"For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (Heb 10:34)
WHAT ABOUT HEAVEN? Perhaps you have heard someone say, "We know so very little about heaven?" Or, "Do not be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good." A people who lacks familiarity with heaven is a people who lack spiritual incentive at the best, and an ungodly people at the worst.
ACTUALLY, God has revealed a lot about heaven – and all of it is good.
WHAT AND WHO IS IN HEAVEN. God, Christ, angels, the spirits of just men, blood of Christ, our life, our hope, our inheritance, our Intercessor, our future house, our citizenship, our affection, our names are written there. There also is that marvelous description of an entire category of realities: "things in heaven" (Deut 4:39; 1 Pet 3:22; Matt 18:10; Heb 12:23; Heb 9:12; Phil 3:20; 1 Pet 1:4; Heb 7:25; 2 Cor 5:1-2; Col 3:1-2; Heb 12:23).
THOSE WHO CAME FROM HEAVEN. There are personalities who are said to have already "come" from heaven:" Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Angels, and our call (John 6:38; 1 Pet 1:12; Luke 2:13).
THAT WHICH COMES FROM HEAVEN. There are benefits that are said to "come" from heaven. Gifts and blessings, guidance, answered prayer, grace, peace, and Divine utterance (James 1:17; Psa 32:8; Acts 11:9; Gal 1:3; Heb 12:25).
WHO WILL BE IN HEAVEN. Much is said about who will at last be in heaven. Overcomers – those who came out of tribulation – those who washed their robes – those whose names are written there – those who suffered with Him – those who have done good – those who have served Christ – those who made their calling election sure – those who did not defile garments – those who confessed Christ before men – the faithful – those who quenched not Spirit – those who followed the Lamb (Rev 3:21; 7:14; Lk 10:20; Rom 8:17; John 5:29; Col 3:24; 2 Pet 1:10; Rev 3:4; Matt 10:32; Rev 17:14; 1 Thess 5:19; Rev 14:4).
WHO WILL NOT BE THERE. Ponder those who will NOT be there. Fornicators – idolaters – adulterers – homosexuals – thieves – covetous – drunkards – revilers – extortioners – fearful – unbelieving – abominable – murderers – whoremongers – sorcerers – those who know not God – those who obey not the Gospel – all liars – false prophets – those who practice witchcraft (1 Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:5-6; Rev 21:8).
WHAT WILL PASS. There are things that will forever pass away when we dwell at last with the Lord. Former things – the devil – false prophets – partial knowledge – our earthly tabernacle – marriage – death – sorrow – pain – trouble – anything that defiles – the first heaven and first earth – all tears – all curses – the night – our earthen vessels (Psa 37:10; Isa 35:10; 1 Cor 13:9-10,12; Rev 7:16; 21:1,4,27; 22:3).
EXPERIENCES TO BE HAD IN HEAVEN. Ponder what we will experience in heaven. No second hand knowledge (drink directly from the fountain) – stability – we will be like Him – God Himself will be with us – we will have a new name – there will be a new work – we will sing a new song – we will have authority – we will be confessed before God – we will be confessed before angels – we will be praised by God – we will be served by Jesus – there will be total purity – we will experience uninterrupted communion – we will see His face – we will know as we are known – there will be a sense of thorough acceptance (Rev 21:6; 1 John 3:2; Rev 21:3; Rev 3:12; Lk 19:17; Rev 5:9; 14:3; Dan 7:18,22,27; 1 Cor 6:2-3; Matt 10:23; 1 Cor 4:5; Lk 12:37; Eph 5:27; Rev 7:15; Rev 22:4; 1 Cor 13:12; Mal 3:17).
OUR ACTIVITY IN HEAVEN. Consider some of the activities that have already been revealed. We will reign with Christ –we will serve God continually – we will inquire in His temple – we will judge the world – we will judge angels – we will inherit all things (2 Tim 2:12; Rev 7:15; Psa 27:4; 1 Cor 6:2-3).
CHRIST'S DESIRE THAT WE BE THERE That where I am there will you be also (John 14:3) – Gather His wheat into (Matt 3:12) – Be with me where I am (John 17:24) – "with the Lord" (1 Thess 4:16-17) – absent/present (2 Cor 5:8) – Behold I and the children (Heb 2:13)
THE ASSOCIATION OF OUR CALLING WITH HEAVEN. Heavenly calling (Heb 3:1)– Call TO heaven: From glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18) – to kingdom and glory (1 Thess 2:12) – to obtaining of glory (2 Thess 2:14) – Begotten to an incorruptible inheritance (1 Pet 1:3-4).
THE FOCUS OF SPIRITUAL LIFE. Lay up treasures in (Matt 6:20) – conversation in (Phil 3:20-21) – names written there (Lk 10:20/Heb 12:23) – hope laid up there (Col 1:5) – better and enduring substance there (Heb 10:34) – inheritance reserved in (1 Pet 1:4) – one thing desired; dwell in house (Psa 27:4) – joy in the morning(Psa 30:5) – precious seed and sheaves (Psa 126:6) – reap in due season (Gal 6:10) – make up His jewels (Mal 3:17) – poor; their's kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:3) – pure; see God (Matt 5:8) – persecuted; great is your reward (Matt 5:12) – remains a rest (Heb 4:9) – Here we have no continuing city (Heb 13:14) – Strangers and pilgrims here, citizens there (1 Pet 2:11; Phil 3:20-21) – whom He justified, them He also glorified (Rom 8:30) – Considering heavenly realities lightens sufferings (2 Cor 4;17-18) – not worthy to be compared (Rom 8:17).
THE GLORY THAT AWAITS THE SAINTS. The marvelous change – 2 Cor 5:1-5; 1 John 3:1-3; 1 Cor 15;51-52 – The liberating separation– Matt 13:41-42 – Then we will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of our Father – Exalted responsibility – 2 Tim 2:12 – Inherit all things – Rom 8:17; Rev 21:7; Matt 5:5 – Be praised/honored by God – 1 Cor 4:5; John 12:26; 1 Sam 2:30 Them that honor Me I will honor – Be served by Jesus – Luke 12:37.
DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU we do not know much about heaven!
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
A LOT IS INVOLVED
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
BECAUSE OF THE DEVASTATION sin wrought in this world, we should not expect salvation to be simplistic. While the appropriation of salvation is not complicated (praise the Lord!), we should not conclude that salvation itself is oversimplified. Something that requires all power and all wisdom cannot be elemental. A work in which the entire Godhead, as well as all the vast multitude of angels, is extensively involved is necessarily associated with remarkable depth and profound implications.
ONE OF THE REASONS professing believers lack a thankful and diligent spirit, is that they have never really seen the remarkable nature of their salvation. Too often they have heard representations of salvation that portrayed it as easily achieved, leisurely obtained, and undemanding in its completion.
THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT VIEWS of salvation presented in Scripture. They open up the multiple things that had to be accomplished for men to be saved. Salvation itself must be an expression of the righteousness of God as well as His mercy. No part of the Divine nature must be ignored if men are to be righteously saved.
PROVISIONAL. There is the provisional view of salvation in which God and Christ are said to have accomplished it completely, and independently of any of our involvement – like God subduing the Egyptians and parting the Red Sea when Israel came out of Egypt. In this sense salvation is always in the past tense – even traced back to before the foundation of the world. Examples: 2 Tim 1:9; Eph 1:4; Heb 10:14; 2 Cor 5:19,21
APPROPRIATION. There is the point at which we appropriate salvation, coming into the actual experience of it – like Israel's involvement in coming out of Egypt. Here, of course, man plays an essential part. There are things to be done that involve the whole of man's being: spirit, soul, and body. All of these are in the area of obedience, which is essential to our experience of salvation. Jesus is the Author of eternal salvation "unto all them that obey Him" (Heb 5:9). Examples: Acts 2:38; 16:31; Rom 10:13
COMPLETING THE WORK. There is bringing the sons all the way to glory by Jesus (Heb 2:10), including His indispensable intercession and sustaining power, and the intercession of the Holy Spirit – like God sending the manna and causing water to come from a rock during Israel's wilderness wandering. Examples: Rom 5:10; Heb 7:25; Rom 8:26-27.
KEEPING THE FAITH. There is also the matter of keeping the faith, pressing toward the mark, and working out one's own salvation with fear and trembling – like Israel gathering the manner, and following the pillar of cloud in going to the promised land. Examples: Phil 3:7-14; 1 Tim 6:12; Phil 2:12
MANY PREACHERS AND TEACHERS have not done well in making these distinctions. They have largely viewed salvation as a cooperative effort between God and man. But that is not a Scriptural representation. I do not believe you will find the Apostles mingling these views like the Jews mixed flour and oil in the meal offerings. Man has nothing whatsoever to do with the provisional part of salvation. He also has nothing to do with the intercessory and mediatorial work of the Lord Jesus.
FURTHERMORE, IN THE APPROPRIATION of that salvation, as well as in the matter of keeping the faith, man is integrally involved – but so are God, Christ, the Spirit, and even the holy angels. Even when the necessity of human involvement is declared, modern presentations too often exclude the involvement of God: "To you it has been GRANTED on the behalf of Christ to believe" (Phil 1:29); "for it is God who WORKS in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13); "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to GIVE repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31); "whose heart the Lord OPENED, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul" (Acts 16:14); "Who hath DELIVERED us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Col 1:13); "And you hath He QUICKENED, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph 2:1), etc.
THE CONFIDENCE AND ASSURANCE which are necessary to the completion of the race are founded upon what God and Christ have done – not what we have done. That is why salvation must ultimately be traced back to God. We account for our salvation by confessing what God and Christ have done.
IN THE END, when everything is seen more clearly, the whole of salvation will be ascribed to God (Rev 7:10; 19:1). No one will trace it back to God "and us." It will be all God! All Christ! All grace! In this world, we are to grow accustomed to this confession, for ultimately all of the saved will stand before God and confess to an assembled universe, "Salvation belongs to our God" (Rev 7:10, NIV).
– Given O. Blakely
BECAUSE OF THE DEVASTATION sin wrought in this world, we should not expect salvation to be simplistic. While the appropriation of salvation is not complicated (praise the Lord!), we should not conclude that salvation itself is oversimplified. Something that requires all power and all wisdom cannot be elemental. A work in which the entire Godhead, as well as all the vast multitude of angels, is extensively involved is necessarily associated with remarkable depth and profound implications.
ONE OF THE REASONS professing believers lack a thankful and diligent spirit, is that they have never really seen the remarkable nature of their salvation. Too often they have heard representations of salvation that portrayed it as easily achieved, leisurely obtained, and undemanding in its completion.
THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT VIEWS of salvation presented in Scripture. They open up the multiple things that had to be accomplished for men to be saved. Salvation itself must be an expression of the righteousness of God as well as His mercy. No part of the Divine nature must be ignored if men are to be righteously saved.
PROVISIONAL. There is the provisional view of salvation in which God and Christ are said to have accomplished it completely, and independently of any of our involvement – like God subduing the Egyptians and parting the Red Sea when Israel came out of Egypt. In this sense salvation is always in the past tense – even traced back to before the foundation of the world. Examples: 2 Tim 1:9; Eph 1:4; Heb 10:14; 2 Cor 5:19,21
APPROPRIATION. There is the point at which we appropriate salvation, coming into the actual experience of it – like Israel's involvement in coming out of Egypt. Here, of course, man plays an essential part. There are things to be done that involve the whole of man's being: spirit, soul, and body. All of these are in the area of obedience, which is essential to our experience of salvation. Jesus is the Author of eternal salvation "unto all them that obey Him" (Heb 5:9). Examples: Acts 2:38; 16:31; Rom 10:13
COMPLETING THE WORK. There is bringing the sons all the way to glory by Jesus (Heb 2:10), including His indispensable intercession and sustaining power, and the intercession of the Holy Spirit – like God sending the manna and causing water to come from a rock during Israel's wilderness wandering. Examples: Rom 5:10; Heb 7:25; Rom 8:26-27.
KEEPING THE FAITH. There is also the matter of keeping the faith, pressing toward the mark, and working out one's own salvation with fear and trembling – like Israel gathering the manner, and following the pillar of cloud in going to the promised land. Examples: Phil 3:7-14; 1 Tim 6:12; Phil 2:12
MANY PREACHERS AND TEACHERS have not done well in making these distinctions. They have largely viewed salvation as a cooperative effort between God and man. But that is not a Scriptural representation. I do not believe you will find the Apostles mingling these views like the Jews mixed flour and oil in the meal offerings. Man has nothing whatsoever to do with the provisional part of salvation. He also has nothing to do with the intercessory and mediatorial work of the Lord Jesus.
FURTHERMORE, IN THE APPROPRIATION of that salvation, as well as in the matter of keeping the faith, man is integrally involved – but so are God, Christ, the Spirit, and even the holy angels. Even when the necessity of human involvement is declared, modern presentations too often exclude the involvement of God: "To you it has been GRANTED on the behalf of Christ to believe" (Phil 1:29); "for it is God who WORKS in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13); "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to GIVE repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31); "whose heart the Lord OPENED, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul" (Acts 16:14); "Who hath DELIVERED us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Col 1:13); "And you hath He QUICKENED, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph 2:1), etc.
THE CONFIDENCE AND ASSURANCE which are necessary to the completion of the race are founded upon what God and Christ have done – not what we have done. That is why salvation must ultimately be traced back to God. We account for our salvation by confessing what God and Christ have done.
IN THE END, when everything is seen more clearly, the whole of salvation will be ascribed to God (Rev 7:10; 19:1). No one will trace it back to God "and us." It will be all God! All Christ! All grace! In this world, we are to grow accustomed to this confession, for ultimately all of the saved will stand before God and confess to an assembled universe, "Salvation belongs to our God" (Rev 7:10, NIV).
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, June 25, 2010
WHOM THE LORD COMMENDS
"For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." (2 Corinthians 10:18)
IT IS IN THE HUMAN NATURE – fallen human nature – to seek the approval of men. Many a soul has been dashed upon the rocks of despair due to disappointment in this area. This is a particularly critical area in matters of religion. Jesus spoke of those who do everything "to be seen of men" (Matt 23:5). Preachers have been known to change their message so men would approve of them. Paul said that if he sought to please men he "should not be the servant of Christ" (Gal 1:10).
SOME HAVE MANAGED TO AVOID being commended by men, yet have been caught in the snare of self-approval, or thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to think (Rom 12:3). They have been led to believe one must have a good "self image" if they are going to be successful. This kind of thinking is encouraged by the psychoanalysts of the day – so much so that it is not uncommon to hear someone say you cannot love others until you first love yourself. This is a form of commending one's self – something strictly forbidden by this text.
WITH GREAT SOBRIETY we are told that the person who commended himself is not the one who is approved – good self image or not. The Basic Bible English version reads, "For the Lord's approval of a man is not dependent on his opinion of himself." It is what God thinks of a man that is the critical factor. If the Lord commends a person, it makes no difference whether anyone else does or not. If He does not commend a person, the views of all others cannot make up for that lack of commendation.
THE VERY THOUGHT OF BEING COMMENDED by God is arresting! It is also something to be fervently and confidently sought. Our text says the "approved" person is NOT the one who "commends himself." In another place, Jesus said, "He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself" (John 7:18, NIV). Such individuals address life as though everything depended upon them, and nothing hinged upon the Almighty. They live as though there was no God, and imagine there is no personal recognition unless it is aggressively promoted by the one desiring it. Whether we are speaking of our birth into this world, or our attainments in the world, "Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves" (Psa 100:3).
TO "COMMEND" OURSELVES is to point to OUR achievements, to glory in the flesh, and present our accomplishments as though they were significant. If you are even casually familiar with the religious environment of our day, you know there is an enormous amount of self-commendation to which believers are being submitted. None of it is right.
THE APOSTLE DREW BACK from such an approach, not venturing into a condemned approach to life. "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Cor 10:12, NKJV). There is a class of people– religious people – who speak more of themselves than of the Lord. Their notions of both worth and accomplishments are cultured by measuring themselves by human standards and attainments. Such an approach to life is "not wise" because it will inevitably position one in a bad stance on the day of judgment.
AND WHY IS THIS THE CASE? Because these people are NOT accepted by God. His stamp of approval is NOT upon them. The approval of God is essential to every aspect of salvation. No one will be saved without it. To be without God's commendation or approval is to be lost in every sense of the word.
WHOM DOES THE LORD APPROVE? Who will be able to stand before His presence with confidence and joy? It is the person He "commends." It is the one to whom He will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This is the person who will receive "praise from God" (1 Cor 4:5). It is the individual that God will "honor" (John 12:26) – and honor that comes "from God only" (John 5:44). The person whose faith is ultimately "found unto praise and honor and immortality at the appearing of Jesus Christ" is the one God commends (1 Pet 1:7).
THE THOUGHT OF BEING "commended" by God is by no means common in the church world – but it is at the heart of God's Kingdom. The ordinary religious person is often found seeking the approval of men, and doing it with great zeal. Such efforts are vain, for they exclude one from Divine approval. God will never approve those who modify their behavior and live their lives to gain the endorsement of men! Far better to give diligence to be a workman "approved by God" (2 Tim 2:15)! This will be accomplished when we can say from the heart, "For me to live IS Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil 1:21). God will commend that person!
– Given O. Blakely
IT IS IN THE HUMAN NATURE – fallen human nature – to seek the approval of men. Many a soul has been dashed upon the rocks of despair due to disappointment in this area. This is a particularly critical area in matters of religion. Jesus spoke of those who do everything "to be seen of men" (Matt 23:5). Preachers have been known to change their message so men would approve of them. Paul said that if he sought to please men he "should not be the servant of Christ" (Gal 1:10).
SOME HAVE MANAGED TO AVOID being commended by men, yet have been caught in the snare of self-approval, or thinking more highly of themselves than they ought to think (Rom 12:3). They have been led to believe one must have a good "self image" if they are going to be successful. This kind of thinking is encouraged by the psychoanalysts of the day – so much so that it is not uncommon to hear someone say you cannot love others until you first love yourself. This is a form of commending one's self – something strictly forbidden by this text.
WITH GREAT SOBRIETY we are told that the person who commended himself is not the one who is approved – good self image or not. The Basic Bible English version reads, "For the Lord's approval of a man is not dependent on his opinion of himself." It is what God thinks of a man that is the critical factor. If the Lord commends a person, it makes no difference whether anyone else does or not. If He does not commend a person, the views of all others cannot make up for that lack of commendation.
THE VERY THOUGHT OF BEING COMMENDED by God is arresting! It is also something to be fervently and confidently sought. Our text says the "approved" person is NOT the one who "commends himself." In another place, Jesus said, "He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself" (John 7:18, NIV). Such individuals address life as though everything depended upon them, and nothing hinged upon the Almighty. They live as though there was no God, and imagine there is no personal recognition unless it is aggressively promoted by the one desiring it. Whether we are speaking of our birth into this world, or our attainments in the world, "Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves" (Psa 100:3).
TO "COMMEND" OURSELVES is to point to OUR achievements, to glory in the flesh, and present our accomplishments as though they were significant. If you are even casually familiar with the religious environment of our day, you know there is an enormous amount of self-commendation to which believers are being submitted. None of it is right.
THE APOSTLE DREW BACK from such an approach, not venturing into a condemned approach to life. "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Cor 10:12, NKJV). There is a class of people– religious people – who speak more of themselves than of the Lord. Their notions of both worth and accomplishments are cultured by measuring themselves by human standards and attainments. Such an approach to life is "not wise" because it will inevitably position one in a bad stance on the day of judgment.
AND WHY IS THIS THE CASE? Because these people are NOT accepted by God. His stamp of approval is NOT upon them. The approval of God is essential to every aspect of salvation. No one will be saved without it. To be without God's commendation or approval is to be lost in every sense of the word.
WHOM DOES THE LORD APPROVE? Who will be able to stand before His presence with confidence and joy? It is the person He "commends." It is the one to whom He will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This is the person who will receive "praise from God" (1 Cor 4:5). It is the individual that God will "honor" (John 12:26) – and honor that comes "from God only" (John 5:44). The person whose faith is ultimately "found unto praise and honor and immortality at the appearing of Jesus Christ" is the one God commends (1 Pet 1:7).
THE THOUGHT OF BEING "commended" by God is by no means common in the church world – but it is at the heart of God's Kingdom. The ordinary religious person is often found seeking the approval of men, and doing it with great zeal. Such efforts are vain, for they exclude one from Divine approval. God will never approve those who modify their behavior and live their lives to gain the endorsement of men! Far better to give diligence to be a workman "approved by God" (2 Tim 2:15)! This will be accomplished when we can say from the heart, "For me to live IS Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil 1:21). God will commend that person!
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
TREASURES AND VESSELS
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body" (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).
LIFE IN CHRIST IS NOT SIMPLISTIC, and should not be viewed as though it is. When we are joined to the Lord, we enter a life of contradicting experiences. To put it in the words of our text, we "have this treasure in earthen vessels." The treasure is defined as "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (verse 6). It is the illuminating knowledge and presence of God Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ. As great as this "treasure" is, it has been placed in a crude and temporal container–an "earthen vessel," or clay pot. There is a reason for this arrangement: "that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." In the words of the NRSV, "so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us."
THE EXPERIENCE DESCRIBED in verses 8-10 show the "treasure" and the "vessel" sides of life–experience – from the obvious and not-so-obvious point of view.
ON THE "TREASURE" SIDE, we are "not crushed," "not in despair," "not forsaken," and "not destroyed." The "life of Jesus" that is revealed in human experience is on the "treasure" side. This is the part in which the power of God is demonstrated.
THERE IS ALSO THE "VESSEL" SIDE. In this perspective, our personal weakness is displayed. Our absolute need of the Lord's power is confirmed in this aspect of human experience. To this belongs "pressed on every side," "perplexed," persecuted," and "struck down." Here is where "the dying of the Lord Jesus" is revealed in us.
PONDER THESE EXPERIENCES FOR A MOMENT. It will assist you in dispelling any erroneous views of life in Christ. Being "pressed on every side" involves pressure put upon us by the enemy. From every quarter we experience opposition. Often it comes from friendships, family, associates, etc. When life becomes a burden, we are being "pressed on every side." What about being "perplexed?" This is being bewildered, confused, flustered, and puzzled. It is when we do not have all of the answers, and cannot figure everything out.
AND THEN THERE IS THE EXPERIENCE of being "persecuted." In this, the enemy appears to be superior, and makes life more difficult for us. We cannot stop it from happening, and thus we suffer. As if this were not enough, we are sometimes "struck down," or "knocked down." How we deplore such a thing, and yet often we cannot stop it. Our plans are thwarted, our joy is taken, and we are simply knocked off of our feet spiritually. When we endure such things, it becomes plain to us that the power does not belong to us, but to God. Our salvation has been purposely crafted so these experiences will occur. God is teaching us through them.
REMEMBER, THE DEMONSTRATION OF OUR WEAKNESS is not the real point, but the revelation of His power. It is our weakness that allows for Divine power to be made known. Think of the glory of this revelation.
ALTHOUGH WE ARE "PRESSED ON EVERY SIDE," we are "not crushed," or distressed. In a sense, we are placed in a winepress, yet remain like an uncrushed grape. The idea is that the pressure does not inhibit our service to God.
NOTICE, EVEN WHEN WE ARE "PERPLEXED," or mentally confused, we do not "despair," or give up. The Lord sustains us even when we do not understand everything – and that circumstance occurs more often than some care to admit. When the world comes against us, and opposition is endured even from those close to us, we are "not forsaken." Even when it appears as though we are all alone, and being hurt by others in the process, we are "not alone." Even when weakened by persecution, "we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?'" (Heb 13:6, NRSV). And when we are struck down, and our preferences taken from us, we are still "not destroyed." We receive strength to get up again, even after suffering heart-wrenching defeats. Thus it is written, "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again" (Prov 24:16, IV).
ALL OF THIS CONFIRMS that the excellency, or exceeding greatness, of the power is from God. We are not sustained by our wisdom or ingenuity. No amount of training or personal discipline has held us up. It is our God who makes the enemy unable to keep us down.
THIS IS HOW THE LORD is bringing us glory: in a way that will leave no doubt about how we got there. When tempted to think trouble and agitation are bad, let us remember that is only the vessel side. What about the treasure?
– Given O. Blakely
LIFE IN CHRIST IS NOT SIMPLISTIC, and should not be viewed as though it is. When we are joined to the Lord, we enter a life of contradicting experiences. To put it in the words of our text, we "have this treasure in earthen vessels." The treasure is defined as "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (verse 6). It is the illuminating knowledge and presence of God Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ. As great as this "treasure" is, it has been placed in a crude and temporal container–an "earthen vessel," or clay pot. There is a reason for this arrangement: "that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." In the words of the NRSV, "so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us."
THE EXPERIENCE DESCRIBED in verses 8-10 show the "treasure" and the "vessel" sides of life–experience – from the obvious and not-so-obvious point of view.
ON THE "TREASURE" SIDE, we are "not crushed," "not in despair," "not forsaken," and "not destroyed." The "life of Jesus" that is revealed in human experience is on the "treasure" side. This is the part in which the power of God is demonstrated.
THERE IS ALSO THE "VESSEL" SIDE. In this perspective, our personal weakness is displayed. Our absolute need of the Lord's power is confirmed in this aspect of human experience. To this belongs "pressed on every side," "perplexed," persecuted," and "struck down." Here is where "the dying of the Lord Jesus" is revealed in us.
PONDER THESE EXPERIENCES FOR A MOMENT. It will assist you in dispelling any erroneous views of life in Christ. Being "pressed on every side" involves pressure put upon us by the enemy. From every quarter we experience opposition. Often it comes from friendships, family, associates, etc. When life becomes a burden, we are being "pressed on every side." What about being "perplexed?" This is being bewildered, confused, flustered, and puzzled. It is when we do not have all of the answers, and cannot figure everything out.
AND THEN THERE IS THE EXPERIENCE of being "persecuted." In this, the enemy appears to be superior, and makes life more difficult for us. We cannot stop it from happening, and thus we suffer. As if this were not enough, we are sometimes "struck down," or "knocked down." How we deplore such a thing, and yet often we cannot stop it. Our plans are thwarted, our joy is taken, and we are simply knocked off of our feet spiritually. When we endure such things, it becomes plain to us that the power does not belong to us, but to God. Our salvation has been purposely crafted so these experiences will occur. God is teaching us through them.
REMEMBER, THE DEMONSTRATION OF OUR WEAKNESS is not the real point, but the revelation of His power. It is our weakness that allows for Divine power to be made known. Think of the glory of this revelation.
ALTHOUGH WE ARE "PRESSED ON EVERY SIDE," we are "not crushed," or distressed. In a sense, we are placed in a winepress, yet remain like an uncrushed grape. The idea is that the pressure does not inhibit our service to God.
NOTICE, EVEN WHEN WE ARE "PERPLEXED," or mentally confused, we do not "despair," or give up. The Lord sustains us even when we do not understand everything – and that circumstance occurs more often than some care to admit. When the world comes against us, and opposition is endured even from those close to us, we are "not forsaken." Even when it appears as though we are all alone, and being hurt by others in the process, we are "not alone." Even when weakened by persecution, "we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?'" (Heb 13:6, NRSV). And when we are struck down, and our preferences taken from us, we are still "not destroyed." We receive strength to get up again, even after suffering heart-wrenching defeats. Thus it is written, "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again" (Prov 24:16, IV).
ALL OF THIS CONFIRMS that the excellency, or exceeding greatness, of the power is from God. We are not sustained by our wisdom or ingenuity. No amount of training or personal discipline has held us up. It is our God who makes the enemy unable to keep us down.
THIS IS HOW THE LORD is bringing us glory: in a way that will leave no doubt about how we got there. When tempted to think trouble and agitation are bad, let us remember that is only the vessel side. What about the treasure?
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, June 21, 2010
ENTERING CORRECTLY
"But as for me, by Thine abundant lovingkindness I will enter Thy house, at Thy holy temple I will bow in reverence for Thee." (Psalm 5:7)
WHILE A LOT OF HOARY TRADITION has surrounded, what men call, "going to church," some observations concerning attending an assembly of believers are in order. Some people attach no value whatsoever to going to a place dedicated to the Lord. They see the New Covenant as liberating men from any obligation to assemble, or meet together in the name of the Lord. By thinking in this manner, they have attached too much significance to their own opinions, and have exaggerated their own spiritual strength.
THE LORD PROMISED special benefits to those who were "together." The Psalmist affirmed God would "command" a blessing on such a gathering (Psa 133:1-3). Jesus said He would personally be present where "two or three are gathered together" in His name (Matt 18:20). God especially acknowledged those who "spoke often" to one another during the decaying times of Malachi (Mal 3:16-17). When Peter was imprisoned, believers were found "gathered together praying" (Acts 12:12). The believers at Troas "gathered together" in an "upper chamber" (Acts 20:7-8). Paul spoke of the Corinthians being "gathered together" "with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 5:4). Who can forget that on the day of Pentecost the inauguration of the New Covenant took place when the disciples were "all with one accord in one place" (Acts 2:1).
SUCH HOLY CONCLAVES are anything but a mere formality – although they are often so viewed by nominal Christians. The gathering of saints, however, should not be viewed as a mere formality, obligation, or a neighborhood get-together. These are times when certain advantages can be ministered that are not otherwise available.DAVID KNEW THE LORD could not be confined to a building constructed by men. Yet, he longed to be where there were no distractions, and he could concentrate on the Lord. He even envied the sparrows because they could nest near the Lord's altars (Psa 84:30). He was personally "glad" when they said to him, "Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psa 122:1). That was a good frame of mind. How "glad" are you when someone mentioned going to a place where there is a gathering associated with the Lord?
AND HOW IS IT THAT DAVID would enter into the house of the Lord? What kind of thoughts would he have concerning that blessed occasion? For some, it would be nothing more than getting there on time. However, David acknowledges he would do so "in Thine abundant lovingkindness." By this he means he knew it was the Lord's mercy that allowed him to come into the Divine presence. He would also come into the Lord's proximity in contemplation of that mercy, lovingkindness, and grace.
HE DID NOT COME out of a sense of obligation, but in recognition of the grace of God – and there is a big difference in those perceptions. To be sure, slothful believers are admonished, "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is" (Heb 10:25). Those who duly consider the tender mercies of God will NOT be guilty of that transgression! They know God's grace has made them what they are in Christ. That is why they are "accepted in the Beloved" (Eph 1:6). They "COME" into His house, and are not driven there like wayward sheep.
WHATEVER VIEW YOU MAY ENTERTAIN about structures and times of meeting for the people of God, it is good to ponder being reverent when entering into His presence. "I will bow in reverence for Thee," David acknowledged. Some of us have noted a strange absence of this mind-set among professed believers. There appears to be too much casualness, and too little consciousness of a gracious God.
SOME BOAST THEY ARE ALWAYS in the presence of God, and do not need a special place to meet Him – but I do not believe them. Jesus, who dwelt in the bosom of the Father (John 1:18), "often resorted" to Gethsemane for prayer. It was so common for Him to do so that even Judas "knew the place" (John 18:1-2). On a daily basis He was found in the Temple (Lk 22:53), and He was in a synagogue somewhere every Sabbath (Lk 4:16), and was noted for frequenting the synagogues, where people "gathered." We have more than sixty references to the presence of our Lord in synagogues (i.g. Matt 4:23; 9:23; Mk 1:39; Lk 4:15,44; 13:10). Are these pretenders stronger than Christ? I think not. Paul and those with him were also noted for frequenting the synagogues (Acts 9:20; 13:5; 14:1; 17:1,10,17; 18:4; 18:19; 19:8). Those who imagine they have advanced so far they have no need for special places and the people of God are not wise. Even Jesus "desired" to eat His last Passover with His disciples – and it was a strong desire at that (Lk 22:15). That is simply the manner of the Kingdom.
MAY THE SPIRIT OF DAVID be brought to fruition in you. Come into His Presence with an awareness of His Person and tender mercies, bowing before Him. Come "with gladness" and "with singing" (Psa 100:2). Come with "thanksgiving" and "praise" (Psa 100:4). Do not enter into His Presence with a tired mind and body. DO not come with a mind filled with the concerns of this world. Tune your heart before you come to the Lord, and you will receive more from Him. You will be blessed in your deed.
– Given O. Blakely
WHILE A LOT OF HOARY TRADITION has surrounded, what men call, "going to church," some observations concerning attending an assembly of believers are in order. Some people attach no value whatsoever to going to a place dedicated to the Lord. They see the New Covenant as liberating men from any obligation to assemble, or meet together in the name of the Lord. By thinking in this manner, they have attached too much significance to their own opinions, and have exaggerated their own spiritual strength.
THE LORD PROMISED special benefits to those who were "together." The Psalmist affirmed God would "command" a blessing on such a gathering (Psa 133:1-3). Jesus said He would personally be present where "two or three are gathered together" in His name (Matt 18:20). God especially acknowledged those who "spoke often" to one another during the decaying times of Malachi (Mal 3:16-17). When Peter was imprisoned, believers were found "gathered together praying" (Acts 12:12). The believers at Troas "gathered together" in an "upper chamber" (Acts 20:7-8). Paul spoke of the Corinthians being "gathered together" "with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 5:4). Who can forget that on the day of Pentecost the inauguration of the New Covenant took place when the disciples were "all with one accord in one place" (Acts 2:1).
SUCH HOLY CONCLAVES are anything but a mere formality – although they are often so viewed by nominal Christians. The gathering of saints, however, should not be viewed as a mere formality, obligation, or a neighborhood get-together. These are times when certain advantages can be ministered that are not otherwise available.DAVID KNEW THE LORD could not be confined to a building constructed by men. Yet, he longed to be where there were no distractions, and he could concentrate on the Lord. He even envied the sparrows because they could nest near the Lord's altars (Psa 84:30). He was personally "glad" when they said to him, "Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psa 122:1). That was a good frame of mind. How "glad" are you when someone mentioned going to a place where there is a gathering associated with the Lord?
AND HOW IS IT THAT DAVID would enter into the house of the Lord? What kind of thoughts would he have concerning that blessed occasion? For some, it would be nothing more than getting there on time. However, David acknowledges he would do so "in Thine abundant lovingkindness." By this he means he knew it was the Lord's mercy that allowed him to come into the Divine presence. He would also come into the Lord's proximity in contemplation of that mercy, lovingkindness, and grace.
HE DID NOT COME out of a sense of obligation, but in recognition of the grace of God – and there is a big difference in those perceptions. To be sure, slothful believers are admonished, "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is" (Heb 10:25). Those who duly consider the tender mercies of God will NOT be guilty of that transgression! They know God's grace has made them what they are in Christ. That is why they are "accepted in the Beloved" (Eph 1:6). They "COME" into His house, and are not driven there like wayward sheep.
WHATEVER VIEW YOU MAY ENTERTAIN about structures and times of meeting for the people of God, it is good to ponder being reverent when entering into His presence. "I will bow in reverence for Thee," David acknowledged. Some of us have noted a strange absence of this mind-set among professed believers. There appears to be too much casualness, and too little consciousness of a gracious God.
SOME BOAST THEY ARE ALWAYS in the presence of God, and do not need a special place to meet Him – but I do not believe them. Jesus, who dwelt in the bosom of the Father (John 1:18), "often resorted" to Gethsemane for prayer. It was so common for Him to do so that even Judas "knew the place" (John 18:1-2). On a daily basis He was found in the Temple (Lk 22:53), and He was in a synagogue somewhere every Sabbath (Lk 4:16), and was noted for frequenting the synagogues, where people "gathered." We have more than sixty references to the presence of our Lord in synagogues (i.g. Matt 4:23; 9:23; Mk 1:39; Lk 4:15,44; 13:10). Are these pretenders stronger than Christ? I think not. Paul and those with him were also noted for frequenting the synagogues (Acts 9:20; 13:5; 14:1; 17:1,10,17; 18:4; 18:19; 19:8). Those who imagine they have advanced so far they have no need for special places and the people of God are not wise. Even Jesus "desired" to eat His last Passover with His disciples – and it was a strong desire at that (Lk 22:15). That is simply the manner of the Kingdom.
MAY THE SPIRIT OF DAVID be brought to fruition in you. Come into His Presence with an awareness of His Person and tender mercies, bowing before Him. Come "with gladness" and "with singing" (Psa 100:2). Come with "thanksgiving" and "praise" (Psa 100:4). Do not enter into His Presence with a tired mind and body. DO not come with a mind filled with the concerns of this world. Tune your heart before you come to the Lord, and you will receive more from Him. You will be blessed in your deed.
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, June 18, 2010
THE LIFE-GIVING WORD
" For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV)
THE WORD IS LIFE-GIVING AND DISCERNING. This is the appointed means through which spiritual life is maintained and the real intentions of the heart are unveiled. The right and ability to impart life belongs to God alone. As it is written, "See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god with me . . . I make alive . . . " (Deut 32:39). The generation of life is the peculiar prerogative of God. He alone can create it, and through Him life--any life--is sustained! "Life" involves the ability to respond to your environment. That is called "reciprocity." When a fish responds to the environment of water, it is "alive." When a worm responds to the environment of soil, it is "alive." Of particular interest is our response to God--the "living God." When the individual can respond to God, he is spiritually alive. Only God can cause that to happen! That is why Jesus declared, "I am the Way, the Truth, and THE LIFE." No man cometh to the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
THE WORD OF GOD IS "LIVING AND POWERFUL." (Heb 4:12). It is not subject to human laws, whether they be philosophical or procedural. It cannot be systematized, a snare into which men have traditionally fallen. The more you systematize the Word of God, the less powerful it becomes. This is confirmed by the obvious lack of moral and spiritual power that characterizes those seeking to stabilize human conduct by laws and regulations. Throughout church history, there have been major thrusts of activity that have sought to protect God's Word by classifying and organizing its teachings. Thus Calvin gave us his Institutes, and Campbell his Christian System. Both volumes contain excellent statements, and sound thought. However, they have caused as much difficulty as they have good. Those who have adopted their regimented approach are traditionally divided among themselves, unable to work productively together. The reason for this situation is their stilted approach to the living and vibrant Word of God.
YOU MIGHT AS WELL ATTEMPT to systematize a young child as Scripture. Your efforts will run aground, because living things cannot be limited to humanly conceived boundaries. A system can rise no higher than the one who contrived it. It is limited by the perception of its creator. God's Word does not fall into that category. Those who feed upon it find their thoughts becoming more voluminous and focused. They become less confused and more confident. Within them, the vistas of truth are in a state of expansion. They begin seeing more and understanding more. The horizon of their awareness is becoming larger. New things are seen in the most common texts of Scripture. This is because the Word is "living and powerful."
BECAUSE OF THIS CONDITION, the Holy Spirit often says things in Scripture that conflict with human perceptions of the Word. It will mention people who COULD NOT believe because God blinded their eyes (John 12:39-40), or refer to being saved because of God's foreknowledge (2 Pet 1:2). It will speak of participating in the Divine nature (2 Pet 1:4), and being "one spirit" with the Lord Himself (1 Cor 6:17). The Holy Spirit may even say people are called AFTER they have been predestinated (Rom 8:29), or that we have been "chosen in Him before the foundation of the world" (Eph 1:4). It may trace an immoral situation to Divine cause (Judges 14:3-4; 2 Sam 21:1). Such sayings do not fit into preconceived notions of Scripture. There is no acceptable hermeneutic, or principle of interpretation, that will allow such texts to be received as they are. The Word of God is living, and thus not subject to human restrictions. The same condition results from embracing a sectarian creed, denominational emphasis, or a strictly personal view of Scripture.
DIRECTLY RELATED TO SPIRITUAL LIFE. The Word of God is directly related to life--spiritual life. "For the word of God is living and active." God's Word has Divine qualities because it comes from Him. Note carefully, the Word does not lose those attributes after it has come to us. It is not, for example, living and powerful in the original, but lifeless in the English. Is there any one who would care to affirm Scripture has lost its power?--in any age, or to any people? When Jesus said, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life" (John 6:63), He powerfully conveyed the consistent impact of His Word--even after it was written. That, of course, is why His words are recorded. They are not merely there for information, or intellectual data. The Holy Spirit is still associated with the Word of God and His Christ! It is His sword, through which he cuts and divides within us.
– Given O. Blakely
THE WORD IS LIFE-GIVING AND DISCERNING. This is the appointed means through which spiritual life is maintained and the real intentions of the heart are unveiled. The right and ability to impart life belongs to God alone. As it is written, "See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god with me . . . I make alive . . . " (Deut 32:39). The generation of life is the peculiar prerogative of God. He alone can create it, and through Him life--any life--is sustained! "Life" involves the ability to respond to your environment. That is called "reciprocity." When a fish responds to the environment of water, it is "alive." When a worm responds to the environment of soil, it is "alive." Of particular interest is our response to God--the "living God." When the individual can respond to God, he is spiritually alive. Only God can cause that to happen! That is why Jesus declared, "I am the Way, the Truth, and THE LIFE." No man cometh to the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
THE WORD OF GOD IS "LIVING AND POWERFUL." (Heb 4:12). It is not subject to human laws, whether they be philosophical or procedural. It cannot be systematized, a snare into which men have traditionally fallen. The more you systematize the Word of God, the less powerful it becomes. This is confirmed by the obvious lack of moral and spiritual power that characterizes those seeking to stabilize human conduct by laws and regulations. Throughout church history, there have been major thrusts of activity that have sought to protect God's Word by classifying and organizing its teachings. Thus Calvin gave us his Institutes, and Campbell his Christian System. Both volumes contain excellent statements, and sound thought. However, they have caused as much difficulty as they have good. Those who have adopted their regimented approach are traditionally divided among themselves, unable to work productively together. The reason for this situation is their stilted approach to the living and vibrant Word of God.
YOU MIGHT AS WELL ATTEMPT to systematize a young child as Scripture. Your efforts will run aground, because living things cannot be limited to humanly conceived boundaries. A system can rise no higher than the one who contrived it. It is limited by the perception of its creator. God's Word does not fall into that category. Those who feed upon it find their thoughts becoming more voluminous and focused. They become less confused and more confident. Within them, the vistas of truth are in a state of expansion. They begin seeing more and understanding more. The horizon of their awareness is becoming larger. New things are seen in the most common texts of Scripture. This is because the Word is "living and powerful."
BECAUSE OF THIS CONDITION, the Holy Spirit often says things in Scripture that conflict with human perceptions of the Word. It will mention people who COULD NOT believe because God blinded their eyes (John 12:39-40), or refer to being saved because of God's foreknowledge (2 Pet 1:2). It will speak of participating in the Divine nature (2 Pet 1:4), and being "one spirit" with the Lord Himself (1 Cor 6:17). The Holy Spirit may even say people are called AFTER they have been predestinated (Rom 8:29), or that we have been "chosen in Him before the foundation of the world" (Eph 1:4). It may trace an immoral situation to Divine cause (Judges 14:3-4; 2 Sam 21:1). Such sayings do not fit into preconceived notions of Scripture. There is no acceptable hermeneutic, or principle of interpretation, that will allow such texts to be received as they are. The Word of God is living, and thus not subject to human restrictions. The same condition results from embracing a sectarian creed, denominational emphasis, or a strictly personal view of Scripture.
DIRECTLY RELATED TO SPIRITUAL LIFE. The Word of God is directly related to life--spiritual life. "For the word of God is living and active." God's Word has Divine qualities because it comes from Him. Note carefully, the Word does not lose those attributes after it has come to us. It is not, for example, living and powerful in the original, but lifeless in the English. Is there any one who would care to affirm Scripture has lost its power?--in any age, or to any people? When Jesus said, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life" (John 6:63), He powerfully conveyed the consistent impact of His Word--even after it was written. That, of course, is why His words are recorded. They are not merely there for information, or intellectual data. The Holy Spirit is still associated with the Word of God and His Christ! It is His sword, through which he cuts and divides within us.
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, June 14, 2010
GOD’S WORD IS PIVOTAL
" . . . for You have magnified Your word above all Your name." (Psalm 138:2, NKJV)
THE WORD "PIVOTAL" means central, or primary. The Word of God is not a novelty. It is a primary necessity. Without it, there can be no association with God, no experience of His great salvation, and no clarity of spiritual thought. This Word – God's Word – reaches higher than any other word. It has broader implications, and deeper meanings than any other utterance. This Word is more than a mere body of information; it has creative and transforming power. In the beginning, God created the "worlds" with His word. As it is written, "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible" (Heb 11:3, NASB). If God can call a multiplicity of universes into existence by His word, what can be done with that Word among the sons of men? What other word is like His Word?
EXALTED ABOVE ALL HIS NAME. Of all of God's qualities, He has, among men, exalted His Word above all. He has hung His own integrity upon His Word. Our reliance upon Him is directly related to His Word. If His Word can be trusted, everything about Him can be also. If His Word cannot be trusted, He Himself is untrustworthy. Thus our text reads, " . . . for you have exalted above all things Your name and Your word" (NIV). " . . . thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name" (ASV, KJV, NKJV). The intention of this expression is to show the supremacy of God's Word to men. This text emphasizes that this has been done in accordance with God's own nature. It underscores that God's Word and nature are in harmony, thereby requiring that His Word be honored, and regarded with reverence. It also confirms that of all Divine qualities, His Word is to be held in highest regard. This does not allow men to despise any of God's characteristics, and that is certainly not the intent of the verse. Rather, it accentuates that the only way we obtain an intelligent view of God is through His Word. That is where we learn of His love, mercy, longsuffering, and purpose. If we cannot depend upon what God says, there is no hope of trusting Him in any sense!
THEREFORE, HE HAS PLACED the priority upon His Word, because that is the appointed means of becoming acquainted with Him. To put it another way, the Lord has made no provision for acquaintance with Himself, spiritual advance, true understanding, or the attainment of glory, apart from His Word. Candidly, that is a staggering consideration.
EVERYTHING IS MEASURED BY THE WORD. In God's Kingdom, everything is measured by His Word. Individual identity with God is evaluated by this means. Moral progress is assessed through the Word. How graphically this is portrayed in Christ's parable of the sower. " . . . When anyone hears THE WORD of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart . . . he who hears THE WORD and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of THE WORD, immediately he stumbles . . . he who hears THE WORD, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke THE WORD, and he becomes unfruitful . . . he who hears THE WORD and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" (Matt 13:3-8, 18-23, NKJV). A few observations will suffice to illustrate the absolute importance of the Word of the Lord.
SATAN'S ACTIVITY. The devil is objective; i.e., he has a goal. Stated in summary, it is to drive a wedge between man and God. He knows the best way to accomplish this diabolical aim. It is to take away the Word of God – to make it impossible for the individual to think about it, ponder it, and meditate upon it. Jesus pictured some individuals as those who did not understand the Word. These are vulnerable to Satan, and he never misses an opportunity to fulfill his will in them. His activity is directly related to the subjection of men to the Word. Hear Christ's words again. "When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart."
NOTICE, THIS APPLIES to "anyone" that "does not understand" the Word. Their deficiency is not their mind, but their heart. This is not a child, or someone deprived of mental capacities. It is the person with a hard heart. Such have steeled themselves against the Word of the Lord. It "flies," so to speak, over their heads. God's Word is central! It cannot lie dormant in an alienated mind, and foolish is the person who thinks it can! Jesus makes it plain. He pictures Satan as a bird hovering over the hearts of those that hear the Word of the King. If that Word is not understood, the devil "comes and snatches away what was sown in" the heart of the hearer.
DO NOT SUPPOSE FOR ONE MOMENT that this will not happen! The person who "does not understand" is the one who sees no relevancy in the Word of God. It does not appear important to him. He does not think it has anything for him, and consequently pushes it to the back of his mind. It does not impact upon his conduct, and certainly will not be allowed to mold his thoughts. Seeing this, the devil ensures he will not think upon it later. He "snatches away what was sown!" No other word can summon the devil into such instant activity. God's Word is central!
– Given O. Blakely
THE WORD "PIVOTAL" means central, or primary. The Word of God is not a novelty. It is a primary necessity. Without it, there can be no association with God, no experience of His great salvation, and no clarity of spiritual thought. This Word – God's Word – reaches higher than any other word. It has broader implications, and deeper meanings than any other utterance. This Word is more than a mere body of information; it has creative and transforming power. In the beginning, God created the "worlds" with His word. As it is written, "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible" (Heb 11:3, NASB). If God can call a multiplicity of universes into existence by His word, what can be done with that Word among the sons of men? What other word is like His Word?
EXALTED ABOVE ALL HIS NAME. Of all of God's qualities, He has, among men, exalted His Word above all. He has hung His own integrity upon His Word. Our reliance upon Him is directly related to His Word. If His Word can be trusted, everything about Him can be also. If His Word cannot be trusted, He Himself is untrustworthy. Thus our text reads, " . . . for you have exalted above all things Your name and Your word" (NIV). " . . . thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name" (ASV, KJV, NKJV). The intention of this expression is to show the supremacy of God's Word to men. This text emphasizes that this has been done in accordance with God's own nature. It underscores that God's Word and nature are in harmony, thereby requiring that His Word be honored, and regarded with reverence. It also confirms that of all Divine qualities, His Word is to be held in highest regard. This does not allow men to despise any of God's characteristics, and that is certainly not the intent of the verse. Rather, it accentuates that the only way we obtain an intelligent view of God is through His Word. That is where we learn of His love, mercy, longsuffering, and purpose. If we cannot depend upon what God says, there is no hope of trusting Him in any sense!
THEREFORE, HE HAS PLACED the priority upon His Word, because that is the appointed means of becoming acquainted with Him. To put it another way, the Lord has made no provision for acquaintance with Himself, spiritual advance, true understanding, or the attainment of glory, apart from His Word. Candidly, that is a staggering consideration.
EVERYTHING IS MEASURED BY THE WORD. In God's Kingdom, everything is measured by His Word. Individual identity with God is evaluated by this means. Moral progress is assessed through the Word. How graphically this is portrayed in Christ's parable of the sower. " . . . When anyone hears THE WORD of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart . . . he who hears THE WORD and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of THE WORD, immediately he stumbles . . . he who hears THE WORD, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke THE WORD, and he becomes unfruitful . . . he who hears THE WORD and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" (Matt 13:3-8, 18-23, NKJV). A few observations will suffice to illustrate the absolute importance of the Word of the Lord.
SATAN'S ACTIVITY. The devil is objective; i.e., he has a goal. Stated in summary, it is to drive a wedge between man and God. He knows the best way to accomplish this diabolical aim. It is to take away the Word of God – to make it impossible for the individual to think about it, ponder it, and meditate upon it. Jesus pictured some individuals as those who did not understand the Word. These are vulnerable to Satan, and he never misses an opportunity to fulfill his will in them. His activity is directly related to the subjection of men to the Word. Hear Christ's words again. "When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart."
NOTICE, THIS APPLIES to "anyone" that "does not understand" the Word. Their deficiency is not their mind, but their heart. This is not a child, or someone deprived of mental capacities. It is the person with a hard heart. Such have steeled themselves against the Word of the Lord. It "flies," so to speak, over their heads. God's Word is central! It cannot lie dormant in an alienated mind, and foolish is the person who thinks it can! Jesus makes it plain. He pictures Satan as a bird hovering over the hearts of those that hear the Word of the King. If that Word is not understood, the devil "comes and snatches away what was sown in" the heart of the hearer.
DO NOT SUPPOSE FOR ONE MOMENT that this will not happen! The person who "does not understand" is the one who sees no relevancy in the Word of God. It does not appear important to him. He does not think it has anything for him, and consequently pushes it to the back of his mind. It does not impact upon his conduct, and certainly will not be allowed to mold his thoughts. Seeing this, the devil ensures he will not think upon it later. He "snatches away what was sown!" No other word can summon the devil into such instant activity. God's Word is central!
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, June 11, 2010
THE GRAND OBJECTIVE
" . . . that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7, NKJV)
IN CHRIST JESUS, we have been relocated. From one perspective, God "has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" (Col 1:13, NKJV). From an even more precise point of view, the great God "raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6). The "heavenly places" are the realm in which spiritual life is nurtured and maintained. They are the domain of safety and growth. They are the only realms where fellowship with Christ can be realized (1 Cor 1:9). Being in "the heavenly places" is what brings the privileges of having access to God (Eph 2:18; 3:12), being strengthened with "all might" (Col 1:11), and gaining and experiencing spiritual stability (Col 2:7).
WHILE THESE ARE INDISPENSABLE to living under the approval and blessing of God, they are not the ultimate objective realized in our salvation. God's purpose is "eternal" (Eph 3:11), reaching beyond "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4) and the restrictions of time. "The present time" is the period in which God's purpose is introduced, not fulfilled. There are things to be revealed beyond the border of time – a glory that excels all sufferings induced by faith (Rom 8:18).
A RELIGION THAT IS ANCHORED to and emphasizes "the present time" is flawed to the core. It has no place for hope, for it presents this life, this time, and this world as preeminent. It is not possible to grow in Christ as long as these views are maintained. In fact, they actually cause one to become "the enemy of God," because they nurture friendship with the world (James 4:4).
THERE IS A GRAND OBJECTIVE to our placement in these "heavenly places." There is a Divine purpose that extends beyond this time, into "the ages to come." These are "ages" that reach beyond human perception and present experience. They fade from earthly view and blend with eternity. No human faculty can penetrate into "the ages to come." Only faith can perceive their border now, and prepare for entrance into them.
THE GREATEST OF ALL EXPERIENCES, and the most prolific of all instruction, will take place in those "ages." Then the real work will begin, and the fulness of salvation will be perceived. Everything we have now is but introductory to what is to come. Considering the greatness of the "unspeakable gift" we have already received, how our anticipation is whetted for things even grander. They will not be of a different order, but an enlargement of what we have now begun to receive in Christ.
THE GREATNESS OF GRACE. Although "the grace of God" is not frequently mentioned in certain circles, it will be the subject of Divine exposition in the world to come. What has, and will be, accomplished by the grace of God transcends everything else that God Himself has wrought. The magnificent creation of "the worlds" recedes into the background when the grace of God is seen "in truth" (Col 1:6). Mount Sinai is overshadowed by the greater glory of the Divine benevolence brought to men in Christ Jesus. His dealings with Israel are but faint glimpses of the things grace has brought to the sons of men.
THE GRACE OF GOD has reached deeper, and extends higher, than any of the previous dealings of God with mankind. It is wider in scope, covering greater periods of time and a larger populous. It has a more profound depth, exposing our hearts and minds to more of God's nature and a greater familiarity with his "eternal purpose." The "grace of God" carries a greater measure of Divine kindness, and is more replete with provisions.
GOD HAS "made us sit together with Him [Christ] in the heavenly places" in order to prepare us for an even greater working. He has put us upon the heavenly "potters wheel" to shape and mold us in such a way as will unveil to heavenly intelligences how exceedingly wise and gracious He is.
WHAT GOD'S GRACE has produced will be the subject of earnest inquiry throughout the "ages to come." Already it has solicited the attention of angels, who long to look into the message of the Gospel, which proclaims what grace has already done (1 Pet 1:12). What glories will be unfolded throughout the coming ages? What marvelous associations will be made between the sons of God and the grace of God? How our hearts will burn within us as the great God of heaven unfolds the abundant riches that are resident in His matchless grace! Here, in the grace of God, is a Divine repository that is unexcelled. There are "riches" here that cannot be found anywhere else. Therein are provisions that our minds can scarcely perceive in this world. Let us become familiar with that grace now! You can "find" grace now "to help in the time of need" (Heb 4:16). That will prepare you for "ages to come."
– Given O. Blakely
IN CHRIST JESUS, we have been relocated. From one perspective, God "has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" (Col 1:13, NKJV). From an even more precise point of view, the great God "raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6). The "heavenly places" are the realm in which spiritual life is nurtured and maintained. They are the domain of safety and growth. They are the only realms where fellowship with Christ can be realized (1 Cor 1:9). Being in "the heavenly places" is what brings the privileges of having access to God (Eph 2:18; 3:12), being strengthened with "all might" (Col 1:11), and gaining and experiencing spiritual stability (Col 2:7).
WHILE THESE ARE INDISPENSABLE to living under the approval and blessing of God, they are not the ultimate objective realized in our salvation. God's purpose is "eternal" (Eph 3:11), reaching beyond "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4) and the restrictions of time. "The present time" is the period in which God's purpose is introduced, not fulfilled. There are things to be revealed beyond the border of time – a glory that excels all sufferings induced by faith (Rom 8:18).
A RELIGION THAT IS ANCHORED to and emphasizes "the present time" is flawed to the core. It has no place for hope, for it presents this life, this time, and this world as preeminent. It is not possible to grow in Christ as long as these views are maintained. In fact, they actually cause one to become "the enemy of God," because they nurture friendship with the world (James 4:4).
THERE IS A GRAND OBJECTIVE to our placement in these "heavenly places." There is a Divine purpose that extends beyond this time, into "the ages to come." These are "ages" that reach beyond human perception and present experience. They fade from earthly view and blend with eternity. No human faculty can penetrate into "the ages to come." Only faith can perceive their border now, and prepare for entrance into them.
THE GREATEST OF ALL EXPERIENCES, and the most prolific of all instruction, will take place in those "ages." Then the real work will begin, and the fulness of salvation will be perceived. Everything we have now is but introductory to what is to come. Considering the greatness of the "unspeakable gift" we have already received, how our anticipation is whetted for things even grander. They will not be of a different order, but an enlargement of what we have now begun to receive in Christ.
THE GREATNESS OF GRACE. Although "the grace of God" is not frequently mentioned in certain circles, it will be the subject of Divine exposition in the world to come. What has, and will be, accomplished by the grace of God transcends everything else that God Himself has wrought. The magnificent creation of "the worlds" recedes into the background when the grace of God is seen "in truth" (Col 1:6). Mount Sinai is overshadowed by the greater glory of the Divine benevolence brought to men in Christ Jesus. His dealings with Israel are but faint glimpses of the things grace has brought to the sons of men.
THE GRACE OF GOD has reached deeper, and extends higher, than any of the previous dealings of God with mankind. It is wider in scope, covering greater periods of time and a larger populous. It has a more profound depth, exposing our hearts and minds to more of God's nature and a greater familiarity with his "eternal purpose." The "grace of God" carries a greater measure of Divine kindness, and is more replete with provisions.
GOD HAS "made us sit together with Him [Christ] in the heavenly places" in order to prepare us for an even greater working. He has put us upon the heavenly "potters wheel" to shape and mold us in such a way as will unveil to heavenly intelligences how exceedingly wise and gracious He is.
WHAT GOD'S GRACE has produced will be the subject of earnest inquiry throughout the "ages to come." Already it has solicited the attention of angels, who long to look into the message of the Gospel, which proclaims what grace has already done (1 Pet 1:12). What glories will be unfolded throughout the coming ages? What marvelous associations will be made between the sons of God and the grace of God? How our hearts will burn within us as the great God of heaven unfolds the abundant riches that are resident in His matchless grace! Here, in the grace of God, is a Divine repository that is unexcelled. There are "riches" here that cannot be found anywhere else. Therein are provisions that our minds can scarcely perceive in this world. Let us become familiar with that grace now! You can "find" grace now "to help in the time of need" (Heb 4:16). That will prepare you for "ages to come."
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
WE ARE MADE ALIVE!
"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins." (Ephesians 2:1, NKJV)
A PROPER ASSESSMENT of salvation requires a correct evaluation of where we were when the Lord found us. And, make no mistake about it, we were "found." Our blessed Lord said, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Lk 19:10). Of old time, God affirmed seeking the lost is a Divine attribute. "I will seek that which was lost" (Ezek 34:16). In what condition did He find us? It is essential to know this if we are to appreciate where we have been brought in Christ Jesus.
OUR TEXT WILL AFFIRM we were all in the same category. While men are prone to classify flesh, assigning various grades to it, from the standpoint of our text, it all falls into the same class. Salvation is common because it addresses a people in a common condition: "for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:22b-23).
WE WERE MADE ALIVE. "And you HE made alive . . . " Before a change of location could be realized, we had to be "made alive." This involved making us sensitive to the Lord, aware of His provisions, and desirous of His blessing. This is life deep within men, in their heart and spirit. It brings with it a discontent with life in this world and a deep sense of sin. We are awakened, as it were, by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, who works through the Gospel of Christ, and in strict concert with the purpose of God.
LIFE BEGAN TO EVIDENCE ITSELF with the conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11). This is the kind of life that must eventually be "born" – delivered from one realm into another realm. When I speak of being "made alive," I am referring to a process that begins with conviction, has its official beginning in the new birth, and is maintained in, what the Spirit calls, "heavenly places" or realms. True life requires all of these.
WE WERE NOT "QUICKENED" OR "MADE ALIVE" INDEPENDENTLY OF JESUS. Rather, by Divine purpose, as well as in our experience, we were "made alive together with Him," the resurrected Christ (Col 2:13). In fact, our text strongly affirms this to be the case. After proclaiming the power that is "toward" us was primarily authenticated in the resurrection of Christ (Eph 1:20-23), the Spirit begins the next phrase with "And YOU . . . " That is, God raised Christ AND those accepted in Him.
THE LIFE OF WHICH WE SPEAK, therefore, is resurrection life – the life of the resurrected Jesus. It is not institutional life or fleshly excitement. It is not mere religious animation, so common in our day. This is the kind of life found in the risen and enthroned Son of God.
WE WERE DEAD. " . . . who were dead in trespasses and sins . . . " Our condition before being made alive was a dreadful one. We were "dead," destitute of life and separated from God. We were the opposite of Jesus, Who is "the Life," and is "alive forevermore" (John 14:6; Rev 1:18).
THE REALM, OR DOMAIN, of our death was "trespasses and sins." This involved alienation from God, and placed us under the wrath of Almighty God. "Trespasses and sins" are a realm that is both personal and collective. Individually we had sinned and were thus dead toward God. We also occupied a realm that was characterized by death and cursed by God. It was an utterly hopeless situation requiring Divine intervention. Although men debate about the extent of this death, nothing could have been done about it if God did not do it. Far better to acknowledge that "salvation is of the Lord" than to wrangle over the degree to which we were dead.
WHEN JESUS RAISED Lazarus from the dead, he had been dead for four days, and was especially repulsive with a noxious odor. When He raised the son of the widow of Nain, he has been dead for a while, but was not as repugnant in appearance as Lazarus. When He raised Jairus' daughter, she had just died, and no doubt retained some of her youthful attractiveness. Yet, all three had this in common: they were dead! It is also so with sinners.
THERE CAME A POINT IN TIME when we, as those who were dead, heard the voice of the Son of God. With shattering power, it penetrated the dark domain in which we found ourselves. Jesus referred to this awakening when He said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live" (John 5:25, NKJV). Jesus was speaking of a spiritual resurrection, for He later refers to another resurrection which would also be accomplished by His voice – the resurrection of the body from the grave (John 5:28). The first prepares for the second.
PRIOR TO BEING "MADE ALIVE," our state was most dreadful. It is described in words that put the accent on the grace of God. WE WERE UNDER SATAN'S DOMINION. " . . . you once walked . . . according to the prince of the power of the air . . . " Satan controlled us, and worked at will within us.
WE WERE CHARACTERIZED BY DISOBEDIENCE. " . . .the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves . . . " Disobeying God was our nature. "Disobedience" was the epitaph over the entirety of our lives. We Were Children of Wrath. ". . . and were by nature children of wrath, just like others." . . . " Our destiny was to be immersed into the wrath of Almighty God. Apart from Divine intervention, there was no possible way for this to be avoided.
BEING":MADE ALIVE" involves deliverance from all of those dreadful conditions. There is a change in our nature and our destiny when we are "made alive." Praise the Lord!
– Given O. Blakely
A PROPER ASSESSMENT of salvation requires a correct evaluation of where we were when the Lord found us. And, make no mistake about it, we were "found." Our blessed Lord said, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Lk 19:10). Of old time, God affirmed seeking the lost is a Divine attribute. "I will seek that which was lost" (Ezek 34:16). In what condition did He find us? It is essential to know this if we are to appreciate where we have been brought in Christ Jesus.
OUR TEXT WILL AFFIRM we were all in the same category. While men are prone to classify flesh, assigning various grades to it, from the standpoint of our text, it all falls into the same class. Salvation is common because it addresses a people in a common condition: "for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:22b-23).
WE WERE MADE ALIVE. "And you HE made alive . . . " Before a change of location could be realized, we had to be "made alive." This involved making us sensitive to the Lord, aware of His provisions, and desirous of His blessing. This is life deep within men, in their heart and spirit. It brings with it a discontent with life in this world and a deep sense of sin. We are awakened, as it were, by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, who works through the Gospel of Christ, and in strict concert with the purpose of God.
LIFE BEGAN TO EVIDENCE ITSELF with the conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11). This is the kind of life that must eventually be "born" – delivered from one realm into another realm. When I speak of being "made alive," I am referring to a process that begins with conviction, has its official beginning in the new birth, and is maintained in, what the Spirit calls, "heavenly places" or realms. True life requires all of these.
WE WERE NOT "QUICKENED" OR "MADE ALIVE" INDEPENDENTLY OF JESUS. Rather, by Divine purpose, as well as in our experience, we were "made alive together with Him," the resurrected Christ (Col 2:13). In fact, our text strongly affirms this to be the case. After proclaiming the power that is "toward" us was primarily authenticated in the resurrection of Christ (Eph 1:20-23), the Spirit begins the next phrase with "And YOU . . . " That is, God raised Christ AND those accepted in Him.
THE LIFE OF WHICH WE SPEAK, therefore, is resurrection life – the life of the resurrected Jesus. It is not institutional life or fleshly excitement. It is not mere religious animation, so common in our day. This is the kind of life found in the risen and enthroned Son of God.
WE WERE DEAD. " . . . who were dead in trespasses and sins . . . " Our condition before being made alive was a dreadful one. We were "dead," destitute of life and separated from God. We were the opposite of Jesus, Who is "the Life," and is "alive forevermore" (John 14:6; Rev 1:18).
THE REALM, OR DOMAIN, of our death was "trespasses and sins." This involved alienation from God, and placed us under the wrath of Almighty God. "Trespasses and sins" are a realm that is both personal and collective. Individually we had sinned and were thus dead toward God. We also occupied a realm that was characterized by death and cursed by God. It was an utterly hopeless situation requiring Divine intervention. Although men debate about the extent of this death, nothing could have been done about it if God did not do it. Far better to acknowledge that "salvation is of the Lord" than to wrangle over the degree to which we were dead.
WHEN JESUS RAISED Lazarus from the dead, he had been dead for four days, and was especially repulsive with a noxious odor. When He raised the son of the widow of Nain, he has been dead for a while, but was not as repugnant in appearance as Lazarus. When He raised Jairus' daughter, she had just died, and no doubt retained some of her youthful attractiveness. Yet, all three had this in common: they were dead! It is also so with sinners.
THERE CAME A POINT IN TIME when we, as those who were dead, heard the voice of the Son of God. With shattering power, it penetrated the dark domain in which we found ourselves. Jesus referred to this awakening when He said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live" (John 5:25, NKJV). Jesus was speaking of a spiritual resurrection, for He later refers to another resurrection which would also be accomplished by His voice – the resurrection of the body from the grave (John 5:28). The first prepares for the second.
PRIOR TO BEING "MADE ALIVE," our state was most dreadful. It is described in words that put the accent on the grace of God. WE WERE UNDER SATAN'S DOMINION. " . . . you once walked . . . according to the prince of the power of the air . . . " Satan controlled us, and worked at will within us.
WE WERE CHARACTERIZED BY DISOBEDIENCE. " . . .the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves . . . " Disobeying God was our nature. "Disobedience" was the epitaph over the entirety of our lives. We Were Children of Wrath. ". . . and were by nature children of wrath, just like others." . . . " Our destiny was to be immersed into the wrath of Almighty God. Apart from Divine intervention, there was no possible way for this to be avoided.
BEING":MADE ALIVE" involves deliverance from all of those dreadful conditions. There is a change in our nature and our destiny when we are "made alive." Praise the Lord!
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, June 7, 2010
YOU ARE ABRAHAM’S SEED
"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal 3:29)
THE JUSTIFIED ONES BELONG TO JESUS! God has given them to His Son, and they belong to Him. Jesus spoke of this transaction. He said the Father's will was that He lose no one that was given to Him (John 6:39). Jesus prayed for the ones who had been given to Him (John 17:9,24). The Son refers to the saved as "the children God has given Me" (Heb 2:13).
THE FATHER HAS GIVEN US to Christ that He might "bring us to God," and ultimately to glory (1 Pet 3:18; Heb 2:10). In this sense, He is the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11,14). He not only blazed the trail to glory for us, He accompanies us on our journey. We belong to Christ. His leadership is not limited to stimulating proper conduct. Rather, it is the divinely appointed means of getting us to glory. God put us into Christ (1 Cor 1:30), and Christ is bringing us to God!
KNOWING "IF YOU BELONG TO CHRIST," then, is everything! It is a New Covenant way of thinking ("they shall all know Me")! Moral advance depends upon our awareness of this truth – upon our confidence in Christ and assurance of salvation. No person will work well until this is grasped! In the last analysis, everything depends on whether or not we belong to Christ. Do not guess at this! Throw yourself into the appropriation of this knowledge, and it will impact upon everything you do. A fruitful discovery, indeed!
HERE IS ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING challenging expressions of Scripture. Previously, the Spirit has identified the Lord Jesus Himself as Abraham's Seed. "Now to Abraham and HIS SEED were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, WHICH IS CHRIST" (v 16). The text certainly seems clear enough. When it comes to the promises, multiple seeds are strictly forbidden. The covenantal commitment centers in Christ, and Christ alone.
HOWEVER, OUR TEXT PLAINLY STATES, if we belong to Christ, WE are Abraham's seed! That means an effective unity has been accomplished in salvation. We have been joined to the Lord, thereby becoming "one spirit" with Him (1 Cor 6:17). There is a sense in which we cannot be distinguished from Christ! We are, so to speak, "members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones" (Eph 5:30, KJV). To put it another way, the redeemed are Christ's "body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way" (Eph 1:23). The union is so precise that even our bodies "are the members of Christ" (1 Cor 6:15). Just as the head and body are a single unit, so Christ and His people form a single entity (Col 2:19).
BELIEVERS ARE SAID TO HAVE "died with Christ" (Rom 6:8). They were "buried with Him" (Rom 6:4), and "raised with Him" (Eph 2:6). How glorious the fusion of Jesus with His people! Paul used more than oratory when he said, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal 2:20). The child of God can say truthfully, "For to me, living is Christ" (Phil 1:21, NRSV).
THIS TRUTH – that we are Abraham's seed – is so startling that men have created theological walls to block it out of their minds. Some choose to deny the indwelling of the Christ and the Spirit (Eph 3:16-17). Others resist the affirmation that "we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor 2:16).
THE PERSON ADDICTED TO LAW simply cannot abide the thought of oneness with Christ. They cannot conceive of the promises belonging to people upon the basis of Christ. This does not mesh with their view of works. They have contrived a salvation that depends solely upon men – which is no salvation at all! Salvation assumes helplessness! It requires a new identity – a new creation. The law-principle is one of reformation, not transformation. It does not require Jesus Christ. However, God has nothing for those who are not THE seed of Abraham!
WHEN THE MAGNITUDE OF THE PROMISE bursts upon the heart, the glory of being heirs registers upon us. Those who prefer the Law do not speak of heirship – it is not even in their vocabulary. Theirs is an economy of works, not of promise. They have no confidence, because Law cannot produce it. They glory in the commandments, but their conscience condemns them because they have not perfectly kept them. Their objectives are all earth-centered because they have no assurance of participation in the world to come.
THE VERY CONCEPT of "heirs" assumes we are given something by God – a gift. The heirs have not earned their inheritance. It belongs to Another, who now gives it to them. It is based upon their new birth, not their achievement. Their identity with the Owner precludes their involvement in the inheritance. How glorious the situation!
THE ABRAHAMIC PROMISE involved blessing – blessing that far transcended what Abraham saw. It remained to be stated in later times that it involved being "heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ" (Rom 8:17), a staggering consideration! Aspire to inherit God, be a joint heir with Christ, and inherit the kingdom of God itself. It is there for you to possess. If you are in Christ, it is attainable because you are in Him.
– Given O. Blakely
THE JUSTIFIED ONES BELONG TO JESUS! God has given them to His Son, and they belong to Him. Jesus spoke of this transaction. He said the Father's will was that He lose no one that was given to Him (John 6:39). Jesus prayed for the ones who had been given to Him (John 17:9,24). The Son refers to the saved as "the children God has given Me" (Heb 2:13).
THE FATHER HAS GIVEN US to Christ that He might "bring us to God," and ultimately to glory (1 Pet 3:18; Heb 2:10). In this sense, He is the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11,14). He not only blazed the trail to glory for us, He accompanies us on our journey. We belong to Christ. His leadership is not limited to stimulating proper conduct. Rather, it is the divinely appointed means of getting us to glory. God put us into Christ (1 Cor 1:30), and Christ is bringing us to God!
KNOWING "IF YOU BELONG TO CHRIST," then, is everything! It is a New Covenant way of thinking ("they shall all know Me")! Moral advance depends upon our awareness of this truth – upon our confidence in Christ and assurance of salvation. No person will work well until this is grasped! In the last analysis, everything depends on whether or not we belong to Christ. Do not guess at this! Throw yourself into the appropriation of this knowledge, and it will impact upon everything you do. A fruitful discovery, indeed!
HERE IS ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING challenging expressions of Scripture. Previously, the Spirit has identified the Lord Jesus Himself as Abraham's Seed. "Now to Abraham and HIS SEED were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, WHICH IS CHRIST" (v 16). The text certainly seems clear enough. When it comes to the promises, multiple seeds are strictly forbidden. The covenantal commitment centers in Christ, and Christ alone.
HOWEVER, OUR TEXT PLAINLY STATES, if we belong to Christ, WE are Abraham's seed! That means an effective unity has been accomplished in salvation. We have been joined to the Lord, thereby becoming "one spirit" with Him (1 Cor 6:17). There is a sense in which we cannot be distinguished from Christ! We are, so to speak, "members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones" (Eph 5:30, KJV). To put it another way, the redeemed are Christ's "body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way" (Eph 1:23). The union is so precise that even our bodies "are the members of Christ" (1 Cor 6:15). Just as the head and body are a single unit, so Christ and His people form a single entity (Col 2:19).
BELIEVERS ARE SAID TO HAVE "died with Christ" (Rom 6:8). They were "buried with Him" (Rom 6:4), and "raised with Him" (Eph 2:6). How glorious the fusion of Jesus with His people! Paul used more than oratory when he said, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal 2:20). The child of God can say truthfully, "For to me, living is Christ" (Phil 1:21, NRSV).
THIS TRUTH – that we are Abraham's seed – is so startling that men have created theological walls to block it out of their minds. Some choose to deny the indwelling of the Christ and the Spirit (Eph 3:16-17). Others resist the affirmation that "we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor 2:16).
THE PERSON ADDICTED TO LAW simply cannot abide the thought of oneness with Christ. They cannot conceive of the promises belonging to people upon the basis of Christ. This does not mesh with their view of works. They have contrived a salvation that depends solely upon men – which is no salvation at all! Salvation assumes helplessness! It requires a new identity – a new creation. The law-principle is one of reformation, not transformation. It does not require Jesus Christ. However, God has nothing for those who are not THE seed of Abraham!
WHEN THE MAGNITUDE OF THE PROMISE bursts upon the heart, the glory of being heirs registers upon us. Those who prefer the Law do not speak of heirship – it is not even in their vocabulary. Theirs is an economy of works, not of promise. They have no confidence, because Law cannot produce it. They glory in the commandments, but their conscience condemns them because they have not perfectly kept them. Their objectives are all earth-centered because they have no assurance of participation in the world to come.
THE VERY CONCEPT of "heirs" assumes we are given something by God – a gift. The heirs have not earned their inheritance. It belongs to Another, who now gives it to them. It is based upon their new birth, not their achievement. Their identity with the Owner precludes their involvement in the inheritance. How glorious the situation!
THE ABRAHAMIC PROMISE involved blessing – blessing that far transcended what Abraham saw. It remained to be stated in later times that it involved being "heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ" (Rom 8:17), a staggering consideration! Aspire to inherit God, be a joint heir with Christ, and inherit the kingdom of God itself. It is there for you to possess. If you are in Christ, it is attainable because you are in Him.
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, June 4, 2010
ARMY FROM A BONE YARD
" So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army." (Ezekiel 37:10)
ONE OF THE GREAT PROPHECIES of the restoration of Israel is found in the 37th chapter of Ezekiel. There, the hand of the Lord was strong upon Ezekiel, and carried him out in the Spirit of the Lord, setting him down in the middle of a "valley that was full of bones." The Lord then "caused" the prophet to pass "among" the bones, and "all around" them. There were "very many" bones, and they were "very dry," bleached out because they had been there for a long time. The bones were disassembled, scattered over the valley floor. They were not skeletons, but every joint had been separated, and there was no semblance of unity among the bones. It appeared to be an utterly hopeless situation.
AS HE WAS PERUSING THE BONES, the Lord asked Ezekiel a penetrating question. "Son of man, can these bones live?" (v 3). To the flesh, the question was absurd, but Ezekiel was "in the Spirit," not in the flesh. He replied, "O Lord GOD, thou knowest." He knew with God, all things are possible. Quickly Ezekiel was told, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!" He was even told What to say to the bones. "Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: ‘Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD’" (vs 5-6).
NOTICE, THE PROPHET WAS NOT TOLD to rebuke the bones, or to challenge them with an exhortation. All he told them was what the Lord was going to do. (1) He would cause breath to enter them, and they would live. (2) He would put sinews, or tendons, upon them, cause flesh to come upon them. (3) He would put skin upon them and breath within them, and they would live. (4) They would know He is the Lord.
AS EZEKIEL SPOKE THESE WORDS a disruption suddenly occurred in the open valley. There was a noise and the rattling of bones as they began to assemble into complete skeletons, "bone to his bone." At the sound of his words sinews and flesh came upon the bones, and skin covered them, making them complete bodies. However, they were not alive.
THE LORD THEN TOLD EZEKIEL, "Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live" (v 9). Notice, they had been "slain," the victims of an aggressive enemy. As he prophesied, breath came into the bodies , and they "stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army" (v 10).
THE LORD DID NOT LEAVE THIS MATTER for the prophet to interpret. He told Ezekiel what this meant. The bones were "the whole house of Israel." They were in a hopeless state, considering that all of their hope was cut off, and they could no longer be gathered together. Yet, the Lord declared He would fetch them from oblivion and "bring" them "into the land of Israel." They would know He was the Lord when He did this. He then promised, "I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it, says the LORD" (vs 13-14). The Lord then confirmed to Ezekiel that He was going to unite Judah and Israel again, making them one nation under one king, and that it would happen in their own land. "Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land. And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all; they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again" (v 22). The prophets identity that king as the Lord Jesus Himself, prophetically called "David" (Jer 30:9; Ezek 34:23-24; 37:24-25; Hos 3:5).
TO THIS DAY, JUDAH AND ISRAEL have not been united. As a whole body, they have never returned to the land of Israel, and are not "one nation in the land." Furthermore, they have not had a king since the Babylonian captivity. God’s Spirit has not yet been put into them, and, in the sense of the text, they do not "know" that He is the Lord.
HOWEVER, THE WORD OF THE LORD will not return to Him void. It will accomplish what He has determined and declared (Isa 55:11). It is still true, "There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins" (Rom 11:26). When this occurs, Israel will come forth as a mighty army, mighty to do the work of the Lord. They will themselves be evidence of the mighty power of God. God has spoken, and cannot lie.
THIS WORD CONCERNING THE ISRAELITES is not affirmed among many professed believers. Some even deny that it is true, even though it has been spoken by the mouth of the Lord. It should not surprise us that spiritual impotence characterizes those who deny this prophecy. They do not worship a God that can raise up a great army from a dry and hopeless bone yard.
– Given O. Blakely
ONE OF THE GREAT PROPHECIES of the restoration of Israel is found in the 37th chapter of Ezekiel. There, the hand of the Lord was strong upon Ezekiel, and carried him out in the Spirit of the Lord, setting him down in the middle of a "valley that was full of bones." The Lord then "caused" the prophet to pass "among" the bones, and "all around" them. There were "very many" bones, and they were "very dry," bleached out because they had been there for a long time. The bones were disassembled, scattered over the valley floor. They were not skeletons, but every joint had been separated, and there was no semblance of unity among the bones. It appeared to be an utterly hopeless situation.
AS HE WAS PERUSING THE BONES, the Lord asked Ezekiel a penetrating question. "Son of man, can these bones live?" (v 3). To the flesh, the question was absurd, but Ezekiel was "in the Spirit," not in the flesh. He replied, "O Lord GOD, thou knowest." He knew with God, all things are possible. Quickly Ezekiel was told, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!" He was even told What to say to the bones. "Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: ‘Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD’" (vs 5-6).
NOTICE, THE PROPHET WAS NOT TOLD to rebuke the bones, or to challenge them with an exhortation. All he told them was what the Lord was going to do. (1) He would cause breath to enter them, and they would live. (2) He would put sinews, or tendons, upon them, cause flesh to come upon them. (3) He would put skin upon them and breath within them, and they would live. (4) They would know He is the Lord.
AS EZEKIEL SPOKE THESE WORDS a disruption suddenly occurred in the open valley. There was a noise and the rattling of bones as they began to assemble into complete skeletons, "bone to his bone." At the sound of his words sinews and flesh came upon the bones, and skin covered them, making them complete bodies. However, they were not alive.
THE LORD THEN TOLD EZEKIEL, "Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live" (v 9). Notice, they had been "slain," the victims of an aggressive enemy. As he prophesied, breath came into the bodies , and they "stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army" (v 10).
THE LORD DID NOT LEAVE THIS MATTER for the prophet to interpret. He told Ezekiel what this meant. The bones were "the whole house of Israel." They were in a hopeless state, considering that all of their hope was cut off, and they could no longer be gathered together. Yet, the Lord declared He would fetch them from oblivion and "bring" them "into the land of Israel." They would know He was the Lord when He did this. He then promised, "I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it, says the LORD" (vs 13-14). The Lord then confirmed to Ezekiel that He was going to unite Judah and Israel again, making them one nation under one king, and that it would happen in their own land. "Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land. And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all; they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again" (v 22). The prophets identity that king as the Lord Jesus Himself, prophetically called "David" (Jer 30:9; Ezek 34:23-24; 37:24-25; Hos 3:5).
TO THIS DAY, JUDAH AND ISRAEL have not been united. As a whole body, they have never returned to the land of Israel, and are not "one nation in the land." Furthermore, they have not had a king since the Babylonian captivity. God’s Spirit has not yet been put into them, and, in the sense of the text, they do not "know" that He is the Lord.
HOWEVER, THE WORD OF THE LORD will not return to Him void. It will accomplish what He has determined and declared (Isa 55:11). It is still true, "There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins" (Rom 11:26). When this occurs, Israel will come forth as a mighty army, mighty to do the work of the Lord. They will themselves be evidence of the mighty power of God. God has spoken, and cannot lie.
THIS WORD CONCERNING THE ISRAELITES is not affirmed among many professed believers. Some even deny that it is true, even though it has been spoken by the mouth of the Lord. It should not surprise us that spiritual impotence characterizes those who deny this prophecy. They do not worship a God that can raise up a great army from a dry and hopeless bone yard.
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
CLEAN OVER JORDAN
"And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan." (Joshua 3:17)
FORTY YEARS AFTER their departure from Egypt, after the unbelievers had all fallen in the treacherous wilderness, Israel finally reached the promised land. Joshua was appointed by God to lead the people into the land of promise – a land promised to Abraham over 450 years earlier (Gen 15:18-21; 17:8). Spies were sent into the land, and this time they were not ruled by unbelief (Josh 2). Three days later, the people prepared to cross over into the land God had given to them.
BEFORE GOING OVER, officers went among the people, instructing them precisely how they were to enter Canaan. It would not be an "every-man-for-yourself" matter, with every man doing that which was right in his own eyes. The first thing to occur was the Levitical priests carrying the ark of the covenant across Jordan. The Israelites were to remain where they were until they saw the priests carrying the ark over. As soon as they saw the ark being carried over, they were to "set out" from their place and "go after it" (Josh 3:3). However, they were not to get too close to this piece of sacred furniture. Rather, they had to keep "a space" between themselves and the ark. That space was "about two thousand cubits by measure," or about a thousand yards. Solemnly they were told, "Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before" (3:4). With this warning, Joshua turned to the priests and said, "Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people" (3:6).
AS THE PRIESTS WENT before the people, the Lord told Joshua He was going to exalt him before the people, so they would know God was with him just as He was with Moses. He then told Joshua to tell the priests, "When you have come to the edge of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand in the Jordan" (3:7-8). Joshua then summoned the people to pay attention to what was happening. He said God was going to so work they would know He was among them, and would surely drive out the inhabitants of the land. In faith he declared, "Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan" (3:10). The people were then commanded to choose one man from each of the twelve tribes, who would later select twelve stones from Jordan, and pile them up for a memorial of their crossing. At this time, Jordan was overflowing its banks, and it was the time of harvest (3:15).
THE LORD PROMISED a display of unparalleled Divine power, "as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap." Just that surely, when "feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water, the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho" (3:15-16).
THE SCRIPTURES INFORM US that the priests stood firmly in the middle of Jordan, holding up the ark of the covenant, "until all the people were passed clean [or completely] over Jordan."The twelve men selected from the tribes then gathered their stones, and set them up in the middle of Jordan for a memorial. The priests remained standing in the midst of the river bed on dry ground "until everything was finished that the LORD had commanded" (4:10). After the safe passage of all of the people, then the priests carried the across Jordan and joined the rest of the people (4:11). It came to pass that as soon as "the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before" (4:18) – but not until ALL of the people had safely crossed over into the promised land.
THERE WILL COME A DAY for every child of God when a crossing will be made into the eternal promised land. Like the ark of the covenant, the presence of the Lord remains in the middle of the river of death, guaranteeing safe passage to the other side, where we are "absent from the body and present with the Lord." That presence will not move until all of the children have safely passed to the other side. Then, and only then, will the river of separation once again overflow its banks. Then no one will be able to leave the cursed land for the blessed land. But as long as the waters remain open by the grace of God, multitudes can cross on dry land, with no fear of the waters of separation overflowing them.WHAT A MARVELOUS PICTURE of safe passage from this world to the next! It is refreshing to ponder that we are not the first to enter the waters of death. Jesus Christ goes before us.
– Given O. Blakely
FORTY YEARS AFTER their departure from Egypt, after the unbelievers had all fallen in the treacherous wilderness, Israel finally reached the promised land. Joshua was appointed by God to lead the people into the land of promise – a land promised to Abraham over 450 years earlier (Gen 15:18-21; 17:8). Spies were sent into the land, and this time they were not ruled by unbelief (Josh 2). Three days later, the people prepared to cross over into the land God had given to them.
BEFORE GOING OVER, officers went among the people, instructing them precisely how they were to enter Canaan. It would not be an "every-man-for-yourself" matter, with every man doing that which was right in his own eyes. The first thing to occur was the Levitical priests carrying the ark of the covenant across Jordan. The Israelites were to remain where they were until they saw the priests carrying the ark over. As soon as they saw the ark being carried over, they were to "set out" from their place and "go after it" (Josh 3:3). However, they were not to get too close to this piece of sacred furniture. Rather, they had to keep "a space" between themselves and the ark. That space was "about two thousand cubits by measure," or about a thousand yards. Solemnly they were told, "Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before" (3:4). With this warning, Joshua turned to the priests and said, "Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people" (3:6).
AS THE PRIESTS WENT before the people, the Lord told Joshua He was going to exalt him before the people, so they would know God was with him just as He was with Moses. He then told Joshua to tell the priests, "When you have come to the edge of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand in the Jordan" (3:7-8). Joshua then summoned the people to pay attention to what was happening. He said God was going to so work they would know He was among them, and would surely drive out the inhabitants of the land. In faith he declared, "Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan" (3:10). The people were then commanded to choose one man from each of the twelve tribes, who would later select twelve stones from Jordan, and pile them up for a memorial of their crossing. At this time, Jordan was overflowing its banks, and it was the time of harvest (3:15).
THE LORD PROMISED a display of unparalleled Divine power, "as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap." Just that surely, when "feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water, the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho" (3:15-16).
THE SCRIPTURES INFORM US that the priests stood firmly in the middle of Jordan, holding up the ark of the covenant, "until all the people were passed clean [or completely] over Jordan."The twelve men selected from the tribes then gathered their stones, and set them up in the middle of Jordan for a memorial. The priests remained standing in the midst of the river bed on dry ground "until everything was finished that the LORD had commanded" (4:10). After the safe passage of all of the people, then the priests carried the across Jordan and joined the rest of the people (4:11). It came to pass that as soon as "the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before" (4:18) – but not until ALL of the people had safely crossed over into the promised land.
THERE WILL COME A DAY for every child of God when a crossing will be made into the eternal promised land. Like the ark of the covenant, the presence of the Lord remains in the middle of the river of death, guaranteeing safe passage to the other side, where we are "absent from the body and present with the Lord." That presence will not move until all of the children have safely passed to the other side. Then, and only then, will the river of separation once again overflow its banks. Then no one will be able to leave the cursed land for the blessed land. But as long as the waters remain open by the grace of God, multitudes can cross on dry land, with no fear of the waters of separation overflowing them.WHAT A MARVELOUS PICTURE of safe passage from this world to the next! It is refreshing to ponder that we are not the first to enter the waters of death. Jesus Christ goes before us.
– Given O. Blakely
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