HE DOES NOT LEAVE US HANGING

There are some things we pick up from hearsay. There are those things we pick up from oral tradition. However, there is nothing like getting the information you need straight from The Source.

One of the main responsibilities of the Old Testament prophets was to foretell the coming of The Messiah who would deliver His people and reign on the earth over them and the entire human race. However, another responsibility was to foretell and describe the same Messiah or Savior that must come, but as a Sacrifice for those who would believe in Him by faith. Christ would come as a Servant before He arrives as the ultimate Soldier. 

Even when Christ was here in the flesh, nobody was understanding in full or paying full attention to the fact that Jesus was and is The Messiah prophesied to come. We see deep into the ministry of Jesus and deep into the book of Matthew the account of when Jesus begins to announce His personal sacrifice for the salvation of all and His resurrection.

"From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." (Matthew 16:21)

Is it any wonder that confusion and doubt raise their nasty little heads here? Most of what anybody had heard about was the Military Messiah that would come to vanquish their enemies and set up a wonderful, global kingdom. But here was Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding thousands from very little, teaching them what was on Father God's heart and riding into Jerusalem on a donkey - not a warhorse.

Jesus would fulfill the prophecies about Himself and His own words to His disciples. Jesus suffered, was crucified, died and buried - but on the third day rose again from death, hell and the grave and sits at the right hand of Father God with the keys of Death and Hell in His possession.

However, the impact of these last few days of Christ's life on earth still needed to be revealed or unveiled to the disciples. This is one of the many things I love about my Savior. We may have one idea about Him or a plan for our lives and it could be correct, but not in the right order or sequence. The lovely thing is Jesus does not leave us hanging. 

"Now that same day [Resurrection Day] two of them [Christ followers] were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” he asked.

[Then the disciples described the events of the last few days.]

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." (Luke 24:13-35)

However, the veil was not lifted from their understanding of who Jesus was until He broke bread with them.

Are you at a point in your life where a view or plan that was given seems near, but is not making sense? Seek the Lord. As the song says - have a little talk with Jesus. Sometimes we miss the boat on understanding. Sometimes we go purely on hearsay. Sometimes things are veiled for God's timing and purposes. So, keep in contact with Christ - pray, break spiritual bread with Him by reading His Word and talk to someone about your situation with whom you trust. You never know, the Lord may send someone else, an angel or reveal to you in a dream Himself and next steps for your life. But as you see from the example with the disciples on the Road To Emmaus - He Does Not Leave Us Hanging.

FOCUS AND PERSPECTIVE

Ever had an experience where you felt the Holy Spirit's presence in your midst and immediately had a reaction to Him - sense of awe, respectful cry, burst of laughter and so forth? I have also.

Ever continued on your walk of faith and encountered a time when God blessed your service for Him? I have also.

Ever had a situation come along that made you ask God - Are you really the one I'm to believe in? I have been there. 

John the Baptist was a special man. John leaped in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth, as Mary was pregnant with Jesus and came in close proximity of him (Luke 1:39-41). This was an incredible experience of the presence of God's Son and Spirit manifesting in a physical reaction - a jump/leap, by even an unborn child.

John's life continued until we find him dressed in camel hair, eating locust and out in the desert by the Jordan River baptizing people as he proclaimed the Kingdom of God is near. However, his next experience with his cousin, Jesus, would be with the Son of God requesting John to fulfill his service of baptism upon Him. John knew the Messiah was coming whose sandals he was unworthy to carry or tie. John even tried to reverse roles and receive the baptism instead of give it. But baptism was part of John's service to God and God blessed and honored it (Matthew 3:11-17).

Then in Matthew 11:2, John is in prison and facing death when he sends his messengers to Jesus to ask Him - "Are you the one who is to come or should we expect someone else?" No matter how important or special we might be or feel; no matter the significance of our calling - doubt, fear and circumstances will always be waiting to inject second guessing into our Faith in Christ and Fervor of service for Him.

BUT GOD...replies to John through Christ by having Jesus send John the encouraging and affirming message - 

1. the blind see
2. the lame walk
3. those with leprosy are cleansed 
4. the deaf hear
5. the dead are raised and
6. the Good News is proclaimed to the poor. (Matthew 11:4-6)

Jesus goes the extra mile and dotes on His cousin calling him "the Elijah who was to come" and "among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater." Jesus knows what is about to happen to John and takes a moment to eulogize His cousin, His servant, His Kid of the Kingdom - John the Baptist. Even after John's death, when Jesus learns of the beheading, Jesus shows emotion and goes to reflect and this is recorded in Matthew 14:13 - "When Jesus heard what had happened, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place."

The lessons to learn here are not only to keep your focus on Christ, but as you continue to focus on Him you will assimilate His perspective. Even with John's special birth, family connection to Jesus, calling on his life and powerful experiences with Christ - John was not able to remain focused on Jesus, therefore see, understand and appreciate Christ's deeds. John heard Father God's voice after he baptized Jesus saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased." (John 3:16-17) But fear and doubt are liars and will make you create scenarios that are not there and ask a question, after all this, such as - "Are you the one who is to come or should we expect someone else?"

Therefore, my encouragement, especially if you empathize with John, is to keep your Focus on Christ So That His Perspective will become yours. Even in those challenging moments God will reveal Himself to you and confirm everything about Himself and your calling - like He did with John.

A TREE OF MANY FRUITS

Have you ever sat under the perfect tree? I mean it provided you with the right amount of shade, it was very comfortable to sit or lean against, the area around the tree was extremely pleasant and perhaps the tree even produced a favorite fruit or nut. 

I imagine myself sitting under a tree much like this one, in a green pasture, reading Scripture and not far away is a gentle flowing stream. I know there are many places on the face of the earth that fit this description, but I save the perfect location and conditions for my Happy Place - the mental setting I journey to for a variety of reasons - better attitude, de-stress, or just because I desire to be there.

There are some people who are like this tree. I find their company, presence and everything that surrounds them to be just what I need. Their humor matches mine, their serious talk matches mine, their goofiness matches mine and not needing to speak at all but relish each other's companionship is enjoyed. I believe we all need to be this kind of person or tree - if you will.

Jesus used this analogy of The Tree in Matthew 7:17-20. He said, "...every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." So, what kind of tree are you? What kind of fruit does your tree produce? Does your life attract fruit lovers?

Paul encourages us to be A Tree of Many Fruits. In Galatians 5:22-23, he lists many ingredients, characteristics or fruits that should flow from a believer's life. Joy is a wonderful fruit to bear in one's life, but our God is a God of Abundance! There are other fruits God desires us to share with each other - love, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness AND self-control.

The key to an excellent, fruit-producing, enjoyable, edifying tree and person is the Source of The Root System. Read what the Holy Spirit had David pen (Psalm 1:1-4) -

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."

Do you see the equation here? The one who is completely enthralled with God's Word and turns it over and over in their mind during the day and night is like a Tree that is -

1. well nourished by Living Water
2. produces its fruit at the proper time
3. preserved by God; our attractiveness (leaf doesn't wither)
4. and God's favor is upon their life.

Do your roots go to The River that never will run dry? If they do, you probably are A Tree Of Many Fruits.

WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR TREASURE?

Life is a continual balancing act of priorities. As believers in Christ our number one priority should be the growth and development of our relationship with Jesus. However, one of the things that tends to get in the way of that goal is our re-direction of energies, talents, skills and funds to other treasures that will eventually rot and/or not matter.

Matthew records Jesus saying in 6:19-21 -  "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

There are so many "things" in my life that I devote funds and energies toward that I am pretty confident are not going to be in Heaven. There are things that I need to get by in life, but that is not what is spoken of here. "Treasure" in this passage is translated in the original Greek as thesauros, meaning a deposit of wealth literally or figuratively. This term comes from a word that denotes setting aside something for a purpose.

Have you ever seen a squirrel bury a lot of nuts?  Remarkably this animal can go about its life and when the season comes, recall and return to all the buried nuts for retrieval. Usually, this is done to get through winter or a particular part in the the squirrel's life. 

Humans do the same thing with monies. We have various forms and various pots we put them in for various reasons. Usually, it is either to withdraw later to either enjoy for ourselves or to bless someone else. Our governments take their share from these "pots", but we still try to store up for our dreams, goals and future. However, there is wealth that the law cannot touch. 

The Holy Spirit instructed Paul to teach and encourage the believers in Galatia - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23). This still holds true for believers today. This should be where we see Christians placing their effort in storing up treasure for themselves in Heaven. These "things", these "fruits of the Spirit" will never rot. They will be ready for you to enjoy and bless others not only now, but someday in Heaven. In your weighing of people, places and things in your life - Who Or What Is Your Treasure?

AMBASSADOR AND MEDIATOR

So much can go wrong when we act as an Ambassador or Mediator for someone else. The communication of exactly what is intended to be said to another through a Middle-Man is a risk many companies take with positions like Public Relations, Negotiator or Ambassador. Tone variations and body-english has potential for complete failure when you enter this middle-person. Nothing beats Hearing From The Horse's Mouth or straight from the source.

This places an incredible responsibility on the Ambassador or Mediator to have such an intimate relationship with whom they represent. There should be hardly any difference in contact with the Original Source when trying to influence another as an Ambassador. 

Christ Jesus was and is The Perfect Ambassador and Mediator. When He visited the first time, two-thousand plus years ago, He acted as Ambassador and represented to us, in flesh, God's love revealed. He taught us and showed us the principals and lifestyle of The Kingdom of Heaven. Now, due to His sacrifice on the Cross and victory over death, Christ sits at the right hand of Father God as our Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5). 

The awesome point I want to make here is that our Mediator, Christ, is in perfect harmonious relationship with The Source - Father God. While Jesus was here and before the religious leaders of the day, He declared Himself equal with Yahweh, Jehovah, Father God. He said, "I and the Father are one." (John 10:30) So, when we bring anything and everything before Jesus, we are bringing it before the very heart of Father God. And when anything and everything is conveyed to us by Jesus through His Holy Spirit, it comes from The Father. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)

There is not one imperfect communication that occurs in the Godhead. If that happened there would be no God. Talk about someone who is comfortable with who He is! And Jesus desired us to have that tight-knit of a relationship with Him also. John remembers Jesus praying - "All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:10-11)

Just imagine if we sought God with all that we are and all that we have! Unity in Christ would begin to occur. Our part in intimately knowing who we represent - The Mediator, Christ Jesus - would make us a more influential Ambassador for Him. Remember, if you represent Christ you should stand and promote for His lifestyle. Perhaps the following song lyrics can help us along our way toward being a better Ambassador of Christ - "Oh, Dear Lord three things I pray - (1) to see thee more clearly, (2) love thee more dearly and (3) follow thee more nearly, day by day." 

HIS ATTRACTIVENESS

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus says - "You are the salt of the earth." Then in the very next verse, He says - "You are the light of the world." Both "salt" and "light" have an attractiveness to them. Salt traps or attracts flavor and light attracts or draws the eye and attention. 

Notice what Jesus said we are NOT. We are Not salt and light of - God and His Kingdom. True, we represent both The Lord and His Kingdom, but we are Not Salt to the Kingdom of God, we are Salt or healing and enjoyable relationships (flavor) to the earth. We are not Light to the Kingdom of Heaven, we are Light or illumination/direction to this dark world. 

These two verses by Christ teach us to minister where we are with the gifts, favor and call God has bestowed upon us. We are in the world, but not of the world (John 17:14-16). However, while we are in the world, there is no question that we are to be influential. 

Jesus exemplified what it means to be both salt and light to this planet. Christ healed (salt) in all areas of life and He brought life-direction through His teaching and counsel (light). As followers of Christ, we are to do the same. Too many times the buck is passed to make a difference, leaving the Christian a lost opportunity to share God's love or even moreso gain a soul for Heaven. 

I pray for my confidence and yours. I pray for my future opportunities and yours. I pray all of us are made more "salty" and more illuminated in Christ SO THAT we share more of His Attractiveness.

HIS FAVOR AND ESTEEM

I love to be appreciated. I don't know of anyone who doesn't desire this. The concept is a healthy one and it is usually given if received. In the same Family as the idea of Appreciation is the notion of being Esteemed. According to the dictionary, the word "esteemed" means to regard highly or favorably; regard with respect or admiration. I would go a step further and say - without the Favor of God in our lives, esteem would not arrive or lasting esteem anyway.

The two Biblical examples of esteem and/or favor that pop in my mind and spirit immediately are Daniel and Mary (the mother of Jesus). In both cases the Head Messenger Angel, Gabriel, delivers an incredible, uplifting and encouraging greeting. With Daniel, Gabriel visited three times (Daniel 9:23; 10:11; 10:19) and said, "...you who are highly esteemed...". With Mary, Gabriel visited once and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." (Luke 1:28) And as I started reading the Gospel of Matthew I noticed right away that even in the genealogy of Jesus, Mary stood out among a long list of fathers. (Matthew 1:1-16) On purpose? I think and believe so.

I don't have any indication that Daniel or Mary did any particular thing to catch the eye of God for the Courts of Heaven to esteem or favor them. I believe God has a Plan for each of us. I feel Daniel and Mary must have been as close to a right relationship with God as you can get without Salvation through Christ. The kind of salutation they received and the subsequent blessing throughout their lives was indicative of a close walk with God. 

Why would any organization place more confidence in someone who does not value the company's ideas, strategies and goals? Any business desires to have a team environment toward their mission statement. The Kingdom of Heaven's business is about loving everyone into Eternity through Christ Jesus and then continuing to love on them through all kinds of support mechanisms. This is why we are called The Family of God. I believe God saw the individual plan for Daniel's and Mary's lives, plus the overall Kingdom Advancement Plan and their role in it. Then He sent a special messenger to encourage them in their duty.

My encouragement today and always is - "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12) - and God, in His good time will grant upon you His Favor And Esteem. 

NOT YET

At the end of the movie Gladiator, the General has died and his friend buries a token that memorializes him. As he does this he says, "I will see you again, but not yet, not yet."

To any of those friends or loved ones that pass away before us that are fellow believers in Christ, we can safely echo these sentiments. How can we have this kind of confidence? First, Jesus promised we would see Him and all of our loved ones and that is enough. Then add to that every prophecy of His first coming was fulfilled and any mention of another gathering is for certain. Jesus promised - 

"My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:2-3)

And about "That Gathering"! The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write and encourage the believers in Thessolonica about the catching up of the saints or what Christians commonly refer to as - The Rapture.

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

This takes care of the comforting "I will see you again" phrase at the beginning. There is a second part that demands attention - "but not yet, not yet." The second half of this quote re-focuses our effort on our contribution to The King during our lifetime. Pausing to honor your friend or family member's life and remembering that Christ promises a future reunion with Him and them is natural and expected. 

However, we cannot stay there. We have to move forward with what God is doing in our lives. The spirits of fear, depression and worry are very real. But I have great news - Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33) and He holds the keys to death and Hell (Revelation 1:18). As long as our heart is beating we must hear God saying, "I am not done with you yet - Not Yet."