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October 31, 1998, Saturday
Do you have a companion that overlooks your faults? Is
his(her) counsel easy to remember? Is there comfort in the
fact that if he(she) has to leave for awhile that you will
see them again?
Jesus reminded the legalistic leaders of His day when they
criticized His companions for breaking the religious law
that God was looking at a deeper part of the person than
their outward actions-- "But He said to them, "Have you
not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those
who were with him: But if you had known what this
means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' (Mat 12:3,7).
No man will be just before God by keeping the law or making
sacrifices, for Mercy triumphs over judgement. Jesus as a
companion looked at the hearts of His companions and saw
their acts of mercy and faith and justified them.
The Gospels of the New Testament are evidence that the words
and actions of Jesus were vividly painted in the minds and
hearts of the memories of the disciples. The counsel of Jesus
spoke to their hearts long after He had departed: "But these
things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may
remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not
say to you at the beginning, because I was with you" (John 16:4).
As our companion, the Holy Spirit confirms the Word and the
words of Jesus that we also are reminded.
Jesus assured His disciples as a comforter that He would be
with them again in His kingdom: "But I say to you, I will not
drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day
when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom"
(Mat 26:29). It is our comfort that we will soon see Him
and be with Him in His kingdom.
Let us remember who is the God that is always with us. God's
name is Jehová Shammah. He is the God that is our Companion.
His fellowship is our joy and confidence. He is our Counselor.
When we do not have an answer in difficult times, He gives us
the answer. Jehova Shammah is our Comforter. When we are
suffering, He comforts us with with His reassurance. He gives
more grace according to His promise. Lift your hands to Him
and Praise Him today for the fact that He is the God that
is always with us, our Immanuel!
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