Greetings,
Jesus Christ thanked His Father for revealing the things of God to “babes” – meaning those whom the Father had drawn to Christ. “Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him” (Matthew 11:27). This concept occupied a lot of Christ’s thinking, especially as the time of His crucifixion drew near. The world does not know the Father, but the people of God do. The Passover season highlights the difference between those called and those not yet called.
The Garden of Eden setting and the story of the two trees exemplify that there are two ways of life. We are given additional information about a rebellious spirit being and the fact that he is the god of this world. We are shown aspects of this god’s nature and how it interacts with the human mind. Through this we understand human nature. We are privileged to know why mankind was created and what the plan is for achieving that purpose. We are given an outline of events which will unfold as God’s plan of salvation proceeds toward completion. In short, we can know this world and its god very well. We have spirit-led minds with which to process all the information God gives to us in His Word.
Immediately following His final Passover with the disciples, Christ set out the vast difference that exists between those called and the environment in which they are called. His final recorded prayer in John chapter 17 reveals these differences.
Firstly, Christ states that He and the Father existed together before the world was created. They were one. Christ was sent to the world by the Father when the world needed a Savior. Under the influence of the god of this world sin had entered the human realm and sin requires a penalty. Christ came to pay that penalty and to work with the people the Father would draw to Him. These people were called out of the world by the Father and brought to Christ. Through Christ they entered into a relationship with the Father and Son. Christ showed them all things of the Father. But they were not of the world, although they lived in the world. That separation was punctuated by the world hating the way of God.
Christ asked the Father to set these people apart by His truth. As Christ was the Word and the Bible is God’s Word – the Holy Spirit would impart truth to these set apart minds. An incredible relationship would be formed between those who believe, Christ and the Father. Humans would be added to the already existing oneness of the Father and Christ. Man could become at one with the Father. Those in following generations who would be called into this relationship would be filled with the glory of the Father. The glory of the Father given to Christ and passed on to those in a spiritual relationship with God.
That glory would be noticeable to the world. A witness to the way of life not known to a world under the daily influence of one who hates God and His way of life. To these people who would form the Church, the things of God have been revealed. They are God’s and will declare the glory of God to a world held captive in spiritual darkness.
You are the focus of Christ’s final prayer! Those called by the Father and brought to Christ are brought under Christ’s loving sacrifice and into a close spirit-filled relationship with the Father.
How thankful are we to have the privileged opportunity to live spirit-fueled lives in “this present evil world?” Are we maximizing this opportunity? Before Passover take some time to thoughtfully read Christ’s final prayer as outlined in John chapter 17 and make a personal application.
Announcements
A reminder that the U.S. Feast of Tabernacles sites are now open for on-line registration!!
The registration page is found on The Father’s Call website under the Welcome menu. You can quickly go to the page by clicking here.
Your registration will assist us with further planning of activities and allow us to communicate information specific to each site to you by email. You will be able to make changes in the future if necessary.
Passover
A Passover service has been posted on the website for those who cannot attend a service or receive an online service. It is under “Services.”
Brian Orchard
