 NASB95] 31 “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

Again, this seems to make it obvious that there is a present kingdom to be sought and in it is full provision for each day.

Having been a believer for 50 plus years, I’m still amazed at the numbers of believers that seem to think, as mentioned last week, the kingdom is all pie in the sky when we die.  But what is more interesting to me, as an observer of the church and believers, is the number who fail to realize that we manifest the Kingdom as we live and move in Christ Jesus as His body and under His Lordship. Or, perhaps even worse, seem to think that we must somehow pull the kingdom down from the heavenlies by our pious efforts at prayer, righteousness, or building something FOR God.  That is being captive in Babylon.  Babylon is always marked by man’s effort to reach God by self effort/works and to make a name for themselves, rather than simply love Him resulting in service/obedience to what He is saying and doing. Co-laboring with Him.

As we focus on developing a Kingdom paradigm based in seeking the King and His Kingdom, we first come to the place where the King and the Kingdom are a present reality. There is a King and He has an established domain/Kingdom.

The ekklesia is simply the current conduit for bringing the Kingdom to earth in Jesus. Heaven joins earth and is to invade it through us, the church, which is His (Jesus) body, the fullness of Him who fills the all in all.  Ephesians 1:22-23.  This conduit should be thought of perhaps a bit like Jacob’s ladder. But, instead of angels descending and ascending, it is like one of those chutes on the back of cement truck with the effluence of the kingdom being poured out on the earth to be spread by, and through, the likes of you and me.

When Jesus walked the earth he proclaimed: “The Kingdom is now, has come near you, is in your midst”. We, as the church, His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all, now give expression to the Kingdom in Him. We are the people, Body, Bride, Temple where the Kingdom finds expression.  We do not have to, nor are we, pulling heaven’s kingdom down by pleading prayer, or our piety, or our own initiatives. The Kingdom has been established in us by, and in, Him, and flows right through us as we are its conduit when we seek the King and the Kingdom rather than our own initiatives (Babylon), or the worlds ways and systems (Egypt), or seek to build something FOR God to  reach Him in our own works and our own inspiration and to make a name for ourselves more than Him (Babylon).

Too many believers today trust in, and get totally wrapped up in, today’s political constructs to establish the Kingdom of God in the earth. The truth is He has already established the Kingdom, and He has had no intention, and does not have now, nor will ever have, any intention of using the constructs of the world’s system to establish or manifest His own. 

The Kingdom will never be manifested or implemented through the political constructs of man or the world’s systems.  This does not mean the LORD cannot use them or move through them as tools for dealing with men and His people. The scriptures are replete with examples of His using evil Kings, Pharaohs, and Rome for His purposes.  But His Kingdom is His! These worldly political entities and constructs never replace it, nor do these establish it. Kingdom reign requires a commitment and allegiance to Jesus Lordship and nothing else. 

I have shared this before, but will again: 

This is a letter taken from The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.   The Screwtape Letters, for those that haven’t read it is Lewis’ exposition of how men, including believers, are often duped and deceived into believing lies, and manifest nonsense, by the adversary.  Screwtape is a master demon writing advice to his younger nephew about how to attack men (“the patient” here, sometimes he refers to them “hairless bipeds”) in order to keep them rejecting the truth and love of God.​

It is an excellent reminder that we are of a different Kingdom and have been transferred to a different political reality and system. Yes, you should pray for and obey the government you are under in the U.S.A. But, keep in mind your allegiance is to another King and Kingdom where Jesus is on the throne. God is not using the political constructs of philosophies of man to establish His Kingdom on earth. He has, in fact, established the Kingdom in/within we that are submitted to the Lord Jesus. And, His intent is to overthrow, by love, every other dominion on the face of the planet in the hearts of men, until every knee bows and every tongue confesses Jesus is Lord…. just as you and I have.  As Lewis indicates, His Kingdom is focused on having you personally “advancing in character formation, and the thing you can control” under His Lordship. Rather than stirring yourself up to “angst, frustration, and general disdain toward the rest of the human race” that may disagree or stand against you.  His design is for you to stand in love, in the kind of “charity and peace” that provokes the world to jealousy wanting to be in the  Kingdom of the Son He loves, just as you are, and enjoying the provision found there. 

Unfortunately, too many Christian teachers, church expressions, and believers get tied up in, and very exercised over politics, particularly American politics.  I confess I often am myself. But, many go to the point of standing only AGAINST things, issues, principles and, worst of all, people. And then, they never give any indication to those they are against that they are standing FOR JESUS.  Or, that they are standing in Him/Jesus alone.  The indication is that we stand for the “other side”, “the issue”, “the principle”, etc.  That may be well and good for righteousness sake, but the indication should be  just as clear that we stand for Him and His Kingdom. We are ambassadors for His Kingdom. And, in His kingdom submission is gained by love; not by coercion, intimidation, anger or outburst, or violence.  If we only give indication of what or who we are against, rather than indicating we stand with and for Jesus and His Kingdom, love – the love of God – never has  opportunity to reveal its fullness in Him 

You may ask: “Well, does that mean, as a believer, I must be separated from all politics?”

Does this mean you can’t participate in your rights as a citizen of the United States, or whatever earthly entity you may come from.  No! Can you not be a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or whatever? No!  You can exercise your rights and belong to whatever you may.  However your commitment to nation and party ends where they cross the Lordship of Jesus, and you must realize that compromise may be difficult. His Kingdom will often be at odds with the world’s systems.

It also often means to trust, or put your hope, in these entities over and above the Kingdom, is to reject trusting the King/Lord and seeking first the Kingdom. Our security is not found in the world’s kings and political parties or systems. Our security is in the authority of Jesus.

God never wanted His people to have any King or government but Him. 

[1Samuel 8:1-9 NASB] 1 And it came about when Samuel was old that he appointed his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; [they] were judging in Beersheba. 3 His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice. 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; 5 and they said to him, “Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the LORD. 7 The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them. 8 “Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day–in that they have forsaken Me and served other gods–so they are doing to you also. 9 “Now then, listen to their voice; however, you shall solemnly warn them and tell them of the procedure of the king who will reign over them.”

Right after this the LORD gives Samuel a warning, which he delivers to the people about how their sons will be forced to be soldiers of the king, how their daughters will be forced to labor for the king, and how they will be taxed heavily to serve the king and his purposes. Sound familiar?

Then the Lord tells Samuel to listen to the voice of the people, for they have not rejected Samuel but the LORD, and give them a King and directs him to Saul.   Saul and David both proved to be fairly decent kings, but from there on in Israel, Saul forward, the burden on the people became hard and heavy and, often, evil.  

You can seek THE KING and HIS KINGDOM in Jesus, or you can be ruled by other than He that is truly LORD.  To desire the politics or world’s systems to provide for and judge for you, or to trust in them,  to put your hope in them, can be to reject Him from being King/Lord over you. 

Most of us want what we want, and the truth is we want to be King of our life!  But the gospel of the Kingdom leads us to a place of crucifixion of that desire.

Those functioning in the gospel, seeking first the Kingdom and His righteousness, are grounded in and focused upon the LORDSHIP/authority of Jesus, not the ways, systems, and devices of the world. The LORD does not advance His Kingdom, in this age, by wielding power physically or politically, or by violence. So we cannot expect to advance or exhibit the Kingdom through the exhibition of physical or political power or resorting to violence.  The Kingdom advances, and is exhibited, by those who have no life or power of their own, but have a God given ability, under His authority, to lay their life down (and sometimes suffer as He did – see Philippians 2) in obedience to the Father and His purpose. Thereby they manifest the kingdom as they trust in the Lordship of Jesus whatever their circumstances, rather than trust in themselves and the world’s politics or power.

There is a King and there is a Kingdom! And, for this moment, the kingdom is being manifested and poured out through you as a conduit as The King has come near you as your LORD, and His kingdom is within you, even in your midst, by the Holy Spirit. 

Luke 17:20-21 KJV] 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

The scripture seems to make the present reality of the kingdom obvious to me.   What is a kingdom? It’s the place where a certain king exercises dominion, rule and authority; a domain. I will simply define and outline it here as: a place where that certain kings dominion is visible, present, and recognized as a now reality among His subjects, and His authority as King/Lord is not questioned or challenged. 

[Colossians  1:13 NASB] 13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

This scripture makes it clear that there has been a change of domain and dominion/authority for those that believe! Not that there will be, someday, in the distant future, or on the other side. We have been transferred (past tense/has happened) from the domain/dominion of darkness to the kingdom of God’s beloved son.  What is the difference between the “domain of darkness” and the “kingdom of the beloved Son”?  

We were rescued from the exousia (Greek- authority/legal power) of darkness.  Because of that rescue, it has no authority or power to rule us, as we have been transferred (literally: transposed, transferred, removed from one place to another, changed place or situation) from it to something altogether different! Namely the kingdom of the Son (Jesus) He (God the Father) loves. The kingdom of His beloved son.  Kingdom here is not just another use of exousia but the basileia (Greek: royal power, kingship, dominion, rule, right or authority to rule as king, territory subject to the rule of a king). So we were not simply transferred from the authority of darkness. We were moved literally to a different realm, domain, territory…… a Kingdom!  The Kingdom of the Son He loves! 

Were we called, saved, transferred to make a better world or to manifest a kingdom?

We should understand  that this rescue/ salvation involves a transfer that involves recognizing Jesus is King, not merely a savior.  Yes! we were rescued/saved, if you will,  by the Father.   But that salvation and rescue was NOT just from something; the domain of darkness. But a salvation unto something; a transfer to the kingdom of the Son. There is a King in the Kingdom (not just a savior), an Emperor over the Empire. He is to be in charge and is technically the Emperor of an Empire. So the question is one of loyalty and service, to Whom is it due. 

In John 3 Jesus has a very interesting conversation with Nicodemus. 

[John 3:3-7 NASB95] 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

Jesus makes it clear here  there is a change needed if you are to see (vs. 3 – comprehend, understand, see with your eyes, perceive with the mind, know, experience and be acquainted with by experience) the kingdom of God.  And enter (vs. 5 – go in, come in, take possession). Again this is not referenced as pie in the sky when we die. Even Nicodemus’s question seeks a now/present explanation. The kingdom exists now!   Further on in this conversation Jesus would focus on present realities and His personally bringing things before unseen, and of heaven, to earth. Invading earth with the heavenly. (see vs.10-13 

The kingdom exists now! So, in our relationship to Jesus, it is the Kingdom first, and church second.  Jesus is building a Kingdom-shaped ekklesia/church, not a church-shaped kingdom(s).  

There is a framework/structure that binds all citizens of the Kingdom politically. Christians are first citizens of the Kingdom of God, then members of local churches, and lastly citizens of political nation-states, or part of tribes and clans

Many Christians have been taught the theory that Jesus is their King.
 But, just not now, not here, not really, not in present reality,  and not in any way that counts today. Their practical lives and actions document their faith, that the rulership of Christ, His being King and Lord is irrelevant to them. His being savior matters some, but Lord – not so much.

It is a Christianity where in reality, not the King is in exile, but the people themselves are in exile; in other words: a new Babylonian captivity.

A citizen in God’s Kingdom is someone who is saved by grace and then does the will of the Father. Listening to Him and co-laboring with Him in Jesus, doing works He created us for in Christ beforehand (in eternity past). See Ephesians 2:10.      

Some of us live as illegal aliens.  We are in the Kingdom, but doing the will of the King is not a real concern.

The greatest deception of traditional Christendom was that it became an accepted fashion to call upon Jesus simply for personal salvation, but to deny him the right to be actual King/Lord. This has created a huge credibility gap in the eyes of the world, who look at Christians as basically hypocritical, not living what they preach.

God is inviting all those who have “called upon Jesus as Lord to be their savior” to complete the second half of that conversion: to call Jesus also their Lord and Emperor, to give up any contest or rebellion, and to become legal and fully functioning royal citizens of his empire and an integral part of its mission.  Many have accepted His rescue, but  have yet to realize the second part of the rescue of Colossians 1:13 was a transfer into the Kingdom under His King Jesus. This requires us to grasp that His Kingdom is not a democracy; in God’s Kingdom it is He who rules.

Wherever this happens, the Body of Christ suddenly has a Head again – and starts to function as it should. Only there is no limit for such a church as an expression of His body.

The Kingdom of God- is not at all just some future dream people encounter after entering heaven; it is the realm of the uncontested rule of God. The domain within which God is voluntarily obeyed. Nor from coercion and fear, but from love.  One you comprehend the fullness of His love in Christ, you can’t help but bow the knee to Jesus as Lord and King.  

[Luke 17:20-21 NASB]20 Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!‘ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

Jesus did not come to bring a “Christian” sharia through the constructs of men or what some term now Christian nationalism.  But, he did bring the Kingdom!  Selah.

It is not a global transformation of this world, into a paradise.

One of the most devastating Kingdom-teachings widespread among many Christians today is the battle cry to create a better world in the name of God. 

At the core of this misconception lies the human desire to establish the rule of God over believers and unbelievers alike, to implement a sort of Christian Sharia (enforced Islamic law) in nation-states.  Jesus never got involved in the social, political, legal, financial and health-related problems of this world, particularly not through government. Instead, He brought, demonstrated, lived and preached a radical alternative: how life looks under the reign of God.

Those that confuse the Kingdom of God with a strategy for creating a better world fight a hopeless cause. They place themselves at the wrong frontier and waste their precious time, energy and money.  Look around: the bulk of Christian finances go into creating a better world.

Jesus has not instructed us to feed all the hungry of this world, to heal all its sicknesses, to get rid of global poverty and make personally sure that everyone on the planet has a decent schooling, safe drinking water and medical health care. These are things that are dictated by our own fallen, and wounded, understanding of justice, but not by God. These are classical issues and tasks of governments, the UN, or even, Bill Gates and other humanistic philanthropists of this world. 

Jesus was, unlike most humans, not driven by need, or serving need,  but driven by God (John 5:19) serving Him. Jesus went literally with His head raised – eyes locked with his Father in heaven – through a society full of screaming needs and strangled by sin; but he did not solve all the social problems of Palestine, did not healall the sick in the Middle East, did not dig a single well, build a school, hospital or kindergarten. He did not  speak at a managers luncheon in a wellness Spa, encouraging others to have more faith for more business. He did what He saw the Father doing in the moment in a very real sense.

Jesus did not come 
to solve our every problem, but to liberate us, that we might in turn share His liberation and kingdom with others, and model life under the loving rulership of Him in His kingdom.. That is the logic of the cross: what looks like stupidity in the eyes of the world is, in fact, spiritual wisdom

Jesus knew that his followers, having their goals confused, would forever become busy solving the never-ending problems of the world, serving the never-ending needs.,  And, being so distracted  would not have time for their original mission: to expand the rule of God over as many people and people groups as possible. That’s why His instruction was  the“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things will be added as needed. And sharing that, modeling that, and encouraging people to be rescued by Him… and  live in the transfer under His Lordship is the best we can do for them in His love. 

[Matthew 6:31-34 NASB95] 31 “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Everything starts and ends with the central truth of the living God that Jesus is Lord. There is a King in the Kingdom!

Some holidays seem to have little more reason than as creations for inspiring commercial enterprise.  Valentine’s day may well be one of those. Flower, jewelry, candy, and card sellers and restaurants all enjoy brisk business.  But then, perhaps, any reason for sharing and encouraging the love of others seems close to the heart of the gospel and God.  For God so loved the world that He gave…! So I don’t protest too much.

My oldest daughter Lael, re-posted online today, something I had written, and posted, back in 2015, some 11 years ago on Valentine’s day.  I’m not certain, but I’m pretty sure I probably posted it on other Valentine’s days before and, most probably,some after, 2015 because I generally find some inspiration to share something about the nature of Biblical love at this time of celebration. I do so  because our culture seems hard pressed to know what true love is. And, because the discovery of what Biblical love is, and understanding it, made such a difference to Mary and I in our relationship.  

We started pursuing one another seriously while making finger sandwiches preparing for her oldest sister’s wedding two days before Valentine’s day 1972, 54 years ago.  She was 16 and I was 19 as our hands joined in turkey salad. We will celebrate 54 years of marriage in December, married just after she turned 17 and I 20, because the judge would not sign off on our license to marry until she was 17. But, it wasn’t until about 5 years into our marriage, after some crisis times,  that we discovered and began to understand the nature of Biblical love. It has made all the difference! And, as we have had the opportunity to do premarital counseling for many in advance of my officiating weddings, and in doing counseling for marriages in crisis, in my/our ministry over some 50 years, we have found it has served and made a great difference to so many others.

I will not go into sharing an in depth exposition of Biblical love here , because I have done that before. Instead I will share the re-post my daughter did  today: (parenthetical references in blue added for understanding today)

ON LOVE – FOR VALENTINES DAY

Celebrating my 43rd  (in 2015) Valentines day with the woman I consider the best gift and best “thing” ever to happen to me. I am so thankful for her, and that we learned early on through some various pains, to choose to love one another every day… every day and always. Believe me, she has had the tougher part in that. Thank you Mary! I love you and I am committed to life with you for life.

In our Western Culture we have a complete misconception of love. We think love is about warm fuzzies, romance. Or worse yet, love is about physical attraction/sex. We also live in a consumer driven culture where everything, unfortunately including people and relationships, is discarded when we have used them for what we wanted.

True love is not a consumable item! It is an investment that requires all that you are and all that you have. It is not give and take, nor a 50/50 proposition! It is all give, and is active and requiring (requires much of us).

True love is based in commitment, which is closely related to faithfulness in the nature and character of God, if you come from a Biblical worldview, like I do. 

Love is a decision of the will, not an emotion or warm fuzzies. It is the decision to act toward a person, group, or situation in a particular way no matter what  because you know that is what God has asked you to do  from my perspective (a Biblical worldview). (Or because you know it is the right thing to do – from a secular paradigm). 

As such, it is a response of obedience to God (- again in my Biblical worldview perspective; or to your own conscience in a more secular mindset). 

That is why, again from a Biblical perspective, Love is commanded – 

Love the Lord your God (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27.) 

Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 19:19, 22:39, Mark 12:31, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8). 

Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27). 

Husbands love your wives (Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19). 

(These are just few of the commands to love in the scriptures that I mentioned in the original post, But, let us not forget others like Jesus’ only new commandment [John 13:34 NASB95] 34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.)

Love is not always convenient or painless. In fact it is often measured in purest form by self sacrifice. The sooner a man or woman understands that Love is totally related to commitment – No Matter What! And, is a decision of the will.  The sooner they can be/will be empowered to be committed/faithful to others (…and may I add…. even when those others are faithless (or unfaithful).

Don’t get me wrong! Romance, warm fuzzies, and great sex are wonderful experiences. But they will fade outside of your commitment, decision of the will, to actively love a person because of Someone/something larger than yourself.

I hope this helps someone today. It has served me, and many that I know, well over the years.

If you are single and desire a relationship, may I encourage you to stop looking so much for perfect romance, warm fuzzies, or simple physical attraction. Seek (God’s direction to ) someone whom (He wants you) to make that kind of 100% No Matter What commitment to, and (someone) who can, and will, make that commitment to you (based upon His direction). You will find the warm fuzzies and romance will follow the response of obedience and decision of your will to love.

It is 11 years farther down the road, and I still find this understanding and defining of Biblical love as 

the decision to act toward a person, group, or situation in a particular way no matter what  because you know that is what God has asked you to do. 

is still accurate, functionally correct, and represents most closely what we would call the agape love of God, that is based covenant commitment.  Even, to the point of loving enemies, the unlovely, and the unfaithful, which we are commanded to do. 

May we find the Holy Spirit enabling and empowering us to love in obedience to what God asks of us and the New Commandment Jesus gave us. 

[Hebrews 3:13 NASB95] 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is [still] called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Note sin is deceitful.  To be deceitful is to be purposely misleading!  Making something look good and desirable that isn’t. It is always based in the lie. It has been since the garden and the serpent with Eve.  It is often couched in a lot of truth and beauty, but the end is misleading; the lie that entices but holds destruction, disobedience, selfish gain, and death. 

The only defense against such deceit is being focused on the truth, or more properly He that is the truth, the way, and holds life abundant. Jesus! The Word that was made manifest in flesh (John 1:-3,14). It is He that prayed the Father “Sanctify them in the truth. Your word is truth!”   (John 17:21)

In our time, with the communications technology we are blessed with, there is absolutely no reason for us not to take the instruction of Hebrews 3:13 to heart, and encourage someone, somehow, day after day.  Phones, email, cars, all make staying in touch truly a daily possibility…. across the neighborhood, the city, the nation, yes… even the world. 

With that said, let me turn your attention to Psalm 103.  Practically any verse in it can be used to encourage someone in any kind of circumstances.  It is said to be a Psalm of David used to bless the Lord for His mercies and all He has done for the shepherd, warrior, king, man after God’s heart, and His people.  But, it certainly illuminates the goodness of God to us in most situations.

[Psalm 103:1-22 NASB95] 1 [A Psalm] of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, [bless] His holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; 3 Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; 4 Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; 5 Who satisfies your years with good things, [So that] your youth is renewed like the eagle. 6 The LORD performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel. 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. 9 He will not always strive [with us,] Nor will He keep [His anger] forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 Just as a father has compassion on [his] children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are [but] dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place acknowledges it no longer. 17 But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, 18 To those who keep His covenant And remember His precepts to do them. 19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all. 20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word! 21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You who serve Him, doing His will. 22 Bless the LORD, all you works of His, In all places of His dominion; Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Consider these sharing these encouragements from this Psalm:

1) The LORD pardons all your iniquities (sin, imperfections, mistakes)

2) The LORD heals all your diseases (sickness of all kinds)

3) The LORD redeems you from the pit (traps, no way out circumstances, despair/depression)

4) The LORD crowns you with lovingkindness (mercy) and compassion (love, care, concern)

5) The LORD satisfies you as you grow and age with good things and renews your strength, even in age, to soar with wings of Eagles.

6) The LORD will prove himself with righteous deeds/works and just judgement when you find yourself oppressed

7) The LORD will show Himself  and His mighty acts to you when bound (slavery in Egypt) or in wilderness even as He did to Moses and Israel

8) When you screw up, have failed, denied… The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness/mercy.

9) The LORD will not strive (wrestle/test/frustrate you as an opponent) with you forever, nor deal with you in anger forever

10) The LORD is not dealing with you on the basis of, or according to, your sins, nor rewarding you in the now according to your iniquity. For as high as the heavens are from the earth, just so great is The LORD’s  lovingkindness/mercy toward you that fear Him.And as far as the East is from the West, just so has The LORD  removed our iniquity/transgression from us in His mercy.

11) The LORD acts as a compassionate Father toward children to those that fear Him

12) The LORD knows our frame, what we are made of and from . He knows us well and intimately as His creation, and stays mindful/aware that we are dust and human, prone to failure and weakness He know us better than we know ourselves, and sees in us more than we see in ourselves.

13) The LORD knows our frailties and the brevity of our days; that we are like grass and flowers that flourish and fades when it can’t stand the warm and strong winds and are dried up and blown away and forgotten. But nevertheless, The LORD has invested EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING (Eternal) LOVINGKINDNESS/mercy upon us, incredible value in us, that fear Him, even to the point of establishing His righteousness in us and to our children as our and His legacy as we stay in covenant with Him; For He is faithful. And, His faithfulness/commitment in covenant and mercy draws us to obedience in submission gained by love.

14) The LORD, our God, is sovereign, His throne is established in heaven and He rules over all in heaven and earth. So we have no need or place for fear, anxiety, or lack or peace. Our God reigns and we can place our lives and confidence in the hands of He that is doing what is right regardless of our circumstances.

15) Bless His Name for He is worthy.

Be encouraged in His love and mercy and faithfulness in covenant in Christ Jesus, and encourage others!

[Isaiah 52:7 NASB95] 7 How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, [And] says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

[Revelation 19:6 NASB95] 6 Then I heard [something] like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

I will admit, somewhat to my shame,  that I am one that consumes far too much “news” online and through streaming television channels.  As a result I am often too exercised and embroiled over the latest world, national, and, most certainly, political issues that flood my thoughts through these outlets and inputs.  I find I must constantly remind myself that my life is His, I am hidden in Him, and I know He Who is in control. Our God, The Almighty, Reigns

I am convinced that in our time DISTRACTION through our phones and media is a primary tool of our adversary to move our focus from He that is LORD.  As the old Bill Gaither song proclaimed… “kings and kingdoms will all pass away, but there is something about that name.” I’m 73 years old, and have lived through several political iterations and movements in our nation from the riots over race and Vietnam war in the 60’s,  Watergate and incredible high interest and recessions in the 70’s, the rise of Iran and Islamic states….   and the wars, economics, Reagan, and the “fall” of the wall and the USSR in 80’s, and more in the 90’s. And, of course, 9/11, and Iraq, and more, along with the extreme divisions of party politics in recent decades.

 
Yes, it all impacts us to some degree and is important. But it pales next to knowing Him. I don’t want to be so heavenly minded I’m no earthly good as the old mantra goes. But, I do want to be so Christocentric focused on Jesus and His Kingdom that following Him is primary and brings me peace and defines my life.   We all are allotted the same 60 seconds in each minute, and 60 minutes in each hour, and 24 hours each day. And, we get to choose what we will set our minds upon.   And, that is what has true impact and is of preeminent importance. Loving Him, and loving people as you are empowered by His Spirit, is what has eternal import and impact.  But, don’t get me wrong, I (probably like most) am easily distracted with what will be fairly irrelevant in a few years, and certainly in the light of eternity, but seems so pressing today. 

It is easy to look at the world, the, “news”, and particularly these days,  Christian ministers and ministries that fall and fail, in one way or another, in sin, corruption, and through division. Or, Christian artists and ministers that get led astray into heresies or into “deconstruction” …or, on the other end of the spectrum, are in rigid “Pharisaic” judgement and legalism;  and wonder, even out loud, “Lord! Where are You in all this?”  Like David crying in Palm 42 [Psalm 42:2-3 NASB95] 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, While [they] say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

He has not been dethroned and He is not far off. 

No, we have simply traded His nearness and awareness of His presence for an awareness of the world, and the distraction of a palm held computer or device that acts as a conduit for pouring its stuff and distraction into our minds.

Again, don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating throwing your phone into the nearest lake, or heading to the woods to be a hermit or monk and cut off from the world and what is in it.  I’m just reminding us that we are in the world with purpose in Him.  We are in the world, but truly not of it, by His purpose. And, to beware of adversarial distraction from that purpose.   

Look here, contemplate, meditate on what Jesus prayed:

[John 17:14-23 NASB95] 14 “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil [one.] 16 “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 “For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, [are] in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.

It is obvious God’s purpose in Jesus, and Jesus’ desire for us, was that we not be taken out of or separated from the world, but that we be set apart/sanctified unto His word and purpose in the world, giving testimony of the Father and the Son in the world.  Manifesting Him in the world.   John goes farther in his epistle saying that God abides in (us) and that even as“He is…. so also are we in the world”

[1John 4:15-17 NASB95] 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.

If this purpose is true, and it is; What else is there that should ever consume us?  And, yet, we are often distracted by the world, rather than being given to manifesting the fullness of His love and reign in the world. 

Let us be diligent to (let Him) guard our hearts by the Spirit from distraction.  Ever being aware of what is in the world, and going on around us, but not consumed by it, or the anxiety that can accompany that awareness. Let us, as Christ Jesus did, and as His body, be focused on the Kingdom of God and His eternal purpose, as well as His purpose in the moment,  as we love each other, others in the world, and display that “our God, the Almighty, reigns” to principalities and powers above us and kings and kingdoms around us.
Perhaps… Consider giving as much time to these words to Colossae and Philippi this week as to your phone….

[Colossians 3:1-14 NASB95] 1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. 5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, [and] abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its [evil] practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11 [a renewal] in which there is no [distinction between] Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things [put on] love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

[Philippians 4:4-9 NASB95] 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle [spirit] be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you

And, revisiting David….let us find peace and hope:

[Psalm 42:11 NASB95]11 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

[2Corinthians 5:17-21 NASB95] 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, [he is] a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all [these] things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin [to be] sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

This is one of the most compelling and deep passages of the epistles outlining God’s redemptive nature expressed in Jesus, and our holding the ministry and word of reconciliation to draw men to relationship with God.   God did not create us out of some felt need, nor did He love us and reconcile us out of some need or loneliness He had.  His relationship with His creation was not based in any need of His, but on His own kind intentions and purpose, His own good pleasure toward us. His plan was not to satisfy some felt need at His Son’s, Jesus’, expense.  He reached to meet the need in us, through Jesus, at His own expense.

God’s purpose in the cross, was to make us righteous, those with whom He could be comfortable, just like the Son.  We must comprehend how costly this great exchange was. 

We somehow get the idea that the Father dispensed the wrath we deserved upon Jesus as some casual act and purpose in which He was uninvolved, and as a bystander or spectator of some kind.  This is to misunderstand the relationship of the Father and the Son and God’s very nature. The Lord our God is ONE (echad).

Note in verse 19 that “God was in Christ” reconciling the world to Himself.   He (God) was intimately involved. He (God) was participating, acting IN and through Jesus to reconcile and restore relationship in redeeming us.

I think there is a false paradigm that has been taught to us, that God cannot look on sin (Habakkuk 1:13) and in Jesus’ saying “why has thou forsaken me?”  (Mt 27, Mk15),  that makes us think the Father was not present at the cross as Jesus became sin for us. 

God has, from the Garden forward, sought out man in sin.  Adam.. where are you? (Genesis 3:9) God did not hide but sought man.  It was man who hid, because we think and feel our shame separates us.  God is omnipresent. [Psalm 139:8 KJV] 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there].  In Jesus’ cross, He came into the midst of our sin nature everyday.  The cross proves that there was no place He would not go to gain us, to have/restore relationship with us. So, God not only looked full in the face of us in sin at the cross, it was there that He made Jesus to be Sin on our behalf.

In doing so, He did not just offer a covering for our sins, as with leaves with Adam and Eve. Or, a partial cure, as with sacrifices offered from what was ours, requiring us to be aware of every sin and live under the fear and control of sin in our lives and make sacrifices over and over. No, He dealt with the nature of sin, our sin nature, making Him to be sin,  and making us righteous. And, not just to be righteous, but to be “the righteousness of God in Him/Jesus!”

Thanks be to God for the cross of Christ. The full weight of the judgment of God for sin was summed up and given full expression in Christ’s crucifixion, death burial, and resurrection. The world has been judged for sin, found/declared guilty, and full judgment has been poured out on Jesus the only Begotten.

Now, according to His love,… and beyond salvation/redemption, and reconciliation alone; He (God) now continues His eternal purpose by working in and through His obedient children; the saints, holy ones, who are sons like the first and only begotten, in Jesus. 

Those that are submitted to the Lordship/will of Jesus, just as Jesus was submitted to the Father’s purpose and will. We are, in fact, God’s workmanship in Christ saved not just from sin and death but saved unto good works He has prepared for us to be about in Christ.

 [Ephesians 2:10 NASB95] 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. 

He (God) needs no one, but has chosen to work through anyone that comes to Him responding to His love in Christ Jesus by faith.   Will you, as Jesus, co-labor with the Father in reconciliation and “beg (others) on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God”,  and other services that He may lead you into by His Spirit in Christ?  Service that manifest the fullness of His love in Christ Jesus.

 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

This is a sovereign act of God that did not require Jesus to sin in order that He might become sin. God made Him to become sin.

Someone has asked this powerful question: If He (God) is powerful enough to do that; is He not powerful enough to take you, and totally apart from your behavior, literally make you to be the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus? 

If that is the case; religion, religious behavior, and performance is never enough, will never be enough, and cannot be enough.  Why do we want to identify with it (self justifying works or performance) and suggest to others they need to do so?  The outward act never perfects the inward man.  God is not looking for us to do anything for Him. After all He is Omnipotent Almighty God.

But, He has saved us to co labor with Him in His purpose. Only our submission to Jesus’ Lordship manifest our love for Him, others, and the world around us. So we encourage each other to function in love as His body and under Jesus as Our only Head. (see Ephesians 1:22-23.)

I have talked about living from the Tree of life rather than the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the past.

Genesis 1 and 2 and Revelation 21 and 22 are scripture that show us times without the curse, and without sin and a need for redemption. These chapters speak of some of the same things. There is a river and the Tree of life in them, and they both picture God dwelling in an intimate relationship with man on the earth.

These bookends in Genesis and Revelation significantly speak to the eternal nature and purpose of God in Christ Jesus. They imply that He has always had an eternal purpose that involved man as His creation, and summing up all creation IN Jesus the Son.

“the end of both covenants we find (is) righteousness and obedience. It all comes down to God has always desired to dwell with a people with whom He can be comfortable. Those created  in His image that are righteous, holy as He is holy. And, He has desired a people that would be obedient to what He asks/speaks out of a submission gained by love rather than coercion.  

That existed in the Garden before the fall. He was comfortable with Adam and Eve and they with Him, so much so, that they were well acquainted with the sound of Him waking the grounds in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8-10). And, as far as we can comprehend, they were living in obedience to the one command not to eat of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, until they did. 

After the fall in the Old Covenant/The Law we worked at righteousness through obedience. It was impossible. In the New Covenant established in Jesus we have been given righteousness as a gift in Jesus that we might then learn obedience living in Him and under His Lordship.  A righteousness that comes by faith, not by works of the flesh. But, that righteousness inspires a submission, gained by love, to Jesus…”

That discussion in our gathering also included a reference to a wonderful passage in Hebrews. Here is a portion of each. 

[Exodus 20:18-19 NASB95] 18 All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw [it,] they trembled and stood at a distance. 19 Then they said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die.”

[Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24, 26-29 NASB95] 18 For you have not come to [a mountain] that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, 19 and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which [sound was such that] those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. … 

22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of [the] righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than [the blood] of Abel. … 

26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” 27 This [expression,] “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

This inspired some thinking on my part this past week about the nature of the gospel of the Kingdom which has been delivered into our trust for sharing and manifesting in our lives and relationships.  And, about the nearness of God we enjoy in Christ!   A nearness the Father has desired since before the foundation of the world and Eden, and that has been made possible, accomplished in Jesus.

The passage from Exodus is right after the giving and listing of the 10 commandments.  Just after, the thunder and lightning, sound of the trumpets, and smoke on the mountain began. And, that display induced fear on the part of the people.   Moses even alludes to the fear of the Lord being the purpose of the display in vs 20:Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test  (ie:prove/assay) you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain(ie:be before) with you, so that you may not sin.” 

There is a place that, as His creation, we must understand that He is God and we are not, and that as the Hebrews scripture says “our God is a consuming fire”. But, I am convinced that we should never lose sight of the fact He desires to speak with us. For us to be comfortable with hearing Him, and He to be comfortable with us. 

In Exodus we find the people trembling and standing at a distance, or as other translations say “afar”. But then they make, what I think,is a rather large error or, at least, an over reaction.  Rather than wanting to know Him personally, they only want to know Him and His voice through an intermediary.  And they say Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die. They request Moses to be the intermediary between them and God, fearing for their lives.  

Now some would take license here to push forward the case for hierarchy in leadership and giving the shepherd Pastor the place of authority to hear from God for us. I think that is a bridge too far, given the whole of the scriptures. Moses is a type of Christ here, not a type of the pastor or hierarchy in polity. If anything, it points out that Christ will make a way for us to speak with God personally. Moses says God has come that the fear (awe) of Him might be before you and that you may not sin.  Not that you may not hear from Him. 

In the Hebrews account this is truly all given exposition eloquently. Go back up and read how we have not come to a mountain we cannot touch and must fear, and beg not to be spoken to from.  No, we have come to Mt. Zion, the habitation of God, the general assembly of the church of the firstborn, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant. And although His voice shook the earth…His voice will once again shake not just the earth but the heavens as well.  

Then, please notice, the author of Hebrews says “therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;“. I think the clear indication is that we are in that unshakable kingdom now, and the speaking He does, even now, that shakes heaven and earth is to us, and even through us to the world around us, and principalities and powers above us!  Because we are in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus and of our God and it cannot be shaken, we may offer up service to our Lord and God (not our own dreamed up works for righteousness, but service under His Lordship and the righteousness He has given us in Christ) that speaks of reverence and awe before a God that is just, and is a consuming fire.

As mentioned above we have been entrusted with the gospel of the Kingdom which has been delivered into our trust for sharing and manifesting in our lives and relationships.  And, about the nearness of God we enjoy in Christ!   A nearness the Father has desired since before the foundation of the world and Eden, and that has been made possible, accomplished in Jesus.

The gospel of the kingdom is based in the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ as Lord.  It is not about doctrine(s) or rules and regulations of men. However, there are obviously mutations of the gospel that manifest a different Jesus, exhibit a different spirit, and present a different or distorted gospel. These kinds of mutations are not new in our day, although they may be more numerous and innovative.  Even in Paul’s time the Judaizers were stirring up a“Jesus and” mutation.

[2Corinthians 11:3-4 NASB] 3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 4 For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.

[Galatians 1:6-7 NASB] 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

“A different gospel” –“another Jesus”?    Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom, without distortion.  Where there is a kingdom, there is a King, a Lord, and His authority often accompanied it in changed lives in spiritual and physical ways

[Matthew 4:23 NASB] 23 Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people

[Matthew 9:35 NASB] 35 Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

[Matthew 24:14 NASB] 14 “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

This gospel of the kingdom is based in what Paul told the church at Corinth was the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. Not devotion to a particular set of doctrines of men, or rules-regulations-works, and certainly not to another man/leader. Pure, simple, Devotion to Jesus; as in This is my beloved Son. Hear Him! 

[Matthew 17:5 NASB95] 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”

[Mark 9:7 NASB95] 7 Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!”

[2Peter 1:17-18 NASB95] 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

Let us consider the comparison with Exodus 20 here.   I think God was looking for those that would hear Him. Yes, stand in awe, fear, of Him… but who would hear Him and walk in His way. He was not looking for Moses alone to hear, but for a nation, a people, of His own. A people He could redeem and be comfortable with.   In our new covenant times, the application would be  He is looking for a people who will  Hear Him, and draw near and follow Jesus, doing as He directs and speaks.

God was looking for a nation of priest.  But, Israel would not have it.

The people wanted the word of God, but not a relationship with Him. God wants the relationship so you can hear…. and do the word.

Israel did not receive God’s call on their lives. They wanted God to speak to them through Moses,  not directly. This is because they did not want the responsibility of living separated lives, dependent upon hearing from Him personally, that would be a testimony to the world.  A life of the Simplicity and Purity of Devotion to Him. They wanted to follow God, but not completely to the point of giving up, dying to, sinful behavior and living devoted to His Lordship and His way,….  which is a requirement for the priesthood. That was for Moses and Aaron. 

He was looking for not just priests but a “royal” priest hood.  Kings and priests

The levitical priesthood stayed in place until the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though it was a spiritually dead institution. When Christ came, He instituted a new order of priests, one ordered after the priesthood of Melchizedek who was a king, priest, and prophet. This new priesthood is based upon the life and power of God, not rules and regulations, and man-made traditions. By Jesus’ death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension a new way was opened up for man to once again enjoy complete and unrestricted fellowship with God. The kind of comfort with each other that was known in the garden. 

Now man could approach the throne of God boldly, the veil into the holy place had been rent. Man could enter into the very presence of God for fellowship and hearing Him. The great barrier of sin was dealt with on the cross. Now those who received this gift from God could enter in. The power of this new priesthood is established in the power of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16 Melchizedek/Jesus)..The life ofJesus. The eternal life that is ours in Him.

 [Hebrews10:19-25 NASB95] 19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since [we have] a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled [clean] from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging [one another;] and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

[1Peter 2:5, 9 NASB95] 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. … 9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR [God’s] OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

 God is now revealing covenant grace mercy and love, He is also leading countless believers to discover the Kingdom… live in the purity and devotion to Jesus the King…. to come into  loyal submission/obedience to the King. Not coerced to obedience, not working at self righteousness earned through dreamed up ideas and self effort.   But, a submission gained by love that results in loving obedience to Jesus, and what He speaks, as His subject and servant.

[Matthew 6:2 28-34 NASB] . 28 “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 he air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much m”But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Much is made here by some of “to work a job or not“. There is no such thing as paid full time ministry, although many try to press into it. We are all in full time ministry! But, most of us will see Him provide through a job. Even Paul made tents and worked with His hands. But His devotion was to the King and the kingdom. 

The “different” gospel that prevails in the church today, and weakens the church as His body, is a“come and get” gospel instead of the Gospel of the Kingdom. Come and get rich, healed, happy, everything made perfect, etc…, rather than come follow Jesus and give all that have and all that you are for all that He is, and in His service.  

We do a disservice with a gospel of grace that allows calling upon Him as savior but denies Him the right to be King and Lord.   

This has caused a lack of credibility before the world, and made the church to be seen as full of hypocrites and charlatans. It has also caused us to produce a gospel without Kingdom power and left many anxious, in anxiety over trivial matters.

The LORD is now calling for a “complete conversion”. A commitment to Him that lies down my right to rule, and ask me to join a group of believers that function as a royal priesthood under the One High priest as a royal nation under the Lordship of the King.

He has not called us to institute Christian Sharia law – rules and regulations for righteousness.  He has called us to give, love, and be an example of what life is under the rule and reign of Jesus as Lord… and a submission that has love as it’s motivation. Jesus did not come to simply solve our problems, but to liberate us and empower us by the Holy Spirit, and obedience to what He speaks, to liberate others from the dominion of self and sin and death unto life under His loving Lordship. 

I think the central message of the Gospel is not simply, or only, Jesus is savior, or problem solver or the answer.  But “Jesus is Lord!”, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and if you come under that… then  everything else (savior/problem solver, answer) will follow.

God already rules over all creation.  Only man has free will and when he lies that down, the Kingdom comes to bear.

We do not call people first to the church, but to the Kingdom. If people hear the word of God but do not put it into practice, they are building on sand.  Personal obedience and living under His Kingship/Lordship is the foundation of being a member of His body, His church/ekklesia, the fullness of Him that fills all in all. 

God’s love and grace, and righteousness are amazing gifts.  Unconditional to all that believe.  His blessing, however is not unconditional.  It is tied to obedience.

If you keep my commands, I will bless you.  (Duet 28:1-2, Duet 30,) was the old testament paradigm.  “If you will …. I will…”

The New Covenant paradigm is…. “If you love me… you will..” (hear and do) 

[John 14:15, NASB] 15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. …

 [John 14:21 NASB] 21 “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”

If you choose not to obey under His Lordship, God does not stop loving you. Grace is unconditional.  But you have stopped loving Him.  And, the greater revelation/disclosure of the fullness of Himself and His love may be quenched.   

A  majority of church expressions don’t multiply and grow, and it seems the  majority of believers live uneventful and fruitless lives. Could it be that being unfruitful and not multiplying … but being very much loved, and even given charismatic, and other gifts of grace, is simply a sign of lack of blessing and disclosure, revelation….. blessing/disclosure based in a response to love that leads to obedience?   

Jesus did what He saw the Father doing, as it was disclosed and revealed (John 5:19). The life of Jesus was filled with the supernatural, healing, deliverance, raising the dead, prophecies, miracles. So was the early church.  The Kingdom super-ceding natural law over and over .

God does not force obedience, nor anyone under His rule.  He draws them to it by the revelation of His love in Jesus. He has arranged that the Kingdom become visible through those not consuming salvation on themselves, or making righteousness a matter of religion: works and devotion to doctrine.  Christianity is not about the transfer of information and living by our intellectual understanding of it.  

It is about the transformation of lives that are fully under the Lordship of Jesus.  When this happens His people’s love for God, the brethren, and others are a response of obedience to His directives as Head of His Body. This results in the manifestation of the Kingdom…. to drive back demons and darkness, heal the sick, raise the dead and life that is not concerned with mammon.

This does not mean it will look like what you want it to, and be all roses and no problems. It means His purpose will be worked out in you no matter your circumstances.