“If you were of the world, the world would love his own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:19
Dear Ones:
There is a great difference between the “world,” that of creation, and the “world” system, which is characterized by the pursuit of power, pleasure, and position. One of the most distinguishing statements by the Lord Jesus with regard to both the creation and the “system” is the following: “I am from above: ye are of this world; I AM NOT OF THIS WORLD.” (Jn. 8:23) By declaring this reality, Christ sets Himself completely apart from all of creation, and man’s initiatives, pursuits, and influences. Christ distinguishes Himself as unique, singular, “other-worldly”, who, because of “depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God,” is that one who IS, and forever shall be, EXEMPLARY. Paul sums it up by declaring: “For of Him, and though Him, and to Him, are ALL things: to whom be glory for ever.” (Romans 11:36) How does this knowledge relate to us, especially with regard to our living in this world?
When John the Apostle wrote his first letter, He begins, not with “ministry” or “missions,” but with fellowship, or communion with God the Father, and the Son. That TRUE fellowship would have its effective expression in true, spiritual fellowship among brethren. Jesus taught: “For where two or three are gathered together IN MY NAME, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:20) What is He saying? He is speaking of the confirmation, and revelation, of Himself by the Spirit, in and through the lives of those believers who meet and worship IN HIS NAME. Where there is true spiritual fellowship with God, and with other brethren, there is the witness, even manifestation, of the life of Christ in the midst.
In Psalm 133:1, 3, we read: “…how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…for THERE the Lord commanded the blessing, even LIFE forevermore.” Of what is the Psalmist speaking? He too, like Matthew, is relating to us that where there is true fellowship with God, and with others, the Lord will bless…and this with the increased revelation of His LIFE by the Spirit. There will be “times of refreshing” from the presence of the Lord. Why? Because the exemplary LIFE of Christ, this distinguished LIFE, is manifested.
“Ministry and missions” is not the primary thrust of the gospel message. Jesus made this very clear in Matthew 7 when He spoke of those who prophesied in His name, cast out demons, and did wonderful works. The problem there was the fact that He “never KNEW them.” (v.23) Our great calling is to Christ, HIMSELF, to this blessed fellowship and communion with Him…walking in the light as He is in the light. It is then that He, the head of the church, and the Lord of the Harvest, will call forth “ministry and missions,” to accomplish His purposes, and to reach a lost world for and by Him. Personal, and profound fellowship with Christ, is the first thing…the foremost thing. Nothing can be put before it, and the whole of life must be derived from it.
Dear Father, give us grace to see the great issues of life from Thy perspective, and then believe Thee for their realization in our lives. Bring us increasingly, and more consistently, into a life of communion with Thyself and Thy Son, by the Spirit, that out of such a wonderful, and unique relationship, the exemplary LIFE of Christ will be known, and communicated to others. We thank Thee, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad