Depart from me ∙

Depart from me ∙

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?” –

Luke 6:46

Matthew 7:21-23

 21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

 22 “On judgment day, many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’”

 23 “But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who break God’s laws.’”

In our modern era of Google, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Wikipedia, and round-the-clock news streaming, it can be easy to confuse actually knowing people and simply knowing about them. We may think that scrolling through someone’s Facebook profile, analyzing their tweets, or responding to their Facebook post equates to having a real relationship with them.

Genuine relationships are reciprocal. You can’t form a relationship with someone who isn’t even aware of your existence. Most people understand this principle.

The challenge emerges when individuals fail to acknowledge that a two-way relationship is necessary to know the Father. People erroneously believe that being a good person is good enough for entrance into heaven. This usually centers around things such as trying to do good deeds rather than evil, reading the Bible, attending religious services, and caring for those in need. But what defines “good enough?”How can we gauge and quantify it?

The Lord Jesus Christ is intentionally provocative. He is trying to get us to examine our assumptions, beliefs, and conclusions. He wants us to be sure that we do not just know about Him. But rather that we genuinely know Him. If we do not have a relationship with Him, He does not know us.

The implications are immense, even overwhelming. The question, designed to be haunting, is, “Do I truly know the Lord Jesus Christ, or am I merely aware of Him?” To phrase it differently, “Am I merely subscribing to the idea of God without truly knowing the living God?”

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. – James 1:22

REFLECT & PRAY

“Willing and eager obedience is the hallmark of someone who has truly come to faith in Jesus Christ. They obey, not because they want to earn God’s favor, but because they feel delighted already to have received it” (Stanley).

Father thank You that You showed me early on that You are perfect in Your holiness and I am not. Thank You for calling me to enter into a personal relationship with You.

INSIGHT

What are the prerequisites for gaining entry into heaven? The Lord Jesus Christ has clearly articulated what they aren’t. He emphasizes that a personal relationship with Him is required for entry into heaven. Through faith we accept His gracious provision of redemption, and enter into a deep, personal bond with Him.

Matthew 7:21-23

 21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

 22 “On judgment day, many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’”

 23 “But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who break God’s laws.’”

Regrettably, many who claim to be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are not genuine disciples. Such individuals profess their faith in Him and call Him Lord. On top of that, they invoke His name to prophesy, exorcise demons, and perform miracles. The answer is both shocking and perplexing.

Consider George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise. This iconic sci-fi saga of the 20th and 21st centuries deliberately incorporates spiritual themes into its narrative. Lucas desired to provoke conversation about God and spirituality. Various spiritual elements are presented for us to reflect upon. However, the God of the Bible is conspicuously absent. In place of the Father is The Force. The Force is depicted as a kind of pantheistic, omnipresent supernatural energy that can be harnessed by those with the capacity to do so.

The Force amplifies the virtues of those who are inherently good. But The Force also has a seductive dark side.

The Scriptures discuss the conflict between good and evil, morality and immorality, selflessness and selfishness, the aspiration to benefit others, and the ambition to dominate and enslave them.

The God of the Scriptures is pure, holy, righteous, and good. God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all (1 John 1:5). The Father’s great antagonist, the enemy of our souls, is wholly evil, deceived, prideful, and destructive. He is darkness personified, and in him, there is no light at all.

A spiritual battle ensues, involving all of humanity. Each of us is either a child of the light (1 Thessalonians 5:5) or a child of the darkness (Ephesians 2:2).

Children of the King are energized by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:3-4). Children of darkness, on the other hand, are somehow empowered to perform supernatural acts. The enemy is the spirit that operates in the hearts of those who resist God’s commands (Ephesians 2:2).

If the pseudo-followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are not His followers of all, and the source of their miraculous power is not the Father or the Holy Spirit but rather the dark forces of evil. [The antichrist will] do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:9).

2 Corinthians 11:14-15

 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.

The pseudo-followers of the Lord Jesus Christ present their credentials. They are genuinely surprised when He denies any relationship with them. “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:2).

Each child of the King is called upon to search themselves and verify that indeed they know the Lord Jesus Christ and He knows them.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Indeed, you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of true faith.

If you do not act like a child of the King and do not strive to follow His commandments and fulfill His will, then perhaps you may not indeed be a child of the King (Matthew 7:21).

Examine yourself. Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ and have a personal relationship with Him? Whose servant are you, really?

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© Dr. H 2023

Forgiven much ∙

Forgiven much ∙

I tell you, her sins, which were many, are forgiven, thus she loved much, but the one who is forgiven little loves little. – Luke 7:47

Luke 7:37-50

 37 When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume.

 38 Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.

 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”

 40 Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.

 41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people – 500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other.”

 42 “But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”

 43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.” “That’s right,” Jesus said.

 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.”

 45 “You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet.”

 46 “You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.”

 47 “I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”

 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

 49 The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?”

 50 And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Why Be Grateful?

Secular research provides compelling evidence that gratitude is a significant precursor to happiness. As noted by R.C. Soloman in the preface to his book, The Psychology of Gratitude, “Gratitude is one of the most neglected emotions and one of the most underestimated of virtues.”

Gratitude is an acknowledgment and appreciation of what one has. It’s a recognition of intrinsic value. Spontaneously generated from within, it is an affirmation of goodness and warmth. Neurological studies have revealed that expressing gratitude results in lasting changes in the prefrontal cortex, which enhances the brain’s ability to process future experiences of gratitude (Psychology Today).

While gratitude is a spontaneous feeling, research is increasingly showing that it is also a practice, that is, making conscious efforts to count one’s blessings. Studies have confirmed that individuals can intentionally cultivate a sense of gratitude. It is not only an emotion that contributes to happiness but also a mood and a personality trait.

The act of expressing gratitude involves acknowledging positive outcomes and attributing these favorable results to the efforts of someone else (Psychology Today).

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice!

There’s never a wrong moment to pause and express gratitude. Moreover, gratitude paves the path towards love as well.

Luke 7:47 “I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”

What is the prerequisite to be forgiven much?  The response may be odious yet true – it requires a considerable amount of sin. Many individuals harbor the belief that when they sin too much, they are beyond redemption and cannot be forgiven. But when one is forgiven much, the result is much gratitude and love. That is the heart of this story.

There are 2 simple correlations.

Little forgiveness => little love

Much forgiveness => much love

The bottom line is that the magnitude of your sin is irrelevant. The Lord Jesus Christ has the power to forgive any sin, no matter how severe. Indeed, the greater the sin, the greater will be your gratitude and love for the Lord Jesus Christ. “It is true to say that the greatest of sins is to be conscious of no sin; but a sense of need will open the door to the forgiveness of God, because God is love, and love’s greatest glory is to be needed” (Barclay).

“As a maxim, the intensity of one’s love tends to be proportionate to his perception of the greatness of his forgiveness” (Constable).

It is noteworthy to observe that the story in Luke 7:36-50 is also recorded in Mark 14:3-4. A similar story is also told in Matthew 26:6- 13 and John 12:1- 8. Another woman, named Mary – sister to Martha and Lazarus, approaches the Lord Jesus Christ, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. They are not the same event. They are two stories that occur at different times in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. They can be distinguished by the varying actions taken, the differing critics involved, and the responses from the Lord Jesus Christ.

REFLECT & PRAY

Children of the King should be aware of how great their sins are. But not fixate upon it and ruminate. However, obsessing over them or dwelling on them is unproductive instead of mentally replaying these transgressions. Instead of mentally replaying these transgressions, we should concentrate on the vastness of our forgiveness. Instead of succumbing to regret, melancholy, and self-criticism, we ought to express copious gratitude and revel in exuberant joy.

Father thank You for forgiving my sin. Thank You for forgiving me and bestowing upon me boundless love and joy.

INSIGHT

When we do not recognize the immensity of our sin and the seriousness of our sinful hearts, it is difficult to experience deep love or forgiveness. Should sin make us joyful? Certainly not, as sin is a cause for sorrow. However, it is the forgiveness of sin that brings us joy. The forgiveness of our most distressing sin often results in extraordinary transformations.

“Those who have been forgiven the most love the most! Some of the greatest sinners have made the greatest saints!” (Hughes).

John Newton had lived a wretched life filled with deplorable actions and unspeakable things before he came to know the Lord Jesus Christ. He composed his epitaph: “‘John Newton, Clerk, once an Infidel and Libertine, a Servant of Slaves in Africa, was, by the Mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Preserved, Restored, Pardoned, and Appointed to Preach the Faith he had so long labored to destroy.’ John Newton never forgot that he was a forgiven sinner; neither did Paul. Neither must we. It does us good to remember our sins; it saves us from spiritual pride” (Barclay).

1 Timothy 1:15-16

 15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them all.

 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

No one persecuted the early Christian church more zealously than Saul, and no one preached forgiveness more passionately than Paul. By the grace and mercy of the Father, he was fully forgiven. If the chief of sinners can be forgiven and restored, so can you (Stanley).

Could it be if your love and affection for the Lord Jesus Christ are superficial, that you have not wholly recognized and acknowledged the depth of your own sinfulness and flawed heart? Perhaps you have not experienced complete and total forgiveness.

The Lord Jesus Christ totally paid for our sin debt. What was the cost of our absolution? The price was nothing less than His very own life.

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© Dr. H 2023

Limitless ∙

Limitless ∙

He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter). – John 1:42

Mark 1:16-18

 16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

 18 Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him.

Could it be that each person on planet Earth faces real or imagined obstacles in life? Are we able to transcend our presumed limits? Can we move beyond what we see? Sadly, many individuals are myopic and shortsighted. We impose restrictions on ourselves that are either self-inflicted or imparted by those who disparage us. These non-affirming individuals belittle our ambitions. Regrettably, we often limit our potential because of a lack of vision and the artificial limitations imposed upon us by others.

“If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them” (Bruce Lee).

“Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great” (Mark Twain).

During biblical times, surnames did not exist. People were identified by their father’s name (for instance, Simon, son of John, Judah Ben Hur) or their place of origin (for example, Jesus of Nazareth, Simon of Cyrene). A person’s name was believed to embody their personality characteristics.

The Father can see below the surface. He knows the inner recesses of our hearts and minds. He sees beyond the present day and is aware of future events before they happen. The Father often assigned new names to individuals in the Scriptures, which signified their new character, purpose, or responsibility.

Simon is an English translation of the Hebrew name Shimon. Shimon is derived from the Hebrew term sh’ma, which signifies listen, hear, be attentive, or pay attention. The Lord Jesus Christ had a broader vision for Simon. Being a mere “listener” was too limiting and restrictive. The Father had a far different plan in mind for him.

John 1:42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).

When the Lord Jesus Christ first encountered Simon, He knew what Simon would ultimately become. The Greek translated as look is emblepo, a combination of en, meaning in or on, and blepo, meaning to look. It means to look in the face, fix the eyes upon, look at, or upon. Thus, it had the sense of deep contemplation, consideration, and clear discernment: see clearly, discern.

Upon meeting Simon, the Lord Jesus Christ clearly discerned the future. He declared that Simon’s name would be Cephas. This new name was a prophecy of Simon’s future identity. It was a prediction of what he would become. Cephas is an Aramaic term that translates to rock. The Greek equivalent of Cephas is Peter, derived from the Greek word Petros, also signifying a rock. Therefore, Peter and Cephas are not separate names but the same name in two different languages.

Matthew 16:18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means rock) . . ..

Simon’s initial encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ changed the trajectory of his life. It would take many years for the weak, inconsistent, unpredictable, and impulsive Simon to be transformed into a steadfast rock. Yet, that was precisely what the Father accomplished.

Tomorrow is always the first day of the rest of your life! Make the rest of your life the best of your life!

REFLECT & PRAY

“The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him. By God’s help, I aim to be that man” (Moody).

Father I am aware that from time immemorial, You have seen the inception, progression, and culmination of my life. Embolden me to perceive myself through Your eyes and have faith in myself as You do.

INSIGHT

But there’s more, in the Old Testament, a change of name often signified that the individual had entered into a new relationship with the Father. It was akin to a fresh start in life. That person now had a new beginning, a calling, and a purpose.

When the Father looks upon us, He is not limited by our present circumstances. In fact, He perceives not only what we are, but also what we will become. His vision extends beyond our immediate status. The Father also sees not only the possibilities and potential but also what will actually happen.

As Lord Jesus Christ beheld Peter, He saw more than just a fisherman from Galilee. Instead, He recognized the future leader and spokesperson of the early church.

The story is told of Michelangelo chipping away with his chisel at a huge, shapeless piece of rock. Someone approached and asked Michelangelo what he was doing. Michelangelo replied, “I am releasing the angel imprisoned in this marble.”

The Father sees and can release the hidden potential in each of us. He gently whispers to each of us, “Give me your life, and I will make you what you have it in you to be.” He has intelligently designed each of His children for a specific purpose. His purpose is His dream for our lives!

When the Father looks at His children, what does He see? He sees what we will become because He knows what we will become. When we look at His children, what do we see? And when we look at ourselves . . ..

Mark 1:16-18

 16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

 18 Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him.

“‘Follow me’ meant ‘come behind me as a disciple.’ It was an invitation, but in view of who Jesus was it had the force of a command” (Constable).

Their task was no longer to cast nets for fish but rather for people. Just as fishing requires hard work, self-sacrifice, and expertise, so too would their new mission of reaching out to lost humanity. They had a lot to learn, yet they responded without hesitation. They dropped everything, left their current tasks behind, and devoted themselves to becoming disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ asks all the children of the King to follow Him, become His disciples, and embark on the journey He designed them for from eternity past.

The date, October 28, 1949, holds a distinct place in Christian history. Why? It is not due to a revolutionary theologian affixing a paradigm-shifting document on a church door in Wittenburg. Nor was it because a renowned evangelist, pastor, or teacher was born. Instead, it was because a young man, profoundly devoted to God, wrote a simple yet profound sentence. These words are now among the most frequently cited Christian phrases not originating from the Holy Scriptures. They were written by Jim Elliott, a missionary who was martyred on January 8, 1956, by the Aucas in Ecuador (Kevin Halloran).

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

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© Dr. H 2023

Climb the highest mountain ∙

Climb the highest mountain ∙

A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God. – Luke 12:21

Hebrews 11:24-26

 24 It was by faith that Moses when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

 25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.

 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.

The film “I’d Climb the Highest Mountain” was produced by Twentieth Century Fox and made its debut in 1951. Its narrative is derived from Corra May Harris’s 1910 novel, “A Circuit Rider’s Wife.” The plot revolves around a Methodist minister who, in 1910, is summoned to serve as a circuit rider in a remote mountain community in northern Georgia. Accompanied by his new bride, they find themselves in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The couple is a study in contrasts. William Lundigan hails from the deep South, while his wife, portrayed by Susan Hayward, is a city girl.

Lundigan assumes the role of a shepherd to his congregation, tending to their emotional and spiritual needs. However, the extreme isolation and poverty of the area present a daily challenge to the faith and resilience of his new marriage. Despite these hardships, Lundigan’s faith remains unshaken, and his inner strength proves more than adequate to guide his congregation through their trials. He fearlessly leads them through a severe epidemic, constantly teaching and spreading the message of the Father’s love. Indeed, Lundigan climbed the highest mountain.

Every child of the King faces their own set of challenges, one of the most significant being the setting of priorities and making necessary adjustments to fulfill them.

Scripture provides general guidelines applicable to every child of the King. Of utmost importance, it is incumbent upon every child of the King to put the Father first.

Exodus 20:2-5

 2 I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.

 3 You must not have any other god but me.

 4 You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.

 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.

Each of us has unique responsibilities that are part of His plan for us. These challenges often create tension. The tension is relieved by a simple but tough decision. Once and for all, we make a decision, to prioritize the Father’s will and calling above everything else. Once this pivotal decision is made, the remainder of life becomes a process of executing that decision. There’s always clarity about what needs to be done, eliminating any cause for tension.

This was the path chosen by Moses. He rejected the indulgent and sinful luxuries of Egypt and instead identified with the people of God, the nation of Israel. He sought a future reward given by the Father Himself. In a manner similar to the Lord Jesus Christ’s suffering for His people, Moses, too, faced hardship. He chose to bear mistreatment alongside the children of Israel rather than partake in the fleeting pleasures of sin with the Egyptians.

Hebrews 11:24-26

 24 By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,

 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,

 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.

REFLECT & PRAY

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose” (Jim Elliot).

Father encourage and strengthen me to climb the highest mountain that You have assigned to me. I want to be “All in.”

INSIGHT

In the film “Chariots of Fire,” Eric Liddell is portrayed as a man of deep convictions and unwavering priorities, especially when it comes to his faith. Liddell adamantly refuses to compete in the Olympics if it means compromising His commitment to the Father. He flatly refused to run on Sunday, which he considered the Lord’s Sabbath. He was accused of putting God before the King. Headline news read: “Olympic athlete Eric Liddell puts religion before country.” He prioritized Faith Over National Pride.

Liddell faces intense pressure from various officials, representatives of the British government, and the media. He is met with worldwide scorn, deemed by Britain as a traitor who “upheld a rigid regional piety on a global stage that required transcendent statesmanship.”

However, the tide dramatically turns when Liddell, feeling Father’s pleasure, wins his event and secures the gold medal, setting a new world record in the process. Overnight, he is transformed from a traitor to a celebrated international hero. But that’s not the end of the story. Liddell goes on to serve as a missionary in China, which he considers his grandest victory.

Liddell said, “. . . since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals” (christianity.org.uk).

Liddell learned from the apostle Paul that athletics, spirituality, and calling were perfect allies (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

Did Liddell receive earthly rewards for his endeavors before his life ended? No, the Father had a vastly different plan in store.

In the spring of 1943, when the Japanese invaded China, Liddell was incarcerated in a Japanese internment camp. Despite his predicament, he became a beacon of hope, love, and light within the camp. He devoted his time to teaching Bible classes, assisting the elderly, organizing recreational activities, and teaching science to children.

Did angels miraculously free him? Were the guards blinded, locks opened, allowing him to stroll out of the camp freely? Did a chariot of fire whisk him away? No, none of these occurred.

Liddell suffered from an incurable brain tumor and passed away on February 21, 1945, a mere five months before the camp’s liberation. According to a fellow missionary, Liddell’s last words were, “It’s complete surrender.” He was referring to giving his life to the Father. Liddell was “All in” until the very end. Eric Liddell did indeed climb the highest mountain. It led him into the presence of His heavenly Father.

Luke 12:21 A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.

The Lord Jesus Christ warned all children of the King about harboring incorrect attitudes regarding wealth. The true richness of life is not found in financial prosperity but rather in a deep and meaningful relationship with the Father. Instead of promising wealth and comfort, the Lord Jesus Christ foretold of challenges, resistance, and persecution. However, a close relationship with the Father and intimacy with Him far outweighs the value of any material goods.

“There is a story of a conversation between an ambitious youth and an older man who knew life. Said the young man, ‘I will learn my trade.’ ‘And then?’ said the older man. ‘I will set up in business.’ ‘And then?’ ‘I will make my fortune.’ ‘And then?’ ‘I suppose that I shall grow old and retire and live on my money.’ ‘And then?’ ‘Well, I suppose that someday I will die.’ ‘And then?’ came the last stabbing question” (Barclay).

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© Dr. H 2023

Mighty in spirit

Mighty in spirit

We fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. – 2 Corinthians 4:18

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

 16 Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

As we journey through life, we usher in our golden years, a phase marked by two contrasting realities. On one hand, our physical bodies inevitably succumb to the ravages of time, we wear down, wear out, and eventually return to the earth from whence they came. On the other hand, aging brings its perks.

Aging is synonymous with the development of what’s known as crystallized intelligence. Crystallized intelligence is the accumulation of knowledge. This knowledge is accumulated from both education and life experience. As we age, our reservoir of knowledge or crystallized intelligence grows and becomes stronger. The learning journey is never-ending; there’s always something new to discover or understand.

The ultimate benefit lies in honing our ability to utilize this accumulated wisdom effectively. The way we see, understand, and navigate our way through the world becomes characterized by wisdom. Wisdom, after all, is the practical application of knowledge; that is, wisdom is putting our knowledge to good use.

However, more significant than the growth of crystallized intelligence is the growth of our spirit. Our human spirit can grow stronger as we grow closer to the Father and learn to rely upon Him. This is possible for every child of the King. John the Baptist is an impressive example of spiritual growth. Luke makes a very salient observation. 

Luke 1:80 The child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit.

The human spirit is capable of growing stronger and stronger when exercised and developed over time. The apostle Paul shows us the way.

“Paul’s sufferings, while not fatal, were destroying his body. Nevertheless, even this did not discourage him for even though physically he was decaying, spiritually he was still developing” (Constable). Paul underwent a complete paradigm shift. What sparked this transformation? From a human viewpoint, it was entirely unexpected.

Romans 5:2-5

 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope.

 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

The trials and tribulations that Paul faced and overcame transformed him. He now had the Father’s perspective. This eternal perspective focused on the hope that things to come sustained Paul during the temporary sufferings that marked his life. “What is seen (the material) is temporary, but what is unseen (the spiritual) is eternal” (BKC).

REFLECT & PRAY

What we see is informed by what we expect to see. When our eyes are earthbound, we are restricted by what is perceptible in the physical world.

Father open the eyes of my heart to see things as they really are, not as they appear to be to my limited human eyes.

INSIGHT

He had learned to view things through the Father’s lens. Paul sees as the Father sees. The eyes of Paul’s heart had become enlightened (Ephesians 1:18). He could now see the unseen. The Father Himself is unseen by human eyes. But with the eyes of faith, the eyes of the heart, He becomes visible. The Father and all that He had revealed and promised had become more real and substantial than what Paul could see with his physical eyes.

Like Moses, Paul was able to persevere and overcome hardship.

Hebrews 11:27 [Moses] kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

Paul was convinced that his sufferings and hardship in this life were fleeting and momentary.

2 Corinthians 4:18 The things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The Scriptures present an intriguing paradox permeated with irony. The physical things that we see now seem durable and lasting. However, they are, in reality, temporary, ephemeral, transient, and fleeting.  The eternal realities of the Father and eternity, which we cannot see with our physical eyes, are lasting and eternal.

Eternal, invisible realities become clear and vibrant as transient, visible realities fade and become dim. The challenges of temporary discouragement diminish. Paul was mighty in spirit. His spirit was being renewed day by day. Even as Paul’s outer physical existence was breaking down, often unprotected, abused, beaten, and frequently left for dead, the Father renewed him inwardly every day. He became stronger and stronger in his spirit. He became increasingly robust as he responded in faith to the adversities he faced. Instead of dragging him down, they served as opportunities to experience great joy.

James 1:2-4

 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

 4 So let it grow . . ..

“God will never be a debtor to anyone. That means that any ‘sacrifice’ we make or hardship we endure for His sake and by His Spirit, He will amply reward out of all proportion to what we suffered” (Stanley).

“It’s easy to grow old if you haven’t grown up” (John Hively).

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© Dr. H 2023