TWO WORLDS COLLIDING

WHEN 2 WORLDS COLLIDE

There is a Light that shines and darkness cannot overcome it.

Despite what scientist are speculating and theorizing about the possibility of “multiple alternate universes” there are only two known worlds, “existences” or “realities”.

I will call them “The Natural World” and the “Spiritual World” for convenience and relatability. These two words may be called by various other names, depending on who is speaking, whether a scientist, a medical physician, a psychiatrist or a theologian. But the longest standing document with the most extensive teaching and examples on these matters is the Bible. So I will be speaking and writing from the Biblical view.

The Natural World, is of that which is “seen” or knowable. This includes all observable and known matter of space, time, all that is present within the cosmos. (And even what is “not yet seen”, either because of its distance from the natural observer or perhaps because of its infinitesimally small structure or nature or from the fact that we are not familiar with how to observe it, yet we know it exists).

The natural world, all that already exists, is the product of, or put another way, a manifestation from the “Spiritual World” – the world which is unseen. (“Unseen” because it is “unseeable” by the natural eye or mind).

Everything that exists in the Natural World comes into existence, has its time of existence, then it fades away and ceases to exist in its current form or ceases to exist altogether – it dissipates into nothingness. (Although scientists speculate that matter cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change forms. Therefore, while matter may transform into different states or components, it does not cease to exist entirely. (See NationalGeograpic.org).

On a practical level, this can be important for the person who struggles with the state of their natural life, the sufferings, the hardships, trials and tribulations of this natural world. This person may try to navigate their “troubles” of life by natural means, and this method may work for a short time, but will never offer a permanent solution of relief. Even for those who say they have “the easy life” of success, good health, an abundance of abilities and provisions, there always comes the time they will struggle, suffer and eventually die. So, is there ever a solution for the matters of troubles in life? Are there any permanent solutions?

If you can put your biases aside for a moment, I would like to propose a solution that has existed, according to the Bible, since creation. Although this solution is recorded in the Bible, unfortunately it has been mystified by contemporary interpretations of the Bible, and it has been modified from its original context and now codified by religious people, theologians and so-called Bible students and teachers. (They may have made honest and diligent efforts to understand, translate and explain certain principles, applications and effects in the Bible, but they have done it through a humanistic perspective. Their grand interpretations of the oracles of the Bible, especially when it comes to the matters of life and death, can be beneficial, but if they are  “from and for the natural mind”, their effectiveness is marginal temporal at best.

Ephesians 6 underscores the weakness of temporal nature of the Natural when it says, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood (natural and earthly means), but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, (we are to) take up the full armor of God (which are Spiritual in nature), so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

We must, as Jesus has taught and demonstrated, live and direct our lives as we are IN THIS WORLD but as we are NOT OF THIS WORLD.

Teach as He did and try as He might, He was still frustrated with His disciple’s inability to grasp and apply what He has showing them. He remarked on occasion, “Oh, you of little faith” and “Oh, you unbelieving generation, how much longer must I put up with you?”  (There were some, albeit infrequent times, the Apostles would see these Kingdom principles work in their lives).

Conversely, however, the Spiritual World, offers permanency. It is eternal, or as the Bible states it, “as it was, it is and so it shall forever be”. This is one reason Jesus says in the prayer He taught, “Thy Kingdom come, it shall be done on ‘earth’ as it is ‘in heaven’.” Jesus is teaching us that “The Kingdom of Heaven”, the Spiritual realm, possesses the answers to all of our questions and challenges.

We will begin to see the manifestation of His Kingdom on earth (as it is in heaven), when we begin to pray and meditate on God’s Word, and take it at its “Spiritual face value”. (Allowing for metaphors and similes, but keeping a heavenly perspective). It is then, as Jesus has said, “For truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

For the natural person, it is as if he or she is standing at an impenetrable wall, unable to pass through to the Kingdom of God; unable to cross over to His Realm.

But just as God told Joshua, in the Supremely prophetic words “arise, now, and cross over”, He is telling us, His spiritual children, those of us who have been born by The Spirit of God, to “arise, now, and cross over” to the land which I promised Moses and I have given to you and to all the (future) children of God. From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. Everyplace that the sole of your foot treads, I have (already) given to you – just as I told Moses! Only be strong and courageous. Do all I have commanded. Do not turn to the right or to the left (do not turn to other ideas or remedies), so that you will be successful. (See Joshua 1).

MEDITATE ON THIS DAY AND NIGHT and be careful and diligent, allow these words to dwell in you, so you will be able to do all that is written. “Then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success (in these matters). Once again, have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

We are separated from God and His Kingdom because of our lack of faith, our lack of understanding and our sin. (SIN – from the Greek word ‘hamartia’ – literally means to be without a share in; to miss the mark. To miss the mark both of all that God has intended for your life and all that He has for you now, and for all eternity).