YOU KNOW BETTER
And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then He said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5)
Growing up, I often heard the words, “Roger, you know better than that.” I probably did know better, but that did not change what I did. I was taught the important basics and followed them most of the time!
Later in life, when I met Jesus, I realized that there was a way that the Lord desired for me to live and I was far from that. When I came home and encouraged my folks that there was more to Jesus, I heard a form of the same words as my mom said, “we did not know!” It is important that we know the truth so we can be free!
As I was reading in the book of kings and the way that some would do some good and then the next would be awful and do everything against what God desired, my heart hurt for the way God was treated. My heart hurt worse as I acknowledged that I had hurt God as well. Sometimes I knew better, sometimes I did not! I knew right from wrong, but I did not know how much my behavior went against God. I really did not know if it mattered or not. Well, now I do.
Allow me to ramble. I was thinking about how much I love the one on one that I have with the Lord. Then I thought about heaven and how wonderful it will be, but I became concerned that when we are all there the one on one might be different. I heard the Lord say, “I AM WITH YOU NOW!” It is important to keep in mind that God is with us. I knew that. I know that! I just know it differently now. I will rest in that promise and am sure it will be good there too! I am encouraged not to neglect the promise of His presence.
When everyone goes their own way and makes their own rules, there are no more rules. That is why God gave us a sure foundation to live by. Everyone needs salvation, but now everyone knows it. The devil knows it and he does his best to keep the curtain drawn on the truth. It is because we have allowed the truth to be covered that we have such evil be on full display.
When we know something is wrong and evil, we need to say something. God has not given us a spirit of fear. He has given us power and love and understanding so that we can stand for the truth. It is our business!
Josiah was a good king. He read the book of the law and wept. He put things back the way they should be. Still the Lord told him that payback was coming, and it would come as soon as he was gone.
We need to do everything we can to fill the world with truth. Psalm 107 asks; “Has the Lord redeemed you?” Then speak out! Tell others He has redeemed you from your enemies.