But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
(Matthew 24:37-39, KJV)
Hey there. This week I'm just writing out my thoughts and sharing them to whomever wants to listen...
As I observe the world, I see such a disdain for God. Such a disrespect for Him and His Holy Word. I've seen everything from public denouncing of Christ as Lord from former peers to a writer who disgustingly twists the Holy Word to fit their heretical sexually theology.
I'll be honest. It has made me angry. I've wanted to ride out for Jesus on some Peter vibes and cut off the ears of those who talk against my Lord. I mean, talking crazy about my Lord? My Lord?
Yeah, it's personal.
I must say that I find it odd that I never see the same level of disrespect towards Buddha or any other religious figure for that matter. The dagger is most always fiercely pointed at Christ and His followers.
For example in recent news, rapper Lil Nas X intentionally aimed towards the Christian community in a very bold, vulgar way. Google it if you must. I personally haven't watched the video (I try to be cautious as to what I allow in my psyche). But I saw the ad for the shoes. Surprisingly, I didn't want to cut his ear off. I only pitied him.
I am well aware of why he did it. He said he was told he was going to hell all of his life because he was gay. I'll admit. That must be hard to hear. I understand that many Christians' delivery of a message can at times be too harsh. Even Jesus switched up how He spoke to certain people. He was very gentle with the woman who committed adultery... but the Pharisees. Whew! He gave it to them straight, no chaser.
I believe there's a lesson in that. Babes in Christ should be handled lightly. But the grown in Christ, like the Pharisees who knew better, should be handled with a bit more force.
Yet, the message itself never changes.
Although Christ was gentle with the adulterous women, He commanded her to go and sin no more. Although Christ was rough with the Pharisees, He only told them the truth. The truth was told in both scenarios, the delivery was just a bit different.
So perhaps whoever spoke to Lil Nas X should have changed their delivery. Perhaps they should have emphasized that all sin (lying, fornication, adultery, immoral sexuality, etc.) will lead to eternal damnation. Maybe then he wouldn't have felt so attacked and realized that we all struggle with overcoming sin.
But although the delivery may have been wrong, the message of sin leading to eternal damnation remains the same. He and many others claim they are victims of the church. They say they are "church hurt". But I wonder if they are truly "church hurt" or if they are "truth hurt"?
Because I have been truth hurt. I have lived contrary to the Word of God. And when that truth hit my soul, it hurt. It pierced me... just like the Bible said it would.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(Hebrews 4:12, KJV)
Now, I could have blamed the pastor for telling me that my fornicating ways would send me to damnation if I didn't repent. I could have been mad with him and anyone else who dug the truth dagger any further into my joints. I could have claimed church hurt and turned away from God. But I didn't. I claimed "truth hurt", and changed my ways.
It wasn't an immediate change (Thank God for His mercy and patience with me!) but eventually the dagger was too painful. I had to either do thus saith the Lord, or turn away from God all together. Yep, it's that serious. It's that stringent. Hot or cold, God says (Revelation 15:16). So, I departed from what I wanted and did what God ordained.
I do believe that you can be simultaneously "church hurt" and "truth hurt". I believe that delivery matters. But my driving point is this: Whether the truth is preached in love or preached harshly, the truth is the truth. I agree that we should do everything in love. But even Jesus harshly rebuked the Pharisees, in love. I reckon we should use our discernment to determine how the message should be delivered so that it is more readily acceptable.
But no matter the delivery, some just don't want to believe the Word of God. Some will rebuke it. In fact, many will rebuke it. But as the referenced scripture states, in the days of Noah, the people mocked. They drunk, they ate, and they were merry. They did not repent. They did not respect God.
But then the floods came. And it was too late.
So will be the return of Christ. People will continue to mock. They will not repent. They will drink, eat, and be merry. They will continue to disrespect God and His Word. And no, I will not cut off their ears (neither should you if you get the urge).
But He will come back. And it will be too late for some. Mercy God! It'll be too late for many. This is why I turn to pity instead of anger in most cases because woe is that day for many.
Yet, joyful is that day for the faithful! No more tears, no more sorrow, no more death. Just endless peace, streets of gold, and the ever-warming presence of God. Let's continue to watch and pray for that day. Let's pray not just for fellow believers to maintain the faith, but for non-believers and scoffers to join the fold before it's too late. Thank God that He delays the coming for us to get it together (2 Peter 3).
Alright, that's it you guys! Sorry if it seemed as if I was rambling... I kind of was :-) Although they may be sharp, I needed to get these thoughts off my chest.
Anyhow til' next time, have an amazing day and an even better life in Christ Jesus. Amen.