BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 58-60
PART OF THE INNER CIRCLE?
MEMORIZE: "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. "(John 17:9)
READ: Matthew 17:1-9
First, God has an inner circle of friends. The Lord came with the 12 disciples to the foot of the mountain, selected three and left nine behind. The Lord will not leave you behind in Jesus’ Name. The first time we visited Israel, on arrival at the mount of Transfiguration, we wept as we recalled how nine disciples were left behind. What was their offense that they were left behind? Although John 1:1-3 says God is the Creator of the world and everything in it, and John 3:16 affirms His love for all mankind, yet John 1:11-12 says that God is not the Father of all; God can only father those who have a son ship relationship with Him. Besides, He has special love for a few people, while most humans benefit from the general love. He selects his favorites from His general creation. In His last prayer, the Lord did not address the world but His own (John 17). Among born again Christians, some are called - part of the general class, while a few are chosen - part of the special group (Matthew 22:14).
When the time came to show His disciples a glimpse of Heaven, He took the trio for that special encounter. Some Christians have never been specially favored because they have refused to abandon the general class for the special class. The second thing worthy of note is that Jesus took them to the top of the mountain. Some years ago, I taught on seven ways of dealing with a mountain. You can turn back as soon as you find a mountain blocking your way (Num. 14:1-4). You can walk around the mountain (Num. 14:33-34). You can climb it like Jesus and His trio did (Also see Matthew 5:1). Another way of handling a mountain is by drilling a hole through it (Exodus 14:21-28). You can equally use a dynamite to shatter it into pieces (Joshua 6:20).
You can sit on a mountain like Elijah did at his time of arrest (2 Kings 1:9). Lastly, you can fly or soar over it through the supernatural strength that comes from waiting on the Lord (Isaiah 40:31). Every physical problem constituting itself into a mountain shall be dealt with today in Jesus’ Name. There are several benefits for those who are part of the inner circle. If Peter, James and John could be part of that circle, you too can. It has nothing to do with your level of education, age, colour, sex, status, etc. or else, the likes of Peter -an illiterate fisherman would not be there. It however has everything to do with your disposition, level of personal commitment, hunger for spiritual things, love for God, etc.
ACTIONPOINT: God still maintains an inner circle of friends. If you can strive to be a part of this group and remain there, you have made it in time and in eternity.
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