Progression to Perfection

 

Progression to Perfection

“Perfection” is a word in the English language that causes heartache, disappointment, much depression and defeat in the minds and hearts of many every day. It is also an unrealistic and destructive goal for the proudest of people whom no others are able to satisfy. Perfection is a word that should never be used in regards to the human race in general. No human being is able to attain the very definition of this word as it is defined in the English language. We find this word mentioned in the English translation of Matthew 5:48, “”Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” and we also find it in Genesis 6:9, “These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”.

Interestingly, the Greek word translated as “perfect” twice into the English in Matthew 5:48 can also be translated as “complete”.

Why is this interesting?

Because the Hebrew word translated as “perfect” into the English in Genesis 6:9 can also be translated as “complete” or “whole”. In other words, lacking nothing that is needed to be righteous in God’s eyes. To further prove this connection, we see in the Septuagint which is the Greek translation of the Old Testament Hebrew, the Greek word chosen for the word “perfect” or “complete” to translate from the Hebrew into the Greek is the same Greek word found in Matthew 5:48! (telios)

As we read in Genesis chapter 6 Noah didn’t lack anything as He was a man that walked with God and therefore was a just and righteous man. To walk with God means to have right relationship with God by and through His Word, by faith through grace! Noah found grace because of his faith, his faithfulness and was saved from the coming destruction of the flood. I will suggest that Noah wasn’t seen by God as “perfect” or righteous because he never sinned whether in thought, word or deed. Why do I suggest this then? We read in Romans 3:23-24, “23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”.

Just as we are called to do Noah also did, he walked in faith in the Word of God which caused him to walk with God (obey) and to receive His immense grace and to be counted to him as righteousness by God because of his faith. We see this in Genesis 6:8, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

 

The Word has since become flesh and dwelt among men so that our faith and love which leads us to walk with Him (obey) in right relationship causes us to be seen by our heavenly Father as being complete, whole and perfect. Instead of thinking of how to be perfect just give Him your heart and your loyalty, and seek to know Him more. How you can become a greater servant to Him and as He reveals more of His Word (Himself) and His will walk in it as a faithful servant would do, this is being in right relationship.

If you haven’t listened to and or read the message titled “Right Relationship” please do:

Right Relationship

 

We read in Hebrews 12:1-2, “1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”. Yeshua (Jesus) is the only One that can make us complete and whole as we remain in Him as He covers our every imperfection making us “perfect” in the eyes of our heavenly Father. Perfection can only be found and attained by walking with God in right relationship through Yeshua. He will finish the work that He began by the cleansing and softening of our hearts as He writes His law upon it to make our love for Him and our neighbors complete! It is not based on our perfection but instead His perfection! HalleluYah!

We don’t have to be “perfect” in our walk but we are required to be a faithful bethrothed bride awaiting the return of our Bridegroom by guarding our heart & mind from the people and things of the world that belong to the ruler of this world (satan) that will lead us away from Yeshua (Jesus), from our Salvation. We are to seek to know our Bridegroom more intimately and reflect His name, His character, to shine His light to the world. This is a faithful bride.

May we remain faithful and be made perfect by Him!

Progression to Perfection

In a world filled with a mix

of truth and confusing lies,

how can one find the hope

that escapes thoughts and eyes?

________________________

So much pain and hopelessness

in exchange for promised bliss.

Seeking to gain wealth and prosperity

only to be left with emptiness.

_________________________

At the end of myself is where I found You,

after all these years of calling my name.

I finally gave to You what was due,

my heart, my loyalty and my shame.

______________________________

I try to follow as best as I can,

tripping and stumbling along the way.

Your yoke is light for this weak man,

but in You I am perfect so here I will stay.

Where else would I go to escape my strife,

for only You possess the words of eternal life.

__________________________________

Long days and lonely nights,

I begin to wonder if You really care.

The defeating thoughts I try to fight,

faithfully Your presence is always there.

Reminding me to walk by faith and not by sight

for Your love is greater than I could ever share,

in that I find solace and can now sleep tight.

__________________________________

In so much darkness, destruction and burning

I cling to You and Your marvelous light.

With a heart of expectation and yearning

to see your day and escape the night.

__________________________________

Only from your living Word

can the truth be found and heard.

By the eyes and ears of our heart

accepting His true love is just the start.

__________________________________

Only in You do I find true peace,

surpassing understanding and every test.

You are the Rock where I lay my head,

my fortress, the House of God where I find rest.

______________________________________

Perfection can only be found in You,

by abiding in the covering of Your love poured out.

I am healed and cleansed becoming true,

the bride in You whose fruit will sprout.

____________________________________

By my faith and my love

I anoint my rescuer my King

with the oil of my softened heart.

I am willing to offer to Him everything!

____________________________________

Amen!

My Lord and my God, my Yeshua.

My Rock and my Salvation!

 

Until next time the Lord bless you and guard you.