John 5:8-11 ASV  Jesus saith unto him, Arise, take up thy bed, and walk.  (9)  And straightway the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked. Now it was the sabbath on that day.  (10)  So the Jews said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for thee to take up thy bed.  (11)  But he answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

The voice of transformation will override the voice of legalism, and the resulting action may violate perceptions of what is acceptable.

My sister had recently completed a course to become an EMT for our local volunteer fire department. She had studied about all the correct procedures for administering emergency aid to those who had any physical adversity. Now, whenever the siren would go off during her scheduled time, she was supposed to drop anything else she might be doing and go immediately and apply her newfound skills to the needy. I had also just recently completed a course, but my qualifications had to do with operating a motor vehicle on public streets. I had studied about all the rules and regulations that were established so I could drive without bringing damage to myself, other drivers, or the vehicles we might be driving. I had passed the driver’s test with a perfect score indicating that I knew full well the restrictions associated with our local streets.

While all those speed and maneuvering laws were there for my preservation and were reasonably effective, they also were very restrictive on the young male need for speed. The leisurely pace required by the posted limit on our main thoroughfare did nothing to gratify or satisfy this need. A beautiful remedy for this that came to me, though, in the new requirement that my sister had of getting as quickly as possible to the emergency location. I had seen fire trucks and police cars racing down the streets at wonderful speeds and had come to understand the overriding power of those who had certain qualifications in the case of an emergency.  So, at the first opportunity, with the sounding of the siren, I responded to that higher calling and thoroughly enjoyed the exhilaration of violating those laws that had held me back in the name of what I saw to be an overriding law. Fortunately there was no harm done with my excessive application of my liberation, and even though I later realize I hadn’t been loosed from any and all consideration of safety, I did for those few fleeting moments experience the privilege of actions that previously been prohibited. I had been transformed from a normal everyday driver by the position and request of my sister. I now had authority to disregard rules that would restrict the operation of this greater need.

Perceptions of road signs and convictions of correct procedures are very much a part of becoming passionate about a holy and righteous Father God. Once a course is taken and an understanding gained with regard to the things of God, there is an accompanying compulsion to construct restrictions upon others with regard to whether or not their procedures are acceptable. Jesus came into a religious culture that was full of these road signs that seemed to be posted on every little passageway of life. He fully knew all the details of these laws, and yet He also realized that there was an overriding qualification brought on by the sounding of the emergency siren. The need for transformation in a life brought a transformation to His own position causing Him to know legitimate freedom from the constraints of man’s interpretations of law.

There are those in the world around us who have crashed and are in danger of eternal damnation. For their salvation and for the application of the gospel in their life, there is a need for someone willing to cast off the restraints of man’s constructed barriers and proceed with a pace that is more concerned about meeting their needs than whether or not all the laws are followed on the way to the accident scene. Rather than imprisoning and segregating those who’ve been called to carry the message when there is less than perceived perfection in their methods, a greater overriding transformation in the love of God will instead enable an embrace and a bonding of hearts. Though they were indeed right according to a single directive from the law, those who challenged Jesus on the Sabbath appear to have been incredibly wrong in the overall purpose of the Father. If it were true then, it could very well be true today. Rather than proudly embracing a spiritual discovery at the expense of relationship and spiritual unity, it might be that a higher voice of love transformation is needing to override the letter of the law. There are those desiring to rise and (unlawfully) take up their bed who are in need of our speed.

Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Oh, the good old younger days- when life was so much simpler and nothing was all that big of a deal- except for when someone: violated your side of the bed, took your toy, changed the channel, said something personally offensive, refused to give you what you had wanted for so long or do something your way, failed to notice and comment on your new stuff, etc. Then, boy howdy, it was time for the storm and battle of the day, with wailing, flailing, accusing, refusing, and general all out severing of relationship in the name of personal right and gratification.

It was time for this — unless— the participants in this interchange had experienced the uncompromising consequences for this kind of response from that aging ‘loved one’ wielding a reason for not acting in that way, you know, something that would actually leave a mark. Then, amazing as it may seem, those actions, reactions and attitudes that just couldn’t be controlled before were replaced with lowered volumes and even embraces (although possibly forced). This would all come by the mere realization that the ‘feared’ ones were able to hear and respond with something that demanded attention much more than merely gratifying the demands of a damaged ego.

While physical and material consequences were initially necessary for these attitude adjustments, as time passed in relationship with parents, love, honor, and respect for them personally became the adjusting element. To violate their trust and do something opposed to their principles would damage this relationship and this was feared much more than failing to get your own way.

(Ok, I know this might just be the way it should have been, not necessarily the way it was all the timeJ )

I love this passage from Ephesians making it clear that fearing and reverencing God isn’t something that takes place alone in the prayer closet. Where true honor, respect, value, and fear of our Redeemer is best represented is in giving up those childish demands of the flesh (that often persist way into adulthood) and actually submitting one to another. Reverence of Him is directly reflected in our human interaction. Where He is acknowledged as being in the room, there is a heightened awareness of his thoughts regarding our actions and where He is truly feared, adjustments will be made with love actions and words replacing those ‘natural’ responses.

It may be that certain things will not go well and there may be consequences that leave a mark on our life when self is elevated above others, but there is a much a greater influence on our attitudes and actions in a heart that is passionate about continual worship of the Holy One. Pleasing Him and demonstrating knowledge of His nature and His love is much more important than raising a ruckus about something done to us. The way those ‘old younger days’ were supposed to be, you know, where nothing was all that big of a deal, can be the here and now in the awareness of His presence that disallows any consideration of a suffered wrong. His love is most amazing when discovered and displayed in those who have claimed their life to be in Him. In sweet submission to that one we can see there is the greatest proclamation of a faith in the One we cannot see.

John 12:36 As you have the light, believe in the light. Then the light will be within you, and shining through your lives. You’ll be children of light.” Jesus said all this, and then went into hiding.
37 All these God-signs he had given them and they still didn’t get it, still wouldn’t trust him.
38 This proved that the prophet Isaiah was right:
God, who believed what we preached?
Who recognized God’s arm, outstretched and ready to act?
39 First they wouldn’t believe, then they couldn’t—again, just as Isaiah said:
40 Their eyes are blinded,
their hearts are hardened,
So that they wouldn’t see with their eyes
and perceive with their hearts,
And turn to me, God,
so I could heal them.

I had just dropped Hunter off at school yesterday and was driving down the lane towards the street. A young child caught my eye as he was running towards the lane across a grassy area to the left. I moved my foot to the brake anticipating him possibly running into my path, but he stopped suddenly, grabbed a tall stalk of seeding grass, pulled it up and promptly stuck it in his mouth. It was such a display of innocence and the lack of awareness that something unsavory might happen to be on that piece of grass. I immediately wondered what else he might just as quickly pop in his mouth.

This apparent lack of concern about what might be connected to stuff that makes it into the mouth is something that I’ve noticed with regard to close relationships in the home. Definitely with my wife, but also with my children, there is no apparent repulsion with drinking after them or cleaning up their plate. Ok, I know maybe I’m just revealing something uniquely creepy about myself, but for me this directly relates to the bonding of hearts and how connected I am to these loved ones. It’s not that I don’t like someone outside of this little family circle of mine, but as soon as a morsel is identified as having been touched by an outsider, for some reason there is this strong repulsion to ingesting anything that might have touched their mouth. The germs might not be any worse on the glass from which they have drunk, but I am very unwilling to receive even the tastiest looking treat into my mouth if they have touched it with theirs. With my family, though, for some reason I am open to accepting the good, the bad and the unknown from the one that has my heart wrapped around their little finger without questioning or rejecting it. Where there has been a bonding of hearts there is openness to not only embracing them, but taking in all that they have touched no matter how it might otherwise be objectionable.

I’ve wondered about this passage from John where the prophet is quoted, how people would be unable to be healed because of blinded eyes and hardened hearts. Why would anyone be turned away from receiving of His goodness? This came after Jesus was challenged for his claim to be the Son of Man and the need to be “lifted up”. Instead of directly replying, Jesus began talking about becoming children of the light and allowing the light to be ‘within you’. This was similar to when He was talking about having to eat His flesh and drink His blood. (John 6) Although many had seen the miracles and wonders He performed, it was a few that actually believed in Him. The blinding of eyes and hardening of the hearts might have something to do with the reception of the light and the presence of Jesus as more than just a concept, but rather an inner-circle family member. Until there is a total family bond with Him to where He is ingested along with everything He has spoken without consideration of what might not make sense or what might otherwise be questionable, there can be no faith or reception of the healing that comes in that ‘family only’ understanding. Until He is ingested, the good, the bad (to old ways of seeing), and the unknown the heart bond has not yet been made and nothing about Him will be savory.

Before attempting to wrap a thought around the wonder of who He is and somehow reconcile what He’s said with circumstances and challenges of the world around us, it is most necessary to just get up in His lap, hear His heartbeat and in worship know Him as Father and inseparable family member. Then, with our heart wrapped around this relationship, all that He has spoken and all that He has touched will not only be seen and accepted, but ingested and part of who we are.

John 2:2 Jesus and his disciples were guests also.3 When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus’ mother told him, “They’re just about out of wine.”4 Jesus said, “Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.”5 She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it.”

For the heart that is connected by more than just a name there is a commitment that goes far beyond just monitoring progress. This heart, in anticipation of emerging purpose, is proactive in helping that purpose along by words and other demonstrations of faith in the loved one. For Mary there must have been this incredible perception of how Jesus’ glory and true purpose were to become exposed for all to see. It was this same bonding of heart that would keep her at his side through the glory of the miracles, but also through the trial, torture and crucifixion that was all part of His ultimate purpose. It was as if she was almost in front of Him all along, believing, speaking and pulling Him forward. As much as He was the Son of God and empowered with the life of His Father, he was also human and directly impacted in His emotions by the rejection and betrayal of those He came to serve. Throughout the great emotional struggle that was a necessary part of fulfilling His destiny, there was a point of reference in the unwavering love and belief of His little mother that continually encouraged and amazingly pulled Him along, not only in performing His first miracle, but rising from the fall the cross imposed upon Him to continue to the place where He would offer Himself upon it. Her heart never wavered from a belief that continually propelled her to a position in front of her passion – speaking, encouraging, touching, and ever setting before Him a vision of hope and joyfully fulfilled purpose.

Born with a mission far greater than any other being that would ever breath, Jesus was also challenged in ways that would exceed any other experience of life. In order to fulfill this mission He was provided with an understanding of His identity and His relationship with His Father through the scriptures. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and anointed to preach, heal, and deliver. Possibly the most precious provision that enabled Him to complete His purpose, though, was the heart of the simple human being that never left Him from the moment the angel first spoke of His conception. Her place in His life was not just a nice little touch, but was an essential element that equipped the part of Him that was most human to press on to the ultimate glory. She probably didn’t know any of the details that would transpire as a result of her actions at the marriage or the cross, but in both, her role was neither unnoticed nor insignificant. Her heart believed through till the end with essential anticipation-motivated actions of love.

There are precious hearts we’ve been blessed with as much more than just acquaintances to casually observe. There is significant purpose in each of those hearts that requires identity and spirit empowered anointing, but there is also a great necessity in their purpose for the simple word or action of faith, encouragement and inspiration that will come from us. There is a glory to be revealed in each of them that is actually the continuation of Jesus’ purpose that Mary touched. In them will be the fulfillment of that joy that was set before Him as our hearts are disabled from purpose denying discouragement to destiny empowering faith actions that unrelentingly anticipate and lovingly pull along to exposure of that glory that is already theirs in Christ. They can and they will. This is our purpose.

Galatians 3:24-26 KJV  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  (25)  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  (26)  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Now, this was completely different. Instead of everything being determined by conduct and test scores according to the strict guidelines of the school administration, there was apparently nothing you could do here to lose favor and that warm embrace.

The many years spent at the boarding school had engrained within them the need for everything to be in place and every task to be completed before there could be acceptance. It seemed that the smallest failure could disqualify and sometimes the punishment would even be isolation where the violator would have to spend extended periods of time alone. While there was definitely an adjustment of behaviors and the forming of acceptable conduct, there was also a great deal of focus upon the importance of perfection as it related to relationship. Though there may have been a strong desire to please the schoolmaster and interact in relationship, there was this continual hovering threat of wrath, loss of privileges and even separation. Periods of success may have brought relief and moments of acceptance, but that feeling was so precarious as being right was obviously much more important than being near. Any relationship that might be developed was subject to removal based upon the ability to perform in a satisfactory manner. The uniforms were the same, the smiles were according to order, the seating was in line with latest test results, and the invitations to the social activities and clubs were determined by approved behaviors. Any relationship and its functions was directly related to performance and conduct, so that this became the means by which others were also accepted or rejected. If everything was acceptable, then smiles, embraces, and service were gladly given. As soon as there was something to deal with in the relationship, however, it was time to seek out a more acceptable prospect, one that might more readily fit within those all important guidelines.

So, this was quite an adjustment to find themselves in this home rather than classroom and in this family rather than in a competition as a numbered participant. It wasn’t that you could just act however you wanted, but somehow there was never the threat of separation or banishment for a simple failure. Here, there is a sense that, no matter how much you mess up, you still have a place at the table. The only time you aren’t at the table is when you choose not to be. Arms are always ready to embrace and words of affirmation and encouragement are continually spoken. There are expected behaviors, but favor and love is always extended without the constant threat of rejection. The only difficulty now with this adjustment?- learning to do the same, and not base relationships upon behavior and compliance, but unending family identity.

We’re all in the same house now. We were once school children in a place where performance determined acceptance. In Christ, though, we’re all now children of a Father who is eternally committed to our favor and embrace way beyond our perfection or the lack thereof. The challenge?- doing the same.

Psalms 38:13 But I, as a deaf man, hear not; And I am as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. 14 Yea, I am as a man that heareth not, And in whose mouth are no reproofs. 15 For in thee, O Jehovah, do I hope: Thou wilt answer, O Lord my God.

Communication 101 – Must hear -> Must respond.

If a relationship is to make it very far at all, there has to be an ability to not only hear, but appropriately respond. With all the great means of communication via phone, online social networking, and texting, relationships are still brought to a premature halt by the inability to receive or the failure to respond. For all the attempts at relationships that come to the inbox continually, it is only those ones that are deemed “important” that are even read and then, possibly, responded to. Gmail even has a new feature that will help you determine which emails are the most important and place them at the top of your inbox list based upon your established pattern of viewing and responding. For all those “unimportant” attempts at communication it will be as if the recipient were both deaf and dumb. The lack of response will actually communicate something in itself, that there will be no influence or the exchange thereof with this person; they are inaccessible.

There are many different reasons for the failed response. Sometimes it is just a matter of a failed recognition, where the communication is sent to the spam folder or the trash before its value is even considered. Often times a communication that is sent to more than one recipient will seem to be of less importance or value and just be ignored. It doesn’t seem like it will make much difference one way or the other if any response is given. Many times, though, it is just a matter of focus, where there is such a high level of attention already given elsewhere that it is impossible to break through the “focus barrier”. Like the father watching the football game or the child in the middle of the top level of a video game, there may be a mumbled response to the call of their name and the presentation of important information. In actuality, though, they are pretty much deaf and dumb to any entity beyond the realm of their passion of the moment. It’s not necessarily that everything else is insignificant, but for the period of intense focus, nothing else will produce the much-needed response, and relationship, for that moment, is brought to a halt.

There is communication coming our way continually, much of which may bear some merit in itself if read and responded to. There are matters having to do with the state of our economy and how that has directly affected our bank account. Doctors and lenders reports may show up and actually require a response of some kind. Posts are made on our walls and texts show up on our phones from people that are seeking some form of connection. Whether or not there is an ongoing relationship with those attempts, however, has everything to do with the state of our ears and mouths with regard to the attempted communications. If not recognized, valued, understood or focused on, nothing will be heard and no response will be made.

For many there are a large portion of the communications from the ‘Heaven’ address that have not yet been opened, are already filtered to the trash, or simply have not yet been seen. Sadly, the “important” stuff of this world has been given “first response” priority and relationships have been developed on a high level elsewhere through the active responses to those other, more important entities. Their influence has been felt and passed on and their impact on life has been made to the exclusion of the Higher Attempts. The name calls and important information from the Master have not been able to make it past the “focus barrier” that our passions have formed. If after some time there is a perception that He has not said anything, it will only be because He has not been heard and responded to. His attempts have definitely come to the inbox.

Gladly there is a way to reverse this trend and render those spammers powerless. For every one who becomes focused on the Master and responds immediately and passionately to His communication attempts, a relationship will be established that cannot be shaken or influenced by all those meaningless voices to whom we’ve become both deaf and dumb. To them the only communication will be that we are inaccessible and further relationship is not possible.

Heb 13:20-21 (WEY) 20 Now may God who gives peace, and brought Jesus, our Lord, up again from among the dead—even Him who, by virtue of the blood of the eternal Covenant, is the great Shepherd of the sheep— 21 fully equip you with every grace that you may need for the doing of His will, producing in us that which will truly please Him through Jesus Christ.

First of all, it would seem that truly pleasing God is the driving force, doing His will is how that is done, and this just isn’t going to be any old walk in the park that can be done blind-folded, with your hands behind your back. It’s going to take an equipping of every grace (the application of His empowering favor in every area of life) in order to accomplish this otherwise impossible feat. His will is widespread and far-reaching. Then, though, it is to be understood, that all of the ability to do this is provided by Someone with a more than adequate resume. It would seem there will just be no pleasing Him apart from humbly accessing His grace through the blood of Jesus, and allowing it to be Him who makes possible the righteous walk through the valley of the shadow of death, frustration and confusion. Pleasing Him would be completely overwhelming if it weren’t for the unfailing resource of His presence, whereby we are never without full ability to complete the deed according to His preferences and His desires.

Recently a gas explosion took place in the Gulf, releasing massive amounts of oil into the water, causing an enormous mess to clean up and widespread disruption of ocean life. This took place far below the surface of the ocean where a drill was penetrating the floor. I read somewhere that on the very day this took place the company was touting its safety measures and how it was equipped to deal with emergencies. Ironically, there seemed to be no preparation whatsoever for something that had to have been a considered a possibility all along. For day after day thousands upon thousands of gallons of oil have freely flown from the gaping hole with no prepared ability to do anything effectively, partly due to the troubled seas on the surface. The oil company and the government have been somewhat helpless to do anything but monitor the disaster. I did hear just recently, though, that there was a large box being lowered over the hole to cover and seal it. Something else mentioned was that the further actual efforts were made to remedy the situation, the more various feasible options were being presented to actually do so.

Every day is full of potential explosions that are capable of disrupting all of life around us. Rather than just considering that all the necessary resources and precautions are already in place, it is vital that a continual advance to the throne of grace be made, the only place where there are no unforeseen surprises. To maintain the life that has been provided in Christ, unspotted and unstained by the disrupting substance of life’s encounters, an intimate relationship with the only real Equipper will make available the ready solutions that are clearly held in His hand. In fearful and reverent pursuit of His favor, there will be a reception in arms that are open to receive each one who is ready to place their life in His trust. Pleasing Him will come by simply allowing Him to come in and cap the unstoppable flow of contamination and unrighteousness- something only He is capable of doing.

There is true pleasing of Him available for each one who will but take their place at His side.

Eph 3:20 (KJV) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Psa 23:5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

In the past few years, a host of studies have emerged claiming that eating dinner as a family can provide serious benefits for children. In 2005, research at Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) found that the number of children who report having dinner regularly with their families was on the rise—about 58 percent, up from 47 percent in 1998—and that children who experienced family meals were less likely to be tempted by marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs, and less likely to smoke cigarettes. A 2000 survey at Harvard Medical School revealed that nine- to fourteen-year-olds who ate dinner with their families usually consumed greater quantities of healthy fruits and vegetables, and less soda and fast food. They were also more likely to accept new foods their parents offered them and to make healthy food choices on their own. For girls in particular, eating dinner with parents has been shown to correlate with a reduced risk of crash dieting, having distorted body image, or using aggressive weight-loss methods.

(From ‘The Family That Eats Together … Why Family Meals Make for Happier Kids’ by  Divine Caroline, on Mon Feb 22, 2010 12:59pm PST)

In the middle of the attacks that are coming without interruption from and enemy that would like to destroy us with so many diversions, there is a place of comfort and security to be found right at the dinner table. Right in the presence of those assaults that would destroy and divide, there is a refuge and place of hope and confidence, where the challenges of life are disabled for a few moments and the nourishment that is so needed is taken in from the provision of the Father.

I was so blessed in this way in our home growing up. Though we were not without our own tense moments, there was something we always did as a family- sit down together for breakfast and dinner. It wasn’t just going through the drive-through either. The nourishment received there at the table was something that had usually been prepared by the loving and caring hands of my mother. Something very secure and foundational was established with every beckoning to the dining room by the smells of her creations. Love was imparted and the fears that could have opened doors for the enemy’s devises were dispelled by a defense that came by merely sitting down together and establishing the refuge of relationship.

There is this same calling taking place every morning and evening, and especially in the presence of enemies that would divide, dissuade and addict us to destructive paths of unrighteousness. It is a calling to that place at the table where for a few moments all other considerations of life are suspended for the intake of a savory preparation of love and care. The table is always set and awaiting all that will but come and sit down in His presence. There, almost as if by magic, the power of those weapons that would otherwise wreak devastation are disabled and can no longer prosper. A relationship is established there in His presence that causes the once ominous enemy to be reduced to his proper size and removed of all power to be an effective enticement. The return to this place, then, becomes a welcome and necessary event as the hunger rises once again and the enemies continue their assault. The comfort, security and nourishment are available morning, noon, and night at an open dining room and a table that is ever set with the preparations of a welcoming Father.

Psalms 107:31-32 KJV Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (32) Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

How sweet and how wonderful is the place of intimacy that is our personal refuge in the presence of the Lord. Moses must have valued so highly His moments of personal exposure to the glory of God. The burning bush, the mountain encounter, and each personal communication from Almighty God surely made him to feel the need to pursue this relationship to the exclusion of all others. As precious as each of those moments was for Moses, however, there was a purpose in them that went beyond the personal one on one to how that encounter would affect the people. Moses’ relationship with God found its greatest significance when he took it to the congregation, when what He experienced alone with God was made to impact a nation and a world. His solitude with God, while necessary for personal revelation, was in need of people encounters for its continuance. He understood this so much so that when God was ready to destroy the people for their sinning, Moses spoke passionately about their preservation as if it were necessary for his own. His purpose in God had become directly connected to his purpose in the congregation.

David also seemed to have an understanding that his personal relationship was in need of those times in the congregation. Although he was able to acknowledge the involvement of God from the magnitude of creation to each personal conflict, it was those moments in the congregation that brought gladness to his heart and a joyous response. Though he lived one of the greatest examples of personal nearness to God, his fulfilled purpose was always found in the congregation, honoring, together with others, the faithfulness of His God.

There is a great need for the early morning encounters, even those moments before sleep is completely over. The times alone with God in His Word are essential for a life that will represent Him in holiness and wisdom. For every personal moment of intimacy with God, however, there is a congregational purpose. The heart of the Father is in continual pursuit of all those He’s created, and any pursuit of Him will lead to the place where they gather. For anyone determined to worship the Father in spirit and in truth, there will be a mentor in David, the one whose heart was after God. To follow him would mean a frequent arrival in the congregation where His God was magnified in a way his personal encounters could not replace.

There is a transforming encounter with an incredible God for today. It’s in the secret place where we are preserved, protected, and provided for by the Most High. For every personal exposure to His face and His glory, though, there is a time in the congregation where together with others and their proclaimed victories, Jesus name will be magnified once again. The personal is so precious, but the congregation gives it a purpose of eternal proportions it will never know on its own.

Psalms 111:1 KJV Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

Psalms 149:1 KJV Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

“Holy Father, keep them true to Thy name—the name which Thou hast given me to bear—that they may be one, even as we are. John 17:11 (WEY)

Early last week I came upon a survey form on a website asking the question, “For what are you most thankful?” There were several options given, like job, money, and health, etc. and upon making your choice the results were shown as percentages of all responders. It was interesting to see that by far the greatest amount of thanks expressed was for family. Above material and personal provisions there was a higher appreciation and value indicated for relationships with those who were given as kinfolk.

In Jesus’ prayer to His Father before committing Himself as the purchase price for our redemption He gave indication of what He considered to be of greatest value. Like the survey I took, His greatest appreciation was expressed for family, those given to Him for relationship and fellowship. Rather than praying for the preservation of any earthly thing, His heart’s expression was for the keeping of those who had become most valuable to Him. Though there were surely faults in each of them enough to disqualify, Jesus considered each to be worthy of God’s own defense and preservation. Against any threat that might damage or divide them He was asking that the forces of heaven might provide a secure refuge. There would surely be conflicts and disagreements that would rise between them, but their overall preservation would be much more necessary than the victory of any single side. In the name of the Lord would be a refuge of eternally preserving unity.

There is a survey question we are frequently responding to (whether realized or not) that is indicating the priority of relationships to other elements in our lives. Given the opportunity to enter into strife or offense we are choosing to either allow entrance by one of our enemy’s most threatening weapons or effectively resist his attempts by running into the name of Jesus. Those relationships that are truly from the Father will be preserved there in His name, while any threat, whether of man or other earthly concern will not be able to exist in the realm of true worship and sacrifice that His name provides.

In the presence of the Lord there is an opportunity today for Jesus’ heart prayer to be answered as our place in His body is strengthened through the preservation of those relationships He’s so graciously given. Any threat to this unity will be effectively thwarted in the heart of all who enter the refuge of His nearness. Rather than reason and emotion guiding choices, a heart response will be right in line with that of our Redeemer in His ‘Most Thankful’ selection.