... as you see the Day approaching

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. [Hebrews 10:23-25]

If we see the Day—which is the day of Jesus' Second Coming—approaching, then we will be encouraged to serve the Lord, take risks for his glory, sell all and give to the poor, testify boldly to the grace of our Lord Jesus, and encourage others to do the same.

The enemy of this vibrant, spiritual activity (as OC calls it) is spiritual sluggishness. People (like myself) want to live a quiet life of obedience and retirement, that is, "resting in the Lord" and living as if the Day had already come and we are now in Beulah Land, feasting and celebrating and living the dream.

This week I saw a documentary on the life of Charles Spurgeon. As a mere lad of 19 he left an idyllic life preaching in the country to preach at New Park Street Chapel in London, where he was often the center of controversy. He wrote that he hated London, and longed to go back to Cambridge. I, on the other hand, fled Chicago and moved to a quiet country town in Virginia very much like Cambridge. I have an idyllic life in my quiet home, and a small house-church where I can preach without controversy or strife. I am like a retired man at 47. Is this what God would have of me? Do I really see His Day approaching? If I did, would I not rather go to the campus every day and preach till they believe? or at least stir up some controversy? Should I not be used of God, and am I not rather using God for my peace and joy and success as a family man?

What should I do? For one, I must not get too attached to this place, for God may at any moment move me yet again to new works.

I must also spur others on to good works, and strive myself to do good works. Among these, the preaching of the gospel and the making of disciples for my Lord are primary. He called me to these, and sent me to this good land. How dare I accept so many blessings while refusing to take up my cross? I thank God for my friend Beth, who told me she is praying for me to go and preach at UVa. I know there are many others who I have asked to pray for this also.

Alas, I am a spiritual sluggard, who is "asleep in the light" (acc. to a Keith Green song). I know my work ethic is greatly weakened by the ease of life in America; I know it partly because I see it in my offspring, while I myself have no drive to get a job, but only to dream of easier ways to make money and have servants to do my daily chores, leaving me free to study, pray, write and preach. But I know I would probably just garden all the time, had I more of this freedom.

Lord, thank you for my mentor OC, who spurs me on to good works with his piercing devotional. Have mercy on me, that I may come out of my "retirement" and take up the cross daily. Lord spur me on. Help me see the Day approaching, that glorious day when you shall come to give us our reward and punish the evildoers. Grant me this vision that I may go and preach to people everywhere and make disciples of them, especially here at the university, especially here and now. Come, Holy Spirit and work through me as you will. And come quickly, Lord Jesus.