This Day in Which We Live

And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala. Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven (Matthew 15:39 - 16:1).

My sister-in-law’s father was a preacher. I remember Pastor Spencer House’s no-nonsense preaching at Temple Baptist Church in Waldron, AR, when I was a boy. His way of making application of the biblical text was preceded by his oft repeated words, “This day in which we live . . . .” 

Jesus often spoke of the characteristics of the Kingdom of God. He also spoke of the characteristics of the kingdom of man. In Matthew 13 He spoke seven parables that describe the characteristics of the age that we’re now living in - the time between His crucifixion and His return to rule in the Millennial Kingdom. This age is marked by believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and rejecting Him as Lord and Savior.

In Matthew 13:53 - 16:12, Jesus gave eight illustrations that support those seven parables. Six of the illustrations have to do with rejecting Jesus as Lord and Savior, two have to do with believing in and receiving Him as Lord and Savior.

Christian history proves that the tenor of mankind’s attitude toward Jesus in 'this day in which we live' is that of rejecting Him. It is true the Christian church has prevailed though the two millennia since the resurrection of Jesus, but only by the grace of God and only as a remnant when compared to the whole of mankind and his religions.

This should serve to encourage us today. Jesus knew what He was talking about. He understood what we would be up against as Christians and as a Christian church. He forewarned His disciples then, and His disciples down through the ages of the kingdom of man. And to be forewarned is to be forearmed. We go out spreading the Gospel to those whom the Holy Spirit has prepared to receive it. Not everyone will receive it, but some will. We go rejoicing that salvation is at hand for those who trust in the Lord. We go with anticipation that souls will be born into the Kingdom of Christ. We go knowing it is our Lord’s will and as Christians we delight to do His will.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for the opportunity to share the Good News of salvation to those who have yet to hear. Thank You for Your presence with us through Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that the harvest is white and You have sent us into that harvest to bring people to saving faith in You. May we be faithful in that task, and may all the glory and honor and praise be Yours. I ask this in Your name, Amen.”

Pastor