The First Man is of the Earth, Earthy; The Second Man is the Lord From Heaven. - Part 1334

Then Saul (who is [called] Paul) filled with the Holy Ghost set his eyes on him and said, "O full of all subtilty and all mischief, [thou] child of the devil. [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sin for a season. And immediately, there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand." (Acts 13:10-11)

Like Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them who preached the gospel, and likewise, seeking to turn those who may believe away from the faith, there are those within today's society who desire to do the same. And, given the nature of the time, the devil itself is running to and fro, seeking to devour whom it can.

But what happens when one remains true to the Lord Jesus -- faithful to follow His guidance and instruction, and always desirous to learn from the Word of God? The Word being Jesus? (John 1:1-18) Those around us, like the deputy when he saw what was done, begin to believe, "being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord." (Acts 13:12)

"And when the sabbath day was come, He began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands?" (Mark 6:2)

How often did the teachings of Jesus confound the wise? Or, the accusers of the disciples marvel and know that these must have been with Jesus, because to them, they should have been as "ignorant and unlearned" men?

As we know from the scriptures, Jesus spoke all these things unto the multitudes in parables, and without a parable spake He not unto them, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, "I will open My mouth in parables. I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 13:34-35; Psalm 78:2)

Why? " ... To make all [men] see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ, to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church -- the manifold wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him." (Ephesians 3:9-12)

And to those of us who receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour by faith, we also receive His grace so that we can preach among the people the unsearchable riches of Christ.

That is, "the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to His saints, to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:26-28)

The hidden truth -- God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-14) The first man of the earth -- earthy; the second man being the Lord from heaven. (I Corinthians 15:47)

Yes, He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)

This same Jesus whom ye have crucified (as Peter standing with the eleven said) is BOTH Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

The risen Christ is our Redeemer, and if we are faithful, this same Lord and Saviour -- the Lord of hosts, will turn all things to good for them that love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, and understanding. (Mark 12:28-29; Deuteronomy 6:4)

This outcome even when sorcerers (filled with a spirit that is earthly) try to convince those around us that the good news gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ can't be true. That Jesus the Christ can't be the Light, and the Life, and the Bread from heaven. Still, as Jesus explained to His disciples, when they asked Him to declare unto them the parable of the tares of the field -- He that sows the good seed is the Son of man. The field is the world. The good seed are the children of the kingdom. The tares are the children of the wicked one. The enemy that sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels.

"As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth His angels and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father." (Matthew 13:34-43)

We are to be that city on a hill for His kingdom. So, don't be discouraged. Those who know Jesus as their Lord God and Saviour also know that Jesus is the ONLY Way, the Truth and the Life. (John 14:6) And, as Jesus said, "If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also, and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:5-18)

He does not leave us comfortless. Seek Jesus today. Study the scriptures to show thyself approved unto God, as doth a workman. (II Timothy 2:15) Stand in the offering plate.