“But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?” 2 Corinthians 3:7-8
Paul refers to the law as “the ministration of death.” This is an interesting title to use of the law, but he is trying to make a point that the law brought death. Look at verse 6. It had to. The wages of sin are “death” Romans 6:23. Because the law could not make a person righteous, it could not bring life. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20
Paul knew the law well being instructed by Gamaliel (brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers) Acts 22:3. He was not just trying to show disrespect to the law. “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Romans 7:12. However, he also knew that God had done something better which is what the law was pointing to all along.
He is clear that the law is glorious. The giving of the law was well known and it was truly glorious. So much so, that the Israelites could not look at Moses’ face. The argument is not against the law, but rather a contrast between the law and something significantly better.
What could be better? “The ministration of the Spirit.” This is not some Plan B that God came up with because Pan A didn’t work. This has been God’s plan all along. A plan to send His Son to bring His glory down so that we could be brought up to Him. John describes what they witnessed. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
Jesus is more glorious because He is the Son of God and because He brought Grace and Truth to this world. He came to free us from the curse of the law. “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:” Galatians 3:13. Paul was addressing Christians who wanted to go back to the law after being saved by grace.
In 2 Corinthians 3 Paul uses another term. “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6 This is an important distinction. The New Testament brings life. So, the contrast is between life and death.
The New Testament is more glorious because it brings life where death was deserved. God’s grace gives what we could not get for ourself and what we did not deserve. This is the basis of the Gospel. Now we can live and serve God acceptably because of His life. “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” Hebrews 12:28.
The New Testament is more glorious because we could not obtain righteousness through the old. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:” Romans 3:20-22. The more glorious covenant brings righteousness to us through Jesus Christ, not an attempt at self righteousness. “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” Philippians 3:9.
Paul understood the law, being well versed in it, so he also understood the importance of what Jesus had accomplished. “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.” Hebrews 7:22-27. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” Hebrews 8:6
So, we have learned that we have been made partakers of a better, more glorious, covenant; the covenant of Grace which brings us directly into the presence of God. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” Hebrews 10:19-22. Why then, would we want to go back to the Old “ministration of death” which cannot make us righteous or bring us directly into the presence of God.
The second thing that Paul listed in Phil. 4:8 which we are to think upon is “whatsoever things are honest.” The Greek word for “honest” means “honorable.” According to Webster, “honorable” means “worthy of honor; having a sense of right and wrong; upright.”
Paul writes in Heb. 2:7, concerning Jesus, “…thou crownedst him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of thy hands.” Oh, what a wonderful thought to meditate upon! The One who humbled Himself to become a man and to die upon the cross for our sins is crowned no longer with thorns, but with glory and honor!
In Rev. 5:13 we read that Christ will be universally exalted when He takes His throne in heaven: “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” Oh, what a day that will be! But let us not wait until that heavenly scene to exalt Him and give Him honor. Let us lift our voices to Him now. Now is the time to fix our minds upon Him, and to take them off of all the things and people in this world that are bringing dishonor to His name. Let us also walk in the Spirit and walk uprightly and live our lives in such a manner that we will bring honor to Him. The more that we meditate upon Him and His Word, the more that we will become like Him.
The third item that Paul lists for us to do is to think upon “whatsoever things are just.” “Just” means “that which is right, righteous.” Jesus certainly meets that criteria, and we can too. As a new creation in Christ, we are given His righteousness and are justified by faith.
Even the centurion at the cross recognized the righteousness of Jesus. This account is recorded in Luke 23:47: “Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, certainly this was a righteous man.” Oh, that we would yield to the Holy Spirit and walk so close to the Lord that others would be able to look upon us and see the righteousness of Christ in us and glorify God, as did the centurion.
In Jer. 23:5 Jesus was prophesied to be “a righteous Branch,” and will one day reign as a righteous King. On a more personal level, He is now our righteous Advocate, according to I John 2:1 “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Our righteous Advocate is just and will intercede for us when we repent of our sins.
Psalm 51 is Davids’ psalm of repentance after his great sin with Bathsheba. In v. 10 he cries out to God for cleansing and says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” God heard him and answered his prayer. He hears our prayers of repentance, too, and cleanses us, as we are promised in I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The fourth thing that Paul encourages us to meditate upon is “whatsoever things are pure.” Pure means “innocent, clean, chaste, undefiled, uncontaminated.” God’s Word is pure and undefiled because it is not mixed with man’s wisdom; it is inspired by the Holy Spirit. The pureness of God’s Word is proclaimed in Proverbs 30:5: “Every Word of God is pure…” and in Ps. 12:6: “the words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” We find this also in Ps. 119:140: “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.” The pure Word of God is what purifies us as we read it and apply it to our lives. It is what cleanses us and prepares us to be in the bride of Christ, as Paul declares in Eph. 5:25-27: “…Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it might be holy and without blemish.”
Paul’s desire was that we might yield to that cleansing and be washed of anything that defiles us so that we might be a part of the bride, as he exclaims to us in II Cor.11:2: “For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” In Song of Solomon 6:9 the Bridegroom describes His bride as “my dove, my undefiled.” If our desire is to accept Paul’s espousal of us to Christ and become a part of that bridal company, then we, too, must be undefiled by the world and cleansed by the pure Word of God. Nothing that we are able to do in our own strength is able to purify us, for it is not by our own works, but by the Word working in us.
Next, we come to the fifth item that Paul mentions for us to meditate upon: “Whatsoever things are lovely.” The Greek word translated “lovely” means “acceptable.” How can we become acceptable to a holy God? It is all by His grace, as we read in Eph. 1:6: “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” We are accepted by God because we are “in Christ,” the beloved Son of God.
According to Webster, the word “lovely” also means “having those qualities that inspire love, affection or admiration; specifically, beautiful, exquisite, morally or spiritually attractive.” “Lovely” is how the bride in Song of Sol. chapter 5 describes her Beloved. In v. 9, she was asked this question: “What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women…” She answers that question in vs. 10-16, but summarizes it in v. 16 by saying, “…yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend…”
What a wonderful thing that is to meditate upon; to fix our eyes upon our Bridegroom, and to spend time alone with Him and His Word, so that we may discover for ourselves how lovely He is!
(To be continued)
A life poured out,
An offering for me.
His blood was shed,
To set me free.
A life poured out,
Like water it ran.
I see God’s Son,
Some see a man.
A life poured out,
His soul laid bare.
To show God’s love,
His grace declare.
A man like Paul,
That love received.
Once bound with sin,
Christ has freed.
His life poured out,
In service for Him.
A labor of love,
His race to win.
An offering to God,
His life poured out.
“I’ve finished my course!”
His joyful shout.
And I, like Paul,
Who ran his race.
Desire to yield,
To God’s sweet grace.
And offer this vessel,
In service for Him.
My life poured out,
My race to win.
Debbie Isenbletter
Chapter 2
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-13
Very well known portion that can be quoted by most Christians, but often seems to be misunderstood by many. This is the simplest statement of the Gospel of God’s grace. Any person can be saved, and it is always the same way; by grace through faith. Any person who believes (puts their trust) in Jesus is granted salvation by God’s grace. Nothing else to add; nothing else to do.
The simple reason for this is to make sure that no one will get to take credit for helping in some way to bring about their own salvation. The credit, and therefore glory, goes entirely and only to God. You can pair this with Romans 3:23-24 to understand that every person needed the same salvation. No one comes to Jesus with better credentials than someone else.
We then notice that something comes from that work of grace. We now are able to produce good works in Christ Jesus. This was something Jesus spoke about in His ministry here. In John 15, speaking of bearing fruit (good works), He plainly says that “for without me ye can do nothing.” We cannot bring “good works” or “fruit” to Him to help with our salvation.
“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:” Ephesians 2:11-16.
Since this letter is written primarily to gentiles (Ephesians), he reminds them (and us) that outside of Christ, we had no part in the promises that were given to Israel. We were “without hope” in this world, but God changed that through Jesus. Notice that the distinction here is “Gentiles in the flesh.” In our natural state, we are not part of Israel. However, spiritually, we will be brought into God’s family just as the Jew must also. The new covenant is spiritual and it includes whosoever will. God truly intends to bring in from “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”
The blood of Jesus brings us “near.” This is not just an little closer, but truly coming into the presence of God. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” Hebrews 10:19-22.
All of humanity was estranged from God’s presence. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23. We had no way to approach into God’s presence because of our sin. Now we can come in with “assurance;” confidence that We are accepted in the Beloved. We are not just made aware of this privilege, but rather encouraged to take advantage of it.
Now we find Jesus bringing both together in Himself. The Law that was given to Israel and is what makes them separate from the other nations is now “abolished;” “rendered useless” is the Greek. Why “useless?” Because it could not make us righteous which is what we were missing. So many Christians today miss this, or intentionally ignore it and want to stay under the Law. It is referred to as the “enmity.” Paul tells us in Romans that the only thing the Law could do is to show us our sin. It could never produce righteousness. Only a “new creation;” the life of Jesus Christ can make us righteous.
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 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. Ephesians 2:16-22.
Now there is no difference before God. Jew, gentile, all one in Jesus. Paul uses the concept of a building to illustrate what God is doing. A building needs a foundation, which is God’s Word. The Apostles and Prophets are the ones God chose to give us His Word. Jesus is the cornerstone. The foundation requires a cornerstone to set the location and to square it up correctly.
While many men have tried, through the ages, to put their own ideas and philosophies in to building, we can be certain that the real foundation is set and does not change. We are God’s building. He is the builder. We fit where and how He wants. We only look to Jesus for our instruction.
“Always Live Life with the end in view” is a quote I heard but I do not remember where. (I’m not even sure it is a saved person or not!) However, I like it.
In the Bible several crowns are found, like the Victor’s crown, Crown of rejoicing, Crown of righteousness, Crown of life, Crown of glory. In the British Monarchy, there are different crowns for different occasions. Crowns symbolize victory and rulership. Crowns in scripture can speak to us of the different areas in which we have victor in and rule over. We overcome in these areas. I believe they culminate in the “Crown of Gold” seen in Rev. 4:4, “And around about the throne were four and twenty thrones and upon the thrones I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment, and they had on their heads. crowns of gold.”
The word “overcome” means to “Conquer.
In Rom. 8:37 we find we can be not only overcomers or conquerors, we can be “more then conquerors.” We can be more than overcomers in all areas of life. The term translated “more than conquerors” combines the common verb “to overcome” with an intensive prefix meaning “beyond, over, above.” The result is an image of victory so complete that the enemy is not merely subdued but rendered powerless to threaten the believer’s standing in Christ. This is not self-generated triumph; it is victory bestowed and sustained by God. Awesome!!!
In the crowns mentioned there was a crown NOT mentioned, by which none of the rest would be containable by us without it. This is the “crown of thorns” that Jesus wore. When Adam rebelled against God and sin entered into this world everything was cursed. Everything that came from the ground, including man, was cursed. When Jesus hung on that cross, He wore a crown of thorns, thorns speak of the curse: the “crown” speaks of victory and rulership, over the curse. No crown would be possible for us to have, without this first crown being worn by Jesus. I want to look at two crowns, keeping in mind the words we started with “”Always live life with the end in view.”
The Victor’s Crown – In I Cor. 9:24-27 the saints are told of a race course. In this world, when one wins a race, the winner is given a corruptible crown that will perish. But they were told of an “incorruptible crown,” that will not perish. The Apostle Paul encouraged these saints and us to finish the race course we are on - “So, run, that ye may obtain.” In other words “give it your all,” at the end of the race the Victor’s incorruptible crown is awaiting the victor. We need this encouragement, because there are things that come against us to keep us from running or to quit before reaching the finish line.
We are living in the closing days of this age, the finish line is in sight. We know the times and seasons we are living in. Satan would always have us looking back at what might have been or how good things were in the past. This is what the children of Israel did when they were brought out of Egypt. The promised Land was in front of them and they kept looking backwards. That first generation never reached the finish line. Never enjoyed, in a manner of speaking “the victor’s crown.” We don’t want to look backwards, Saints. Not at the good times or even our failures. Satan would always have us look at our failures. Another tactic Satan would use against runners are the cares or pleasures of this world. Paul in addressing the Thessalonian overcoming saints, to not be sleeping or drunken. Satan would like to press in on us the pleasures or cares, even health problems.
There are so many pressures facing us today that one would be tempted just to give up and quit. But we keep our eyes focused on the end of the race. We “live our life here with the end in view.” Words of encouragement are given us in II Cor, 4:17-18, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. What we go through, will end. What is awaiting us will not end. We want the Victors Crown. Go forward, the end is in sight. Paul sums it up “…forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” – Phil. 3:13-14.
The next crown I want us to look at is the Crown of Righteousness. This is the crown that awaited Paul at the end of his race. II Tim. 4:7-8, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
In Gen. 15:6, “And he (Abram) believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” I did not understand what that meant at first till I heard someone else say that the word “righteousness” has the thought of being “right with God.” Every time we believe God, we take a step with Him and are counted “right with God.” Paul’s “Crown of righteousness” at the ending of his race is the crown of being “right with God.” The day that we are saved we ARE righteous. We have a perfect standing in Christ Jesus. But every time we believe in the Lord and take a step with Him, He calls us righteous. We are “right with God.”
We focus our eyes with the end of the race, laying hold of the abundan of grace given us in Christ Jesus to take each step forward. At the end, we can, like Paul, say a “Crown of righteousness” awaits us. Just one more thing, is it wrong to look at the crown? NO, absolutely not. Rebecca was first shown the wealth of Isaac then she was shown Isaac. By the end of her journey, she had eyes only for Isaac – the wealth just happened to be associated with Isaac. The same with us – By the time our race is run, it is Jesus we only have eyes for. The crown is just associated with Him. Rev. 4:10-11, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage…For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself…This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 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. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:1,13,14,16-18,25
We are admonished twice here to, “Walk in the Spirit.” The flesh and the Spirit are seen in sharp conflict. The flesh can only produce work, but the Spirit produces fruit. In Hebrews 9:14, the Apostle Paul describes the works of the flesh under the law as “dead works.” In Ephesians 5:11, he speaks of “the unfruitful works of darkness.” Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:6
Adam and Eve “heard the Voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.” Even though they had made themselves fig leaf aprons, they still tried to hide themselves among the trees of the garden. Their works were insufficient. Self-effort does not afford even a satisfactory partial covering before God. Now, before the fall, Adam walked and talked with God; but being of the earth, earthy, He could never do so on the plane that we may today. To “walk” speaks of conduct, or behavior, and points to progress or growth. It includes the proper person, the right realm, propelling power, and permeating purpose. Consider that.
First, we must let God do the walking in us. God is Spirit, so our only capacity to go with God is completely outside the realm of the flesh. “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” - II Cor. 6:16. This teaches us of submission on our course of life, a yielded walk. We are to let Him determine our altitude and attitude in each step. We will then walk in His fellowship, in His light, with no darkness and no stumbling. Now as a child has trouble keeping pace with his father, it seems it is also easy for a youngster in Christ to get out of step with God. This is the way God has provided that we overcome the lust of the flesh. It is Scripturally evident that a walk with God can become so supernaturally natural, that all other conduct is very unnatural. For us to live after the flesh is to act like a fish out of water.
“If we live in the Spirit:” all believers were baptized at Pentecost into one Body, in the Spirit. To illustrate this, think of a large container of water. Let it represent the realm of the Spirit. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are placed in the realm of the Spirit. This does not say that we are filled with the Spirit. Rather, it is like bottles being thrown in the container of water – the bottles are in the water, but the water is not in the bottles. Sink one bottle and it is filled, while the other is floating. In God’s purpose we all need to be filled, flooded to overflowing, and submerged into the very depths of God’s Holy Spirit. We think it would be foolish for a fish to jump out, and try to operate on dry land. This is not his natural habitat in which to conduct business. We, in the realm of the Spirit, must settle down and become at home there. We should never try to conduct any part of our lives outside the realm of the Spirit. Such conduct is very unnatural and spiritually harmful. Many believers try to bring the flesh into the realm of the Spirit, and they utterly fail when they do. When the Spirit is flooding our being, we have the power within that conducts a behavior in harmony with our Spiritual Father, as we yield.
A Spiritual Walk is walking by faith. When we walk by faith we take steps like Abraham. Rom. 4:12. Abraham started his trip with God not seeing the end of his journey nor even the steps in between. The flesh attempts to go by sight, but “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1. A Spiritual Walk of faith is pleasing to God for it is based on God’s Word. It is in harmony with God’s will, and eagerly looks forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Galatians 5:18 speaks of placing ourselves under the law, where we would try to operate in the realm of the flesh. This binds us from enjoying our God-given liberty, and carrying out our God-given delight of doing what God would, instead of what our flesh would. Does the law curb sin by showing it up? The “strength of sin is the law” – I Cor. 15:56. The Law stirs and strengthens our flesh to sin.
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” – Rom. 6:14. This indicates that sin does exercise its dominion in lives under legal bondage. But, thank God, “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” – Rom. 8:2. We are not debtors to the flesh, the old self life. We owe the old man nothing, no allegiance. He has no legal right to demand any loyalty. He is dead! We may understand from Romans 7:4-6 that Jesus died in the place of the old man, the old Adamic head, which was under the penalty of our sin. Jesus also arose as the rightful Head of a New Creation; hence, He has the right to full dominion of our lives. As we yield to Him that dominion, we walk by the Spirit, and are led by the Spirit.
A Spiritual Walk is being led by the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4, “God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” that the righteousness which the law demands be supernaturally fulfilled in us as we walk in the controlling influence of the Holy Spirit. We are energized by the Holy Spirit, as we yield to His guidance and control. We do well to be most receptive to His impressions, and responsive to His impulses. I am sure that He graciously checks us when we are about to take a step outside the will of God for us. I am also sure that the signal gradually weakens, as it is ignored. That still small Voice also urges us on in taking the right steps.
John 16:13 tells us, the Spirit of Truth was sent to guide us into all truth. Now this expresses far more than theory, theology, or the letter of Truth. This is to be enjoyed as heart reality. Truth is to be relevant to our present day living.
“The flesh lusteth against the Spirit.” Yielding to the flesh, we carry out a conduct that is very binding and hindering to spiritual behavior and progress. Oh, praise God, we have been liberated from legal bondage, and brought into the realm where love is the motivating force.
A Spiritaul Walk is walking in love – Gal. 5:13,14. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour” - Eph. 5:1-2. “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” – Eph. 4:1-3.
The law of love supersedes and super-abounds the law of “carnal commandment.” This law raises us above the harsh condemnation, and brings us into close communion. In the law of love, there is the force of magnetism. While under the law of commandment, there is the force of depression. The Holy Spirit reproduces Divine love, shedding abroad the love of God in our hearts. While He makes us deeply aware of how dearly we are loved, He moves us to a conduct of love. He deepens the desire to have our lives run in channels of love. True love realized in experience constrains us from conduct in the flesh that would hurt, hinder, or harm our neighbor, family, or our precious Lord.
“For the Kingdom is the Lord’s. And He rules over the nations.” Psalm 22:28
“The Lord has prepared His throne in the heavens; and His Kingdom (sovereignty) ruleth over all.” Psalm 103:19
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psalm 56:3
“It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord…”
Psalm 92:1
“Rejoice (be glad) evermore.”
“Pray without ceasing.”
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
I Thessalonians 5:16,17,18
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians. 15:58
Martha Wainright
“And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Ephpesians 3:19
I have meditated much on this phrase, ‘being filled with all the fulness of God.’ It is what Paul prays for believers. It is entirely overwhelming to me. When one considers the idea that God’s fulness can fill us, we must first consider what God’s fulness entails.
Consider what God says about Himself in the Old Testament. “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:24. While this certainly refers to God’s presence being everywhere, it reminds us of the greatness of God in being able to fill everything, heaven and earth.
Paul tells us something about Jesus in Colossians 2:9, “For in him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” God has always intended that everything be brought together in Jesus, and Paul reminds us that it includes the fullness of the Godhead, that is the entire essence of the Godhead.
Jesus made it possible for us, who had fallen short of the glory of God, to be partakers of that divine life. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4
So we find that we who have trusted in Jesus have the Life of Jesus in us, Colossians 1:27. Now, consider that God places in us the Life of Christ who is the fullness of the Godhead, and we are just moving through life like we don’t know if we can be what God wants us to be. It has never been about our ability. It has always been about the Life of Christ, and what He will do in us.
Too many of God’s children are trying to get the performance right, and trying to make themselves presentable to God, when He has already made us presentable (Ephesians 1:6) and wants to fill us with Himself. Paul is praying for the saints (and that includes us) that we would be filled with the fullness of God. Not just a little bit, but all the fullness of God.
Let’s consider the relationship between Jesus and His church. Paul uses the concept of a body to express the relationship. “Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:23. The church (all believers) make up the body (the fulness) of Christ who fills everything. This is hard to understand with our little minds, but it is a spiritual work that God has accomplished; that God could use us to become the fullness of the One that fills all. Boggles the mind.
I am reminded of a fruit tree. It can only put forth fruit when there is sap flowing up the tree. The tree must be “full” so that it can produce the fruit. In John 15, Jesus reminds us that we must abide in Him, and He abides in us, and that is the only way we are able to bear fruit. The question might then be; how do we abide in Jesus?
Abiding in Jesus is having constant communion with Him. Constantly communicating with Him. We do this through prayer and study of the Scripture. Do you know what Jesus said? You should, because it is written for us in the gospels. Read, study, meditate. Be careful about getting your understanding of Jesus and His words from people on the internet. We can certainly hear what others have to say, but we must also read to see if those line up correctly with what Scripture says.
We need to have a true desire to be filled with the fullness of God. “For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:9. The Psalmist understood that God is desiring to fill those that want Him. Our nature is to be filled with ourselves. Just let me be what I want to be, and do what I want to do. But God has something far better for those that desire. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6.
Being filled with God means that every aspect of our lives is under His control. We are certainly willing to give God control of certain parts of our lives, but often want to keep control over others. We are convinced that we know how to fix ourselves to be what God wants us to be. However, this will always lead to failure.
Why are we so intent on keeping God from doing something in our lives that will be glorious for eternity, and bring glory to Him for eternity? It is because we have an enemy that is intent on keeping us from God’s best. Satan does not want you to be filled with the fullness of God.
In Scripture, we are encouraged to be content with such as we have. However, I don’t want us to confuse contentment with complacency. They are not the same. Complacency is what keeps us from desiring more of God. I don’t care how far you have come with the Lord, there is still more. He always has more for us. All He needs from us is a willing vessel. He will fill us to overflowing.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
In this verse, Paul lists eight things which believers are to think upon. Eight is the number of the new creation. Jesus was raised on the eighth day. These things are all attributes of Christ and the new creation life of Christ in us. They are all also characteristic of the Word of God.
Too often we set our minds upon the things of the world which we see and hear in the news, things that tend to bring fear and anxiety and cause us to fret and worry. Paul is hereby admonishing us to shun those things and to refuse to allow them to overwhelm us. Instead, we are to meditate upon Christ and the written Word.
The first thing which he lists is “whatsoever things are true.” The Greek word for “true” is “alethes,” meaning “a true one who cannot lie” or “a true thing that is not a lie.” This of course speaks of Jesus, who proclaimed in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” We also read regarding Jesus, in John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
And in v. 17 John states, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Then Jesus declares Himself to be the “true bread from heaven” in John 6:32 and the “true vine” in John 15:1. Not only is Jesus Himself true, but so is the Word of God, as David proclaims in Ps. 119:160: “Thy word is true from the beginning…”
In John 18:38, when Jesus was brought before Pilate to be judged, Pilate asked Him, “What is truth”? Many people today are still pondering the same question. So how can we really know what is true and what is not? Jesus answered the question for us in John 16:13 when He told His disciples, “Howbeit when He the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth…”
The Spirit of Truth is the Holy Spirit who was poured out on the Day of Pentecost, and He is available to all who will receive Him. Today we live in a world that is filled with the lies of Satan. These lies are emanating from our newscasts, social media, political leaders, and, sadly, even being preached from some pulpits by false teachers. We need the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives to guide us and to give us discernment regarding what is truth so that we will not be led astray. We must also study the Word of God. If something is contrary to God’s Word, then it is not the truth. Therefore, let us follow the instruction of the apostle Paul and fix our minds upon the truth of the Word and upon Christ Himself.
I have been thinking about my life and how I got where I am, and it occurs to me that I should acknowledge all of the privilege I have enjoyed. I know a lot of people think we “earn” what we have. However, when I consider the truth of how I got here, I can only conclude that I was truly privileged.
First privilege. I was privileged to be born into a Christian family that considered it important to ensure I learned about Jesus. I don’t want to make it seem like being born into a non-believing family is terrible or will keep a person from knowing Jesus, but being taught as a child about Jesus is a privilege.
Second privilege. Living for ten years in Paraguay as a son of missionaries. Seeing people in deep poverty that loved the Lord and people who were extremely hospitable. A real lesson in understanding contentment, gratitude and trusting God for His provision.
Third privilege. Going to college. God allowed me to get a college education in engineering. It is certainly possible to do well without a college education, but for me, it was critical to where God would take me later.
Fourth privilege. God provided a great job in Wichita, Kansas which allowed me to sit under the ministry of Jack and Earlene Davis. Throughout 37 years at this job, God kept me from several layoffs. I was moved to different projects seemingly just in time to be protected from a layoff that should have left me jobless. I was never responsible for choosing those movements in my career. I consider that a great privilege that God would see fit to allow me to stay in that job for that long.
Fifth privilege. As mentioned above, I was privileged to sit under the ministry of Jack and Earlene Davis for all of these years. That was preparation for what God would call me to do now; pastor the church in Wichita.
Sixth privilege. A wonderful and beautiful wife. I was pretty well resigned to probably being single for the rest of my life after college. Without getting into all the details, God brought me a wonderful woman to be my wife. We met at a fellowship meeting in Kansas City, and it quickly became clear to me that Cathy was exactly what I needed.
All of these are the result of God’s grace in my life. I can think of quite a few others, but I want to just list the most important privilege that everyone can enjoy if they simply put their trust in Jesus Christ.
This is the greatest privilege. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1John 3:1-2. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:19-22.
The morning of October 15th, I woke up with a headache. It was no different than any other headache. It was however, making me feel very nauseous. I asked Dad (Gordon Crook), to come watch Evie while I tried to nap to get rid of the headache. Before I laid down, I popped my neck. It didn’t feel any different from any other time I had done it. I laid down and went to sleep. An hour later, something woke me up, telling me to turn. My left arm wouldn’t move. I thought it was asleep. When I didn’t feel the tingling, I knew something was wrong. I went to tell Dad and as I explained what I was feeling, I could feel my face start to droop. This was a stroke. I knew immediately. It was as if The Lord had put the feeling in my gut that I needed to go to the emergency room. After being seen, the doctors told me I had torn my carotid artery which caused a blood clot on the right side of my brain. Thankfully they were able to get the medication in me to break up the clot. I was able to regain feeling and movement in my face and my leg. My arm however, wasn’t so fortunate. They put me in rehab to help regain movement.
I was at Wesley rehab center for exactly 2 weeks. There were times I was so discouraged, but even through the hard moments, I felt the Lord there. By the Grace of God, I was able to walk out of there almost completely back to normal. They wanted me to do continuing care, but I knew that God had me, and I had full movement about a week later! I left that recovery center with a new outlook on life and how precious it is and with more new friends than I can count. I still go back to visit the occupational therapists and physical therapists that helped me. One even wrote a school paper about me! I’ve also felt called to go back to visit other patients there to encourage and pray for them. I try to visit at least once or twice a month. Please keep those that are there in your prayers.
In the December 2025 Glorious Gospel is a testimony from Gordon Crook with his view of this incident.
A leper came unto the Lord -
his need for all to see.
His body wracked with pain,
longing to be free.
A leper came unto the Lord -
crying out with grief.
Begging for deliverance,
and longing for relief.
A leper came unto the Lord -
and fell upon his face.
His heart with faith believing,
in God’s abundant grace.
A leper came unto the Lord -
and worshiped at His feet.
His heart cried out for mercy,
his attitude ... so sweet.
Jesus saw the leper’s need -
felt his pain and grief.
His heart moved with compassion,
to give him sweet relief.
Jesus saw the leper’s need -
and spoke the Word to heal.
His Hand reached out and touched,
to prove that it was real.
A sinner came unto the Lord -
a leper in God’s eyes.
And like that leper long ago,
his heart for mercy cries.
A sinner came unto the Lord -
and knelt before God’s Son.
Seeing only his great need,
and all that Christ had done.
A sinner came unto the Lord -
and fell upon his face.
His heart with faith believing,
in God’s abundant grace.
Jesus saw the sinner’s need -
heard his cry of grief.
Lifted off that heavy load,
and gave him sweet relief.
Jesus touched that sinner’s life -
for all the world to see.
For once he came to Him,
forever he was free.
Debbie Isenbletter
Springfield, Missouri
Chapter 2
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Ephesians 2:1-4
“Quickened” – “make alive.” Notice again, that this is God’s work. He is the one that has made us spiritually alive in Christ Jesus. Also notice that we were dead. We had no power to make ourselves alive. Remember God’s power from chapter 1. He brought Jesus from the dead so that we could be made spiritually alive.
It seems to me that many today do not understand just how terrible sin is. We often gage people by how “good” we think they are, and human philosophy suggests that there is “good” in every person. Scripture has a different view. We were “dead” in sin and trespasses. Not physically dead, but spiritually dead. And only He can change that to life because of Jesus and His resurrection.
Paul instructs us as to the fact that we were (outside of Christ) yielding to spiritual powers that kept us in sins and trespasses. We were following the time frame of this world that is under the dominance of spiritual powers that are contrary to God. This is the period that we live in, and it will only end when Jesus returns to put down all opposition to Himself. “Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing [that is] not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.” Hebrews 2:8. Clearly not everything is currently in subjection to Jesus, but it will be at the end of this period (age).
He refers to us “having” (past tense) our “conversa-tion” (way of living) according to this world. That past tense means that, as God’s redeemed children, we should no longer be yielding to those powers, but to the life of Christ that is now in us. God didn’t just make us “good” people, He made us ALIVE in Christ Jesus. We should be living in that power.
He refers to the “children of disobedience” which is all of those that have not put their trust in Jesus. As God’s precious children, we no longer fit that description. Are we sometimes disobedient? Certainly, but not “children of disobedience,” which refers to belonging to the prince of the power of the air, but rather “children of God.” “Children of wrath” refers to our condition outside of Jesus Christ. All of those who reject Him will be under His wrath. Again, this no longer applies to those who have put their trust in Jesus for redemption.
Notice that those that are rejecting Jesus and choosing to live their lives outside of Him, they live fulfilling the desires of their flesh. It is clear that we are not to live this way. We have a new life; the life of Christ in us, to which we should be yielding. If we are indeed yielding to Him, then we will be fulfilling the desires of the Spirit. Remember that the fruit (visible output) of our life is the result of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23. The works of the flesh, Galatians 5:19-21, are the result of fulfilling the desires of our flesh.
But 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:” Ephesians 2:5-6
Thank God that He made us alive even while we were in this “dead” condition. He did not wait until we were able to do something to get out of that condition. He did not wait until we could show some change in behavior. We were “dead;” unable to do anything to make ourselves alive, but God showed mercy and love towards us. Romans 5:6-8. We must not ever reduce this to some simple concept that we just talk about lightly. This is more amazing than all of the knowledge we have about the entire universe.
What I really love about God is that He never does just the minimum. He always goes far beyond what would be considered sufficient. He did not just make us alive (that would be more than we could expect), He raised us up and sat us in heavenly places in Christ.
We might consider our situation today, looking around us, and think that we have missed out on that placement. This is exactly how the enemy will attack our minds. However, we must realize that when God says something is so, He sees the end from before He stated it. I recognize that there is still coming a day when we will literally be sitting with our Lord in the heavenlies, but even now, we are already provisionally there. Many of God’s children fail to lay hold of this truth and miss out on the amazing power that is ours because of Jesus.
“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7
And finally, we get to God’s overall purpose. He is not making us “good” people, He is working something far greater that He will be able to show for all eternity. He will not be showing how great we were able to make ourselves, but how great His grace is. He will be showing the power of His grace to take a wretch like me and make something that is glorious. His work, not mine.
This is why it is important to quit trying to add our attempts to the finished work of Jesus. Paul refers to it as frustrating the grace of God. Galatians 2:21. There is so much push in Christendom today to bring people back under the law. You must keep the Torah, they say. Jesus has done all that is required and we are now God’s work by grace.
Continued
“Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” John 11:32
Her DESTINATION: “Then when Mary was come where Jesus was,” Mary came as she had been instructed. She came because Jesus had asked her to. She came in obedience in His word, without question, without hesitation. She came knowing where to come. She came publicly, though she had been told privately. She came with liberty. She came with boldness. She came with her sorrow. She came with her need. She came with her faith. Jesus waited for her to come. He did not go on until she has this personal time with Him. I believe He was watching and waiting until she came. Mary carried a burden of sorrow and was weighted down with the loss of her brother. She knew the relief she would find when she came to Jesus.
This is a wonderful picture of how we come to the Lord. We come because He has invited us to, because our hearts have heard His call. Because His love and compassion draws us. We come personally and privately but when we do, we do not care if others know about it. This is our privilege, and it is a precious one. We come to Him knowing where He is, He is not hard to find. We come knowing He is waiting for us. All we need do is lift up our hearts and eyes and come to Him by faith. We come to the throne of grace. We come to Him with all our needs, all our burdens, all our fears, all our sorrows. We come to Him and lay everything at His feet. Jesus is watching and waiting for us to come. The fact that we are willing to come is a testimony of faith.
Jesus issued this invitation to “come” to Him, and Mary heard it, accepted it, and fully embraced it. He still offers this invitation today. It has not changed because he has not changed. The offer is made to those who feel their need and see that only He can meet their need. Jesus is waiting for those to do as Mary, for those who hear Him and came to Him. It is seen in the invitation to discipleship: “come and follow me.” (Mat.19:21) It is an invitation to lay down our burdens and rest in Him: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mat.11:28). It waits upon the Lord’s leading and enabling. For Peter when seeing Jesus walking on the water, said: “Lord, if thou wilt, bid me to come unto thee.” (Mat.14:28). It is an invitation for the smallest, age does not matter: “Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me.” (Mat.19:24)
Her COMPREHENSION: “and saw him,” John says Mary “saw him.” The word “saw” means she “knew” Him, she recognized Him. This means that she “beheld” Him. I believe that means that Jesus filled her vision, she could see no one else. She saw Him with her eyes, but she also saw Him with her heart. She saw Him through the eyes of faith. She saw Him through her tears. Is this not wonderful! There is a progression in her journey from her house to His feet. First Mary came and then she saw. First, we must be willing to come, then we will truly see Him. We see Him in a greater way because we have come closer to Him. Mary, saw only Him. I do not think she saw the disciples or the people that followed her. Her eyes were fixed upon Him. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full, in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of his glory and grace.” Mary was about to see His glory and His grace revealed! This is what we do by faith with our needs, our sorrows, our burdens. We come knowing He wants us to come and when we come by faith, we will see Him. He will fill our vision and I believe nothing else will matter but being in His Presence.
Her SUBMISSION: “she fell down at his feet.” “fell down” means to “prostrate oneself” and is used of those “making supplication.” It is also used to show “worship.” Mary is not ashamed to do this. This is her default position, the one she has taken in her home as she sat at His feet as a disciple. Mary did this privately, now she will do this publicly. Mary is overcome and overwhelmed by both sorrow and joy. There is sorrow that her brother has died and joy that her Master has arrived. She fell at His feet physically, lay prostrate before Him and in so doing showed an absolute surrender of her will and an absolute acceptance to His will. This is the position of an overcomer, of one who not knowing why things happen, rather than rebel, come and not only kneel but fall on their faces before the Lord.
Jesus did this when prayed to His Father in the Garden. “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Mat.26:39). Jesus surrendered to the Will of God in order to fulfill the Word of God. Jesus gave us a visible example of self-surrender when He accepted that cup of suffering. He would drink every last drop because it was the Will of God. That surrender of His will is the foundation for His victory. He was not the Victim at the Cross; He was the Victor.
“At his feet” is the place and position that is seen in the testimony of overcomers. It is a place of submission, but it is also a place of victory. The 24 elders and 4 living ones, who had been standing around the throne, in a place of authority later “fall down before him that sat on the throne.” (Rev.4:10) They have overcome, and they are overcome as they stand in His presence. They are overcome with joy. This is absolute adoration and absolute submission. They are in closer proximity to Jesus and have a deeper revelation of Him. The great multitude, who stand before the throne, give a testimony of faith, but I noticed their testimony is given standing. There is a reaction from all who hear their testimony. When it is heard, those who are standing closer to the throne (the angels, the elders the living ones), all fall down before the throne on their faces and worship God. (Rev.7:9-12) Both these groups have a testimony of faith, but one does so standing, and the other does so kneeling.
What Mary does is a picture of those who have made it a habit and are comfortable at the feet of Jesus. Whose revelation of Jesus bring them in their need to a position of utter submission. And this submission is a place of victory and overcoming.
Her DECLARATION: “saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” The words of Mary sound the same as the words of Martha. But she says them from a place of submission. She is at the feet of Jesus, bowing down before Him, submitting to His Will. They are words that come from her deep sorrow but also from her deep faith. Martha had a measure of faith when she said these words, but it was not the same as Mary’s.
What she says here is not an accusation, but a declaration and confession of faith. She knew if Jesus had come her brother would not have died, just as Martha did. She declared this. She calls Him, “Lord” just as Martha did but unlike Martha, she does not say anything more. Martha had told Jesus she knew He could “ask” or “beg” God, and God would hear Him. But Mary does not ask Him to ask God for anything. She sees His power and authority and simply submits to Him. She did not say, ‘Why did you not come sooner? Why did you delay?’ ‘Why did my brother have to suffer and die?’ She did not blame Jesus for not being there. Her words combined with her sorrow and her submission, will move Jesus in a way that Martha’s words did not. Martha had a little faith, but Mary had greater faith. Each of us have different degrees of faith and we all grow in our faith”
“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God…” Rev. 3:11-12a.
The Apostle Paul spoke in Philippians three, of winning Christ. Here we read of crown winners. Those that win Jesus Christ as their bridegroom will be crown winners. These are they who are overcoming here and now, and are thus being make pillars to stand and uphold. This is an important part of being ready for our Lord’s return. We overcome by holding to, and standing fast for that which we’ve been given. Thankful hearts appreciate that which has been committed to our trust.
A WINNING TRAIT
“But thanks be unto God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” I Cor. 15:57-58.
It is scripturally evident that “steadfastness” is one of the essential characteristics of an overcomer. If it is required, it will be rewarded. In thankfulness for the victory that God has given us through our Lord Jesus Christ, we are urged to “STEADFASTNESS.” In resurrection hope of Christ’s return we are given a sure and steadfast anchor for our souls Heb. 6:18-19, I am impressed how strongly Paul encouraged it, and was encouraged by the steadfastness of the brethren. “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit ye like men, be strong” I Cor. 16:13. “Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: for now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render unto God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before God: I Thess. 3:7-9. “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ” Col. 2:5. He was thus blessed by hearing of faithful soldiers who could keep rank.
I think brother Paul sounds somewhat disappointed and very lonely in II Tim. 4:10-16. He had seen some departures, some removed to other fields, responsibilites, others finish their course, and others like Demas depart for selfish reasons. I am glad to hear him sound a word of cheer in verses 17-18. I am reminded of Psalm 142:3-5, “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.”
We understand that fuller partakership in Christ is to be realized in continued steadfast confidence– Heb. 3:14. Beloved the race is almost over. The battle is on, and steadfastness in the faith is a necessity. “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” Phil. 1:27. Steadfast resistance of our adversary is done in the faith– I Pet. 5:9. It seems that most of God’s people are painfully slow at learning where the strength for stability is found. We are enabled to stand only as we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might. We stand as our loins are girted about with truth –Eph. 6:10,14.
STEADY HANDS
Moses, sent Joshua out to fight against Amalck. Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill overlooking the battleground. Moses took the rod of God in his hand and when he held it up Israel prevailed in battle, but when he let it down Amalek prevailed. So Aaron and Hur took a stone and put it under him, and stayed up Moses’ hands on either side. Moses’ hands were steady until the going down of the sun. Therefore Joshua defeated Amalek Ex. 17:9-13. They who stand for the whole counsel of God today also need their hands upheld. Let us encourage each other for victory.
STAND IN YOUR PLACE
Judges 6-8 as a form of correction the Midianites were allowed to prevail against Israel. Therefore the Israelites were hiding in dens, and caves, and strongholds. Their enemies destroyed their crops and left them no sustenance. Israel being so greatly impoverished cried unto the Lord. Then the Lord raised up Gideon, who was not a self confident or self sufficient man. We see God working in him to make him ready to stand. This unlikely man was divinely prepared to lead to glorious victory an unlikely band, with some very unorthodox implements of warfare in their hands. Gideon needed assurance for himself from the Lord, and he faced though opposition at home. But then a multitude of Midianites, and Amalekites and children of the east gathered to lay siege against them in the valley of Jezreel. When they did, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon. He blew the trumpet and gathered a goodly army after him. This was an amazing feat in itself, yet Godeon needed further confirmation. God so graciously gave it, with the fleece, and hearing of the dream and it’s interpretation in the Midian camp.
Before they went to war God twice greatly reduced Gideon’s army. First God had Gideon send home all those that were “fearful and afraid.” God was going to use those that would stand in the face of overwhelming odds. (Paul urged “stand fast in one spirit…in nothing terrified by your adversaries” Phil. 1:27). Gideon saw his army go from twenty two thousand to ten thousand men. God had the remaining men go down to the water to be proven yet further. We must remember that this was a most dangerous moment, there was a multitude ready to attack. Those men that gave themselves to satisfying their legitimate thirst and bowed themselves on their knees to drink, were sent home. Satisfying their desire seemed more important then the security of their people. Those that lifted the water to their mouth were the three hundred that remined. Those alert and erect would be more quickly ready for battle. God chose those that would stand. He used this test to close up the ranks. Now spiritually speaking we stand best on our knees. We do well to be alert to the times wherein we live.
Gideon and is men surrounded the camp of their enemy by night armed with trumpets, pitchers, lamps and faith in their God. “By faith they turned to fight the armies of aliens” (Heb. 11:34). They were part of those who through faith subdued kingdoms. When they blew the trumpets brake the pitchers, and held forth the lamps, and shouted the sword of the Lord and of Gideon. “They stood every man in his place all the host ran and cried and fled. Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel.” Our Father records such victories to encourage us to spiritual stability. We each may be used to strengthen the other and will be rewarded for standing in our God-given place. Ezekiel was called on the warn his people. “Ye have not gone up into the gaps neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord Eze. 13:5. “I sought for a man among them…but found none.” Eze. 22:30.
WHO WILL STAND
There are those that make gaps, some are used to fill them, and others that stand in them. If all went off in different directions and left all responsibility behind who would stay by the stuff? Neglect is easy, we can make all kinds of excuses for being unfaithful, but our Lord wants to make us pillars that stand and support. When we are unfaithful, we make it more difficult for others to fill the gap, covering more territory and taking greater responsibility. This works good for those upon whom it falls, but is not so beneficial for the slackers. Thank God that in the times of falling away He widen His pillars and raise up new ones. There are times we feel weak, faint, unstable, anything but steadfast and unmoveable. In those times we are learning to lean hard upon Him who is our rock. He would be our stay, make us steady, enable us to stand Rom. 14:4. David’s song of praise when the Lord delivered him (Psa. 18:17-19) “The Lord was my stay.” God delights to make any who depend upon him, dependable. He is our firm support, our upholder.
The love of Solomon’s life requested, “Stay me with flagons.” In other words she expected him to invigorate and sustain her as he poured on his intoxicating love. That’s how we feel as we lean on the bosom of our beloved. Apostle Paul said, “None of these things moved me neither counted I my life dear unto myself that I might finish my course with joy.” Soon we may join him. Glory to God, think of that.
I want to start this topic with a few concepts to level set our understanding.
1. God is eternal. He is not bound by time or space as we are. “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” Isaiah 46:10
2. Unlike us, God does not think of something and then wonder if He can pull it off. He accomplishes everything He thinks of. “The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:” Isa 14:24.
3. God always acts in a righteous and perfect way. “And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.” Psalm 9:8. “But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.” Isaiah 11:4-5
As I considered the topic of God’s purpose, I came to realize that God’s purpose is eternal, just as He is eternal. When we look at all that we have given to us in God’s Word, we must come to the conclusion that God’s purpose has always revolved around His Son Jesus. Not just after the creation and fall of humanity, but since before the creation of humanity. Jesus is and always will be at the center of God’s purpose.
We should start by understanding that God’s purpose is unchangeable and cannot be stopped. “The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:” Isaiah 14:24. “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” Isaiah 46:10.
God is not like us in needing to figure out if His plan is executable or not. He is not moved by things that happen that seem to undermine His plan. He knew them before they happened. He was not taken by surprise at the fall of Adam and Eve. It was already accounted for in His plan before He even created them. “Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,” 1Peter 1:20. Nothing done by man is affecting God’s plan. To the contrary, it is working right in line with God’s purpose.
I started writing this before the war against Iran began, and I know some are very concerned about what will come of that. However, nothing that is happening today is outside of God’s purpose. He is putting everything into place where He needs it to finish His work with humanity.
I would not have enough room here to lay out every bit from the Old Testament, but I will point out that God chose Abraham to become His nation. He chose others throughout the OT to bring about the necessary people and conditions for Jesus to come. He chose and used imperfect people like Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon, and many others to bring about His purpose in Christ Jesus. Paul tells us that Jesus came at just the right time. Galatians 4:4.
I cannot tell you exactly why that was the “right time”, but God has an exact plan that is being worked out. What I can tell you is that God’s purpose is wrapped up in Jesus, and that it includes you and me and anyone who will trust in Jesus. I can tell you God is choosing to work through people and nations to bring about His final purpose.
While we may not have every minute detail of God’s plan, He has revealed to us what He intends to do. “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” Ephesians 1:9-10.
God will gather all things together in Jesus. Jesus came and gave His life to make it possible for us to be a part of this plan. It was always God’s intent to bring humanity into His presence through the sacrifice of His Son. This is God’s work, and not one person can take any credit for it. “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” 2Timothy 1:9.
I find this revelation to be incredibly exciting. It is also very humbling to realize that God always intended for me to be able to spend eternity in His presence. I think sometimes we fail to comprehend the fulness of this plan. Maybe we have heard it before, and are keen to regurgitate the words, but do we really understand? Are we aware of the depth of God’s grace? Paul prayed for the saints to have a deep understanding.
To put a “cherry on top”, there is even more. God is taking from out of those who have believed and trusted in Jesus (the church), a group that will be the bride of Jesus. These will have a very close intimacy their Lord. It is still God’s work, so we still cannot take any credit for it, but we can be a part of that company. All God is expecting from us is a desire and a willingness to yield to His working.
When we study God’s Word with a true desire for a deeper revelation, God will honor that and reveal Himself more and more. As He does that, He is working in our life to change us from glory to glory. He is preparing us for a close intimate relation with Himself for eternity. Don’t let the world rob you of this great opportunity.
In II Samuel chapter 9, we find the story of Mephibosheth, which is a spiritual picture of salvation by grace. Mephibosheth was King Saul’s grandson through his son Jonathan. According to I Sam. 31 King Saul and Jonathan had both been killed in battle against the Philistines. After Saul’s death, David became king of Israel. David had loved Jonathan as he would a brother and had made a love covenant with him when they were younger.
II Sam. 9:1: “And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” In v.3 David asks Ziba, one of Saul’s servants, “…Is there not yet of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.”
In these verses, we see that David is seeking for someone to show kindness to in order to honor his covenant of love to Jonathan. He sought and found Jonathan’s son who was lame on both his feet, and therefore unable to stand or walk. We learn from II Sam. 4:4 that Mephibosheth had become crippled when he was injured in a fall at age 5.
II Sam. 9:4-5: “And the king [David] said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir…in Lo-debar. Then king David sent and fetched him out of the house of Machir…from Lo-debar.”
In this story, David is a spiritual type of Christ who came to seek and to save that which was lost because of a love covenant that He had made with His Father. It was love that brought Jesus to this world to die on the cross to save sinners. Mephibosheth represents the sinner who is lame on both his feet and has no standing before a holy God. When Adam fell in the Garden of Eden, he lost his standing with God. Mephibosheth also lost his ability to stand when he fell.
Where was Mephibosheth found dwelling? He was found in the house of Machir, which means “to perish,” in Lo-debar, which means “barren wasteland.” This is where we are found as sinners before Christ rescues us. We are perishing in a barren wasteland of sin and unforgiveness. But Christ loved us enough to seek for us and to “fetch” us out of our hopeless condition and bring us unto himself.
Mephibosheth’s name means “shame out of his mouth.” We read in Rom. 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” All of us are in a shameful and helpless condition apart from the grace of God.
II Sam. 9:6-8: “Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence…And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake…and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?” Mephibosheth humbled himself before king David and acknowledged that there was nothing good in himself to merit the king’s favor. This is exactly what we must do in order to receive salvation. Salvation is by grace alone. None of us are worthy to receive it. We must accept it by faith.
In v.10 David tells Ziba, “…Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table.” And in v.11 he states, “…As for Mephibosheth…he shall eat at my table, as one of the King’s sons.” Mephibosheth was raised up from being a “dead dog” to the same status as one of the king’s sons. When we are born again we also become one of the king’s sons, not just servants. Oh, what grace, oh, what love that He has shown to us, as declared in I John 3:1: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…”
II Sam. 9:13: “So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.” Jerusalem means “foundations of peace.” He was brought out of the house of Machir (“to perish”) in Lo-debar (“barren wasteland”) to a place of peace and rest. This is the place where we are brought spiritually by God’s grace, and we are made to dwell in the king’s house and eat continually at His table as His sons, as David said in Ps. 23:6: “…I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Mephibosheth never regained strength in his legs. He remained weak and dependent on the king’s grace. Spiritually, this means that we have no strength in ourselves or any of our own ability to earn salvation or to keep ourselves saved by our works. But God’s grace is sufficient for us, as Paul was told by God Himself in II Cor. 12:9: “And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
A woman sick for twelve long years,
heard that Jesus came.
If she could only touch His robe,
she’d never be the same.
“I shall be whole” she cried with faith,
as Jesus closer came,
“I am unclean but just one touch,
I’ll never be the same.”
The crowd pressed close around the man,
they’d heard about His fame.
With desperate courage she moved in close,
yet hung her head in shame.
I cannot speak, I am unclean,
but just one touch I’ll steal,
The hem of His dear garment,
is all that I will feel.
I shall be whole, I know I will,
her heart cried out with faith.
And as she touched that dusty robe
a miracle took place.
Jesus turned and looked around,
for virtue He felt leave,
A hand of faith had touched His tobe,
a heart that did believe.
“Who touched me?” He asked aloud
but knowing it was she.
He looked at her who touched His robe,
and knew she was set free.
The woman fell down at His feet,
pouring out her soul.
And Jesus spoke with tenderness,
“Thy faith hath made thee whole.”
Debbie Isenbletter
Springfield, Missouri