Luke 12:29-31
"Do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you."
These Olive Trees in the Garden of Gethsemane have seen two millenniums. Josephus records them being spared when Jerusalem became rubble in 70 A.D. These trees have probably seen more upheaval than peace. How will peace be obtained?
In the small things in life. A lamp is mended. A fan is repaired. Small acts of kindness giving the heart a chance to be grateful. A son returns home. A wash basin is restored.
You see, reconciliation is great, but living together, working together, serving each other - now that involves some interesting dynamics! Every one of us knows from experience that being reconciled is not the same as living together. The dynamics of living together takes on going work. It takes commitment to relationship, habits of healthy and fair communication, and especially keeping the relationship clean. All of us know that in living together, working together, little things can irritate, habits can unintentionally offend, communication in the negotiation of life can become harsh and undisciplined and we can end up regretting what we are saying and the relationship becomes defiled. Now this happens when people are compatible, the personalities fit well together. Just imagine the dynamics when sinful people try to get alone with a holy God who is a consuming fire. The wash basin, which was the next piece of furniture after the bronze altar of sacrifice had to do with the dynamics of keeping the relationship with God clean.
Exodus 30
17 Then the Lord said to Moses, 18 “Make a bronze basin, with its bronze stand, for washing. Place it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 19 Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it. 20 Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister by presenting an offering made to the Lord by fire, 21 they shall wash their hands and feet so that they will not die. This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.”
How will we sweep away what clutters us?
Jesus knew His disciples had come to a time of decision. Some wanted seats in Heaven. They had almost all left upon finding Jesus wanted them to eat His Body and Blood.
The things God asks of people are difficult. Only faith in God gets us by. Humans change, fade and wither. God wants us to develop our skill to see further than the immediate journey.
John 9:4
"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work."
Jesus said Give us the Day.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."
Paul explained this. Peter spoke of this.
John 13:9
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!
Isaiah said "Send me!"
So many people fear God will send them forth to scary places.
God is with us every day and all of time.
Matthew 8:27
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!”
Matthew 7:25
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Matthew 8:26
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
Acts 2:2
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
John 6:68
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
For millenniums, people have looked, prayed, trusted God with His guidance. Including the ancestry of Jesus.
Ruth 1:16-17
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
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