He Wears Your Picture Badge

So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually. Exodus 28:29

Have you ever watched the news broadcast of a missing person? As I saw a report on a missing teenager, the family being interviewed all wore picture badges displaying the person’s face. They not only wanted this face in public view for possible recognition but also they wanted this reminder close to their own hearts. Just having this type of memorial helped this grieving family pursue their hopes of finding their child.

As discussed in Exodus Chapter 28, Aaron wears a garment that has the names of each of the twelve tribes of Israel etched in precious stones and placed over his heart. This robe is worn by Aaron as he enters the most holy place in the presence of the Lord. Aaron represents the people to the Lord and is a continual reminder of who they are to the Lord. Today, we have Jesus Christ who is our High Priest and who bears our names before the Lord. We, too, are considered as precious stones before the Lord as our names are placed over the heart of our Savior Jesus.

How many of us truly realize how precious we are to the Lord? When life’s ups and downs seem to dominate our time and thoughts, we may not realize that we have a High Priest who is continually presenting us and our needs to our heavenly Father. Sometimes, we, as believers, stray from our Father’s presence, maybe fall out of fellowship or a regular time of prayer and Bible reading. During those times, I can picture Jesus going before the Father with a picture badge over His heart reminding the Lord of His child who has gone astray.  More than anything else, the Lord desires a personal relationship with us and never wants us to be lost or to be away from Him.

Where are you today? Are you in close fellowship with Jesus? Regardless of where you are, know that if you are a child of God, born again in Jesus Christ, then your High Priest is continually presenting you to the Father. You can have the hope and peace today that Jesus is carrying your picture over His heart as a constant memorial. But, even more than that, He is living in your heart and wants to be with you always. Can you say the same? Are you carrying His picture in spirit and truth over your heart today? Are you spending time in worship and fellowship with Him? None are missing in the Lord today…for “I once was lost but now I am found, was blind but now I see” (Amazing Grace).

~Daily Disciples~

Man Now Another Species Than God Created # 23

[this needs serious attention if we are to understand the real meaning of Christ and the Cross.]


The Cross and the New Man

The History of Man, From God's Standpoint, and His Own

Firstly, we have man "in the day that God created" him (Genesis 5:1). His threefold nature is defined.

1. Spirit: with three faculties, Conscience, Communion and Intuition; the main value of which is spiritual apprehension.

2. Soul: with Reason, Emotion, Will or Volition; the function of which is interpretation for human life.

3. Body: of flesh, blood and bone; for executing or transacting the business of spirit and soul.

Then we have the relationship to God by the spirit. This is fivefold:

1. Likeness (basic, "spirit").
2. Fellowship.
3. Knowledge (spiritual perception).
4. Cooperation.
5.Dominion.

Secondly, we have the "Fall."

The results and effects of this were, and are:

1. The human spirit subjected to the soul.
2. The soul the seat of the satanic attack and triumph, having come under the power of evil forces.
3. The body, the instrument of the soul, under the influence of satan, especially for purposes of procreation in man's own likeness, after his image. (Genesis 5:3).

Then, by the spirit severed from God in what is meant by spiritual death, the fivefold relationship was disrupted - the likeness marred; the fellowship destroyed; the knowledge obscured; the cooperation made impossible; the dominion forfeited. So man is severed from God, alienated, darkened, spiritually paralyzed and "subjected to vanity." (Romans 8:20).

From this point he is called "flesh" - "in their going astray they are flesh" (Genesis 6:3) - and we know from the New Testament that this does not only mean mortality, but the presence of an active principle which is inimical to spirit and to God. Moreover, he is thenceforth known as the "natural man" (soulical). But, above all, he is actuated by "the god of this world" inasmuch as he chose - in his will - to believe in satan in preference to God.

From this point a double history begins. From being the piece of God's creative activity, God has "concluded" him under sin because of unbelief (Romans 11:32). So God introduces in type and symbol the principles of the Cross of Christ. Along this line nothing of man himself is ever accepted by God. Certain things - three mainly - are always kept clearly in view:

1. The fact of man's sinful state, under judgment.
2. Death, being the end of the natural man, to be the due of all, and to be accepted.
3. The perfections of Christ the only basis of all, or any further, relationship with God. 

This is what is inherent in the instance of Cain and Abel. This is why death has such a large place in the whole Divine economy. And - wisdom, power and wonder of God! - herein He is seen taking hold of the very tail of the serpent, the very sting of death, the works of the devil, and making death the way of a new life, the pathway to His purpose in the resurrection of Christ and the spiritual resurrection of believers in Him. This, again, is why every offering acceptable to God, to bring man nigh, is to be without blemish. The expert eye of a priest, after the most thorough scrutiny, must be able to say 'It is perfect.' This is actually what Christ cried on the Cross as to the conclusion of all His testings and fiery ordeal - "It is perfect," not merely concluded or finished.

On then, ever on, with unvarying, unchanging conclusiveness, God's mind leads to the Cross of Christ. Whenever a man or a people comes under immediate government of God, in relation to His eternal purpose, they will have one thing brought home to them. It is that in themselves "dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18), that they are accepted only on the ground of a righteousness which is not of themselves, nor of works, but by faith - it is the goodness of Another. This realization will smite the natural man hip and thigh, that out of the smiting there may emerge one such as the Lord can look to, "even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit" (or "heart").

So we see that the Cross of Christ is God's mind as to the natural man, for there the Son of man took not only our sins but ourselves in His representative person, and died under the judgment of God in our stead, or as us (Romans 6:2-10; Col. 2:12; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15 etc.). This Cross throws its reflex back to the hour of Adam's sin. It is for want of a complete or adequate realization of the meaning of the Cross, that so many Christians are "carnal," or try to live for God out of themselves. This goes to the root of the ever-present weakness and poverty of spiritual life. There is much prayer for 'revival,' and much effort for 'the deepening of the spiritual life.' The only answer to this is a new knowing of the Cross, not only as to sins and a life of victory over them, but as to Christ as supplanting the natural man.

~T. Austin-Sparks~

(continued with # 24)

Don't Be Offended

 

"Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me" (Luke 7:23).

 

It is sometimes very difficult not to be offended in Jesus Christ. The offenses may be circumstantial. I find myself in a prison-house -- a narrow sphere, a sick chamber, an unpopular position -- when I had hoped for wide opportunities. Yes, but He knows what is best for me. My environment is of His determining. He means it to intensify my faith, to draw me into nearer communion with Himself, to ripen my power. In the dungeon my soul should prosper. The offense may be mental. I am haunted by perplexities, questions, which I cannot solve. I had hoped that, when I gave myself to Him, my sky would always be clear; but often it is overspread by mist and cloud. Yet let me believe that, if difficulties remain, it is that I may learn to trust Him all the more implicitly -- to trust and not be afraid. Yes, and by my intellectual conflicts, I am trained to be a tutor to other storm-driven men.

 

***

 

The offense may be spiritual. I had fancied that within His fold I should never feel the biting winds of temptation; but it is best as it is. His grace is magnified. My own character is matured. His Heaven is sweeter at the close of the day. There I shall look back on the turnings and trials of the way, and shall sing the praises of my Guide. So, let come what will come, His will is welcome; and I shall refuse to be offended in my loving Lord. --Alexander Smellie

 

***

 

Blessed is he whose faith is not offended, When all around his way

The power of God is working out deliverance For others day by day;

Though in some prison drear his own soul languish,

Till life itself be spent,

Yet still can trust his Father's love and purpose,

And rest therein content.

Blessed is he, who through long years of suffering,

Cut off from active toil,

Still shares by prayer and praise the work of others,

And thus "divides the spoil."

Blessed are thou, O child of God, who sufferest, And canst not understand

The reason for thy pain, yet gladly leavest

Thy life in His blest Hand.

Yea, blessed art thou whose faith is "not offended"

By trials unexplained,

By mysteries unsolved, past understanding,

Until the goal is gained. --Freda Hanbury Allen

~L. B. Cowman~

Man Now Another Species Than God Created # 22

World Domination or Dominion?

In this connection, there is much said in the Scriptures as to measurement in relation to the Church. In type we have it in Solomon's Temple, but even more so in that of Ezekiel. There every aspect and phase is strictly measured by a heavenly standard. That which is represented by the types is brought out in the spiritual reality of the Church in "Ephesians." There we have:

"The breadth and length and height and depth." (3:18).

"The measure of the gift of Christ" (4:17).

"The working in due measure of each several part." (4:16).

So that what governs in this spiritual Church or Body is the measure of Christ. We are told that in this Body no earthly factors have any place. "There cannot be Greek and Jew" (not, there is both Greek and Jew.); no nationalism or national distinction; no denominationalism, inter-denominationalism, or undenominationalism. All of these represent only human distinctions and differences from one another. Christ is other than all this, and, when Christ predominates, natural elements and features become subjected, whether temperamental, social, educational, national, or of any other kind. The ascendancy of Christ is the only way to oneness and spiritual power. It is in this "one new man" that "the exceeding riches of His grace" will be shown forth "in the ages to come" (Ephesians 2:7).

We have been careful in our use of the words "dominion" and "domination." The latter speaks of force, assertiveness, despotism, and suchlike features. These belong to antichrist. The former is by Divine right with all the universe agreeing and cooperating eventually.

"His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth." (Zechariah 9:10).

"To Him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever" (Revelation 1:6).

Spiritual power and soul-force are very different things, and they belong to different kingdoms, the kingdom of the heavens and the kingdom of men. Man's destiny, according to the though of God, demands that he be born of the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, and come to spiritual maturity.

~T. Austin-Sparks~

(continued with # 23 - "The Cross and the New Man" - A History of Man, From God's Standpoint, and His Own")

The Spiritual Fight Against Fear

Now the Lord said to Joshua: "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.” Joshua 8:1

The Lord told Joshua to go up to Ai. Actually, He was telling Joshua to go back to Ai. Since their earlier defeat at Ai, the men of Israel have been through a tragic experience because of the disobedience of one of their men, Achan. The punishment for Achan's sin no doubt left a fearful impression upon all these men, who must now be prepared for war. So the Lord tells Joshua to "not be afraid, nor dismayed." In other words, He is saying, “Get back up and let's take care of the business at hand. Let's complete the job we have started.” The Lord promises to be with Joshua and his men, even going so far as to tell Joshua that He has already given the king, the people and the land into their hands.

In the second part of this verse, the Lord tells Joshua to "see." This is not a physical seeing because the battle has not yet even begun. This form of seeing requires spiritual eyes of faith to believe that what the Lord is saying is true, even though it cannot be physically seen at this time. For Joshua, this is an important step of faith. He has just been dealt a severe blow through what happened with Achan and now he must get back up. He must continue to fight. He must take each step with the Lord.

God is faithful and just. He will complete the work He has started. Do not let fear, anger or discouragement keep you from following the Lord. Get back up, trust Him and take that next step. The enemy will do whatever he can to keep you from taking that next step, but the Lord will help you to "see" that He has delivered you and will lead you forward.

~Daily Disciples~

Man Now Another Species Than God Created # 21

World Domination or Dominion?

Now we are able to understand the times and world-happenings. Steadily the world is coming under the domination of a handful of dictators. The probability is that they will suffer one another until other forms of world-government re weakened. But in time they will have to eliminate one another until one is left supreme. Leaving prophecy aside as not being our present subject, there are however two or three things that need to be said in summarizing the whole matter.

Firstly, may it not be a significant thing that in the realm of what speaks of God there are no outstanding giants in spiritual leadership today? Some of us came into our ministry just at the tail-end of a  generation of such. We will not mention names, but Bible teachers, missionary leaders and mighty preachers were in the earth in no sparsity for a generation or more. There was a galaxy of them, and their works stand today. But we have seen the last of them pass off this scene, and there are few, if any, successors. Sometimes we almost cry that God would raise up men adequate to the present spiritual need. Why are things as they are? May it not be that as satan is bringing his antichrist in so manifestly along the lines of the power and glory of man, God, in His things, is keeping mas as such hidden and largely at a discount because He is going to bring in His man with heavenly glory? May not dictatorship then be one of the most powerful signs of the times?

But then what of the phenomena? We cannot wholly account for this power, influence and domination on human grounds. There are greater forces at work which operate in spite of the will of the people. It is uncanny. And yet is it not perfectly true that the connecting link between the instrument and the supernatural powers is an intense and terrific soul strength? A will is asserted which will brook no resistance. A mind is projected which is agile, subtle and tireless in the extreme. An emotional force is poured forth like a tidal wave carrying all before it, and working people up to uncontrollable frenzy. Yes, it is the consummate demonstration of  that selfhood, that "ego", which first drew things away from God and cast His Son out of His world. All this is with the accompaniment of pageantry which makes man its object of glory and almost worship. Is this not enough to make Christian men shun everything and anything which would make them appear something before men?

But, 'behold "the" Man!" How has world-dominion been secured in Him? - for it has been secured. The answer is in the Scriptures:

" ... this mind ... which was ... in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, counted it not a thing to be grasped (margin) to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant (margin) being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the Cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted Him, and gave unto Him the name which is above every name; that in the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:5-11).

So that what counts before Him and in His work is not man's attainments, achievements or abilities, but just the measure of Christ. What an infinitely higher level of spiritual life would be represented by God's people if the only consideration in the matter of their leadership, and the ministry, were that of the measure of Christ!

We have moved into a new phase of things. 'Revival' is being sought earnestly, and certain great names in revival history are in mind, on lip, and much used to stimulate revival-mindedness or mentality. But it may be that God is not going now to allow a great work of His to be related to men's names. Try as we will and may, we shall not produce anything adequate and living if God is not doing it. It has got to be HIS work, and manifestly HIS alone. Pentecost in its meaning and value for any time stands over against the background of the Cross - the Cross in which Christian disciples and apostles lost everything of this world.

They lost their Christ after the flesh; they lost their kingdom of God after the flesh. They lost their own lives, reputations, hopes, expectations and faith so far as anything of God being bound up with this earth was concerned. They recovered all only in a heavenly and spiritual way. Their own souls were crucified when Christ died. But what a mighty recompense in the spirit!

There may be too much soulishness about for God to commit Himself, and He will not until there is more emptiness and despair.

There is one other thing which is apropos of what we have been saying. This introduces another set of Scriptures, such as:

"And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and  gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, THE FULLNESS OF HIM that filleth all in all." (Eph. 1:22, 23).

"Having abolished in His flesh the enmity ... that He might create in Himself ...ONE NEW MAN ... and might reconcile them both in one body..." (Eph. 2:15, 16).

"Unto Him be the GLORY IN THE CHURCH and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever." (Eph. 3:21).

These, and other suchlike Scriptures, make it clear that "the church, which is His body" is the "one new man" which is destined to be the instrument of Christ's world-dominion.

This "man" is the fruit of His Cross. This Church was born of His travail. This is a crucified, buried, and risen Church in union and identification with Christ. What glory can it know save the glory of its Head?  In this Church there is no place for antichrist in principle. It is in and by the Church which is His Body that the fullness of Christ will be displayed, and God will come into His rights. "Unto Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever."

~T. Austin-Sparks~

(continued with # 22)

Understanding Faith

In the last two devotionals, we have been talking about faith and the importance of both the proper diet of God's Word, and exercising our faith if we are to see it grow.

The natural question is, "What is faith?"  Most Christians probably know the technical definition for faith from Hebrews 11:1,

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The New International Version says, Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  That is pretty clear.  But it becomes even more clear when you plug that definition into 1 Timothy 6:12,

Fight the good fight of [the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Fight the good fight of being sure of what you hope for and being convinced of what you do not see.

When the answer to your prayers is not on the horizon, when you don't feel differently, you need to fight the good fight and say, "You know what?  God's Word says it and that's all the evidence I need.  It is the evidence of things not seen, and I'm going to stand on that truth.  I don't care what the world says, I don't care what circumstances say, I am going to fight the good fight of the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of what I do not see."

And you stay with it until, as they say, "Faith turns to sight."

What are you struggling with today? What challenge is testing your faith? Stand firm on the truth of God's Word.  Trust Him, no matter what others may say.

Real faith is standing firm in the midst of the storm. So stand firm! 

~Bayless Conley~