Where are My people?

Have you ever heard the Lord speak by the Holy Spirit Acts 13:1-2 in a meeting, "Where are My people?"

I have.

There were other words spoken after that question but all I remember is how I interpreted it.

I felt that the majority of us weren't showing that we were believers.

We didn't have the Lord's joy John 15:11 nor were we wearing the helmet of salvation Ephesians 6:17 because our names were written in heaven. Luke 10:20

Maybe as a whole, we were like those who joined themselves to David -- distressed, in debt, and discontented. 1 Samuel 22:1-2

If you have the zeal of the Lord, Isaiah 9:7 His enthusiasm, determination, and purpose, and hunger and thirst after righteousness, Matthew 5:6 do you sometimes look around and say, "Father, where are Your people?"

I have.

Do you feel a little like the Old Testament prophet, Elijah, who complained, "Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life"? Romans 11:2-3

But what was the Lord's answer to this dismayed prophet?

"I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." Romans 11:4 [Baal was a false god worshiped by some in those days. 1 Kings 18:26]

Is it true that God the Father sees His people in different ways from how we do?

He told the prophet Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Does the Father see His people through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Much more then, being now justified by His blood [Jesus'], we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:9

For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him [Jesus], and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:19-20

Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19

If we confess our sins, 1 John 1:9 can WE ALSO learn to see ourselves forgiven and cleansed by His blood?

But if we walk in the light as He [God the Father] is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

The Bible says more about believers in Jesus --

You are the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13

You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14

You shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:14-15

You were strangers and foreigners but are now fellow citizens with the people of God and His household. Ephesians 2:19

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him Who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

With so many positive words about believers, why would the Father ask, "Where are My people?"

Maybe it's because we're not yet perfect as He is perfect. Matthew 5:48

We still need to grow spiritually, don't we? Ephesians 4:15-16; Philippians 3:12

If we feel that we've failed to live up to the standard of His people, let's encourage ourselves.

He is still working with us and in us.

For it is God Who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

Your thoughts?

R. Jason