A Time for Gathering

We are living in a period where there is great uncertainty, fear and anxiety. We fear what might happen, especially when the tyranny of socialism appears to be growing stronger and stronger in our nation. What will happen to our freedoms? What will happen to our economy, our jobs and careers? Will the nation fall into a great depression, both economically and mentally (spiritually)?

All these questions cause us all to speculate not only on the ‘what-ɨfs,’ but also what are we to do, especially for the Christians. There many ways to answer these questions, but I would like to focus on just one way as we consider the verse before us.

Trouble is all around us seeking to engulf us; but no matter what our nation is going through at this time (or anywhere in the world for that matter) we know that as we prayerfully contemplate these 2 verse we are to be reassured God is working His perfect plan; that is, He is gathering “together in one all things in Christ.” From the time Christ came and having taking on Him the very nature of man God has been gathering His sinners into His kingdom through Him who paid the penalty for our sin in one atoning sacrifice and defeated death in His resurrection whereby He obtained for sinners the forgiveness of sins, righteousness, salvation and everlasting life.
In gathering redeemed sinners God uses the proclamation of the His Gospel message. It is His means of “gathering.” This duty has been given to all believers in Christ; those who have come to Christ by true faith and in repentance of their sins. This duty is commanded by Christ Himself (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). Yet, it is a duty that ought to be desired and performed by every believer from a grateful heart and a love for God and his neighbor.

The question we need to be asking ourselves is whether we will sit in fear and anxiety over the trouble we see taking place not just in this nation but also throughout the world, or will we go out in the strength and boldness of the Lord, in the power of God’s Spirit, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ so that hope that is Jesus Christ might subdue the troubling spirit of this time.  Will our complacency and apathy leave people in the darkness and deceit of that is being so widely proclaimed by the devil through his minions, who are disguised as “ministers of light” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)? 

This is a period of darkness in which we live; but it is also a period of light, a period of gathering.  If you have neglected this duty go to the Lord asking Him for forgiveness for you neglect of this most important duty placed upon you through our Savior. Then, ask Him for strength and boldness to proclaim His Gospel message calling sinners everywhere to repentance of their sins, to come to Jesus Christ alone through faith alone for the forgiveness of sins, righteousness, salvation and everlasting life. Will you also labor diligently to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and thus labor to shine the light of God’s salvation to those who sit in darkness?  The harvest is ripe and now is the time for the harvest – a harvest ready to be gathered since Christ came and preached the kingdom of God to his generation (Luke 10:2).

Soli Deo Gloria!