The Paradox : A grain of wheat Talk (1)

A grain of Wheat  Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. Jn 12:24

Met. Kallistos Ware The Inner Kingdom  You will remain dead as far as you refuse to die

Treasure in Earthen Vessels  7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed ; we are perplexed, but not in despair ; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken ; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Cor 4:7-9

The Life of Jesus ….!!!  10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you. 2 Cor 4:10-12

Joy despised shame  Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12:2

Death leads to Exaltation  8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, Phil 2:8,9

Awarness  27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Jn 12:27,28

Appointed to this  3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 1 Thes 3:3

St Ephraim the Syrian  Glory to you, You who set your Cross a bridge over death, for souls to cross from the dwelling of death to that of life

His glory was to come to Him through shame  23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Jn 12:23

Case Study : St Paul

His Work in him  16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:16,17

Equiping Him  12 “Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, 13 came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. 14 Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. Acts 22:12-14

His Mission For him  17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:17-18

St Cyril of Jerusalem  Every action of Christ glorifies the Church, but the Cross is the Glory above all Glory… The Glory of the Cross, by contrast, has enlightened all those who were blinded by ignorance. It has set free all those who were slaves of sin. It has redeemed the whole human Race. Let us glorify in the cross of the savior..