Foolishness, Foolishness!

In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matt 25), we see such a dire need for wisdom and the devastating effect of lacking "oil". The five unprepared virgins were called "foolish" and were not permitted entrance into the marriage chamber. Thus, it is of utmost importance for us to avoid such a fate, and to see what the Bible defines as a fool.

One of the strangest passages concerning a fool is found in the book of Job. By earthly standards, Job's life has just been totally wrecked: his children died, his health gone, his possessions ruined. His wife, in all of her "godly wisdom", encourages him to just "curse God and die" (2:9)! Job's subsequent response gives us great insight into one definition of "spiritual foolishness":

Job 2:9-10 "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?"

Thus, we can easily determine that one aspect of spiritual foolishness is resisting the dealings of God! How can we rightly justify such a resistance when the Bible clearly says, "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 12:11). If we can take our eyes off the current trial, and keep them on the effect of such, we will be much better off (also note 1 Pet 5:10). This is why we are admonished to look "unto Jesus" (Heb 12:1-2), not always at our own selves.

In my opinion, one of the most backwards concepts in the body of Christ today is the issue of prayer: God is not our "errand boy"! The purpose of God is not to always answer our cushy prayers, but by our prayers we come to discern the mind of God; this is what's revealed in John 17. There is one prayer God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus - "that they may be one, even as We are One." Are we as close to Jesus as that? Are we "one" yet?

Friend, God is not overly concerned about our plans (as we often are); He does not say - Do you want to go through this bereavement; Do you want to suffer this upset? He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, nobler men and women; or they are making us more captious and fault-finding, more insistent upon our own way. The things that happen either make us savages, or they make us saints; it depends entirely upon the relationship we are in with God. If we say - "Thy will be done," then we get the consolation of John 17, the consolation of knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom. When we understand what God is after we will not get mean and cynical. Jesus has prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far from it, and yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him, because Jesus has asked for it.

This is why those foolish virgins who do not suffer through the dealings of God will be found lacking oil at the coming of the Lord. We must realize that such trials and circumstances are simply one of God's many tools to perfect us! Fire may be painful, but there's true purpose in it (Isa 1:24-27).

God is avenging Himself of His enemies! He's using fire to ease Himself of the enemy of flesh in you! " For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing..." (Rom 7:18).

Gal 5:17 "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."

So how else does the Bible define foolishness? The book of Proverbs alone defines it in many various ways. Observe:

Prov 17:25 - A fool grieves his father
Prov 1:22 - loves simplicity and hates knowledge
Prov 8:1-5 - has no understanding
Prov 17:10 - doesn't heed to reproof
Prov 28:26 - trusts in his own heart
Prov 15:5 - despises his father's instruction
Prov 19:3 - has a perverted way
Prov 1:7 - despises wisdom
Prov 17:16 - has no heart to get wisdom
Prov 14:9 - mocks at sin
Prov 13:19 - is stayed upon evil...

These foolish virgins will possess all of these traits and more. We would do well to take heed to these truths as we are going "on unto perfection" (Heb 6:1), and preparing for that glorious wedding day!

Complete in Jesus..

Jesus said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt 5:48).

What a marvelous truth! And yet how unattainable it seems! How ever are we expected to arrive at such a perfect and complete stature?

After all, this has been the plan of salvation from the dawn of time: To Abraham, God said, "walk before me, and be thou perfect..." (Gen 17:1). So surely God has a vehicle to bring this plan to pass, right? Yes.

Concerning Jesus, Scripture says, "In him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him" (Col 2:9-10). Friend, these two verses are directly related..

All the attributes of Christ Jesus, as God and man, are at our disposal. All the fullness of the Godhead, whatever that great term may comprehend, is ours to make us complete. Can we believe that God has done all that can be done to endow us with "completion" and "maturity"? How else could He justly ask us to "go on unto perfection" (Heb 6:1)? He has made even his divine power and Godhead as tools to our salvation. His omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, immutability and infallibility, are all combined for our defence. Therefore, let us arise, and behold the Lord Jesus yoking the whole of his divine Godhead to "the chariot of our salvation"!

As another has said, "How vast His grace, how firm His faithfulness, how unswerving His immutability, How infinite his power, How limitless his knowledge!" And how wonderful that such attributes are also to be for our completion! All these qualities are, by the Lord Jesus, made the pillars of the temple of salvation; the foundation; and all are covenanted to us as our eternal inheritance.

These wondrous qualities displayed by our precious Lord not only conduct volumes toward His personal greatness, they each shall also be employed for us: "His wisdom is our direction, His knowledge our instruction, His power our protection, His justice our surety, His love our comfort, His mercy our solace, and His immutability our trust". The mount of God has been readily opened, and is now bidding us come and dig, and discover its glories! ALL are to be ours!

What precious asurance! What wonderful thoughts to behold!

Hearing the Voice of God?

We know that God's voice is often a "still small voice" (1 Kgs 19:11-12), but how are we to hear it? How are we to rightly possess the "ears to hear" that are so vital (Matt 11:15)? What is the Biblical pattern that's revealed which teaches us HOW to hear God's voice? Must out ears be naturally humongous? Of course not. Rather, the Scriptural pattern reveals that real worship encourages the voice of God..

Do you have trouble discerning the voice of God? Then begin to worship Him – “let God arise and let His enemies be scattered” (Ps 68:1). The Bible shows us that as our hearts become rightly set upon Jesus, we can properly discern His voice!

Notice what David has said: "A Psalm of David. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters" (Ps 29:1-3). Can you notice the divine relationship presented here?

Similarly, when Elijah needed to hear the voice of God, what do we find him doing? "But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches" (2 Kgs 3:15). These events are cause and effect.

Reader, true worship will always cause the voice of God to be heard! Notice how this also occurred in Saul's life: "After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man" (1 Sam 10:5-6).

This is why “everyone that is of the truth heareth God’s voice” (Jn 18:37), because if we’re OF THE TRUTH, then real worship will be a lifestyle. Worship will be our continual response. And one effect of this lifestyle will be clear communion with God, and clearly hearing His voice.

My pastor has said, “when you don’t know what to do… just worship”. Why? Because worship encourages the voice of God. This is one way He will “cause" you to hear it: “the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard” (Isa 30:30).

This is so practical, but generally people don’t actually do it.

Notice what believers from the book of Acts did as they heard the voice of God speak: "As they ministered unto the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabus and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them" (Acts 13:2). What wonderful fruit!

I want to look at one final example, with Miriam:

Exodus 15:21 "And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea." ...
Vs. 23 "And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter." ...
Vs. 24 "And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?" …
Vs. 25 "... and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet."

Verse 25 was the fruit of verse 21; Worship encourages the voice and direction of the Lord!

Do YOU Need the Holy Ghost?

Friend, did you realize that the Bible presents a significant difference between "preaching" the Gospel of Christ, and "fully preaching" the Gospel of Christ? It's true. The major differentiating factor is the power of the Holy Ghost! Observe:

"Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ" (Rom 15:19).

This phrase "fully preached" means, "to make full, to fill up, to cause to abound, to supply liberally, to render complete, to fill to the top so that nothing shall be wanting, to fill to full measure, to fill to the brim". Can we notice the necessity that these words convey?

As we read the New Testament, we find a very simple, plain and forceful truth — the Holy Spirit makes a huge difference! Of course this is elementary, but I don't think we can be reminded enough.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses" (Acts 1:8)

Consider these early disciples: Jesus Himself taught them for more than three years.. Surely He conducted the greatest "Bible school" the earth had ever seen! But still He had to caution them and encourage them not to depend on their own wisdom and strength: “Tarry ye . . . until ye be endued with power from on high” (Lk 24:49). Even with such training, they were utterly dependent on the Holy Spirit! Even with all their "sufficient" learning, they were helpless on their own; they could not "fully preach" the Gospel if left to themselves! The power of the Holy Spirit is the means by which our wildernesses are made "a fruitful field" (Isa 32:15). Sadly, so many believers limit Him to a past dispensation.. They don't seem to realize that the Holy Ghost is Jesus' replacement, once He visibly left this earthly scene (Jn 14:16). Why wouldn't we take heed to Him and receive as much as we possibly could?

What a lesson for those who are likewise believing to be mightily used of God. The power of God is how we may "fully preach" the Gospel of Christ!

Come Holy Spirit!

"Come Holy Spirit!" These words seem cliche among Christians today. They seem to be somewhat of a "Charismatic catch phrase". When sincere, such an exclamation is a precious desire. Would that all of God's people possessed such a genuine longing for Godly communion.

Today, I simply want to observe one instance in Scripture that teaches volumes concerning the "coming" of the Holy Spirit. Why does He come? How? The answer to these questions are priceless to those who really value God's presence; They are invaluable to those who truly "love His appearing" (2 Tim 4:8).

Let's observe the following Scripture regarding the initial coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost:

"This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear" (Acts 2:32-33).

We often read these verses and miss the entire point! What is the Bible trying to tell us here? It's so very simple, that we just may overlook it..

Many, many have failed to note Peter’s Pentecostal emphasis here: The important thing in God’s plan was the fact that Jesus had been exalted in heaven, and that His glorification there had been the signal for the coming of the promised Holy Spirit. What a lesson! The Spirit does not have to be begged.. Rather, He comes when the Savior is honored and exalted!

Do you want to experience communion with the coveted Holy Ghost? There is no tricky formula.. there is no power that only the "spiritual elite" can possess.. All we must do is EXALT Jesus; it's that simple. As Jesus is thoroughly exalted, the power and presence of the Holy Ghost is poured forth! Hallelujah!

Here are some other Scriptural examples:

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth... The LORD of hosts is with us" (Ps 46:10-11). Reader, do you see the formative effect here? The key to Godly spiritual communion ("the Lord...is with us") is the simple and sincere exaltation of Jesus!

Paul confirms this truth when he too discusses the exaltation of the Lord at the right hand of the Father: "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church" (Eph 1:20-22).

And notice the glorious aftermath of such an exaltation: "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins... God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:1, 4-6)! How wonderful!

Friend, you don't have to strive and struggle to commune with the Holy Ghost. He is not hiding; He's looking to be found! The Holy Spirit doesn't have to be begged; He lovingly comes when Jesus is lifted high!

Forsaken?

Part 4 of 4

The last instance I want to look at is a very solemn one: "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matt 27:46). In short, these brief words uttered by our Lord pronounce God's inflexible justice against evil and sin. They teach us of the vehement indignation that we, in turn, should likewise possess: "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Neither give place to the devil" (Eph 4:26-27). As we witness the Lord of glory upon His cross, crying out, our hearts should be moved with gratitude for His great propitiation, and a righteous indignation should be born: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Pet 1:15-16).

How agonizing it must have been to taste death for all humankind! What great pain Jesus must have realized as the precious and constant communion with His Father was experientially halted. Jesus had communed with His Father in fullness for years, but now was relinquished into the hands of evil and plotting men. The Father simply could not look upon the sin that was now being atoned for (Jn 1:29; Heb 9:26). God's holiness demanded that He look away, and what a "forsaking" this must have been for Jesus, as God's countenance can only behold "the upright" (Ps 11:7). Because of this, perpetual communion suddenly became chastisement: "...the chastisement of our peace was upon him..." (Isa 53:5).

No pen on earth could adequately tell of the holiness of God! Such must be so if this instance demanded an interruption of divine communion. His holiness is unsullied, and will always remain as so. God is so holy that the very heavens are unclean in His sight (Job 15:15); He is so holy that even the Seraphim veil their faces before Him. Abraham stood before God and could do nothing but say, "[I] am but dust and ashes" (Gen 18:27). Both Job and Isaiah abhorred themselves in the presence of God's holiness (Job 42:6; Isa 6:5). When Daniel caught this glimpse, he could do nothing but say "there remained no strength in me, for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption" (Dan 10:8).

Verily, God simply cannot behold iniquity and evil: "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity..." (Hab 1:13). In another place, Scripture says, "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry... [but] the face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth" (Ps 34:15-16). In fact, the Psalm which prophesied this instance in the crucifixion likewise tells us the reason for this forsaking: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? ... But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel" (Ps 22:1, 3). And it was because our Savior was bearing the sins of wretched humanity that God could not readily gaze at Him, as He had continually done prior (Matt 3:17). As another has said, "The Lord made to meet on Christ the iniquities of us all: and our sins being on Him as our Substitute, the divine wrath against our offenses must be spent upon our sin offering". Surely, what a "forsaking" this must have been!

Some suppose “that the divinity had now departed from Christ, and that his human nature was left unsupported to bear the punishment due to men for their sins.” But this is by no means to be accepted, as it would deprive His sacrifice of its infinite holiness and merit, and consequently leave the sin of the world without an atonement. A proper "mediator" is one who is fully acquainted with both parties. Thus, Jesus' deity was essential for a sufficient mediation to occur. Take deity away from any redeeming act of Christ Jesus, and REAL redemption is ruined. Rather, His perfection was hung in our stead; He was made a curse for us (Gal 3:13); He was made a sin offering in our place (2 Cor 5:21). He wholly experienced the manifestation of God's hatred of sin; it "pleased the LORD to bruise Him" (Isa 53:10), because it was the Father's will (Jn 6:38)... Jesus suffered as our scapegoat so we wouldn't have to! Instead, we can now be righteously presented before His presence with exceeding joy (Jd 24)! What a wonder!

How interesting that these words are included in the very few that were uttered from Calvary's cross.. As we have before determined, each spoken phrase possesses special significance. This phrase is no exception. Just as Jesus left us with a desire for communion ("I thirst"), a picture of His mercies ("Disciple, behold thy mother"), and a model for a genuine "Christian walk" ("Father, forgive them"), even so now He leaves us with the proper attitude toward sin: How should we treat sin? We should view sin as that very thing which caused our beloved Savior the greatest pain: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me." We should see sin as the "grief" that He carried, and the "sorrows" He bore (Isa 53:4a).. Our sin was the very thing that caused Jesus to be "stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted" (Isa 53:4b). May such a truth humble our hearts today.

Father, Forgive Them..

Part 3 of 4

We've been discovering the few phrases that were painfully spoken by our Lord during His crucifixion. We have determined that these words and phrases are especially significant, due to the significant circumstances in which they were uttered. Out of all the words Jesus could have spoken, He chose to speak only a few...

The next phrase I want to visit is found in the Gospel of Luke: "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots" (23:34).

Personally, I don't think humanity will soon be able to comprehend the overflowing heart of Jesus, and the continual presence of His extreme mercies. I believe we will forever feast upon this concept, striving to fathom His eternal dispersion of undeserved love! “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Ps 8:4). Only a man who is super-saturated with Godly love can intercede for the very ones who cause Him pain, anguish, humiliation and suffering. Even though God the Father was the ultimate source of Jesus' death (Acts 2:23), humanity was still the personified hammer that willfully fueled every blow. As Jesus hung there, He was silent. But soon His lips began to move.. What would He say? Would He curse those who beat Him? Would He beg to be let loose? Would He cry for pity? No. He would pray for their forgiveness! Are any beyond God's reach of prayer? Clearly, by Jesus' example, the answer is no!

This phrase possesses many seeds of truth, but for time's sake, we will address only one: by uttering these words, Jesus proved that it is indeed possible, as a man, to “walk the walk”! He didn’t merely teach about radical forgiveness, He also lived it. Grace and truth was not a mere happy thought, but rather it "CAME by Jesus Christ" (Jn 1:17). His lifestyle chased His faith and His actions never betrayed His words; they were never separated, but were one holy entity. What a beautiful example for us to follow! He not only taught the truth, but was Himself the truth incarnate: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6)!

In a day and age where “talk is cheap”, it is vital that the people of God wake up, and start walking in the truth that we so heartily preach to others. Merely possessing God’s truth would be vain if we do not subsequently live it out, and bear fruit (Jas 2:18). Just as Jesus taught truth, He likewise experienced it, day after day. Not only did He say, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt 5:44), but He also later displayed this heart when He genuinely pleaded for the forgiveness of His tormentors: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34).

Friend, isn’t this what the world has been searching for? Doesn’t the world long to see a REAL representation of Jesus? Of course they do. The Moffatt translation of Romans 8:19 says creation “waits with eager longing for the sons of God to be revealed”. Another translation says the earth is standing on tiptoes!

Again, such dialogue must have been extra significant, as Jesus spoke it from a place of suffering and torment. How beautiful that such an encouraging thought was one of only a few emotions communicated from the cross. May the grace of God overpower us today, and cause our lifestyles to chase down our faith. May our actions and motives never betray our words! Jesus is our perfect example and forerunner.

A Merciful Display..

Part 2 of 4

As we have recently seen, the few phrases uttered from the Cross reveal the excellencies of the One who suffered there, and inform us of the purpose, the meaning, the sufferings, and the sufficiency of the death divine. These few uttered phrases give us a glimpse into the focus and zeal of the heart of God. Only the most vital and important truths would be uttered at such a distressing time, when speech was a torment.

Today, I want to look at another phrase that our Lord spoke while He was accomplishing His life's goal, that is, the redemption of mankind: In John 19:25-27, Scripture says "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."

To the casual reader, these verses may appear insignificant. However, the events surrounding these words of our Lord speak volumes of mercy for those who are seeking: "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jer 29:13).

Volumes of mercy? How so? Let us find out...

First, we must understand the circumstances involved with Jesus' words.. Perhaps the worst part of these instances surrounding the crucifixion (except the actual crucifixion itself) was the fact that ALL of Jesus' friends and disciples "forsook Him, and fled" (Matt 25:56). As one has said, "Their failure to watch with Him for one hour in the garden well paralyzes our minds, but their turning away from Him at the time of His arrest almost baffles comprehension!" Peter was verbal about his refusal to flee, but he fails. And not only Peter, but ALL the others too: "Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said ALL the disciples" (Matt 26:35). Nevertheless, His disciples failed, and were found no where near Him: "Then saith Jesus unto them, ALL ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad" (Matt 26:31). This word "all" includes even John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Even John was no where to be found during the greatest testing of Jesus' life. He was "offended" at the Lord of hosts (Matt 26:31)! What bitter dregs for our Lord to swallow! His closest friends were ashamed to be found in His company! Yet how wonderful that He would not accuse His followers of the neglect they were guilty of. Even though Caiphas questioned Him about their whereabouts: "The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples" (Jn 18:19).. yet Jesus answered him not a word! He wouldn't accuse His people to their common enemy, even when they deserved it.

It would be easy to judge the disciples for their blatant failure. However, before we begin to condemn them, let us diligently consider our own feeble faith, and our own weaknesses in the hours of testing. Friend, if it wasn't for the precious grace of God, even the most diminutive affliction is sufficient to overturn us. Interestingly, at the coming of the Holy Spirit, these same disciples seemed to forsake Him no further. Does that leave us, those who possess His Spirit, without excuse? Let the restraining and upholding power of God be withdrawn from us, and how long would we stand?

Nonetheless, these words of our Lord (Jn 19:25-27) are a picturesque display of the great mercies that continually inhabit and flow from His Person! Though John readily forsook Jesus just hours before, he now is found at the foot of His cross, receiving a wondrous commission: "Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother" (19:27). What would be grounds for refusal for any lesser "lord", was swallowed up by Him whose very name is "merciful" (Exod 34:6)! There were no rebukes, no condemnation, no harsh words whatsoever. The fact that John returned to Jesus' bloody cross was evidence enough that He was repentant. And this solitary act was sufficient, from our Lord's perspective, to restore John back to a rightful standing, and worthy of a divine commission, even to care for and look after the very mother of God!

Perhaps there is one reading who has likewise wandered from the side and communion of his Savior? Perhaps in the hour of trial you denied Him too? Well, why waste any more time? If Jesus could accept and commission a failing (yet repentant) John at the most difficult time of His life, how much more can He accept you into fellowship, now being set at the right hand of God, full of gracious intercession! Allow that merciful display to melt your heart today.

Again, how beautiful that such a merciful discourse was one of only a few emotions communicated from the cross - that awful place of torment and shame! Beloved, He's waiting.. There is not pit too deep!

I Thirst..

Part 1 of 4

The events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion are both saddening and wonderful. It was clearly a struggle for our Lord, who literally sweat drops of blood just hours before His greatest trial (Lk 22:44). But how glorious that this was also to be His greatest triumph! The fruit that was effected by this agonizing duty will be realized and recognized for all of eternity! As long as the human spirit is conscious, there will be a Godly gratitude that cannot be adequately explained! We will simply cast our crowns before Jesus, in an insufficient attempt to pour out our great and overwhelming thanks!

In the midst of all the blood, the torment, the mockery, and the pain that Jesus surely was feeling during His crucifixion, He was surprisingly silent; He was intently assured. According to the testimony of Scripture, Jesus only uttered a few phrases, each of them possessing great spiritual significance, of which we will seek to discover. He was not focused on anger and bitterness that would be so common for any ordinary man; He was not dwelling on His clear humiliation; He was not focused on the gross spiritual separation that was necessary as He bore the sin of an evil humanity (Matt 27:46). Rather, He said very few words; Jesus communicated few feelings while on the cross.. but the words uttered from those precious lips reveal the excellencies of the One who suffered there; and inform us of the purpose, meaning, sufferings, and all-sufficiency of the death divine!

Today, I want to see just one instance: In John 19:28, He simply said, "I thirst".

What does this entirely mean? What was it that Jesus thirsted for? Many will say that He was thirsty for a simple drink to soothe His natural cravings, from the natural fountains of men, and this of course is true, and has it's place (Ps 69:21). However, I believe it to be much more than that, for the Bible is primarily a spiritual book (1 Cor 2:13-14; 9:11; Col 1:9). The natural context of "thirst" is of course useful, and full of treasure, but there is a spiritual truth that is communicated here which continually abides, and speaks of an enduring principle. Predominantly, it seems that Jesus craved a drink of love from the hearts of those who were mercilessly killing Him; He thirsted for a sip from the spiritual fountains of men, even the love and devotion of His own. He longed for true fellowship with the very people which His blood was then purchasing.

This small verse of Scripture displays such a marvelous aspect of grace: a redeemed sinner can actually offer that which satisfies the heart of Christ Jesus! The Shulamite woman evidenced this truth when she said, "I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me" (Song 7:10). What a blessed thought! Job continues to later say, "thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands" (14:15). Of the Bride, the Bible says "So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty" (Ps 45:11). The fulfillment of this divine thirst is the means by which our Lord can take "pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy" (Ps 147:11). I can easily understand how His presence can be a blessing to my heart, but what an idea to ponder that God Himself is blessed by my presence! Reader, for this He still thirsts! Grace enables us to offer that which refreshes Him.. what wondrous thoughts!

It's interesting that in John 4:7, Jesus asks the Samaritan woman "Give Me to drink" - for He sat there wearied from His journey - but He never actually took a sip of natural water! This displays that the true thirst quencher that satisfied the longing of our Lord was met in the faith and salvation gracefully evidenced in that woman. Only here, in her heart of love, did He find that which actually refreshed His heart! And how curious that these instances surround Jesus' great discourse concerning worship "in spirit and in truth" (Jn 4:23-34). Beloved, it is only from this loving and "thirst-quenching" perspective that real and true worship can ever be properly effected!

How beautiful that such a thirst was one of only a few emotions communicated from the cross - that awful place of torment and shame! He's thirsting for His people, and has been thirsting ever since the very first "Adam... where are thou?" (Gen 3:9). This thirst for loving communion is even now laid bare, and is displayed in the overwhelmed heart of God. Will you allow Him to thirstily soak it up today!

Drink, my Beloved, and be satisfied!

TRUE Ministry

There are countless ministries in the earth today. Some are fruitful, and others may not be so fruitful. But what are our ministries to be patterned after? How do we know the scope and measure that our personal ministries are to possess? As always, we look to Jesus. He is our continual pattern.. The Bible says He was "A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man" (Heb 8:2). The fact that Jesus was a minister of the "TRUE tabernacle" is evidence enough to say He was in fact a "TRUE minister" also.

Why should He be considered such a TRUE minister? And how are we to appropriate it? The preceding first verse gives us a glimpse: "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens" (Heb 8:1). Simply said, Jesus is a TRUE minister because His ministry involved death and resurrection! He never could be placed at the right hand of God, set as the overcoming Son, had He not first died to Himself, and afterwards be resurrected.

Friend, Jesus had only ONE primary goal in mind during His earthly ministerial visitation: "Mine hour is not yet come" (Jn 2:4; 7:6, 30; 8:20; 12:23; 13:1; etc). This was His goal! To DIE! This was the only source and avenue by which TRUE and effective ministry could be assimilated (Heb 5:8-10). And why? Because death and resurrection will always be the avenue for power! Jesus said, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient [advantageous] for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment..." (Jn 16:7-8). This was true for Jesus, and it remains true for His people, who are following in His footsteps, trekking to Golgotha, taking up their own crosses. His death and resurrection were the foundation of His great efficacy. Your and my death will likewise bear fruit for the world to partake of (2 Cor 5:17-18; Jn 1:12; etc). So many minstries today seem powerless, fruitless and void of the glory of God.. why? Because they haven't "gone away"; they're still alive and well! Friends, if we "go not away", the Comforter will not come!

What are your goals in ministry? To build a big building? To tickle ears? To gain applause from men? I trust that we will model our ministries after Jesus'. May ALL of our services to men be birthed from our own death! Such a death is the only vehicle by which we can minister from a place of resurrection! And isn't this what defines a TRUE ministry (Heb 8:1-2)? Indeed.

Cultivating Your Ministry..

My pastor is a wonderful teacher! He has taught me volumes, that mere words cannot do justice! He's taught us to cultivate and nurture the gifts that God has given us. This is so vital! In fact, the Bible gives us great insight into cultivating a prosperous ministry. God gives us the gifting, but how can we nourish it and cultivate it, and allow it to grow up in us? So much error has occurred, I believe, simply because people are not nourishing and cultivating their giftings (Col 2:19; 3:16; 2 Tim 3:14-17; Eph 4:15-16). So, how can we do so?

2 Kings 4:8-10 "And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither."

This is a natural story that I believe has great spiritual and edifying significance for us: "Now all these things (OT symbolism, types and shadows) happened unto them for ensamples [Greek "types"]: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come " (1 Cor 10:11).

Observe:

This is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman. Every time Elisha would pass by her home, she would constrain him to come in. Elisha clearly was a great man of God. We will see certain truths that he continually practiced in becoming so, by the grace of God.

(1) "let us make a little chamber"... this chamber is a type of the secret place of the Most High. Psalm 27:5 says, "For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock." (Also refer to Ps 91:1; 31:20; 61:3; etc). Cultivating your ministry begins with continually abiding in God's presence. How can we serve and speak for Him whom we do not properly know? As is evident throughout history, God's character has been blasphemed, partly because people try to speak for Him without becoming acquainted with His great glories! How sad.

(2) "on the wall"... this speaks of a foundation in God and His Word. This is absolutely vital because God will never minster anything through us that He has not already said in His Word. His Word is to be our perpetual plumbline. The lack of a true foundation in God will always birth shallow ministry: "O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires" (Isa 54:11). The solution to such a state is a Biblical foundation in God and His ways (Heb 6:1-3). This is the means by which we go on unto completion.

(3) "and let us set for him there a bed"... a bed is a place of rest; A bed is also a place of intimacy and reproduction. Reader, any TRUE ministry will always be birthed out of loving attachment to Jesus! "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him..." (Ps 37:7). The Shulamite in the Song of Solomon possessed this same heart: "Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon" (Song 1:7). Are we daily cultivating greater intimacy with Jesus? If so, then we are cultivating our ministry to the earth as well. Did you know that the nations will eat of the fruit produced in your own life? It's a glorious thing! Jesus said that out of YOUR belly shall flow rivers of living water (Jn 7:38)!

(4) "and a table"... a table is the place where one eats. In our case, we partake of spiritual meat. We need to be nourished up in the Words of faith (1 Tim 4:6). Jesus spoke of this when he said, "I have meat to eat that ye know not of" (Jn 4:32). Like Job, we should "esteem the words of his mouth more than [our] necessary food" (Job 23:12). Do you have this heart for the Word of God? Is it more precious to you than even natural creature comforts? If so, you are cultivating your ministry to a dead and dying world. If this is not your heart, simply ask the Lord Jesus to birth His desires in you (Phil 2:13)! His enabling graces are always present!

(5) "and a stool"... In part, this is a type of the "footstool" of God, that is, the feet of God in the earth (Isa 66:1; Matt 5:35; etc). A true and effective ministry is found humbly at Jesus' feet, as Mary in Luke 10:28-42, because real service is birthed from real "sitting". How many have failed simply because they strove to accomplish things on their own, apart from God's merciful enabling? "Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy" (Ps 99:5).

(6) "and a candlestick"... In Scripture, this is symbolic of the Holy Ghost. We must learn to live and operate in the power, ability and unction of the Holy Spirit. A true ministry will have this testimony; a true ministry will minister the Spirit (Gal 3:5; Jer 8:22; Rev 3:18)! Paul said, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Rom 8:14). Much confusion and strife has occurred simply because we are easier led by our flesh than by the Spirit within us. Let's decrease (Jn 3:30)! This candlestick also speaks of us allowing the light of God to come in and overpower the hidden darkness in our lives. Our personal vulnerability to the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential to this cultivation process. "For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness" (Ps 18:28).

By these and other truths, Elisha's ministry was cultivated and made prosperous. Thank God for His divine enabling! Notice in 2 Kings 4:18-37 the fruit of such cultivation: Elisha worked miracles and was a display of the glory of God! Let is be so with us too, Lord Jesus!

The Calling of God..

We recently learned about "the calling of God" in Bible school. In my opinion, this is one of the most confused concepts in Christendom, and therefore, I'm so grateful for a pastor who unashamedly teaches the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). What is the "calling of God"? What are we called to? What is our "calling" in life? Often times, sincere believers will go their entire lives convinced that they're called to "this" and "that", yet never see it actually fulfilled. It can be unbelievably frustrating! How are we expected to "lay hold" (1 Tim 6:12) of our calling if we do not readily know what this calling primarily consists of?

Thankfully, as with every issue life presents us with, God's Word possesses the priceless solution. So many Christians remain confused or ignorant of their "calling" simply because they don't take heed to the wise counsel the very God they serve provides us with. Do we honestly believe God would have us to be confused? Of course not. He simply wants us to fall in love with His word, and in doing so, our calling (both personal and corporate) will be realized! Friend, Jesus will never say anything that He has not already revealed in His divine Book! I believe He has done this on purpose. Proper Christianity cannot be adequately realized aside from a perpetual adherence to the counsel of Scripture. It is our plumb-line! Thus we see the dire need to truly KNOW this holy book, from cover to cover, even to have it bound to our very foreheads (Deut 6:4-8)! We're to wholly eat it up (Rev 10:8-9)! This is the means by which we can rightly possess the "mind of Christ" (1 Cor 2:16). And such a "mindset" is so essential when dealing with concepts as these, the "calling" of God. Our life's experience depends on it: "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman" (Prov 7:1-4).

So what are we really called to? What does the Bible teach?

Overall, our primary "calling" is to become God's eternal inheritance: Paul prayed "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his CALLING, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Eph 1:17-18). Any individual or lesser calling can only be adequately realized in this context; the greater includes the lesser (Rom 1:1; 2 Tim 1:11; Heb 5:4; etc). To seek a personal ministerial calling above this primary calling of God is to put the cart before the horse. Rather, ministry gifts and callings are simply the overflow of God's overall purpose with man, and our response to Him. Sadly, we've seen the awful fruit that is produced from such a contrary and backwards vision (Prov 29:18; Amos 8:11-12; Matt 9:36; etc). Even the apostle Paul recognized that he had a "calling" (Rom 1:1; 1 Cor 1:1; etc), but also a "high calling" (Phil 3:14). For him, the greater included the lesser. The Amplified version of these verses say, "[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, by having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones)...". The Message Bible says that Paul is praying this "so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do..." (Eph 1:18).

The Hebrew words for "call" mean "to accost a person; to call out; to encounter hostilely or accidentally; to invite". The Greek words mean "to invite; to call aloud; to urge on; to incite by word or command; to call towards oneself".

What is the Lord inciting us towards? What is He urging us toward? To what are we invited to? Again, it is substantial!

We are not called to simply partake of a mere church building, be a faceless number in a crowd, nor a spot on a pew. The calling of God is far deeper than that; We are called to obtain His glory: "Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess 2:14). Our "hope" is His glory (Col 1:25-27)! And His glory is His person (Exod 33:13-14)!

What else does the Bible say that we're called to?

- We are called to glory and virtue (2 Pet 1:3)
- We are called to inherit a blessing (1 Pet 3:9)
- We are called to the patient endurance of suffering (1 Pet 2:20-21)
- We are called out of darkness and into God's marvellous light (1 Pet 2:9)
- We are called to fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12)
- We are called to eternal life (1 Tim 6:12)
- We are called to holiness (1 Thess 4:7)
- We are called to be holy as God is holy (1 Pet 1:15)
- We are called to liberty (Gal 5:13)
- We are called to be a revealer of Jesus (Gal 1:15-16)
- We are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:9)
- We are called to sonship (Jn 10:33-36; Ps 82:6; Zech 12:8)
- We are called to the Holy Ghost baptism and fire (Acts 2:38-39)
- We have a "high" calling (Phil 3:14), a "heavenly" calling (Heb 3:1), and a "holy" calling (2 Tim 1:9).

What a precious truth! These are the callings of God! This is the fountain from which all other "works" and "callings" are to flow. May we always seek to make our calling and election sure (2 Pet 1:5-10), be counted worthy of this calling (2 Thess 1:11), lay hold of our calling (1 Tim 6:12), and abide in our calling (1 Cor 7:20-24). How wonderful that God's gifts and callings are without repentance (Rom 11:29), for "faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it" (1 Thess 5:23-24)!

The Road to a Double Portion!

What a mighty man of God Elijah must have been! He is one of only two people in Scripture who literally escaped death, being caught up to God and to His throne! What a testimony! And how wonderful the legend that Elijah left behind too. His life was so influential in fact, that Elisha, his friend, begged for the "mantle" that Elijah carried while on earth, even a "double portion" of Elijah's heart: "And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so" (2 Kgs 2:9-10). The transference of this "prophetic cloak" was, to himself, a pledge of his being appointed successor, and it was an outward token to others of the spirit of Elijah resting upon him. For us, this event is typical of the double glory that the bride of Christ will soon possess, even as a lily has far greater glory than the thorns that may surround her (Song 2:2; 6:3; Matt 25:1-13): "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all" (Prov 31:29). Today, I want to address HOW this occurred for Elisha, and HOW it will become our testimony too. What is the road to this double portion and higher calling, even such as Elisha seems to have attained? Not surprisingly, Scripture has the answer..

(1) First and foremost, we must understand the need for wholehearted devotion. Elisha happily neglected worldly goods and rewards to follow Elijah. It seems that he abandoned a considerable estate. If, therefore, he obeyed the prophetic call, he did it to considerable secular loss (1 Kgs 19:19). We will soon see why such an unusual devotion is necessary on this road to a double portion: "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life" (Matt 19:29).

As we read the verses of Scripture that lead up to the dispersion of Elijah's mantle, found in 2 Kings 2:1-15, we see a vivid illustration of HOW this double portion is obtained, being facilitated by the enabling grace of God. Observe..

(2) The first place we find Elisha and Elijah is at "Gilgal" (vs. 1). This word means, "a rolling away". During this journey, the flesh nature must be "rolled away". This is probably the greatest obstacle on this road to a double portion. The road to failure will surely be paved with good intentions: those wants and desires that never came to fruition due to the cravings of carnality and the giving into temptation. As we begin this course, we must "choose you this day whom ye will serve" (Josh 24:15). We cannot adequately serve two masters, and thus servanthood to the flesh nature must be rolled away.

(3) Interestingly, Elijah is consistently asking Elisha to stay behind: "And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee..." (vs. 2a)! How curious.. Why does he do that? He either made these requests through humility, not wishing any person to be witness of the honor conferred on him by God, or with the desire to prove the fidelity of Elisha, whether he would continue to follow and serve him. Friend, those who desire such a double portion will be continually tested in like manner. Far too often, the cry of man's heart is one of "how far do I have to go?" But the cry of Elisha's, and of all those who are like him, is "how far will You let me go?!" Can you notice the difference?

(4) Elisha decided to remain faithful, so they both went to Bethel: "And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel" (vs. 2b). "Bethel" means, "the house of God". Similarly, those seeking this double portion anointing will often be found tarrying, seeking and enjoying the many bounties that only the "house of God" can provide! This was likewise the testimony of king David (Ps 27:4; 84:10), and of Jesus Himself (Lk 2:46). Can we truly say, "LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth" (Ps 26:8). Don't neglect this truth! Don't give up; press on! There is a reward at the end, even a double portion!

(5) Again, we find Elijah asking Elisha to stay behind. And yet again we find Elisha refusing. What a passionate pursuit! "And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee" (vs. 4a).

(6) "...So they came to Jericho" (vs. 4b). "Jericho" means "fragrant place; moon city". Remember, these are the places that befall us on this road to a double portion. Interestingly, the moon possesses no light of it's own, but rather reflects the light of one greater - the sun. Who can fail to recognize the spiritual significance here? The bride too will be one who possesses no glory of her own, but only shines as she reflect the Son's illumination: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal 2:20)! What a fragrance that will be! And what a vital understanding that we must all possess as we journey towards this double portion. A man who trusts in his own glory and sufficiency will be a man who fails to possess the full mantle God has for him.

(7) Sadly, at every place along the way there are people who remain. There are people who have chosen to only go a certain, predetermined distance. In verses 3, 5 and 7 we see these people. Not only have they halted in their progression, but they also seem to mock and ridicule Elisha as he strives to go further and further. He continually had to ask them to hold their peace. What a sad story that these people only stand afar off, watching the culmination that is about to ensue. Reader, there will be satisfied believers at every off ramp, but the heart of God's bride will be one that is never content! Despite the cost to herself, she will do what it takes to prepare herself, to add to her faith, and to journey onward to "the saving of the soul" (Heb 10:39). Part of the bride's overcoming is recognizing the many "off-ramps", and yet choosing to faithfully go forward (Song 5:9). The fruit of such exemplary devotion is a double portion!

(8) Finally, the two men arrive at Jordan, the very place where the transference occurs: "...they two stood by Jordan" (vs. 7). "Jordan" means "descending". We have previously seen the need for our flesh nature to be "rolled away", but now we come to the truth that this "rolling away" and "descending" of ourselves must be a continual one. We are not to decrease only once, and in only one area of our lives, but in ALL! Let us continue this descending until God's work in us is complete: "And by knowledge shall [ALL] the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches" (Prov 24:4). Let us continue on this journey until we truly love the Lord with ALL of our hearts (Deut 6:5). Then, and only then, will this double portion become our own.

Friend, will you respond to the grace of God today, and press onward towards His double portion? Scripture has given us the many examples, wherewith we can find encouragement and direction. Let's plod on!

Add to Your Faith..

"...add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge" (2 Pet 1:5).

This word "add" means there is something we have to do. We have to "add to" and "work out" the salvation that God has already worked within us (Phil 2:12). As one author has noted, "we cannot do what God does, and God will not do what we can. We cannot save ourselves nor sanctify ourselves, God does that; but God will not give us good habits, nor will He give us character, or force us to walk aright; we must choose that ourselves."

It is true that God has already given us "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Pet 1:3). However, if we continue reading, we will discover that these "things" are only given "through the knowledge of Him that called us". Therefore, we still must ADD to our faith; we still must seek the knowledge of God. There is no getting around it (Phil 4:8). God gives seed to "the sower", him that is adding to his faith and who is seeking fruition, not to him who idolizes his own spiritual slothfulness (2 Cor 9:10). For the latter, his testimony shall always be one of catastrophe: "But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins" (2 Pet 1:9). What a shame that this man purposefully "closes his eyes" (as the literal Greek denotes), even as unable to see distant, heavenly objects, and fixes his gaze on present and earthly things, which alone he can see. In other words, if we do not continually "add to" our faith, we will essentially be given over to the temporal qualities of life, remaining spiritually stagnant, and neglecting any true heavenly vision, which is to be our rightful possession. This type of man reminds me of Esau, who despised the spiritual greatness of his birthright for a temporal and earthly satisfaction (Heb 12:16). How scary! Friend, if we do not "add to" our faith, we will surely be subtracting from it: "Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward" (2 Jn 1:8).

However, on the contrary, he who does indeed add to his faith will possess a strikingly opposite assertion. The later verses of the same chapter give us insight: "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ... for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 1:8, 10-11). Notice that if we "add to" our faith here, we will similarly possess an "abundance" in the coming kingdom: "ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom". How wonderful! What more convincing do we need?

Perpetual Discipleship..

Are disciples to halt their Scriptural learning for the sake of Godly service? Is the one to replace the other? When is our "spiritual learning" to end? What is the Biblical pattern? Friend, it is not for a long while. To think oneself to be sufficiently learned is to deem the Scriptures shallow and utterly limited, inapplicable to those as "learned" and "evolved" as ourselves! However, not surprisingly, the more "spiritual learning" we acquire, the more we recognize our awful insufficiency and our dire need to continue and sit under sound doctrine, and learn the deep things of God, always partaking of that which furthers our growth (Isa 6:1-5).

"But when are we to serve", you may be asking? Surely we cannot sit all of our lives, right? While service is of course vital to the advancement of God's kingdom and purposes on the earth, we are never to leave our place of sitting, even when godly ministerial serving arises. In fact, our service is to be birthed from our perpetual sitting, even produced from our loving attachment to the Master: "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her (Lk 10:38-42).

This seems to be a huge problem in the body of Christ. So many of us are casually assuming that we're only to sit for a mere season, learn this doctrine and that, and then move on, as if we've grown enough to render such "sitting" unnecessary and futile! How absurd! Don't you realize that even the most "learned" Bible teachers are to continue to humbly sit at the feet of Jesus? Friend, let's continue this God-ordained practice until the Word is made flesh!

Scripture tells us that we're to continually sit and learn. This discipleship format is actually the Biblical protocol (Eccl 12:11; 2 Tim 2:2; Jn 6:11; Mk 6:30-34). Perpetual discipleship includes a perpetual fathering (1 Cor 4:15). Are not our natural fathers lifelong? Well, why should it be any different with the spiritual (1 Cor 15:46)? Truly, this Scriptural format is to be a continual one: Paul said to "continue in the faith" (Col 1:23). Hosea says to "follow on to know the Lord" (Hos 6:3-4). Jesus said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed" (Jn 8:31). To believe otherwise is to neglect the counsel of God and to cause oneself a great disservice. Reader, true discipleship is ALWAYS perpetual discipleship. We're to continue until we've completed the race, and "graduated" (Heb 6:1-3; 1 Cor 9:24; etc). Such perpetual discipleship is how we truly "keep" the Word (Lk 8:13-15) and bear REAL eternal fruit.

We must recognize that, no matter what, we will surely "continue" in something. We'll either continue in Jesus (1 Jn 2:24, 27), in sound doctrine (1 Tim 4:16; 2 Tim 4:3), in the Word of God (Jn 8:31), in the truth (Acts 26:22; Gal 2:5), in the grace of God (Acts 13:43), in the faith (Col 1:23; Acts 14:22), in the love of God (Jn 15:9; Heb 13:1), in the goodness of God (Rom 11:22), in prayer (Col 4:2), in well-doing (Rom 2:7), in a proper running (Gal 5:7; Heb 10:38), in Godly confidence (Heb 3:14), in Godly profession (Heb 4:14), and in faithfulness (Rev 2:10).

Or we will surely "turn aside unto the crooked ways" (Ps 125:5; Isa 59:8) and to lies (Ps 40:4), continuing in our gross sin (Rom 6:1), and continuing toward worldly intoxicants (Isa 5:11), turning "from the holy commandment" (2 Pet 2:18-22). We will eventually turn to the "froward" paths (Prov 2:15), and continue therein. Surely, if this be the case, we verily will not "continue" kingdom minded. Instead, our reward will be given to one after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14).

Beloved, we will "continue" in ONE or the OTHER! Let's choose the former! Continue in Godly discipleship and bear the many fruits thereof!

"Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing" (Ps 92:13-14).

I want to be a disciple for life!

The Boards of the Tabernacle

As we have seen before, the tabernacle of Moses is referenced as the "church in the wilderness" (Acts 7:38).

And just as New Testament believers are likened to the "lively stones" that compose the spiritual church of God (1 Pet 2:5), the materials of the Old Testament tabernacle also typified believers, and their relationship to Jesus and one another. The history of the "boards" (the walls) of the tabernacle serve to illustrate the salvific experience of mankind. Observe with me the many striking similarities:

- The wooden boards obviously first began as trees, and had to be cut down. So it is with mankind as well. The old man is cut down and demolished as he is being prepared to compose the living and lively house of God. Saul (Paul) had this experience on the way to Damascus. He was severed from his old ways and works (Acts 9). Of Moses, Scripture says, "And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine" (Lev 20:26).

- Second, the wooden boards were to be dried up before they could be used. Likewise, for the believer, the old sap of carnality must be extinguished before any real good can come of us or in us. David knew this first hand, as he experienced this sovereign purging process: "For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer" (Ps 32:4). Our own "life-blood" is to be replaced by the life-blood of One greater! Our sufficiency is now of God (2 Cor 3:5). For the believer, may any and all "watering" and "increase" come only from Godly ministrations (1 Cor 3:6).

- Just as the wooden boards of the tabernacle, next we too must be thoroughly cleansed. Friend, it isn't enough to be cut down and dried up if we are quick to re-fill ourselves with similar ungodliness (Lk 11:24-26). Rather, as we are cut down and dried of our selves, we must subsequently be rightly cleansed if we're to fill our place in the household of God. The boards of this inner sanctuary were to point one to the Most Holy Place, and how could this happen if the boards were casually and purposely stained with worldly pollutants? Just as with believers, these boards were made clean in order to bear proper witness of the glory resident within.

- These wooden boards were not only cleansed, but were also covered and clothed with gold. What a marvelous type! Believers too are cleansed to be clothed; clothed with the Spirit! "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: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; [in order] that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith" (Gal 3:13-14). Just as a new beauty was put upon the boards of the tabernacles, so it is with the sinner. As he is saved by grace, and filled with the Spirit, a new beauty becomes his rightful possession! "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe" (Rom 3:22). Such a "clothing" assures us we have been made "friends of God" (Jas 2:23).

- The boards were then to be fitly framed together. This "fitting together" could only occur as the boards were united upon the foundation. Even so, for us, true unity among believers can only occur through our being joined together in Christ Jesus: "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part" (Eph 4:16). Notice, however, Paul's warning against disorder among this body: "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind..." (Eph 4:17). A corporate unified walk is directly correlated to a corporate surrender to the Kingship of Jesus. This is the ONLY means by which these boards of the tabernacle, and us, could ever be "fitly framed together". Even though there is a great cry for ecumenicalism these days, true believers are to find their unity IN CHRIST, never in compromise. We cannot have true union without THE true foundation. As these wooden boards rested upon the "silver sockets of atonement", they also simultaneously possessed a beautiful fellowship with one another. It is no different with the New Covenant believer, who are "lively stones"!

These steps that the boards of the tabernacle possess show us the same truth as is evident in Ephesians 2: Believers are growing and being built up into the holy temple of God: "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Eph 2:19-22).

Let's take heed, therefore, to these truths today!

Lucifer's Error..

It has been said that God is the originator of sin, and that He directly created sin. This is not so: James 1:13 says "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man". God indirectly allowed sin to come forth, but He did not Himself create, decree or incite it. How do we know? Because this would violate His moral attributes and eternal holiness. There is a strict difference between trying and testing someone (Gen 22:1) and purposefully seducing someone. God cannot seduce; He is unversed in evil (Hab 2:12-13); His heart is too pure to entertain perversity, much less to sway mankind toward it's stains. Isaiah tells us that the Lord "forms the light, and creates darkness" (45:7). Furthermore, Amos tells us "shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?" (3:6). However, these Scriptures refer to those acts of judgment God brings upon sinners who transgress His laws, not that God Himself was the Author of sin and evil. God knew in His omniscience what Lucifer would choose, but did not incite him toward it.

Much can be learned from Lucifer's history and the context by which iniquity was found in him. We should take heed to his blatant error.

Let's look at Lucifer's description before his fall:
- Lucifer was the Day Star, the Shining One, the Light-bearer.
- the Son of the Morning, because of his brightness.
- Full of beauty and wisdom, nothing could be hidden from him.
- He was in Eden, the Garden of God.
- Every precious stone was his covering, as the colors of the rainbow for beauty.
- He was a minstrel. He was made up of pipes and tabrets.
- He was the anointed Cherub and the guardian of God's throne.
- He walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire, the fire of God's holiness.
- He was perfect in all his ways from the day he was created.

Now let's see how he's described after his fall:
The Bible says that "iniquity was found" in him (Ezek 28:15). Evil originated in the heart of Lucifer himself. He is the author, the originator, and the beginning of all sin. He is sin personified. The mystery of iniquity began its work in the universe in this fallen being (2 Thess 2:7). God did not create a wicked creature. He created a free-will being who had the power of choice, and who became evil by choice. Lucifer became corrupted in his nature by pride and became "the devil".

But why did he become corrupt? From the testimony of Scripture, we know that pride was his ultimate downfall: "Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness" (Ezek 28:17). But why was he so proud? We do not definitively know why, but there are theories. Perhaps he saw the Lord preparing mankind for His eternal inheritance and began to look at himself as greater than mere dust: "What is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man that thou visitest him?" This phrase occurs only a few times in Scripture. Some scholars believe the devil is speaking in at least one of these instances! Was he jealous of mankind? It's very possible.

This is especially convincing when we see the desires of Lucifer, as he fell. How ironic that the very thing Lucifer proclaimed that he wanted in Isaiah 14:12-14 was actually the position the redeemed bride will one day possess. Observe..

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High" (Isa 14:12-14).

(1) Lucifer said, "I will ascend into heaven". Similarly, the saints are the ones who will one day posses this heavenly abode (Matt 5:3, 12; Rev 21:1; etc).
(2) "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God". Likewise, the saints of God are who will one day be glorified with the brightness of the stars of the sky (1 Cor 15:41-42). Scripture testifies to this further in the book of Daniel: "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (12:3). Notice that it's the "wise" who will possess this testimony, not the foolish, of whom Satan is chiefest.
(3) Satan wanted to "sit upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north". This speaks of a place of dominion and power. However, Satan sought to obtain this place by bypassing the only means by which it's truly obtained: Jesus Christ. The bride won't make this same dreadful, proud error. Her sufficiency is of God (2 Cor 3:5). Thankfully, real dominion will one day be fully in the bride's possession, via her intimate acquaintance to Him who is all powerful: "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power" (1 Cor 15:24).
(4) Furthermore, he said, "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds". This surely will never be Satan's either. Rather, of the bride the Bible says, "A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary" (Jer 17:12).
(5) Finally, Satan's desire was: "I will be like the Most High". What a precious testimony that this bride will possess, even the very image of God (2 Cor 3:18; Gal 4:19)!

What a bold mistake; what a brash desire Satan had! And how wonderful that WE will occupy such a desired estate! May we always find our sufficiency in the finished work of the cross, and never in ourselves, as Lucifer did. What a difference the avenue of Christ Jesus makes!

Demonstrate!

When we read and study the Bible, what exactly are we looking for? What is it that our hearts are hungry for, and greedily seek? It is the memorization of a plethora of Christian doctrines? Is it the mere recognition of the outlines of religious practices? Friend, is this thought to be sufficient? I do not believe so. Why? Because Jesus said, "the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (Jn 6:63).

Often, for some reason, we Christians habitually weep and pray over beautiful truth, only to draw back from that same truth when it comes to the difficult job of putting it into practice! Reader, we are no better off by learning the "ins and outs" of the Christian life if we do not, in turn, demonstrate these truths, putting them into consistent operation. Strangely, many seem to have been deceived into believing that the learning and the memorizing of Christian doctrine is all-sufficient. They actually think that somehow they are better off for having learned the doctrines of religion, even possibly accumulating them in a notebook.

Contrariwise, Paul has said, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in DEMONSTRATION of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Cor 2:4-5).

And again, "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake" (1 Thess 1:5).

Wee see this in the life of Noah as well; He was asked to demonstrate His faith in everyday life: "And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood" (Gen 6:13-14). It is evident that God did not say to Noah, "I am depending on you to hold the proper orthodox doctrines. Everything will be just fine if you stand up for the right doctrines." Rather, daily he would visibly construct the ark, little by little, even amidst the ridicule of those around Him: "What are you doing? It's never rained before", they surely must have pleaded with him. Yet, his faith was continually put into visible practice, day after day. What a demonstration!

As Martin Lloyd-Jones has so aptly put it, "It is perilously close to being sinful for any person to learn doctrine for doctrine’s sake." I could not agree more. Christian doctrine is always best when it is incarnated — when it is seen fleshed out in the lives of godly men and women! The Lord Jesus Himself appeared at His very best when He came into our world and lived in our flesh, demonstrating His character and doctrine.. Why should it be different with us?

"For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power" (1 Cor 4:20).

The Love of God..

"The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled, and pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure the saints’ and angels’ song.

When years of time shall pass away, and earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray, on rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure, all measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race — the saints’ and angels’ song.

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure the saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky."

- Frederick M. Lehman, 1917

Divine Affection!

Part 5 of 5

As we conclude this study of the progression of bridal passion, we will see the last method that Jesus apparently uses to win and woo the Shulamite woman to a place of deeper intimacy and devotion. As we behold what happens in her life, we can discern God's dealings with us as well.

We have previously seen how the Lord Jesus uses judgment, dealings, trials, and a glimpse of His glory in order to secure the responsive willingness of His emerging bride. He wants a conscious and willing "yes!", not a forced submission. And these are the means by which the heart of man is fully won: "We love him, because he first loved us" (1 Jn 4:19). These are the means by which God's people "shall be willing in the day of thy power" (Ps 110:3).

Finally, Jesus reveals His great affections for her. He more forcefully opens her eyes to the intense passion that He possesses and directs toward her. As we will see, such a revelation left the Shulamite utterly overwhelmed. In fact, most scholars agree that she actually interrupts the Lord's loving discourse and shouts, "I WILL get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense" (Song 4:6)! What a powerful effect of the revelation of God's affection! The praise of Jesus Christ, unlike that of the world, hurts not, but edifies; as His, not ours, is the glory (Jn 5:44; Rev 4:10-11). He is praising those attributes that are being worked into her life and character. She is changing via His comliness that He has put upon her: "And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD" (Ezek 16:14).

Do you know how He really feels about you? If we truly did possess this understanding, then I can assure you the corporate church would be in a far different place. But instead it can too often be said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hos 4:6).

Let's see these loving proclamations that are pronounced over the Shulamite:

"Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead. Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them. Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks. Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies. Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense" (Song 4:1-6).

What beautiful language, and what even more beautiful meaning that this language possesses!

- "thou hast dove's eyes within thy locks" (vs. 1): Here the Lord pronounces her faithfulness and her perpetual loving attachment. Doves mate for life; Once they've found a mate, there is no turning back! Also, despite the fact that a dove has 300 degree peripheral vision, they are only able to focus on one object at a time. Therefore, to say that she has doves' eyes is to recognize her devotion to God in spite of all other loves that may pull at her. No matter who or what demands her affection, Jesus has her heart (Ps 27:4)! How wonderful that God recognizes her progressing sold-out devotion.

- "thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead" (vs. 1): This references the Nazarite vow, whose hair marked his subjection and separation unto God (Num 6:1-5). For Samson, his hair was symbolic of his strength (Jdgs 16:17).

- "Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them" (vs. 2): In Scripture, teeth are representative of one's devouring power. Constantly, the "teeth" of the righteous are contrasted from the "teeth" of the wicked. Do we hungrily devour the Word of God, or do we cruelly devour our neighbor? For the righteous, faith is the tooth by which we eat the living bread (Jn 6:35; 54). However, for the wicked, their teeth are used solely to devour and destroy: "There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men" (Prov 30:14). In the end, however, these very teeth shall gnash (Matt 25:30)! How beautiful therefore, that the "teeth" of the Shulmite woman are likened to "a flock of sheep that are shorn, which came up from the washing... and none is barren". The comparison appears to be founded on the evenness, neatness, and whiteness of the newly shorn and newly washed sheep. What a contrast to the "teeth" of the wicked! The bride devotes herself to chewing on and practicing the Word of God, and is therefore never to be barren: "...Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 1:5-8).

- "Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely" (vs. 3): It's interesting that the color of her lips is described. They are scarlet. Of course this represents the blood of Jesus, but it also acts as a contrast from the leper's white lips, which are typical of sin and uncleanness (Lev 13:45). Her lips represent her testimony (Ps 63:5; Exod 6:12; Ps 12:2-3; 51:15; Prov 10:21; etc). What a compliment therefore, that the Shulamite's testimony is one of the blood of Jesus cleansing from the leprous power of sin (Isa 6:5-9); only His blood can unseal the lips (Isa 57:19; Hos 14:2; Heb 13:15). Only He can form comely speech in the mouth of a sinner!

- "thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks" (vs. 3): The temples are the seat of shamefacedness. To be the color of pomegranate references her blushing. As we see in Ezra, to blush at sin is a sign of true godly penitence and contriteness: "And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens" (Ezra 9:6). What a humble and precious heart the Shulamite must have possessed! She is the direct polar opposite of those who refuse to be ashamed at sin: "Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed" (Jer 3:3).

- "Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men" (vs. 4): All throughout Scripture, the "neck" is symbolic of man's will; The neck carries the head, and turns it wherever it wants. The Shulamite's neck is described in beautiful relation to the blushing temples just mentioned (Song 4:3). It isn't "stiff" (Isa 48:4; Acts 7:51), as that of the unbroken nature; nor is it "stretched forth" blatantly (Isa 3:16). It isn't burdened with the legal yoke either (Lam 1:14; Acts 15:10); but is erect in gospel freedom (Isa 52:2). Her neck is graced with victories that have been won on her behalf: "when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils" (Lk 11:22).

- "Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies" (vs. 5): Symbolically speaking, her breasts refer to her love, affection and nourishing ability (Exod 29:26-27; Job 24:9; Isa 60:16; Jn 13:25; 21:20). Simply said, King Jesus is able to come to her and receive love and adoration! He is able to partake of her love and be satisfied! This, in my opinion, is the greatest compliment yet! She truly is His garden wherein He delights to feed (Song 4:12)! He is her portion, but she is also His! Such a revelation of divine affection surely must have stopped her in her tracks! "Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love" (Prov 5:18-19).

How obvious then, the reason why the Shulamite woman was so overwhelmed! The very God of the universe is absolutely infatuated with her! No wonder she is enabled now, by the grace of God, to go deeper, higher, and further with Jesus! Friend, the same is so with you and I.. these truths will enable us and propel us onward and upward toward the finish line (1 Cor 9:24)! These truths are so essential! The world is waiting; the church is waiting! May we all possess a similar reaction to the exposed heart of God.. May we too respond with such a sincere resounding yes! Reader, it is no coincidence that directly after this passionate proclamation by the Shulamite woman is the first time she is called "spouse" (Song 4:7)! No longer is she simply "fair" (Song 1:15), but now she is called "ALL fair" (Song 4:7). Surely, "His wife hath made herself ready" (Rev 19:7)!