The Lord is at Hand

Are you thoughtful, considerate, and calm ‘for such a time as this’? Nothing destroys a family, a friendship, neighborhood, church, even a nation... like pride, arrogance, anger, closed ears and eyes, and raised voices. God, being all knowing and a concerned Father for all His children, calls us to be gentle and kind. Yet, worldly woes and ways stir up hatefulness and harassment wherever Satan finds an open heart.

Paul taught, wherever the Lord led him, about gentleness, generosity, and living by the example of God’s Son. Jesus came to die for our sins and to show us the power of living out loud in gentleness, even among Pharisee minded people who would - if they could - cast stones and destroy those whom Jesus was willing to help restore. Jesus, the gentle Shepherd, paved the way for all people to come to the cross and experience the power of humility and gentleness even when grievous and gruff times seem to be turning our nation upside down!

Jesus is our best example of someone who showed gentleness in his dealings with others. This is particularly true in His relationship with Peter - the disciple who gently left the safety of the fishing boat to humbly, faithfully walk on water. Yet, when he took his eyes off Jesus, he fell! At The Last Supper, Peter boldly told Jesus he would die for Him. Jesus, gently corrected Peter and predicted how he would betray Him three times. Peter, who left everything to follow Jesus, had closed ears and refused to hear such a thing. He proudly promised to stick by Jesus whatever happened. However, when Jesus was arrested and hostile people ranted and raved over the humble servant, Peter’s fear overcame his faith. He hid in the shadows, denying his best Friend, Teacher, and Savior of the world three times.

After Jesus’ brutal death and miraculous resurrection, He appeared to seven of his disciples who had gone fishing. They were weary from a night of fishing...with no fish. Jesus watched from the shore and called out to His beloved disciples, “Children, have ye any meat?”

They humbly answered, No and He gently told them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. They listened; lo and behold their nets were overflowing with fish, and they enjoyed a meal on shore with Jesus. As they consumed their meal and every word Jesus shared, Peter grieved when Jesus asked him three times…’lovest thou me?

Peter gently replied how much he loved the man who walked on water and died on the cross as a sacrifice for all God’s childrens’ sins. Jesus’ tenderness toward Peter, His beloved who denied him three times, shows the power of gentleness grounded in unfloundering faith toward those who have hurt or harmed us with words and actions. Jesus told Peter to ‘feed His sheep”!

With a heart of gentleness, Jesus restored their relationship and put Peter in a position to carry on the church. And, oh how he did!

Gentleness is rooted in our believing in the good in humanity. When we are willing to see people the way God sees them, we can treat them gently and graciously, even when their attitudes and actions show prideful willingness to hurt, hate, and cast stones.

"For such a time as this" when we wonder what in the world is happening in the land we call home sweet home, we find peace in God’s Word and ways of His Son. Now, is the time we must stand up for Jesus and not be conformed to sinful living and arrogant attitudes. Keeping our eyes on Jesus, treading gently, living faithfully without backing down to what is right and good in His sight, and trusting God to go before us and prepare a way can help us be gentle giants standing tall and carrying a big stick of love to keep Satan at bay.

A verse from Philippians 4 seems perfect to end this story on being gentle , yet boldly grounded in God’s Word and way! In these hostile times , let us not distance ourselves from God or sit down and cry. Look up and be prepared for Jesus could come in the twinkling of an eye

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The LORD is at hand.” Amen!