"Partakers of the Heavenly Calling"

 "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;" (Hebrews 3:1 KJV)

  ""Yet you say, 'The Lord isn't doing what's right!' Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what's right, or is it you? When righteous people turn from the righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds. And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die. And yet the people of Israel keep saying, 'The Lord isn't doing what's right!' O people of Israel, it is you who are not doing what's right, not I."" (Ezekiel 18:25-29 NLT)

 Why does God allow suffering and bad things to happen, to people that are partakers of the heavenly calling? We have a tendency to think that is wrong; so much so, that many people have walked away from the faith, having been disappointed with God, as if there is something wrong with God for letting it happen. 

 Well, I have felt some of that, now and then, as I think about my wife, wondering why He hasn't healed her or taken her home! It is hard for me to sometimes understand the purpose; yet, when I start to feel as though it doesn't make sense, He shows me the sign of encouragement and love; something that is far greater than the average life, as we know it. 

 Bottom-line, so to speak, is that we live with what God gives us, good or bad, He has made us to be a vessel for whatever condition we find ourselves living in, we are made for His will and purpose! What was it that caused my wife to fall in love with me? My heart breaks every time I think of it! 

 As to this portion of Ezekiel, which has something hidden within the message; we that live by faith, know that we are only righteous because our faith is in Christ, that His righteousness is what makes us holy. Yet, the message of that which we see here, has the position of us obeying the law and doing what is just and right; something that we have no power on our own to naturally do.

 Simply put: Consider Christ Jesus! When you think your life is not being treated fairly or you think you got the wrong end of the stick; stop and consider what Jesus went through, the sacrifice He suffered through, as He gave His life for you! As I have said before, I will say it again: Israel is the perfect image of us, as we have all things in common...

"After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said. A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked him the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep. "I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go." Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me." Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved - the one who had leaned over to Jesus during the supper and asked, "Lord, who will betray you?" Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?" Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me."" (John 21:15-22 NLT)