Exercise Naked?

The Hebrew Epistle gives its readers a glimpse into the measure of sanctification we are to walk through. To some, this may be a grudge, but for others, it is a doorway into glory! In chapter 12, we read of bastards and sons. "Sons" are those who endure God's dealings and chastisement, while "bastards" are those who flee the spiritual scene before the work is complete:

"...Ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Heb 12:5-11).

Interestingly, Paul tells us of the extent of such chastisement. He goes so far to say that we're to be "exercised" in God's dealings.

In the original Greek, this phrase is "Gumnazo" and literally means, "to exercise naked". The term is borrowed from the Grecian Games, the Palaestra, or school of athletics, of Paul's day, and is used as a parallel to the spiritual athlete, the Christian. In Paul's day, these star athletes would compete in the nude. They were so outrageously toned, however, that they were not embarrassed or ashamed to bare all before the large crowds.. In fact, it was a point of pride that they could compete naked. How odd that Paul uses this term to parallel and define the extent of the believer's chastisement! We too are to exercise to this extreme degree. We too are to become so thoroughly purged by God's Word, that we can be likened to natural athletic perfection! Once this "training" is complete, no ounce of sin's fat will rear it's ugly head, all because of the furnace we've made our home; all because of the extreme degree of reckoning ourselves dead indeed unto sin (Rom 6:11), and fully exercised "unto godliness" (1 Tim 4:7).

Are you on the Holy Ghost treadmill today, sweating off your old man? Are you in the school of affliction (Ps 119:71), evermore learning the spiritual art of faith, hope, patience, experience, humility, self-denial and resignation of will? Are you walking, as a son, in God's perpetual dealing and chastening, being pounded upon by God's sanctifying, holy Word (Jer 23:29; 5:14)? Don't jump off just yet; Don't flee the "gym" prematurely. Stay upon this holy road until you likewise can exercise in the buff, unembarrassed and unashamed!

Pure Worship!

In the book of Exodus, Scripture tells us of the ingredients for the incense that was to continually burn upon the golden altar, in the Holy Place. As this incense burned, the aroma and smoke slowly wafted through that final veil, into the very presence of God. As students of the Word, we know this incense to be clearly symbolic of the prayer and worship of the saints (Rev 5:8; 8:3-4; Ps 141:2; etc).

We know this incense to be symbolic. That much is clear. But do we realize the composition that this incense possesses? It was to be PURE incense:

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight: And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy: And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy" (Exod 30:34-36).

In a day and age when worship is often anything but pure, may we ever more cling to the Bible, our guide for any and all approach to God. It was only pure incense that would ever make it's way into the Most Holy Place, and likewise, it is only pure worship that will ever usher the believer into the place of his destination, the Most Holy Place. Many are wondering why they seem to struggle to find God's presence; why they seem to sweat as they strive to enter in. Could it be that our incense of worship is impure? I believe so. Men are mistaking if they assume they can simply waltz into the presence of God. Rather, the heart of man must be prepared (Mk 4:1-20)! The glory of God is carried in upon the shoulders of His priests (1 Chron 15:15)!

Look what the Lord says about His people, when their incense is given over to idols: "I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel? But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves" (Amos 5:21-26). What a terrible state! What once was a sweet melody to the ears of God has become nothing more than the noise of thy songs! What was once a pleasant aroma has now become a violent opposition to God's nostrils: He will no longer smell! How sad! All because of a petty idol. This unfortunate instance was far too repetitious in Scripture (Isa 1:10-26; Jer 6:20; Mal 1:6-11; Matt 15:8-9; Exod 33:30-33; etc), and I fear it is no different in our own day and age. What is the smell of your incense? What is the sound of your song? One of mixture will always stifle the glory of God, for "know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?" (1 Cor 5:6). A heart and a tongue that do not align will always keep you from God's best!

Malachi reassures us that our worship is to remain pure, free from mixture! "For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts" (Mal 1:11). God is looking for those whose worship flows from a contrite ("collapsed") heart (Ps 51:16-17; Hosea 6:6; Mic 6:6-8; etc). All the more reason to let the fire of God purify us (Heb 12:8-11; Mal 3:2-4)! No wonder the furnace is my friend!

The ingredients of this incense are an important detail too. Each ingredient was either obtained by death, or used for death (burial). These ingredients were stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense. These were to be beaten "very small", thus insisting, once again, upon the utter purification this incense was to possess.

Stacte is the purest form of myrrh available. Myrrh is a burial spice. Who can fail to see the significance thereof? Onycha is an extract that only emits an odor when burned. Once again, we see the burning and purging that must be performed for the odor to be "acceptable". Galbanum is a gum that, when added, makes the incense last longer. Galbanum is only obtained by breaking and stripping the stalks of its plant. The plant's stalk, like the believer, must first be broken down before any good and aromatic use can come of it. Lastly, frankincense is a bitter vegetable resin. To obtain this resin, one must extract it from the core of its tree, thoroughly cutting away the bark. Then, and only then, would the pure frankincense come forth. Who can fail to see the significance here? Do we think it a coincidence that these four ingredients that composed the incense are all obtained in a manner of death and dying, burning and cutting? The incense could only properly be offered as these deadly events took place. Similarly, the believer can only offer his or her own fragrance when utter death is involved. A saint who finds himself in the Most Holy Place, will be a saint who is dead and/or dying to himself.

Paul the apostle is a remarkable example of this. He was a man who made Zion his very home. He was so raptured in glory that he didn't even know whether he was in or out of the body (2 Cor 12:3)! He even said that he had the choice, to stay or to go. And do we think it a coincidence that this was the very same man who died "daily" (1 Cor 15:31)? Of course not, this is no mere coincidence. The purity of one's worship is directly related to the measure of escape upon Zion that is realized. The holiness of one's own personal fragrance is directly related to the glory to be walked in upon the earth! God desires pure incense upon the altar of my heart. Not just for His sake, but for my sake too.

Knowing this, therefore, I can better endure God's furnace (Mal 3:2-4). For I know that real purity is slowly being assimilated into my carnal being. One day, my offering will be purer than pure, whiter than snow, and it will experientially usher me to and through that final veil, once and for all! Amen.

Disciples and Multitudes

Part 2 of 2

As we have before mentioned, Jesus had differing "ranks" of believers following Him even in His earthly ministry. Multitudes met Him for His healing gift, His bread in the wilderness, etc. Within those, at least 70 disciples called Him master, while only 12 of the 70 actually left all to follow Him. Furthermore, even within the 12, there were 3 who were singled out: Peter, James and John. These were especially and peculiarly close to Jesus, being with Him in His hours of trial, and during His glorious Transfiguration. But even within the 3, there was 1 man, John the beloved. John was the only one of the entire mass who found the heart of God! I dare say he was the highest ranking "official" of the whole lot.

Let's examine the stark difference between these said ranks, as present within the pages of Holy Writ. What saith the Scriptures concerning these schisms that were and are yet present within the Christendom of yesterday, today and tomorrow? You just may be surprised... In examining these precious gems, we will better understand what it really means to be "a disciple".

The Greek word used for "disciple" literally means, "a pupil, a disciplined one, a learner". It comes from a root that means "to understand". We will soon see this definition to be especially accurate.

On the contrary, the Greek word used for "multitude(s)" literally reads "a company, a throng, a riot, a casual collection of people; the ignorant masses". Wow! What more must be said of such a rank? These were they whose shallow dedication to our Lord kept them at a distance. How sad. Sadder still that these "multitudes" are yet present today.

Concerning the disciples, the Bible has much to say. After all, God's great book is living and active (Heb 4:12), and thankfully continues to speak to the bowed down ear. The very first mention of the word "disciple" is found in Isaiah's prophecy. He tells us that disciples are full of and sealed with God's law (8:16). We see this a constant theme, for Jesus also said "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed..." (Jn 8:31). What a wonderful foundation for anyone who seeks King Jesus - a true disciple will always be one who radically clings to the Word of God!

What else does Scripture say in defining a disciple? What more do the Pages of Wonder display? Let us observe..

A disciple is he who is radically attached to the person and presence of Jesus (Matt 8:21), continually meeting Him in the mountain, a clear type of Zion (Matt 5:1). A disciple follows King Jesus to his or her own detriment. Long after the multitudes have left with a full belly, the disciples follow our Lord into a boat, and endure a mighty storm (Matt 8:23), seeing Him even tread upon their troubles (Matt 14:26)! A disciple is he who sits with, eats with, and ministers to the sinner (Matt 9:10). A disciple fasts for the Bridegroom (Matt 9:15). A disciple prepares for the harvest, and prays for laborers (Matt 9:37). A disciple has power over unclean spirits, and ministers God's healing graces (Matt 10:1). A disciple is seen "as" the Master (Matt 10:24-25). A disciple is not weighed down with mere religion (Matt 12:1-5), actually being despised by it (Jn 9:28). A disciple is likened to and equated with King David (Matt 12:3-4), even eating God's great shewbread, the Bread of Faces!

A disciple is he whom Jesus calls His "brethren" (Matt 12:49). A disciple is initiated into the deeper truths of God (Matt 13:10-11). A disciple is close to the Lord, and has first-hand revelation of His will (Matt 13:36). A disciple is who God uses to feed the multitudes (Matt 14:15-16; 15:36). Disciples are they who prepare the way of the Lord (Matt 14:22), they who forsake the many traditions of men (Matt 15:2), and they who don't grow offended at God's Word (Matt 15:12). A disciple has a deeper revelation and knowledge of God (Matt 16:13-17), possesses privileged information (Matt 16:20), and sees God in all of His glory (Matt 17:1-9). A disciple is he who denies his own carnal flesh (Matt 16:24), he who is continually "going up" to Jerusalem, the City of God in the Spirit (Matt 20:17-18). A disciple is obedient to the Word of God (Matt 21:6; 26:19). A disciple receives the "sign" of His coming (Matt 24:3)! Hallelujah! Do you want to be a disciple?

Disciples are they eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink of His blood, thus receiving His Divine life (Matt 26:26). Disciples beg and care for God's body (Matt 27:57), while getting a glimpse of His heart (Matt 14:32-39). Disciples are marching onward to perfection (Lk 6:40). Disciples sit at God's feet (Lk 10:38-42). A disciple loves Jesus more than all else (Lk 14:26), takes up his cross (Lk 14:27), and forsakes all that he has just to follow the Lord (Lk 14:33). A disciple is he or she who continues with Jesus in His temptations (Lk 22:28). A disciple ministers to Jesus' needs (Jn 12:1-8). A disciple is especially loved of the Lord (Jn 13:23). A disciple reciprocates that love back to God and to his fellow man (Jn 13:34-35), and bears much fruit (Jn 15:7-8). A disciple is the first to walk in resurrection power (Jn 20:2), the first to witness to God's truth (Jn 21:24), and the first to receive the promise of the Spirit (Acts 2:1-3)! A disciple has vision (Acts 9:10), is full of good works and deeds (Acts 9:36), and through much tribulation do they enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22 with Heb 4:6)!

What a sharp contrast from the mere multitudes of Christians on the outer fringe of Christianity! The multitudes are sent away (Matt 13:36; 14:22). The multitudes are weary after a mere three days with Jesus (Matt 14:14), having no shepherd, and being utterly scattered (Matt 9:36). The multitudes are content to simply have their needs met (Matt 12:15; 19:2; 15:30; Lk 5:15), never really investing in God nor into His kingdom. The multitudes cry "Hosanna" one day, and "crucify Him" the next. What a terrible realization (Matt 21:9; Mk 15:13). In fact, the multitudes (along with Judas, the tainted disciple) are the very ones who led Jesus to his captives (Matt 26:55)!

Who can fail to see the dramatic difference that Scripture places upon these differing ranks? May we receive fresh vision to follow Jesus like never before!

The Ranks of Believers

Part 1 of 2

Very many Christians are unaware of the fact that there are ranks within the body of Christ. Yes, ranks. Just as the many armies of our world are duly composed, so it is within the mystical body of Christ (Rev 19:19). In fact, Scripture says of the bride that she is "terrible as an ARMY with banners" (Song 6:10). Dear reader, armies are composed of several different parts, of course each one being vital (1 Cor 12:21), but separate and distinct nonetheless. As another has well said, "A building in its formative stages appears to be but one vast conglomeration of scaffolds, framework, brick and steel--and it is not too evident how many rooms there will be, and for what purpose the rooms are intended. But in the day of its completion it is all quite evident. So shall it be with the Church of Christ. For there are celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; one glory of the sun, another of the moon, and another of the stars--and even one star differeth from another star in glory. So shall it be in the day of Christ, when each man is revealed in His own order according to the plan and purpose of God" (George Warnock, The Feast of Tabernacles).

Yes, ranks within the body of Christ are a present reality. Some are spiritual Generals while others may be nothing more than a private in God's great army He is assembling. Not surprisingly, such schisms presented themselves even in Jesus' day, and in the early days of Christianity. Jesus had multitudes and disciples, and even within the disciples He had the 70, then the 12, then the 3 (whom He brought with Him on the Mount of Transfiguration), and finally the 1, John, who was the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (Jn 13:23), the one who was intimate with God, laying his head upon Jesus' bosom, and receiving the great revelation (Rev 1:1).

Paul confirms these thoughts several times. He repeatedly used military terms when referring to the body of Christ. He primarily used these words when speaking of the resurrection to come: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming" (1 Cor 15:23). The word used here for "order" literally means "to arrange, a band, a troop, a class in arrangement". Later he again says, "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead" (1 Cor 15:41-42).

Yes, it is true. As one star outshines another in our natural universe, so it is among believers from time's span: "The path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Prov 4:18). In the ages, some shall sing "this little light of mine", while others will have paid a greater price, and consequently shall shine with a greater degree of splendour.

Paul has said, "Some must enter therein..." (Heb 4:6). Notice he says "some" and not "all". Could it be true that only a high-ranking remnant will ever fully appropriate God's best, and fully apprehend that for which they've been apprehended of? Indeed, it is true. Only a remnant will attain to God's highest rank. The Bible is quite clear in this regard: Of the bride it says, "There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number. My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her" (Song 6:8-9).

We should not be shocked to realize such a truth. The Scriptures themselves plainly reveal the existence of both "wise" and "foolish" virgins (Matt 25:1-12). We are so quick to divide these people with heaven and hell, but that is not always the case. "Virgins" in Scripture are a thematic constant: they most always speak of the people of God. These "virgins" are indeed heaven-bound, but will lose the prize of the high [ranking] calling which they should have been attaining (Gen 15:1; Phil 3:14), namely, a position as the bride of Christ. Friend, the bride will be she who "hath made herself ready" (Rev 19:7-8).

Jesus too accredits this truth. To His many followers He said, "But many that are first shall be last; and the last first" (Mk 10:31). He further said that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God "before you [Pharisees]" (Matt 21:31), thus ascribing some a higher rank than even the ecclesiastical powers that be. What a wonder! He speaks in another place of "much" and "little" love (Lk 7:40-47). Those who are forgiven much love much; the greatly forgiven seem to chase Jesus up the ranks more fervently than those who have been forgiven little. In Luke 18:14, Jesus continues to say that the humble shall be exalted (in rank?).

In His Parable of the Sower, Jesus speaks of 30, 60 and 100-fold fruit (Mk 4:8). Could it be true that Christians can actually birth differing measures of fruit? Of course, the Word is plainly clear. The fruitful one will likewise rank fruitfully, while the fruitless will rank fruitlessly: all dependent upon the state of one's heart! No wonder Paul's counsel to us was to be "filled with fruits of righteousness" (Phil 1:11)! God would that every man, woman and child become a General in His great army, filled to the brim with fruit, 100-fold! And why 100-fold fruit? Because only 100-fold fruit will be full enough to spill over onto the paths trodden daily by sinners and heathen. 100-fold fruit is the only measure of fruit that will be duly given to the nations; only an overflowing well can quench the thirst of those standing by it (Song 5:1)!

Scripture illustrates the rank principle for us with the vision of first ripened fruit. James tells us, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (1:8). The firstfruits are the first-ripened fruit. In every harvest there is always fruit that matures early. There’s also what is called the "first of the firstfruits". If the early ripened fruit is not picked early, it will simply rot on the vine. In the Old Covenant economy, the firstfruits (of man, cattle and harvest) ALWAYS belonged to the Lord: "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest" (Lev 23:10). Reader, it's no different in our day. There will be a high-ranking company of firstfruits who come to fruition before the remainder, and consequently must be plucked and harvested to avoid spoilage. Perhaps this is the overcomer, the manchild's ascension, as noted in Revelation 12? We think so. The book of Revelation goes on to tell us of the character of these firstfruits: "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb" (Rev 14:1-4). Oh the glory!

To Be Continued...

The Furnace is My Friend!

"I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters" (Song 2:1-2).

It never ceases to amaze me of the wonderful truths we found hidden in Scripture! I pray for a heart to glean God's mysteries. One such truth is regarding God's furnace. Yes, you read that correctly: His furnace! Did you know that His furnace is to be your friend?

Here, in the Song of Solomon, we find the blossoming bride in a valley. Yes.. a valley (Ps 23:4)! Soon after however, we see her bridegroom (Jesus) distinguishing her out from among her apathetic peers, the Daughters of Jerusalem: "As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters!" But what could cause such? What could be the source of such a dramatic contrast as this, a lily among thorns? Reader, could it be the valley? Yes, I believe so. What men have avoided and shamed for centuries is actually God's road to a double portion! No wonder I am to befriend and embrace it!

As the prophet has said, "Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another" (Isa 48:10-11). It seems that this "valley" or "furnace" is the very place God chooses His own. This tells us a very important truth: my response in the valley, and my response in the furnace is absolutely vital! For it is here that God makes His choices. Reader, your furnace will either make you a lily or it will make you a thorn, and thus your response is vastly important. Befriend this harsh wilderness? Embrace this beloved enemy? Yes! For this place is God's avenue to real fruitfulness (Song 6:11).

Finally, let's examine Job's life.. He is one of the most persecuted men in all of Scripture. But what was his response to such a valley? "Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips" (Job 2:9-10). Even when his own wife counseled him to flee the furnace, Job remained true! Why so? Because Job knew that the furnace is God's avenue to real fruitfulness! The valley is God's choosing ground! He believed it to be absolute foolishness to jump out of the very thing God has ordained for his fruitfulness. Friends, if we could only endure the dealings of God (Heb 6:12-15)! If only we would listen to the counsel of Scripture and be "excercised" thereby (Heb 12:8-11)! If we could only stay and remain in the furnace, and let patience have her perfect work! What a people we would become! Oh the lily we'd too become!

"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years" (Mal 3:2-4). It's only as we're purged from ALL of our evil influences that we can be offered "pleasant unto the Lord". Let's allow the fire of God to do it's job (Isa 40:4)! The furnace is my friend.

The Mercy Seat..

As we know, the Tabernacle erected in ancient times was but for a shadow, built according to the heavenly pattern in order to cast it's shade of truth upon our modern New Testament understanding (Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:11; Heb 8:5). What were temporary and natural truths for natural Jews have become eternal and spiritual truths for spiritual Jews, a.k.a., Christians, or "Israelite[s] indeed", the "Israel of God" (Jn 1:47; Gal 6:16). As believers, we inhabit spiritual Jerusalem, or "Jerusalem which is above" (Gal 4:26), and are to search the Scriptures to discern the heavenly substance that these earthly shadows only pointed to: "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter" (Prov 25:2). The Tabernacle's many articles of furniture, the ministry of the priesthood, the sacrifices, etc. all point to a much greater truth concerning Jesus and His church. This is the case when observing the Ark of the Covenant and it's Mercy Seat.

Its Special Significance..

The Ark was composed of wood, overlaid with pure gold. The lid of the Ark was called the Mercy-seat; it was made of pure gold, having no wood in it's composition. It was a solid slab of pure gold. Though a separate and distinct article in itself, the Mercy-seat formed the lid of the Ark, being placed "above upon the Ark" (Exod 25:21).

There was only one other piece of furniture in the tabernacle made solely of gold, namely the candlestick. The candlestick was much smaller in size and weight. Therefore, according to intrinsic value, the Mercy-seat was, by far, the most valuable of all the holy vessels! This greatly tells us of the preciousness that the Mercy-seat foreshadowed!

Inside the Ark, underneath the Mercy Seat (lid), was placed the law on tables of stone, Aaron's rod that budded, and a golden pot of manna (Heb 9:4).

To the earthly Jew, the Ark of the Covenant came to represent God's manifest presence in the earth. After all, it was considered the throne of God, or the seat upon which He rested in His great glory, beheld by the cherubim. In the New Testament, Paul interprets the special significance of the Ark when he says, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God" (Rom 3:24-25). As is commonly taught, this word "propitiation" is also translated "mercy seat". Jesus is the personified mercy seat! The verb "propitiate" signifies "to appease, to placate, to make satisfaction." God the Father has been calmed and settled in His holy wrath against sin, all because of the "propitiation" of His Son, Jesus. The righteous demands of the Law have been wholly satisfied! His is the only sacrifice that pacifies God's offended justice. King Jesus is the single, costly, precious article to which we owe our dearest affections.. He is the Chief focus of God's tabernacle; He is it's end. In Him alone do we find true fruitfulness (Aaron's rod that budded), freedom from law (tables of the covenant), and the bread of life (golden pot of manna)! (Heb 9:4).

Its Role and Function..

As one writer duly notes, there were no chairs in the tabernacle. How odd? There was a table, but no chairs. Why? This absence signifies that the work done therein was never completed! It's demands were perpetually heard by the ministering priests; sin was never fully and completely dealt with. Therefore, who could take his rest? What purpose would a chair serve? None at all. However, there was a rest to come. There was indeed a seat behind the second veil - namely, the Mercy Seat. The Mercy Seat resting upon the Ark foreshadowed the wondrous truth that God would find His rest in that perfect work which His incarnate Son would perform. This was the place of God's rest - finally a seat, a throne upon which He could sit and meet with a purged creation: "And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel" (Exod 25:21-22).

The fact that the Mercy Seat formed God's restful throne in the midst of Israel is referred to in a number of Scriptures. In 1 Samuel 4:4 we read, "So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims". 2 Samuel 6:2 says, "And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims". Hezekiah addressed his prayer to God as "O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubim" (2 Kgs 19:15). The Psalmist cried, "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth" (Ps 80:1)! Psalm 99:1 tells us that He "sitteth between the cherubim". The references are endless.

But how could such a holy God dwell, sit and rest in the midst of such a sinful and rebellious people? The answer is, on the ground of accepted sacrifice. His throne was a blood-sprinkled one (Lev 16:14). The blood of the sin offering was sprinkled upon the Mercy Seat, and there that blood was left to remain. It was left as a testimony that God's justice had been met, though temporarily (Heb 10:4). Because of this blood, God could righteously dwell in the midst of a people who had broken His law. Their sin had been put away! What a glorious type this is! Reader, can we realize the great benefit that has become our very own? If the blood of bulls and goats could provide a dwelling of God with His people, how much more can the shed blood of Jesus enable a holy housing of the same (Heb 9:12-14)! By this sinless blood, redemption has been wholly obtained (Heb 9:12); God's dwelling is to become our inheritance!

Its Measurements..

As we know, anything and everything of any typical importance was recorded in Scripture in a scrupulous manner, as to never miss a detail in its description, format or appearance. Of course, this is the case with the Mercy Seat as well. What do the detailed descriptions tell us of this throne's lid? What special significances do these measurements and numbers display? Let's observe..

The length of the Mercy Seat was two and a half cubits; the breadth was one and a half cubits (Exod 25:17). Nothing, however, is told us of its thickness. What an interesting omission when compared to Psalm 103:11-12: "For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us".

First of all, the number two in Scripture repeatedly speaks of witness and separation (Deut 19:15; 17:6-7; 2 Cor 13:1; Jn 8:17; Heb 10:28; Mk 6:41; Matt 24:40-41; etc). The Ark then, and it's Mercy Seat, was to be both a witness of God's revealed presence in the earth, as well as a dividing line between God's people and His foes. It was a witness to Israel and a separation to her foes. It was both a proof (witness) and a barrier (of separation). What was a blessed symbol to one (the Israelite), was a wretched symbol to another - a symbol of utter and imminent defeat. Wherever the Ark went, disaster was sure to strike for the enemies of God, while victory was to be Israel's possession. And reader, the same is so with us New Testament saints. The merciful presence of God is our very life-blood, our victory, and our only means of overcoming the world! It is our witness and separation!

Furthermore, the number one in Scripture is representative of unity, God who is the beginning, or that which is first (Deut 6:4; Jn 17:20-22; Acts 4:32; 1 Pet 3:8; Jn 1:1-3; Rev 1:11; Isa 41:4; 44:6; 48:12; etc). This tells the reader that the Ark of God was to be a unifying factor for the people. For New Testament saints, we see that such communion in the Holy Ghost is the only means by which we can achieve true Scriptural unity (Eph 4:16). The body of Christ, apart from the Ark of God (His holy presence), is an utter, tangled, dis-unified and contrary mess!

Also, it was to represent God, who from the beginning, has desired to make His abode with man. In fact, this was God's first and chiefest desire in creating the world, and His motive for slaying His Lamb from the foundation of it (Rev 13:8). He created man for fellowship: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev 4:11). Yes, the Lord hath made all things for Himself (Prov 16:4)! To Him are all things (Rom 11;36). What wonderful evidence we find for this in the dimensions of the Mercy Seat - God's throne of communion in the earth!

Its Ornamentation..

Upon the Mercy Seat were two cherubim, one at either end. These figures were made of the same slab of gold as the Mercy Seat, and were beaten into shape (Exod 25:17-19). The identity, role and purpose of these figures seems to have baffled scholars for centuries. Who are these cherubim? Why are they on top of the Mercy Seat? What do they represent?

In short, these cherubim are said to be overshadowing God's throne, protecting, as it were, His precious glory. That there is some profound significance connected with these figures is quite obvious from the words of Paul: "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly" (Heb 9:5). How peculiar? Paul seems to say that there is much to be said of these creatures, yet the Hebrews could not hear it (Heb 5:12-14).

The first time these cherubim are mentioned in Scripture is the account in Genesis 3:24, directly after the fall of man: "So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life". Here, they are said to have a flaming sword, guarding the way to the Tree of Life. This account, coupled with their description on the Mercy Seat, seem to tell us that these Cherubim have some association with administering God's judicial authority in the earth. Much can be said regarding their identity, their position, and their role, but we cannot address it now. Let it be suffice to say, there is much more about these beings than first meets the eye. You'll want to tune in at a later date for a detailed research.

Its Blessedness..

It is no accident that the Ark and its Mercy Seat are completely hid from natural view, and had very restricted access. They reside behind the tabernacle's second veil, far away from all natural sunlight, and even far from the candlelight of the Holy Place. The only light in this realm is that of the visible and weighty glory of God which shines forth from our object of discussion (Ps 80:1, 3; 50:2; 94:1; Ezek 43:2; Dan 9:17; Rev 21:23; etc). It seems that God has reserved this special place for those who choose to seek after it: "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jer 29:13; 3:10; 24:7; Deut 30:2, 10; Ps 119:2, 10, 58, 69, 145; Joel 2:12; Acts 8:37; etc). It is only the hungry and the thirsty who will readily be filled with what God is offering to our race (Matt 5:6). God is One who desires to be sought after; why else would He rend His heart in such a way, even sending His own incarnate Son to purchase a people for Himself? He has done so to draw men unto Himself (Jn 12:32; Rom 5:17-19; 1 Tim 2:6). Whosoever will, let him come! Let him push passed the throngs of mere religion, passed the bloody outer court, passed the natural sunlight, passed even the Holy Place and the ministry primarily benefiting men (Ezek 44). God is waiting for a people; He is patiently waiting upon His throne, waiting for the fruit of the earth to fully ripen (Jas 5:7). Will you be one who fully follows after your inheritance? Will you be one who recognizes God's great desire for you? Will you fully follow after Jesus, your blessed Forerunner, who has gone to that realm to enable you to follow Him (Heb 6:19-20)? The holy blood has been sprinkled, the right and access is yours! Communion with your Maker is awaiting!

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb 4:16)!

Grace For Grace..

"We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain" (2 Cor 6:1).

Grace must be a manifestation of the whole nature of God to man. It is ALL that God is, made available to affect ALL that man has become. It is divine resources placed at man's disposal; it is energy flowing into temporal creatures. Grace builds a bridge between time and eternity, and narrows the gap between heaven and earth. Grace enables the godless to become Godlike without losing their humanity. Without grace, man has no hope of God in this world or in the world to come.

God doesn't want to lead His people merely by codes and ethics, by rules and regulations , by limitations, by imposition of a hard and fast law, rule or command. Instead, God wants to lead His people with His presence, with that soft-spoken inner voice, and He wants a response of faith, not fear. He wants us to respond to the commander, not to a command. He is interested that we be recipients, not of law, per se, but of grace in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. From the moment Christ was revealed to men, they began to be the recipients of grace in a magnitude unheard of in the Old Testament, for Jesus is God's channel of grace; it flows from Him abundantly. Those who learn to come into fellowship with Him find themselves in a flow of grace that baffles explanation!

- Judson Cornwall, Let Us See Jesus, pp. 27-28

In The Fullness of Time..

“Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal 4:1-4)

The epistle to the Galatians is a mine of truth for the diligent student. In the above verses, much can be expounded upon. But as I was reading this the other day, pondering the many greatnesses that King Jesus possessed, walked in, and delivered to His people, the Holy Ghost spoke to my heart saying, "And I will have other sons too, in the fullness of time". Wow!

Before you shout me down, no, God will not birth another Jesus, for He alone is the sovereign God-Man; the Name above all names! Redemption has been purchased by His precious blood, and will never be removed, altered, or changed; it simply cannot be bettered. He has greatly finished His work (Jn 19:30), and sat down at the right hand of majesty (Heb 1:3; 4:14; 8:1). For this we are so very grateful! He alone will be eternally exalted!

What do I mean then? Well, Scripture tells us that we too are to become "the sons of God", made after the image, nature, character and likeness of the Firstborn Son, Jesus of Nazareth (2 Cor 3:18; Rom 13:14; Jn 17:16, 19, 22, 23, 26; Eph 4:24; Phil 3:21; 1 Jn 3:2; etc). John has said, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (Jn 1:12). And similarly, the apostle Paul has said, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren" (Rom 8:29). Weymouth pus it this way: "Those whom He has foreknown He has also predestined to share the likeness of His Son, that He might be the eldest in a vast family of brothers; and those whom He has predestined He has also called; and those whom He has called He has also acquitted; and those whom He has acquitted He has also glorified" (Rom. 8:29, 30). How can Jesus be the Firstborn of many brethren if His people don't rightly follow in His footsteps, to their own crosses, as He did? Friends, as we have wholly born the image of the awful and earthly, so shall we also bear the image of the perfect and heavenly (1 Cor 15:49). Yet, so many Christians are hibernating, waiting for some ethereal "rapture", while the Father is waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, that is, the transfiguration of His sons, after the image of His Firstborn, Jesus! The Father is waiting (Jas 5:7), and the earth is waiting too (Rom 8:18-20), or "standing on tiptoes", as one translation puts it. At one time, we fell short of God's glory (Rom 3:23), but that is to change. Now, because of God's plenteous and manifold redemption, you and I have been called to obtain the glory of the Lord (2 Thess 2:14; 1 Pet 1:4-5; 5:10; Rev 3:21; etc), and to minister from that realm of greatness, after the order of Melchizedek (Heb 6:19-20)! What a bewildering and marvelous thought!

In The Fullness of Time..

YES - God will have another son - a company of sons, after the image and likeness of His glorious Firstborn. But when? Well, just as it was with Jesus, so shall it be with us. He was the great and sovereign Pattern (Heb 3:1; Phil 2:5); He was the Firstborn and Forerunner (Greek: "Podoromos"), setting the stage for us to follow in His ways and likeness. The disciple can never be above his Master. Therefore, these coming sons will likewise come forth in "the fulness of the time", even as it was with King Jesus (Gal 4:4). This word "fulness" in Greek is "pleroma", and references maritime operations. It is used to refer to a ship and it's occupants. A ship was only "pleroma" when all the rowers, materials, etc were in place, in the ship. Until then, it was docked, and could not depart. For Jesus, this time has come and gone. But for His sons, the time is yet to come. God still has many sons to reach, disciple, train and mature (Eph 2:19-22; Heb 6:1-3). The ship is not full; There are much more to come in! "Pleroma" comes from a root word that means "to cram; to satisfy". Before God will manifest this "son" to the earth, He wants it to be crammed full and "satisfied". He wants His remnant complete! Then, and only then, He will send the necessary rains for the final harvest (Jas 5:7; Joel 2).

Made of a Woman..

Just as King Jesus was "made of a woman", so shall his sons be as well. What was a natural truth for Him, however, is a spiritual truth for us, His sons (1 Cor 15:46). Jesus was born of Mary, but His sons will be born of the church. All throughout Scripture, we see the "woman" symbolically speaking of the church system. Revelation 12 actually depicts this birthing: "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne" (Rev 12:1-5). A few chapters prior, we see that the overcomers will also rule the nations "with a rod of iron" (Rev 2:26-27). Therefore, we can easily conclude that these "overcomers" and this "manchild" are one-in-the-same. The manchild is the remnant of God, coming out of the church, "made of a woman". The sons of God must come out of her! She may have birthed us, but she cannot bring us in. Just like in Jesus' day, the religious system is corrupted, tainted, and permeated with mixture. For Jesus, the Pharisees were actually His greatest enemy! The very ones who were supposed to be the representation of God, and His vehicle in the earth, were those who most hindered His move! The very ones who were supposed to shorten the schism between God and man actually ended up widening it, wanting to keep men bound! What a travesty! They wanted men to remain in their terrible and separated states! And friends, the same is so today. The manchild must come out! Out of mere traditions, out of the Babylonian religious, and lifeless "system" (2 Tim 3:5).

Made Under the Law?

Like Jesus, this son too will (in a certain sense) be "made under the law". Let me explain myself. Of course, we are not to be under legalistic bondage, that’s not what I mean.. Paul tells us to "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Gal 5:1). But let’s ask the question, “Why was Jesus put under the Law?” It was so that He could perfectly fulfill the law and break His people out from under that awful yoke! Jesus was made under the bondage of the law SO THAT He could redeem those who were under the law! His death under Law was their freedom from it, as He became a curse for us: “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree”. Just as Jesus’ death became life for His people, similarly, your and my death is the savor of life that others need, and that the whole earth is waiting for! Paul said that God “maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.” (2 Cor 2:14).

The sons that are coming are a people who have been subjected to every evil, every pain, every trial, and every temptation SO THAT they'll be able to become the overcoming vehicle God is after. Your trials and tribulations are not even for you! God, in His wisdom, has allowed you to be under bondage to that thing so that you can overcome it and possess your enemy, only to minister such victory to a lost and dying world! What an honor! “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 Jn 3:16).

And Why?

What is the purpose of such a wondrous manifestation? Simply said, redemption! This is God's eternal plan - to partner with His bride in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:17-19). Jesus did all He did so “that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Likewise, the sons of God simply want to bear Him fruit! Jesus wants more sons! He wants to use you and I; He wants to use His sons to BIRTH MORE SONS! Jesus is to be the Firstborn of MANY brethren. This is why Jesus came "in the fulness of time, made of a woman, made under the law".. And this is likewise why He will birth sons in His image: to wholly complete His ministry in the earth, towards creation. The sons of God will minister the redemption they've become so acquainted with! One day we will fully know WHY we had to endure the things we do. One day, we’ll know WHY we had to die so much! Why we had to go so low! Why we had to decrease, and decrease, and decrease some more.. It’s because He wants you perfectly like Him (Jn 3:30)! He wants you to be JUST LIKE HE IS, sharing His very glory! He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, yet He opened not His mouth! He was perfectly obedient to the will of His father, just for the one brother or sister who needs ministry! And so it will be with the ministry of His sons!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:17-18).

Dear reader, is Jesus worth all this trouble to our flesh? Is His plan and will worth your very life? The sons of God say YES! The remnant of God will do whatever it takes to give God more sons; to minister His redemption to an ignorant and wasting creation! They simply want to bear Him fruit, to make Him happy, to fill the ship, to cram the boat, to satisfy to the full! Is that your heart today?

Is Jesus worth such a costly sacrifice? My heart says YES!

I Have Been Crucified

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20).

There is so much of the natural that needs to go to the cross. This altar is the divine sanitation system, for fire is a great sanitizer, a never-failing disinfectant. This altar is not an educational system, it is a burning process. The answer to our flesh is not pampering, controlling, or hiding; the answer to all carnality is the fire of God's brazen altar - the cross of Jesus.

However, I guess that once I really know the altar is for worship as well as for burning, I should always approach the burning as a worshipper.

When our life is hid with Christ in God, the old shell that once hid that life is going to be burned. It is like the seed planted in the earth and warmed and moistened until germination starts. Does the seed cry, "Wait a minute; stop it; you're destroying me?" No, of course not. To come forth in the new, the old has to die. The only alternative would be to dig the seed out, dry it, and put a little sign next to it saying, "This is the seed of God". If we just leave it in the ground to go through the death process, we don't need a sign, for people will see the fruit that life has produced. That's one of the purposes of the cross - to break the hull, to kill the old, in order to release the life principle so we can be restored to the Father's eternal purposes.

(Judson Cornwall, Let Us Draw Near, pp. 61-62)

A Fake Anointing?

Many Christians today can’t distinguish between the sweat of the flesh and the dew of heaven...

Gideon is one of my favorite Bible characters because I relate to his struggle with inferiority. God pulled this runt of a guy out of a hole in the ground and called him to deliver Israel. Gideon’s classic “Who, me?” response reminds me of conversations I’ve had with the Lord. None of us feels qualified to do God’s work, but we know from Gideon’s example that reluctant wimps can be transformed into valiant warriors.

I’ve heard people criticize Gideon because he laid out a fleece of wool on the ground and asked the Lord—not once but twice—to confirm His promise (see Judges 6:36-40). But the Bible doesn’t say God was mad at Gideon for wanting assurance. In fact, God answered Gideon both times with moisture from heaven. The dew was a sign of God’s favor and blessing.

“I love it when the Holy Spirit does miracles. But when people fake the supernatural in order to get an audience response (or a big offering), I run for the door.”

You know how the story ends. Gideon’s impressive army of 22,000 is downsized to a ragtag band of 300, and they carry only trumpets, clay pots and torches into battle. Through their supernatural victory over Midian, God made it clear that His anointing has nothing to do with human ability.

How many of us have learned Gideon’s lesson? Do you trust the Holy Spirit to work in you, or do you lean on the flesh? Do you have the precious dew of His miraculous anointing on your life, or have you manufactured a cheap form of human moisture to do the job?

Many Christians today can’t distinguish between the sweat of the flesh and the dew of heaven, but there is a big difference. As I have prayed for more anointing in my life, I’ve realized that we often mistake fake anointing for the real thing. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

The anointing isn’t in numbers. We place so much importance on church size today, yet God doesn’t seem impressed by crowds. I have nothing against megachurches as long as they preach the gospel—and many of them do a better job of it than small churches. But we’re headed for disaster if we think seating capacity alone reflects God’s approval.

The anointing isn’t in eloquence. Some people have an uncanny way with words (including non-Christian motivational speakers), but persuasive skill isn’t the same as spiritual anointing. The dew of heaven is holy. It brings conviction and repentance—not self-awareness and an ego boost. And true preaching does not exalt the preacher—it crucifies him and focuses all attention on the Son of God.

The anointing isn’t in looks. In today’s cool evangelical scene, rock star pastors are expected to be sexy, and everyone in the praise team needs trendy clothes. There’s nothing wrong with dressing to reach your audience, but I hope we don’t think the Holy Spirit is impressed with hipness. The dowdy grandmother wearing orthopedic shoes might have a word from the Lord for the congregation—but will we allow her on the stage?

The anointing isn’t in technology. I love to use digital graphics when preaching. But some of the most anointed meetings I’ve been in were in Third World countries where we didn’t even have reliable electricity, much less computers and projectors. When genuine anointing falls on a preacher, he or she can talk for two hours without having to entertain!

The anointing isn’t in emotionalism. In many churches today, lack of anointing creates a vacuum that is filled by screaming, swooning and other forms of religious theater. It doesn’t matter what is preached—it is “anointed” as long as the preacher punctuates it with enough volume and the people shout back. (One preacher I know had everyone holl\ering while she quoted lines from a Beyoncé song!) Remember: Backslidden Israel shouted so loud that the earth quaked, but by the end of the day the Philistines had plundered them (see 1 Sam. 4:5-11).

The anointing isn’t in contrived manifestations. I love it when the Holy Spirit does miracles. But when people fake the supernatural in order to get an audience response (or a big offering), I run for the door. If we had the fear of God we would never pretend to have the anointing by jerking, slurring words, stretching the facts in a testimony or sprinkling glitter on ourselves.

Charles Spurgeon referred to the Holy Spirit’s anointing as “unction,” and he said of it: “Unction is a thing which you cannot manufacture, and its counterfeits are worse than worthless.” Let’s turn away from every false anointing and ask the God who answered Gideon to soak us with His heavenly power.


- Written by J. Lee Grady

Be Anxious For Nothing!

"Be anxious for nothing" (Phil 4:6)

Worrying is as definitely forbidden as theft. This needs to be carefully pondered and definitely realized by us, so that we do not excuse it as an innocent "infirmity". The more we are convicted of the sinfulness of anxiety, the sooner are we likely to perceive that it is most dishonoring to God, and "strive against" it (Heb 12:4). But how are we to "strive against" it?

First, by begging the Holy Spirit to grant us a deeper conviction of its enormity. Second, by making it a subject of special and earnest prayer, that we may be delivered from this evil. Third, by watching its beginning, and as soon as we are conscious of harassment of mind, as soon as we detect the unbelieving thought, lift up our heart to God and ask Him for deliverance from it.

The best antidote for anxiety is frequent meditation upon God’s goodness, power and sufficiency. When the saint can confidently realize "The Lord is My Shepherd," he must draw the conclusion, "I shall not want!" Immediately following our exhortation is, "but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God." Nothing is too big and nothing is too little to spread before and cast upon the Lord. The "with thanksgiving" is most important, yet it is the point at which we most fail. It means that before we receive God’s answer, we thank Him for the same: it is the confidence of the child expecting his Father to be gracious.

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought [anxious concern] for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? ... But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt 6:25, 33).

- A. W. Pink

Who is this?

"And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee" (Matt 21:10-11).

"Who is this...the [mere] prophet"! What a sad incident! Oh the effects of a far-off stance from Jesus! Here we have the triumphal entry, the grand and awaited fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.. Jesus riding into Jerusalem, presenting Himself as THE paschal lamb to be slain, as was the custom with the annual Jewish Passover. And what do we see occurring? Crowds of "multitudes" questioning His very identity! "All the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee".

As we are well aware of, Jesus had several ranks of followers, each with their own level of devotion and adoration. He had the multitudes, and within that He had the 70, and within that He had the 12 disciples. Even within His disciples, however, He had 3 significantly closer friends, Peter, James, and John. These 3 seemed to have been especially close to Him, concerned for Him, and with Him during those intimate times, such as His transfiguration (Mk 9:2). But even within the 3, there was 1 disciple, John, whom the Bible says was "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (Jn 13:23). He was the disciple who laid his head upon Jesus' chest, signifying the great intimacy that was shared between the two; a great intimacy that was, for whatever reason, abandoned and neglected by the many other followers.

Being part of the mere multitude means that we are not intimate with Jesus. Being part of the mere multitude will most always cause us to question God's name, His power, and His desires. A far position from Him will most always cause us to belittle Him.. We will call Him a mere prophet, robbing Him the Messianic honor due His name. Do we want to know Jesus? Then we must be with Him where He is... and where was He? Humbly accepting His cross - obediently securing the will of His Father! We cannot be a part of the multitude, only showing up at mealtime, and expect to have any real relationship with Him, knowing Him for who He really is - the Son of God. Only true disciples will have this great glimpse:

"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say YE that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt 16:13-16).

Oh what a dramatic difference! True disciples call Him Messiah, and treat Him as such!

The Lord's Prayer..

Part 8 of 8

We have come to the end of our brief study of prayer, from the unique perspective of the early church apostles. We have seen what the apostles prayed, how they prayed, when they prayed, why they prayed, and for whom they prayed. How wonderful that the Word of God is able to enlighten our prayerful path! No longer must we pray according to our own human nature and limited understanding. Thanks to the Holy Ghost and the Word of God we are able to perceive God's methods, and pray as He has ordained! What a blessing!

I want to observe one last facet of this grand Christian doctrine: the Lord's Prayer. The Lord's prayer is Jesus' response to the disciples inquiry, "Teach us to pray" (Lk 11:1), and therefore should be heeded deeply. In my humble opinion, one of the most critical things to realize concerning this Scriptural prayer is the fact that it is a pattern for all prayer, rather than mere words to be perpetually repeated. In other words, I believe that men are in error if we assume this prayer is to become rote, continually reiterated word for word, just for the sake of praying it. So many believers (and entire denominations) may habitually say these words, while completely missing the point Jesus was trying to make in His teaching. This dissertation was in response to the disciple's request, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Lk 11:1). Therefore, I believe this prayer presents to us many spiritual truths, by which our own prayer is to be fashioned, formed, guided and matured. Jesus said, "after this manner [fashion, likeness, similitude], therefore pray ye..." (Matt 6:9). He was not telling us of an exact phrase to religiously dictate over and over, but of a divine fashion and most excellent model to bring our hearts to His; He did not provide this prayer as a mere copy to be merely repeated, but as a motivation and inspiration to commune with God, and as an instruction in prayer. Jesus even preceded this prayer by instructing us away from "vain repetitions" (Matt 6:7).

Interestingly, every clause of the Lord's Prayer is rooted and found in the Old Testament Scriptures, denoting that our prayers must be Scriptural if they are to be acceptable, which we have seen in previous posts: "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us" (1 Jn 5:14). But we cannot know His will if we are ignorant of His Word.

Let us now briefly observe this model which Jesus has given us...

- "Our Father" (Matt 6:9b) - How very appropriate that this instruction commences with "our Father".. The spirit of adoption is our only needful prerequisite. Prayer within the covenant God has given us is successful prayer! Like the prodigal son, we too must come to ourselves, arise, and go to our Father (Lk 15:18)! For as the heart realizes exactly to Whom it is praying, divine faith arises and the power needed is very present. This position of divine intimacy and Fatherhood is to be the foundation of all prayer; this is the fashion by which real prayer is made! God is the lover of my soul, and the Father to which I can turn - faith to pray, therefore, is made simple. We're praying to "our [loving] Father", not a harsh and worldly task-master.. Why therefore should we neglect to speak with Him? "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him" (Ps 103:13).

- "Which art in heaven" (6:9c) - No request or petition is too hard for a God "which art in heaven". This is one reason why Jesus instructs us to pray with this mindset. If God is seated in heaven, then He is all-powerful, and no petition is above Him. If He is seated in heaven, then He has wholly overcome, and even death and the grave must bow at His feet! If God is seated in heaven, then we can trust that He is wholly in control, and infinitely elevated above the pseudo-controls of men upon earth: "The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool" (Isa 66:1). If God is seated in heaven, then we know His view is far better than our own, seeing the end from the beginning, and never once fretting of my destiny, natural provision, and spiritual outcome. He is providently directing all things from on high! "But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased" (Ps 115:3). A God "which art in heaven" is one worthy to be adored!

- "Hallowed be Thy name" (6:9d) - Primarily, this verse depicts the worship that our prayer is to possess. This term "hallowed" is frequently translated "sanctified." It means "to set apart for a sacred use". Thus, the words "hallowed be Thy name" signify the pious desire that God’s matchless name might be reverenced, adored, and glorified, and that God might cause it to be held in the utmost respect and honor, that its fame might spread abroad and be magnified. "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name" (Ps 96:8)! Appropriately, these words come before any petition is made, thus showing us of the preeminence that worship is to have. All other requests must be subordinate to this one and be in pursuance of it. We cannot pray aright unless the glory of God be dominant in our desires. We are to cherish a deep sense of the ineffable holiness of God and an ardent longing for the honoring of it. May the adoration of King Jesus be sought far above all of our earthly needs and wants: "Let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee" (Ps 5:11).

Secondly, this verse tells of the subject of holiness. Most people subtly think that their personal righteousness will somehow aid in an answer to their prayer.. "If I just behave for a few hours, maybe my prayer will be heard?" Thankfully, Jesus instructs us to pray after a much different form and fashion: "Hallowed be Thy name".. In other words, the righteousness of God is the only right we have toward a Divine audience and answered petition. Yes, the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (Jas 5:16), but it is not one's own righteousness that progresses this availing, but the righteousness of God (Isa 64:6). The rewards of His goodness are made our very own, all because of divine propitiation! His merit is the ground upon which we may boldly stand; Our boldness, access and confidence is only by "the faith of Him" (Eph 3:12).. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb 4:15-16). Jesus' consecration is our only way into the holiest (Heb 10:19-20)! His name alone is hallowed; may we never strive to stand and pray upon our own graces: "For through Him [and only Him] we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Eph 2:18)! Friends, what an appropriate model to pattern!

- "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (6:10) - Here we have one goal and aim of real prayer. Any petition that does not strive for God's will is surely not originated in His heart, nor breathed by His Spirit. On the contrary, the one who sincerely prays this necessarily intimates his unreserved surrender to God; he implies his renunciation of the will of Satan (2 Tim 2:26), his own corrupt inclinations (1 Pet 4:2), and his rejection of all things opposed to God. He therefore humbly and contritely acknowledges that he cannot do His Father’s will without Divine assistance, and that he earnestly desires and seeks enabling grace. What is my aim in prayer? Do I aim for the will of God, for myself and for the body? When we pray, "Thy will be done", we ask God for spiritual wisdom to learn His will: "Make me to understand the way of Thy precepts...Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes" (Ps 119:27, 33). Also, we beg God for spiritual inclination toward His will: "I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart...Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies" (Ps 119:32, 36). Furthermore, we ask God for spiritual strength to perform His bidding: "Quicken Thou me according to Thy Word...strengthen Thou me according unto Thy Word" (Ps 119:25, 28; Phil 2:12, 13; Heb 13:20, 21). Our Lord teaches us to pray, "Thy will be done in earth", because this is the place of our discipleship. So many of us may pray for this or for that, all the while neglecting what Jesus desires in the matter. Scripture calls this asking "amiss" (Jas 4:3). Do our desires align with His? Do our wants contradict His will for our lives? As a model of all prayer, Jesus' words here encourage us to this better end: "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us" (1 Jn 5:14).

An important facet of this truth is that it is duly fueled by our worship. It is no coincidence that the phrase "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done" is directly following the phrase "Hallowed by Thy name...". Truly, there is but a small step from rapturous worship to the glowing selfless spirit, which is a sure outgrowth of filial love and reverent adoration. The fashion and form of accredited prayer is to be for the execution of God's will upon the earth, and a glimpse of God in worship is often a precursor, as it was for the prophet Isaiah: "...I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple... Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me" (Isa 6:1, 8).

- "Give us this day our daily bread" (6:11) - As the heart is caught up in the rapture of God's grandeur, it is made ever-more aware of its own faulty state, and desperate need. Reader, a heart that properly seeks God in communion will be a heart well-aware of its humble dependence upon Him. "Give us this day our daily bread", for without your kind bestowment, we are but an utter mess! And what a respectable request to be made.. "daily bread"! So many are striving and begging for carnal delicacies, while neglecting the more suitable and Scriptural petitions. Are we content with bread? Are our hearts happy to partake of the Bread of Life? Can we honestly sing, "Just give me Jesus"? Yes, God will of course bless us, and often overwhelm us, with the temporal joys of this life (Prov 10:22), but such are not to be the sole aim and focus of our prayer (Prov 30:8-9; 1 Tim 6:8). Rather, may we follow the pattern established by the Lord Himself: "Give us the day our daily bread".

- "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (6:12) - As we're caught up in communion, hallowing God's name, not only is the heart displayed its humble dependence, but it's sinfulness too. Again we see the prophet Isaiah who, upon a glimpse of God's glory, says, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts" (Isa 6:5). This same instance occurred with Moses (Exod 34:5-9), Simon Peter (Lk 5:8), and with John (Rev 1:17). The glory of God will expose you! Not only are we brought to humbly ask for daily bread from our great High Priest, but we're also made to beg for His mercies, "forgive us our debts"! Our sins are here viewed, as in Luke 11:4, under the notion of debts, that is, undischarged obligations or failures to render to God His lawful due. Without the Lord Jesus, we are yet indebted to pay our own punishment for sin. No provision is made for our need, be it a natural need or a spiritual one, apart from His graces. But when He is present, no need is left unanswered! No natural requirement (Lk 12:29-30), nor any spiritual deficiency is overlooked by El Shaddai, the "breasty, all-sufficient" One (2 Pet 1:3; Rom 8:32).. "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Ps 84:11). When Jesus is present, as Paul has stated, no longer are we debtors to the flesh: "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Rom 8:12-15). For there is forgiveness with Him, that He may be feared (Ps 130:4). "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31). The onus to forgive, therefore, is also upon us. As the people of God, we have a responsibility to show like-minded mercies to those who mistreat and abuse us, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another (Col 3:13; Eph 4:32).. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matt 4:14-15). "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered" (Ps 32:1).

- "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (6:13a) - Knowing the natural state of the heart far from God, the prayerful saint then realizes his need to supplicate for grace, for "the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matt 26:41). He is better motivated to ask for God's perseverance away from all evils. Friends, the man who is really forgiven, is anxious not to offend again; the possession of justification leads to an anxious desire for sanctification. Per Jesus' words, men ought to pray with this in mind.

It is important to understand that the word "tempt" has a twofold significance in Scripture, (1) to try (the strength of), to put to the test; and (2) to entice to do evil. When it is said that "God did tempt Abraham" (Gen 22:1), it means that He tried him, putting to the test his faith and fidelity. But when we read that Satan tempted Christ, it signifies that Satan sought to bring about His downfall, morally impossible though it was. To tempt is to make trial of a person, in order to find out what he is and what he will do. We may tempt God in a legitimate and good way by putting Him to the test in a way of duty, as when we await the fulfillment of His promise in Malachi 3:10. But, as is recorded for our admonition in Psalm 78:41, Israel tempted God in a way of sin, acting in such a manner as to provoke His displeasure. It should be clear, therefore, that we are not to pray simply and absolutely against all temptations. Jesus Himself was tempted by the Devil, and was definitely led into the wilderness by the Spirit for that very end (Matt 4:1; Mk 1:12). Not all temptations are evil, regardless of the aspect in which we view them: their nature, their design, or their outcome. It is from the evil of temptations that we pray to be spared. We are to pray that we may not be led into temptation; or, if God sees fit that we should be tempted, that we may not yield thereto; or if we yield, that we be not totally overcome by the sin. Nor may we pray for a total exemption from trials, but only for a removal of the judgment of them. God often permits Satan to harass us, in order to humble us, to drive us to Himself, and to glorify Himself by manifesting more fully to us His preserving power. Thus we read the words, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience..." (Jas 1:2, 3).

- "For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen" (6:13b) - These closing words act as a plea to enforce the many forgoing petitions. As the result of this prayer, there follows a triumphant ascription of praise, "Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen." We rejoice that our King reigns! Jesus here encourages us to pray with the security of whose we are. We serve a great and powerful King, whose dominion will have no end! These many preceding prayerful truths, therefore, are to become a reality! Furthermore, I love how the Lord's Prayer opens and closes with praise. As another has said, "The best pleading with God is the praising of Him; it is the way to obtain further mercy, as it qualifies us to receive it. In all our addresses to God, it is fit that praise should have a considerable share, for praise becometh the saints; they are to be our God for a name and for a praise. It is just and equal; we praise God, and give him glory, not because he needs it - he is praised by a world of angels, but because he deserves it; and it is our duty to give him glory, in compliance with his design in revealing himself to us. Praise is the work and happiness of heaven; and all that would go to heaven hereafter, must begin their heaven now".

Much more can be said of this grand topic, but this must suffice for now. May God give us grace to beseech Him as Scripture encourages. May the Holy Ghost and His good Book conduct the soul and be our guide!

- The End -

For Whom Did the Apostles Pray?

Part 7 of 8

As we wind down our current discussion, we seek to answer yet another question concerning the prayers of the apostles: Who did the apostles pray for? If you're like me, you just may be surprised at some of the answers concluded. Observe...

- Not for the world - Firstly, let's point out a surprising omission: the apostles, in Scripture, neglected to pray for the world! How curious. Not one time do we find an apostolic prayer recorded for God to save the world, or to pour out His glory upon all people. Personally, at first I was surprised by this fact. But as we ponder it, the case becomes clear.. Didn't Jesus give way for a similar omission? Yes, indeed He did. He said, "I pray for them [disciples]: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given me; for they are Thine" (Jn 17:9). Jesus, by His total omniscience, is able to foresee who will and will not receive His offered salvation. Amazingly, He is able to perform this sovereign insight without treading upon man's freewill. And as such, He prays for those who received Him then, are receiving Him today, and will receive Him tomorrow: "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one..." (Jn 17:20-21). Of course we know that He died for the whole world (Jn 3:16), and that He indeed loves the sinner (Rom 5:8), but His throne-side prayers of intercession are reserved for believers. Scripture tells us that Jesus ever liveth to make intercession for those "that come unto God by Him" (Heb 7:25; Rom 8:34; 1 Jn 2:1), not for those who choose to remain in their lost and sinful state. He of course desires men to change, but His prayers are captivated by love for His own. It seems the apostles mimicked this practice; they too prayed primarily for the Christian brethren. Yes, they sought to do good unto all men, but "especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Gal 6:10; 3 Jn 5).. It is true that the apostles did exhort their readers to pray "for all [classes of] men; for kings, and for all that are in authority" (1 Tim 2:1-2; 1 Thess 3:12; etc). However, they prayed not for specifics, but for simple corporate harmony, "that [God's people] may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Tim 2:2b). It seems they left the spiritual wants of the world in the hands of almighty, sovereign God, for "No man can come to [Jesus], except the Father which hath sent [Him] draw him..." (Jn 6:44). Friends, we can learn a lot from the prayers of the apostles!

- Not for themselves - A second observation to be made is the fact that the apostles very rarely prayed directly for themselves. In only one instance do we find Paul beseeching the Lord for his own needs. Instead, his general custom was to pray for the whole household of faith, and in mimicking the Lord's prayer, most of the prayers dictated are plural: "give us", "forgive us", and so on. Accordingly, we find the apostle exhorting his readers to make "supplication for all saints" (Eph 6:18). He asked that the church at Ephesus might "be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge" (3:18-19). He mentioned "all that be in Rome" before the throne of grace (Rom 1:7). Even the subject of Paul's thanksgiving was "for you all" (Rom 1:8). He besought the Lord for "all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 1:2). Oh reader, what a needful corrective for our common plague of humanism and self-centeredness! May we cling to the counsel of Scripture and "...In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves" (Phil 2:3). And what's to worry? For, if I'm praying for "all saints", I am including myself. Of course there is nothing wrong with praying for our own needs, for the Bible admonishes us to do so (Phil 4:6). However, the principle exists nonetheless.. Jesus and the apostles directed their primary attention to the needs of others, and thus so should we. A man who is steadily and properly decreasing (Jn 3:30) will be a man whose prayers are rightly aligned with those of our Lord, and selflessly lifted off of himself.. "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Rom 12:9-10). May God give us grace!

This may be difficult to comprehend for the natural man who is so overly wrapped up in self.. How can the apostle Paul pray and be thankful for those whom he'd often never met? Some were not even the fruits of his own labors, yet he prayed for them, rejoiced over them, and was grateful for their Godly increase! Wow! How could this be? It's so dramatically different than our present day paradigm of man-made sects, kings and kingdoms. But friends, Paul knew a great truth: no matter the planter, no matter the waterer, God is the source; the fruit that is birthed are the trees of His planting, the products of His husbandry (1 Cor 3:9). May we likewise take heed to such wisdom and counsel, and pray as the apostles prayed.

To be continued...

Praying "In the Spirit"

Part 6 of 8

It would be foolish for us to address the many prayers of the apostles without also observing them praying "in the Spirit". How did the apostles pray? They prayed in the Spirit. It was their perpetual practice (1 Cor 14:18)..

It is of utmost importance to note that, in Scripture, the apostle Paul subtly differentiates between two types of "tongues" in prayer: the corporate ministry of tongues (the gift of tongues), and the personal ministry of tongues (the prayer-language of tongues), that is, praying "with the Spirit" (1 Cor 14:14-15). The corporate ministry of tongues is to be coupled with it's interpretation, while the personal ministry of tongues is not. Because readers do not always discover this subtle distinction, confusion ensues and the ministry of tongues is often thrown out altogether. What a shame, considering God has ordained this gift for a divine purpose! "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear" (Isa 28:11-12).

Let's observe this distinction...

The Corporate Use of Tongues - Paul tells us that the public use of tongues is an avenue for prophetic utterance (1 Cor 14:5-6), and is therefore to be coupled with it's interpretation. And why so? So "that the church may receive edifying" (1 Cor 14:5), for "he that prophesieth edifieth the church" (1 Cor 14:4). Both prophetic utterances and the interpretation of other tongues are to be used in the church for edification, exhortation and comfort (1 Cor 14:3, 5-6). Read with me what Paul goes on to say regarding this matter: "Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret" (1 Cor 14:6-13).

The Personal Use of Tongues - Oftentimes our limited, human vernacular is far too shallow to ascribe to King Jesus the great glory due His name; often we cannot speak our heart's justice. Thankfully, therefore, God has given us a much greater and supernatural avenue - the use of heavenly tongues, even the "tongues of angels" (1 Cor 13:1). Paul has said, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries" (1 Cor 14:2). Here, Paul clearly reveals a second sort of tongues, that is, the personal private use for one's own edification: “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself… I would that ye all spake with tongues…” (1 Cor 14:4-5). Later, Paul describes such tongues as praying with the spirit: “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful” (1 Cor 14:14). He then encourages his readers to do such: “I will pray with the spirit...” (1 Cor 14:15). Though in the public ministry sector interpretation is needful, Paul clearly accredits the personal use of tongues as well; he differentiates between the two, the tongues of men, and the tongues of angels: "What is it then? I will pray with the spirit [personal tongues], and I will pray with the understanding also [corporate tongues and interpretation]: I will sing with the spirit [personal tongues], and I will sing with the understanding also [corporate tongues and interpretation]" (1 Cor 14:15). Of course, prayer and singing "with the understanding" can also apply to one's natural language, not solely the interpretation of a tongue.

In the epistle of Jude, this theme of self-edification is continued as we are further encouraged to pray in and with the spirit: “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God…” (Jude 20-21a). Why would the apostle Paul go to such great lengths to teach the proper use of tongues in the church if it were never meant to operate in the church, as so many suppose? Many say that tongues served only a single purpose, to act as an avenue of judgment on the day of Pentecost. However, if this were accurate, why then does Paul himself later pray in tongues (1 Cor 14:18), subsequent to the day of Pentecost? It’s because Paul held tongues as a gift for private prayer in high regard (1 Cor 14:2, 4, 5, 15, 17-18). Men do not seem to always understand this differentiation, and as a result they reject tongues altogether. But Scripture clearly reveals the role of this great gift: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom 8:26). One would have to ignore vast portions of Scripture to say the gift and prayer-language of tongues has no present-day purpose.

Cessationism holds this distorted view of tongues for many reasons. However, I contend that the primary reason for such a disdain of tongues is the apparent foolishness that is often associated with it. But God has purposed that a foolish thing will confound the wise (1 Cor 1:27)! To the natural man, I'm sure the events surrounding the outpouring in Acts 2 appeared pretty foolish also. That's because if we approach a supernatural truth with our carnal, natural thought-patterns, we will undoubtedly come to inaccurate, carnal conclusions. Paul describes this when he says, "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things we also speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor 2:11-14). What is a "natural man"? Paul defines him as he who receives the spirit of the world, and not the Spirit of God. How can we expect to rightly discern spiritual truths if we are not even baptized in the Holy Ghost? Of course, without an immersion into God’s Spirit, anything that contradicts our natural mindsets will appear as "foolishness", because we are not discerning spiritually, but carnally. Perhaps if all men approached the God of the universe with humility and spiritual discernment, Cessationism would be but a distant regret.

To be continued...