Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  2024  Day 80

March 20;        I Corinthians 2:9;          135/260;        ‘Now & Then’

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man  The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

We often look at this verse and believe it is the Lord telling us that we cannot comprehend what heaven and eternal life with Him will be like.  I sincerely believe that this verse can be and should be looked at in the reality of eternity.  But I do not believe, based on the context of the chapter, that this verse only refers to the uncomprehendable eternity that we who love the Lord have to look forward to with great desire.  Verses 7 and 8 tell us about the mystery of the crucifixion.  The proud and cruel religious leaders encouraged by the devil thought that they we ‘getting rid’ of their problem when Jesus was crucified.  They had no idea, nor did satan, that they were playing right into the hand of God the Father’s redemptive plan for mankind.  Surely the crucifixion impacted the spiritual realm eternally, but it also impacted the natural realm, changing forever the role Christians can and must have on this earth as they continue the ministry of the Lord Jesus, baptized with and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  What I am saying is that what this verse is saying applies to the incredible life the Lord has for every serious Christian right now.  Seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit and stepping out in faith to do what we are led to do, can open the door for every disciple of Jesus to a ministry more fulfilling than anything we could ever imagine.  Preaching and teaching the Word of God, praying for the sick with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, going and doing whatever you know the Spirit is leading you to do, is this verse being fulfilled.