The Heart of the Matter

The Heart of the Matter

Every so often I take time to look back through thoughts I have jotted down in my notebook. Sometimes my reaction is “Oh dear, did I write that?” Other times it’s “Wow, did I write that!?” Of course, I know when it’s the latter where the idea originated – not me! The other day I was conducting my periodic review when a particular phrase leapt off the page. The words are familiar, but they never grow stale. Let’s look at them together.

They are - “Humanity indwelt by Divinity”. In these four words is the summation of God’s plan for the ages; God indwelling men. How simple, how sublime, how supremely powerful! How totally life transforming and fulfilling.

“..the angel said to them, ‘ Do not be afraid; for behold I bring you news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’…so they came in a hurry and found…the baby as He lay in the manger.” Luke 2:10-12,16

What did the shepherds find? What looked to the eye like a new born lying in a manger, was in truth God letting them behold something that had never been before, humanity indwelt by Divinity. The shepherds could not perceive it at the moment, but they were getting in on the ground floor of God’s plan for all mankind. The baby lying before them would not just save them from their sins, He was also a forerunner Who would set the pattern for life as it was meant to be lived.

What did people see when they looked at Jesus? They saw the Kingdom of God. Actually more than seeing, they felt the Kingdom of God. The Bible tells us in Romans 14:17 that there are three characteristics of the Kingdom that will have an impact on any atmosphere they encounter. They are righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Throughout His life, whenever Jesus walked in to any room, these three came with Him. Before He ever opened His mouth or did a single thing the atmosphere of the Kingdom could be felt. The unrighteous got uncomfortable, the agitated settled down, and down cast were lifted up. Most people were unaware of exactly what was taking place, but they all were affected!

And now the King lives in you and me! It’s not a stretch, it’s the God’s honest truth, we are now humanity indwelt by Divinity! (cf. John 14:18-20)

Wherever you go the King goes. And where He goes the Kingdom’s righteousness, peace and joy are present too. Just like Jesus, you don’t have to do a thing for the Kingdom atmosphere to be felt. Before you say a word His power is going forth. Some folks will be drawn, others pushed away, just as in Jesus’ day. Don’t let that throw you. The Kingdom is not appreciated, or even desired by all people. But it cannot be shut off. “Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:7

Fellow Mountain Taker, you are humanity indwelt by Divinity. Go boldly on your Mountain this week confident that the King is in you and His Kingdom is being released wherever you are.

A good reminder for us all – This is the “Heart of the Matter”.

Have a great week on your Mountain!