This message is primarily for those who are already in Christ, and who understand the hope and purpose of His calling. It is for the body of Christ.

Introduction

There are very few people who exceed the confines of the era in which they live, indeed, through which they pass.

Jesus was a great example of this He really operated at some supernatural levels, beyond what was easily seen or obtainable at the time. Examples of this include:

1. Fixing leprosy in a moment. A feat that would take mankind hundreds of years to do, with modern medicine. Matthew 8:1-4, Luke 17:11-14.
2. Walking on water. Matthew 14:25.
3. Paying the temple tax via a miraculous provision. Matthew 17:24-27.
4. Turning water into wine. John 2:1-11.

It is possible, via the exercising of our faith, and via our trust in God, and His ability to guide us, to live above the confines of our circumstances by drawing on the inspiration and power, and the provisions God has made for us.

Jesus’ Communication of this Concept

At various points in His interaction with His disciples, and with the people around Him, Jesus tried to convey this concept. We see it in the following 3 simple forms:

1. When He indicated that all that He did was in line with His Father. i.e., He was spiritually connected with God & walked according to God’s callings. John 14: 31.
2. When He indicated that His kingdom was not of this World: Which was what ordinarily, powerful people would seek to establish. Earthly dynastical kingdoms, for power and control. John 18:36.
3. His answer to the Devil while He was being tempted: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” indicating the need to subsist via divine guidance also. Matthew 4:4.

These weren’t common, widely accepted or practiced norms of that era. In true form. Jesus lived beyond the confines of His era.

The Beatitudes

I believe in His attempt to codify this concept in a simple and easy to remember way for people, he expressed what has come to be known as the “beatitudes”. The word “beatitude” is itself defined as a state of supreme happiness. Matthew 5:1-12.

5 1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Each one of these outcomes is an escape from the confines preceding.

Escaping the Confines of Your Era

Perceiving & understanding that such a concept exists itself takes a while, by which time one would have already become enmeshed within the confines of one’s era. So if you’re one who wishes to “perceive & understand” that such a concept exists, you can only do so perhaps, after being enmeshed. How then can you escape the confines of your era? How can you escape from what has already embraced you?

1. You’re going to need “rest”. God’s rest. I’ve thought about this. I don’t see any other way. The rest that comes with knowing that your steps are so ordered, and God is so capable, that even with the mistakes you made/are making/will make, it’ll all end up looking like you’ve been/are in His plan still. This is a mystery. For the upright of heart. Hebrews 4:3.
2. Knowledge. You’re going to need to arm yourself with the knowledge of His Word. To rightfully discern and apply it. 2 Timothy 2:15.
3. The Holy Spirit. You’re going to need to “yield, until Christ is formed in you”. What this means is you will need to yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance & influence, as you grow into the full maturity of Jesus’ stature. Ephesians 4:13.

Conclusion

I invite you all to meditate of the implications of the miracle of the spiritual rebirth, that He has worked in us. It is deep and powerful.

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O.J