The Firstborn Birthright..

Part 3 of 3

We've recently seen an introduction to this great "firstborn" design that God has instituted and set forth throughout Scripture. We've discovered what it means to be a part of the "church of the firstborn" (Heb 12:23). We have also seen the identity of such firstborn-ones: They are not natural seed, but spiritual seed - those born from above, by the Spirit. Amazingly, the natural firstborn was often replaced by a son who exemplified a greater surrender to the Holy Ghost.

Finally, I want to address the fruit of this identity. What is the effect of being a New Covenant firstborn? In addition to his being set apart, what else does he receive? In short, the firstborn son receives the birthright! If you have been born from above, by the Spirit, then you ARE a firstborn, joined to God's "church of the firstborn" (Heb 12:23)! And if you indeed are a firstborn, then you are to possess a firstborn blessing - the birthright!

The birthright has several significances. We must keep in mind, however, that this is a spiritual birthright, a greater and more significant birthright, not a mere natural one. It is a spiritual inheritance given to the firstborn sons of God, not a natural one. It simply cannot be over-emphasized that what was a natural transference upon the firstborn in the Old Testament, is to be a spiritual transference upon the "church of the firstborn" in the New Testament.

By searching the Scriptures, we can determine that the firstborn birthright contained at least 5 blessings:

(1) the priestly ministry
(2) the kingly ministry
(3) the prophetic ministry
(4) the double portion ministry
(5) the bruiser of the serpent's head

Any and all of these promises made to the firstborn are to be ours too, as we partake of God's calling as the church of the firstborn, or the "church composed of firstborn sons".

Observe...

- All throughout Scripture, the firstborn birthright is attributed to the ministry of the priesthood. In Numbers 3:40-46, God chooses to take the tribe of Levi to be His, instead of all the firstborn of Israel. In effect, this makes Levi a firstborn tribe unto the Lord! Later on, Moses confirms that the priesthood ministry is part of the birthright given to Levi (in Genesis 49), even though he was the third-born son: "And of Levi he said...They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar" (Deut 33:9-10). Furthermore, interestingly enough, there were many firstborns (in God's eyes) who were priests as well. Noah was a patriarchal priest unto God (Gen 8); he offered sacrifice to God at the time of covenant. Job was a patriarchal priest as well, offering sacrifices unto God for his family (Job 1:1-5). Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were also priests unto God. They built altars unto the Lord, and called upon Him (Gen 12-50). Each of these men are "firstborn" in the mind of God. The very fact that these patriarchs were covenant men who built altars, offered sacrifices, and called upon the name of the Lord shows that they exercised priestly ministry! We can see, therefore, the clear relation between the firstborn sons and the priesthood ministry. The New Testament application is obvious! The New Testament "church of the firstborn" is to be composed of such priests: all born again believers are to be "priests unto God" (Rev 1:6; 5:9-10; 1 Pet 2:5-9; Rom 12:1-2). Every believer is called to be a ministering priest: This is part of the believer's birthright - priestly ministry unto the Lord!

- Secondly, the firstborn birthright includes the rule of kingship! Kingship speaks of ruling and reigning; it speaks of authority and power over all the enemies of the kingdom. The New Testament application is so clear! Just as such a "kingly label" was offered to Israel (God's firstborn) in Exodus 19:1-6, so is it now presented to the spiritual Israel of God, the church of the firstborn, by Jesus Christ (1 Pet 2:5-9). Additionally, notice the kingly designation that is attributed to God's chosen firstborn after the Spirit: Kingship was promised to Abraham (Gen 17:6), to Jacob (Gen 35:11), and foretold by Moses (Deut 17:14-20). Furthermore, Judah (who received a portion of the birthright from Jacob) was given the prophetic birthright blessing of kingship rule: "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be" (Gen 49:10). This scepter speaks of rulership, dominion, victory, headship, government, etc. These have become spiritual truths transferred to the New Covenant firstborn believer! The two offices of king and priest have been brought together in the person of Jesus, and in His church. Jesus is the King-Priest after the order of Melchizedek, and the church, that is, the church of the firstborn ones, is called to partake in that same order (Heb 7)!

- Next, the prophetic ministry is also to be the inheritance of God's New Covenant firstborn. In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, we see a list of the "Heroes of faith". It is important to understand that these men were firstborn after the Spirit; they were firstborn of God (as we have seen yesterday). To them were given portions of the firstborn birthright, one of these being the prophetic spirit. Notice the deep relation that these men had concerning the prophetic: Adam had the prophetic Spirit resting upon him when he prophesied concerning his wife, Eve (Gen 2:23-24; Eph 5:31-32). Noah possessed this prophetic Spirit also. He foretold the coming judgment by the flood. Enoch prophesied concerning the second coming of Christ (Jd 14-15). Abraham was actually the first person in Scripture who was labeled as a "prophet" (Gen 20:7). Isaac certainly had this same prophetic Spirit upon him when he prophesied over Jacob and Esau of things to come (Heb 11:20). And the list goes on and on! Who can fail to see the significance here? Clearly, the prophetic Spirit is a portion of the birthright to be inherited! It has not dispensationally passed away, as so many are quick to assume. Rather, in the New Testament, God promises His Spirit to be poured out upon all flesh (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2). Paul said that "all may prophesy" (1 Cor 14:31). All may not have the office of a prophet (Eph 4), but all may have the Spirit of prophecy upon them. There may be those who despise the prophetic Spirit, but they are in gross error. They, in a sense, are despising a portion of their very birthright! The church of the firstborn will have this Spirit in operation more and more. The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10)!

- Fourthly, the church of the firstborn is to receive a double portion. Scripture is clear that a double portion was to be the inheritance of the firstborn under the Old Covenant (Deut 21:15-17). However, for us now, these truths have been elevated to a higher, and spiritual plane. The New Covenant right of God's church of the firstborn is a spiritual double portion! The firstborns (after the Spirit) that we have seen previously also received this facet too: Joseph received God's double portion for the firstborn, even though he was not actually Jacob's firstborn son (Gen 48:12-22). Interestingly enough, when Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, the margin reads "the portion of the firstborn" (2 Kgs 2:9). In other words, they are one in the same! I find it interesting that on the sixth day of the manna's appearance, God sent a double portion (Exod 16). In the sixth day (the day before the "day of the Lord") there was a double portion of heavenly bread! The obvious application to New Covenant believers is simply astounding! All of these pictures of the double portion are brought together for the "church of the firstborn"! There is a double inheritance, a double portion of the Spirit of God, and a double portion of the bread of heaven for the church in these last days! How could we ever despise such a birthright?! How sad that when Elisha hungered for a double portion (a firstborn portion) of Elijah's spirit, there were 50 religious men standing afar off gazing (2 Kgs 2:7, 15-18). They truly despised what could have been theirs! Nevertheless, God has His remnant. He has His Elisha's... those who will fervently keep their eyes on Jesus, seeking whole-heartily to possess this birthright! Dear reader, you can rest assured that the Spirit-ministry of the last day church will outweigh that of the early church, even as a double portion outweighs a single. The early and the latter rains will combine, and the floors will overflow with "corn, wine and oil" (Joel 2:19, 23-24)! This glorious church's birthright is a double portion of rain, and a double portion of harvest! Hallelujah!

- Lastly, we see that the final portion of this firstborn birthright is that which pertains to the bruising of Satan's head: "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel" (Gen 3:15). Once again, the seed that was to bruise Satan's head would come through a firstborn: Abel was Eve's prophetic seed, but was replaced by Seth when he died (Gen 4:25). This "seed promise" continued on, by God, through Noah (Gen 8-9). They were confirmed to and through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In Genesis 49, this seed line was narrowed down to Judah, who was also a "firstborn" in the mind of God. His was the line from which the Messiah would come. Upon Jesus' arrival, perfect life, death and resurrection, the serpent's head was surely bruised. How wonderful it is for us, however, that God has reserved Satan's final defeat to be partnered with His firstborn church! In other words, Scripture shows us that it is Christ AND His church together who bring about the ultimate bruising of Satan! It's an inheritance of the firstborn! This is confirmed by Paul: "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen" (Rom 16:20). What a glorious birthright that will be given to the overcomers!

Beloved, how could a mere mess of pottage even compare to such things!? Let's not be foolish as Esau was. Let's never despise such a precious and bountiful birthright! Rather, let's lovingly grasp hold of this firstborn promise, run with it, and overcome! Amen.



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Who are the Firstborn?

Part 2 of 3

We've just seen the great godly description that this "church of the firstborn" is to fruitfully and increasingly possess. But what is the identity of this church? Who are they? With a label like "firstborn", what are we expected to think? Are they really ALL natural firstborns? That would be an irresponsible assumption.

It's interesting that these verses are found in the Hebrew epistle. The writer surely must have had some struggles convincing his readers of the difference between the natural firstborn and the spiritual firstborn. The Jewish mind was and is seemingly saturated with natural heritage and bloodlines. Friend, there is no doubt in my mind that these "firstborn" ones are those born of the Spirit, not the flesh. They are firstborn after the Spirit, not mere natural firstborn sons, as the Hebrews of that day were so prone to assume. An Old Testament truth such as this is transferred spiritually to New Covenant believers. Most scholars agree.

How can we know for sure that God is after spiritual firstborn sons to be joined to His church? How do we know if He is at all concerned with natural lineage, and human bloodlines?

Well, interestingly enough, there are those all throughout Scripture who were natural firstborn sons, yet were set aside and overlooked. Instead, the firstborn blessing (the birthright) was given to a different son altogether! In other words, God distinguishes who IS and who IS NOT considered a firstborn. Surprisingly, most of the time, it's a spiritual identity, not a natural one. In short, God was able to sovereignly replace those whose character did not align with the birthright blessing. The last born (and often despised) sometimes actually replace the natural firstborn son in respect to the firstborn blessing! Jeremiah testifies to this truth when he calls Ephraim the firstborn son (Jer 31:9)! Was Ephraim actually the firstborn son? No, Mannaseh was. But God sovereignly replaced those whose character did not align with the birthright blessing. What a marvelous truth! Simply said, if the natural firstborn after the FLESH does not exemplify the expected characteristics of the firstborn after the SPIRIT, then God Himself will literally replace the recipient of the blessing! "Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's" (1 Chron 5:1-2). WOW! Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He said, ""But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first" (Matt 19:30). There are those who are LAST in man's eyes, yet become FIRST in God's eyes; and there are those who are firstborn after the FLESH, yet are set aside in relation to the firstborn birthright.

Let's see some examples of this in Scripture:

- We saw a couple days ago about the dramatic difference between Cain and Abel (Gen 4). Cain was the firstborn son, and had a right to the firstborn birthright. Abel was born later, and did not have such a right. Interestingly enough, because of the hearts present within Cain and Abel, God concludes Abel as blessed, and Cain as cursed. In other words, God Himself actually replaces the "firstborn status" with one who is more deserving of it's benefits: the birthright! Clearly then, even though Cain was the firstborn after the FLESH, he was not the firstborn after the SPIRIT. God knew the TRUE and spiritual firstborn son, and made His choices accordingly. Because Abel was killed by his brother, the blessing passed on to Seth, the other brother.

- Ham and Shem also possessed such dramatic differences (Gen 9-11). Shem was the firstborn son, and thankfully exemplified the characteristics that the firstborn was to possess. His blessing was not revoked by the state of his heart, as it was with Cain. Ham, being evil towards his father Noah, retained his "single portion" and was not blessed by his father.

- Ishmael and Isaac (Gen 16-21) portray this principle vividly. Ishmael was the fruit of impatience and sin. He was born of an Egyptian bondmaid. He was the firstborn after the flesh, but was NOT recognized as the firstborn son! Isaac, who was born later, is recognized as such. The characteristics evident in these two son's lives show us why such a recognition is taken from Ishmael and given to Isaac. Ishmael mocked Isaac, the son of promise, when he was born and weaned. Ishmael, in due time, was cast out because of his ungodly source - the Egyptian bondmaid. Ishmael was characterized by the way he despised that which was born of promise, by the power of the Spirit. Contrariwise, Isaac possesses much different characteristics. He was a man of faith and peace. He was a beloved son. In fact, he is even used as a type of the Lord Jesus (Jn 3:16)! Quite clearly then, we see the reasons why God Himself replaces the recipient of the firstborn blessing! It isn't always given to the literal and FLESHLY firstborn, but to the SPIRITUAL firstborn. And so it is with New Covenant believers too!

- Lastly, we come to Esau and Jacob (Gen 25-28). What wondrous contrasts are present here! The differences between these two men are quite obvious. Esau was a man born after the flesh, he was a hairy man, and red all over. He was a man given over to his carnal appetites. He was also a fornicator. He was a man who despised his birthright and sold it to his brother, Jacob. Clearly then, we see the vastly important virtue that was absent within Esau: he did not value spiritual or eternal things, but only mere natural satisfactions. Even though Jacob was born last after the FLESH, the state of his heart spoke otherwise. He had value for spiritual things, namely, the birthright, and was therefore rendered as firstborn: "Israel [not Esau] is my firstborn" (Deut 7:7), and again, "Israel is my son, even my firstborn" (Exod 4:22-23). Even though Jacob obtained this birthright via deceit, God was overruling in the whole situation: "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come" (Heb 11:20). However, God would deal drastically with Jacob in the years to come before he could be called "Israel" and inherit the fullness of birthright inheritance.

- Likewise, today, there are those "Esau believers" who are selling out their birthright for a mere temporal carnal craving and satisfaction! As Cain, Ishmael and Esau, they are forsaking the blessing of the FIRSTBORN that is meant for them to possess! They seem to have no desire for real truth and spiritual substance, and thus surrender the birthright. The writer to the Hebrews admonishes us never to possess such a heart (Heb 12:15-17). Are these folks eternally damned? No, I do not believe so. They simply lose out on their God-given destiny and first-born birthright. Tears are their food, day and night (Ps 42:3)! Interestingly enough, in the book of Revelation, we see an innumerable mass of people with tears in their eyes (Rev 7:9-17)! Could this be the masses of "Esau believers" who have despised their birthrights, and have sought repentance with tears, albeit too late? Possibly.

We see, therefore, that there is NO necessity of natural lineage to be labeled as "firstborn". But how can we (and these Old Testament saints) be a part of the "church of the firstborn" if we are not, in fact, a natural firstborn? Primarily, it's because of our identity in Jesus! He is a natural firstborn (Matt 1:25), but more importantly is a spiritual firstborn, or One born of the Spirit: "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature..." (Col 1:15). And again, concerning Jesus, Scripture says, "I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth" (Ps 89:27). He indeed is God's Firstborn of firstborns (Jn 1:14; 3:16; Heb 1:6; Rom 8:28-29); He is THE Son of all sons, and we are "IN HIM that is true" (1 Jn 5:20). Any and all divine expectation for the New Testament firstborn son now finds its absolute crescendo in King Jesus! He is the very source of our sufficiency! He is the root of our potential!

So who are the firstborn? Who are those who make up the "church of the firstborn"? They are not NATURAL firstborn sons, rather, they are those who possess the beloved characteristics of the firstborn; they are those who are born of the Spirit (Jn 3:1-6); those born from above. What an obstacle this must have been for the Hebrews to overcome! They were being asked to completely change their paradigm! Thankfully, though the members of this church may have been born in perversity and corruption after the flesh, they are separated unto the Lord as firstborns anyway because of the response of their heart, and their identities rooted in Jesus! What a merciful God we serve! Thank God for His New Covenant realities!

Friend, now that we have seen the spiritual identity of the "firstborn" of God, we now must turn our attention to the fruit of such an identity: the firstborn birthright!

To Be Continued...

The Church of the Firstborn..

Part 1 of 3

The Scriptures refer to the church in many ways. It's called the church, the church of God, the church of God in Christ, etc. It's also often named after the location: The Church of Ephesus, The Churches in Asia, etc. But in one particular instance, the writer to the Hebrews called it the "Church of the firstborn". Here is the Scripture in its context:

Heb 12:18-24 "For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more..(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake).. But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel."

These passages tell us of the greater New Covenant substance that the believer has come into upon salvation. More specifically, in addressing the Hebrew Christians, the writer exhorted them toward Jesus and His greater New Covenant realities. He was swaying them away from their previous Old Covenant Mosaic economy, which had been their joy for so many years. We now, under the New Covenant, have become partakers of greater benefits: unto Zion (vs. 22), unto the heavenly Jerusalem (vs. 22), unto an innumerable company of angels (vs. 22), unto the general assembly (vs. 23), unto God the Judge of all (vs. 23), unto the spirits of just men made perfect (vs. 23), unto Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant (vs. 24), unto the blood of sprinkling (vs. 24), and unto the "church of the firstborn" (vs. 23)! Each of these benefits possesses such great significance, but we will focus on this last one: the church of the firstborn.

This may be a title for God's church, but what does it mean? Just what signifies the Church as the "church of the firstborn"? To better understand these questions, we must understand the natural Israelite significance of being the firstborn son. These truths then, are transferred upon the New Covenant believer, in Christ!

In the Old Testament, there was special attention given to the "firstborn". Primarily, the firstborn received a "birthright". All sons could receive an inheritance from their father, but the firstborn was to receive a double portion (Deut 21:17).

Notice the attention that is given to the firstborn throughout Scripture:

- The firstborn were sanctified unto the Lord (Exod 13:1-2)
- The firstborn of animals were presented unto the Lord by sacrifice (Exod 13:11-13)
- The firstborn sons were presented unto the Lord (Exod 13:12-13; 22:29)
- The firstborn were redeemed (Exod 13:13)
- The firstborn were hallowed (made holy) unto the Lord (Numb 3:11-13)

The proper study of these Scriptures, therefore, gives us the mind of Christ concerning the firstborn. Furthermore, it gives us greater understanding concerning the true church which is labeled as the "church of the firstborn".

Therefore, the church of the firstborn is God's true church who will be:

- A church that is sanctified (Eph 5:26; 1 Thess 5:23; 1 Cor 6:11)
- A church that is sacrificed (Rom 12:1-2; Heb 10:20-22; 1 Pet 2:5)
- A church that is presented (Eph 5:25-27; 2 Cor 11:2; Col 1:22, 28; Jd 24)
- A church that is truly redeemed (Tit 2:14; Heb 1:3; 9:14)
- A church that is hallowed (Heb 12:10, 14; Eph 5:27; 2 Pet 1:4).

When a person is born again, he/she becomes a part of this "church of the firstborn"! What a glorious inheritance! What wonderful characteristics that truly define this church!

Now that we see the bountiful description God's church is to possess, we must turn our attention to the real identity of such firstborn sons. Who are they?

To Be Continued...

Choose Your Path..

From my humble and limited perspective, there seems to be only two types of "religious" people today. There are those who are sadly going in the "way of Cain", and then there are those who are thankfully going in the way of Abel. The Bible speaks of Cain's path as a degenerate one: "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain" (Jd 11). Clearly, Scripture distinguishes between these two paths, motives, acts, and states of the human heart: "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous" (1 Jn 3:10-12).

We know these are two "religious paths" because of their initial occurrence in Genesis 4. Both men sought to bring an acceptable offering to the Lord. Both men seemed to be concerned with Godly acceptance. However, this is where the road forked.

But what are the major distinctions between these two religious paths? What are the evidences that one is treading in the "way of Cain", or the way of Abel?

Observe..

The way of Cain:

- Cain must have heard the Gospel from his father, Adam. This means that he would have understood the reason for the Fall, and God's gift of atonement by blood sacrifice. God symbolically displayed justification by faith in the atonement when He clothed Adam and Eve with the coats of skin (Gen 3:21).

- But Cain did not allow the word of the Gospel to create faith in his heart.

- Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground - the very ground God had cursed (Gen 3:17).

- Cain's offering was produced by the sweat of his brow; it was the product of his own works.

- Cain was a "religious" man, and came to worship God by way of self-effort.

- Cain's offering was a blood-less offering, but there is no way of approach to God apart from blood atonement.

- Cain was a liar and a murderer, taking on himself the characteristics of the devil, who also is a liar, a murderer, and a blood-of-the-Lamb rejector.

- Cain represents the man who is content to casually ignore clear Bible truths, trusting in his own modes and methods of operation, that which seems right. This is the heart of Babylon. Sadly, compromise is the crux of her foundation.

The way of Abel:

- Abel also must have heard the word of the Gospel from his father, Adam. He understood the proper way of approach to God through the blood of a sacrificial victim.

- Abel allowed this word to create faith (Rom 10:17). He made his offering by faith: "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain..." (Heb 11:4).

- Abel brought a sacrificial victim, and thus a proper relationship was established between him and God through the body and blood of a sacrifice. Abel displayed faith in a blood atonement.

- Abel brought that which God had created, not man. He brought a lamb. It was nothing that he had worked for, but something he had faith in, pointing to Jesus, THE Lamb of God (Jn 1:36).

- Therefore, Abel was a faith-righteous man (Matt 23:35).

- Abel was willing to die for his faith in God, and became the first martyr.

- Abel represents the man who chooses to cling to the Word of life, seeking to heartily possess every jot and tittle of divine instruction. Even though his flesh may oppose at times, he has chosen to surrender his own will to that "holy will" which is revealed in the Word of God. This is the heart of Zion!


These same truths hold true (in type) all throughout Scripture: Ham and Shem, Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob, Pharaoh and Moses, and the list goes on. Volumes could be written in describing these opposing "religious" avenues.

Reader, Abel models the man who is the firstborn after the SPIRIT. He is a man of faith, a man who trusts in blood atonement, and a man accepted of God as faith-righteous. Cain, on the other hand, models the man who is the firstborn after the FLESH. He is a man who trusts in what self can do, seeking God's acceptance by perversity, that is, by the way of one's works. He tried to make himself presentable to God, and thus was rejected.

And so it shall be in these last days, when the REAL church (those born after the Spirit) are distinguished out from among the FALSE church (those born after the flesh). Although the false church is appealing to men, and the true church seems to be despised, in God's eyes the first shall be last, and the last shall be first. Of this false church, the Bible describes it's outward (yet deceitful) appeal: "the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication... And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication..." (Rev 17:1, 2, 4). Babylon indeed appears "great" in the eyes of carnal men (Rev 18:2). But she will fall in utter rejection, even as she has rejected the proper means of approach to a holy God. Just as Cain was first born, but became the last, so shall Babylon become! That which is highly esteemed in the eyes of men will surely crescendo in their abominations toward God, and fall to the earth in judgment. Similarly, just as Abel was last born but became the first in God's eyes, so shall that pure, holy and undefiled "church of the firstborn" be brought to the pinnacle of righteousness and Holy Ghost power! The last indeed shall be first!

Friend, you must choose one path or the other; all mankind must make this decision. Which avenue will be your possession?

The TRUE Vine..

As we have recently seen, this word "TRUE" occurs in several other instances in John's Gospel in describing the Lord Jesus. He is the TRUE light (Jn 1:9), He is the TRUE bread (Jn 6:32). He is even elsewhere identified as the "minister of the sanctuary, and of the TRUE tabernacle" (Heb 8:2). The continual usage of this word "TRUE" helps us to better determine its force.

We must realize, however, that Scripture does not necessarily use TRUE as an opposition to that which is false, but rather, as a superior alternative. For example, as the TRUE light, Christ is the more perfect, essential, and enduring reality, of which all other lights were but faint reflections. Christ is the TRUE light in contrast from His forerunner, John, who was but a "lamp" or "light bearer" (Jn 5:35, RSV).

He is the TRUE bread, as contrasted from the mere manna which the fathers ate in the wilderness and died. He is superbly and astoundingly superior to any other "bread" that may have been desired to provide but temporary and lacking sustenance.

And now here, in John 15, we have yet another attribute of the Lord Jesus and His TRUE essential superiority: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit" (Jn 15:1-2).

In what ways is Jesus attributed as a TRUE vine? How is the earthly vine a divine type of heavenly truth? How does Jesus differ from all other, earthly vines? Observe...

(1) He is the authentic vine. In the Old Testament, Israel was also likened to a vine: "Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: Thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it..." (Ps 80:8-9). Again, in Isaiah, we are told "Now will I sing to my well-beloved, a song of my beloved touching His vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill" (5:1). However, such an illustration proved to be a failure. Israel, as the type, had shown itself inconsistent and therefore inauthentic. Jeremiah affirms this truth when, concerning Israel, he says, "Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?" (Jer 2:21). And again Scripture testifies that "Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth fruit unto himself" (Hos 10:1). What a marvelous contrast Jesus presents to us from this failure and degeneracy of the typical people: "I am the TRUE vine" (Jn 15:1). Jesus is the perfect antitype who fulfills all the expectations of the Heavenly Husbandman!

(2) He is the permanent vine. Any earthly vine is 100% dependent upon the earth's natural conditions. Without the proper weather, the vine's connections would utterly fail. And without a natural connection to the vine's produce, any outward bond would dissolve. What a wonderfully sharp contrast to the heavenly TRUE vine! Even though the outward bond that Jesus had procured with His fruit, namely His followers, would soon be dissolved at His death (Zech 13:7), there would always be a divine connection. Because Jesus is the TRUE vine, there existed a much deeper, a more intimate bond between the Vine and its fruit. There existed a spiritual bond, and while this remained, increasing fruitfulness would always be the result, no matter the earthly circumstance!

(3) He is the fruitful vine. His spiritual "wine" is the only real satisfaction that makes glad the heart of God and man (Jdg 9:13; Ps 104:15). Of this true "fruit of the vine" we are continually encouraged to partake: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price" (Isa 55:1). He is the only Vine that produces wine "most sweet" (Song 5:16). Any other vine's fruit is nothing but a pathetic counterfeit!


Jesus is, once again, proven so much more dignified and renowned than any other mere weeds that may mimic Him. Thank God for the TRUE vine! Let's worship Him today!

Effective Evangelism..

I'm sure we all know people who are in desperate need of Jesus, be they in our families, neighborhoods, schools, jobs, etc. Some of us, like myself, may be surrounded by unsaved people every day. If that's the case, count yourself lucky to have a daily chance to shine! In dealing with such people, it can often be difficult. They don't possess the same church lingo as you, they often have vastly differing values, and they even sometimes have a pre-conceived idea of everything you stand for as a Christian! To our flesh, it almost seems useless to talk about Jesus and His saving grace; But we know better than that. Thankfully, the Bible actually presents us with detailed and divinely inspired methodology for effective evangelism; all you have to do is look carefully! It presents us with the very mode and method that the early church used to minister to the lost; all we must do is closely examine their words and practice. Sadly, so many important truths are lost from our Bible reading simply because we've "already read that story", or hurriedly rush to complete it, as if it's some laborious task. Such instances birth ignorant Christianity: people doing things a certain way simply because a man or woman told them that's how they're to be done. But I encourage you to sit quietly and glean from God's wisdom yourself; personally listen for His voice, you just may see something you never have before! One such case, is regarding the evangelistic methods used by the apostle Paul. It's pretty interesting...

Acts 20:17-21 "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."

Observe with me the very tools and methods that were continually utilized by this great man of God... Surely these truths are not recorded in vain...

(1) "from the first day that I came into Asia"... Paul did not procrastinate. He knew the seriousness of a decision for Christ. Eternity is a stake, there's no time to waste. This attitude of fervency will greatly effect our evangelism. I've even heard of one preacher who refused to go to bed at night until he had personally led someone to Jesus! Rev 22:20 says, "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

(2) "with all humility of mind"... Paul was a man of debased pride. His past as a persecutor of Christians surely contributed to this new found humility (1 Cor 15:9). He was a strong believer that his sufficiency was of God (2 Cor 3:5). Effective evangelism simply cannot exist apart from a broken and humbled heart. The last thing the nations need to see is a pompous and arrogant "Christian" prancing around like a peacock in a three-piece suit. A Christian acquaintance of mine was recently proudly telling me that his talent and skill on the guitar was what the nations needed to be won! He used this reasoning as a justification why he knew so much about music, yet so very little about the kingdom of God. How preposterous!

(3) "and with many tears"... Paul was clearly a man of great compassion (2 Cor 2:4). His heart for people was exemplary. And not only that, his heart for Jesus too. A man after God's own heart will most always be a man who is desperate to see people come forth in the earth. Not only for the people's sake, but for Jesus' sake too: "the Lord's portion is His people" (Deut 32:9)! Paul had such a compassionate heart, and desperately wanted the nations to come to God. Do we have this vehement desire?

(4) "and temptations"... Paul was a man who had control over his carnality. He recognized the importance of acknowledging it's power and existence (Rom 7:17-24), but also knew of the grace which enabled him to overcome (Rom 7:25; 8:1). Any fruit-bearing ministry will be one that decreases in the image of self, and increases in the image of God (Jn 3:30). The world has seen enough of us lifted up with pride. Any fruit-bearing ministry will be one which recognizes it's own weaknesses, and humbly asks God for grace to grow.

(5) "I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you"... Paul, in this same chapter, declared, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (vs. 27). Paul wasn't shaken by the various doctrinal disagreements of his day. He knew the Gospel, and preached it wholeheartedly (1 Cor 15:3). He didn't waver or purposely leave out certain aspects of truth for his own personal gain or approval. How many evangelistic ventures have failed simply because we were trying to birth Baptists, Catholics or Pentecostals, rather than just "Christians" and lovers of God? Are we to win souls in the name of the Baptist church? Of course not; We need to be kingdom-minded. God help us!

(6) "have taught you publickly, and from house to house"... Paul was always in close contact with people. How can a man shepherd if he is afraid of contact with sheep? Paul's great compassion would have been in vain had he not constantly been around people with whom to share it with. Simply put, if you do not love people, you are not fit for the ministry!

(7) "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks"... Paul was not prejudiced. In fact, he rebuked those who were. If we are biased, even subtly, toward the nations, how can we ever genuinely minister God's love to the nations?

(8) "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ"... And finally, Paul didn't preach a "greasy Gospel". He didn't water down the message to increase the number of converts. He consistently confirmed the need for true repentance from sins and faith toward God and His glorious Lamb!


These are just some of the methods Paul used in his journeys. He was such a man of God, and such a great example for us who too desire effective ministry!

Church Motives?

There are, undoubtedly, many various reasons why people attend church today: prestige, reputation, cultural norms, guilt, pride, familial pressure, a love for God, etc. But did you know these issues (and others) are actually discussed in Scripture, either directly or indirectly?

In John chapter 12, we see a picture that is strikingly similar to our present day church paradigm. In this reference, Jesus was sitting to eat with His friends. There were a number of people there, but all were doing different things.

Observe the different characters that are present here with Jesus "at church"...

John 12:1-8 "Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always."

How strange the differing attitudes that are present and depicted here! First we have Martha. She, again, is found serving the supper. In another instance, Scripture tells us that she was "cumbered about much serving" (10:38-42). Though service is of course vital, Martha seems to be perpetually distracted by her service. She is distracted with such care, I believe.

Next, we have Lazarus, who the Scripture makes a point to say had recently been powerfully raised from the dead, but now was simply sitting by watching the others display adoration. Apparently, he may not have been "participating" at all, but was possibly a mere bystander. What a strange scenario! Is it really possible to once be the very object and vessel of a past move of God yet be found sitting idly by when the Spiritual wave comes again? Indeed it is: True Christianity is to be a daily renewal (1 Cor 15:31).

Then, we have Judas. He too was idly sitting by, but for different reasons. He was probably counting the money. The major difference between him and Lazarus is that Judas mocked what was unfolding before him. Do you know any "church members" that fit this description? Too many, I fear, are subtly judging and persecuting the church of God, acting as a stumbling block, all the while supposing to be a real part of it. What a mess!

And finally, we have Mary. Precious Mary. She is the only one in the whole house who is personally and lovingly tending to King Jesus! How could this be? And even stranger still, how could Jesus' friends just sit by and not partake themselves in adoration to the Lamb of God? When such precious and glorious worship is going on, wouldn't it behoove us to join in? I would think so!

Friend, I fear that this story is a blatant picture of the church's potential spiritual condition. We seem to be a part of the church for a vast array of reasons; there are those who seem to sit and "sup" with Jesus while their hearts and real motives contradict their actions. Clearly, they aren't all the right reasons? Are we like Martha, distracted by our efforts to "work" and "serve"? This may seem noble, but Jesus rebuked her in Luke 10:38-42. Her serving was not birthed out of her sitting, and was therefore lacking and insufficient. Or are we like Lazarus? Have we merely experienced a move of God in the past, and now are found sitting idly by, completely ignorant (or rebellious) to the worship that we once found so wonderful? Are we like Judas? Do we go to church to network and be seen of men, and advance our own carnal kingdoms?

Or are we like Mary, who "wasted" precious ointment on her Lord. This ointment was worth a whole years salary! Can we even imagine such a thing! Are we willing to give of ourselves to such an extreme extent? Are we willing to be humiliated and wasted for Jesus? Such wonderful adoration filled the whole house with the fragrance of her sacrifice! WOW! Reader, such an act is the only practice that is divinely accredited by Jesus (vs. 8)! Personally, I want to be like Mary! I want my motives to likewise be so readily accredited by God. Mary could hear the cry of God's heart; deep calling unto deep (Ps 42:7). He was preparing to be crucified; Mary was worshipfully anointing the Passover Lamb 6 days before His death (Exod 12:3; Jn 12:1). What a wonderful thing! And yet what a strikingly sad contrast to the apparent ulterior motives that were undoubtedly exposed by the worshipful scent in the room.

Why do YOU go to church?

Made Bitter or Better?

In Matthew 14:22-34 we read a popular story. Jesus sends His disciples in a ship before Him while He goes to pray alone. Suddenly, a great storm arises. The Bible says in verse 24, "the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary." Then Jesus goes walking to them on the sea. He calls Peter to come to Him, walking on the water, and he does, but soon begins to sink because of fear and circumstance. Then Jesus calmed the storm (vs. 31-32), and the disciples were amazed. The verse that stuck out to me was after these events, in verse 34. It says, "And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret." How did this verse stick out, you might ask? Well, Gennesaret means, "a harp". Isn't that interesting? What do I do with a harp? I worship (Rev 5:8; 14:2)!

True disciples will become worshipers in their affliction and calamity. They will be bettered, not bittered. What would potentially drive an ordinary man crazy with grief is actually an avenue towards increase, for the disciple of Christ! Paul said, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor 4:17). We all go through difficulties and the "storms" of life, but if we're true disciples of Christ, we will become worshipers in our trials. The multitudes of Jesus' day came for bread and healing, but then went home. The disciples, however, were asked to get in the boat (the place of God's dealings). That may sound hard to endure, but never forget: it's in the boat that you SEE HIM walking on water! AMEN! And the fruit of such a sight is so glorious: a worshipful heart and lifestyle will be birthed in you. Isn't that worth it?

Friend, I believe this principle with all of my heart! In fact, I personally believe that harps are earned... Notice the great trial and victory that we see here in the following verse; And notice the result of such a trial and victory: they possessed a harp! "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God" (Rev 15:2). For the true disciple, the result of gross calamity will always be genuine worship. David said, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes" (Ps 119:71). Disciples are assured that such trial and tribulation is at work IN them for a divine purpose, and thus, they are able to lay their lives down at the altar, and pay their adoration to the Lamb! What a beautiful thing.

Ps 138:7-8 "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."

Will we allow our personal struggles and storms to perfect and mature us? Let's be made better, not bitter!

The TRUE Bread..

We've recently seen the dramatic contrast that Jesus, the TRUE Light, has from all other insignificant and diminishing lights in the world. Truly, in this respect (and every other), Jesus possesses utter preeminence! In fact, His total and thorough exaltation as the TRUE light leaves all other "lights" burnt out by comparison. It's actually quite embarrassing for those who assume they themselves shine brightly.

The Holy Scriptures also testify that Jesus is the TRUE Bread: "They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. " (Jn 6:30-35).

TRUE bread? What can this mean?

The Jews, in these verses, drew a belittling contrast between Jesus and Moses. The force of their objection was this: "What proof do you have that you're indeed better than Moses?" They sought to depreciate the miraculous feeding of the multitudes they had just witnessed on the previous day. It was though they had said, "If you would have us believe on you as the Sent One of God, then you must show us greater works. You have fed five thousand but once, whereas in Moses' day, our fathers ate bread for 40 years!" They seemed to ignore the God who gave such manna; their eyes rested upon (and exalted) Moses, the mere human medium. What an offense this could have been to our Lord! Thankfully, however, "He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities" (Ps 103:10). Instead of getting angry at their unbelief, Jesus lovingly condescends and answers their rude ignorance with a beautiful and accurate description of Himself, the TRUE Bread, the One so far greater than Moses! Observe:

Jesus being labeled as the TRUE Bread has several significances.

(1) Jesus is the living Bread: "For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world" (Jn 6:33). Jesus, as the TRUE and living bread, is able to pass this Divine life onto another - all they must do is willingly partake: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you" (Jn 6:52). The manna that was feasted upon in the wilderness had no such life in it; it had no power to ward off death and the grave! The generation that ate of it died in the desert, how then could it be better than the TRUE Bread from heaven? It could not.

(2) Jesus is the universal Bread! The manna that was sent was only for the Israelites; no other people partook of such provision; it fell only in Israel's camp. But Jesus, the TRUE Bread, "giveth life unto the world" (Jn 6:33). How wonderful that such life is not restricted to one's genealogy! How grateful we are that Jesus asks us ALL to partake: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief" (1 Tim 1:15).

(3) Jesus is the satisfying Bread: "...my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven..." (Jn 6:32). The manna provided only a temporal and momentary natural satisfaction to the hunger pains of the Jews. What a sharp contrast this is to the real, genuine, and eternal satisfaction that we have in feasting upon the ever-present body and blood of our Lord Jesus! "I am the Bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst" (Jn 6:35). It's remarkable! Such sharp, and potentially devastating, spiritual hunger pains are only quenched as we look to Jesus, the TRUE Bread from heaven! The rotting food of mere religion will never meet such a dire need. May His Bread be the sustenance and daily staple of our diets! Only in Him is the full satisfaction of spiritual life available.

(4) Jesus is the substantial Bread: Only in King Jesus does such an illustration reach its glorious potential. All natural bread must first be grown from grain, cut down, ground into flour, and finally subjected to the fiery process of the oven. Then, and only then, is the bread ready and able to provide sustenance and life. Even so, the experiences of the Lord Jesus are dramatically similar: He grew up before God and men, only to be cut down and "bruised for our iniquities" (Isa 53:5), and was "made a curse for us" (Gal 3:13). His cross was the fierce fires of God's wrath upon sin, and He took our place in judgment. All of this was so that He could rightly become our TRUE Bread of life, and offer His substance to a dead and dying world!

How wonderful Jesus is! How glorious is His sustaining character! Such glories should make us want to feed upon Him all the more!

Love the Truth..

"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved" (2 Thess 2:8-10).

Ask yourself today, "Do I love truth?"

Has truth "fallen in the street" that leads to your heart? (Isa 59:12-14).

This may seem like an insignificant or fading question, but it possesses implications much deeper than first glance would reveal.

Do you love truth? Do you "plead" for truth? (Isa 59:4).

Is truth your coveted friend and partner, or is it nothing more than your house guest, invited for lunch, and you cannot wait for it's visit to expire? Are you anxiously waiting for truth to leave so you can freely partake of the "deceitful dainties" hidden in your cupboard?

Is truth your intimate love? Are you readily available and willing to be struck by it's forceful and enlightening blow, or do you prefer it to act in place of a harlot? Is it your life-long partner and sanctification or is it nothing more to you than a quick thrill, paid-in-full, and then sent on its merry way to the next house and forgotten? "Maybe we can meet again sometime?", you yell, as truth blissfully makes it way down the street, far from your corner, and even further from your temple.

Friend, the days that are coming upon us are days of great testing! Our love for God's truth will be tested. Are we going to swim upstream, bearing the reproach, and fighting the current of complacent compromise, or will we settle, and be found living among those who only claim to love truth, while secretly despising it's knock at their heart's door?

One writer has so aptly said: "Real seekers after truth are almost as rare as albino deer! Why? Because truth is a glorious but hard master. Jesus said, “I am . . . the Truth” (Jn 14:6) and followed Truth straight to the cross. The Truth seeker must follow Him there, and that is the reason few men seek the Truth!"

I trust and pray that we will never allow the REAL truth to be orphaned! Let's not ever possess the sad testimony that our forefather's once did: "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so" (Jer 5:31). Loving truth requires that we commit to accept any new ideas as long as they are substantiated in the Scripture regardless of how different they are from our religious background.

Don't ever let truth go, though it be rare, and it's corporate desire possibly unseen. Let's lovingly cling to the perfect Law of liberty, and live!

How Do We Run? Pt 3

Is it possible to run this race, yet be hindered at the end? Can we in fact possess so great an initial fervency, yet allow it to become one whose blaze continually and casually diminishes toward our finish line? Yes. The Ephesian church had this disease, in fact. Initially, they received such great and profound truth from the Apostle Paul, and were steadily growing up towards completion; they were even called "the faithful in Christ Jesus" (Eph 1:1). But years later their testimony was: "thou hast left thy first love", or, as the Greek literally reads, "thou hast left thy love-feast" (Rev 2:4). What an awful scenario!
Similarly, of the prodigal's self-righteous brother, we see a comparable digression. Initially, we see little to inform us of his sinful state. In fact, his testimony is silent; All we know of him is the assumed sharp contrast he had to his younger, more sinful brother. However, in the end we read, "he was angry, and would not go in..." (Lk 15:28). What an awful way to end one's testimony!

Friend, it isn't how we start this race, but it's how we gracefully RUN this race which ultimately will determine the manner that we finish this race. Remember, it's not to the swift nor to the strong, but to those who humbly acknowledge God's ability in them. As we saw yesterday, it's those who humbly accept God's tools toward attainment that will be found bearing a crown!

The following is a somewhat strange depiction that illustrates this principle wonderfully. Observe:

"The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed" (Jn 20:1-8).

How interesting that both disciples "ran together". Ironically, the one who was the fastest, and came to their desired destination first, "went not in"! The other "slower" disciple arrived later, but went in immediately! WOW! Ecclesiastes 9:11 is being acted out in real life! "...the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill..."

Can we really run with such fervor yet be delayed at properly entering in? Can we, in fact, be the fastest, the strongest, and the most naturally able, yet remain in a state of unbelief and rebellion? Yes we can. Friend, if we don't utilize God's provision on this race (as we saw yesterday), we will never finish successfully! We may try to run and strive by carnal efforts, but our hearts will prevent us from truly entering in. We may be close to the finish line, but we'll stop too short, only to watch others come to fruition.

I love how the other, slower disciple arrived late, yet passed his friend and entered into the place of Christ's death, and ultimately, the place of His resurrection too! Of this place of genuine rest, the Bible says, "Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief" (Heb 4:5-6).
What a wonderful finish line this must have been! And what a wonderful crown that will be waiting for those who allow God's enablement to propel them through the finish line, rather than stopping just short of it in fear and unbelief.

Reader, let's take heed to the Word of life, that by it, our RUNNING may be fruitful, and not in vain (Phil 2:16).

How Do We Run? Pt 2

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall RUN, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isa 40:31).

Have you ever wondered how this is possible? How can we ever attain to such glorious peace and spiritual tranquility as we "fight" the good fight of faith? Isn't that an oxymoron? Whose ever heard of a peaceful fight? A weary-less race? The only way we can accomplish such things is by waiting upon the Lord and His Word. With God, all things are possible.

We saw yesterday the importance of running this race as the Scripture validates. We aren't to merely run without aim, or trek this course void of understanding. Rather, we're expected to run THAT we may obtain a crown, a prize, and a reward!

Observe with me the many ways we are encouraged to "RUN" throughout Scripture.. Remember, these truths are there to give us insight into the means by which we can obtain. These truths will keep us rightly RUNNING, and prevent us from WANDERING (Amos 8:12)! They are there to give us vision, "that he may RUN that readeth it" (Hab 2:2). The Bible tells us that clinging to the Word of life is the only way we can RUN and OBTAIN: "Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not RUN in vain, neither laboured in vain" (Phil 2:16).

(1) Thankfully, we do not have to run or strive according to our own ability: "...the RACE is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong..." (Eccl 9:11). Some are more easily swayed off course than others; some may have more dramatic issues or sensual cravings than their peers. But this should never be a "finish-line-deterrent". No matter what we may be personally facing, God's ability is at work within us (Phil 2:13). This is why our own carnal ability possesses utter insignificance: "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that RUNNETH , but of God that sheweth mercy" (Rom 9:16). All we must do is respond and surrender to His greater and more prosperous inworking. The rest is history! What a merciful Lord!

(2) We need to simply run with God's authority and trust we will overcome. Don't be alarmed by consistent threats and opposition; don't let natural fears apprehend your will to run unto completion: "And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and RAN toward the army to meet the Philistine" (1 Sam 17:48). The only way that David was ABLE to run confidently in the face of outright opposition was because he knew the God of the universes was on his side, and at work in his circumstances! "David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee" (1 Sam 17:37).

(3) We must always embrace God's divine enablement; we could never finish this course on our own. David again is a prime example: "For by thee I have RUN through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall" (2 Sam 22:30). Even so, you and I can similarly RUN this race with fearless capability!

(4) We must allow the Word of God to have it's course and bear fruit in us: "I will RUN the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart" (Ps 119:32). And again Scripture says, "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you" (2 Thess 3:1). This word "course" is the same Greek word for "run" (trecho) that's found in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27. How can we ever expect to reach our desired destination if we don't faithfully adopt the divine road map of Holy Scripture?

(5) As we rightly run, we need to take heed to Godly counsel and wisdom: "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou RUNNEST, thou shalt not stumble" (Prov 4:11-12). To ignore or take lightly God's necessary resources is to shun and shame His purposeful provision!

(6) This course is a holy path. It's a path for the just (Prov 4:18). Upon this path, let there be no uncleanness. Let there be the complete forsaking of anything that would hold us back. We are encouraged to forsake ungodly mixture as we run this course: "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye RUN NOT with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you..." (1 Pet 4:3-4). Such behavior will only prove to be a hindrance. Friend, our constant company will indeed prove to be one of two things: a blockade or a blessing. Of the Galatians Paul said, "Ye did RUN well; WHO did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" (Gal 5:7). Reader, let us never take habitual company with the backslider who has set his feet to "RUN to evil" (Isa 59:7; Prov 1:16).

(7) We need to perpetually cling to the name (character) of God: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous RUNNETH into it, and is safe" (Prov 18:10). What a glorious truth! The precious, loving and manifold characteristics of God are to be the fuel in our proverbial tanks. We know WHOM we are running towards, as a bride runs to meet her groom (1 Cor 11:2)! What great motivation!

(8) We need to possess a proper corporate mentality as we journey onward to perfection: "Draw me, WE WILL RUN after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee" (Song 1:4). God is looking for a many-membered bride to come to completion, not a mere one-man-show. Though only one receives the prize (1 Cor 9:24), it of course is not speaking of a sole individual. Rather, it's speaking of a company of people, from all ages of time, that have been separated and distinguished from the rest by the response of their hearts (Matt 25:1-13). With this in mind, we of course are not to compete with one another; that would be absurd. Rather, while trotting this spiritual track, we are meant to aid and minister to one another, bringing them with us towards the goal line (Eph 4:16)! What may be looked upon as an earthly race to the cloudy-minded, is actually, in truth, a heavenly race, with heavenly rules and regulations. Many can and will possess such an exceedingly great reward (Gen 15:1)! Let's help one another pursue this prize!

(9) We should run with patience and with righteous indignation, looking unto Jesus: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us RUN with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." (Heb 12:1-2). If our eyes are on Jesus, then they are off of ourselves, our surroundings, the mode, trial and length of our course, and the carnal woes and worries that accompany this "fight of faith" (1 Tim 6:12). Jesus knows our humanistic tendencies to grow weary and backslide (Heb 4:15). This is why He asks that our sight be continually fixed and focused on Him and His glory. This is the only means by which we will ever cross the finish line - "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered..." (Ps 68:1)!

All of these principles, and more, are vital as we run this glorious race set before us. This is the means by which we run effectively, and "not uncertainly". This is the method by which we can "RUN like mighty men" (Joel 2:7). These are the truths we need to enable us to rightly "RUN with the footmen" unwearied (Jer 12:5).

Tomorrow, I want to look at an unusual depiction that illustrates this truth.

To Be Continued...

How Do We Run? Pt 1

Upon our salvation, we have been entered into what Paul calls a race: "...let us run with patience the race that is set before us..." (Heb 12:1).

Elsewhere, he compares the Christian walk to a race, with a prize to be won at the end: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Cor 9:24).

Interestingly enough, he encourages us to run in a certain way, in order to win this prize. In other words, he tells us HOW TO RUN effectively!

"I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor 9:26-27).

Rest assured, we are not running to earn our salvation; heaven is the free gift of God for all those justified by the blood of His atoning Son (Eph 2:5, 8; Rom 3:24). Rather, we are running to obtain a crown (1 Cor 9:25). Crowns are not given, they are earned. Prizes and rewards are not given, but earned. Our reward is not heaven, rather, our reward is said to be "IN heaven" (1 Pet 1:4). Thus Paul's admonishment for his readers to run this race in a certain way. We are to be running unto successful completion, and not in vain. Let it be readily understood that Paul's fear was not being castaway from the race, but from the prize! In other words, our finishing status (win or lose) can only disqualify us from the greatest of all rewards: becoming the bride of Christ, because only ONE obtains it. It does not disqualify us from the race itself (salvation).

So how ought we to run?

We are to run "not uncertainly". In other words, not ignorantly nor unaware. We are never to trek this course as runners unaware of our goal and destination. Rather, this goal is to be "an expected end" (Jer 29:11). He who runs with a clear aim, looks straightforward to the goal, makes it his sole aim, casts away every encumbrance, is indifferent to what the by-standers may say, and sometimes even a fall only serves to rouse him the more!

Furthermore, we are to run "not as one that beateth the air". In other words, not as one who is ill-equipped and unprepared for battle. This image is borrowed from the boxers (pugilists) of Paul's day, who would air box in preparation for their coming fight. These efforts, however, were carnal ones, and were not to be superseded upon the "race" or "fight" of the child of God (1 Tim 6:12). Contrariwise, the Christian did not miss his aim purposely; he did not exert himself and spend his strength for nothing. Every blow that he struck was one pregnant with purpose and filled to capacity with fervency and Godly zeal! This attitude alone could bear fruit (2 Tim 4:7). The believer was not to waste his energies on that which would produce no result. He did not strive with rash, ill-advised or uncertain blows; but all his efforts were directed to the great purpose or subjugating his enemy - sin - and the corrupt desires of the carnal flesh - and bringing everything into captivity to God!

Reader, every need we will ever have possesses a solution found within the Word of God. How wonderful that we are not expected to run this Christian race of our own accord and ability! How grateful we are that God enables us to run such a race, teaching us the very means to run effectively and come to a prosperous completion! Thank you, Jesus!

So how else are we encouraged by Scripture to run this race? What other means are vital to adhere to that ensure a successful and crown-bearing completion?

To Be Continued...

The TRUE Light..

Speaking of Jesus, the Bible says:

"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (Jn 1:9).

This verse very clearly differentiates between true and false lights; real and fake; bright and dim. But what exactly signifies Jesus as the "true light"? A true light is undeceiving, real, underived, and super-eminent. Observe:

(1) Jesus is the undeceiving light.
Satan himself, we read, "is transformed into an angel of light" (2 Cor 11:14), but he appears as such only to deceive. But Christ Jesus is the true light, in contrast from all other false lights which are in the world. These false lights are those which threaten to lead to danger or error, as a false beacon on the shores of the ocean may lead ships to quicksands or rocks. A "true light" is one that does not deceive us, as the true beacon may guide us into port or warn us of danger. Christ Jesus does not lead astray. All false teachers do. Jesus alone is able to truly enlighten. He alone removes darkness, error and ignorance from the mind.

(2) Jesus is the real light.
The real light is in contrast to the dim and shaded light which was conveyed through the types and shadows of the Old Testament ritual. He is the gloriously-lighted Anti-type; the very substance of the mere shadow!

(3) Jesus is the underived light.
There are lesser lights that are borrowed and reflected, as the moon from the sun, but Christ's "light" is His own essential and underived glory. His glory is true, never borrowed from another. Any pseudo-light that mere men may possess (such as the intellect, for example) is nothing more than a borrowed ray from His underived brilliancy.

(4) Jesus is the super-eminent light.
This is in contrast from all that is ordinary and common. There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another of the stars (1 Cor 15:41); but all other lights pale before Him who is "the" true light. Of this true light, it is said, "And he [Jesus] is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell" (Col 1:17-19).


What a gloriously bright-shining Savior we have! Let's allow His brilliance to shine forth from us today... you may just be surprised by what happens! Let's be like John the Baptist, of whom it is said: "The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe" (Jn 1:7).

Bondservants...

Do you want to be a BONDSERVANT of the Lord Jesus?

Paul, and others, were called bondservants, or "love slaves" as the Greek word "doulos" describes (Rom 1:1; Gal 1:10; Tit 1:1, Jd 1:1; Jas 1:1; Rev 1:1; etc). Another definition for this word is "one who is devoted to another to the disregard of his own interests".

In the book of Exodus, we read of becoming a bondservant:

Exodus 21:2-6 "If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself. And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever."

Notice the special devotion that this servant had to his Master! It's beautiful! Apparently, his love for his Master was greater than that for even his own family! He would rather be in the perpetual presence of One greater, than to go out free and live of his own carnal accord. How precious! Such an uncommonly deep desire for the Master will propel us into such volunteered love-slavery! Our chains are not mere natural ones, but are those that bind via immense spiritual hunger and passion for Jesus! Reader, can you relate to these desires?
To become a bondservant, the master would bore through the servant's ear (against the door post) with an aul.

What exactly does this mean? What does this language portray to us? What implications do these words involve for us?

Personally, I believe that there are three potential phases to the genuine Christian life:
(1) Saved (free)
(2) Discipled (disciplined follower)
(3) Bond-servant (love-slave)
To be a bondservant (as Paul was) is the highest form and fashion of adoration and devotion (Phil 3:14)! Such peculiar devotion is characteristic of the bride of Christ. Actually, Rebekah (who is a type of the Bride in Scripture), her name means, "fettered by beauty; prisoner of beauty".

Wouldn't you like to possess such an ardent heart? I know I would! What a wonderful and fruitful life this is! We are lovingly bound to God's purposes, yet free. We have shifted our bonds from carnal cravings to heavenly ones! With such heavenly desires, there can ONLY be good effects! There can only be 100-fold fruit! One example of such glorious fruit is an opened ear! Observe:

This event that signifies one as a bondservant (the aul through the ear at the doorpost) is also an effect of such great devotion.

When the aul is pierced through the ear, it is symbolic of the opened ear to the Door of the Spirit. This is fruit of an abandoned pursuit of the Master (Matt 11:15; 13:11; Rev 4:1).

A story in Mark 11 illustrates this bondservant principle further. Verses 2-4: "And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him."

Notice this colt occurs with the same instance that the bondservant does; their hearts are synonymous:
(1) he's tied up - he is a prisoner/bondservant.
(2) whereon never man sat - he is reserved for one purpose; he has one singular goal.
(3) by the door - symbolic of the door of the Spirit, that is, the opening to greater revelation and intimacy.
(4) without - outside the camp, that is, outside the norm of nominal and "ordinary" Christian devotion.
(5) where 2 ways meet - a place of choosing... Whose burden will you carry? This colt carries the burden of God's glory. Will you serve Zion or Babylon?

What does a colt do? In this instance, the young colt was freshly broken in order to carry a burden.. As the bondservant, he too was a carrier of the King of Glory: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass" (Zech 9:9).

What a vivid and bountiful illustration this story of the "bound colt" provides for us concerning bondservants! Thank God for His unending gems of truth, found and mined from the mountain of God!

The bondservant possesses this same heart for his Master. He readily chooses to be bound (Gal 2:20), allowing the Holy Spirit to reign supreme: "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the bondservant of Christ" (Gal 1:10). He decides to follow Jesus wherever He may be, even if outside the camp (Heb 13:11-13), away from the mere societal religious norms. Because of such devotion, he has been initiated into the mysteries of God (Matt 13:11)! Such eyes and ears of the Spirit have been purchased by long-suffering endurance, flowing from a love-sick heart. He carries this mantle with him - the bondservant is a vessel for the King of Glory!

I can think of no greater gift and calling!

Jesus, I want to be Your bondservant!

Up For A Challenge?

This past Sunday, our beloved Pastor brought us a challenge! Don't you love it when that happens? He presented us with 2 types of "spiritual" people, and then basically asked us which one we wanted to be, and which heart we wanted to possess. Some ideas that he presented may not be the "religious norm" nowadays, but does that make them wrong? Is the fact that there are only a couple "fanatical" green apples in a mass of red ones make the single green apple any less significant? No, rather, that just may be a clue that you're doing the right thing. The green apple just may be more valuable!

The text he used was from the book of Luke, chapter 2. Here we have a unique typical story that interestingly contrasts the fervent heart with the slothful one, and the interested heart with the distracted one. Such valid Scriptural certainties give us a glimpse, once again, into the two types of believers present upon the earth today: the spiritually devoted and the spiritually relaxed; the piously dependant and the piously, seemingly needless; the fervent bride and the complacent, compromising daughters of Jerusalem (Song 2:2). Which heart would you like to possess? That which is consistently ablaze for the Word, will and ways of God, or that which sees no constant need and is only concerned with simply "getting by" spiritually? Which heart do you believe God would rather you own? I think the answer is clear.

"Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers" (Lk 2:41-47).

Here we have (1) the parents of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and (2) Jesus Himself, as a 12 year old boy. Notice the differing levels of devotion to the house of God that are presented:

Vs. 41-42: "Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast." The common custom of that day, according to the Law, was to go to Jerusalem and "appear before the Lord God" at the feasts(Exod 23:14-17; 34:23). This was a requirement for obedient, Law-abiding Jews.

Vs. 43: "And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it." Notice that Mary and Joseph "fulfilled" their requirements; they did what they knew the Law asked of then, and then went home. But Jesus, even as a boy, possessed a greater fervency for His Father's house. Here we have (1) what is perfectly acceptable and expected contrasted with (2) what some may consider radical and fanatical; Jesus tarried in the temple.

Vs. 44: "But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance." And what is the fruit of an average, appropriate or "commonly expected" devotion to God? Interestingly enough, it is a slow departure from the faith (Rev 3:14-22)! Notice that Mary and Joseph did not even realize the presence of Jesus was lacking among them! But how could this be? Hadn't they fulfilled their religious duties, and met the supposed standard of obedience? Yes, they had. However, if your heart is one that is content to simply give God your "requirement", then your heart is, in fact, lacking! Are you shocked? It's true. God is not the author of passive and content Christianity... Rather, God is looking for a people who will passionately shout "How far will you let me go? How abandoned will you let me be?!" He wants us to remain hungry for more (Lk 6:21); we should possess a perpetual "unsatisfied satisfaction"! Christians who are interested in simply fulfilling their "duties" are in fact backsliding. How do we know? Because the Bible says you are either going on unto perfection and believing to the saving of the soul, OR are drawing back unto perdition (Heb 10:39). In other words, there is no middle ground, it's either one or the other! The mountain of God has no plateaus! It's either UP or DOWN! An organism who has stopped growing is considered to be dying.

How sad that we can go "a days journey" (vs. 44), all the while completely oblivious to the absence of God's presence! He wasn't where they "supposed" Him to be: Jesus wasn't found among their kinsfolk (families) or acquaintances. Such ignorant blindness is the effect of complacency and spiritual needlessness. God help us!

Friend, has your heart been pricked by these words? If so, we can easily find the way home. Notice what Mary and Joseph did when they realized Jesus was gone:

Vs. 45-46: "And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions." Interestingly, "to repent" has the same meaning as this phrase "turned back". How wonderful that God's counsel and cure always begins with humility of heart and a genuine turning back! He's made it so easy for us! If you feel like you've lost Jesus, simply repent and return to the place that you left Him!

Vs. 47: "And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers." As we close, we must notice what wonderful fruit is birthed from a devoted heart, and one that fanatically tarries in the house of God, long after the religious crowds have come and gone. Do you want to be a "living epistle" (2 Cor 3:2-3), even as Jesus was? Then dare to venture out into a state of real spiritual hunger; let all of our "spiritual needlessness" crumble under the weight of Godly desire. Let's stay behind and tarry! "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God..." (Ps 42:1-2).

The Son of MAN... Pt 3

Part 7 of 7

What wonderful truths have been vividly shown to us by the Holy Spirit, lovingly speaking via the writer to the Hebrews! What compelling confirmation has been established! We have observed the many overwhelming proofs of Jesus' deity as proposed to the Hebrews, many of whom seemed to be on the fence about their Christian beliefs. We have seen the manifest attestation of Jesus' superiority over mere human prophets and heavenly angels. And we have seen the sensible signs of Godly Sonship, and it's great triumph over mere human sonship. Godly Sonship far surpasses common human sonship in rank, permanence and spiritual virtue, and therefore cannot be wisely adopted as evidence against Jesus' divinity and equality with the Father.

Furthermore, we have seen the Hebrew's tendency to use Jesus' "rugged humanity" as a proposal of His utter inability to complete His atoning mission. His lack of carnal grandeur was a stumbling block to them because they expected a powerful earthly king to be their Messiah, not a suffering servant.

Thankfully, the writer to the Hebrews uses such blasphemous accusations to rightfully explain WHY Jesus humbled Himself, being clothed with our deplorable human flesh. Firstly, we saw that it was to become the "last Adam", and repair the damage caused by the first Adam's sin. Secondly, we saw that it was to overthrow and defeat Satan as a man, the last Adam. Such a defeat was an effect of Him becoming the last Adam. So what is the final reason given by the author as to WHY Jesus became a man? Reader, it concerns Jesus' relation to mankind as High Priest. He condescended so that He could be touched with the weaknesses and infirmities of the common man! Observe...

"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted" (Heb 2:17-18).

Such loving-kindness is at the very core of God's being! How lovingly admirable of Him to be born with the purpose of suffering the death of the cross as a man, so that He could relate to us in our temptations, our infirmities, and our weaknesses. Mercy is a prime requisite in a priest, since his office is to help the wretched and raise the fallen: such grand mercies are only able to be found in One who has an identical feeling with the humanly afflicted, having been so once Himself: "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" (Heb 4:15). God, in order to save us, needed to take upon Himself our manhood with all its sorrows, thereby qualifying Himself, by experiential suffering with us, to be our sympathizing High Priest. Such merciful relation to us is our certainty that He is able to relieve ("succor") us when tempted (2 Cor 6:2; Mk 9:22). Thus, He knows, via experience, how to be compassionate toward poor, afflicted, suffering man. He did this for you and I!

Not only was He merciful as High Priest toward us, but He was faithful as High Priest toward God the Father. God's holy justice required the punishment of transgressors, or a suitable expiation to be made for the sins of the people. Jesus understood this, and thus faithfully offered Himself!

So we see the very reasons WHY Jesus humbled Himself in His human condescension. It was to (1) become the last Adam, and provide federal restitution; (2) to defeat Satan as a man, and (3) to enable Himself, as God, to become a relate-able (touchable) High Priest, possessing a genuine and experientially common relation to mankind. It amazes me that Jesus' suffering condescension to our deplorable human flesh was SO THAT He could be "touchable" and genuinely merciful toward the one He will spend eternity with, His bride! WOW!

We truly could meditate on these glories for eternity! What a uniquely precious personification of mercy God is! In the light of such wonders, let's do as the Hebrew writer has encouraged: press in and COME UP HIGHER!