"slow motion"
"How I wish the blaze were ignited!" —Luke 12:49
Jesus came to light a fire on the earth (Lk 12:49). He was in anguish until He had completed His Father's plan (Lk 12:50). Jesus loved us so much He wanted everyone to be saved as soon as possible. Considering Jesus' intensity, He must be upset by our lethargy. He's been waiting for almost two thousand years for us to get ready for His second and final coming.
We have slowed down God's plan of salvation by our sins and apathy. We must repent, intercede, and evangelize so all will hear the gospel (Mt 24:14) and Jesus can come back for a holy, immaculate, and glorious Church (Eph 5:27). If Christians begin to have the intensity of Christ, God's plan will be restored to the speed which He intended.
If you think God's work is going fast now, wait till you see Him working at His speed. If God has His way and timing, day by day the Lord will add to our number those who are being saved (Acts 2:47), signs and wonders will multiply (Acts 2:43), and the rooms where Christians meet will shake with the intensity of our worship (Acts 4:31).
God's time is fast. He has come to light a fire on the earth. Let's repent of sleepwalking and slow motion so we can run the race for Jesus (2 Tm 4:7).
Prayer: "May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity be the root and foundation of your life" (Eph 3:17).
Promise: "Now that you are freed from sin and have become slaves of God, your benefit is sanctification as you tend toward eternal life." —Rm 6:12
Praise: "I am bringing on My justice, it is not far off, My salvation shall not tarry" (Is 46:13). Come, Lord Jesus!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Job Performance for Jesus, or on audio AV 43-3 or video V-43.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 2007
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