It has often been said that ‘hindsight is 20/20’. What does that mean? When we look back on our lives, and the decisions that we have made, we can often see things much clearer than how things were when life was being experienced in the moment. Can you imagine the tremendous wisdom of being able to learn from those who have lived the fullness of life, and having the priceless opportunity of being able to glean from their wisdom? This is that moment. In a recent conversation, Greg Lancaster shared some unforgettable moments with longtime friend, and brother in the Lord, Jack Hollis, and reminisce of their fruitful and memorable journeys walking with the Lord. In our present age, sometimes the name ‘Jesus’ has incorporated many other ‘activities’ and ‘events’. But truth be told, it’s not about those things at all. Greg and Jack highlight the one truth that this life is all about.
When talking with Greg, Jack underscores this important reality by stating this vital truth; “everything is about the Father”. Jack continues to talk about how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit always glorify one another. When he talks to people about praying, he reminds people to always pray to the Father. If we’re not praying to the Father, we’re wrong. “It’s wrong. Jesus Himself said you’re never going to ask me for anything again. Ask the Father in My authority and He’ll give it to you. He said, don’t ask me for anything. I’ve already given you everything.” This is why Jesus started off the Lord’s prayer with this important words in Matthew 6:9 “Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”” This is what Jesus has done for us. Jesus has provided us access to the Father. As John 14:6 reveals, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” As Jack describes in his own words, “Jesus has given us the entrance into the presence of the Father”. We’ve made it about everything BUT the Father. As a man who has walked this Earth more than 80 years, it’s incredibly wise to listen to the wisdom that one would share. Jack expresses the vital revelation that came to him only a few short years ago, “This thing is all about glorifying God. It’s not about any of that other stuff.”
If we leave Jesus out of the reality of this moment we call life, we will have seriously missed what everything is all about. Greg describes an encounter that he had with the Lord, given to him in a dream, that has forever marked him and impacted his life. ‘I was standing at the doorway, outside the Throne Room, and the door was opened, but not fully opened, and the presence and awesomeness of God, and the fear of the Lord filled the place’” Greg continues to talk about the indescribable reality of what it’s like to experience such a profound encounter. ‘It’s not like you can’t bring something up in God’s presence. [it’s like the Throne Room of God is so filled with God, and a thought or an idea takes up tangible space, and that there’s no room for something else other than Him.] Standing just outside the threshold of the Throne Room of God makes clear what Jesus did for us all and outside of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, can anyone enter into the presence of God. Nor would they want to. because Jesus gives us access to this awesome, holy, perfect, God.’ Greg jokes patting his pockets saying “where’s Jesus, I need Jesus” when sharing about this prophetic encounter, saying that is what you will be doing if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Encounters like this don’t simply leave you unchanged. Greg also briefly points out how, in a previous encounter with the Lord, he was shown the Lord on the Cross, and in another encounter, he was able to embrace and fully hug the Lord. What is immensely powerful to realize and truly connect with, is the fact that this awesome and holy God loves us and wants a relationship with us.
TGLS 112321