A Weighty Issue

It is a “weighty” issue to consider allowing the Word of God and the inward ministry of the Holy Spirit tell us the truth about ourselves. There is no doubt that we are living in the last days, but too many believers live as if there is no Judgment Seat of Christ. We have many “one hour” a week worshippers and even a “couple times a month or year” shallow “believers.” No one will be able to blame Bible-preaching pastors when the Judge Himself does a detailed analysis of our lives. What do we think we will ever say to our Lord Jesus when He applies those eyes which glow as fire (Rev. 1:14) to our public and private lives? It is a sobering message from the Holy Spirit in 2 Corinthians 5:11 concerning this judgment which affects only those who are truly born again in Christ during this Church Age. That judgment will deal only with our works and it will completely cover every moment since we were born again. We read from this Corinthian passage: “Then knowing the fear (phobia) of the Lord, we persuade men and we have been known to God; and I also hope to have been known in your consciences.” (literal rendering from the Greek). The KJV uses the word “terror” for the translation of “fear.” I believe that the word “terror” has it rightful place for the believer. We face days of foreboding with regard to the Islamic terrorists, and indeed, who would not fear the terror of A-bombs going off in the United States of America? We fear for our children and grandchildren that they would not have to see such suffering. Well, if we fear such things in this world, how is it that there are many Laodicean (lukewarm and uncaring) “believers” in our midst in this hour who are so “care-less” about the day of reckoning yet to come for us? The true final exam is yet to be given by our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. The truly saved in such places as Communist China face prison or even loss of life to be able to attend underground church meetings. And when those meetings take place, they are there—if at all possible. We have three studies in the Word each week, four with our men’s Saturday study and five with our Church school prior to our AM service . We do different Bible studies at each in order to share more fully the “whole counsel of God.” Which do you attend? How will you answer your Savior on that future day of “terror”? True, it will not affect our eternal destiny, but out of pure love for our Lord Jesus Christ, would you not desire to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”? How’s your conscience?

Taking the Long Range View

Did you ever feel that you that missed the whole picture of God’s will for your life because of lack of perspective? The only way to understand things correctly is to see them in light of God’s Word and to trust Him about the wisdom of holding to the long-range view of things. Trials and troubles can be overwhelming when seen only up close. Prayer and reading God’s Word are vital to a healthy outlook on events which happen to us. It is also good to have a trusted Christian brother or sister who can help with thinking things through. Asaph in Psalm 73 is bemoaning the fact that many of the wicked seem to prosper and do not face crises which those who trust the LORD experience. As Asaph evaluates these apparent contradictions of the easy life of the unsaved and the difficulties which the saved go through, he says he was upset “Until [he] went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.” Asaph moved back from the “eye-chart” of his observations and was able to see with God’s perspective. He goes on to say, God “didst set them in slippery place: thou castedst them down to destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.” Asaph found the quiet assurance which comes from knowing God personally and having the LORD lead him through all of life right into eternity. Asaph confesses: “…Thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Getting God’s perspective on how He loves and cares for us, puts things into their proper order for believers.

He Cannot Fail

Did you ever meet a grump? Maybe at times we’re the grump and somebody wishes they had not met us! It is easy to thank the Lord when things are “going our way”—health is good, bills are paid with money left over and everything is fine within our families and at work. The real test for those who know our Lord Jesus Christ as Savior is when things are tough and health is not good. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me” (Psa. 23:4). We “commend” our God in the good times, and yet, do we complain to Him in the rough times? In Psalm 55 King David just wanted to have the wings of a dove and fly away from the troubles he faced from his enemies. David’s own son (Absalom) hated his dad and wanted him dead. David’s best and trusted friend (Ahithophel) became a betrayer. No wonder David wanted to flee from it all. But he learned an important lesson. In Psalm 55:22 David says, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD and HE shall sustain thee. He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Our Lord wants our burdens since He alone can bear them. Give all struggles over to the Lord and fully depend on Him. He cannot fail, for He is GOD. Remember, the next grump you meet might be you!