21 February 2014
Exodus 33; 34
Psalms 90; 91
1 Corinthians 3
“THE DAY WILL DISCLOSE IT”
All three of today’s readings are intensely heart searching - and need to be read carefully and prayerfully.
First we have the extraordinary relationship Moses was privileged to have with God - and we ponder what lies in the future for those who will experience meeting their Lord; it will be comparable to some degree to that of Moses in his “face to face” encounter (see Exodus 33:11; 34:5, 6, 30, 35) in his exalted and exceptional relationship with God.
Psalm 90 is called, ‘A prayer of Moses’ and we ponder his perception of the endlessness of God “for a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past …” [Psalm 90:4] Psalm 90:12 is a personal challenge, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 91 says, of those who develop this “heart” that ”you will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place … the Most High, (your) refuge - no evil shall be allowed to befall you …” [Psalm 91:8-10]
In 1 Corinthians 3 Paul tells them (and us) “we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building … Let each one take care how he (or she) builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ … each one’s work will become manifest for the day will disclose it.” [1 Corinthians 3:9, 10, 13]
While “the day” that “will disclose it” is the day of resurrection, the signs are increasing that the climax of human life, as we know it, is fast approaching, bringing “that day” that “will disclose” it very near. Paul awesomely describes this time from verses 13-15 as “the day” that “will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he (or she) will receive a reward” [1 Corinthians 3:13-15]
Let us make sure we are ready for “the day (that) will disclose” God’s approval (or disapproval) of the way we have lived our lives since we committed ourselves to build on the foundation that Jesus Christ laid: let us make sure we are ready with real strength of faith as the climax of today’s world approaches and “the day” is here that discloses the full reality of God and his purpose with the earth - and, by His grace, an utterly wondrous involvement by ourselves.
-------
- DC
Thought for the Day
21 February 2014
"We have both to perceive and react; to understand and obey; to be hearers, but not to be hearers only; to love not only with the mind but with our whole being. "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
- W. Guy
Thoughts on the Parable of the Sower (1976)
Exodus 33; 34
Psalms 90; 91
1 Corinthians 3
“THE DAY WILL DISCLOSE IT”
All three of today’s readings are intensely heart searching - and need to be read carefully and prayerfully.
First we have the extraordinary relationship Moses was privileged to have with God - and we ponder what lies in the future for those who will experience meeting their Lord; it will be comparable to some degree to that of Moses in his “face to face” encounter (see Exodus 33:11; 34:5, 6, 30, 35) in his exalted and exceptional relationship with God.
Psalm 90 is called, ‘A prayer of Moses’ and we ponder his perception of the endlessness of God “for a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past …” [Psalm 90:4] Psalm 90:12 is a personal challenge, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 91 says, of those who develop this “heart” that ”you will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place … the Most High, (your) refuge - no evil shall be allowed to befall you …” [Psalm 91:8-10]
In 1 Corinthians 3 Paul tells them (and us) “we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building … Let each one take care how he (or she) builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ … each one’s work will become manifest for the day will disclose it.” [1 Corinthians 3:9, 10, 13]
While “the day” that “will disclose it” is the day of resurrection, the signs are increasing that the climax of human life, as we know it, is fast approaching, bringing “that day” that “will disclose” it very near. Paul awesomely describes this time from verses 13-15 as “the day” that “will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he (or she) will receive a reward” [1 Corinthians 3:13-15]
Let us make sure we are ready for “the day (that) will disclose” God’s approval (or disapproval) of the way we have lived our lives since we committed ourselves to build on the foundation that Jesus Christ laid: let us make sure we are ready with real strength of faith as the climax of today’s world approaches and “the day” is here that discloses the full reality of God and his purpose with the earth - and, by His grace, an utterly wondrous involvement by ourselves.
-------
- DC
Thought for the Day
21 February 2014
"We have both to perceive and react; to understand and obey; to be hearers, but not to be hearers only; to love not only with the mind but with our whole being. "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
- W. Guy
Thoughts on the Parable of the Sower (1976)
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