— OF A JUMPING, LEAPING HEART —

When young Mary entered Elizabeth’s home, we are told that her baby; named John, jumped in Elizabeth’s womb when his mother heard Mary’s voice. (Luke 1:41) John didn’t jump because he heard Mary’s voice. No, I’d say his leap was more than that. John; very much alive in the womb, knew the child that Mary carried. His name is Jesus. He is Immanuel, God with us; wonderful Counselor. Thirty-three years later, the Disciple Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and My God!” after Jesus showed him His hands and wounded side. Well, I suppose to many his OMG exclamation is hardly noteworthy… considering how it is blurted out practically everyday… from spying one’s morning acne in the mirror to finding accessories at a remarkably cheap price at the mall.

Still, I don’t know about you, but sometimes my heart leaps when I meet another lively Christian; the Holy Spirit prompting my reaction. Isn’t that the way it should be if we share the same Father, Son and Spirit? Wasn’t it the Father’s Spirit that communicated to John in Elizabeth’s womb whom Mary carried in hers? I’d like to think so. If not, why not? Maybe we need to pray, ‘Oh, may our hearts jump when our Spirit bears witness to the blessed kinship that we have in Christ one with another!’ If so, then how discerning would it be for us when our reception is cold? What if upon Mary’s arrival; the baby John was unmoved and Elizabeth asked what Mary was doing there? Of course, that wasn’t going to be the case — ever. Why? Because both Mary and Elizabeth; having been approached by the angel of the Lord, knew in advance what would happen. So, shouldn’t we likewise; knowing God’s Word, know what should happen when we meet others? If we walk uprightly and humbly with God and all others — always prepared to love and embrace another in fellowship — I can tell you that your heart will leap when you meet another brother or sister the first time; that is, if they’re carried in Christ’s bosom as you are.

Of course, that’s a big ‘if.’ However, the absence of such warmth and affection returned to us could be a warning. Indeed, false teachers and prophets; vain professors of the faith abound. When I meet a professed Christian who is strikingly suspicion and cold… wary… I pray for discernment. Granted, they could still be a Christian, but we must be wise. Evil men present themselves as full of knowledge and will appear very spirited (though their charisma tends to be directed towards the less wary and vulnerable in the room). They will stay a mile away from those who might discover them.  Yes, Susan, many are the progeny of the seven sons of Sceva; who are only discovered after a different spirit leaps. (Acts 19:14) Such men lie dead in this world… arriving stillborn. Nonetheless, for those who are truly in Christ Jesus and seek Him first; they will appear remarkably naïve but don’t let the love of Christ in them fool anyone. Oh, we’ll take a leap… some maybe every four years, but still… I think the fellowship and joy to be gained is well worth the adventure. As for those fakers? They won’t hang around long and risk exposure.