There’s a unifying theme that is seen throughout the entire Old Testament—the part of the Bible that tells of life BEFORE JESUS, in person, came to earth. From Genesis through Malachi, we are often reminded that God is faithful. At the same time, we’re given ample evidence that we as God’s people ARE NOT FAITHFUL. We lose heart. We fail. We give up. Yet God is so faithful that He continues pursuing us at any cost. That is where our amazing savior, Jesus comes in. You see, one of the themes of the New Testament is that God expects His people to BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY than they did in the days before Christ arrived. Sure, there will be times when we lose heart. We will certainly fail. But despite our shortcomings, we are commanded TIME AND AGAIN NOT TO GIVE UP. Consider just a few examples from Scripture: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the PROPER TIME we will reap a harvest if we DO NOT GIVE UP.” (Gal. 6:9) “…the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man IN THE MIDST OF HIS PURSUITS WILL FADE AWAY. Blessed is a man who PERSEVERES UNDER TRIAL; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which THE LORD HAS PROMISED to those who love Him.” (Jam. 1:11-12)
And most importantly, “…do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to PERSEVERE (hupomonē: the endurance of a soldier who fought a losing battle but BATTLED ON) so that when you have DONE THE WILL OF GOD, you will RECEIVE what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming WILL COME and WILL NOT DELAY.” (Heb. 10:35-37) “…we should live SOBERLY, RIGHTEOUSLY, and GODLY in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who GAVE HIMSELF FOR US, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE, (that’s who we are!!!) zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:12-14)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham