Today's Reading:
Luke 5:27-39
Genesis 1:1-2:25
Psalm 1
Listen to Today's Reading on Audio Bible Online.
Click here to install RealPlayer on your computer or cellphone device. (It's a free download.)
Thoughts and Commentary on today's reading:
In Genesis chapters 1 and 2, we find the wonderful story of how God first created out word.On the first day, He made light - and separated it from darkness.
On the second day, God made firmament and divided the waters from air.
On the third day, God made dry land appear and put plants and trees upon it.
On the fourth day, He made the heavenly lights - the sun, moon, and stars.
On the fifth day, God created the birds, fish and the sea creatures.
On the sixth day, God created land creatures and He made the first people: Adam and Eve.
On the seventh day, God rested, blessed it and sanctified it.
Yes, we all know the story of how God created the world, and what He physically made on each day of the Creation Week. But did you also know that the process of Creation, day-by-day, step-by-step is the same process the Heavenly Father does in each of us - spiritually?
Spiritual Creation - Step 1: Enlightenment
First, God enlightens us. Light is a symbol of Truth, which comes from His Word.As He enlightens us, He separates us from the former spiritual darkness and deceptions which used to blind us.Psalm 119:105 - "...Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 18:28 - "For Thou wilt light my candle: the LORD (Yahweh) my God will enlighten my darkness."
Spiritual Creation - Step 2: Dividing the Waters from the Waters
Spiritually, bodies of water represent people (Revelation 17:15). Next, God spiritually removes us from our past ungodly associations and destructive relationships. He calls into a walk with Him that is strengthened by fellowshipping with those who also choose to love and honor God.This doesn't mean that we cannot minister to those who are in spiritual darkness. Rather it means that we will choose believers for our close relationships. Doing this strengthens us, spiritually:2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
Proverbs 13:20 - "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
Spiritual Creation - Step 3: Bringing forth Fruit in the Life
On the third day, God created all vegetation and filled the earth with fruit. He does this work in us spiritually, also. Our lives, when filled with His Spirit, will bear His beautiful Fruit:Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no Law."
Spiritual Creation - Step 4: God Makes us Shine as the Stars
On the fourth day, God created the sun, moon and stars. Its a beautiful concept to see that God is calling us to be His shining stars. He wants to not only bless us with His enlightenment, but to use us to radiate the Light of His Love and Truth to all who are touched by the influence of our lives.Daniel 12:3 - "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."
Spiritual Creation - Step 5: God Gives us Fish and Birds
Next, God promises that the light of our witness will not shine forth uselessly. There will be "fish" and "birds" who will be "caught" for the Kingdom because of His Work in us. Spiritually, fish represent those who are born again - born of water, having been baptized. This is why the Saviour told His followers that He would make them "fishers" of men. Fishers catch "fish".Matthew 4:19 - "And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."
The Heavenly Father also uses us to help in freeing the spiritual birds. Birds are a symbol for the souls which are trapped in bondage to the enemy.Jeremiah 16:15-16 - "But, The LORD (Yahweh) liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD (Yahweh), and they shall fish them..."
Clearly, this fifth step in the spiritual creation process is one of ministry. We are all called to labor in the Father's Vineyard for the saving of lost souls.Ecclesiastes 9:12 - "For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them."
Spiritual Creation - Step 6: God Makes Man in His Image
This sixth step in spiritual creation is the whole point to being spiritually re-created. God wants to make us in His Own lovely Image. When mankind was first created, we were like God - not only in appearance, but most importantly in character. His Spirit was indwelling in our first parents. They always did the Will of God, at all times, being unfallen beings. But, when mankind fell, the Image of God was lost in our characters. Now we have a carnal heart and fleshly, corrupt, natural desires, which are opposite to the Will and Ways of God. But, if we allow God to complete the process of Spiritual Creation in us, He will again make us into His lovely Image. In the end, the father who claims us (whether God or the devil) will be the one we look like in character (no matter to whom we pay lip-service)1 John 3:2-3 - "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure."
No comments:
Post a Comment