Posts Tagged ‘today is the day’

Scripture reading for September 2nd: 2nd Corinthians 6:1-13

When many people hear the plea of one of Christ’s ambassadors: “Be reconciled to God!”, they make excuses as to why they are not yet ready.  Some may feel that they have many things in the world that they want to do and see, and they don’t want God interfering.  Others may have pet sins that they know God would ask them to give up.  Their consciences have already been convicting them, but the sin is bringing them too much temporary pleasure.  Others feel that they are young yet, and that religion is for old people who are near death.  When they get older, then they will consider Christ’s plea for reconciliation.  Still others feel that they are ‘good’.  There are many others who are worse ’sinners’ and God surely knows that they are trying to do good works.  It is easy to find justification!

“As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.  For He says, “In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”  I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2nd Corinthians 6:1-2)  It is possible to hear the message of the Gospel of God’s grace and receive it in vain!  Failure to respond with a personal faith and trust actually makes you more liable for God’s wrath and judgment.  To whom much is given, much is required!  Paul urged those at Corinth to respond when they had the opportunity. “Today” was the best day and the right time because no one could guarantee themselves a “tomorrow”!

Paul continued his plea for these Corinthian’s reconciliation by explaining his own efforts to offer the message of reconciliation to them and not cause them to stumble.  He had loved them sincerely and spoken the truth to them at every turn.  He had worked hard to provide for himself and suffered for their sake to provide what they needed in an example of Christ’s love.  (2nd Corinthians 5:3-10)  Paul had opened his heart to them and demonstrated Christ’s love.

In spite of all this, the Corinthians were withholding their love to Paul and many had not opened their hearts.  As you examine your heart, where are you with your response to Christ’s plea?  Today is the best day to open your heart!

Scripture reading for December 12th: Hebrews 3-4

“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.  He was faithful to the one who appointed Him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.  Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor that Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.” Hebrews 3:1-3

How we need to fix our thoughts today!  There is so much confusion from this  world bombarding us with it’s worries, demands, and fears.  The Bible is clear about where to fix our thoughts–on Jesus Christ!  By focusing on Jesus we can have rest from worry, fear, and religious works that try to gain God’s favor. We can rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ to bring us into God’s glorious rest!

Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest that we confess.  Jesus is the one sent by God to this earth to bring good news.  He is the good news from the Father!  He rose from the dead and became a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.  (Hebrews 5:8-10)  His perfect obedience enabled Him to be made perfect through suffering death on a cross for our sins. He is a great High Priest who knows what we are going through and how to come to our aid!  (Hebrews 4:14-16)  He lives forever and never sleeps.  He can intercede for us day or night.  His priestly ministry is always available and we have access by His own blood!

Jesus is greater than Moses, who led the people out of Egypt and gave them the law of God.  Moses was supposed to lead the people into the promised land, but the people rebelled.  They would not listen to God’s Word and rebelled.  Their unbelief kept them from their inheritance!  (Hebrews 3:19)

Jesus is greater than Joshua who also failed to lead God’s people to the full conquest of the promised land.  Jesus ushers each of us into a new day–today!  (Hebrews 4:6-7) We can enter the rest by faith in Him!  As we hear His voice and respond in faith to His word, we rest from our religious works and place our full trust on God’s provision through Jesus Christ!

This theme of rest is one of my favorites!  I have been programmed to work for everything all my life.  I must be diligent to enter this rest by placing my faith in Christ’s work for me.  It takes humility and respect for God’s sovereign plan to enter in.  What a glorious rest!  Today is the day if you need real rest!  Share this rest with someone close to you!