17 November 2013 - do not be deceived

17 November 2013 - do not be deceived

By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

We can't allow circumstances to change our resolve.  Even really dramatic circumstances like "wars and insurrections" and  "earthquakes, famines, and plagues" cannot be allowed to turn us aside from Christ toward cheaper but more immediate salvation.

When hard things are happening we are able to "sing joyfully before the King" because we know that the Lord is coming.  And this isn't a reason to disengage from the circumstances in which we find ourselves.  Just because he is coming doesn't mean we are free to ignore the struggles at hand. His nearness is meant to inspire our perseverance.  Only when we persevere in his strength relying on his Spirit do we have the "wisdom in speaking" that we need.  Only then will we be able to talk about the love we have for Jesus even in a hostile world.  This is essential.  If we shrink from our role of giving testimony the world won't be prepared for him "and the day that is coming will set them on fire."

And if our circumstances are quiet and there is nothing pressing or difficult we still must stay engaged.  His coming isn't a reason to let life pass us by as if it doesn't matter because he will be here so soon.  We may begin to conduct ourselves in a "disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others."  We must not allow our speaking to become so unwise because we lose sight of what is important.

The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
The LORD is coming!  This should inspire joy in us.  It should inspire perseverance.  He comes to rule the earth with justice, not to abandon it, not to forsake it.  His coming is meant to be "healing rays" to set things right not a blazing oven.  Let us prepare to welcome him with joy!

Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell in it;
let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy.