Part 16 We would see Jesus

Part 16 We would see Jesus

John 12:21

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

We are living in the information age, never before in history has there been so much information available to the average person. You can log on to the internet and virtually find any information you need within minutes. The prophet Daniel prophesied about these days when he said there would come a time when knowledge would increase. Daniel 12:4 the word increase here is the Hebrew word: 7232. rabab, raw-bab'; a prim. root [rather ident. with H7231 through the idea of projection]; to shoot an arrow:-- It means to increase by the speed of an arrow flying through the air, in other words knowledge will rapidly increase. We are aware of the principle.

1 Corinthians15:46

first in the natural then in the spiritual

Not only is knowledge increasing at a tremendous rate in the natural but also in the spiritual. This Christian generation has been given more light and understanding than any previous; the problem is this can lead to the deception that causes us to believe that because we know more we are more spiritual. Unfortunately this is not the case.

The church tends to fill the people with doctrine rather than filling the people with deity

We have entertainment, we have music sometimes good music, but do we have Jesus manifest in our midst? We sing the right songs the latest choruses but do we have Jesus?  The virtue of any church or Christian institution is so much in its doctrines, but rather in the quality of people it produces.

1 Corinthians 13:2

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries,and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.

This verse of scripture highlights the danger of knowing but not living the truth, the deception of knowing but not living the truth is a very powerful deception, it is based in pride and God resists the proud. The root characteristic of Satan’s Kingdom is pride and God hates pride, in fact he states that it is an abomination to Him. Proverbs 16:5. Pride has a thousand faces however the pride that comes often with knowledge is the cause of much baroness in the church today.

Jesus moved in Kingdom authority but his teaching was primarily about Kingdom Character

The Sermon on the Mount is a picture of Kingdom Character. So much today is about how to achieve how to succeed, how to become something. When did you last hear a message on Sermon on the Mount? The words Meek and Lowly don’t feature in sermons much anymore. When Jesus clearly said Learn from me.

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Our quest in not to know more, but to become more; more like Him. The reality is that the more you become like Him the more you understand and gain true insight into the reality and nature of Him and His universe. The meek shall inherit the earth; He gives more grace to the humble.

The prime role of the church is to conform people to the image of Jesus

This may start with salvation but we are saved in order to become something else, namely like Jesus. Jesus said when I be lifted up that will draw all men unto Him. The world is still looking for Christians “Christ-Like Ones” unity is proportionate to the degree that Christians have become like Jesus. Unity is not something we can achieve outside of becoming like Jesus. James asked the question “where do wars come from” i.e. wars in the church,

James 4:1	From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
John 17:22	And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
John 17:23	I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

God said to Moses

Exodus 33:19

I will allow my Glory (Goodness) to pass before you .

It is the goodness of God in us that will draw people to the Lord.

When the Greeks (gentiles) came to Phillip and said we would see Jesus it was a desire that rings down through the ages and the world is still waiting to see Jesus in the church. 

Jesus said

Matthew 8:20

where two or three are gathered together in my name I am in the midst of them

You may say I believe that is true!  However unless people feel Him experience Him, He is not a reality to the man in the street. Faith must be turned into reality or manifestation.

Two kinds of people are highlighted in the book of Malachi

One group spoke with arrogant words and declared out of the abundance of their hearts, “what good has it done that we’ve served the Lord and kept his ordinances” Malachi 3:4.  Their pride had deceived them.

The other group; “spoke often one to another about the nature of their awesome God”. The Lord said this group will make up the jewels in His crown and then it will be discerned who really serves God and who doesn’t serve Him. Malachi 3:16-18.

The world is still saying; we would see Jesus

2 Corinthians 4:6	For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ
Hebrews 12:2	Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

God Bless youN Johnson © September 2006