Grow in Grace

These priests were forbidden to wear wool. Why? Maybe because of pesky moths who eat holes in it? Could it be that the price of mothballs was going up? Was there a shortage on Woolite or the Sheep-shearers union had gone on strike? None of the above was true. Then what?

The problem with wool was that it caused perspiration due to its air-tightness. God didn’t want that, it didn’t picture the way things ought to be in the presence of God. See, sweat comes with the wrong clothing and is a sign of a body laboring. Is it possible that the toil and sweat of men defiles the sanctuary?

What causes men to toil needlessly? Well it could be that the presence of God is not in operation, and the Spirit of God is grieved. This can happen through events causing wounds that attack a person when their guard was down. Guard down? This may occur when the Holy Spirit is not producing a buffer for the soul, or providing a restraint. When the Spirit makes the cross of Christ operative in a soul, the old sin nature is pinned down dead.

This “deadness” is such a benefit because it throws out the need for defensive effort, which causes sweat. See, with the Restrainer quenched, somebody has to fight the flesh; frankly your soul mechanisms, and perspiration exudes. A distinct aroma of foulness accompanies the sparks flying upward.

So, works from the good side of the tree of knowledge to hide or hinder the evil side, stink in God’s sight. Denying self has nothing to do with trying hard, but instead speaks of detachment from self. Again, through faith in The Son of God we get His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and session attributed to our account now. In Christ it is a done deal, and the Spirit reveals the reality of it in us.

God ultimately takes responsibility for everything surrounding my day. If the day defines itself as a trial of my faith, like Jesus prayed for Peter in his sifting that his faith would not fail, He prays for us. Peter’s trial, though severe, was shorter than Job’s trial which was really several trials stacked end to end. God’s presence sticks closer than a brother, and faith enables the realization of that presence, as God allows. Sweaty striving complicates the ordeal and if it persists, begins to create a new world-view, with a conceptualized God

Regardless of time frames, we can be assured that there will be an end to our times of suffering, and our hope will not be cut off. In the cases above, God brought his people out of suffering with a forward moving initiation and a promotion. Let me explain. Job received a greater perception of God and a new family; Peter received a commission to preach the gospel. In addition, after 40 years, the children of Israel got up into the Promised Land with Joshua; David got a new wife and baby, Solomon. Jacob got a reuniting with his lost son, Joseph.

In a nut shell God seems to reveal a “greater grace” in releasing men from their plight, and Elijah, Elisha, Ezra, Nehemiah, Ruth and Esther got the same. Elijah, after Jezebel sent him running through a death threat, got a personal visit from God’s angel and a new commission. Elisha, losing Elijah got a double portion of Elijah’s Spirit. Ruth got promoted to a wealthy place, meeting personally the kinsman-redeemer, Boaz.

Esther received a pardon for her whole nation; Nehemiah got a commission to rebuild the City of Jerusalem; Ezra the temple. These did not fail in their faith and waiting on God, and did not add perspiration to their trials. Yes we might react in our plight, but get back, get back, to the place of rest.

Friends, “Grow in grace and in knowledge of Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:17 tells us, “beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” The error of the wicked is to strive, work, sweat, and perspire. Please wait for God to restore your healthy outlook.

Finally, to grow in grace means that I must be ready to relinquish control to God and His Spirit. This is a problem for some and these may forsake their promotion. Instead step into God’s gracious advancement for your life as He, in the nick of time comes to rescue you. He will not be late. love ya