For Such A Time As This

The faith of Mordecai is evident and impressive that God would deliver the Jews from Haman’s plan to destroy them, but it is the last part of the verse said to Esther from which we might gain the most. “Who knoweth whether…” When we consider being active in the kingdom of our Lord, it is often that we fail in lack of action. We should take opportunities when they present themselves to do good works, but we should also make opportunities by paying attention to what is going on around us. The responsibility of spreading the gospel is upon each Christian. We may need to do some self-examination and consider the phrase: “who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”

~Wayne Rodgers

There Is No God Like Thee

Solomon proclaims before the whole congregation of Israel (1 Kings 8:22) the greatness and faithfulness of the Lord God of Israel. God is distinguished from the idol gods of the land by the fact that he keeps his covenant and shows mercy unto those who follow Him (1 Kings 8:23). Paul said,“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9). Under His new covenant (Mt. 26:28), God shows his mercy by way of salvation through Jesus Christ, whereby the promise of the remission of sins is accomplished. Remember that the Lord’s servants walk before him “with all their heart.”

~Wayne Rodgers

Grow, Grow & Grow

As we see a newborn child begin to grow and develop, we know they often shout with a constant desire to be fed. Peter declares that we should have that same constant longing for God’s Word. It is that which supplies our spiritual growth in Christ. In Peter’s second letter, he would end with the command for our growth: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Our strong desire and constant longing should be to grow. To grow spiritually, one will need “the sincere (pure) milk of the word.” It is that same word of the gospel “that liveth and abideth forever” (1 Peter 1:23).

~Wayne Rodgers

The Lord's Invitation

This could easily be seen as another invitation given by our Lord. He called those present along with his disciples by this invitation. This universal principle of self-denial to all who will follow Jesus is one of the most demanding for any to observe. A surrender of one’s will for what the Lord Jesus requires of us is a must. This is not by force or violence, but rather each individual’s choice. Christianity is a choice, but one that is certainly worth it all (Mk. 8:35ff). For early Christians, they may likely have to give up all earthly possessions, leave behind family, and even give up their lives for the cause of Christ. We should ask ourselves, “What will I give up for Christ’s sake?”

-Wayne Rodgers