The Italian Memorandum

“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”

(2 Corinthians 5:10)

Paul’s universal statement of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10)follows upon a former statement made to the Corinthians in an earlier epistle: “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). Here it is declared that judgment will be a disclosure of personal motives.

We are aware of the fact that even some Christians are scared to death about dying. We are also cognizant that not a few ungodly and atheistic have no fear of death (irony of ironies). If your emphasis of preaching through the years has been about the human response to the gospel—What have you done?—and, has had imbalance regarding What God has done (grace), it should not be strange that a Christian might therefore have a fear of dying. As for those who refuse to name the name of Christ, they may not have a fear of dying—but neither do they have a hope of living. See, a cow will stand in the field chewing and not have a care in the world; but, that same cow has no comprehension of hope beyond the grave either. The atheistic confidence is only confidence when he/she lowers the bar to the animal kingdom. Puny ploy it is then to take this kind of reasoning and call it academic and brilliant.

It is a solemn thing to die and appear before God (2 Corinthians 5:11-15).

Robert M. Housby

“Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!”

(Amos 4:12)

Now the bright morning star, Day’s harbinger,
Comes dancing from the east, and leads with her
The flowery May, who from her green lap throws
The yellow cowslip and the pale primrose.
Hail bounteous May that dost inspire
Mirth and youth and warm desire,
Woods and groves are of thy dressing
Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing.
Thus we salute thee with our early song,
And welcome thee, and wish thee long.

(John Milton, On May Morning, 1629-30?)

Milton expressed of the month of May, “And [we] welcome thee and wish thee long.” Have you ever felt that way about something that you wished would never end?

But, isn’t it true that blessings can sometimes turn into complacency about the Lord and His church (see Amos 3:1,2)? “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1). So, Amos 4:12, “Prepare to meet your God,” is ultimately about the inevitable (see Eccl. 12:5,7,14). Yes, we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10).

So, on this May morning, “Seek the Lord and live” (Amos 5:6)!

-Robert M. Housby