Psalms 16:2, 31:1-3, and 8:1
My Shepherd met me in His green pastures, browsing about rather aimlessly this morning. The Mind of the Spirit engaged the spirit of my mind in John 2:19:
John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
He spoke of His death and resurrection. I immediately thought of something else that Jesus said:
John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Jesus received a commandment from the Father that He would have power to lay down His life and take it again. He would lay it down, and He would take it up. This He received from His Father.
Along the still waters, I glanced over into the next chapter and noticed verse 27.
Some of John’s disciples were concerned that Jesus was baptizing more converts than him (see John 4:1), but when they reported this to their beloved teacher, he said, “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven” (John 3:27).
This gave me a whole new appreciation for the saying, “the heavens do rule” (Daniel 4:26). I was reminded of the importance that a man submit to this truth (Daniel 4:19-27).
According to the rule of Heaven, Jesus was given the power to lay down His life and to take it up.
In the valley, kneeling in the shadow of His Cross, where He laid down His life, I saw that Cross was empty, for He had exercised His prerogative and taken it up again. He delivered His body to men who destroyed His temple, but three days later, He rose from the dead.
I thought of something the Spirit said by Paul: “I am crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). And then, in another place, that we are risen with Him (Colossians 2:12). And I received the Spirit’s exhortation: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). My will responded with happy submission, and I heard my LORD: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). And I heard the Spirit remind me of Paul’s example, who said, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31).
Daily, lay it down; daily, take it up, and daily follow Him.
At the table, He anointed my head with His oil and filled my cup with His grace. Goodness and mercy followed as we walked together into the harvest.
Praying for revival! 🙏
Going live asap:
0 Comments