Devotional thoughts for Saturday

Saturday 31. January 2015 

The Last Sunday after Epiphany 

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, ... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2. Timothy 3,1-2.4.5 ESV) 

We only need to watch the news or read a newspaper to see how true the words of the Apostle Paul are. We might pine for the good old days in our nation. The sad reality is: we have always been living in the last days of corruption, vice and every other manifestation of sinfulness. Some eras ebb and flow as regards to the severity of this sinfulness in a given culture, but we have always lived in a sinful and fallen world that takes its toll upon its human inhabitants.  

In this heart of darkness and corruption, the gospel needs to shine more and more. It is only the gospel of Christ crucified and risen from the dead that can turn aside the evils of mankind. When the Holy Spirit changes hearts and converts people to Christians, then the light begins to drive away the darkness. The proclamation of Jesus Christ much march onward and undeterred. 

Yes, the world will fight back. The world will ridicule and persecute the Church, her gospel and Christ Himself. Such are the actions of the fallen world losing ground to its Lord and Creator. The victory has already been won: Jesus' resurrection is the sign of that victory. He now sends the Holy Spirit to proclaim that victory through the Church and Christians so that the light and life of His victory is manifested in individual lives, and such individuals can begin to reclaim their corrupt culture and bring order and civility once again. 

Prayer: O God, whose never-failing Providence orders all things both in heaven and earth, we humbly implore You to put away from us all hurtful things and to give us those things that are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. (H67, Treasury of Daily Prayer)