How would you feel if you did all that was asked of you and still didn’t get to the promised land, having your mistaken performance reviewed in reality?  If it is a thing of faith, why then are we judged for our performance against the overall Kingdom objective?  That is the quiz, the puzzle, the riddle and the dream.  You see salvation is not so much about a get out of jail card as it is a chance to live for the right reasons.  Yes, through His unbelievable grace we are extended the opportunity to be freed from sin and face an eternity where we shall not be separate, but for what reason?

What is your reason?  Who are you supposed to set free from the lands of this world, its Egypt?  What Kin might you specifically be applied to bring out from captivity?  What heroic benefit or silver spooned life might you sacrifice in order that God might be glorified and your brethren set free?  Can you imagine living in total authority, riches and every want fulfilled only to choose that you might become a slave to a righteous God, then finding out that it was all a misconception, a head fake and that true destiny leads in to the wandering desert for the second 40 years of your life.  Only to find God in the desert and realize he wants you to go back for His purpose.  Can you imagine the surprise, the spine shattering fear that would cause you to even question God’s choice?

Then finding yourself successful in the most monumental quest of all mankind’s history, you find yourself incapable to finishing the task.  Once again you wander in the desert unable to taste that honey and milk of promise.  Instead finding yourself frustrated at every juncture by those human’s you argued with God to protect.  What would you say to those around you as spy after spy proclaimed the land to grand and the people to large for defeat?  What would cause you, after some eighty years of miraculous faith to suddenly decide to disobey God?  What could possibly have shaken you so badly that you allowed the sheep to lead the king and out of frustration at circumstance lost your temper when God had tempered you for more patient work?  How awful to realize your end would come without crossing the Jordan to promises kept.

How wonderful the courage of Joshua and Caleb, to see the task fulfilled.  How heavy their hearts leaving Moses, Aaron and their millions in the desert.  How precious their courage in only sending two positive minded spies to report back from Jericho.  How blessed we become when we forget our own fear and depend upon God’s Word for decision, determination and vow.  I do not wish to spend any measure of my life wandering in the desert of my own disobedience or lack of discernment.  I certainly do not wish to blame God or man for my unwillingness to go in and possess the promised land given me by God.  We must take it when He tells us to go and stand as He proclaims wait, anything in between in misery in in-fulfillment of destination and purpose.  Demand the Giants, race to the high ground, know of it promise, fear nothing but God.  In His name I pray that I have the requisite courage and discernment at the appropriate timing to fulfill my Kingdom purpose and bring honor to him in my realization of His promises for my life.  In Jesus’ precious Name I pray.

Oh Lord Jesus.  What do you see when you look at me?  Do you hear positive reinforcement of your will for my life, sound, clearly pronounced words of courage, faith and a heart absent leaven?  Do you see my loving eyes pointed skyward, waiting, watching, hoping that even this night my be my last and my first.

You foresaw the rising cost of righteousness, knowing that none of us would escape coming persecution.  They are changing so rapidly our choices are being forced.  Tolerance, blind acceptance, committed weakness or perhaps assistance with cause furtherance.  Our Christianity has been made weak or whole, there are few standing upon the fence at this time, having chosen more hospitable surrounding.

I know that you wait for my Brother.  Forgive me for speaking to him in such naiveté. My grounds should have been firmly established long ago upon discipleship in maturity, instead I scrambled, struggled and barely found courage to confront his confusion.  Though I said something Lord I do not remember that it was either done in a convincing, educated, heart felt or gentle manner.  I never ceases to amaze me, these shortcomings.  My I have another chance, I promise to be ready, after all I know how much he matters to you.

I think again of the promises your word made to me.  The faith, the nights of sleep and the educating dreams I’ve received outside of your promises, I am so thankful to have known you for such a time as this.  I know that I have been of limited purpose, use or return for your kingdom and for that knowledge I am ashamed.  But you didn’t want my sacrifice only this obedience that I offer right now.  Give me the chance Lord to overcome the objects of my disobedience.  Speak to me Father and I will listen.  Hear my prayers or worship, honor, Glory and praise.  You are the greatest part of me.

We know when Christ will stand upon the Mount of Olives as detailed by the timeline of tribulation.  How then is this in any way coming like a thief in the night?  The Bible refers to being home, armed with the fore knowledge of a burglar’s timing.  Yet in this instance of Christ’s return for His Church, we are left unaware of the day or the hour, merely that we should be imminently ready.  How else may this be explained except that the Lord has set the parameter for being raptured as those who are “ready” for the coming of Christ as it surprises all of humanity.  This idea appears to hypothesize that only those who have taken some action or maintained some level of vigilance will be found prepared for this unique timing.  However, let us not be mistaken, this readiness is not of our own doing, to be consistent with the auspices of works, it is instead a readiness of faith, being filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit, obedient, diligent, prepared for Christ’s return, taking seriously every opportunity to grow closer to Him.  Indications of this readiness are zealousness for God’s Word, authentic action for the Kingdom and a heart that is heaven focused, seeking righteousness, purity and relationship with the Triune God.

During recent polls Americans claim that they are roughly 70% Christian.  If that is the case and the rapture shortly arrives, the United States would be reduced to a population of roughly 100 Million people overnight.  That would decimate the U.S. immediately, but few would fuss or argue, because most would be amenable to joining a world conglomerate, perhaps the new region of Canamerimexico would be realized in an instant.  We all know that the 70% number is however fictitious, because there are so many denominations, doctrines and cults that do not recognize the deity, sufficiency or propitiation of Christ’s sacrifice.  There is more likely to be a smaller segment of people taken in the rapture.  The world will be glad to see these people go, so that they may be free of the Holy Spirit’s conviction and be left behind to practice their own specific forms of self and iconic worship.  What if 50 or a 100 million people were raptured from America in an instant, in the twinkling of any eye?  Is that somehow explainable, through some alien abduction, mass illness or black hole radiation theory?  You know that the greatest deception to ever come upon mankind is on its way, is this story the fulfillment of that specific prophecy?  See again we do not know.  When we don’t know in the Bible it is best to accept that He didn’t tell us because He didn’t want us to know.  Whatever happens those who are ready to escape God’s coming judgment upon the Earth will rejoice and them who are left behind shall morn.  I prefer to concentrate on what I know.  Christ is coming.  He said to be ready.  Being ready has to do with being recognizably in dwelt by the Holy Spirit.  Being indwelt by the Holy Spirit brings forth fruit that is clearly associated with His presence.  These recognizable fruits are described, taught and lain out for us in the Bible.  Therefore, we have been appropriately warned to be ready.  The choice is ours alone.

The convincing content of eyewitness testimony.  In the reading, processing and understanding of this powerful epistle we see John’s Clarion call to understanding one’s position as a Christian.  John, unlike Paul, was not steeped in nuance or pondering difficulties, but spoke plainly with conviction, clarity and complete covenant to truth as guiding principle in the retelling of Christ’s Glorious Gospel.

Chapter 1 vs 1

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; )  That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship  with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 

Humble purpose and intention, that of allowing hearers to share in broad fellowship with God, Christ Jesus and fellow believers.  Testifying to the manifestation of God’s Glory in the Body of Christ Jesus because it is right to tell the truth of what we have seen and heard.  These are not the passionate musings of literary genius but the honest and joyous recount of those who saw Christ’s humanity and His Glory.

Chapter 1 vs 3

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.  This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is life, and in him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is no in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just  to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

Again humble intention that we might find full joy in testimony.  Now coupled with absolute declaration of two competing positions which remain mutually exclusive in definition.  A series of “if” statements effective separate those who are in Christ from non believers, presenting an unnavigable gap of permanence between the two world views.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.  And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  And he is  the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning.  The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. 

John appeals to all to do what is right.  But he acknowledges the sacrifice that appeased God’s anger so that all sin may be not only forgiven but cleansed through the life, death and resurrection of Christ.  John further acknowledges the natural similarities that should be witnessed in someone who has been saved, forgiven and cleansed, that being the evidence presented through a Christ like walk in this life.  It is his assertion that this principled living is consistent with existing covenant with God, but to follow are some ideas that may be reflected upon as new covenant principles.

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.  he that said his is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.  He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.  But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Repeatedly, John brings God’s clarity, understanding and direct simplicity to discern the nature and consequence of man action.  The Holy Spirit seeks discernment, establishing in clarity those things which may be sheltered by enemy deception.  John continues to define those issues that are either associated with light or darkness, in so doing clarifies those safety’s and dangers naturally welded to each position.  He implores believers to abide truthfully in Christ so as to not be “embarrassed” upon his return, suggesting that we may replace potential shame with confidence.

Rejoice

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name sake.  I write unto, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning.  I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.  I write unto you, little children because ye have known the Father.  I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from  the beginning.  I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one.  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.  Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists whereby we know that it is the last time.  They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

The word is for all who have been given the eyes to see and the ears to hear.  It is after all, relationship that determines our position within Christ.  He knows us and we have been given the opportunity to know him.  This world is not our home, it passes away, its lustful temptations and its pride go with it, nothing will remain.  We belong to everlasting and have nothing in common with these flesh filled works, rituals or cultural underpinnings.  He has written unto them so that they may become mature in their faith.  Many have departed the clear doctrine of Christianity.  They left us because they too saw the separation between us and knew the gap was too far to traverse.

Chapter 2 Verse 20

But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.  I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?  He is an antichrist, that denieth the Father and the son.   Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [But] he that acknowledgeth the son hath the Father also.  Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning.  If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 

John acknowledges the kinship of understanding with them who know the truth  The world knows us not because it does not know him.  John proposed that there is some mystery of what we shall become as the Sons of which at some point will become evident as we meet Jesus.  That hope, that mystery, that understanding based and we act subsequently is based on our current limited understanding of what it means to be “like” Him.  With this expectation of some future transition we aspire to begin our quest toward Jesus emulation.  We now abide in Him and He in us, everything has changed.  We have somehow become mirrors of our relation to Christ.  Those demonstrating righteousness do so because of their kinship to the Most High God and them who continue to sin are simply demonstrating their devil likeness.  Each left to the ramifications of the greatest choice offered in this life.  And the greatest message delivered to Christians is that we simply and assuredly “love”, even when the world hates for that brotherly love becomes evidence of the same salvation granted each believer.

Segment 3:18 to the end of the chapter.

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.  And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.  And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.  And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

If there are great dangers, then a loving Father must convey to us great warning of preparedness and vigilance.  For the enemy cares not about the man who is lost, he is after your blessings, he makes haste to steal your joy and make you impotent for the Kingdom of Christ in hopeful plan of capturing you in pride, sin and debauchery.  Yes there will be false teachers, false preachers, false friends and power mongers.  Even now they reside or seek entry to the Churches, seeking comfort from which to work disruption, deception and disarray.  Why wouldn’t they exist in a world that is being given the opportunity for redemption?  This world is lost, it is winding down and even now begins to trip over itself in a quest to achieve new level of putrefaction.  We should now be reasonably practiced in loving them while asking the Lord to keep us set apart from the spots and slanders of this world’s wickedness.  But are you confident in discernment for that is our weaponry to see through enemy deceit?  If not, I counsel you to write this chapter upon your heart so that you might be warned to readiness.   

His power is not for self edification, it is never to make me more powerful.  It is the seal, the acknowledgement, the mark of my belonging to God and Spirit’s provisioning for my adequate Kingdom witness. Without it my words are limp, dying strands of gibberish leading no where.  Empowered with the Spirit, His light becomes unmistakably embellished upon my visage.  This is power, the power to love someone enough that they may be led to  the knowledge of God through Christ from seemingly simple conversation.  How must that frustrate the enemies of God.

This world tries so hard to be the most important thing to each of us, yet its comparison fizzles, when held up against an eternal God.  Yet deception is an effective artifice of those dark servants.  This is not our home, it may be our time, a time through which we bring glory to either God or gain to man.  What matters is the hereafter and in consequence this life at how it may reflect upon our true life to come, in service of a Holy God.  What I do here matters because it will determine who will be with me in the hereafter and to which position I am assigned based upon my Kingdom performance in this life.  Not to earn salvation, but having accepted the gift in faith, now working to bring forth God’s Will in Power, Spirit and Truth.  Does standing on a promise in faith create power opportunity?

I am tiny, yes, you see my insignificance.  I will not brandish false bravado, hoping to pump up my own self indulgent courage.  But that is the wonder of my circumstance.  It is a dependence upon power that “is” living within me, yet not of me but using me in ambassadorial sense.  See our God is the God that “IS”.  He lives, unlike the fables, foibles of phantasmal fascinations created either in imagination or crafted by the hands of man to comfort his aloneness.  Unlike all other God’s He needs no sacrifice preferring surrender, He abhors our own works, delighting only in our obedience to the only perfect vision, His own.  You see, no matter how hard I try and come up with a concept entirely my own, I am eternally confronted with its ancient existence within His Word.  His Word, comforting me that I belong to the beginning and the end, kin to a Father who spoke and it became.  He spoke and all this was created, How then must I be remade by the hearing, speaking and reflection of that same Living Word?

That is Power.  The Power of His reflection in my eyes.  The Power of His Spirit emanating from each of us in servant discipleship.  The Power of Words, so potent that they frighten time and gravity.  The Power to accept a promised victory assured by the God who created all.  I exercise my power, the power to say yes Lord, I am yours in choice, belief and hope-filled, faithful execution of your Will until I may thank you in Person.  God be praised in the awesome name of Jesus Christ the King.