Emerging from my slumber, and after an invigorating hot shower and shave, I’ve sat at my computer early this morning, pondering today’s word, “radiate.” Going through my normal routine and practices of inspiration for writing, I stumbled over this image. Right about now, I’m not necessarily feeling all that energetic. However, as I examine my activities for yesterday’s article, and how it began with a thought, was energized and amplified by my emotions, the momentum carried through in writing the article. Which happens regularly for me during these morning meditations. If you missed yesterday, click here.
Everything is energy beginning with thought. If this is true, then don’t the words of Scripture just leap right out of these words and into your minds? Let me help you.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.
When I’m caught up in the truth of who God is, [He is LORD], and think on all His attributes [see verse above], I’m often overcome with emotion. Some have called this weakness, or not very manly. I was often looked on with condescension in Seminary by those who took a more stoic approach to interpreting scripture, or preaching the grace of God. I just didn’t get that. I couldn’t understand how someone in the face of it all, could be so emotionless about the eminence and grace of God. I found myself smiling and the simple phrase came back to me: “God is good all the time. And all the time God is good!” These words can fuel a person’s energy in unlimited ways, because with this truth nothing can stop His goodness.
The Lord Jesus Christ is excellent and praiseworthy! He is true (truth itself – His claim), noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. So, here’s the thing… where is the glory of his eminence today?
What is going on with those of us who call ourselves Christians, that the world is not compelled to come to this same experience? Is the power of the god of this world, Satan, so strong that he is capable of holding back the forces which Jesus said even the gates of hell couldn’t prevent? (Matthew 16:18) Perhaps the problem is as simple as the interpretation of this one verse. Some churches and some preachers have the interpretive mentality that the church is a fortress, and there should be gates to keep the heinous out, to protect the innocent (saved) inside. They see the verse saying the church is being attacked and standing strong against an evil army. While the fact of it may be true, this verse isn’t saying that.
However, this interpretation is the very antithesis of what Jesus meant. We are the army, and we should be on the front-lines of the battle. It is the very core meaning of the last instructions Jesus gave His followers: go make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Actually in the original language it says, “As you are going…make disciples” which means every single day of the rest of your life, the job is to emanate His eminence. The energy placed inside of you at salvation, fueled by emotion (dedication), and amplified into action, gains momentum as you seek to think daily on God’s attributes and Lordship. This energy should transform you into a beacon of hope to a lost and dying world. (Matthew 5:16)
Doesn’t this sound like something worth pursuing? Are you doing anything today? If you are let me ask you, “why?” Have you given any thought to the energy you will expend, and whether or not it might have eternal value? Whatever you do today, I’m sure will be important, or you wouldn’t plan to be involved. The question is…
While going and doing today, will you emanate His eminence?
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As I was saying... 