A Devotional Look at the Book #496

A Devotional Look at the Book #496

by Jesse Abel

A Devotional Look at the Book #496

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

God never calls the qualified. If He calls you and He does; you can count on it. He will qualify you to do things His way. Your way is laced with darkness. Psalm 119:105

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

We do like our brands do we not? Levi Jeans, Kellogg Corn Flakes, General Mills or Nike; somehow brand names feel better, look nicer and taste better; brands also identify us, like the emblem on a golfing shirt or those rivets in your jeans. Jesus Christ also understands the importance of identity and He has designed a particular look for each of us, John 13:34-35. With this love; we are branded as disciples and those around us will know that we are His.

Consider this event in the life of Harry Ironside a missionary in China. He was translating the New Testament into Chinese and employed the help of a Chinese Confucianist and a Chinese literary scholar; the work took a very long time and he got to know the men very well. After the work was complete Mr. Ironside said to the two of them; “Now I wish to ask you a question.” “Has not the beauty of these New Testament writings come alive and touched you and would you like to become a Christian?” The Confucianist replied; “Yes, Christianity does appeal to me. I think it presents a most wonderful system of ethics I have ever heard of. I believe that if I ever met a Christian, I might become more interested in becoming one myself.” “But” exclaimed the missionary! “I am a Christian!” “You?” replied the scholar. “You a Christian?” I hope you will not take offense, but I must tell you that I have observed you and listened to your conversations from the beginning. If we understand the New Testament, a Christian is one who follows Christ; and Jesus said; “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” You cannot be a Christian, for we have observed you talking in unkind ways and when the checks do not come from your homeland on time you become dreadfully fearful, yet the New Testament claims that God will supply all your needs. No you cannot be a Christian, but we would like to meet one, then we could become one too.” Pierced in his heart, Harry Ironside fell to his knees, he broke down and sobbed out a confession asking God to forgive him; and then he turned to the scholar and the Confucianist and asked them to forgive him of his selfish identity. A few days later the Confucianist remarked; “Well perhaps we have seen a Christian after all.”

1 Peter

1 Peter 5:12-14 – Considering His help, Silvanus; the apostle states that he has written briefly, exhorting and testifying that the words read are inspired and are the true grace of God and that all who are identified in Christ; stand in this grace. This is an awesome thought in that you and me along with all the men and women, who are in Christ or have ever been in Christ, stand in the same grace.

The apostle is also thoughtful to mention his wife and son, in that they send a greeting to us readers, this too is awesome; imagine being greeted and accepted by people who we will someday meet for the first time who welcomed us a couple of thousand years before. In sincerity; I find the thought of this exciting.

The kiss of love is not the one we see expressed on the cheeks of friends or relatives these days. The reason I say this is that those kisses do not contain the peace of Jesus Christ in most cases. Just ask Harry Ironside; if you could.