Reconciliation

Know what this means? Do you appreciate what this accomplishes? Do you practice this? I decided that I was wondering what the scriptural definition of 'reconciliation' was, however this is Google's:

   "Biblical reconciliation is the process of two previously alienated parties coming to peace with each other. Because God has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, we can reconcile with each other, no longer counting our offenses against one another." [Googles interpretation of a spiritual definition]

If you're interested in a more scriptural basis, the biblestudytools says:

   "Reconciliation comes from the Greek family of words that has its roots in allasso [ajllavssw]. The meaning common to this word group is "change" or "exchange." Reconciliation involves a change in the relationship between God and man or man and man. It assumes there has been a breakdown in the relationship, but now there has been a change from a state of enmity and fragmentation to one of harmony and fellowship. In Romans 5:6-11, Paul says that before reconciliation we were powerless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies; we were under God's wrath (v. 9). Because of change or reconciliation we become new creatures. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 ).

Those scriptures confirm and reinforce the scriptural definition. Through our own choices and actions we WERE estranged and not in relationship with the Lord. Once we made Him our Lord and Savior then we had access to reconciliation. But never assume this is a one and done. Because of our nature, we continually get out of relationship. Ahhh but we have a way back, to resolve the lack of relationship: 1 John 1:9 dispenses forgiveness thus the way (in my estimation). Personally I love the way the Lord provides for us even when we sin. 

 

The familiar phrase of ‘what’s in it for me’ has wide implications but can be applied as we enter into a reconciliation, especially man to man. Let's face it... we want everything to be 'our way'. Many have the attitude of 'my way or the highway' - this is not reconciliation. But is it compromise? Secularly... probably.

Compromise doesn't play a role spiritually. Sometime do a study on compromise - it never means in the essential truths of scripture exchanged for something else. Truth is truth. Iron sharpening iron does help us grow and understand but also remember Paul's warning which he states in Galatians 1: 6-12 (especially verse 8) and 2 Corinthians 11:4

   "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we [originally] preached to you, let him be condemned to destruction! " (v.8)

   

Compromise should not be accepted when it goes against scripture - our strong defense.

When it comes to our Lord, reconciliation can be  summed up in the reality that it is all one sided - He gives us Everything. Deserved? No. Earned? No. Purchased? No. What was purchased is You and then, I believe, He set about protecting and providing for us.

   "Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that -is, restoration to favor with God]." [2 Corinthians 5:17-19]

This does appear that WE have a role in reconciliation too. We are the hands, feet, voice to others... that they can be saved, forgiven, and reconciled.

Searching the depths...

 Are you the searcher type? Do you like to dig in to whatever is interesting or intriguing you at the moment to discover 'more'? Now... do you apply this to you and growing in the Lord? Do you apply the search mentality to scripture? One of the scriptures that has always intrigued me is:

  "None of the rulers of this age recognized and understood this wisdom; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written [in Scripture],

     '“Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard,

       And which have not entered the heart of man,

       All that God has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in   

       affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the

       benefits that He has bestowed].”'

For God has unveiled them and revealed them to us through the [Holy] Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things [diligently], even [sounding and measuring] the [profound] depths of God [the divine counsels and things far beyond human understanding" [1 Corinthians 2:8-10]

Have you looked at these verses and decided to put them on the shelf... that they were beyond understanding. These were verses to know and accept but don't try to understand? My thinking is that if the Father had them included in scripture then they were understandable. Besides... how can you implement and incorporate the learnings into your frame of reference, your mindset if we aren't suppose to understand?! If it is in scripture... shouldn't that be the test that they are important for and to us?

In this particular search - what ARE these verses telling us? One biggie is... don't underestimate the Holy Spirit and who He is and what He knows and does. Which automatically leads me to the question: DO you seek the Holy Spirit for understanding and wisdom? He is represented as bring all truth to remembrance - do you believe this? John 14:26

   "But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

Remember too the opening scripture in this discussion: "... the Spirit searches all things [diligently], even [sounding and measuring] the [profound] depths of God [the divine counsels and things far beyond human understanding" [1 Corinthians 2:10]. So if scripture is confirming scripture, then doesn't logic dictate that we should ask the 'Searcher', the Holy Spirit? Maybe the question begins with you... Do you want to become all you can be? Are you a searcher? 

Redeemed

Important? What is redemption and do you think about this very often? Actually... are you? Redeemed is more than freedom from what has been. I could be completely wrong, but... I also look at it as an invitation into what can be.

Dictionary.com defines redeem, redeemed, redemption as:

   "adjective - Theology. (in Christianity) 

having been saved or delivered from sin or its consequences:

Then shall all the redeemed saints appear in glory. [2 Thessalonians 1:10]

     noun - Theology. (in Christianity) 

Usually the redeemed .those who have been saved or delivered from sin or its consequences: We understand that all of us, even the redeemed, have a capacity for great evil.

    verb

the simple past tense and past participle of redeem.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/redeem-redemption/ provides the following

Deliverance of humankind from its state of alienation from God has been accomplished through the death and resurrection of Christ ( Rom 4:25 ; 2 Cor 5:18-19 ).

Another way of understanding redeemed is provided by 'GotQuestions': 

  "Everyone is in need of redemption. Our natural condition was characterized by guilt: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Christ’s redemption has freed us from guilt, being “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

Look at all the adjectives associated with the word redeemed. There are the pluses, when we are redeemed... and the minuses, when we aren't. Point being that when/if you have made Jesus your Lord, then redemption is one of the gifts Jesus brought when He came. We never could attain redemption on our own, we can't buy it nor earn it. Unredeemed is our status until we see we are lost and seek to be part of the found. It is always our decision. God never makes us choose to be saved.

   "But now, this is what the Lord, your Creator says, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you [from captivity]; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.'" [Isaiah 43:1-2]

 Romans 11:11-31 helps us to begin to understand what we receive when we are redeemed.

   "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call]. Just as you once were disobedient and failed to listen to God, but have now obtained mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient so that they too may one day receive mercy because of the mercy shown to you." [verses 29-31]

Kinda covers everything... doesn't it? What? It was spoken to God's people so it doesn't apply now, for us - especially if we are Gentiles. Have you forgotten that if you are a Gentile, you are grafted in (Romans 11:11-31). We become God's people... not in place of God's chosen people the Jews, along side them.

Let me also ask you... what are you doing with all the gifts (including redemption) that the Lord gives all of us? Do you merely acknowledge this but don't apply them? Why? Though redemption means everything to you (whether or not you completely understand this) - what difference does it make in how you live your life in your world? Is it an example for others?

Timing

    "To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:" [Ecclesiastes 3:1] 

Now look at how this is stated in 2 other versions.

   "There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:" [Message]
   "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven" [NASB]

All saying the same thing... or??? The NASB uses the word 'appointed' time for everything and the Message uses the word 'opportune' time to do things. Also, the word 'time' is defined in the Message as 'right'. Do the words qualify and define the message?

   "There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven— A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to keep silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace." [Ecclesiastes 3:1-9]

This is a listing of opposites but also each has a 'time'. I suspect that most people, believers and unbelievers alike, are aware of this scripture in Ecclesiastes. I also would suspect that it is the first part of verse 1 that is emphasized. But... do we understand the second part of this sentence - a time for every purpose under heaven? What does it mean 'every purpose' and whose purpose? What is the message? Yes, I know that we can get caught up in the minutia and entirely miss the message. So, do you know the message?

Why am I withering on about time? Timing is always an issue. We need to be sensitive to knowing if/when to (fill in the blank) which is ordered by time. Doesn't help? Probably not. Different example: we all tend to speak 'out of turn' and this we can control. If the message is important, if we want others to understand... then we need to be sensitive to the issue of timing. Remember... to EVERYTHING there is a right time...

IDENTITY

What is our identity? Who is the you that you present to the world? … And does your presentation match at all who you think you are? What’s your identity based on or in? First… are you a Christian? Have you accepted the free gift of salvation that Jesus has already purchased for all of us… and that does include you? Have you shared with anyone that you have accepted and made (2 different actions) Jesus as your Lord? If your answer to the last question is ‘Yes’ then you can find your answers for the previous questions. 

There’s an excellent book by Paul D. Tripp called LEAD, and in this book is a chapter on Identity. While the book is directed toward the leaders in the church, I think it should be required reading for us all who are called to a church (that would be all of us) and thus have responsibilities for being involved in the life of the church and act in our gifting (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians) to build the body (which, again, is all of us).

I am going to provide you with a portion of his study and the salient points:

      Scripture    Identity

2 Corinthians 5:17 A NEW creation
1 Peter 2:9 Chosen, Holy nation, God’s special possession
        Galatians 2:20         Faith in the Son of God
John 15:15 Friend
John 1:12         Child of God
Romans 8:16-17 Heir, Co-heir with Christ
Colossians 3:3         Dead to this world, Hidden in Christ
Galatians 3:26            Reborn, Children of God
Romans 8:1 NOT condemned
Philippians 3:20             Citizen of Heaven
1 Corinthians 12:27         Part of the Body of Christ – with a special
                                                  purpose & function
        1 Corinthians 6:19-20        Temple of the Holy Spirit, bought at a price   
        Ephesians 2:10                  God's own workmanship, ready for good works
        Ephesians 4:24                  Regenerated, renewed

I think we are indebted to Tripp for having taken the time to share with us his findings about our identity. I also believe that this is not an exhaustive list. And, we should read these scriptures from the Amplified Bible as well as The Message … and any other versions. Reading the scripture from more than one version allows us to expand what we are reading. It is crucial that we see what is said from the source (Bible). One bottom line benefit is that when we read and see and Apply what we know, our faith increases as does our confidence.

One bottom line benefit is that when we read and see and Apply what we know, our faith increases as does our confidence. However, I do believe this doesn’t happen TO us, it’s when we put off the old man and put on the new that we are able to become all that we can be. We need to make this ours by accepting these marvelous gifts of identity.

This is a NOW, not then identity. And just look at the expansiveness of our identity. It’s not that we are born this way, but we can choose to be reborn and if so, this is who we become. My only caveat on this is that once we see and understand then we need to decide what WE are going to do with this understanding. Remember… once you know, you can’t unknow. Ohhh... but what a fruitful adventure awaits us!

Lost?

Have you ever felt that you really weren’t off/away from the path and plans the Lord has for you… you just weren’t ON the path? Perhaps you (are) were walking parallel to the path so that meant you sometimes were in the ditch or brambles and the terrain was very uneven. Sometimes you may have slipped and gotten mud all over yourself. Sometimes you began walking on what you considered was solid ground only to discover that it veered one way or another and typically led to a rabbit trail. Been there? In my case I think it’s too many times to count.

Sooo how did that make you feel? Frustrated? Angry (person or 'thing' of said anger not acknowledged)? Confused? (Fill in your feeling) Did you happened to review when your misstep occurred? The Why and How? Did you consider when you realized your error? Then what did you do? Is this an experience you've encountered more than once? [I'll stop, though not finished with, all the questions.] But... at some point you do have to do something.

Let me share a little 'wisdom' that I've discovered... seeing is a big part of who we are, where we are. And seeing is based in our quest to be who our Lord would want us to be. Example: the Lord said that He came to give us life, and life abundantly. How do you define 'abundantly'? If it is only material things then I think you aren't seeing, don't have the right perspective. However, if you define the word in spiritual terms then you begin to see the vast abundance the Lord was referring to.

Our seeing is based on how much we 'allow' the Lord to work in our lives... then the more we see. Paul phrases this as:

   " I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." [Galatians 2:20]

I've come to believe that the Lord would never force Himself upon us - He gave us free will... even the will to not accept His gift. He never 'makes' people believe, He provides the opportunity. And then - it's up to us. Do we want to grow, to become, to share who the Lord is in our lives and invite others into the same family? The moment you do, you are no longer lost. You have a family, you have purpose, you have fruitfulness, you have abundance.

Even when we Are already part of the family, the found, there are moments of 'lost' when we get blindsided by our enemy, or go off on some rabbit trail that  turns into a dense forest. Do NOT worry because you are never out of the sight of our Father. He always knows. While He gives us opportunity to discover our plight, He also provides ways for us to return. He tells us many times and also provides examples of His Word that says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." [Hebrews 13:5] In my mind, when we come to our senses and realize and call for help, that He gently leads us back to the spot where we went astray and then leads us forward.

My bottom line is that where we are is our decision. If we choose to be lost, then we will be. If we choose the Lord's gift we enter into a marvelous journey of being found.

Asking...

Prayer is composed of praise, worship ... and asking. Do you ask the Lord for what you think (and even hope) you need? Do you think He's really not interested? Do you think you have no right to ask? And I think you could probably come up with some other questions. Point being: how do you act? Do you ask???

Some scriptural answers:

   "Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]." (Hebrews 4:16)

   "The Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand (ability, power) limited (short, inadequate)? You shall see now whether My word will come to pass for you or not.” (Numbers 11:23)

   "So as for you, do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink; nor have an anxious and unsettled mind. For all the [pagan] nations of the world greedily seek these things; and your [heavenly] Father [already] knows that you need them. But [strive for and actively] seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." [Luke 12:29-31 but begin reading in verse 22]

There are a number of scriptures that talk about asking [1John 3:22; 5:15] or refine our understanding about asking (James 4:3)... not the least of which is: 

   "Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened." [Matthew 7:7-8]

Bottom line though is what YOU believe. What do you think the Lord will do to you if you ask? Will you receive what you ask about? Actually that question is easy to answer. If you come and ask according to His will (Word) you will receive. Period. 

   " This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us." (1 John 5:14)

While all these scriptures invite and encourage all to come and ask we don't always see or understand this so great a mercy and grace directed to the believer. Perhaps who you were is inhibiting you - you know you (at least on some level) and it isn't a pretty picture. And since the Lord was present when you did/didn't do, said/or didn't say and you remember. The Lord would too. Let me remind you:

   "... He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust." [Psalm 103:10-14]

   "...“For I will forgive their wickedness, and I will no longer remember their sin.” [Jeremiah 31:34b]

Read this again. Let that sink into you and who you are becoming. God is not sitting with a sledge hammer in His hand just waiting for the slightest error, sin so He can hit us. Look again at Psalm 103 - 'so great is His love'. He didn't have to love us - but He Does! Ohhh, and as an aside: 'fear' means awe, respect not fearful.

However, you may not have an issue with this... it's just that you look at your need, request as small potatoes, really not all that important and sometimes it's personal and doesn't even relate to the spiritual. Never forget that though we are in the world, we are not OF it. Perhaps one of the greatest scriptures to reinforce our ability and confidence is found in Hebrews 4:16. But He also tells us:

   "Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short That it cannot save, Nor His ear so impaired That it cannot hear." [Isaiah 59:1 - see also Numbers 11:23]

See all those 'not's'. And before you jump in to say that isn't what you meant. You weren't doubting God, it was your request that was a 'little thing'. Nothing is to small for our God. Nothing is too insignificant:

   " But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?" [Matthew 6:30]

This may sound somewhat counter intuitive but... I think it does bring a smile to the Lord's face when we bring ALL our questions, doubts, askings, etc. to Him because this is also a statement from us about our level of belief and trust in Him.