NOT OBNOXIOUS, JUST PRESENT. AT ALL COSTS NOT INVISIBLE. 065

It was said of John the Baptist, in a general sense, that he was “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “prepare ye the way of the Lord.” (Isaiah 40:3). This, of course wasn’t all that John the Baptist literally said, however, everything he said, was encompassed in those words. Fundamentally, the theme of John’s messages was to prepare the way for the entrance of Jesus. In much the same way, we who are living on the borders of the second coming of Jesus, are to do a work that is akin to the work that John did; we are to “prepare ye the way of the second coming of the Lord.” How is that done though? A two-to-five-minute blog post falls terribly short of beginning to even scratch the surface. One thing I can say though, is that if we reduce John’s message to one simple element, we find that he is simply “crying” (an expression that shows the passion and persistence in his mission) “hey – prepare for the coming of Jesus!”

It is an eternal law of Jehovah that he who accepts the truth that the world needs is to make it his first work to proclaim this truth. But who is there that makes the burden of perishing sinners his own? As I look upon the professed people of God, and see their unwillingness to serve Him, my heart is filled with a pain that I cannot express. How few are heart to heart with God in His solemn, closing work. There are thousands to be warned, yet how few consecrate themselves wholly to the work, willing to be or to do anything if only they may win souls to Christ. Jesus died to save the world. In humility, in lowliness, in unselfishness, He worked and is working for sinners. But many of those who ought to co-operate with Him are self-sufficient and indifferent. {7T 13.1}

Instead of typing, I wish I could just rewrite the above quote in a different way, to give us a second dose. I love to reflect on these things because it reminds me to hold myself to God’s standard. You see the more I post these things and surround myself with God and His work, I protect myself from falling into the oh so deceptive trap of worldliness, of being ashamed of Jesus. I notice how the simplest of things in this world can be extremely devastating to my spiritual walk; this thing is secularism. I’m not saying to be in the world and interact with others in professional ways are wrong, what I am saying though, is to watch out. My way of watching out, is by being so engrossed with wearing the big bold and bright banner that says I am a follower of Jesus, and all that, that entails, I am. I need this leash and am grateful to bear it with Jesus. Not obnoxious, just present. At all costs not invisible.

From their example we learn that there are to be no idlers in the Lord’s vineyard. His servants are constantly to enlarge the circle of their efforts. Constantly they are to do more, never less. The Lord’s work is to widen and broaden until it encircles the world. {7T 15.1}

Are we doing this?

If we aren’t the question is why?

Sorry if my posts frequent this topic.

This is actually one of the reasons why I like them to be so short. So that every day, we may have short reminders to evaluate ourselves, and remind ourselves of the mission God has called us to.

Have you so deep an appreciation of the sacrifice made on Calvary that you are willing to make every other interest subordinate to the work of saving souls? The same intensity of desire to save sinners that marked the life of the Saviour marks the life of His true follower. The Christian has no desire to live for self. He delights to consecrate all that he has and is to the Master’s service. He is moved by an inexpressible desire to win souls to Christ. Those who have nothing of this desire might better be concerned for their own salvation. Let them pray for the spirit of service. {7T 10.1}

Deep appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus = willingness to subordinate every interest to the work of soul saving

If we don’t have a desire for soul saving = maybe, we should be concerned for our own salvation.

The spirit of service is something that we may pray for.

Lord, please give us the spirit of service. We know not how it will specifically look, but we know we need it, please.

IJN,

amen

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