|
May 25, 1999, Tuesday
Is it difficult to keep on "keeping on" every day in
a difficult circumstance? When a person receives a
reward for an accomplishment, is there a just reason
for the reward? What disqualifies one from receiving
a just reward?
Paul wrote to the Hebrews to encourage them that a
disciple of Christ must always go forward in faith-
"Take care that you do not become sluggish, but try
to imitate those that by their faith and patience in
God were able to inherit the promises" (Heb 6:12).
Even when it is most difficult to continue by faith
he asked them to trust anyway! He prompted them to
consider the earlier examples in the Scripture of
men and women that were able to maintain the faith
in impossible situations. A person with faith in
God finds that the Lord supplies energy to keep on
in the faith; for hope in God's promises sustains,
strengthens him! The reward and promise of rest is
assured to the person of obedient faith in God!
The writer to the Hebrews explained that the just
reason for a reward is that upon accomplishment of
the task, a promise has been made to guarantee it-
"For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He
could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself"
(Heb 6:13). The Lord has sealed His promise with
His "oath of grace" that He will remember those in
total for their obedient faith to follow Him. They
will receive their inheritance because they endured
and persevered to the end, their just reward!
The Scripture tells us that Abraham was promised an
inheritance and a just reward. For him to trust and
believe that, it was necessary for him to hope in
the promise that God made to him, not turning back-
"And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained
the promise" (Heb 6:15). The Lord knew that Abraham
must see a son born by Sarah because of his promise
and oath to him. Even though Abraham doubted God to
do that and he made mistakes, God was faithful, for
Abraham continued in his faith and hope to receive
the promises and rewards.
Let us remember who is the God that remembers all things.
God's Name is Jehová El Berith. He is the God that makes
promises to His people, and does not forget. He does not
have the frailty of our human frame, and He is mindful
that we are but dust. Lift your hands to Him and Praise
Him today for the fact that He is the faithful God that
remembers His promises to us! Make your promises to
Him today and see the difference!
|
