January 21, 2025

 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.” jn 14:19 nkjv   Just before Yeshua [Jesus] went to his predestined purpose, to bear the cross of sin [and redemption], as only He could do… He spoke the above words.

Now, as He descended into the “death of the grave,” it seemed to the rejoicing demons that He was no longer their problem… reminds me of the lyrics to a song by Bette Widler, titled “The Rose.” At the end she speaks of death by winter and snow that has [supposedly] vanquished the rose, that in the Spring it again becomes The Rose… The song has meaning that love once lost, can live again; and I would add resurrected by the “Sun” [Son]. Needless to say, it was a bad hair day in Hell when the demons saw the risen Lion of the Tribe of Judah glaring at them with His fiery eyes, reminding them of their appointment with destiny, and their destruction.

This week, in the midst of the carnival of events that brought us a new government, which to most seems to be for the better, I received this following newsletter commentary from a friend who follows Ron Miller [a Christian missionary for decades in Asia]. Its message, I think, is profound in speaking to the real and central meaning of our personal lives… Like the Rose which comes and goes with the seasons, so does life… and especially the governments of men. However, Ron so eloquently brings our spiritual focus to the real meaning of this world and its challenges… yet with the hope of the rejoicing a believer has looking forward to the “Spring” and Resurrection that really matters… So, Ron says:

“With all the euphoria, hope and expectations surrounding the recent election, it is important to remember that we live in a fallen world where Satan is god. His influence is, of course, only temporary and limited. Still, even we, God's children, live in this world, and although we are not of it, there will be times when we simply can not escape the consequence of such. We can expect to suffer for righteousness and for our love for God. Paul, in the wisdom and truth that God has given him, gives us great comfort. (Romans 8:17-18)  The emphasis is not on suffering, but that we are heirs, fellow heirs with Christ Jesus and will behold the glory that is God with Him in His eternal Kingdom. There is hope in no other. He is not distant, uncaring or separated from our pain, our fears, our doubts. He proved this on the cross.

“God’s kingdom is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The gifts and blessings of salvation are primarily spiritual, and all other blessings are external, secondary and fleeting. He knows our needs and promises to provide for them according to his perfect will for our lives. However, it is the spiritual gifts that give us joy unspeakable and bring us closer and closer to the one we love. The manifestation of His gifts of grace, love and mercy upon all redeemed souls is a heart that is at peace with God. The soul is filled with a supernatural revelation of His divine character, and the weight and bondage of sin is lifted from us. In a very real sense we are God's possession and He is ours. The Psalmist understood this spiritual truth when he states, "I have none in heaven but You. There is nothing on earth I desire but You." (Psalm 73:25) God is our heritage.

Your brother and fellow servant, ron.
Truly, "To live is Christ, to die is gain!" Philippians 1:21”

Thank you Ron…

Shalom, john