God is not pleased with those who are satisfied with a mere animal life. He has formed human beings after the divine similitude. He designs that they shall possess the character of God by obeying His law, the expression of His divine character.
Many lead an animal life and their thoughts are as high as a glass of beer, sex and football. Few people may keep the outward peripheries of the law and fewer the command to keep the Sabbath but still they are lost as their is turmoil rather than heavenly peace in the life. They have in their being and family life such turmoil that what they believe and say is put to non effect. Many are wrestling with self Paul said 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. This statement by Paul indicates the state of fallen humanity who is aware and desires even the things of God but cannot turn the life in the right direction. They feel like hypocrites in the church pew but better to know than not, while others are unaware that their conversation and comments about others, chatter and gossip disqualifies them for heaven.
The tendency of the life, that is of the fallen nature that which is inherited, is feelings toward cheating, stealing, self defense, homosexuality, self gratification and many other things not mentioned. Christ also entered the world to share with our human dilemma. How did He remain unspoiled by the world? Yes we are amazed by this super human result to live without sin and that is in part the answer- super human.
The crossing of Israel at Jordan is a good illustration of how human experience can be transformed or start in a direction that leads to eternity. The world often tests our hearts and we are unaware just what an subliminal impact that is having on us and changing our perspectives from that which God is really trying to show us and take the cloth away from our eyes to see. The TV, the news, the music, the culture and our own self desires is overtaking our desires for God and eternal things. If we really want something, love someone enough, then the result shall be seen. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3
You see the problem here 1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
We are blind to Christian necessities because of false teachings and perspectives we have and our misplaces affections. Its like food, we feel we like a sweet chocolate but we make the choice to eat healthy is not so easy when the feelings are clammering for that sweet hit. But with the decision we override that feeling. A true appreciation, a deep revelation of Jesus will change those thoughts and feeling in a moment, in an instant but that instance is truly rare these days because of the many things that over take our senses and is first and darling to ourselves from the world.
The command is to step forward and make a tough mental decision that will with it allow the thoughts and feeling to follow. A bad habit can take a month or two to change but the motivation of love and the desire for something out of love can change all that to a instant decision/ motivation to change, an instantaneous change. The decision must be made primarily to replace the atmosphere of the world with the word of God so that man and woman is living by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. As we learn of the Savior the better things of heaven over take that which drew us back, that is a desire to breathe in the atmosphere of heaven.
The crossing of Israel at Jordan is a good illustration of how human experience can be transformed or start in a direction that leads to eternity. Imagine ancient Israel finally crossing at the Jordan to the promised land. The water ahead of them is the troubled sea of humanity which calls to them and demands their attention that are of a human or actually Satanic devising to take up our cares and worries and cause them to fear and distrust God or take their affections away from Him. The Ipod, the internet, movies, fashion, work, bad habits and may other things that cause them to distrust God. The law in the ark of God was held up by the priests that went before the people and with it the Spirit of God moved to open the way. When ancient Israel stepped forward on the command the water departed and they moved from wandering in the wilderness of sin to the land of canaan. The experiences on this earth will continue to test the heart, the desires and affections even when we have cross to the other side. How do we know we have crossed to the other sides? Our thoughts and affections and habits have changed, that which we thought before impossible becomes reality. Without our petitions to God and without us striving also to cooperate with heaven this will not be a reality. We pray that though worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall we all see God and that’s because we wanted to and have all ready started to live and breathe the atmosphere of heave while still on this earth.
The parable of the seed Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
8:6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
8:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
8:9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
8:13 They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.
The works that Jesus did can be our works for they were not not of himself for in coming to save humanity he laid down His divinity, however for all is divine assistance is ever ready for those who invite the spirit of God into their hearts. Thus he said Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. John 1:51. Did Nathaniel see angels or was it the work of unseen hands that he saw? The answer is that angels performed for Jesus that which He could not do and the same agency is waiting to work through us to bless humanity today.
God the Father gives to His son and the Son gives to His angels and the angels give to us and we are to give to those who are without a knowledge of Jesus.
Can the angels abide in the atmosphere of your home, is there peace and love within. Does the home abide by the physical and moral precepts given by God? If so the angels also abide in that place.
The angels minster to us for us to minster to others and it not not given for any arbitory reason