Safe and Secure (find the hidden message) Feb/2013
I was going to write a message late the other night and I thought about a great champion for the Lord that day, that was Stephen in Acts chapter 7. I have always pictured Stephen as young and on fire for Jesus, stands ready to serve Him until death and that’s what happens. Here is part of that story about Stephen. He had his day in court but, it wasn’t much in justice. He called them betrayers and murders of Jesus and that’s what leads to his death.
Acts 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
What a soldier of faith Stephen was and I would say, still is. He stood up for Jesus and got stoned to death.
We can be stoned today but, not die as Christians. We can be stoned by persecution, jealously, the feeling of not being good enough and such mind sets as …what’s the use? (I thought that this would be a good message)
Then there is the powerful message that Stephen said himself…. looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, (I thought this is always a great message that Jesus stands when His saints enter heaven.)
My wife Brenda had gone to bed because it was getting late and I was getting sleepy and I must have dosed off and began to dream.
I remember being at the hospital surrounded by some family members. I was really tired and so sleepy. I drifted off to sleep and it seemed my pain was finally under control by the doctors or so I thought.
I slowly opened my eyes and saw two angelic beings next to the ceiling. Their wings covered themselves from head to toe with such beauty and all of a sudden their wings began to unfold and show their perfect form. I began to feel so safe and secure as I have never felt before. I was thinking, God has sent them to heal me!
They came closer, one on each side. I was released from my body just as you would unfasten a seat belt in a car but, I never felt frighten or afraid only safe and secure.
I could see my love ones as they left the room but, I was thinking wait, don’t you see the heavenly angels? I was rising above my bed and came close to the ceiling as I saw the angels just a few minutes before. I turned and looked back at my bed and there were doctors and nurses working on me in such a dramatic way.
I look at the angels and they just smiled as to say “your work has finished here it’s time to go.”
The next moment I was ushered through the ceiling and soaring through the universe at a speed you could not comprehend but, I could still see Gods wonderful creation. As I turned to look back I saw earth slowly disappearing as it became just another star in the sky. I looked at the angels smiling face again, it was as though they were as excited as I was about what was happening and I felt safe and secure even though I was thousands of miles maybe millions away from my earthly home.
Then and only then is when I finally realized that I was on my way to heaven. I just died back on that hospital bed! My wife, my family! This time the angels turned to look at me as to say, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Again I felt safe and secure and knew my family would follow the same route, experience the same thing as did all others that belong to Jesus.
All of a sudden we passed from a universe of sun and stars into a very dark but, only for an instance place. The angel’s brilliance made a light to see. Then there was it seemed a distant light but, different than any I have ever seen and then zoom right into another place that is beyond words. As we continued to travel the angels looked at me as to say “we are home.”
Oh my, its beauty just hard to describe. The sky was marmalade but, yet it was blue tint. There was no sun and stars but the light was perfectly matched with the surroundings. It was as though there was no end to the sky; it was eternal so to speak.
The angels looked at me again as to say, we are almost there and then I saw Him from a distance. The angels said “Behold the Lamb of God.” As we came closer I saw His arms open wide and closer I could saw it was Jesus! He was standing on a shore of water but, this water was at the edge of this eternal universe and His reflection was rippling in it.
There is not even a word to describe Him. I wanted to bow, I wanted to pray, and shout, sing! Then I saw them. His hands, there were the scars that I caused. There were those hands that the nails had gone through and I hung my head in shame, as I did I saw the scars in His feet. I tried to bow but, it was as though those arms were calling me as a magnet and I cling to the Saviour and He wrapped me in His arms and said “welcome home.” Oh, the love that I felt was so overwhelming I just can’t describe. There was nothing on my mind except Jesus and what He did for me. It was a feeling of shame, compassion, love all mixed up but, most of all a feeling safety and security.
Jesus then said “come there are some awaiting your arrival.” But, I didn’t want to let go. Then I thought about what the Bible said in Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
I believe firmly that there is an announcement in heaven when a person gets saved and I believe it is announced to family members when we are arriving. Oh the joy that is felt I wish I could put it in words!
Jesus lead the way as the angels that brought me stood close by with that mysterious and intriguing smile. We stood before a golden gate higher than the eternal sky above us. Without a word it opens slowly upward I couldn’t help but to follow it as it opened the architectural form and beauty left me in awe.
Jesus disappeared but, the angels that brought me were on each side and finished escorting through that magnificent gate. Just then, we cleared the threshold and into a place of sheer beauty. It is a place that you just can’t image to even come close to seeing it all, is what my mind was saying. I can’t explain it but, as I looked back I could only see even more of heaven that seem to go for eternity, the gate seem to dissolve as I began to look around. Then I could hear soft music like any I have ever heard before coming from everywhere.
I turned and there they was, my Mom and Dad. My Mom had her arms out and we embraced without a word and then my Dad gave me one of those hugs as though I was a small child again. We began to talk in tears of joy for we had Jesus to thank for everything and just how close we could have missed this by not believing and trusting in Him.
As we talked there were more of friends and family had gathered in a kind of welcoming committee. There were my wife’s Mom and Dad, my sister-in-law, brother-in-law, aunts and uncles. We rejoiced for it seemed like hours but, it could have been for days because it never got dark there. I thought of Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. That of course is speaking of the New Jerusalem city but, heaven must be lit by the same holy light of the Lamb of God also because I saw no sun.
Then it occurred to me I didn’t have to breathe air. You know, I’m not even tired or haven’t felt bad at any time.
I forgot about the angels that escorted me. I began to look for them but they were gone but, I could see others here and there. Then, there they were beside me with that gracious smile of theirs. One said, “Come I will show you things.” They assured me that I would be reunited with my friends and family.
We moved slowly it seemed through a small portion of this place called heaven. We passed buildings that, I can’t really describe but, they were not manmade as you could tell. We saw a small group of people gathered at a small area and a man setting on a large stone as though he was teaching and I said “hey there is Thomas one of the Apostles!” The angel said yes it is. I thought, how did I know him? I remembered the day Peter, James and John was on the mount of transfiguration and they recognized Moses and Elijah and there was no explanation except God gave them the knowledge.
The magnitude of the beauty is just unbelievable as far as you can see and it seems I can see for hundreds of miles. You can’t see the horizon or any rounding off such as earth was. It is just wide open from seems eternity to eternity, vast beauty and completeness, love and a since of safeness and secureness.
I spotted something up ahead. It was filling the above with such a kaleidoscope of colors. It was just an awesome sight to behold. The angel looked at me as to say “Behold the Lamb of God, the temple of our holy God, your God and mine.”
The Temple was something to behold. It walls and entrance was made from what look like diamonds and rubies and all kinds of emeralds almost transparent. There were no gates and no doors, just an oval type entrance into the outer yard. The angel escorted me inside. Suddenly, there was Jesus again and I bowed flat to the ground with hands outstretched. Then He spoke and said, “Rise my servant, I have rewards for you.” So, slowly I made it to my feet and said Lord I don’t deserve a reward besides, being here is more than what I deserve. Jesus said, “My son, here is a crown for your faith.” I said Lord there was many times I wasn’t faithful and many times I just wanted to give up because of my sinful nature.
Jesus said, “Here is a crown for what you have done in my name, singing about me, teaching and preaching about me.” I said, but, Lord so many times I was tempted to just quit because of human religions, being beat down by not being morally supported but by a few. I’m truly sorry Lord for feeling that way but, I couldn’t help it. Jesus said, “Does those things matter now my servant?” I said, no of course not my Lord but, forgive me. Jesus said, “you are forgiven just as your sins were forgiven now, go enjoy your new home because in a short time we have a battle to go to of good and evil and we the good, we will prevail.”
There were those arms again, those nail scared hands wrapping around me assuring me of His love and security. One on one with Jesus, one on one with my Saviour, such joy, peace and happiness one cannot describe.
As the angel came to take me back to my family and friends, I lay those crowns at my Lords feet and bowed before Him once again. I also couldn’t hold it, I had to say thank you for saving me, thank you for your love and mercy. What is the most precious thing you will see in heaven? A smile from the Lord Jesus’s face and the words “well done my good and faithful servant.” Those words you hear but, don’t deserve, feel so small in such a vast place but, singled out in a personal way with love and understanding.
Did I ever think that I would thank Him in person? No. Did I ever doubt that He did save me? No. But, seeing Jesus, looking at God face to face and being allowed to speak! The words thank you to Jesus just came out automatic, I couldn’t help myself and neither should any of us. No one is above thankfulness to our Saviour.
The thought that it’s over, all the persecution all the lonely thoughts even though you are with family and friends on earth is over. No more trying to be accepted in earthly ways that man thinks up because, in heaven, all are equal.
Folks, salvation is not about religion…salvation is not about who is right and who is wrong. Salvation is all about Jesus and what He did for us. It’s about His death, burial and resurrection and believing that!
If you don’t know Him as your Saviour just ask for forgiveness of sins and believe that He died for you. When you do that and mean it from the depth of your heart, you may not be what everybody else wants you to be but, you will be saved and that’s what matters most of all. Listen to what the Bible says Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved
Confess with your mouth means to say it out loud. It does not mean you have to be at a church or any other building to confess….if you wait you will never do it! You might think right now that I’m not going to church. I just wouldn’t fit in. Church is a part of the fellowship with other Christians not some place to go to get put down and ridiculed. Find one! There are still a few good churches out there that will welcome you with open arms and not inspect you. But, tell someone about your experience and I believe you will find God will have someone there to listen.
God will reveal the truth of the Bible to everyone one day and I’m a firm believer that all will be surprised at some thing’s He reveals.
Our Lord still walks through those candle sticks that represents the churches and He is still going to judge them. The whole meaning of life is this: God wants you to accept His Son Jesus before it’s too late. Everyone is going to be judged. Hebrews 9:27 and as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
When you stand before Jesus one day to be judged it will be at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the saved or the Great White Throne for the lost. If it is the Great White Throne you will be cast into outer darkness and separated from God forever. Ask Jesus to save you today.
I must confess, I was reading about Stephen because I thought about him that day and how it would be a good message to write again. I did fall asleep and I did dream some of this but, most I wrote after waking up.
I’m certainly not a prophet or claim to be something I’m not. I’m just an old sinner saved by grace waiting to be taken home and concerned for those lost poor souls.
Also, I want to commend and be an encouragement to those men and women of God that give their lives for the cause of Jesus. Most of Christ most faithful servants are never heard of but, I can assure you, your work will not go unrewarded or unnoticed by our Saviour. Just remember, this world we live in is still filled with sinners.
Now, some of these sinners are saved by the grace of God through Jesus but, they are still sinners. We are shot down by (our own) many times. Shot by “friendly fire” through the heart you might say but, it will be intently and they get away with it here on earth because, being good as they seem gives them the right!
Never think you are above being shot with bullets of discouragement, persecution, jealousy, lack of understanding and so on by such people you think you can trust. This includes family, friends, pastors, preachers, teachers, evangelist, little sweet old ladies and old sweet men, good fellows, and so on, this also includes me and you no matter who you are, all that are so called good people but, remember one thing, we are still sinners!
What are sinners? Sinners are human, humans are naturally natured sinners. That means all humans no matter who they are have a built in: (want to be above others,) (noticed,) (rule over), (smarter,) (jealous,) (greedy) and (self-centered breed of character). Some feel (holy), (superior) (more saint like,) (more religious,) (better than,) just to mention a few things.
You may have noticed that when I wrote about standing before Jesus and He gave me rewards for faith and so on, He didn’t mention my faults, why? Because I have plenty believe me but, I didn’t want to say them in front of Jesus, I was ashamed. You think He didn’t know? You think He won’t mention those to me if I don’t humble myself now? What about you?
That I believe is the biggest issue facing human character. Not admitting our faults. But, Jesus will remind us when we stand before Him. He will remind us of just how unholy we really are one day if we don’t humble and repent, turn from that attitude! Each bullet of hurtfulness that is shot by everyone to everyone will be accounted for at judgment but, you are only thinking of how some have shot at you right now aren’t you?
How about when you pulled the trigger? How about when you felt above judgment and you were the judge on another?
This is the hidden message in this writing. Don’t be a stone thrower, be a (buckler or a shield) one who jumps in front and blocks those who will be wounded in the heart. Stop the hurt before it grows.
If you have been wounded by “friendly fire” it will be answered for. Shake it off and keep spreading the gospel! Because it’s not about you, it’s not about me; it’s about Jesus and what He did for us all!
Still thinking about those who have offended you? Stop it! Think who you have offended. If this message has offended you, good! Then you are an unrepented stone thrower blinded by your own self-righteous!
This message is to encourage the saved, to remind everyone to give morale support to those who spread the gospel of Christ and also, this is to help relieve the pain of some of those who suffer from so called “friendly fire to the heart” by others. And to tell the lost what a great need they have and that’s to ask Jesus to save them.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Love in Christ Jesus, Ronnie Miller www.themillersbiblestudy.com
