Tag: no fear of death
Patient endurance!
Scripture reading for June 9: Acts 25
“When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”” Acts 25:7-12
Luke records Paul’s two years in prison in Caesarea awaiting justice from false charges by his own countrymen. When Felix took over from Festus, the case against Paul was again argued by the Jews. They were set on seeing Paul eliminated and brought serious charges that they could not prove. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, took to his own defense in a calm and reasoned manner. Festus, a politician, wanted to please the Jews. He offered Paul the opportunity to stand trial in Jerusalem. But Paul knew of their murderous plot to kill him and as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar for justice.
But Paul also had the leading of the Lord Jesus Who had promised before that he would testify in Rome. (Acts 23:11) As Paul had patiently waited, over two years went by and he had many opportunities to share the Gospel with the Roman authorities and soldiers keeping him. He was allowed visits with his fellow church members. Sometimes God’s promises must await His perfect timing. Like Paul, we must work while we wait! We are not to live in fear of death or depression over our current circumstances.
Have you ever received a promise from the Lord and then had circumstances that defied its fulfilment? How did Paul keep a good attitude while imprisoned for over two years? What world view did both Festus and Felix hold that God used Paul to work on?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sustaining Your people through difficult times by giving vision and understanding of Your plans. Thank You for the fruit of the Holy Spirit to patiently endure and faithfully obey Your plan to share the Good News with all! Open my eyes to those I am to witness to today. Amen.
Faith’s eternal vision!
Scripture reading for January 16th: Genesis 46-49
Key Scriptures: Genesis 47:29-31 “When the time drew near for Israel (Jacob) to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.” “I will do as you say,” he said. “Swear to me,” he said. Then Joseph swore to him, and Israel worshiped as he leaned on top of his staff.”
Jacob had lived in Egypt for seventeen years and knew that his departure was coming soon. He called Joseph and gave him instructions for the burial of his bones. He wanted to rest in the land of promise with those of faith who had preceded him in death. When this was assured by Joseph, he worshiped his God as he leaned on his staff!
Cause for rejoicing: God gives us vision concerning eternal life, removing the fear of death from our hearts! His promises are sure! “By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.” (Hebrews 11:21-22)
Made perfect Forever!
Scripture reading for November 10th: Hebrews 10:1-18
We are painfully aware of our lack of perfection! Something or someone is always there to remind us of our faults and sins. We have an inner voice of conscience as basic equipment from God. We have our friends and enemies who blurt out the truth. We have consequences of our evil deeds that keep on coming as we reap what we’ve sowed. And in the spiritual realm we have Satan, the accuser, bringing up our faults.
Under the old covenant of law and sacrifice, the sacrifices were just reminders of sins. It was impossible for the blood of animals to remove sin. (Hebrews 10:3-4) The writer to Hebrews quotes Psalm 40:6-8 to explain God’s heart in bringing Jesus Christ to establish the new covenant. Sacrifice and offering was not what God really wanted, they were only shadows pointing to the reality of the final sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to do what God wanted, a man who was fully committed to do His will! “Then He said, “Here I am, I have come to do Your will.” He set aside the first to establish the second. And by that will we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:9-10)
Those who come to Jesus Christ and believe in Him for cleansing from sin find a new relationship with God. They now know the Lord personally and understand His will. God actually writes his laws on their hearts and minds, enabling an inner understanding better than the conscience. (Hebrews 8:10-12; 10:16) Jesus’ blood cleanses their consciences of sin enabling them (and us) to live without fear of death or judgment. (Hebrews 9:14, 27; 2:14-15)
God actually purged the record of our sins in heaven as well. He choose to remember our sins no more! (Hebrews 10:17) When God no longer remembers our sins, a sacrifice is no longer needed! Therefore, we can rest completely in what the blood of Christ has done for us! We are now made perfect forever by one sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus! We rest knowing our sins have been forgiven and forgotten by God. We rest in the inheritance of eternal life. We rest knowing we can stand at the judgment as one without condemnation or fear of punishment for sins! What a marvelous Lord and complete salvation we enjoy!