Where Are the 90 and 9 ??

 

Practice Righteousness which includes the Gifts of the Spirit

Where Are the 90 and 9 ??

We are familiar with the story of Jesus healing ten lepers and instructing them to go show themselves to the priest so that they might enjoy being back in company with healthy people. One man was so grateful that he returned to bow down and worship Jesus and give Him thanks. Jesus asked, “Where are the 9?” 

Then Jesus told the man behold you are made whole. 

 Understand that the disease of leprosy eats away parts of the body, so it is very likely that the leprosy stopped with the healing, but they remained disfigured.   When Jesus told the ONE leper who was thankful and returned, “You are made whole.” The word "whole" means entire.  Made entirely whole, so it is no doubt this man's body was restored, repaired and made whole.

As I meditated on what the Lord asked me to bring; I thought about the 99 sheep that were in the fold while the shepherd went off into the night to search for the one lost sheep.  We assume that the sheep were left in the care of an assistant, or a hired person but the question is; Were they safe?

The sheep were left without their shepherd who was gone with very good intentions; but were his sheep protected? Perhaps the substitute shepherd, might come in and feed them some food that would not be healthy for them. The food might look good, smell good, and even taste good, but it might actually cause them great harm.

In order for these 99 sheep to stay healthy as the good shepherd would like them to be, they might need to be watchful of a false shepherd, and examine the food they are being given to see if it compares with their usual good diet.  Fortunately the attendant was wise and careful and would never hurt the sheep.  He may not be the shepherd but he was trustworthy and faithful to take good care of the flock.

Recently I was reading in 1 John chapter 3 about sin and righteousness. It seems that some people are practicing sin and are very good at it, but John encourages us as believers to practice righteousness;

1 John 3: 7-11 NKJV "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another - -"

So if we are going to practice righteousness just what are we considering? We can speculate and for most this would include being kind, visiting the sick, helping the poor, praying for those with problems, keeping ourselves morally right, watching our words, reading our Bible, and praying at times - - and for the normal Christian this would be correct.

But is there something deeper that we need to examine? Just what exactly is Righteousness in it's full extent and moving in the Holy Spirit realm?

Let us hear what Timothy has to say about training ourselves and practicing Godliness.

Notice that he is speaking about the Holy Spirit Gifts and outfitting yourself to be fully equipped to use them.

1 Timothy 4:7-- ESV   Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily exercise is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.  For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.    Command and teach these things.

Let no one despise you for your youth (or for your grey hairs,) but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.  Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.  Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.   Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Recently we were encouraged to begin paying attention to what is going on in the Spiritual Realm. There is so much available to us that God has provided, but it is up to us to be aware that God expects us to do something in order to become effective witnesses.

We mentioned about learning to play the piano, does not usually come instantly, but it takes practice and a lot of practice to become a concert pianist. The gifts of the Holy spirit are intended for us to use for the furtherance of the Gospel and for the blessings upon others.

Paul urged believers to put into practice the things he had taught them about the Holy Spirit and the gifts available for those who have been baptized in the Holy Ghost.

Most of us are timid and shy to participate in some of the Holy Spirit gifts, but in a small group we can learn to be comfortable as we lay hands on someone for healing, give an encouraging word of prophesy to the group or to a person.

In private, it is extremely important to use your prayer language to intercede for our city, State and Nation, but for many of us, we are hesitant, thinking that it just might be us and not God. We expect the thunder and lightening to come down from heaven with fire like on the day of Pentecost and take control, but the truth, is we are to do as the Bible says - - to open our mouth and let God fill your mouth with words from heaven, especially when you pray.

The Bible tells us to make a joyful noise or sound onto the Lord, and this includes what ever sound the Lord instructs you to use. It may be a musical sound, a yodel, or words, but it will be beneficial to you and to others. Will you begin this very day, to practice allowing the Holy Spirit to teach you how to fervently intercede using your prayer language.

So where are the 99?  - - Here we are !!  That is you and me as we wait for our shepherd;  Jesus to return, but while we wait, God expects us to be busy, by training and practicing righteousness which includes the use of Gifts of the Holy Spirit and experiencing the deep things of God as we learn to walk in the Glory of His Presence.