A Framework for Faith/Spiritual Practice

Four teachings for which we should strive, even if we do not fulfill them: devotion to God, gentleness to men, good will to every person, expecting death each day.

  - Colman mac Beognai, Aipgitir Chrabaid (Irish, 7th century)

"Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!"

  - Amos 4.12

We were meditating on this passage from Amos the other night in house church, thinking about how many different times we've heard this used in some film when a bad guy is about to get it in the neck from a good guy - or the other way around.

The idea is that You want to be ready when you meet Him so that, well, you'll be welcomed into His presence and not sent packing because you don't have the right clothes on, you smell bad, or whatever.

We wondered whether that line jarred the people of Samaria. After all, they were a very religious people (Amos 4.4, 5) - lots a church-going and God talk and all. Granted, they were mired in consumerism and not very circumspect about not taking advantage of their neighbors. But they did go to church and worship God and all that. So would they have considered the prospect of meeting God something to dread?

Regardless of whether they did or not, they were commanded to "prepare" for the eventuality. And we are, too. Colman recommends that we approach every day as the day we will see Jesus face to face. Does the prospect terrify or thrill us? If the latter, are we working diligently to purify ourselves of everything that might offend our holy Savior and King (1 Jn. 3.1-3)?

Preparing to meet our God is full-time work, because the works of our lives tell the tale about what we really believe and where we understand our lives are really headed. If we think we're headed to the grave and nothing more, that this life is all there is, then we'll grab for as much of the gusto and stuff as we can, without regard for such potential obstacles as "values" or "morals."

If we believe we're going to meet Jesus, and we have some sense (as, indeed, we ought to have - Rev. 1) of what that encounter will be like, then we will devote all our conscious moments to working out our salvation in fear and trembling, and pleading with the Lord Jesus, "Even so, Lord, come!" each day of our lives.

Are you prepared - at least, preparing - to meet your God?

Today at The Fellowship

The Pastors' Fellowship - Pastors, here is your opportunity to meet with other pastors to discuss a question you cannot avoid: What does it mean to be saved. Visit the website, and register to join us for this free webinar. But hurry, because seating is limited.

ReVision - Are children being urged to grow up too soon?

Bookstore - Hey, it's spring! You need a new read! Get on over to the bookstore, and may I recommend a little schooling in hymnody? Get your copy of A Mighty Fortress and discover how sheltering in the Lord can be a more consistent part of your daily life.

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.