DIFFERENT VERSIONS
Everyone has some opinion of God - their own version, if you will. Some think God is this way, others that way. One thing is clear, if we study the Bible, God is clear about who He is and what He is all about. Our confusion about God comes when we don’t take the time to know Him, or we don’t like what He has to say. This is when we ‘miss’ - represent God for our own purpose or pleasure. It is one thing to be informed, but isn’t it better to be well informed? This only happens when we go to the source.
Many people are afraid of God, and for good reason, Hebrews 10:31 says, ‘It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.’ The truth is, the more we read the Bible, the better we know Him - His version of Himself. We will find God to be far more loving and good than we could ever dream. He wants everyone to be in heaven. This is God’s version of Himself - He came to us…
IN THE FORM OF A DOVE…
“Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him.” John 1:32
The spirit descending on Jesus in the form of a dove has two primary meanings: the purity of Jesus as the Son of God; and God’s proposed peace plan, provided through Jesus. Peace with God is unachievable without divine help. Because of Jesus, God is not mad at anyone, any longer - He longs for peace with us. Doves also mate for life, signifying the Spirit will be by our side to help us and that He will never leave us. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus said we are to be, ‘as innocent (harmless) as doves’ - Just like God.
…AND RIDING A DONKEY.
“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Matthew 21:5
For His final entry into Jerusalem, Jesus rode a donkey. The significance of this is donkeys are: burden bearers; peaceful and gentle. They can be stubborn, but typically only when they sense danger, and always seek the safest route. They also guard and protect other animals against predators. The gentle, peaceful nature of God to protect and provide, is seen in Jesus on a donkey. He is our surest way through danger and into God’s peace. God wants us to be like a donkey, who carries burdens, is gentle, yet protects and lives in peace with everyone.
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