Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 16, 2015
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17
Faith in Jesus is our starting point with Jesus. As infant believers we are totally dependent on adult believers to disciple us in the faith. We look to the more mature as the model of a faithful follower of Christ. Similar to the life cycle of a child, we grow and mature, but not without drifting, doubting and resisting along the way on our faith journey. We begin by faith in Jesus, we grow into faithfulness to Jesus, we enjoy the fruit of being with Jesus and we are rewarded by Jesus. In short it is all about Jesus! Our part is to remain faithful—especially when lured in by the culture.
John wrote to the church in Pergamum that struggled with unfaithfulness. Idolatry and sexual immorality infiltrated the local gathering of believers in Jesus. Sin infected the Body of Christ threatening its long term health and stunting its short term influence for God. Christ can change the culture—but this church shunned the Lord’s Spirit—it struggled to be “salt and light”. The fruit of faithfulness is a lost world who embraces the next world. Love is irresistible. It draws others into an affection for Christ. Faithfulness bears the fruit of loving people to Jesus!
“It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it” (3 John 1:3).
Faithfulness to Jesus is rewarded by Jesus. He satisfies our soul with heavenly manna—His Word. Like food and water sustain the human body, Scripture sustains the faithful. Additionally, our heavenly Father renames us with a name in accordance to our identity in Christ. Cephas became Peter. He would be a rock of faith to build the church. James and John became the Sons of Thunder who boldly proclaimed the gospel. Our new name will be a commentary on our victorious life in the Lord. In intimate encounters with Jesus He reminds us who we are.
Has your faithfulness to Jesus become hard? Do you feel like you are working in the salt mines instead of being salty for your Savior? If so, take a step back and breathe in some fresh air of faith. Grow into a praying life instead of a life that just prays at a set time. The results of your faithfulness may take years before coming to fruition—but it’s worth the wait. Your eternal rewards from Christ come when you go to be with Christ. You can’t grasp their significance until the day you possess and experience them. God rewards the faithful with His timeless love!
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your faithfulness that leads me to remain faithful!
Application: Where in my life do I need to remain faithful to Christ and His word?
Related Readings: Proverbs 2:8; 1 Timothy 3:12; 2 Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 10:23, 11:11
Post/Tweet this today: The results of your faithfulness may take years before coming to fruition—but it’s worth the wait. #faithful #wisdomhunters
Worship Resource: 5 minute video- Fernando Ortega: Take Heart My Friend
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