The last two weeks have had a recurring theme. There are a lot of things wrong in this world.
Our media does a stellar job of pointing that out to us every minute of every
day. With that information it is evident that things are bad and getting worse
almost by the minute. Are we surprised?
Well, we shouldn’t be. The Bible speaks of days
3 For the time will come when they will not
tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply
teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. 4 They
will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. 2
Timothy 4:3-4 HCSB
It makes me wonder when folks will listen not to facts and
evidence but rather accept and fact opinion and half truth. It happens all the
time. Just read a few comment pages of a controversial news item, verdict or
event. I must confess I get sucked into those comments. I know how it will end
but I read anyway. I guess I am looking to “see” the train wreck even though I
don’t like it.
In a society that values free speech many of us seem to have
no tolerance for the exercise of free speech on the part of others. My right to
speak my peace is their right as well in our political system. In those message
boards name calling and illogical arguments are the rule rather than respectful
free exchange of ideas. Passion seems to run ahead of thought, perspective and
grace. It seems everything is personal (when it really is not). It is our world
Paul spoke of while writing Timothy. We are to be different. The Gospel in us
has made us different. However,
difference is not without hardship. Paul speaks of that in his words to Timothy
his son in the ministry.
5 But as for you, be serious about
everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your
ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 HCSB
Earlier Paul speaks of our task and demeanor fulfilling the
task.
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who
is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of His appearing and His
kingdom: 2 Proclaim the message; persist in it whether
convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and
teaching. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 HCSB
We
have a command to be like John “a voice crying in the wilderness.” Our task is
to continue even in a world that does not want to hear it or will hurl stones
(verbal and literal) at us and our message. Why? Our hope has never been in
political systems or ideologies. Our hope has never been in our ability to
transform ourselves or others. Our hope has never been in our ability of faith
to save ourselves and our world. Our hope for our own salvation and the
salvation of this world has always been Jesus and his word.
John
says “the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us.” The WORD is our hope. I can be
discouraged, upset, outraged and I should be but my hope is not found here or
in MY faith but in Christ. THAT has been the theme of the last few weeks my
hope is in You LORD.
That
brings me calm in chaos, peace for persecution and an anchor in the face of
anger.
My
hope is in YOU Lord. Of course the next
questions is why this theme? Oh my!
In
HIS Service and Yours,
BroG 
No comments:
Post a Comment