Thursday, July 30, 2015

Wisdom's Call



Wisdom simply put, is distinguishing between what is true and what is right.  So, what is true and right as followers of Jesus?  Well, it ain't self-help. Too many churches today have a humanistic teaching of salvation. Accept Christ to better yourself  is the theme. 

Secular salvation focuses on the individual rather than the individual focusing upon others. We are to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1). God denied Himself when He came as Jesus, dying as a sacrifice on a cross. He took the role of a servant and so should we,  if we are to be true followers of the Word become flesh. Self-denial is putting others interests ahead of our own—love.

However, few in today’s “modern” church have attentive ears toward Wisdom's call (Proverbs 1:20-33).  How can numerous Christians claim on one hand to love God’s Son (accepting Him as their Savior) and on the other hand deny His power, deny being made conformable unto Him?   Why are so many persons who claim Christianity opting for wrong over right? 

Look around, look closely.  Count the number of Christians accepting God’s grace in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1).  There aren’t many representing Christ Jesus. There aren’t many standing for Him in wisdom, are there?

If there were any day to stand tall for our Savior, it’s now.  The time is near, closer than we think—the storm is on the horizon.  We are able to decipher the seasons around us, yet fail to view signs of Jesus' return.  

We are to filter events through the signs He told us of, yet we listen to the world as they say, “Ah, those can be said of any era.  People have been claiming for generations the end times are at hand" (see 2 Peter 3:4). Take hold of Wisdom's call.  Generations are but a speck in God’s eternal eye. And the current generation has thumbed its nose at God. 

Therefore, just as the Lord had a controversy against Israel in the book of Hosea, He now has a controversy against America.

“ 1Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel (America): for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land" (Hosea 4:1-10)

Does that sound familiar?  

We need to acknowledge the time at hand.   We need to acknowledge Jesus Christ. The signs He gave us are culminating together quickly and profusely—like bellowing clouds of a hurricane. 

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars…Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be famines and earthquakes in various places…you (Jews and Christians) will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.  At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other and many false prophets (teachers/preachers) will appear and deceive many people.  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:6-12) (Also read 2 Timothy 3:2-4).

True, all these things have been down through the ages—none having combined into the perfect storm as they are now. Yet, there are naysayers who will convince multitudes the end is but a dream (see 2 Peter 3:3).

Taking all this to heart, the question remains: How long will simple ones love their simple ways? (Proverbs 1:20-33)  Be wise in listening to God’s Word.  Is your salvation a falsehood based upon self-centered statutes of a self-help regime? Or, is your salvation founded faithfully upon the Rock of Christ? Do you deny yourself for the sake of Jesus? 
Raise your eyes, raise your hopes.  Our Savior is knocking at the door. Will you be  ready? Is your heart fully surrendered to Christ Jesus?  These are questions we seriously need to contemplate considering the current age?