
The Danger of being a “Middle Ground” Christian
In Numbers 32. Moses spoke to those who chose to remain on the east side of Jordan. He tells them what God’s purposes and expectations were for them. It is in this context that we have the statement that was made in verse :23 .Be sure your sin will find you out!
Moses is speaking of one particular sin, that being a stubborn refusal to wholly follow the Lord! There are many sins that go unexposed here on earth and will be revealed only at the Judgment.
Paul said, in Romans 2:16. “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of man by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” The Greek word used here for secrets is, “that which is hidden, concealed, covered up.”
The adulterer may hide his sin until judgment day. The thief may cover up his crimes and not get caught in this life. Wicked hearts, evil thoughts may remain unexposed before men. Hypocrisy may be hidden for years under a pretense of piety. But the sin of half-heartedness will always find you out here and now!
For the sake of this message I have called it middle ground!
Revelation 3:16 calls it being Lukewarm.
God commanded Israel: “Ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the Lord you God giveth you, and ye shall posses it, and dwell therein” (Deuteronomy 11:31). Their inheritance was on the other side of Jordan. It was over Jordan where God would choose a place to set up His tabernacle and that was Shiloh. There the Ark of the Covenant would rest, a symbol of the Lord’s presence among them.
Two crossings were necessary! Crossing the Red Sea was a type of leaving the world and all its idols and lust behind a clear type of conversion. The second crossing was the Jordan, which represents dying to self and going on into the fullness of Christ. Jordan in Hebrew means, “going down, subdued, laid low.” Actually, it represents death! Death to all that is unlike Christ all ambition, idolatry, self. The Jordan was a stream of death!
Between the two crossings was the territory of Gilead and Jazer which bordered the Jordan and the Land of Fullness. This is Middle Ground, a place of half surrender and it was totally indefensible. It was a most dangerous place to live, surrounded by heathen enemies, and it speaks of falling short of God’s ultimate place and purpose for His children.
Two and a half tribes Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh felt most comfortable with this middle ground! They said, in essence, “This is as far as we go! This suits our lifestyle just fine! We’ve come a long way we’re tired give us Gilead Jazer. Let the rest go on we are going to settle here!”
>>Numbers 32:19 “For we will not inherit with them on yonder side of Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us this side of Jordan”.
>>Numbers 32:5 “Let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan”.
This is not simply a history lesson about the struggles of Israel. These lessons “serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things” (Hebrews 8:5). Paul said, “these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they lusted” (1 Corinthians 10:6). “Now all these things happened unto them for examples; and they are for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (2 Corinthians 10:11). In other words, this is history with a voice speaking to us!
This example of settling for middle ground speaks clearly to the lukewarm and compromise in the church today.
God is showing us in this tragic story, the terrible consequences of partial obedience. We see them in the first stages of starting out right, then just when death to everything of this world stares them in the face, they recoil. adaptability became their way of life!
The Scriptures show us vividly how their sin of settling on middle ground found them out. You will see these two and a half tribes eventually being overcome by the enemy; you will see them returning to idolatry ending up more wicked than when in Egypt.
Characteristics of Those On Middle Ground
Those who live on middle ground share certain characteristics! The characteristics of these two and a half tribes can also be found today in those who refuse to pulverize their idols and die to the world. Their Hebrew names reveal much.
Reuben means a son who sees! He was Jacob’s firstborn, but he lost his birthright because he was driven by lust. He went into his father’s concubine, and Jacob described his son Rueben as one “unstable as water thou shalt not excel” (Genesis 49:3).
Moses recognized these same weaknesses. His final prayer for Reuben was “Let Reuben live, and not die” (Deuteronomy 33:6). Moses was speaking prophetically, hoping and praying that the worldly spirit in this tribe would not one day bring them to ruin.
Reuben had eyes only for this world its lusts, its things, its pleasures. He was unstable because his heart was always divided, and this spirit was passed on to his posterity. Here was an entire tribe attached to the world and bent on having their own way.
Gad means fortune – troop! Or, soldiers of fortune mercenaries! Moses said of Gad “He provided the first part for himself” (Deuteronomy 33:21). This tribe was outwardly obedient “executing the justice of the Lord,” but the overriding characteristic was self-interest. Gad was consumed with its own problems the need to make it!
Gad’s philosophy is “I’ll fight with the Lord’s army; I’ll be obedient and do everything God expects of me. But first — I’ve got to get a stake in life. I need to get myself and family set up — Then I’ll be free to give and do more for the Lord!”
Here is the Christian who thinks — God expects me to take care of my family first — I’ve got to pay the bills. As soon as I see some daylight get ahead a little I’ll give the Lord more time.” Rebellion is the root of this kind of attitude. There is no burning desire to please only the Lord, to do His will absolutely and only. The Gad tribe is preoccupied with self-will, self-improvement, self-interests.
Manasseh means to forget, to neglect! This was Joseph’s firstborn son and he should have received the birthright. But even in his childhood there was a sad trait developing — and Jacob saw it in the spirit. Manasseh would one day forget the ways of his father Joseph and neglect the commandment of the Lord.
“And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hand deliberately; for Manasseh was the firstborn. And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove this father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it and he set Ephraim before Manasseh” (Genesis 48:14,17,18-21).
How close to God Israel (Jacob) must have been how clearly directed by the Holy Spirit he was. He foresaw the coming of a spirit of division to this posterity! It was to become a tribe only half consecrated to the fullness of God!
Ironically, this tribe carried with them a constant reminder to go all the way with God. They carried Joseph’s casket, with his bones to be buried beyond Jordan. “And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry my bones from hence” (Genesis 50:25). “And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him” (Exodus 13:19).
For years that casket reminded Manasseh — “Go all the way with God – cross the Jordan — into fullness” The bones go in — half of Manasseh does not!
Consider these combined traits of middle ground Christians: unstable as water in spiritual convictions; never excelling in the things of God; lukewarm, weak with lust; ruled by selfish needs; neglecting the Word; not taking the Lord’s commandments seriously; making their own choices instead of trusting God; forgetting His past blessings and dealings; unwilling to let go of certain idols; justifying their own decisions; not willing to die to all that would seduce them back to middle ground!
Middle Ground Christian Become Stubborn and Self-willed
Middle ground people develop a very stubborn self-will, one that even a Moses can’t change! They said “This is a place for cattle and thy servants have cattle” (Numbers 32:1,4). God’s will God’s word, was not even considered! They looked at those green pastures, at their herds of cattle, and said “This ours! We go no further!”
Moses was indignant “Ye are risen up in your Father’s stead, descendants of evil men, to augment the anger of the Lord toward Israel” (Numbers 32:7,14).
Their answer “You just don’t understand!” What they were actually saying was this, “We love the fellowship we are not going back to our old sins. We plan to walk in obedience to the Lord we will stand with you and fight the Devil but we don’t want to live like that. We have our own ideas about serving God.” Moses could reprove them as hard as he chose as long as he did not try to change their minds! “We will pass over armed before the Lord into the Land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side of Jordan may be ours!” (Numbers 32:32).
They were saying “We still want to walk with you but we have decided to do things our way.” You see that same spirit today among those who refuse the way of the Cross. “I don’t criticize Christians who want to live like saints, giving up things, living so strict, denying themselves but that is just not for me. I’m just as good I may not show it, or act it, but I’m no sinner. I’ve got my own ideas about holiness and walking with God!”
They were putting career ahead of Christ! Family ahead of God! “We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones, sour little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land” (Numbers 32:16,17). “Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead” (Numbers 32:26).
Should they be commended for providing so well for their children and wives? No! They were keeping their families on middle ground robbing them of their true inheritance. They should have taken them all over Jordan. That was where the spiritual authority was under Joshua who was led by the captain of the Lord’s hosts. It was over Jordan where the Ark was, representing the presence of the Lord.
They should have been there to see the walls of Jericho fall. They should have tasted the grapes of Eschol, the honey of the land. They should have been taken on into the fullness of the Lord.
These misguided middle ground fathers thought that love, protection, and no privations would hold their children and family together! So they built high fences to keep them secure gave them all they needed and assured them they were loved. But they underestimated their danger!
Here is the great tragedy of those who won’t go all the way with God. They destroy their loved ones grandparents, mates, children! Jesus warned, “ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering, ye hindered” (Luke 11:52).
Here is where their sin found them out! Love was not enough. Overprotecting them from the enemy was not enough. Having all they needed was not enough. They doomed their families by settling on middle ground. Middle ground people are the first to be judged! These defenseless people were overrun by the enemy. “In those days the Lord began to cut Israel short; and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel; from Jordan eastward all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the Manassites” (2 Kings 10:32,33). Their children became idol worshippers. Their wives were prostituted and became heathen in all their ways. All spiritual desire was lost and they became morally and physically devastated.
Let me warn parents to cross the Jordan and be crucified to this world and all its things. If you refuse to go on in God and instead permit compromise in your life or home, settling down on some middle ground of luke-warmness you will live to see the day your sin will be visited upon your family!
You will lose God’s anointing in your own life and the devil will plunder your household. Your children and family will fall into the temptations of the world. You will have sorrow upon sorrow trouble upon trouble because you settled on unholy ground!
Giving up the Presence of God
Those who settle on middle ground give up the presence of God for a mere confession of faith. The battles were now over, and “the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he swore to give to their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt there” (Joshua 21:43). It was time for the two and a half tribes to go back to where their heart was.
We come now to one of the saddest episodes of this story. “And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel, out of Shiloh, which is in Canaan, to go into the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession” (Joshua 22:9).
Here is the cause of all division going back to middle ground! Who caused this division? Not those who went on with God not those who followed the Ark of His presence not those who obeyed God wholly. It was caused by those who were “sensual, separating themselves, having not the Spirit!” (Jude 19).
Division is caused by those “who went out from us because they were not with us” Paul said, “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” Worldliness causes the division. Those going back cause it! All present day division is caused by those who refuse to hold to Christ the head, by those who turn away from the demands of the cross, who reject the self-denial and obedience of the narrow way.
Those who settle for middle ground must build an altar to contrived unity – called Ed! “And when they came to the borders of Jordan they built there a great altar to see to at the passage of the children of Israel and called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the Lord is God” (Joshua 22:10,11,34).
This altar represented their cry for unity. It was a positive confession from a whole class of middle ground Christians seeking to keep their identity with those who were already walking in unity on God’s side of the Jordan.
What doctrinal and spiritual confusion it caused! What division it created almost ending in a full scale war among God’s people. All created by middle ground Christians.
All Israel gathered at Shiloh “to go up to war against them” (Joshua 22:12). Eleazar, the priest, with ten princes approached the altar of contrived unity. They said to the middle ground people, “”..if your possession be unclean, then pass over unto the land of the possession of the Lord wherein the Lord’s tabernacle dwelleth and take possession among us but don’t rebel against the Lord or us” (Joshua 22:19).
The message was clear. “If you fear there is division among us come back over Jordan. We are united. God’s presence unites us. Come into the fullness and dwell with us in peace but why another altar? Why Ed? There is only one altar of unity the tabernacle of His holiness.”
Beloved those who move on into the blessed fullness and holiness of Christ know nothing of division. There are no Baptists or Assemblies of God or schism in His holy presence. No middle wall, no barriers! All is Christ and His holiness.
They needed visible proof of unity with God’s chosen. It was an altar built by fear fear of not being a part of God’s movement! There was a sense in them that they were going to be left out of the Lord’s eternal purpose for His people. “We have done it for fear of this thing in time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, what have ye to do with the Lord God of Israel ye have no part in the Lord” (Joshua 22:24,27).
What a sad commentary! They must have foreseen a time coming when the only evidence left that God was with them, or that they were united with Him was a pile of stones a mere confession. Their children could see the altar Ed and confess “By this I know I am one of them!”
Wherever there is deptarture from God’s plan wherever men settle for the earthly and sensual wherever Christians are no longer in one place, in one accord, in the upper room of separation with Christ there is contrived unity there is empty, stone-cold confession.
If you are among believers who are going on “wholly set on the Lord” you will feel left out if you are on middle ground. You will accuse others of being “holier-than-thou!” You will accuse them of being cliquish. You can try as you will to be one of them but it won’t work! You are the cause! You removed yourself from God’s ordained place of victory, unity and spiritual power.
The sin of being half hearted will surely find you out even in this lifetime.
Enemies will arise and harass on all sides there will not be strength or discernment to deal with overpowering onslaughts of Satan.
There will be a loss of joy and peace with God. Spiritual life will degenerate day by day.
The presence of the Lord will be lost, and what sets in is hopelessness.
How much better, how much safer to go on with those who want the Lord’s fullness.
God’s desire for all of us is to enter a place of rest, joy and peace in the Holy Ghost.
That requires following Him “with all the heart, all the strength.”
Articles
Mission Mexico Part 23

Just handed a tract to a man named Ruben. He said “Thank you. I’ve been searching and was thinking of visiting the JW (Jehovah Witness) church near me. Thank you.” Ruben said. Then a conversation ensued. He was informed that that JW and Mormons are cults. Ruben was given the law to convict and saving Gospel and exhorted to pray in repentance today and receive Jesus for the remission of his sins. He was told by way of testimony and the Word that Jesus is exactly Who he was looking for.
We exchanged numbers and will be meeting again soon. Please pray for this man. He’s in ripe mode if you will….. ready to repent and receive Jesus, Heaven’s Treasure, Salvation! Would you like to pause and lift Ruben in prayer?
*** Saints, as your brother in Christ, let me encourage you to dare pray something like this today if you are inclined: “Dear LORD, I am all Yours. You created me. You came and died for me. I am Yours. Please put me on Your planet, just exactly where You want me, and use me dear LORD! In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Could the LORD be shaking off the dust of His holy feet against America?
“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” Matthew 10:14
Saints, the JW and Mormon cults are here in Mexico. There are few if any Christian missionaries. “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38
I don’t believe any American would regret moving to this great country of Mexico. The peace and tranquility are off the charts. If you need someone to talk to, let me know.
One thing is certain, you will be immediately spoiled by the preciousness of the Mexican people and their acceptance of the message of Christ! You will minister to no one who won’t say “Gracias.”
Are you printing out your supply of JESUS tracts to pass out daily? Never leave home without your supply of the Gospel of Jesus to share with others. Download Jesus tract PDF with one click here – English and Spanish
Francisco repented and received Jesus! As our LORD would have it, our paths crossed by divine ordination. Francisco was preached to and gladly received a Jesus tract. Upon showing him the prayer of repentance and faith on the back, he immediately raised his hands to pray. It caught me off guard, in a good way, and so he was instructed to pray in repentance and faith… as he was led, and he did. Out loud, acknowledging that he has sinned against God and then calling on our LORD Jesus to forgive, save, wash away his sin.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. … 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13
Beloved Francisco was showed and encouraged to download the Reina Valera Spanish Bible onto his devices and wake up to seeking God in His Word and prayer first thing each morning (Matthew 6:33). He was given the idea also of reading the Proverb of the day each morning.
This continues to happen here with these precious people. They are so hungry for Christ and only need someone to show, to lead them to Him. Several times when instructed to go home and pray in repentance and faith, they overtly lift their hands and hearts and begin praying right on the spot—which demonstrates that they’d been waiting eagerly to hear the message of Christ’s Gospel!
“HOW shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14
Ensuing his repentance toward God and faith toward our LORD Jesus (Acts 20:21), the discipleship began. We’ve already been communicating and he’s got the Born Again book in Spanish with three more of the ministry books which will be sent to him this week.
As you can imagine, there is no shortage of great food in Mexico.
“As you guys see, the harvest is plenteous (Matthew 9:37), and the fields are ready for the harvest! Your wages are the joy of gathering the fruit unto enteral life. John 4:35-36. And we as fellowhelpers rejoice with you. As His truth is being spread aboard into the hearts of the Dear people of Mexico! We are team Jesus! Appreciate all the pictures and stories of the many who are receiving with meekness the engraved word of the Lord! Hallelujah! Bless you and Justin.” Tom and Karen Cochran
Brother Justin and I were able to minister our LORD’s Word to several people this evening. Justin was elated to see the interaction, the response of these amazing people of Mexico. Here’s one of the beloved people who received a thorough preaching of the Word of Jesus Christ. HIS Word was 100% received. As usual each person is instructed to go home and pray the prayer on the back of the JESUS tract and repent, receive Jesus, and let Him wash you clean in His precious blood. Boom (1 Corinthians 3:9). When asked if he wished for Christians in the United States to pray for him, Manuel was happy to know you will pause to lift him in prayer.
Brother in Christ Vicente contacted me today to try to help this young man. Please pray for beloved Dario. We know God has a plan. Hopefully I can meet him soon and lead him to our LORD Jesus, if he’s not yet saved.
Thank you for lifting Dario in prayer.
Remember Jesus taught us the prayer power is in His holy name—JESUS CHRIST—and not how long or emotional we get in prayer (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24). Just ask Him (Matthew 7:7).
The people of Mexico are so sincere, earnest, meek, and diligent. He’s growing up, in transition and God will hear the prayers of His saints in Jesus’ name for this man. God is able!
“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
TODAY, a man named David was ministered to and was captivated by Christ. He couldn’t stop reading and even praying aloud the prayer on the back of the Jesus tract. Would you like to lift beloved David in prayer? I will see him soon. He owns a store. Jesus is moving on the hearts of men. He’s not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9).
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32
Our LORD Jesus was lifted up on the cross, crucified between the holy Father in Heaven and fallen mankind on earth—in order to “draw all men” to Himself to be saved.
Neighborhood bodega (store).
Mission Mexico
https://safeguardyoursoul.com/mexico-mission/
God is moving on the hearts of men, saving souls…. and using His people’s prayers and labor…. “WE are labourers (plural) TOGETHER with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9).
SAINTS of Christ, we are Team JESUS. And remember that your prayers and supply are just as powerful, effectual for Christ as those, boots on the ground, are giving out God’s love in the form of those Gospel tracts and food, assistance, the spoken WORD of God, etc., 100% acceptance down here!
“WE (plural) are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
Jesus is coming – Let’s roll saints!
WE, TOGETHER, are continuing what Jesus started, right? Check this Great Commission action of our KING:
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38
If you are not personally involved in the Great Commission it could only be due to you not yet knowing the One who gave that mandate.
Jesus sent you on a mission and if you are not fulfilling that mission with the other members of the “little flock” of Christ, you are out of God’s will and have rejected Christ (Luke 12:32). To reject, to refuse to fulfill Christ’s commands, including His Great Commission command, is to openly reject Christ.
OUR LORD IS HEARING AND ANSWERING THE PRAYERS OF HIS BELOVED SAINTS IN THE NAME OF JESUS!
THIS JUST IN: “He never fails” says our brother Justin who is Australian and was saved here on the street in Mexico. Justin was recently water baptized you may recall with brother Daniel. You’ve lifted him in prayer and he continues to grow!
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. ” Luke 17:5
Justin is experiencing the bless-ed hand of God as he continues to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
Thank you for lifting brother Justin in prayer afresh.
Let’s not wait till there’s a crisis, right? Why not pray that our LORD will propel those of His whom we pray for to deep death and burial and therefore great resurrection heights!
IN MEXICO, the people are more interested in pleasing you than they are that you pay them. For example at restaurants …. They are more interested in making you happy with their delicious food and hospitality, etc. They will not bring your check until you ask for it, with no exception. Their joy is to make you happy, to delight you. Refreshing.
Read Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-35 to see what happens when people truly get saved.
YOUR PRAYER: Father, please make my life count for You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“Thank you Lord for all you are doing in Mexico among the people! We give you all glory, honor and praise!” Karen Cochran
Any person not living a Great Commission life, is living a wasted life. They are out of the will of God. They are doing their own thing and not God’s will.
Read that again.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
Maria received ministry today and took a stack of JESUS tracts to pass out. She was blessed to know that disciples of Christ in the USA would be pausing to lift her in prayer.
The only “building fund” I will ever give to is that which is building Christ’s kingdom. Everything else is waste. Let that sink in. Consider jumping in—funding Christ’s kingdom work (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
IF you aren’t all about Christ’s Gospel, you are living a wasted life (Mark 16:15).
YOUR PRAYER: LORD, break and use me! In Jesus’ name.
Jesus and his friend had our LORD’s Gospel of salvation thoroughly preached them and given some coin and a JESUS tract. They were both captivated at the hearing of God’s Word.
Your prayers are vital. God is answering. Philippians 1:19
In Jesus’ name, amen. I actually set google map to go to a completely different store and it took me to this one! God is in control!
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Abiding
Hostile Watching vs Grounded Readiness for Christ’s Return [podcast]

So let me get this straight…. we are frantic about the timing of the most anticipated event in human history, the return of Heaven’s King …. yet we don’t love that coming King enough to diligently seek His face and be preoccupied, consumed with serving Him – as we obey Him by daily denying self, taking up the cross, worshipping and executing His Great Commission mandate that He gave us? If this is the case, does it not prove that we are all about ourselves and not the LORD we feign to follow – as in we don’t truly love Him but rather seek to self-preservingly keep ourselves out of hell?
“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, WHEN the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation (hostile watching): 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21
Are we frantic about the WHEN and not fervent about seeking, knowing, worshipping, and obeying the WHO? Should we be crying “WHEN?!” OR “WHAT do You want me to do LORD, HOW do You want to use me?!”
The Coming of the Kingdom
“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, WHEN the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.
23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.
24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.”
In this passage it seems to fit that “observation” refers to hostile, anxious watching. Notice the setting. The Pharisee enemies are demanding “WHEN the kingdom of God should come.” Jesus then answers them and seems to communicate that we are not to seek to determine by physical evidence “WHEN” He’s returning and that “the kingdom of God is within you.” (v21)
Of Jesus’s words in Luke 17:20, the Pulpit commentary notes:
“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation. This answer of our Lord’s may be paraphrased: “The kingdom of God cometh not in conjunction with such observation and watching for external glorious things as now exist among you here. Lo, it will burst upon you suddenly, unawares.” The English word “observation” answers to the signification of the Greek as meaning a singularly anxious watching.”
Our preoccupation should not be with the timing, the exact day or hour of His coming but rather in knowing Him, being rooted and grounded in our abiding relationship with the Savior. Living in readiness (Luke 12:40; 21:34-36). Our relationship with Him, moment by moment is what is most important and determines our present abiding fruitfulness (John 15:1-16) and future place with our coming King.
“Help me Jesus to keep my eye on the prize. You are my exceedingly great reward! And there is none upon the earth I desire more than thee. Those that are yours are preparing their hearts to be with you in glory for ever and ever! Behold Lord you are the God of our salvation!” Karen Cochran
Jesus came and died to give us a relationship with the Father and Himself.
“And this is life eternal (the whole divine reason for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
We must let God be God, letting Him determine the orchestrating and timing of His coming and rather be preoccupied with seeking, loving, knowing, and obeying our coming King.
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10
When lightening strikes “EVERY EYE” sees it (Revelation 1:7). Speaks of … He is coming with such force that lights of the whole sky escapes no one. So shall it be when the Author of lightening splits the eastern sky beloved! When Jesus Christ splits the eastern sky no one will miss it.
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:21-27
God knows and is in control of the end of all things, the return of the Son of God.
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Matthew 24:36
We need not run around frantically looking for the coming of the KING and His kingdom because “the kingdom of God is within you.” The domain of the KING is in us—KING-dom! That’s what it means.
The preoccupation of the Heaven bound saint of Christ should be his relationship with King Jesus.
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40
Some people are so busy trying to figure out exactly when Jesus is coming back and how the end time events are going to unfold that they aren’t preparing themselves to meet Him! They live in unwarranted anxiety, in hostile watching instead of settling down to know Him and therefore they aren’t ready to meet Jesus nor helping others to be prepared for the soon return of Christ. Fruitfulness comes from an abiding relationship with Christ.
Living in hostility, anxiety and fear destroys present abiding and fruitfulness. Many today jump from one end times ministry to another, fueling their anxiety with speculations. They are perpetually incapacitated from the daily abiding and fruitfulness Jesus ordains (John 15:1-16).
I’ve seen many who spend more time worrying, monitoring and trying in vain to determine what month or day Jesus would return. It seems that those same people are not fervently seeking the face of the LORD, are not evangelizing, do not have their hand to the plow of the Great Commission work of Christ. Rather they are foolishly seeking to play God by frantically attempting to figure out the exact or approximate timing of Jesus’ second coming. And yet they don’t have an heart after God and are therefore not ready for when Jesus returns (Matthew 26:41; Luke 12:40; Ephesians 5:25-27).
God is calling us to settle down and seek His face.
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalms 63:8
God is calling us to be anchored in Christ, our “blessed hope.” Titus 2:13
Titus 2 seems to be speaking of our lives, our spiritual state in light of Jesus’ coming.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:11-15
Hope in Christ, as we truly abide in Him, in the crucified life He ordained, is the “anchor of the soul” of the remnant disciple.
“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” Hebrews 6:19
“Love this podcast! And the word you used was hysteria. That is exactly what I am seeing. Many want to escape the tribulation out of fear! So if they can somehow figure out when Jesus is coming then maybe they will be able to escape the difficult times ahead! But we know the Bible says we must go through much tribulation to enter the kingdom of heaven. Acts 14:22. So there is no escape. Our job is to continue in the faith, eye on the prize which is Jesus! Always keeping in view the Kingdom of God. Like the 5 wise virgins.” Karen Cochran
The reason people live in fear is that they don’t have the love of God in them, through oneness with, through abiding relationship with Christ, which otherwise cast out all fear.
“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18
Prayer: Father, please ground me in You, establish Your kingdom and fruitfulness in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Articles
Stripped and Sanctified with Travis Bryan III [podcast]

“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
“God allowed Job to be stripped. And I was also thinking of Jer 1:10. God uses what Satan meant to harm us for His good. Providence. Romans 8:28. As we know he did in Joseph’s life. I could be wrong but in this title is satan getting credit for stripping us?” Karen Cochran
Why Did God allow Job to Suffer, to be Tested?
Job’s Suffering, Testing
“The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.” Psalms 11:5
The accuser of the brethren claimed that Job only loved and served God for what blessings God brought upon him – for selfish reasons.
“Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” Job 1:9-11
“Job 1:11
a [put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath]
God’s Role in Affliction and Destruction
When Satan suggested that God put forth His hand and touch Job’s possessions, it was really a suggestion that God withdraw His hand of protection so Satan could destroy Job’s property (Job_1:11-12). Satan and evil forces are the agents of destruction, not God. The only sense in which God destroys is to withhold His protection and thereby turn an individual over to the devil to carry out his work upon that person. This truth is plainly demonstrated in the case of Job. Who was it that destroyed (Job_1:12-19) and afflicted the body (Job_2:7) when God permitted it to be done? The answer is Satan, and this will always be the case in instances of affliction and destruction (Luk_13:16; Jhn_10:10; Act_10:38). Satan brings about the actual happenings of accidents, sickness, disease, and calamity, then causes men to think that God brings these things to pass. Thus, He is blamed erroneously for the work of the devil by millions, even Christians who should know better. Permission by God is never the same as the work of Satan after permission is granted him: withdrawing protection and allowing another to destroy is not the same as the destruction itself. God’s work is that of deliverance; Satan’s is that of destruction (Jhn_10:10; Act_10:38).
b [he will curse thee to thy face] Satan’s theory was that no man serves God without personal material gain. If He withheld such blessings, any man would automatically curse and hate Him. This, of course, is not true, for millions have loved and served God without material gain.” Dake
“Job 1:6-12
B. Scene II: Heaven—The Lord’s Presence (1:6-12)
As the story unfolds we are told of a scene in heaven when the sons of God (angels) appeared before the LORD. Satan (the word is Hebrew for Accuser) also was present. When God spoke to Satan concerning the uprightness of His servant Job, Satan implied that the only reason Job feared God was that He had been so good to him. According to Satan, if the Lord had not put a protective hedge around Job, then he would have cursed his Creator to His face.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Hebrews 12:5-12
“5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;”
We must ask “Who am I when everything has been stripped, taken from me?” Job 1:21; 13:15
TODAY, in the crucified life, the mind of Christ, we worship God and serve others.
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