01/28/2021
We read the scripture and pause on words like peace, rest, walk, and eternity, partially because these make us feel relaxed in our hectic lives, but in reality our faith, and witnessing to others is urgent. Jesus is returning, and when He does the time for decisions and action will be over... instantly! Do you want to be caught between prayers, waiting for a better time to profess your faith, or having lost a soul by putting off a gospel conversation until it was too late?
“We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.”
John 9:4 ESV
Are you a procrastinator by nature, and tend to put things off until the last minute? I am frequently guilty of this, but there is one area of our lives when this is more than ill advised, and that is in our faith. If we are considering giving our lives to Jesus Christ we shouldn’t delay. If we are putting off being baptized we should stop our Lolly gagging and get it done. If a man needs food then feed him now, and if there is a friend that we have meant to witness to concerning Jesus... do that without delay! We have no idea as to when the Lord will return to gather His flock so we must be vigilant, and constantly at the ready. We should be working on our spiritual to do list of things needing to be done every day.
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Matthew 24:44 ESV
When Jesus began His ministry it was like a whirlwind. He traveled constantly and was teaching and preaching everywhere He went. His final days were not unlike all of the others... they were full to overflowing, and our days should be like this too. We should be in constant prayer, telling others about the gospel of Jesus, teaching the Word, and loving our neighbors in every way we can; not because we must, but because we love the Lord, and those around us this much... in this way we deny Satan.
“He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.”
Daniel 11:32 ESV
Once we believe, we don’t take action to be saved, because that is already promised us, but rather we do these things because we love greatly. The two great commandments are to love God, and to love our neighbor, and when we love this much we also show that love through our actions. We bring gifts to our spouse, we do those things we know will please them, and it is the same in our faith... we glorify God by our love, and obedience. We feed the lambs of Christ, and tend to their wellbeing.
“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.””
John 21:15 ESV
We do this so that Jesus will know us by our faith on the day of judgement, and we must make true this faith we have professed so that we will not be lost as the Jews in the synagogue who will be lost even though they have claimed to be Jews... but are not.
“Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.”
Revelation 3:9 ESV
So is there a sense of urgency to our faith? Are we doing the things that will glorify God, and do we do them without delay? Are we constantly preparing ourselves in the event that Jesus should call us home? These loving things require diligence. They must be tended to everyday... not because we must do them, but because we love to do them.
“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”
Revelation 3:11 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the salvation we have received through our faith in your Son Jesus. Thank you Lord for loving us so completely, and allowing us to love and glorify you as we live out our lives of faith. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who we love with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Praised be you name for the poor of spirit that we are privileged to tend to in the name of your Son Jesus Christ. You are merciful Father, and send us help when your will for us becomes too great for us alone. Your angels hold up our arms in the midst of spiritual battle, and feed us in the wilderness when we are famished. Your Grace flows through Christ, and saves us without our deserving it... simply by your love. Great are you Holy Father, and greatly to be praised. You help us in our unbelief, keeping us prepared for the return of Christ, and we reach out our arms that you will receive our love and attention in return. Today is our day of urgent faith, and we listen to you, even as Paul says...
“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
2 Corinthians 6:1-2 ESV
Amen
Rich Forbes