“…seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1
Dear Ones:
If there is one thing that the Gospel of Christ gives us, it is “expansion,” expansion of vision and possibilities. For example, let us ask the question, “Can we compare what we ‘ask or think’ with the vision and provision of God, especially as it concerns that which is eternal, lasting forever? As to “expansion,” in mind and heart, let us consider what God has declared to us: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may OBTAIN mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) Why does God speak to us in this way, especially since we are so little and limited, not to mention, sinners by nature? It is because of ONE who has preceded us, who has opened for us a “new and living way” by which we can come to God with full assurance. The issue of assurance, and reality of receiving, is reaffirmed to us in Hebrews 11:6, where we read: “…for he that cometh to God must believe that He IS, and that He IS the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” If these thoughts, and truths, are not enough to expand our vision of what God WILLS and what He will Do, let us consider Hebrews 10, verse 22: “…Let us draw near with a true heart in FULL ASSURANCE of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.” What is the Lord seeking to reveal to us? It is that He has done EVERYTHING so that man can rise our of the dust of his own littleness to have true fellowship with his Creator and Redeemer, who is waiting to receive Him. So, how does this knowledge “expand” our vision, our understanding, and possibilities?
It is in considering the great Original, God in Christ Himself, that we must realize that, “….as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9) If this is so, how wrong it is for us to choose to live simply according to the thoughts, ways, and means of men, rather than those of Christ. Christ sits at the right hand of God at this moment, to receive us, and to be received OF us. It is THERE in Him that “…all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found.” Can we go higher than that? It is for this reason, according to the inexpressible, and incomprehensible love of God, that we must look heavenward, seeking from Christ all that He desires to give, so that, in fellowship with Him, all of His purposes can and will be accomplished on this earth, in us, as it is in heaven.
In 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, we see that God has provided “gifts,” capacities for all, and every believer. He has given capacities to men, as varied and applicable as we could ever imagine. These different capacities and gifts, and enablings, are all similar in that they come from God. Under His sovereign control and blessing, their use and fulfillment will result in the highest and greatest blessing of others. Who will then trust God for His highest and best, His good and perfect will and calling in the life, to be known, realized, and specifically trusted for?
Dear Father, we are so cramped in our understanding because we do not yield all to Thee, so that You can reveal to us Your highest and best. Give us to come boldly before You with sincere and clean hearts, seeking your perfect will for our lives, and those around us. Then we shall know something of what it is to be “enlarged,” with an understanding that is expanded. We thank and praise Thee for what You will do, and the answer that You will give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad