Beyond Time: Luke 1:21-23
“21) The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22) But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. 23) When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home.” Luke 1:21-23
We are not sure how long Zacharias was delayed in the temple, but he lingered way beyond the hour for incense burning. The people outside became concerned.
So it happens, those who linger in Gods presence loose track of time. Bible reading and prayer coupled with intimate communion with God should not be hindered by the clock.
Unique to the western church is putting a stopwatch on God for our so called “worship services.” We give Him an hour with a cushion of another half, but then our attention span is ended.
I have been to many African, Latino, Haitian and underground churches where they loose track of time in the presence of God. The one who created time cannot be restrained by time.
You know you have graduated into true communication and delight in God when you loose track of time! Zacharias lost track of time in the presence of the Divine. It was something new for his time and age. It became common for people seeking Jesus during His public ministry and for the church after Pentecost. They even lost track of food and meals.
When Zacharias came out of the Holy Place after his delay, the people realized that he had seen a vision, for he was mute and unable to speak. He finished his tour of duty and returned to his home.
There are precious things that happens to the man or woman of God who learn the secret of basking in His presence that defy words. Such was the case for Paul in 2 Corinthians 12. He was caught up to the 3rd heaven and heard inexpressible words. Concerning the full scope of his revelation, God put a muzzle on him.
In the presence of God, things can happen in the Spirit that defies both time and words. Do not restrain God by time, theological boxes or even words. (Study 1 Corinthians 2) Notice, I did not include the Bible. God always works within biblical parameters.
Let me give you some wise council. Drop the words fundamentalist, evangelical, charismatic and Pentecostal from your vocabulary. They are restrictive boxes. Instead adopt the title of “Spirit Filled Christ Follower.” Then pull all stops in your pursuit of Jesus Christ. Seek to enter into every promise in the Word of God. It is your inheritance “in Christ.” (See 1 Peter 1:2-11)
In so doing, expect to receive many pearls from your intimate communion with God. Do not throw them before swine. To say too much is to invite the wrath of critics devoted to some camp more than to Jesus. Instead, enjoy basking in the presence of God.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“21) The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22) But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. 23) When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home.” Luke 1:21-23
We are not sure how long Zacharias was delayed in the temple, but he lingered way beyond the hour for incense burning. The people outside became concerned.
So it happens, those who linger in Gods presence loose track of time. Bible reading and prayer coupled with intimate communion with God should not be hindered by the clock.
Unique to the western church is putting a stopwatch on God for our so called “worship services.” We give Him an hour with a cushion of another half, but then our attention span is ended.
I have been to many African, Latino, Haitian and underground churches where they loose track of time in the presence of God. The one who created time cannot be restrained by time.
You know you have graduated into true communication and delight in God when you loose track of time! Zacharias lost track of time in the presence of the Divine. It was something new for his time and age. It became common for people seeking Jesus during His public ministry and for the church after Pentecost. They even lost track of food and meals.
When Zacharias came out of the Holy Place after his delay, the people realized that he had seen a vision, for he was mute and unable to speak. He finished his tour of duty and returned to his home.
There are precious things that happens to the man or woman of God who learn the secret of basking in His presence that defy words. Such was the case for Paul in 2 Corinthians 12. He was caught up to the 3rd heaven and heard inexpressible words. Concerning the full scope of his revelation, God put a muzzle on him.
In the presence of God, things can happen in the Spirit that defies both time and words. Do not restrain God by time, theological boxes or even words. (Study 1 Corinthians 2) Notice, I did not include the Bible. God always works within biblical parameters.
Let me give you some wise council. Drop the words fundamentalist, evangelical, charismatic and Pentecostal from your vocabulary. They are restrictive boxes. Instead adopt the title of “Spirit Filled Christ Follower.” Then pull all stops in your pursuit of Jesus Christ. Seek to enter into every promise in the Word of God. It is your inheritance “in Christ.” (See 1 Peter 1:2-11)
In so doing, expect to receive many pearls from your intimate communion with God. Do not throw them before swine. To say too much is to invite the wrath of critics devoted to some camp more than to Jesus. Instead, enjoy basking in the presence of God.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone