A typical English country lane, surrounded by a deep green forest, led us to our final turn-off. As we turned into the long driveway I became aware of something more than just the natural beauty of the surroundings. I have been here a number of times before, and always enjoyed the peaceful environment, but today was different. On both sides of the driveway ancient trees took their stand like royal guards … it was as if I was ushered into … into the welcome of the Father. A combination of excitement and peace bubbled up in me. I knew Father orchestrated something very significant for us.
A number of months before a few friends and myself decided to plan a weekend away simply to explore the wonder of Christ and to appreciate Him in one another. About 30 of us gathered at Holmsted Manor in West Sussex. It was such a privilege to introduce my friends to Francois and Lydia Du Toit who greatly encouraged us.
Jesus used the word ‘abide’ on a number of occasion. “Abide in Me and My words in you”.
A visit cannot compete with abiding. We can afford to give ourselves completely – to immerse ourselves in the thoughts of God. As we simply remained in one another’s company, as we remained in conversation that reflected the thoughts of Christ, we experienced more than just information … knowledge gave way to awareness. “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom”
In Christ we see God accomplishing His perfect plan. In both Jesus’ life and death the Father displayed who He is, how He acts, and what He thinks of us … and His thoughts toward us are thoughts of favour and adoration. He values man above all else. He sees beyond the shadows of deception and confusion in which some still live. David wrote (Ps 139) that the darkness cannot hide anything from Him. Despite great darkness that covers the world, He sees a world reconciled to Himself. He sees no barriers. He believes in the success of the work of His Son, for He was in Christ Jesus, reconciling the world to Himself – no longer holding their trespasses against them.
The love of God compels us, not through some sense of obligation, or some emotional high, but because we consistently come to the same logical conclusion that one died for all, therefore all have died. If Jesus succeeded in His mission, the world stands justified before God. “He was delivered up because of our trespasses and raised because of our justification”. Seeing from His perspective completely changes our opinion of people. We can no longer consider anyone from a human point of view, but through His eyes we see every man restored to the image and likeness in which He created them.
Paul spoke in Col 1 about the aim of His ministry and it was nothing less than presenting every man perfect in Christ – ” that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus”. How can we present a man perfect in Christ Jesus if we do not see that man perfect in Christ. No wonder Paul’s prayers were filled with requests to see better; for our understanding to be enlightened; for us to be filled with what God knows; that we might attain the full assurance of understanding; for a spirit of revelation that our eyes might be opened. How many are trapped in ineffective prayers asking God to do something, while what we need is a new appreciation for what He has done.
“Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. Mat 6:22,23
Value is determined by appreciation – lets not underestimate what Christ accomplished, let’s not undervalue such a great salvation. Take it to its full conclusion – allow it to change your opinion of every person. See the same value in people that God saw when He decided the price He was willing to pay for mankind. Unbelievers are as valuable to God as believers. The lost coin never lost its value. See together with the Father and then do what He does. Mostly what He does is love.
Andre Rabe
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Hi Andre,
I really enjoy your new format of these very important messages.
Looking forward to the next message.
From an old friend back in East London SA
Marius
Great thoughts Andre. From reading your post it is evident that you are seeing all people through the same loving eyes as our Savior, the Redeemer of the World. It is such a great perspective to not only see ourselves translated to sit with Him far above all that we originally valued, but to see our fellow human beings as children of God, safe in Him also.
Every man perfect…now THAT is having the mind of Christ.
I will definitely be back.
Now that is GOOD NEWS!
Peace & Grace to you my friend
Geo
It was during my vacation that I experienced a emptiness in my soul, having all things in the flesh I felt Unfulfilled. I was again so inspired while reading about the way God not only sees humanity but myself as His beloved that He has deposited such a wealth of riches within me in Christ that I just realise again that the only thing that can ever satisfy mans heart or hunger in his heart is to see the Father reflected as a mirror in His own life. To understand the lenght, breath and depth of such a great love a love that does not condemm or leaves us as orphans in need of parenting but a love that is all in all. What a great mistery wrapped up in a Son that gave His all for humanity.
My longing is that I might discover this awesome great love that goes far beyond human theology and contempory Christianity. That this discovery will be such a wealth of riches that we explore that we will become more ritcher by far coming to the conclusion that we count all but dreck in the light of knowing Him even as we are known!