The Italian Memorandum

R.S.V.P. – repondez s’il vous plait

(“please answer”)

“… when I called, you did not answer”

(Isaiah 65:12)

The calling of God, and man’s answer to that call, is a great theme of the Bible. Many times throughout the Scriptures, we read of God’s calling out to man: “But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9); “…God called to him out of the bush, Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4); “…even us whom he has called” (Romans 9:24; 8:28,30; 11:29). But, whenever God calls to man, that call contains an R.S.V.P., “please answer.”
It is customary for occasions of formal gatherings, such as a wedding, or a social event–by invitation only–that the recipient of the invitation reply with a decision of attendance or non-attendance of the event. We may refer to this custom as etiquette. This etiquette is a type of ticket, entrance or admissibility. But, in the Bible, the call of God’s is never mere etiquette. The call of God goes beyond human conventions; it enters a sacred domain.

1. The call of God involves God’s expectations for man (see Isaiah 42:6).
2. But, human choice is never abolished (see Isaiah 65:12; 66:4).
3. God’s calling is never mere etiquette, but a momentous privilege (Romans 8:30; Hebrews 3:15).

With every assembly, we have opportunity to RSVP. With every opportunity to serve, to worship, to live, we give answer. What will be your answer today? R.S.V.P. while you can: “Please Answer!”

-Robert M. Housby

“Don’t Stop Now!”

“Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley”

(Genesis 19:17)

The December heavens of 2004 dropped over 10 inches of snow on our City of Roses recently. It was a cold gray afternoon, with temperatures dropping fast. I was enroute to the church building and approaching the south entrance. As I came up the little hill the car began to bog down and slide in the deep snow. I hesitated briefly to reassess my position; the tires began to spin; and I knew that to stop now would surely get me stuck. So, I gunned the engine! The back-end swerved and the engine roared, but we made our way through it.
In the Bible story of the Rescue of Lot (Genesis 19), we may observe that Lot’s wife, “looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26). In the New Testament, it is related that Demas stopped too soon (2 Timothy 4:10). In these examples, and others, certain characteristics seem to appear:

1. Too much hesitation.
2. Too much concern with the cost of going on.
3. Too much concern with leaving the safety of what’s behind.
4. Too little determination to give-it-all for the cause.

Inactive Christians are lingering in the valley. Now, that may not sound too bad. But, this isn’t just any valley (Joel 3:14). All for Christ, and nothing is lost that shall not be restored. Make your way. Make your way right now (John 14:6).
“Don’t stop now!”

-Robert M. Housby

“For the word of God is living and active…”

(Hebrews 4:12)

Books can be stuffy things. But, the Bible is not one of them. Intelligent men for thousands of years have burned the midnight oil to learn of this unseen God, who proposes to guide men from his inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16,17). There is a sequence that lies embedded in the Book; and, that sequence runs from language to relationship.

1. Psalm 119 begins with biblical language —“the law of the LORD” (119:1); “his testimonies” (119:2); “his ways” (119:3); “your precepts” 119:4);“your statutes” (119:5); “your commandments” (119:6); “your righteous rules”(119:7).
2. Psalm 119, however, from that language, always infers the possibility of a relationship with the living Lord:

a. 119:94 – “I am yours”
b. 119:151 – “But you are near; O LORD”
c. 119:114 – “You are my hiding-place”

As we enter 2005, man is confronted again with the great questions and the ultimate realities: ranging from word to worship; and, from language to living : (John 6:63). Can you say, “I am yours in the New Year?” (See Romans 6:4 on “Newness”). Can you verbalize, mobilize, and glorify in Christ?

– Robert M. Housby