Inside Scoop!

It can be both a privilege and an awesome responsibility when entrusted with the “inside scoop” that has not been made known to everyone. I recently had such information shared with me that I was to hold in confidence until it was made public. When the information was published in the newspaper, I was then at liberty to discuss the issue with others.

Abraham has been noted in both the Old and New Testaments for his faithfulness and trust in God. He was even referred to as “a friend of God.” ( James 2:23) This appears to have placed Abraham in a position to be considered worthy of receiving PRIVILEGED INFORMATION.

Prior to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah we read…
“(17) The LORD said, ‘SHALL I HIDE FROM ABRAHAM WHAT I AM ABOUT TO DO, (18) seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? (19) For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.’” ( Genesis 18:17-19 ESV)

God had a plan that included Abraham. We as Christians are recipients of that blessing. However, God had an immediate plan in mind because of the wickedness of Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities. When God has a plan, He needs to consult or gain the permission of no one. He, as the Creator of all life and being fully righteous, has the right to do whatever He pleases. Nevertheless He chose to reveal His intent to Abraham and Abraham took the opportunity to plead for any righteous ones there might be within the city of Sodom. ( Genesis 18:23-33) Could we not say Abraham turned this PRIVILEGED KNOWLEDGE into a prayer for others?

Perhaps there was a two-fold purpose in revealing this to Abraham. First of all, here were some cities that would not receive the blessing that was to come through him because of their great wickedness. Also (according to verse 10) Abraham was given the responsibility to teach his household after him to be obedient and so be in a position to receive the blessing. This makes it clear that there were some conditions associated with the promise of receiving the blessing through Abraham.

As God’s people (and hopefully “friends”, i.e. John 15:14) have we been provided PRIVILEGED INFORMATION? Do we know aspects of His plans of which others are not aware?

In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus he wrote…
“(7) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, (8) which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight (9) MAKING KNOWN TO US THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL, according to his purpose, WHICH HE SET FORTH IN CHRIST (10) as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” ( Ephesians 1:7-10 ESV)

The truth of God we have come to know -- the mystery (in the sense it is that which God must reveal and has revealed) of the truth of salvation in Christ -- is PRIVILEGED KNOWLEDGE we need to prayerfully help others come to understand. God has revealed His Will to us with the expectation we will do something with it.

Writing to the church at Corinth Paul stated…
“(9) So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. (10) For we must ALL APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (11) Therefore, KNOWING THE FEAR OF THE LORD, WE PERSUADE OTHERS. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.” ( 2 Corinthians 5:9-11 ESV)

Yes, the message of salvation in Christ we have come to know is both a privilege and responsibility to be privy to. May we, like Abraham, share a concern for souls who will be impacted by the righteous judgment of God. That is why God has revealed to us both His promises and His warnings. As long as there is life, there is hope.

Have a great day BEING TRUSTWORTHY WITH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS!
Carl

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