A Walk in The Spiritual Realm

Allow me to take you with me on a spiritual realm trip. Many a time we experience life and not know that most of the things that happens in this life have its origin in the spiritual realm. The Bible tells us that King David’s problems started in the spiritual realm. He couldn’t control himself and let his fleshly desires get the upper hand. We see this same scenario with King Herod. Wherever he was spiritually was not good: he was frightened and was pushed to murder innocent children. It prompted God to chart a new path for Joseph and Mary because the life of baby Jesus was in danger. Now depending on where we are spiritually in our own relationship with God, some people are sensitive to God’s move, they sense things in God’s realm. Joseph had a dream about it. He knew his family’ safety depended on obeying God’s voice. Obviously not all of us get to have that kind of insightful dreams, but the truth is, many people do not pay attention and therefore end up missing God’s clues in the spiritual realm because quite frankly, we are heavily distracted by forces of darkness. Matthew’s Gospel wants us to pay attention and realize what is going on. The return of this family from Egypt to Israel, to a town called Nazareth meant fulfilment of Holy Scriptures. There was so much going on in the spiritual realm here to be discovered. Walk with me! The word ‘dwelling’, brings out ‘a habitation of God through the Spirit.’ Or the word indwelling! Are we rooted in God? or in self-promotion where God is not at the center? Originally, God created us to worship him, to have him at the very center of our lives. When we are distracted, we invite other things to be in that center. King Herod and many other biblical personalities show us when their focus was elsewhere but on God. It didn’t end well. If only we can learn from them and not make the same mistakes, especially when our emotions are in turmoil! God had already begun his plan to save humankind from sin and death: The Messiah was born & dwelt with us already. God’s presence is delightful. Psalm 84 “Happy are they who dwell in your house, whose strength is in you… who put their trust in you” Ephesians letter says: “the eyes of their hearts are enlightened.” They will see, hear and sense things way more than the average human can. In other words, you will be given fresh new spiritual eyes and a capacity to sense things beyond your normal capacity! Yes, with God indwelling, those are people who will quickly discern the heart of God and adjust their lives accordingly fast. These are people who have come to recognize that most of the time, they don’t get it right, but they are always eager to open their hearts to God for guidance, eager to dwell in Jesus the Son of God every moment of their lives. We need to get our lives well situated with God. You see, King Herod was appointed by Rome. He was not from King David’s line and was never accepted by Jewish people. But baby Jesus was descended from King David. Detecting jealousy here? You bet. Herod was constantly worried about losing his position. His heart was at a horrible place. His ultimate decision to murder innocent children pushed God to take his Son into Egypt which resemble very much the journey of the Jewish nation into exile in Egypt several hundreds of years earlier. When God brought back his Son into Israel in Nazareth specifically according to the Scriptures. Israel discerned a repeat of when God was passionate at rescuing them (whom he calls Israel his son) from Egyptian slavery. Here, please discern God’s heart and passion to save us from the forces of darkness that are after the life of God in us. Pay attention because God’s clues are visible to those who are open and prepared. The more and more you dwell in Christ, the more spiritually aware you will be and guard against forces of darkness. The more your eyes and heart are open to God’s work and your part in it, the more visible God’s path ahead will be. Joseph paid attention. He led his household through a treacherous time with peace and wisdom guided by God. Will you seek to become that kind of leader that is in touch with God’s Spirit? Let people around you sense the love of God and His wisdom. The people that God placed in your life are desperate to hear and sense God in you! Amen.

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