THE AGES TO COME

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of
works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:4-9)

Devotion 5 of 17
A PROGRESSIVE KINGDOM

The heavenly rule is progressive in nature. Noah received more than Adam. The revelation given to Abraham exceeded that given to Noah. Moses was taken further than Abraham in vision and fellowship. The prophets were taken up higher than Moses. John the Baptist was the greatest of the prophets. The Lord Jesus Christ is humanity at its apex; brought to intended fruition.

All that are in Christ are capable of pioneering new ground--at least, new ground for them. They will not become Apostles, nor will they take men in a new or different direction. Additional revelation will not be given to them, and what they do receive will be in perfect harmony with the Scriptures. There are nuances of spiritual life, however, that can be developed in you before an assemblage of holy angels. A gallery of witnesses that went before you can behold the outworking of divine purpose in you in new and challenging ways.

Think of the impact Job has registered upon believers of all ages. "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy" (James 5:11). Here was a man, singled out by the Almighty, to demonstrate the power of faith, and the reality of spiritual endurance. In Job, the mercy of God was unfolded for generations to come. Keep in mind, Job lived before Moses--before the giving of the Law--before the scriptures. Yet, his walk afforded him privileges and insights those around him did not receive. This was also true of all the great men of Scripture: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, etc.

The standard for every person that is born again is stated wonderfully in Second Corinthians. "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (3:18). Your faith will enable you to live in expectation of a transformation that yields greater and greater glory--in you!

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant that I may make continual progress in Your kingdom: even increasing in the likeness of Your Son!

-- TOMORROW: EXPANDING OUR HORIZON --