Psalm 126:1-2:
1 WHEN THE LORD brought back the captives [who returned] to Zion, we were like those who dream [it seemed so unreal]. 2 Then were our mouths filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing. Then they said among the nations, The LORD has done great things for them.
The most powerful things about standing on God's Word until we see the promises fulfilled is how the world sees it! When God gets involved, and God gets the glory, people notice! That is all a part of our job of lifting Him up! When he promised this in John 12:32:
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.
Jesus spoke those words referring to His crucifixion. It is ALSO true for every time that WE give Him glory and praise for every good thing! That, too, is lifting Him up for the world to see! What will He do? He will draw people to Himself! Rejoice and be glad for all of the good blessings that you receive into your life every day! you will be sowing good seed for your harvest AND you will be giving God something to work with to draw the hearts of the unbelievers to Himself! AMEN!
In studying John 3 I found this in the Bible Exposition Commentary:
Not only was Benjamin Franklin a great statesman and inventor, but he was also a great correspondent and received letters from famous people from all over the world. One day he received what could well have been the most important letter ever to come to his desk. It was from the well-known British preacher George Whitefield.
I find that you grow more and more famous in the learned world," Whitefield wrote. "As you have made such progress in investigating the mysteries of electricity, I now humbly urge you to give diligent heed to the mystery of the new birth. It is a most important and interesting study and, when mastered, will richly repay you for your pains."
John 3 is all about the New Birth! Start YOUR study there! Jesus was the ONE Who said:
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
To be born again we must:
- Believe that Jesus is Who He said He was.
- Believe that He died on the cross for us.
- Believe that He was raised from the dead and is alive!
- Recognize that we are personal sinners who NEED a Saviour.
- Accept and receive Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and Saviour.
35 The Father loves the Son and has given (entrusted, committed) everything into His hand. 36 And he who believes in (has faith in, clings to, relies on) the Son has (now possesses) eternal life. But whoever disobeys (is unbelieving toward, refuses to trust in, disregards, is not subject to) the Son will never see (experience) life, but [instead] the wrath of God abides on him. [God's displeasure remains on him, His indignation hangs over him continually].
DON'T be one who does not believe! Accept and receive new life from the God of the Bible and become all that God intended for you to be, now, in THIS life, and afterward - HEAVEN!!!
As the people of Israel continue to reject the warnings of the prophet and fall deeper and deeper into sin, there is, always waiting for them, the promise of God to the obedient! Verse 41-44:
41 I will accept you [graciously] as a pleasant odor when I lead you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries in which you have been scattered, and I will manifest My holiness among you in the sight of the nations [who will seek Me because of My power displayed in you]. 42 And you shall know, understand, and realize that I am the LORD, when I bring you into the land of Israel, into the country which I lifted up My hand and swore to give to your fathers. 43 And there you shall [earnestly] remember your ways and all your doings with which you have defiled yourselves, and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evil deeds which you have done. 44 And you shall know, understand, and realize that I AM the LORD, when i deal with you for My Name's sake, not according to your evil ways nor according to your corrupt doings, O house of Israel, says the Lord God.
I'm glad YOU have changed your thinking to agree with God!
Shalom in Him!
