An Earthquake Reminder
There was a tremor which was easily felt across a large portion of our city
Reference: Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” (Acts 23:1 NIV)
Explore: As I live in Melbourne, Australia, we don’t experience many earthquakes. In my life time I have felt a few tremors but nothing significant.
About a year ago, there was a tremor which, while not causing any dramatic damage, was easily felt across a large portion of our city. The next day at work this was the talk of the office. Which suburb felt it more, what people were doing, what we initially thought it was.
A friend of mine felt the tremor so significantly at his house that for an instant he wondered whether it was the second coming. While he soon realised that it was just an earthquake his initial reaction did get him thinking.
If Jesus had have returned, did he feel that he could confidently say that he had done everything to tell the world about his Saviour. This fleeting thought of the second coming really challenged my friend to analyse what he was doing with his life.
Application: When Paul was on trial about his life, he stood confidently before them and said he had fulfilled his duty to God. I’m not sure there are many people who could say that.
Remembering that we are already saved by God’s grace, the conviction to live for Christ is not out of a need to be redeemed, but it’s a response to the love that has been freely given to us. Could I stand confidently and say that I have taken every single opportunity to declare Christ as Saviour in my life? Unfortunately, no.
There have been conversations where I have not spoken up, people in need I have walked past, children of God whom I have spoken ill of, and times of worship where I have allowed myself to be distracted. We can always do more, say more and worship more. Let’s not live our lives in regret, but stand firm in our confidence that we are redeemed by a gracious God and rededicate our lives completely and wholly to Him.
Prayer: Lord God, You have given us the greatest gift of Your love and grace. There is nothing that we can do to repay You but in response to that great love we give You our lives in return. May we put off our selfish ambition and live to give You glory in all we do. Amen.
Would you live your life differently if you thought Jesus was returning tomorrow?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.