Lately things do seem to be getting a little "out of control." I hear a lot of talk about how God's wrath needs to come. It reminds me of a similar conversation between Jesus and a few of his disciples.
In Luke chapter 9:51-56 (NIV) we read,
"As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village."
Jesus not only disagreed with this approach, the Word says he rebuked them for suggesting it.
How do we respond to the world around us? Are we so quick to hand out God's wraith that we forget who we ourselves once were? Do we think now that we have our salvation secure, no one else matters?
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."Ephesians 2:1-5 today (NIV)
Let us never forget that,"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Instead, let's make sure we do all we can to help spread the Gospel of Christ around us so that as many as possible hear it before it's too late.
