STRENGTH FROM THE CHANGELESS ONE

STRENGTH FROM THE CHANGELESS ONE               Malachi 3:6a; Hebrews 6:16-20; 7:23-28

Friday, May 8, 2020

               

  One of the great experiences in life is having a wise person mentor you. The best scenario is when they are mature in holding to interest in building you and company. Thankfully I have benefited several times under the wise authority of such high caliber men and women. But there is even better, the utmost best actually.

  Jesus, as the High Priest of those trusting Him, is the epitome (i.e. Person of utmost quality.) as example, mentor, and intercessor. He is not limited to wonderfully redeeming us from “condemned already” (Jn.3:18) unto eternal heaven. His redemption is presently actively enlivening . . . if we are agreeable. If we are contrary to His influence we not only don’t have His strength, we experience God’s opposition.

  James explained “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Aren't they caused by the selfish desires that fight to control you? You want what you don't have, so you commit murder. You're determined to have things, but you can't get what you want. You quarrel and fight. You don't have the things you want, because you don't pray for them. When you pray for things, you don't get them because you want them for the wrong reason-for your own pleasure. You unfaithful people! Don't you know that love for this evil world is hatred toward God? Whoever wants to be a friend of this world is an enemy of God. Do you think this passage means nothing? It says, "The Spirit that lives in us wants us to be his own." But God shows us even more kindness. Scripture says, "God opposes arrogant people, but he is kind to humble people." So let’s place ourselves under God's authority. Resist the devil, and he will run away from us.  Clean up our lives, and clear our minds of that which is not godly. Be miserable, mourn, and cry at our resistance. Turn our misplaced laughter into mourning and our joy into gloom. Humble yourselves in the Lord's presence. Then he will give you a high position.” (Jam.4:1-10 underlining mine)

  Jesus is not fickle, acting out various moods as we too often may. He is consistent, period. Totally unlike mere humans or mythical gods, He is predictable in manifestation of His love, and He need not beg audience with the Father, He is at the Father’s right hand making intercession for those trusting Him as Lord Jesus Christ! (Rom.8:34)

  Remember the strong spring in your step . . . the purposeful stride . . . when you knew you had a supportive trusted human mentor? (Admittedly sometimes slipping into egotistical swaggering.) Did you experience increase in emotional ease and creativity in thought? Weren’t you more courageous? Wasn’t life richer and fuller? To all questions, yes indeed!

  Jesus is not Apollyon, the Destroyer. He is the changeless abundant provider of light and life with strength for those receptive to Him as Lord. (Jn.10:10) 

EBB4   Thursday, May 10, 2018

PS. For those interested I’m offering a 14 page study on the names of Jesus and God. It is compiled from Nave’s topical Bible and the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Just ask and I’ll email it to you.