September 1, 2021
Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
~Colossians 1:28~
Growing up I can recall the phrase "three strikes and your out." We are all aware of what this means. Whether in sports or through elders using it to teach us what it means to receive so many chances till we suffer consequences or lose all together. The natural world doesn't offer us as much gentleness as the Lord's Kingdom does. This was one thing that really stood out to me as I grew to know and love Jesus; He is such a gentle and caring King. One who gives many chances, far more then three thats for sure. He teaches, He admonishes and He chastens. He does so oh so gently. Our natural parents and coaches perhaps weren't as gentle on us. Maybe we went through life without any warning at all and we were just always suffering consequences from our mistakes. The One who made it all, who can truely break it all, takes on the most gentle approach of them all. He of course has every right to do otherwise yet He choses to be humble, patient and kind to each of His children. As we represent Jesus we are called to be the same; we are to show others who He is and how we too can be patient, loving and use each word He gives through us as a gentle warning. "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient." (II Timothy 2:24)
It is not our job to yell, point fingers or judge another based off their own actions or great mistakes. Let us not fool ourselves into thinking we are perfect. It is up to us to convey the wisdom we received by grace in a way that will edify another so that others may too be made perfect in Christ not in ourselves. Jesus gives gentle warning and Jesus gives bold warnings. It is through Him we move. Today the Lord is teaching us to be gentle in our own lead and leave the rest to Him. If the Lord has a word that is a bit more bold, as He did for some of the prophets, we can speak truth out of love and concern rather then condemnation. For even Jesus does not condemn those who believe.
"She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”(John 8:11)
The ones who desired to stone this woman did so out of aggression and judgement, Jesus gently warned them that none of them were without sin. How many times have we had second, third or maybe even forth chances from the Lord? How many gentle warnings have we received from Him? His loving kindness is breath taking and it proves how much He longs for our love in return. It is not a set of rules we preach. It is not an agenda we preach. It is Him we preach. The gospel and the true love story of Jesus Christ.
"For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Thessalonians 5:9)
We lean in on what we have received so freely and give gentle warning to those who need mercy themselves. Aligning to that perfect image of Christ is the end game we should all so desperately crave. Join me in praising our God for His gentleness and giving us an extended period of grace that we honestly did not deserve. Looking back on our childhoods, we can appreciate His mercy that much more. For where we did not receive gentleness, He was extending His in this manner. Where we were "out of chances," He was saying "Follow me." Where we were kicked aside in judgement, He saw us and wanted us all to Himself. Let us use the mercy we gained towards others who are waiting on their second, third or even forth chances. We can be that gentle warning that tells another to be careful not to go down the wrong path.
Prayer:
Lord my God, I am grateful as Your mercy endures forever. Your gentleness is more beautiful then a blooming garden. Help me to understand what it is to be gentle when teaching and preaching to Your children. I ask for divine patience as I wait on those who may respond in ways my flesh would want to turn from. Holy Spirit, I ask for Your presence to become stronger through me so the glory of God may be praised by many more. All honor is to You the King of Kings, who was and is and is to come. For You are Holy, Sovereign and Humble even as You watch the hidden mistakes of Your children. Lord, help us to use wisdom in a gentle manner. Let us receive opportunities to preach Jesus Christ in word and in deed. In whose Name I pray. Amen.