Who do we depend on
in uncertain
times?
A couple stood at the altar, vowing to remain faithful to
each other until death. Love radiated from their eyes as they walked arm in arm down the
aisle of the old stone church. The congregation greeted them with
knowing smiles, nods, and warm congratulations. They were a perfect match.
Yet even the happiest marriages must end. Where do we find a
friend who nourishes our souls and greets us beyond the grave?
And in our day, people don't trust governments because they often promise services, but they fail to deliver. War rages at the whim of powerful men, greedy for resources and land. The future feels rocky.
Or is it? Where do we find security?
During previous episodes, we’ve pondered the fruit of the
Spirit. Jesus exemplified these wonderful traits, both in word and in his
actions.
Let’s think about what it means to be faithful.
Do you agree we trust reliable,
welcoming people who keep their promises and whose lives match their words?
They consider others and build trust through consistency. This is a perfect description of Jesus Christ. He preached
two commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind,
and love your neighbour as yourself. Matthew 22:39. These embody the Ten
Commandments, and this was exactly how Jesus lived.
As the Son of God, he loved God, proving his love in perfect
obedience to the Father’s will. He spent forty days in the desert, weakened by
hunger. The devil tempted him, suggesting he recreate stones into bread, appealing
to his power and authority, and wheedling Jesus to bow down and worship him.
Jesus remained faithful, never weakening to his extreme hunger, nor denying his Father.
He listened to truth and resisted Satan's lies.
Jesus loved his family, neighbours and disciples, healing
the sick, feeding thousands, speaking up for the poor. As his mother stood
beneath the cross, he passed her care into John’s hands.
The scriptures also describe his faithfulness to love and
duty.
Jesus descended from heaven, laying aside his honor and
glory to become a humble servant, who was scorned and shamed by the very people
he came to save. It didn’t deter his obedience to the Father’s will, and he remained
faithful while he suffered for our salvation.
At twelve years of age, he was involved with the teachers of
the law in the temple courts because he was attending to his Father’s business.
From his earliest years, he was faithful to his mission.
Before he ascended to heaven, he promised to never leave his
disciples, and he sent the Holy Spirit to be their comforter. He kept his promise
to be with his disciples forever. We read about this in John 14.
God has made Jesus the chief cornerstone of his church, which rests
on the vital foundation of truth and faithfulness. He has protected the church
from annihilation throughout history, keeping the gospel message alive. Jesus is faithful over God’s house. The
writer of Hebrews refers to Jesus as being the same yesterday, today, and
forever. He is also an eternal high priest, our advocate with the Father. We can be loyal to our relationships while we live, but Jesus is faithful for all
eternity. In the book of Revelation, John the apostle describes Jesus as the
faithful witness because Jesus promised to rise from the dead. His resurrection
proves he is faithful to his word. Later in the same book, John envisions Jesus
as he rides on a white horse. He is the Faithful and True who will rule in
majesty and justice.
Jesus is faithful to forgive. As he hung on the cross, he sought
forgiveness for his enemies and forgave the repentant criminal at his side. That redeemed man knew he would soon be with Jesus in paradise. When we fall into temptation, he is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us of
unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.
Why do I trust Jesus Christ?
He lived a perfect life,
remained focussed on his mission to live, die and rise again according to God’s
sovereign plan. Whatever he preached, he supported his words with actions and looked
far beyond his comfort zone to the needs of others. And he lives, the only person who has been raised from the dead.
I have experienced his faithful care in times of sickness and his protection
in travel, enabling me to serve God, my family, and friends. He
has never left or forsaken me. He answers my prayers by doing what is best in
every circumstance, training me as I wait, refining me through life’s challenges,
and reassuring me when the future feels uncertain.
Have you placed your faith in Jesus? He has given us ample
proof to trust him.
And if we already belong to his family, how do we reflect his faithfulness?
Let’s be loyal to our relationships with his help and act reliably in his kingdom. Are we honest, guided by integrity, and considerate of
others? Do those who rely on us know our word is our bond? We’ll need to love
God and others, prioritizing sacrifice and prizing honesty and commitment. No compromise or excuses! He will provide strength when we trust him with our concerns. Let’s cast our
burden on the Lord, because he really cares for us. He calls on us to be
faithful to him in every area of life. And yes, when we fail, he is faithful in forgiving us. Let's never take that faithfulness or forgiveness for granted.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
John 14:18
Comments
Post a Comment