Bible Reading: Job 20; Hebrews. 12:14-29
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” – Hebrews 12:14 (KJV)
One of my dearest expectations is to see the Lord. One could see the Lord here on earth and/ or in heaven. When the Lord Jesus came to the earth in flesh, he was seen by everybody that was around, both believers and unbelievers alike. However after his resurrection, he revealed himself to a few. Thereafter he ascended into heaven and only a few that live a life that pleases him have seen him thereafter. This the Lord Jesus stated in his sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:8 (KJV): “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
So to see the Lord, you must be pure in heart. And to achieve this, Hebrews 12:14 (KJV) says: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”
So one of the conditions to see the Lord on earth and in heaven is to be at peace with all men. This is not easy as there are men that will unintentionally or intentionally hurt you. Sometimes men will test your patience to see how you will react. But in all these, the word of God expects us to be at peace with everyone; friends and enemies alike. This is why Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans in Romans 12:19-20 (KJV): “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
The way out of this is for us to truly surrender ourselves; body, soul and spirit to God. Doing that, will make it easier for us to obey him concerning his instructions.
If we can live peaceably with all men, then the second condition of living a life of holiness will become easier for us. Holy living implies a life of obedience to the commands of God as stated in His word. This also implies total submission to His will. For us to do this, we need our heart to be pure! And if it is so, we will see the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, please give me the grace to live in peace with all men and you my God in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero