NOT OF THIS WORLD
Jesus, on the last night of his earthly life, prayed to his Father in heaven while eleven apostles slumbered nearby. "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world".-Joh 17:16 He prayed for divine protection from Satan's influence for his servants, his brothers and his sisters who would remain for a time on a wretched lust filled planet. The last days and hours of communion were spent teaching his flock all that he could about what to expect following his death and resurrection to life.
It was difficult for those hearing his words to grasp the full weight and meaning as he spoke; "Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."-Joh 16:32-33. His apostles and close followers were all eye witnesses to the hatred and guile foisted upon this man, the Son of the Almighty Father who had come in peace, giving of himself completely so that others might live.
Six hundred and eighty years before, the prophet Isaiah warned of his betrayal by the worldly He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.- Isa 53:3. Jesus prepared his elect for the persecution they would suffer in his name. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.-Heb 7:26-27
Through the cross of Christ, we are taught how to live in this world without being of this world; "Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world".-Php 2:14-15
Apostles Paul, Peter and John all removed themselves from the influence of the worldly evil, continuing to preach the truth of the Gospel of Christ; "You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.-Act 10:38, Gal 6:10, Joh 1:9-11
In the Sermon on the Mount, as Jesus spoke the Beatitudes to the mass of people gathered around him, he encouraged those to realize the beauty and power that resides in all who would believe; "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.- Mat 5:14-16
Each of you, be reflective of the Light of Jesus Christ that is in you. Let this Light shine brightly in all that you do. As a child of the Kingdom of God, you remain in this world as an Ambassador of Jesus, representing him and the promise by your very conduct. You are not of this world, you are of the Kingdom. Call upon him constantly in prayer, feel his hand upon your shoulder. Lean on him. Share him always. Spread the truth of the good news, the Gospel of Jesus the Christ, Amen.
HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?
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