My dear friend Ray shared some things with me recently that I wanted to pass on. Jesus had already been stirring the slow simmer of this liberating revelation in my heart. Of course, that is not unusual. He often yokes us together with those who can hear Holy Spirit with us. That is, if we are inclined to listen relationally. First, there is a vital issue that needs to be continually cleared up in our perceptions.
"We don't yet see things clearly (we see as through a glass darkly-we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror). We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist." (1 Cor. 13:12a) Are you feeling encouraged yet? No! Okay, here we go. We are placed in the Body of Christ very strategically. God is always relationally connecting us in such a manner that we can help one another see what Daddy is up to and be enabled to hear his awesome voice in the sanctuary of our hearts continually. Even in the midst of all 'hell' breaking loose!
Two of the most confrontational things Jesus said during his earthly ministry as the Son of Man were: "I only do what I see my Father doing and I must be about my Father's business!" In other words; all of his seeing and hearing was relational, not intellectual. That smacks religion and self-righteousness right in the old kisser! Here's the rest of the story.
"But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!" (1 Cor. 13:12b) We are now at the precipice/edge of a great clearing away of all that distracts, deceives, defeats, and discourages. There is little time left! We must be about the Father's business-not church or worldly business!
We must intention relationships that are connected by the Spirit and the heart; not perfect doctrine or intellectual, political correctness. Our agreement, unity, and oneness must spring forth from the depths of loving community! We must become known by our love! We must become known by our walk of trusting, confident faith in an utterly faithful Father! We must also become known by our servant hearts toward the world.
"Unless and until, the future of the world becomes more important than the future of the church, the church has no future." Say what? "For God so loved the world..." "If you have seen me (now literally we are him here) you have seen the Father." This was his purpose, to resonate and redeem the Abba echo in every human heart. Jesus is what the Bible is all about and he died, was resurrected and glorified so we would become in this present darkness what Jesus is all about.
Be Being a Son or Daughter of Papa! Ron Ross
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