30th October, 2011

BRUCE C. WEARNE

Read I John 3: 24

What we read here is the stupendous account of John's discovery that the Son of God had extended the family circle of the Lord. Those who take on His considered advice, His precepts, should be in no doubt whatsoever concerning the pleasure of the Heavenly Father in seeing His eternal purposes coming to expression in the lives of ordinary humans as they learn to love one another and live by what He has taught.

PICTURE: Vivek Chugh (www.sxc.hu) "All who find shelter beneath the wings of the Most High are full members in the family of Jesus Christ."

Clearly, John believes that he writes at the start of something that he has no ultimate control over. What he writes is to confirm the praise of Psalm 90:

"Lord, you have been our dwelling place
From age to age our sure abode
Before the mountains were brought forth
From everlasting Thou art God!
So may your favour on us rest;
And make our work grow as you will
It's up to you our work to bless
The purposes of our lives to fill."

John reiterates the faithful prayer of Psalm 91:

"He who dwells within the shelter
Of the Most High finds his place;
She who lives beneath the shadow
Of the Almighty's word of grace,
Says straight up: 'You are my tower,
Refuge sure that's built to last!
Your love is the source of power,
My life long you'll have my trust!'"

Jesus said that He was ascending to the Right Hand in order that the Spirit might come to lead all His disciples into the way of truth. John "the disciple whom Jesus loved" writes this letter having come to know from the Psalms what living secure in God's house is all about. And now these can be sung by all who believe in Christ Jesus since these ancient lyrics find their true fulfilment as people from every tribe and every land, Jew and Gentile, welcome the redemptive work of God's Own Son.

All who find shelter beneath the wings of the Most High are full members in the family of Jesus Christ. That is their inheritance as they live with the ongoing comfort of the Holy Spirit who confirms His considered advice to us, as the results of the life and work of Jesus, the one who is God's nominated ruler of the princes of the earth, continue to make their impact upon the world God loves so much.

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