2024-11-22
Good Morning Dear Ones,
Last week, the Holy Spirit had me writing about the belt of truth (vs 14) to begin the exegesis of EPH 6: 13-18, the full armor of God. Before leaving the subject, I must cite from two places in REV: REV 3: 1a and REV 1: 4-5. “These are the word of Him (Jesus) Who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars…John, to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from Him Who is, Who was, and Who is to come, from the seven spirits before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, Who is the faithful witness, the Firstborn from the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him Who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood…” What is meant by the seven spirits of God is the wisdom that Christ has due to the presence of the Holy Spirit, wisdom He shares with not only the seven churches of Asia Minor, but within all the Scriptures. The seven stars represent the messengers (pastors) of the seven churches of Asia Minor to whom God’s views were presented in the early chapters of REV. As for Christ as a faithful witness, this means He testified to everything the Father, through the Holy Spirit, told Him and then did the same in His word for us. When in JN 19: 7-15, when Christ went before Pontius Pilate and said nothing at the time. Then he asked Jesus if He realized he had the power to save His life or have Him crucified. Pilate asked Him from where He came, Jesus said, “You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore, the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” That’s how faithful a witness Christ was.
Now, I must write on to the second element of EPH 6: 13-18, which is the breastplate of righteousness (vs 14). PS 19: 9 gives us an idea of who important life that is right with God is. “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.” PS 112: 6, “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.” The hope that we as believers in Christ have for our future is expressed in PR 10: 25, “When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone but the righteous stand firm forever.” All of these messages are only a few of the reasons why choosing to be right with God really blesses us. These verses from the NT support the notions said in the OT about righteousness: GA 6: 8-10, “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary of doing good, for in the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Showing the love of Christ to others is a righteous thing to do. PR 4: 23 & 26, “Above all else, guard you heart, for everything you do flows from it…Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” These beautiful words, said so often in the Scriptures, can’t help but show us how important to God our living righteously is. We mustn’t forget PR 2: 7-8, “He holds success in store for the upright; He is a Shield to those whose walk is blameless. For He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.” We’ve been told of how fair Christ will be at the last judgment. David, his “Song of Praise,” in 2 SAM 22: 21-22, writes, “The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands, He has rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I am not guilty of turning from my God.” Few people have lived as righteously as David.
PRAYER: O Most Holy Lord, Your light shines on us when we take in Your teaching and live by it. We are so very grateful for how clear You make Your will for us in Your word. PS 97: 11-12, “Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are right with Him and praise His holy name.” Micah 6: 8, a favorite verse reminds us, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Thanksgiving and praise to You, so richly deserved, in Christ’s holy/mighty name. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: The Holy Spirit commands me to write about the third element of EPH 6: 13-18, which is readiness which comes from the Gospel of peace (vs 15). The hope of the resurrection is the hope that we are to be able to explain our reason for having mentioned in 1 PET 3: 15. “We are to do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 JN 2: 17 helps us do this: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” Think about 1 PET 3: 18, For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” Thanksgiving and praise be to Him!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn, JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2024. All Rights Reserved.
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