“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:3
Dear Ones:
Christianity is NOT a set of “do’s” and “don’t’s.” It is rather a revelation and realization of receiving from heaven in order to give. When the Lord Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray, He told them to pray: “…Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The plea of the heart to God here is for the blessings of heaven to be received and given on this earth. We have the greatest example of this in the life of the Lord Jesus. His gaze was consistently towards the Father, and He never did anything that He did not see His Father do. During His ministry in particular, He received constantly the blessings of the Father, to be given unto men. This is clearly illustrated when he received the five loaves and two fishes. He gave thanks to His Father, not only for the loaves and fishes, but also for the opportunity which had been given Him to, in turn, give to those around Him. He received the blessing of heaven upon this food in order to convey that blessing to those around Him who were hungry.
When Paul had his vision of heaven, he was overwhelmed by what he saw. It was so very overwhelming that he did not have words to express, or explain it. The sight was so very wonderful, that he would certainly have desired to go and be with Christ at that very moment. But God’s purpose for his life was not fully yet realized. Therefore, a “thorn in the flesh” was given Paul, to keep him in a position of “weakness,” or rather, in utter dependence upon the all-sufficient God for every need, especially in view of receiving from heaven in order to give to others on earth. He wrote to the Galatians that he had received the gospel by revelation from God, and not from men. Look at the blessing upon men throughout the centuries by virtue of the writings of the Apostle Paul concerning the Gospel. It has proven to be not only good news, but the very power of God to save countless multitudes. Paul received from heaven to give unto men, for their eternal blessing. But what about us? We are not the Apostle Paul. What is our role, privilege, and responsibility?
The first, and foremost, response to the knowledge of “bringing heaven down to earth” has its roots, origin, and essence in prayer. As Jesus had instructed His disciples to pray this, so we are instructed to do so. The revelation in Scripture that there is a “new and living” way to God, one where we have access to God upon His throne, is an overwhelming thought. Secondly, when the Apostle Paul tells us on this earth to seek things in heaven, “…at the right hand of God (in Christ),” we see that we have the responsibility to pray, seek God, believe Him for His intervention and blessing. But when we go to Isaiah 57:15, we see that there is a way to “dwell” in the “high and holy place” with God, there to KNOW His intervention in our lives, but also, in the lives of those for whom we pray. For us who would dwell in His presence, we must be contrite and humble. What does this mean? When the Lord Jesus used the illustration of the publican who stood before God, and beat his breast, declaring: “God, have mercy on me a sinner,” He revealed to us that the truly “just,” or righteous man is that one who KNOWS he has nothing, is nothing, and needs to RECEIVE all from God in Christ, who IS merciful. Herein is our mission, to receive from God that which is good, with meek and contrite hearts, but KNOWING that God hears, and gives, that we will have that which we can give to others.
Dear Father, give us to be good, consistent receivers of that which is divine by Thy Spirit. Enable us to be ever thankful for all that you do, and desire to do, in answer to faith. And enable us to use well the opportunity and provision by the work of Christ on Calvary, which allows us to come into Thy very presence, and receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Then others will be truly blessed, and You shall be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad