Are You Building Up or Tearing Down?
Good Morning Friends,
I have a confession. You know those people who call on the phone to sell you something you really do not need nor want. Honestly, I have had some bad thoughts about how eternity should take care of their behavior. But then a friend pointed out another approach and once I had read today’s lectionary scripture and how even demons know Jesus and that we are to be children of light in the darkness, I have rethought my approach. You see, those unexpected and often annoying calls might be a great way to engage people who need to know more about Jesus. And if they are as dark as I might expect then Jesus will deal with them. Now the problem is that so many of the calls these days are robots and computers, but if you get a real person, and maybe even if you don’t, we need to be encouraging in the way of Christ if by example and nothing more. You see there is a little bit of good in the worst of us and a little bit of bad in the best of us. So, Are You Building Up or Tearing Down?
Scripture: Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11 (NRSV)
He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue, there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, “What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!” And a report about him began to reach every place in the region.
Luke 4:31-37 (NRSV)
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalms 121:4 (NRSV)
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
Psalm 19:1-6 (NRSV)
Message: Well, I would like to think we are in a season of joy but for some of us we are in the hurricane season. And with that thought in mind I would say that today’s question is not just about whether we are building up or tearing down but whether we are doing it in the right places. Hurricane Harvey flooding has gotten people to rethink if they should rebuild in flood zones. And so too with evangelism, for sometimes we should dust off our shoes and move on and sometimes we need to persevere in a place long enough to make an impact before Jesus returns to finish what we could not. Last night, we were tracking Hurricane Irma and it seems to have taken a turn for Florida. To heighten the concern the Governor has declared a state of Emergency for all of Florida. We have very few things to do in preparation if indeed it comes our way. But I will tell you there is peace in knowing that we are as ready for the coming of a storm as we can be and so too for the coming of Jesus. For there is a peace knowing that Jesus can still drive the demons out of our life. But unlike the demons in today’s text we have nothing to fear if we are prepared. And perhaps we do not need to fear the storms of life if we prepare for them putting on the full armor of God. Oh, we should be a little bit anxious with keen awareness as to our situations, but we should also be encouraging one another. You see, Jesus has control over those things in the spiritual world and yes, the physical world too. Therefore, we should continue to build up the Kingdom of God and prepare for life’s storms even while we look for the coming of Jesus with excitement and expectancy. Instead of fear and dread, we need will be awake to see Jesus. There is great comfort in knowing that we will be saved but it is not the kind of comfort that puts one to sleep. So, friends, acknowledge that it is all too easy to be focused on things of this world. It is all too easy to not make time for worship. It is all too easy to never pick up a Bible and read it. It is all too easy to get so wrapped up in worldly things that we do not realize we have become intoxicated by the dark side. Friends, we are to care about spiritual things as well as physical things. We are to be ready and watching for the return of Jesus much like we do for a hurricane. So, will you be ready and watching? Will you be building up or tearing down?
Pray we be prepared for the storms of life with the solid foundation of the Gospel of peace. Pray we be strong in the mighty power of God. Pray we take a stand against the devil’s schemes with truth, righteousness and readiness. Pray we have faith and the Spirit and the Word of God assuring our salvation. Pray in the Spirit on all occasions. Pray we not get so wrapped up in the worldly things that we turn to the dark side. Pray we be ready and watching for Jesus. Pray we encourage one another in the faith and in preparation for the return of the King.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 