Seek Him Diligently

Thora Evans

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God) for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” – Hebrews 11:6. We want to consider the last part of this verse, concerning a diligent seeking after God.

The word translated “diligently” here comes from the Greek “ekzeeto” and this is the only place in scripture where it is translated this way. The word diligent found throughout the New Testament is derived from an entirely different Greek words. Strong’s concordance defines “ekzeeto” as meaning – to search out or investigate, to crave or demand also to worship. In Luke 11:50 we find it translated “May be required,”  in verse 51 of the same chapter it is “shall be required.” The thought here seems to indicate a demand. In Acts 15:17 the translation is “might seek after,” this seems to indicate the thought of desperation. We find “ekzeeto” again in Rom. 3:11 translated “seeketh after,” and in I Peter 1:10 it is translated “have inquired” indicating an investigation. Lastly in Heb. 12:17 we find the words “sought carefully” coming from the same Greek word. Here the thought seems to be of a craving.

These different references, then, ought to give us an understanding of all that is involved in the though of diligently seeking God. We are not involved in an idle question or two, but rather a thorough investigation. Much more is involved than just a casual interest, it is a life long search. It was far more than just wistful dreaming of something nice to have, it is that which the soul demands. Far more is involved then a passing interest, it is an all consuming passion, again more than just a pleasant thought, it is a Holy obsession. Notice also that our text reads “seek Him.” We are not just to seek knowledge but a personal, intimate fellowship with God Himself.

For an example let us look at Abraham, in Gen. 14:17-24 and in 15:1. In Melchizedek’s blessing on Abraham, he introduces God as “Possessor of heaven and earth.” I do not believe that Abraham did not have some prior realization of this fact, but suddenly the full light of this glorious revelation flooded his soul. His response is a wonderful lesson to us of faith in action. In verse 22 Abraham confessed this revelation but it involved more than just a confession of the lips, he was staking his claim on that fact even it is meant offending the king of Sodom. In chapter 15 verse 1, God appeared to Abraham and gave him a glorious promise, a further revelation. Not only was he possessor of heaven and earth, He was also Abraham’s shield and exceeding great reward. (Revelation received is a stepping stone to more light. Revelation refused becomes a stumbling stone and leads to darkness). God told Abraham “I am thy shield and EXCEEDING GREAT REWARD.” The Lord is the reward of all His dear people, but the exceeding great reward of those who diligently seek Him and believe Him to be the exceeding great rewarder.

Let us look at David. The Psalms are a record of the revelation God had given him and of David’s response to God. Psalm 27:4 & 8, reads, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in His temple. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said un to thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” In Psalm 57:7, David says, “my heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed.” Does that not sound like Col. 3:2, “set your affection on things above.” We also read in Psalm 107:9, “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness,” and in 17:15, “I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” David knew the Lord was His reward, he found satisfaction in Him but it was a kind of unsatisfied satisfaction, the more he got to know the Lord the more he wanted of Him. Isn’t that the way it is, saints. We enjoy His fellowship now, He fills and thrills our hearts, but we long for more. We know the best is yet to come. When we are with Him our capacity for satisfaction will be so much more, there will be no limitations of the flesh, our glorified bodies will have a capacity that knows no bounds.

Let us look at what Hebrews 11:24-26 says about Moses. He could have lived as a prince but he chose the place of affliction with God’s people. He esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, “for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” He understood what is written in Rom. 8:18 that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” We sing “it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.” Yes, our life long search will bring eternal joys.

I have heard the story that when Albert Einstein lay dying he was expressing the sadness of an unfulfilled life. All his life he had been seeking for the secret of the universe and though he had made many great discoveries, he had missed that one key to everything else. He was not a man of faith, he sought in the realms of human intellect that which only faith in God can comprehend. What an example of persistence he is. He searched all his life, it was his one goal, his one aim and his death bed confession showed what great importance his search was to him. Beloved, we have met the Creator of the universe. He has revealed Himself to us and condescended to share his secrets with us. It is not the creation that we are delving into but a search after the Creator, Himself.

The Apostle Paul in his farewell words to the Ephesians and speaking of the trials he knew lay ahead of him, was able to say, none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy.” Again in Phil. 3:11 he said, “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” He was determined, his heart was fixed, he had but one desire, one goal in life. He was looking for a knowledge of God that would assure him a first rank position in glory. Such a place is reserved for those who have diligently sought the Lord and given Jesus a first rank place in their lives now.

In closing, let us heed the admonition of Heb. 12:1-2, “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, LOOKING UNTO JESUS the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy set before Him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of God.” Looking unto Jesus: the word “looking” means to “to consider attentively.” That is to be our lifelong occupation, all else we do is only secondary. Jesus went to the cross, held back nothing in his determination to do the Father’s will and redeem us  to Himself. His joy and reward will be to have a people for Himself. Our exceeding great reward will be that people who win Him. God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. 

 Think On These Things

Martha Wainright

Gladstone, Missouri

Most of us seem to be going down the highway of life in the fast lane, slowing down now and then for a red light or a yellow caution sign. A very common saying is, “where did this week or month, go?” Perhaps there are logical reasons for this; Many working all day, taking educational courses of one kind or another, various interests that are time consuming, relatives, friends, normal responsibilities, etc. But let us think about our mental business as well as our physical occupation.

Our mind runs rampant during waking hours. According to some specialists, at night also, as evidenced by dreams. Just as it is hard to slow down physically, it is just as difficult to control and gear down the flow of thoughts, ideas and memories that flood our mind.

An old hymn called some of these thoughts, “precious memories.” We may have these, but what about the tide of thoughts that come to our mind that we don’t like, that cause for example, fear. As stated by many, fear can be beneficial (such as fearing to drive on a railroad track in front of a moving train), but we aren’t going to consider this type of fear.

Let us think more realistically about the times when we feel fearful concerning; our job, the welfare and future of our family, health, finances and so on. As you read this you will think of many more things that cause fear to well up inside, although as Christians we hate to admit this because we are trusting our Heavenly Father and know we need not be afraid. Yet, there it is, big as life, and at times threatening to choke out every ounce of peace within.

David said, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” – Psalm 56:3. This gives us the reassurance that we aren’t alone in this misery. The same shepherd who wrote about the Lord being his Shepherd also spoke of fear. David was honest enough to not be ashamed of this admittance. We can follow his example. But then, I can just imagine many of you have already mentally quoted I John 4:18, “…perfect love casteth out fear…” Amen.

He also gives us the spiritual answer for this over and over in the Psalms. First of all, David sought the Lord. Secondly, he believed that the Lord heard him and thirdly, he experienced deliverance from fear. David knew the Lord in a personal way just as the Apostle Paul did and many others we read about in the Bible.

Each of us has that same opportunity. When Christ atoned for sin, once, for all, the vail of the temple was “rent in twain.” This signified, that by faith we can commune with God face to face, Jesus Christ being our mediator. When we come to know God, through Jesus, we have fellowship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

As we abide in divine truth and love, all fear is cast out. Perhaps not all at once, but one fear at a time; as is the order of any warfare – one battle at a time. We have a guard over our mind, “the peace of God.” And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” – Phil. 4:7.

While we wait for the coming of the Lord Let us believe that He is our deliverer. Then we can continue to trust the Lord amidst our fears and battles, anticipating deliverance from them.

 The Encouraging Word

“The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.” Psalm 126:3

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior…” Zephaniah 3:17a

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeing someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8

“The Lord looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men.” Psalm 33:13

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.” Psalm 33:18

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

“But He knows the way I take. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

Martha Wainright

 Do you know God?

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8.

There are different thoughts in scripture about “knowing” God. There are those that know about God. Even the demons know about God and fear Him. (James 2:19). There are those that know God in a more personal way, and there are those that have a much deeper and intimate knowledge of God.

When John speaks about knowing God in this passage, he is speaking about those that truly know God in a deeper and more intimate way. He is helping to understand how to know if we truly know God or just have a superficial knowledge of who He is.

Many Christians today tend to want to mold God into their opinion of what He should be. The try to create God in their image instead of letting God change them into His image. This always results in a god that is not God. We must come to realize that we are in need of change that only God can do. And He wants to do exactly that.

It is amazing that God has given us His Word to ensure that we can know what He wants to do, and what that change looks like. The statement in our passage is very simple and very clear; “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” This means that the main change that God is making in us is to love one another.

The phrase “loveth not” means to “keep on not loving.” It indicates an attitude that continually fails to show love to others. This is very simply the attitude of our old nature. This is why we need the new creation life of Christ in order to show love on a regular basis. The old creation is not capable of showing the love that Jesus teaches us.

Jesus makes this idea a central part of His teaching during His earthly ministry. “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, 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; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48.

So, those that “know” God need to know that He is love. It is an attribute of God, not just something He does. When Jesus says to “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” He is talking about being complete or mature as a child of God. This is exactly what God is working in  our lives if we will yield to Him. 

Both Jesus and Paul remind us the same thing. Love is the basis of the law. “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Romans 13:9. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40.

When I was reading 1 John 4:8, it struck me as being  very serious. It made me think about how I know God. It can be easy to say that we know God and even prove our knowledge of scripture. However, it becomes clear that God is less concerned with our head knowledge of scripture and more interested in what we are allowing Him to do in our life. This is how we can be “perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

It feels to me like I’m seeing a lot of lack of love from many who call themselves Christian. I know that anyone can call themselves Christian. And not all who use that moniker are truly Christian, but it makes me think about my own life. What do others see from my life? I cannot change other people, and it is not my place to pass judgment on them. I can and do try to understand what attitudes I see in others, and I realize that I want others to see from my life, attitudes that reflect the life of Christ in me. 

We have to be very careful about allowing the world (even the “Christian” world) to form our understanding of God, and forming our attitudes. We should really want to know God. Not a superficial head knowledge or a knowledge that is just something we have heard from  someone, but a true knowledge that comes from a personal intimate relationship with Him.

As you become closer and closer to God, you will find yourself loving others like He does. For God so loved the world. Who should I love? All who make up the world of humans. We do not get a pass on certain people that we do not like. Read the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10: 25-37. We do not want to be like the religious man in that passage who attempted to justify himself by pretending he did not know who he was to love. 

It is truly not normal for you and I to love others, especially those unloveable people, because our old nature is not capable of that. However, it is Christ in you the hope of glory. God is wanting to change us, right now, into His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). The only thing stopping that is us, because we like how we are, and we do not want to be different from the world. Do you know God? Are you diligently getting to know Him? Every day?

 Standing Against Satan

Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

Eph. 6:11: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Verses 14-15: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”

Paul tells us in these verses that the purpose of wearing our spiritual armor is so that we will be able to stand against Satan.  He makes it clear that we need the whole armor to do this, but in V. 15, he emphasizes the importance of wearing proper footwear.  No barefoot warriors or flip-flops are allowed in this army!

Why? What is so important about our feet in our battle against Satan? I’m going to answer that question by discussing the importance of feet in the physical body and how they are constructed.  Did you know that approximately ¼ of the 206 bones in our bodies are required to enable us to stand?

The foot is actually one of the most complex parts of the human body, because feet must bear the weight of the whole body.  They are not simply rigid structures, but are flexible.  They are composed of 26 bones each, totaling 52 bones.  These bones are connected by joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and soft tissue.  The feet also contain nerves to enable us to balance and to stand upright, as well as to perform activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

Each foot is divided into three sections (a trinity): the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot.  The forefoot includes the toes (phalanges) and the longbones (metatarsals).  There are five toes and five metatarsals on each foot.  Five is the number of grace in the Scripture.  The hindfoot consists of the ankle and the heelbone (calcaneus).

The midfoot portion of each foot has a collection of five bones (again, the number of grace), which form an arch.  An arch is considered to be one of the strongest structures in architecture.  These five bones include three cuneiform bones (another trinity) plus the cubiform and the navicular bone.

Spiritually, this demonstrates to us that it is by God’s grace that we are able to stand, as Paul tells us in Rom. 5:2: “By whom [Jesus] also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand…”  We stand in the grace of God, not our own merit.

The ankle joint is formed from three bones (also a trinity): the talus, tibia and fibula.  That makes a total of three trinities in each foot.  The number three not only represents the Trinity, but it also speaks of resurrection, since Jesus was raised on the third day.  Our ability to stand spiritually is, therefore, not only because of God’s grace, but also through the power of the resurrection, which enables us to walk in newness of life. 

It is important that we keep our feet healthy if we want to be able to stand very long without pain.  Feet can become diseased or deformed by wearing improperly fitting or non-supportive footwear.  Shoes that are too tight, have pointed toes, high heels or that don’t support the arch will eventually result in such things as bunions, calluses, corns, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis or even foot ulcers.  These things are not only painful and affect mobility, but can also become dangerous to our health.

In II Chron. 16:12-13, we read that King Asa became “exceedingly diseased” in his feet and died.  In V. 12, it states that he died because he failed to speak to the Lord and had only sought the physicians for help.  Spiritually speaking, we can become diseased in our feet (affecting our Christian walk and our ability to stand against Satan) if our spiritual feet are not properly shod and protected, or if we fail to seek the Lord for help.

All soldiers need combat boots to protect and support their feet.  The footwear of the Roman soldier had a much different appearance than that of soldiers today, but it served the same purpose.  Proper footwear is equally important to us spiritually, and so we must be sure to protect our spiritual feet as soldiers in God’s army.

The shoes which we have been provided and commanded to wear, have been designed to be sturdy, supportive and long lasting.  They are guaranteed to fit properly, unless altered from their original design.  The long-lasting material from which these shoes have been fashioned is not man-made.  It has been imported from heaven.  It is the “gospel of peace.”  Therefore, it is eternal and will never wear out or grow old.

Col. 1:21 tells us that before we accept Christ as Savior, sin separates us from God and makes us His enemies.  But the good news (the gospel) is that Jesus died to make peace and to bring us to God: “…having made peace through the blood of his cross…” (V. 20).  This is the gospel of peace.

Paul then tells us in Rom. 5:1-2 how to put on these gospel of peace shoes: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” We must put them on by faith.  Faith is the shoehorn we use to put on our shoes.

The “gospel of peace” shoes are the right size for each one of us.  We cannot add anything to the gospel (such as our own works or ideas), or take anything away from it, or the shoes will not fit, and we will be unable to stand.  Jesus is the only way to salvation and peace with God.

That name, Jesus, was what made the lame man in Acts 3:6-7 whole and able to stand: “Then Peter said…In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”  It is the same name whereby our feet and ankles have the strength to stand against Satan.

In conclusion, let us look at the Greek meanings of the words “preparation” and “peace” in Eph. 6:15. “Preparation” means “firm standing” or “foundation.”  The word “peace” means “that which has been bound together.”  Therefore, with our feet properly shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, we can stand firmly on the foundation, by faith, knowing that we have been made one with Christ, bound together with Him.  Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus!

So, having done all, let us stand!

 HERE AM I

(Samuel)

A young boy slept, 

   his heart sincere. 

His soul was willing

   to listen and hear.

The Word of God

   was precious then.

God was not speaking

   to the hearts of men.

God saw that child,

    and knew his heart.

He called his name,

   and set him apart.

The young boy heard,

   cried, “Here am I,”

And eagerly ran

   to the priest, Eli.

                Three times God called

   each time he heard.   

His heart excited,

   his soul was stirred.

He had to learn

   to know God’s voice.

And when he did,

   he made his choice.

The Lord then come;

   He called and stood.

And Samuel answered,

   as God knew he would.

   Debbie Isenbletter

   Springfield, Missouri

   (I Samuel 3:1-10)

 Considerations

Jack Davis

CONSIDER YOURSELVES

Gal. 6:1-10, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted…for if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself…For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting…let us not be weary in well doing: in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” 

Scriptural restoration is on the basis of repentance – II Cor. 7:9-11. Repentance involves changes in attitude of heart and direction. Whether wrong conduct, in life style, or wrong teaching, the scripture provides for both. There is cleansing available for all – II Cor. 7:1. This involves more than setting one back on the right track, that has been caught in wrong doing. Whatever we do or don’t do must be by faith in the rightly divided Word of truth, and guidance of the Holy Spirit, having earnestly sought the heart of God in prayer.

God has provided that we not be ignorant of Satan’s devices. With an unforgiving attitude of self-righteousness and self sufficiency we could give our adversary an advantage. Therefore we well consider our own capacity for failure. It is spiritual for us to not be self-centered, self occupied, or self deceived – Gal. 6:3,7; Rom. 12:3. We each have need of rebuke, and of restoration. There are times when we need correction and find it is indeed a comfort, a most valuable bridge. The Lord makes us aware of a lack of our own steadfastness, so that we will thoroughly cast ourselves completely upon Him. By growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ there is an overcoming of being unlearned, and unstable -II Pet. 3:17-18. The Spiritual are capable of being tempted, it is allowed that the Spiritual may overcome the temptations – I Cor. 10:13.

We need to be aware that the spirit of meekness is needed in both those that restore and the one to be restored. The Scripture does not teach us to be lax on our own, accusing or excusing one another. Spirituality shown no sympathy on the flesh, especially our own. We owe the flesh nothing – Rom. 8:4-13. It must be judged – II Cor. 10:3-6; I Cor. 11:30-33; Mt. 7:3-5.

There are those born of the Spirit that live after the flesh. Those sowing to the flesh shall reap corruption, for they are failing to appropriate God’s grace. To each of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ – Eph. 4:7. There seems to be a taking of God’s grace in vain in differing measures – II Cor. 6:1-2. There is an insincerity that puts God’s grace to little personal and very little practical use, not taking to heart what grace teaches us – Titus 2:11-14.  There are those who are building their lives with wood hay and stubble, that defile many. Their works will be burned, rewards lost, yet they shall be saved as by fire – I Cor. 3:15. They won’t receive a full reward, but enter into eternity comparatively empty handed, without a full inheritance. These are often cut off before their time, die prematurely before they have grown up fully in the Lord. Our brother Paul’s departing admonishions to the Ephesian elders was to take heed into themselves and to all the flock –  Acts 20:28-32.

CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER

Heb. 10:21-25 “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. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering…and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

“LET US” Times Three: Since Jesus, our faithful and merciful high priest has opened up a way into the presence of God for us, we also are encouraged to draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, and with a living hope – Heb. 7:19. It is our sweet privilege to thankfully apply or avail to the washing of water by the Word. The truth of God’s Word should have the effect of drawing us together. As we are drawn unto our Lord, we also are drawn to the Christ life in each other.

Paul encourages us to “let,” submitting to that powerful magnetic life within. We also are told to hold fast the testimony, or confession of our faith because of the faithfulness of Him who has promised, and is certainly coming again, and it should be very soon – Heb. 10:36-37. Forsaking assembling of ourselves together is not considering one another, but is usually pampering our own flesh.

Most of us have thought at one time or other, “if it wasn’t for people I could be an overcomer.” Habitual absence for gathering with  God’s people is skipping the opportunity to provoke or spiritually stimulate unto love and good works. Its effects are generally discouraging. If we are truly able to see the day approaching, our sharpened vision being shared should be  used to stir faith, hope and love in others to be ready for Jesus’ return. “Forsaking the assembling” is not an attitude of consideration of others but rather a laying aside of the privilege to increase being beneficial to the Lord’s body. Let us do it “so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” I am so glad we are able to see or foresee by faith, the day of our Lord’s return! Be ready, it could happen any moment! He has provided that we speak to each other unto comfort, edification, and exhortation. Assembling together we are to speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Assembling together we are to make melody from our hearts unto the Lord. We need each other’s mutual overcoming. An interesting and amazing aspect of being victorious is our striving together in interest of the faith of the Gospel – Phil. 1:27. “Standing fast in one Spirit.” 

We can be encouraging examples to each other of faith, purity, peace, patience and progress. We need each other’s prayers, whereby we bear one another’s burdens. Thus we may be better able to bear our own, fulfilling our bodily responsibility, with Jesus in focus – Rom. 12:5-21; 14:7-9; 15:1-7.

CONSIDER JESUS

Heb. 12:1-4, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”

While being surrounded by so great a crowd of faith’s victors (Heb. 11), we are encouraged to go on in God’s will for our lives in spiritual progress. We are to run our race with patience, casting aside all encumbering hindrances. Our adversary would like to get us so focused on, and even occupied with other’s failures and what we should do about them that we become weary in well doing – II Thess. 3:13-15. Lord enable us to take heart, encourage our selves in the Lord when others  are letting down. It is so very important that we keep looking unto Jesus, considering Him. He must be the single object of spiritual focus. The gathering center, our meeting place, our Savior, our Lord, Light and Life, who has captured our hearts with His love.

When we consider all He went through to make us holy, unblameable, in His sight. How can we help but look to Him to bring it about? His terrible suffering on the cross for our sakes should bring forth a cry, “Have thine own  way Lord.”

Peter seems to point to Jesus as the standard of sacrificial suffering, “Arm yourselves with the same mind.” Consider Him as the standard of full overcoming. Jn. 16:33, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Rev. 3:21, “Even as I overcame and am set down with my Father in His throne.” We do well to consider Him as an example of caring, compassion. He gave His all to deliver us from every hurt and hindrance, although we were entirely ugly, undeserving, absolutely bankrupt. Let us not live carelessly. Real joy is ours, when the reverse order is in effect – Jesus – Others – You.