Later

“Remember that some people lead sinful lives, and everyone knows they will be judged. But there are others whose sin will not be revealed until later. In the same way, everyone knows how much good some people do, but there are others whose good deeds won't be known until later."  I Timothy 5:24-25

I was more than a little confused when I opened the letter. It was from the city of Dayton. It contained a picture of our van, a comparative analysis of our speed and the posted speed limit and finally an invitation to send them some money to make restitution for our transgression. The inability to see the driver in the photograph has led to an ongoing debate in our home as to who was actually driving at the time. Regardless, weeks after the incident we had to face justice and send them a check. 

"Later" is a very common and significant theme in the Bible. The complete fulfillment of all the promises of God are reserved for later. Paul tells Timothy in this letter that "later" is the moment when justice will finally be served. Those who have trusted in and followed Jesus as well as those who have not will stand before God. All things unseen will finally be exposed. God will respond accordingly.

The question begs to be asked, "What will be seen when our unseen is exposed?" Is there an authentic faith in Jesus solidly in place or only appearances? Who are we when no one else is looking? Here's an amazing thought ... "Now" can be the beginning of a much better "Later."

Grace and Peace,

Tom Wiles
tom@fallcreekchristian.org

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