Embracing His Glory #12 (#764)
This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about how our following him will lead us to the fullness of joy and the camaraderie of sharing life with Jesus.
Podcast: Download
Subscribe: RSS
You mentioned “…lost in the darkness…” so I am requesting prayer for my overwhelmed condition.
And….I don’t get it that you said “…whatever Jesus asks us to do.” He said “command” not “ask”. I am confused.
I am so sorry to hear you are overwhelmed. There is so much going on in the world. Now, more than ever we need to see Him more clearly than we see the circumstances of our world. So I do pray that the eyes of your heart will be opened to behold his immense love for you, that he is aware of everything that concerns you, and that he will provide for you peace from a deeper source, and a way of escape. May his hope fill you and set your heart at rest today.
As to why I often use “ask” instead of command, when not quoting the Scripture itself, is because that’s how he comes to me. He never demands, or makes me do anything. He honors my will and my willful participation in whatever he wants of me. I see it more as asking, and all the more engaging and powerful because I get to choose, rather than be forced into compliance.
Thanks so much. That cleared up a lot.
Came across this description online of the Hebrew word for command:
https://www.ancient-hebrew.org/definition/command.htm
The word command, as well as commandment, are used to translate the Hebrew word mits’vah but does not properly convey the meaning of mits’vah. The word command implies words of force or power as a General commands his troops. The word mits’vah is better understood as a directive. To see the picture painted by this word, it is helpful to look at a related word, tsiyon (which is also the name Zion) meaning a desert or a landmark. The Ancient Hebrews were a nomadic people who traveled the deserts in search of green pastures for their flocks. A nomad uses the various rivers, mountains, rock outcroppings, etc as landmarks to give them their direction. The verbal root of mits’vah and tsiyon is tsavah meaning to direct one on a journey. The mits’vah of the Bible are not commands, or rules and regulations, they are directives or landmarks that we look for to guide us.
John L, That is very helpful! I also looked it up in my Strong’s Concordance and got insight from that. I very much appreciate your heart’s input. ?
Sorry. I don’t know why that question mark is there. 🙂
Lindy, just wanting to ecourage you…your post reflected so well what I’m feeling in my own heart. May He graciously give us a capacity to “see” with greater clarity. This process of untwisting performance is both mysterious and wonder filled. Blessings
Hi Sue,
Thanks so much. This community is such a great blessing, as your individual comment is. You are a blessing.
?
Lindy
This podcast spoke to me in that I find myself comparing my situation to friends who have it ‘better’ than I do and sure enough, feeling depressed about it. Not always realizing that for what I have come through in my life I am doing exceptionally well. Not by the world’s standards, mind you, but God’s. I’ve never thought of seeking out those less fortunate to have relationships with, though in my work I encounter them on a daily basis. But it is definitely food for thought…
Hello again Lindy….just recognizing that this journey out of legalism and performance is both longer than we would want and more painful than we would want. There are moments when it is so good to say to another person “oh….you’re there too!” May His reality be made more real for both of us…..