In the past few devotions, we see how man continually turned away from God and did “our own thing” but God found a man named Abraham who loved God and willingly obeyed Him. “Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.” (James 2:23) Because of Abraham’s faithfulness and his loyalty to God, God said, “Surely in blessing I WILL BLESS YOU, and in multiplying I WILL MULTIPLY YOU.” God also bound Himself with an oath, so that by two immutable (unchangeable, (I will bless and multiply you)) things, in which it was IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE, we might have a strong consolation (and be perfectly sure that He will NEVER change His mind).” (Heb. 6:13-18)
As a result of this promise God encouraged Israel to teach their children, “That the generation to come might know…That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God…And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that…TURNED BACK in the day of battle. They did not keep the covenant of God; They refused to walk in His law, And forgot His works And His wonders that He had shown them.” (Psa. 78:6-11) As we know Israel continued to disobey God and still, to this day does not accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
That is why Jesus said, “…MANY are called, but FEW are chosen.” (Matt. 22:14) And, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are MANY who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW who find it.” (Matt. 7:13-14) “Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” (John 6:60) In John chapter six when Jesus taught about what it means to be COMPLETELY sold out to Him, “From that time many of His disciples went back and WALKED WITH HIM NO MORE. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? YOU HAVE THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:66-69)
To show His loving care for us, Jesus says, “…DO NOT WORRY about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED TO YOU.” (Matt. 6:25, 32-33) Do not worry. Three simple words, mentioned three times by our Lord Jesus as He taught on not worrying about the necessities of life. Jesus REALLY DOESN’T want us to worry about our needs! “…all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit of fear. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, “Abba, Father.” For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN.” (Rom. 8:14-16)
We are God’s children but what if I die before the Lord returns? ”I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep (those who have died), lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will BRING WITH HIM those who sleep in Jesus. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And THE DEAD IN CHRIST WILL RISE FIRST. Then we who are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP (harpazō: to catch away) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS.” (1 Thess. 4:13-18)
-Bill Stockham