Take a look at the present state of humanity. The majority of the world seems to be overrun by chaos, death, dissension, rejection and shame. We have become a people controlled by our emotions because we lack true knowledge of who God is, and what we were created for. We seek understanding but the answers we receive leave us feeling hopeless and without direction. How did we get here? Why does evil seem to be in control?
To answer this question, we have to go back to the beginning of time. God made man in His own image, so He could have a relationship with them and in turn, share all His wisdom, design and splendor with. The ways of God and His purposes were never meant to be navigated on our own, which was why God allowed free rein to everything BUT the knowledge of good and evil. He always wanted this knowledge and counsel to come directly from Him. Through this intimate relationship, He wanted to reign WITH us on this earth. But, Adam and Eve decided to trust their own understanding. The enemy knew this was a weakness because he also wanted to have the power of God , without it being given. So, the enemy played on these emotions and therefore tricked man. At this moment, God’s original purpose was put on hold, for a time. The generational effects of this decision were felt. Yet, God continued to give man the opportunities to be pulled out of the slavery of one’s own understanding and turn back to Him for wisdom. Through the study of history, we can see repeating patterns of depravity, opportunity to change and then devastation. We simply refuse to see how we are missing the mark of His original design. By definition, missing the mark is sin. Over and over, we decided to trust in our own efforts and understanding. These continued choices have left us in a world marked with loneliness, death, decay, sickness, poverty, rejection and shame. We became a people controlled by emotions, fear, manipulation, hate, division, and hopelessness. In the deepest love for His creation, He did something radical. He sent His first born Son, Jesus, to provide another way back into this relationship. The sacred Holiness of this relationship can not be shared with sin. So, He asked His only Son to be the blood sacrifice(atonement, payment) for all the sins of humanity. He endured our punishment for sin so that we could be forgiven and receive righteousness. He was wounded, so that we could be healed. He endured death, so that we could have life. And He became the curse, so that we could receive blessing. He was stripped and laid bare, the ultimate display of poverty, so that we might live in abundance. He was rejected by His own creation, so that we could be accepted. He endured shame unimaginable, so that we could receive glory. THIS is the the power of the abundance He offers. By the word of our testimony, we are able to pour out this truth, through a new culture, that brings the abundance the world desperately longs for but are too blind to see. But, God is His patience and grace, is offering up yet another chance.
A path is being opened up to a few, chosen people. This invitation is to those with a correct posture of heart, humble and ready for complete sanctification. On this journey, we must be willing to ONLY follow the council of our guide, the Holy Spirit. He is going to lead us down a new way of holiness, in both the heart and in life. However, this is a very narrow path and must be regarded with a very humble fear. For on this path, the enemy knows the steaks are high and he will pull out every effort to trip and entangle us. We must quiet all other noise and have a razor sharp focus on the voice of the Guide. For He knows exactly what is on the path. He also knows each of us, completely. He knows every threat, temptation and mindset that will cause us to fall. If we sharpen our willingness to listen and obey; He will direct our every step. At times, we will still make mistakes, but we will always have our Guide(counselor) and others on our journey to help comfort, pick up and realign our focus on the path ahead. The more we stumble, the greater our capacity is extended as we overcome. (James 1:2-4) These mistakes then become a vital part of our sanctification. Through the conquering, we learn and develop His likeness, with unending perseverance, wisdom and peace in the process.
At the end of this path is a door which opens up to the fullness of His righteousness. Through this door, we have access to His authority and power. (Colossians 2:10) This is part of His covenant to His sons who follow this path of sanctification. As we inhabit His righteousness, we are to bring His oils of abundance, healing waters and to salt the earth.
The anointing with His abundance (1 Peter 1-2) is not only for our benefit, but so that He can be glorified in a world that sits in a thick fog of deception, which distorts their ability to see. The healing waters we bring will physical manifestation of His Kingdom, here on earth as it is in heaven. Healing waters are brought to the people by introducing a new culture. One that is based on God’s governing order and purposes, not any counterfeit system that has been manufactured. This culture will also be the salt to the earth.
Salt is meant to flavor and preserve. We will flavor the earth, because as we abide in Him, and our righteousness is made perfect, the culture that is produced is marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control. Being a people who shine in such contrast, others will be drawn to the flavor of this salt. This culture is the Bride of Christ, made ready for the ultimate wedding feast. The more who join the feast, the more this pleases the Father. As the groom (Jesus) comes down to earth for this ceremony, a Holy union is made where His Kingdom reigns supreme on this earth, just as it is in heaven.