privilege. However, with privilege
comes responsibility. Therein lies
the imagined dilemma, and our so-
lution is to retreat in hopes of re-
capturing what we deem a less
demanding relationship
things. The past can be an effective
educational tool, but it cannot be re-
lived. The progressive unveiling of
Jesus within us will grant us un-
imaginable experiences both excit-
ing and frightening. What changes
might we expect in ourselves? How
will this affect our present relation-
ships? Will God's expectations of us
be greater than at present?
is behind. It is dangerous to go
backwards, for when we attempt
to relive the past we turn our back
to God.
ple of the Lord
and their faces
toward the east,
they were bow-
ing down to the
sun in the east."
Christians who keep in
step with Jesus' unveiling of
Himself have a vibrant relationship
with Christ.
the Temple in Jerusalem symbol-
ized not only past revelation but
also the final paragraphs of the
revelation concerning redemption
and the nature of God. Thus, there
was no spirit of anticipation. They
thought when Messiah appeared
He would perform to the script
penned by their sages, yet, when
Jesus burst onto the stage, He re-
fused to be their marionette. Those
who followed Him found themselves
singing a new song. Life's script
dragging drama;
it exuded the joy
He progressively unveils Christ in
us? If so, then we must surrender to
the Spirit, trust in Him and invest
ourselves in the relationship. As
Christ is unveiled in us we will be-
come Christlike. However, if we
deem God unworthy of our trust,
then powerlessness and joylessness
will punctuate our lives.
retrace and recapture what no lon-
ger exist? Which will it be?
Services director in Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania.