I am my Father’s favourite!

How can that be when he has so many children?

Actually my Father is the ‘Father of all’. That is how Paul concludes his list of aspects that unites us in one Spirit (1). When Paul comes with this statement, I am convinced that he is not limiting ‘all’ to ‘all believers’, I believe he includes every individual human being on this earth. In the same letter he writes about the unity of the Spirit, he has already stated that the Father of our Lord Jesus is also:

“the perfect Father of every father and child in heaven and on the earth.”
Epf 3:15

I have met many people, also believers, who struggle with the image of God as the ‘perfect Father’. Very often this discomfort derives from bad experience caused by a distant or abusive earthly father who was far from perfect. God the Father sets the standard for what a good father is – and even a good earthly father would never be able to give more than a brief glimpse of what the ‘perfect Father’ is like. Because the ‘perfect Father’ has the capacity to embrace all children. Further:

“…to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:12

So when a person has received Jesus Christ into his life, he has become a child of God, and as such he is also God’s favourite. It will never happen that the ‘Perfect Father’ will favour one child over another, because he knows that to favour one would disturb the unity of the Spirit, and that is exactly what God wants to see in his children. He wants us to sing with David:

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

…and move forward as One Army, with One Message and One Mission.

‘Manna’ for today:

I love to share my Father with all!

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(1) ….keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, Ephesians 4:3-6

Which are the ‘greater gifts’?

There is no doubt that the greatest gift is The holy spirit and his burning love (1), but leading up to his teaching about love as the most excellent way, Paul wrote:

Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
1 Cor 12:31

What does he refer to?

First of all, I must admit that I think it is a little bit strange if there is a kind of hierarchy of spiritual gifts.

Because a ‘greater gift’ will be the one that I most of all need in a given situation. However, it becomes very clear what Paul had in mind when he had finished his wonderful teaching about love (2), because he continues in this way:

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
1 Cor 14:1

…and he explains that the reason for this is that “the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort” (3).

For an observant Bible reader, it should not be a surprise that Paul considers prophecy as a ‘greater gift’. Paul was a scholar. In regard to the law, he was a Pharisee (4), and he had studied under Gamaliel (5). When Paul met Jesus in the vision on the road to Damascus he became blind and had to be led into the city. There Ananias visited him and prophesied over him, and event that confirmed Paul's calling and ministry.

Paul could relate all that happened to him to the prophecies of the Old Testament and he used these prophecies as important part of his teaching and preaching. Paul experienced frequently that people prophesied over him (6), and he also used this gift in his own ministry (7).

I will write more on the subject of 'eagerly desiring the greater gifts' in the next couple of blogs.

‘Manna’ for today:

God always speaks! (8)

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(1) See: “Go for ‘the gifts’ in an excellent way!”
(2) 1 Corinthians 13
(3) 1 Corinthians 14:3
(4) Philippians 3:5
(5) Acts 22:3
(6) Acts 21:10-11
(7) Acts 27:21-26
(8) The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. Psalm 50:1

Knowing that it applies to all - a step on the journey

NORSK
... and this step will be the last in this reflection series. Easter week confirms that Jesus includes everyone.

Maybe some of the readers were a little bit puzzled when I yesterday wrote that we need the rich. It was not to exclude the poor or anybody else - rather, my intention was to include the rich as well. When I today read the resurrection message once again, it is the women who are entrusted with the marvelous mission to convey that Jesus is risen. The angel said to them:

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
Matthew 28:6-7

I have never understood those who dare to challenge God's commissioning of women as messengers of the gospel’s most important confirmation that life has triumphed over death. Therefore, I have to be very clear when I address people in cultures where old gender roles affect women's rights to equal ministry with men inside the church.

But it is not just women and rich that are included in the Easter gospel. When Jesus came to Jerusalem, he went directly to the temple and I read that the children shouted in the sanctuary: “Hosanna to the Son of David.” The scribes were indignant and asked if Jesus heard what they were saying, and Jesus replied:

“Yes, but have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infant you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” (1)
Matt 21:15-16

The children were included, so were the sick, the robber, the roman soldiers who crucified Jesus, Mary and the disciples. All are included! 
However, it is my choice whether or not I want to be included.

‘Manna’ for today:

I am included in the new life. I have made a very good choice!

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(1) Psalm 8:2

Knowing what selfdenial is - a step on the journey

NORSK
Six months ago the Norwegian author and politician Aslak Sira Myhre wrote an article with the headline: "Don't follow your dream" - the illustration is taken from the article. 

It is an important statement, not least because it comes from a person who does not confess to write from a Christian perspective. Here are a few samples:

“... It is very close to immorality to ask people to follow their dreams. Our dreams are too similar and too selfish ... If you talk to your kids about what to do with their lives, you should suggest that they choose to do something useful. Something that is good for others ... And tell them that they should be kind. It is undervalued. Kind people are good people ...”

From Aslak I go directly to Jesus:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Matt 16:24

“Self-denial” is part of Jesus’ call to his disciples. I was born into the Salvation Army where self-denial was part of my upbringing. I saw how my parents prioritized and how William Booth's exhortation and encouragement in the one word “Others” was not just a theory, but a lifestyle. I also know that Mom and Dad have had a rich life, and that is how I see and value my own life too. It is also possible to make such a lifestyle into a dream. Whether the call comes from Jesus, Aslak or William, I confess together with David:

‘Manna’ for today:

I delight to do your will, my God (1)

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(1) Psalm 40:8a

Knowing who I am - a step on the journey

NORSK
For the pilgrimage together with Jesus, it is important that I am aware of who I am and what my status is. After Peter made his 'good confession' (1), he received this affirmation from Jesus:

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter…”
Matt 16:17-18a

What did Peter know about himself after this affirmation?
 
1. God has shown me something

This is not unique to Peter, for God speaks and calls upon all human beings (2) through many channels (3)

2. I have accepted what God has shown me

This is possible for all people (4)

3. The confession I have given is important for me

Without this confession he had not been affirmed as Peter. (5)

4. The confession is important also for other people

Because it is the confession that is the 'rock' = Peter.

Point four forms the starting point for reflection tomorrow. Peter was unique, but it applies to all people, including me.

‘Manna’ for today:

I know who I am in Christ.

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(1) Cf. 1 Tim 6:12
(2) The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
Psalm 50:1
(3) Primarily, God speaks through His Word, but he also speaks in through the nature and our conscience and through our fellow believers.
(4) John 1:12
(5) As quoted yesterday Rom 10:10

What is the most special aspect of Jerusalem?

NORSK
Yesterday I started on the trek ‘up to Jerusalem’ as a preparation for Easter.
Actually, all the reflections for this period could have been linked to Jerusalem's unique position as the most important religious capital of the world. 

If the question in today's headline was given in a survey, I would not be surprised if the uniqueness as religious capital would receive the majority vote. 

Still, I want to focus on something else; however, I cannot claim to sit with the correct answer, if there is correct answer to the question. 

I remember very well the strong impression Psalm 87 made on me when I was preparing my messages for a tent-campaign in Lyngdal in the early 90s. The Psalm has only seven small verses, but I think it contains an important prophecy about the new birth:

And of Zion it is said:
“Each person was born in it,
but the one who will establish it is the Most High.”
Psalm 87:5

I think this is the most special aspect of Jerusalem. That was the reason why Jesus had to go up to Jerusalem. It was there that the foundation for the new birth had to be laid. The next few days I will try post reflections to substantiate this claim.

‘Manna’ for today:

I have never been in Jerusalem, but I was born there! (1)

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(1) May be you will make the same claim when you have read the entire Psalm:

God’s foundation is set on the holy mountains.
2 The Lord loves Zion’s gates
more than all of Jacob’s houses combined.
3 Glorious things are said about you,
the city of God! Selah
4 I count Rahab and Babel among those who know me;
also Philistia and Tyre, along with Cush—
each of these was born there.
5 And of Zion it is said:
“Each person was born in it,
but the one who will establish it is the Most High.”
6 The Lord makes a record as he registers the peoples:
“Each one was born there.” Selah
7 And while they dance, people sing:
“The source of my life comes from you.” 

Psalm 87

“When my spirit grows faint”

NORSK
Psalm 142 was yesterday’s text on our ‘Bible Reading Plan’. David wrote his psalms and prayers under all kinds of circumstances. This particular prayer was written when he fled Saul’s persecution and hid in a cave. He had all reasons to be depressed and to lose heart, but he wrote:

When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.
Psalm 142:3

It is a strong testimony of trust in the midst of hostility.
May be Timothy found himself in a similar situation when Paul wrote:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Tim 1:7 

David was young when he was in the cave. Timothy was young when he was left with the responsibility for the church at Ephesus. Both of them carried the blessing and the burden of a calling and anointing on their lives, as do all disciples of Jesus Christ at all times.

Therefore, I need to be reminded about the fact that God:

• watches over my way
• gives power, love and self-discipline

With regard to the study of Paul’s mentoring of Timothy, I have already focused on both love (1) and self-discipline (2), but tomorrow I will look closer at power.

‘Manna’ for today:

God watches over my way!

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(1) See e.g. “The goal of the mission defined” and “A smile on the arena of love”
(2) See e.g. “Godless myths” and “It is about lifestyle”

New Year’s Day

NORSK
Many enjoy the idea of starting afresh, and some see the first day of the New Year as an opportunity to do so. In God’s Kingdom every day is a New Year’s Day. The new life in Christ makes it possible to start afresh every day.

God is always making something new. The Creation-story is a manifestation of his creativity. One of the last promises in the Bible indicates the same:

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Rev 21:5

It is one of the attributes of God. It is part of being the great “I am”. He who always is, is he is making all everything new. That is valid today and every day:

* You crown the year with Your goodness.
And Your paths drip with abundance.
Psalm 65:11

‘Manna’ for today:

He who is making everything new is with me every day in the New Year!

May God’s blessing be part of every day of your life in the New Year.
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“Everyday exhortations”

NORSK
The ‘everyday exhortations’ in today’s verses are typical examples of “everything else”, which was the focus of yesterday’s reflection. In these verses Paul presents challenges both for men and women, and it is about behaviour:

I will therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up pure hands, without anger and contention. In like manner women also in decent apparel: adorning themselves with modesty and sobriety, not with plaited hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly attire, but as it becometh women professing godliness, with good works.
1 Tim 2:8-10

In the antique era, it was common practice to lift the hands towards heaven in prayers. Pure hands were associated with innocence (1), and the act of lifting hands in prayer was in itself considered pure and a sign of blessing (2).

In the pious tradition, the concept of “Godliness with austerity” was a virtue highly valued. Since all people are of equal value to God, the women were challenged to “adorn themselves with modesty and sobriety”. The same principal is a primary reason for uniform-wearing in the Salvation Army. Originally it was a cheap outfit that everyone could afford, and to wear jewellery together with uniform, was unthinkable – because jewellery was a sign of wealth.

As a young soldier in the Salvation Army, my grandma bought a new hath decorated with a beautiful feather. She came to a meeting in casual clothes wearing her new hat. During the first song a female officer came down from the platform and cut of the feather with a pair of scissors. Fortunately, a lot has changed over the past 70 years, but even today there is a danger that the less important become more important than the most important.

‘Manna’ for today:

What is the most important?

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(1) e.g. Pilate washed his hands. Matt 27:24
(2) See: Psalm 134

It is about fruit in the right time

NORSK
In a spiritual perspective, it is expected that the fruit-bearing is constant, which means that it should always be possible to find fruit on the ‘tree of life’. It is therefore interesting to read about those who find joy in reading the word of God and ponder upon it day and night, because

They are like a tree replanted by streams of water,
which bears fruit at just the right time
and whose leaves don’t fade.
Psalm 1:3a CEB

I do not think that there is a contradiction between ‘constantly bearing fruit’ and to bear fruit in ‘the right time’. I believe ‘right time’ is about a situation occurring, which will need a ripe fruit with a specific quality.

I have been in many situations where I have asked myself:
“Will I be able to show love?” – “Will I handle this great challenge?”
The answer is simply: “No!”
However, very often the experience has been that the Holy Spirit has given me exactly the fruit I need just at the right time. The fruit has been ripe in the very moment I needed it.

Paul quoted Isaiah in several of his letters, and to the Corinthians he wrote: “I listened to you at the right time, and I helped you on the day of salvation” (1). But Paul did not stop with this, he continued:

Look, now is the right time! Look, now is the day of salvation!
2 Cor 6:2

This tells me that there will always be a time that is right for one or the other of the qualities of the Spirit’s fruit. And if I am to bear that fruit, the precondition is that I am ‘like a tree planted by streams of water’.

‘Manna’ for today:

Every day is just the right time to bear the fruit of the Spirit

NB In John 7:6 Jesus said: '...any time is right for you.' (2)
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(1) Isa 49:8
(2) See reflection on this verse (NB in Norwegian only)

It is about fresh fruit the whole life

NORSK
I know that fruit trees have a limited life, but I am fascinated when I see an old tree with fresh fruit. Although I still feel that I have strength, energy and courage, I am well aware that I approach the group that will labelled "elderly" and I notice that I enjoy the journey.

Moreover, I am constantly encouraged by the word of God and I love to get together with the people of God in worship and service. Today's verse is therefore very encouraging for this combination: "elderly", the word of God and the house of the Lord:

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the Lord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,
Psalm 92:12-14

 ‘Manna’ for today:

As long as there is life, there will be fresh fruit

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It is about purity

NORSK
Yesterday I mentioned that the restoration of the image of God was an important focus for Catherine Booth. Both she and her husband always had a strong focus on holiness: 

“Next to the word salvation the word most often on the lips of Salvationists is the word holiness. Even before there was a Salvation Army the two people destined, under God, to be its founders, were concerned with this second word.” (1)
 
For William Booth, holiness is purity. “A pure heart will ensure a Holy Life!” he stated in the 4th chapter of his book “Purity of heart” (2) – the tittle confirms his focus. Purity is ensured through complete deliverance:

“Hunger and thirst after all inward and outward righteousness with God and before Him is natural to the spiritual man. And the possibility of complete deliverance must, whatever be his opinion, interest him and deserve his most careful attention…. It means happiness… Holiness… means usefulness.” (3)

If David did not know the importance of purity of heart before his great fall, he knew it then. He lost both his hapiness and usefulness, and I believe he also knew that he was about to lose the anointing he needed to remain a king if he did not repent. In his psalm of repentance, he prays: 

“Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me”
Psalm 51:10

Holiness is the focus of William Booth's best known songs “O, boundless salvation” (4) and “Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame, Send the fire” (5). Booth also wrote the following even before our movement had taken the name 'The Salvation Army':
  
“It (holiness) stands on the forefront of our doctrines. We write it on our banners. It is in no shape or form an open debatable question as to whether God can sanctify wholly, whether Jesus does save his people from their sins...” (6)

'Manna' for today: 

Holiness is about purity of heart

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(1) Frederick Coutts: “The Splendour of Holiness” SP&S 1988 p. 75
(2) William Booth in “The Founder Speaks again” SP&S 1960 p 20
(3) William Booth: “How far can I be saved?” The War Cry, March 13 1880
(4) O boundless salvation - #509 in The Song Book of TSA 2015 - I have written about the theology of the song HERE - unfortunately it is only available in google-translate in English.
(5) Thou Christ of burning... - #326 in The Song Book of TSA 2015 - I have written about the theology of the song HERE - unfortunately it is only available in google-translate in English.
NB See this prayer in verse 2 'To burn up every trace of sin, To bring the light and glory in....send the fire!'
(6) William Booth: “Holiness” The Christian Mission Magazine, August 1877 p 193

It is about small glimpses

NORSK
When John wrote: “there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (1), I do not think that it was the physical acts of Jesus John was referring to. 

Even if the relatively short life of Jesus was eventful and packed with remarkable stories, I do not think that it was an impossible task to compile it all in a couple of volumes. I think John saw the spiritual mystery, and like Paul (2), he realized that we only see and grasp a glimpse of it. It is comforting that even a glimpse is enough to grasp the core of the mystery. At that moment, I also make the recognition that this is something that exceeds all the books the world can contain.

The same is the true with regard to the mystery of “Holiness”. Over the last couple of days I have written about being loved back to the original image of God, and how beautiful that is. I am also aware that the real image of God, in which we were created, also gives a small glimpse of what holiness is, but I am convinced that it is very important glimpse. Many share this view. Chick Yuill, who himself has written several books on holiness, concludes that essence and goal of Catherine Booth’s holiness-teaching is “the restoration of the image” (3). I agree with Chick's conclusion.

Yesterday I used one of Albert Orsborn’s choruses. I am sure it would be possible to find songs to illustrate most of the aspects of holiness (4), and today I will quote part of a verse by the Norwegian poet and SA-officer H. A. Tandberg. These lines made a strong impression on me as a young Christian – and still do (please excuse my poor translation):

Therefore, God's face I'll be seeking
till I'm transformed by his grace,
and his own image's remaking
deep in my heart can take place. (5)

So, I feel the need to pray like David:

When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You,
“Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
Psalm 27:8

‘Manna’ for today:

Holiness is about constant glimpses of God’s face.

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(1) Joh 21:25
(2) For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 1 Cor 13:12
(3) Chick Yuill in: Clifford Kew ed.: “Catherine Booth – Her Continuing Relevance” IHQ 1990 p 52
(4) ...and I will for a few days more.
(5) The original text in Norwegian is found in: "FAs Sangbok" 2010 - #340

It is about groundbreaking

NORSK
Holiness is definitely about groundbreaking. When I taste the flavor of the word 'groundbreaking', it has a positive taste. In 2006 I published a booklet by the title “Groundbreaking Spiritual Leadership” (Illustration). In eight small chapters, I focused on seven remarkable leaders in the Bible. 

All seven were groundbreakers. Very often in a good way, but if groundbreaking is one of your characteristics, there is always a danger that you easily cross borders you should have left uncrossed.

David is a good (or bad?) example. He was a groundbreaker even as a teenager, facing Goliath without armor and with only a sling as weapon. 
But wasn’t it just this capacity that led to his fall in sin with Bathsheba?

From his roof he spotted a beautiful woman taking a bath, and he was tempted. Yesterday I concluded that temptation is not sin. Sin is to follow my will instead of God’s will. In the moral context of his time, it was not wrong of David to make enquiries about the woman, but he should have stopped when he heard that she was the wife of Uriah. David’s sin was that he chose his way and called for the woman. Then followed all the consequences of sin: Adultery, lies, conspiracy and complicity in murder. A sharp contrast to the high integrity of Uriah (1).

When David realized what he had done, he repented and made penance. The feeling of devastation over what he had done was mixed with the anxiety of losing the Holy Spirit. He knew that he was dependent upon holiness to stay in God’s plan (2). When I face temptation it is healthy to know what I jeopardize losing if I break ground God has asked me to stay away from.

‘Manna’ for today:

It is about knowing what I have…
because then I know what I jeopardize losing!

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(1) 2 Sam 11
(2) Psalm 51

It is about an important part of the package

NORSK
I have often heard Christians say that they feel uncomfortable when we speak about anointing. Normally it is because they have not spent much time reflecting on the subject. Many think that it is a special ‘emotion’ or ‘experience’.

Anointing is one of the attributes of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, anointing has nothing to do with my emotions but all to do with me giving him permission to access my life. Likewise, the human Jesus had a free will and chose to give the Holy Spirit access to His life. This is made very in his statement when he started his mission:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Luke 4:18-19

Since Jesus was depending on the Spirit’s anointing over his life, I regard it as a ‘must’ for me. Anointing is not something I can hide under the “not applicable”-label – it is a prerequisite for true life.

Spiritual growth is about the desire “to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (1). Many of David’s psalms point to Messiah. Yesterday I quoted psalm 133, and mentioned the oil on the Aron’s head, running through the beard and down on his robe.

I believe Jesus is our high priest (2). I believe Jesus is anointed. I believe Jesus is the head of which body I am a part. Therefore, I believe that the logical consequence is that the oil from the head of high priest runs all the way down over me. I cannot avoid it!

When I read about revivals, I recognize the same characteristics and qualities as those of the oil, which have also been the focus of the reflections lately. That is why I believe that anointing is needed if I seriously mean what I pray in the Lord’s prayer: “Your Kingdom come!” (3).

Christian activity without the anointing is in its best version able to protect the interests of those who already believe and “socialize” them into continued faith, but it may be like walking in the desert. Anointing is part of holiness. It cannot be opted out. If I still do, I will destroy the whole package.

‘Manna’ for today:

Anointing is part of holiness

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(1) Eph 4:15
(2) Hebr 4:14-16
(3) Matt 6:10

It is about lubrication

NORSK
I cannot find verses in the Scripture that directly tell that the 'Sacred Anointing Oil' was used for the purpose of lubrication, but it is a general characteristic of oil – and also of the Spirit. 

It may still be possible to see the connection with the anointing oil as symbol of “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”, because the psalmist gives the following illustration to this describe this unity:

It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Psalm 133 

I will elaborate more on this picture tomorrow, but it is interesting that Samuel Logan Brengle was known as “A Spiritual Special” but wherever the Salvation Army experienced a conflict, the General sent Brengle as “A Conflict Special” (1). His method was simple: As little attention as possible on the conflict-matter – as much focus as possible on the Spirit, holiness and divine love. It worked miracles. The Spirit ‘lubricates’ the “machinery of the church”.

I am convinced that the anointing comes even with this quality of the Spirit. As a disciple, I cannot live without it, and as a community of believers, we cannot live without it.

‘Manna’ for today:

Holiness is about lubrication

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(1) Clarence Hall: “There was a significance about this, he felt. Indirectly, it had been a schism that had led to his appointment as a national revivalist. And now the first engagement launching his career as International Spiritual Special was to aid a land similarly affected.” Rather than directly addressing the controversy dividing the ranks and threatening organizational unity, Brengle focused on the primary need for holiness of heart and life, stating: “I shall stick to my spiritual work and only here and there drop a word of suggestion and hope and cheer regarding the difficulty.”
In “Samuel Logan Brengle – Portrait of a Prophet” 1933 pp 217-218

It is about resting

NORSK 
When I arrived at the hotel around 5 pm last Sunday after 23 hours travel from Chisinau to Singapore, I was ready for a small rest. The reason was that I had to stay awake for another 4 hours to come into the rhythm of the time zone. Therefore I decided to listen to the Norwegian state radio channel on the internet. The internet-connection is very limited - it only gave me app 1 minute of listening before the signal dropped out. 

One minute was all I needed. I did not think about the time difference, but received one minute of what I presume was the broadcasting of a Sunday morning service. A familiar prayer-chorus reached me: 

“Be at rest and know that I am the Lord!”

It was a good and timely greeting from the Lord, and it is a good greeting when I drink from the well of holiness. For some Christians, even to think about holiness creates a feeling of stress. It is very easy to see my own shortcomings in relation to the holiness-standard. But - because Jesus is my Lord and Saviour, I know that he has made up for my shortcomings and invites me to relax in him.

The status of the new creation in Christ is holy. That is a fact beyond questioning. Christ’s status will forever be holy, and no new being in him will, even if he tried, make him unholy.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Cor 5:17

The fact that the new is already here makes it possible for me to rest. This is one of the attributes of holiness: A constant freshness of new life.

…and last Sunday I woke up after 30 minutes – refreshed!

‘Manna’ for today:

Holiness is about resting in the new status of holiness

If you believe that, you can say:

Return to your rest, my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.
Psalm 116:7

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