Scriptures: Ezek. 34-37; The Book of Malachi; Rom. 11-12; 2 Cor. 10
The real separation is truly a great separation, but it is more than just that. The real separation commands a solid sobriety of the mind, a genuine prudence of the attitude, a humility of our heart and a willingness of our decision to undo the old earthly self from Adam so that we can embrace the new self in Christ Jesus. It will produce sorrow and joy for many of us, even bitterness or soulish excitement.
If a train is moving out of a station, those who refused to get on board will inevitably disappear from sight; they have made their choice to not continue on the journey. Even so, many of those who are on the train may not have whole-heartedly embraced their destiny and are still in remorse of what has past and thereby become resentful to the new order that is overtaking their daily lives. This order is no other than a foretaste of the divine order from above. They will, in the power of their flesh, put on a fight. However, the train will only accommodate those who willingly yield to the training of Heavenly Wisdom. Strife, competition, unhealthy desire for self-promotion and self-glory will be recognized as yeast and be cast out from this kind of fellowship, so that the foundations of His Household and the genuine discipleship of His Kingdom can be restored in the midst of "little ones". The goats will be separated from the sheep and be cast out. Those who strive to be first will become last, but those who are the least will become the greatest.
Divine order produces and upholds divine relationships. This kind of culture is commonly opposed by the ways or desires of human affinities and affections. This “struggle” of the will of man will prove to be a great test in terms of the fulfillment of a covenant of life and peace with the resurrection power and the Glory of His Son. Jesus was never working for the "interest of man", He is ever working for the will and the pleasure of the Father. All of us need to learn the lesson of the rich young ruler who, for a brief moment of excitement, eagerly sought to "know" Jesus as a God-sent teacher, but never as the Son of God (One having the wisdom and way of eternal life, and the ministry of a New Covenant.) Eternal life is to know the Father in Heaven, no more, no less.
Recently, I heard certain ones propagating an idea that there would be no delegated authorities in the Kingdom of God. This is an indication of how far man’s thoughts regarding "freedom" in the Lord has gone! Be aware of such claims and the desire of the rebellious nature of human pride and indulgence, which continues to refuse to yield to the order He is introducing into our midst. His Kingdom culture and economy will never work unless we yield to His headship. And His headship, by nature, enjoys the way of delegation of its authority and power, which is, in essence, apostolic (sent from above) and governmental (ruling in Heaven and Earth). This is the corporate embodiment of the law of Spiritual Life planted in a divine and spiritual land (reality) as a ministry representing the order from Heaven, the Corpse Christi (Body of Christ). We are raised up as kings and priests to serve only under this order. It was under this particular order that the early Apostles were able to minister with such authority and power. Otherwise (or under any other order), there would not have been nor would there be any apostles. The uniqueness of their discipleship under Jesus would mean nothing.
There were two and half tribes of the Israelites that chose not to live across the Jordan river. They, as was required, passed over the flooded Jordan on feet, consecrated their flesh for battle and even went all the way to help their brothers to conquer the enemy in the land they were to possess. Yet they never were full recipients of the promise God had given to their forefathers, which means they were not wholly a covenant people in the strict sense. This was by their own choice. As it turned out in the days that followed, this device of their own desire robbed them of their close affiliation with their brothers concerning matters of God's interests towards His people. They chose to live farther away from the proximity of the Tabernacle of the Lord.
Just like the journey in the wilderness speaks of the discipline of God, so does the choice made by the 12 tribes at the crossing over Jordan exemplify the willingness of heart in terms of receiving all the promises in Christ Jesus. It is in this light, James and other apostles admonished the saints to marry their faith with works – attitude, wisdom and life engagements as the practical fruits or the working out of their faith. Evidently, this fruit or working out of faith, goes far beyond what is commonly seen as helping the poor or needy. This is what Jesus meant when He said to practice His teaching of the Kingdom of God, and what Peter referred to in the “working out one's salvation with fear and trembling”, and why Paul said he would hold himself in check so that he is not disqualified while preaching it to others.
Many are called, few are chosen. There is a process defined as divine election. Without the proper discipline, none will be qualified to receive the fullness of Christ.
Catch the little foxes of our foolishness before they ruin our vineyard. Let us set our eyes upon Mount Zion, where His Tabernacle is, and take good care of how we are to enter in.
Love,
Sun
(P.S. Tim, thank you for the editing! )
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Meg Dean
