We find Paul under house arrest in Rome, explaining to Jewish Leaders the Gospel Message and how Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies of old. Here he is quoting Isaiah 6:9-10 to the group of doubters and unbelievers. Paul then concluded his stinging remarks with this declaration, “Therefore let it be known to you that this Salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” (Acts 28:28) This was the closing of the Way to those who were rebellious, proud, and hypocritical…but opening the Way to the humble, poor, and marginalized. It was a very pivotal turning point in Paul’s Ministry and humanity as a whole, for now Salvation was for all people, and fulfilled God’s promise to bless every nation.
Isaiah 10:20 ” And they will truly rely on the Lord.”
Jesus urges all of us in Matthew 11:28-30 to come to Him and He will give us rest when we’re exhausted, pressured, or crushed by the weight of the burdens we’re trying to carry alone…especially when we’re not only carrying our own, but the responsibilities of another. I woke up this morning to a old 70’s song by Bill Withers running in my head, the lyrics going, “Lean on me when you’re not strong. And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on.” Yes, it might have been a Secular song…but I heard Jesus singing it to me. So today, as I look on all the burdens I’m trying to carry, I will again seek the Lord…knowing that true reliance can only be found in Him…and I will learn to lean.
Proverbs 29:25 ” Whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
When I find it difficult to hear from God it’s usually because I’ve already made up my mind what I want Him to say. Thus, I’m leaning on my own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) It’s also called Free will…Where I have the ability to choose whatever I desire… based on what seems good at that moment. And many times, I’ve already decided what to do, I just want God to approve of it. But that’s not how God works…and Jeremiah 17:5 makes it clear that anyone who places their primary trust in human strength (theirs or others) is under God’s Divine curse. We can’t rely on our limited wisdom, strength, or abilities rather than trusting in God’s unlimited resources. That’s because true security and blessing only come from our wholehearted trust in God’s Will and Way.
Jeremiah 23:29 ” Is not My Word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? “
When Jesus said, ” The very Words I have spoken to you are Spirit and Life.” (John 6:63) He revealed that the Truth of God’s Word was absolute, unmistakable, and all powerful. It is able to enter the deepest recesses of a person’s being as it works to bring about good in their life. (Hebrews 4:12) Charles Spurgeon put it this way…”The Word of God is the anvil upon which the opinions of men are smashed.” The Truth of God’s Word will always expose man’s falsehood and deception, and break down human stubbornness…for no evil can stand before it.
“If you’re going to be used by God, He will take you through a multitude of difficult experiences, asking you to participate in the sufferings of Christ.” Oswald Chambers
Psalm 23:4 reminds us that, “Even though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” Sufferings are designed of God to make us useful in His hands, and giving us divine perspective into what takes place in the lives of others. But we like to get out of those sufferings anytime we can…taking shortcuts of our own design rather than accepting God’s way that is always the “long road home.” I Peter 4:13 encourages us then, ” Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” So remember, it may not be “joyful” in the moment, but by going through those sufferings, you will be identified and united with Christ Jesus…and in that alone you will find joy.(Romans 8:17 and II Corinthians 1:5)
Genesis 6:9 ” Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.”
Noah’s way of life was in stark contrast to the depth of human depravity around him. It tells us in Genesis 6:5 that human wickedness and corruption had become pervasive in mankind’s every desire, motive, and thoughts. This is why Noah’s life so distinguished him from others… his moral integrity evidenced by his trust in and relationship with God. The days of Noah were filled with sexual perversion, drunkenness, selfishness, hatred, and idolatry, with no reverence for God…just like today. But just as Noah walked closely with God despite living in a wicked generation, may we also remain faithful, stand firm in the truth, and never compromise…striving always to please God.
Matthew 5:13 “Be the salt of the world.”
The primary value of salt was as a preservative in Biblical times…preserving food from decay. But in the bigger picture, it represented the Believer’s responsibility to maintain moral and spiritual integrity. When Jesus told His disciples to “Be the salt of the world.” He meant they should hinder the world’s corruption…promoting purity rather than fostering spiritual, ethical, and relational corruption. (Colossians 4:6) Thus our role in the world today is to, like salt which enhances flavor, improve the world through actions and words. But Jesus also warned of salt losing its saltiness. (Luke 14:34) Showing likewise, Christians values and conduct need to be focused and distinct from the culture around us. Jesus called us to be salt, not sugar. We’re here on earth at this very time in history to preserve what is true, not to make it sweeter and more palatable for the world to accept.
Hebrews 10:23 ” Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He Who promised is faithful.”
We can stand firm in our faith, because Christ is faithful…it’s as simple as that. Our confidence may wavier, we may even hesitate and doubt…but God’s promises never change. Therefore, we can hold fast to them, even when the world around us is chaotic, confusing, and frightening. So today, fix your eyes on Jesus…trusting in Him and Him alone…for He is faithful.
I Thessalonians 5:18 ” Give thanks in all circumstances.”
It’s entirely your decision how you go through today. It’s like that old “cup half full, or cup half empty” saying. How you react to the world around you can either be Jesus-like, or not…it’s all up to you. You can grumble, or you can be grateful with thankfulness in your heart always and for everything. (Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:20) You can spend your day complaining, or fill it with compassion and tenderheartedness towards others. (I Peter 3:8) Finally, you can pass through the day in discontentment, or find the joy in every little thing…remembering that the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)
Romans 8:18 ” I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.”
The trials of today will not last forever. God will turn your pain into purpose and your struggles into testimonies if you allow Him to work in and through you. Hebrews 5:8 tells us that even Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered here on earth…demonstrating perfect submission, and living it out in this very broken world. So however you find yourself today, remember that your sufferings are temporary…soon to be exchanged for the eternal certainty of Heaven…of which there is no comparison. For we share in Christ’s sufferings in order to share in His glory.
