The Rebel with a Cause ~ the gift of reversal
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Designed' in heaven was the rescue plan of all time, for all mankind. 2000 years ago it was 'played out' and is soon to be ended.
Loudly the Bible echoes virtue ... I tell you the truth whatever you have done for one of the least of My brothers you will have done it for Me. (Matthew 25:40)
Values and virtue logically stand out across Scriptures, but notably are picked up from the Gospels' interest in the outcasts. Thus, humility and self-denial leap afresh.
Jesus honors a tax collector, takes a whip to formal religion, casts the greedy out of temples and elevates the young.
... the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. (Luke 22:26)
Forget the accolades He teaches, be happy when you are unknown, unrewarded and forgotten. Pursue anonymity.
In Luke 18 Jesus honors a tax collector and dishonors the Pharisee. It is the unseen He sees and those who want to be seen He judges. Samaritans are acclaimed and the religious are lambasted.
Alarmingly, the Gospels portray Jesus as He who measures the eligibility for heaven as a child, an outsider, or a bankrupt widow.
The Gospels showcase the virtuous intent of the 'Rebel' from heaven who reverses our thinking and values - reversing us to virtue before knowledge.
... God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6b)
To all who listen to Him, look to Him and serve Him will find the Rebel from Heaven has not changed for today and its demands.
And a final note:
THE EYES OF THE LORD (still) RANGE THROUGHOUT THE EARTH TO STRENGTHEN THE HEART OF THOSE FULLY COMMITED TO HIM. (2 Chronicles 16:9a)
#inspired by Brennan Manning