MESSAGES
In John chapter eleven, we read Jesus' good friend Lazarus had become very sick and eventually died. Two days after hearing the news about His friend, Jesus told His disciples that He needed to return to Judea in order to be with Lazarus' and his family. His disciples couldn't understand why He would want to go back to Judea because the last time they were there the Jews had tried to kill Him.
Jesus responded to them by saying, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him" (vs. 9-10). It was during the light of day that most people did their work safely. When darkness came, they would stop the work.
These verses have a deeper meaning. The word "day" symbolizes the knowledge of God's will, and "night" symbolizes the absence of this knowledge. As long as Jesus performed the Father's will (ie. during the daylight period of His ministry when He is able to work), He was safe. Jesus knew that the Father wanted Him to return to Judea because there was still a work to be done. He also knew the time would soon come (nighttime) when His earthly work would end and He would "stumble" in death.
Jesus is letting us know that in the ordinary course of a day, there are 12 hours of light in which to work. Each day has a definite allotted time in order that we might learn, know and do the will of God. A wise person once said, "The span of each day is measured, and will not elapse before the number of hours by which it is measured have been completed." The night will not come until the day has ticked off each of the hours that God has assigned to it.
How are you spending your day for the Lord? How is your walk with the Lord? Are you walking wisely? Are you redeeming the time? The Apostle Paul writing to the church of Ephesus encouraging them to be imitators of God said, "See to it that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16).
If anyone knows how evil the days are in which we live, it would be those of you in law enforcement and the fire service. By referring to the days as evil, Paul was sharing his sense of urgency because of evil's pervasiveness. You and I need to have that same sense of urgency because the days in which we live are just as evil as the days of Paul. God has allotted each of us a time to do the work He's called us to do. We need to use every opportunity to redeem the time and walk wisely before the Lord. Why? First, in order that we not stumble because of the evil that surrounds us. Second, in order that we may bring honor and glory to the Lord.
Today, when you have to deal with the criminal element, use your heart wisely. Don't allow it to be filled with darkness. Today, when you meet your beat partner for coffee, use your mouth wisely so that you might be able to share with that person. Today, when you have to deal with that drunk driver, use your thoughts wisely so that you won't harbor bitterness or hatred. Today, when you have that meeting with that person of the opposite sex, use your eyes wisely so that you won't begin to lust. Today, wherever you are, use your time wisely by setting a godly example for others.
When you are walking in the presence of Jesus Christ, in communion with Jesus Christ, and in obedience to Jesus Christ, you will always be walking in the day, you will always be walking wisely, and you will not need to fear of ever stumbling.
God Bless You,
Pastor Steve |
|
 |
| |
|
 |
| SHIELD OF FAITH |
|
|
For more information,
call (951) 687-6902
Attention Juanita
|
| |
| |
 |
|
