Every morning I make myself a cup of coffee, sit on my couch and look outside unto my garden. Not long ago, I pruned my mexican petunias for Spring, so currently, they are just these little sticks with a few leaves on them. However, one or two new shoots have already grown, eager for Spring’s promise.
This morning, as I was talking with Father, I noticed one of the tender shoots suddenly swaying, while all the others were still-standing. First I thought a bug must have jumped off it to make it move so vigorously, but then as I kept watching, the shoot kept moving. That is when a gentle whisper spoke ever so quietly into my spirit, “A tender shoot moves easily with My Wind.”
The revelation came so quickly and easily: If we are tender in our heart and spirit, it will be easy to move with the Spirit of God and those that are stiff-necked will remain unmoveable. This is nothing new; we read in Scripture how God encourages us to remain tender toward each other (Ephesians 4:32), but what really encouraged me was how easily we will move with the Spirit in this attitude. Tenderness – and along with it humility and the fear of the Lord – creates a sensitivity that hardened hearts – sinful, unbelieving and proud hearts – do not pick up on. Like tender shoots, these hearts are more pliant to God molding them, twining them as He wishes. A tender heart can be trained by the Spirit into the very likeness of Jesus.
We read the accounts of Jesus and see that He was moved to do great miracles because of His tender and compassionate heart. And that is why we are often encouraged to humble ourselves and be tender-hearted, so that we can be the likeness of Christ in this world.
We are now in a very fragile and hard time in history, where people’s hearts are confused and hurting. Many cry out to whatever god they can just to get a grip on meaning. This is where the humble and tender shoots of God, who are easily moved by His Spirit, can and should encourage the lost and broken by being a living reminder that Spring is coming. We read in Colossians 3:12 that we are to put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… . Does this sound familiar? Hint hint; Ephesians 6:10-18. Just as we are told to be dressed battle ready, so we are also told to be dressed in the likeness of Jesus. (I encourage you to meditate on chapter 3 of Colossians.)
The world needs the Light of the World as their hope for salvation (Matthew 24:32) and when we clothe ourselves in His likeness and stand in the gap for the lost, revival will follow.
2 Kings 22:19 because your heart was tender (receptive, penitent) and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,” declares the Lord.
2 Chronicles 7:14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.