The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"The Perfect One, the Abiding One"
I recall one of the saddest days each year of my childhood being the first day of school, when it always seemed a good friend had moved away during the summer. I would not be seeing that buddy anymore, and knew that the separation would likely be for a lifetime.
"Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you" (John 14:28).
The disciples likely understood the "go away." Based on their response after the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, they obviously did not comprehend the "come again" (and in real terms, would not until they received the indwelling Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost). Thus, their hearts broke when He died, a sad and forlorn response we can certainly understand. No others had ever before or since lost the presence and companionship of a perfect human being. The classmates mentioned certainly did not attain to that standard. Nor have many other precious ones who have left since then, many by death. Still, the separations have keenly hurt, especially since I have been blessed with so many wonderful family members, friends, and colleagues. Again, however, only the disciples and other close followers of the Lord Jesus lost perfection. Surely their's were the most broken hearts any have ever known.
Subsequently, however, they became the most joyful of people. The perfect One who had walked with them returned to dwell and walk within them (II Corinthians 6:16). He has done the same in all who have believed throughout the course of church history. Moreover, once He comes to indwell, He promises, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). The One for whom our hearts were made takes up eternally permanent residence within us, spiritually birthing us by becoming the very Life of our lives. Never must we concern ourselves regarding a separation from Him because God always finishes what He starts. "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
The Perfect One also graces us as the Abiding One. Like the brokenhearted disciples who became the joy-filled sons and daughters of God, the Holy Spirit who indwells us to reveal in us the character and nature of Christ will be with and within us forever. God could grant no greater gift of His grace and truth in the Lord Jesus, and we honor Him by affirming and responding to His perfect and abiding presence within us.
"And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."
(John 16:22)
"Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying Abba Father."
(Galatians 4:6)
Weekly Memory Verse
Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying Abba Father.
(Galatians 4:6)
6610
No comments:
Post a Comment