But I know I'm not the only one. Whenever we have a sign-up sheet for anything going on, it seems people wait until the last minute to sign up. When help is needed for anything, most people wait until the last minute to volunteer. The only blessing in all of this is that God knows us and our tendency to procrastinate, and He draws us on, gently to a more disciplined attitude through a variety of circumstances He brings along in our lives that requires us to be more punctual.
The above text from Romans 13 is calling for the believer to have an understanding of the urgency of the present time and to, 'wake up from your slumber,' an assumed laziness, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. What does that mean? Paul is telling us to get it together and be on the alert, for Jesus is coming soon!
Ok, we've been talking about that fact for a long time, and I do really believe Jesus is coming soon! Very, very soon! Things continue to heat up in the Middle East, both in Iraq / Iran, and with Israel and her surrounding neighbors. Terrorist attacks are increasing around the world and the threat of something spectacular that will dwarf 9-11 is growing. So, what are we supposed to be doing? We know that all of this is indicating that Jesus' return is imminent, but what are we supposed to do in the meantime until He calls us out?
This is what Paul has just said to the believers who were at Rome in the above text. Beginning with verse one of chapter thirteen, Paul tells us we are to be 'in subjection to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God'. Ok, so good, law-abiding citizenship should mark our attitudes. We should be a model of goodness and neighborliness, respecting everyone in any authority, even if we don't agree with their policies or attitudes.
Next, in verses eight through ten, he gives the admonition again to love one another: 'Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.' Then again in verse ten, 'Love does no wrong to a neighbor, therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.'
Then comes the admonition of verse eleven above: And do this understanding the present time.
The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Why? Because during these last days, as things become tighter and tighter, and the fear of wars and coming terrorism increases, confusion will be increasing as well. Man's inhumanity to man will increase as well, as our decadence goes from bad to worse. People will be skeptical of everyone and out for themselves. What a direct contrast to all of that will be the ëloveí of the believer in Jesus Christ! It will stand out in a crowd! People will be leery at first, but inexplicably drawn to this wonderful love! And it will provide an excellent opportunity to show them and then tell them about the love Jesus has for them as well.
Now, the only problem with all of this is that apart from our 'being alert' to the times and the 'need' that is before us, we will not be able to do what God calls us to do in the first ten verses of chapter thirteen. Because we will be developing the mindset of society around us. We will be 'being conformed to this world,' instead of 'being transformed by the renewing of our minds' unto Christ. It is now more than ever time to get-it-on with the Lord! Time to give yourself to the study of His Word and prayer! Time to get in and STAY IN fellowship! Or you will indeed be drawn away into laziness and slothfulness and self-care and sullenness and a 'who-cares' attitude.
God is pouring His Spirit out in a mighty way right now, on those who are longing for His appearing and keeping themselves ready, being about the Father's business, seeing the harvest and making themselves available as His worker for the harvest! Are you a part of that? Are you seeing the opportunities? Are you excited about what's going on and seeing God's hand move? Or, are you 'too busy' with other things? Thinking that you'll get around to them later.
Two things to ponder as we finish here: Do you know who your neighbors are? The ones who live on either side of you? Are you praying for them? Looking for ways you can bless them? Looking for ways you can, 'love your neighbor'?
Second, do you know everyone in our little fellowship? If not...why not? Are you there early enough to greet people as they come in? Are you moving out of your row to greet people during the break in worship? Are you looking for new faces to get to know? It goes with the admonition of these verses.
That people might know that we belong to the Lord by the love we have one for another!
Maranatha!