Jump Start # 3984
Psalms 12:1 “Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to be, for the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.”
Our verse is a prayer of David. He is concerned. It seems that the godly are fewer and fewer. The NLT words this: “Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth!” There are days when we may feel just like this. It seems the righteous are outnumbered. The voice of the wicked screams louder and louder and the light from the godly ones tends to flicker.
Even in recent history we can see some differences. Back in the late 1930s and 40s, N. B. Hardeman held a series of lectures at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Crowds topping 5,000 were in attendance. That wouldn’t happen today. In many congregations these days, members do not come out and support the work of their own congregation. Attendance numbers are down in many places. Is it true that the “faithful are vanishing from the earth?”
Let’s take a step back and consider some thoughts from Heaven’s perspective.
First, David was not the only to feel this way. Remember o’ Elijah in the cave. He thought he was the only one left. God reminded him that there were seven thousand who had not bowed their knees to the idols of the land. Our perspective is just that, a perspective from our corner of the world. The kingdom is large. It is international, global and we often fail to see that. Across the seas, brethren in many countries are thriving and doing very well. It is easy for us to assume that God has an American flag up in Heaven. Countries come and go, we must remember that. There may be a time, and we may be seeing it right now, where there are more Christians and stronger congregations overseas than in our country. There may come a time when churches overseas send preachers to America to evangelize.
Second, God’s promise through Daniel was that the kingdom of God would endure forever. For that to take place, there must be citizens in that kingdom. While the number may be few, they have not vanished from the earth. Do not lose heart. God’s promises always come true.
Don’t forget the Revelation picture where John saw a multitude which no one could count. They came from every nation and tongue, standing triumphantly before the throne of God, clothed in white robes (Rev 7:9).
Don’t forget the Corinthian promise that says, “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed” (1 Cor 15:51). Two things need to be understood about those words. First, the word “sleep” refers to the death of the righteous. It was used of Lazarus. It was used of Jairus’ daughter. Second, the “change” takes place when Jesus comes. Paul is saying that there will be Christians on the earth when Jesus returns. We will not all vanish away. The earth will not be empty of God’s people.
Third, we must not give up doing what we are supposed to be busy doing. How easy it is to throw in the towel and go home in defeat. But we are not defeated. We have God on our sides. We will never be defeated. Let others know about Jesus. Invite. Start up conversations. Share material, sermons and classes on social media.
God has no Plan B for expanding the kingdom. It is up to us. We can keep telling ourselves that it is a waste of time and no one will listen or we can continue to sow that wonderful seed of God’s word. The darker the world becomes, the brighter our little light shines.
This is a reminder to keep an eye on each other and to strengthen those that are weak. But, this is also a reminder for us to look in the mirror. Have I taken my foot off of the spiritual accelerator? Have I sold out to the world? Have I compromised and blended in with the world?
The Lord told us that it is few that will travel the narrow way. Crowds are not an indication of things right. The godly man does not cease to be because there is YOU. And, YOU in your unique way are making a kingdom difference in your part of the world.
I’m thankful for YOU. We are not alone.
Roger