February 19, 2023
Heaven and Earthly Perspectives
“He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true.” John 3:31-33 (NASB)
“Buddhism was created in the sixth century, B. C. with the birth of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama... Originating in India, the religion spread throughout most of eastern and southern Asia. Buddhism came to Tibet in the 8th century, C. E. Unlike other religions that are centered on a supreme being, Buddhism is centered on four basic truths: Life is not perfect; people are left unsatisfied by trying to make life perfect; people can realize there is a better way to achieve fulfillment; and by living one's life through wisdom, ethical conduct and mental discipline, people will reach enlightenment. Within these truths are countless layers of teachings on the nature of existence, life, death, and the self. Buddhism encourages its followers not to believe in those teachings, as followers of other religions believe in their religion's central figures and dogma, but rather to explore, understand, and test the truths against their own experiences. The emphasis here is on the exploration.”[1] Although I personally don’t agree with all this, it serves as an example today which stems from mankind’s feeble beliefs and based on personal experiences.
When John the Baptist spoke these words in yesterday’s writing, we said he knew his role. John also understood his knowledge was limited. Jesus’ knowledge was “above all.” John was highly favored though. The Apostle Luke records in 1:41, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” “Luke also records later; “I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” These words were not spoken by a man. Jesus said this. What a testimony of greatness but limited to earthly knowledge. But “He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.” There were limitations for John. Jesus has none. He came from a spiritual realm John couldn’t see. To understand the message of Jesus is to consider a message of spiritual importance and hope. Redemption was not needed in heaven. It was needed on earth. This message of redemption could only come from One “above all.” Only God could reveal His plan to mankind, and it would take a perfect sacrifice. It couldn’t be found on earth. It had to be One “above all.” John could testify to the coming of Messiah, but his knowledge was limited. It had to come from heaven. The One who is “above all,” is “He who comes from heaven.”
There are people throughout history who claim ways to eternal bliss and blessings. They will tell you they know the way. They claim to know the way to eternity. The problem is humans are limited to earthly things, not heavenly. They are not “above all.” They do not “come from heaven.” If we are to learn the way to eternity, we must look to One who is “above all” or “He who comes from heaven.” No other substitute can do. There is no other way today to find salvation and eternal bliss. Jesus is “above all,” and “from heaven,” so look to Him who knows and came from eternity. Be assured today He has all things in His hands. Look to Him today!
[1] https://www.biography.com/religious-figure/dalai-lama