Small windows ...

You may have heard before the urgency that lies for us to be faithful in telling the Message of God (the Good News). Such Scriptures remind us of Jesus coming as a thief in the night (in other words, the timing being unknown, but it could be any time, so be prepared, ready, on guard even).

Another reminder comes in this passage of Scripture:

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (New Living Translation)

1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Firstly, be reminded of the task at hand: we are to preach the Word of God. And there is a huge challenge in this task – "whether the time is favourable or not." And further to this, here is what this will look like (the preaching of the Word of God) – with patience correct (let them know what is wrong with what they are doing, how they ought to be going about their lives, what is truthful, accurate, acceptable , remember though, in patience), rebuke (reprove, reprimand, take to task over – again remember, this is still in the framework of patience), and encourage (I like this one and find it more natural for me, give confidence – your confidence in them, hearten them, cheer them on).

Secondly, and back to the urgency aspect, for a time is coming when they will no longer be willing to listen, the window of opportunity is at times very small and could close at any time. They may give their attention to the ways of the world, chase after that which satisfies the flesh. By then it may have become too late – they reject the truth and chase after myths, false teachings, etc.

Wow, what a responsibility we have. How important that we are faithful to the call God has placed upon us to faithfully preach His message when the opportunity presents. Yet, don’t be too overwhelmed into thinking of the responsibility that you freeze from responding. Remember, the Lord provides the strength and the words, we just need to respond by being in the place He has sent us and open our mouths as He directs.

“Lord, it seems at times a daunting task. It is easy to become overwhelmed and even respond that this is too much of a responsibility to be placed upon my shoulders. Yet, it is good for me to remember then, that my responsibility is not for the salvation or response of others, but to be faithful and  obedient. Lord, help me to BE Your willing and obedient servant.”