04/03/2022 - HE WAS IN A HURRY

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And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. Luke 15:13

The young man was surprised at his father’s decision to grant him his request. Faced with this response, he thought that his request had God’s approval. So, in a few days, he gathered everything and left. The haste not to hear his father’s repentance, or the fear of concluding that his attitude was thoughtless, made the young man sell what he owned and buy what he needed to travel. At that moment, the most important thing was his willingness to get rid of his father’s warnings.

Now, that haste proved that the young man´s request was in disagreement with the Lord’s will. Regarding this lack of patience, the Bible states: Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet (Proverbs 19:2). Why should he stop believing the information about such a place, about the “delicious things” that he would never do with his father? What should he fear if, on the strength of his youth, he could solve any problems? He didn’t take purity along with him!

The flowery news from a distant land may please those who hear it. However, after getting to know this “paradise,” one comes to the conclusion that the reports are unfounded. In some spaces, it is not possible to stop, because sinners and their practices make us feel bad. However, if the Lord sends us there, the story changes in a short time, and the place becomes pleasant and good to visit and live in (Psalm 84:5,6).

It seems that the fear of God does not exist for those who have an adventurous spirit and see no reason to waste a little “pleasure”. Now, the adventurer never seeks divine guidance, for as it is said, nothing will stop him from doing what he desires. But the faithful and obedient servant, on the other hand – will never fail to go to an area, if he is touched by the Holy Spirit. The Christian makes any place pleasant, because he sanctifies everything and everyone!

The faraway land to the lost is a region of waste and dissolute life. However, for the child of God it is the area that will be unforgettable for the inhabitants; after all, his stay will bring divine blessings. The person faithful to God is similar to Joseph, Jacob´s son, who arrived as a slave in Egypt, having been sold by his own brothers, but proved that he had the divine fear and did not engage in sin. Later, even though he was put in prison, he came out of there to be the prime minister of the nation (read Genesis, chapters 37 to 41).

The servant of the Lord is also similar to the Master, who came to Jerusalem on the feast day of the Jews and, at the well of Bethesda, he healed a paralyzed man who had been there for a long time (John 5:1-18). Those who fear God always have a particular feast to carry out among the suffering and lost, thus, they are welcomed by all. We need to do the work continuously, even if there is persecution later. With Jesus, we will be blessings!

That young man lived dissolutely. However, the Christian who is committed to Heaven is not involved with anything from Hell and in tender love speaks of He who is the Savior, leading others to Christ. We are privileged because we can live in a holy way, everywhere. Pray!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares