By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
2 Timothy 2:19 "Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."" - NIV
Apostle Paul was discouraging engagement in godless chatter which, he said, only leads to more ungodliness. Some had engaged in it and had drifted from the truth, and misled others. Be that as it may, as some fall from the faith, he reaffirms that God’s solid, unshakeable foundation stands firm, that God knows His own; their rising up and lying down, their joys and tears, their thoughts and plans. Just as a good shepherd knows all his sheep, so does God know His own, called by His name and bought by the precious blood of His Son, Jesus.
Some who profess His name may appear to have stumbled, fallen or derailed. If we judged them as to whether they belong to God or not, on the basis of what we know about them, we may misfire. This is because our understanding of God and His ways and dealings with people is limited. Our minds too, are in many ways prejudiced by our cultural or denominational orientation. As to who truly belongs to God can best be left to the Searcher of the hearts of men, Who looks into the motives and intentions. Only He accepts or writes off people as He knows them.
Nevertheless, those who are called by His name, and confess His Lordship over their lives must turn away from wickedness. It implies then, that His own must live in holiness just as He is holy. Jesus said, not everyone who calls Him Lord, Lord would enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father in heaven. It’s more than confessing, but doing His will. Calling Him Lord and not doing His will, is hypocrisy which will disqualify many at the end. Let’s heed His warning.
Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
Shalom children of God.