October 22, 2002 (37)
HEARING EARS. The Spirit of the Lord is faithful in the declaration of the Word and the will of God. Today, more than any time in the past it is necessary, for our own good will, that we are aware of His voice and His words. Those who are victorious are privileged to eat of the < hidden manna >. Rev. 2:17 When Israel first saw the manna, they said <what is it?> or manna. Moses explained to them that this is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat. Ex. 16:15 There is a <hidden bread> within the Word of the Lord which is called a <mystery>, by the Word. These mysteries are plainly recorded for all to read, but they are not understood by mere reading and comprehension of the words. How blind, even good Christians can be. Jesus said; that it was given to His people to know and understand these mysteries. While to those outside the kingdom it is not granted that they should understand. Mt. 13:11
MERE SYMBOL OR LIVING REALITY? That which too frequently is practiced as a symbol or a ritual portrays how man can take a life giving ingredient and make it just ceremonial. Jesus proclaimed Himself as that <living bread> which had descended from heaven. As living bread, it is <LIFE> and imparts the fullness of life to those who partake of the same. This bread is His flesh. John 6:51 This is my body. Luke 22:19 By faith, we reach beyond that which represents the body and claim the body as our bread of life, that which imparts life, His life to us. The Jews well understood what was implied in the words of the Lord Jesus, for they were immediately offended. John 6:52 Life in all of its vicissitudes, natural and spiritual, is dependent on His body and His blood. Life, is not life outside of Christ. EXCEPT, apart from, without having partaken of the body and the blood a person cannot possess that mysterious eternal life. John 6:53
THE GREAT MYSTERY. Very much is said these days concerning the Second Coming of Christ. That is good, for He is coming soon. There is an event that precedes His appearing that will herald His soon Coming. The marriage of the Lamb, the climax of the mystery of Christ and His Church is to be completed and consummated before the Second Coming. Eph. 5:32 Of this we may be certain, He will sanctify and cleanse His church from all that defiles. Standards of Holiness and righteousness are established by the Word of God and they will be met. He will have for Himself a purified people that measure up fully to the measurement of Christ. They are known as a glorious church. Eph. 5:26-27 A people filled with the same glory that was evident in Moses when He came down from the mountain. That exceeding great glory that was resident within the Lord Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. The marvelous, great glory that is visible in the Bride as she is pictured in Rev. 12 Marriages are always beautiful and wonderful events. How much more the marriage of Christ and His church. Perhaps we should focus more attention on the preparation of that which has already begun in His church. The Bride has made herself ready.