“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did.” Hebrews 11:4
Examples are usually useful—or at least they were in math class. Verbal explanations, no matter how eloquent or intricate, were never as informative as the examples. The “worked for you” problems not only gave concrete illustration to abstract concepts but also helped with homework, for by looking back at the examples on the board or in my book (many times, I must add) and by tracing the clear (and correct) steps in the process, I could sometimes figure it out!
Hebrews 11 is a list of such examples. The first verse eloquently tells us what faith is. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” The rest of the chapter gives us examples—real life illustrations of ordinary people putting their faith in an extraordinary God. Delightfully, the stories are all different—a striking reminder that lived-out faith rarely looks alike.
After laying a faith foundation for creation, we step into the gory story of Cain and Abel—brothers bound by blood but not belief. Abel was a shepherd, and Cain was a farmer. “In the course of time,” Cain brought some produce to present to God. Abel slaughtered firstborn lambs and offered their fat. God approved of Abel’s offering, but He refused Cain’s. Why? Why did “Abel offer a better sacrifice than Cain”(Heb. 11:4)? The simple fact of faith. Abel’s offering came from his firstborn. He gave his initial profit up to God and trusted Him to provide for the future. Abel’s sacrifice showed that he understand correctly who God was and what He desired, and “by faith he was commended as a righteous man when God spoke well of his offerings”(Heb. 11:4). Genesis history doesn’t say that Cain brought the first fruits from his crops but merely “some of the fruits.” When you have plenty, you can always spare a few. Seems that Cain did just that.
The story only gets uglier. Cain was angry that his offering hadn’t been accepted and vented his rage on his brother. An open-field attack left Abel dead and Cain cursed, but, in spite of the violence, Abel’s example of obedient faith shows us that from the beginning God desired His children to trust. “And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead”(Heb. 11:4).
Faith in action point from Abel: We show faith by giving God our first and best and trusting Him to provide the rest.
Examples help with more than math. They help with life. These figures of faith help us figure out faith. Look, listen, and learn.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Sure Start
“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Hebrews 11:3
As I browsed through several articles in a recent National Geographic, the common thread weaving through the words was striking. Info and facts about the domestication of animals, the revival of kung fu in China, and the impact of humans on geology were all fastened to a larger matrix of puzzling questions—Who are we? Where did we come from? Why are we here? The magazine isn’t asking the wrong questions, but it’s not looking for the right answers. “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
All stuff had a start. Though the assumption that something always was has been quietly accepted and quickly approved by many in the scientific community (and glaring glances thrown at those who dare to propose otherwise), the late-nite question haunting the minds of atheistic evolutionists remains—“How did stuff get its start?”
The answer is simple, straightforward, and astounding. God commanded, and the universe came to be. Something out of nothing. God didn’t need materials to make the world; only His word was required. When He spoke up, all we see showed up. Planets tumbled into rotation, galaxies spun through space, stars blazed with light and heat, and the first human opened his eyes to see the face of the Father.
Divine declaration determined creation. It’s here because of Him(2 Peter 3:5), and it holds together because of Him(Col. 1:16). We didn’t have to be there to be sure. The evidence is obvious, and by faith we understand what others refuse to believe. Of course we’re curious about details and dates, but the when and the how are eclipsed by the what. Minors don’t matter when you believe the major—“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Something always wasn’t, but Someone always was.
And you were part of His heart at the start.
As I browsed through several articles in a recent National Geographic, the common thread weaving through the words was striking. Info and facts about the domestication of animals, the revival of kung fu in China, and the impact of humans on geology were all fastened to a larger matrix of puzzling questions—Who are we? Where did we come from? Why are we here? The magazine isn’t asking the wrong questions, but it’s not looking for the right answers. “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
All stuff had a start. Though the assumption that something always was has been quietly accepted and quickly approved by many in the scientific community (and glaring glances thrown at those who dare to propose otherwise), the late-nite question haunting the minds of atheistic evolutionists remains—“How did stuff get its start?”
The answer is simple, straightforward, and astounding. God commanded, and the universe came to be. Something out of nothing. God didn’t need materials to make the world; only His word was required. When He spoke up, all we see showed up. Planets tumbled into rotation, galaxies spun through space, stars blazed with light and heat, and the first human opened his eyes to see the face of the Father.
Divine declaration determined creation. It’s here because of Him(2 Peter 3:5), and it holds together because of Him(Col. 1:16). We didn’t have to be there to be sure. The evidence is obvious, and by faith we understand what others refuse to believe. Of course we’re curious about details and dates, but the when and the how are eclipsed by the what. Minors don’t matter when you believe the major—“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Something always wasn’t, but Someone always was.
And you were part of His heart at the start.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Faith In The Facts
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there?
No, but I know it really happened. “When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him. At noon the sky turned dark and stayed that way until three o’clock for the sun stopped shining. At three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ He said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and died.”
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? Were you there?
No, but I know it really happened. “Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. He was accompanied by Nicodemus. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices in the linen. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb. They laid Jesus there. Joseph rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.”
Were you there when He rose up from the grave? Were you there?
No, but I know it really happened. “At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled back the stone and sat on it. The angel said to the women, ‘He is not here. He has risen! Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples.’ So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy. Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.”
Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Not from fear that it didn’t happen, but from the overwhelming fact that it did. “Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
This Easter weekend, may the facts of Christ’s death and resurrection fill you with great faith, great joy, and great praise.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there?
No, but I know it really happened. “When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him. At noon the sky turned dark and stayed that way until three o’clock for the sun stopped shining. At three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ He said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and died.”
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? Were you there?
No, but I know it really happened. “Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. He was accompanied by Nicodemus. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices in the linen. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb. They laid Jesus there. Joseph rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.”
Were you there when He rose up from the grave? Were you there?
No, but I know it really happened. “At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled back the stone and sat on it. The angel said to the women, ‘He is not here. He has risen! Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples.’ So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy. Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.”
Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Not from fear that it didn’t happen, but from the overwhelming fact that it did. “Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
This Easter weekend, may the facts of Christ’s death and resurrection fill you with great faith, great joy, and great praise.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Truth In The Trash
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Hebrews 10:3
The groan you heard last week was my garbage guy—not my sweet husband who wheeled the cans to the curb but the man who heaved the stuff into the truck. After several days of spring cleaning, late Monday evening I tossed one more thing on top—a small teddy bear once plush and purple but now weathered and weary. The bear belonged to Calvin, our cat. Two years ago when he arrived as a skittish and scared kitten, my girls gave it to him for comfort and security. Calvin played, pawed, tossed, chased, and chewed the soft toy, but for the past few months, the bear, with stuffing spilling from its side, had been lying by my back door. Each time I stepped out, I almost stepped on and tripped over the bear. Since it never moved from this spot, I assumed it was abandoned and should be thrown away, so I tossed it. Early the next morning, as I stepped out the door, I almost stepped on the bear. A driveway glance showed a knocked-down can and scattered contents. My sleeping family couldn’t be suspects, so that left only the feline. As if on cue, ‘round the corner came Calvin with a glare that screamed, “Some treasures should never be trashed.”
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Faith adds a nice touch to the already posh and pampered life of middle-class America, but to the first readers of Hebrews, faith wasn’t an addition but their foundation. And as persecution poured in, faith became their only possession. Their confidence in Christ gave purpose to their pain. They had “stood their ground…in the face of suffering.” Publicly shamed, imprisoned, insulted, and stripped of property, these Christians had stood “side by side” and stood strong in the certainty that God said what He meant and meant what He said. But as the persecution and pressure kept increasing and the passion of their first-found faith began to falter, these words encouraged them to continue with confidence and to not toss the truth.
Though we in this part of the world aren’t imprisoned and don’t lose property because of our confidence in Christ, our culture doesn’t see much value in the One we cherish. They think He was bright in His time but has been used up, worn out, and should be thrown away. Day after day, as Jesus stays in the same spot of first priority in your life, the world will stumble over Him when they see you, and being tripped up is troubling. Your confidence and consistency will bother them and often bring out their worst, but don’t let their rejection of Jesus phase you. Knock down the garbage and put Him back where He needs to be.
This morning as I stepped out my door, I saw Calvin’s bear—a not so bright but very big reminder that face value isn’t forever value. Because of our faith our circumstances may stink, our reputation may be ruined, and our assets may be lost, but our trust can never be taken away. Let the rough and tough of life crowd you to Christ. Cling to the bloodstained cross and empty tomb, and count on God to reward your confidence.
Some treasures should never be trashed.
The groan you heard last week was my garbage guy—not my sweet husband who wheeled the cans to the curb but the man who heaved the stuff into the truck. After several days of spring cleaning, late Monday evening I tossed one more thing on top—a small teddy bear once plush and purple but now weathered and weary. The bear belonged to Calvin, our cat. Two years ago when he arrived as a skittish and scared kitten, my girls gave it to him for comfort and security. Calvin played, pawed, tossed, chased, and chewed the soft toy, but for the past few months, the bear, with stuffing spilling from its side, had been lying by my back door. Each time I stepped out, I almost stepped on and tripped over the bear. Since it never moved from this spot, I assumed it was abandoned and should be thrown away, so I tossed it. Early the next morning, as I stepped out the door, I almost stepped on the bear. A driveway glance showed a knocked-down can and scattered contents. My sleeping family couldn’t be suspects, so that left only the feline. As if on cue, ‘round the corner came Calvin with a glare that screamed, “Some treasures should never be trashed.”
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Faith adds a nice touch to the already posh and pampered life of middle-class America, but to the first readers of Hebrews, faith wasn’t an addition but their foundation. And as persecution poured in, faith became their only possession. Their confidence in Christ gave purpose to their pain. They had “stood their ground…in the face of suffering.” Publicly shamed, imprisoned, insulted, and stripped of property, these Christians had stood “side by side” and stood strong in the certainty that God said what He meant and meant what He said. But as the persecution and pressure kept increasing and the passion of their first-found faith began to falter, these words encouraged them to continue with confidence and to not toss the truth.
Though we in this part of the world aren’t imprisoned and don’t lose property because of our confidence in Christ, our culture doesn’t see much value in the One we cherish. They think He was bright in His time but has been used up, worn out, and should be thrown away. Day after day, as Jesus stays in the same spot of first priority in your life, the world will stumble over Him when they see you, and being tripped up is troubling. Your confidence and consistency will bother them and often bring out their worst, but don’t let their rejection of Jesus phase you. Knock down the garbage and put Him back where He needs to be.
This morning as I stepped out my door, I saw Calvin’s bear—a not so bright but very big reminder that face value isn’t forever value. Because of our faith our circumstances may stink, our reputation may be ruined, and our assets may be lost, but our trust can never be taken away. Let the rough and tough of life crowd you to Christ. Cling to the bloodstained cross and empty tomb, and count on God to reward your confidence.
Some treasures should never be trashed.
Monday, April 18, 2011
A Part not Apart
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
For several years back in the early 100s, solitary sainthood was in vogue. Men were put on a pedestal, literally, and lived on top for decades. (One guy made it 67 years!) These men believed that staying apart from the group made them more of a saint and more sure of salvation. We know better than to believe or live out such errant folly, yet we sometimes find ourselves spending much of life away from the very ones we should be hanging around. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Seems as though some early Christians had decided that church was optional, and God wanted them to know otherwise. Getting together with other believers is an essential part of your spiritual diet, and missing more than a few meals leaves you weak and undernourished. Sunday worship and weekly small group should be considered “meetings” that we don’t easily “give up.” Yes, everyone understands extenuating circumstances, but a busy schedule, a burdened heart, or a beautiful lake shouldn’t habitually keep you from church. Your attendance in tired or tough circumstances (or on the perfect day for fishing or skiing) encourages those in the pew and the pulpit. Your presence reminds them that God is your strength, your comfort, and your priority.
We need to realize that coming to church isn’t doing God a favor and that we don’t get brownie points for showing up. But we do get a blessing and we get to be a blessing. God doesn’t need us there, but we need to be there. We are a body and together we make up a whole. When half an ear, part of the tongue, a bit of the heart, and the left foot don’t show up on a regular basis, the body of Christ can’t be what we’re supposed to be or do what we’re supposed to do. Individually, we can’t live out our purpose alone. Our worship, our witness, our service, and our growth are best fulfilled in fellowship with other Christians, and much of this fellowship takes place on Sundays and in small groups.
Yes, weekends only have two days, but the first Christians to read Hebrews had only one day for rest and recreation, so we don’t have grounds for grumbling. We need to get up and get there and “encourage each other” to do the same. Being part of the group is a good thing and a God-thing. Since we will live as one in eternity, time spent together now is a bit of heaven on earth.
Each sunrise steps toward the Christ’s Second Coming. His fast approaching appearance creates urgency and expectation which draws us closer to Him and to each other. We need to be together. We should want to be together. We should invite others to come together. Our habit should be to show up, not skip out. As the sign outside a local congregation read: What’s missing in CH_ _CH? UR!
Pedestals are no place for God’s people! Jump down and jump in.
For several years back in the early 100s, solitary sainthood was in vogue. Men were put on a pedestal, literally, and lived on top for decades. (One guy made it 67 years!) These men believed that staying apart from the group made them more of a saint and more sure of salvation. We know better than to believe or live out such errant folly, yet we sometimes find ourselves spending much of life away from the very ones we should be hanging around. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Seems as though some early Christians had decided that church was optional, and God wanted them to know otherwise. Getting together with other believers is an essential part of your spiritual diet, and missing more than a few meals leaves you weak and undernourished. Sunday worship and weekly small group should be considered “meetings” that we don’t easily “give up.” Yes, everyone understands extenuating circumstances, but a busy schedule, a burdened heart, or a beautiful lake shouldn’t habitually keep you from church. Your attendance in tired or tough circumstances (or on the perfect day for fishing or skiing) encourages those in the pew and the pulpit. Your presence reminds them that God is your strength, your comfort, and your priority.
We need to realize that coming to church isn’t doing God a favor and that we don’t get brownie points for showing up. But we do get a blessing and we get to be a blessing. God doesn’t need us there, but we need to be there. We are a body and together we make up a whole. When half an ear, part of the tongue, a bit of the heart, and the left foot don’t show up on a regular basis, the body of Christ can’t be what we’re supposed to be or do what we’re supposed to do. Individually, we can’t live out our purpose alone. Our worship, our witness, our service, and our growth are best fulfilled in fellowship with other Christians, and much of this fellowship takes place on Sundays and in small groups.
Yes, weekends only have two days, but the first Christians to read Hebrews had only one day for rest and recreation, so we don’t have grounds for grumbling. We need to get up and get there and “encourage each other” to do the same. Being part of the group is a good thing and a God-thing. Since we will live as one in eternity, time spent together now is a bit of heaven on earth.
Each sunrise steps toward the Christ’s Second Coming. His fast approaching appearance creates urgency and expectation which draws us closer to Him and to each other. We need to be together. We should want to be together. We should invite others to come together. Our habit should be to show up, not skip out. As the sign outside a local congregation read: What’s missing in CH_ _CH? UR!
Pedestals are no place for God’s people! Jump down and jump in.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Points To Ponder
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
The cowboy in my Wednesday night small group was a living illustration of the evening’s study. It wasn’t his well-worn hat or gleaming buckle which caught my eye. No, it was the sharp spurs on his boots that made me smile—and squirm. Earlier that day his horse had felt their force—a not-so-subtle suggestion to get a move on in the right direction. I rubbed my side as I read the verse: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
The “let us” list in the previous verses (“Let us draw near” and “Let us hold to hope”) continues with “Let us consider how to help each other move toward what is bigger and better.” We’re here for a purpose, and we should be making progress in the process, but sometimes we all need a prompt. Often just a word will work, but occasionally we require a jab—not one to injure but one to inspire.
Repeated spurring in the same spot with the same pressure causes irritation and pain, so to know how to poke and prod in a proper and productive way, we ought to consider—to consider each person, each situation, and each state of mind and heart. That’s why the instruction says “Let us consider how we may spur” instead of “Let us spur.” Take time to observe, to contemplate, and to assess as you determine your mode of incentive. More than phone lines get messed up when you don’t think before you dig.
We want to make sure we spur in the right direction—“toward love and good deeds.” Love is our largest responsibility(Matt. 22:37) and our biggest witness(Jn. 13:35). Our good deeds give God glory(Col. 3:17) and cause others to give Him praise(Matt. 6:16). In the same way as the spur on my friend’s boot compelled his horse who, in turn, steered the cows, our sharp nudges should point to God’s grace and compel us to line up our lives with His great love. Often a shift in our own action or attitude will steer those around us in the right direction as well.
When the method and motivation are right, a Godly spur is a good thing—not a mean thing. We all need to get them, and we all need to give them. “Let us consider” the how and the why and be sure before we spur.
The cowboy in my Wednesday night small group was a living illustration of the evening’s study. It wasn’t his well-worn hat or gleaming buckle which caught my eye. No, it was the sharp spurs on his boots that made me smile—and squirm. Earlier that day his horse had felt their force—a not-so-subtle suggestion to get a move on in the right direction. I rubbed my side as I read the verse: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
The “let us” list in the previous verses (“Let us draw near” and “Let us hold to hope”) continues with “Let us consider how to help each other move toward what is bigger and better.” We’re here for a purpose, and we should be making progress in the process, but sometimes we all need a prompt. Often just a word will work, but occasionally we require a jab—not one to injure but one to inspire.
Repeated spurring in the same spot with the same pressure causes irritation and pain, so to know how to poke and prod in a proper and productive way, we ought to consider—to consider each person, each situation, and each state of mind and heart. That’s why the instruction says “Let us consider how we may spur” instead of “Let us spur.” Take time to observe, to contemplate, and to assess as you determine your mode of incentive. More than phone lines get messed up when you don’t think before you dig.
We want to make sure we spur in the right direction—“toward love and good deeds.” Love is our largest responsibility(Matt. 22:37) and our biggest witness(Jn. 13:35). Our good deeds give God glory(Col. 3:17) and cause others to give Him praise(Matt. 6:16). In the same way as the spur on my friend’s boot compelled his horse who, in turn, steered the cows, our sharp nudges should point to God’s grace and compel us to line up our lives with His great love. Often a shift in our own action or attitude will steer those around us in the right direction as well.
When the method and motivation are right, a Godly spur is a good thing—not a mean thing. We all need to get them, and we all need to give them. “Let us consider” the how and the why and be sure before we spur.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Hold To Hope
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
Good drivers know when to swerve and when to hold straight. Saving a squirrel is not worth smashing a tree. The lines on the road are there for a reason, and a steady wheel brings you and your passengers safely to your destination. What we consider a small adjustment often leaves us careening out of control into disaster, and in that moment of crisis, we wish we had never veered.
Since the same principles apply to the road of life, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.” No matter what difficulties dart into your path, no matter what obstacles the enemy rolls into the road, no matter what mountains God allows in your way, “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.”
What is this hope to which we are to hold without wavering? The hope that our sins are forgiven and forgotten(Heb. 8:12). The hope that we are no longer condemned by God but are children of God(Rom. 8:1,1 John 3:1). The hope that God works all things—happy and hard—for our good(Rom. 8:28). The hope that nothing and no one in the entire universe can separate us from His love(Rom. 8:39). The hope that God is working in us and through us to fulfill His purpose(2 Thess. 1:11). And the hope that death is not a termination but a transition into eternity with Him(2 Cor. 5:6-8).
How do we know these things we hope for are a done deal and not merely wishful thinking? Why should we “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess”? “For he who promised is faithful.” The One who spoke it has done it. His love never fails(Ex. 15:13). He cannot lie(Heb. 6:18). He will not lie(Jn. 14:2). He does not change(Heb. 15:8). And His grave is still empty. The life and the love of Jesus bring assurance and confidence to our hearts in our trials, our grief, and our sin. His compassion never fails, His mercy is new every morning, and His faithfulness is very great(Lamentations 3:23).
Occasionally on the highway a swerve is timely, but in our journey with Jesus, we need to stay straight.
The road of life will curve, but don’t swerve.
Hold to hope, and find Him faithful.
Good drivers know when to swerve and when to hold straight. Saving a squirrel is not worth smashing a tree. The lines on the road are there for a reason, and a steady wheel brings you and your passengers safely to your destination. What we consider a small adjustment often leaves us careening out of control into disaster, and in that moment of crisis, we wish we had never veered.
Since the same principles apply to the road of life, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.” No matter what difficulties dart into your path, no matter what obstacles the enemy rolls into the road, no matter what mountains God allows in your way, “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.”
What is this hope to which we are to hold without wavering? The hope that our sins are forgiven and forgotten(Heb. 8:12). The hope that we are no longer condemned by God but are children of God(Rom. 8:1,1 John 3:1). The hope that God works all things—happy and hard—for our good(Rom. 8:28). The hope that nothing and no one in the entire universe can separate us from His love(Rom. 8:39). The hope that God is working in us and through us to fulfill His purpose(2 Thess. 1:11). And the hope that death is not a termination but a transition into eternity with Him(2 Cor. 5:6-8).
How do we know these things we hope for are a done deal and not merely wishful thinking? Why should we “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess”? “For he who promised is faithful.” The One who spoke it has done it. His love never fails(Ex. 15:13). He cannot lie(Heb. 6:18). He will not lie(Jn. 14:2). He does not change(Heb. 15:8). And His grave is still empty. The life and the love of Jesus bring assurance and confidence to our hearts in our trials, our grief, and our sin. His compassion never fails, His mercy is new every morning, and His faithfulness is very great(Lamentations 3:23).
Occasionally on the highway a swerve is timely, but in our journey with Jesus, we need to stay straight.
The road of life will curve, but don’t swerve.
Hold to hope, and find Him faithful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)