Kalon Mitchell
Preparations
It is hard to believe that in a few short months from now, we will be leaving for the Feast of Tabernacles. As usual, the Feast fever is starting to grow. And it should be this way. We should be genuinely excited about God’s commanded Holy Days.
The effort and zeal that we put into getting ready for the Feast is present every day. Whether it be preparing for special music or messages for those who speak, as well as other tasks to be carried out. It always seems that the last two months before the Feast are the busiest. Proper preparations take forethought and time to come into place.
Each year we somehow manage to have “the BEST Feast ever!” This is truly a side effect for people of like mind and unity, enjoying what God has foreordained. And how quickly these days go by!
And then, when the Feast has ended, we walk away on a spiritual high. That energy and zeal lasts for a little while. That is until we get sucked back into the world and back to the daily grind.
But there is a task which all of us should be carrying out before and at the Feast, and thereafter. We all have the ability to reach out and help each other through our rough patches. We are told many times to lift each other up, to encourage each other to carry on (Hebrews 3:13; 10:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Each day we wake up is another day closer to the ultimate return of Jesus Christ. This is a fact that we should bear in mind as we go about our lives. If we make it a part of our thinking we will begin to look beyond the past, present and near future difficulties. We will no longer be slowed by doubts and inhibitions. Paul was encouraged to write this little tid bit to the Philippians, to show them by his actions how to stay focused. He said: “ … I press on toward the goal…” (Philippians 3:14).
So as we continue to prepare for this important time of year, let us also prepare for after the Feast. We have to develop this sense of urgency and focus so that we can help in “hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:12). Let’s do this together–holding each other up in love and encouragement.
Emotion
All humans have emotions. And since God created humans, and we are created in His image, then that must imply that God also has emotions. We must understand though the difference between good emotions and wrong emotions.
Serving Others
As God’s people, who have been called out of this world, we are to live differently than the rest of mankind. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
It is our potential to become rulers in the world tomorrow. We see in Revelation 1:6 and 5:10 that it is our calling to become kings and priests “to God.”
As a leader, ruler and priest, one has great responsibilities. As one grows spiritually and receives greater responsibilities, the ongoing and increasing need to serve is required (compare Matthew 20:25-28). Great leadership demands being an even better servant.
The term servant leadership applies here. As a called-out people, it is our duty now and in the future to help serve those who will one day become God beings along with us. At some point, all people will have the opportunity to become God beings. How incredible! Which is why we are told NOW that we are to be treating all people well.
James 2:8-12 explains: “If you really fulfill [that is, keep] the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep [or, fulfill] the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.”
When the young man came to Christ and asked Him what he would have to do to inherit eternal life, he walked away because he did not like Christ’s answer, since he was not willing to completely let go of his money and serve others (Matthew 19:21-22).
A life of service is what we have committed to. Let us take this calling seriously and embrace all opportunities to help others and to treat them just as we would wish to be treated, even if others may treat us unkindly. There is always the need to check our personal desires and really look to the betterment and well being of others. Our very existence now and in the soon-coming future depends on this.
Brotherly Slaves
The Bible speaks of the people of God as “Servants”. What does it mean to be a servant or a slave to God and to our fellow brethren? Our actions should convey that we are willing to serve each other. As we grow, we will learn to serve more.
Mb
Boldness
The Chrisitan life is not an easy life. But our attitude is paramount in how we handle situations. One of the major things that we can have is boldness. Boldness needs to be a part of how we live. The boldness of Christ should work through us strongly, allowing us to make the right choices at the right times. Choices have to be made and once we are making choices with the right type of boldness, we will do well.
Humility
Keeping the Feast of Unleavened Bread helps us to look at sin in our lives. This in turn should lead us to realize that we are not without sin. Therefore we cannot be proud. Often times, sin comes from an attitude of pride. Instead, we should remain humble in the fact that God allows us to repent and be cleansed from our sins.
The Parable of the Mustard Seeds
Our faith starts out small, like that of a small mustard seed. But it is required to grow to become a large tree. Looking at the various iterations of this scripture, we can see just how important it is for us to be growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Hope
How do we view hope as Christians? Do we hope as the world does, with out much faith? Or do we hope like any other attribute, which needs to be exercised and stretched? Our hope must not be in the world or the things in the world.
Eternity
What is our take on eternity? How do we think about it? Is it something that we long for? Take for granted? How can we be assured that we will make it to the point where we can be in eternity?
