Tough times? Up front, we all need to grasp; there are ‘no’ quick fixes or formulas in life. I have been told that repeatedly by people wiser and further down the path than me. Even so, I’ve tended to hold on to the illusion of proving them wrong. Even after walking with Jesus for 43 years. Why?
The closer I get to Him, the more I am overwhelmed with my need for a Savior. And life experiences are proving the wisdom others have shared with me accurate. Hold on…there’s really great news; the darker or tougher life seems to get, the brighter the light of His grace gets.
When it seems you are assaulted on all sides, chew on these promises. I can guarantee: they will be like ‘Rolaids’ for your soul. “Thank you Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates, and know-it-all’s, but spelled them out clearly too ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.” Matthew 11: 25-26, (Msg)
There are a couple of things Jesus is saying here I particularly guarantee and deeply appreciate! First, Papa loves to show off to His more; ‘Ron-like’, or ordinary children. Sophisticates and know-it-all’s don’t impress Him. Wow, that makes a very special place for us ‘ordinary’ young-ens.
Second, Papa reveals Himself clearly, and spells His ways out for us ordinary kids. That is even more mind-boggling! Have you ever felt like everyone else seems to get it-but, not you? That is a trick and an illusion from the evil one. He more than anyone in all of creation knows our destiny and his fate. Our destiny is to know the Lord of heaven and earth intimately. As a direct result of that intimacy we grow into our full potential in Christ!
It just gets better. “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”
“The Father has given me all things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But, I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.” (Matthew 11:27, N.I.V. and Msg)
Are we willing to listen-I mean really listen? For all eternity; up to that awesome moment in His-story, the relationship that only Papa and Jesus were privy to was now made available…for anyone willing to listen.
Jesus chose to come to earth and live the exemplary life for us. He died the awful substitutionary death on Calvary to pay for all our sin, hurts, just penalties, brokenness, sickness, and judgmental death apart from Him. And then he rose from the tomb to Eternal Glory. Why? To prepare for those willing to listen, believe and receive, this Father-Son shared intimacy and knowledge. So He could reveal and impart what only He and Father shared-Eternal relational bliss!
This great act of selfless agape love was and still is their choice. They desire, with all the passion between them, to share their unique relationship. Every day of our lives, Jesus lovingly proclaims, “I’m not keeping it to myself.” My question and challenge to myself-am I receiving this relationship with the hunger and passion that befits the gift that it is? Also, am I willing to share their relationship as passionately as Jesus? This is the heart of our life’s purpose. Enjoy and share!
One more thing…these truths; once received and shared, result in free and light living-even in the midst of heavy or troubling times. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, Msg) Therein is enough schooling for the remainder of my time here on earth. How about you?
In the grip of Papa’s grace, Ron Ross
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