Last leg of the journey.
“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, ‘I have no delight in them’;'” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
For a man full of wisdom Solomon had a dreary view of old age. He described the debilitating and devastating conditions that visit the body with age. (Ecclesiastes 12:2-8) He’s the king that said, “Vanity of vanities’ says the Preacher, “all is vanity!” (Ecclesiastes 12:8) With all his wisdom Solomon did not appear to have found contentment. What ever he set his hand to do it was done. He even build God’s temple. In beautiful women he found distraction. Their numbers tell me that he did not find satisfaction.
A simple man, who is slow to learn, is attentive to the instructions of his Father. The Holy Spirit brought God’s message, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17) Both John the Baptist and Jesus announced it. Disciples repented, apostles taught its need and the way of holiness in the kingdom of heaven. The church was to walk in the Light of Truth as witnesses of their risen Lord.
I have shared the following words at other times. Call them the hope of a simple man or an explanation of what is now happening in the body of Christ.
A great ship sails upon the seas.
Her name is “Church of the Firstborn.” (Hebrews 12:23) She spreads the word, the glory of His coming. Through many storms and years she sailed the course of God’s choosing proclaiming the good news, the gospel of the kingdom. Into the world was His command. Invite them to the Lord’s supper, and if they come a wedding feast awaits them. Who would object to words like these? Can anything be better than to sit at God’s table? And only one condition, the filth would have to go.
Storms raged from within and from without seeking her demise, but guided by God’s Spirit her light still shines in darkness. Although time has taken its toll her mission is nearly accomplished. Now the Master calls her to shore for the great cleansing.
Barnacles must be scraped away before her last sailing. Those things acquired over time even came unnoticed. Somehow they attached themselves as habits and traditions. Fast holding is this drag upon a ship meant to sail. So into port she must come, the “Port of Repentance.”
No rougher seas lie behind that which lies ahead. Prepared she will be that all might see the glory of the Lord. This Great Ship is called to port that the Spirit might expose the sin that we could not see. For through His revelation Christ’s blood finds its purpose. It is used to wash our robes. (Revelation 7:13-17)
Father, these words maybe prophetic or just my hopes for Christ’s church. In either case I thank You that this is true for me. Your patience, tolerance and kindness leads me to repentance where Christ’s blood does its work. I may carry a Hickory Cain someday to steady what has grown old and feeble, but that’s ok, for You have granted a simple man wisdom and understanding, and something more than, it seems, king Solomon had. Contentment. How I love You for that.
“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
His Family Table 