Some years ago while in Bible College, I heard a well-known preacher speak who brought his message from part of the “ten-code.” The ten-code is widely used among law enforcement groups and fire fighters. Dr. Roloff preached a message on the code: “10-4,” meaning “I got it,” or “I understand what you said.” Basically, it means “OK” (or as I like to say, “Okey Dokey”). I don’t remember all that he said, but his point was that as believers we should hear God through His Word and agree to what He is communicating to us. In other words, our response to God should be: “I understand and I’m good with what you have said.”
Most of us, at times, force concepts into the Word of our own making and not necessarily something that agrees with either God or the context. So, while thinking of the ten-code, I scanned my Bible for verses that had a 10:20 reference because 10:20 is asking the question: “Where are you?” In every situation of life, we should be asking ourselves where we are in relationship to God and His Word.
As Jeremiah was delving into the possibility of a powerless nation, he recounted the words of God who indicted Israel for having gone after idols rather than clinging to the one true God. Israel grasped helplessly in the spiritual world wondering why they could find no help. To that Jeremiah reported that God had said: “My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.” (Jeremiah 10.20) Essentially, God was asking where had His people gone.
The rich young ruler had come to Jesus asking Him for the path to eternal life. Jesus questioned him concerning his observance of the Law and of his devotion to the actions that seemed to be expected of a faithful Jewish young man. To that the young man answered Jesus: “And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.” (Mark 10.20) This young man was exactly where the Law would have placed him – obedient to the written Law, but far from the One who could give more abundant life.
The writer of Hebrews offers insight concerning the believer’s position in Christ. “By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” (Hebrews 10.20) Where is the believer? He is one who once was far off, but now is made nigh by the work of our blessed Redeemer. (Ephesians 2.13)
In the above passage, the disciples were a bit confused as to both where they were spiritually and also to what they should be doing. Jesus had sent out seventy disciples into the world to testify of Him through miracles. When they returned, they rejoiced in fact that they had been able to exercise power over the demons. To that, our Savior said: “Don’t be too impressed, I saw Satan himself being ejected from heaven.” (Please excuse my liberties in the translation.) Jesus mildly rebuked these excited followers for rejoicing in their God-given authority over demons.
He further adds that He is the One wielding the power that flows out from Him and into them. They should not glory in something that does not belong to them; but rather, they should rejoice in the Source of their power and their special position in Christ.
In answering plainly about their position, Jesus said, “Rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
While it is a marvelous thing to see miracles, there is something more important. We should rejoice in our relationship with the Source of the power rather than the actions produced by the Power. So, where are you? Are you rejoicing in things accomplished or in your signed and sealed position in Christ?
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2.13
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