Traveling High
Now in those days, that is, the early days of the called out ones coming together, many great works and miracles were showing multitudes the evidence of Christ and Him raised from among the dead. Many times a group would meet, and for the most part, it would be only two or three that had gathered. Disciples were added daily, and sometimes there were a thousand or even much more, that were added to those that came out from among the world, and its’ way of thinking. These peoples’ lives weren’t being changed because of our power, nor because we were great speakers, but by the calling of the Holy Spirit that fell upon the many in our travels, of those that now lived a changed life. When there were meetings of large numbers, it was purely by the hand of God, for no effort was afforded from our part. I might walk from one city to another, meeting someone on the side of the road, and testifying of what I’d witnessed, and would be asked if I would come and lodge with them, for they too had family and friends that they would like for them too, to hear this great news. Living this life was exciting, and in no way was any day predictable. Normally it was but one or two others that listened as I traveled throughout.
I would, on occasion, meet with one of the original disciples, but for the most part we journeyed alone, and separate. Several times my wife was to go with me, and many of the women’s lives would be changed by her testimony, as she too could expound as the Spirit gave her utterance. But, by-in-large, each set out alone, as God would scatter us in every direction fulfilling His desire upon His Rock that I now understand is the Revelation of Himself.
One time, maybe five or six years after the resurrection, in a small village called Nain, not far from, but in the mountains, outside the city of Nazareth, I ventured. A quiet place, but many believers dwelled there, as on several occasions a disciple passed through and preached on the change that God was calling for from within, that this same neighbor, the one called the Christ, not so many years ago, lived and walked among them, and would expound on the change of what was happening in the lives and the heart of many. For many there also believed.
The group had grown, for many, and several of the men and women in that village were considering erecting a house where each could commonly meet, an organized place of worship. I listened as their excitement emanated from all around the room that we had collected in, and the ideas that arose from that excitement. Maybe they weren’t quiet together on every issue that was being spoken about, but most had the same common ground of wanting a building dedicated for the meeting of the saints, a place of worship.
In that room were many sincere folks, ones that received the presence and indwelling of the Lord, but it seemed that the men of the highest nobler status were the ones pushing the hardest for the establishment of a house of God. The food was good, the crowd was cheerful, but the atmosphere was lacking one essential ingredient, the Spirit of Christ. Watching and listening as I observed the hugs and handshakes, the chatter of what was to happen and the prestige that it would give this small town to have such a place, and what it would mean to so many.
Standing up, clearing my throat, and in a loud voice said: “Men and women of Nain, keep silent and listen to what this man that walked in the days of Jesus’ ministry with Him, has to say concerning this that you are about to do. Many of you mean well, but there are those among you that are looking for an outward construction, but lack the inward dwelling of Christ and His Spirit. This that you are about to do, ought not to be so, it was not in the beginning of this new life that he has built in us, nor will it be in any of the days to come. Those that are called up into this life, will go, we will not be asking those to come, to gather in a place built by the hands of man, His true Church is built on the Rock of His revelation, not upon a stone hued by mans’ ideas. He asked that we should ‘go ye into all the world, not forsaking any’, but never has His Spirit shown that we should institutionalize the Rock in which He is building. I’d rather say that there are several amongst you that are without, that is the indwelling of Christ, that make pretense that they too have had this experience with Christ, and have not. They are those that are still filled with dead mans’ bones, but want only to clean the outside of the vessel, and again, this ought not to be so. This Gospel of the Kingdom will be spread by folks like you and me, people sharing that which God has done, and still doing, not by erecting a shine, as I too had learned this from yesteryear. We show not ourselves in beauty, but in humility, not in fluent speech, but in those Words that he has appointed to us, not in zeal to worship that which our hands have made, but this which His Spirit points to, the only God that is living, and He can and will live in you.”
The silence around the room was that of a secluded man standing completely still on a snow covered mountain top, some were smiling, but all were reflecting on the Words the Spirit had to say. As I continued: “This, that God is putting together, let no man put asunder, for this, my brothers and sisters, is built by the hand of Christ, and not on the stature of man. The true Church is not a gathering, but of those that are called out from among the world and want to live this new Life, and share it with others along the way that we are led to walk. To make something tangible from that which is intangible is a mistake that I also, in times past, tried to do, but was told to go back off the mountain. Christ is alive, and I know that He lives in many of you, and it will be Him that gives the increase, not the ideas of our mind. Wait on Him.”
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In those days, some nine or ten years after the resurrection of Christ, people were being added to the called out ones daily, sometimes tens of them, sometimes hundreds, and on a couple of occasions, a thousand or more. For as many believers that traveled from city to city, I would receive word almost daily of the progress of the forwarding of God’s Kingdom. Many a-men were made disciples, had an encounter with the Lord and journeyed spreading that good news throughout. Now Saul, that we’d heard was surnamed Paul, was preaching throughout the land, and most of his times were spent in other nations, up along the north coast of the Great Sea, but preaching this same Jesus, the Son of God. I was told by one in this company of folks that Paul, and his companion Barnabas, both were again being searched out to be put to death for his testimony in Christ.
It was now about this time that I’d received the bad and sad news that my long-time friend James, the brother of John, was killed by King Herod, for at that time much expense was delegated toward harassing those that believed. John and I were friends, and much more than friends, we’d grown up together, spending not only our youth, but most all of our walk in Christ together, this was sad news. Each of us understood the consequences of our appointment in sharing the Gospel, but James was still a young man and had a great zeal for the Lord. He was sorely missed, and I hurt for his brother and parents also, for we were so close. But James’ life, or death, was by no means in vain, for God had wrought great works through his hand, and by his willingness.
Herod seeing that the death of James by his sword pleased the Jews, he also sent out seeking me, for much the same. It was then, during the feast of Unleavened Bread that Herod’s men seized me, and placing me in prison, bound both hands and feet, and stripped naked, it was no small company of soldiers that were placed to guard me; in fact two were required on each side of me, even as I slept. All of this was done, not because I’d done anything wrong, and certainly not because I went against the Romans, but that Herod made favor with the Jews these harassments, and that gave him clout. I was not at all alone, for many of the company of believers and companions were constantly in prayer. There was no fear, for of a truth, my life had changed, and still continues to change, as I relinquish my control to the Father of all. There is no greater freedom, than the freedom one receives after giving up his own. I think we were all created to follow, and yes many are to lead, but the greatest of leaders are those that can serve and follow. God continued to move within my life and this also was a moment in time that was needed to bring me closer to Him.
My so-called trial would have been the next day, if not for the Passover, but again Herod was going to make favor with the scribes, Pharisees, elders, and priest of the Jews, the trial was to be the day after. But the night of the Passover an angel stood over me in the prison, a light so bright that it filled the jail, and said for me to rise quickly, and as I did, the chains fell off. I was then told to shod my feet, gird myself and follow him. As we passed through the first guard, and then the second, I thought this was a vision, not knowing that what was happening was real, but when the gate had been reached, and the irons fell off before us, the gate opened on its’ own accord, and the angel was gone. Moments later, when I came to myself, I knew then that this was real and not a dream, and had been delivered out of the hands of Herod, and the expectations of the Jews.
I, knowing where John and the others were, and at the house of Mary his mother; and after walking up the street, the air chilly, the night quiet, approaching the door, I knocked. A young girl answered, but when she had seen me, jumped as if she seen a ghost, slammed the door, and I could hear her running as if for her life. I continued knocking. It was but three or four minutes, and the door opened again, it was John, surprised but happy in a loud way, and I motioned that they were to keep silent, as I entered and shut again the door.
That night there was much rejoicing as I explained all that had happened, about the angel, and the things that the Lord was showing me, we all had a good time ‘til daybreak, when much stirring and rustling was heard from the Romans outside. Later I’d heard that several of the guards were put to death because of what happened, but as far as us, we enjoyed each other, and caught up on all that God was doing through each.
There were many in Judea that believed, and the Word spread before us in every placed we were or had been. God’s kingdom was growing daily as the news of this new Life was spreading.
It was not long after leaving and going to Caesarea that I heard the news that Herod, while giving orations to ‘his’ people was struck by God and died, being eaten by worms, but the Word of God grew and multiplied throughout all Judea and elsewhere. Herod’s death being a sign that God was moving among all. As I traveled in those days, many wonderful works and great miracles happened on a daily basis, and many were also led to follow in Christ as the Spirit gave them leave. Saul, whose surname was Paul traveled to many of the cities and many other nations, as from time-to-time I’d hear word of what God was doing through his life. I will admit that at first when I heard of Paul and the change he claimed to have in his life, I was a little skittish, and even though he and I haven’t seen eye-to-eye in every detail, I believe the work he’s doing in the name of Jesus is real. For he too has been threatened, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, arrested, and vows to have him killed were often made, but he’s never wavered, not an inch from the encounter he had with the Lord, yes, it was real, a fellow-apostle.
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In my days of traveling the cities of Judea, and on occasion, to Cyprus, and a few more of the distant places, I was always in contact with many believers, and each day was fulfilled with the excitement, mystery, and enjoyment of the Lord. And on this trip John and I ventured to Judea to a town called Machaerus, four or five miles east of the Salt Sea, and placed at the end of a ravine between two hills maybe not big enough to be called mountains, but rugged just the same. Both of us knew that this trip was necessary, but why, we had no idea. We had previously been in Medeba, which is northwest about fifteen miles and in the same large valley that we now traveled. It was a summer day, hot, humid, and the wind blowing out of the south, which it always does this time of the year, and talking with each other as we walked. John thought the people in Medeba, which we just left yesterday, were not as open to the Gospel as most of those on the other side of the Salt Sea, for the Word had not spread very much in this region. But the time there was not wasted, nor could it be, for when the Spirit moves one to go, the going is always peaceable, harmonious with what seemed ordained, as there is always a purpose.
On this trip, the one we just left, a young girl about the age of twelve, an only child and born in the late years of her parents, laid sick from a fever, and had been crippled from birth. Having heard that two of the Apostles were there, called on us to look upon their child, with hopes of her being healed, as they too had heard the news of Christ and His resurrection and how He still walked among His disciples and continued working through them. And once we’d laid hands on her, lifting her up by the hand, the fever was gone and her legs were straightened, all in the name of Jesus. The young girls’ folks were ecstatic, but the town people thought it to be through sorcery, and tried mocking us with their trickery.
Often when folks, and their religious ideas, feel threatened, many would attack with their imitation, or their counterfeit of what the Holy Spirit, and His power offers, with their less-than adequate forms of trickery.
So as it went, we did what was desired of us from the Spirit, and the awakening of the town, was most likely to come later from the Holy Spirit, so we left, not staying more than a few days. And now on the brink of the village of Machaerus, not more than ten furlongs, decided to stop and rest for the night, before entering the next morning just after the rising of the sun.
It was a pleasant evening, the sun still two hands above the horizon, the wind was a calm breeze, but still hot, as we settled between a huge boulder and a thicket of scrub brush. Laying back against the rock, feet stretched out before us, eating flat bread and a piece of dried fish, we relaxed watching the seagulls as they would make a circle above our head before returning to the sea. Once, two of the gulls were harassing a larger bird, attempting to get the larger to give up its’ catch, which it did, and was caught in mid-air by the two much smaller one, but the weight of it was more than they could bear.
A small fire was made, for the dead brush was in plenty, and we rested and talked a little, but mostly watched as the sky was still lively with the never disappointing fowl, and now the crawling creatures that were coming out of every hole, whether under a rock or from between the sage, we indulged in the best part of the day, resting.
Just as the sun was about to go completely down, only a sliver winked to say its’ goodbyes, John began talking, or maybe asking about the life we now had since the apparent death of Jesus, and why it was that He seemed more alive today than he did while we walked by His side. Many times I’d had the same thoughts, and had studied this with great reasoning, so I said as John nestled in what seemed like a tub scratched out of the sand into a bowl shape. “Before the crucifixion, and especially until Pentecost, we did not have His Spirit, for He said the Comforter would be sent, and at that time and place none of us knew any of the meanings of the parables, or the saying, or the purpose of the places we went and the things we saw, until our eyes were opened. Our lives were changed that day, after receiving His presence, and all before, as we walked with Him, we had only the mind of man, and couldn’t see beyond the natural, for our eyes kept us from seeing.”
It was then that John crawled up out of his nest, excited, and said; “You know, that also is what I thought it was, but needed a confirmation, thanks.” He walked around awhile, talking to himself, talking to the sky, at least talking upward, flinging his arms in every direction, going in circles until the affirmation had settled deep inside, and then said, “I could see before, but through a dark glass, but now I understand; He’s alive in me, walking on earth in me, carrying out His Life and Will in me, no more death, just Life. I knew that the Spirit was given to us at Pentecost, but I guess I just didn’t realize His complete presence on earth in me, and of course you and the others’ also.”
Times were good, a lot was happening, and we were all growing. It’s so pleasant to see ones’ life change after an encounter with the Lord, and it was happening everywhere we went; simply put, it was rearranging our lives. I was just a glimpse of the man that I was before the resurrection and the out-pouring of the Holy Ghost. Thinking back, it’s now hard to relate to the person I was, all had changed, and all that was required on my part was, to follow Him when asked, no efforts were made by me nor for me, it was all Christ’s doings in me. And to watch this young man have the blinders removed, and understand the alive Christ within himself, is an experience that will never lose its’ excitement.
The next morning, before dawn, for the night sky was totally dark, and only a hint of light appeared in the eastern sky, and one had to study to see the small suggestion of haze that was beginning to show, I lay awake, doing what I’ve always done; ponder. I lie there silent thinking on the meanings of each event as it happened, and on occasion, would see through it to the implications that Christ intended in his hidden Ways. The first sound of John stirring was that of a branch breaking as he tried to build the fire from the spark of last nights’ ashes. It was a warm morning, and no dew had fallen, the air dry and more stars shown than usual, the beginning of another exciting day.
“Good morning, how’d you sleep?” Looking at John as he blew on the few remaining embers, I could see smoke, but no flame.
Backing away from the handful of smoking twigs and brush, he coughed, set it down and rubbing his eyes, said; “not a wink.” I laughed watching him twist and turn, but not able at this point to give up, he kept blowing until the magic was done; a flame.
“The ‘something’ that happen in me last night, opened up a whole new vision, so I stayed awake all night in excitement, to see all that I could see. Jesus is at least as alive in us now as He was when we walked with Him on earth.”
I spoke back; “More so. Before, we needed not faith, because we had Jesus next to us, now after He has revealed himself alive, our faith is what brings a reality to the purpose of life, we are no longer blinded. It has not been long since I too realized His presence, but have also learned that the mustard seed, that we are, is as yet, but a sapling, the real growth is yet to come.”
“You mean it gets better?”
“I suspect so. I’m just learning this as you are. For the men we were, no longer exist, we willingly have laid down our lives for a better one, not a reformed life, but one that’s being transformed by Him. A life that we no longer have to make decisions, we just listen as He arranges everything for us, and continue following. This is not for us alone, but to all that are willing, for there is nothing special about who we are that matters, but what we are; His.” John just smiled, the fire was built, and his face was brighter than the flames.
Author’s note: God will use us for ‘what’ we are in Him, regardless of what we’ve done or not done, which is the ‘who’. The ‘who’ that we each are, is not important, it’s earthly; the ‘what’ is that which each is; the child of God, for he lives in each. Read 1 John chapter 3.
Not long thereafter, bellies full, filled with amazement and wonder, we both headed toward the town of Machaerus. You could see the tell-tale signs of the wind in the mountains, as small clouds of sand were swirling on the leeward side of each peak. We walked in on the northeast side of town where small stone houses had been erected, some from handmade brick. The streets were sand, well-trodden, and the town of unexceptional size, and the folks modest in every way, as we could see small groups gathered as we approached the middle of the square. A man with a robe, that looked as if it had not been cleaned in several weeks, approached us and was the first to speak; introducing himself as an elder, and knowing who we were, as he had had a vision from an angel that we were to come on this appointed day, and was waiting. He explained: “Our town and most all the folks in it have been overwhelmed and preoccupied in, and with depression. This is now to the point that more than a few have killed themselves, and those remaining are of a very low esteem.”
I could tell by his countenance that the man was worried and at his wits-end. Looking around, I could now see, that was there was no laughter or even smiles in the people we’ve encountered thus far; he was more than concerned as he continued speaking.
“We had heard through various people that there was a group that is growing daily, and about a man called Simon, who surname is Peter, and another man from Tarsus name Paul, and both and the other’s carry the power of the Lord wherever they go. So several weeks ago, myself and a friend began praying and fasting about this, for we too are believers, and want Gods’ movement upon our town and the people in it. And two nights ago during a dream, an angel of the Lord woke me from sleep, and said that the Lord God has heard our prayers, and moved with compassion, has sent two men to expound on the news of Christ Jesus, Him crucified and raised from the dead. You must be them.”
John looked at me, and I him, for we knew now what this trip was about, and were thankful that another group, maybe the whole town, was open to hearing about the works of God, through His son Jesus, who lives today in each that would receive Him. This is the Good News that were both set out to tell and express through the Power given to us, and we were to also give that same Power to them.
“We are them, I am Peter and this is John, we both walked with the Lord during the days of His ministry, and were witnesses of His life and His resurrection. Can we go somewhere to talk?”
The anticipations of our arrival must have been high; for several of the concerned folks were gathered in a small room as the three of us walked in, and were introduced. There were small smiles upon the faces of those collected in that room, but it was easily discerned that the smiles were covering worried feelings. For most held their shoulders low, and slumped in a forward position, indicating a low demeanor with heartache. We were introduced.
“Men, brothers in Christ, we too knew it was urgent to get here, for the Lord had placed you and this town on our heart, not but three days ago. John and I both walked with the Lord during His ministry on earth, were daily with Him, and did not understand who we were with, until the days of Pentecost, when each received Power by and of the Holy Spirit. Even I did not believe that he was resurrected from the dead until he had revealed Himself to us, and I could see with my eyes. But even then I could not fully understand until a mighty rushing Wind had blown upon us. To know Jesus externally, is not a bad thing, but to know Him alive internally, is that of faith, and is the greatest of all matters.”
Zecharius, the man we first met in the town square, seated himself on the floor, his close friend beside him, and listened with all intensity, as I continued explaining that the baptism by the Spirit, and His indwelling in us, was the means of our life, and the motivation of living. For in truth, there is no life without Him, He alone is the covering of our lives, and always expresses Himself in Love. I told them of the separation and condemnation that was taught to all, by those that served the Temple, with all their rules and regulations; and that Christ came to set us free from all of that, and Free we are. And that freedom expresses itself in a Love that cannot condemn, nor does it separate, nor can it be contained in any one person, but thru the whole body of Christ. For we are His lively stones, with Christ as the Chief corner stone, and fitly arranged and joined together to make up the true body of Christ. “We were bound to the many laws of the Jewish religion,” Zecharius began speaking, “and I think to the ones that enforced them, and were taught that we are not to associate with those of other nations. Our people flourished in times past, but this spirit of depression has a grip on us and has not let go, and our people are dying. For the bondage of religion, and our acceptance of it, is more than our people can bear.”
John leaned over and said something in my ear, and we were both in agreement as to the problem that had a hold on this city, and the folks in it. Still standing, I walked to the stone table that had evidently been used for eons to grind and roll out flour, and leaning against it I began to speak as the Spirit gave utterance.
“Men, brothers, I perceive that a spirit of selfishness has been carried here from those of a sect that want you in bondage, and all for themselves. There are those that teach that theirs’, and their religion alone, are for those of the seed of Abraham, and I too thought the same at one time in my life, but God spoke to me and said ‘what He has cleaned, call not common.’ The Lord Himself said that God so loves the world and all the world, all those in it, because each were made in His similitude, each belong to Him, that He gave His only begotten Son; and each and all can believe. But you have been given a yoke that you cannot bear, a burden that you cannot carry without these repercussions; therefore all those of this city have attempted to walk in both worlds, but they must not be combined. You have believed in Christ Jesus, and Him crucified and Him raised from the grave, believe also that He who can resurrect your Spirit can deliver you from this bondage that was set upon you. For what God has put together, let not man put asunder.” This I testified about while still leaning on the work table, and all gave attention to the words as I hesitated to allow the word to be digested. “Now as each have fallen into the teachings of the scribes, Pharisees, and even the priest of the temple, know ye that you have been set free, free from the bondage of effort, free from the yoke of pleasing men, for Jesus came to give Life, and give it abundantly to all that pursue Him.”
As I spoke, a Light began shining from within the room, a Light that came from everywhere, for the Light drove shadows from the room, or could one yet pinpoint from where it came. Small particles floated about the room, but were not falling, as many traveled in an upward or sideways motion, it was like Manna coming from Heaven and layering themselves upon all. And I looked outside through the doorway; I could tell that the same was happening throughout the whole city. People were standing, looking up, arms wide open, and many fell to their knees as this and the brightness of the Light shone upon all. In an instant the entire town broke out in praise and worship, for their hearts were filled with the joy and freedom from the Lord. A deliverance had happened. And there were more than twelve hundred that day brought into the intimate fellowship with the Lord God.
John and I stayed there many days teaching and exhorting those in the Lord, and many, if not all, were set free from the tyranny that the elders had burdened those people with, and the oppression lifted, along with the depression. We thus traveled again to Jerusalem.