I said at the end of last week’s column that I probably ought to continue the theme of “what shall we do then?” in the face of a severe word of coming judgement. I’ve decided I will.
Last week’s thrust was that we respond to a word of judgement by sharpening up our own standards of godliness and righteousness; we don’t just sit back to judge others. We really have to get our own lives sorted out. This week’s thrust is that we respond by doing all we can to witness to the gospel of the love and grace of God. You may not be able to stop an earthquake, but you certainly can do much to alleviate the effect on people (both before and after). Judgment time is a time to get out and speak out
The prophets were people who were sent out into the midst of a decadent Jewish society with a message about better things. They were sent out with a message about a lifestyle that would bring real peace and real prosperity. They were sent out to plead, to warn, to beseech and to reason with a wayward generation that had completely lost its bearings. And they were to do it day in and day out.
Moreover, they were sent out not with a spirit of condemnation but with a spirit that expressed the deep yearning of a God who in his love was longing for people to respond to him and who was eager to bring them forgiveness. Jeremiah was deeply aware of the “tears” that God was shedding over the nation he had to judge. So was Hosea. They knew how much God loved people, and that he really wanted to save people not judge them. They knew he was “slow to anger and swift to bless”.
They also knew, however, that God’s word about judgement and “wrath” was not idle talk. It was not an issue for discussion. It was a fearful reality. Thus, if the reality of the love of God gave them great compassion, it is also true that the reality of the justice and judgement of God gave them a sharp reminder of the desperate need to speak out. The prophets held love and judgement together in tension. Operating together they provided the highest motivation.
It's important to see that the two responses, sharpening up our own lives and giving ourselves in witness, are intimately related. There is probably no greater witness in our generation than “living the life” to which we want to testify. What we are always speaks volumes – if we do not embody the message our words are of no consequence.
Last week’s thrust was that we respond to a word of judgement by sharpening up our own standards of godliness and righteousness; we don’t just sit back to judge others. We really have to get our own lives sorted out. This week’s thrust is that we respond by doing all we can to witness to the gospel of the love and grace of God. You may not be able to stop an earthquake, but you certainly can do much to alleviate the effect on people (both before and after). Judgment time is a time to get out and speak out
The prophets were people who were sent out into the midst of a decadent Jewish society with a message about better things. They were sent out with a message about a lifestyle that would bring real peace and real prosperity. They were sent out to plead, to warn, to beseech and to reason with a wayward generation that had completely lost its bearings. And they were to do it day in and day out.
Moreover, they were sent out not with a spirit of condemnation but with a spirit that expressed the deep yearning of a God who in his love was longing for people to respond to him and who was eager to bring them forgiveness. Jeremiah was deeply aware of the “tears” that God was shedding over the nation he had to judge. So was Hosea. They knew how much God loved people, and that he really wanted to save people not judge them. They knew he was “slow to anger and swift to bless”.
They also knew, however, that God’s word about judgement and “wrath” was not idle talk. It was not an issue for discussion. It was a fearful reality. Thus, if the reality of the love of God gave them great compassion, it is also true that the reality of the justice and judgement of God gave them a sharp reminder of the desperate need to speak out. The prophets held love and judgement together in tension. Operating together they provided the highest motivation.
It's important to see that the two responses, sharpening up our own lives and giving ourselves in witness, are intimately related. There is probably no greater witness in our generation than “living the life” to which we want to testify. What we are always speaks volumes – if we do not embody the message our words are of no consequence.
Bob
To make a comment: click on word “comments” below, write your comment in the white box which appears and add your name and e mail address (if you wish), choose “select profile”, click “anonymous” and then continue
Posts
