Friday, 30 August 2024

Romans part 21 - What Will You Have, Trouble Or Honor?

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Romans 2:9-11 There will be trouble and hardship for every human soul that does evil - to the Jew first and also to the Greek. But there will be glory, honor, and shalom to everyone who does good - to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.

Did you ever wonder ... If the Bible is true (and we know it is), then why do so many sinners prosper? The answer takes us to the parable in Luke 16 of the rich man and a poor man named Lazarus.

Luke 16:19-25 Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, living it up in luxury every day. But a poor man named Lazarus had been laid at his gate, covered with sores. It happened that the poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. Then the rich man also died and was buried. And from Sheol, as he was in torment, he raised his eyes. And he sees Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his side. So he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me! ... But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your life you received your good things, even as Lazarus received the bad things. But now he is comforted here, and you are tormented.'

The point is that the riches of this world offer comfort for a season, but to those who do the righteous works of God, there is comfort for eternity. So, while there is the appearance of "glory, honor, and shalom" for sinners, the Lord promises "trouble and hardship." The "glory, honor, and shalom" of eternity are reserved for the righteous, who follow Yeshua and His ways. The Scriptures are clear that this applies to everyone, both Jewish and non-Jewish.

The opportunity to change is available to us all. It is called repentance. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. And repentance is not the same as feeling guilty. Lots of people who feel guilty continue in their sin. Repentance involves the intentional desire to change. The command of Yeshua is to go and sin no more.

Repent today and be comforted and encouraged. Then carry that message to a sick and dying world. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement. He encourages us in every trouble, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any trouble, through the very encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God.