Our “I” or identity is found in Yeshua. If we do not find rest in Christ, our “I” remains wanting. For what can we do apart from Him? We are an integral part of the Body of Christ meant to experience the fullness of life in the fullness of Christ. If God is Love, He will not abandon us or say, “Good luck,” when a storm begins to brew. Remember, Yeshua’s name means God with us!
Yeshua calmed the tumultuous sea for the fear-stricken disciples. Will He not do the same for us? When the world seems overwhelming, intrusive, or malicious, He is there to extend a hand and gift you with His peace. Yeshua is the shepherd who seeks out the lost sheep by any means necessary. We have a Father who rejoices when we return home, meeting us on the road as we are, providing our spirit with true and eternal riches despite our status as prodigal children.
He who is forgiven much loves much. We must refuse any attempts to lord the Lord over others. A body is the sum of its parts. Christians gnash their teeth over who is of the true faith, who is saved, and who is going to hell. We are attempting to sever what God has joined together. We can throw stones at our brothers and sisters night and day but by whose authority are we doing this? What master do we serve? Recall Yeshua’s words spoken to Paul on the road to Damascus:
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
The religious leaders and armies of antiquity believed they were doing God’s work. Their efforts brought about persecution, bloodshed, murder, torture, division, nationalism, and seeds of hatred. I am not one to condemn history. It is there for us to learn and examine our trajectory.
Where are we going? Are we there yet?
Do not forget yourself in looking upon the beauty of the human face, but look upon the soul; do not look upon the man’s garment (the body being his temporary garment), but look upon him who is clothed in it. Do not admire the magnificence of the mansion, but look upon the dweller who lives in it and what he is–otherwise, you will offend the image of God in the man, will dishonor the King by worshipping His servant and not rendering unto Him even the least of the honor due to Him. Also–do not look upon the beauty of the printing of a book, but look upon the spirit of the book; otherwise, you will depreciate the spirit and exalt the flesh; for the letters are the flesh, and the contents of the book the spirit. Do not be allured by the melodious sounds of an instrument or of a voice, but by their effect upon the soul, or by the words of the song, consider what their spirit is.
Saint John of Kronstadt
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