Post by Zac Loh on Sept 21, 2007 20:46:41 GMT -5
Putting On Hope
Whenever a funeral is around the corner, the reality of death comes alive, it awakens. To most of us, this will not last until the next funeral. This reality doesn’t stick. The demands of this present life come charging in. We’re back to the grind of everyday living. We’re back to running the mill. We’re back to the nuts-and-bolts of our normal existence.
But then, we all know that we will die someday, not faraway (if we make the calculations!). If there is fear, it is usually suppressed. We choose to ignore it in a kind of escapism. But there is no denying that ultimate day.
I went to the bookstore, and at the biography section, I realized that many prominent figures are dead – no matter how famous or great they were.
I had a regular conversation with a pastor friend over a cup of tea. My pastor friend told me about a relative who was hospitalized for a heart ailment. A few days later, this sick relative passed away. Death is all round us.
The good news is, there is HOPE. We can wait for the eventual eternal bliss. It is the true promise of Jesus Christ. We will not suffer a greater death, a living death, in hell! We will experience a more joyous, a more fulfilling, living in heaven!
Light And Darkness: Hope And Impatience
By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:9-10; underline mine)
Most of us are in an impatient society. We want everything fast. With today’s technology, most practical things in life can be pretty fast. As technology gets better, we will be getting things faster. Hence, a more conducive environment for impatience: in our culture, in our behavior, in our character, in the very fabric of our being. We have been cultivated that way; we are a product of our upbringing and environment. We have bullet train, fast food, instant noodle, instant millionaire, instant messages, internet access nearly everywhere and mobile phone service at the peak of the highest mountain. We get everything fast!
Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (Romans 8:23-25)
Our Great Hope is an Eternal Bliss guaranteed awaiting us.
Light And Darkness: Hope And Short-Sightedness
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:13-16; underline mine)
We need a telescopic spiritual vision. We need to look far ahead beyond the limits of our earthly existence!
Light And Darkness: Hope And Fleeting Vanity
By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. (Hebrews 11:24-26; underline mine)
When you consider the length of time in the after-death future, the earthly life span is pretty short. This comparison is an understatement, of course.
The pleasures of sin are fleeting vanity because they don’t last, they quickly pass. We got to look ahead. Not hanging on to the momentary pleasures of sin, not looking for these moments. Let’s look at the large picture, a length of time in eternal perspective.
We need to have the passion to look ahead into God’s future for us. We need to be driven by the passion for heaven. Heaven is real, just as God is real. God’s plan for us is real. God’s prophecies of the future are real.
Putting-on the hope of salvation as a helmet means we continually put-on the eternal perspective – holding-on to the view of the truth – of our blessed hope - promised to us in Jesus Christ.
Faith, Love And Hope: Protecting Our Relationship With God
“Unless two agree, how can they walk together?” Amos 3:3 says that.
When two persons have different perspectives and going at different directions, how can they walk together?
God relates to us in faith, love and hope. God, being the creator and originator, sets the terms of relationship. Unless, you and I agree with God - how can we walk with Him?
The devil intends to attack our relationship with God knowing that when we are cut-off from God - we will be spiritually weaker and weaker – that we will slowly, but surely, die-off spiritually.
We, knowing the devil’s strategy, will do our utmost at all cost – to protect our relationship with God.
SATAN ATTACKS OUR WITNESS TO THE LOST
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:14-20; underline mine)
Our purpose in this world is to be witnesses for the truth of Jesus Christ. Somebody asked: “have you wondered why God didn’t just take us up to heaven when we became believers – so as to save us from the difficulties and problems of this world?” God could have done it easily.
But why did God left us here? It is, because, we are witnesses. We are saved because someone was willing to share the good news of Jesus Christ to us.
There are six pieces of armor. And six is one short of seven. On the sixth day, man was created. And, seven is the number of complete perfection, the number of Christ. Therefore, to sum it all up, we can say that six is the number of humanity who is without Christ. So, this armor of God is for our interaction with this world. We are in this world but not of this world.
Light And Darkness: Knowledge And Ignorance
Waist With Truth: Put On The Knowledge Of Christ
To understand what this `truth’ means, we have to understand one underlying principle. The book of Ephesians is a letter written in one breath with a unified message from God through Paul. The whole context of the whole book is in harmony. So, to understand what was referred to, by `truth’ in the `waist with truth’, we have to go backwards and pick-up from an earlier part of the book.
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)
The term `the word of truth’ which was used here was referring to the truth of the gospel. This means that it is imperative that we read the Gospel books i.e. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John of the Bible. How can we share to others about the truth of the gospel without having lived the truth? How can we live the truth of the gospel without knowing it? And how can we know it without reading it?
This piece of armor is a four-inches-to-five-inches-width belt. It was the first piece that the ancient Roman soldier put-on. The belt was to strengthen the soldier’s body, so that he could take-up the other pieces of armor. Otherwise, the soldier’s body would slouch under the heavy collective weight. The belt was tighten during a battle, so that the soldier could readily put-on the rest of the armor.
This same principle can be seen on T.V i.e. the Weightlifting Championships. A weightlifter waits for his turn. When his call comes, he will begin to prepare himself for it. He tightens his belt, rubs his hands with powder, psyche himself up. Did you notice the belt? It is big! Did you notice the manner the weightlifter tightened the belt?
The strategy of Satan to make us ineffective for Christ in this world, by first, keeping us ignorant of the truth.
Our doctrine is the truth of Christ. It is not merely having the volume of knowledge of the doctrine of Christ in our heads that determines our strength in the truth. It is actually the practicing of the doctrine, which makes us strong.
The right doctrine not practiced is `a paper tiger’. A doctrine not practiced is useless against the onslaught of the enemy. In other words, we are to practice the truth of Christ in our everyday lives. It is the practicing of the doctrine of Christ in our everyday lives that counts. It is our life that touches humanity.
We must know and be firm in the truth of our purpose in this world, positioning ourselves in the truth.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)
Since Jesus is the truth, we have to know Jesus by reading the accounts of His life, words and works. The Gospel books form the basis. They are our point of reference. Without knowing the truth of Jesus, we will be weak in our spiritual position, therefore, unable to stand our spiritual ground.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (Ephesians 6:10-14, underline mine)
Light And Darkness: Righteousness And Sin
The Breastplate Of Righteousness: Put On The Righteousness Of Christ
`and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:24)
How can we be used by God to be His witnesses when we have sin? Sin separates us from God. So then, how can we know what is sin, unless, we first know the truth? That’s the reason why the second piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness which covers our heart.
Our heart need to be pure and clean. Our heart need to be free from condemnation. When we sin, Satan condemns us. With these pangs of condemnation, Satan will render us ineffective in sharing the gospel (Hebrews 9:14; 10:2-4; 13:18).
But we know that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1:9)
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption – (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Firstly, our heart needs to be right with God. When sin enters, and we do not deal with it, our heart grows harder. In such a case, God cannot use us. The power of the Holy Spirit will not come upon us. The power of the truth of the gospel cannot flow out. We will not be sensitive to the grace of the Holy Spirit to be leading someone to Christ.
Secondly, we are equally ineffective when we ourselves are not freed by the truth of the gospel. This is so, when we have the symptoms of condemnation.
Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:34-36)
Jesus not only frees us from sin, but also frees us from the guilt and condemnation of sin. We have the righteousness of Christ.
We come to God in repentance, asking for His forgiveness, and claim the benefits and blessings, of the broken body and shed blood of Christ which took place at the cross of Calvary. Jesus had met the requirements and standard of God’s righteousness. Now the righteousness of Christ which had satisfied God’s demand is also ours. Now we come to God in the righteousness of Christ.
And we go into the world wearing the breastplate of the righteousness of Christ. The world needs to know that they can be forgiven no matter what they have done, just as we had been forgiven, and still receiving His forgiveness.
The lost in this world need to know that they can be freed from sin, just as we have been freed.
Even today, we don’t have to have the guilt and condemnation as a result of sin. We can have the righteousness of Christ. We can have peace with God.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)
Light And Darkness: Reconciliation And Separation
Feet With The Preparation Of The Gospel Of Peace: Put On The Peace Of Christ
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. (Ephesians 2:14-17)
After we are made right with God by the righteousness of Christ; the peace of Christ will dwell in our hearts. Without putting on the breastplate of righteousness, we cannot reconcile others to God simply because we ourselves are strained from God.
From the knowledge of Christ, we have the righteousness of Christ. From the righteousness of Christ, we have the peace of Christ. From knowledge to righteousness, and from righteousness to peace.
Satan lures us so as to keep us so occupied with work, family, pleasures and etc (even religious activities) to the point that we will be caught unprepared to share the Gospel when the opportunity arises!
Did we shelve the golden opportunity to share the gospel because we were too preoccupied? Have we made ourselves inaccessible, directly or indirectly, to the people who needed to hear the good news, the gospel of peace? Have we been caught unprepared that we couldn’t stop what we were doing? Have we lost an opportunity because we didn’t allow ourselves to be interrupted? Have we slackened so much so that we weren’t willing to be disturbed from our comfort zone?
An effective soldier is quick at his feet. He will strike at any moment when the opportunity arises. A soldier of the gospel of peace is quick to reconcile others to God.
Whenever a funeral is around the corner, the reality of death comes alive, it awakens. To most of us, this will not last until the next funeral. This reality doesn’t stick. The demands of this present life come charging in. We’re back to the grind of everyday living. We’re back to running the mill. We’re back to the nuts-and-bolts of our normal existence.
But then, we all know that we will die someday, not faraway (if we make the calculations!). If there is fear, it is usually suppressed. We choose to ignore it in a kind of escapism. But there is no denying that ultimate day.
I went to the bookstore, and at the biography section, I realized that many prominent figures are dead – no matter how famous or great they were.
I had a regular conversation with a pastor friend over a cup of tea. My pastor friend told me about a relative who was hospitalized for a heart ailment. A few days later, this sick relative passed away. Death is all round us.
The good news is, there is HOPE. We can wait for the eventual eternal bliss. It is the true promise of Jesus Christ. We will not suffer a greater death, a living death, in hell! We will experience a more joyous, a more fulfilling, living in heaven!
Light And Darkness: Hope And Impatience
By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:9-10; underline mine)
Most of us are in an impatient society. We want everything fast. With today’s technology, most practical things in life can be pretty fast. As technology gets better, we will be getting things faster. Hence, a more conducive environment for impatience: in our culture, in our behavior, in our character, in the very fabric of our being. We have been cultivated that way; we are a product of our upbringing and environment. We have bullet train, fast food, instant noodle, instant millionaire, instant messages, internet access nearly everywhere and mobile phone service at the peak of the highest mountain. We get everything fast!
Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (Romans 8:23-25)
Our Great Hope is an Eternal Bliss guaranteed awaiting us.
Light And Darkness: Hope And Short-Sightedness
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:13-16; underline mine)
We need a telescopic spiritual vision. We need to look far ahead beyond the limits of our earthly existence!
Light And Darkness: Hope And Fleeting Vanity
By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. (Hebrews 11:24-26; underline mine)
When you consider the length of time in the after-death future, the earthly life span is pretty short. This comparison is an understatement, of course.
The pleasures of sin are fleeting vanity because they don’t last, they quickly pass. We got to look ahead. Not hanging on to the momentary pleasures of sin, not looking for these moments. Let’s look at the large picture, a length of time in eternal perspective.
We need to have the passion to look ahead into God’s future for us. We need to be driven by the passion for heaven. Heaven is real, just as God is real. God’s plan for us is real. God’s prophecies of the future are real.
Unique among all books ever written, the Bible accurately foretells specific events-in detail-many years, sometimes centuries, before they occur. Approximately 2500 prophecies appear in the pages of the Bible, about 2000 of which already have been fulfilled to the letter—no errors. (The remaining 500 or so reach into the future and may be seen unfolding as days go by.) Since the probability for any one of these prophecies having been fulfilled by chance averages less than one in ten (figured very conservatively) and since the prophecies are for the most part independent of one another, the odds for all these prophecies having been fulfilled by chance without error is less than one in 102000 (that is 1 with 2000 zeros written after it)!
- Fulfilled Prophecy: Evidence for the Reliability of the Bible by Hugh Ross, Ph.D.
(http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/prophecy.shtml)
- Fulfilled Prophecy: Evidence for the Reliability of the Bible by Hugh Ross, Ph.D.
(http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/prophecy.shtml)
Putting-on the hope of salvation as a helmet means we continually put-on the eternal perspective – holding-on to the view of the truth – of our blessed hope - promised to us in Jesus Christ.
Faith, Love And Hope: Protecting Our Relationship With God
“Unless two agree, how can they walk together?” Amos 3:3 says that.
When two persons have different perspectives and going at different directions, how can they walk together?
God relates to us in faith, love and hope. God, being the creator and originator, sets the terms of relationship. Unless, you and I agree with God - how can we walk with Him?
The devil intends to attack our relationship with God knowing that when we are cut-off from God - we will be spiritually weaker and weaker – that we will slowly, but surely, die-off spiritually.
We, knowing the devil’s strategy, will do our utmost at all cost – to protect our relationship with God.
SATAN ATTACKS OUR WITNESS TO THE LOST
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:14-20; underline mine)
Our purpose in this world is to be witnesses for the truth of Jesus Christ. Somebody asked: “have you wondered why God didn’t just take us up to heaven when we became believers – so as to save us from the difficulties and problems of this world?” God could have done it easily.
But why did God left us here? It is, because, we are witnesses. We are saved because someone was willing to share the good news of Jesus Christ to us.
There are six pieces of armor. And six is one short of seven. On the sixth day, man was created. And, seven is the number of complete perfection, the number of Christ. Therefore, to sum it all up, we can say that six is the number of humanity who is without Christ. So, this armor of God is for our interaction with this world. We are in this world but not of this world.
Light And Darkness: Knowledge And Ignorance
Waist With Truth: Put On The Knowledge Of Christ
To understand what this `truth’ means, we have to understand one underlying principle. The book of Ephesians is a letter written in one breath with a unified message from God through Paul. The whole context of the whole book is in harmony. So, to understand what was referred to, by `truth’ in the `waist with truth’, we have to go backwards and pick-up from an earlier part of the book.
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)
The term `the word of truth’ which was used here was referring to the truth of the gospel. This means that it is imperative that we read the Gospel books i.e. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John of the Bible. How can we share to others about the truth of the gospel without having lived the truth? How can we live the truth of the gospel without knowing it? And how can we know it without reading it?
This piece of armor is a four-inches-to-five-inches-width belt. It was the first piece that the ancient Roman soldier put-on. The belt was to strengthen the soldier’s body, so that he could take-up the other pieces of armor. Otherwise, the soldier’s body would slouch under the heavy collective weight. The belt was tighten during a battle, so that the soldier could readily put-on the rest of the armor.
This same principle can be seen on T.V i.e. the Weightlifting Championships. A weightlifter waits for his turn. When his call comes, he will begin to prepare himself for it. He tightens his belt, rubs his hands with powder, psyche himself up. Did you notice the belt? It is big! Did you notice the manner the weightlifter tightened the belt?
The strategy of Satan to make us ineffective for Christ in this world, by first, keeping us ignorant of the truth.
Our doctrine is the truth of Christ. It is not merely having the volume of knowledge of the doctrine of Christ in our heads that determines our strength in the truth. It is actually the practicing of the doctrine, which makes us strong.
The right doctrine not practiced is `a paper tiger’. A doctrine not practiced is useless against the onslaught of the enemy. In other words, we are to practice the truth of Christ in our everyday lives. It is the practicing of the doctrine of Christ in our everyday lives that counts. It is our life that touches humanity.
We must know and be firm in the truth of our purpose in this world, positioning ourselves in the truth.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)
Since Jesus is the truth, we have to know Jesus by reading the accounts of His life, words and works. The Gospel books form the basis. They are our point of reference. Without knowing the truth of Jesus, we will be weak in our spiritual position, therefore, unable to stand our spiritual ground.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (Ephesians 6:10-14, underline mine)
Light And Darkness: Righteousness And Sin
The Breastplate Of Righteousness: Put On The Righteousness Of Christ
`and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:24)
How can we be used by God to be His witnesses when we have sin? Sin separates us from God. So then, how can we know what is sin, unless, we first know the truth? That’s the reason why the second piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness which covers our heart.
Our heart need to be pure and clean. Our heart need to be free from condemnation. When we sin, Satan condemns us. With these pangs of condemnation, Satan will render us ineffective in sharing the gospel (Hebrews 9:14; 10:2-4; 13:18).
But we know that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1:9)
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption – (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Firstly, our heart needs to be right with God. When sin enters, and we do not deal with it, our heart grows harder. In such a case, God cannot use us. The power of the Holy Spirit will not come upon us. The power of the truth of the gospel cannot flow out. We will not be sensitive to the grace of the Holy Spirit to be leading someone to Christ.
Secondly, we are equally ineffective when we ourselves are not freed by the truth of the gospel. This is so, when we have the symptoms of condemnation.
Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:34-36)
Jesus not only frees us from sin, but also frees us from the guilt and condemnation of sin. We have the righteousness of Christ.
We come to God in repentance, asking for His forgiveness, and claim the benefits and blessings, of the broken body and shed blood of Christ which took place at the cross of Calvary. Jesus had met the requirements and standard of God’s righteousness. Now the righteousness of Christ which had satisfied God’s demand is also ours. Now we come to God in the righteousness of Christ.
And we go into the world wearing the breastplate of the righteousness of Christ. The world needs to know that they can be forgiven no matter what they have done, just as we had been forgiven, and still receiving His forgiveness.
The lost in this world need to know that they can be freed from sin, just as we have been freed.
Even today, we don’t have to have the guilt and condemnation as a result of sin. We can have the righteousness of Christ. We can have peace with God.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)
Light And Darkness: Reconciliation And Separation
Feet With The Preparation Of The Gospel Of Peace: Put On The Peace Of Christ
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. (Ephesians 2:14-17)
After we are made right with God by the righteousness of Christ; the peace of Christ will dwell in our hearts. Without putting on the breastplate of righteousness, we cannot reconcile others to God simply because we ourselves are strained from God.
From the knowledge of Christ, we have the righteousness of Christ. From the righteousness of Christ, we have the peace of Christ. From knowledge to righteousness, and from righteousness to peace.
Satan lures us so as to keep us so occupied with work, family, pleasures and etc (even religious activities) to the point that we will be caught unprepared to share the Gospel when the opportunity arises!
Did we shelve the golden opportunity to share the gospel because we were too preoccupied? Have we made ourselves inaccessible, directly or indirectly, to the people who needed to hear the good news, the gospel of peace? Have we been caught unprepared that we couldn’t stop what we were doing? Have we lost an opportunity because we didn’t allow ourselves to be interrupted? Have we slackened so much so that we weren’t willing to be disturbed from our comfort zone?
An effective soldier is quick at his feet. He will strike at any moment when the opportunity arises. A soldier of the gospel of peace is quick to reconcile others to God.