I read an article
the other day about a Christian ministry leader that appeared to be living for
God, even to his wife. However, he was involved in pornography and adultery. It
eventually came out into the open when his work computer required some
maintenance. Divorce ensued. After genuine repentance and restoration with God,
though, they remarried several years later. Jesus was patient with him to
repent, but it did require bringing it out into the open to motivate him.
As we
talked about last week, we may be able to fool people for a little while, but
Jesus is never fooled. Jesus sees beyond the surface.
Revelation 3:1-3 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being
alive, but you are dead.2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains
and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my
God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you
have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will
come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
Jesus saw beyond the surface of the Sardis church. They
appeared genuine to others, but Jesus saw their hearts. Through this letter, He
brought it out into the open and called them to wake up and repent!
What about you and me? Does it only appear to others
that you and I faithfully love and serve God? Or, would Jesus say so, Himself?
What’s beyond our surface?
Alice
No comments:
Post a Comment