1st Coming - Understanding Prophecy
by
D. Yamartino
Page 74 of  57

A Christian person who is trying to share his faith with a Jewish person, would, no doubt, do all in his power to manifest that light as exhorted by His Lord. Through living a true Christian life, he would not only be assured of the rewards promised him by Christ, but would also hope to awaken others to the light of faith. Through his love of God, and love of his fellow man, the Christian person would hope to touch the heart of the Jewish person with Christ's message (74:2)

The love that the Christians manifested and the other wonderful qualities of their lives were no doubt a major source of attraction and confirmation for those souls who were eventually led to believe that Jesus was the Christ. However, although this light awakened some, most as we have seen, despite the light, remained asleep. Indeed, there were many who stood in the very presence of Christ Himself, and still rejected him. We know also, that despite the kindness and charity of the Christians, they were disregarded and cruelly persecuted for hundreds of years. For some people, something more is required to awaken them (74:3)

It is a universal quality of the human being that when life is comfortable, when all our needs are met, and when we seem in control of our environment, we more easily forget God. The Bible demonstrates this truth with many stories. The moment, however, that crisis, danger, or tragedy strikes, our hearts instinctively and immediately turn to that Higher Power, that Great Spirit who we know, deep in our souls to be the One Who is truly in control not only of our very lives, but of the universe itself (74:4)

In turning to God, it is as if a channel of His love is opened up, and we immediately receive His blessings: "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." For some, to be awakened to the world of faith, they require some trouble in order to turn them to God - some pain or suffering - which will enable them to awaken spiritually. Surely, many there were who turned to God, and were then awakened to the world of faith through such pain or suffering (74:5)

Of course, God alone possesses the wisdom to know what pain or suffering an individual requires in order that they may turn to Him. He alone has the authority to bestow hardship or sorrow. Although this is a way by which many attain unto faith, it is not a way by which the believer in Christ can lead others to Him. The Christian is not at liberty to cause the least pain or suffering to his fellow man, even if such pain and suffering is inflicted upon him. The Christian's part is rather to show mercy to his fellow man, not to be the cause of grief (74:6)

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