From Pastor Gary

Who are you and what are you doing here?

Posted on Oct 31, 2017 in From Pastor Gary |

I am reading in the book of Jeremiah and I was struck with a couple of things that I would like to share with you.

It becomes quite clear as you read the Old Testament that God is not only a God of love but One who judges men when they continually disobey Him and turn away from Him. Eventually everyone and every nation will be judged by God and no person or nation can despise God’s law and defy His rule without suffering for it. The book of Jeremiah is a reminder of that.

In calling Jeremiah, God told him that what He was calling Jeremiah to would be unpopular but that it was necessary – people don’t want to hear that they are being disobedient to God because they want to do their own thing! It is no different today.

In the poem “The Present Crisis,” American poet James Russell Lowell wrote words that summarize Jeremiah’s life and ministry:

Once to every man and nation comes
the moment to decide,
In the strife of Truth with Falsehood,
for the good or evil side.

Though at first Jeremiah hesitated when God called him, he surrendered to the Lord and became one of history’s most decisive spiritual leaders. Sadly, however, the people who most needed his leadership rejected him and turned their backs on God’s Word.

As never before, there is a need for leaders like Jeremiah who will obey the Word of God without fear.
The politician asks, “Is it popular?”
The diplomat asks, “Is it safe?”
But the people of God should be asking, “Is it God’s will? Is it right?”

Our homes, churches, cities, and nation needs us more than ever to be truly people of God who live with conviction by God’s Word and character. We cannot sit on the fence or play with both feet in different worlds any longer – people’s lives hang in the balance and as we heard on Sunday, eternity is just a heartbeat away.
We must have a sense of urgency regarding the things of God.
No more situational morality.
No more serving God when it is to our convenience and advantage.
Let us live by God’s law and love the people of the world deeply.

Come – the harvest awaits!