From the “Lord’s Prayer” Matthew 6:9-15 to life we are called to live in Ephesians 4:15-32: becoming what Jesus’ prayer, prays

From the “Lord’s Prayer” Matthew 6:9-15  to life we are called to live in Ephesians  4:15-32: becoming what Jesus’ prayer, prays: that we would come to see God as our Father, and trust His goodness, His loving kindness, and His wisdom.  

Daily, we face times and circumstances, and people that try us, that challenge us, and test our…, well, everything, including, our faith - our faith in God and His will, ways, wisdom, and purposes.  Not only do these things test our faith in God, but also, our faith in His word - sometimes causing us to doubt whether it, or, He, will do what it, or, He, promises to do.  So, very often, we balk at what it is He commands us to do in the face of such things and people - or - relationships.  

Why?  Because the things we face sometimes feel impossible to overcome, and His word, and commands, almost always seem to say, and command, the very opposite of what we feel, or believe to be so. 

If we are to grow in Christ and bear the fruit of His life in us, we must allow Him to help us overcome what seems impossible, it is then our eyes are open to see His miraculous power to transform us…

Back to Jesus’ prayer…

We must come to Know and trust our Father and His goodness and His good provision; to trust His good wisdom and ways more and more.  We do this by leaning into Him and His word - walking in step with the Spirit - to trust His guiding and prompting.  Not “merely” hearing or reading His word, but, showing our loving trust by obeying it, doing what it says, and trusting its and His outcome in our lives - not holding onto what we have imagined and now believe is sure.

To live the life to which we are called, we must be careful to not say or insist that “I can’t”, “I won’t”, or “He cannot”, in so, making a determination in our hearts and mind of what the outcome of these times to be - that they are fixed and sure - everything I imagine it to be.

Instead, we must be willing to say and believe that “it is God working in me…” (Phil 2:12-13), He WILL work out all things - THIS THING - for the good, because I love Him (Rom 8:18,26,28);  “...even if ‘I’ can’t, He can, for it Christ who lives in me… (Gal 2:20), God will finish His work in me that He has begun” (Phil 1:6); that though there is “trouble in this world, I need not be afraid, for Jesus has overcome this world and troubles. (John 16:33)”

Let us see and come to trust that these promises are not cliches, but the truth!  Truth that can be trusted AND lived by. 

With that, let us remember that these promises are ours because we have been made children of God by faith in Jesus - in so, we are a new creation, new creatures in Christ, created in Christ Jesus (2Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15).  That “it is God who works in us to will and act according to His good purposes”.  Thus, we are able to do all things through Christ who strengthens us” (Phil 4:13) - we are filled with His Spirit, empowered to lovingly obey the Father.  And given one another to encourage and strengthen one another to life and godliness, 

In this, we are not alone.  We have been filled with the Holy Spirit, and placed in a body (1Cor 12), loved by God, we are then given one another to love and encourage one another to be more like the One in whom we are being created to be like - Jesus, the Head (Eph 4:12-16). 

Jesus prayer realized, His word guides us in becoming all He intends for us to be… Ephesians 4:15-31 

4:15-16  To grow in Christ, to overcome the seemingly impossible, we must do this together - cooperating with the Spirit who is in us, and walking and working with those with whom He’s placed us.  

4:17-18 (remember, mercy, 2:1-10; Romans 1:18-; 2Peter 1:1-4)

4:19  - as they continue in their depravity they sink deeper into sin - remember again, “if were not for the grace of God, their go I, as they”

4:20 - “But… that is not how, or what, you learned about the Jesus, the Messiah” What is true about those outside of Christ, and what WAS true about you, is not what you are (by nature) today - 5:21 “...so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God”

4:21-22 

4:23  “...being renewed in the spirit of your minds” - to think and believe differently, to see the “old self” for what it was - sinful and rebellious, contrary to God and what we are coming to know about Jesus… and to gladly remove it, everything about it. 

And…

4:24 “...put on the new (now made like Jesus, righteous) self - the one created according to God’s likeness (Eph 2:8-10)

Practically, taking off what was, and putting on what is, and ought to be.  4:25-32: cleansing our hearts of what we were, to lay the foundation for what we are becoming - living and loving like Jesus. 

4:25 Take off the old: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood…”  Put on the new: “...and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

4:26-27 Take off the old: “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.”  Put on the new (implied): even if one’s anger is legitimate, put it aside, choose to not take offense, reflect on one’s own times of offending or angering another, look for an opportune time to resolve the conflict - do not entertain or indulge the rising feelings of resentment or the many imaginings that come with it, but, grant mercy and grace, guarding one’s self from the devil’s scheme - to separate and divide, to accuse and judge.  (James 1:12-15, 19-21; 3:17-18; Numbers 20:11-12; Prov 10:19; 14:29; 15:18; 17:27; Ecc 7:9)

4:28  Take off the old: “28Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer…” Put on the new: A. “...but must work…,” B.  “...doing something useful with their own hands…” good, legitimate, respectable work, bringing satisfaction of a job well done.  C. “...that they may have something to share with those in need.” being generous with God and others.

4:29 Take off the old:  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…,” put on the new: A “…but only what is helpful for building others up…”  B.  “…according to their needs…,” (1Cor 13) C. “…that it may benefit those who listen.” (Col 3:16; 4:6; Matt 12:26)

4:30 By remaining as you were: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…,”. As you are a new creation, a new creature in Christ with the power to change:  “…with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Eph 1:13-14; 1Cor 1:30; 2Cor 1:22; Rom 8:1-17; 12:1-2; Eph 5:10)

4:31 Take off the old:  “31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

4:32 put on the new: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Unmet expectations: whether accurate and reasonable or idealistic and unrealistic - either way, our expectations of another person are what we project onto them, and usually, without their realizing (or either of our realizing it)   our expectations of another person will dictate how it is we see and feel about them - no matter what they do or say and we will judge them accordingly

Forgive from the heart, to release the person being forgiven from our ire - whether that be anger and resentment, or, one’s feigned affections that are meant to cover one’s true feelings.  Certainly, it is never good to treat someone according to one’s anger, resentment, or bitterness - that is unloving, unkind, and rude.  To be passive-aggressive - as to 

But, neither is it good to be insincere, expressing affection, while secretly loathing them in the heart. 

What is best then?  To forgive. To truly see and recognize To release both of you from the bondage of unforgiveness.  

• They might not even know that there was an issue

• They may know, but not receive your gesture of forgiveness, It is not up to you if they receive it

• This does not mean that if you have been wronged, that your having forgiven them means that trust has been formed or reestablished and we are instantly restored as if nothing happened.  

• But it is that we must release the offender and be open to what God might do in you, in them, and/or between you both

Release them: granting them mercy and grace.  Giving them the time and space to realize and repent, 

one’s heart from the bondage of unforgiveness, which is sure to grow into resentment, and from resentment to an unforgiving and toxic bitterness infecting one’s heart with a stubborn unwillingness to forgive. 

What is bitterness?

What is the cure for bitterness?  Mercy, being in view of God’s own mercy. 

Unmet expectations… what 

We can imagine that Judas’ betrayal of Jesus had behind it a form of bitterness: a zealot who saw the Messiah as…, he had hoped He found the one who would not only liberate Israel, but thoroughly defeat and make subject all its oppressors, in particular Rome, and restore Israel to its rightful place, its former glory.

Judas had expectations established on inaccurate assumptions about the Messiah 

• Hope of the coming of the Messiah

• Invitation to “join the band”

• Three years, of waiting and anticipating 

• Growing discontent at the realization of Jesus’ not being what he thought he was

Forgiving: A path to forgiveness, healing, and freedom. “Forgive us our sin, as we forgive those who have sinned against us”.

Forgiving: A path to forgiveness, healing, and freedom.   “Forgive us our sin, as we forgive those who have sinned against us”.  First and foremost, God cares about you and your person - it is in you that His grace, given lavishly is demonstrated to all of creation - it is His glorious grace that the unseen world is astonished by.  It is His grace to us for salvation - by mercy expressed in His loving restraint, His patience and tolerance; and then His grace expressed in kindness for repentance (Romans 2).  

Romans 5:9-11 “ 9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

God, the Good Shepherd is leading us on a path of righteousness, and on this arduous path, as difficult as it can be, we can trust, as His rod and His staff, the tools of the Good Shepherd and His ever-present care, is always there with me.   Where does this path lead?  Right through the valley of the shadow of death, and yet, I will fear NO evil - as the Shepherd’s guiding guides us from life to life while purging from us those things that are a remnant of death.  So, what seems like death to me - is actually death to self, death to “my will, my way”, death to reliance on self, the world, or the world’s way.  

The death we are called to die isn’t the death we used to fear, but is actually life, as this death is death to sin and sin’s evil effect (Isa 53:1; 1Pet 2:24-25), death to the flesh and its desires that lead to death - these mere shadows are not death itself, as “death has been swallowed up in victory” (1Cor 15:54)!  

No, these shadows of death are the evils one’s attempt to distract us from the truth, that our death to self is actually life in Him (Mark 8:34), life in abundance (John 10:10) - and all of this for His name’s sake, that He and his mighty works of mercy would be renown (Ps 102:12).   Therefore, this path is a good path, of goodness, to accomplish good, because He, His name, is good.  From pastures to a table set before me to an eternity of goodness.

So let us come to trust, that what God wants for us, what He commands us, is good and will be good, as He is good. 

God’s commands, even the most difficult, are for our good BECAUSE He cares for us, He wants us to flourish and bear fruit (John 15:1-17; Gal 5:22-23; 2Pet 1:8), He wants us free from bondage and sin - to live and walk in joy (John 8:31-32,36).  So then, He gives us grace for living by His divine power (2Peter 1:3), remembering that our Father’s delight is to have this grace lavished upon us, working in us, and demonstrated by us, to show the riches of His mercy and grace to all who see. (Eph 2:4-10).

We can trust that God cares for us (Ps 38:18-22; 55:22; 95:7; 1Peter 5:7).  God cares for the one we are struggling with; those who may not have lived up to our ideal; who have disappointed us, or even more so, may have deviated terribly from even our most basic expectations (of which there is no justification, no fault of one’s own.  And yet, God would call us to forgive, to release them (from our minds and hearts), that we might (also) be freed from the hold their words and actions have had on us. 

Forgive us as we forgive others who have sinned against us… With that, we must (also) ask ourselves: Have we lived up to our own ideal?  Have we sinned against?  Have we lost sight of God’s grace in us and through us?  Have we forgotten God’s mercy toward us (Eph 2:4), even now, as His children, when our lives might not always reflect or represent our heavenly Father well (Eph 4:1; 5:1-2)?

A path to forgiving… 

Self-examination and honesty with one’s self - plank and speck - working through our being sinner and how we would want to be treated, how we long to be forgiven. And this is the glory of God, who guides us,  and who gives us life, life abundant, and who longs to free us from our debilitating fears, and our stubborn hearts. 

Here is this God, this Good Shepherd, who is glorious, and Whose word will restore us and refresh our souls. (Ps 23; John 10:3-4,7,9,11,17-18). Turn to: Psalm 19

Here is what God, the Good Shepherd, lovingly commands us to do, to follow His example of being generous with mercy and forgiveness.

Aware, acknowledging, and accepting our own humanity and capacity to sin against another - the realization of my not deserving God’s mercy and grace, yet receiving them. John 3:16-8; Romans 2:1-4; Ephesians 2:1-10 

Turn to: Luke 6:37-42

What kind of planks exist in our eyes?  Psalm 51

• Seeing someone else’s in and not ours

• Unforgiveness and unbelief in the power of forgiveness 

• Lack of belief in God’s word that it can or will accomplish what it, He, promises

• Holding a grudge. Holding fast against someone, refusing to let go

• Predetermined (expectation) of response or results 

• Seeing their humanity, but not our own humanity

And what does this Good Shepherd call us to do?  to imitate Him in the giving of comfort to others, to forgive. To comfort others the same comfort we have received: mercy and forgiveness, being honored, ascribed value by God (1Cor 2:1)

We can forgive, and should forgive.  We can hope for better things, and should hope for better things.  We can courageously allow God to ready us for His will to be accomplished in ways, that right now, we cannot imagine. In the meantime, humbly submit ourselves to His good leading, by His good word, to accomplish His good.

Progressing down a path to forgiveness:

Self-reflection - an honest appraisal of one’s self and my (own) ability to hurt others.  Psalm 32:5; 51; Phil 2:1-11

Be willing to offer:

Mercy:  To be merciful, (and to) forgive, is divine - showing ourselves to be a child of our Father - being patient with and bearing up another’s sin, especially against us, is being merciful toward them as God is me - Lu 6:36; Mat 12:7; 23:23; James 3:17

Empathize - using the results of our own honest self-assessment to put ourselves in the place of the other and ask ourselves: “How would I want to be treated here?” Matt 7:12; Luke 6:31; Gal 5:14; James 2:8 “Do I want to be forgiven when I sin?”  If so, why?  What does being forgiven do for me?

Sympathize - our hearts being sensitized, softened, toward another person.  Mark 10:21

Compassion - wanting to release them, as well as myself, I am moved with a visceral feeling of deep concern for us both and am moved to make an attempt to relieve us both of the burden.  Eph 4:32; Matt 14:14; 20:34; Mark 5:19; 6:34

Grace: the first grace being a willingness to forgive

Comfort - or - forgive, deeply, from the heart – 2Cor 1:3-5

Forgiveness:  remember that forgiveness and healing is a process, it takes time, courageous willingness, and persistent effort.  Expect the miraculous work of God in you as you forgive!

 Forgiveness happens in layers - many times, it takes time, willingness, persistence, and 

·  Whether they sin against you the same way, many times

·  Whether they sin against you in many ways, at many times

·  Whether they have only sinned against one time, but it inflicted long-term issues that rear their head regularly 

·  Whether they have sinned against you, but you can’t let it go - so that every time it rears its head, it's as if it just happened

·  They have sinned against you, and there are layers of depth of hurt that once one layer has been peeled back, there is another deeper or different layer 

·  They have sinned against us, but we are unable to see our own responsibility or sin in light of theirs - this may take time

Adjust our expectations - what is it that I can or should expect from this person?  

Shattering the ideal: Base one’s expectations on the real, an honest and accurate understanding of the person to be forgiven.

Trusting God, His goodness, and His good and wise commands - we act accordingly. “Taste and see that the Lord is good”

How can I ever trust? We may not ever be able to trust a person who has proven themselves untrustworthy, but we can trust  - God.  So while we are called to forgive those who have sinned against us, it does not necessarily mean we “entrust” ourselves again to someone who continues to harm us.  I entrust myself to no man because I know what is in a man.” Here’s the Paradox: people are depraved (Rom 1;3).  Yet, love… “always trusts” (1Cor 13:7), it believes good of all until they have proven otherwise - but then, even if their words and actions have proven them not good, it still loves (agapeos) and it loves by wanting God’s’ best for them, because love, also, “always hopes”: that they, like you, would find forgiveness, peace with God, salvation and eternal life, and so, this love calls for us to love, to forgive as we have been forgiven, to free as we have been freed, to place them in the hands of God (by prayer and intention, and be free ourselves to go and walk in peace.  So it is, that God commands us to love and forgive. (Prov 10:12; 1Pet 4:8; Luke 6:27-42; Matthew 18:15-17).  And, His commands are always, good. 

But we can, and should forgive.  We can and should hope for better things.  We can allow God to ready us for His will to be accomplished in ways, that right now, we cannot imagine. In the mean time, here’s a path to forgiveness:

Adjust our expectations - what is it that I can or should expect from this person?  

• Shattering the ideal 

• Base one’s expectations on the real, the accurate, and offer 

• Mercy

• Grace 

• Forgiveness: 

• Healing is a process, it takes time, as does forgiveness

• Empathize 

• Sympathize 

• Etc.

Now, can I, or, how can I, ever be reconciled?  Maybe, hopefully, trusting God’s healing power in me, and His redeeming power in them, perhaps.  Regardless, true and real healing, and any chance of reconciliation, will only come as we make God your refuge - resting in Him and His promises; receive His healing - which is rooted in the truth of His Person, Promise, and Power (the Holy Spirit’s work in you both) and who we are to Him, His dearly loved children.

• You heal, they have not been redeemed - “I am confident in God, my identity is rooted in Him, I trust His leading and guiding, I will move forward as He heals me, deepens and strengthens my faith, builds my trust in Him His love for me, and will lay “this thing” and what to do at His feet, and move forward, as He exhibits His power in me to withstand and overcome my hurt and doubts, my fear and anxiety” (as God reminds us 365 times in His word, one way or another “do not be anxious… do not fear, do not be afraid… cast your anxiety on me, I care for you”

• With all of this in mind, look back and remember, that at one time, I could not at all even consider the possibility of forgiving, then, God prompted me to try, and over time, God has been and is with me and I, with Him, can begin slowly, inch by inch, trust, and entrust to Him and His leading.  As we move, we should not expect anything different from the one we are praying for, do not expose yourself to further abuse or neglect, keep a safe distance, but be willing to see change.

• Pray - prayer bridges all gaps, soothes your own heart, allows you to agape from a needed distance, brings God’s perspective, God’s lenses to you to see what God sees

• Consider the possibility 

• Do not project on to tomorrow how you feel today - God is working and will continue to work the miracle of healing, strengthening… 

Repentance and reconciliation - if they do not rampant, treat them like a “sinner”  Matthew 18:15-17, 21-35

How would God have us treat a “sinner”?  We are not to be unequally yoked with them - to be in an “intimate” relationship of high influence and impact with them, but to pray for them and their salvation.  In the meantime, we are to be aware of who and what they are, what it is that we can, or should, expect from them - that they will act according to their nature - to not be surprised.  We are commanded to honor them with our hopes for them, to treat them with respect (1Pet 3) and the dignity afforded all persons made in God’s image.   We are to love them as Jesus loved us and show them mercy as our Father has shown us mercy Matt 5; Luke 6).  Whether that be close up in close proximity to them, or, from far away, a safe distance from any harmful effect they might have on us. 

Remember, the freedom of YOUR heart has everything to do with whether you, we, will trust God’s kind wisdom and loving commands and obey - forgive - “from the heart”.  Trust Him, trust His word, and let Him from you from the bondage of fear and unforgiveness, anger, resentment, and the root of bitterness.  Truly, let go, and let God do what He promises to do - heal you, give you life and joy, in the hope of Jesus, as a dearly, dearly, loved child. 

Give, as you have been given, that God may give you more - grace. Luke 6:38

Forgiveness can have several emotional, psychological, and even physical benefits, including:

1. Reduced Stress: Forgiving someone can reduce the stress and anxiety associated with holding onto anger and resentment. It can lead to a more relaxed and peaceful state of mind.

2. Improved Mental Health: Forgiveness is linked to improved mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression and anxiety. It can lead to greater emotional well-being.

3. Enhanced Relationships: Forgiveness can repair and strengthen relationships by promoting understanding and empathy. It can create a healthier and more positive dynamic.

4. Increased Self-Esteem: Forgiving others can boost your self-esteem and self-worth, as it demonstrates your ability to rise above negative emotions and experiences.

5. Physical Health Benefits: Some studies suggest that forgiveness is associated with better physical health outcomes, such as lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease.

6. Personal Growth: Forgiveness can be a catalyst for personal growth and development. It can lead to increased resilience and emotional maturity.

7. Reduced Negative Emotions: Letting go of anger, resentment, and bitterness can free you from the burden of these negative emotions, allowing you to experience more joy and positivity.

8. Inner Peace: Forgiveness often leads to a sense of inner peace and contentment, as it enables you to release the emotional baggage of past grievances.

9. Empowerment: Forgiveness can empower you by giving you control over your emotions and responses, rather than being controlled by anger or hurt.

It's important to note that forgiveness is a personal choice, and it doesn't mean condoning or excusing harmful behavior. It's about freeing yourself from the negative effects of holding onto anger and resentment. However, forgiveness can be a challenging process and may not be appropriate in all situations. It's a decision that should be made when you are ready and willing to engage in it.

Setting clear and healthy boundaries is crucial when attempting to reconcile with an abusive parent. These boundaries are designed to protect your emotional and physical well-being while allowing for the possibility of a healthier relationship. Here are some boundaries to consider:

1. Limited Contact: You can start by limiting the frequency and duration of your interactions with the abusive parent. This may mean reducing phone calls, visits, or communication to a manageable level.

2. No Tolerance for Abuse: Clearly communicate that abusive behavior will not be tolerated. Make it known that if abuse occurs, you will distance yourself or end the interaction.

3. Respect for Personal Space: Assert your need for personal space and privacy. Demand that your physical and emotional boundaries be respected.

4. Emotional Boundaries: Set boundaries around topics of conversation. Avoid discussing triggering or hurtful subjects if it's not conducive to a healthy interaction.

5. Supervised Visits: If you have safety concerns, you can arrange for supervised visits or interactions to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.

6. Seek Professional Help: Make therapy or counseling a condition for reconciliation. Require that both parties participate in therapy to address underlying issues and improve communication.

7. Time-Outs: Establish a mechanism for taking a time-out or break during interactions if things become emotionally charged or abusive. Agree on a set process for reengaging after a break.

8. Consistency: Be consistent in enforcing your boundaries. Don't compromise on your self-respect or well-being to accommodate the other person.

9. Support System: Maintain a strong support system outside of the relationship. Lean on friends, family, or a therapist for emotional support and guidance.

10. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care and emotional well-being. Reconciliation should not come at the expense of your mental and physical health.

Remember that setting boundaries may not guarantee a positive outcome, and reconciliation may not be possible or advisable in all situations. Your safety and well-being should always be your top priority, and you should be prepared to reevaluate and adjust your boundaries as needed. Consulting with a therapist or counselor can be particularly helpful in navigating these complex dynamics and setting appropriate boundaries.

Forgiveness happens in layers - many times, it takes time, willingness, persistence, and 

• Whether they sin against you the same way, many times

• Whether they sin against you in many ways, at many times

• Whether they have only sinned against one time, but it inflicted long-term issues that rear their head regularly 

• Whether they have sinned against you, but you can’t let it go - so that every time it rears its head, it's as if it just happened

• They have sinned against you, and there are layers of depth of hurt that once one layer has been peeled back, there is another deeper or different layer 

• They have sinned against us, but we are unable to see our own responsibility or sin in light of theirs - this may take time

Honor: Honor begins with Mercy; Mercy demands Forgiveness

Honor: Honor begins with mercy; mercy demands forgiveness.  Therefore, to truly honor, IS to mercifully forgive as one has been mercifully forgiven - honored by the Master: 

God.  Mercy: Forgiveness begins here: What is mercy?  Where does it begin?  Personal reflection, appreciation, gratefulness to God for His mercy and grace – His honor.  We now do the same for others that He has done for us, and in particular, those closest to us, those we are specifically commanded to honor - our fathers and mothers.  

We express mercy in the following ways, with: empathy, sympathy, compassion, expressed by action – comfort – kindled by love, governed by the knowledge of our own poverty and our mourning over the realization of my own sin and the great mercy granted by to me by God in His forgiving us.  

Matthew 18:23-35

Mercy: pity, compassion; loyalty to God’s covenant (made with us, from him) by trusting and loving obedience to the spirit and conditions of the covenant: covenant-love and loyalty: I have had mercy shown me, I am now to show mercy

Mercy = God’s toward sinners - a readiness to help those in trouble - me: have we forgotten God’s mercy on me?  That, though I deserved wrath and judgment, He restrained Himself to give me time and space to see and respond to His grace offered in and by Jesus - thus granting us, me, grace, forgiveness, and eternal life?

Mercy = men toward men - having been shown mercy, we are to show mercy, and to not, is to be ungrateful to God for the mercy we’ve received, to take it for granted or even assume that I am somehow entitled to it - that God owed me.  When in fact, God’s mercy was given to me, in spite of me, instead of what I deserved from a holy God - judgment.  If this is how the Holy God treated me, how much more should I treat the person who sins against me - me being in the same state - having sinned against and hurt others?

Honor: Honor begins with mercy; mercy demands forgiveness.  Therefore, to truly honor, IS to mercifully forgive as one has been mercifully forgiven - honored by the Master: God.  Matthew 18:23-35

“Therefore, in view of God’s mercy, offer…” yourself… Honor God… Honor your mother and father…  Honor one another above yourselves… (Ro 12:1-3; Ex 20:12; Ro 12:10)

Honor. Honor begins with mercy: God honored and esteemed us, and ascribed value to us when the Father sent the Son to make His dwelling with us, to save us, and once saved, sent the Spirit to indwell us, to connect us to God forever. (Lu 6:36; Ps 119:58 Jo 1:9-14;3:16-18; 10:16-17,23,26; Ro 8:9)

Honor. We honor God in response to His mercy and love, eyes opened to see Him as glorious and good (1Jo 4:19)

Honor. God commands us to honor one another, in essence, as He has honored us - necessitating we express mercy - because not only do we hurt one another, we will, hurt one another.  (Gen 6:7; Ro 5:6-11)

Honor. Honor begins with mercy, mercy demands forgiveness.  Forgiveness is what happens when:

We see God’s merciful forgiveness toward us in response to our sin against Him - ascribing value and esteem to us as a  person over His right to retaliate, restraining His righteous judgment - this IS mercy. (Ps 103:8-18; Ro 2:1-4; 2Pet 3:9; Ps 130:3-4; Ex 34:6)

We see through or past the sin of another person against us, through to the person themselves - ascribing value and esteem to them - ascribing value and esteem to the person over the right to retaliate.

Ephesians 4:30-32 “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God… 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling (outcry) and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate, tenderhearted, to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Honor is what happens when we are merciful and forgive - when we see the person for who they are, not the sin they committed, and the hurt they inflicted… just like God did for us.  Me. 

Honor dies in the face of hypocrisy.  Knowing one has been forgiven the greatest of debts, to not forgive another, is to…

Why might honor, mercy and forgiveness be connected in this way?   Forgiveness is merciful.  “You sinned against me”, therefore, I have every right to retaliate.  We see this in the original law which states: Exodus 21:24

“An eye for an eye…; … the one who inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury…” Deuteronomy 19:21; Leviticus 24:20  

Mercy is difficult - mercy takes tremendous self-restraint, enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13-14,18-21; Gal 5:22). Jesus came, fulfilling the law, revealing, demonstrating, giving, and commanding a better, greater, way, a new law - the “law of love”, and treat others the way we would want to be treated (Mat 7:12; Lu 6:31):

Matthew 5:38-42 “38“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” 

We are, therefore, not to retaliate or seek revenge, but to extend mercy as God has extended mercy to us – mercy takes faith!

Romans 12:14-21 “19Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Mercy and forgiveness grant freedom - to the one forgiven AND the one who forgive, when we can forgive from the heart, thus creating a clean slate, a foundation for life and health - We are therefore to 

James 2:12-13 “12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (Matt 5:7)

And if we are to act this way with an evil person, or our enemy.  How much more, someone we love and are commanded to love - not only because they are a person, but because they are what they are in our lives?

What is it to honor?  It is to see and ascribe value and worth, to respect and esteem.  It is to see a person’s significance and value them as God values them. 

For some of us, honoring our parents is a…

What about hypocrisy?  Though the word is not used here, the definition and behavior are (18:32) What a strong word!  There are very few things Jesus railed against more emphatically or explicitly than hypocrisy. Why?  What is hypocrisy?  What is its effect on relationships?  Do you know a hypocrite?  If so, how do you view them?  Have you ever been called a hypocrite?  Is that a title you want or appreciate?  Why or why not?

The greater the sin-debt, the more mercy is magnified.  We must keep in view that we have been mercifully forgiven an unimaginable debt (Ro 12:1).  A debt so severe that Jesus gave His life for our ransom owed, paying the debt that we could not pay in a thousand lifetimes (Isa 3:10-12; Mt 20:28; 1Tim 2:6; Heb 2:17; 1Jo 2:2; 4:10; 10-18).  We need to recognize that we are this first servant mentioned here, with regard to the degree of debt owed before God - each and all of us, every single one of us. 

The second servant also represents each and every one of us - in the face, at the mercy of one another.  We are all indebted to those around us, as not one of us is perfect, there is not one of us who has sinned against another - each of us is in desperate need of mercy from God and one another, and to have received such mercy from God, having been relieved of such great debt, we ought out of great appreciation,  gladly, extend mercy to the one before us, no matter what we think they may owe us. 

Expectations, disappointment, and perspective…  time for a change.  Honor: In the context of honoring our parents, giving honor, choosing, deciding to honor - we are ascribing value.

Value as persons made in the image of God, loved by God, objects of His mercy

Value as those who are older and worthy (as persons of age) of respect

Value as parents becoming aware of, acknowledging, and accepting that God, in His wisdom, intentionally and purposely chose these two to be the stock from which we would be made - through whom we gain our most fundamental attributes - (also, in the image and likeness of God, as God has prescribed, ordered, and ordained)

Value as parents and the (weight of the) responsibility given to them to raise us and be the shadowy representation of God in our lives (if in no other way than to be the ones who provide for us, protect us, have power and authority over us, and to guide us into some sort of goodness.) 

Honor. What is it to honor?  As God is generous with His mercy, so we are to be generous toward all with ours.  How can I honor?

To honor, IS, a choice, it IS a decision.

Choosing to honor in spite of their inhumanity.  Why is this concept so important?  Because it is in our INhumanity that we sin and fall short of all God intended for us to be as one made in His image and likeness, that of being human.  We must remember that one of the things Jesus came to reveal to us, to show us, to demonstrate for us, was what “human” actually was meant to be in the beginning, and can be in Him.  Jesus came to be the perfect human and to show us what we will be in Him - fully human as God intended.

The fact is, when we sin, we are not actually “human”, we are acting “inhumanely”, as in, not as God intended for a human being to be, that is looking and acting as His image and likeness, reflecting Him and His person perfectly.  So, when we sin, we miss the mark of God’s good and righteous intention for us as that image and likeness, or, as Jesus, in His human state, being truly human as God intended - and being shown mercy, receiving grace, being a new creature - delighting God as we delight in Him. 

So, as we grow in Christ, and become more like Him, we are actually becoming less inhuman, and more human, not merely made to be so (tainted, perverted, and distorted by sin, but) now created in Christ Jesus in true righteousness and holiness.  And being transformed in mind, we now, are now able to 

• See, test, and approve of God’s good and perfect will

• Do the good works that were prepared in advance for us to do

To be merciful, (and to) forgive, is divine - showing ourselves to be a child of our Father - being patient with and bearing up another’s sin, especially against us, is being merciful toward them as God is me - Luke 6:36; Matthew 12:7; 23:23

To not be merciful makes us a judge who brings judgment upon ourselves “...forgive, and you will be forgiven, give and it will be given to you…”; “...forgive me, as I forgive others”

God’s counterintuitive wisdom: that His what it is He commands, and how it is we are to go about it, are always in direct conflict with what our heart would tell us, what our flesh would do, and what the enemy would 

James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere”

What does all of this call us to do?  Comfort others the same comfort we have received: mercy and forgiveness, being honored, ascribed value by God (1Cor 2:1)

Self-reflection - an honest appraisal of one’s self and my (own) ability to hurt others.  Psalm 32:5; 51; Phil 2:1-11

Aware, acknowledging, and accepting our own humanity and capacity to sin against another - the realization of my not deserving God’s mercy and grace, yet receiving them. John 3:16-8; Romans 2:1-4; Ephesians 2:1-10

Empathize - using the results of our own honest self-assessment to put ourselves in the place of the other and ask ourselves: “How would I want to be treated here?” Matt 7:12; Luke 6:31; Gal 5:14; James 2:8 “Do I want to be forgiven when I sin?”  If so, why?  What does being forgiven do for me?

Sympathize - our hearts being sensitized, softened, toward another person.  Mark 10:21

Compassion - wanting to release them, as well as myself, I am moved with a visceral feeling of deep concern for us both and am moved to make an attempt to relieve us both of the burden.  Eph 4:32; Matt 14:14; 20:34; Mark 5:19; 6:34

Comfort - or - forgive, deeply, from the heart – 2Corinthians 1:3-5

Trusting God, His goodness, and His good and wise commands - we act accordingly

“Taste and see that the Lord is good”

I can’t do this!  It will never work!  I could never…! 

We must be careful not to underestimate God: and His faithfulness to us, that He responds to our obedience with tremendous blessing. 

Am I glad for the mercy of God?

Can I imagine having God’s mercy withheld?

Can I see the privilege and power I have in being merciful (like our heavenly Father)?

Generous with Mercy: Learning to Forgive: Exodus 20:1-20 You Become What You Fear the Most

Turn to: Exodus 20:1-20 You become what you fear the most - fear God, revere Him - His persistent love for His children is committed to converting our hearts from “being afraid”, like the demons are, trembling in fright (James 2:19), to “fearing”, that is being overwhelmed by that which is most beautiful, things that are just “too wonderful for me” (Job 42:3; Ps 139:1-6; Pr 30:18-19), too hard, too much, too beautiful to believe.  And the enemy, the one who sees himself as being the “beautiful one” the “angel of light” (Ez 28:12-15; Is 14:12-14; Pr 16:18), hates God’s real beauty and will do everything in his power to draw our eyes away from what is actually beautiful to his counterfeit beauty (2Co 11:14) - where nothing lasts. (Matt 6:19; 1Cor 7:31; 1Jo 2:17)

What is “real”?  God’s loving truth.  And, if God is what is real, then the enemy and his world and ways are counterfeit - they appear to have life but actually lead to death and destruction. They appear to give peace, but actually anxiety and fear; safety, but actually peril; life, but actually death - to everything.  

John 8:44 “The devil… He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”)

What seems real, is not, and in fact, real is almost always the opposite, of what is seems…

If God is counterintuitive, it is not because He stands in contrast and contradiction to this world, but that this world and its ways stand in contrast and in contradiction to Him and His ways, the way of life - they are always in conflict with one another (Ro 7:15-18; 8:5 Gal 5:16-17)

Why is this important to know?  Because the enemy wants nothing more than to convince us that God is wrong, He does not better, that He is holding something back from us, and that His word is restrictive.  The enemy wants to know nothing about the benefits of forgiveness and peace with God, self, and others.  No, he wants us isolated and resentful, bitter toward God and others.  He wants us to be as ineffective as he can make us, and will try to convince us that the way to health is to hold on to…

You see, our Father in heaven wants something different for us: life and light, peace and freedom from encumbrances through being forgiven and forgiving - which is the essence of the kingdom.

I don’t know your story, but God does, and here is the beginning of relief: 

God knows, and He is good, and He cares, and He longs to relieve us of our burden (Psalm 55:22; 40:17; 34:15; Proverbs; Jer 31:25;  Matthew 11:28-30; 1Peter 5:7)

God knows and we can trust Him and His word… Jesus is imploring us to understand that we will not be released from the burden of our anxieties and fears, our most difficult struggles, and find true and lasting healing if we are able to place (a mustard seed of) faith in Him and His ways to have this “mountain” removed, this “valley” leveled, to have (Jesus) make for us a straight way. (Isaiah 40:3-5; 42:16; 49:11; 55:1-3; Lu 3:5)

What is that straight way?  The way of righteousness: turn to Psalm 23 (Ps 37:5)

Where does that straightway take us?  Take us…, take us…, take us…, you mean, this part of our journey? We are moving?  Yes, yes, and yes. Remember, although this Psalm may be about our journey, it is actually about the One who leads us on the journey.  Whose voice we hear, recognize, listen to, and follow?  It is about the “Good Shepherd”, who is actually, our Great Shepherd, our is the “Shepherd of ours souls… living.”  (Prov 12:28)

Yes, green pastures.  Yes, quiet waters.  Yes, on a path of righteousness… 

But, where does that path go?  Whose voice must we hear and trust, to Whom we listen and follow?  Right through the valley of the shadow of death, into, through, to… a table; an anointing; to fullness and life overflowing; to a greater, deeper, realization of our Shepherd’s goodness: love and life in Him; and the hope of eternal life, eternal glory.

Who is there with us?  Who is it that is leading us?  How is it who remains and is waiting in the end?  Who is it that set that table?  Who is it that anoints my head, gives of His goodness, out of His goodness, and grants me like now and for eternity?  Jesus, the Good Shepherd

Turn to: John 10:7-18

Listening to the wrong voice has happened before: listening to a voice other than God’s: Genesis 3:

·  The voice of our own deceitful heart?  The voice of our easily tempted flesh?

·  The voice of the accuser - we need to ask “Whose voice is that and what is he saying?  Who is he accusing?”

o  “This was your fault”

o  “You will never get past this”

o  They do not deserve to be forgiven

o  You can only control what’s happening if you hold on to this

o  You’re getting them back, punishing THEM by not forgiving them 

o  Grumbling, and complaining, as we try to win others over to our thinking by getting them to feel sorry for us, commiserate with us, and join us in our accusations against… God: the nature of His Person; His goodness and wisdom; His love and care; His commitment to His promises: the effectiveness of His word, the power of His Spirit, the good and necessary fellowship of believers…  the enemy wants isolated - to believe that the best place for you is to be separated from God and His ways, and alone—just the opposite of what God says and means. 

o  Accusing God: God’s way will lead to more hurt, more injury, more anxiety, more, more, more

Learning to discern the difference…  to who’s voice am I listening?  Here’s how to know:

·  The voice of God expressed through

o  His word

o  His, Holy Spirit, which always speaks in line with His word

o  The Body of Believers – those with whom we share the nature of God’s Spirit

Walking in faith, IS, learning to trust our Father’s goodness more and more, as we are more and more persuaded of the truth of His love…   Trust God at the most difficult place - giving God room to…  letting Him judge, and exert His wrath justly, goodly, faithfully, according to His truth

Do not fear forgiving… as strange as this sounds.  Forgiving is hard, because, sometimes, trusting is hard. 

Love God and immerse yourself in Him, His mercy, and His saving and keeping and sanctifying grace: Love sincerely - wanting God’s all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful best for them; Hate what is evil - not only what has been done to us, but what is done to others; Cling to what is good - God’s grace and truth

And in the meantime, here’s where faith in God and His wisdom and grace comes colliding into our heart’s desire:  

Turn to Romans 12 - leaving room for God to do His work (Rom 2; John Jesus is the judge; therefore “do not judge, do not condemn (even we could), forgive and you will be forgiven (Luke 6:32-36; 11:1-4): Love your “enemy”; Feed them; Give them drink; Clothe them – let mercy administer justice…

Though God and His ways are most real, in our world, they seem, counterintuitive…. This is God’s counter-intuitive nature, the counterintuitive nature of the kingdom of Heaven, and we, truly are citizens of that Kingdom, under that King

What in my context does this look like?  Who is that person?  How do/I love them here and now?  What is my fiery step?  We honor by being patient, bearing up, and being kind.  And honor God by trusting Him and His word enough to take a first step of faith - and that will be different for each one of this.

The first step: Be merciful, just as your heavenly Father is.  Then, and only then, do we show ourselves as His children doing the very, good, works that He is creating us in Jesus - His only begotten Son - to make us, His adopted children like imm - to do golf works prepared in advance for us to do - these very works, according to God's very good and wise and loving word

The second step: put your trust in God., knowing that: (Prov 8:8)

·  God never commands us to do anything that he himself has not done… He has forgiven.

·  God never commands us to do something unless it’s good and right and just - for the forgiver and forgive

·  God never commands us to do something he has not equipped, enabled and empowered us to do

·  God never commands us to go a place alone, but in fact, promises to be with us 

We need to see that, forgiving is something God wants for us - and the idea that I will be forgiven as I forgive, is a profound statement - though I reside with God, hidden in Christ, forgiven, may, justified, the effects is the consequences of not forgiven bind me to the effects and to the one I refuse to forgive. 

God knows the brutal effect of not forgiving, or being unwilling to forgive, and longs to release us from our not-forgiving 

Being generous with our honor: Honor your parents Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2-3; Luke 2:51-52

Being generous with our honor: Honor your parents: the command is good, because God is good, and the command is a good gift, from a good God, to do good, for those who love Him. Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2-3; Luke 2:51-52 

There may be no more difficult teaching in all of scripture than this - as we have parents and no two stories are alike. No matter what is said here, someone, if not everyone, will have an exception “But, you don’t know my parents… my father… my mother.”  Well no, I don’t.  But I do know God and His ability and desire to love, forgive, heal, and bless.  To “work ALL THINGS out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose…”  And that is to “conform us to the likeness of His Son” promising to use even the most difficult of circumstances, the most painful of sufferings, the most disappointing of experiences, the weightiest of relationships - to do so. 

So, though our stories are not the same, and neither can they be, there will always be similarities, as not one of us has had perfect parents, not one.  And we have all, to some degree, suffered under their hands. Hebrews 12:7-11

What we can’t do today is fix everything, but God, our heavenly Father can… What we can’t do today is address every issue, hurt, wound, abuse, or neglect.  What we can’t do today is analyze every feeling and experience.  What we might find is that some of us may need more help from professionals who can gently and wisely guide us through a process of confession and healing. 

The truth is God knows, cares, and desires to lovingly conform us to the likeness of His Son…

But what we can do is look at God and His word and lay a foundation for healing.  To learn to love, honor, and respect.  To learn to forgive. To have our own time of honest self-appraisal, and learn to extend mercy and grace - as it has been extended to us.

The Holy Spirit knows and is present in you and is here to comfort us according to our need…

John 14:16; 16:7,13 15If you love me, keep my commands. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another comforter, helper, advocate, to help you and be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth.

It is in trusting our heavenly Father, our Abba, and His truth, where true healing can begin; where the potential for appreciation emerges; where reconciliation and restoration become possible; and where the true hope and grace of agape - wanting God’s love’s best for others rises - whether from (our being) close beside, or from a safe distance.

And here is why we must go to God’s word: because it speaks perfectly to every one of us, personally, regardless of our differences.  I can’t know the ins and outs of your story, but God can, and does, and will speak right to it, if we’ll listen:

Hebrews 4:11-12 “12For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.”

Being generous with our honor: Honor your mother and father: honoring imperfect parents:  Jesus the perfect one, honored His Father, by honoring His parents – obeying the command, Jesus made Himself obedient to His imperfect parents, and in doing so, He grew, and pleased His Father.  Luke 2:41-52; Hebrews 2:10-18

Good Stewards: Mark 10:13-27

God calls us to manage, to steward well, 3 types of relationships - all of which He has graciously and generously given us - life from Him. Relationship with Him. The gift of others. The blessings He provides for and gives to us. And as He has been generous with us in His giving - which IS His very nature, we, who have been, - we too have been made and created to give - just like our heavenly Father, as dearly loved children.

1. Made in His image and likeness.  To express and represent His invisible qualities - to all of creation. 

2. By faith, He has saved us, adopted us, and is actively creating us - in Christ Jesus and that is purposely conforming us into the likeness of His Son. (Php 2; Ro 8).

3. By making, creating, and conforming us into the likeness of His Son - God has made us new and is equipping us to act like Him and His Son: givers of the same things He gave - life and love. 

So, in Christ, our natural inclination is to give - we are to give as He gives.  We are to be generous with those things most precious to us - our time - which is our lives, our blessings - that is our stuff, and we add to that, now, our honor - giving respect, dignity, and service.  

God giving us His best, also gives us the best way to love, to love Him, ourselves, and love others (…as we learn to rightly, humbly, love ourselves in light of God having made just as wisely and lovingly intended - receiving our making and being grateful and appreciative to God for that unique and distinct making - please see: Rom 12:3-7; 1Cor 7:7; 12:4,6-7,11-14; Eph 4:7; Heb 2:4; Jo 3:27; 1Cor 4:7; James 1:17

God giving us His best, also gives us the best way to love, to love Him, ourselves, and love others  

God graciously gives - Himself - mercifully restraining His glory and holiness, He reveals Himself to sinful man…

Exodus 19 God introduces Himself to Israel in power, majesty, and holiness

19:3-6 They saw what I did to Egypt…  and, their gods, and that on their behalf to show MY glory

19:9 Now they hear and see me, that I AM God, the LORD God almighty!  

19:16-20…and let them see Me, in my awesome, or awful, power, that I AM (is) here, and I AM for them as my chosen people - God’s mercy expresses kindness to protect us from Himself - He loves His children.

Imagine seeing the spectacle of God descending, condescending, to reveal Himself - mightily, yet mercifully, to mankind - those He has chosen - us. 

Now, as the I AM has introduced Himself to us and loved us, He teaches us how to love - “as I have loved you, you love me back, honor and obey me, and let the evidence of your love for me be your loving and trusting obedience to me and your love for one another…”

Jesus’ merciful loving clarifies for us God’s good intentions for His commands… 

John 14:15, 21-24; 15:10; 1Jo 2:3; 5:3; 2Jo 1:6 “If you love me, only my commandments… whoever has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me.  The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father… if anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.  My Father will love Him and we will come in and make Our home with them.” 

Exodus 20 After He introduces Himself, God then gives Israel His 10 commandments:

What has God done here? He has revealed to us the true nature of God

Ex 20:1-7 God almighty - My power and holiness (otherness) demand honor - you have seen what I did to Egypt and their gods.  The sheer force of my person and presence - my passionate love - commands honor- I AM not like their gods, I AM the Lord, your God! 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength…  how does this look?

To be loved by God - not to be dominated and used, but, to be loved.  Not to be lorded over or to lord over others, but to esteem and honor, which is to be loved and love as you have been loved – brought out of a place where you were dominated, enslaved, and your (only) value was in your ability to produce for man and appease him and any god served – and brought out of slavery into God and His love and the commands that teach us how to live and love.

To love God and honor Him - not have to somehow appease like the pagan gods of Egypt

To rest in that love, His merciful grace: Hebrews 4:9-11  “9There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest”

So, the second is like the first… love your neighbor as you love yourself… and it starts with those closest, and, in many ways, toughest.

Ex 20:8-12 To and honor God and self and those closest – Those whom God has given us to show us Himself in a peculiar way – those through whom He has given us life, being grateful, appreciative, loving and honoring them as the gifts from God they are and the responsibility given to them – even if they have struggled fulfilling that assignment.

God’s passionate love for us and its effect command a new way for us to live and love, not only Him and ourselves, but others, our neighbor.

To love yourself and others as you are now being loved and learning to love God and yourself

To provide rest, and grace, for others, too 

Ex 20:13-17 The “thou shalt nots”, that leave only the “do unto others” in their places… love as you have been loved, as you would want to be loved…

What has God done here? He has presented the Israelites, and us, with a new way of seeing and knowing God, and from this new way, is born a new way of speaking and acting toward Him, self, and one another.

And now, Jesus shows us the way, truth, and life, how God’s love would have us live & love.

Jesus: the glory of the great I AM, here in the flesh, One who can be touched - the power and presence of God cloaked in the flesh, that we can know and be known, to touch, and be touched… the stark difference between the mountain, that if you touched it you would have to die - to the God, the I AM, who now meets us and touches you that you might live…

Mark 10:13-16 Jesus touched them… He took them in His arms and placed His hands on them (see also: Mt 8:3; 20:34; Lk 5:13; 8:44)

The Great Commandment…  

Jesus’ holiness and perfect and present sacrifice demand love

Jesus’ demonstration of mercy, grace, and love command love

Jesus’ loving us as He does, transforming us as it has, commands we love ourselves and others as we have been loved and are being loved

And how do we, the beloved, the children of God, holy and dearly loved, love and honor God and others? How do we love those God has called us, and commanded us to, love?

3 Types of relationships –  in which God urges us to use the time we have been graced to live by to build-up for ourselves treasures in heaven – and this takes faith!  trusting Him to be everything He says He is… The three types of relationships God cares about (in reverse order)

1. Our relationship with our stuff – being grateful for all you have as there is nothing you have that you have not received (1Co ) being generous as God, your Father is generous being an “…imitator of Him, as a dearly loved child” Eph 5:1

Luke 16:9 “…use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves…”

be generous with your stuff…

James 2:13-19 “What good is it (to have compassion and yet) do nothing (to meet another’s obvious) need”

1John 3:17 “If anyone with earthly possessions sees a brother in need, but does nothing to meet their need, sins… how can the love of God be in them?”

at last, break your heart free from your stuff

Luke 12:33 “Sell your possessions, give to the poor, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

2. Our relationship with people (including self)

Exodus 20:12; Mat 19:19; Mk 7:10 “Honor your mother and Father”

1Tim 5:4.8; Mt 7:11; Prov 11:29 “Take care of your immediate family”

Mark 3 “Jesus looked around who are my mother, brothers, and sisters - who is my family?”

John 13:34; Ro 12:10; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jn 1Pe 2:17; 1Th 3:12; Zech 8:16; Eph 4:15; Isa 58:7; Lk 10:27 - Love one another as I have loved you; love the brotherhood; love one another deeply; be devoted to one another; serve, speak the truth with love; honor one another above yourselves; love your enemy; honor the king; Love your neighbor AS yourself

3. Our relationship with Him

Luke 10:27 “Love the Lord your God with your entire self”

John 15:4-7 “Remain in me”

Rev 3:20 “I stand at the door and knock… let me in that I might sup with you”

Gal 5:25; Eph 5:18 b “walk with and keep in step with the Holy Spirit… under HIS influence”

Good Stewards: Mark 10:13-27

God calls us to manage, to steward well, 3 types of relationships - all of which He has graciously and generously given us - life from and relationship with Him, the gift of others, and the blessings He provides for us. 

As He has been generous with us in His giving - which IS His very nature, we, who have been, 1. Made in His image and likeness, and 2. Now, in faith, created in Christ Jesus and Actively conformed into His likeness (Wp 2; Ro 8; Php 2), are to give as He gives.  We are to be generous with those things most precious to us - our time - which is our lives, our blessings - that is our stuff, and we add to that, now, our honor - giving respect, dignity, and service.  

God giving us His best, also gives us the best way to love, to love Him, ourselves, and love others (…as we learn to rightly love ourselves) 

God graciously gives - Himself - mercifully restraining His glory and holiness, He reveals Himself to sinful man…

Exodus 19 God introduces Himself to Israel in power, majesty, and holiness

·   19:3-6 They saw what I did to Egypt…  and, their gods, and that on their behalf to show MY glory

·   19:9 Now they hear and see me, that I AM God, the LORD God almighty!  

·   19:16-20…and let them see Me, in my awesome, or awful, power, that I AM (is) here, and I AM for them as my chosen people - God’s mercy expresses kindness to protect us from Himself - He loves His children.

Now, as I AM has loved you, He teaches us how to love - as I have loved you, you love me back, honor and obey me, and let the evidence of your love for me be your love for one another…

John 14:15, 21-24; 15:10; 1Jo 2:3; 5:3; 2Jo 1:6 “If you love me, only my commandments… whoever has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me.  The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father… if anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.  My Father will love Him and we will come in and make Our home with them.” 

Exodus 20 God then gives Israel His 10 commandments - the first thing God says to Israel are His good commandments about governing life with God, others, and their stuff: and God is saying to them: I AM has chosen them out of love and calls them to love

Ex 20:1-7 God almighty

My power and holiness (otherness) demand honor - you have seen what I did to Egypt and their gods

The sheer force of my person and presence - my passionate love - commands honor- I AM not like their gods 

Ex 20:8-12 To and honor God and self and those closest – who show us God in a peculiar way - who have given you life, being grateful, appreciative, loving & honoring 

God’s passionate love for us and its effect command a new way for you to live

To love God and honor Him - not have to somehow appease like the pagan god’s of Egypt

To be loved by God - not be dominated and used, but, be honored - which is to be loved and love as you have been loved – brought out of a place where you were dominated, enslaved, and your (only) value was in your ability to produce for man and appease him and any god

To rest in that love, that grace (Heb 4)

To love yourself and others as you are now being loved and learning to love yourself

To provide rest, and grace, for others, too 

Ex 20:13-17 the “shall nots”, that leave only the “do unto others” in their places… love as you have been loved, as you would want to be loved…

What has God done here? He has presented them a new way of seeing and knowing God, and from it is born a new way of speaking and acting toward Him, self, and one another.

And now, Jesus shows us the way, truth, and the life God’s love would have us live, and, how…

Jesus: the glory of the great I AM, here in the flesh, one who can be touched (and you not be stoned), the power and presence of God cloaked in the flesh, that you can know and be known touch, and be touched… the stark difference between the mountain, that if you touched it you would have to die - to the God, the I AM, who now touches you that you might live…

Mark 10:13-16 Jesus touched them… He took them in His arms and placed His hands on them (see also: Mt 8:3; 20:34; Lk 5:13; 8:44

…but to live, to truly live, one must die to self…

Mark 17-27; Matthew 19:16-26; Luke 18:18-27 The rich young ruler runs to Jesus to ask “What else it is that he must do to get life?”

Just then (Mt), as Jesus started on His way, a man, a certain ruler, ran up to Him and fell on his knees before Him.  “Good Teacher, what (good thing) must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good, or ask about what is good?” (Mat), Jesus answered. “No one is good - except God alone, He is the only One who is good.  If you want to enter life, keep the commandments (Mat) - you know the commandments…”.  “Which ones?” he inquired. (Mt)  ‘You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor you father and mother’

…and ‘love your neighbor as yourself’’ (Mat) 

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy… what else must I do”

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack… if you want to be perfect. (Mt)  Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.”

At this, the man’s face fell.  He went away (very - Lk) sad because he had great wealth, he was very wealthy. (Lk)

This leads right to Jesus’ taking the Law and the Prophets and consolidating them, enveloping them into 3 great acts of love:  The Great Commandment: Love God, Love self, Love others, AS, you love yourself…

The Great Commandment…  

Jesus’ holiness and perfect and present sacrifice demand love

Jesus’ demonstration of mercy, grace, and love command love

Jesus’ loving us as He does, transforming us as it has, commands we love ourselves and others as we have been loved and are being loved

And how do we, the beloved, the children of God, holy and dearly loved, love and honor God and others? How do we love those God has called us, and commanded us to, love?

3 Types of relationships in which God urges us to use the time we have been graced to live by to build-up for ourselves treasures in heaven – and this takes faith!  trusting Him to be everything He says He is… 

There are three types of relationships God cares about – in reverse order…

1. Our relationship with our stuff – being grateful for all you have as there is nothing you have that you have not received (1Co ) being generous as God, your Father is generous being an “…imitator of Him, as a dearly loved child” Eph 5:1

Luke 16:9 “…use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves…”

be generous with your stuff…

James 2:13-19 “What good is it (to have compassion and yet) do nothing (to meet another’s obvious) need”

1John 3:17 “If anyone with earthly possessions sees a brother in need, but does nothing to meet their need, sins… how can the love of God be in them?”

at last, break your heart free from your stuff

Luke 12:33 “Sell your possessions, give to the poor, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

2. Our relationship with people (including self)

Exodus 20:12; Mat 19:19; Mk 7:10 “Honor your mother and Father”

1Tim 5:4.8; Mt 7:11; Prov 11:29 “Take care of your immediate family”

John 13:34; Ro 12:10; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jn 1Pe 2:17; 1Th 3:12; Zech 8:16; Eph 4:15; Isa 58:7; Lk 10:27 - Love one another as I have loved you; love the brotherhood; love one another deeply; be devoted to one another; serve, speak the truth with love; honor one another above yourselves; love your enemy; honor the king; Love your neighbor AS yourself

3. Our relationship with Him

Luke 10:27 “Love the Lord your God with your entire self”

John 15:4-7 “Remain in me”

Rev 3:20 “I stand at the door and knock… let me in that I might sup with you”

Gal 5:25; Eph 5:18 b “walk with and keep in step with the Spirit… under HIS influence”

Basic and simple: The Great Commandment covers all 3 relationships – Ex 20:1-21; Mk 12:30

Last week we looked at the concept of time - that is short, and because it is short, time has great value.  It is ours then to choose how we will spend or invest our time.  We then looked at our relationships and how we might consider using our time in each.

Those relationships:   God, people, and stuff… and then, time.  

How do I see my life, time?  God’s concept of time: God grants me life, and time, and gently reminds me of its scarcity, so that I might use it, and invest it, wisely, in what matters most.  Treasures in heaven.  Matt 6:19-21

We must recognize God’s gracious generosity 

First fruits: God gives us His best, starting with life itself, time here, living and loving.  And even more profoundly, by giving us His Son and life through Him, and eternal life with His Son - for all of time. (Ps 86:5; Ro 2:4; 9:23; 10:12; 2Co 2:8-9; Ep 1:7-9; Ja 1:5)

As such, God is deserving of our first and best.  To whom do we give our first and best?  And once we have given our best, and is it then given back to us, how do we best invest it?

What do I do with the little time I have?  which really, is, today, right now (Lam 3:23; Matt 6:11,25,34).  In what do I invest and how?  Not merely spend, but, invest?  Things that will last.  

What does that mean, “things that will last”?  That we wisely use the little time we have to invest in relationships - because all that lasts is God and mankind - His image bearers, and more particular, His beloved children - the fellowship of believers.  

Well, what about my stuff?  It is not that the substance of stuff isn’t important.  Our life here means something, and the stuff od earth is good and necessary for life and even joy.  But, it is only temporary, not meant to accumulate and keep, but, use to live and bring bless others.  Realizing what I have, is for here, an earthly treasure, and is not mine, but His, i will find that it is often with our stuff that we honor God and others - our good works, our blessing of others, actually bringing Him glory. 

God grants stuff for our living…  

Elijah: 1Kings 17:2-24 …who would be sustained by God… “4You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there… 5So he did what the Lord had told him…6The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.“

…for blessing and delight - Let’s briefly go back:

To Solomon: asks for wisdom, is granted wisdom and more… 2Chronicles 1:7-12 “...God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you…. 10Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”  11God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”

But also: God’s gives… 

• As a test of the heart and its gratefulness, appreciation, contentment, and affection - for Him.  it also…

• As a test of the heart for our living, security, and trust.  And then…

• As a test of our heart for our loving, caring, and giving 

 So let us also go to…

The Rich Young Ruler:  whose heart’s affections were captivated, even bound, to His stuff - Matthew 19:16-30

To Paul: who learned to be content with little or much, but it was because he was learning that God’s grace, his name being written in the Book of Life, was sufficient for life, hope, and joy - Phill 4:12-13; Luke 10:20; 2Cor 12:9

To Jesus: who had nowhere to lay His head, trying to get us to understand, that life is more than what we think we need or want, that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God… - Matthew 8:20; 4:4

How do I see God?  So in what, or maybe, more importantly, who, are we to invest the first fruits, the first and best of our time?

Turn to Exodus 19; 20:1-7

Love the LORD your God - acknowledge, honor, trust, and obey - taking time to know, God as God and heavenly Father 

Seeing the Lord, and loving Him for who He is…

Fear Him: Hold God in reverent awe and respect - cultivate by seeing Him, knowing Him, by His word as it is His self-revelation to mankind, us, that we might continue to grow in knowledge and wisdom. Prov 1; 2; 23:17

See Him as sovereign: He is Lord, therefore, put aside our desire for this world – Ja 4:4

See and acknowledge Him in everything He’s created: Do the opposite of the world - Romans 1 ; Psalm 104:24; Pr 16:9

Honor Him: Sincerely, He IS God, worthy of our honoring - Ps 29:1; Pr 3:9

Thank Him: Be grateful and appreciative for EVERYTHING, as everything I have, I received from Him as an expression of His love and good grace – 1Co 4:7

Mercy: I deserved judgment and condemnation, my sin was a flagrant violation of His holiness and a measure of contempt of His goodness – Rom 5:8,10; Eph 2:1-10

Grace: May we be astonished at His mercy in light of my sin and rebellion, my not having see Him as God and King; and yet He would give me life in Christ - Ro 7:24-25; Heb 12:28

Abide in Him: Trusting His “good” word as the expression of His goodness and grace that it is- 

John 15:4; 1Jo 2:6 “abide in me…bear fruit… walk as Jesus walked”

Ps 119:7-18; 159-160 “...I seek you with my whole heart do not let me stray from your commands... teach me your word… i delight in your decrees… all your words are true…”

Nehemiah 9:12-13 “You (God) came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right and decrees and commands that are good.”   

2Tim 3:15-17 “...the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God a may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  

Hebrews 4:12 “12For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Be attentive to Him: Courageously engage with Him in word, prayer, and the fellowship of believers - putting oneself and others to the side - Dt 32:46-47; Proiv 2:2-5; 4:20; 5:1; 7:1; Lu 18:17-18

Rejoice in Him: His Person and promises - as He works all things for the good of those who love Him - His beloved children (Romans 8:28-30; Eph 1:11; Psalm 18; Ro 5:1-11; Ja 1:2-4; 1Pe 1:3-9)

How do I see others?  So, if God’s first, who’s next?  Luke 6:38 Give and it will be given to you - who or what gets the next best, what has been given to us for having given?

Love your neighbor as yourself 

Turn to Exodus 20:12-17

Self - God’s  Exodus 20:7-8; 23:12; 31:13; Lev 19:3; Deut 5:12-14; Mark 2:27-28

Humbly, gladly, and with anticipation receive from God our good and wise making - you have been made on purpose, for a purpose, and be that honest self that God has made you 

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling cooperating with God (who works in you) in your active and progressive sanctification - striving to be more like Christ in attitude, word, way and manner, and deed - Phil 2:12-16; 3:7-15; Gal 5:16,22-25

Acknowledge Him in all you do: by not going your own way, seeking and doing His will. Prov 3:5-8; 16:3

Receive from Him His blessing: being humbled and grateful, enjoy His provisions, and enjoy them even more by using his blessing to bless Him and others

Neighbor - do to others what you would like to have done to you…  in God’s economy, His “do not’s” only leave room for His “do’s”, what should be done… Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

o   Be merciful 

o   Be attentive 

o   Be honest 

o   Be kind

o   Be generous

How do I see my Stuff: I am to be grateful and content with what you have… hold it loosely… look for opportunities to give and bless in a good and generous manner and way - that with my stuff I am loving God and others, and loving God by loving others.  When I trust God, giving away what He has given me, my trust and faith in God honor God, and my trust and faith are, in return, deepened, and, responding to my faithfulness, I am rewarded with - more.  To do what with?  Hoard?  Keep for a rainy day? 

No, use it in acts of merciful kindness that speak of God and His care and generous kindness toward all. Especially, His beloved. 

Now, in Christ, we are invited to come close, to come in boldly - not on our own account, but account of Jesus.

The invitation of God, through Jesus, to go from being loved to beloved; from being frightened to sonship - “my God”, to “our Father, Abba”; from sin-stained and dead in our transgressions, to a holy priesthood offering sacrifices of service and praise; from a mountain that could be touched, but not, to a God Himself - into the very presence of God, the holy of holies, through the body of Jesus, our High Priest - who not only opened the way, but IS the way (...the truth, and the life, our life - we are His bought with a price, for (loving) obedience to Him, bringing Him glory with our Spirit-filled sanctified lives… 

Hebrews 12:18-29 (Hebrews 4:16; 9:3,7; 10:20-21)

You cannot add a single hour to your life… Luke 12:22-26

You cannot add a single hour to your life… Luke 12:22-26

Do we view our time as a grace given? As an act of God‘s mercy? As a measure of His kindness expressed in patience and tolerance? As He longs for us to walk beside him to be used by him, but, also that he may bring us home when we’re no longer effective.

There is a recurring theme throughout scripture about the shortness of our lives, shortness of our days.

James 4:13-17 “You are but a mist…”

Psalm 103:13-18  My days are numbered

I am dust…

I am like a flower in a field, here today, gone tomorrow 

So, Lord, show me the number of my days that I might apply wisdom…

Psalm 39:4-5  4“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.  5You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.  Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.

Psalm 90:12 “each us to number our days,that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

2Chronicles 1:7-13 (James 1:5)

Managing time wisely, using it to build wisdom, recognizing the limits of time, my being finite, having an end of life, I must ask myself: “How do I see “my time” manage my time? Realizing that time is our most scarce commodity, how do I invest it? 

Being ready to MAKE THE MOST of every opportunity – the time is short.

Being under the influence of the Holy Spirit –

Ephesians 5:15-20  

Walk in step with Him and not this world or my flesh’s desire for this world.

Galatians 5:13-26

Time, seeing  it as a grace given to honor God and others with compels us to manage it well, with the wisdom God provides – when we are wise enough, humble enough, to ask.

First Fruits: Gods Only Begotten Son

In the beginning: God has given us His first fruits - His first and best - Jesus.

…unblemished and undefiled, it is best seen in His giving of His only begotten Son who would be the first of many brothers and sisters, who themselves would be the first fruits of the work of Jesus, and who would then be filled with another first fruit - the Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of God. 

God has given us, His children, His first and best, His first fruits. Today, we commemorate and celebrate, His First Fruit 

We see the concept of “first fruits” first seen, rooted in, God's work in creation. In creation God has done His best - all of it, very good - and in turn, He has given His best - to whom?  To man, to us - to enjoy, to steward, the share dominion with the Creator.

Genesis 1:31 31God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

Genesis 2:7-9, 15 7Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.  8Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food…15The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Yes, God’s creation is now but a shadow of its original glory, but…

Despite sin’s destructive presence and power, God’s work stands as evidence of His greatness and glory, His loving kindness and generosity. 

Although presented to mankind as an expression of God’s loving generosity… it still belongs to God.

Because God created everything that exists, all of creation belongs to Him - we are but grateful stewards, participants with the Divine in care of the creation that came about by His word, and mankind, the making by His hands.

With that, everything there is His (John 1:1-3) and the first and best belongs to Him and is to be gladly given to Him - beginning with a grateful heart!

Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it…”

God has given us His best, His first and best, the first fruits of all of His goodness…

There seem to be at least 5 types of First Fruits - expressions of God’s wise and gracious love (Jn 20:3-18; 1Co 15:20-28)

We might not realize… that “first fruits” is a not a new concept, but is found in both the Old and New Testaments. It is used to describe the first and best of all that God has given, acts of God’s grace toward all He has created and made, to be given back to Him as an acknowledgment of Him and His grace and faith in His continued provision. So when Paul said Christ was “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1Co 15:20), he was using a term and imagery rich in history and meaning.

There are at least five kinds of firstfruits can be identified in Scripture:

1. The First Fruits of the Harvest - of all that God has provided by His wonderful grace - that is, everything!

In the Old Testament, God commanded the people of Israel, His people, as a grateful recognition of being God’s chosen, to give the first and best parts of the harvest as an offering (back) to Him (Ex 23:16; Neh 10:35). This would have included grain (Ex 23:16; 34:22), olive oil (Nu 18:12; Dt 18:4), new wine (Nu 18:12; Dt 18:4), honey (2Chr 31:5), sheep wool (Dt 18:4), fruit (Neh 10:35), and even their herds and flocks (Dt 15:19).

By giving the firstfruits as an offering to God, the Israelites were acknowledging that all the harvest—in fact, everything they had—had come from God and belonged to Him. as much as this offering of first fruits was an act of worship in acknowledging God as the One from Whom all things come and belong, it was also an expression of faith that not only was the first fruit from Him, so the harvest of the rest of the crop, that would come later, was also from the hand of God. So, the first fruits offering not only acknowledged God’s ownership of everything, but also expressed thankfulness for His provision, and the anticipation of what was to come.

The first fruits were given at the Feast of Harvest (Ex. 23:16), the second of three annual festivals. This feast is also known as the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost (Ex 34:22; Nu 28:26). This would have been celebrated during the fifty days after the Passover (Lev 23:16), in N.T., it is would be known as the Day of Pentecost.

2. Israel - was called by God, the first fruits, but not that last… 

Jeremiah called symbolically called Israel the first fruits of God’s harvest. “Israel was holy to the Lord, the first fruits of his harvest” (Jer 2:3). Just as the first and best crops were devoted to God, Israel was God’s chosen people, set apart by God. It is important to see here that Israel was God’s first fruits and not His only fruit, this is a hint that there would be other peoples and nations that would (become) His.

3. Believers - God’s children, born again, in Christ

In Romans 16:5 and 1 Corinthians 16:15, the first converts of a particular area were called “the firstfruits.” Some translations use the term “first converts,” but literally it is “firstfruits” (KJV), the same word used in 1 Corinthians 15:20.

James calls believers “a kind of first fruits” as the new birth we have experienced is only a preview of the day to come when He will make all things new in a new heaven and a new earth. 

James 1:18  “By his choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.” 

4. The Holy Spirit - The indwelling Spirit of God Who will be with us forever (Jo 14:16)

Paul said we “have the Spirit as the first fruits” Rom. 8:23. The Holy Spirit is a foretaste, the first installment, “the deposit guaranteeing our inheritance”,  of our future glory. He is God’s pledge of more to come in our life in Christ.

Ephesians 1:13-14, 19-20 “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory…his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms

5. Jesus - Who is the Creator and Sustainer of everything! 

When Paul said Jesus is “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” 1Co 15:20, he was painting back to the OT offering of the first and best, and Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. As, in the OT, the first fruits were a thanks-offering to God and a demonstration of faith in God, for the rest of the harvest to follow, Jesus’ resurrection was the foretaste of the resurrection of all believers yet to come. His resurrection is our assurance that one day, we all, who have placed our faith in Jesus, will be raised from the dead and will receive new resurrected bodies.  This is why Paul could cry out:  “Where, death, is your victory?  Where, death, is your sting?” 1Co 15:55

Paul here, calls Jesus, the “first fruit” an expression of Jesus being the first among many brothers - given life in Him through His life, death, and resurrection -  “Jesus is the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1Co 15:20. 

Jesus was God’s first fruit—his one and only son. God gave Jesus, who was raised from the dead, up for us, in the same way that God asks His children to see Him, acknowledge Him as the good and glorious provider, to give to Him in a grateful, glad, and sincere heart - offering back to Him all that we are - offering ourselves and all we have as living sacrifices - our first and best we have - (back) to Him.

Jesus is the first fruit

The Spirit is the first fruit - Paul said we “have the Spirit as the firstfruits” (Rom. 8:23). The Holy Spirit is a foretaste, the first installment of our future glory. He is God's the pledge of more to come in our resurrection life.

We, God’s children, are the first fruit

• 2 Thessalonians 2:13 says, “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.”

• James 1:18 says, “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

“In the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering, he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.” —Genesis 4:3-5

This is what God has offered to His loved making so that they might become His beloved children. 

John 1:1-5 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:10-13 9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.