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 "When he saw
the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep
having no shepherd." (Matt. 9:36) And so, our Lord appointed messengers, and sent them to the people with
news of a Shepherd and Saviour.
He
told them, "When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall
not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come." (Matt. 10:23) There was URGENCY in
this commission. So much so that when "he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first
to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom
of God." (Lu. 9:59-60) That's URGENCY!
Yes,
I know that Jesus foresaw his death, and fought against this deadline. But the death itself was an important part
of His sacrifice for mankind. He died because of the great NEED of mankind for a Saviour; and I am persuaded this
was the factor that gave such importance to all He did.
He
tells us to WATCH: He says that MANY shall follow the way of destruction. Paul says, "Knowing the time, that
now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." (Rom.13)
We
lack URGENCY: We live with a "don't rock the boat" spirit -- so far as religion is concerned. In fact,
if one becomes very much concerned he is likely to be regarded as some sort of nut. It's all right to get worked
up over Vietnam, Civil Rights, or even
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"the great" Clay (not Henry); but millions may march toward Hell, Cod's church may be ridiculed,
His plan for its operation ignored, and we are supposed to "keep calm" "don't get excited."
God's saints LACK URGENCY:.'
Let me suggest WHY
we LACK URGENCY: (1) We do not know the truth:: Many are unconcerned over the lost because they do not recognize
the lost. Papa surely will go to heaven: My friends are good people -- they are not lost:: And so, we excuse these
and those untill there are not many going to Hell. We do not know the Saviour, as He is revealed in the Word. We
do not know His gospel must be obeyed: We do not know of judgement, or of heaven, or hell. I mean it is not real,
actual, meaningful to us.
But
you say, "0 Yes brother Turner, we know all these things:" Then I say (2) we do not believe them:: How
can we claim to truly believe the word of God, and remain so lacking in URGENCY? By URGENCY I do not mean wild
irresponsibility, running off half-cocked. But I do mean deep concern, that will make each moment important; planning
that says NOW is the time.
And
if you contend that we do believe God's word; then I will insist (3) we fail to recognize the value, the fleeting.
nature of life. James says it is a "vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
(Jas. 4:14) If we really believe the Word we know we must be ready at all times for the Lord's coming. The faithful
Christian is impelled by a feeling of URGENCY!!
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