May 05 2009
Come Up
Though exceptions exist, most people do not want to fail in their endeavors. Most students in the classroom want to excel and advance. Even if they are not the smartest, they do not want to be left behind by failing a grade. Progression and growth are a part of life. The same hold true for the Christian experience. Everyone that has received Christ should expect and endeavor to grow as they walk with Him.
After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. Rev 4:1 (KJV)
John was in the Spirit and a voice from heaven told him to come up here. Within its context, we understand that John was going to be taken up into the heavens to receive visions of God. Yet, the implication is clear, if we want to progress and go further in Christ, we must also come up. We must come up in our reading, fasting, prayer, and fellowship so (like John) we can see and know more things which pertain to the Christian faith and life. A challenge is given today that all Christians will “come up” to show the work of Christ’s salvation in their lives.
As a working believer, for myself, it is a challenge to maintain my relationship with God. If it is just 30 minutes a day in prayer, reading, or just reflecting, then at least I have done something for that day that would increase me. Everyday I come home, I don’t feel like doing anything, but I know I have to push myself in order to get something done. If I would do this everyday constantly, then Christ would be more evident in my life. You have clearly expressed that what we (Christians) are apprended of, that is Christ, have not apprended. Thus, leaving us to continue pressing forth for the mark of high calling which is in Christ Jesus. Thank you for the encouragement.