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I feel that many of the disclosures that we have been receiving through Wikileaks were better left unearthed. Diplomats should have the freedom to air their opinions and express their hunches, before crucial decisions are made, without these going public. However, this is an instructive foretaste of a terrifying disclosure which will take place some day! Whoever thought that money stashed in secret accounts Swiss banks would be made public? The Bible says, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Eccl. 12:1).
As we see rampant corruption and injustice in society, with some suffering because of it and others thriving, we should be angry. Yesterday my wife and I visited a friend and had to park our car in a lonely spot. When we came back the side mirrors and small lights had been stolen. I was angry. But I realised that this was probably done by a person addicted to drugs, with almost no control over his behaviour. I knew that I should be much more angry about responsible, influential people who were destroying the moral fabric of nations through their corruption and abuse of power. But we do not need to be bitter. Actually we should pity these unjust and corrupt people--for they face the terrifying prospect of God's righteous judgement.
In the Bible judgement remains one of the major motivations for a life of honesty and integrity. It is amazing how often the Bible presents it as a motivation for our decisions. The price of integrity is worth paying. The shame of disclosure at the judgement is greater than any shame known to humans. Let us encourage each other with those thoughts so that we will not bow down to contemporary trends. Let us also seek creative ways to confront our nations with the reality of judgement.
Thank you, Dr. Groothuis, for posting this piece by Dr. Fernando. As I read scripture, both Old and New Testament, I am struck by the overwhelming mentality of the Psalms, the Proverbs, the Prophets, and the Epistles (and the law and writings, to a lesser extent): the people of God built their lives around the imminent reality of the judgement of God. Mike Bickle rightly calls it "the most important appointment in [anyone's] life." His clarion call, with Dr. Fernando and hopefully a growing mass of pulpits (including the one I stand behind), is every decision in life should be impacted by that moment alone. I wholeheartedly agree, though I continue to wrestle with the implications of the gospel as it relates to judgement. Jesus is my righteousness, but my works will still be revealed... I suppose it's just hard to swallow. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteRefreshing...and sobering. Jesus spoke frequently of rewards and judgement. These are eternal realities clearly conveyed in the scripture...why do we spend so much energy weaving our way through the Word so as to avoid these truths? Thanks so much Dr. Fernando for a timely reminder.
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