“And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus – who will someday judge the living and the dead when He appears to set up His Kingdom – to preach the Word of God urgently at all times, whenever you get the chance, in season and out, when it is convenient and when it is not. Correct and rebuke your people when they need it, encourage them to do right, and all the time be feeding them patiently with God’s Word.
For there is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the Truth but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. They won’t listen to what the Bible says but will blithely follow their own misguided ideas.
Stand steady, and don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Bring others to Christ. Leave nothing undone that you ought to do.” – 2Timothy 4:1-5 (TLB)
Sharing the Good News of Jesus is the greatest responsibility that the Church has. For all who follow Jesus, we’re on mission to go into all the world, including the people who live right close to us, and those who we may only be acquaintances with, and we’re to preach and baptize and teach others to obey the Word of God. (ref. Matthew 28:19-20).
What a terrible misfortune if the Church is sleeping in regard to their holy mission! Lacking urgency and settling for complacency. Far too consumed with the things of this world, instead of being consumed with the plans and purposes of God. We’re living in a time in history where many have put aside the Truth of God and have become lulled into listening to what their own ears want to hear, lacking discernment of what Truth really is. We are living in a culture that desperately needs awakening. If the Church isn’t gearing up with urgency calling people to Jesus, who else will do it?
Wake us up Jesus, to the mission you’ve called us to!
Wake us up!
The Message translation says it this way, “You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food – catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you – keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.” (v.3-5)
“Lord, wake us up to the urgency of the times. Make us ready. Keep us steady, rooted in Your Word. Create in us a desire for more of You, more of Your Word, more of Your Spirit. That Jesus would have first place in our lives, and that all other lovers would fall away. Make Your Church a beautiful Bride, worthy of a Holy Bridegroom. May we not forget any instruction, leave any work undone that You’ve called us to do. May we do it all with joy, giving You all the honour, praise and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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