Deep TruthSpeaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: At times of trouble and danger, the Holy Spirit displays to us the heart-rending scene of the cross and the heart-consoling triumph Jesus won on the Cross to receive 'Liberation'. The Holy Spirit turns our eyes towards the Cross! "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." (John 16:13)
What truth does the Holy Spirit display us? The truth He exhibits to us in of great significance; it is that he has wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us (humanity). And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the Cross. Through His crucifixion He has 'disarmed principalities and powers'. He has made a 'public spectacle of them' triumphing over it' (Colossians 2:14,15). He says, 'My child, it is true that you have distresses in this world; and yet cast your eyes towards the Cross; look at Him who bore all your tribulations on the Cross and died for you; don't you understand the truth that by suffering for you on the Cross, He had triumphed over the devil and his dark forces, all the dangerous evil deeds of your wicked enemies and all kinds of gruesome dominions wielding sway over this world?" When we understand this deep truth, a new faith fills us; we begin to praise the Lord spontaneously, believing that all the tribulations have already been overcome by the Lord and thereby has shown us that we will also triumph over our problems. When we praise Him with understanding (of this eternal truth), He comes down to us! He creates miracles for us!
Lee Turny was a very wealthy man, who loved the Lord adoringly. He never failed to give to the Lord's ministry one tenth of his earnings. As his riches grew, his tithes also increased. One day he met a horrible accident and was hospitalized. His neck bone had been fractured. Unable to bear the harrowing pain, he shrieked out in pain; 'Lord! How much did I love You! Did I not support Your ministry with my offerings! Did I not comfort countless people! Why should I be tortured like this?" At that time, the Holy Spirit displayed the crucifixion scene to him. When he saw the agonies of Jesus, when He was crushed on the Cross, he confessed immediately, "Lord, how great a tribulation You underwent! Before your agonies, my sufferings amount to nothing! Then he began to praise the glory of our Lord's torments; his pain started to vanish; he was cured completely. After coming out of the Hospital, he began to contribute 11/12th of his income, every month. Despite his giving away most of his earnings to the Lord, he still died a rich man, with his properties, extended all over the world!
Dear friend, at times of trouble and danger, the Holy Spirit displays to us the heart-rending scene of the cross and the heart-consoling triumph Jesus won on the Cross. When we behold the crucifixion scenario, 'Praise' springs from within us, as from a fountain, without our own volition. When we praise our Lord whole-heartedly, we receive 'Liberation'.
Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus,
Thank You for bringing me into these days of introspection. I take this time to analyse my ways and meditate upon the ultimate sacrifices You have made for me, a grant sinner on the Cross. There were times when I had been so mean to others and when I had lost my patience and integrity. There were times when I had lost faith in You when I had been unfaithful to You without even acknowledging Your sacrificial love for me. Please forgive me for all the sins I have committed against You as well as my fellow-men. Let me regain the spiritual values I have lost and restore in me the original first love for You. I rededicate myself at Your feet Lord! Help me to reflect Your love and sacrifice. In Jesus' name, I pray.
Amen. |