Arise, Shine!

Arise, Shine!

In Timothy we read this exhortation: “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 1 Tim. 4:16.

If we pay heed to ourselves and to the doctrine, and continue in them, we save ourselves. This is much spoken about among us. It has also borne much fruit so that the friends have gained great confidence in schools and at places of employment. This forms a good foundation for following the other part of the exhortation: “And those who hear you.”

This part of the exhortation is not so much spoken about. That is also why many people have overlooked this exhortation. They think, and many of them also say, “The life is the important thing; the life must speak.” That is true, but if you do not speak up you are the one who will receive the credit for your good life. Were you not saved through the gospel, and did you not come to the life you are living, through the gospel? Then you must also give the gospel the credit for it, and then you must speak. You must let the others hear it if you are going to be of help in their salvation. You must give them the gospel—the gospel that saves from sin and solves all problems.

In our days we experience to a dreadful extent what we read further in Isaiah: “For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people.” Hatred and immorality are increasing terribly, and the United Nations are powerless to do anything about it. Those who are not saved do not see any light, and they have no hope that it will become better. All those with whom you associate have great problems—especially in their families—and they are afraid. You have found the solution in your life; you have glorious fellowship at home and in the church, but you do not let those around you hear about it. That is criminal. 2 Kings 7:9.

This has to change! You must see the seriousness of it. “Arise, shine!” Then you will experience what it says further to a far greater degree than ever before: “For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” “The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” V. 3.

We are living in the time of grace—even at the end of it. Now all of us must proclaim the gospel more than ever before, for there will be an ingathering of the upright ones. We must be conscious of our task, our calling. God has through the gospel raised us up in this increasing darkness to be a light to those who are sorrowing.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Heb. 10:23. Many, especially among the young ones, have not come to the full salvation that comes through the gospel, and they think they cannot say anything. Heb. 7:25. You do not think that you adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. Tit. 2:10. That may be so, but you have received faith in the grace that works this glorious salvation, just as we read in verses 11-13.

We read that we are to hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Heb. 4:14-16. Seeing that you have received this faith, why then are you silent? This is criminal. 2 Cor. 4:13.

You must not give the appearance of being better than you are. But you must confess your hope—salvation through the gospel. If you should suffer a defeat and someone mocks you, you must hold fast to the confession of your hope “without wavering.” Say to him, “Just wait and you will see that I will be freed from what you now see I am enslaved by.” “He who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 1 Pet. 2:6.

“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” Come along in this revival now, during this time of darkness that is covering the earth. Put your trust in the Lord and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8.