January 5, 2022

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

When the children of Israel were miraculously brought out of Egypt, God was not only leading them out of physical slavery; He was calling them out of spiritual slavery as well. This divinely orchestrated rescue operation was for the purpose of beginning a total transformation to restore them inside and out. Of course, each change would require their cooperation. Sadly, they vehemently resisted. Fallen human nature is reluctant to see the urgent need for change. They didn’t know, and too often neither do we, how far they had fallen away from reflecting the glorious image of a holy God.

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11

If I am willing to learn of my own stubborn resistance, just as shown in the story of the rescued children of Israel, then it would be possible for me to take hold of God’s restoration plan which covers all of time, starting with provision of forgiveness for my past sins; and how I am to live in the present in preparation for His return in the not-so-distant future! This restoration plan is beautifully revealed, step-by-step, in the model sanctuary: a tiny, earthly replica of the heavenly sanctuary.

The Lord yearns to lavish His blessings of life and health upon us for eternity. Our sinful resistance can really and truly be changed into an enthusiastic willingness to be transformed. The transformation starts immediately! Preparation to live in the presence of a holy God comes through a love relationship with Him now. Even though we were separated from Him by sin, we are invited to see how He loves you and me, to be “yoked with Him”, and to walk with Him daily. He desires that we would recognize and reciprocate His love. Simultaneously, His Spirit imparts essential discernment to safely navigate the treacherous traps set by our wily foe. Eternal life with perpetual health is “back on the table”! In continuation of our opening thought regarding things which God has prepared for those who love Him:

But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10