Does it make sense to make planes out of something that doesn’t fly or to make ships out of something that doesn’t float? Metal doesn’t fly or float! Yet jet planes are made of metal, as are ocean-going ships. Many times I have used both to go on long journeys covering distances I could not cover on my own. I could well use my relationship with God in the same way!
1 John 2:24-28 (ESV)
“Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.” – (English Standard Version. )
One version uses “abide”, the other uses “remain”. TOGETHER those two translations showed me something I had not seen before.
“What you have heard from the beginning must remain in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life. I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. The anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you don’t need anyone to teach you. Instead, His anointing teaches you about all things and is true and is not a lie; just as He has taught you, remain in Him. So now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” – (Holman Christian standard version.)
As you can see, one version uses “abide”, the other uses “remain”. TOGETHER these two translations showed me something I had not seen before.
Metal doesn’t fly, nor does it float. Yet jet planes are made of metal, as are ocean-going ships. Both have taken me on very long trips all over the world. I always stayed inside because it was much more comfortable there! I never felt the urge to go outside the plane and walk on the wing, or to jump out of the ship into the water.
I wish the same was true for my spiritual journey. I have often “jumped out” or “jumped off” my relationship with Jesus to do something that was foolish. Maybe it was the excitement or the adventure of it. I’m not sure what it was that called me away, but I do realize now as I look back that it was always … selfish. I now know that is smartest to stay with, remain with, and abide inside my relationship with Jesus.
Please comment and/or respond to what you heard inside of you as you read this! Let’s share!
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