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.