Faithful on Fridays Blog

Last week I talked about the backstory role of the Spirit. We can now find this hovering Presence descending on individuals with specific assignments from God. Moses was designated, from conception, to receive a Christ-like assignment bringing rescue to God’s people. His story begins in Ex. 3:2 as he receives a visitation from the Angel of the LORD, Jesus, appearing in the midst of a burning bush that wasn’t consumed. During that conversation Moses received his mission from the great I AM.

Jesus referred to this divine encounter in Mark 12:24-26 while speaking of the Scriptures and the power (dunamis) of God. Since He doesn’t have a past, present, or future, Jesus taught, the God that visited Moses remains the God Who died for you, rose again, and is returning one day. He is a God of the living, that’s us, and He promises that same spiritual power to rescue us.

As Moses’ assignment progressed he drew on that power to complete his apostolic mission. Since he did not have the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit as New Testament believers, God visited Him again. Ex. 24:15-18 shows us Moses experiencing the face-to-face presence of God. It was a devouring fire that didn’t consume him but caused a shekinah or visible manifestation of being with God: glory.

When Moses returned from his mountaintop experience with God’s Spirit, his face was shining because he had been talking with God (Ex. 34:29). Can you see where I’m going? The temporary glory seen on Moses’ face, a supernatural manifestation, as astonishing as it was, was only a foretaste of what we have with God today. Paul tells us 2 Cor. 3:7-18 that the glory shining on Moses’ face would fade away as the Old Covenant (Heb. 8:6), a ministry of death and condemnation would pass away as well. The ministry of the Spirit, the Third Person, has even more, exceedingly more, much more, surpassing more, preferably more, and much better more glory. I’m using this exaggeration to put emphasis on the intentional work of the Spirit and to magnify His ministry in our lives.

The role of the Holy Spirit in Moses’ life was powerful yet temporary. On the other hand, His role in our life far surpasses what Moses had because it is permanent. We walk in His glory every day, at home, at work, out shopping, visiting friends, etc. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to remind yourself throughout the day, wherever you are, of His transforming presence moving you, hovering over you, bringing you from one degree of glory to another. This metamorphisis (transformation) is a gradual yet continuous walk, step by step, with the Third Person: the Spirit of God.

Don’t lose heart, you have the ‘light of the knowledge of the glory God in the face of Jesus Christ’ every time you’re in His presence. Just close your eyes and breathe: you’re there.

I love a good story. Whether it’s a fictional book or a TV show; I love how the pieces fit together. One element that seems to be crucial to a good story is the characters. Not just a shallow personality but a creative backstory. His backstory is events that took place before the story began that influenced his behavior. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, has a backstory.

The Spirit’s first appearance in Gen. 1:2 had purpose: He was hovering. The Hebrew word for hover means to move gently, linger, remain, or maintain a position. This magnificent word indicates the Spirit was brooding, like a hen who cherishes her chicks, focusing all her attention and protection on her offspring. The Spirit of Jesus was present at creation, lingering, brooding, until He received word from the Father.

The role of the Holy Spirit hasn’t changed today. He is still active, brooding over believers like a mother-hen, waiting for word to move into action. He won’t barge into your life; He’s waiting to be invited (Luke 11:13).

Ruach Elohim, the Spirit of God, is literally the breath of God (Gen. 1:30, 2:7) imparting life. He has focused His attention on creation, hovering, as He receives His assignments: bring life. His attention is now focused on those with faith, bringing life out of death, light into darkness, and joy from trials. This backstory will shed light on His character and give more meaning to Who He is and how He influences our lives.

As sin entered into our world humanity became separated from God. We no longer had continual access into His presence and our sinless nature became a sinful nature. It was quite apparent as we continue to investigate His backstory that this state of sin and rebellion against God would not last. Even God has His limits.

Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” Genesis 6:3

Thank God for limitations. In that carnal state (Gen. 6) we see the extent of man’s wickedness but the Spirit never lost sight of His original commission: bring life.

Repentance is the key here. Early in Genesis, the backstory, humanity was in a horrific state of rebellion and rejecting the life that God offered. For a believer, repentance brings us closer to God and allows the Spirit of Christ to enter into a situation and bring life and light. We don’t have to be concerned that He will reject us; He promises to walk alongside of us, bringing help and guidance; that promise is forever.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17

Revealed Royalty

Some of you may remember the movie Princess Diaries. A young girl was heir to the throne of the mystical nation of Genovia. The queen went looking for her in America and found a young woman who didn’t look like royalty, didn’t act like royalty, and most importantly, didn’t think like royalty. The queen revealed the rights and responsibilities of the throne to her. Are we that princess? We know that God is King and that we are His children (John 1:12) but do we think and act like heirs to His throne?

Today I’m beginning a series on our spiritual authority. As I’ve been studying the Scriptures I have come to realize that most Christians don’t understand their God-appointed authority. If they do, they don’t use it. Authority (exousia) means we have been assigned power to influence those around us and this exclusive privilege is to be used at our discretion.

God, the Father, clearly delegated spiritual authority to His Son, Jesus Christ, while He lived on this earth. This authority gave Jesus the right, as the Son of Man, to give evidence of His deity. Miracles, signs and wonders, healings and deliverances through this power to control and influence His environment was His proof. He was Who He said He was. Jesus repeatedly confirmed His authority (John 5:27, 17:2) and was scrutinized by the religious leaders of His day. Listen to their words:

When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?” (Matthew 21:23 NLT)

Surprisingly, Jesus wouldn’t tell them. They didn’t believe in Him therefore that privilege wasn’t available to them. Crowds of people who listened to Him preach the Sermon on the Mount also recognized this unique power. Jesus was teaching (Matt. 7:29) them as one who had the ability to reach into their hearts and bring transformation. Isn’t that what we need today?

Since the Father assigned this authority to the Son, Jesus therefore designated His followers with the same power to control or influence their world. Wow. Think about that. Jesus called His Twelve together and sent them out (Luke 9:1-2) to proclaim Kingdom Living and to heal those in need. He increased that number to over 70 (Luke 10:1-3), and again to 120 at Pentecost. It has gone into the world for over 2,000 years now and He is still working among us.

Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” (Luke 10:19, 20 NLT)

You are not the hidden royalty of Genovia. You are the revealed co-heir with Christ; we need to learn to think like royalty.

Back in the nineties I received a bread machine for Christmas. It was the rage because you placed a few ingredients in the pan, closed the top, hit the button and voilà: home baked bread. The main ingredient was yeast and for good reason. Without it the bread wasn’t light and airy, it would be like a rock. Jesus knew that using parables gave word pictures to help His people understand kingdom principles so let’s look at the purpose of leaven and why this one or two verse metaphor is so powerful.

Our Savior seemed to be on a roll in Matt. 13:33 or Luke 13:20-21 using His favorite teaching style. “Hmmmm, what’s it like to experience kingdom living now (paraphrased)?” He chose the imagery of bread undoubtedly because bread was considered the staff of life. Every woman knew how to bake bread and every man appreciated eating it but what’s the real point of leaven?

Any type of leaven is an agent of change. It works quietly, secretly, and subtly to transform simple flour and water; that’s the lower story. Leaven is a pervasive influence that brings life. Do you see where I’m going? The upper story is that our lives should the transforming influence to those God has placed in our path. Whether it’s your family, neighbors, church, or community; you are leaven. The gradual change that leaven brings to bread permeates throughout the whole loaf but it’s not obvious at first. You need patience if you’re a bread maker; leaven works secretly, like a seed underground, but you’ll eventually see the new life over time.

We can be a transforming influence to those around us as well: a catalyst. This is someone that causes change, speeds up a chemical reaction, and alters the rate of growth. We can be catalysts to our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth by living our lives under the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). When you invite that kind of power into your life you can expect change and we all know that change brings change.

Jesus promised the arrival of the Holy Spirit because He was leaving (John 14:25-26) and knew we’d need help to live this higher life. As He was ascending into heaven He gave last minute instructions to the disciples to wait for the outpouring of the power source: His Spirit. The leavening is within us, it’s His Spirit, waiting for you to invite Him into your life.

Where do you want change? Where do you need this permeating, transforming influence to work like yeast in your life? Your emotions, your marriage, your kids, your health, your job? God wants to influence you to be an influence around others. He may need to modify your behavior, give you a new perspective, or adjust your thinking but He is our divine yeast working secretly in our hearts bringing us new life in the Kingdom of God.

Spiritual Farmers

Farmers are interesting people because their livelihood depends on the weather and the weather depends on God. They work hard, have long hours, and find patience to be invaluable. A farmer’s harvest depends on the rain. Too much or too little precipitation determines their crop and their crop determines their provision for the year. God and patience; that’s the lower story.

There’s a spiritual harvest coming that believers should be involved in because we are spiritual farmers; that’s the upper story. It’s the final harvest of souls that’s promised before the Return of the Lord. It’s the third of the three Feasts of the Lord from the Old Testament and the only one that Jesus hasn’t yet fulfilled: The Feast of Tabernacles. Like a natural harvest its also dependent on rain, a spiritual rain.

Ask the LORD for rain In the time of the latter rain. The LORD will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone. Zechariah 10:1 NKJV

God’s desire is for all to be saved but that desire does not mean that all will humble themselves to Him; not all will repent and come to Him for forgiveness. As scripture tells us there will be a specific day, determined by Him, when the spiritual harvest is finally complete. That’s the day that Christians are patiently waiting and eagerly working toward: the final harvest of souls.

How are you working toward that day? Are you involved in a church that has outreaches to your community: feeding the poor, visiting the lonely, or clothing the needy? Do you support ministries in other nations that reach the lost? How do you spend your free time? Is it totally focused on ‘you’ or others? Consider your strengths, your gifts, and your talents and get out there and plow some fields!

When the farmer’s crop has finally ripened they don’t just sit back and do nothing; they either get out there themselves or they hire people to bring in the harvest. That’s you and that’s me. My question for you is simply this: Are you ready for that final harvest day?

As you’re patiently waiting with other believers for His Return I encourage you to get involved in the harvest of souls. In other words, be evangelistic yourself and support ministries that share the gospel with your community and the nations. Be personally ready and teach your children or grandchildren to be ready for His Return.

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door! (James 5:7-9 NLT)

What’s all this talk about the Kingdom of God, kingdom living, and kingdom principles? Funny, that’s the same question Jesus posed to a large crowd that had gathered to hear Him (Mark 4:30). After telling a story, a parable, and explaining it privately to His disciples, Jesus encouraged the people to be good listeners. This was important because the seed of God’s Word was being planted in their hearts to help themselves and others: kingdom principles. If that wasn’t enough, He also taught that as you continue living in the Kingdom of God and operating in His principles, your fruit will increase. The parable of the mustard seed shows us this kingdom principle.

Here’s a few pointers regarding parables. First, read it from beginning to end and concentrate on the ending. A parable usually has a ‘kicker’ there: a main point. It’ll give you a snapshot of what lesson Jesus is teaching and it usually comes at the end. Next, a parable is a story, not an allegory. In other words, not every detail has symbolic meaning. When you try to treat them as allegories, you get all mixed up and then nothing makes sense. Allegories are fantasy stories (like Pilgrim’s Progress or Hind’s Feet in High Places) and parables are real life. Allegories usually have symbolic meaning to every detail and parables tell a relatively simple story using everyday life.

Jesus seemed to be thinking out loud in Mark 4:30 when He asked a couple questions to stimulate His disciples’ thinking. Hmmm, what’s the Kingdom of God like (Luke 13:18)? What’s a good comparison? I know, it’s like the smallest seed on earth, that grows into a large tree with large branches, and gives much shade. Yeah, that’s good Jesus. But what does it mean?

Jesus took them aside, again, and explained everything as they were able to hear (vs. 33). What’s the kicker at the end? How about this? You read your Bible, listen to good preaching, and watch the fruit grow; it’s seed planted in good soil and growing even if you don’t recognize it. Others will. You may find God directing people for you to encourage, pray for, and enlighten; yes, God is preparing you to help others.

The birds of the air are those people. They come to you because they trust you; your life reflects God. You are different: you act different, you think different, and you talk different. It shows. God will trust you with divine appointments so you can help people build their nests, so to speak, and find a safe place in Him. That’s living in the Kingdom of God.

I pose this question for you today. How much time are you devoting to God in your day? How often do you open the Word of God and reflect on Jesus? Do your own comparison. Are you satisfied or convicted? Are you able to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit today drawing you back into His presence?

New is Good

Have you been watching the news recently and thought that our world seems to be spinning out of control? Just in our nation the statistics for the homeless, jobless, drug abusers, slave trafficking, poverty, child abusers, divorces, battered women, need I go on, are astounding. It’s enough to cause us to release a heavy sigh and feel a sense of helplessness.

This is not going to be a Debby-Downer message today; it’s one of hope and good news. The Savior of the World, the Redeemer of Mankind, and the King of all Kings is coming back to rescue His chosen ones! That’s the best news ever. He is not going to leave us forever. He’s returning to sit on His throne and be the Judge and King for eternity. If that’s not enough to make you get up in the morning with a smile, I don’t know what is. Yes, we live in a broken world and yes, all of the statistics are probably true but believers don’t stop with the facts and the outward circumstances. We look beyond the numbers and toward the truth of … a day is coming. This world of crime and injustice against one another will come to an end and we will rule and reign with Him, now that’s good news!

Rom. 8:18-19 says this, “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are.”

Did you notice that word eagerly? We are to be desiring, longing, and even yearning for That Day to arrive. The Day of the Second Coming of the Lord will be a glorious Day that everyone on the planet will view; every eye will see Him appear. There will be no mistaking His arrival, no one will question His appearance, all creation will breathe out a heavy sigh that this age is completed and a new one has arrived. Let’s remember that this fallen world in which we now reside will be transformed into a new kingdom from which we will spend eternity.

There are several words that mean new in Greek. One is new in time (neos) and the other is new in quality (kainos). God has a fresh start planned for His people (kainos); it will be new in quality and have a new form, refreshed and renewed. There will be a renewed heaven, a renewed earth, and a renewed Jerusalem. We will live in the new covenant, as a new creature, with a new name, and a new song! He will not recreate all of this but will renew them in quality and form. Oh, what a glorious Day that will be.

So be encouraged today:

For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. (Hebrews 13:14 NLT)