Otherworldliness

John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

 

Jesus was otherworldly. He did things that no other human had ever done and said things that no man had said. His wisdom and words were not from here. Thus he was so often misunderstood. He left so many people confused. This aspect of his ministry is blatant in the four Gospels. Though now, as the Holy Spirit has spread the Gospel throughout the world, we understand much of what Jesus was communicating, back then, the original hearers were stupified. Part of this phenomenon is that spiritual things are hidden to some and revealed to others. 

As you read the Gospel records you will often hear the disciples say, "Explain to us the parable of the (you fill in the blank)". You will also hear Jesus say, "To you it has been given to understand these things but to those on the outside these things have been hidden." 

The disciples were on the inside of Jesus' otherworldliness. Even with this advantage, they still didn't get Jesus' ministry plan until after his resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit. 

So, how are we, the current disciples of Christ, supposed to communicate otherworldliness and the seemingly confusing things of scripture to those around us? It has to take place exactly like Jesus did it. Of course we won't be going around raising people from the dead or healing the blind and crippled. These signs were for a precious few. They served their purpose and have been set aside for millenia. 

How Jesus did ministry was often, one person at a time. Look at his contact with individuals. It is an intimate glimpse into the heart of someone who was not of this world. Use of the scriptures will be an integral part of our evangelism too

It is the Holy Spirit and the Word of God that has power to transform and translate God's plan. 

John said it this way, "He came unto his own, and his own didn't receive him. But, as many as did receive him he gave the power to become the sons of God. Even to those who believe on his name." (my version of John 1:12)

You who are otherworldy, communicate with with the Father in prayer, saturate your mind and life with his word and communicate his salvation with love. Only then will others begin to see your otherworldiness. Maybe they too will follow you to the beyond.