The Here and Now

Jesus did many amazing visible things when he was here on earth. Miracles, signs and wonderful deliverances were everywhere and in full view. Many people believed in him as a result.

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 

24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. John 2:23-25

Was the end result of these magnificent works, the miracles themselves or was there something bigger?  Many people believed him but where did it go from there?  We love miracles, but was that the point?   The miracles made Jesus a celebrity. That was not his goal. His heart, vision and determination was in glorifying the love that God had for them.  He still teaches us today how much God loves us through his resurrected life.

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

God is interested in reconciliation. Confession of sin is not a prerequisite for reconciliation. God really doesn't dwell on our failures. Reconciliation is an exchange of love.  He wants our love. He wants to shower us with with pure grace!  As we get to know God and his son and the love they have for us, we can love others with the same love. I John 4 says that the reason we love God is because he first loved us. 

It sure would be heaven on earth if everyone knew the love of God. For now, heaven on earth exists in the hearts of those that know and love God. God has given us a lot of props to tell the truth: the word, Jesus Christ, the creation, the spirit that has been gifted to us and our own victories as a result.

Just because we have been reconciled to God doesn't mean we are perfect but that we have repented.(which is a religious word referring to changing our mind about God). God really doesn't dwell on our failures. When we truly get to know him, we are lovingly thankful for him.

It takes effort to find out who God is in reality, but it is well worth the time. Of course we have the option of looking at all the world offers too. Most of that stuff is temporary and limited and can be full of traps, but God gave us that decision to make for ourselves. Freedom of choice is part of love.

 

Vengeance ?

So often people equate 'vengeance ' with 'vindictiveness'. According to Merriam-Webster  both words are in the top 1% in popularity. According to today's use, these words represent  resentment, anger, spitefulness and a desire to hurt or at the very least, celebrating when someone gets his or her comeuppance.

We see a large amount of vindictiveness and vengeance in today's world. When we look into God's word it may be hard to understand vengeance in the proper way biblically if we read into it from current cultural understandings of its meaning.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:18-21

The word 'vengeance' in this verse is translated from the Greek word: ekdikesis:

There is no darkness in God; he is a just and loving father.. When I looked at the definition of ekdikesis, the result was vengeance and vindication (exoneration from  accusation.) God's justice is greater than any of us could ever imagine. He knows exactly when, why, and where to apply justice not with resentment or spite, but with love and redemption, grace, mercy and peace. That is why we leave it to him. He has a much bigger picture all that is involved than we do.

Many people in  our world today persist at challenging, confronting and acting like judge and jury to anything they disagree with.  'Virtue signaling' is at a premium as evidenced through the millions of memes and quotes all over media sites. God, however says to us that IF thine enemy hunger we are to feed him. It says IF he hungers whether it be for food, love, or kindness.  IF he thirsts for answers, answer him by speaking the truth in love. By doing so we're warming his head (mind), leaving the rest to God. It is a very peaceful and successful way to live.

It is easy to be angry with lies, hypocrisy and disrespect, but going after these things at the wrong moment or in the wrong way can start a hornet's nest buzzing. When we wait on God, we learn so much and our capacity to love grows bigger. Prayer dispels the anger while we wait.

When there is no justness in the sense of fairness and rightness people grumble and stumble and strike out at each other. When true justness abounds, when people are enjoying God's path, peace and joy abound. It brings God pleasure (enjoyment) and it blesses everybody who come into contact with it.

7 When a man's ways please  the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7

The Significance of the Resurrection

Son -  Rise
Ephesians 2:4-7