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     Who has bewitched us? Why have we followed20doctrines of men cleverly designed as precepts of God? And why has the Word of God been so perverted that we are enticed into following it to our own destruction? These questions, and many others like them, need to be answered so that we do not wrongly assume we are on the right path, as we veer away from our God.
     His constant refrain throughout scripture is "Return Unto Me" which is the topic of this discussion. Considering that wise men of old misunderstood God's intentions and followed after cunningly devised fables, we should take heed, and examine what we believe, and from whom we learned them. The Apostle Paul closes the book of 2nd Corinthians with this admonition: "Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves..." (2Cor.13:5). His word, like our Lord's, is given to us for "edification, not to destruction...." (2Cor.13:10). Therefore we would be wise to examine our own beliefs, and not fear challenges to them! In places that we are in error we shall be set free by the truth. In other areas, in which we are aligned with God's Word, we will be strengthened!
     Scripture, Prophecy, and Teaching are intended for edification, to build us up in our most Holy faith, and to instruct us in the only righteousness that brings us a rich reward: the Righteousness of Christ, the one hope of the soul to w hich we cling as we release all other claims. Let him who boasts, boast in the=2 0Lord! When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus He was instructing him to let go of his confidence in his own ability (to keep the Law) and by faith trust in the Lord ("The Lord our Righteousness"--Jer.23:6). Interestingly, Matthew the tax collector responded to Jesus' call to "follow Me" (Mt.9:9) and when the wealthy ruler asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus told him to release all his confidence in this life and to place it in Jesus! Only then could the wealthy ruler respond to Jesus' directive to "Follow Me" (Luke 18:18-30). This passage is more easily understood when we look to the response of Jesus' disciples who were obviously amazed that this wealthy ruler was not acceptable. Luke 18:26 tells of their perplexity when they ask "who then can be saved?" This man exhibited all the outward signs of the blessings of Abraham, and if he could not be saved, how could they?
     Luke 18:27 is the Christian's foundation of hope. "And He said, 'The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.'" Whether it be Nicodemus, the wealthy ruler, the disciples of that day, or the disciples of today, our only confidence is Christ and Christ alone. Examine your faith: is it Christ alone, or have we added Christ plus our performance? I believe in good works (or performance) yet I need to examine myself, in the light of God's lovingkindness , to see if I have added unto Christ a false confidence in which I might later boast. When we come before the Lord, by faith, we should confidently look forward to the encounter. Why should we have this confidence? When we look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we do not look unto ourselves -- this is faith. He is "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him" (Heb.5:9). This faith rests in what God has accomplished through Christ Jesus. Heb. 4:9-16 speaks of the that rest and warns of unbelief. Most often quoted is the last verse (4:16), "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." When we read the whole verse and what precedes it, we recognize that the "boldly" is not an arrogant demanding, but rather a confidence that comes from knowing we have an advocate, a mediator, a "great high priest" that has made a way for us to come to our Holy God! This approach, our only hope, one of gratitude, guards us against the possibility of deception that would lead us to boast of what we have done--in Jesus name. (see Mt.7:21-23)

     While examining the book of Malachi, seeking understanding concerning tithing (which is not the subject of this discussion) I have come to learn that God was speaking to them about how their religious ways had separated them from Him, and His admonition is to "Return Unto Me." It i s very clear, yet clouded by our focus on tithing. In the same way that th e rulers and leaders were looking for something else when Jesus came to them, I wondered, can we be doing the same thing? Is our focus on what the Lord can do for us causing us to lose sight of what He has done for us? If my view is prejudiced, won't I always see things in a distorted manner, wrongly assuming I am right? Is my confidence in my interpretation, or my Lord? Are we so seduced by words we want to hear that we will not receive correction? Certainly my flesh wants only pleasant things, yet my soul is not satisfied with fig-leaf religion; it cries out for the fire that cannot harm it as the fire burns off all that does not please God.
     I have seen that chastisement often comes in a form that appears as punishment. When I view it as such I do not see the redemptiveness of the chastisement. I feel abandoned, as have God's people throughout the ages felt abandoned. That feeling alone tells me that I am not walking by faith, but rather I am placing my confidence (fear) in the circumstances that surround me. Though the Egyptians are behind me and the Red Sea is in front of me, though there are giants (of sin) opposing me and I seem helpless to overcome them, MY GOD is able to deliver me. Especially in those circumstances when we see that our abilities cannot deliver us, we turn to the Lord who can do all things.&nbs p; With God it is possible! Those overwhelming situations in life might j ust be His instructions to "Return Unto Me."
     Let us redeem the time, take it all to the Lord in prayer, and press on with confidence that our God is at work in us. Beginning with the household of God, He is purifying unto Himself a "peculiar (special, beyond usual) people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). This confidence in His workmanship is not designed to work in us an arrogance, but rather a confidence in Him who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. In all this we boast (or place confidence) in Him! His correction which I often perceived as the enemy coming against me, is designed to restore us to the godly ways in which we should be walking. He causes us to repent from our rebellion. This rebellion does not appear to us as rebellion, when we serve the Lord from a distance. "Draw near to Me" our Lord calls, and He will draw near to us, yet we separate ourselves from him with what I see as our fig-leaf religious ways. Different for all of us, these are the things we substitute for that intimacy that is so desperately needed to obey His commandments. Apart from Him, as we attempt to obey His Word, we do not have the power (Grace) to perform that which we know is pleasing to Him.
      To those whose hearts seek after Him, yet don't see the rebellion in their religious activit ies, He increases the fires of affliction, out of Love, for His desire is20to right us, straighten our path, or restore us unto Him! It is only in Him that we live and move and have our being. Apart from Him (religion separates us) we can do nothing (that pleases Him). Our only obedience is to His Word, on which the foundation of faith sits, that we "believe on Him" whom God has sent. (John ^:29). This obedience is first and foremost, of which if we lose sight, we would be building wrongly. Thank God He looks upon our hearts, and His process of sanctification with trials and fires conforms us to the image of His Dear Son, in spite of our resistance! This work is making us whole! Truly our confidence is in Him who began the good work in us, that He will complete it.
     This process of being made whole is not a concept preached from many pulpits today. It profits the soul while it crucifies the flesh with purgings. This does not "sell" in today's self-help/esteem, seeker-sensitive, bless-me-now church. It is much easier (and falsely profitable) to pacify the flesh as we chase after other gods, gods of pride, and gods of power and status. "God will bless you as you bless me" is the mantra of many who proclaim the gospel, which is truly no gospel at all. "Sow your seed into my good ground ministry" is the appeal to our flesh to get riches of this world from God. Words of God quoted back to Him with an expectancy that He MUST perform His Word. It is called temp tation by Jesus as the devil tried to entice Him to do the same. These temptations, when accepted as Godly precepts, create in us strongholds, lies disguised and believed as truths, so that even when the Holy Spirit comes to convict us of the sin, we resist, wrongly thinking it is the devil attacking us. I've heard strongholds described as "sympathetic thoughts toward evil." I pray that the Lord can give you understanding in this; I receive it, but have never been able to properly convey it. This stronghold is one in which the deceived assumes they are doing the right thing. After all, they are told, "The Word of God says".......as the deceivers spin a web of good-sounding arguments and mislead God's people. I do not say that the deceivers knowingly deceive, though some do, but rather that they believe a lie to be the truth and report it as truth. This should not be strange to us; as Paul writes in 2 Cor.11:12-15, concerning Satan being transformed as an angel of light, "...it is no great thing that his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness..." (vs. 15). These ministers are not demons; they are men and women believing a seducing spirit and proclaiming it as God's Holy Spirit! Peter was used as such when the Lord rebuked him for trying to thwart the plan of God, as Jesus was going to His cross for us. (Mt.16:23) "But He turned, and said unto Peter, ' Get behind me, Satan: you are an offense unto me: for you do not savo r the things of God, but those that be of men.'"
     Peter was not the devil, yet Jesus saw who Peter was speaking for. Do we? Can we discern, or test the spirits? Here's a test: does what we hear, read, or see, lead us to depend upon Jesus Christ? He is God's provision, our only reliable source of restoration to God. When any sign points other than to Christ, or indicates Christ plus anything else, it is misleading, which is the intention of the spirit behind it. Again, I want to stress, it is not so much the persons that are misleading (they being also misled) but rather the unholy spirit, in the same manner as an angel of light, who attempts to guide us into a false righteousness that looks right!

     The words "Return Unto Me" are a call of comfort for those who are lost. Those who respond to the call receive the blessings of God. Jesus comforted those that mourned (Mt. 5:4) and sent "another Comforter" (John 14:16). In so doing He reveals the heart of God. He did not want to leave His disciples comfortless (John 14:18). Why? Because He knew that without Him, their shepherd, they would be confused, lost, and scattered. "...In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33.)
     Again, and in concert with the Comforter, Jesus says , "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 1 4:27). Clearly the warnings of tribulation and terror were indicators of the believer's need for abiding with Him. The "more than conquerors" disciples were not invincible or immune to the pitfalls of this life, but they were preserved in God's love by the one atonement of Jesus Christ on their behalf. Romans 8:30-39 speaks of much persecution coming against God's people, yet though these things may even kill us, they are not able to separate us from the love of Christ and from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8: 35 & 39). That is the intent of all the warfare against us: to separate us from what God has joined together. Can you see the present day distortion of that "more than conquerors" in Rom. 8:37? In that verse, we are told that "in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." "These things" are the attacks and accusations we go through. The awesomeness of the passage is that we are like dead men who are buried (in Christ) and have risen with Him in triumph over these things.
     To say that God is for us and ask "who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31) is to acknowledge that much will come against us. It is not written or implied that we are to shout it out as a militant war cry to ward off the attacks. No, it is more than that; it is an assurance of our security wit h God in spite of all opposition. The context of this whole s ection of Romans prepares us for the strong opposition against our flesh, and this works for our good, as God uses it to remove from us that which can be shaken so only that which cannot be shaken will remain. Jesus has told us that only God has the ability to destroy our souls, and throughout scripture we are assured of God's desire to prosper and to restore our souls to Him. "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Mt. 10:28). With the assurance of knowing that God is for us (just look to the Cross) we press on.
     When we lose our way and wander around, He calls us to "Return Unto Me." This word of admonishment throughout scripture is toward those who have abandoned Him (in their hearts) as they religiously get caught up in their outward appearances. We serve other gods when we fear men, and these are gods of guilt and shame. Condemning gods who place burdens upon men that are impossible to carry. When have we done this? And why do we often feel cast down, weary, and forsaken? It's called Sin, or separation from Him. We sever the intimate relationship that is so vital to our lives. Though we may continue doing the habitual (nobody likes the word, "ritual") it does not bring us peace and rest. To the contrary, our souls stru ggle under the burdens we assume to be duties and directives of God.
     "Return Unto Me," calls God, but we are too busy to come to Him while we are doing for Him. Waiting upon the Lord is a very difficult thing to do when you believe that you should be doing things for God. Try being at a pulpit when the Lord speaks to you to wait upon Him while people are looking to you to do something! Well, waiting IS doing something, probably the best thing. In order to get us to turn from the habitual, God sends opposition to our well-laid plans. He does this, in spite of our resistance, in order to get us to come to our senses (like the Prodigal son in the pig sty) and to return unto Him. No, we don't recognize God's hand, when something comes against us; often we rebuke it! Religious leaders killed the prophets of old, while they built sepulchres for them (Luke 11:47 & 48) and Jesus warned of the same that would follow after Him. "...behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them you shall kill and crucify; and some of them you shall scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city." (Mt. 23:34). These servants of God had a message of repentance to those who were going the wrong way. Shall it be any different today when one sounds an alarm, and people reject it? Did not Jesus come unto His own, and His own received Him not? Speak the truth (t hat sets free) in love, and be ready to give an answer to a nyone who asks you, why you have the hope in God that you do. Do not fear men, but seek to reconcile them to God.
     As we look at Malachi, chapter 3, in its context, we will see that it has been clearly twisted and perverted in an attempt to divert us from the Truth. The Truth sets us free, as it reveals the Lovingkindness of our God and brings comfort to our souls, and as we look to our God as a Father Who loves and corrects His children. The four chapters of Malachi make it even more clear that God is dealing with a people who once served Him from the heart and lost their bearing. Like a compass that keeps pointing us to Him, His Word directs our steps. We are to look to Him, look to His Word. That Word, Jesus Christ, is the assurance of God's love. He will never leave or forsake you, even when you may feel that He has!

Though much focus today centers on the tithing issue made of Malachi 3: 8-10, God is talking to His people about something far more important to Him. When we take His Word in context and with His Spirit, we are able to see more clearly His heart, His intentions. This we should do with all scripture so that we don't build doctrines of our own devising. Doctrines should not be built upon one verse, or as I have seen, one half of a verse; neither should we take out of their context sev eral verses, and make them say something we want them to say . When Jesus spoke to the leaders of His day they were full of preconceived ideas and firmly entrenched in false views of God. He told them how they did error because they knew not the scriptures, neither the power of God (Mark 12:24 & Matt. 22:29). In John 5:38-40, Jesus tells them that God's Word does not abide in them and that the scriptures testified of Him and yet they would not come to Him to receive eternal life. Jesus, speaking to Nicodemus concerning the differences between the flesh and the Spirit, says to him, "...Are you a teacher (master) of Israel and don't know these things?" (John 3:10) Assuming that my (or Nicodemus') interpretations are right, is dangerous. I know only God is true and I can be wrong; my faith must not be in my interpretation, but rather my Lord. My help cometh from the Lord!

Please, if you have a chance, read the 4 Chapters of Malachi.

     Though most of this discussion will center on Malachi chapter 3, I want to begin at Mal. 1. In Mal. 1: 6-8, God, speaking to the priests, accuses them of despising His name by offering polluted bread and imperfect sacrifices. Note (1:6) their dismay: "How have we despised your name?" Here is God telling them that He=2 0will not "accept an offering at your (their) hand" (1:10). Thank God He doesn't stop there; He goes on to show them the way back to Him. These questions of dismay by the Jews appear often throughout the book of Malachi. Chapter 2 starts out with God warning the priests to repent, to receive His Word of correction and "lay it to heart" (2:2) and "give glory unto my name" (2:2). He goes on, and this is very important, to say to them that He will curse their blessings, and has already done so, because they have not received what He has been saying to them. This is the foundation of the message contained throughout Malachi.
     God goes on to explain to them that they have corrupted the Covenant He had made with Levi. (Mal. 2:4-9) A Covenant of Life and Peace was with Levi because he reverenced God with a godly fear and walked with Him in peace and equity, the law of truth being in his mouth, and turning many away from iniquity (2: 5& 6). "'But you (priests) are departed out of the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,' says the Lord of Hosts" (2: 8). "Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as you have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law" (2: 9). How have they departed out the way? And how have they caused many to stumble? More important, why is God telling them all this? God desires repentance, that all men might come to the knowl edge of the truth. This is the why. These leaders were going through the rituals of their faith, yet their hearts were not in it. They treated the things of the Lord as common and unimportant (blemished offerings), and it appeared to men as mocking God. People observed them going about in their high-minded ways, and fell into a contemptible condition themselves. A case of the blind leading the blind into the same ditch! Todays Elmer Gantry view of disdain is a paralell of this.
    In Mal. 2:12 & 13 the Lord says that He will cut off the man that does this and does not regard (have respect for) their offerings. So, as we approach Mal. chapter 3, we are prepared with the knowledge that God is working on those who are serving Him wrongly. His desire is to get them to repent and serve Him from the heart. They are attempting to keep the law by their fleshly compliance, and this does not please God who desires a response from His people that comes out of their recognition of His generous love toward them. His love compels us, empowers us, and encourages us. The law, or the legalistic approach to it, does just the opposite. God wants us to keep the law (it is His nature), yet apart from Him it is unkeepable. This is a good frustration of our flesh (which cannot please God) and it leads us to look to Him from Whom our redemption comes! A quick20review of Romans chapter 7 reveals this struggle that lead s to rest (or death to striving in our flesh).

    In order to see more clearly what God is saying to His people in Malachi chapter 3 we need to enclose it (bookends, so to speak) with the last verse (17) of chapter 2 and the last verse (18) of chapter 3, as well as the first verse of chapter 4. The connection of these 3 verses is that God is addressing their confused view of what is going on around them. "Where is the God of judgment?" they ask, as they declare that it appears that those who do evil are blessed. (Mal.2:17) This is like the thought Jeremiah expresses in Jer. 12:1: "...Why do the wicked prosper? Why are all they happy that deal treacherously?" In Mal. 3:18 & 4:1, God assures them that He is not blind to the appearance of evil prospering. He tells them that after they return to Him they will discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that does not (3:18). Note that it is only after we return to Him that we are able to see things as He sees them! In 4:1 God assures them of the judgment to come, a righteous judgment that will discern between what appears good and what is good. Like the wheat and the chaff, God will separate them in His time. Both Jeremiah (Jer. 23: 24-32) and Peter (2 Pet. 2: 1-3) address this issue concerning misguiders who appear as good guides. Regardless of our view, God's view is right, clear, and just! Let God be true a nd every man a liar (falsifier, found wrong). Let our boast (place of confidence) be in the Lord, not in our viewpoints!
     In Malachi 3, God is talking to Jews (His peculiar people) who don't know why He is talking to them the way He is. He wants them (us) to heed His warnings, recognize that they have fallen away from Him as they ritualistically perform their duties, repent, and "Return Unto Me." They believe that they have "...kept His ordinance and walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts." (3:14) They often ask Him questions: what do you mean we've robbed you? (3:8) How shall we Return Unto You? (3:7) Their big struggle or problem is revealed in their question in verse 14, when they ask, "what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance...?" When we equate worldly blessings as a sign of God's love we will surely be disappointed. This disappointment leads to a hardening of the heart that turns from God in rejection, which is the purpose of the evil perversion of God's Word. As they see the wicked prosper while their crops are being destroyed (Vs. 11) they feel forsaken of God, but it is not God who forsook them, but they who have forsaken God!
     They don't think they have forsaken God; they have been sedated by their religion, and lost sight of their true relationship with God. If God were not faithful to them they would foreve r be adrift, yet He is faithful! In Mal. 3:5, God assures them He will judge the evildoers (with whom they do not think they are included) and He goes on further to clearly point out that because He is faithful, they shall be spared, by saying, "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore you sons of Levi are not consumed." (3:6) If God (and today, Jesus Christ) were not our covering, we would reap the rewards of our evildoings! Yet God so loved the world that He provided a way back to Him. This Way we must walk in, for if we don't we shall continue to walk away from Him down a misguided path that is pleasing to our eyes. Again, in verse 7 (3:7), He warns that they have gone away from His ordinances (while they assume they are obeying them) and that if they will "Return Unto Me," I will "Return Unto You."
     Mal. 3:4 speaks of a day that the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant unto the Lord once again. This shall come after God purges and purifies His people in a refining process that will lead to their being able once again to make an offering in righteousness, one acceptable to God. (3:3) All through this, and especially the often quoted verses 8-10, He is talking to His people who assume they are obeying Him. God is talking to tithers, not trying to get them to tithe. He is not teaching a formula for success, He is admonishing them that their tithes and offerings are not acceptable to Him.&nb sp;
     We see Jesus dealing=2 0with this same issue in the Gospels when He confronts the outward-appearing piety of those whose hearts are far from God. We read of a lot of "woe unto you" warnings that are meant to get them to repent and "Return Unto Me." Why don't they get His message? Do we? God is constantly calling His children to "Return Unto Me" as they forsake Him for other things. If He were not faithful to His Word, and faithful to His Promises, and faithful to the heirs of Promise, He would just let us go! Instead, by the power of His might, He delivers us from the bondage of sin that separates us from Him. He spoke to Pharaoh with power, "Let MY People Go!" He speaks to us with the same power, "Return Unto Me." These are not requests, they are commands with power! You may resist the power, to your own destruction, but the power will persist, and make a way for His people.
     Today, we might call it tough love, but God watches over us with a jealous love. He uses everything in creation and works it for our good. That good is to conform us to the image of His Son. This is what the "all things work together for good" is doing, conforming us to His image. (Rom. 8:28-29). When we have this assurance of His love, (and without it, we shall resist Him) we are able to trust Him with all things. This work of trusting Him is His work going on in20our lives, in all our circumstances, and in spite=2 0of our rebellion. He has so much to comfort us with. His Rod and Staff, His Holy Scriptures (which He intends for our comfort), His Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, and the many other vital parts of the Body that go unseen. Without all His providential care we would fall away from Him and be overwhelmed by the burdens of life. The cares of this life are like the Euroclydon (Northeaster) that Paul was in, (Acts 27: 14 & 15) so violent and oppressive, that we would despairingly give up and let it have its way with us. But we have a hope, a sure and steadfast hope, an anchor of the soul. Like the ordeal in which Paul found himself, we are to cast off everything on board, putting no value in them, and throw ourselves upon the waves of God's Mercy. "...God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

     There is a lot of confusion about God not tempting us with evil, or giving us stones when we ask for bread, or causing famines and bad things to come upon us. Believing as I do that God is a loving Father who watches over us and chastises us for our good, I am willing (and made able) to receive this Word He speaks in Malachi 3:11. Keep in mind that this word only applies to those who repent of their self-serving religious ways and "Return Unto Me" in an intimate, abiding relationship. God says, after the purgings that make their offerings acceptable, "I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes...." (3:11 ) Who, or what, is this devourer, what did it do, and where did it come from? What it did is destroy their crops and fruits. What it was were the palmerworm, the locusts, and pestilence. Where it came from was God. God sent the Devourer, and He did it for their own good, to get them to repent of their evil ways. Now I must prove that and not just claim it!
     In Amos, God again speaks to His people to "Return Unto Me." (Amos 4:6,8,9,10, &11) "I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have you not Returned Unto Me, says the Lord." (Amos 4:9) "I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt...yet have you not Returned Unto Me says the Lord." (Amos 4:10) Turn to Joel, chapter 2, for a confirming and clarifying Word of the Lord. "...Turn you even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning..." (Joel 2:12) "And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil." Again, the emphasis on the inner (heart) and not the outer (garments). He continues with His Word, down to verse 25 (after true repentance), "And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerw orm, My great army which I sent among you."
     We can argue this with our theology and dismiss it because it is not convenient to our (false) security, yet we would miss the purpose of His actions on our behalf, to get us to receive the blessings He desires, for those who abide. They were not abiding and He did not want them to falsely assume they were, by receiving the blessings while they were in this backslidden condition. This is the restoring He is talking about in verse 25. Please recall what He said to them in Malachi 2:1, "...I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already." I pray that you will see that this curse, which came in the form of "My great army which I sent among you," (Joel 2:25) was truly a provision of God to preserve His people. This was not an evil thing God was doing to them, it was a protective one (like God giving Paul a thorn in the flesh). (2 Cor. 12:7) It was protecting Paul from pride because of the abundance of the revelations given to him by God.
      Ritualistic offerings are not acceptable to God; He holds them in contempt. Even those who are sincere in this receive the correction. Why? Because God so loves us that He does not want us going astray, purposely or accidentally. So when He says they have robbed Him,20and they can't understand why, He says that it is20because of their blindness that claims to see. They cannot face the error of their ways, that they might repent, because they would have to reveal that their good-sounding rhetoric was empty of truth. This issue of Truth is why the religious leaders of Jesus' day opposed Him. "He came unto His own and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He the Power to become the Sons of God, even to them who believe on His Name" (John 1:11 & 12).

When Jesus came unto His own (the Jews) and they (the leaders) did not receive Him, others did (also Jews). If Israel had received Messiah we would certainly have a different chronicle of events and New Testament. Scripture tells us of His being rejected by the elders, chief priests, Pharisees and lawyers of that generation; it was written and fulfilled, "The stone which the builders rejected, the same has become the head of the corner." (Matt. 21:42) This cornerstone could have remained in Israel, had they accepted Him. Jesus was sent out to Golgotha; we read in Hebrews 13: 11-13 that the high priests took the offerings from the altars without (outside) the camp. "Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without (outside) the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto Him without (outside) the camp, bearing His reproach." (Heb.13:12 & 13) The administration of His condemnation had come about without justice, for within the gate is where the elders made judicial decisions.
     I say all this, not to point fingers or place blame; no, what I am seeing is that God so loved the world that He will not take No for an answer. His plans all along have been the reconciliation of man to Himself. This is His desire, and throughout scripture He is declaring it. Them that have ears to hear (Him) God expects to listen! Speaking of "God our Saviour," Paul writes: "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim. 2:4) This being God's desire does not dictate man's actions. We call it free choice, free will, personal decisions, and other things, but the opportunity is given to all, and that has always been God's intention: to the Jew first and then the Greek!

     So when we read of the Jewish stiff-necked attitudes, and whoring-after-other-gods mentality, know that all are included in that, just as all are included in sin! Try personalizing and taking to heart the things of which our God speaks, concerning repentance. This Spirit of Repentance is needed throughout the Body of Christ, beginning with me, daily. Would you receive that Spirit? Whether it be written to Jews or Greeks, Pharisees or Samaritans, look for the delivering hand of God in His words. He came to set the captives free, but only those that know they are captive, receive it! S ee if you can't put yourself in this next admonit ion. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent unto you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not." (Matt. 23:37) The comfort and protection that God wants to bring us to is refused by us as we walk in our own ways. True, we want to serve God, but we do not rest in His finished work. "...Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, from the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about." (Psalm 17: 8 & 9)
     Jesus did not come to add burdens, but to remove them. The prophetic words in Isaiah 61:1-3 tell us of the anointing (of Messiah) to preach good tidings unto the meek, to bind the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God, and to comfort all that mourn! This reconciliation is of God, of which Jesus Christ is the head; and you, being members of His Body, are members of this ministry! The words ministry and minister are defined as attendants or servants. Jesus, setting the example of a servant, sought the Father for help to do what pleased the Father. God shows us what pleases Him as we receive His Son and become transformed by His power into children of God who do His will. That will is to comfort others, set fre e, and deliver as stated in the passage of Isaiah 61:1-3 mentioned above. This Ministry of Reconciliation is a Body ministry. There is no division of clergy/laity, priests/parishoners; we have been made fellow workers in the Kingdom of God, have been made priests unto God, a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, a chosen generation and a royal priesthood in Him "Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son." This should not produce an arrogant attitude but rather one of thanksgiving unto God.
     This Ministry of Reconciliation is God's, imparted to us through Jesus Christ, and we, as beneficiaries of the living water implanted in us as wells of salvation, pour forth the nourishment of God to a dead and dying world. God has "reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and has given us the Ministry of Reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He has made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Cor. 5:18-21)
      This reconciliation is a work of God, not of man. Man cannot reconcile himself to God through any method or formula, but simply by the power of God (it is a gift that needs to be received) believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which has become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby you must be saved." (Acts 4: 11 & 12) That was Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking to the rulers of the people, and elders of Israel. (Acts 4:8) Just who did that fisherman think he was, speaking to them that way?

Like "Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost...," (Luke 4:1) and Peter "filled with the Holy Ghost..." we also need to receive and be "...full of faith and the Holy Ghost..." (Acts 6:5). We need this for many reasons, but first and foremost is to live the life He has called us to live. The early believers (often called "two by four" Christians, now, referring to Acts 2:4) received the Holy Ghost and spoke with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. The purpose of the gift is spoken of back in Acts 1:8, "But you shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth." Jesus spoke boldly wherever He went. Peter, after being filled with the Holy Ghost, spoke20with a boldness that he did not have prior to being filled. After Peter spoke (Acts 4:8) and gave the way of salvation (Acts 4:12), it amazed the crowd and the council: "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13) Later, after threats by the council, Peter and John went on to declare that their fear of God was greater than their fear of men. (Acts 4:18-20) Determined to endure whatever resistance and punishment that was coming their way, they prayed, "'And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto your servants, that with all boldness they may speak Your Word.'... And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:29 & 31)
     Those that abide, walk in fellowship with God, and "Return Unto Me" receive a power that enables them to do exploits beyond their normal abilities. In our own strength (our abilities) we fall far short of the Glory of God, yet with Him we draw our strength (my help cometh from the Lord) as He imparts Himself unto us. At first Peter hid from the threatening challenges that came his way. These oppositions were, and are today, aimed at stopping the Gospel of Christ. This "gospel of your salvation" (Eph. 1:`13)=2 0is a "gospel of peace" (Eph. 6:15) which20breaks down that wall of sin that keeps you from God. Man has inherited a sinful nature that knows its need for atonement. This knowing within us is enticed to offer up efforts of our own strength to appease an angry God, thereby making us safe from wrath. This is not the Gospel, this is the Lie! This approach keeps your flesh in charge of your life, keeping you in sin, as you refuse the gift of God. Like Adam, we devise methods to cloak our sin; rather than run to God to get clean of the sin, we hide from Him (fig-leaf religion) with efforts that appease our conscience.
      Jesus came to show us God's view, one of a Father who has lost His son to riotous living. This once good relationship decayed through the corruption that overpowered it when severed by the one act of disobedience. In Adam's offense all men were separated from God. In this place of separation comes the multitudes of sins that bind mankind. The Gospel proclaims that God sent His own Son to atone for that transgression on our behalf. This one pure, perfect, unblemished sacrifice is the only one God will accept, yet through our desire to make ourselves right with God, we reject His provision. This error keeps us from God, and locked in pride, fear, guilt, and condemnation. In Romans chapter 5 we read God's view of Adam bringing in the sin that causes separation and Christ bringing in a righteousness that restores us to God. =2 0Rom. 5: 8-21 covers this clearly, yet not all men have a love of the truth which allows them to receive it. "Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men to justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." (Rom. 5: 18 & 19)
     Jesus tells us to "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matt. 11: 28-30) What is it that we are heavy laden with, that causes unrest for our souls? Keep in mind that Jesus is telling us that we will continue to deal with it. (Two yokes are spoken of, here.) Just what is it that we are dealing with? It is our battle with sin that has gone on since the disobedience of Adam. This sin burdened our souls with the expectancy of wrath and we have learned cleverly devised methods of warding it off in our minds--just like Adam with the fig leaf! Only the revelation of God's love, evidenced in Jesus Christ, "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his po wer, when he had by himself purged our si ns, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Hebrews 1:3) can unburden us.
     This love of God is a perfect love. It is based upon who He is, not upon how we are doing. The Prodigal son's father is the example of the generous love of the father being based upon who the father is, and not the son's performance! Even greater is His Word that reveals the need for His love, which we find in 1 John 4: 17 & 18. "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in the world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love." The perfect love John is speaking about is God's love toward us, that drives out the torment within us that has to do with judgment. Because of my sin I know I deserve punishment, yet because of His love toward me which I see in the face of Christ, I have confidence (boldness) to come to God on His terms, not mine, secure in the acceptance of the Blood of Jesus Christ, "to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein He has made is accepted in the beloved."
     This the "rest for your souls" that Jesus speak about. He who has set us free does not add burdens unto us. Paul is very careful not to be a burden upon those to whom he preaches. The disciples understood this as they dealt with issues in the church. In Acts 15, dealing with Gentiles, circumcision, and keeping the law (and subverting of their souls, vs. 20) the Apostles and elders, with the whole church (vs. 22) and the Holy Ghost (vs. 28) determined that they should not place burdens upon men, other than some necessary things listed in verse 29. When they preached this word to those at Antioch (vs. 30) it is quite obvious that this word of truth set them free! "Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words and confirmed them." Wow! This building up of their most holy faith is what the calling and equipping of the saints is all about. Judas and Silas exhorted (comforted) them, confirmed them (reestablished their strength) and brought much rejoicing in the liberty they had been called into. Paul writes, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Gal. 5:1)
     This yoke of bondage and the burdens of men weigh down the saints of God as they press on in their calling. The Acts 15 solution to these problems culminated in one-accord unity among the leaders (vs. 22) that sends letters of warning (vs. 23) concerning those who would subvert the believer's (faith) souls (vs. 24). There is a religious freedom (or freedom from religion)=2 0that comes to those who hold no value in their own accomplishments. A desperate hunger and thirst for true godliness that recognizes our feeble attempts and strivings just won't get us there. This dying to oneself is hard, impossible to man, but not to God who is able to do all things. One by one, He removes these burdens and warns us not to place them on others.
     Being delivered from such burdens and being instruments of His deliverance for others, we shall please Him, but only after we have responded to His "Return Unto Me" calling. He who calls us is Faithful and able to do it! Be careful to examine in the light, all your burdens. Are they of God or men? Keep in mind that as David examined his sin (which was ever before him) he did so with the knowledge of God's lovingkindness also being ever before him!

"The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi" (Mal. 1:1) was a heavy prophecy of warning for Israel, a strong directive word from the Lord, which Malachi boldly proclaimed. This is in sharp contrast to the "burdens" Jesus accuses the religious leaders of placing upon men. "Woe unto you also, lawyers! for you lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and you yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers." (Luke 11:46) These burdens are tasks, services, and responsibilities that are oppressive, and they did not come from the directive word of God. That is, the y that spoke it did not receive a "burden" of the word of the Lord. I repeat: Jesus saying "woe unto you" is an attempt to get them to repent and "Return Unto Me."
      The entire chapter of Matthew 23 is a great illustration of what God desires for and from His people. The warnings are for the leaders who bind heavy burdens on men's shoulders as they were oppressing the very ones they were called to serve. Paul writes, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:2) Burden-bearing, or assisting, with the intent of serving one another, is the disposition of Jesus Christ, Who came not to be served, but to serve! "...But in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind (disposition) be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who...took upon Him the form of a servant...." (Phil. 2:3-7) We are to follow after Righteousness, Peace, Charity, and "the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." (Rom.14: 19) "Follow me as I follow Christ," should be the exhortation from every believer. Do as I do, but you better examine what I am doing and saying, and not just blindly follow my words!
      In Matt. 23, Jesus tells us (multitudes and disciples) to observe and do that which is g ood. It is a warning not to get cau ght up in judging those who speak hypocritically. "Observe" here means to guard, watch over, or keep an eye on (the truth). That which pleases God, do, for it is better to serve God than man. The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat and are accountable to God, as are we, individually. (Matt. 23:1-3) Reading on in Matt. 23: 1-12, we see Jesus exposing the wrong ways and pointing toward the right way. Seeking to be exalted by men will lead to a debasing before God. "And whoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matt.23: 12) The words of woe, though aimed at the leaders, are a warning to come out from hypocritical deceptions.
     What are these words of warning? In Matthew 23, verses 4 and 13 Jesus clearly tells us the things that grieve God. It is not simply the heavy burdens of oppression that are placed upon men by others who will not bear the burdens themselves; no, it is the damnable results that come from that oppression. "...For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for you neither go in yourselves, nor allow them that are going in to enter." (Matt. 23:13) "You have made the hearts of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad." (Ezek. 13:22) This is the grief of God! This is like Pharaoh, who increased the brickload requirement while cutting back on the straw. Oppression leads to discouragement and a falling away=2 0from the truth. There are ways th at seem right unto men, yet there is only one Way unto God. Seek that narrow way, hunger and thirst after it, and do not be satisfied with a substitute! Do not be turned out of the way by doctrines of devils disguised as precepts of God. Know this, that the "way of truth shall be evil spoken of" (2 Pet. 2:2), but they that cause it to be so shall be answerable.
     Jesus goes on to expose the error of their ways, when He speaks to them about their keeping the letter of the law while omitting the greater purpose of the law. "...For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith...." (Matt. 23:23) Matt. 23:24-28 is the admonition to come out from the trappings of religion, and to stop working on the outside of the cup, but look to the inside. It is a whorish spirit that seduces God's people into a bondage that looks pleasing to the eye. Come out from among her; serve God with all your heart, and worship Him in spirit and in truth, free from the entanglements of this world (which are in you). Repent of this evil and "Return Unto Me."
     Like the proverbial Frog being boiled to death in the ever-increasing heat of the pot in which he once sat comfortably, we are easily seduced into unexamined ways of life that lead to death. What looks good is not always what is good, and conversely, what looks bad is not always bad.&nbs p; God has worked upon His people with very unorthodox methods throughout the ages, never forsaking them, always working out His plan of salvation. Our observations (Matt. 23:3) are clouded by life's complications. We only see God in part, through our limitations. This is why we walk by faith, trusting Him in all things, both those things we understand and those we don't!
     Returning unto Him brings a first-love vitality that stems from the inner knowing that God is at work in our lives, in spite of what our eyes see. It is going back to complete reliance on His reliability, and a knowing that by His stripes I have been healed--restored unto the Shepherd and Bishop of my soul! It is a safe place, with a secure and steadfast hope that does not rely upon me and my performance, but rather on Him and His performance on my behalf! Thanks be to God! So, in this victory, this healthy setting, I am able to grow and do that which pleases Him.

Hi: Thank you all for taking the time to read these seven messages. Actually, one message (Return Unto Me) in seven parts. I have been blessed in seeking God on it and seeing what I can only share in part. May you take from it and add all that God has supplied to you for the sake of others.
               with much lo ve, Joe (with Mercy)

     Jesus "has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53: 4 & 5) "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth." (Isaiah 53:7) To understand the context, we must read the words of verse 6: "all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." We clearly see that Jesus took our place of punishment, even though we have gone our own ways, astray, or separated from God. Peter clarifies this passage, and gives us instructions on how to live our lives in a manner that reflects our recognition and gratitude for what Jesus did on our behalf. (1 Peter 2: 19-25) Jesus, taking our stripes, "returned (us) unto the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls" (vs. 25). There was no other way back to God, and this is the healing Isaiah is speaking of! When we look at the other verses in this Peter passage, we learn that Jesus has left us an "example,20that you should follow His steps." ( Vs. 21) That example is the endurance of grief and suffering wrongdoing (even when you are doing good) Peter tells us in verses 19 & 20. This patient suffering, with a conscience toward God, is only attainable when we abide in Him and receive the Grace to live as Jesus lived: He, "Who when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judges righteously." (1 Peter 2:23)
     This Isaiah 53 passage and corresponding passage in 1 Peter 2, loses its point when we wrongly apply it to temporal conditions of life rather than the soul's condition of separation from God. Jesus, Who submitted Himself to the Father in all things, did not oppose the will of God, when all these things came upon Him. Though the crowds and the disciples wanted Him to be militant and call down fire, He knew the Spirit that motivated Him. He would not let the emotions of men distract Him from the purposes of God! The temporal relief from afflictions were far less valuable than the eternal rewards that He would reap for mankind. Thank God He did not deliver Himself from that Cross! Oh, the peace that floods my soul when I see this love of God toward me! What joy, what peace, what comfort it brings me! Yet, at times, I've forfeited it and followed after vain imaginings as I wrongly applied His Word to attain temporal creature comforts. I have longed for a Return Unto Him because I h ave gone away (astray) from Him, as I got caught up in carnal desires that war against God and do not submit to Him. When we go off in our Don Quixote battles we are not submitting ourselves to God; it is a resisting of God. Faith does not muster itself up to fight the devil, it submits itself to the Truth. A true humbling of ourselves in the sight of the Lord is to "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." (James 4: 7-8) This is another example of God's call to us in Scripture, "Return Unto Me."

      Paul begins the second book of Corinthians with these encouraging words: "Blessed be...the God of all comfort; Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble." ( 2 Cor. 1:3-4) Again we have Jesus' words, "in the world you shall have tribulation" (John 16:33) backed up by Paul, with the assurance of comfort being provided by God. This comfort has to do with our hearts, and has nothing to do with changing our conditions. Yes, God can and does change our conditions at times, but He is not at our disposal to obey our commands (because His Word says)! Abraham received the impossible (Isaac) because God said he would, and Abraham believed God. As we apply this faith to God's provision for our salvation (impossible with men) we begin to see the love of God. When we misapply faith for our20own corrupt (earthly) desires, we so on get discouraged and are in danger of losing the true or genuine faith God has given us. Being deceived in this manner is a tactic designed to provoke you to anger, anger against God, Whom you believe has failed you. This is a lie that we are led to believe is true, because "God's Word says"; we apply it to our situations, and when our situations do not change the way we want them to, our faith is shattered! So much perversion of God's Word! He wants us to let it go, this perversion, and says, "Return Unto Me." One of the best illustrations of genuine faith is revealed in the ordeal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. (Daniel chapter 3) The three Hebrew boys, about to be thrown into the fiery furnace for not bowing down to the golden image, respond with these great words of faith in face of the threat: "If it be so, our God is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King. But if not, be it known unto you, O King, we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up." When they say, "but if not," it is not a negative confession; it is their declaration to the King that He has no power over them that God has not allowed. Their faith is in God, whether they go into the fire or not!
     God does not want us soon shaken or troubled by deceptive means that draw our attention away from Chri st. A much-discussed end times20passage of scripture actually is telling us not to get caught up in such things. (2 Thes. chapter 2) There is even a warning against focusing on powers and signs and wonders (which can be lying- vs. 9). That kind of focus can cause us to lose sight of the salvation, glory, grace, and comfort that is ours in Christ. (2 Thes. 2:13-17) The things of this world hold no power over us when we have the assurances of eternal life with God, Who has chosen us "to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." (2 Thes. 2:13) This is a work of God, not man. Jude 24 says that we are to look "unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." That is His Word that tells me that I am to cease and desist, and look to Him who is doing for me what I cannot do for myself! Again, in Jude 21, we are told to "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Likewise, Peter tells us to "gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13) This is yet another "Return Unto Me."
     In conclusion, and I know that His riches are inexhaustible and unfathomable, I want to include this summary of the basis of my faith. When I labor to build this temple (me), I labor in vain. I know in whom I be lieve, that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day, and therefore I have hope even in my failures, because He is greater than any of them. I know that I have peace with God only through the Blood of Jesus Christ's Cross and I pray that I may have the grace to never lose sight of that, or boast in anything else. Finally, with this scripture that comforts me, "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has HE reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight: If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard..." (Col. 1: 21-23) I ask: may our great God, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and our Comforter the Holy Spirit give us all the wisdom and knowledge of His Word that cries out "RETURN UNTO ME!"

                                Sincerely, and through much struggle of my own, I present this to you for examination. Judge it as you should. Where there is error please let me know, so that I can correct it and not cause others to stumble by the error. Above all else, take it to the Lord in prayer.

                                                          With much love, Joe (with Mercy)