As the Southwesterner is being published preceding the graduation of SWSBS class of 2024, the congregation is busy getting ready for the banquet and for graduation Sunday. Of course, we are reflecting on the relationships that have been made and rejoice in the spiritual growth of the student body. Having been immersed in the scriptures and introduced to the work of evangelists, there have been valuable lessons learned in time management. Who knew that even sleep would be a matter of scheduling?
When it comes to the work of the church, the Lord sees an urgency and His bride has a tendency to procrastinate (John 4:35). The Israelites had similar problems during the post-captivity rebuilding phase. Haggai’s primary function as a prophet was to spur the Israelites into action regarding the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 5:1 and 6:14). They were dragging their feet saying, “it is not time to build” (Hag. 1:2) but God was saying “it is past time.” We know that fear played a part (Hag. 2:4-5) and the people of the land were a discouragement (Eph. 4:4-5).
God tried to motivate by means of a drought (Hag. 1:10-11) and revealed to Haggai that He was the reason they were spinning their wheels in day-to-day life (Hag. 1:6,9). It is remarkable that a difficult economy, high cost of living, and lowyielding crops were the result of not obeying God by moving forward in faith. God said, “Consider your ways” (Hag. 1:5-7) which meant that they were to reflect on their way of thinking and attitude that put them in this situation.
In this dispensation, we the church, are God’s temple (1 Cor. 3:17) and our work serves mankind physically (Acts 6, Jas. 2:15-16) and spiritually (Acts 20:28; 2 Tim. 4:2; Gal. 6:1-2; Jas. 5:19-20). While we stay busy “keeping the saved, saved,” we must be sowing the seed of the Kingdom into new hearts. The Great Commission must never become The Great Omission.
The Lord’s church is suffering in many places,“lying in ruins” because our members are fearful, discouraged, or don’t think the time is right. Let us redeem the time (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5) as we leave the building and go “to the work!” Toiling on, remember F.J. Crosby’s words, “let us hope, trust, watch, pray and labor till the Master comes.”
-Kris Groda