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In New England, we are accutely aware of the seasons.  Many people choose to reside here because there are four distinct seasons to the year.  I remember growing up here  with exitement and anticipation as one season was getting ready to change into another.  Any New England child can relate to getting a bicycle or other outdoor toy for Christmas, only to realize that it will be months before you can really make use of it.

 This year, it seems like summer was a long time coming.  In fact, I'm not sure it really is here yet.  But every now and then, you get a day that encourages you and lets you know that the next seacon is on the way.  Whether it's the smell of Fall in the air on a crisp October morning or the first dusting of snow in early December, God has a way of letting us know that we need to prepare for that which lies ahead.

 I encourage you today to make sure you take a moment to stop and see not only what season you are in, but what season lies ahead for you.  Make sure you pay attention to the signs that God leaves on your doorstep to let you know that there is a change coming for which you need to be prepared.

 

 

 

One of the underlying principles found throughout the Old Testament is that of separation.  Not only did God call a nation of people His own, but even within the Nation of Israel there was a hierarchical separation of God's people.  They were separated by two things: the first of which was totally out of their control, their birthright or ordination.  The second criterion for separation was sanctification, which actually means to be set apart, and was accomplished by compliance with a rigid set of sacrifices and rituals.

 

Even the physical place of worship was constructed according to this principle of separation; from the outside to the inside were Solomon's Porch, the Outer Court of the Gentiles, the Court of the Women, the Court of the Priests.  All of these led upward to the Holy of Holies.   These were places where one could come progressively closer to God.   Still, as one entered into the temple in Jerusalem he could only go so far based on those two criteria.  Only specifically qualified people could go to the next level.

 

The new birth experience provides both the birthright and sanctification that allows New Testament believers to enter into the most Holy place - the very presence of God.

 

Each of the synoptic gospels records that the veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom at the moment when Jesus died.  This signified the access that was now available to any believer.  No longer was the intimate presence of God a place reserved for the High Priest. 

 

Hebrews 10:14-22

14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

As the change of seasons once again brings new life and renewal, I can't help being reminded of the way this time of year is so reminiscent of the new birth experience.  When God looks upon a person that is as lifeless as a bare oak in March, he doesn't see the brown, dead reminders of what was once alive.  It doesn't bother Him that there are deep scars where the weight of winter has broken off once fruit full limbs.  God knows that deep inside that lifeless trunk is a seed of life just waiting for the refreshing flow of water to mingle with the lifegiving light.  So it is when the Spirit of God reaches down to a heart that is prepared to receive Him.  Before long new life springs to those who plant themselves next to the river of life - those who yield themselves to God and allow His Spirit to renew them. 

 

Luke 19:1-4
¹And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
²And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
³And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
⁴And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

     Zacchaeus was not a righteous man.  His job was to oppress his own countrymen.  He was wealthy, but there was obviously something missing in his life.  Money did not buy happiness for this tax collector.

     You see, Zacchaeus didn't really know who Jesus was, but he had heard about him.  He wanted to see for himself if this man who performed miracles was somebody that might fulfill his need as well.

     Zacchaeus wasn't just curious about Jesus - he was desperate.  There were obstacles that had been placed in his way.  It would have been easy for him to just turn around and go home, after all, he was rich.  Did it really matter if he got to see this man who was causing such a stir in the region?  Nobody was going to help him because of who he was - a publican and sinner.  Nobody turned to say, "Hey, Zacchaeus, stand in front of me.  He was like the lame man at the pool of Bethesda - so close, yet so far.  But Zacchaeus didn't allow the obstacles in his way to become excuses.  He took action.  He did what he could.  It must have looked strange to some people when they saw this short, rich man climbing up into a tree.  But Zacchaeus wasn't worried about what other people thought.  He was focused on one thing - finding out who Jesus is.

     Desperation is not a bad thing.  In fact it is the most important thing that ever happens to many people.  After trying to find their way in a world that would just as soon chew them up and spit them out, God is often the only one to whom they can turn.  It doesn't always happen that way, but more often than not, those who turn to God in a moment of desperation have a life changing experience.  Jesus made it very clear that He will never deny access to those who are spiritually hungry.  They shall be filled.  Ask, seek, knock...do whatever it takes to get closer to God, and see if he won't change your life!

 You'll never win an argument with God.

The foundational precepts and principles upon which the church is built cannot be improved, and should not be altered.  We might not always agree with the way that God works, but His word has established it, and that's just the way it's going to be.

"Because I said so," is an often heard reason given by a parent to a child.  In those four words, the unspoken message is this.  If I took the time to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand.  You would continue to argue the point, and so it would be a fruitless waste of time.  You just have to believe that the things I establish are for your own good, and that I love you enough to not place undue burdens upon you.  I want only the best for you, and sometimes you may not agree with my ways, but I am the one in charge-I am the one who cares the most about you-I am the one who can keep you safe-I am...

Praise God!  Our website is finally up and running.  While this is no substitute for "preaching the gospel to every creature", it does provide us an opportunity to introduce ourselves to some people who we otherwise may never meet.  It is my heartfelt prayer that every person who happens to find themself on our site would take the time to ponder their relationship with God and seek to know Him better.  I truly believe that we each have the opportunity to abide in His perfect peace if we will allow the power of His Word and the presence of His Spirit to minister to our hearts.