Seeds For Thinking

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Scripture: “ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galations 3:28, NKJV)

After learning the numbers, and how to count with them, we learn about “equals.” 1+2=3; 3+4=7, and so on. It is plain to see that the digits on either side of that equal sign may signify equity, but they are obviously not identical. Each number is distinct in its own right, however balanced they may be in the equation.
I have been thinking about how that plays out in the social, as well as the mathematical world. We are reminded in many ways how you and I share equality - created equal, have equal rights, equal opportunities, and all that. My point is, equal does not mean identical. We are not indistinguishable, one from the other, or exactly the same, uniform, and interchangeable.
Where this matters most, it seems to me, is how God looks upon His children.
“ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galations 3:28, NKJV) There is no favoritism on account of birth, beauty, or blood. There is no truth, as some claim, that certain people are the favorites of heaven, in virtue of their birth or their rank in life, or that they have special facilities for salvation.
Paul affirms, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” Individuals on one side of that “equals” sign, and one Spirit, one body on the other. (1 Corinthians 12:13) It is the same God that works all in all. God so loved the world - every individual - that everyone who believes will be part of that one Body, one Spirit; “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Consider: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” (John 1:6-8) John had a unique role; he stood out as an individual, as described by Mark (1:1-8) but made no claims as to his relationship to the Light. When asked about his identity, John replied, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said.” (1:23)
Later, after Jesus began His ministry, John again responded to questions about his role in the kingdom of God; saying, “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:27-30)
John inquired from prison as to whether Jesus was the Coming One. Jesus praised John highly, but added, “ . . . But he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than (John.)” (See Matthew 11:2-15) He who is least, even I? How can that be? Individuals on one side of that “equals” sign, and one Spirit, one body on the other.
As summed up by “The Preacher” of Ecclesiastes, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Ecc. 12:13-14)
Psalm 9:8 states, “He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.”
God will balance the equation, bringing into the “one body, one Spirit” even the least of those who believe in Him. (John 3:16)

Seeds for Thinking (©) 1996 - 2010 by Leland Hubbell