Wednesday, March 25, 2009

"Do not be afraid; only believe"

Mark 5:36: As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue, had a little daughter lying at the point of death (Mark 5:22-23). When he saw Jesus, he begged Him to pray for his daughter to be healed. Jesus said yes and went with him. But on the way, there was a delay. A woman who had suffered from a flow of blood for twelve years had come to touch Jesus' clothes, believing she would be healed. She got her breakthrough, and was indeed healed. Her faith has made her well.

While Jesus was still speaking and ministering, some people came from Jairus’ house saying that his daughter has already died, and not to trouble Jesus any further. It was at this point of time that Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” When He reached Jairus’ house, He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked, and everyone was amazed. Even the dead can be resurrected!

My friend, Jesus is indeed in full control. "Do not be afraid; only believe." If God has spoken to you, even if there may be a delay, do not be afraid, and do not be affected by the outward circumstances you see, or by anyone that may cause you to doubt. It may be an illness you want to be healed. It may be a promise God has spoken to you about your life, or destiny, that has yet to come to pass. It may be a breakthrough in finance or career. Whatever your situation may be, Jesus is telling you, "do not be afraid; only believe", just as He has said to Jairus.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Triumph in Christ

2 Corinthians 2:14: Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

The word ‘triumph’ means ‘to conquer, to be victorious, to rise above, or to shout aloud joyfully in a triumphal procession, with songs of praise, celebration and jubilation.’ Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.

This triumphal procession is likened to the procession celebrating the triumphant Roman generals in apostle Paul’s days, where they would parade the spoils of the war that has been won, to loud cheers, joyful noise, and shouts of triumph from everyone in the streets.

Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11) was an entrance of the glory of God, with shouts of 'Hosanna', which means 'Lord, help, save us, we pray!' The original Hebrew word is 'Yesha-na' which carries the same meaning. It's also 'an exclamation of adoration' to the Lord, our Savior. Likewise, in the days of David when the ‘ark of the covenant’ was brought to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:1-29), there was a jubilant procession of praise unto God, with singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, raising their voices with resounding joy.

Today, the procession of the ‘ark of the covenant’ has already started again. The ‘ark of the covenant’ always symbolizes the glory of God (the magnificence, the presence of God). The glory of God is now in procession again, coming to the church and to our land in ways we have never seen before. We are now in this time of world history, the end-time when the glory of God will surely manifest. Let us therefore position and prepare ourselves for this coming glory of God.

God is always the One leading us in triumph. It’s not by our own strength, intelligence, or self-effort, but it’s through Christ. Christ has already done it for us by His finished works on the cross. He has died on the cross, was buried, and on the third day, rose again. He is alive today. He is the living God. Life has therefore conquered death, and death has no more power over us. He has taken all our sins and judgment upon Himself. Mercy has triumphed over judgment. He has taken all our sicknesses upon Himself. Health has triumphed over illness. He has taken all our curse of poverty upon Himself. Prosperity has triumphed over lack. Satan and his cohorts have been defeated. Our God is a triumphant God. Believe and receive. This is our time to shout unto God with the voice of triumph (Psalm 47:1), and with the voice of praise!

As we live in triumph in Christ, let this fragrance of the knowledge of the glory of God diffuse (spread) everywhere through us, wherever we go and whoever we meet, all throughout the world. For the knowledge of the glory of God shall fill the earth, as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

People of God, never miss this time. Now is our time to rise up and triumph in Christ!