Essence: ..the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character.

I was praying this morning and felt the dearest visit from the Lord. I even said out loud, “aww Lord it feels like you are all around me!” Honestly, I wish I could put it into words but it is very difficult. Yet, His presence does swell at times in a room. It is so lovely…and usually I find myself holding my breathe a bit …it’s so breathtaking.  I love sharing His delightful ways so the younger generation can understand He is ever present and near…and there is more to Him that can be missed if they do not press into His heart behind the written pages of the Bible. It’s only until He begins to pull pieces of the puzzle together that we see His true essence…His character…His heart.

How does one understand the essence of Christ? One would have to know more than text on a page, yes? There is greater fullness than what is merely seen in black and white. Let us make sure we do not miss Him? For His fullness is quite colorful indeed. Be sure I am not negating the truth of His Word… but providing a gentle reminder of the desolation caused by the religious leaders of Christ’s day.

 

One must study the nature and handling of things, people, and situations in order to understand the essence of Christ. When we do not we speak things on His behalf that He possibly never meant to be so. For we speak from a human experience often to which Christ was quite counter cultural. If we read the text alone and even mimic its cultural mindset in that day, rather than stepping back far enough to take in the fullness of the Word, we may deem polygamy as appropriate, abuses approved, deception as an option, and the oppression of women as part of the Lord’s heart. Throughout history many occults have done exactly this, along with many religions. We see inheritances withheld women by cultural practice… but not by Christ’s command. We see widows left for poverty and scorned but we see Christ using them for profound purpose in Kingdom work.

 

As we read the plight of Christ in Isaiah 61, we see He is anointed to preach good tidings, heal the broken hearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.

 

Fascinating at the definition of “captive.”

…     a prisoner; a person who is enslaved or dominated; slave:

Yet we see His essence declares a disdain for oppression of any kind and ought to produce in us a Holy fear that we not be partakers of oppression.

 

Psa 103:6 – The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

 

His essence is so kind and gentle, yet never diminishing in majesty and power. At times He reveals His essence in specific ways through His Word or in playful communication with His people. For He is a delightful God indeed. I can read a children’s book and have absolutely no zeal or appeal to draw ones heart into the story, leaving it lifeless and stale.

 

But when the invisible storyteller/breath of God comes on the wind and exhales ….things altogether change. Vision is stirred and revelation comes drawing one into His very heart. He is irresistible yet resisted in part by many as we insist on seeing Him through only natural eyes and ways.

 

Soon comes a surrounding of His presence that will surely consume one with love and care, while at other times His profound power rests heavily on a Word that a herald might run with it. His essence can fill a room and show us the hearts and needs of many silently crying in the night. The Word becomes alive and we are soon moved by His own compassion to tend a heart, help a gift be seen in one needing affirmation, or harkening a truth that is indeed sent from Heaven to set a captive free.

 

Do you know His essence? His sweet scent? His gentle voice? His seething anger for the bondage of His children?     His power that places you face to face with the devil stirring up your authority and courage only given by Him and through Him? Do you?

 

His essence… there are not enough words to encompass Him. His beauty. His strength. His love. His kindness. His justice. His power. His forgiveness. His passion for us.

 

May we not miss His essence and nature… His heart for people. May we do more than cherry pick the scriptures. May we see its fullness … otherwise… we not only miss The Truth entirely… but we miss the very essence of a His heart.

 

 

 

Love Much,