Devotion for July 15, 2008

Shout It!

“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” (Titus 2:15 AV)

The “things” to which he refers of course is everything in the epistle. To summarize he was to speak, exhort, and rebuke with all authority the things that pertain to godliness.

What’s interesting is the last part of this verse, “Let no man despise thee.” To despise means to dislike somebody or something intensely and with contempt according to Encarta Dictionary. However, the original language conveyed more of the idea of contempt. It literally meant “let no one think around you.” Therefore, The Weymouth literal translation presents the verse this way, “Thus speak, exhort, reprove, with all impressiveness. Let no one make light of your authority.” (Titus 2:15 WEY) The Idea here is shout it to the rooftops.

That doesn’t mean be rude or mean. One can maintain the proper decorum as he/she ministers to others, but it does mean the subject is serious enough that one must do what it takes to get their message heard. As believers, we cannot shrink from our responsibilities. We are to be ambassadors for Christ in the church and to the world.

Some things in life are urgent. If the hose breaks on the washing machine in the middle of the rinse cycle you have an urgent matter on your hands, but no one will be seriously hurt, likely. If you drive the wrong way on the divided highway you have a serious situation with death waiting in the balance. The souls of men are in an urgent and serious situation.

We are all a breath away from eternity; we are all a breath away from judgment. The lost will be examined according to their works and then be cast into outer darkness. The saved will suffer loss if he/she has not been faithful to his/her calling. Therefore, we need to meditate on the seriousness of our mission in this world.

Others before us have suffered torture and death for the cause of Christ. They saw the urgency; they saw the seriousness of their walk and ministry. Do you?

My dear friends it will be worth the pain and suffering if you hold fast your confession to the end. However, you must finish strong. Those who draw back, those who fall away have no hope of rest. However, you have hope brethren, if you hold fast. One day there will be no more tears. Glory will be our daily portion. Joy will consume our every moment for all eternity. So, let no one despise your message. Shout it to the rooftops! Amen?