Responding to His Presence
What you do with the presence of Yeshua matters. It determines the outcome of your life and the answers to your prayers. Think of how many times you experienced the presence of Yeshua. Now think about what you did next. Did you leave the service thinking that was so good. I am so encouraged. Then you moved on with life waiting for the following Sunday. There is no condemnation in these thought provoking questions but if we never slow down to let Him reveal things to us we will miss it. No one wants to miss out on what Abba has for them, but we do it all the time. Let’s look at a story. Mark 6:1-6
“Then He (Yeshua) went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were overwhelmed with astonishment, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.”
At His teaching it says they were overwhelmed with astonishment. Astonished can also mean amazed, stunned, surprised, in awe and wonder. The wisdom and insights He spoke had their hearts captivated in that moment. They longed for more of what He was saying. They couldn’t stop listening with eyes of wonder staring at Him. Then someone in the crowd said, “wait isn’t this Mary’s son? You know, the carpenter. He’s the brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon. Even His sisters are here.” What just happened to change the whole atmosphere? It took one person to get offended and start spreading their offense. Dishonor ran through the crowd.
Because they dishonored the King and His teaching they lost out on miracles. You may say, well they didn’t know at the time He was the Messiah. They dishonored the seed Yahweh sent them. Remember everything from the Kingdom comes in seed form. Every time we experience His presence there is seed being given to us.
This scripture tells us Yeshua could not do any mighty miracles among them because of their unbelief. He only healed a few sick people. I imagine these people were healed because He knew they believed in their heart and was honoring what He was saying. Be careful going with the crowd on matters of opinion. You will miss out on the blessings He has for you.
Honor is a very important aspect of our relationship with Him. I encourage you to ask Him what His definition of honor is. We can think we honor but it’s more than not talking bad about someone. It’s more than following the principals of the Kingdom. Many are successful to a certain point in following principal without honor, but it is dangerous. Remember, John the Beloved had to write a letter to Apostle Timothy? Timothy pastored one of the largest churches in history. Even Yeshua’s mother went to this church. They were so caught up in doing church they left the most important thing. “I know all that you’ve done for me—you have worked hard and persevered. I know that you don’t tolerate evil. You have tested those who claimed to be apostles and proved they are not, for they were imposters. I also know how you have bravely endured trials and persecutions because of my name, yet you have not become discouraged. But I have this against you: you have abandoned the passionate love you had for me at the beginning.” Revelation 2
Honor is a way of life, but the first thing that must take place is you falling in love with Yeshua. It is easy to say I love Jesus but never include Him in any aspect of your life other than church service. On earth as it is in Heaven demands a different standard in our lives. We must return to our first love. *The Greek word for first is protos meaning foremost, best, paramount, supreme, crowning, number one. Yeshua is referring to exclusive love that has first place in our hearts above all else. This is a love that will be expressed by our passionate devotion for Yeshua and seen in our relationships with others. (TPT footnotes)
This is an invitation to start today honoring Yeshua and His presence in your everyday life. Ask Him-
What have I done with what you’ve already given me? Then wait for the answer.
