Daily Devotional for Saturday, November 30

The Apostle's Curse

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you,let him be accursed;' Galatians 1:8.

Extreme danger necessitates a severe warning. The community volunteer fire department is located on an adjacent lot next to the church where I serve as pastor. One Wednesday morning as I labored over open books in the pastor's study, I was suddenly jolted to attention by the piercing howl of the civil defense warning siren that is located on the property of the fire department. For the next several seconds my ears were assaulted by the harsh blast of the wailing warning test. The warning system is operated by the civil defense, and while such tests are shocking to the senses, they are vitally important to the readiness of the system. If a crisis such as a tornado or nuclear attack were to occur, the warning siren could save thousands of lives, but it cannot be effective if it is not heard. Again, great danger requires aharsh warning.

Just as the piercing sound of the civil defense siren is offensive to many ears, so Paul's pronouncement of a curse upon the preacher of a false gospel is offensive to some. Paul's speech was under the direction of the Holy Spirit which is the very voice of God. The soul of man is most precious in the eyes of the Lord. (See John 3:16.) The greatest danger to the eternal soul is a false gospel, and for this reason, Jesus reserved His most stern warnings for the leaders of false religion. (See Matthew 23:14.) Paul was not concerned with being popular or even tolerated. Paul's passion for the souls of humanity fueled his strong warning to the peddler of eternal poison.

CONSIDER THIS

If you have a pastor who calls out false doctrine and sounds a warning to beware of its danger, do not despise him for it.He is called to be faithful, not popular. He cares for your soul.

John Nations