I wonder what pulpit committee would even consider, either for pastor or as a visiting minister, a preacher with this description: Has eye trouble; is not much of a speaker; does not play up to the pillars of the church; has had a run-in with one of the main leaders; respects them but says he is called from higher up; has no home; stirs up the people; is called an upsetter; is old fashioned; condemns false teaching openly; won’t play ball with the liberals; believes in church discipline; oh, yes, is often in jail. Am I trying to be funny? No. This man’s name is Paul the Apostle.
Author: Vance Havner
Devotion of the Day
Have You a Reservation?
I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2
An inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. I Peter 1:4.
How good it is when the weary traveler can walk up to the hotel desk and find a room ready and waiting, while others may ask in vain—and all because his name is on the book; he made a reservation.
We cannot walk up to the gate of heaven after death and obtain a dwelling-place merely by asking for it. Our abiding place up there is secured in advance while we are down here. Our Saviour has gone to prepare a place, but there are places only for those who make reservations. Is your name in the book?
Many will come in that day and make various claims, but he will say, “Depart, I never knew you.” The dying thief made a reservation: “Remember me.” Reservations are made, not on the basis of our merit, but on His merit and our simple faith in Him.
Have you a reservation?