The Lord is Love...
THE LORD IS LOVE: 1
LOVE. His nature, His being, His purpose, everything about Him is a direct display of His almighty love for human kind. It is a component of His emotions which are of the greatest benefit to mankind. His is a love, which is unequaled by any other in time or eternity, on earth or heaven. It is unique in its character. Its depths and intensity may not be measured in common, earthly terms. As with all things, He is the source, the fountainhead of Agape love. The highest form of love, for it is love as only He can love. 1 John 4:16
The beauty of His love is that He fully desires and has purposed that it may become a love which is shared. John presented it as being something which was made known. A positive statement which would reveal the evidence that they had become partakers of the great and majestic love. In the intertwining of the Lord with man, the confirmation of His presence is the manifestation of His love. Love will reign supreme where His love is dwelling. 1 John 4:16 The witness that we are in Christ and He in us is determined by the measure of the workings of love. The ability to display love toward others. What a challenge. We say that we are in Christ. It is necessary that we display in works and not in words the fact of His inward presence. The ways of the Lord are very practical and are contrary to the ways of mankind. Hos. 14:9
His love dwelling and manifesting itself in us is the beginning, the foundation of the Christian life. We daily face the challenge of living that love. The world is filled with that which is unlovely, the despicable, the vile and the those who live with the extreme lowest nature of man, as their way of life. Yet, the love of the Lord is always extended to those of such character. The wonderful forgiveness found in His love is extended to the whosoever will, regardless of their wicked and sinful nature. He has concluded all under sin that He might have mercy upon us all. Gal.3:22
As with all of the ways of the Lord, He looks to bring His love in us to its perfection. 1 John 4:12 "His love is perfected in us." That is, it is brought to its fullness, a completed state reflecting that love as it is found in Him. It is not dormant but is a living, functional love. Surely, if He is in us and we are in Him, then the whole of His glorious being will be made displayed in us just as it is resident within Him. He is in the process of purifying a special people unto Himself who bear His likeness and have His Spirit. Titus 2:14
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We readily speak of His tremendous love expressed for us in the giving of His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus. John 3:16 In His love we find the care and compassion which we so desperately need in this life. In Him we are assured of one who regardless of all circumstances in which we find ourselves, still loves us. The plan of the redemption of fallen mankind has its beginnings from before the foundation of the world. In His foreknowledge, those who have accepted and embraced His love, were acknowledged by Him from the very beginning of creation. Eph. 1:4 The effect of that love has a sanctifying influence on every life that embraces it. It is a love which will produce a spirit of holiness and blamelessness, before Him.
If there is one word which characterizes Christianity, it has to be love. There is absolutely no question as to the magnitude of His love for mankind. The key to a real and personal relationship of love for Him is found in the measure of reciprocal love displayed. The unchanging first and great commandment is to love the Lord with the whole, the entire heart. The passion of such powerful love cannot help but greatly touch the heart of the Lord. Love responds to love. A real love for Him must embrace also the soul of man. Such an expression of love for Him speaks to placing Him far above the beggarly elements of this world. He must be the very first and predominate in our expressions of what we love and seek for, even in the necessities of this life. Then the mind, with every thought being brought into subjection to the Lord Jesus. 2 Cor. 10:5 That which we entertain in our mind will determine our course of action in all matters. The mind which meditates in the Word and on the Lord is a mind of perfect peace. Isa. 26:3
In His response to question of the lawyer Jesus added ‘with all your strength.’ Luke 10:27 The whole energy and effort turned toward a constant increase of appreciation and love toward the Lord. The call of the love of the Lord is for mankind to come to a full understanding of His mighty love and then respond with whole man, body, soul and spirit. The result of such deep and profound love creates the ability to fulfill the second commandment, and that is to love our neighbor, the whole of humanity as the Lord loves them. How can we improve or grow in His love without meeting these basic requirements. The strength, the power of the manifestation of the life of Christ in His people is dependent
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Love will be tested in many ways. This is indeed the acid test of Christianity. The love of the Lord as it unfolds in our hearts will lead us to the very farthest point of love. That is; to love our enemies. Hatreds, animosities, warfare’s, variances, all are a part of life on earth. They are not easily forgotten, some times even for generations. Jesus called upon those who would be His disciples to be like Him and love those who would be at enmity with Him. Bless, invoke the blessing of the Lord on those who curse and blaspheme you. Do good, be a blessing to those who demonstrate their gross dislike of you. Pray for those who would heap insult after insult upon you and in the ultimate, persecute you. Mt. 5:44 Thus, the reaction of Christ, and hopefully that of His followers, is presented to us. It is a staggering challenge seeing that the natural, the carnal man usually will react in anything but in a spirit of love. Still, Jesus taught, and lived just exactly what His standard of the Christian life would be.
Jesus left us an example that is hard for the natural nature of mankind to follow. It is most definitely not an easy step for the spiritual man to demonstrate, either. This is love at it’s greatest moment of testing. His prayer of forgiveness for those responsible for His physical crucifixion is the ideal for Christian living. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 The actions of all who were involved in the accusations, the trial and the ultimate death of the Lord Jesus were grossly illegal. Most definitely a breach, a complete disregard for the Law. Even so, He prayed that the Father would forgive them for their dire actions. That is love.
We have another example taken from those early days of the development of the church in Jerusalem. Stephen, one of seven, who were appointed to be responsible for the daily affairs of the church. He was mightily used of the Lord working great signs and wonders among the people. Acts 6:8 False accusations and lying witnesses were brought against him and he was condemned to be stoned. At the time of his stoning, he saw the Lord Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father. Jesus stood in honor of the first martyr and to welcome him into His eternal kingdom. Stephen beautifully demonstrated the Agape love. The fullness of the love of the Lord. His prayer was; "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." Acts 7:60 That love which is found in Christ must be revealed in the hearts of all who love Him. It is not an easy task but it will yield good fruit.
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God is love. Love is His very being. His nature. His character. His personality. As with all good things, love emanates from Him. He is its source, its flow and its all in all. Aside from Him, love has no depths. The individual may say that they possess the love of the Lord but that love must be demonstrated, not in word but in deed. To be without His love is to be without Him. 1 John 4:8 Love is made to be synonymous with the Lord and the Lord with love. They are inseparable. He can only abide where there is His type of love. Those who claim the Lord Jesus as their Savior and Lord, of necessity must prepare an atmosphere of love in their hearts that He might come and dwell there.
Do we come to a position in our Christian life where we take things for granted, and then are puzzled when our prayer does not receive an immediate and positive response. Consider the motivating force that is behind faith. Faith, in and of itself is insufficient. That which empowers it is love. Gal. 5:6b Faith WORKS by love. Love is made the energizing factor of that which is the result of faith. Where there is love, there is confidence and absolute trust. A deep rooted assurance that we may ask what we will and it shall be done. The greatest of love is found in the Lord Jesus. For it is said of Him, that greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends. John 15:13 This would place the burden of true and intense love on the part of the one making the petition to the Lord. The person who is exercising faith, will see results, according to their love for Him.
Let us consider another evidence of those who demonstrate true love for the Lord. Most definitely, obedience is vital. The very thought of obedience to most anything today is almost an obscene word. Nevertheless, it remains a sign of the measure of love which one has for the Lord. He would most certainly use our willingness to follow the teaching of His Word as an indication of how deep our love for Him might be. The person who is in love with Him will most definitely do their best to please Him. The sign for which He is looking is in the keeping of His commandments. John 14:15 His commandments are not grievous, especially if we have been born of and are filled with His Spirit. 1 John 5:3 Once again we find that we are evaluated on the basis of our attitude and love toward others. Especially, those who are of the household of faith. 1 John 5:2 His love, as it is demonstrated in His people, is very practical and has its beginnings in our acceptance or rejection of others.
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The Agape love of the Lord is very practical as it is displayed in the life of those who are His very own. It is of great strength and has very definite requirements. To make the statement that we love the Lord but at the same time have hatred toward our brother places one in the category of a liar. This declaration of the Apostle John is very specific and to the point. It is a situation where there is no compromise. To love the Lord is to love our brother in Christ, regardless of their displeasing actions toward us. Not an easy task but love overcomes all adverse attitudes. 1 John 4:20 Heavenly love has its roots on earth. If we cannot love that which we see, how can we possible love the unseen Lord?
To add to the strength of this state of affairs John proclaimed it to be a commandment. Jesus said that it was the second commandment and was connected to the first, through a love for the Lord and an exact emotion of love for our neighbor, to the same degree as we exercise love for ourselves. Mt. 22:39 May the Lord impress upon us how extremely important this facet of our Christian experience is to our own well being, not only spiritually but physical as well. Lets follow John as he takes this thought one step farther. A love for all who are in the household of faith assures us that we have passed form death unto life. Dead in trespasses and sins but now made alive in Christ Jesus. However, when we do not love our brother, we are situated in the same category as the old man, the man of the past. The sentence of death is upon us. Notice that John stated that when we do not love, we are relegated to a place as being one of those who have the sentence of death upon them. He did not say that we had to dislike them or even hate them but just not to love them, for whatever reason. 1 John 3:14
What stronger emotions do we face in life other than love and hate. Attitudes which are diametrically opposite one to the other. They are the extremes of human emotion and are manifest in every human being to some degree. Love makes no room for the hatred of our brethren. As a matter of fact, just to allow hatred to take over our heart, is in the sight of the Lord as murder. Hatred will destroy all hope of eternal life. A hard, hard saying but it is the Word. 1 John 3:15 The reaction of the one who loves, is not to destroy, but is willing to go so far as to lay down their own life for the brethren. A commitment which may only be accomplished because of that Godlike, Agape love. Love is not exercised unless the Lord of love is ruling and reigning in the heart. 1 John 3:16
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The love of the Lord is not a secret, hidden love but has been made manifest in the sending of the Lord Jesus into this world. Love at its greatest, at its peak of perfection and fullness is that which has always existed between the Father and the Son. Yet, that same love caused the Father to send His Son into the world to reconcile mankind unto Himself. The force, the power of that love made Jesus willing to suffer ridicule and shame at the hands of the very ones whom He had come to bless and save. In the ultimate, it led Him to the cross and crucifixion. All, with the Divine purpose of giving eternal life to all who would believe on the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. IJohn 4:9
Love begins with the Lord. Except He be in our lives our love remains on a human level. He elevates love, in those who are His, to the highest degree. In Him we learn the true meaning of love. He shuns and despises sin, even so Christ Jesus came to save sinners. Jesus laid down His life for those who will follow His teachings. Because He loves them and they love Him He now calls them friends. A relationship, and fellowship which is unlimited. John 15:13-14 His love is seen in His words concerning His crucifixion. He could have stopped it. He could have requested twelve legions of angels to assist Him and deliver Him. A legion has been variously numbered to be between 4,200 to 6000 men. That would have been a multitude more that was necessary to deliver Him. Mt. 26:53 Moreover He said that no man was able to take His life from Him but that He would lay it down of His own volition and that He had been given power from the Father to take it up again. John 10:18 While men was used as the instrument of death, He willingly submitted Himself to become the sacrifice, the only acceptable sacrifice. 1 John 4:10
He is the one and only propitiation. The only sacrifice acceptable to the Lord. The true, the perfect atonement. Propitiation in Rom. 3:25 is used in reference to the mercy seat of the tabernacle and the temple. Christ Jesus is our mercy seat. The place, the source of our redemption and salvation. By His blood alone we are redeemed and freed from sin. John the Baptist, the forerunner, the prophet who was to precede and announce His coming proclaimed Jesus to be the Lamb of God. John 1:29, 36 Reference is made some twenty-two times in the book of Revelation to the Lamb. He is predominant in the book and rightfully so for He will finish His work in the end of the age, guiding His very own unto their ultimate destiny, the new heavens and the new earth. Rev. 21 - 22.
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Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Rom. 8:39 There are many forces arrayed against those who are in Christ but all are conquerable and have been defeated. Paul listed seven catastrophic events which may occur in our lives but none of them, as tragic as they are, can bring separation between the Lord and His people. Rom. 8:35 There is no outsider who has the ability and power to rob one of that gracious love which is found in the Lord Jesus. Such action is one that the individual takes in their own self interest. Many things may be blamed as to their action but they, themselves made the decision to depart from the presence of the love of Christ. Paul stated that Demas had forsaken him, which could have been but a going on to continue working for the Lord. However, when Paul adds, that Demas loved this present world it is obvious that Demas not only forsook Paul but the Lord as well. It was his decision to leave. 2 Tim. 4:10
We are ordained of the Lord to be more than conquerors through Him that loves us. Above, beyond, greater than, fully, absolute triumphant and victorious. Rom. 8:37 A conqueror, a victor of such great magnitude will be triumphant under all circumstances. Paul was fully persuaded that nothing, but nothing could separate one from the goodness and mercy found in the love of Christ. Conditions in all areas of life will take place which are puzzling and greatly disturbing and will cause great consternation and distress of heart and mind. Forces seen and unseen may align themselves against us but in Christ we overcome. There is categorically no outside force capable of wedging its way between the recipient of the love of Christ. Rom. 8:38-39
The theme of the blind, deaf, unthinking, unimaginative heart as found in 1 Cor. 2:9 is the condition of an apostate church. Read verse ten. That which is hidden to the worldly and the sinner is made visible to the believer. We can hear the voice of the Spirit, the Word of the Lord, who is so willing to reveal the secrets of the Most High to those who are the participants of His tremendous love. Treasures untold are to be found in the Word. The Lord makes Himself known while enlightening His very own from the Word. All that we need to know for the present is recorded in His Word. When we have embraced all the knowledge of the spiritual elements found in the Book, there is still more. He will spend eternity unfolding the majestic greatness of His being and personality. We see now through a glass darkly but the day is not far hence when we will dwell with eternal love ever making itself known and real in the redeemed. 1 Cor. 13:12
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A certain, positive sign of His love toward us as individuals is made very evident when we get out of line. When we are walking contrary to His will and He convicts one of their wrong doing, it is a sure sign of His love. To have the ability to live contrary to His will without conviction is a positive indication that the person is reprobate and grossly void of His love. EVERY son of the Lord must go through a time of chastening, of discipline and instruction in the ways of the Lord. Some may need a little more correction to get their attention. These will be scourged or corrected in a more sever manner. Heb. 12:6 In all of the churches mentioned in the book of Revelation there are reflected characteristics of the last day church but the church of Laodicea gives the best illustration of the church of today. Their faults and shortcomings are not hidden but to them the Lord gives the same loving message, that those whom He loves He will rebuke and chasten. He also issued a call for repentance. Rev. 3:19
Chastisement, when accepted and received graciously is further evidence of belonging to the great family of the Lord. It is a sure sign of recognition by the Lord as having been acknowledged as a son of the Most High. Every loving and caring father will correct and discipline his children that they might be a good representative of the family. A witness in conduct and word exemplifying the standards of the household in which they have been raised. Heb. 12:7 The immediate consequences of applied instructions may seem difficult to receive and endure but the benefits far out weigh any problems suffered momentarily while undergoing instruction and alignment with the desire of the instructor.
However, to be without chastisement, becomes a direct indication of a complete separation from the standards of the family. When correction is an evidence of love, to be without or beyond correction is to be completely outside of parental authority. Empty and void of the benefits and blessings of love. These are not sons, they are illegitimate children and will not be benefited or recognized as sons of the Lord. Heb. 12:8
Hopefully, we have been corrected by our earthly fathers to enhance our ability to fit into society and become a person of value and principles. While under their tutorship there will most certainly be times of correction which are displeasing and perhaps even painful. In the end, when we realize that their actions were for our own good, we honor them for their efforts. How much more should, we honor the Lord for His actions of love toward us. Heb. 12:9 Obedience to Him is life everlasting.
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Parental correction follows the will of the parent. Correction from the Lord is for our benefit, for our gain, that we might be blessed of Him. The blessing is evidenced in the impartation of His holiness. All a part of the process of His new creation being worked out in those who are His very own. Heb. 12:10 Just imagine it, He wants to share His holiness with His people. Holiness should then be the desire of our hearts not something rejected and ridiculed. It is His nature, I am Holy. Not only is He holy but He is the very essence of holiness. The beauty of it is that He wants to share that Divine nature with us. It is not a case of imposing holiness on us but rather one of gifting us with Himself. Be ye holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16 Incidentally the word translated conversation, should be conduct. However, most definitely our language should follow suit.
Testing, trials, problems, and chastising all are most unpleasant. Especially so when Christians who too often take the attitude that there should never be reverses in their life. Too often we have been pampered by a clergy which preaches that all must go well with us. Who in the New Testament history was more dedicated to the Lord than Paul. The record of the magnitude of his rough journey as a Christian is to be found in 2 Cor. 11:22-27. In the light of what he experienced how can we even think of voicing a complaint. In chapter twelve he tells of the benefit of all that he suffered for Christ. Truly a remarkable life in the Lord.
The scriptures give a fearful sound to the correction of the Lord, for instance, I will visit their transgressions with the rod and their iniquity with stripes. Ps. 89:32 A definite warning of impending correction for those who walk contrary to His will. We have to thoroughly agree with the author of the book of Hebrews that no chastening is a joyous occasion while we are in the midst of being corrected. The results of these times of adjustment yield a tremendous profit. They produce the fruit of righteousness. Paul prayed for the church at Philippi That they might be FILLED with the fruits (note it is in the plural), the works of righteousness, the purity which originates from the Lord. The measure of the word fullness is given by the Lord Jesus as being, a good measure, a complete measure. Pressed down, packed in as solidly as possible. Shaken together, everyone knows that you can get more in if you agitate the container. Running over, a constant pouring forth until the container is full and pouring forth. Luke 6:38 It is the will of the Lord that He bless His people with spiritual blessings in a far greater measure than just the natural blessings. He will accomplish a full, a complete work in His people.
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Motivated faith is that which has been activated by love. Faith and love are strong companions in the arsenal of the Christian battle. Faith is vital to the gospel of Christ. The promises of the Lord all work by faith. Faith requires love for without it faith cannot produce the petition sought after. Faith works, by love. Gal. 5:6 In seeking out the mysteries of faith, we have here an extremely necessary element which is paramount to receiving a positive response from the Lord to our requests. The love of Christ in us, prepares the heart to come before Him in confidence, knowing that because of love, He hears our petitions.
Faith created by the presence of the love of Christ in us will direct us into all truth. Good doctrine, the truth, are words of faith, for faith comes by hearing and hearing from the Word of the Lord. Rom. 10:17 Paul urged Timothy to strongly maintain the teaching which he had received through the faith and love found in the Lord Jesus. 2 Tim. 3:13 Sound doctrine, based on the love of Christ is more important in our day than ever before. In these last days we will see a veritable flood tide of false teachers and false doctrines which are not founded on love but on greed and a desire to control. 2 Tim. 3:1-7 The pure, unadulterated love of Christ will never lead us by any other means than the Word of the Lord.
In writing about the most necessary pieces of armor, the very first mentioned by the Apostle Paul is that of the breast plate. 1 Tim. 5:8 That which provides protection to the various vital organs of man and in particular the heart. It is called the breastplate of love and faith. Here again we see these two, faith and love, combining to supply the utmost protection. To the Ephesians it was called the breast plate of righteousness. Eph. 6:14 Righteousness, purity, is the result of the faith and love of Christ working in the believer. Furthermore he exhorted them to make certain that they were fully protected by using the whole armor of the Lord. Any one piece by itself is insufficient. The whole, will fully protect the individual so clothed. From the beginning as a babe in Christ, to a growth of full maturity as one in the midst of a great spiritual battle, it is faith and love which support us and bring us to victory in all things. The love of Christ made manifest in His people is our assurance of life eternal in His glorious presence. His love for His people is unquestionable. He is looking for those who will love Him with the same passion which He displayed in coming into this world and offering Himself as the only sacrifice acceptable to His Father for the salvation of mankind.
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What more exceedingly important reason could there be for the baptism of the Spirit. It is the Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Spirit who rains upon us, in great abundance, the ability to love as the Lord loves. Rom. 5:5 It is the Spirit of the Lord who works in us to bring us to the perfections which are found in the Lord Jesus. The abounding, limitless riches of His glory which bring strength to the inner man, the spiritual being. Thus enabling the follower of Christ the ability to stand tall and strong in the might of His power. Eph. 3:16
What a glorious privilege to have the Christ of God dwelling in our hearts .
That is an absolute assurance of His presence, daily. He has said He would never leave nor forsake His own. We have then, the strong declaration of His being there until we are rooted and grounded, by faith in His love. Roots are the source for moisture and the elements from the soil so necessary for its growth. Our roots must be in the Spirit and in the Word in order to receive the essential Spiritual substances for growth in the things of Christ. To be grounded speaks to the strength and stability of the roots. Love is the cause and source of the health of the Spiritual man. A love for the Lord and a love for our fellow man as great and strong as we love our selves. Eph. 3:17
One of the open secrets of a successful Christian life is to have a deep and practical knowledge of the love which is to be found in the Lord Jesus. If He dwells with us, and He promised to do so, then most assuredly He enters in with His essence and being. It is impossible for the Lord Jesus to be present without there beiong and very definite and positive manifestation of that glorious presence. His company has always the aura of the divine and most wonderful glory of the Lord. Even to begin to comprehend the magnitude of His love can only be experienced. He will express and show forth His love in each and every heart which will seek Him earnestly in ever increasing grace and love. The heart which is totally in love with Him will find themselves filled with all the fullness of the Lord. Eph. 3:19 This is the final status of the Bride of Christ. The true and everlasting temple of the Lord. The enormity of the purpose of the Lord in making His people His eternal dwelling place is too often minimized into almost nothing. Yet, it is the most glorious and final intention of the Lord in the work of the redemption of mankind. He will fill that majestic church of the end of the age with the absolute completeness of Himself. The fullness of alkl that He is.
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Love which exceeds all knowledge, understanding or science. The great and marvelous love which emanates from the Lord alone. There is no other source. The very existence of such life changing love is exceedingly far beyond the ability of the human understanding to comprehend its mighty influence in those who are its recipients. It is like the old saying we used to hear so often in personal testimonies; "it is better felt that telt (told)." The benefits, the results of knowing such divine love are limitless in their scope of gladness, joy and blessing. Eph. 3:19
"Filled with all the fullness of God" Could we find words which more completely express the results of His great and most wonderful love revealed in His church. In this statement we find a work of His Spirit in us that may only be grasped by actually experiencing the promise which is made. His love will lead His Bride to that place where she is filled, lets take a look at the measurement which the Lord uses. In the first place, He uses a good measure, that is a proper, fitting, legal portion. Then to make certain that the purchaser receives the proper amount it is pushed down and squeezed as much as possible into the container. To the great benefit of the purchaser. It is shaken, agitated until the product is compact. The result is a container which is spilling all over the place because of the honesty of the one preparing it. Luke 6:38 Most assuredly any blessing prepared by the Lord for His people would even exceed such generous proportions. There is no way whereby we may measure the limitless blessing of the Lord. He DAILY LOADS us with BENEFITS. Ps. 68:19
Consider carefully, this is His promise to you. The generosity of the Lord is complete. It is the nature of the all sufficient One to bless His people with all sufficiency, withholding no good thing from them. Those who seek the Lord will never lack in any good thing. Ps. 34:10 He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk in righteousness before Him. Ps. 84:11 He is absolutely limitless in His giving to those who love Him. Therefore we may anticipate that when He anointed Paul to write, "all fullness" He meant precisely that. All means all, everything, the whole of what ever the subject is, completeness, that glorious and generous full measure. This time we are not measuring a commodity of this world but the absolute completeness of all that makes the Lord, God. The enormity of the plan and purpose of the Lord is absolutely mind boggling to the natural man and even to the spiritual man it is utterly amazing. He will fulfill all of His Word.
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The supreme purpose of the Lord in having a Bride like Himself is a beautiful and most marvelous action of the Lord. The fullness of what and who He is will be imparted to His beloved. She will be filled with all, reaching the astonishing point, of the fullness of the Lord. Strong’s Dictionary related the following meaning to the word fullness; repletion or completion, i.e. (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as container, performance, period): This leaves no doubt but what the Lord meant us to understand that He will fully occupy His temple, with the richness of His own being. Eph. 3:19
The Lord consistently expressed His goal for His church, particularly in the end of the age. A perfected ministry will produce a perfected church. A body of believers united in perfect harmony. An enlightened people who fully understand the desire of the Lord and know perfectly His exact will for them. Their knowledge of Him is of the most intimate sort. They know and follow the Word. They are the people who have achieved the highest order of Christianity for they have reached the "measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph. 4:13 What a challenge. Measuring up to the high standard of the Christ of God. Demonstrating His stature, His maturity and spiritual comprehension. Fulfilling the great commission. Being in every aspect the continuation of His miraculous ministry to the world. Committed to the Lord to such a degree that the flesh, the carnal man has no participation in the perfected work of the Lord.
The church has been called to be His body in the earth. A body of perfect order and synchronized to function perfectly. The tabernacle, which was but a type and symbol of the true temple, the church, in its construction required men and women who were given the intelligence of the Lord to build it. They were to follow exactly according to the pattern shown Moses on the mount. How much more will the Lord use a fully anointed ministry to bring about the perfecting of His saints. Eph. 5:27 He cannot occupy a temple which is faulty in its construction. He will not dwell in a people who are not wholly like Himself. He fills all in all and will gather unto Himself, from the church, those individuals who meet His criteria. They are to be one, united together with Him is every aspect of the word unity. Eph. 1:23 What He is, they will be also for they are His body, perfectly joined with Him. Functioning together as one. Nothing of His presence, power and authority will be withheld from the most beautiful Bride of all time and eternity.
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The focal point of all that is spiritual and everlasting is the Lord Jesus. The Father has highly lifted up His Son above all others and bestowed on Him a name which is superior to all other names, even in heaven as well as on earth, in eternity as well as in time. There is no personage nor name greater and more highly prized by His Father, than the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil.2:9 His name is the most tremendous of all names. No other name can even begin to compare with His name. He inherited the fullness of that name from His Father, the earthly name given Him was Jesus, or Savior, now He was privileged to be called by the name of both Lord and Christ. Heb. 1:4
In His fulfilling the great act of obedience, that is, His crucifixion, the Father saw fit to bestow upon Him His name, Lord and the name of the Holy Spirit, Christ. Therefore, God made this same Jesus both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36 He bears the fullness of the name of God thereby exalting Him and making Him to be all and in all. Col. 3:10 As Redeemer and Lord, His great love for human kind drove Him to Calvary. When the proper time had come He steadfastly set His face to proceed to Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 He well knew that the prophetic utterances of the prophets concerning the Messiah would all be accomplished in this visit to Jerusalem. Luke 18:31 He did not go blindly nor naively, He knew precisely what would happen to Him and how it would be accomplished. His tremendous love for the lost was a strong motivation driving Him to the death of the cross as the only, the one true lamb of God.
He is more than a manifestation of God. He became the dwelling place, the habitation, the true temple of the Godhead. The wonder, the magnitude of that which He will accomplish in His perfected Bride with whom He will join in such close affinity that she is called His body. One with Him. Composed of the same material, having the identical likeness, sharing equal rights and heavenly positions with Him. She cannot be His body unless she is of the precise nature and character as Christ. Only by being equal, a joint heir, may she be His body. The body must be of equivalent beauty and majesty as the head. We are only complete in Him. While at the same time, He is only fulfilled when His body is united as one and also made to be true bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh. Col.2:10 What will be accomplished is in the perfect will and the good pleasure of the Father. The finished product is an eternal, everlasting, heavenly marriage, the result of the mighty work of the crucified Christ. Col. 1:19
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The more excellent way. Generally speaking, the very best, when affordable, is that which is desired and sought after. This is a superb way to treat the treasures of the Lord. His promise is that He will not keep any good thing from those who walk in righteousness. Ps. 84:11 His gifts to His children are always the very best, so much so that James calls them, good and perfect. James 1:17 Among the many benefit’s the Lord bestows upon His children is the ability to love. When we have Him in our hearts we have the very essence of love. He creates within us the ability to love as He who is love, loves. Therefore He introduces His charity, His agape love into our lives. Not love on a human scale but like that great, intense love that sent the Lord Jesus to Calvary to die for mankind. John 3:16
Increased love is an indication of spiritual growth. Paul prayed for the folks in Philippi that they might come to abounding measures of love. Which would cause an ever increasing revelation and comprehension of the tremendous love found in the Lord Jesus. Phil. 1:9 We are dealing now with that agape love which flows from the very throne of the Lord. While it is love as He loves, it is also something that is fully shared with all those who would walk with the Lord Jesus.
In the scriptures agape love is sometimes translated love, and at other times charity. The nature, the actions, the emotions of that God like love are well recorded by the Apostle Paul in His letter to the Corinthians. It is obvious that the motive of any spiritual activity must be based on charity. Any person manifesting spiritual gifts and involved in the work of the Lord being without charity, is likened to sounding brass or a tinkling symbol. Nothing pleasant to be derived from the cacophony produced by the clanging of these metals. 1 Cor. 13:1 The sound of love is melodious and harmonious. A pleasant sound to be heard.
Love is placed on a much higher plain of spirituality than spectacular gifts which may be manifest by some who claim to be exercised in said gifts.
He included some pretty powerful gifts as being needful of charity for their
true demonstration. As fantastic as these gifts might be, they still require charity, the agape love of the Lord, to produce a lasting effect in the lives of those who participate. The individual may be well versed in exercising these gifts but in the end, if they are without that gracious love which originates with the Lord, they are nothing. All their capabilities are useless and in vain if not fully engaged by the love of the Lord.
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Charity contrasted with knowledge. Paul, the writer of the Epistle was not a stranger to either. Knowledge is something which is earned by hard study. Charity, especially agape love, is a gift from the Lord. Knowledge has a tendency to cause pride and is the attainment of the individual. Charity will manifest humility and a true hearted concern to help others. Therefore Paul declared that charity edifies. It is a most vital element in the building of the body of Christ as well as the personal Christian character. The growth of each person in Christ is accelerated by the love which is alive in them.
Eph. 4:16 Spiritual knowledge is of great benefit, especially when mixed with the profound and marvelous love of the Lord.
Charity defined, all of its assets are available to those who would be filled with that heavenly, Godlike love. The first on the list of the Apostle is longsuffering. The ability act with forbearance in the face of a situation which may be most galling. Exhibiting patience when all feeling of empathy may be exhausted. This is positively one of the outstanding characteristic of our Lord, who is love. Consider how long He waited for us to turn to Him. 1 Cor. 13:4 We need to take note that longsuffering is also a fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22 This would make it a measuring rod which could be used in determining whether or not one had been filled with the Spirit.
The kindness of the love of the Lord has been made manifest even to the unthankful and the evil. Therefore Jesus taught that we should love the unlovely and go even a step farther by doing good unto them. Luke 6:35 Added to that Jesus urged all to exercise the same measure of mercy as was shown to them by the heavenly Father. Luke 6:36 It becomes obvious that attitudes must be changed. Opinions must be altered if we are to exemplify the love of Christ to the world. This is a good time to consider the words of the Lord Jesus when He sent His disciples to minister to the people. Be as wise as serpents. Discern and understand the wisdom of the enemy and apply the wisdom of the Lord which is far greater. Be harmless, as harmless as doves. Be kind, be merciful, show forth the love of the Lord. Mt.10:16
Charity is not envious of others in any manner, of their abilities, their possessions or success in life. They do not crave to be equal to, or above the status of the life of others. They are not jealousy o f the plaudits heaped upon their associates. 1 Cor. 13:4 The standard established by the Lord may seem extremely high but the rewards more than recompense any supposed short comings which we feel we may suffer.
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The nature of charity is unassuming, constantly displaying a quite and meek spirit. From the standpoint of the kingdom of the Lord it does not boast or brag about itself. 1 Cor. 13:4 There is never a better example to be found in the Word than the Lord Jesus. His invitation is to couple with Him in taking His yoke upon ourselves. Thus sharing in His character as those who are meek and lowly in heart. Their reward is peace and rest of soul. Mt. 11:29
His love as it is made known and is manifest in us will not demonstrate a proud and puffed up spirit. 1 Cor. 13:4 Most unfortunately, some when used of the Lord, lose sight of the fact that it was the Lord who used them to accomplish a witness and testimony to His name. It is the carnal, the fleshly mind which causes the self exaltation. Col. 2:18 The Christ like attitude as expressed by Paul to the church at Philippi was that nothing be done through strife or vainglory or self conceit but to prefer others before oneself. Phil. 2:3 How contrary are the ways of the Lord to the human spirit. His ways are always right and give a benefit which is far above anything to be found in the ways of the world.
Behavioral values are emphasized and practiced where love prevails. At all times the proper decorum is exhibited. His love in us will create a conduct that is proper toward all. Never will it demonstrate in crude or improper conduct. Love keeps the carnal nature of man in abeyance. It will always conduct itself in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. 1 Cor. 13:5
Love is never self seeking. What a tremendous and very necessary impartation of the Spirit of Christ is found in the unselfishness of His love. What segment of love more exemplifies the being and personality of the Lord Jesus. It is impossible for anyone to ever exceed such giving of one’s self as that found in the Christ of God. From eternity He purposed to be born into this world for others. He left the high and lifted up position that had eternally been His, to take upon Himself the form of man. Not for Himself but that mankind might be saved. The Son of God, the Logos, the WORD, the perfect sinless one became sin for us. He was humiliated to the greatest degree possible, all for others. He was rich, He became poor. He was mighty, possessing everlasting life. He became flesh and blood, that He might taste death for all men. He became sin, that we might be cleansed and delivered from sin and death. For all the acts of bravery and rescue which men have performed in helping others. None can compare to what the Lord Jesus has done for all of mankind. He is unselfishness personified.
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We are considering the manifestation of the Spirit of Christ in the body of
Christ. The elements of His love which we find in the scriptures are but the
normal evidence of one possessing the love of the Lord. These are not super Christians but rather common every day, born again believers. Nevertheless, each work of His love in us is a challenge to exemplify the beauty of His life. Love is not easily provoked. 1 Cor. 13:5 In the rush and bustle of modern day life it is so easy to find ourselves ‘on edge,’ geared up and ready to vent the frustrations which build up so easily. Mind you, The standard is not to be provoked at all, but not to be easily provoked. Consider the frustration of the meekest man on the earth, at least in his day, the man Moses. Num. 12:3 This same man became very angry at the rebellion of the children of Israel. Num. 16:15 Even the Lord was provoked with Israel.
Num. 14:23 It is obvious that love gives a sufficient measure of control to allow patience to have its perfect work.
The thoughts and meditations of the heart are above evil surmising. The thought presented is that of thinking no evil and does not indicate sinful and wicked thoughts. 1 Cor. 13:5 It is the imagination of the heart and mind in which misunderstandings, and presumptions arise as to the motives of others. These are then mulled over and over in the thoughts until the idea of retaliation and retribution in some sort of an evil work is considered. The love of the Lord will keep us from being envious or jealous of the success of others. It does not pray for, seek or desire for an evil thing to come upon others, regardless of how badly that person may have harmed them. They are not desirous of returning evil for evil.
Now, we come to the matter of sin. Or. 13:6 Those possessing the love of the Lord find no joy in the sinful ways of this world. Because of the righteousness of Christ made known in their lives by the Word of the Lord, sin has become exceedingly sinful to them. To be a new creature in Christ means to be new in all things. To walk in new ways. To have new thoughts. The old passing away and all things becoming new. 2 Cor. 5:17 The new man once loved the things of this world. Now that natural, worldly love has been replaced by true love, the love of the Lord. They are not found rejoicing when those who opposed them fall because of their wickedness. They take no pleasure in every act of judgment which comes upon those who have done wrong. The attitude and being of Christ is constantly seen in them.
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Love finds no pleasure or joy in iniquity whether committed by them or others. Any pleasure derived from sinful actions is vain and very short lived. Love does not rejoice in the fall or failures of others regardless of actions which were worthy of all that happened to them. Love is not cruel nor does it desire vengeance. 1 Cor. 13:6 The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance and eternal life. 2 Peter 3:9
Love is inseparable from truth. Truth is the source of the Love displayed by the Lord. He is both love and truth. They are revealed in their fullness in the Lord Jesus. The spirit of the redeemed finds great joy in searching for and finding the truth. 1 Cor. 13:6 Truth and love bring liberty the those who are bound in sin. They create great rejoicing in the human heart by their presence. Truth abounds when the love of the Lord dwells within the person who has been born of the Spirit.
Love shows forth great ability to stand against every and all opposition.
1 Cor. 13:7As a Christian we do not always escaped troubles, trials and the adverse circumstances of life. The wise man said that; all things come alike to all. Ecc. 9:2a But, there is a difference. At times the righteous are deliver in a miraculous fashion. At times they are not. However, under all situations the righteous fare much better than the unrighteous. The strength of the Lord enables them to face their difficulties with the knowledge that they do not stand alone, He has promised never to, leave nor forsake us.
His love displayed in our lives is a true source of our faith, our belief in the promises of His Word. Faith is not naïve until it can be deceived, rather it has absolute confidence in His promises. While we are exhorted to believe all things, the gift of His Spirit will illuminate our understanding until we may discern those things which are not of faith. 1 Cor. 13:7 Faith is to be in the Word of the Lord. John warned that we are not to receive every spirit but to try the spirits. 1 John 4:1 A good method to be used in trying the spirit of a person is to let them talk in personal conversation. They will soon tell you what is within, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Mt. 12:34 The attitude, the spiritual personality of a person will be exposed by their words. Living as we are in the end of the age it is an imperative that the Christian be on guard at all times. His love manifest in us will bring forth the fruit of righteousness preparing us for the glorious and marvelous events scheduled by Him, for His church in these last days.
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Love is the essence of hope. Scriptural hope is more than a wish. Spiritual hope address the confidence and full expectation that is found in the promises of the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor. 13:7 Hope, that is, belief in the Lord Jesus is equal to faith. Hope in the Lord Jesus has a part in the salvation of mankind. Like as with faith, this hope is in the inner being and has hope in the ability of the Lord to fulfill His Word in us. Rom. 8:24 Hoping for those yet invisible things requires waiting and patience. The Lord is not obligated to respond to our prayers immediately, He may, or may hesitate in taking action that we might exercise hope and assurance that He has heard our prayers.
His love as it is displayed in us will bear up under every situation. 1 Cor. 13:7 Extreme difficulties will come. Time of deep strife and sorrow but love enables us to continue in the steadfastness which is to be found in the Lord Jesus. The person who remains steadfast when faced with temptation will find themselves rewarded at the conclusion of that trial with the everlasting crown of life. James 1:12 The recompense far outweighs any discomfort or heartache suffered during the season of trial.
Life is filled with disappointments and people whom we may feel have failed us. 1 Cor. 13:7 His love is limitless and absolutely unfailing. The beauty of all that we find evidenced in His love is imparted to those who know Him. When His consistent love is abiding in us we receive of His being and character the same nature that is found in Him. As we delve into the sharing of His love it becomes more and more evident that we are to be filled with His love and partake of the divine virtues which are found in that love.
Not only does faith operate by love but the ability to be what He is,
as it is expressed by Paul in these scriptures, depends on love. 1 Cor. 13:7 In being loved by the Lord and participating with Him in His great and perfect love, we are changed. It becomes a matter of ever increasing love and the showing forth of the glory of the Lord. We are in the process of growth, being changed, through His love for us. The end result will be a people, the redeemed of the Lord, His Bride, who have reached the very completeness of the revelation of His love in their lives. The life of a victorious Christian is fueled by the presence of His love as it flows in our hearts and has a persistent effect in our conduct and manner of life.
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Enduring love is that which we find in the Lord Jesus. Human love will at times be short lived. It is incapable of maintaining its depth and fervor. Even a Mothers love, which seems to be the most highly regarded among mankind, can change and become hatred, leading to the murder of their child. Love, as a virtue of the Lord is consistent and unchanging. His love is unfailing. 1 Cor. 13:8 It does not diminish in its magnitude. It is without partiality. The manner in which He has demonstrated His love in one life is the pattern which He uses for all. There is nothing in this life which cannot fail. His love is totally unfailing. He is love, all inclusive love, eternal and everlasting. His love is more real than any human love that has ever existed.
His undying, unfading, never ceasing love will be in constant evidence in the new heavens and the new earth. The occupants of eternity will know a steady flow of His love originating from His throne and covering the whole of that new earth, simply because He is love. His presence is marked and known by His presence dwelling in His people. The person who does the will of the Lord Jesus because they love Him, will know that the presence of the Lord, who is love dwells within. John 14:23 Consider the magnitude of love which He brings within the spirit nature of those who are His.
Prophecy, speaking in tongues and knowledge are blended together as gifts that will cease. 1 Cor. 13:8 If any one of them has ceased then all are ended. They will cease only when the Lord Jesus perfects the church and all that pertains to that glorious end time church. They will end, their current weakness, only when that fullness is ushered in by the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor. 13:10 While some argue that prophecy and tongues have ceased, that must also be the case with knowledge. The scripture stated that the increase of knowledge would be an end time phenomena. The manner in which we travel over the face of the earth today by every means of transportation surely fits “many shall run to and fro.” Plus, “knowledge shall be increased.” Dan. 12:4 Spiritual knowledge is gained by the revelation of the Word of the Lord, accompanied by the gift of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and the interpretation thereof, as well as the gift of prophecy. These did not cease with the diminishing of the early church, for if they had, there would be no knowledge. The expression of His tremendous love is often revealed to the church through, tongues, prophecy and knowledge. Rather than having died or at the very least faded away they have intensified greatly in the dealings of the Lord in the church. A message, an experience which has swept around the world and is advancing by leaps and bounds.
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Four essentials which are necessary for a mature Christian life. Without the abiding presence of the Spirit of the Lord faith, hope and charity will not be active in those who call themselves, His people. His continuous presence is absolutely vital as a catalyst to spiritual growth and the fulfillment of the promises of the Lord. 1 Cor. 13:13 The thought of His dwelling with us in the fullness of His glory and power is staggering, yet it is His desire. Jesus promised that those who love Him will become a vessel in which the fullness of the Godhead would dwell. John 14:23 There is a place in Christian experience where we come to a realization of the terrific magnitude of the purpose of the Lord in His redeemed. Too often we keep Him as a babe in the manger and not as the mature King of kings who desires to rule and reign in our lives. Can we limit fullness or does it really mean filled to the capacity? The promise is that when we know the love of Christ we will be filled with all the fullness of the Lord. Gal. 3:19 Whatever we have received of the Lord in the past, there is still much, much more. As a matter of fact, of the fullness of Himself there is no end. Our capacity is limited only by our willingness to receive. He is inexhaustible in all of His being and character.
Faith in the Lord is an absolute necessity. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Heb. 11:6 On the positive side, His gifts are innumerable to those who will diligently seek Him. The emphasis should be on diligence, The half hearted, the lazy receive little or nothing at all. The power which motivates faith is the subject of our study and that is love. Gal. 5:6 A deep, whole hearted love for the Lord Jesus is the foundation of all that we are going to receive from Him. He is moved by our love for Him. Do not be afraid to communicate to Him how much you love Him. It will do something for you that nothing else can do. He delights in hearing your praise and expressions of adoration for Him.
Hope too is stimulated by our love for the Lord Jesus. There is no disappointment in those who place their confidence in Christ. Rom. 5:5 Hope, as it is used in the Word of the Lord is a word of strength and power. It speaks to us of one whom we can believe in and trust explicitly. He is not a man that He should lie. His promises are yea and amen. When all else and all others have failed, He remains faithful in all things. He is our hope for this life and for life eternal, of which He is the author. Our desire, our hope, our confidence in Him becomes an anchor to our souls and we know that dwelling in His love we are held fast and will not drift. Heb. 6:19
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The greatest of these is love. 1 Cor. 13:13 Not only is it the greatest of the three but it is the greatest of any and all. There is nothing that exceeds the love which makes the Lord who He is and what He is. He is Lord of all, He is the entirety, the totality of love. No entity, human or spirit, living or dead, has, nor will they ever exceed the magnitude of His love. His love is extended to all who are born on this earth, none are excluded. John 3:16 He loves the very worst, the most ungodly sinner, is the object of His love. The rejected of society are loved with the same love that is extended to the whosoever will. The Lord does not respect one above the other. Acts 10:34
Love demands That here be some sort of communication between the lovers. Long distant love exists, but not for long. There must be fellowship where love is expressed one to another. The Lord Jesus, knowing that He would soon depart this life, promised to send another Comforter. One just like Himself. One whom Jesus recognized as a person. He would come with the explicit purpose of revealing the Lord Jesus. His communication would center on glorifying the Lord Jesus. He, the Holy Spirit, is the love line between the redeemed and the Redeemer. John 16:7, 13-15 He makes Jesus known and makes Him to be very wonderful and real.
Because we are the sons of the heavenly Father and we have been born of His Spirit, as was the Lord Jesus, we have therefore received the Spirit of the Lord. The Father has fulfilled the request of His Son, the Lord Jesus and has sent the Comforter to make Christ real in our lives. Gal. 4:6 His great and grand gift of love is the baptism of the Spirit. He is given to all who ask, no time limit used. Luke 11:13 How can we know true love unless the Spirit of love dwells within. Paul, listing the experiences of the Ephesian church said; that after having heard the word of salvation, they believed and were therefore sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Eph. 1:13
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends. John 15:13 The world was visited by life and love in the Lord Jesus. He is the full, the absolute representation of the love of the Father. The love which is found in Christ will reach its zenith in the end of the age with the marriage of Christ and the true church. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. Eph. 5:25 The intensity of that love is seen in the tremendous price that He was willing to pay to bring her into existence.
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Of His love for human kind there is no doubt. How much we understand and participate in His love is the question. When, if ever will we fully comprehend the magnitude of His great love for us. He is at the far end of the spectrum, the eternal. We are but natural, born in sin and sharpened in iniquity. Yet, before anyone but the Lord even thought of our existence He had already expressed His love and prepared a way of salvation for us. While we were wallowing in sin and unrighteousness, He had already paid the price for our redemption. Rom. 5:8
The only means of mankind associating with the Lord was to be through His expression of love by sending His Son, the Lord Jesus, into this world. So that we through Him might be made like Him and possess eternal life. This is the true example of His love for us, in that He loved the unlovely, really the unlovable, with such a passion that He was willing to die for them. He is at one time, the mercy seat and also the propitiation granting mankind the privilege of standing before the Lord. Access is only obtainable through His atonement of love. 1 John 4:9-10
The practicality of the requirements for His love to be manifest in us are so simple, yet so profound. They are built on the foundation of love. First, a true, earnest, sincere love for the Lord. A love which involves the total man, spirit, soul and body. That is the first and the great commandment. Mark 12:30-31 There can be no spiritual development without one having a real burning heart felt love for Him. The second, is the demonstration of that love which is shown by as equal a measure of love, but this time toward our fellow man. The measure of love we demonstrate toward our neighbors is the gauge which the Lord uses to determine our love. He is not looking for lip service, He wants the heart. Mt. 15:8
The real test of love, perhaps the hardest part of all of its requirements is to love our enemies. Mt. 5:44 By love and prayer, hatred can be eliminated from the heart of love. The two are not compatible. One or the other will rule and reign and in the mean time will destroy the other. Enmity fills the whole man with unkind and disruptive thoughts. Remember, as a man thinks in his heart so is he. Prov. 23:7 From deep within, from the hidden man of the heart the mouth will proclaim the condition of the heart by speaking words of love or hate. Trying to mix the two can only create a bitterness of heart and soul. Love the Lord, love your fellow man and then come to a place of complete victory by loving, with all your heart, those who have misused you.
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The place afforded love in our relationship with the Lord is right up front. Fruit is so necessary to indicate the maturity of a tree, so with things spiritual. In listing the fruit of the Spirit the very first fruit mentioned is love. Unquestionably its position in the word list indicates its great importance. It is not only an evidence of one having been filled with the Spirit but is the force and power by which the other fruit functions. Without love, nothing can work. Consider the fruit of the Spirit, note that without love, they will shrivel up and die. Gal. 5:22-24
The tree bearing the fruit of the Spirit requires the continual presence of the Christ of God dwelling within, for without Him we can do nothing. A tree to bear fruit must be pruned of all dead and superfluous branches. Christ abiding in us and His words in us, is the sure way to be abundantly fruitful. The result is twofold the Father is glorified and the fruitful one is considered to be a disciple. A disciple being one who eagerly learns of the way of the Master and emulates Him in every aspect of His life and teaching. John 15:1-8 There is most certainly a life style that is presented and lived which is of great benefit. Above all it is imperative that the whole man and heart be motivated by a true love for the Lord Jesus. John 15:9
The child of the Lord is invited to walk with him down a pathway named love. It is here that we learn of the incredible love which He has displayed toward the whole world. While His embrace reaches out to all, each and every one of us will learn to know Him on an individual basis. His love is very much centered on the individual who is in step with Him. Eph. 5:2 The Spirit and the Word combine to produce spiritual growth bringing us to the spiritual; growth which make us to be like Him. The proclamation of the anointed word spoken in love, whether it be positive of negative, combines to bring forth the manifestation of the true life of Christ in the believer. Eph. 4:15
The call of love, is to be made like unto the Lord Jesus. Reflecting His love, mercy and compassion to a world lost in sin. The high calling of the Lord in Christ Jesus is to be holy and blameless before Him. This is a challenge which has been issued to every generation of Christianity. It is no less in effect today than it was at any time in the past. We are chosen with a purpose that we might be a people who love the righteousness which is revealed in the Lord Jesus. It is the call of His Spirit to the Christian world today. His chosen ones are to be blameless and absolutely whole. Eph. 1:4
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Far greater than any gift or offering that we might bring to the Lord is our love. Mark 12:33 Jesus listed five ways of presenting our love to Him. Coming to Him we approach His presence on the basis of human love. Not until we have been filled with His love do we begin to love with agape love, that is love which is found only in the Lord. Phileo love is that which enables one to have friends and to be a friend. It is a personal and physical care and concern for another. It involves the emotions of the intellect and heart. In manifesting our love to Him, and in order to be worthy of His love He must become the center of our love. Our love for all others must be exceeded by our love for Him. In all actuality, when His love is in our hearts we will find a new appreciation and love for those whom we love.
The heart must be strongly involved in loving Him. It is not the physical organ intended but the sentiment, the emotions of the inner man. That which is unseen yet makes us to be the person we are. Hidden to the eyes of all but well known to the Lord. Faith arises in the heart causing a change, the unclean now seek after the righteousness which is found in the Lord. Having confessed their sin, the heart wholehearted seeking the Lord will find the salvation which He has prepared for all men. Rom. 10:10
The whole intellect, the mind and the ability to comprehend, the seeking of understanding and knowledge as it is found in the Lord in its entirety is also required. As we enter into His love we find that it is a love that is far richer, vastly greater and wonderfully deeper than anything we have known previously. In His love we meet with true intelligence. He is wisdom and knowledge personified. The involvement of the whole man in seeking after the Lord will result in great dividends. The mind is renewed and made to be like unto His mind. There is a great transformation which takes place. Rom. 11:34
The entire soul must also be involved in a true search for the Lord. The soul is the life of the flesh. Lev. 17:11 It is the life giving factor to the entire body. The work horse of natural life. In its constant function blood cares for the whole of the natural man. While soul and spirit are used interchangeably in the scriptures there is a vast difference in their being and makeup. The first man Adam was made a living soul. 1 Cor. 15:45 It took place when the Lord breathed the breath of life into his nostrils. Gen. 2:7
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In seeking the Lord the whole strength and ability must become involved.
Paul compared it to the running of a race. In order to win there must be constant training and increase of strength. 1 Cor. 9:24 True love will send one seeking after the Lord with the whole heart. Half a heart, a faint heart will not find the Lord. The total man is required. Jer. 29:13 It is time to compare the things of this life which demand our strength and the things of the Lord which are eternal and apply our strength to that which is of the greatest value. Col. 3:2
The greatest test of our love for the Lord is always in fulfilling His word.
The last of the five determining our love for Him is to love as He loves. His love for all is equal, for He is no respecter of persons. We are to exercise a love which is equal to that which we direct toward ourselves. His love is that which reaches out to the whole world. When we love as He loves then we love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus in defining just exactly who the neighbor might, be gave the parable of good Samaritan as an example. Luke 10:30-37 To Jesus, even the latest stranger to arrive in town was a neighbor. May the Lord help us and give us wisdom in emulating His example.
The dilemma of love. The best of families may have a love in their relationship together which is excellent. However much we may love those who comprise our family unit, Jesus must be loved with a greater love, if we are to be His disciple. Jesus was not advocating hatred of any kind in His appeal to them to become His disciples. The term, love less, is a good interpretation of His purpose. Luke 14:26 The greatness of His love demands our entire attention. He must be placed first in our lives, in preference to all others. As with Abraham and Isaac, Abraham’s love for the Lord was greater than that for his son, therefore he was willing to sacrifice him, knowing that he was a gift from the Lord and that the Lord would return Isaac to Abraham. The Lord required the sacrifice of Abraham knowing full well that he would do as requested. Therefore, without Isaac having to die, Abraham proved beyond a shadow of doubt his willingness to be obedient to the Lord even under extreme circumstances. Gen.22:1-14 The Lord not only gave Isaac back to Abraham but provided a proper sacrifice in a ram. Certainly, Abraham’s joy was fulfilled that day with a double blessing, his son and the ram. He named that place Jehovah-jireh, the Lord will provide and most definitely, He did.
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Seeing as the very nature of the Lord is love we look for expressions of that true, holy, eternal love. If love between human beings is a strong emotion which is expressed in various ways, how much more true love between the Lord Jesus and those who love Him. It is not an impassionate, blasé type of love. It is a true love which involves the whole being. He is love and therefore is the absolute comprehensiveness of love, it would seem as if though this love would be one sided. Nevertheless, when our foundation and roots are in the Lord Jesus Christ we manifest our love for Him.
Eph. 3:17 To know, to experience the love of Christ will cause one to reciprocate with the same measure of love. The natural man may not be able to love with the same degree but the Spirit of the Lord within will lead us to the identical capability of love. Rom.5:5
History as found in the scriptures is frequently used to convey the will and desire of the Lord. In is said that Solomon in writing the Song of Solomon wrote one of the greatest of his one thousand five songs. 1 Kings 4:32 it is a song of love and romance. He opened his song with the sign of affection, the kiss. SOS. 1:2 A kiss, in eastern culture is used as a sign of greeting. It is variously used in that manner throughout the Word. Sometimes between men, children to parents, and other relatives. It was not always just a sign of affection as might be between a couple in love with each other.
The kissing of gods, idols and the like is not uncommon by any means.
It is an act of endearment indicating the feelings of the heart. The female, in Solomon’s song expresses her hearts desire to be with her lover. To have him kiss her with the kisses of his mouth. The Song of Solomon’s is a type portraying the love of Christ and His church, His bride, for one another. With the eternal truth of His Word He conveys His deep affection for His bride. Mt. 4:4 He sends messages of well being, of love and tender care to those who are His very own. Every word He speaks shows forth the greatness of His love for those whom He calls His own. Ps. 119:103
The exhortation of His Word is to reveal our love for Him by kissing the Son lest He be angry with us. Ps. 2:12 We so often approach Him with our requests to perform some much needed deed for us. It is time to enter into His presence with words of love, appreciation and thanksgiving. Choose very carefully words of love and admiration. Speak them from the heart when coming into the presence of the Lord and see what glorious things He will do. Hos. 14:2
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The Lord inspired Solomon to write the Song of Songs. Seeing as it is incorporated into the Scriptures we look for its hidden treasures. What we see portrayed in the love story of the book is for a definite purpose. His intention being that we might comprehend the love, the delight which the Lord Jesus finds in those who love Him. Our response to His love should be greater than any other that we have experienced or will ever experience in life. His banner is a banner declaring His love. SOS. 2:4
His beloved was brought into the banqueting house, the house of wines. This has all the essentials of a great wedding celebration. The greatest wedding of all is yet to be seen. It is the union between Christ and His church. The sequence of the last day order requires a revival and moving of the Spirit of the Lord in a manner not yet seen in the world. It will be the final visitation of the Lord in gathering in His harvest. It is portrayed for us
in the book of Revelation. The Lord Jesus is seen surrounded by a white (leukos, from luke, light) cloud or a cloud of light. Rev. 14:14 The same cloud appeared on the mount of transfiguration as a bright, well illuminated cloud, a cloud of light. Mt. 17:5 How could it have been otherwise when He is seen as shining as the sun and His raiment as white as the light. What a glorious revelation of His real, eternal being. Jesus said that there would be a harvest in the end of the age. Mt. 13:39
As the Son of man, as the eternal seed, the Word of the Lord He will institute the great harvest of the redeemed. This harvest will occupy a period of time during which He will separate the wheat from the chaff. The goats from the sheep. Mt. 25:32-34 The harvest will result in an absolute cleansing , a through purging of those claiming to belong to Christ. An event which will lead to the perfection of the church, resulting in the Bride of Christ being formed. Eph. 5:25-27 The winnowing fork (the Word) will cast the wheat up into the blowing wind (the Spirit) and gather the wheat into the granary or the banqueting hall.
The marriage and the subsequent marriage supper take place on earth, prior to the period of time known as the great tribulation. The process of a great pouring forth of the Spirit and the sanctification by the Word will result in the preparation of the Lambs wife. She will have made herself ready. Rev. 19:7 Much like Esther she will have gone through great preparations anticipating the coming day of her marriage.
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His banner over me was love. SOS. 2:4 We note first of all that it was His banner. The insignia of the one who is love personified. It was over her, lifted up for all to see. It is a rallying point for all who are in Christ. Love is an evidence of having been born of the Lord. 1 John 4:7 True love was on display. The greatest example of love in the entire history of man on earth is the gift of life and love through the Lord Jesus. Greater love has no man. John 15:13 Secondly, we take note that the banner was over her. Lifted up on high that all might observe that she is His and is under His divine protection.
His bride will know the fullness of the strength, the authority, the deliverance of His banner of love. His love is a sustaining love, enabling His beloved to face all situations which arise in life. The knowledge of His loving presence is a deep rooted assurance that He is ever with us at all times and under all conditions. Heb. 13:5 He is our refuge, our hiding place, the place of our habitation. For support, as a foundation are the everlasting arms of the Lord. Deut. 33:27 Would we apply such a promise only to Israel of old? Certainly not, this has always been His attitude toward those who love and adore Him. There is no greater spiritual experience than that of finding ourselves in His embrace of love. SOS. 2:6 The love of Christ for His church exceeds by far the very best of love achieved by any couple on earth. Natural love cannot even begin to duplicate such perfect love as is found in the Lord Jesus.
We meet with the destiny of the Bride and find that she is not removed from the earth at the beginning of the tribulation, rather she experiences the very thing of which we have been writing. She finds a refuge from the storm which will come upon the earth in the end of the age. An outburst which has already started. Jesus called it the beginning of sorrows. Mt. 24:8 The troubles of today’s world are merely the introduction. The removal of the Bride will be the key triggering the great tribulation. The Theological question is, where will she go? The book of revelation speaks of her entering into a sheltered place especially prepared by the Lord for the occasion. Rev. 12:5, 14. Here she is kept by the Lord in His banqueting hall. She will find here that which exceeds the effect of wine, it is His love. SOS. 1:2 We would not do an injustice to the Word of the Lord to call it the banquet of love. A love that exists between Christ and His church and is far greater than human love could ever be. The Lord knows those who love Him and He loves them with the fullness of His exceeding great love. 1 Cor. 8:3
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The manifestation of the love of the Lord is far greater than any enjoyment which might be derived from wine. Nothing, but absolutely nothing, can reach the ecstasy found in the presence of His Divine love. Song. 1:2 Try as one might to find something that will equal the emotion of the human heart when His love enters in, the search is but in vain. His lovingkindness supercedes all efforts to find a joy or a pleasure which is even similar. His love is excellent, perfect and complete. Ps. 36:7
The love of Christ is love which is unforgettable. Because of its effect
Of His love there is no need for a substitute for His love is incomparable.
Song. 1:4 The attraction of His love is noted in the fact of the bride’s desire to run, haste to the drawing of the Lord. Having once participated in that wonderous love only more of the same can satisfy the longing of the human heart for real lovingkindness and care.
The vision of the Lord appearing to Jeremiah brought a message of the tremendous love which is to be found in the Lord. His love is an everlasting love, unceasing and unabating. In many ways with the history of their disobedience it was a marvel that we find the Lord still expressing His love for Israel. He continued to reach out to them and attempted to draw them unto Himself. Jer. 31:3 While the Lord despises the sin of any person, at the same time His majestic love causes Him to make known His mercy and great love which is for all people. Eph. 2:4 A love which was made known at Calvary when Christ took our condemnation and our sin upon Himself. We being born dead, that is dead in trespasses and sin, in His forsight and by His love He prepared salvation for us. Eph. 2:5
The upright are those who love Him. A love which is based upon the proper motives will produce all the benefits of His love. The pure in heart were those who will see and know the Lord. They are promised that because of their purity they will be the kings friend. Prov. 22:11 His love is of such actual reality that when the children of Israel faced their difficulties in Egypt it is stated that in all of their afflictions He too felt their misery, like a parent wanting to take the place of a sick child. In His love and pity for them He delivered them from their bondadge. Isa. 53:9 The Lord will make manifest in every avenue of life His great compassion and love to those who love Him. We are assured of His love for the scriptures show us beyond a shadow of a doubt He loves each and every human being.
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What’s in a name? Tremendous circumstances, prophetic utterances as well as the nature of a person are to be found in the names given in the scriptures. Of them all, there is none more precious, sweeter, or more effective than the name which the Father gave to His Son. He was to be named Jesus or Joshua, meaning savior. Millions in this gospel dispensation have called upon that name and found it to be the only name of salvation. No church, no religion, no individual can save but one and that is the Lord Jesus. Acts 4:12 His name originated in heaven, came from the Father and was declared by the angel of the Lord to Joseph in a dream. Mt. 1:21-25
The aroma of His name is more fragrant than the best and most expensive of perfumes. This is most definitely a scent which arouses the heart of the virgins in their love toward Him. Song 1:3 Let us first identify the virgins, whose hearts are greatly moved at the sound of His name. Paul identified the church as virgins and that he had espoused her to Christ. 2 Cor. 11:2 The Lord Jesus declared that in the last days, when the prophecy of Mathew twenty-four was in the process of fulfillment that the kingdom of heaven would be manifest and likened unto ten virgins who had been alerted to the quickly approaching wedding and went out to meet the bridegroom. They made certain that they had their lamps with them. They are divided into two groups of fives. Most unfortunately there was a great difference between them. There is a wise class and a foolish class. Mt. 25:1-2
The wise had lamps and a good surplus of oil (Spirit) to burn in them. The foolish had only a sufficient supply for the night and had not prepared for any delay In the coming of the bridegroom. Mt. 25:3-4 At midnight, the cry was heard of the approaching bridegroom. Midnight is a crucial hour in the scriptures. It was midnight when the death angel visited Egypt and all the firstborn not within a shelter of a blood sprinkled door, died. Ex.12:29-33 The Egyptians wanted the Israelites out of town in a hurry, lest they all be dead men.
Samson carried off the doors of the city at midnight. Judges 16:3 The midnight hour represents judgment for the ungodly but deliverance for those who are in Christ. For the foolish, the unprepared, the unconsecrated virgins it will mean that they go into the great tribulation, because they did not have the anointing of the Spirit upon them. They are not recognized as belonging to the wise/bride class. Therefore they are excluded and not permitted to be a part of the bride. Mt. 25:11-12
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The marriage of the Lamb will take place in the darkest hours of the age. We face a world of wickedness, deceit and all manner of ungodliness. The Apostle Paul named the last days, "perilous times." 2 Tim. 3:1 Because of the pre-eminence of wickedness, many, in this case half of the ten virgins will find that their love for the Lord has cooled considerably. Oddly enough, a condition which will take place in the end of the age, even while there has been and will continue to be a real revival. Consider the apostate church which was addressed rather sternly by the Lord Jesus for their lack of love. Is it not just like the Lord to warn them and grant them an opportunity to repent and return to their first love. Rev. 2:4-5 Always, before judgment He visits with mercy.
How fitting that the Prophet Isaiah would issue a call for the people to arise and shine, because the glorious light of the Lord has come upon them.
Isa. 60:1 Is there a more brilliant display of light to be found in the Word than that which is displayed in the woman, the bride of Christ in Revelation twelve. She is a light bearer having been clothed with a light as brilliant as the sun. Standing firm on the earths only natural satellite, the moon and crowned with divinely appointed leadership, the twelve stars in her crown. We have before us the two extremes which will climax together in the last days. These are final conditions which will prevail on the earth. Extreme darkness, like that of Egypt, a darkness causing men to grope about but not move. Ex. 10:21 In the midst of that darkness will arise the church of glory. The full glory of the Lord abiding in and upon the bride of Christ. A people blazing, scintillating, shining with the full effulgence of the glory of the Lord.
Here is a thought well worthy of the believers consideration. God, who is light, is without even a shadow. He is the essence of light. 1 John 1:5 Therefore He is called a SUN, no He is not the sun, but the blazing light which proceeds from Him is the very brightest of all. Ps. 84:11 After all, the light by which we live, He created. He, however is not created light. He is light. His Son, is His exact image and likeness, therefore He too is a Sun, the Sun of righteousness. Mal. 4:2 Jesus said that His people are the light of the world. Mt. 5:14 Just what may we expect in what Paul described as a glorious church. Eph. 5:27 Most definitely it is the church of His glory. In the experience of the Lord Jesus on the mount of transfiguration we are afforded a revelation of the glory of the Lord revealed in the physical body of a person. His face shown as the sun. His raiment was as brilliant as the light. Mt. 17:2 They were dazzling white, glowing. Mk.9:2
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His love for mankind is beyond measure. The greatness, the magnitude of it may only be measured by knowing the One who is Love. He loved us, first and uppermost. Those who respond to His love will find that joy of His love expressed to them in a multitude of ways. Love begets love therefore we love Him. 1 John 4:19 The proof of the presence of that love in our hearts is our attitude toward our fellow man. Love and hate cannot dwell in the same heart and spirit. It is impossible to love the Lord who is invisible and to hate the person whom we meet and see. 1 John 4:20-21 Love flows from His throne, from His heart like a mighty flowing stream. All are invited to participate of its blessings.
Those who really love Him become the light of life to a world of darkness.
What beautiful statement, "Let those who love you be like the sun when it comes out in full strength." Judges 5:31 The greatest of love exists between the Father and the Son. The voice of the Father proceeding from the excellent glory, the throne of brilliant light, said; "This is my beloved Son." 2 Pet. 1:17 We find the Lord Jesus in all of His splendor and glory in the book of Revelation. John, on Patmos, saw the glory of the Lord revealed in His face. His visage was glowing with the glory of the Lord and appeared as the sun shining in its strength. Rev. 1:16 He is also the mighty messenger, accompanied by a cloud of glory, crowned with the rainbow, a full circle whose three dominant colors represent the Godhead with His face blazing forth the light of the Lord. Rev. 10:1 He will proclaim the end of time.
Rev. 10:6
John saw the true Holy City, the new Jerusalem. It is the bride of Christ.
She is still wearing that majestic wedding garment (Rev. 12:1). Rev. 21:2
A bride of absolute beauty, none have excelled her in their splendor and magnificence. Remember she is clothed with the fullness of light as well as being the temple of the Most High. 1Cor. 6:19 She will possess the glory of the Lord in its ultimate. Her light will shine more brightly and with greater brilliancy than any, other than the Lord Himself. This is the city of the totality, the completeness, of the blazing scintillating light which emanates from the Lord of light. The glory of God and the light of the Lamb will be the constant supply of the greatest display of light, ever. All other current sources of light will no longer exist. All the brilliant glory of that eternal city will originate from the Lord who is light. Rev. 22:5 Love, a love for the Lord and a love for our fellow man is the key to the great city of light.
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The bride learns to relish the sweet perfume of His most precious name, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. She recognized the value of both His name and the attractive odor which accompanied that name. An aroma which is found in the most precious and holy anointing oil. SOS. 1:3 We have seen the vital importance of possessing the oil of the Lord, the baptism of the Spirit, in relationship to those who are in the bride of Christ in the end of the age. The value of that precious anointing cannot be measured in human terms. Its great worth is demonstrated in the Divine guidance and direction which the Holy Spirit accomplishes in anointed lives. It is a definite assurance of belonging to the family of the Lord. Rom. 8:14
Under the Old testament style of life, Priests, Prophets and Kings were anointed for leadership of the tribes of Israel. The Lord sent Samuel to anoint Saul to be the king of Israel. 1 Samuel 9:16, 10:1, 15:17-18 David was twice anointed to be king. 2 Sam. 2:4 and 2 Sam. 5:3 Solomon was like wise anointed twice. 1 Chr. 29:22 Thus we see the double or the full measure represented in their anointing. Through the work of these two the Temple of the Lord was built. We recognize the Temple as being the dwelling place of the Lord and was a type of the true Temple, the bride of Christ in the end of the age. 1 Cor. 6:19 Elisha (God is salvation), who is also a type of the last day church in revival, requested a double or a full portion of the anointing which was upon Elijah. His request was not an easy one to fulfill but if he kept his eyes on Elijah when they were separated, his desire would be fulfilled. 2 Kings 2:10 The blessing of the Lord will always be on those who keep their eyes on the Lord Jesus.
The anointing of the high priest was for ministry before the Lord. As priests of the Most High, we too must have the precious anointing oil poured out upon us. That oil flowed down over and covered Aarons head, his miter, his robe and his whole being that he might enter in before the Lord. The importance of being filled with the Spirit cannot be over emphasized. There is no more effecting prayer than that of intercession through the anointing of the Spirit. It may well be accompanied with the demonstration described by Paul as a groaning, a cry which is not distinguishable. Most definitely, not the language of the Spirit or tongues. Rom. 8:26 Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would travail and that the Father beholding His travail would be satisfied. Isa. 53:11 We see the Lord Jesus, just prior to His arrest and subsequent crucifixion praying in the garden of Gethsemane. Luke 22:39
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The prayer and final committement of the Lord Jesus took place in Gethsemane, the oil press. Once again His love for the souls of mankind became the predominant, the driving force of His life. He was to be pressed beyond measure. He who is life, was facing death. The sinless One was about to become sin for every man. Even the human side, the natural man would prefer not to enter into death. The agony, the extreme weight of what was about to take place was far greater than any suffering ever to be experienced by any. None other ever has, nor ever will be pressed beyond measure as was the Lord Jesus. It is not possible for others to ever feel the anguish, the distress, the heaviness of soul and spirit which Jesus experienced in the garden. Mt. 26:36-37
The whole plan of the redemption of mankind had been predetermined in the eternity past. The crux of it’s success depended entirely upon the reaction of the Lord Jesus in this moment of decision. As always, the natural man sought another solution, a way which would be easier. If possible let this pass from me. So extreme was the pressure of that moment that Jesus expressed His feelings as being sorrowful to the point of death. What a tremendous weight and burden rested upon Him, causing Him to feel at the very threshold of dying under such an oppressive responsibility. Mt. 26:38 Perhaps we can derive a smattering of the feelings of Christ in the words of Job. He spoke of his grief being fully weighed and his calamity placed on the scales. Job. 6:2-3 Were such a thing possible he felt that they would out weigh the sands of the seas, and he was right when applied to the Lord Jesus. The sands of the seas are used by the Lord to number the innumerable total of the descendents of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, both naturally and spiritually. Gen. 32:12 The arrows of the Almighty had pierced his soul and their poison had started to work the works of death within his spirit. The agony of Christ in becoming a sacrifice, the anguish of crucifixion and death were already burning and consuming his inner man. The fear, the terror of the Lord was taking hold in his inner being. Job 6:4 At Calvary, Jesus was to bear the punishment for every person ever to have lived on this earth. In His love and mercy He took our place. The expressions of Job would be ours were it not for the redemption which is found in the Lord Jesus and only in Him. Isaiah described Him as having taken upon Himself all of our calamities, our pains, and our sorrows. God, His very own Father smote Him, and afflicted Him on our behalf. He was wounded, he was beaten for the redemption of every man, including Himself, for though He was the Son of God, He was a man and therefore needed redemption even as every other individual. Isa. 54:4
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The love slave surrendered their freedom because of their love for their master, his wife and his children. The purchase of a Hebrew man or woman, as a slave was to exist only for six years. In the seventh year, the Sabbatical year, the year of rest, they were to be given their freedom. In that period of time had the slave become attached to their own family or the family of their master they could continue on or go free but would have to leave their own immediate family behind. Deut. 2-4
Their decision would be made by the force, the power of love. Love for their master and his family, or love for the wife or children causing the individual to give up their rightful freedom and be come a slave because of love. Ex. 21:5 The love slave would make a positive and definitive decision by refusing release in exchange for love. Thus we find a mighty demonstration of the power of real love. The prophet Isaiah declared the experience of the Lord Jesus in Gethsemane and the travail of soul while at the same time calling Him the righteous servant. The love slave who would be the sin bearer of the world that He might make those just who would believe on Him. Isa. 53:11 This Jesus who clothed Himself after the manner of a servant. Entering into the world as a man, only to manifest His total humility by becoming obedient to His Father and submitting to the most horrible form of death, the death of the cross. Phil. 2:7-8
The master is then obligated to take the individual to the judges, Hebrew, Elohiym, or the supreme God. This was a vow not made to man but unto the Lord. A lasting, life long promise to serve to the best of one’s ability. The prospective love servant was then taken to the door. This act had its spiritual significance under the old order but how much more under the new. Christ is the door. This is the place of consecration to Him. Entering in we dedicate our lives to a continual service unto Him. I AM, the door. John 10:9
The ear is then pinned to the door post. The ear is the instrument of the body whereby we hear the wish and command of the master. The Lord must have the very best attention of our ears, that we might hear His command and do His will. Hearing is a way whereby we can develop our faith in Him. For, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of the Lord. Rom. 10:17 The ear lobe pierced and, as if it were nailed to the door post reminds us of the blood sprinkled door posts in the land of Goshen. Blood, the power of redemption. A threefold sprinkling assuring them of deliverance from the scourge of the death angels visit at midnight. Ex. 12:7
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The ear of the love servant is now marked. They had indicated their desire to be enduringly attached to their master and his family. The witness and testimony of their love is evidenced by all. Wherever they would go, it was known that they were a slave of love. Deut. 15:17 The choosing of the ear for the sign of love is good. Instructions are usually spoken and in the case of a servant the hearing of the command and its subsequent fulfillment were necessary. The act of obedience is pleasing to the master and also to the Lord. The Lord created the ear that we might hear and obey. Prov. 20:12
Hearing the voice of the Lord and obedience to His command is an imperative. Obedience to Him, is the assurance that He will act in a manner beneficial to the hearer and obedient. Ex. 23:22 Meditate on this one for a while. Are we missing something which not only would contribute to our healing but this is also a promise of health. Ex. 15:26 The fact that the Lord wants the attention of the ear is also seen in the anointing of the priest and the healing of the leper. Strangely enough the same anointing was enacted for both, one for service the other for healing. It was a three fold anointing of blood to be applied to the priest, on the ear (hearing), the thumb (works) and the foot (walk). Ex. 29:20 The same practice was to be followed for the leper. Leprosy, in the scriptures is a type of sin. Lev. 14:14 All have sinned and come short of the glory of the Lord. All come the same way, through the blood of atonement shed by the Lord Jesus.
The Holy anointing oil was sprinkled upon the priesthood. Ex. 29:21 On Aaron, the high priest it was obviously poured out upon him as well until he was well covered. Ps. 133:2 This Holy oil represents the precious anointing of the Holy Spirit. With the leper the process was the same as with the blood, upon the ear, the thumb and the big toe. The remnant of the oil was poured out upon them as a part of the healing, the cleansing from leprosy. Lev. 14:17-18
More important to the Lord is the nature of the love slave who has the ability to hear His instructions. David spoke of the Lord as having opened, digged (margin) or bored his ear, which was far more important than any sacrifice or offering which might be offered unto the Lord. Ps. 40:6 The instructed, the wise person is the one whose ear awakens in the morning to the hearing of the voice of the Lord. It is the Lord who gives hearing to the ear that we might do His will. Those who hear His voice will not be rebellious nor turn from His will. Isa. 50:4-5
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In the love servant we find a type of the Lord Jesus. We note also that we too are called upon to follow the pattern which He established and become love servants of the Lord. The prophet Isaiah called attention to this one who would come from the Father, whom the Father would call, my servant. Isa. 42:1 In the eternity past, in the kingdom of God, He was equal with His Father. That high and exalted position He laid aside to be born a man as all others are that He might do the Fathers will and at the same time fulfill the demand for the sacrifice of a Lamb. He became a love servant to all, to His Father and to all of mankind. Phil. 2:7
Never has there been a more humble man. As the Logos, the Word, He surrendered a most prestigious position, equal with God. Phil. 2:6 He was life, eternal life, that too He left to take upon Himself a body which would become a sacrifice. The prophetic utterances of the old testament, the sacrifices of the old order, were all a prelude leading up to His atoning death. The bearer of the light of life was to enter into the darkness of death. The Prince, the leader, the author of light and life was to be extinguished for a season. In His servitude He was to die the worst kind of death with which man could afflict Him. He was crucified, nailed to the cross with two malefactors, indicating that He was even as one of them. He was suspended on the cross as one who violated the Law. a false prophet. They made Him a public spectacle. All manner of human abuse was directed at Him. He was humiliated such as none other has, nor ever will experience. Isa. 53:2-11
We must never lose sight of the fact that Jesus was just as human as you and I are. He was subjected to every and all the temptations to sin that we face. There is no difference between His resistance and fight against sin and that which we encounter. He was totally, completely, exactly like all others born into this world. He was tempted in everyway, every manner, even as we are, yet without sin. Heb. 4:15 The same power which was in Him is also in us. Acts 1:8 Therefore the same victory which He enjoyed should also be ours. The temptations which He faced are those common to all mankind. However, the promise of the Lord is that He will provide a way of escape and deliverance. 1 Cor. 10:13 The shame, the disgrace of the cross was immense for it touched not only worldly things but heavenly and eternal as well. Thus He was able to despise the shame. Heb. 12:2 His eyes were fixed on the goal, the prize of a redeemed people. A nation of victorious individual who, like Him, have overcome sin and live triumphantly for Him.
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The greatest love of all is the love which occupies the throne of the Lord. No where and at no time is there greater love to be experienced than that which originates from His throne. We have a representative, an advocate seated on the right side of the throne who thoroughly understands us, even better than we think we know ourselves. He is noted as being sympathetic to all of our weaknesses. He is moved upon, motivated by the infirmities which are manifest in those who are His. Heb. 4:15 He is compassion personified. Where could we find one who is more sympathetic to the dilemmas which mankind faces, than one like the Lord Jesus who has been tempted in every manner such as we are. His love and concern reaches out to the most ignorant (love that word), those who are far off and away from the way of life as it is found in the Lord Jesus. For He too, was likewise surrounded by the infirmities of the flesh. There is no emotion, weakness, sin or wickedness which is common to man but what Jesus faced it and conquered its force and power. Heb. 5:2 Precious, most worthy promise:- through His mercy, love and compassionate help, we are more than conquerors. Rom. 8:37
There is nothing which is available through the Scriptures which love will not bring forth in our lives. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. That involves, absolutely all, from A to Z, insert, ask what you will and His love will accomplish all of His promises in our lives. He will withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly. Ps. 84:11 Faith in the Word will receive a positive response. When the proper relationship is maintained, it works. He has made the promise, now the reception, the actual consummation of the promise is up to us. When we are in Christ and His Word dwells in us, look for action. John 15:7
With the Lord, all things are possible. Yes, He really meant, ALL THINGS,
Mark 10:27 The Lord knows no impossibilities. What man cannot do, the Lord does. Luke 18:27 The Lord in His kindness and love has issued to every person a measure of faith. Rom. 12:3 Jesus said that just a mustard seed may be used as a measure to remove a massive mountain. Mt. 17:20 Inasmuch as we have such faith which has been committed to us by the Lord, lets dare put it into action and see the Lord perform mighty works in His church. The Lord Jesus lived a sinless life, most certainly He was never sick, yet when He was hung on Calvary’s cross he literally became sin and sickness. Isa. 53:4 He has paid the penalty for our forgiveness, healing and release from sin and sickness. Unto Him who is able. He will keep us from sickness and sin. He will keep us. 2 Thess. 3:3