In the verse under study, we find six verbs that will help us understand God's will. With it revealed, we will be able to take our place in Christ. The Lord made us authorities over the world when He said: Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19). God has equipped us to do good.

        Israel was to listen to the message and obey the Lord, placing themselves in His presence. Later, with the coming of Jesus, this became evident. But the people didn't want to receive Him. That's why their house was deserted, and will continue to be deserted until they recognize Christ's lordship: See, your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! (Matthew 23.38,39).

           Israel had to pay attention to the determinations of the Most High, but they got carried away by the “religious authorities” and missed the visitation of the same Jehovah with whom they had made a covenant: He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him (John 1.11). Now, to those who receive Him, He gives the greatest power in the world: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1.12).

           The Israelites were to examine the words of the Most High, to keep what would be their greatest wealth: Jesus answered and said to her: If you knew the gift of God and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink’, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water (John 4.10). Their mistake made them suffer barbarities. If they had listened to the Lord, they would have been the people capable of teaching the Truth to others.

           What they had to keep was meant to be good for them, and it continues to be so for anyone who wants to experience the Lord's goodness. Millions of Christians feel fulfilled, and they are. When they need it, they pray, and God answers them (Philippians 4:6,7). It is clear that the abundant life promised by Jesus is true. However, the people are so badly taught that they don't use their position to enjoy the blessings (John 10.10).

           Israel had the promise that they would multiply greatly, but because they didn't carry out the “duty” commanded by the only God, they became small. In the same way, the Church of Christ has allowed itself to be carried away by negative thoughts. Its members only seek material prosperity and, when problems arise in this area, they immediately weep before the Lord, saying that they don't understand why they face so many struggles. The soil of the Gospel is productive!

           In the Land of Promise, everything can be planted, because it will yield a good harvest. However, because Christians have other plans for themselves, they don't realize that the devil is tying up the gifts to which they are entitled (Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Peter 5:8,9). Why do they act like this if God loves them?

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares