God Has Your Whole Lifetime to Make Sense

“God works with lifetimes.” (Dr. Tim Jordan, “Hope Deferred” audio).
Genesis 37-50

Joseph's life seemed to make sense when he was 17. As the favorite son of his father, he dreamed that his siblings would bow down to him—not all that far-fetched for a favorite son. However, his brothers had a plan to annul the dreams, and for 13 years his dreams made no sense. He served God faithfully, but was taken from his family to be a slave, and from his master to be a prisoner. What had become of his dreams? The only faint glimmers he would see of God's promise during that time would have come in the way in which God prospered him. As a slave, he was the head slave. As a prisoner, he was the head prisoner. Still, his dreams made no sense. Can you imagine what it must have been like to interpret the dreams of others—dreams that were so quickly fulfilled—and still be waiting and longing for the fulfillment of your own when each day seemed to make that fulfillment more unlikely? And then God made everything make sense. God is not limited to our yearly planner. Regardless of how far afield God's leading seems to have brought us, we must continue being faithful. Everything will make sense eventually.

Do We Proclaim an Urgent Message?

Many times our attempt to warn people of coming punishment in an eternal Hell mirrors Lot's failed attempt to get his prospective sons-in-law to flee the city. They thought he was jesting (Genesis 19:14). Certainly there was no conviction in his words, because there was no urgency in his own heart. He was not anxious to leave the city and would himself have been destroyed had the angels not forcibly removed him from the premises (Genesis 19:16). He revealed how little he understood the peril by begging to go to a different city, thinking that his life would be in danger in the hills, not realizing that his life was on the line with every moment he hesitated (Genesis 19:19, 20). He then apparently dawdled on his way to Zoar (Genesis 19:23). It was not until God's judgment fell that he grasped the seriousness of the situation (Genesis 19:30). But lest we stand in judgment of Lot, we should consider our own efforts at evangelism. John 3:18 clearly proclaims the truth that everyone must either trust Christ for salvation from the penalty of their sins, or else they will receive the condemnation under which they are already living. Matthew 25:41 and 46 says that this condemnation is eternal punishment in unquenchable fire. Why do we dawdle at warning people of their peril and directing them to the way of salvation? Do we even believe God's Word? Do we recognize how we ourselves have been snatched like dry twigs out of the fire? When will we forsake the meaningless pleasures of this life for the cause of winning souls? Must we wait until we see God's judgment fall before we grasp the urgency of the Great Commission?

Take Time to be Holy

As I was flipping through a hymnal yesterday, I took time to read the Hymn with the above title. As I did so, I was struck by the basic and essential truths contained in the poem. I would encourage you to read through the stanzas carefully, observing each thought that the author penned, for in them you will discover the practical fundamentals that should be true of every Christian's life.

“Take Time to Be Holy”
William D. Longstaff (1822-1894)
“As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy.” (1 Peter 1:15)

1. Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, And feed on His Word.
Make friends of God's children; Help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

2. Take time to be holy, The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret With Jesus alone;
By looking to Jesus, Like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

3. Take time to be holy, Let Him be thy Guide,
And run not before Him, Whatever betide;
In joy or in sorrow, Still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, Still trust in His Word.