Priviledged People by Andrea Marino

The Bible speaks of the gospel being veiled to those who are perishing. But to those who turn to the Lord—these see His glory. We may be catching glimpses of God’s magnificence now; still, it is the glory of God that is transforming us into the image of His Son. (see 2 Corinthians Chapters 3 and 4). I find that thrilling. I find it comforting to know the Holy Spirit, dwelling within me, is making this happen. He is the “down payment” of our inheritance and leads us into all truth. What a privilege to be a child of the living God. Songwriter Keith Green, in Your Love Broke Through, describes the unveiling of the Lord’s glory to him as “waking up from the longest dream.”

After addressing a crowd with ‘the parable of the sower’ (Mathew, Chapter 13), the disciples asked Jesus why he spoke that way, in parables. Referencing a farmer sowing seeds in various types of soil would seem a type of ‘veiled language’ with which to teach about the Kingdom of God. The Lord’s response to the disciples was that these were mysteries given to them to know. Faith in God is necessary to understand truth. In contrast, is an assortment of ideas based on feelings. I see this ‘veil of deception’ all the time in discussions on social media, people under the influence of the mind-blinding god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). A continuance of rejecting God and His truth will only lead a person to a tragic end. Jesus describes hell as permanent torment, ‘where the worm does not die’. (Mark 9:48). Jesus drew the ‘line in the sand’. The Word is clear: “Anyone who is not with Me is against Me.” (Mathew 12:30 HCSB)

I recently heard a prominent politician declaring God’s will had no place in America’s government. It is difficult to speak to people whose hearts have grown callous by an act of their God-given will. Jesus says of these, “their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their heart and turn back– and I would cure them.” (Mathew 13:15 HCSB) Satan may be the great deceiver, but God is full of light and truth. Having won the battle against evil, He desires that no man should perish. The phrase, ‘There are none so blind as those who will not see,’ is a paraphrase of Jeremiah 5:21.

While preparing this article, feeling frustration in trying to speak Gospel truth to unbelievers and combined with my anguish at the loss of freedoms taking place in our nation, God brought to my mind a portion of my book, The Hobble, from Ai to Bethel. The scene is between Mary and a man named Jah, who was beloved by many. While Jah is Jesus, come to the little town of Shiloh in flesh and blood to offer God’s love to one unbeliever, Jah is not so recognizable to anyoneexcept Mary. Convinced he is the Son of God, and hoping to persuade him from leaving the area after his mission is complete, Mary attempts to persuade Jah to stay. Mary Magdalene clung to Jesus, just wanting Him near her always. I, too, was experiencing this longing of wanting Jesus, to feel Him really, really close. Here is the case for faith.

After Mary tells Jah people recognize him as a great teacher and prophet, she discloses her feelings of finding those words inadequate. Jah then asks, “Who do you think I am?” Swallowing hard, Mary outright answers that she thinks He is the Son of God and provides examples as to how she has drawn her conclusion. (On a side note, I grappled with Jah’s response to Mary for quite some time, changing his response over and over.) And so, turning to that conversation in my book, I reread Jah’s words to Mary. “Great are His mysteries. Beyond human intelligence,” was prefaced before Jah assures Mary she had chosen wisely in trusting the Lord. Jah then affirms, “As signs and wonders have occurred through the ages for the success and prosperity of God’s people, so are His revelations to you; for you to possess the abundant life now and for all eternity.” Truly, the hidden things belong to the Lord and are revealed to His children. (Deuteronomy 29:29)

In the first chapter of Joshua is given the means of success and prosperity, that of careful observance of God’s instruction (verses 7 and 8). The Lord told His servant, Joshua, to prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land He was giving them. “No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5 HCSB) Comforting words. I am thankful to be part of a privileged people.

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With a yearning to uncover the secret to life, Andrea embarked on a journey to discover truth. The study of Psychology proved inadequate, while the forces of darkness began to make their presence known. The Hobble, from Ai to Bethel encompasses Andrea’s personal victory over fear and bondage to the enemy. Passionate in sharing God’s Good News about Jesus, the author desires to encourage people to never lose hope. Because we all ‘hobble’ before God in need of Him. When not writing, Andrea loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoys cycling on the open roads with her husband, David.