29 September 2013 - don't get comfortable

29 September 2013 - don't get comfortable

Are we complacent?  Even if we are dwelling in Zion, the Church, it doesn't mean we are free to be seek primarily after our own comfort.

The LORD is concerned for the hungry, the captive, the blind, those are are bowed down, strangers, the fatherless and the widows.

Are we

Lying upon beds of ivory,
stretched comfortably on their couches,

Are we getting too comfortable in Zion when the Church is under siege and the world is starving for the bread of life, captive to sin, blind to the truth of God, bowed down under the cares of this world, strangers to God and one another (cf. Eph 2:19), with no one to support them?

Are we "dressed in purple garments and fine linen" and feasting day by day when the poor, like Lazarus, are at our doorstep?

If this is true than our pursuit of the kingdom is largely an illusion.  We should abandon our self seeking ways and instead heed Paul's advice to Timothy.

But you, man of God, pursue righteousness,
devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. 
Compete well for the faith. 

It is true that we can't solve these problems completely before the kingdom comes.  But if the LORD isn't changing our hearts to be like his heart how will we have a place in that kingdom?  The LORD wants even the rich man in his kingdom, but he must be willing to surrender his own kingdom to attain it.

He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham,
but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'

Even though Moses and the prophets should be enough God still sends Jesus to us from the dead so that we may repent and not end "suffering torment in these flames."  On his cross he reveals the full depravity of our indifference toward others.  In his resurrection he empowers a new and invincible love to flow forth from the hearts of those who believe as springs of living water, the Holy Spirit (cf. Joh 7:38).

Those who believe what?  Those who believe what Jesus Christ "will make manifest at the proper time".  His is the only true kingdom and he is the only true king.  We must not be the steward of Gondor, unwilling to surrender his throne.

the King of kings and Lord of lords,
who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light,
and whom no human being has seen or can see. 
To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

Let us take delight in the LORD who has such love for us.  We must realize that in so many ways we too are poor and in need of his mercy and rejoice that he is so ready to supply it.

Praise the Lord, my soul!
The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.