Joseph had been through difficult times in prison, but the Lord was with him. While in prison he was able to befriend the cup-bearer and baker who were in prison with him. Because of their friendship, both felt comfortable sharing their dreams with Joseph. The Lord had given Joseph wisdom to interpret the dreams. Joseph told the cup-bearer that he would be restored in three day. On the other hand the Baker would be hung in three days. Where would the baker turn for comfort in his final three days? Did he turn to the Lord like the repentant thief on the cross? The Scripture does not say.
In part two of “Where do I stand” Doug Brock continues his story of his encounter with the living God through the Scriptures. In the first part Doug described being a baby Christian and how he responded to God as a baby because he was new to the faith. Now as a more mature Christian after twenty years, does the Lord change his expectations? Our story begins as he looks at the accountability of a ten-year-old verses our previous story of an infant.
Now most parents would tell the ten-year-old a second and maybe third time to clean up their room if they had not yet cleaned up their room as told. If the ten-year-old still did not clean up their room, wouldn’t this be considered an act of disobedience and disrespect to the parents? By now most parents would warn of an impending punishment should this act of disobedience continue.
A ten-year-old should understand the basics of what is right and wrong and so the ten-year-old should be held accountable for their actions, right? That is the perspective from which I now will examine the Scriptures. Where do I stand according God’s Word? Twenty years ago, I was just learning scripture as an infant Christian. Now as a twenty-year-old Christian having read all the scriptures and heard at least a thousand sermons, I certainly should have a better understanding of what sin is.
I now have understanding that sin is not only committed by my actions but is committed in my heart. Do I hate somebody? If so, I am a murderer. Do I have a habitual sin, but still consider myself saved by grace? Do not be deceived. I firmly believe God would hold me accountable.
Now that I have knowledge and am capable to act on what scripture, won’t God through His word hold me accountable to be obedient to Him? Wouldn’t He punish continuous acts of sin? Now that I have understanding of sin, will God excuse my continuous acts of sin at the time of my death? If I don’t care if I am obedient then my personal belief is NO. Only if I have a repentant heart will I be forgiven. Here are two of the most frightening scriptures to me.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
Philippians 2:12-13 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
My part is doing the will of My Father. Would habitual sin or lawlessness be the will of my Father? No. My part is to repent knowing my Father knows all that I think, say and do. I do not want the Lord to say to me on that last day depart from for I never knew you. I want my father to say the words written by the Apostle in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Are you beyond the age of an infant Christian? A ten-year-old child is certainly expected to behave like a ten-year-old and not a one year old. Do you believe that God is who He says He is? If so, you ought to take every word of scripture eternally serious!
As you reflect on Doug’s journey, what is the Lord telling you? In our story the Baker’s life came to an unexpected end. Was he ready for eternity? Are you ready for eternity?
John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
To find more about the story of Joseph click here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-joseph/released
T Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mt 7:21–23). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Php 2:12–13). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (2 Ti 4:7–8). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 3:16). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.