Tuesday, 5 October 2021

Do not be Ashamed

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It is all too easy, in these days of intolerance and political correctness to give way to the tide of ungodliness that washes over us and around us every day. Paul was only too well aware of the issue in his day, which is why he wrote to Timothy:

2 Timothy 1:8-9 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Messiah Yeshua before the ages began.

Sharing the message of the gospel will, it seems, inevitably involve suffering. According to Paul's letter, 'twas always thus, from way back. People tend to lose sight of that in a modern world where everything is instant and immediate. When we get a little push-back or opposition to our message, our lifestyle or our choices, we are usually (or, at least, act) surprised, as if we are not expecting it.

We need to get used to it. From here, it is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. But Paul invites us to share with him and Timothy in the glory of the faithful kingdom life in Yeshua. G-d reached out to us and saved us; He has given us the privilege of being His ambassadors, inviting people to be reconciled to G-d in Messiah (2 Corinthians 5:20). That is a holy calling, that He has given us so that He might be glorified - and we get to share in that with Him. We are G-d's co-workers (1 Corinthians 3:9), labouring - by the power of the Spirit of Yeshua in us - alongside Him to bring in the harvest from the fields. Make no mistake, despite the push-back and hostility that we may experience, the fields are white for harvest (John 4:35) as people cry out for something to satisfy the hunger and thirst in the famine that stalks this world (Amos 8:11-12).

So be bold and be strong; work faithfully with the Lord and there will alway be people who will want to hear and respond to G-d's invitation!