“I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.” Revelation 2:23
After a week of rain we found ourselves riding the Goldwing on a remote road further south of us. We were lollygagging along when my wife placed her hand on my shoulder. Katie is never 100% relaxed when riding on the motorcycle. So I knew her hand on my shoulder was NOT a sign of affection. I responded… “Yes?” She said, “There’s a car coming up behind us that wants to pass!” Having already seen it, I simply responded, “I know.”
There HAVE times when the back seat alerted me to something I HADN’T seen… yet. Out of fear, she’s pretty ‘quick on the draw’ when ANY sort of danger pops up. I really don’t mind at all and have to admit that I DO drive a bit more carefully when she is with me. Keeping her as comfortable as possible is the ONLY way to guarantee she will ride with me in the future. So when her hand moves, I always respond.
The very first sentence of today’s verse is from the mouth of God! If it causes you shock… it is supposed to. If you are offended… too bad! Jesus is the Master and HE is warning of significant danger ahead. Failure to yield to His warning is going to be catastrophic! It comes with being a parent. If there is a chance that something I do might get my children killed, I WILL pay MORE attention than if it was just me. Pastor’s too, have ‘built in’ warning devices that are meant to ‘sound off’ when sheep begin to stray. Let me just say this…”my bells have been going off!”
Years ago there was a bumper sticker that read, “God is my co-pilot.” A later one came out, “If God is your co-pilot… change seats.” The longer I serve Him the more I see that the first one nails it! “I” am the driver of our relationship. I mean, let’s face it! If HE were driving, I wouldn’t have to be warned or informed! This verse WARNS me that what is up ahead is NOT a fender bender!
It is amazing the excuses I get from people who consistently do not show up to Church or adjust their lives according to Biblical principles. After multiple warnings, time increases awkwardness until finally, no excuse is even given! Reminders that are ignored are VERY dangerous signs. The final thoughts, “you don’t HAVE to go to Church or read the Bible to be a Christian,” lights up the dash with flashes and bells on full alert! And Jesus, who whispers behind His servant… finally goes silent!
What goes through my mind and heart is continually being evaluated by The Master. His final words should strike fear and action on the part of any true sheep. “I will repay you according to your deeds.” It is a final warning meant to elicit a real response. We are all on the VERY short trip called life. Our Master and Creator desires us to get where HE wants us to go. These dangerous days find Him SCREAMING warnings into our ears, minds and hearts. The only question left is… will we respond?
