Daring To Be Vulnerable
Sometimes God calls us to share the truth in love with others, saved or unsaved. Most often, people think of this as sharing something that is criticism or speaking a truth they don’t believe. However, there are times when we share the truth in love with another that is tender and vulnerable.
We do this, not because it is comfortable, but because we are submitting to our Lord in love. We love our Jesus; therefore, we are willing to open up and speak from our hearts what He says.
Speaking the truth in love
Jesus often did not answer others as they expected, but rather answered them as they really needed. When he did, they were often brought up short at his unexpected answer. However, because he loved them, he was willing to be vulnerable toward them and bear their rejection if need be.
The rich young ruler is a prime example of this, for Jesus spoke to his real need and did not answer his apparent question when pressed. Likewise, if we want to be led by the Spirit and really do the will of our Father, we will speak to the real needs and real concerns of our brethren, too.
The love of God is a controversial subject
It seems to be a habit for God to speak about intimate things through me, be it Holy Consummation or about Seraphim. Indeed, it is easier to only brush the surface of such deep and controversial subjects. However, I write these out of love, not to those who will reject them, but to those who will accept His truth.
Of course, this leaves me open to rejection and ridicule and as a human being I don’t enjoy that but I am willing to be vulnerable in order to truly minister to those God is bringing into the Tabernacle Blessing.
Dare to open your heart to others
One of the most difficult things that any of us will do in the Tabernacle Movement is to remain open to others. Our relationship with Jesus is so precious to us, we feel the tendency to hide away with Him in our secret places. However, we must be willing to endure rejection so that we might minister to His Bride and help bring her to him.
Finally, Jesus was so vulnerable to people that he was crucified by them. In sharing the truth in love completely, he birthed a nation of believers. Our Master showed us the way and demonstrated what it takes to really love our fellow man. Let us all minister as he ministered and be willing to open our arms wide as he did.
Dear Connections,
Here is a truth,
In other words, we must risk all to gain everything. That is what we do when we believe on Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Though we could be wrong, the prize of being with him is worth taking that chance.
Recently, I had kind of a drive by Spiritual Connection experience. For a brief, tantalizing moment, I glimpsed the heart and soul of another saint that was breath taking. Yet, as quickly as she opened up, she withdrew, fearing the future of what allowing God to connect us might mean. It was like walking by a blazing fire on a bitterly cold night.
The truth is, not all connections that God wants to make between us are realized in this world. It takes two or more to allow God to join them together and we really cannot make happen what others won’t freely allow.
However, and this is a very important point, we must open up anyway, even if we risk being hurt. Sharing this with you, here on the final feast, I exerecise that disiciple to remain open daily. I risk ridicule, slander, and even hatred from those who cannot receive the deep things of His Spirit. I do this, not because I enjoy persecution, but I value those who are ready to embrace God and love Him fully.
Like this burning Seraph in the night, her brilliance faded as swiftly as it came. I know, in the world to come, we’ll meet again. Yet, the loss of that possible connection saddens me.
In conclusion, dare to be vulnerable to others, because the prize of being one with Christ in them, is well worth the risk. God opened himself to all of us by asking His only begotten son to die in our place so that “some” might be saved. I ask you, “can we do any less?”
Big hugs,
Michael
This is a powerful truth, and one that requires agape love for sure. And I love your candid comment below it as well.
I think, like you say, that the more we allow ourselves this vulnerability to connect with others as God leads, the more His Spirit can use us, even in the “drive-by” connections He brings our way. And I think He actually wants to do this with us more often than we think.
I think there are connections that He doesn’t require our souls and bodies to be involved in, just our spirits, and He doesn’t intend all of them to be “deep”. But perhaps just allowing our spirits to be used by Him as a type of “conduit” to let His love flow to another for a short time is all He is asking. It may just be a kind word at the right time, or a smile, doing an act of service for someone, giving of our time or our possessions, or just letting someone know you are thinking about them. It just takes us allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, as you say.
I am learning that when we die to ourselves and let God flow through us to others, the healing of whatever disappointment we may suffer as a result becomes imminent as His Spirit flows back to us as a reward for our faithfulness. He is a good God and just wants us to allow Him to lead us and use us.
I appreciate your candor and vulnerability and being open to share these things with us very much. Obedience to God brings its own very special reward, and I am praying that He continues to demonstrate that special reward to you through those connections that HAVE been realized in this world. . .and the next.
Big hugs and lots of love to you. . .