24/11/2022 - THE GLORY OF BELIEVERS.

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His branches shall spread; his beauty shall be like an olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon. Hosea 14.6

The Lord struggled to get Samaria to leave mysticism and turn to Him, but His words were not heard. We cannot accuse the Israelites of those days of having refused what God spoke because too often, we also fail to act as we should. They erred, yes; they despised the offerings of the Most High, yes, but do we comply with what He commands? Sadly no. We must return to the Father with true repentance.

If they had heeded the prophet, they would have had another fate. They were sons and heirs of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but their attitudes deprived them of sharing in God’s promises and declarations made to the patriarchs. Let us check whether or not we have obeyed the commandments. Failing to do what we have been told will prevent us from being answered by the Most High (Isaiah 59.1). Only those who love the Lord will be loved by Him (John 14.21).

Had the Northern Kingdom followed the divine precepts, its faith would have produced buds as trees do in due time. Thus, the work would have been the salvation of the people, who upon seeing Israel rise up, would also seek the true God. He would give them the salvation and deliverance experienced by the holy people. The same happens to us: when we turn from sin and believe in the Father, we will serve as an example to many people (1 Peter 2.9).

God wants to flood the world with the anointing He has given us; to do so, we must live as the Scriptures say. As we strive, we will see God’s hand working effectively in our lives, but being in the flesh – in the natural – we will not please God and thus, nothing of what He can do in us will we have to show to others. Make the effort, follow the commandments, and see other people also being blessed by watching how you are treated.

The promise goes on to say that our glory will be like that of the olive tree, from which comes the oil that seasons the food and is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Then, the bread that we have to offer those who need to live will come with the power to bring such a person to repentance from evil deeds and lead them to salvation in Christ Jesus. It is not enough to give bread to the hungry; if it is not the Bread of Life, which brings the anointing from On High, we will never get anywhere. Stay alert!

The olive tree lives for centuries and bears the fruit that produces the oil. Our faith is the true tree of life, from which must flow the precious oil capable of softening hearts and leading man to draw near to God to be healed, forgiven and saved. This glory is of the saved, as the Master said: You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men (Matthew 5.13). Watch, pray and believe!

The Bible speaks of the cedar tree of Lebanon, its height, sturdiness, and the sweet aroma it exuded to those who passed by those fields. Likewise, the sweet smell of Jesus who lives in us has to be brought to those around us. This is also a way of preaching the Gospel. Never cease to honor the Lord with the fragrance He desires to produce in you.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares