Is the real aim of the Christian life to escape the world,
to abandon it to pain and destruction?
Does Jesus invite us to isolation?
Look at His words to the first men He sent on a
mission. "Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal
the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as
freely as you have received! … Look, I am sending you out as sheep among
wolves. Be as wary as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be
handed over to the courts and beaten in the synagogues." (Matthew 10:6,
17, NLT) The sick, the dead, the
outcasts; yes, even those who were under the control of evil – these were the people Jesus sent them to
seek out. It was and is a TOUGH and risky mission. When a Christian is fully
submitted to the King and completely committed to establishing His rule in a
rebellious world, conflict will follow.
One kingdom does not overthrow another easily.
Paul counseled a fearful young pastor to get involved, to be
confident in the work. "For God has
not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and
self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.
And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for Christ. With
the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of
the Good News." (2 Timothy 1:7-8, NLT) "Timothy, my dear son, be strong with the
special favor God gives you in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1, NLT)
"Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. And
as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this
life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army.
Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows
the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize." (2 Timothy 2:3-5, NLT) "I am willing to endure anything if it
will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has
chosen." (2 Timothy 2:10, NLT)
Does that sound like retreat to you? I sure do not find any
hint of running from the battle there.
Now let’s finish
the thought. My friend was partially right.
Even as the battle rages, even as we are up to our eyeballs in serving the
needs of the sick and sinful in the Name of Christ Jesus, we must NEVER lose
sight of the finish line which is in the Presence of the Father. That is why we observe the season of
Advent. Every year this season reminds
us that Jesus entered the world, embraced the call to suffer, died to save us,
and rose from the dead to assure us of the promise of eternal life. Advent’s message does not stop there,
however. We also remember that He will
return to this earth, not on a rescue mission to remove us; but on a final
mission of redemption to defeat evil fully! John wraps up the story of faithful Christians
by reminding us that we are waiting the
arrival of "Jesus Christ—Loyal
Witness, Firstborn from the dead, Ruler of all earthly kings. Glory and
strength to Christ, who loves us, who blood-washed our sins from our lives, Who
made us a Kingdom, Priests for his Father, forever—and yes, he’s on his way!
Riding the clouds, he’ll be seen by every eye, those who mocked and killed him
will see him, People from all nations and all times will tear their clothes in
lament. Oh, Yes. The Master declares, “I’m
A to Z. I’m The God Who Is, The God Who Was, and The God About to Arrive. I’m
the Sovereign-Strong.” (Revelation 1:5-8, The Message)
When His mission is complete, He will welcome us into the
mansions of Glory, prepared for the children of God. There is
a rest for the children of God. We
are secure in His love, but our Gospel is not one of escape from the world, it
is about salvation, the defeat of the Devil, and bringing light to
darkness. “And when the battle’s over,
we shall a wear a crown in the new Jerusalem.”
Here is the word from the Word. "What can we bring to the Lord to make up for what we’ve done?
Should we bow before God with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him
thousands of rams and tens of thousands of rivers of olive oil? Would that
please the Lord? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for the sins
of our souls? Would that make him glad? No, O people, the Lord has already told
you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love
mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:6-8, NLT)
_________
Who Is On The Lord's Side
Who is on the Lord's
side,
Who will serve the
King?
Who will be His
helpers,
Other lives to bring?
Who will leave the
world's side,
Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord's
side,
Who for Him will go?
By your call of mercy,
By your grace alone,
We are on the Lord's
side,
Savior all Your own!
Fierce may be the conflict,
Strong may be the foe,
But the King's own
army,
None can overthrow.
‘Round His standard
ranging,
Victory is secure.
For His truth,
unchanging-
Makes the triumph sure.
Joyfully enlisting,
By Your grace alone,
We are on the Lord's
side,
Savior all Your own!
Frances Ridley Havergal
© Praise Trust
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