The Most Intelligent Being who created us - physically, mentally and spiritually - in His image and likeness deserves all the credit for the revelations in His Word. After all, His plan is far greater than our finite minds can comprehend. It's painful to think about the events of Jesus' return, when man will realize that he has taken the wrong path and allowed himself to be led astray by the devil's lies, and therefore won't have a second chance to convert.

People give in to various unscrupulous temptations, acting as the enemy wishes, and this invalidates their salvation. The devil's mind is sheer darkness, because his error has resulted in a complete separation from the Lord, who is the ultimate in love, holiness and truth. The Most High is immeasurable in His essence and His actions; the creature will never perceive or imagine beyond the limit imposed on it in this life. God is good!

Jesus used to teach in parables, relating eternal truths to what we could understand. Today, having been born again, our spirit begins to understand more of the Truth, and with that, He speaks to us more clearly. This makes us good operators of the Good News. However, it is important to be careful not to disregard the Lord's directions. If we do, we run the risk of being contaminated by the insinuation of the evil one.

Only in heaven will we be able to live in full light, for once our bodies are glorified, our capacities will be infinitely greater than they are today. Here on earth, we need to watch and pray so that we don't fall prey to the temptations sent by the devil. Obedience to the law and the testimony will keep us from stumbling: To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8.20). Consider yourself warned!

Those who want to rush and do better than others should remember Jesus' words: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing (John 15.5). We will always be the branches, totally dependent on the Vine. In order not to fall, it is essential to adopt a humble posture, recognizing that we are saved by divine grace and not by our own merits, such as abilities, cleverness or any other virtue.

The apostle Peter was incautious. He was carried away by the fact that he had been enlightened about who the Lord was. The apostle took Jesus aside to give Him some “advice”, but was promptly rebuked. The Master's response made him return to his seat, reminding him of his position as a disciple. How many of us have faced similar temptations without realizing it? May God correct us so that we don't forget who we are: just branches. Still, being a branch means a lot!

Let's be vigilant so that we don't run out of oil and lose ourselves forever. The time will come to hear Jesus speak about the Father openly, without limitations. So stay in your position as a disciple of the Master of eternity. He is from above and we are from below, but it has pleased the Father to grant us salvation and guidance on how to act in His work. That is enough for us!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares