Light or heavy, near or far

A special thanks this morning, reflecting on a recent day that included face-to-face and long distance telephone time with several brothers in Christ.

They were back-to-back "sessions," the first primarily fellowship over coffee; the second in discussion and prayer regarding "business" in the church; the last a lengthy phone call between brothers in the Northwest and Florida!

Whether in lighthearted conversation or serious deliberation, I take great joy in knowing that Jesus is among us when He brings sisters and brothers together in fellowship.

Today I pray thanks for the amazing "gathering power" of a God who converts "motley crew" into God-fearing band of brothers. I thank Him for brothers gifted and called into leadership, pondering, praying, searching the word and taking action when necessary in the face of challenges posed by life in this fallen world. I am thankful for the fact that although the pain of physical separation from loved ones is real ... NOTHING can separate us from the love we have in Christ. Our God is an awesome God!

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers." Acts 2:42

"Love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12

"Be devoted to one another with mutual affection. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10

His unfailing love

"Show me the way to go."

How wonderful it is to love a Shepherd Whose desire is not only to show me the way, but to walk with me as I tread this earthly path in anticipation of life eternal with Him in His new creation!

Share Jesus now, before it's too late

Early this morning I recalled a line or two from the lyrics of Don McLean’s 1971 song, “Vincent,” a haunting tribute to artist Vincent van Gogh. The last two lines of his ballad read:

 “They would not listen, they’re not listening still. Perhaps they never will.”

While McLean’s lines related to the tragic life of an artist who committed suicide, the words drew my thoughts immediately to Bible prophecy about life on earth during the 7-year period known as “The Tribulation.”

For purposes of this blog, I am going to assume those reading this are 1) Christian and 2) believers that Christ will draw His church to meet Him in Heaven before the judgments identified in the Book of Revelation take place on earth.

McLean’s lyrics pointed me to one particular element of the devastating reality of this world after all Christians have been “called up” by Jesus Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Jesus said (Matthew 24:21): “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

A sobering reality for those of us who are followers of Christ is the knowledge that those who do not recognize Jesus as their Lord and Savior will experience terrible judgment, even unto death.

Will the sudden disappearance of Christians from this earth, and subsequent acts of judgment by God cause some to repent and be saved to life eternal with the Father? Yes (God is gracious!).

But there is also dire prophecy regarding that possibility.

Like Pharoah, as told in Exodus (Ex. 10:1), the hearts of many will be hardened so they are unwilling or unable to receive God’s invitation to fellowship.

We read in John 12:40: “He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted…”

And in Revelation 9:20-21 we are told: “And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands … neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.”

In other words, many (the vast majority) will continue to defiantly shake their fists at God right up until the time He destroys this earth and the gift of salvation is no longer available.

So it is that The Revelation of Jesus Christ is meant not only to encourage believers regarding His plan for us, but to provoke us to share the gospel with those whose fate is hopeless without Him.

I am reminded this morning that when it comes to the gospel and His promises, some “are not listening.” It is heartbreaking to come to grips with the prophetic word that some “never will.”

“Lord, may I be responsive to Your promptings in my daily life, bold to share the gospel message in a loving way, without fear for how that message might be received by those who do not yet know You as Lord. You will build Your church. You, Holy Spirit, will make ready the hearts of those who will receive. Thank you for the privilege of playing a role in your perfect plan.”