Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Operating From Fullness

There is a right time to discuss some things isn't there? God speaks about a 'fullness of time' and it is great concept.

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." - Galatians 4:4-7 ESV

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth." - Ephesians 1:7-10 ESV

Greek word translated 'fullness' is pleroma (Strong's G4138) and it speaks of a ship fully manned or a team that has every position covered.

Grace covers all the bases. I want to wait sometimes to discuss issues because there must be a fullness there or else I will be in the wrong state of mind and possibly cause other problems or at minimum come to wrong conclusions.

If we make major decisions hot with anger or flush with need we are not operating from fullness and instead of redemption we may get something else.

In Jewish tradition a minimum of ten adult men must be present in order for certain prayers to be prayed. It is called a minyan. This comes from the idea that God is present in the congregation in a special way.

"A Psalm of Asaph. God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods. How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah" - Psalm 82:1-2 NKJV

The Hebrew word for congregation is edah (H5712) and the smallest number of people we ever see this word referring to in the Hebrew scriptures is the ten spies sent into the promised land to spy out the land. That was taken as the Biblical precedence of the minimum size of a congregation.

There are councils and and other forms of governance that also require a certain high percentage of people involved to be present before decisions regarding the whole can be made also.

Isn't it wise that when we make decisions we should have a fullness before we pass judgement? Isn't is prudent that all the interested players be present for the decision?

"For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God." - 1 Corinthians 4:4-5 ESV

Yes. I don't want to make decisions in discouragement. I want the grace of God and the Truth of God to be present before coming to a conclusion.

One day the Messiah will return and put the world in order but today Jesus can come into our thinking and put us in order. Then we can worship. He is in Heaven right sitting on a throne as angels bear witness to His plan. I want my sphere to reflect the same mind as that Heavenly gathering. That can only happen in fullness.

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