Greetings,
News this week of all Israeli embassies being closed set off speculation of potential dramatic events. The fact is that the embassies were closed due to a strike by embassy staff over pay and conditions. But had there been military action many would not have been surprised. Our world is tense and fragile. God’s people live in this environment along with the rest of mankind. However, just prior to His death, in acknowledging that those called by the Father would live in the world, Jesus cautioned them not to be of the world (John 17:14-19). Our Elder Brother has not left us without guidelines on how to achieve this.
In Luke chapter twelve Jesus gave specific direction to His disciples – and hence to us – not to worry or become anxious over the physical necessities of life – what you will eat, nor about the body or what you will put on. He encourages us to raise our sight above the things the world seeks after. We are to seek the kingdom of God – to make that our treasure so our hearts will be fully engaged at a spiritual level. Christ’s instruction addresses a condition of preparedness which He called “watching.” That is, to keep awake and to be vigilant. The concept of “watching” is reinforced in verse 35 by “Let your waist be girded and lamps burning.” We have recognized this as spiritual readiness. The apostle Peter interprets this as the girding up of the loins of our mind. Our spiritual lamps are to be full of oil – the Holy Spirit –so we can respond quickly to Christ knocking. His knocking is in relation to events surrounding His return.
If the Israeli situation this week had indeed resulted in significant new military action in the Middle East leading to major developments, would we have been ready for Christ to knock? It is hard to stay alert and vigilant into the second and third watches. But if our eyes and heart are set on God’s kingdom and God’s purpose here on earth then our motivation is not just prompted by specific events in a tense and fragile world. There will no doubt continue to be many noteworthy situations that crop up to which we can and should attach end-time significance. But if our preparedness is solely attached to those, it is possible that we will become numbed and let down – especially if it begins to appear as if “Our Lord delays His coming.”
To the Church Christ specifically said that He stands at the door and knocks. In order for us to hear that knock and open the door, we need to be zealous and in a repentant attitude (Revelation 3:19-20). Zeal coupled with repentance provide a spiritual focus.
There is much to think about in Luke chapter twelve.
Report from Cliff Veal in Madagascar
Hello everyone,
This is coming to you just after sunset from my hotel room on one of the many hills of Antananarivo, Madagascar. Looking out over the city one could be tempted to think that all is right with the world. But as in so many big cities, the “down on the street view” reveals a different situation altogether. Living in a prosperous part of the globe like the US or Europe one tends to forget how most of the rest of the world lives. A walk through just about any large city can quickly bring one to pray “Thy kingdom come!”
But there is also good news. This afternoon I baptized the wife of one of our members in the Antananarivo congregation! We will announce it tomorrow at services. We have services tomorrow, then a fun day with the congregation on Sunday. Monday I fly to Kigali in Rwanda where the group of four seems to be excited about my arrival (at least they said they were).
Thank you all for your prayers… keep it up. The brethren here need them.
Feast of Tabernacles
We are already making arrangements for Feast of Tabernacles registration. Some have asked about it and we will announce the details soon.
If you are planning to attend in Tulsa and stay in the hotel and have not yet booked a room, please do so soon. We have not yet met our room commitment. By doing this you will help Marshall Stiver sleep better at night.
Sabbath services this week will originate from Duarte, CA.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
