For many and various reasons, the human heart is prone to wander, prone to running away from authority. This generation, or rather most ‘generations’ alive today (at least six, though the last one contains only infants, those born 2025-2039) is no different–perhaps you have noticed this in your own heart, and in your own experiences in your local church?
Yet God, the King of Kings and LORD of Lords, has called you into His Kingdom, His family. Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church. The Father did not call us to equality with Himself when He made us sons and daughters; we are called to know Him, fellowship with Him and His people, and to obey. We live under His authority; and in the authority structures He has set up in this world (another study for another day! But see here.) Obedience is the fruit of The Spirit abiding in us. It is not performed in our own strength, to our own merit, yet it is a call that we who are united to Christ will hear and answer.
Consider our calling
As you prepare your heart for Easter, and you meditate on the word of the Cross (foolishness to those who are perishing. But to us? It is the power of God! See 1 Corinthians 1:18), consider what the power of God will be at work doing in you. Pause a moment, and journal your prayers and questions.
26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no man may boast before God. 30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
His calling is unto something–your new life, for which you need endurance; your new life as His new creation; raised to the newness of life with Him who was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven. A calling filled with promise and potential, and the strength and wisdom to live such a life found in Him alone. The Son has given us life in Himself, that we too, as sons and daughters, may share the Son’s desire to glorify the Father! Abiding in Him, we are fruitful sons and daughters, enjoying the nearness we long for. (Psalm 73)
In this world we will have tribulations, how can we endure to the end?
Having these promises
This is the perfect time of year to ponder John 14-17, looking at what Jesus promises, considering especially the promise of the Spirit.
Among God’s many promises are those concerning His dwelling with His people, and showing faithfulness and goodness and steadfast love to His people. These warm and thrill the hearts of those who know Him! Especially when we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” and face all the effects of living in a post-Genesis 3 world. We may waiver in faith, and in our felt assurance of His presence and goodness, but He never waivers in faithfulness. The “I Am” never changes.
Fellowship
You may need to refill your tea or coffee while you ponder the rest with me. Read slowly. When you come to the word “bound” know that it is the word for “yoked.” What other passages speak of our being yoked? It is a metaphor used of marriage; and of the relationship we are called into by Christ Himself, to be yoked to Him. Now read on…
14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
“I will dwell in them and walk among them;
And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.17
“Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord.
“And do not touch what is unclean;
And I will welcome you.18
“And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
While we may have acquaintance with, and great love for our unbelieving neighbors and relatives, yet our fellowship is only with the One True God and His people.
In this sweet fellowship we share a calling to keep these promises near to our hearts, to remind one another often (especially as we see the day drawing near, Hebrews 10:19-25) and let His Word abide in our hearts to motivate us toward holiness. Toward being like Him, and toward the filial desire to honor the Father with obedience in word and deed.
Persevere, brethren!
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash