Today's readings are 2 Chronicles 32.1-22 and Colossians 1.1-23
Things look pretty bad for God's people sometimes. They certainly did for the people of Jerusalem in the time of Hezekaih. Sennacherib had come against the city, expecting to gather te wealth people had been contributing for the Lord's work. He had a powerful army and a good expectation that he could collect his prizes. He waged war against the people by seige, by persuasion, by intimidation, yet the Lord protected his people.
There have been some times recently that have been pretty rough on Christians. The twentieth century was the worst century on record for persecution of believers worldwide. The twenty-first century doesn't show signs of being any better, though we're early in the century yet. What confidence to Christians have?
We have great confidence. Our Lord and Savior has promised never to leave his people. He has promised that he will provide us with all we need, particularly eternal life and hope. He has promised that he is sovereign over the power of death, and has shown that in his resurrection from the dead. Yes, we have great confidence. Like the Lord delivered the people of Israel out of the hand of Sennacherib, he will deliver his Church from the hand of sin, death, and hell. Those forces cannot stand against the Lord any more than a human army can. And even though believers are killed, they will not ultimately perish. All who believe in Jesus are partakers of his resurrection. We have a hope in eternity.
Let us look together to our Lord in hope of the resurrection.
Things look pretty bad for God's people sometimes. They certainly did for the people of Jerusalem in the time of Hezekaih. Sennacherib had come against the city, expecting to gather te wealth people had been contributing for the Lord's work. He had a powerful army and a good expectation that he could collect his prizes. He waged war against the people by seige, by persuasion, by intimidation, yet the Lord protected his people.
There have been some times recently that have been pretty rough on Christians. The twentieth century was the worst century on record for persecution of believers worldwide. The twenty-first century doesn't show signs of being any better, though we're early in the century yet. What confidence to Christians have?
We have great confidence. Our Lord and Savior has promised never to leave his people. He has promised that he will provide us with all we need, particularly eternal life and hope. He has promised that he is sovereign over the power of death, and has shown that in his resurrection from the dead. Yes, we have great confidence. Like the Lord delivered the people of Israel out of the hand of Sennacherib, he will deliver his Church from the hand of sin, death, and hell. Those forces cannot stand against the Lord any more than a human army can. And even though believers are killed, they will not ultimately perish. All who believe in Jesus are partakers of his resurrection. We have a hope in eternity.
Let us look together to our Lord in hope of the resurrection.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com
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