The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Timothy 4:1-2,
"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."
As Paul gives Timothy his marching orders, he makes note that he does so "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus." He also mentions the coming judgment of those who will enter eternal life and eternal death. Additionally, he makes reference to the coming of the appearance of Christ Jesus back here on earth and the kingdom he will establish here.
Paul references spiritual realities that are not observable today, are not perceived by our five senses today. Yet, nonetheless, these realities exist and are just as authentic and truthfully the state of affairs as the things are that we do sense, we do see, we do feel.
This morning, on the way to work, I felt early summer weather. I saw the sun, I listened to music (the Beatles), I felt refreshed from a good night's sleep (I also felt the still-sore leg muscle that cramped on me in the middle of the night.) I didn't see God's presence and I didn't see the presence of Jesus Christ. I didn't observe anything relative to coming events in heaven, such as the judgement of the living and the dead. I did not witness the coming of Jesus Christ and I did not see his kingdom. I saw cars on the freeway, I saw traffic lights, I saw a police car (that I mistakenly thought was going to pull me over... ) I saw bridge construction and people scurrying about when I got into town.
However, I thought about the things of God on the way into work this morning. I thought about the reality of God and the things of heaven. I thought about my Savior who died a miserable death for me - that I might have a place at his table. I thought of the spiritual realm teeming with angels and others God has created. I also thought about the fact that their existence had nothing to do with whether I thought of them or sensed their presence. The spiritual world exists objectively whether I choose to acknowledge it or not. Just as I know the state of Tennessee exists even though I could not perceive it on the way into work. Spiritual realities exist whether I sense them or not. Neither's existence are subject to my perception of them.
I also thought about how God "cloaks" spiritual realities and his presence in heaven so that the opportunity for faith might exist. We live in a darkness. I am reminded of Isaiah 9:2, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." This is a reference, a prophecy, of the first coming of Jesus Christ to planet earth. He comes to people who can't see spiritual realities, providing the opportunity for faith.
"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."
As Paul gives Timothy his marching orders, he makes note that he does so "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus." He also mentions the coming judgment of those who will enter eternal life and eternal death. Additionally, he makes reference to the coming of the appearance of Christ Jesus back here on earth and the kingdom he will establish here.
Paul references spiritual realities that are not observable today, are not perceived by our five senses today. Yet, nonetheless, these realities exist and are just as authentic and truthfully the state of affairs as the things are that we do sense, we do see, we do feel.
This morning, on the way to work, I felt early summer weather. I saw the sun, I listened to music (the Beatles), I felt refreshed from a good night's sleep (I also felt the still-sore leg muscle that cramped on me in the middle of the night.) I didn't see God's presence and I didn't see the presence of Jesus Christ. I didn't observe anything relative to coming events in heaven, such as the judgement of the living and the dead. I did not witness the coming of Jesus Christ and I did not see his kingdom. I saw cars on the freeway, I saw traffic lights, I saw a police car (that I mistakenly thought was going to pull me over... ) I saw bridge construction and people scurrying about when I got into town.
However, I thought about the things of God on the way into work this morning. I thought about the reality of God and the things of heaven. I thought about my Savior who died a miserable death for me - that I might have a place at his table. I thought of the spiritual realm teeming with angels and others God has created. I also thought about the fact that their existence had nothing to do with whether I thought of them or sensed their presence. The spiritual world exists objectively whether I choose to acknowledge it or not. Just as I know the state of Tennessee exists even though I could not perceive it on the way into work. Spiritual realities exist whether I sense them or not. Neither's existence are subject to my perception of them.
I also thought about how God "cloaks" spiritual realities and his presence in heaven so that the opportunity for faith might exist. We live in a darkness. I am reminded of Isaiah 9:2, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." This is a reference, a prophecy, of the first coming of Jesus Christ to planet earth. He comes to people who can't see spiritual realities, providing the opportunity for faith.
Even though I do not sense spiritual realities as I do my morning commute, they do, in fact, exist. And, their existence has nothing to do with my perception of them. The adage, "Life is what you perceive it to be" is a lie. Life is what it is and spiritual realities exist no matter what I sense or think of them. They simply are what they are. The fool invents his own "reality" and deludes himself. The wise embrace God in faith and begin to understand what cannot be seen or felt or observed. These are the ones God has chosen for himself.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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