Return: verb – to go back or come back again. This
is the Webster’s dictionary definition. A code 10 - 19 is translated “return
to” and is followed by a location. By nature of the definition, this is a
location where the responder has previously been. Now a necessity to return
there has arisen.
The concept of returning is prevalent in the
Scripture. From the first sin that separated man from God, a plea emanated from
the Father’s heart calling His children to return. Through the ages that has
remained God’s heart cry to His people. Whenever the heart of the believer
strays from Almighty God, He pleads for His child to come back. He waits and
watches.
Throughout the Old Testament, prophets pleaded with
the nation of Israel to return to their God. “Therefore return to your God! Hold
fast to love and mercy, to
righteousness and justice, and
wait [expectantly] for your God continually!” (Hosea 12:6 AMP)
There are similar pleas from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, Joel and many others. God
has never given up on His children when they stray. He calls and waits over and
over.
Jesus also told the story of the prodigal son. (See Luke 15:11 – 32) The verse
that portrays the son’s return truly displays the heart of our heavenly Father
when we return to Him. “So he got up and came to his [own]
father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved
with pity and tenderness [for
him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [fervently].” (Luke 15:20 AMP) God is watching and will run to us with open arms as
soon as we take a step toward Him. He has repeatedly promised to also greet our
return by returning to us. “Therefore
say to them [the Jews of this day], Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return to Me,
says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you; it is the utterance of the
Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 1:3 AMP)
In the end time prophecy, the Church at Ephesus is praised for enduring
hard times for the sake of Jesus. Despite this praise the angel spoke these
words, “But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you
have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me,
your first love].”
(Revelation 2:4 AMP) It is not just a
matter of serving God, but having a heart full of love for Him. We can continue
to live a life doing Godly things while our heart is straying from Him. We must
return to our first love with Him.
Where is God? This can be the heart cry of a
believer. How can I return if I am not sure where God is? A code 10 – 20 is one’s
current location. God has been asked by many believers what is His 10 – 20.
God’s word gives us the answer. “But the
Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth hush and keep silence before Him.” (Habakkuk 2:20 AMP) The apostle Paul wrote, “Do you not know that your body is
the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom
you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,” (1 Corinthians
6:19 AMP) The temple of God is within us. God is present with us at all times.
God calls to us daily to come away with Him. Since He is always present,this is not a
physical location but a condition of the heart. It does not take long for a
heart to stray. Do we always keep check that we focus our love on the Lord and
not on worldly distractions? If we catch ourselves becoming more interested in
other things it is time to listen to His call of 10 – 19 and return our heart
to God.
He has promised, “Then you will seek Me, inquire for,
and require Me [as a vital
necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah
29:13 AMP)
(If you have never asked Jesus to come into your heart, you have not yet become
His temple or dwelling place. Your first
step is to invite Jesus to become your Lord and Savior by receiving His death
and resurrection as payment for your sins. Come to Him for the first time and experience
His presence and a great love relationship.)
If anything other than the Lord has captured you heart, quickly 10 – 19
to Him. His 10 – 20 is as close as your heart. Turn to Him and He will welcome
you with open arms.
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