LUKE 10:21. “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight.”
EFFECTS. Impact is being made by words and deeds – all over the world, for the Lord’s sake. Not drastic, offensive words that cut and burn and hurt and are slow to heal; But words of truth with grace and acts to match the sounds of life. A field has been planted; maturing is evident; the process works and the harvest is near. The colors change as the fullness of the fruit becomes clear to all that look with clarity. Eyes unjaundiced watch the days, the weather, the suitability, the evidence is there. Harvest time – and gathering laborers come together ready to work – together. The eyes that were blind see light. Babes see and understand a bit at a time. Tools of the trade are set to the harvest with vigor and enthusiasm and the sound – Yes, the sound of singing workers and of honest labor in the season and out. The Lord of the harvest sends laborers and they press forward the work with joy. The Son has come; the work goes on; the harvest comes into the storehouse.
A Voice of joy and thanksgiving is raised to heaven – eternal life in the words. Those nearby, hear the Voice of the Son of Man, and those sick of sin within – healed. The sound of that Voice is heard again, its effect is great – and those injured – healed. Martha opens her door and prepares food for Him, her Lord – she receives Him. Mary sits at His feet and hears His words; the effect – she appreciates Him. He is building His kingdom one living stone at a time – the effect is sometimes missed. The kingdom of God has come near and its effect is being seen a little at a time. It is happening: the kingdom is being added to with each passing day – little noticed. One or two here; a few there; in far and ancient cultures some are pressing in. The effect is seen by those who watch from a distance and ask no questions. Time passes and situations present themselves in many different ways –effect felt. From distant shores and places with strange names – the Father reveals the Son – effect.
But some will back away, and others turn from Him who came to bless. The effect of rejection has yet to be felt in full by those who such grace spurn. Lessons can be learned by observation – look at Sodom; learn the effect of immorality. Judgment falls so quickly, after long years of patient waiting and failing representation. Sidon, without learning, study or motivation choosing to be spiritually ignorant is lost. Money and wealth associated with material acquisition – like on Tyre, judgment falls. Chorazin, with the benefit of the Son of Man in their midst, and still remains indifferent. The effects of fear, rejection and immoral living, still are with us even here and now. The place so blessed by those who followed Jesus, Bethsaida, will be judged the same. The earthly home of Him who filled all heaven with glory, Capernaum, brought down To hell: along with those who choose their ignorance, materialism and indifference. Choose the effect of blessings brought to you from Him, or else be lost.
“O God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ: may I and all others like me who have experienced first-hand the grace of God; commit ourselves again to the kingdom work we have been called to. May our help be from the Lord and not self or others. May our vision be brightened again that we may see through the eyes of God. Amen.”