An Expression of Love

Paul wrote in Philippians chapter 1:

24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

As we mature in Christ, we take on His qualities of service to mankind.  Moreover we take on His character of Love which surpasses the desire to depart for “self” interests.  Paul understood this as he knew the rewards of his ultimate departure.

FATHER has a plan that is unfolding at this very hour.  HE is expecting each of us to fulfill our individual callings as HIS plan is fully revealed.  Yes, HE is keeping the details to HIMSELF at this hour and does not need anyone attempting to logically respond to the outworking of HIS plan.  When men get involved with their own understanding, they tend to mess up a Divinely constructed plan.  FATHER takes into account men’s attempts to “help”.

There are two aspects at a personal level we each should be aware of: activation and authentication.  When Jesus turned 30 years old, FATHER activated Him.  At the River Jordan FATHER authenticated Him as written in Matthew chapter 3:

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.

14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”

15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. (Baptism of water)

16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.  (Baptism of The Holy Spirit)

17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Baptism of Love)

Jesus was now fully authenticated to fulfill His calling.  FATHER did the same for Paul.  In Acts chapter 9, Paul was activated:

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.

4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Paul was being activated while he was the known enemy of Christians.  This should be comforting to each of us that FATHER will use anyone to do HIS bidding.  FATHER has not forgotten you or me but at the appropriate time, HE will fully activate us in accordance with HIS plan.  There are different activations relative to the different needs.  You may be temporarily activated in your maturing process only to be “deactivated” until a later time.

Paul’s authentication came by the hand of Ananias:

17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

Paul’s eyes were “opened” both physically and spiritually.  He could now see what FATHER wanted him to do.  As Paul spent time with FATHER, he knew that beyond the flesh was a more wondrous life but Paul resisted “self” and pursued FATHER’S Will and plan for his life.  He knew that at the appointed time, FATHER would take him.

In the days ahead, there will be a temptation by many to be removed from the challenges here on earth.  We need to trust FATHER that HE will determine our appointed time to depart and thus we need to fully embrace what is set before us.  As we live and have our being IN HIM, HE will guide us through the challenges.  What should I focus on today?  Whatever is in front of me.  FATHER will move each of us into position as HE activates and authenticates us.  Little did Paul know when he headed out on the road to Damascus that his life would change in an instant.  FATHER has no problem in changing your life as quickly.  Be prepared, look up!

Comments are closed.