Page 337 - In Heavenly Places (1967)

Basic HTML Version

Before the Heavenly Universe, November 10
For we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to
men.
1 Corinthians 4:9
.
God desires His children to show the world what it means to sit
together in heavenly places in Christ, “that in the ages to come he might
shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through
Christ Jesus” (
Ephesians 3:7
). This kindness He expects us to bring into
our dealings with one another....
The Lord desires His children to esteem one another as the purchase
of the blood of Christ. When they do this they will know what it means
to sit together in heavenly places in Christ. Our lips need to be sanctified
with a live coal from the altar of God. Then we shall speak words that are
elevating, refining, ennobling, words that are filled with the fragrance of
Christ’s righteousness, words that are a savor of life unto life.
Christ wants His followers to be like Him, because He desires to be
correctly represented in the family circle, in the church, and in the world.
He wants us to attend to ourselves. When we do this we shall find that we
have enough to keep us busy. We are to accept Christ as our efficiency,
our strength, that we may reveal His character to the world. This is the
work resting upon us as Christians. We are to witness to the power of
heavenly grace.
But are there not many who are ... like a chestnut bur, hurting those
with whom they come in contact? ... Those who represent Christ will not
speak harshly. Their words will be pleasant and helpful. “Speaking the
truth in love,” we “grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even
Christ ...” (
Ephesians 4:15
).
God wants His sons and daughters to reveal before the synagogue of
Satan, before the heavenly universe, before the world, the power of His
grace, that men and angels may know that Christ has not died in vain. Let
us show the world that we have power from on high.... May God help His
people to get out of the rut into which they have fallen, and come to the
place where they can walk and talk with God. Then, as they reflect the
light and joy of heaven, God Himself will rejoice over them with singing.
[322]
333