When I was in my twenty’s, way back in the early 70’s, I had a lapel pin that said, “Perhaps today!” It spoke of the coming of the LORD. Now that was nearly 50 years ago and we are still expectantly awaiting HIS return. Certain things from time to time spark excitement, like the blood moons, but the dates pass and the excitement quiets down. Yet one day when we don’t expect it JESUS will catch us away.
As the new classes have begun I am diligently studying and putting together the homework lessons for our study in Romans. As I began I realized that to do justice to this great book I needed HELP bad, so text a intercessor and asked for prayer. I could tell a change, more clarity soon afterwards.
Prayerfully compiling the lesson for Romans 2, I got to: “For the name of GOD is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you…” (Romans 2:24).
The question was easy: What do you think Romans 2:24 is referring to, and do you think it is a serious offense? I Timothy 5:14, Titus 2:5, 8
But then the light came on:
AW Towzer rightfully said: “What comes into our minds when we think about GOD is the most important thing about us.”
The Jews were supposed to be witnesses and ambassadors representing GOD to the nations (Isaiah 43:10-13), just as you and I are ambassadors of CHRIST (2 Corinthians 5:20) and sent out as witnesses of JESUS (Acts 1:8). Our actions represent the very nature of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY to the lost. If we argue or are short tempered, they think GOD is the same. Therefore, when we act wrongfully (as those in Romans 2:24 did), we soil GOD’s reputation, and turn people away from listening to HIM. Rather than being a porter who opens the door of the hearts of the lost to hear the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT through our words and actions (John 10:3-4), we actually slam the doors of their hearts shut when we act or speak wrongfully.
It is said in 2 Peter 3:11-12 that godly words and actions can in fact hasten the day of the LORD. For HE is longsuffering and won’t come until the last who will believe accept JESUS (2 Peter 3:9). That implies that wrong actions and argumentative words can actually delay CHRIST’s return. What a horrifying thought! Could it be our words and actions are why CHRIST has not yet returned?
I am so grateful that the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, HIS mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning. So, I can start today being more loving.
“The servant of the LORD must not strive but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves if perhaps the LORD will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). I want to follow those instructions closer than ever, don’t you?
I urge you in Christ’s stead to consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(Romans 15:13) Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Hugs
Sharon
wakemyear 