THE GLORIFIED STATE Devotion 15 of 25 A PERSONAL TESTIMONY My greatest social grief is sensing I do not really belong among some of my religious peers. Perhaps sharing some of my own perceptions on this point will bring some encouragement to others who have also shared this experience. For a long time now, I have sensed a gulf forming between myself and the institutional church. This is not what I desired to happen, and is not my preference. A PLACE AT LAST All of this highlights the glories of the world to come. No more will God's people be "the filth of the world, and . . . the offscouring of all things" (1 Cor 4:13). Indeed, the name of their God will be upon "their forehead." In this world, it was their hearts that were "circumcised" and made new. That operation was only apparent to those who had experienced the same thing. Then, we will be citizens of the city, and obviously so. No one will ask us if we are really citizens, or question our presence in the glory. It will be apparent we belong there. Our association with God will be evident. Our connection with Jesus will be noticeable and unquestionable. There will be nothing about us that will lead to any other conclusion: we belong in glory. "His name shall be on their foreheads." We will feel at home, at ease, appreciated, and among those who have the same desires as ourselves. Hallelujah! How the hearts of believers long for that time – and it is surely coming! – Tomorrow:
" . . . and His name shall be on their foreheads."
Here is an aspect of glory that is most refreshing to the soul. Earlier in this Patmos vision, the judgment of God was withheld until His servants were "sealed in their foreheads" (7:3). When the bottomless pit was opened according to God's purpose, the destructive hoard were allowed to hurt "only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads" (9:4). Later, when the whole house of Israel was seen standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion, they had the "Father's name written in their foreheads" (14:1). This is a symbolic way of saying the redeemed are OBVIOUSLY identified with God. That identity was not achieved by them, but accomplished by God. Their identity is the result of Divine work, not human ingenuity.
Jesus promised this very thing to the church in Philadelphia. They had not denied His name, but had heartily embraced Him in this world. They were opposed by the "synagogue of Satan" because they were unashamed to take hold on the Savior and His promises. To them Jesus said, "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name" (3:12).
Overcomers, whether from Philadelphia in the first century, or the city in which you live in the twentieth century, will enjoy the fulfillment of this promise. They will be conspicuously and thoroughly related to the Living God. They will have His nature, His disposition, and His character: the "name of My God" will be upon them. They will fit into the completed temple and city of God. They will belong where they are, and it will be evident that they are, to the redeemed of all ages, and the angelic hosts as well: the "name of the city of My God" will be upon them. And there, identity with the Lord Jesus will be noticeable and clear. They will be seen as His "brethren," whom He has faithfully brought to God (Heb 2:10-12). They will share the throne with Him (Rev 3:21), and be "joints heirs" together with Him (Rom 8:17). Indeed, Jesus will write upon them His own "new name."
In this world, we must deal with not being accepted – with being out of place, so to speak. It is difficult enough to endure the status of "outcast" among the obviously unsaved: those with whom we live and work. But, alas, the status of "stranger and foreigner" is not limited to that alienated segment of humanity. Too often, we feel out of place in the professed church, and around those who wear the name of the Lord.
This expanding chasm is largely owing to a quest for the things of God. I make no claim of being unique in this pursuit. In fact, it is an aspect of faith that all believers possess to some degree. I find that as the things of God become clearer to me, kindred spirits become correspondingly more precious. Conversely, those lacking an appetite for these things grow more distant, and can more easily do without my company.
The things that qualify us for fellowship with God too often disqualify us for a place in the modern church. Familiarity with the good Word of God, which I so dearly treasure, is not a requirement for leadership or ministry in the nominal church. A strong desire for a fellowship based upon and around the Word of God is not a requisite either. In fact, such things are viewed as strange, actually making those possessing them peculiar to the average churchman. The general church or religious institution has its own standards and credential requirements. Oblivious of the absurdity of their self-conceived requirements, they are blissfully unaware those very prerequisites exclude Moses, the prophets, John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus, the Apostles, Luke, James, and Jude, from playing a role in their institutions. Thus, many of us who are at home in the presence of the Lord are actually ill-at-ease among them.
There is a certain "clique" mentality that accompanies lifeless institutionalism. Role playing and artificiality are sisters that tag along with "miss clique." Tightly knit groups are formed that bring sanction and acceptance entirely apart from faith in Christ, pilgrimship in this world, and citizenry in heaven. These are conditions we cannot simply eliminate with a sweep of the hand. They make believers uncomfortable – and everyone who is serious about the Lord knows this is the case. My point is that you must not succumb to such feelings. You are being suited for a blessed environment where there will be no sub-groups, cliques, or other social practices that make you feel excluded. Fight the good fight of faith, and hope in God. His name will be written upon you in the world to come, and it will bring a satisfaction never before known..
All of this should surprise no one. In all ages, those who were used of God experienced exactly the same thing. It was the Scribes, Pharisees, Lawyers, and Jewish Council that rejected John the Baptist, Jesus, the twelve Apostles, Stephen, and Paul. Do not think for one moment that all of this had no affect upon those being rejected. Jesus wept over rejecting Jerusalem (Lk 19:41-43). Paul had heaviness of heart over Israel (Rom 9:2). Stephen prayed for the very ones who stoned him (Acts 7:60). Religious rejection is the bitter herb at our Passover feast.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus for the prospect of being in a realm where there is no friction, not one moment of feeling out of place, and where the pleasantries of acceptance will be realized by everyone.