I was thinking about this the other day and it just struck me that I think many of us sell who we are and what is available to us way short. Did the apostle Paul have an experience that was unique to him? Some level of intimate divine intervention that is not available to us?
In a sense I think it was unique because we all are so unique in who God has created us to be. And we all have our own personal road we have been on. But in the most important way that I mean for this question to get at, I don't think what happened to Paul was unique at all.
I am finding many people today that, while on their own road, going somewhere, got knocked off whatever they were traveling on and met the Lord Jesus.
I bring this up because I am just a bit perplexed at how so many people today sell what is available to those who are being reconciled back to God, so short. Jesus was the first born of many brethren. The apostle Paul happened to fall into that line of brethren after Jesus and before us. But let us not forget he was just a man who had the same struggles we have, he openly admits these struggles in his letters. He had an encounter with Jesus. An encounter that changed the direction he was traveling in his life.
If we open our selves up to Father through the life of our brother Jesus, don't forget that this is the exact life that Paul was living and that we can experience.
He has nothing on anyone who is experiencing this life that was made available to all of us just as it was to him. He is just another one of my brothers. Let's be careful not to elevate him above other brothers and sisters that today are experiencing an intimate relationship with Father that we can learn from. Our Father is so committed to setting us free. Crawl up into his lap and let his love wash over you and free you from the fear that paralyzes us all.
Grace and mercy to you all.
11 comments:
Grace and mercy to you too, dude.
Sometimes I think that there has been a shift in the Body in the West. Things which were not possible 10 years ago are becoming more possible now.
Sue, I would love to hear about what you mean by that.I'm interested in what you are seeing and maybe sensing.
Thank you for sharing that. I am often met with comments about people not having a direct line to God if I bring up relating to Him in prayer.
I wonder what it is that keeps people believing that they are not worthy or able, or whatever it is, to experience God themselves?
Jennifer it is probably many things but one of the most damaging ones is control. Paul's words and instruction have been used to control many people and has caused many to believe that Paul and now present day leaders have a more direct line to the voice of God than you and I and others will ever have.
As long as we live in fear we will never become what Father has made way for us to become. The leaders that continue to say that they are working to see the body grow up into the full stature that we are to be and they continue to use fear and control to do that, will continue to be a part of the problem and not a working part of the solution.
With that religious mindset, Paul and themselves will always be more capable of understanding the things of the Spirit then you and I. Don't believe it for a minute.
Thanks, I don't believe it and it seems to put me in the fray.
What do you think it is in people that makes them like to be governed by other men instead of reaching for God Himself?
I've often wondered if God was trying to get the Israelites to follow Him instead of Moses. It seems to be what He was working toward. This whole concept makes me think of The Matrix, like Rob has been exploring. The Matrix being organized religion.
What do you think we should look like if we are all being governed by the Holy Spirit? Would there be leadership?
Kent,
I'm not sure if I can put into words what I am sensing. I guess I think there is a bit of an awakening going on amongst us rich white peoples, if that's possible. ;)
I feel like a lot of grave clothes are coming off people. So many of us are recognising the differences between God-ordained and man-ordained and learning to only listen to the Shepherd. Great freedom there.
Thanks Sue. I think you are right.
Jennifer, read Uniformity and Harmony that I have linked under A Bigger Picture on my blog. Maybe it will set in motion some creative thinking on these things for you and you will have a discovery with the Spirit of your own?
I think that will end up being far more meaningful to you than the way I might be seeing it right now.
Kent,
I think I am thinking along the same lines.
Ultimately, we would all be following the Spirit and there would be unity without conformity. We would be of one mind in love, purpose and direction, but with distinct abilities in our calling...which can change as the Spirit leads.
Is that sort of what is being said in that article?
I think so.
Outside of freedom in Christ the best man/women can do is conformity to attempt to bring order to the chaos. But all we have to do is look around us. Chaos is still here. It doesn't work....never has worked...and never will work.
You and I learning to live free through the freedom made available in the cross and resurrection sets us free. The chaos will still be all around, but when living in that freedom we are no longer in "reaction" to the chaos, acting as a slave being controlled by it. We can stand in the midst of it and love as Jesus loved....only doing what he saw his father doing.
Hmm, sounds wonderful and risky and worth the risk. :)
that it is Jennifer
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