In Rev.3:19 our King told us what to do after he gave us Laodiceans a scathing rebuke, He said “Therefore be zealous and repent.”
Zealousness, what does it mean, how can we know it and apply it to our Christian walk? One of the all- time most zealous preachers of our time was Billy Graham. I remember as a young teenager being enthralled with his sermons. I would lay in front of the TV and intensely watch him speak. He seemed on fire for the Lord, zealousness indeed!
Many of you, especially the older generation probably have your own memories of watching Billy speak. The following link is one of his most powerful sermons given in Chicago in 1971. Notice the intensity in his eyes, totally focusing on the task at hand.
For many of us present truth believers, this ingredient is not only fulfilling the Lord’s command, but gives us fuel to keep going. Sometimes I truly wonder how can His truth get any more powerful, any more exciting. Sadly though even among us, this characteristic is often lacking.
Google dictionary describes the word —
zeal·ous —
having or showing zeal.
“the council was extremely zealous in the application of the regulations”fervent, ardent, fervid, fiery, passionate, impassioned,
After looking at those descriptions, we all would hope for such Christian character. With this zealousness the message tells us our goal —
“He has now set watchmen upon the walls of Jerusalem, who shall never neglect their duty; that they shall not keep silence, but they shall praise the Lord, and be zealous to do whatever they can in the furtherance of His Kingdom.” (Timely Greetings, vol. 1, no. 42, p.10)
Zealous for His kingdom indeed! Even in how we pray.
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” ( Matt. 6:10)
But also we find in the Lord’s Revelation’s Laodicean message (Chap. 3) that we are called lukewarm “neither hot nor cold”, which really is non-zealousness. In other words the Lord gives us the diagnosis and then a few lines later the remedy.
Spirit of Prophecy speaks about zealousness —
“There is a noisy zeal, without aim or purpose, which is not according to knowledge, which is blind in its operations and destructive in its results. This is not Christian zeal. Christian zeal is controlled by principle and is not spasmodic. It is earnest, deep, and strong, engaging the whole soul and arousing to exercise the moral sensibilities. The salvation of souls and the interests of the kingdom of God are matters of the highest importance.” (Testimonies, vol. 2, p.232)
Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to co-operate with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. These are the faithful and wise servants who give to the Lord’s household “their portion of meat in due season.” Luke 12:42. They are declaring the truth that is now specially applicable. As Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his time, so will Christ’s servants now give the special warning for their generation.(DA, p.634)
Are we as present truth believers practicing zealousness on a regular basis? Or we content is just sit on our knowledge letting the days go by without joyfully “working in His vineyard”? We would like to submit a handy checklist for your review. In it we’ve put together some helpful reminders in zealous actions for His kingdom. Not in any particular order.
1) Keep in contact every week with brethren in the faith
2) Return calls, messages or emails, promptly
3) Bible, SOP, and/or Rod study each day
4) Join up with present truth groups (Facebook, Phone group studies, Local study groups, etc.)
5) Send out emails often to brethren in the faith (just to say hello or present truth discussion)
6) Consider a subscription to a YouTube channel, Blog, or other message board, to keep abreast of the message.
7) Pray and sup daily with the Lord, thanking, discussing and asking of Him. If asking WATCH for the answer.
These of course are just some of the ideas to put in practice zealousness. Many of you surely will think of others but the main idea is that we “get going” and NOT be neither cold or hot –but zealous!
Scripture about zealousness —
2 Kings 10:16 —He said, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD.” So he made him ride in his chariot.
Psalm 119:139 —My zeal has consumed me, Because my adversaries have forgotten Your words.
Jeremiah 20:9 –But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,” Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it.
2 Cor. 9:12 –for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
Romans 12:11 —Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Titus 2:14 —Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Isaiah 59:17 —He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.
Psalm 69:9 —For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
Time is short, let us have this zealousness for Him and the kingdom, which is at hand.
Godsloveandlaw's Blog 
November 2, 2019 at 10:50 am |
Please note: Or we content is just sit -> Or we are content to just sit