There is a realness to these matters that a man may find difficult to substantiate to others though he be freely given to testify of them. And it is not peculiar to some that their testimony is the very thing assigned them for such substantiation to themselve’s no matter, or in spite of, how difficult it may be found (even perhaps impossible) to persuade another. We are walking where all things are made new, and all things are of God.
All here rests solely upon God; His work of revelation, His work in leading through Christ, His establishing a man in such truth that the man would know it is only God capable of such. It is not without reason Paul exclaimed “Who is equal to such a task?” For what is odious to some will be life to others. And unless the man be delivered from any agenda to control the working of such matters in the ear of hearers so that they be manipulated to be “more acceptable” (thus making the man more acceptable) such a man is still caught up in his own personal agendas.
Now God forbid there also be any inclination to make matters harsh. Wouldn’t sober consideration of the cross be sufficient to persuade any man (if sober) that here he is dealing in and with realities that plainly speak of a firmness beyond mere pleasures as a man might assess? Even that very firmness of which and with which Jesus spoke?
“What shall I say then…Father deliver me from this hour? But is for this very hour I have come”
That knowing that such a matter that would seem to persuade to all escape from is not only “a” matter at hand…but the very “the” matter upon which all is toward and concluded for; and so much in the consciousness of Christ it cannot be denied. This is the “it” of His coming. No, no man need be harsh for there can be nothing added to the depths of the Lord’s suffering and death to make sure (to the sober) that any lesson be driven home. It is enough a man enter such sobriety, he will have sufficient odor. And fragrance. God’s agenda (plan/purpose/resolution) in this matter must be fulfilled, and is, by the sufficiency of Christ to it. All and any of our own attempts for effect are more than nullified, they are here lifted naked upon a tree for plain knowing.
We can be…plain. And till this is known as the relief it is from all striving to either embellish or diminish (for any hearer’s sake) we will not know it as relief. We will still be laboring and striving according to the terrible metrics we have adopted to ourselves for measuring success/effectiveness and/or failure. Paul came to enjoy such a place where he said he no longer even judged himself, he had come to know a faithful Father into whose hands all discipline through Christ would be ministered…and that alone…rightly. He was wholly convinced he was being watched over quite diligently.
And though this may sound to some (or might be twisted so) as a call to being casual about such weighty matters, it is in truth…all that being casual about such matters is not. He knew and walked with a “ready judge”. Indeed Christ Jesus had proved himself to Paul in His showing as promised by bringing him (Paul) to the Father:
“But I will show you whom you should fear…” And Paul was made amenable to being shown things.
Therefore Paul was not reluctant to write:
“Knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men”
And I am convinced here by my own necessity of many chastenings and rebukes… and the myriad forms they have taken, that Paul was not speaking in hyperbole. Many things may be found difficult to express, even when understood, that are beyond any assurance a man might grasp to himself that he has expressed them well. There is nothing in this new life that is not Christ reliant, or, if better put: Thanks be to God all relies solely upon the Christ of God for revelation and understanding! There are no surer hands into which all can, and must be, placed. And surely this matter Paul speaks of as knowing, i.e. “the terror of the Lord”, is no less.
Having spoken of it elsewhere I hope not to belabor it, but the matter of terror and love must be reconciled to the believer (as they seem strange in coexistence) unless we take Paul a liar. God forbid. Far better for any to take me as one, or so lacking in understanding as to be unworthy of considering than for any believer to believe Paul was merely speaking “out of his hat”. And if one would have (as some gift of God) some hope of persuasiveness, this makes this pairing not merely now odd, but also in a very real way, necessary. Knowing the terror of the Lord makes a man a persuasive man; and only a man with no care that the interests of Christ be served would then seek to shun such knowing of terror in service to persuasiveness. But really, of our own choosing we might be honest, none of us cares to be terrified. Nor would choose to know it if given our druthers. Warm hugs, lovely commendations, and bright smiles of reception, yes; but who wants a glimpse of God’s fiery wrath? Who could “handle” it?
There is a right answer.
Do we know Him?
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