“Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:17-19
These verses from 2 Timothy hit the proverbial nail, squarely on the head yesterday, given the recent news here in the U.S. and also in Haiti. These days, you can’t read the news from the ‘shepherds’ of this fallen world or watch much of the programming on cable or in the theater without thinking; ‘come Lord Jesus, come’. There should be a vivid reminder that we can’t serve two gods; the God of Good and the god of evil. Much of the media today inundates us with painful reminders of the shocking disregard for God's moral law in our culture; don’t try to compare their programs to the Ten Commandments.
The Apostle Paul tells us in the above verses “turn away from evil." I’ve been reading that one gang leader in Haiti wants to dialogue with the PM in Haiti and I am hopeful that our God will move the gang member to put down his weapons, repent, restore a relationship with Jesus and rebuild the wrongs that have been done to Haiti. I am not trying to judge the leaders in Haiti or here in the U.S.; that is left to our Triune God. We all need to come to our Heavenly Father, and repent of where we have been wrong. We need to stop running away from Jesus and leave the ‘shepherds’ of this fallen world and come into a right relationship with our Savior. Take a look into the mirror; are you proud, selfish or arrogant? Politicians, have you taken credit for something that someone else did? The evil ‘shepherds’ of this fallen world will take you farther and deeper than you want to go, they will keep you there longer than you want to stay, and it will cost you more than you want to pay. Whatever changes you need to make to turn from evil; start today. Don't hesitate because of the pain it may cause or the problems it may create. Doing this requires changes; sometimes, drastic changes. Like turning away from evil. Like saying "no" to sin. To the gang leaders in Haiti; turn away from evil. That is our prayer for today; for them and us.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay