Time For God: May 13

Focus: 2 Timothy 2:19
Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
 
Reflect:
The weeks yawned, slow and wide, hungrily swallowing many months. Huge pile-drivers pounded and pummelled the reluctant earth beneath them. Local buildings shook and shuddered every few seconds. Deafening booms could rattle your chest.

Excavators and back hoes spewed their black fumes. They clanked and hissed filling countless waiting trucks. They formed a long line to collect the dirt and take it off to a nameless landfill. The new Community Centre would rest on firm foundations.

The Apostle uses a similar picture. If the Community Centre stands on solid foundations, how much more do you as one of God’s people. As a Disciple of Jesus, you build your life on the Solid Rock of a personal relationship with the Triune God.

Paul goes on to describe more of that relationship. In an age of social distancing, God is never absent; he is nearer than your whispered prayer. In this lonely generation, people are sometimes heard to say, Before I die, I want someone to know who I really am! Paul declares a comforting truth, “The Lord knows those who are His.” Paul names that assertion as a seal.

A seal is both a mark and a guarantee. As a mark, a signet ring is placed into warm wax to seal a document. It verifies who has issued it. As a guarantee, it becomes a confirmation of what is promised. Paul speaks of those who choose to build their lives on the foundation of Christ’s dying in their place and His rising to eternal life.

The Lord guarantees that He intimately knows all who name the name of Christ as Saviour and Lord. He accepts each one fully into the family of faith. The second part of that two-fold seal is an injunction to daily live as part of God’s family. “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” It is impossible for vulnerable and broken sinners to live godly lives that please the Lord. Yet, God empowers His children, as acquitted sinners, to live to please Him.

Consider:
What are the foundations upon which you build your life? How are you challenged to depart from iniquity? Where in your life do you seek God’s empowering love?

Pray:
Master, Lord, and King, You are my strong foundation—Hallelujah! Thank you for your faithful promise. Forgive my numberless failings. Restore my faith today. I receive the Holy Spirit’s fresh anointing power to live my life for You. Lord, know me fully that I may make You fully known. May I be a blessing to someone today. Amen.