It was so good to see you all this weekend! The word for this week is "ready". The first Greek word we'll be looking at is found in these verses:
Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man comes at an hour when ye think not. KJV
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, KJV
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: KJV
This is the Greek word "hetoimos". Strong's Concordance says: from an old noun "heteos" (fitness); adjusted, ready. Thayer's Greek Lexicon and the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament both add: prepared; preparing; preparedness. I KNOW that in your career you are VERY familiar with, and adept at, being ready! You would never have attained the level of trust and responsibility you have right now if you weren't! It is also very obvious that both you and Kristine have mastered this art with your family. When you have this attitude, when things grow tense and uncertain around you, you are able to handle them with a level of ease, peace and success, even when it SEEMS like nothing is working! Crying babies most definitely falls into THAT category! You both, though obviously frazzled a little on Saturday night, still handled the situation FAR better than many parents I have known. None of them with twins, I might add! I am impressed! :)
The second Greek word we'll be looking at is found in Romans 1:15:
15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. KJV
This one is the Greek word "prothumas". Strong's Concordance says of this one: forward in spirit; predisposed. Thayer's Greek Lexion adds: willing. The Theological Dictionary adds: eager; active; passionate; resolute; brave; courageous. Paul was speaking here of being "ready", even during dangerous times, to preach the Gospel. In fact, He goes on to says this in verse 16:
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. KJV
We seem to be living in some very dangerous times to be known as Christians, at least in other nations right now! We don't know for sure if we will experience this in our nation or not. Right now our biggest challenge to being "ready" has more to do with the consequences of the reaction of people we know and care about, or of the threat of lawsuits and protesters. Keeping in mind the power of the Gospel, and the effect it will have on the lives of people, should help us be resolute, courageous and passionate about sharing it! Here is a song by Hillsong that covers this word very well! It's called "Running":
Love and Shalom from the Swopveys
