Tag: repentance commanded
The command to repent!
Scripture reading for February 15th: Acts 17, Psalm 33, Proverbs 2
Acts 17: 29-34 “”Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man Whom He has appointed; and of this He has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead.” Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”
Paul went to Athens, the center of Greek culture and philosophy of his time. He found there many idols and much idolatry, but also an open door to speak and preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to those gathered to discuss the latest trends and ideas. Paul quoted one of their own poets who had stated that man was ‘God’s offspring.’ This was the truth told in Scripture as well, so Paul began there and refuted the idols of that day as creations of man’s imagination sculpted or hammered into images of gold, silver, or stone. He called on all men to repent of these humanistic ideas and embrace the Truth in Jesus Christ, Who God had appointed as King and judge! Some with hardened hearts mocked Paul, but others turned in faith and joined Paul to learn more of God’s eternal plan.
Psalm 33:10-11 “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.”
Prayer: Father God, Your counsel and plans are forever settled in heaven! I ask that they be revealed to all my offspring! Thank You for this eternal truth and for those who repent with hearts to hear and believe Your Word! Help me to walk in integrity in the power of the Holy Spirit today. Guard the paths of justice for Your people and watch over us as we walk through this wilderness to heaven’s joy and delight!
Proverbs 2:6-8 “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the ways of His saints.”
Opposing injustice!
Scripture reading for May 11th: Nehemiah 5-8:1
Wise and godly leaders stand firmly against injustice! Our sinful tendencies lead us relentlessly towards selfishness and taking advantage of those who are in need or in crisis or weak. They lead us to gaining an advantage for ourselves at the expense of another. Slavery in America is an example of these selfish and sinful tendencies. Slaves were bought and sold to build wealth for those they served. Slaves did jobs that their owners did not want to do themselves. Slaves were treated well by some and harshly and cruelly by others. Injustice in this system led some leaders to take action and a civil war resulted over this issue that cost the lives of many Americans and many who named the name of Christ on both sides of this issue.
Nehemiah faced injustice in his day among his own people. Taxes were high in Jerusalem and the Jews had to pay them to the Persian king. Their brothers who had money were loaning to these Jews who had no money. Mortgages were taken on the fields and vineyards and even their homes. Even sons and daughters were being sold into slavery because of the usury that was going on among the Israelites. An outcry because of this injustice reached Nehemiah and he pondered this problem of usury and the resulting enslavement. (Nehemiah 5:6-7) Calling a meeting of all those involved, he accused those with money of their sin, commanded them to stop these practices, and called them to walk in the fear of God! (Nehemiah 5:9-11) They publicly agreed to do so. He charged the priests and nobles to take an oath to do what they had promised in response to his accusation. He even shook out his own robe and prayed, “In this way may God shake out of his house and possessions every man who does not keep this promise. So may such a man be shaken out and emptied!” Nehemiah 5:13
God’s people must beware of injustice, even in their own house! Sin and selfishness can cause us to take advantage of others. We can abuse or neglect the poor and the weak. We must not manipulate or enslave others by our selfishness. Spiritual leaders and pastors must guard their hearts in how they encourage giving. Sometimes, manipulation and injustice takes place among God’s people through selfish leaders. Slavery today comes when our sons and daughters go into captivity because of injustice in God’s house among God’s people! Righteous leaders are watchful and take direct action when they know about it! Pray today for those in authority and let them know of any injustice among God’s people!