Passover Meditation #19 for the Lenten Season 2012

~  ~  ~ The Door of The Cross ~  ~  ~

"But

there are some

of you

that believe not."

For JESUS knew

from the beginning

who

they were that believed not,

and who

should betray HIM+.

John 6:64

But even though HE+ knows, HE+ gives all a chance ... even Judas, whom HE+ brought into His+ very midst to see the signs, wonders, works, and great love HE+ had for mankind.

Judas saw HIM+, talked with HIM+, walked with HIM+, and received His+ love and His+ teachings, the same as the other disciples.

Judas knew something also: Judas knew JESUS was LORD and fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies. There was no doubt whatsoever in the mind of Judas about JESUS being the CHRIST, the long-awaited Messiah, the Deliverer.

However, knowing, alas, is not conversion.   

The LORD JESUS knows.

HE+ knows who is following His+ Words. HE+ knows who has His+ SPIRIT. HE+ knows "when virtue goes out of HIM+" as we touch even the hem of His+ Garment, that we be made whole.

The LORD JESUS knows.

HE+ knows who has His+ Life operating inside them. HE+ knows who loves HIM+ more than Self. HE+ knows who is serving Self... no matter how "holy" Self is looking... and who is serving HIM+, no matter how hidden away. 

The LORD JESUS knows.

HE+ knows when we push HIM+ away from controlling us.

HE+ knows who is saying, "LORD, LORD," but who won't lift a finger to follow HIM+, to open His+ Word, to wrestle against Self and Self's headstrong spirit.

HE+ knows who is betraying HIM+ to the Invisible Watchers.

The Invisible Watchers know something too. They know exactly who betrays HIM+... the moment it occurs and where it happens. After a point, they depart... and other beings come in. Then, who is in control of that headstrong person?

The LORD JESUS knows the end from the beginning because HE+ is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.

Yet, His+ Part is finished, as HE+ said from the Cross.

"Behold, I+ make all things new, " HE+ said.

And HE+ will, too... starting now... with you... today.  

O LORD JESUS, I turn over my stubborn Self unto THEE+. Take it, LORD, and re-form me into Thy+ likeness and image... for real, this time. Amen.



ADVENT MEDITATION ... DAY 4

Advent Day 4
The Journey Towards Bethlehem
Year of Our LORD, 12.4.2008





And might not be as their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation;
a generation that set not their heart aright,
and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
Psalm 78:8



How many times we flounder! How many times do we drop our Spiritual discipline? How often do we let everything and everybody take priority over our established quiet time with The LORD? We think holiness comes by good intentions, by biblical knowledge, or by osmosis, perhaps.

Or maybe… we haven’t even begun to embrace the discipline of commitment to a quiet time with Our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST… that very ONE+ Who+ loved us and washed us from our sins in His+ own Blood. Our prayers and Bible reading are by happenstance… whenever I happen to feel like it.

Yes, Our LORD desires us to come to HIM+ whenever we feel like it… and whenever we DON’T particularly feel like it, also.

HE+ does want to see good intentions established in us… so much so that we will repent when we drop them aside.

Biblical knowledge is important so that we know how to walk in HIS+ ways… and then DO them.

Furthermore, holiness does come by osmosis of sorts… our closeness to HIM+. Our oneness with our SAVIOR, our homologia, being of the same word, the same mind, the same thought… in total agreement with The LORD JESUS CHRIST ---about everything--- is the only path of holiness available.



Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be ye stedfast, unmoveable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know
that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
I Corinthians15:58


LET US PRAY:
O Gracious Holy FATHER, I come to Thee ashamed of mine own lack of steadfastness. I admit am more steadfast on my job before the eyes of man than I am in the secret prayer chamber with Thee. I see I am more steadfast with my family and friends than concerned about what You will think of me. I have taken advantage of Thy Grace. I am sorry LORD+.

LORD, change me. I bring my slovenly discipline, which dishonors Thee, for correction. Your Word tells me that my Spiritual Labor is truly NOT in vain. Help me to bring Glory unto Thee, through the power of Thy HOLY SPIRIT, in the Name of Thine Incarnate SON+ JESUS CHRIST, Whom+ I call LORD and MASTER.

Amen. + + +