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“Open the Cage and Let Him Out!”

Thoughts for Today:

When on vacation, my wife and I enjoy visiting local cemeteries. While this might seem like a morbid pastime, we find it incredibly peaceful, spiritually confirming, and historically fascinating. One time, in a beautiful setting in Santa Barbara which overlooked the Pacific Ocean, we observed two mothers having a picnic while their children chased one another among the tombstones and monuments.

I was struck by the irony of playing tag among the tombstones while bodies decayed only six feet below, and with eternity just one heartbeat away. A more sobering thought then came to me, "How are we to share the Gospel with a world at play and to people who treat death so cavalierly? Do people really believe there is no eternal consequence for how we live our lives?" (Hebrews 9:27: "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.")

In our passage today Paul says, "By what I have said and done." I don't know about you, but my words and deeds will never come close to Paul's expertise, authority, or accomplishment. How then can we ever be qualified or competent enough to tell other people about God's truth? I remembered the words of the great pastor, C.H. Spurgeon, who was once asked how to defend the Bible. He answered, "You don't defend the Bible any more than you would a roaring lion. Just open the cage and let it out."

So how do we "let the lion out"? By quoting the Word of God -- it needs no defense. It's not necessary to be a Bible expert or know the answer to every possible question. Just live by Paul's example and speak its truth. And at the same time -- let Jesus take Lordship and control over our life. It's how God gets done what He intends (Philippians 2:13: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.")

Questions to Ponder:

Are you still playing among the tombstones or have you taken God's Word seriously? The time is near. Why delay? How can you change your perspective from one of the mortal to the eternal? How does that thought change your day, your week, and your life? Open the cage and let the Lion of Judah (Jesus Christ) out!

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There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.